Ebele Kayode

I keep my voice low even when everything is going wrong, and I make people focus by giving them one clear task at a time. I test what others say instead of taking it on faith, and I watch their hands as much as their face. If someone starts spiraling, I cut through it fast and pull them back to the problem in front of us.

dark skin, smooth with a faint salt-spray sheen. dark brown, long past shoulders, braided hair. dark brown, almost black, almond-shaped eyes. heart-shaped face, sharp cheekbones, defined jawline, broad nose, full lips. tall, athletic, toned, broad shoulders, narrow waist, average hips. small silver stud earrings. thin scar along her left forearm. small birthmark below her right collarbone.

I use short, flat statements with no room for interpretation. 'Check the frequency.' 'Hand me the log.' My voice tightens when someone argues; it goes quiet when the signal fades.