A new sheriff in town

Posted on Thursday 12 February 2026 @ 22:36 by Captain Melody Jones & Lieutenant John Mitchum

Mission: Intermission
Location: Ready room
Timeline: Md1 1500
1172 words - 2.3 OF Standard Post Measure

On:

Melody was in her ready room going over the personal file
Of the new chief of security. Once she was ready she pressed the com panel.

“Lieutenant Mitchum would you please join me in my ready room?”

John stood and tugged at his uniform. He moved towards the captain's RR.

The door opened and Melody appeared holding a PADD “Ah Lieutenant, excellent timing. Just give me a moment.” She looked past him to the lone Ensign on bridge duty.
A full watch was not required when docked but someone had to keep an eye on the shop so to speak. Right now it was Ensign Bartlett who was stood hovering infront of the Captains chair, not quite bold enough to sit in it though.

“Ensign, Starbase has approved those extra supplies the engineering requested. They should be arriving tomorrow. Can you coordinate with them where they want them?”

The young ensign nodded “Aye Captain”

Melody turned but added over her shoulder with a smile “And for heavens sake sit down. It’s a chair, it won’t bite. You have the bridge. Own it Ensign.”

The young man stood a little taller and replied “Yes Ma’am.”

Melody now turned her attention back to Mitchum as she walked back into the Ready room indicating for him to follow

“Now Lieutenant. Welcome aboard the Merlin. Please sit. Would you care for a coffee?”

"No thank you, captain, I don't drink coffee." He moved and sat in one of the chairs in front of her desk.

Melody went to the replicator. "One raktajino, a hint of vanilla." She picked up the steaming mug and sat down opposite Mitchum. "I've looked over your service record Lieutenant. Impressive. I know Captain Leslie. He spoke highly of you and was sorry to let you go. Why did you decide to transfer to the Merlin?"

John sat in his chair, looking at the captain. He didn't want to be on the captain's wrong side. "The ship was going to be mothballed. From what I heard, Captain Leslie was up for a promotion, I think to Commodore. Captain Leslie was nice to me, the whole crew as a matter of fact. We would have done anything for him, including scarifying our lives." John paused. "Captain Leslie looked into what openings there were for his officers. He knew what I wanted, so he recommended the Merlin as a good fit. When I first got there, I was basically a 'Jack of all trade', working anywhere that needed me. I manned the helm for a while. So when the security tactical position came open here, I jumped at it. I'll miss my crewmates but look forward to getting to know this crew." He hoped he didn't talk too much in front of the captain.

Melody nodded thoughtfully. “I read the after action report on the incident near the rouge comet. You handled that well. Just so you know, while I do understand there are certain situations that require an armed response, I prefer diplomacy over weapons fire. If we can talk our way out of a situation so much the better. I’d like to avoid bloodshed and self-sacrifice if at all possible.” She paused before continuing, “I don’t know if you’re aware, but we had an issue with several changeling infiltrators, in fact, one of them surrendered to us and agreed to provide intelligence. I'm telling you this because there are at least 2 more changlings onboard and we have to find them."

Melody took a sip of her coffee before continuing.

"The one who surrendered to us has requested asylum, which I have granted, temporarily, with some conditions. One, that she is to remain in one form - that of a human woman, unless she is regenerating or assisting us in the hunt, and I have promised she will not be harmed. She is currently under guard in quarters where she has promised to remain. There is a forcefield surrounding those quarters, which she reluctantly agreed to. So far, Starfleet command are going along with this.”

"Changelings. I was hoping we saw the last of them at the end of the Dominion Federation war." He looked at her, then he looked down. "I would suggest we arm the security team with phaser rifles, set to kill. Also, suggest we arm all crew members." He paused. "This changeling that surrendered, can you trust them?"

"Apparently, since I saved her life, she owes me what she calls a 'life debt'. While I want this matter resolved, we need it done discreetly and tactfully. If we started arming the entire crew, we'd probably end up shooting at each other.
I want you to review the security personnel files and put together two six-man teams armed with phaser rifles and sweep the ship from stem to stern. You'll lead one and assign someone to lead the second. The Changeling, who calls herself Alice, can also be added to your team. She will assist in hunting out these impostors and will be valuable in providing insight into how they think and behave. It might be worth you talking to her before you begin."
She sighed, "Look, the war with the founders was supposed to be over and bringing these outcasts back to the great link would definitely go to strengthening Federation-Dominion relations, but use your common sense. Try and capture them alive unless they leave you no other choice but to ...." Her voice trailed off "Do you understand?"

"I understand, captain." John paused to think about her plan. It made sense to him. "I'll check the files of the security department, and I'll select the best people for the job. I'll lead the primary team, along with this 'Alice'." He looked at the captain. "If Alice betrays us, do I kill her?"

“I’m hoping it won’t come to that and so far, she has abided by the rules we agreed on. Once you’ve got your teams organised, go and speak with her. You’ll find her in quarters on Deck 23, section 5. If you need anything else, let me or the XO know. She did say the changelings won’t leave the ship until their mission is complete so I need you to find them before they can do that. I’m still waiting on Starfleet to send out next mission orders, but as soon as they do I’ll be calling a meeting of the senior staff. Is there anything else you would like to know?”

John stood up. "Understood, captain. I'll see to it that your orders are followed to the letter. Permission to leave?"

Melody stood up from behind her desk. "Very good. Dismissed Lieutenant and..... Good hunting."

John turned and left the room, then took a turbolift to the security deck.



OFF:

●●●● Captain Melody Jones
Commanding Officer
USS Merlin


●● Lieutenant John Mitchum
Chief Security/Tactical Officer
USS Merlin