Malavai Quinn cursed himself as he hurried to the bridge. The Sith investigator arrived earlier than expected, so he had to hurriedly put the finishing touches on his presentation. Now he was running late, which was not a good way to make an impression. Sith terrified him, as they do all officers. The only Sith he had not feared was Soarise, and he had certainly flubbed up with her. After she saved his career from wallowing on Balmorra a year ago, he had spent many a sleepless nights replaying their final moments together.

Of course, in his imagination, he did not drunkenly kiss her, but was rather suave and in charge, wooing her instead. If he made a list of his ten worst moments of his career, that would take the top three spots. Not that it was bad kiss, but she easily should have either killed or maimed him, not give his superiors a life-saving promotion like she did.

Now, here he was, about to deal with another Sith. Ideally, he won't kiss this one, but apparently that was something he'd have to watch out for. Practically running, he hopped onto the lift to the bridge. Tucking the portfolio under his arm, he took a moment to compose himself, smoothing out his collar and jacket. He took a deep, calming breath. There was a slight hint of perfume in the air from whoever last rode the lift. It smelled vaguely familiar, but he couldn't place it.

The lift dinged as it reached the bridge. Nervous, he waited for the doors to slide open. Stars, the Sith racked his nerves and he hadn't met this one yet. The doors finally opened.

There, on the bridge, stood Soarise, looking just as elegantly beautiful as she did on Balmorra.

Malavai's entire nervous system went into shock as she looked over at him. Her eyes lit up with recognition, though her face was smooth. He felt his heart go into palpitations as if icy water was flung over him. Without thinking, he jammed his thumb into the lift's control pad, slamming the door back shut.

Hiding in the lift, he wasn't sure if he should cry, vomit, or run away and retire. Never in a million years did he expect to see her again. Bracing himself against the wall, he took quick deep breaths. Of course, it was her perfume he had smelled. How could he have not recognized that?

"Steady, Quinn, get a hold of yourself. You're an Imperial officer, not a schoolboy!" He scolded himself, pinching his trembling wrist. Holding the portfolio in one hand, he shakily pressed the open button of the lift. He could be composed about this, really he could. He was a commander, he could handle a fleet of enemy ships any day. Certainly he could handle a single woman.

Admiral Serv chuckled at him as the door opened, "What happened there, Quinn?" He asked.

"Door must have malfunctioned," He replied calmly, "We'll have to get maintenance to look at it,"

"Huh. Alright, Elvriss, put in a request for that," Serv said to the Chiss woman, who nodded and went to the intercom console, "Captain Quinn, this is Lord Grae, the Sith investigator,"

"Ah, we've met before," Malavai said, not looking at her. His face was burning hot and he was certain if he looked at her, he would melt.

"Yes, Captain Quinn assisted me on a similar investigation a year or so ago," Soarise said, her voice as silky as he remembered, sending shivers up his spine. Keep it together, he warned himself, finally looking at her.

Up close, with her dark eyelashes and soft skin, he felt his knees tremble. She watched him, a faint grin on the edge of her lips. Fool, she could probably sense his emotions from a mile away.

"It's good to see you, again, my lord," He bowed to her, keeping his eyes locked on either her left ear or the floor. If he looked anywhere else, he possibly would lose control.

"I'm pleased as well, Captain,"

Elvriss stepped in, "Excuse me, but are you well, Captain?" She asked, not in a caring way, but just to draw attention to his obvious ire.

"Yes, quite fine," He replied curtly, "Just must have eaten something wrong in the mess hall,"

"Oh, yes, I told you not to eat that burrito dish," Serv said, clapping his hand roughly on his shoulder, "You'll likely be blowing it out both ends tonight. What's spicy going in is spicy going out,"

Soarise's companion, a Rutian Twi'lek, chuckled, "Gross!"

Malavai calculated what the chances of a black hole suddenly appearing and swallowing him were.

"Then we'd better get this briefing going before the Captain spews," Serv said.

He caught Soarise's amused face watching him. Not high enough, he lamented silently.