Meeting Security

Posted on Wed Mar 29th, 2017 @ 5:24pm by

1,444 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: Unknown Life, Unknown Dangers
Location: Ready Room

William was still in his Ready room going over reports and reviews that needed his attention. He felt that he'd managed to make some positive progress on his first day on board even if the meeting with the Chief Intelligence Officer didn't go as well as others.

He stood up and walked to the replicator and fetched himself a cup of Coffee. He walked back to his desk and contemplated what next was going to happen or if he'd earned a reprieve.

It had been a short trip to the bridge from Security after Lieutenant Commander Billie Jean Reign finally finished with Security interviews. She had asked the computer where Commodore Hood could be found and headed for the bridge once she had his location. She carried a PADD in her left hand and her uniform was immaculate as she came to a stop in front of the Ready Room door and pressed the chime.

"Come." Seems his brief reprieve was indeed....brief. He knew it was his first day and those were always the most active on any given assignment. He sipped his Coffee as he sat back in the chair waiting to see who would be revealed when the doors opened.

BJ entered the Commodore's office and assessed the room for an alternate exit and the general contents of the room as she approached the man's desk. "Commodore Hood," she said. "I'm Lieutenant Commander Reign, your new Chief of Security. I just wanted to touch base with you over a few things, Sir."

Straight to the point, he could respect that. "Of course, take a seat." Giving her the chance to leap straight in with both feet. "What's on you mind Commander?"

She took a seat and offered him that PADD. "My recommendations for Security protocols I'd like to implement, Commodore, as well as a recommendation for a Assistant Chief."

On the PADD was a list of the protocols which BJ wished to put in place:

1) Any use of high risk systems immediately gets reported to Chief of Security unless the person is of Commander rank or higher. In the event that such usage by a Commander or higher rank will result in a ship wide Security alert to be determined by the danger the crew and ship would undergo.
2) Any unauthorized use of high risk systems will result in an immediate force field erected in that area.
3) Any attempt at bypassing systems to weapon lockers or armory will result in an immediate transport to the Brig.
4) Any attempt by an officer to circumvent restrictions will result in an alert being sent to the Chief of Security and the XO/CO.
5) All phasers on ship require biometrics matching to a genetic profile or will be disabled

Also was the recommendation for Lieutenant Charlotte Beckett to be made Assistant Chief of Security.

William read through the list of recommendations. "Item 6 would require biometric scanners to be installed on all weapons, there are thousands of weapons on board a ship of this size. That will take time." He spoke. "That would also need sign off and testing by the Chief Engineer."

"I'm aware of that, Commodore," BJ said, noting that he said nothing about Lieutenant Beckett. "Still, it would prove beneficial in the event that unauthorized personnel got their hands on a weapon."

"Oh I don't disagree." William spoke. "You have mentioned Lt Beckett. I have yet to read her records, your opinions?" He asked having to depend on her review on the call.

"She served as Acting Chief of Security before my arrival, she's not afraid to speak her mind, and she isn't one to shirk her work, Sir," BJ said. "I found her outspoken opinion refreshing and I think we'll work well together. There's one other thing that I'd like to do as well for Security at first, but I'd like to get the entire crew involved with it."

"Oh." William answered keen to hear her suggestion.

"I'm like to implement a version of the Search and Rescue training that's done in The Pipeline, Commodore," she told him. "It's normally an eighteen month course that's full time, but elements of it can be removed. It would greatly benefit the crew of the Dreadnought and make away teams formidable in every way."

"I've no objection to it, however." William added. "The training should be voluntary, we can't force people to engage in skill sets that they do not believe is a requirement of the profession they have elected to pursue. I like the idea but we are required to respect the wishes of the individual."

"At the very least, Sir, it should be mandatory for department heads," BJ pressed. "I plan on speaking to Colonel Frost about it as well to integrate the Marines with Security for a better working relationship. It has many advantages and I don't see people unwilling to explore new things. I'm willing to bet that if you put your name on the list, it would attract a lot more attention."

"Speak to the other department heads, see what they say about it." William spoke. "I like the idea but I won't force people into a position that they didn't pick for themselves and be mindful of the Marines, you don't want to come over as trying to merge or replace them. We all know how marines can be sometimes."

"I'm fully aware," she said. "I've also met Colonel Frost and he strikes me as a fair man. Still, would you consider taking up aspects of SAR training? I know it's not for everyone and that everyone who takes it will pass, but it would show Starfleet Command that you're still willing to go the extra mile."

"Would you explain to Starfleet Command why I was engaged in SAR training instead of the role and position I was assigned by command to fulfil?" William spoke. "Also I strongly doubt if Commander Bawden is as good a First Officer as she her jacket presents that I would not be allowed to leave the Bridge." William rubbed his brow. "Which in such an event is where I would call upon you to act for me."

"It wouldn't be full time, Commodore," BJ repeated. "I'd have evening classes a few times a week when there's no emergencies and give people things they can do on their own time and pace. It's certainly more exciting than sitting on the bridge watching the stars go by."

"I will consider it." William remarked. "As for your assistant, I see no objection there, if she wants the role and she feels upto the task."

"She does," she said. "I'm impressed by her and think she'd make a fine Assistant Chief. It would also give me some relief from doing twice the work and allow me to focus on my duties more in regards to the ship and crew."

"Then I've no objection." William spoke. "I'll make sure her access and permissions are amended accordingly and update her records in the database, speak to the other department heads and get feedback, if you want them on your side then meet with them first and feel them out."

"Thank you, Sir," BJ said. "Do you have any questions for me?"

"Just one. Why my ship? It had just come out of a highly controversial mission, the former Captain reassigned, until recently had a higher than average casualty rate." William asked trying to feel out the woman who would be responsible for the safety of the crew and most importantly...himself.

"I just go where I'm told, Commodore," she said. "I could make request a transfer here, there or anywhere, but it doesn't mean I'm going to get it. So I let Starfleet decide where they're going to send me and roll with what I get. It gives me a broader view of the galaxy that way and I never get bored. As for the former Captain and what happened, I arrived on the tail end of that and still catching up."

William wondered if he should mentioned the incident with the Chief Intelligence Officer but it seemed trivial at best. If it was to be a icy cold relationship then so be it, he had a job to do and hed get on with it. "I see, well, don't let me keep you from your duties. I'm sure your new Exec will be keen to hear from you."

"Thank you, Sir," BJ said a she came to her feet. "I look forward to working with you and the Dreadnought." With that, she turned and headed out to meet more of the crew.

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