Lieutenant Jack Kessler - Reading a Puzzle
Joel Cannistraro
((Deck 04, Guest Quarters, USS Ronin))
From the bag Taj'el produced a small stuffed sehlat, placing it carefully upon the bed as though it might preside over the developing chaos. Jack took a mental note but said nothing about it. Afterall, he had a holo-graphic dog to go home to after his hours on shift.
Kessler: Not as fancy as those on the Thor. Please make yourself at home. You'll have full access to the ship's computer and services granted up to your usual security clearances.
Taj'el: It was private and quiet. I thanked you for your hospitality, sir.
Kessler: On this deck, section seven, starboard side is the 47 Lounge. Popular social area for the crew. There is also a fitness suite. Holosuites 1, 2, 3, and 4 and the upper level to the Arboretum.
Taj'el withdrew their personal PADD and began recording the information he provided. oO Should I develop a welcome PADD for visitors? Oo
Taj'el: Deck Four contained most of the crew’s personal quarters, then? I expected that I would spend the majority of my time either here or in Sickbay.
Another comment Jack found odd. oO Why travel all this way to think you might spend most of your time in these quarters? Oo If it had been Jack and he had traveled all the way to the Thor in the Gamma quadrant, he doubted he would see much of his quarters at all during his time there.
Taj’el: Forgive me if I was keeping you from your other duties. If necessary, I could research the vessel’s layout myself.
Kessler: Not at all Lieutenant. It's my responsibility to see that you get acquainted with the Ronin.
Taj’el: I see. I admit that, as a medical officer, I was somewhat unfamiliar with the responsibilities that accompanied other departments. How did you come to enter the field of security? Had you always served in that capacity?
This was the second time in as many days that he had been asked that question. It was not as simple as one who entered the medical field. His path to Security had not entirely been on his own choosing but to those who had put him on this path, he owed them a great deal.
Kessler: A Commodore with great insight set me on my path.
Taj’el: Do you find stratification in your work then?
A great question but there was hesitation in Taj'el's voice. Something seemed to bother or even haunt this officer. Jack titled his head slightly as he studied the Vulcan and thought through his response carefully.
Kessler: Satisfaction comes in many forms Lieutenant. Out here, satisfaction with your work is short lived. There is always a new challenge around the corner that pushes us beyond our limits. I am satisfied with my work when every crew member comes back from a mission. But then my new challenge starts. ::Stepping towards a window looking into space:: What lays out there around the next corner immediately changes what I am satisfied with and what I am not.
Taj'el: I see, fascinating.
Kessler: What about you Doc? Are you satisfied with your work?
Taj'el: I do not believe satisfaction is a sensation Vulcans commonly prioritize. We simply perform our duties to the best of our ability. I selected Medical as a change in discipline in order to demonstrate to myself that I was capable.
Jack listened and took in everything the Vulcan said, making every mental note that he could about what Taj'el was revealing about themselves. He eyed the junior officer and took a moment.
Kessler: I see. Maybe getting to Sickbay and seeing what the Ronin has to offer might be the first step. ::gesturing to the door:: Shall we?
Taj'el: The first step? Are you implying that I will eventually find satisfaction aboard the Ronin, Lieutenant?
Jack allowed the Vulcan to follow him into the corridor before responding. He kept his stride a little slower as he wanted Taj'el to remain more at his side. Something in his gut suggested this Vulcan might be searching for the right fit. Although unusual for a Vulcan to do so. Or maybe Jack was just reading too far into what the Doctor was saying. That was clearly possible but something deeper down inside him said he doubted he was misreading this conversation.
Kessler: Well Doc. I can't tell you where you will find satisfaction but I can tell you that every ship and cre is different and until you take a peek inside, you won't know what you are potentially missing.
Taj’el raised an eyebrow, observing him for a moment before moving to follow behind him.
Taj’el: I admit I am curious to examine your facilities
The following few moments they walked to the turbolift in silence. Jack was not sure if Taj'el was contemplating a move from the Thor or if the Doctor was trying to assess him and how he was handling the move from the Butler. Doctor's were great at changing up the direction of a conversation like that and throwing you off your own mental thought process.
Taj’el: Who do you know aboard the Thor, Lieutenant? It is possible that I am also acquainted with them.
Kessler: On the Thor? ::beat thinking:: Let's see, I served with Commander Herrick, Morro Caras, Naledi, Commander Saa and Commander DeVeau was an instructor of mine in the academy. I think that is everyone but I don't have all the Thor's crew memorized.
There was a pause from Taj'el, slightly longer than Jack expected but maybe one of those names meant something to this officer. Or maybe one of those names was the reason Taj'el was not on the Thor right now.
Taj’el: From when you served aboard the Buttler? If I may inquire, what prompted your transfer? Or was the decision made at the request of Starfleet?
Jack smiled as they reached the turbolift and the doors hissed open. Stepping in, he moved to one side to allow the Doctor room and then looked to the ceiling as if talking to someone above. Dumb habit he thought as he realized what he was doing. Made no sense at all and he was not even sure why he did it.
Kessler: Deck Ten. ::turning to Taj'el as the turbolift began moving:: One of my best friends is aboard the Ronin and when the Sec/Tac chief position opened I saw an opportunity to see my friend and expand on my skill sets and leadership ability. ::beat:: What about you? How do you challenge yourself Doc?
Jack was hoping the question would give more insight into this Vulcan and what he was dealing with.
Taj'el: response
Kessler: Well, I love a good challenge. Whether someone is challenging me or I am setting the challenge for myself.
((Deck 10, Medical Complex, USS Ronin))
The turbolift came to a halt and the doors hissed open. Jack led the way out past a couple of Ronin's crew who were waiting to board the lift. Each gave him a slight head nod and he returned the gesture in kind with a smile and a nod. As they stepped into the main corridor, Jack continued the lead but again slowed his pace for the shorter officer so they could remain at his side. The walk to sickbay was not far and he paused just as they came to the doors leading into the medical complex.
Kessler: ::turning to Taj'el:: Before we step in, is there anything I can answer for you or anything I can help you with?
Taj'el: response
Kessler: Just know that my door is always open and you are always welcome to come to me if you need anything.
Taj'el: response
Jack gave the Doctor a broad smile and a nod and then stepped to the sickbay doors. with a whoosh, the doors parted and Jack led Taj'el into the Sickbay and then halted as he looked around to see who was there to introduce Taj'el to.
Any one: response
Kessler: ::turning half way to Taj'el:: This is Lieutenant Taj'el from the USS Thor.
Taj'el / Any one: response
[[TAGS/TBC]]