Tension Under Fire

Posted on 2025, Thu Sep 18th, @ 9:54am by Major Alexander Stroud & Civilian Queen Kaitaama XII

626 words; about a 3 minute read

Mission: Episode 1: Shadows Over Krios - USS Vigilance
Location: Krios Prime – Palace Perimeter
Timeline: Nine days into Major Stroud’s assignment
Tags: Krios Prime, Princess Kaitaama, Major Stroud, USS Vigilance, Marine Detachment, Personal Security, Slow-Burn Romance, Mutual Attraction, Subtle Imprinting, Training Drills, Professionalism, Playful Boundary Testing, Close Quarters, 2402

The evening air carried a faint chill as the last rays of Krios Prime’s sun glinted off the palace walls. Princess Kaitaama and Major Alexander Stroud were conducting a routine perimeter sweep along the cliffside gardens, a quieter, more private path than the bustling training grounds. The sky was streaked with orange and purple, a perfect illusion of calm — though Stroud’s senses remained razor-sharp.

“Kaitaama, the eastern ridge shows irregular thermal readings,” Stroud said quietly, hand resting on the PADD clipped to his belt. “Could be a wildlife anomaly, but I recommend a closer inspection.”

“I trust your instincts, Major,” Kaitaama replied, stepping a little closer than strictly necessary, letting her hand brush the railing beside her. There was a teasing glint in her eye, one that made his chest tighten. Stay focused. Discipline first.

Before Stroud could respond, a sudden movement near the cliff’s edge drew both their attention. A group of automated surveillance drones had malfunctioned, spinning erratically and creating a potential hazard along the perimeter.

“Move back!” Stroud barked, immediately taking a defensive stance. He stepped between her and the drones, calculating their trajectory in seconds.

“I’ve got this, Stroud!” Kaitaama called, moving forward with unexpected speed. Stroud’s eyes narrowed — instinct screamed that her safety was paramount — but she had already reached a stabilizing control panel near the edge. With a deft touch, she deactivated the malfunctioning units.

The moment she straightened, the wind shifted, and she stumbled slightly. Stroud reacted instantly, catching her arm and pressing her safely against his chest for a heartbeat longer than necessary. Their eyes met — hers wide with surprise, his sharp and unwavering, though the slight catch in his breath betrayed the moment’s effect.

“You’re… reckless,” he said, voice low, trying to keep the tension in check.

“Or maybe I just like seeing you in action,” she murmured, a playful smirk tugging at her lips. The words lingered between them, teasing, a spark that neither could ignore.

Stroud’s jaw clenched imperceptibly. Professionalism first. “Kaitaama, the perimeter is secure now. Let’s return to the palace before another anomaly arises.”

“Of course, Major,” she replied, stepping back gracefully. Yet as they walked, she let her hand lightly brush his arm — not enough to break protocol, but enough to test boundaries. “You know, I think calling me ‘Princess’ sometimes keeps us too distant. What do you say we continue as… Kaitaama?”

Stroud’s chest tightened again. Focus. Discipline. “Very well,” he said, his voice steady, though his mind spun. Focus on perimeter, not… this.

The walk back was quiet, yet charged. Kaitaama stole glances at him, noting the subtle tightening of his jaw, the way his eyes scanned the horizon even while he walked beside her. She couldn’t deny the stir of something dangerous yet thrilling in her chest — a connection that mirrored what she had read about the first Kaitaama and Trip, though different, more immediate, more pressing.

“You’re… infuriatingly disciplined,” she said softly, leaning slightly closer under the guise of examining a panel along the walkway. “I wonder if you ever let yourself just… feel something without overanalyzing it.”

Stroud’s gaze flicked to hers, his body taut, mind warring between discipline and the undeniable pull he felt. “I feel enough to maintain the mission,” he replied carefully, though the brief catch in his tone betrayed the truth.

Kaitaama smiled, a slow, knowing curve of her lips. “We’ll see how long you can hold that discipline around me, Major.”

The palace gates loomed ahead, a silent barrier between professional duty and the subtle, growing tension neither wanted to name aloud. Both felt it — a quiet, magnetic pull that promised both challenge and reward in equal measure.

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