DISCLAIMER: I OWN NOTHING!

I only wrote this story because Supreme Commander Fowler Birdy and Doctor Katherine "Kat" Manx are my two favorite characters and I really think they'd make a great (though highly unexpected) couple. Feedback is more than welcome. I hope you all enjoy.

…..

The last person Doctor Katherine Manx expected to see when she walked into the SPD Earth Base Command Center was Supreme Commander Fowler Birdy. The hawk-faced alien had made himself quite comfortable in Commander Anubis "Doggie" Cruger's chair. Kat met his obsidian brown stare with her own emerald green gaze, refusing to flinch beneath his ever-present scrutiny.

"Supreme Commander Birdy, I…what are you doing here?"

"When Anubis informed me his wife was in labor, I knew his Sirian instincts would kick in, forcing him and Isenia to seek out a safe quiet place for her to give birth. He asked me weeks ago to appoint someone to serve as commander of the earth base for the duration of his absence, but with so many of our best officers already preoccupied out in the field and B-squad's current lack of a fifth ranger, I took it upon myself to assume the responsibility."

"That's very considerate of you," Kat noted, assuming her usual place beside the control panel. "I'm sure Commander Cruger is very appreciative."

"Come now Dr. Manx," Birdy persisted, "I know that you and Cruger don't particularly care for my methods, yet as much of an overstuffed pelican as I am…surely you and I can find some common ground over the next four weeks."

A month?

Kat sucked in her bottom lip, biting it to keep herself from groaning out loud; knowing doing so would only cause more friction in their already strained relationship—not that anyone could really call it that. They'd fought by each other's side during the final confrontation with Emperor Grumn and his trubian empire, and he'd offered her a one hour morpher once to help the B-squad combat an old colleague of hers, but his frigid disposition and reputation as a strict totalitarian was quite vexing, especially when it came to his enduring rivalry with Commander Cruger whose competence he'd questioned on more than one occasion.

"Can I be honest sir?"

"By all means Dr. Manx, if we're going cohabitate alongside one another for any length of time, it is of the upmost importance that we communicate freely and honestly."

"In that case," Kat replied, "You're right. I don't relish your condescending attitude or your derisiveness toward Doggie. I have no idea what it is about our commander that has your feathers so ruffled, and to be honest, I don't care. If we're going to work together, you need to view me as an equal, not a subordinate."

The Supreme Commander seemed more than a little stunned by her candor. If Doggie Cruger had voiced such an adverse opinion, Birdy would've erupted into a rage and dismissed him from his duties. Much to Kat's surprise, he kept his composure, clearing his throat.

"I understand your derision, Dr. Manx. However, I ask that you set your personal feelings aside. Earth must be our first priority at all times. I will treat you with the upmost respect so long as you are willing to do the same for me."

"I can do that," Kat conceded.

"Now that we have that squared away," Birdy said, leaning forward to examine one of the monitors. "I have a favor to ask of you, Dr. Manx."

"Please, Supreme Commander Birdy, just call me Kat."

"Very well," he concurred, "I need your help, Kat. There is a charity ball at the Newtech City Banquet Hall and several of SPD's wealthiest benefactors will be in attendance. Anubis, as you well know, is usually the one who represents us for such events, but he cannot be there, and with Sergeant Silverback training a new group of cadets, I must attend on behalf of the academy. Unfortunately, the ball requires a plus one."

"You want me to attend the ball with you," Kat realized.

"As a show of unity on behalf of Space Patrol Delta," he simplified, "You are the chief weapons designer, and as such, I can think of no one better suited to the task."

Kat wasn't sure what to say. She knew Birdy respected her, and despite his overbearing personality, she held him in high regards—perhaps not as high as Doggie, but she still respected him. "I'll gladly attend the ball, Supreme Commander, anything to benefit SPD."

"Very good," Birdy's voice took on a no-nonsense tone, "Now…the occasion is formal, so you'll need to acquire something suitable to wear."

"I have just the thing," she assured him.

Kat gathered her electronic clipboard and headed for the door. She had work to do in her lab and knew from firsthand experience that leaving Boom to his own devices was never a good idea, especially when explosive chemicals and multicolored wires were involved. She was halfway out the door when Birdy called out. Kat turned.

"Yes, Supreme Commander?"

"Call me Fowler," he ordered, taking a seat at Cruger's desk.

His words caught her off guard. Kat blinked. "Yes sir."