"Security Inspection"

Posted on Thu Oct 29th, 2020 @ 5:27pm by

Mission: Welcome Aboard
Location: Captain's Ready Room, Main Bridge, Deck 1 USS Resolution

"Security Inspection"
Captain Matthew Leonard, Commanding Officer
Lieutenant Commander Jason Reeves, Chief of Security
*****
Now, 2372
Captains Ready Room, Main Bridge
Deck 1 USS Resolution

Leonard sat in his ready room, once more thinking back to that first day on the job as Commander of the Resolution. He had been thinking about it a lot for many reasons lately. His senior staff, bar 'Commander Kane, had all moved on. Whilst he wasn't normally nostalgic, thinking about the crew that he had over the past 8 years reminded him of how fortunate he had been. A fine group, were his former crew.

*****
Then, 2364
Security Office
Deck 39 USS Resolution

After checking in with Engineering, Matt headed for Security. Getting checked in with the Security Chief was essential for Matt. A former Security Chief himself, he knew that good relations between himself and 'Commander Reeves - and certainly the rest of the crew - would be useful in high pressure situations. Despite being a Captain for so long, he hadn't forgotten that. He had neglected to review the Personnel records of most of the other crew prior to taking Command, with 'Commander Reeves being one of the first records he had reviewed after he had arrived. Thus then, he was familiar with his Security Chief, and spotted him instantly in the Security offices. He wasted no time crossing the room to meet him. "'Commander Reeves," the Captain began, "may I have a moment."

"Sure thing Sir," Jason spoke. "Its a pleasure finally getting to meet you. What can I do for you?"

The Captain gestured towards the chief's office, suggesting they go inside. "Several things 'Commander. Firstly, I wanted to touch base with you. Its important to me that we are all familiar with each other, and our capabilities to work together effectively."

Jason entered his office with the Captain and closed the door. "Makes sense."

"In that case," the Captain continued, "care to brief me on your drill plans and departmental distribution?" Knowing where the Security Chief was planning on deploying his security personnel would be a good way for the Captain to judge on how effective they could be in any situation.

"I plan on running the old alpha and omega scenario within a few hours," Reeves explained. "This should give me a much better idea on where to exactly deploy our people. Normally I would make it a point to post security on every deck. And double security around vital areas like engineering, sickbay and the bridge. But unlike most ships we have schools to take into account and a variety of other places where civilians frequent throughout the day."

"Then what are your plans regarding our Civilian sectors?" the Captain asked. Obviously, it wouldn't be wise to reduce security around civilian area's, but perhaps less intrusive means could reduce issues with the Civilian population.

"To be honest there's no way to guarantee that every civilian can protected from all harm," Reeves admitted. "But areas where there's a heavy civilian population like the ships lounge, schools and other areas used a on regular basis would be priority."

The Captain nodded, pleased with the Security Officers responses at this stage. "Secondly," the Captain continued, "I would like to know how you view our operational status. Is this ship as prepared for action as has been reported to me by Commander Davidson." It wasn't that he didn't trust Davidson's observations. He had been in Davidson's position many years ago, reporting ships status to a new Commander, and the hope was to impress the incoming Captain when discussing ships readiness. He had to ensure that Davidson's report wasn't exaggerations for his benefit.

"This is the most powerful ship in the fleet," Reeves responded. "Resolution has everything needed for a fight. My staff is exactly up to the standards that I would love to see. But they have shown me that they're capable of defending this ship if the need arises. But at the end of the day its the the person commanding the ship who will decide how the battle is going to take place. So I honestly can't address that part of our readiness."

"Are you suggesting then, that my presence is a variable that you have yet to assess?" the Captain asked. "And do you believe that I personally affect the operational status of the personnel under your Command, in the event of a Combat situation?"

Commander Reeves rubbed the back of his neck. "As far as security goes. The answer is no for the most part. The reason I mentioned your presence being a factor is because you asked about the operational status of the ship. Which is outside of my department."

A small smile spread across Matt's face. "Very diplomatically put 'Commander." The Captain was quite impressed with the quick thinking of his officer.

"Just answering the question honestly," Jason admitted.

"As I am sure you are likely aware 'Commander, I was once in your position, as a starship security chief," the Captain went on, "and I wanted to assure you that I have no plans to micro-manage your department. I offer my experience and skills for advice, but I will leave the command of your department in your capable hands. Starfleet have seen fit to grant you this assignment, therefore I have confidence in your abilities to do your job as you see fit. I wanted to make that clear to you, as I plan to do so to all ships departments."

"Well I certainly appreciate the confidence Sir. And I probably will seek your council on certain matters."

"My door will be open Mister Reeves," the Captain replied. "I expect though, that you will have little need of it."

"I'm not one who is too stubborn to ask for advice," the Security Chief admitted. "Running security on a ship this size with the as many people on board. I'm sure there will be days when I come to you for advice."

The Captain nodded, "Then you shall have my ear 'Commander..."

*****
Then, 2372
Captains Ready Room, Main Bridge
Deck 1 USS Resolution

"Congratulations on your promotion, Captain," Leonard offered, standing from his chair, to greet his now former Ex-Oh. Matt extended his hand. "You've earned it."

"Thank you, Captain," Reeves replied, taking his old Captain's hand in his own. "It's been an honour serving with you sir. I can't thank you enough for the opportunities that you gave me aboard the Resolution."

"You took them, Jason," the Captain replied, using the newly minted Captain's given name. "So when does the Bryggen head out?" Leonard referred to the Norway class vessel that Reeves was now about to assume Command of.

"Actually, Captain, we're departing within the hour. I just had to stop by first, before we did..."

*****
Now, 2372
Captains Ready Room, Main Bridge
Deck 1 USS Resolution

He was right. Reeves had earned the Captaincy. Shortly after that first assignment, Leonard, along with Commander Davidson, had appointed Reeves as Second Officer. And naturally, when Davidson left for his own Command, Reeves had been the natural choice for Executive Officer. It had been a role that he'd grown into, comfortably so. Commander Cameron, Leonard knew, has some large shoes to fill. He was certain though, that the Commander was up to the challenge, and Matt very much looked forward working with him. He had every confidence that he would meet the expectations that his predecessors had set.