Security Response

Posted on Sun Nov 9, 2025 @ 9:39pm by Lieutenant Annora Tessaro & Ensign Tizo Criteser

530 words; about a 3 minute read

Mission: Time After Time
Location: Security Office
Timeline: Day 2

With most livestock escapees accounted for, security had returned to normal, except for three teams still hunting strays. Halfway through the shift, the lights flickered off just long enough to be noticed.
“That was odd,” Tizo said, grabbing a wrist beacon from the desk drawer. Soon after, the Commodore’s call came through.

“Transporter malfunction creating 5,000 more animals across the station. Please send out teams to round them up and warn people not to get too close to them until we determine the nature of the hallucinogen.”

The how and why were for engineering. Tizo’s job: coordinate security.
“Yes, ma’am. Security out.”

Before he could relay orders, the PA boomed with the Commodore’s shelter-in-place directive. At that moment, Chief Petersen strolled out, cradling a steaming mug of raktajino.
“I’ve seen a lot in my career, but nothing like this. Until the bosses get here, you’re in charge, Ensign. What’s your next move?”

Tizo’s mind raced, his Academy instructor’s words ringing clear: A good procedure can be modified to fit any crisis

“Standing order still holds: round up the loose animals. But with the addition of hallucinogenic fur, we issue gloves and filter masks for every person. EV suits only if that fails.”

Petersen flashed a toothy Klingon grin.
“Good start.”

Before Tizo could act, the wall screen activated. Purple text on white, with a yellow border.
‘Station Alert! Shelter in Place! Head to quarters or emergency shelters. Remain until the all clear. Direct questions to nearest uniformed officer.’

A follow-up from Ops: comms and transporters offline. “By the Prophets,” Tizo muttered. “That complicates things.”

“Crewman Potter, head to the promenade. Get the word out to any security teams you see, gloves and a mask. Reburn, you’re our runner to the Command Deck. Tell Ops we’re responding. Report back with any additional Intel.”

As the two crewmen left on their missions, Tizo keyed the recall: Yellow text on a gray background with a red border.
‘Level Two Recall! All security personnel report in for immediate briefing.’

Annora arrived at Security Control minutes later.
“Good work, Ensign. Direct any stragglers to the briefing room.”


The chamber filled fast, with folks talking among themselves about the new development. Annora quickly cut through the chatter with a piercing whistle.
“Thank you for the prompt response. Our original livestock escapees have somehow become at least five thousand animals total, with hallucinogenic fur. We’re tasked with rounding them up, without comms or transporters, for now.

You’ll deploy in teams of five. Gloves and filter masks for every person. Beta shift, I understand you were just on duty a few hours ago. You’ll be on light duty, runners, intel gathering, etc. When we can start rotating folks off duty, I’ll make sure you’re top priority. Lt. Lee, the Chief, and I have assignments. Team leads, listen for your name, grab your four, then move out.”

Names rang out as squads formed and filed into the corridors.

Back in Security Control, Tizo waited for the runners to arrive with information. Until then, there was little to do but sit and wait.

 

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