Duty and Distance

Posted on 2025, Thu Sep 18th, @ 9:56am by Major Alexander Stroud & Civilian Queen Kaitaama XII

564 words; about a 3 minute read

Mission: Episode 1: Shadows Over Krios - USS Vigilance
Location: Krios Prime – Royal Palace Grounds, Security Command Post
Timeline: Two days after Kaitaama’s full imprinting
Tags: Krios Prime, Princess Kaitaama, Major Stroud, USS Vigilance, Marines, Security Detail, Royal Duties, Imprinting, Slow-Burn Romance, Duty vs Desire, Professionalism, Archer Reference, 2402

The royal palace grounds bustled with quiet efficiency. Marines in Starfleet armor patrolled the perimeter, blending with Kriosian Honor Guards in polished ceremonial gear. The dual presence was both a deterrent and a reassurance — a reminder that the Vigilance had pledged itself to the safety of Princess Kaitaama XII.

Major Alexander Stroud stood at the central security post, reviewing reports streaming across the tactical holo-display. His jaw was set, his focus unyielding as he scrolled through perimeter scans and sentry schedules. Yet, beneath the hardened exterior, a quiet awareness simmered — he knew she was approaching before the guards even announced her.

“Status report, Major,” Princess Kaitaama said with regal composure as she entered, dressed in flowing silks that carried both the weight of her heritage and the allure of her presence.

Stroud didn’t look up immediately — discipline first, emotions second. “All perimeter patrols are green. No anomalous readings on the northern border. I’ve rotated a fresh squad to the eastern watchtower — increased visibility during the festival preparations.” He paused, then glanced up at her. For the briefest moment, their eyes met, and the world seemed to slow. He forced himself back to formality. “Your Highness.”

Her lips curved, just slightly. “That’s twice today you’ve called me that.”

He cleared his throat, folding his hands behind his back. “It’s protocol, Princess. My duty requires—”

“My name is Kaitaama,” she interrupted softly, but firmly, stepping closer. The room quieted — even the guards seemed to instinctively withdraw to give them privacy. “And I would prefer you use it.”

Stroud exhaled slowly, caught between the rigid boundaries of his Marine discipline and the undeniable pull of her imprint on his soul. “Kaitaama,” he said finally, the word careful, reverent — as though speaking it aloud could undo years of walls he had built around himself.

Her expression softened, pleased. She leaned just slightly toward him, lowering her voice so only he could hear. “Do you know the story of my ancestor, the first Kaitaama, who once traveled with your Captain Archer?”

Stroud’s brow furrowed, intrigued despite himself. “I’ve read the records. She was… spirited. Independent.”

“She was also stubborn,” Kaitaama replied with a smile, recalling the tale. “She met a man — Commander Trip Tucker. He wasn’t royalty, wasn’t bound by protocol or duty to her. Yet somehow, she found herself… drawn to him. Despite differences, despite danger, they connected. A bond no title could diminish.”

The unspoken message lingered between them. Stroud’s gaze held hers, and for a fleeting second, the Marine in him faltered, replaced by the man who had lain awake beside her only nights ago.

But he forced his shoulders back, voice level. “We’re not here to repeat history. My orders are clear: keep you safe, maintain professionalism.”

“And what if history insists on repeating itself?” she countered softly, her eyes searching his.

Silence hung heavy, charged with unspoken longing. Finally, Stroud turned back to the tactical display, breaking the moment. “Then… we adapt. Carefully.”

Yet as she lingered at his side, close enough that he could feel the warmth of her presence, Stroud knew his resolve was on borrowed time. Duty bound him, but something deeper — something far stronger — pulled at him, piece by piece.

And though neither spoke it aloud, both knew the truth: the line between duty and desire was already blurring.

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