LCDR Aine Sherlock - Placing Pegs

[Aine Sherlock]

((First Officers Office, Deck 3, USS Octavia E. Butler))

Aine hadn't had much time to process the changes that were happening aboard the Butler. Much like when she'd transferred, things were moving fast. It didn't seem that long ago, because it wasn't, that she was transporting aboard the 'Oumuamua greeted by Iljor and Jack. Shortly after that, Jack was lost on a mission. And now, Iljor was off on a new adventure. One constant of Starfleet was change. She was almost used to it at this point. It didn't get any easier, but hiding it did.

Now, Jack Kessler was back to the surprise of many. Last report had him killed, but listed as MIA as no one had actually seen it happen to confirm it. She only met him briefly but she was glad he was back. The crew that were familiar with him surely felt some comfort in his return. And they'd need all the morale they could muster.

She sat in the XO's office, now belonging to Commander Promontory, reviewing personnel changes and recommendations for promotions. This was probably going to end up being a regular part of both their duties. Schedules meetings while most of the ship was off-duty and having fun (or causing trouble) often left you free of interruption. Which when the door chime sounded shocked her. She slowly looked towards the door of the office then back to Avander, raising her eyebrows and shrugging. When the door opened at Promontory's command, there stood Jack Kessler.

Kessler: I’m sorry, I didn’t know you were in a meeting.

Sherlock: It's quite alright, Lieutenant.

Though Iljor had freely addressed the man by his first name, Aine didn't feel they were there yet. She barely knew him and given his ordeal, he may also not be in a place that casualness was a boon, so she didn't risk it.

Promontory: Response

Kessler: Look at you two. I take a vacation and come back and you two are Commanders now and First and Second officers of this new ship. Congratulations to both of you.

Aine gave a half-hearted smile. It was a compliment, but she also didn't want to respond in a way that felt braggy. She never felt like any promotion or position she received was for her as much as it was for those around her. She could personally care less about her own career, but those under her, she'd give it all up for.

Sherlock: Things change fast. But we keep pressing on.

She hoped that he'd also take that as a small piece of advice.

Promontory: Response

Kessler: Well, certainly not like any prison I even envisioned.

Promontory: Response

Sherlock: So, what can we do for you? Thinking of taking some time off? Risa maybe?

Aine had decided to change the direction of the conversation, she wasn't a counselor after all and it sounded like he needed to talk to one. The mention of Risa harkened back, though, to her visit there after the destruction of the Resolution. Starfleet, or someone at HQ, either thought it'd be funny or just wanted them to get drunk and "have fun" to rehabilitate.

Kessler: Well, actually….I know I have not been back long but I need something to do.

Aine could understand that. She herself always preferred to get right back into things rather than dwell.

Sherlock: I'm sure we can find something. ::turning to look back at Promontory:: Can we?

Promontory: Response

Kessler: I guess I had assumed I would be returning to Tactical when I came back but honestly, if you need me somewhere else then I’m yours.

Aine pondered the idea of him returning to Tactical. She didn't know the history of Jack Kessler and Michele Winters. But she'd heard rumors that they were connected in some way.

Sherlock: Is that where you feel you'd be most effective?

Promontory: Response

Kessler: response

Sherlock: And what about ::beat:: our Acting Chief of Tactical? Would that be a problem?

Promontory/Kessler: response

tags/TBC

LCDR Aine Sherlock

Chief of Security

U.S.S. Octavia E. Butler

R239712AS0