Security Briefing

Posted on Sun Nov 1st, 2026 @ 6:21pm by Lieutenant Commander Abraham Winters

1,194 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: The Silence of Archanis
Location: Deck 9: Security Complex

The security department gathered in formation, waiting for their new security chief. Unease settled over them as they started talking. The talk consisted of rumors about their new Chief and also a whole lot guessing, about any possible changes that was going to take place. Standing around the corner eavesdropping, Abraham simply smiled to himself. Nothing about what was taking place was considered abnormal and, in all honesty, was expected. Finally turning the corner, he approached the formation.

"Department attention!!!" an Ensign called out. The entire department, in unison, snapped right to the position of attention.

Standing directly in front of the formation, Commander Winters looked at the entire group. One thing that he always admired about security departments is that always tended to be the most disciplined of any crew. This security department seemed to live up to that reputation. "At ease and relax."

The department quickly moved to parade rest.

"For those of you who have yet to figure it out, I am Lieutenant Commander Winters," he announced. "Your new Chief of Security." He fell silent for a few seconds, letting the group exchange surprised looks. "Going to get straight to the point, I can be tough, but I am extremely fair. My toughness goes to the fact that I intend to do everything in my power to make sure you all survive. If we're ready, then we don't have to worry about getting ready."

The group didn't say a word, which was expected. With a new boss, no one had a clue how things would go. The smart thing to do was for them to remain silent unless called upon. "I'm not going to keep you long, because there is quite a bit that needs to be done before we ship out. Ensigns Valdez, Rhymes, and Lock will meet with me after I dismiss you all. They'll pass along my directives and expectations. Does anyone have any questions or concerns?"

The formation remained silent. A couple of faces in the crowd seemed a bit confused which was mostly the younger security personnel. The older staff clearly weren't thrown off. Age and experience came with an earned sense of confidence. Looking at the three Ensigns in the front of the formation who were younger than most of the enlisted personnel.

"Dismissed, everyone." Watching the staff break formation and head back their duties, Abraham gave a half smile to the three officer who still stood before him. "Come with me to my office."

The three ensigns followed the Lieutenant Commander into his office. Fresh out of the Academy, Rhymes and Lock were on their first assignment and just wanted to make a good first impression. The office doors slid shut behind the Ensigns as Abraham made his way behind the desk. Because this was technically his first time in the office, it was still bare, with only the bare necessities. Once he got settled in, Winters would have to decorate the place to his liking.

"Have a seat," he instructed the two males and the female officer. With there being only two chairs available, he noticed the the brief hesitation before the senior Ensign sat down. Out of the junior Ensigns, the male insisted on the only female in the room having a seat. Abraham said nothing as he retrieved a PADD and began reviewing its contents.

"I've spent the better part of the morning going over the Department's personnel records. We have quite a bit of experience among our enlisted personnel. Unfortunately the same can't be said about out commission officers."

All three officers looked at each other. Neither knew exactly how to respond to the comment, or whether they should have attempted to speak up for themselves.

Ensigns Rhymes and Lock, unless I am mistaken this your first assignment since graduating the Academy," the Lieutenant Commander brought up. "Which means everything you learned in the Academy is about to be put tot he test."

"Yes, sir," they both said in unison.

Leaning back in his chair, the security chief couldn't help but to chuckle. Both officers still had the Academy mentality. The good news is they hadn't been around long enough to pick up any bad habits. "Now, I don't expect either of you to know everything. I've been here long enough to know that there is always something new to learn. But what I do expect is for you to recognize when you don't know something and not to hesitate to ask someone who does."

They nodded with a resounding "Yes, sir."

Shifting his attention to Valdez now. "That brings me to another matter. Rank gives you authority, but it doesn't automatically give you respect. There are enlisted personnel in this department who have probably forgotten more about shipboard security than any of the three of you have learned. Don't go thinking those commissions of yours somehow make you better than them."

"I understand your sentiments completely, Commander," Valdez responded.

"Excellent," said Winters, placing the PADD on the desk. "Now before we depart, I want a complete assessment of this department. Personnel qualifications, weapons readiness, security systems, emergency response procedures. Need to know what we do well, and where we fall short."

The three had their own PADD, and jotted down everything being directed to them,

Folding his hands together, Abraham focused Valedez. "I want you to oversee the department's personnel readiness. Review everyone's qualifications, training records, and duty assignment. If someone needs additional training, I want to know about it."

"I will get to that ASAP."

"Rhymes, you're going to be responsible for reviewing our shipboard security procedures. Acccess control, restricted area, internal patrols and our response timetable to unauthorized personnel. Get with the senior enlisted staff. They've been on this ship longer than we have. Take full advantage of their experience."

Eager to be given a task she deemed quite important, Rhymes tried to suppress her smile. "I understand completely, Sir."

"Lock, I need for you to focus on tactical readiness. Weapon inventory, armory inspections, equipment maintenance, and emergency response drills. Coordinate with engineering when necessary."

Taking a moment, Abraham gave each of them a moment to jot down the information and take it all in. "Each of you will present me with a preliminary report in forty eight hours. If you have a problem, let me know. But for the most part, I need for you all to be prepared and if there is a problem. Come with a possible solution."

"Aye sir,' all three said in unison.

Rising from his seat, Abraham walked around the desk. Standing directly in front of the Ensign, he allowed himself to smile a bit. "One last thing. I don't believe in running a department through fear. Each of you will mistakes at some point. Certainly, have made my own over the years. But overall, I expect honesty and for you all to learn from those mistakes."

Easing up a bit, the Ensigns all smiled and nodded.

"Good, now you all can get out of here. While I figure out how to perform a miracle getting this office presentable to visitors."

=================
Lt. Commander Abraham Winters
Chief Security Officer
USS Veritas

 

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