Reed had spent the better part of his morning going through rosters for Blackwatch and making note of anyone new in the last couple of days. He especially was more focused on the enlisted folks since officers typically kept more to their own. Not hat he cared either way. Thoughts of Jessica still drifted through every so often, quick distractions he considered them. Good in more ways than not.

Sitting near a window with a small peperoni pizza and fries, along with what looked to be some sort of blue drink, he scrolled through the PADD once more before letting out a small sigh and setting it down. He took a bite of his food before scanning the room, a natural habit at this point.

Kaelen spent two weeks with Jaxom in tow. Between simulations on the holodeck and a few hours flying the actual transport she needed a break from all the questions. She appreciated his scholastic vigor however she felt a little overwhelmed without Khalil to ease the pressure. She walked down the corridor ignoring half of the the young ensign’s story, but stopped when she saw a door labeled “Chief’s Mess”. She smiled to herself and stopped Jaxom mid sentence, “I have to go in here, sir, it’s..uh..new..”Chief on the ship” stuff. Very hush-hush. Sooo,” Jaxom moved to go through the door and she stopped him. “Sorry sir, I cannot let you in here with that pip on your collar, not now anyway. Why don’t you check out the O-Club and report back.” She backed into the room and let the door shut between them. She turned around and took a deep breath, and saw Reed near the window, “Would you mind if I lock this for ten minutes?”

Reed wasn't quite sure what the woman was getting at, but she gave the signs of already having some sense of humor. He chuckled and gave the order "Computer, seal the door to the Chief's mess." A moment later the computer chirped confirmation "Why don't you grab something and introduce yourself. Sounds like you need a break form something." Over the years he'd learned the burden and stress the NCO's carried, and knew time to decompress and be around one's peers was paramount to not going insane.

"Two weeks that kid has been hounding me," Kaelen walked up to the replicator, "Andorian Ale, 2." She brought both drinks to the table placing one in front of Reed, “Thank you, Kaelen Barel, I just arrived with Bravo team lead and a new bird.” She extended her hand to shake Reed’s and then sat down, threw back her drink and smiled as the synthahol doused the fire on her nerves.

"Senior Chief Reed Bishop, Breach specialist. Thanks for the ale." He took a sip to both be courteous and because he hadn't tried the ships rendition of it yet. It wasn't too bad. At least the flavor was close. "I've got some real stuff stashed away I'll break out at some point."

He made note of the color of her uniform and also realized he hadn't seen her on the ship yet, but did notice her face from about 20 minutes agon scrolling through. "Sciences right? Glad to have you join us here."

“Chemistry and Physics but I got my start in Breach too! Khal.. I mean Lieutenant Hoshino and I worked for a few years on the Techumseh. He picked a pilot straight out of the cabbage patch, he’s good though”. Kaelen appreciated that the NCOs had a sacred space on board and at least one NCO she could enjoy it with. “Have you heard anything about what’s going on over here? News about the Romulans doesn’t travel fast in the Archanis sector.”

"Ah. Well the show here is run pretty tight from what I've been able to piece together so far. The ships main mission is to support and be the hub for Blackwatch, and as far as anything going on out here, we won't eb told anything until; we have a mission brief, and only then we'll get our particular parts of the mission. I've been taking some time to familiarize myself with the procedures before we all sign the final documents and take our oaths. I did my final review the other day, another requirement before everyone takes the last step. If you take a look at the schedule you and the pilot can each schedule your evals. And sharing our individual mission briefs and with anyone else.... well let's just say the consequences aren't favorable by a long shot. But I'm sure you'll find it all in your packet when you go through it." She was new and excited it seemed, but there also felt like there were expectations of operating the same as she'd been used to.

He'd even tried to spend some time talking with Jessica about parts of their jobs and the potential roles they would fulfill, and was reminded of the compartmentalization required. That of course didn't stop them from continuing to run team and pair drills toegether.

"Apologies for being so black and white, I'm usually alot more easy going. It's just the impact of everything I've been reading certainly hits home. For all of us I'm sure." He looked to change the focus "Just arrived on board then?"

"No apology necessary, Senior, I appreciate the course correction,” she said, giving a small, appreciative nod. Kaelen allowed Reed’s words to sink in. She turned the glass on the table; the prismatic cuts bent and separated the light from the room. The casual flow of data she’d enjoyed on the Tecumseh clearly wasn't the protocol here.

“Tecumseh is a fine ship, but security was... let's say, more traditional. Blackwatch is a bold strategy to combat a less predictable adversary." Kaelen looked up from her glass at Reed and smiled.

“We literally just stepped off the boat, and LT went up to speak with the Captain, so he’s probably going through a similar conversation right now. All in all, I consider myself lucky.”

"I'm glad to hear that, and I'm glad to see you and more folks like you here. I've already been working to grow interpersonal relationships, getting to know those I'll be working with, running drills and whatnot. One never knows what will happen in the field and being able to fold in together is vital, I'm sure you're aware of that from your own experiences. It definitely is a change, the flow of information, however I've seen the results of Romulan interrogation techniques and I'll just say their not only effective, but will leave you a former shadow of yourself. I've spent a number of years on and off out here, as has Chief Merida, and the Captain. I'm not a fan of everything being so hush hush but I also could never forgive myself if I exposed someone and it cost them their life." HE stopped for a moment and drank some more of the ale, picking up a piece of pizza as well.

"Also, you can call me Nitro. Our callsigns make things a bit easier and at the end of the day we have to be able to trust one another and be cohesive as teams. I'm assigned to Vigil, I'm sure the Captain will get you assigned to a team, and Chief Merida is over on Bulwark. She was on Vigil with me for a few days but teams have been getting shuffled early so it'll probably be that way until numbers are solidified."

"Hoshino to Barel.." Khalil's voice cut through any tension Kaelen had piled on herself.

"Barel here."

His tone fluctuated with a hint of wear "Chief, we are officially on the clock, after you unpack, report to the Science Department head for GQ assignment and indoc before the team meeting at 1500."

"Aknowledged! Barel out" The chirped as the channel closed. She spun her glass and quicky caught it with both hands. "Looks like my reprieve is up Nitro, I would love to get some training in this evening if you're free."

Kaelen got up and began to walk toward the door. She turned in her heel back toward Reed, "Oh and btw, mine is Cinder,"

"Computer, unlock Chief's mess doors" he replied. The leave was quite abrupt, made Bishop glad he wasn't on Bulwark.

"Till next time Cinder."