Lieutenant Jack Kessler - The Next Step

[Joel Cannistraro]

((Deck 03, Bridge, Captain's Ready Room, USS Ronin))

Since joining the Ronin's crew, Jack had only sat foot on the bridge one time and that was when the ship's First Officer brought him up to meet the Captain. Since that day Jack had been off the ship during their past mission and then recovering in sickbay from exposure to one of the deadliest plagues ever conceived. That thought had a whole other discussion behind it and one that Jack knew the ship's Counselor was most likely biting at the bit to talk to him about. A conversation that he'd just assume happened and not really have to have. Plus he was still trying to figure out how to tell the two people he cared about most, his sister and the woman he very much loved, Nesre Salo. That conversation too, would be one he was going to have to work out in his head first. 

The exposure to the modified Tarellian plague did not weigh heavy on Jack's mind. In Jack's mind, the fact that he stood here on the bridge after the exposure supported his belief that given the opportunity, Starfleet was capable of unlocking just about any secret when push came to shove. He knew the inherent dangers that came with putting on the Starfleet uniform. Death was not on his agenda for any mission but at the same time he would be the first to tell you that there were no guarantees you were coming back. Just exceptionally good odds when you had people around you like those he served with. 

The risks of serving Starfleet was the reason he wanted to speak with the Captain. Risks he hoped to be able to help mitigate for future Starfleet crews. Jack paused, straightened his uniform and shuffled several items in his hands before he tapped the door chime to the Captain's Ready Room.

Niac: (response)

The doors to the ready room whooshed open and Jack, putting on a smile, stepped through the doors and towards the Captain's desk. Stopping just short of the desk and directly behind one of two chairs sitting in front of the Captain.

Kessler: Good morning sir, thank you for seeing me this early.

Niac: (response)

Nodding Jack stepped around and lowered himself to a seated position, placing the items he carried in his lap.

Kessler: I feel good. A little fatigued but Doc says that's due to the plague and the treatment and it will pass in a few days. 

Niac: (response)

Jack looked to his lap and picked up a PADD, grinning at the thought of adding another one to the Captain's desk and the silent thought that must be going through his CO's mind at seeing a PADD about to be handed to him.

Kessler: Since Doc had me confined to that bed I had a bit of time to look over the data regarding the Consortium and those spider bots of theirs. Considering this is the second time this ship has had to face them I figured a new Security training might be needed to put in place for dealing with such a threat.

Jack passed the PADD over to Niac and then leaned back. Fumbling with two other devices in his lap. The meat of this conversation had not yet even started and Jack was feeling a bit nervous on how to proceed. He did not know Niac at all, he'd not even worked in direct concert with his Captain at this point and that gave him no room to judge the expression on the mans face.

Niac: (response)

Kessler: To be honest sir, I am here not to discuss the Consortium, but to discuss the Zet and my imprisonment by the Zet at the Itech'eman facility. 

That must have hit a nerve with Niac as Jack watched the Captain's body language alter just enough to be seen but not enough to give away what it meant to him.

Niac: (response)

Kessler: Before I get into that, I feel you need a bit more of a background on why I am bringing this up. 

Jack held up one of the items from his lap. The device, distinct in shape and easily recognizable by anyone as the device had become widely used by Starfleet ever since the USS Voyager had returned from the Delta Quadrant. 

Kessler:  say hello to Logan. ::beat, laying the device on the floor:: Logan activate.

The mobile emitter rose from the floor swifty as a holographic form took shape. Next to Jack not sat a species of canine from Earth. A breed known as the Golden Retriever. The dog's mouth fell open slightly and what appeared to be a smile formed as his tongue protruded out and he began looking around the room. Logan's tail wagged from side to side, whipping across the floor as he looked from Jack to Niac and then back to Jack. A visual excitement passed over Logan's face as he was about to get to meet someone new.

Niac: (response)

TAGS/TBC

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Lieutenant Jack Kessler

Chief Tactical/Security Officer

USS Ronin

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