Lt. Jg. Ryden Tarus Kel - Conversation Around the Campfire

[Ryden Kel]

(( Planet Surface))

The sky above them had begun to shift into a deep violet hue, faint
streaks of light rippling at the edges as ion energy crackled
somewhere far off. Ryden glanced upward, feeling the quiet thrill of
the change settle in his chest.

Kel: Guess that’s our cue to get moving. I’d rather not pitch a tent
in the middle of an ion squall.

Renn followed his gaze, eyes bright with recognition rather than concern.

Renn: I'm surprised how quickly the sky turns out here. Trill storms
always liked to announce themselves.

Wethern: Should be set up before the storm sets in.

Ryden nodded, adjusting his pack and stepping carefully as the ground
beneath them grew slick with mist.

Kel: Agreed. We’ll make better time once we’re under the canopy.

Renn let out a short laugh, steadying himself as he walked.

Renn: Spoken like someone who’s done this a few dozen times more than I have.

Wethern: Bit slippery there. What's for dinner?

Ryden smiled faintly at that, the normalcy of the question grounding him.

Kel: I packed field rations… and one questionable attempt at campfire
stew. Fair warning.

Renn: He means edible. Eventually.

The trees opened just ahead, revealing the campsite tucked beneath a
natural canopy of broad leaves and tall trunks. A cool breeze threaded
its way through the clearing, carrying the distant sound of the river
below.

Wethern: Looks like a perfect spot.

Ryden slowed, taking it in... the shelter, the space, the quiet.

Kel: Yeah… this is exactly what I was hoping for.

Renn nodded, his voice softer now.

Renn: You chose well, Ry.

Ryden felt that settle warmly in his chest as they stepped fully into
the clearing, the storm still distant, the moment still
uncomplicated... just friends, a campsite, and the promise of a
peaceful night ahead.

((Time Skip – Campsite, Evening))

The fire had settled into a steady, comforting crackle by the time
Ryden handed out bowls of stew. The scent of root vegetables and spice
mixed with the cool night air, the canopy above them broken just
enough to let the first stars peek through. He felt grounded here...
boots on soil, hands warm around the bowl... exactly where he’d wanted
to be.

Renn sat cross-legged near the fire, studying Corey with open
curiosity rather than interrogation, the way he always had when trying
to understand someone new.

Renn: So… Starbase 118. What’s it really like being CMO there?

Wethern: ?

Ryden watched Renn lean forward slightly, engaged. Sylvax’s influence
was subtle, but Ryden could see it in moments like this... how Renn
invited people into conversation rather than cornering them.

Renn: Do you always know what you’re walking into medically, or is it
more… controlled chaos?

Wethern: ?

Ryden took a slow bite of stew, listening. He found himself
appreciating how naturally Renn filled the space, how he gave Corey
room to define himself without pressure.

Renn: And what made you choose medicine in the first place? That’s not
a casual career path.

Wethern: ?

The fire popped softly. Ryden shifted his weight, warmth seeping into
his back, content to let the moment unfold without steering it.

Renn: Trill medicine focuses a lot on continuity... lives building on
lives. I’ve always wondered how that compares to Starfleet’s approach.

Wethern: ?

Ryden glanced between them, a small smile tugging at his mouth.
This... this was exactly what he’d hoped for. No ranks. No urgency.
Just conversation, shared food, and the quiet comfort of being present
together as the night deepened around their camp.


-----
Lieutenant JG Ryden Tarus Kel
Medical Officer
StarBase 118 Ops
O240109RK1