Lieutenant Jack Kessler - Expectations and Realizations
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((OOC – Just a quick scene to set the stage for a lager one….LOL))
((Botanical Arboretum, Upper-Level Deck 8, USS ‘Oumuamua))
Jack had not slept since coming aboard the Butler. Having gone from Sickbay straight to his sisters’ quarters, he had spent the entire night up with Krystal and Nesre talking and simply being home with those he cared about the most. As morning duty shifts came Nesre had to attend to her patients and Krystal needed to go to school, although Jack had told her she could skip the day and stay with him. In the long run it was decided that she needed to maintain her routine and that Jack would be waiting for her after class.
Having been taken prisoner by the Zet also meant that Jack had lost all his security clearances and for the moment had found himself simply exploring this Sagan Class Starship. It was not the Oumuamua from which he cut his teeth as a Lieutenant JG but it was an impressive ship nonetheless. Four warp nacelles, three shuttle bays and systems that included incorporation of Borg technology. He hoped and looked forward to convincing the ships Captain that he was ready for duty and wanted to remain aboard but for the moment he found himself in the ships large botanical arboretum on the upper level walk. The massive two deck arboretum was spectacular in size and plant life. If one simply lost themselves in the moment you could almost take yourself entirely off the ship just in this one area and feel like you were planet-side.
Jack loved the outdoors and spent as much time as he could in nature when not on duty. Today though, the beauty of the Arboretum was just the start of his day and he had two more stops to make.
Leaving through the aft entry of the Arboretum, Jack entered the corridor and turned to his right and headed down the long hallway to the portside turbolifts. Several crew past Jack on his way and nodded respectfully and he returned the gesture. Most of the crew he did not recognize. Entering the lift Jack paused and took a deep breath.
Kessler: Deck 12, Gator Deck.
The car started downward, and Jack closed his eyes taking in yet another deep breath. He knew Michele Winters was going to be happy to see him but she was also likely to be very upset with his for not taking her with him on the mission that ended up getting him captured by the Zet.
Jack exited the lift on Deck 12 and tuned to his right, feeling a little lost. He stepped into a long corridor running bow to stern and immediately ran into a Marine on the deck. By his uniform the man was a pilot and bore the rank of Lieutenant.
Kessler: Um, Lieutenant, can you help me?
Flint: I’ll try. (beat, looking at the man) You’re Jack Kessler aren’t you?
Kessler: (confused) Yes, but I don’t think we have met, have we?
Flint: No, but I know about you. Rumors about your release from the Zet prison spread pretty quickly around a ship.
Jack paused for moment. “Release”? There was no release, Jack and Radek barely got off that planet and would have been blown out of the sky if it had not been for Promontory, Kel and Sh’shelor coming to their rescue.
Kessler: (avoiding the small talk) I’m looking for Captain Winters. The computer indicated she was in the “Quarter Deck”?
Flint: She was sir. She is now in the briefing room. (pointing back down the corridor towards the bow of the ship) Third corridor on your right, all the way down to the end and the briefing room door will be on your left.
Jack nodded in appreciation and started down the long central corridor, passing one and then a second right turn and then coming to the third corridor. He turned down and made his way to the end of the hallway and sure enough as the Lieutenant had indicated the Briefing room door was on the left at the end of the hallway.
Taking a deep breath, to center himself and to brace himself for the coming lashing he knew he was going to get Jack touched the door control to open the door and then stepped in.
Michele stood in the corner of the briefing room picking up a pile of PADDs when the door opened and a lone figure stepped in. Looking up she locked eyes with Jack and paused. Her heart pounded in her chest as she realized the rumor was true, he was alive and back.
Winters: (keeping a straight face) A little bird said you were back.
Jack felt as if his voice were getting weaker by the moment. The lack of smile on her face meant she was mad and Michele was not someone he liked to see upset. Not only because it hurt him to see her that way but because he knew she held a grudge and probably longer than anyone he had ever met.
Kessler: It was supposed to be an in and out mission. I never would have gone without telling you….
Winters: (stepping away from the desk and holding up a hand as she approached him) Gone! Jack, you son of a b……
The statement was probably finished aloud but Jack never heard it. Michele’s right hook caught him by surprise and sent him stumbling backwards trying to avoid the punch thrown, only to not only take the hit but trip himself and landed on his backside.
Winters: Get up Jack! Get up…..
Kessler: (holding up a hand as if to say wait) Hold on damn it. (beat) that actually hurt.
Michel furrowed her brows and clinched her teeth together. Stepping over Jack she exited the briefing room and headed straight away from, rounding the first right turn she came to and then entered the Quarter Deck.
Jack lay on the floor rubbing his jaw and grinning at the ceiling.
Kessler: (to no one) That was not expected Mr. Universe.
[END of Scene]
Captain Michele Winters
Acting Chief Tactical Officer
USS Octavia E. Butler
T239901JK1
And
Lieutenant Jack Kessler
Non-Active Duty Roster
USS Octavia E. Butler
T239901JK1