Reporting for Duty
Posted on Sat Oct 25th, 2025 @ 9:08pm by Ensign Jaxson Callahan III & Lieutenant Commander Steve Ryan
579 words; about a 3 minute read
Mission:
Children of the Stars
Location: Shuttlebay - Deck 5, USS Montana
Timeline: Present
The shuttle’s ramp descended with a hydraulic hiss, releasing a faint curl of coolant into the bay as Ensign Jaxson Callahan III stepped onto the deck. He paused for a second, absorbing the familiar sensations, the low thrum of the ship’s systems, the scent of plasma exhaust, the purposeful movement of crew in motion. A starship between assignments always felt like a deep breath before something important.
Spotting the officer awaiting his arrival, Callahan crossed the shuttlebay with measured confidence, halting at attention before the Lieutenant Commander.
“Lieutenant Commander Ryan,” he said, voice steady and respectful, “Ensign Jaxson Callahan the Third, reporting for duty, sir.” He extended his padd. “Auxiliary craft specialization, certified on the latest shuttle configurations out of Mellstoxx Flight School. It’s an honor to serve aboard the Montana."
He eased into parade rest, formal, but not stiff, his tone steady with a quiet charisma.
The flight deck was busy, he never really appreciated how much work there was on the shuttlebay. People fixing crafts, people preparing the tools to do maintenance and reviewing flight procedures. Quite messy, he decided.
He stood between the mess and the chaotic hallway waiting for the new arrival. As the officer stepped down from the shuttle and reported to him he took a good glance at him. fresh meat he thought.
"welcome on board, ensign, glad to meet you. I'm Lt. Commander Steve Ryan, executive officer" he presented himself.
Jaxson offered a respectful nod. “A pleasure to meet you, Commander. I’m ready to report wherever you need me.”
Steve nodded and motioned him to follow him while trying to leave the shuttlebay and its mess.
“Well, Mr. Jaxon, I guess you’ll be accustomed with this…mess” he told the new arrived guy while showing him off the area.
As he walked, tailed by the ensign, he shot a look at the personal file of the newcomer.
“…the third …” he commented “Anything to do with noble origins?” he asked.
Jaxson nodded as he walked behind the Commander keeping pace. “Doesn’t bother me, sir. A busy deck means the crew is doing its job.”
He added, “As for my name, sir, no legacy attached. Just a family I intend to honor through service.” He kept his eyes forward, matching the Commander’s pace without another word.
The XO simply nodded acknowledging the ensign's answer. The two proceeded out of the shuttlebay along the corridor of deck 5 and squeezed into a crowded turbolift headed for deck 3. As the XO stepped out he turned towards Jaxon.
"I am glad to have you on board, In a few days we are going to land on an unexplored planet with plenty disturbances and having a good shuttle pilot is always a plus" he smiled him "now go to doctor Marquez in sickbay..." he motioned towards one of the doors in along the deck 3 corridor "...for the onboarding visit then you can hit your assigned quarters on deck 4. Any questions?" he asked.
Jaxson nodded once. “No questions, Commander. I’ll check in with Doctor Marquez and be ready for flight when you need me.”
Steve nodded and smiled him.
"In that case, dismissed" he ordered him "...and if you need anything you can come to me anytime. My door is always open" he explained before turning and pacing away towards his next duties.
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Lt. Cmdr. Steve Ryan
XO, USS Montana
En's. Jaxon Callahan III
Pilot, USS Montana
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