For the first couple of chapters, Kelsey is cruel to Minnow and frequently makes fun of her for being autistic and a cyborg. His behavior stems from a deep resentment for Minnow. Like many, he blames her for the death of the former captain (Andrea) of the Balena, the civilian ship where he and Minnow are neighbors for a time, and justifies to himself his treatment of her as somehow avenging Andrea. However certain events make him realize he couldn't be more wrong and if he ever REALLY wanted to honor Andrea's memory, he would do so by helping Minnow, since she was precious to Andrea. Not long after he starts treating her better, he is abducted by pirates. He's the kind of guy who probably thinks he sounds tough when he hears his own voice but sounds a little pathetic to everyone around him.