Enlisted Bonds: Building Trust in the Ranks

Posted on Tue Jan 7th, 2025 @ 3:52am by Petty Officer 1st Class Kael Draven & Petty Officer 2nd Class Ronan Drake

Mission: Lower Decks
Location: Deck 5 > Starship Operations

Draven stepped out of Enor's office, the hiss of the door closing behind him marking the end of a conversation that had left him with more questions than answers. He strode down the corridor, his pace deliberate, his thoughts focused. Enor had pointed him in a direction, and now it was up to him to make the next move.

Stopping at a junction, Draven tapped his combadge, the familiar chirp responding to his call.

"Petty Officer Drake, this is Petty Officer Draven," he said, his voice steady and authoritative but carrying a respectful undertone. "Could you meet me in the Ship’s Operations Center at your earliest convenience? I believe we have a matter to discuss."

The channel closed with a soft beep, and Draven adjusted his course, heading toward the Operations Center. He didn’t know Drake personally—only his record and the recommendation from Enor—but that would change soon enough. Whatever this situation demanded, Draven was prepared to move forward, one step at a time.

Kael made his way through the maze of corridors with the practiced ease of someone who had long since memorized the layout of the ship. The dull hum of the systems and the occasional distant chatter of crew members filled the air, but Kael paid it no mind. This was just another task, another step in the endless rhythm of duty aboard the ship.

He entered the Ship’s Operations Office, the sliding doors parting with a soft hiss. The space buzzed with quiet efficiency, crew members at their stations, focused on the steady flow of ship functions and logistical coordination. To anyone watching, Kael looked like he belonged here, moving with purpose but without urgency, as if this was simply part of his routine.

His destination was clear. Across the room, a small glass-walled cubicle bore the label "Boatswain." It was functional, unassuming—a space designed for work rather than comfort. The room was no bigger than necessary, holding a single desk, two chairs, and a console. There was nothing personal about it, just a neutral meeting space and workstation anyone could use when needed.

Kael stepped into the cubicle and glanced briefly around. The barebones setup suited him fine. He settled into one of the chairs and keyed the console, bringing up the basic interface while he waited. There was no rush; the message had been sent, and Kael wasn’t one to waste time with impatience.

If the man he was meeting had half the reputation Kael had heard, this was going to be an interesting conversation.

Kael sat in the Boatswain cubicle, idly scrolling through a maintenance report on the console while he waited. The small glass-walled space, with its simple desk, two chairs, and unadorned console, wasn’t built for comfort—just functionality. It suited Kael fine. He wasn’t one for unnecessary frills.

The soft hiss of the Operations Office doors pulled his attention as someone entered. Kael glanced up, watching as a younger man with a confident stride stepped inside, pausing to scan the room. His hands were tucked casually into his pockets, and his gaze swept over the space like he was taking inventory.

Axel Drake approached a nearby crew member, his tone casual but carrying just enough authority to grab attention. “Hey, I’m looking for a Petty Officer Draven. Know where I can find him?”

The crew member nodded toward the glass-walled cubicle. “That’s him over there.”

Axel flashed a quick smile. “Thanks.”

He made his way across the room and rapped his knuckles lightly on the frame of the cubicle before stepping inside. “Petty Officer Draven, right?” he asked, his smirk faint but noticeable. “Heard you were looking for me.”

Kael stood, extending a hand. “That’s me. And you must be Petty Officer Drake. Thanks for coming by—have a seat.”

Axel shook his hand firmly and dropped into the chair across from the desk, leaning back in an easy, relaxed posture. “No problem. Gotta admit, though, I was curious. Didn’t think I’d be getting called into a one-on-one with someone I haven’t even met yet.”

Kael settled back into his chair, his expression calm. “Fair point. This isn’t about anything formal, though—just wanted to talk. Enlisted to enlisted.”

Axel raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. “Enlisted to enlisted, huh? Alright, what’s on your mind?”

Kael leaned forward slightly, resting his forearms on the desk. “Look, we both know life’s different on this side of the rank structure. Officers? They’ve got their own thing—politics, posturing, trying to climb the ladder. Us? We’re the ones keeping the ship running while they make their big decisions.”

Axel chuckled, a genuine laugh that softened his usual cocky demeanor. “Yeah, no arguments there.”

“That’s why we’ve gotta stick together,” Kael continued. “The enlisted are the backbone of this ship. If we don’t look out for each other, no one else will. I’ve been around long enough to see how bad it gets when we forget that.”

Axel gave a slow nod, his smirk fading into something more thoughtful. “Fair point. So, is this your way of saying I should play nice and keep my head down?”

Kael laughed lightly. “Not exactly. I’m not here to babysit you, Drake. You’ve got your own style, and I respect that. I just wanted to get a sense of who you are—and let you know that if you ever need someone in your corner, I’m here.”

Axel tilted his head, studying Kael for a moment. “Alright, fair enough. Gotta say, though, I’m not used to people starting with the ‘I’ve got your back’ speech. Usually, it’s more like ‘don’t screw up.’”

“That’s because most people don’t get it,” Kael replied. “Look, I’ve read your file. You’re solid—your work speaks for itself. But I also saw you’ve got your brother with you. That’s gotta be a challenge, managing your duties and looking out for him.”

Axel’s expression shifted, the usual edge replaced by something softer. “Yeah, Finn’s my priority. Always has been. I didn’t join Starfleet for the glory—I did it so he’d have a shot at a better life.”

Kael nodded, his tone steady. “And that’s something I respect. Just know you’re not alone in it. Like I said, the enlisted stick together. If you need help—or just someone who gets it—don’t be afraid to knock on my door.”

Axel leaned back, his smirk returning faintly. “Alright, Draven. I’ll keep that in mind. And hey—same goes for you. Not like I’ve got anything better to do in my downtime.”

Kael grinned. “Good to hear. Now, let’s get out of this cubicle before someone starts thinking we’re plotting mutiny. I’d hate to give the officers a reason to poke their noses in.”

Axel laughed as he stood, shaking his head. “Deal. Just don’t expect me to take the blame if they catch on.”

Kael chuckled and clapped him on the shoulder as they left the cubicle together, weaving through the busy Operations Office. They weren’t best friends—not yet—but something far more important had started to take root: mutual respect and an understanding that, in the vast, impersonal machinery of Starfleet, the enlisted always had each other’s backs.