Class: Sith Warrior

When: Taris

Maevry had to concentrate to keep her hands from shaking. She had been close to death before, but never like this. Never at the mercy of a computer.

General Minsk didn't stir from his stupor. "Is other one secure?" Maevry asked, looking down at Quinn, who handcuffed the man for transport.

"Yes, my lord," Quinn said, standing then straightening his uniform jacket.

Maevry didn't think she imagined the slight tremor in his voice. His usual unflappable demeanor seemed off kilter somewhat and Maevry understood he had been just as affected as she was. He must be. How else would he have ever said what he said?

I believe you know how I feel about you, my lord.

And that was the crux of the problem. She did know. She knew he cared about her a great deal. Every look, every word told her how much he cared about her. Yet he continued to deny his passion, holding everything back.

"I hear the evacuation squad," Quinn said, looking at the door entrance.

"Good," Maevry said, placing her hand on her lightsaber. She needed to feel its heft in her hands, to feel in control of something once again. "I want to see if there's been any news on the search for General Durant."

The squad came marching in and took over quickly, Quinn explaining what was to be done with Minsk to the squad leader. Together, she and Quinn left the room, him by her side instead of a few steps behind as was his custom.

The moment they turned the corner and were out of sight, Maevry let out a gasp of surprise as Quinn pushed her up against the wall, his hands at her waist.

Finally, Maevry thought desperately, her entire body ready to cry out in triumph. Her fingers gripped the front of his uniform jacket, trying to bring him as close as possible. Stars, how she could drink him up right now.

Their eyes met, and Maevry sense an electricity between them. His gloved hand caressed her cheek and Maevry leaned into his touch. "My lord," he said.

His voice was low and thrilled Maevry to no end. She had never once heard those words from his lips sound more appealing. It took every effort not to wrap her arms around his neck and kiss him madly. But for this, their first kiss, he must make the move. She had to be absolutely certain that this was something that he wanted as much as she did.

Before he could bring his lips to hers, Maevry's holocom beeped, using the emergency channel. Quinn stepped back at once, leaving Maevry bereft of his warmth and she cursed whoever it was on the other end.

Pierce. Of course.

She listened to the lieutenant carefully, sensing him through the Force. Pierce was a rare breed of soldier, completely committed to the cause. As she reached out, she also took a moment to evaluate Quinn.

That brief, shining flare of passion she felt from him had completely disappeared, leaving only the cool, calm presence she had grown used to by her side. She could feel him turning in on himself and away from her. To come so close, only to have it ripped away… Maevry wanted to stamp her foot in the frustration of it all.

The call ended and as Maevry put away her holocom, Quinn said, his voice brisk, "We best make haste to Lieutenant Pierce, my lord."

Maevry nodded. She was not about to let good soldiers die while she dealt with her love life. They could talk on the way. Spinning on her heel, she started to walk out of the chemical plant, hearing the surefooted step of Quinn right behind her.

She didn't speak until they were outside. Maevry took a deep breath, trying to think of what a beautiful world Taris must have been at some point. The sky above her filled with stars and even the humidity couldn't keep her from enjoying the night air.

"It's not far," Quinn said. "We can pick up two speeders at the next outpost for the remainder of the journey."

"If you say," Maevry said, starting to walk. She set a quick pace, not wanting to waste time. Almost a minute of silence passed before the words burst out. "Did you mean what you said?"

His shoulders tensed and she saw his hands curl into fists. He did not break stride, however. She would never expect him to. "Even if I did, I should not have said it."

Again the urge to put her hands on hips and stamp her foot overwhelmed her. She would not appear childish in front of Quinn. Not when she knew the difference in their ages already concerned him. "Why?" she asked through gritted teeth. "If that's how you truly feel…"

"We are in the middle of a mission, my lord," he said, looking resolutely ahead. "Surely now is not the most opportune time to discuss the matter."

She took a deep breath and let go of the tension riding in her shoulders. Quinn looked like he was spoiling for a fight. Perhaps that's what he wanted, an excuse to change his mind and shut himself away from her forever. Well, she was not about to give him one. Sounding perfectly calm, Maevry said, "You're right, of course, Captain."

His eyes widened a bit in shock and Maevry felt her lips twist into a smirk. Not what you expected, Captain, was it?

A comfortable silence fell between them as they entered the outpost. As Maevry sat down and started her speeder, she said, "Just as long as you realize, Captain, at that some point, we will be discussing the matter."

Maevry gave herself only a moment to appreciate the way his cheek's reddened and his sharp intake of breath before riding off.

They did have a mission to complete, after all.