First Assignment: Personal Security

Posted on 2025, Thu Sep 18th, @ 8:21am by Major Alexander Stroud & Civilian Queen Kaitaama XII

577 words; about a 3 minute read

Mission: Episode 1: Shadows Over Krios - USS Vigilance
Location: Krios Prime – Palace Grounds, Observation Suite
Timeline: First day of Princess Kaitaama’s dedicated Marine assignment
Tags: Krios Prime, USS Vigilance, Princess Kaitaama, Major Stroud, Marine Detachment, Personal Security, First Meeting, Imprinting, Subtle Attraction, Professionalism, 2402

The doors of the observation suite slid open with a quiet hiss, and Major Alexander Stroud stepped inside, his boots clicking softly against the polished floor. His uniform was immaculate, his posture rigid, and his gaze sweeping the room with the precision of a seasoned Marine. Every muscle seemed to radiate discipline — trained, alert, prepared.

“Major Stroud,” a soft, calm voice greeted him. Princess Kaitaama Lothar rose from her seat, her regal posture commanding yet approachable. Her eyes, deep and observant, held a spark of curiosity as they met his.

“Princess Kaitaama,” Stroud responded, voice firm but neutral, bowing his head slightly. “It is an honor to be assigned to your security detail. I will ensure your safety with utmost diligence.”

She gave a faint nod, studying him for a moment. “I appreciate your dedication, Major. I trust you understand the need for discretion and professionalism.”

“I do, Princess,” he said, stepping closer but keeping a careful distance. His eyes lingered for just a fraction too long on her face, noting the subtle grace in her movements, the quiet authority in her demeanor. A fleeting pull in his chest, a warmth he couldn’t entirely explain, threatened to distract him — but he shook it off immediately. Focus, he reminded himself. Professional first.

Lyra Denar had briefed the Princess on the imprinting risk, but Stroud had no idea of the subtle neurological triggers at play. Yet instinctively, he felt something unusual — a connection, almost magnetic, that went beyond simple duty. He pressed it down, suppressing the stirrings in his chest. His discipline would not be compromised by fleeting emotions.

Princess Kaitaama extended a hand gracefully. “Shall we review the perimeter routes and palace security protocols together?”

“Certainly, Princess,” he replied, taking a tactical stance beside her as they moved toward the holographic display. Stroud’s mind was a storm of analysis and calculation, yet beneath the armor of focus, a quiet awareness persisted — something about her made his pulse quicken. Something in the Princess’ presence demanded attention, yet he would not yield to it.

As they examined the layout, discussing potential threats and contingencies, Stroud’s gaze occasionally flickered to her, noting every subtle gesture, every shift in posture. The pull remained, faint but undeniable. He clenched his jaw slightly, a mental reminder: This is security. Nothing more.

The Princess, for her part, seemed entirely unaware of the effect she had on him. Her focus remained on the mission, on the safety protocols, on maintaining control of the palace grounds. Yet Stroud sensed that this first meeting was already establishing a subtle bond — one he would have to navigate carefully, suppressing what he felt in order to uphold his duty.

Hours passed in review, simulations, and strategy discussions. By the time the session ended, Major Stroud had cataloged every potential vulnerability, every tactical option. And yet, even with all the data at hand, he could not deny the lingering awareness of her presence, the slight acceleration of his heartbeat whenever her eyes met his — a silent acknowledgment of attraction, buried beneath layers of professional discipline.

He stepped back, giving her space. “Your safety is my responsibility, Princess. That will not falter,” he said firmly, even as a quiet part of him whispered otherwise.

She inclined her head once more, acknowledging him. “I will hold you to that, Major. Thank you.”

Stroud offered a brief nod, a soldier’s mask firmly in place. Discipline first. Everything else comes later.

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