A Different Approach: Kael Takes the Lead

Posted on Mon Jan 6th, 2025 @ 4:29am by Senior Chief Petty Officer Jadizon Enor & Petty Officer 1st Class Kael Draven

Mission: Lower Decks
Location: Deck 2 > Chief of the Boat's Office

Enor arrived at his office, the familiar hum of the ship’s corridors in the background. As he approached the door, he saw Draven standing just outside, leaning casually against the wall. His arms were crossed, and his eyes were focused on the faint glint of light reflected off the ship's sleek surfaces, as if lost in thought. Draven's posture was relaxed, but there was a sharpness to him that couldn’t be ignored. Even when he wasn’t actively on duty, Kael maintained that quiet, ever-present intensity.

Enor paused for a moment before stepping closer, his voice breaking the silence. “You look like you’re plotting something, Kael,” he said with a slight smirk.

Draven’s gaze snapped to Enor, a grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. “Just thinking, Chief. But you’re right, it’s probably about time we talked. What’s on your mind?”

Enor motioned toward the door. “Come on in. Let’s sit down and go over it.”

The two of them entered the office together, ready to tackle whatever business was waiting.

Enor and Kael entered the office, the door sliding shut behind them with a soft whoosh. Enor moved toward the window, his eyes briefly scanning the vast expanse of stars outside. He stood there for a moment, gathering his thoughts, while Kael immediately settled into the chair at the desk. He picked up the padd Enor had tossed his way and began reading through the details.

Enor turned back to Kael, his voice calm but deliberate. “I need you to look over something for me,” he said.

Kael glanced up from the padd, his brow furrowing slightly. “Petty Officer 2nd Class Ronan Drake… transferred to the Chimera.” He muttered under his breath as he scanned the record. “What’s the issue?”

Enor stepped closer to the desk, his posture rigid, his gaze intent on Kael. “I’ve got some concerns about this guy. He’s had some run-ins with superior officers, nothing that would normally end a career, but enough to make me wary. He’s got a temper, and he’s got baggage—his younger brother, Finn, is living with him. Kid’s barely a teenager, and Drake’s been his guardian. That’s a lot of responsibility, especially when you’re trying to balance it with Starfleet life.”

Kael leaned back in his chair, folding his arms across his chest as he absorbed the information. His face remained impassive, but his mind was working. “Sounds like the kid’s got a lot on his plate. The kind of stuff that doesn’t go away. If he’s balancing Starfleet life and raising his brother, that’s a heavy load. I get why you’d be concerned.”

Enor paused, his eyes narrowing slightly. “Exactly. But I want your input. Take a look at his file and tell me what you think. I’m not sure if he’s someone we can count on here.”

Kael glanced back down at the padd, studying it for a few more moments before setting it back on the desk. He exhaled slowly, his voice steady but thoughtful. “He’s not a lost cause. But he’s not exactly a slam dunk either. There’s potential there, but there’s a lot of emotional baggage. His history with authority, combined with the weight of being a guardian at his age... It’s not easy. But I’ve seen guys like him turn things around when they have the right support.”

Enor nodded, processing the information. He didn’t respond immediately but instead turned toward the replicator on the far side of the room. He tapped in a few commands, and a small, elegant decanter materialized along with two glasses. The decanter was sleek and understated, its smooth crystal catching the light as Enor carefully poured the rich, amber liquid into the glasses. The scent of peat smoke, earth, and a hint of fruit lingered in the air.

Enor walked back to the desk, offering one glass to Kael before sitting down across from him. He took a slow sip from his own, the warmth of the whiskey settling into his chest as he let the silence stretch for a moment.

“There’s something about steady ground in the middle of uncertainty,” Enor remarked quietly, his gaze fixed on the glass in his hand. “Drake’s situation... it’s complicated. But we’ve got to weigh the potential against the risk. He might prove me wrong. But I’m not ready to give him the benefit of the doubt just yet.”

Kael took the glass from Enor, inspecting the deep color of the liquid before bringing it to his lips. He savored the taste, the complexity of the whiskey settling on his tongue, then leaned back in his chair. “I get it. I’ll keep an eye on him. But something tells me he’s got more in him than you’re giving him credit for.”

Enor met his gaze, a faint, approving nod acknowledging Kael’s confidence. He took another sip, his eyes lingering on the stars outside, his thoughts already moving ahead. "We’ll see. But for now, we watch and wait.”

Kael set the glass down, the slight clink of the crystal punctuating the quiet of the room as he leaned forward, his gaze steady on Enor.

"You know," Kael began, his tone thoughtful, "before you get involved with him, maybe I should meet with Drake first. Get a feel for where his head’s at. Sometimes, it's easier to gauge someone when they don’t know the higher-ups are watching."

Enor looked at Kael, considering the offer. "You think you can get him to engage with you?"

Kael shrugged slightly, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "I’ve got a way of getting people to open up. Sometimes all it takes is a little bit of trust—or the right pressure. If I can get him talking, we’ll know what kind of man he really is, beyond the record and the baggage."

Enor studied Kael for a moment, weighing the idea. "Alright, but make sure you’re not too hard on him. We need information, not a confrontation. I’m trusting you on this."

Kael nodded, his expression serious now. "I’ll keep it low-key. I’ll size him up and see what he’s really made of. If he’s got anything worth fighting for, I’ll find out."

Enor picked up his glass and took another sip, the tension of the situation lingering in the air. "I appreciate it. Let me know what you find out. If he’s a liability, we deal with it. If not, we figure out what he needs to make it work."

Kael stood up, offering a quick nod. "You’ll be the first to know. I’ll let you know what I get from him."

With that, Kael left the office, his mind already set on meeting with Drake. Enor sat back, contemplating the road ahead, knowing that whatever came next, it was in Kael’s hands for the moment.