"Underground Discussion" (S)

[Diane_Quade 0]

Diane entered a side chamber of the Velorum dig site, almost posing against the rock wall. "How might things be going in here, Chief?" she asked, smiling.

 

James glanced back, watching his assistant dance along the walls, momentarily distracting him. "There isn't anything of interest here. I just needed a momentary breather from the pathetic lizards, and the idiots who think every rock they turn over will unveil some kind of doomsday weapon."

 

"Perhaps it will. Besides, that's why we're down here," she remarked, matter-of-factly.

 

He half rolled his eyes. He hated being corrected. "True. However, I shouldn't need to be consulted on every rock turned."

 

"You'd prefer to lie around, with a slave or two to attend?" Smirking, she continued. "Perhaps you should retire to go off with your father... luxuriate on Romulus with a few pointy-eared slave girls at your feet. And if you do, mind leaving your position to me?"

 

He let out a small chuckle, as he sat on a outcropping rock. "Pleasure slaves are overrated. What's the point in sleeping with someone when they only do it for fear of their lives?"

 

A shrug. "Some... powerful men like dominating, even a slave. Obviously not you, however."

 

He watched her, the cave just lit enough to make out her face and form. "Power comes in many forms, Lieutenant."

 

"It's a wonder you've managed to realize any of those paths. I find you inordinately weak, Kroells," she volunteered, unasked.

 

"And yet..." He trailed off with a smile. "I'm the Chief of Sciences. You, an assistant."

 

"That could be changed."

 

His smile was innocent as it was arrogant. "If it could, I'd already be dead, and you'd be sitting here."

 

"Plans are still being made," she dead-panned.

 

He shrugged. "I'm sure they are. However, I'm somewhat popular among the common folk; I know many things."

 

"What would you possibly know about me?"

 

His expression hardened. "I know enough Lieutenant. Now, unless you have anything else, you're wasting my precious alone time."

 

Not making any motion to leave, she instead approached him, raising an eyebrow. "Alone time?" she asked. "Why would a man like you ever want to be alone? No adoring fans?"

 

He watched her, keeping a weary eye on her movements. "Solitude is a virtue Diane. One I'm sure you know nothing of."

 

She looked down upon the seated officer, crossing her arms. "Solitude appears to be the only companionship you ever have the privilege of having."

 

"I'd hate to be stabbed while having an orgasm."

 

"That's a handy excuse for not being able to garner the attention in the first place."

 

He smirked a cocky little smirk. "I have little trouble garnering attention. However, I'd known very few of you gender who don't simply annoy me."

 

"Do I annoy you?"

 

He stood, nearly face to face with her. "Surprisingly...no. I find your cat and mouse games on my life to be one of the few things that still make this ship interesting."

 

"I'll take that in the best way it can be interpreted." Her eyes drifted down his body before meeting his face again. "You must like challenges."

 

He watched her eyes trail, his voice low. "There is no better way to one to better himself."

 

"I'm afraid that I might fit that description... of people who could best you."

 

This time it was his eyes that trailed over her body. "It wouldn't be a challenge if you couldn't."

 

She started to turn, taking a step towards the door. "But if you prefer your solitude..."

 

"I only like games if I'm the one making up the rules."

 

"Just...shut up Quade." He silenced her with a passionate kiss.

 

The woman melted against him, not even bothering to reach the knife at her hip. Her lips found his hungrily as she pulled him against her. "I don't like it when you order me like that," she muttered.

 

He skillfully removed the knife from the sheath, tossing it to a safe distance. "I thought I told you to shut up..."