Ensign Jace Ryen - Beauty

[alongtheway]

((Security Complex, CSO Office, Deck 11, USS Ronin))

The office was orderly, though the display behind Lieutenant Jack Kessler made it very clear the man had been deeply engaged in the constant reshuffling of duty assignments.

Logical.

Jace remained standing at attention until the Chief stepped forward.

Kessler: ::stepping towards Ryen:: Welcome to the Ronin Ensign, I'm Jack Kessler you Security Chief.

The Lieutenant extended his hand.

Jace accepted the gesture without hesitation, clasping the offered hand firmly but without unnecessary force.

Ryen: Thank you, Lieutenant.  It is an honor to join the Ronin's security department.

Outwardly his voice remained calm and controlled, the careful tone of someone trained to maintain composure in professional settings.  Internally, however, Jace took careful note of the man standing before him.  Kessler's demeanor was relaxed, approachable even - yet the confidence in his posture suggested a seasoned officer comfortable with command.

A useful combination as the head of a department.

Kessler: I see in your file that you are from Montana. Beautiful country. I've done a lot of hiking and camping throughout Montana. 

A faint flicker of recognition passed through Jace's thoughts.  Montana had always been home, even after the years spent aboard starships.

Ryen: Yes, sir.  Much of my early life was spent there before my parents were reassigned.  The terrain makes it an excellent environment for survival training.  oO Survival training?  Can you seem any more pompous? Oo  I also have spent a lot of time enjoying nature in Montana.  I especially have fond memories of spending evenings on the bank of a river fishing with friends, or kayaking down a river.

His father had believed strongly in practical lessons.  Jace could still remember long days trekking through mountain trails while Captain Daniel Ryen explained field tactics and situational awareness to him.

Those memories had shaped him more than he would like to admit.

Kessler motioned toward the couch and Jace joined him.

Kessler: I read in your academy record that you asked for Security and Intelligence duty specifically. What draws your attention to those fields?

Jace allowed himself a moment to consider the question before responding.

Ryen: Prevention is often more efficient than response.

The answer was perhaps more direct than conversational, but it was also honest.  He had never been drawn to security for combat alone.  The intellectual puzzle of anticipating danger had always been the true appeal to him.

Ryen:  Sir, I am grateful for my posting here on the USS Ronin.  Being a member of the security team will allow me to follow my dreams.  I am someone who believes every life has value, and I believe in my role here I will be able to use my skills to protect lives.  In the future, working in intelligence is something I look forward to.  To be able to use my analytical skills to connect with cultures, governments around the galaxy and to use that knowledge to provide safety and security for many is something I know I would thrive at.

Kessler: I can understand that. ::gesturing to the door:: Let me show you around the Security complex, You can leave your duffle here in the office.

Jace nodded once.  He had looked forward to learning the ship as quickly as possible, and made sure to pay close attention.

Ryen: Of course, Lieutenant.

He placed the duffle carefully on the couch before following the Chief out into the main complex.

The Security Complex was exactly what Jace had imagined.  Efficiently organized, with multiple workstations monitoring the ship.  A few officers moved about with purpose, some reviewing sensor feeds while others coordinated internal security protocols.  But, most were on shore leave at the moment so staffing was light.

The steady hum of equipment blended with quiet conversation, creating the subtle background rhythm of a department constantly at work.

Jace observed and took mental notes of everything.

Console placements.  Tactical displays.  Access routes.

Kessler: On the Ronin, the Security complex houses our ship-wide monitoring facility, armory, brig, a briefing room, a holo-training suite and of course our weapons lockers. My office as well as the Strategic Operations Officer's office is within the complex as well.

Jace nodded slightly as they walked.

Ryen:  An efficient layout, sir.  Centralized command and monitoring significantly reduces response times during internal incidents.

Even as he spoke, Jace mentally mapped the department's layout.  Knowledge of one's operational environment was fundamental to security work, at Ryen planned on giving it his all.

At that moment, the doors to the weapons locker slid open.

A tall woman stepped out.

Kessler immediately altered course toward her.

Kessler: Lieutenant T'Fearne, I'd like to introduce you to our newest team member ::turning and gesturing to Ryen:: this is Ensign Jace Ryen. ::nodding to Ryen:: Ensign, this is Lieutenant T'Fearne Elaazni.

Jace turned toward the officer.  The first thing he noticed was the unmistakable bearing of a Vulcan.

For a moment, a quiet spark of curiosity stirred within him.

Another Vulcan serving in security.  That was... unexpected.  And intriguing.

Jace studied her features briefly - just long enough to register a refined elegance to her appearance.  By human standards she would easily be considered beautiful, though Jace carefully filed the observation away without allowing it to show on his face.

Professional decorum was... advisable.

He inclined his head respectfully.

Ryen:  Lieutenant.  It is a pleasure to meet you.

His tone remained calm and measured, though internally he found himself slightly curious about her assignment within the department.  Vulcans often gravitated toward science or analytical roles within Starfleet.

A security officer suggested a different path, just like he himself had taken.

T'Fearne / Kessler: response

Jace stood at attention, hands loosely clasped behind his back as he listened.  His mind, however, quietly noted the moment.

His first day aboard the Ronin had already introduced several unexpected variables.  And he suspected there would be many more to come.

Ryen: Lieutenant, have you always been interested in Security?  I would love to hear your insights on what initially drew you to the field.

Questions, when asked with precision, often revealed far more about a person than casual conversation ever could.  He also found himself quietly curious about her experience on the USS Ronin.  As one of the more senior officers in the department, she likely possesed a deeper understanding of how the security team functioned in practice, knowledge that would prove valuable for a newly assigned ensign.

T'Fearne / Kessler: response

--

Ensign Jace Ryen

Security Officer

USS Ronin NCC-34523

R240303JR2