Imperial Officer/Loving Husband
An Old Enemy Returns
Charles | Captain’s Quarters | Stryker II:
He felt her hands on his shoulders, their touch melting the tension away. He picked up his head swiveling the chair around to face her. Her expression was soft. Not the composed diplomatic bearing she wore in public, something quieter, something she kept only for him. Her green hazel eyes were warm and steady, the specific look of someone who was entirely present and entirely his.
“It’s him, isn't it.” she said quietly, leaning over so their faces were on the same level.
They made eye contact.
She cupped his face in her hands.
He pulled back slightly. He needed to say it out loud. He needed her to hear it.
“He was given Velar,” he said. His voice was flat but icy. It was the most control he could manage for now. “As a reward. After Harrun IV. The NIO gave him a planet full of people and he killed most of them.”
She said nothing. She kept her hands on his face and let him talk.
“Banks died in a corridor on the Relentless because Ostell ignored the intelligence reports. Ignored the objections. Launched the assault anyway.” He paused, imagining the arrogant look he must have had. “...And his reward was a paradise.”
He wanted to punch something. He knew his expression was slipping…and for once, he let it.
“He wrote in his report that it was unexpected enemy strength,” he snarled. “He lied. That bastard wrote a lie in an official report and walked away scott-free. No. He was rewarded for it!”
He slammed his fist against his knee.
“I promised myself I would avenge Banks.” He finished quietly. “That man is responsible for his death, I will see to it that he dies.”
She didn't flinch.
She moved closer instead. “I remember.” she said softly, kissing his forehead. She stood up.
“Get up,” she said gently.
He obliged.
She brought his forehead to hers.
“We will get him,” she said quietly. “Together.”
He hugged her tight.
She hugged him back.
They stayed like that for a while.