Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade John Reeves (Senior Security Officer) in The Quiet After the Watch ​

Posted by Lieutenant M’Mera (Chief Engineer) in The Quiet After the Watch ​

Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade John Reeves (Senior Security Officer) in The Quiet After the Watch ​
Posted by… suppressed (2) by the Post Ghost! 👻
​Location: USS Merrimack – Mess Hall / PADD Interface
Time: 20:15 hours, Ship’s Time

​The ambient hum of the Merrimack was a rhythmic vibration against the soles of Reeves’ boots, a sound he had grown to find more comforting than the silence of his quarters. He carried his tray to a secluded table near the observation deck, the view of the passing starfield providing a slow-motion backdrop to his evening.
​His meal was simple—synthetic protein, steamed vegetables, and a cup of black coffee—chosen more for efficiency than culinary adventure. Once seated, he didn’t immediately reach for his meal. Instead, he pulled his PADD from his utility belt and tapped the surface to bring up the secure terminal for his End-of-Watch Report.
​His fingers moved with practiced efficiency across the glass, his eyes scanning the logs he’d compiled during the “Ship Rounds” thread.
​SECURITY LOG: 2302.06.30
OFFICER: LTJG J. REEVES
SUBJECT: END-OF-WATCH REPORT // DECK 7-12 INSPECTION
​SUMMARY:
Routine inspection of decks 7 through 12 completed. Minor calibration drift detected in the integrity sensors near the primary conduits on Deck 9; the engineering team has been notified.
​OBSERVATIONS:
Crew morale appears stable despite the recent transit through high-radiation nebula sectors. Observed Ensign K. Miller performing redundant checks on the auxiliary air filtration units—commendable initiative. No security irregularities or unauthorized personnel access detected.
​THOUGHTS:
The ship is running well, though the transition period between shifts remains a potential friction point for minor equipment disputes. Suggest implementing a more structured hand-off protocol for the secondary security teams to minimize the current lag in sensor monitoring.
​STATUS: ALL CLEAR. SUBMITTED FOR REVIEW.
​Reeves sighed softly, a rare moment of muscle relaxation, and set the PADD face-down on the table. He picked up his fork, finally focusing on his meal. He watched the light of a distant star crawl across the viewport, his mind already drifting away from the tactical minutiae and toward the quiet, necessary task of being a human being on a ship built for war.
​He didn’t seek out conversation, but his posture—straight-backed yet relaxed—was an unspoken invitation for any passing crew member to join him if they felt the need for a mentor’s ear or a steadying presence.

Lieutenant Junior Grade John Reeves
Security USS Merrimack NCC-2346

As John sat quietly contemplating his shift, the mess hall doors whooshed open, and a young engineer entered. He moved over to the galley and looked over the selection of sandwiches left out for those on the late shifts. He selected a sandwich, an apple, and poured himself a coffee. Picking up his tray he moved toward Reeves.
“Lieutenant, may I join you?” He asked politely.

NE Engineer

Lt. M’Mera CE

“Please, Lieutenant sit.” John replied
Lieutenant Junior Grade John Reeves
Security USS Merrimack NCC-2346

The young engineer offered a grateful smile as he set his tray down opposite Lieutenant Reeves.

“Thank you, Lieutenant.”

He eased himself into the chair, balancing his coffee carefully before extending a hand across the table.

“I’m Ensign Ethan Mercer,” he introduced himself. “Engineering Department. I transferred aboard the Merrimack just before we reached Vey’lan, so I’m still learning where everything is—and trying to remember everyone’s names.”

He gave a quiet chuckle before taking a sip of his coffee.

“I’ve seen you around a few times, though. Hard not to when Security seems to be everywhere.” His tone was friendly rather than teasing. “I figured I’d take the opportunity to introduce myself while things are relatively quiet.”

Mercer glanced briefly toward the viewport, watching the distant stars drift by before returning his attention to Reeves.

“I have to admit, sir, this mission has been unlike anything I imagined when I graduated from the Academy. Chief M’Mera keeps saying that every answer we find just gives us three more questions.” He smiled. “I’m beginning to think she might be right.”

Ensign Ethan Mercer
Engineering Department
USS Merrimack

Lieutenant J.G. John Reeves returned the smile and accepted the offered handshake with a firm but friendly grip.

“It’s good to meet you, Ensign Mercer. Welcome aboard the Merrimack. Transfers can take a little while to settle in, but you’ll find the crew looks after its own.”

He released the handshake and took another bite of his meal before continuing.

“And you’re not wrong about Security. If we’re doing our jobs properly, you’ll see us often enough without having to think about it.”

A faint grin crossed his face before his expression became more thoughtful.

“As for this mission… I’d say your chief has the right idea. Exploratory assignments have a habit of doing that. Every mystery we solve usually uncovers another one waiting behind it.”

Reeves glanced toward the stars beyond the viewport for a moment before looking back at Mercer.

“The important thing is that we keep asking those questions. That’s what Starfleet is built on.”

He picked up his mug and took a sip.

“So, what made you choose Engineering? Most people don’t spend years at the Academy just because they enjoy crawling through Jefferies tubes.”
Lieutenant Junior Grade John Reeves
Security USS Merrimack NCC-2346

Mercer chuckled. “I’ve already learned Jefferies tubes aren’t nearly as glamorous as the Academy made them sound.” He took a sip of his coffee before continuing.

“I chose Engineering because I’ve always wanted to understand why things work. My father flew cargo freighters, and when something broke, he’d hand me a toolkit instead of calling for help. By the time I reached the Academy, solving mechanical problems just felt natural.”

Glancing toward the stars on the viewscreen, he smiled.

“I suppose that’s why this mission excites me more than it worries me. Vey’lan is just another puzzle waiting to be solved. Watching Chief M’Mera tackle problems has been inspiring—she always seems to know the next question to ask.”

Looking back to Reeves, Mercer smiled.

“What about you, Lieutenant? What made you choose Security?”

Ensign Ethan Mercer
Engineering Department
USS Merrimack