The Devil You Know (part 1)

Posted on Wed Oct 31st, 2012 @ 12:48pm by Admiral Kathryn Burke & Admiral Maximilian 'Max' Hunter
Edited on on Wed Oct 31st, 2012 @ 12:53pm

966 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: The Enemy Within: Lying in Wait
Location: Athena Shipyards, Typhon

ON

Admiral Kathryn Burke walked into her office after a long day dealing with FNN correspondents, irate Admiralty and desperate family. It was days like this she almost wished she'd retired to a small wooded planet somewhere. But in reality she loved her job. Most of the time.

Millie had gone home hours ago, but Kathryn still had paperwork she needed to finish before retiring for the night. But the rate things were going, it would be tomorrow before she finished.

As soon as the door to her office closed she slipped out of her shoes and sighed in relief at the feel of her thick carpet. Now for a drink and a few minutes of Mozart before starting the day's reports. "Computer, play Mozart, any selection, low volume."

The soft strains of a symphony began to fill the room as she dropped her shoes beside her couch and padded over to the replicator. "Hot chocolate, whipped cream and a turkey and cheese croissant sandwich number three."

The lights were on low, but that suited her mood and the music. After she ate, she'd turn them up. Maybe.

"You should really see about updating your security." A voice came from a chair next to the main door. Maximilian Hunter, or Max as he has come to be known by in the Admiralty, slowly stood up from the chair. He had on a black suit and long overcoat. As she noticed him, he gave her a smile and walked slowly over to her. "Hello Kathryn, been a while. Hasn't it?"

He stopped in front of her desk and looked around the office before focusing his eyes back to hers. "Last time I saw you..." Max smirked as he took a step toward her and stopped suddenly. "It was at the Conference back on Earth. You were straightening out one of the high ups in regards to orders that were neglected to be followed." He laughed slightly and smiled, putting his hands behind his back. "And I.... I was sneaking out of the whole thing all together."

Kathryn was glad she hadn't taken her food from the replicator or she would have dropped it. She spun around, startled. "Max." The man was dangerous. "My security is fine for anyone who doesn't have the clearance of Covert Ops and the morals of James Bond."

"I would have called, but then I would have missed the look on your face when you realize your in the safest hands in Starfleet and can do what you often don't get to." Max smile as he reached into his pockets and took a step to her. "Thats let your guard down." He let out a slight laughed and cleared his throat a bit as he pulled out a long rectangular box. "I brought you a gift. Something from Paris. Just the way you like it. Classic Earth jewelry from the 1900's thats hard to find."

He slowly brought his hands up, opened the box so that she could see it. It was a necklace with a gold pendent, with embedded diamonds that made a letter 'K' that shimmered slightly. "But for someone who has the clearance of Covert Ops and the morals of James Bond, it wasn't as had as you would think." Max added a smile as he took it out of the box and let the light it just right. "If you turn around, I would love to put it on you and see how it looks."

Kathryn's first reaction was to say no. Starfleet Admirals did NOT accept gifts. But, much as she tried to resist, she had a soft spot for the rogue. She didn't trust him as far as she could throw him, but she found herself turning around, keeping one eye on him through the reflection off her viewscreen.

"I would never use the word "safe" around you, Max."

Max smiled as he took a step forward, moving his arms over her head, unlocked the clasp of the necklace and bringing it over, letting the pendant fall on her chest. He raised it up slightly as he fastened the necklace in place and let it hand down. With a smile and a gentle look he looked over into the reflection and locked eyes with her again. "Beautiful, as always. However, without you its just metal and glass." He whispered softly and rested his hands on her shoulders.

She stared back at him for several seconds, then took a deep breath and stepped away, turning to face him. "What do you want this time?" she asked. She immediately regretted the words, but she wasn't going to show him any weakness. He always had multiple hands in play. He may act like he simply wanted to see her, but she was sure there was more to it. He wanted something from her.

"What?" Max smiled as he raised his hands a bit. "I just got back from an assignment. Thought you would be up for some company and a late night dinner that didn't involve cheese and turkey."

Of course she was right. Admiral Burke knew Max a lot better then the other admirals he worked with. With them he always played it close to the vest, but with her he always let his guard down. He wanted something, but he wasn't going to bring it up just yet. When it came to her, it was always pleasure before business and it was always a pleasure to see her.

"Can't an old friend stop by and see another old friend?" He questioned as he put his hands back in his pockets. "Do you think that little of me?"

(To be continued...)

Admiral Kathryn Burke
Commander, Theta Fleet

Admiral Maximilian Hunter
SFI Special Ops

 

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