Habit
Ensign George Reed set his bags down on the bed in his quarters. He straightened his brand new red tunic and, as he'd been instructed, sat down at the computer terminal and opened the appropriate video file. A face appeared on the screen.
I'm Lieutenant Commander Giotto, chief of security.
There's a lot Starfleet doesn't tell you when you join security. This is the unofficial, off-the-record job summary.
The first thing you should do is make sure your affairs are in order. Get into the habit of leaving farewell messages for your friends and family. Update them periodically.
If you're unlucky enough to be summoned for a landing party, say your prayers. Accept that fact that you probably won't come back. Take a good look at the other members-if they're all science or command, you're definitely not coming back. If the only other redshirts are well-known officers or necessary to the mission, you're not coming back. If there are a few other security men, maybe one or two will make it back.
I blame the high redshirt death percentage on Starfleet training, so I'm giving you some advice. Never lower your weapon. Never turn your back on a prisoner. Never investigate strange noises alone. Stun first, ask questions later. If you're guarding a door, face the door. Your life will depend on one or all of these statements.
Break a leg.
Ensign Reed switched off the computer with a gulp. He forced himself to remember his illustrious ancestor, Malcolm Reed, and opened his eyes and squared his shoulders. He was not going be just another dead redshirt.
A/N: Another Reed serves on the Enterprise! Hopefully the advice will pay off and he survives.