Part 7
Maggie kept her eyes down and focused on the steel grated floor beneath her feet. Preparing herself for Maxson's onslaught. Tonight had been such a whirlwind of emotions already that she wasn't sure she could deal with his stern gaze and harsh words at the moment. She had hoped to avoid him until morning at the very least. Though it truth she had been avoiding this for two weeks. However she couldn't hide behind Victor and RJ anymore.
The Elder stood with his back to her, facing the large window of the command deck that overlooked the Commonwealth. He was taking a few moments to collect himself before he faced her. He was thrilled when she had returned unharmed but when he seen her there tucked tightly against his friend's chest he felt his anger return in full force. His most resent times with her flashing before his mind.
Her crying over Danse's injured form. Running off into the night, sick and in need of aid after just returning from the Glowing Sea. The way Danse held her close after stating they were no more then close friends…
The fear in her eyes when he left her in the Medbay, then again just moments ago in the repair bay.
His fury was pushed away by the guilt that bobbled up within him at remembering that look in her eyes. A look that he had caused. He had to set things right between them.
However, he also had a duty to his title. She had taken off without orders and had to be held accountable. He sighed, hating himself for being a figurehead and not for being the man he wanted to be.
"Knight Reese." He began in a shallow, steady tone. "You defied orders and left the Prydwen. This was unauthorized and irresponsible." He turned to face her, hands clasped tightly behind his back. Her gaze snapped to his and she went to speak but he stopped her. "Don't try and defend yourself, you're lack of obedience and clear disregard for the chain of command is unacceptable and for that you should be stripped of your rank and privileges."
Maggie's steely eyes fell to her feet. He could see her trembling with pent up emotions but she held herself together well. "I understand." She finally mumbled after a long moment. Maxson swallowed hard at seeing this side of her. He watched her hands at her side slowly clench into tight fists. "I'm sorry."
Arthur was torn, he knew he should follow through with his threat but he couldn't bring himself to do it. He licked his lips slowly, his mouth running dry at seeing her so broken. Carefully he stepped towards her, stopping only a foot from her. He lifted his hand, preparing to rest it against her shoulder but unable to bring himself to initiate the contact. Carefully she lifted her eyes to his. He found himself frozen, his hand inches from her. He swallowed his words, them suddenly caught in his throat. He dropped his hand and once clasped them behind his back but he refused to be the one to break her gaze. "However," he paused, wetting his lips, "You did manage to recover the documents we require to further our campaign, and for that I commend you."
A brilliant smile slowly spread across Maggie's face at his words. Her eyes sparkled and her white teeth cut perfect, sharp angles in contrast against the pale, plump lips that framed them. Maxson felt his heart speed up at the sight. He took a deep breath in through his nose to try and calm his racing heart before he continued. "That being said, a less strict punishment is in order. Over the next couple weeks you will be confided to base and be Ingram's eyes, ears, and legs on this project until further notice . She says jump, you jump. Understand?"
She nodded, "Yes sir." Her smile faltered for a moment and she finally dropped his gaze, biting her lower lip to hold back the cheeky grin her smile was shifting to. "You sure you don't want me to ask her 'how high?' first?"
"I'm the only one that can tell you that." The words slipped from his lips with a shy smile before he could stop himself. Her eyes snapped back to his face and he quickly returned to him poker face as she fought back a giggle. His hands twisted and gripped on another tight behind his back as her internally cursed himself. He had just flirted with the Knight, poorly, but flirted all the same before he could stop himself. He clenched and unclenched his jaw a few times to try and keep a professional look instead of letting his lips bob like some imbecile fish. Finally, unable to come up with a way to save himself from this… embarrassment, he turned from her and returned to his place before the window. "Dismissed."
