Posted by Lieutenant Thalos ch’Ravik (Chief Of Security) in Chief Of Security Office

Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade John Reeves (Senior Security Officer) in Chief Of Security Office

Wasted by Lieutenant Thalos ch’Ravik (Chief Of Security) in Chief Of Security Office
Posted by… suppressed (4) by the Post Ghost! 👻
10 minutes or so after he called, Thalos arrived at his office, was the new Lt waiting or not, he would soon find out, he entered the office and immediately took his chair

Ten minutes or so after sending for the new officer, Thalos arrived at the Security Office.

The walk from the bridge had given him time to finish reviewing the Lieutenant’s service record. On paper, the officer appeared competent enough, but Thalos had long ago learned that personnel files only told part of the story. Character was revealed in person.

The doors slid open and he stepped inside.

His silver eyes immediately swept the room, taking stock of who was present and who was not. Had the new Lieutenant arrived early? On time? Or were they still making their way through the ship?

He would know soon enough.

Without breaking stride, Thalos crossed the office and took his seat behind the desk. The familiar surroundings settled around him as he activated his terminal and brought up the officer’s file once more.

His antennae angled forward slightly as he reviewed the information.

Punctuality was a small thing, but it often revealed much about an individual.

For now, he waited.

Patiently.

Soon enough, the newest member of Merrimack’s Security Department would walk through that door, and Thalos would begin determining exactly what kind of officer they were.

Lieutenant Thalos ch’Ravik
Chief Of Security
USS Merrimack

The Security Office doors slid open and Lieutenant Junior Grade John Reeves stepped inside.
He had arrived several minutes before the appointed meeting time and, after checking in with the duty officer, had waited quietly outside the office rather than entering uninvited.
The moment the doors opened, he entered with measured confidence.
Reeves wore his security uniform flawlessly. Every seam was straight, every insignia properly placed. Years of service had instilled habits that no amount of transfer paperwork could erase.
As he crossed the office, his eyes briefly surveyed the room, not out of curiosity, but out of professional instinct. A security officer learned to notice details.
Upon reaching the desk, he stopped at attention.
The padd containing his transfer orders rested securely in one hand.
“Lieutenant Junior Grade John Reeves, reporting as ordered, sir.”
His voice was firm and professional.
Having delivered his report, Reeves remained standing before the desk, waiting patiently. He neither shifted his weight nor fidgeted. The transfer to the USS Merrimack represented a new chapter in his career, but outwardly there was no sign of anxiety.
Instead, he carried himself with the quiet confidence of an officer who understood his duties and intended to perform them well.
For now, he waited for the department chief to begin the conversation.

Lieutenant Junior Grade John Reeves
Security USS Merrimack NCC-2346

“Lieutenant, please take a seat.”

Thalos gestured toward the chair opposite his desk before folding his hands neatly in front of him.

His expression was neutral, professional, but not unfriendly. Years of service had taught him that first meetings set the tone for everything that followed.

“I appreciate your punctuality. The transition to a new ship can be demanding, particularly one operating on the frontier.”

His antennae angled forward slightly as he studied the officer seated before him.

“I have reviewed your service record. It is impressive, but records only tell me where an officer has been. They do not tell me how they think.”

A faint smile crossed his face.

“Fortunately, that is why we are having this conversation.”

He leaned back slightly in his chair.

“As Chief of Security, I place a great deal of value on honesty, accountability, and initiative. I expect my officers to use their judgment, but I also expect them to know when to ask for assistance. There is no shame in seeking guidance. There is considerable shame in allowing pride to compromise the safety of the ship.”

The smile faded back into a professional expression.

“So, Lieutenant, tell me about yourself. What attracted you to Security, and what do you hope to accomplish aboard the Merrimack?”

Lieutenant Thalos ch’Ravik
Chief Of Security
USS Merrimack

Lieutenant Junior Grade John Reeves sat down in the chair opposite the Chief’s desk, his posture straight but relaxed. He waited until Commander Thalos had finished speaking before answering.
“Thank you, sir.”
Reeves folded his hands in his lap for a moment, considering the question carefully.
“To answer your first question, sir, I suppose Security appealed to me because it offered something different every day. Growing up, I always admired people who stood between danger and those who couldn’t protect themselves. Whether that was law enforcement officers, soldiers, or Starfleet security personnel, they all shared the same responsibility.”
A faint smile crossed his face.
“I learned early that most people only notice security when something goes wrong. If we’re doing our jobs correctly, nobody thinks about us at all. That level of responsibility appealed to me.”
His expression became more serious.
“I served in several assignments before receiving my commission, and one lesson followed me everywhere: procedures are important, but people matter more. You can know every regulation in the book, but if you can’t read a situation, understand the people involved, or adapt when circumstances change, you’re going to fail.”
Reeves leaned forward slightly.
“As for what I hope to accomplish aboard Merrimack, sir, my immediate goal is simple: earn the trust of the department and prove I’m an asset to the ship. Beyond that, I want to continue developing as an officer and leader. Frontier assignments have a reputation for testing people in ways routine postings don’t. That’s part of why I requested a ship like this.”
He paused briefly before continuing.
“I don’t expect to know everything, sir. If I need guidance, I’ll ask for it. But if a situation requires action and you’re not available, I’ll make the best decision I can with the information I have and accept responsibility for the outcome.”
Reeves met Thalos’ gaze directly.
“At the end of the day, sir, my job is to protect this ship, her crew, and the civilians who depend on us. Everything else comes second to that.”
The lieutenant settled back into his chair.
“That’s who I am, sir.”

Lieutenant Junior Grade John Reeves
Security USS Merrimack NCC-2346

Thalos nodded slowly as Lieutenant Reeves spoke.

Everything the officer was saying aligned with what he valued in a security officer: professionalism, accountability, and a willingness to place the ship and crew above personal ambition.

His antennae angled forward slightly, a subtle sign of approval.

“Good.”

The Andorian leaned back slightly in his chair.

“I am pleased to hear that, Lieutenant. Too many officers concern themselves with rank and position. The better ones concern themselves with doing their duty well. Promotion tends to follow naturally after that.”

A faint smile appeared.

“Your attitude reflects well on both yourself and your previous commanding officers.”

Thalos glanced briefly at the personnel file on his terminal before returning his attention to Reeves.

“The Merrimack is not a routine posting. Frontier assignments rarely are. We encounter situations where regulations and procedures provide guidance, but not always answers. When that occurs, I expect my officers to exercise sound judgment.”

He paused briefly.

“If you find yourself uncertain, ask. If you make a mistake, report it immediately. I can work with mistakes. What I cannot work with are surprises.”

The smile returned, carrying the faintest trace of dry humour.

“I have had enough of those already.”

Folding his hands together, Thalos studied the Lieutenant for a moment longer.

“I believe you will fit in well here, Lieutenant Reeves. Welcome to the Security Department.”

Lieutenant Thalos ch’Ravik
Chief Of Security
USS Merrimack

Reeves allowed himself the slightest nod as the Chief finished speaking.
The words carried weight. Not because they were elaborate or inspirational, but because they were honest. In his experience, the best commanding officers rarely wasted time with speeches. They told you what they expected and then gave you the opportunity to meet those expectations.
“Thank you, sir.”
His tone was respectful and sincere.
“I appreciate the confidence.”
The lieutenant sat a little straighter.
“You’ll find I don’t have much interest in chasing rank for its own sake. Every promotion I’ve earned came from learning my job, doing it well, and taking care of the people serving alongside me. That’s a philosophy I intend to continue here.”
A small grin appeared at the mention of surprises.
“I’ll do my best to keep the surprises limited to whatever the frontier decides to throw at us, sir.”
The humor faded back into professionalism.
“As for mistakes, if I make one, you’ll hear about it from me first. I’d rather have an uncomfortable conversation with my department head than create a larger problem for the ship.”
Reeves rose from his chair, signaling the meeting was drawing to a close.
“I’ve heard nothing but good things about the Merrimack’s Security Department since receiving my orders. I’m looking forward to serving under your command and contributing however I can.”
He offered a firm nod.
“Thank you for taking the time to meet with me, Commander.”
For a brief moment, his expression softened.
“And for the welcome. It’s good to be aboard.”
With that, Reeves stood ready to receive any final instructions before reporting to his duty station and beginning his first day as a Security Officer aboard the USS Merrimack.
Lieutenant Junior Grade John Reeves
Security USS Merrimack NCC-2346

“I believe you have already met Crewman Fleegman.”

Thalos gestured casually toward the door, referring to the seasoned security crewman.

“He may only be a Crewman, and you may outrank him, but rank is not the sole measure of an officer. During my time aboard the Merrimack, I have learned to trust his instincts and professionalism.”

His antennae shifted slightly forward.

“If you have questions about the ship, the department, or how things are done aboard the Merrimack, I am certain he would be willing to assist.”

His eyes briefly dropped to the kit bag still resting beside Lieutenant Reeves’ chair.

The officer hadn’t even made it to his quarters yet.

A faint smile appeared.

“For the moment, Lieutenant, your priorities are straightforward. Get yourself settled into your quarters and familiarize yourself with the ship.”

He reached for a padd on his desk.

“And, as with all newly assigned personnel, you will need to report to Sickbay for a medical evaluation before you are cleared for duty.”

The Andorian rose from his chair, signaling that the meeting was drawing to a close.

“Once those matters are taken care of, report back to me. We will discuss your assignment in greater detail.”

He offered a firm nod.

“Welcome aboard the Merrimack, Lieutenant. I look forward to serving with you.”

Lieutenant Thalos ch’Ravik
Chief Of Security
USS Merrimack

Reeves rose as Commander Thalos stood, automatically matching the senior officer’s posture.
At the mention of Crewman Fleegman, he nodded.
“Yes, sir. We met shortly after I came aboard.”
There was a note of respect in his voice.
“He made a favorable first impression. Anyone who has earned the confidence of their department head has probably forgotten more about this ship than I currently know. I’ll be sure to make use of that experience.”
His gaze briefly followed Thalos’ toward the kit bag sitting beside the chair. The sight of it drew the faintest smirk.
“Fair point, sir. I suppose I should actually move into the ship before I start trying to help secure it.”
Reaching down, he picked up the bag.
“I’ll get settled, familiarize myself with the deck layout, and report to Sickbay immediately for my physical.”
The lieutenant paused for a moment before continuing.
“I’ve always believed that learning a ship is about more than memorizing a schematic. You learn where people gather, which corridors stay busy, which systems cause headaches, and who the crew trusts when things go wrong. I’ll spend some time getting the feel of the Merrimack before I report back.”
Reeves squared his shoulders.
“Once those tasks are completed, I’ll return for further instructions.”
He extended his hand in the traditional Human gesture.
“Thank you for the welcome, Commander. I appreciate the opportunity.”
Whether Thalos accepted the handshake or not, Reeves maintained the same professional demeanor.
“I look forward to serving with you and the rest of the department.”
With that, Lieutenant Junior Grade John Reeves collected his kit bag, offered a final nod of respect, and turned toward the door.
His first stop would be his quarters.
His second, Sickbay.
Then the real work would begin.

Lieutenant Junior Grade John Reeves
Security USS Merrimack NCC-2346