Chapter 88: A big dog?
"Mr. Woods, if there was someone who I thought could convince someone to join them, it would be you." The Captain smiled at Kellen, who seemed shocked by his response.
"Captain, I’ve only managed to convince Brent to work for me, twice. I don’t think that counts. You have too much faith in me." The Captain winked at Kellen.
"Mm, maybe. Or I just can’t imagine someone saying no to such a handsome man." Kellen’s face heated, and he had to look away from the teasing man. The Captain took it as a win, and smiled easily. He was a very different man from the stoic, no nonsense Captain Thatcher that everyone else in the room had witnessed before Kellen’s arrival.
"Do you need me for anything else?" Kellen asked, wanting to escape the embarrassment. The Captain took his time, humming and hawing, before finally grinning, reaching out and ruffling Kellen’s hair, much to his annoyance.
"No, there’s nothing else beyond your company that I need. But I understand that we are both busy individuals. It looks like Casper in particular wants to speak with you." Kellen turned his head in the direction of the Captain’s gaze and found that he was right. Casper stood there with his little tablet, and a small smile on his face.
"Yes. Kellen and I were supposed to have a discussion about his Field Guide program. I think once word spreads about the new gate amongst the common employees, more people will join, but I wanted to talk to him about who we’ve already selected. And who voluntarily signed up." Casper’s smile was genuine, and made Kellen’s heart squeeze. People wanted to be Field Guides?
"Right. I also came to you earlier to chat with you about things regarding the...program." The Captain chuckled at Kellen’s hesitant tone, before gently pushing the younger man towards Casper.
"Take good care of him, Casper, or I’ll figure out a way to punish you." Casper took the Captain’s teasing in stride.
"The good news, Captain, is that I have better ways to tease you." The Captain, who had only been joking, stared at his Lieutenant and Casper chuckled. "Did you forget? I’ve been a part of the team that has guided you until Kellen arrived. I have many, many things I could disclose to Kellen about you." A look of horror crossed the Captain’s face, while Kellen felt himself smile in delight. He was pleased to see that not only could Casper give as good as he got, but that he was also genuinely friends with the Captain.
"Casper, I wasn’t aware blackmailing was a Guide thing." Kellen felt himself chuckle, and smiled up at the perplexed Captain.
"How else were we going to get Esper’s to listen to us if not for blackmail?" The room fell silent, and Kellen could hear Hill and Brent snorting with laughter. Hill was back to her spot surrounded by wrappers and papers, while Brent was further away, speaking to an Esper about any information he had on the front lines. The Captain cleared his throat.