The enthusiasm in his voice wasn't an act. Years of command had shaped his preference for this kind of work. Give him a razor-sharp objective, the right specialists, and a clean extraction over a messy conflict any day. It got the job done without exposing his crew to needless risks. Completing the mission mattered, but bringing everyone home alive was his personal objective.

Still, his time aboard the Nyx was a quiet reminder that you couldn't always dictate the clock. Some intelligence couldn't be rushed or stolen in a single night. Sometimes, the job just demanded patience.

"From what I can gather at least, it looks like that's his intent with Bulwark, but I would recommend you of course have that conversation with him. I am after all just the Signals Intelligence Specialist. But I think Prophet would appreciate knowing as well." Jessica let her mind wander for a moment before giving in to some of her curiosity.

"So you and Cinder, have known each other for some time then? I couldn't help but notice a level of familiarity between you." As she asked the question, she walked over to the replicator and requested a couple cups of water, taking one back over to Starfield and handing it to him.

Khalil accepted the cup and took a sip. A smile crept up one side of his face. “Cinder was assigned to my salvage crew when I worked for the Ghost Fleet. We spent six years breaking down the wrecks left over from the Dominion War and repatriating the dead. It was a pretty grim job. Between the dead, unstable ships, and pirates, we bonded over nearly being killed a few times.”

He chuckled at the memory. “There was one time the pirates forced the Viola to retreat while Cinder and I were still aboard a wreck. We had to find somewhere to hide until the ship could return for us. Cinder found a shielded section deep inside the hull, and we spent the night there hoping the pirates wouldn't decide to start picking through the wreck themselves.”

“When the Viola finally returned, she had two Klingon ships and a Romulan escort with her. Quite a sight, I can tell you.” He took another sip of water before continuing.

“What impressed me most, though, was how Cinder handled herself. She kept her head, assessed what we had to work with, and found a way to keep us safe until help arrived. Her ability to assess a physical challenge was second to none. She had the instincts even then; she just needed the experience to go with them.”

His smile lingered. “She’s come a long way since those days. I like to think I helped her along the way, but she’s the one who put in the work.”

Jessica listened and nodded as he spoke, she found the story enlightening and helped to explain the connection they shared. She just hoped in the back of her mind that within everything, that neither of them lost objectivity out in mission. "That's good to hear you both have a basis to trust one another. It's something that we all will need to share and grow as a team. Part of that trust is that I do want to share with you that Chief Bishop and I have begun taking an interest in spending time with one another. It could become something more, or maybe not. It's all an early stage right now. However he and I have also worked on a lot of tactics and drills together, and the majority of our time together is in a professional capacity. I suppose the growth and guidance we have shared in such a short time is bringing forth a natural communication outside of work for him and myself."

Khalil set down his PADD to give Jessica his undivided attention. He studied her face as she spoke, wondering if she felt obligated to disclose the relationship, whether out of Starfleet policy or an expectation from the Captain. He couldn't be sure, but either way, he appreciated her candor. “I appreciate you telling me. Bishop's a good man, and I think there's something to be said for finding a connection with someone beyond the uniform.” He walked over to the table, took a seat, and pulled another chair out for Jessica.

“I'm not sure if you've read my Starfleet file, but I've had a couple of centuries to learn a few things about people. I've seen professional relationships develop into something more personal, and I've seen how much that can mean to people. Having someone you can rely on, both on duty and off, can give you a renewed sense of purpose or belonging. And life's too short to pass up a good thing.”

He paused briefly before continuing.“You and the Senior Chief take your responsibilities seriously. I trust you both to keep your heads when it matters and make the right call. That's what counts.”

She appreciated the chair and accepted it, sitting down. "Definitely. I wouldn't be surprised if it became more. In a good way. I think the best thing we have going is the fact we're not on the same team, and I also believe it's appropriate to advise you in case it does become more, then we can at least make sure we're not under the same team lead. In truth I value my privacy very much, but I also don't do you any favors if you don't have at least some context in case things in the future look a bit off. However I am confident he and I will know where to draw lines and remove ourselves if need be. But I just wanted to share that because you deserve to know being my lead."

Khalil gave a small nod, appreciating the thought she'd put into the situation. “That's fair, Jessica. I appreciate the heads-up, and I respect your privacy. If things develop to a point where the chain of command needs to be reconsidered, we'll deal with it then. Until then, I trust you both to handle it responsibly.”

He glanced up to the chronometer. Just enough time to get up to Engineering. He finished his water and stood to bring the glasses back to the replicator for recycling. He snagged his PADD before heading toward the door, he offered her a small smile. “And for what it's worth, I hope it works out.”

"Of course Sir. I'll let you get on to other things, I need to head up to the listening suite as well and get some things out together." She watched as the man left and made a couple more mental notes. She hoped he would walk the same talk he noted, but only time would tell.