Lieutenant Jack Kessler - A Butler Ally joins the Ronin

[Joel Cannistraro]

((Transporter Room 3, Deck 09, USS Ronin))

Jack stood patiently next to Michele Winters as the transporter chief awaited confirmation that they could begin their transport cycle. The two were welcoming a transfer officer to the Ronin and someone Jack knew very well. Michele still held reservations about the officer considering how they had met and her distrust of the circumstances. She knew Jack clearly understood she did not want to be here but why he had insisted she come, she was not sure. She fidgeted in place, hands clasped behind her back to keep from chewing on her nails at the boredom of having to wait.

Transporter Chief: Confirmation received Lieutenant, we can transport at your ready.

Kessler: Please bring our guest aboard Chief.

A moment later, the transport hummed to life. Blue and white glinting, swirling lights danced around and off one another as the transfer officer materialized on the pad. A smile crossed the 1.88 meter tall Rekarian's face as he recognized Jack and Michele right away. He had only met Jack about two years earlier but the two had spent an eternity together in an unwelcoming place which allowed them to become close friends and allies. 

Kessler: (in Zet): Doc'to'com num'loul chu tre nu? (Do you have the documents I requested?)

Radek: (smile fading and standing to attention): Sorry sir, I have not kept up on my Zet. I am afraid I have let it lapse somewhat. Did you ask if I brought my transfer orders?

Jack smirked and glanced at Michele who side eyed Jack with no expression other than 'why am I here?' His glance returned to Radek and he stepped forward extending a hand and adding a welcoming smile to his own greeting.

Kessler: No, but not to worry. We'll get you back in practice. Otherwise how can we ever infiltrate Zet territory without Starfleet backing us. ::beat, reaching up and shaking the Ensigns hand:: Welcome aboard the USS Ronin Ensign Radek. Glad to have you here.

Radek stepped down from the pad and eyed Michele, giving her a gentle nod and shifted the strap to his gear bag on shi shoulder.

Radek: Thank you LT. ::looking at Michele:: Captain, it is welcoming to see you again.

Winters: It's good to see you as well Radek.

Jack eyed Michele carefully and then looked back to his new security officer. The Rekarian had served with Jack aboard the USS Octavia E Butler and had quickly found Jack to be the mentor he needed after the ordeal the two went through together at the hands of the Zet. Likewise Jack had found a colleague and kindred spirit in Radek during their time together and the two worked well with each other. 

Kessler: ::nodding towards Radek:: The beard is new.

Radek: ::grinning:: Yes, I was getting a little tired of Lieutenant Lahl calling me 'babyface' all the time.

Jack smiled ear to ear at the name. Kimonzi Lahl had been a junior engineering officer on the Butler and was now serving as the Butler's Chief Engineer. She was the only officer on the Butlers crew who had checked off the slot on her Bingo Card that read "Legitimately shoot a superior officer" and Jack smiled because he had been on the end of her shoot. 

Winters: ::stepping up to Jack's side and grinning slightly:: So now you're hairy babyface?

Jack wanted to laugh but only allowed the smile at Michele's comment to hover over his face.

Kessler: Well, I think it fits you Radek but you do know Lahl was doing that because, well, you know?

Radek: The Lieutenant tried to fry me in a plasma conduit, not on one occasion either if you remember. I doubt babyface was an affecinate term LT.

Winters: Tried is the key word there Radek. If she really wanted to hurt you she would have turned up the power. 

Radek: I think for the time being, I will be safer here with you two.

Jack let the smile fade a little and turned so that he was half facing both Radek and Michele.

Kessler: The Alpha Isles has turned out to be just as treacherous as the Gamma Quadrant since we got here. You'll need to keep your head on a swivel. 

Radek very much enjoyed the sound of the challenge he was hearing in Jack's voice. He glanced around the transporter room and then shift his gear bag for a second time. Jack caught the motion and knew it was time to get moving.

Kessler: Let's get you settled into your quarters and then I'll give you a tour of the ship. ::looking to Michele:: You are welcome to join us unless you have other duties to attend to.

Winters: Actually I do have a few things I have to get finished before shoreleave is over. It was good to see you again Radek.

Michele gave a polite and gentle nod to the Rekarian and then to Jack. Her eyes locked with his and he immediately knew they would be having a discussion about this at some other point in the near future. He instantly hoped that the Red Alert claxons would go off but instead, Michele started to leave the transporter room keeping her eyes locked on Jack's until his neck felt like it was going to spring back around the other direction.

As the doors hissed closed behind her Jack turned to Radek and motioned to the same exit.

Radek: She still does not trust me. I thought we were past that.

Jack paused and turned to Radek, keeping his back to the transporter chief who had remained at their post and silent during this time.

Kessler: Michele trusts your abilities. You and I know your circumstances with the Zet better than any. The timing of everything that took place is what she does not trust. One day she will, but for now lets just keep out of her way. ::beat:: At least until we have put all this Zet stuff to the ground. 

Radek nodded and shifted his gear bag again as the weight was starting to get heavier by the minute. He knew he had to prove himself on the Butler but had hoped that would not be the case here. However with Captain Winters attitude, it looked like he still needed to prove himself to her most of all.

Jack nodded to the exit and then led the two out of the transporter room. Radek followed, eagerly looking forward to getting to know the Ronin.

[[END of Scene for Kessler, Winters, and Radek]]

((OOC - this is a quick introduction to Ensign Radek, one of my PNPC's from the Butler.  More backstory to come ;-)  ))

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Lieutenant Jack Kessler

Chief Tactical/Security Officer

USS Ronin

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Captain Michele Winters

Marine Officer

USS Ronin

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Ensign Radek

Security Officer

USS Ronin

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