Lieutenant Jack Kessler - Well Maybe Not so Professional

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May 18, 2024, 7:40:23 PM5/18/24

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

Jack paused for a moment before responding. He had not really thought about it but it was a fair question considering this was a new ship and technically not the one he was assigned to when he was captured.

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.

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

Under most circumstances Jack would have said no in a heartbeat but his encounter with Michele led him to believe she was more ticked off with him than he had known. He had in fact left without saying a word, how could he? His orders were very specific and her knowing would jeopardize everything he and Commodore V’Airu were working on. Plus he’d let Michele think he was dead so the punch to the face was probably what he deserved.

Kessler: You have not given Captain Winters a different assignment with me being back?

Maybe things didn’t move as fast as Jack wanted them to or maybe there were other plans for him in another department.

Promontory: No, I’d imagine she’d stay in that role for the transition. Unless, like the Commander asked, that would be a problem?

Unknowingly Jack reached up and rubbed his jaw where Michele had landed a right-handed blow. oO Problem? I guess you don’t know Michele yet guys. Oo Thinking about a way to potentially avoid her Jack opened his mouth to respond but changed his mind and went with a more respected approach.

Kessler: I do not want to take the job away from her. (beat) If she is enjoying it that is.

Sherlock: Ok, if needed, I can just put it to her as well. Let her know you're coming to Tactical, set expectations, etcetera.

Jack didn’t like that either, he’d returned after letting her think he was dead and now was going to be taking the job away from her that he had so very much recommended her for.

Promontory: Well then that’s decided. (beat) Once you have all your official clearances.

Kessler: (holding a hand up to pause) Maybe Tactical isn’t the right place right now. I mean, not until she is ready to move on to something different. I did advocate for her to have this position if the mission went sideways and I don’t want to take it away from her. (beat, looking to Sherlock) So to get clearances back I am guessing there’s red tape, sort of speak?

Sherlock: Yes, given that HQ has rescinded your clearances. You're going to have to jump through some hoops.

Promontory: We can only do so much. You’re going to need to get an official chit from Medical—physical and psychological. And I think my replacement would also like to have a word before your security clearance is restored. (smiling officiously) But I’m sure that can all be taken care of post haste. It will give you something to do while we get the rosters updated.

“Physical and psychological”, oh that meant Jack was going to have to sit down and talk about how the Zet prison made him feel. Put his emotions and feelings on the line for Starfleet to evaluate and then determine if he was fit for duty. Jack looked at Avander and nodded slightly, as if in defeat.

Kessler: Very well, to medical and the councilors offices it will be then.

Sherlock: We'll make sure you're back on the bridge before we push off, Lieutenant. Just make sure you get all those boxes checked.

Kessler: Thank you sir, that would be nice.

Promontory: response

Sherlock: Is there anything else we can do for you? Anything you need?

oO A body guard, maybe. Oo Jack smiled at the thought and knew he’d have to face Michele again but was not sure when or how long he’d need to let her cool off first. Maybe he’d take back up with him next time.

Kessler: (pausing to reflect on the question) Yes actually. I need access to the communications systems and an encrypted, secured transmission for Commodore V’Airu only. It pertains to my capture and the mission (beat) I mean the outcome of the botched mission.