Walk with me

[Atragon9 0]

Admiral Atragon-9 exits the mess hall, still angry that he didn't get to really HURT someone and he catches a glimpse of Lt. Commander Kansas Kenickie in her doorway, trying to look invisible. His bad mood dissipates and he strides by her door, not even turning to look at her, "Walk with me."

 

Kansas sees the Admiral approach and thinks about ducking back into her quarters, but knows he might misinterpret her actions (or interpret them honestly), so looking back towards the Mess Hall, she starts walking.

 

"It's Kenickie, isn't it?"

 

"Yes, S-sir"

 

A9 notices her voice, "No reason to be afraid. My anger is not directed at you.

 

Kansas walks a slight step behind him and keeps her head down, "Of course... what would you like me to do for you?"

 

A9 looks at her sideways as they keep walking, "I am many things and chief among them is direct. I detest subterfuge, I prefer focused strength. I have seen your record in Security and there is nothing too shiny there, but a solid performer, doing an unpleasant job.

 

Quietly, nervously, she says, "Thank you sir..," wondering why she is getting a compliment from him.

 

A9 continues, "You do not seem to have any alliances here and I compliment you on that ... and now I ask you for a special favor. Please feel free to turn it down with no fear of retribution.

 

She looks up at him, heart jumping, "Anything."

 

He smiles slightly at her immediate answer, "We are about to embark on a series of missions that are particularly critical for the Empire, critical enough that if I succeed, my star will truly be in ascension. If I fail, I will disappear, figuratively and literally. I don't have to tell you that I have many enemies, many among my own crew, for that matter. Some may argue, even among my own family! I have many resources at my disposal, but not a - what did they call it in the 20th Century? - not a Wingman. I am looking for someone who I can trust to warn me, guard me, get my back. As I said, I have many resources that you can avail yourself of, it will make the job easier and safer... but not safe.

 

He waits for her to take it all in and she takes just a beat and then, lowering her voice, "You can trust me. People talk when I am around, but no one notices me."

 

He nods, imperceptibly, "In fact, the more time we spend together, the more in danger you will become - initially and chiefly by my bond-mate. She is a powerful and jealous woman."

 

She whispers, "I know... I have seen her work," ::Shudders::

 

He quickens his pace, "So, before we continue this conversation, will you help me? As you know, we are being watched... and if you are not with me, we just go our separate ways"

 

She lets a small smile slip, "I am yours."

 

He nods more firmly this time, "Alright then, let's turn this corner where the coverage drops for a moment. Take this transponder ::hands her a small device:: And now, I truly apologize for this, but we must begin this working relationship carefully... I need you to kiss me." He stops in the hall and turns toward her.

 

She holds still expecting some kind of pain, then opens her eyes, "Pardon?"

 

He stares at her, his eyes burning with intensity and she turns and kisses him. He then pushes her away roughly and slaps her hard, with the back of his hand, sending her sprawling to the floor.

 

She falls back hard and stammers, "sorry."

 

He looks down at her with a sneer, "You forget yourself, Commander!!" He strides away from her.

 

She is still down on the deck and, looking to the wall, she whispers, "Nice kiss."