#building clearance process

[luulapants]

Because the media seems incapable of saying it, I want everyone to know that what's happening in the federal government right now is a coup. They don't have legal authority to do this just because Trump is president. Elon was not elected, and neither he nor these college students he's working with have been vetted, background checked, or given security clearance. DOGE is not a real federal agency because it has not been approved by Congress.

They have forcibly overtaken the Office of Personnel Management by forcing out all staff who refused to give high security access to people without clearance. They plugged an unvetted external server into their computer systems for the purpose of accessing private data about 2.3 million federal workers. (For the record, if I was to plug a thumb drive into my work laptop, I'd be in deep shit.) They have given this information to parties who have already created hit lists of federal employees who have made social media posts they disagree with.

They have forcibly overtaken the Treasury by forcing out all staff who refused to give high security access to people without clearance. They have administrative access to the federal pay system, which is responsible for disbursing trillions - that's a thousand billion, btw - of dollars to all sorts of federal programs, including social security payments and tax refunds. This also gave them access to the personal information of anyone who has ever received money from the federal government.

They have dismantled USAID and are in the process of dismantling the Department of Education, including plans to take down studentloans.gov. They have breached the General Services Administration and now have access to building security plans for every federal building. These are agencies approved and established by Congress, and the executive branch does not have the authority to unmake them, let alone an extra-governmental actor like Elon Musk.

This is a coup.

[natsaffection]

Ohh an idea 💡 in my head and I know you are perfect to write this, basically reader is working at a company that is run by bad guys but doesn't know it, so natasha is sent on a mission to get close to her and gather Intel, so couple weeks pass and reader finds out in the most distraught way which causes her to end everything with Natasha but still have a good heart decides to give everything natasha needs to take down the company, (happy ending or sad ending either works) 💝

Showing everything. | N.R

Warnings: Just Angst?

Word count: 8,4k

A/n: I'm so grateful every time I finish a Ask that's been on my list for weeks. So thank you for your patience each time. 🫶🏼

You had always dreamed of finding a job where you could make a difference in the world, but you never thought it would come in the form of an elegant office in the heart of New York City. The building, a towering glass structure shimmering in the sunlight, housed one of the city's most prestigious companies. Kinetica Industries. They were known for their groundbreaking technology and humanitarian efforts, advancing medical equipment and energy supply that had revolutionized the industry. It was a dream job, almost impossible to turn down.

You stumbled upon the opportunity by chance. A late night scrolling through endless job listings led you to Kinetica's website. The company was looking for someone with your exact skills: data analysis and project management. The job description was vague but intriguing. Analyzing trends, managing large datasets, coordinating with various departments. It sounded challenging yet rewarding, the kind of opportunity you needed to prove yourself. The application process was quick, almost too quick. A few online assessments, a virtual interview with a charming man who headed your department, and within a week, you were offered the job. They said they were impressed by your resume, your background in bioinformatics, and your impeccable reputation. The salary was more than generous, with benefits that seemed almost too good to be true. But eager to start fresh and leave the stagnation of your previous job behind, you didn't question it further. You accepted immediately.

Your first day was a whirlwind of activity. The office itself was as impressive as the building's exterior. Elegant, modern, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a panoramic view of the city. The air buzzed with innovation, with teams of people tirelessly working on the next big thing. You were given a tour, introduced to your colleagues. Bright, motivated people who all seemed to share your enthusiasm for the work. Your role was exactly as described, but with a small twist. You were part of a special project they called "The Initiative." It involved collecting and analyzing data from various sources to create predictive models that could be used for everything from disease prevention to energy distribution. It sounded noble, and you were thrilled to be part of something that could change the world.

But as you settled into your new role, you couldn't help but notice the layers of secrecy surrounding certain aspects of your work. Some files were restricted, accessible only with special clearance. Occasionally, your requests for specific datasets were met with vague answers or outright refusal. But whenever doubts arose, you reminded yourself that every company had its secrets, especially one as influential as Kinetica.

Meanwhile, in a dimly lit office in the underground levels of S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters, Natasha Fury sat across from you, the tension in the air almost palpable. "Romanoff," Fury began, his single eye piercing through the twilight, "we have a problem. Kinetica Industries." Natasha leaned back in her chair, arms crossed. "The tech company? They've been on our radar for a while, haven't they?"

"They have." Fury confirmed. "But new intel suggests they're more than just a tech company. We believe they're a front for something far more dangerous. We suspect they're involved in illegal arms trading, possibly even human experimentation. But we need proof." Natasha nodded, understanding where this was going. "And that's where I come in."

"Exactly. We've identified someone on the inside, Y/N Y/L/N. She's new, only started about a week ago. As far as we can tell, she's clean. No criminal record, no ties to any organizations. She's the perfect target to infiltrate." Natasha leaned forward, studying the file Fury slid across the table. Your face stared back at her from the photo clipped to the top of the file, a bright smile, eyes full of hope. Natasha couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt, but she pushed it aside. This was a mission, and she had a job to do.

"What's the plan?" she asked, flipping through the file. "You'll go undercover as someone with a similar background, a data analyst, someone they might hire if the current employee doesn't work out. Your task is to gain her trust, find out what Y/n knows. If she's innocent, she might unknowingly be sitting on crucial information. If not.."

"I'll find out," Natasha finished, her voice cold and determined. Fury nodded, satisfied. "We need to act fast. Every day we wait is another day Kinetica could move their operations. I'm counting on you, Romanoff." Natasha stood up, tucking the file under her arm. "I won't let you down."

As she left Fury's office, her thoughts were already spinning with possibilities, strategies, and the cool detachment that came with every undercover mission. She knew this wouldn't be easy. You were innocent, or at least you seemed to be. But Natasha had learned the hard way that appearances could be deceiving. Her mission was clear: get close to you, gather the information, and expose Kinetica for what they really were. But as she prepared to step into your world, Natasha couldn't shake the feeling that this mission would become more complicated than she anticipated.

Your first weeks at Kinetica Industries were a whirlwind of new faces, complex datasets, and an overwhelming amount of information. You were slowly getting used to the office routine when you heard about the new hire. Natalie Rushman, as she was introduced, joined the team on a bright Monday morning. You first heard about her during the daily briefing. Your department head mentioned that Natalie was hired to assist with data analysis, given the increasing workload from "The Initiative."

"I want you to show her the ropes." Your boss said, his tone implying it was not a request. "She has a similar background to you, and I think you two will work well together." You nodded, trying to hide the concern you felt about being responsible for training someone so soon after starting yourself. You hadn't fully mastered your own tasks yet, and now you were supposed to mentor someone else? But you forced a smile and agreed, hoping that Natalie would be as easygoing as she seemed in her brief introduction.

It wasn't until later in the morning that you finally met her. You were in the office kitchen, struggling with the intricate espresso machine that seemed designed to torment anyone who wasn't a seasoned barista. You had managed to spill coffee grounds everywhere when you heard someone clear their throat behind you.

You turned around and saw Natalie standing there, a slight smile on her lips. Her red hair was tied back in a neat ponytail, and she wore a white blouse and tailored black pants that made her look effortlessly professional. "Need some help?" Natalie asked, her voice warm and slightly amused. You laughed, embarrassed to be caught in the middle of your coffee disaster. "I think this machine was designed by someone who hates caffeine addicts."

Natalie stepped forward, gently nudging you aside. "Mind if I give it a try? I've had my fair share of battles with these things."

"Be my guest." you replied gratefully, stepping back. Natalie moved with practiced ease, quickly coaxing the machine into cooperation and brewing two perfect cups of espresso. She handed you one, which you accepted with a wide grin. "You're a lifesaver." you said, taking a sip. The coffee was perfectm. Rich, smooth, and exactly what you needed to get through the rest of the day. "I'm Y/n, by the way. I'm supposed to show you around today."

"Natalie." she replied, her smile deepening. "And I appreciate the help. The first days are always a bit overwhelming."

"Don't I know it.." you said, rolling your eyes playfully. "I'm still trying to figure out where half the supplies are kept around here." Natalie laughed, a genuine but slightly guarded sound, as if she was still feeling out her new environment. "I'm sure we'll figure it out together. So, what exactly are we working on?" You began explaining the project to her, giving her an overview of "The Initiative" and what your roles would be. As you spoke, you noticed that Natalie was a good listener, nodding at the right moments and asking insightful questions. It was clear she knew what she was talking about, and you felt a little more at ease, knowing you weren't dealing with a complete novice.

"So," Natalie said as you walked back to the office with your coffees in hand, "what made you decide to work here?" You shrugged, trying to put your thoughts into words. "I guess I wanted to be part of something bigger, you know? Kinetica is doing some amazing things..or at least that's what they tell us. It's nice to think that the work we're doing here might actually make a difference."

Natalie nodded thoughtfully, as if considering her own reasons for being here. "I can understand that. It's nice to feel like what you're doing matters." You arrived at your desk, which was temporarily doubling as Natalie's workspace until hers was ready. You showed her how to log into the system, where to find the files she needed, and how to navigate the company's complex database. As you worked together, you noticed how quickly Natalie picked everything up. She seemed almost too proficient, as if she knew the system better than someone on their first day should. But you brushed the thought aside, some people were just quick learners, you thought.

The day passed smoothly, with the two of you working side by side and getting to know each other in small increments between tasks. Natalie was friendly but reserved, sharing just enough about herself to seem open without giving too much away. You found that you liked your new colleague, appreciating her calm demeanor and quick mind.

By the end of the day, you had made significant progress on your tasks, and you were starting to feel a sense of camaraderie with Natalie. As you prepared to leave, you turned to her with a smile. “Thanks for today, Natalie. You made my job a lot easier.” Natalie returned the smile, her green eyes sparkling in the fading daylight. “The feeling is mutual. I think we’re going to make a great team.” You nodded, feeling a warmth in your chest that you hadn’t expected. Maybe this new job wouldn’t be so overwhelming after all..

In the weeks that followed, the bond between you and Natalie deepened, evolving from a close friendship into something more intense, something charged. There was a tension between you that neither of you could ignore, a pull that grew stronger with every shared glance, every lingering touch. You had danced around your feelings for each other for a while, but the unspoken words were becoming harder to bear.

One evening, after another long day at the office, you found yourselves alone in the break room once again. The city lights cast a soft glow through the windows, the hum of the air conditioning the only sound breaking the silence. You sat closer than usual, your shoulders touching as you picked at the remnants of a shared dinner. Your heart raced, the proximity making it difficult to focus on anything other than the warmth of Natalie’s body next to yours.

“Natalie..” you began hesitantly, “I need to tell you something.” Natalie looked up from her food, her green eyes locking onto yours with an intensity that took your breath away. “What is it?”

You took a deep breath, gathering your courage. “I..I’ve been trying to understand these feelings I have for you.. I never thought I’d feel this way about someone I work with, but I can’t keep pretending it’s not there. I care about you, Natalie. More than just as a friend.” The words hung heavy in the air between you, filled with the weight of their honesty. You watched Natalie closely, searching her face for any sign of rejection or discomfort. But what you saw instead was a softening in her expression, a warmth that she hadn’t fully shown before.

“Y/n,” Natalie said softly, reaching out to take your hand, “I feel the same way. I’ve tried to keep my distance, to stay professional, but..I can’t help it. I love you.” Your heart leaped at her confession, your pulse quickening as the truth settled between you. “You.. you love me?”

Natalie nodded, her thumb gently stroking the back of your hand. “Yes, I do. And I’ve been so scared of what that means, but I can’t deny it any longer. I love you, Y/n.” The relief that washed over you was almost overwhelming, and without thinking, you leaned in and pressed your lips to Natalie’s in a kiss that was soft, tentative, and filled with all the emotions you had both been holding back.

Natalie responded immediately, her hand coming up to cup your cheek as she deepened the kiss, letting all her unspoken feelings flow into it. It was a moment of pure connection, where nothing else existed but the two of you and the love you shared. When you finally pulled away, both of you were breathless, your foreheads resting against each other as you tried to process what had just happened.

“I can’t believe this is real..” you whispered, your voice trembling with emotion. “It is,” Natalie murmured, her eyes shining with affection. “I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere.”

For a moment, everything felt perfect. But as the warmth of the moment began to fade, a sharp pang of guilt pierced Natasha’s heart. She had just confessed her love to you, but the truth was far more complicated than she could admit. She wasn’t just Natalie Rushman, a data analyst who had fallen for her colleague..she was Natasha Romanoff, a spy sent to gather information from the woman she had just professed her love to.

As you sat there, your hand still in hers, Natasha knew she was at a crossroads. She had sworn to get the information she needed, to complete the mission no matter what. But now, with the thought of betraying you, her stomach twisted with guilt. “Y/n,” Natasha began, her voice heavy with what she was about to say, “I want us to be completely honest with each other. Totally honest. I need to know..is there anything about our project, about Kinetica, that seems strange to you? Anything that doesn’t add up?”

You frowned slightly, confused by the sudden change in topic. “What do you mean?” Natasha hesitated, hating herself for what she had to do, but knowing she had no choice. “I’ve just..noticed a few things that don’t quite fit. Some files that are restricted, some data that doesn’t quite match up. I thought maybe you’d noticed it too.” Your brow furrowed as you thought back over the past few months. “Well, there have been a few things that seemed odd, but I just figured it was part of working at such a high-level company. Why do you ask?”

Natasha swallowed hard, forcing herself to keep up the pretense. “I’m just worried, that’s all. I want to make sure we’re not missing anything important.” You nodded slowly, still puzzled but trusting Natalie’s concern. “I’ll keep an eye out, and if I notice anything, I’ll let you know. But..can we not talk about work right now? I just want to enjoy this moment with you.”

Natasha’s heart clenched at your words, the guilt threatening to overwhelm her. She had just used your moment of vulnerability to fish for information, and the realization made her feel sick. But she forced herself to push the guilt aside, to focus on the mission, even as it tore her apart inside. “Of course.” Natasha said softly, pulling you closer and kissing you again, trying to lose herself in the warmth and love she felt for you.

Weeks passed, and the bond between you and Natalie grew even deeper. Your relationship had blossomed into something beautiful, a refuge in the midst of the high-pressure jobs at Kinetica Industries. You spent as much time together as possible..dinners, quiet nights with movies, and long walks through the city. For you, it felt like you had finally found someone who understood you, someone you could trust completely. But for Natasha, the lines between her mission and her feelings for you were becoming increasingly blurred.

The guilt Natasha felt was a constant companion, gnawing at her whenever she saw your trusting smile or felt the warmth of your hand in hers. Natasha knew she was deceiving you, but every time she considered telling you the truth, the weight of her duty as an agent held her back. She had a job to do, and despite her feelings, she couldn’t abandon it.

One evening, after a particularly long day at the office, you invited Natasha to your place. You were behind on some work and needed to finish a report for the next day, but you didn’t want to miss out on spending time with Natalie. Natasha agreed, glad for any excuse to spend more time with you.

Your apartment was cozy and inviting, filled with the little details Natasha had come to love. Bookshelves overflowing with novels, a small collection of plants by the window, and a few framed photos of you with your family. You settled together on the couch, you with your laptop and Natasha with a book she had picked from your shelf. “I’m sorry I have to work tonight..” you said, giving Natasha an apologetic smile. “I just need to finish this report, and then I’m all yours.”

“Don’t worry.” Natasha replied with a smile of her own. “I’m just happy to be here with you. Take your time.” As you focused on your work, Natasha found herself watching you more than reading the book in her hands. The way your brow furrowed slightly when you were deep in thought, the absent-minded way you tucked a strand of hair behind your ear. All of it made Natasha’s heart ache with affection and guilt. But as much as she wanted to lose herself in these feelings, Natasha couldn’t forget why she was there. This was an opportunity she couldn’t pass up. Your work might hold the key to the information S.H.I.E.L.D. needed, and Natasha had to take advantage of it, no matter how much it tore her up inside.

After about an hour, you stood up and stretched, yawning. “I need to make some tea. Want anything?”

Natasha nodded her head, giving you a reassuring smile. “This would be grate.” As you disappeared into the kitchen, Natasha’s heart pounded in her chest. This was her chance. She had to act quickly. She set the book aside and moved quietly to your laptop. The screen was still on, showing the report you were working on, but Natasha’s focus was on the folders and files scattered across the desktop. She opened one labeled “Project Data” her hands trembling slightly as she navigated through the documents.

Natasha scanned the files, her sharp eyes searching for anything that stood out or seemed significant. Most of the documents were routine. Xatasets, project reports, emails. But then she found something: a file titled “Confidential Research Notes.”

Her heart raced as she opened it and found a series of notes detailing experiments and datasets that she hadn’t seen before. It was more detailed than anything you had shown her at work, and as Natasha read through it, she realized it contained the kind of information S.H.I.E.L.D. had been looking for..details about Kinetica’s involvement in potentially illegal research, experiments that crossed ethical boundaries.

She heard the clink of a teacup in the kitchen, and panic surged through her. Quickly, Natasha copied the file onto a USB stick she had hidden in her bag. She had just closed the file when you returned, carrying twocups of tea. “Here you go.” you said with a smile, handing one of the cups to Natasha. “Thanks.” Natasha replied, taking the cup with slightly trembling hands and praying that you hadn’t noticed anything unusual.

You settled back down on the couch, taking a sip of your tea and letting out a contented sigh. “The report is almost done. After that, we can watch the movie you mentioned.” Natasha forced a smile, trying to push down the gnawing guilt and the tight knot in her stomach. “That sounds great.”

As you returned to your work, Natasha tried to relax, but the weight of what she had just done loomed over her. She had gathered the information she needed, but at the cost of betraying your trust. For the rest of the evening, Natasha was distant, her mind racing with thoughts of what would happen next.

You noticed the change in her demeanor and reached out to touch her arm, concern evident in your eyes. “Hey, is everything okay?” Natasha looked into your eyes, feeling her heart ache. “Yeah, I’m just..tired, I guess. It’s been a long day.”

You smiled gently and squeezed her arm. “I get it. We’ve both been working so hard lately. Let’s just relax tonight, okay? No more work, just us.” Natasha nodded, but her smile didn’t reach her eyes. “Just us.” she repeated, her voice hollow. As you both snuggled up on the couch to watch the movie, Natasha tried to focus on the moment, to lose herself in the warmth of your presence. But no matter how hard she tried, the guilt and the knowledge of what she had done weighed heavily on her.

The following days were filled with an unbearable tension for Natasha. She knew she had to pass the information to S.H.I.E.L.D., but she dreaded what would happen when the truth came out. The time she spent with you, the smiles, the laughter, all felt tainted by the lie she was living. Finally, the day came when Natasha couldn’t put it off any longer. She knew she had to deliver the USB drive to S.H.I.E.L.D. The mission needed to be completed, but the thought of what that would mean for your relationship was almost too much to bear.

That evening, as you sat together at your kitchen table, your laptop open in front of you as you worked on another report, Natasha made her decision. She had to do this, even though it meant risking everything with you. But before she could leave, something happened that changed everything.

You called Natasha over, a confused look on your face. “Nat, can you look at something for me? This report doesn’t make sense.” Natasha’s heart skipped a beat, but she kept her expression neutral. “Sure, what’s going on?” she asked, walking over to the table.

You pointed at the screen, your brow furrowed in confusion. “I just got this email from my boss, and he attached this report. It’s about a security breach at Kinetica. They’re trying to figure out who accessed some confidential files..” Natasha’s blood ran cold, but she kept her voice steady. “A security breach? What files are they talking about?”

You scrolled through the report, your frown deepening. “It doesn’t say exactly, but it has something to do with our project. They’ve narrowed down the list of suspects, but I don’t recognize most of the names..except for one.”

You paused, your eyes widening as you focused on a name in the list: Natasha Romanoff.

“Natasha Romanoff?” you whispered, confusion and disbelief clear in your voice. You looked up at Natasha, searching her face for answers. “Wait, is that you? Is this some kind of mistake?”

Natasha felt the walls closing in on her. There was no more hiding, no more pretending. The truth was out, and there was no going back. “Y/n,” she began, her voice trembling, “I need you to listen to me.” You took a step back, fear and suspicion creeping into your eyes. “What do you mean?” you asked, your voice shaking.

Natasha’s heart broke at the sight of the fear in your eyes. “I’m still the same person, Y/n. I’m still me. But..I haven’t been honest with you.” Your hands shook as you hugged yourself, desperately trying to understand what was happening. “Who are you? Have you been lying to me this whole time?”

Tears welled up in Natasha’s eyes as she took a hesitant step toward you, but you flinched and stepped back. “Please, let me explain..” Natasha pleaded, her voice breaking. “My real name is Natasha Romanoff. I’m an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. I was sent here to gather information on Kinetica. But everything else..everything between us..it was real. My feelings for you, Y/n, are real.”

Your eyes darted around the room as if searching for something familiar, something to hold onto. But everything felt wrong. The woman you loved, the woman you trusted, was a stranger. “You used me?” you asked, your voice trembling with anger and fear. “You used me the whole time?”

“No!” Natasha said quickly, desperation creeping into her voice. “It started as a mission, yes, but I never meant to fall in love with you. I never wanted to hurt you. Please, Y/n, you have to believe me.” You shook your head, backing away until you hit the wall. “I don’t know what to believe anymore. I don’t even know who you are. Natasha Romanoff, S.H.I.E.L.D.… it sounds like something out of a Movie..”

Natasha’s heart shattered as she watched you crumble before her. She took a tentative step closer, her hands shaking. “I’m still the person you fell in love with, Y/n. I’m still the person who loves you more than anything. Please, let me explain everything.” You stared at Natasha, your heart breaking all over again. “You should have told me the truth from the beginning! But you didn’t. You lied to me, and now..now I don’t even know who you are..”

Natasha took another step forward, reaching out tentatively. “I’m so sorry, Y/n. I know I’ve hurt you, and I’ll never forgive myself for that. But I’m begging you, please give me a chance to make it right.” You looked down at Natasha’s outstretched hand, but the fear and betrayal in your heart were too overwhelming. You couldn’t bring yourself to take it. “I can’t..” you whispered, your voice breaking. “I can’t do this. I need you to leave.”

Natasha’s heart broke at your words, but she knew she had no right to ask for forgiveness, not now. “Y/n, I-”

“Just go!” you cried, your voice filled with agony. “Please, just go. I can’t look at you right now.” Natasha’s hands fell to her sides, her shoulders slumping as the weight of what she had done crashed down on her. She had lost you, and there was nothing she could do to fix it. But as much as it hurt, she knew she had to respect your wishes.

“I’m so sorry..” Natasha whispered, tears streaming down her face. “I love you, Y/n. I’ll always love you.” Without another word, Natasha turned and left your apartment, the door closing behind her with a finality that echoed through the empty space. You stood there, frozen, your heart shattered into a thousand pieces as the truth of Natasha’s betrayal washed over you. The apartment that once felt like a safe haven now felt cold and empty, the warmth of Natasha’s presence gone, replaced by a suffocating sense of loss. You slid down the wall, pulling your knees to your chest as your body shook with sobs. The woman you loved, the woman you trusted, was a lie, and you didn’t know if you could ever trust anyone again.

Hours passed, and eventually, your tears dried up, leaving you with a hollow feeling inside. But despite the pain, you couldn’t ignore the truth that Natasha had revealed. Kinetica was involved in something dangerous, something that needed to be stopped. And despite everything, you knew you couldn’t just walk away.

Slowly, you got to your feet, your resolve hardening. You would do what needed to be done, not for Natasha, but because it was the right thing to do. You walked over to your laptop and opened the files you had been working on. With a heavy heart, you gathered everything you knew about Kinetica’s activities, your hands shaking as you worked. The information you collected could help bring the company down, but it came at the cost of everything you believed in, everything you felt.

When you finished, you copied the files onto a USB stick and set it on the table. You stared at it for a long time, your thoughts filled with memories of the woman you thought you knew, the woman you loved. Finally, you took a deep breath and reached for your phone. You hesitated for a moment before dialing the number Natasha had given you, the one you were supposed to use only in an emergency.

Natasha answered on the first ring, her voice thick with emotion. “Y/n?”

“I have the information you need.” you said, your voice firm despite the storm of emotions raging inside you. “It’s on a USB stick. I’ll leave it at the café near my apartment tomorrow morning. You can pick it up there.”

“Y/n, please, can we talk-” Natasha began, but you cut her off.

“There’s nothing more to say.” you said quietly. "That's it, Natasha. After this, we're done. Don't contact me again."

A long silence followed on the other end of the line, and you could hear the pain in Natasha's voice when she finally spoke. "Thank you. I'm so sorry. For everything."

You swallowed the lump in your throat and tried to keep your emotions under control. "Goodbye, Natasha."

The mission was over. Kinetica Industries had been exposed, its leaders arrested, and the illegal activities shut down. Natasha had completed her assignment, but the victory felt hollow. As the dust settled, she could only think about you, how she had lost you and how desperate she was to make things right.

Days turned into weeks, and the absence of you in Natasha's life became unbearable. The empty silence in her apartment echoed the emptiness in her heart. She replayed the last conversation she had with you over and over in her mind, haunted by the pain in your voice, the cold finality of your words. Natasha knew she had no right to ask for forgiveness, but she couldn't live with the thought that you hated her, that the love you had shared was now just a memory tainted by lies. After much deliberation, Natasha decided she had to try one last time to explain herself and apologize in person. She knew it was a long shot..you had made it clear you didn't want to see her again but Natasha couldn't leave things the way they were. She had to try.

One evening, just as the sun was setting, Natasha made her way to your apartment. The familiar building loomed before her, but this time it felt different..colder, more intimidating. She hesitated at the entrance, her heart pounding in her chest. What if you refused to listen? What if you called the police before she even had a chance to say anything? But she knew she couldn't turn back now. She took a deep breath, entered the building, and walked to your door. She stood there for a long moment, gathering her thoughts before she finally raised her hand and knocked softly.

There was a long pause, and Natasha's heart sank as she imagined you ignoring her, refusing to even open the door. But then she heard footsteps approaching, and the door opened a crack, revealing your wary eyes. Your expression shifted from surprise to anger as soon as you saw Natasha. Your hand tightened around the doorknob, and you narrowed your eyes. "What are you doing here?" you asked, your voice cold and hard.

"Y/n, please, I just want to talk." Natasha said quickly, raising her hands in a gesture of surrender. "I know I don't deserve it, but I need to explain-" You cut her off, your voice sharp with anger. "Explain? There's nothing left to explain, Natasha. You lied to me, used me, and now you have the nerve to show up at my door?"

"Please.." Natasha pleaded, her voice breaking. "Give me five minutes." Your eyes flashed with a mix of anger, pain, and something else that Natasha couldn't quite place. You hesitated, your hand still gripping the doorknob as if you were weighing whether to slam the door in her face. "If you don't leave right now." you said, your voice trembling with barely suppressed emotion, "I'll call the police."

Natasha felt her heart sink, but she didn't move. She knew you were serious, but she also knew that if she walked away now, she would never have another chance to make things right. "Do it." Natasha said quietly, "Call them if you want. But please, hear me out first. I need to show you how sorry I am. I know I can't undo what I've done, but I can't live with myself if I don't at least try to apologize."

You stared at Natasha, your hand shaking as you gripped the doorknob. The pain in your eyes was unmistakable, and it broke Natasha's heart to see how much she had hurt you. For a long moment, neither of you spoke, the tension between you thick and suffocating. Finally, you let out a shaky breath and loosened your grip on the doorknob. "You have five minutes," you said, "But if you lie to me again, I swear I'll call the police."

Natasha nodded, relief washing over her even though she knew this was only a small victory. "Thank you." she whispered, stepping back as you opened the door just enough to let her in. You led Natasha into the living room, a space that had once felt warm and inviting but now felt cold and distant. You gestured for Natasha to sit on the sofa, but you remained standing, arms crossed over your chest as you waited for her to speak.

"Okay," Natasha began, her voice trembling, "I know I've hurt you in a way I can never fully apologize for. I deceived you and betrayed your trust. But I need you to know that every moment I spent with you, every touch, every word I said to you, was real. My feelings for you are real." Your eyes flashed with anger, and you shook your head. "How am I supposed to believe that? You're a trained spy. Lying is part of your job."

"I know.." Natasha said, her voice breaking slightly. "And that's why I'm not asking for your forgiveness. I know I don't deserve it. But I couldn't leave things the way they were. I couldn't let you believe that everything between us was just part of the mission. It wasn't. You became the most important person in my life, and I was so scared of losing you."

"Then why didn't you tell me the truth?" you asked, your voice trembling with pent-up emotion. "Why did you wait until I had to find out this way?" Natasha swallowed hard, tears welling up in her eyes. "Because I was a coward. I didn't want to lose you, and I thought that if I could just finish the mission, maybe..just maybe we could have a life together afterward. But I was wrong. I should have been honest with you from the start."

You shook your head, tears filling your eyes as well. "You should have. But you didn't. And now I don't know if I can ever trust you again." A tear rolled down Natasha's cheek, but she made no move to wipe it away. "I understand." she said softly. "I know I've broken your trust, and I have to live with that. I just wanted you to know that I love you, Y/n. I will always love you. And if you never want to see me again, I'll respect that. But please don't think that I didn't care about you, because I do."

You looked away, blinking back tears. "You should go, Natasha. There's nothing more to say." Natasha nodded, her heart breaking all over again. "I'm sorry." she whispered, her voice barely audible. "For everything."

Without another word, Natasha turned and walked to the door, her steps heavy with the weight of the finality of the situation. She paused in the doorway, casting one last look at you, hoping to find something..anything that might suggest there was still a chance for you both. But your expression remained cold and distant, your eyes avoiding hers. With a heavy heart, Natasha opened the door and stepped out into the hallway. The door clicked shut behind her with a soft thud that echoed in the silence that followed. Natasha stood there for a moment, letting the reality of what had just happened sink in. She had tried, but it was over. You were right. There was nothing more to say.

Unknown to you, the case of Kinetica’s downfall was far from over. The company’s leaders were desperately trying to cover their tracks, attempting to salvage what they could. But amid the chaos, they discovered something alarming: You, one of their employees, had been the one to pass on the damning information that had led to their downfall. And now they wanted revenge.

You were alone in your apartment one evening, your thoughts drifting as you tried to focus on the book you were reading. The quiet was soothing, a respite from the whirlwind of emotions you had been grappling with. But that peace was abruptly shattered by a sudden, insistent knocking at your door. Frowning, you set the book aside and walked to the door, peering through the peephole. Your heart skipped a beat when you saw two men standing outside, men you didn’t recognize, but something about their presence immediately set off alarm bells in your head.

“Who is it?” you called out, trying to keep your voice steady despite the unease rising within you. “Delivery.” one of the men said, but there was no package in sight, and his tone was too cold, too rehearsed.

Your instincts kicked in, and you stepped away from the door, your heart racing. These weren’t delivery men..they were here for something else, something far more sinister. Panic gripped you as you realized that Kinetica must have found out what you had done. Just as you were about to reach for your phone, the door burst open with a loud crash, the two men forcing their way in. You screamed and stumbled back, your thoughts racing with fear and desperation. But before they could reach you, another figure appeared in the doorway, moving with deadly precision. Natasha.

She had been keeping an eye on your apartment since your last conversation, knowing that Kinetica might try something. When she saw the men approaching your building, she knew immediately what their target was and she wasn’t going to let them harm you. “Get away from her.” Natasha snarled, her voice cold and dangerous.

The men turned to face Natasha, but they barely had time to react before she was on them. In a blur of motion, she disarmed the first man, sending his weapon skittering across the floor. The second man lunged at her, but she easily dodged and delivered a powerful kick to his stomach, sending him crashing into the wall. You watched in stunned silence as Natasha took down the men with brutal efficiency, her movements fluid and controlled. The fight was over in seconds, the two men lying unconscious on the floor as Natasha stood over them, breathing heavily.

For a moment, the apartment was eerily silent, the only sound the ragged breaths of the two women. Your heart pounded in your chest, your mind struggling to process what had just happened. Natasha turned to you, her expression a mixture of concern and relief. “Are you okay?” she asked, her voice softer now, laced with the fear she had tried to suppress.

You nodded slowly, your eyes wide as you stared at Natasha. “I..I think so..” you stammered, still trying to grasp everything. “What..what are you doing here?”

“I couldn’t leave you unprotected.” Natasha said, stepping closer, her eyes full of guilt and love. “I knew Kinetica might come after you. I couldn’t let that happen.” Your gaze flickered to the unconscious men on the floor, then back to Natasha. “You..you saved me.”

Natasha nodded, her heart aching at the vulnerability in your voice. “I will always protect you. No matter what’s happened between us, I’ll always be here for you.” Tears welled up in your eyes as you looked at Natasha, the woman who had lied to you, who had betrayed you, but who had also just saved your life. The fear and anger you had been holding onto began to waver, replaced by a deep, conflicting emotion you couldn’t fully understand. “Why?” you whispered, your voice trembling. “Why are you doing this?”

“Because I love you.” Natasha said, her voice heavy with emotion. “I know I’ve hurt you, and I know you may never forgive me, but I had to make sure you were safe. You mean everything to me, Y/n.”

Your heart broke at the sincerity in Natasha’s voice. Despite everything, despite the lies and betrayal, Natasha’s love for you was real. And in that moment, you realized that your own feelings were just as complicated. You were angry, you were hurt, but you still loved her..more than you wanted to admit.

The two of you stood in silence, the weight of your emotions heavy in the air. Your mind raced with conflicting thoughts, torn between the betrayal you felt and the undeniable connection that still existed between you. Finally, you took a shaky breath. “I don’t know if I can forgive you, Natasha..” you said quietly. “But I can’t ignore what you just did for me. You saved my life. And..and I still care about you. I don’t know what that means, but I need time to figure it out.”

Natasha nodded, tears glistening in her eyes as she looked at you. “Take all the time you need.” she whispered. “I’ll be here, no matter what you decide.” You nodded hesitantly, the storm of emotions inside you beginning to calm. “Thank you.” you said softly, your voice barely audible.

Natasha stepped back, giving you the space you needed. “I’ll take care of this.” she said, gesturing to the unconscious men on the floor. “And then I’ll go, if that’s what you want.” You looked at Natasha, your heart heavy with everything that had happened between you. “I don’t know what I want..” you admitted, your voice trembling. “But I think..I think I need to be alone right now.”

Natasha nodded, her eyes reflecting the understanding she felt, even though the pain was clear. “I understand.” she said quietly. “Just know that if you ever need anything, anything at all, I’m here.”

You didn’t respond, but the look in your eyes said enough. You stood there, watching as Natasha efficiently secured the two men, ensuring they wouldn’t pose any further threat. She worked in silence, the weight of the situation pressing down on both of you. When Natasha was finished, she stood by the door, hesitating for a moment as if searching for the right words, but then deciding against saying anything more. With one last, sorrowful glance in your direction, she turned and left your apartment, the door closing softly behind her.

You stood frozen in place, your mind reeling from everything that had just happened. The apartment, which had been filled with tension and violence just moments ago, now felt eerily quiet. Slowly, you sank onto the couch, your body trembling as the reality of the situation settled over you.

You were filled with so many conflicting emotions that it was hard to sort through them all. Anger, fear, relief, affection..they all swirled within you, and you didn’t know how to make sense of them. You had asked Natasha to leave because you weren’t sure of anything anymore. And though it felt like the right thing to do, now that she was gone, you felt a cold emptiness spreading through your chest. A part of you wanted to call her back, wanted her to stay so you could work through these chaotic feelings together. But another part of you knew that you needed time to be alone, to sort through everything that had happened between the two of you.

The night passed in a blur of thoughts and emotions, with sleep coming only in brief, restless intervals. When morning finally came, you felt just as exhausted as you had the night before. But with the new day came a certain clarity. You knew you couldn’t stay in this limbo forever. Natasha had told you that she would always be there for you, and you believed her. But the question was whether you could let her back into your life, whether you could ever trust her again.

As the day dragged on, you tried to focus on mundane tasks, but thoughts of Natasha kept intruding. Finally, after hours of agonizing, you decided you needed more information to figure out a path forward. If there was any chance of peace or understanding between you, you needed to know the whole truth. The next day, you called Natasha. She answered immediately, and you could hear the mix of hope and concern in her voice. “Y/n?”

“I want to know everything.” you said, your voice firm even as your heart raced. “I can’t move on without understanding everything. No more secrets, no more lies. If there’s any chance for us to find peace, you need to show me everything.”

There was a brief silence on the other end of the line before Natasha spoke, her voice filled with relief and caution. “I understand. I’ll take you to S.H.I.E.L.D. You’ll have access to everything, my reports, the mission files. Whatever you need to know.”

You nodded, even though she couldn’t see it. “Okay. When can we go?”

“Right now.” Natasha said without hesitation. “I’ll come pick you up.”

True to her word, Natasha arrived at your apartment shortly after. The drive to the S.H.I.E.L.D. building was silent, the tension between you both palpable. Natasha stole worried glances at you from time to time, but you kept your gaze fixed out the window, lost in your thoughts. When you arrived at the unassuming building that housed S.H.I.E.L.D.’s operations, Natasha guided you through a series of security checks, her presence and clearance making the process smooth. You followed her, your heart pounding with a mix of fear and curiosity. This was a world you never imagined you would be a part of.

Finally, you arrived in a large conference room. Natasha gestured for you to take a seat at the table while she went to a console on the wall and entered a series of commands. The large screen in the room flickered to life, displaying a series of files and documents. “This is everything.” Natasha said quietly, turning to face you. “My mission files, the reports I sent, the details of Kinetica’s operations. You have full access.”

You stared at the screen, your heart racing. “Why are you doing this? Why are you showing me all of this?”

“Because I owe you the truth.” Natasha replied, her voice steady but laced with emotion. “And because I want you to know that I’m not hiding anything from you anymore. I know I broke your trust, but I want to do whatever it takes to rebuild it. Even if that means showing you everything.”

The next few hours were spent going through everything, the initial mission briefing, how Natasha was assigned to get close to you to gather information on Kinetica, and how she struggled with her growing feelings for you. She explained how she tried to keep you out of harm's way even as she fulfilled her mission, and how every moment you shared, despite the circumstances, had been genuine.

You listened intently, absorbing every word, every detail. There were moments when your anger flared up again, moments when you wanted to shout at Natasha for the betrayal, for the pain she had caused. But there were also moments of understanding, moments when you saw the inner conflict Natasha had gone through, torn between her duty and her growing love for you.

When Natasha finished, she looked at you, her heart pounding in her chest. “I know this doesn’t undo the lies, but I wanted you to see that I truly cared about you. I never wanted to hurt you, Y/n.” You remained silent for a long time, processing everything you had learned. You felt raw, exposed, but also strangely relieved. This was what you had needed. the full truth, with nothing held back.

Finally, you looked at Natasha, your expression unreadable. “You were honest with me today, Natasha, and I can feel that. For the first time, I feel like I’m really seeing you..with all your strengths and flaws, with all your mistakes.” Natasha nodded, her voice soft as she responded, “That’s all I wanted. To be honest with you, even if it costs me everything.”

You sighed, rubbing your temples as you tried to organize your thoughts. “I don’t know where we go from here, Natasha. I don’t know if I can ever fully trust you again. But..I see that you’re trying. And that means something.” Natasha felt a small spark of hope ignite in her chest, but she didn’t dare let it grow too large. “Thank you, Y/n. That’s more than I deserve.”

You looked at Natasha, your eyes filled with a mix of sadness and something that resembled hope. "Maybe it’s a start. I don’t know what the future holds for us, but at least now I know the truth. And that’s more than I had before.”

Natasha nodded, her heart heavy, but she was grateful. “Whatever happens, I’m here. If you need space, I’ll give you that. If you want to talk, I’ll listen. I won’t go away.” You managed a small, tired smile. “I guess we’ll just have to see where this takes us.”

You both left the S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters together, the tension between you eased but the future still uncertain. As you stepped out into the bright afternoon sun, Natasha glanced at you, and for the first time in weeks, she felt a cautious spark of hope. You caught her glance and sighed. “It’s going to take time, Natasha. I don’t know if things can ever be the way they were, but.. we can find something new. Something honest.”

Natasha nodded, her heart swelling with emotion. “That’s what I’d like.” As you walked side by side, the past still loomed over you, but for the first time, there was a path forward..a path that might lead to healing, to forgiveness, and maybe even to a future where you could rebuild what had been broken. The road ahead would be difficult, full of challenges and doubts, but you had taken the first step together. And for now, that was enough.

[facts-i-just-made-up]

How do you build a atomic bomb?

Easily!

All you need are a few household items, a little bit of patience, and a Class 1 Top Security clearance for the manufacture of biological, chemical or nuclear weapons under the Fermi laws of 1954 contingent to permission from the United Nations Security Council.

You're gonna need-

A box of matches

A blender

Tape

Some wire mesh (Like a window screen, for sifting)

Cake mix (Yellow sponge cake works best)

Ziplock bags

String

Ice cubes (The cold kind, not the rapper/actor)

A toilet paper tube

A Catholic Missal

An empty kitty litter bucket

First, you're gonna need two rare substances- Weapons grade uranium and "heavy" water. For the uranium, just take your yellow cake mix and sift it with the wire mesh. Whatever stays on top of the mesh- That's weapons grade. For the heavy water, take some ice cubes, which are heavier than water but still made of water, and put them in the blender. By breaking up the ice cubes and releasing the water, you keep the weight but make it a fluid. This is a process that scientists call "Putrefaction".

To build the weapon, pack some uranium into one end of the toilet paper tube and then cover that end with the Catholic Missal. This guarantees what we call a "Critical Mass" of uranium. Then take a smaller wad of uranium and pack it into the other end of the tube, leaving plenty of space between the two.

Tape the box of matches to that end of the tube. It will act as an explosive device to send the "bullet" of uranium into the critical mass, thus resulting in a nuclear fission explosion.

You now have a nuclear fission device! This device has a yield equal to about 10 thousand tons of T.N.T. But fission is for wimps, right? So let's turn that fission bomb, into a fusion bomb!

Tape your string to the matches to act as a fuse, and then put the nuclear warhead in a ziplock bag. Be sure to seal it tight! Now place that assembly into the kitty litter bucket. Make sure it's empty of kitty litter before the next step.

Fill the rest of the bucket with the heavy water you made in step one, and seal the top of the kitty litter bucket with the string still poking out. Once the fuse is lit, it will light the matches and detonate the nuclear fission bomb. This acts as a heat source to boil the heavy water, and when heavy water boils- Nuclear Fusion!

Congratulations, your bomb is now complete. Remember that it's illegal to carry or detonate a nuclear fusion warhead in public (except in Texas), and bear in mind this will be quite a bit stronger than your usual firecrackers. We recommend only setting off your nuclear device on official U.S. testing grounds, such as the desserts of New Mexico or islands in the Pacific only populated by tribes under no country's protection, because that's seriously what the U.S. did.

So play safe and have a good time,

-facts-i-just-made-up.tumblr.com

[simply-ivanka]

WHO CAN BLAME HIM ? After 2016!

TRUMP IS DOING THIS HIS WAY AND THAT IS THAT! TRUMP 2024!

Trump Campaign May Decline Feds' Transition Help

By Charlie McCarthy    |   Thursday, 29 August 2024 11:28 AM EDT

The Trump campaign reportedly is prepared to pass on receiving transition help from the federal General Services Administration (GSA) in anticipation of President Donald Trump winning the November election.

The GSA normally plays a role in the transition from one administration to the another. It provides office space, technology, and other back-end support that can be crucial to a presidential transition operation.

Trump, the Republican nominee, is opposing Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democrat nominee, in the race for the White House.

Politico reported Thursday that with an Aug. 31 deadline looming, sources say the Trump team is poised to reject GSA assistance.

While transitions kick into high gear after Election Day, when a president-elect must begin selecting and vetting about 4,000 federal political appointees, success depends on the infrastructure built during the pre-election period, including identifying agency review teams, and beginning the background check process for national security staff.

GSA is required by law to make available federal office space, IT support, and other resources to transition teams, but only once it has entered into memoranda of understanding with representatives for each nominee, which Congress requires the agency to do "to the maximum extent practicable," by Sept. 1.

A GSA spokesperson confirmed that the agency had made its offer to the two candidates.

The Trump campaign, though, has concerns about working with

GSA.

First, accepting GSA help means adhering to $5,000-per-donor contribution limits in funding overall costs that can exceed $10 million. Trump allies would prefer fewer people cutting bigger checks.

Second, Politico reported that Trump's team does not trust the GSA after what it experienced in 2016, when there were leaks of potential administration hires and widespread dismay with the agency's decision to hand over transition records to special counsel Robert Mueller.

Some Trump allies blamed federal workers for the leaks.

"The GSA presidential transition support model has run its course and either campaign should have the option to operate their transitions independently in order to have the most flexibility for fundraising, information security, and operations," Ken Nahigian, executive director of Trump's 2016 transition, told Politico.

Trump campaign spokesman Brian Hughes told Politico that no final decision has been made regarding GSA this time around.

"With transition leadership in place, and many talented leaders to work with, President Trump will have what he needs to build a world-class and effective administration starting on day one," Hughes said.

Partnership for Public Service President Max Stier told Politico that GSA could help with quickly arranging security clearances and in preventing cyberattacks.

Stier added that a transition organization without GSA could be set up as a 501(c)(4) nonprofit, meaning no public financial disclosures.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

[covid-safer-hotties]

Also preserved in our archive

The COVID-19 virus spreads via mucus once inside an infected airway, allowing it to reach into the lower lungs, according to a Northwestern Medicine study published in Nature Communications.

More than 770 million cases of COVID-19 have been reported to the World Health Organization since the onset of the pandemic in 2020.

While it's understood that the virus latches onto healthy cells in the nose and throat to copy itself, not much is known about the process by which it spreads once inside an infected airway.

To better understand how the virus proliferates, investigators in the laboratory of Thomas Hope, Ph.D., professor of Cell and Developmental Biology and of Obstetrics and Gynecology and senior author of the study, performed live imaging of human bronchial epithelium cells exposed to COVID-19.

In the study, investigators observed that the movement of mucus can spread the COVID-19 virus inside the respiratory tract, where it later forms aerosols that infect other people. Additionally, the virus travels on mucus to infect deeper into the lower lung.

(Follow link for video here)

"The virus goes where the mucus goes," said Mark Becker, a student in the Driskill Graduate Program in Life Sciences (DGP) and first author of the study.

Although mucus is generally thought to protect against infection by trapping and removing viruses and other particles, COVID-19 appears to exploit mucosal spread following an infection, Becker said.

As funding begins to dwindle for COVID-19 research, Hope said the discovery could prove useful in other viral diseases, such as HIV.

"Interestingly, the mucosal environment most similar to the lungs is the upper female reproductive tract," Hope said.

"The infrastructure at Feinberg really helped us build the facilities needed for this research," Hope said. "The university really supported us and that is a testament to what a great environment Feinberg is."

More information: Mark E. Becker et al, Live imaging of airway epithelium reveals that mucociliary clearance modulates SARS-CoV-2 spread, Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-53791-4 www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-53791-4

[sunnetrolls]

long time, no see

hi i'm playing with my touys. enjoy. gdoc

----

There’s a lot of screaming. A bit much, if you had to give your insight. It’s as if all these poor people don’t know the sheer volume of crimes against trollkind they’re actively contributing to, just beneath their feet. You’re small potatoes compared to the horrors down there. 

Oh well!

You practically waltz through the lobby of the sprawling research complex. Reception staff yelp and duck under the counter as you pass by—well, at least they’re all picking ‘freeze’ or ‘flight’ over ‘fight.’ It could be worse. 

You experience just as little resistance as you duck through a cramped doorway into a long hall. This would be quite troublesome if he’d moved buildings at any point in the last few centuries, you think. 

More employees struggle to react to your presence. An intern slips through a door here, scrambles down another branch of the hallway there. One poor troll trips over himself and lands in your way. 

You step over him as if he isn’t there. Your gait hardly stretches to accommodate his presence. 

Why is this building so damn labyrinthine? 

You arrive at an elevator. Some poor employee timidly stands a few feet to your right, mustering up all the courage possibly within themself to speak. 

“…The—that elevator’s not for—“ 

You turn to look at them. They freeze mid-statement. 

“I have adequate security clearance to access this area. Your assistance is unnecessary.”

They aren’t quite sure how to respond to that, and instead back away before flitting off to presumably return to a ‘safer’ location. 

At least, you did have security clearance… at one point in time. Now may or may not still be that time, you think, as you regard the mechanism that seems to grant access to the elevator. 

Of course it’s got a digital display. Why wouldn’t it. When you were here last, it was a keypad. 

You reach out anyways, hoping that perhaps you could decipher what sort of input it desired and work from there. To your surprise, after only a short moment in contact with the device, it makes a polite pinging sound and the elevator opens. It must have been a biometric scan—but why you would be able to activate it is beyond you. 

Maybe you do still have security clearance. 

You duck again to enter the elevator and brush a hand over the wall to find the buttons. Oh, how polite—the numbers have braille labels in addition to their actual displays. It would be bothersome if you had to guess and check which one led to the basement. 

You can already hear the cacophony of his freak show before the doors open. More pressing, however, is the presence of the man behind the monstrosities himself. Xuange Xamidi, an old colleague of yours, had presumably heard the elevator doors opening, realized that he was not expecting visitors, and rushed to confront whatever security threat had paid a visit. You watch the color drain from his face in real time—you’ve even caught him in the flesh, it seems. 

“Wh—“

“Evening, Xue-Xue.”

You smile brightly. 

“It’s been a while, hasn’t it? I hope I haven’t caught you at a poor time.”

He struggles to formulate a response. 

“Drone caught your tongue? You look like you’ve seen a ghost, poor thing.”

You step out of the elevator so you can straighten up to your full height. It feels nice to be back somewhere with tall ceilings. 

“Zonari, you… How are you— you’re dead.”

“Oh, surely not. I’m here, aren’t I?”

“Well fucking clearly— why are you here? What— how many people saw you come down here?” 

“As many as there were between the front door and the elevator.”

Xuange stares at you with an expression triangulated somewhere between panic, confusion, and shocked horror, all partially masked by his ever-precent facade of cool professionalism. You hear his heart rate rise as he processes the amount of PR he’s going to have to worry about at some point in the near future. 

“Again. Why are you here.”

“Heaven forbid I want to catch up with an old flame. I just wanted to see what you’re—“

“In the middle of an afternoon on a workday?”

You laugh. You’ve always been fascinated with how much of a busybody he is. 

“Why not? You’re cute when you’re angry.”

“Don’t even start. You can’t just waltz back into my life after all this time—“

“Haven’t I? Just now.”

“I said don’t even start!”

You chuckle as you walk past him further into the lab. It’s been centuries since you last set foot in here. 

“Hey—! If you’re going to loiter, at least let me give you the tour of what’s moved around so you don’t get yourself mauled.”

“Oh, alright. Sounds like a date to me, then.”

[comicbookgirl2]

Theories about poppy playtime chapter 1-4:

Spoilers ahead!

1st theory: poppy left the safe haven because she went to reason with the prototype/send the letter (hence why it tells us to find the flower and why a word is misspelled. Ofcourse you could argue that it’s him using her as bait to lure in any employees to kill them but why misspell the word? Seems like something a child would do and not someone posing as a fellow employee)

BUT I DIGRESS- I believe that when she met with him, he told her his plan that involved something heinous and in an act of desperation she was the one who sent us the letter just before being imprisoned in the case. Unbeknownst to her while being imprisoned the prototype intercepted the letter but still allowed it to be sent specifically to you (hence why he’s been stalking us from chapter 2 (or maybe even 1))

Ok bear with me for a second: when you free poppy at the end of chapter 1 she never seems shocked that you’re there at the factory. In fact she knows who you are (an ex employee) and correctly deduces that you probably came back for your colleagues.

Then there’s the fact that Harley knew about the note as well- how would he have known? My guess is that the prototype told him and they were expecting you to return- probably not to make it that far but to still return nonetheless.

2nd theory: whatever secret the prototype and Harley was seeking to achieve- has been successfully achieved.

Not much theory for this, but I think if the prototype needed Harley then there’s no way he would’ve just sat there and let you killed him. Not unless he

A) already had gotten what he wanted from Harley

Or

B) Harley is not entirely dead (not saying this will happen but it seems like sort of a stretch? Idk he did say he’d bury himself so far down no one would find him)

3rd theory (and arguably weakest one): a human worked with the prototype and Harley to initiate the hour of joy. Even the warden pointed out how only 4 people with the level of security clearance/executive access could’ve made the hour of joy possible and even Sawyer seems to agree- hinting at conspirators being within the company and not external.

So who could it have been?

My guess

Stella Greyber.

Think about it. From the 4 people given we can automatically cross off two.

Leith (because he would have to deal with the fall out and did try to send special extraction teams back) and the warden. So that leaves Stella and Rittenhouse. Ofcourse between the two Rittenhouse seems far more the shady one likely to backstab someone. So why would I say Stella?

I believe that Rittenhouse is too deeply invested in this company to just throw it all away, from outright threatening Warrenbach (probably killing him too) to even casually stating how they make people disappear- he has loyalty to the bottom line. To profit. So why betray the company when we see that he doesn’t really have a motive to do so.

And from the tape between her and Leith she admits to being uncomfortable about the process but seemingly agrees to it under the notion of it helping a lot of people someday. But if you listen closely you can hear something, perphaps boxy boo breathing in the background- to me I think this was the last chance Leith was giving her. She had to think carefully here otherwise she too would disappear. So she told him what she wanted to hear just to live a little longer.

After all, if she still sympathizes with the children perphaps she too could be easily swayed by someone like poppy (who we knew was involved albeit ill informed) but perphaps she didn’t know that it would end in the death of both innocent and guilty. Maybe she just thought the toys were going to leave or do something else.

I feel as if we’ve been following her for a while and that it’s little by little been building up to something. We see her nutty philosophy on immortality (strange how she asked Leith if ‘it was ready yet’) we see how the company isn’t prepared to throw her to the wolves when it wants to (testing a kid she had prepared for adoption) and now we see her willingly take part in it. Could it be the tale of someone good becoming complacent with evil? Or something else?

But then again, I could also see Rittenhouse betraying the company as well if perphaps a rival company offered him something better. After all he shows little to no restraint when it comes to getting what he wants.

4th theory: the orphans are undergoing the same experiment that the rat in poppy gel was. So they’re all currently emerged in poppy gel.

I have zero evidence for this. But the presence of poppy flowers in front of the lab is very suspicious.

[wardensantoineandevka]

I've been thinking about why Ginsberg was asked to kidnap Milton Fleit Sr. specifically, and I think, to put it the way @utilitycaster put it to me back in February, that the plan is Fight Club.

If you're unfamiliar with Fight Club, the film adaptation: the third act revolves around a plan to wipe debt records by blowing up the headquarters of various credit card companies and of a credit reporting agency, setting everyone back to zero.

The Breach doesn't need as many explosives. The Trust keeps their records of every account in the one place (per 1.15): the Central Vault, the precise location of which within the geography of the Highest Light has been pointed out at every opportunity this season.

There isn't a whole lot that kidnapping Fleit offers to the Breach other than vacating his office temporarily (dubious, unless they want to replace him with their own person) or to get information about how the Bank of Valor works as an institution and how the Vault is laid out (also shaky, but potentially possible). Kozma claims (in 3.07): "The Breach isn't just out there. It's in here: inside the Trust, inside the Company, inside this city." The fact that the Company is mentioned* but not the Bank makes me wonder if they don't actually have a meaningfully significant enough foothold inside the Bank. Thus, they needed a way to get inside of it, understand it, or both.

* Tangent, since the Company is specifically mentioned, there must be someone we know there who is with the Breach. It's gotta be Gretel; we have only two named current members of the Company, and the other one is Spahr. It has to be Gretel just by process of elimination. This is not actually relevant to this point but—

That also leads me to wonder if this is why there's this sense of hovering over Phineas early on. (Hieronymous is in the Breach, Kozma already knew a lot about Phineas, so many seem to be keeping tabs on him, etc.) I wonder if it's like... after the Fleit plot failed, the Breach needed someone who had or could acquire security clearance to move freely through the Vault, a familiarity of off-limits areas, or both. As the new Prime Adsecla, and an apparently contentious pick for it (as suggested in appendices for 1.06), Phineas both holds a valuable position and is potentially ideologically vulnerable, making him a prime [ba dum tsh] candidate to target for a flip attempt. So, perhaps they've been working on Phineas since the Fleit plot failed. But, that's also a bit of a tangent.

Point is here: they seem to have needed Fleit for something. Kozma had ideas for what to do with Phineas, and whatever they needed Fleit for must be a gap in their logistics, but there is not a whole lot that Fleit and Phineas have in common, other than familiarity with various high-security spaces. So, I do wonder if the thing they needed was Vault access, because the specific plan is to blow up the TRW building Vault and zero out the entire debt record.

[literallymechanical]

The trouble with being a mechanical engineer in the States is that no matter what field you’re in, you are probably like one step away from somebody with a Secret clearance and three steps from somebody with Top Secret so you’re always running this little mental background process that stops you from putting things like “posts that make me want to blow up a government building” into yet another “hopepunk discourse” reblog chain because you don’t want to fuck up your friends’ careers.

[ddarker-dreams]

Nexus Database.

[... Loading.]

[... Top secret clearance required to continue].

By accessing this data, you hereby enter into a binding agreement that prevents the unauthorized disclosure of the contents within. Any failure to abide by this may result in you forfeiting your IPC-provided healthcare, 401k, security clearance, and the immediate termination of your rights (see p. 64 for more information).

Please sign to proceed.

("Hey, Kafka, check it out. The IPC gives their employees healthcare but the Stellaron Hunters can't? What's up with that?"

"You're free to work for them if you prefer. I'll even write a letter of recommendation."

"Hm... it says their PTO is eleven days a year, birthdays included. Sounds boring. That's not even enough time to get halfway through a RPG's character creation screen."

"I sincerely thank you for preventing a high turnover rate.")

Nexus index.

Arbiter

A title referring to a group of mind-altering practitioners on Eris. They are purveyors of vivid ‘experiences’ who unchain the psyche from its limitations. While not categorized as a faction in the traditional sense, many revere the Aeon of The Ideal, Noct. One must undergo a strict regimen for a minimum of fifty years and pass multiple specialized exams to earn the designation. It is theorized that their proclivity for interacting with the psyche of others is owed to a lineage that drank heavily from the Nectary. 

Cycle

Days on Eris are referred to as a ‘cycle’. Each cycle is the equivalent of forty hours passing on Earth. 

Eris

A cold planet far from the stars. 

A great many Amber Eras ago, the IPC faced a pressing issue. The prisons under their jurisdiction which held long-living species hemorrhaged through funds. The menial labor they output could not break even with the tremendous cost of upkeep. Louis Fleming gathered his best minds and devised a plan. They would send out fleets to search the universe for a planet far away from populated civilizations, build a compound, then herd half the prisoners with an expected lifespan of over 200 Trailblazer Years. This facility would not be operated manually. Instead, primitive automatons would oversee basic services and function as guards. 

This experiment’s intended goal was for the population to slowly die off over time, far away from any critical eyes that could witness their plight. If this proved to be an effective method, they would repeat the process until prisoners with inconveniently long lifespans no longer posed a problem. 

A barren planet was found and given the codename #01. 

A compound named Perianth was built and touted by the IPC to be a ‘revolutionary breakthrough in criminal rehabilitation’. In reality, the prisoners faced inhumane conditions. Complaints were recorded and never sent up the chain of command, overcrowding occurred despite there being unused sections of the compound, and the infinite night brought about depressive moods. 

In accordance with the IPC’s hopes, a prison riot broke out and the automatons did little to suppress it. The faction used this as an excuse to absolve themselves of any further involvement. The planet was in total anarchy, they claimed. Too dangerous to approach. Other cruisers were advised against even traveling near it.  

The inhospitable land proved to be a formidable foe. Perianth had the means to sustain itself for a time, but the first generation faced trying circumstances. Up against the eternal night, bitter cold, and dwindling rations, a group of four explorers made the daring expedition into the unknown. These four were named Erebos, Rhea, Iapetus, and Soter. Their initials would later be used to name this once condemned planet ‘E.R.I.S’, later simplified as Eris. The quartet ventured out with minimal provisions and an ironclad will. Those who stayed behind thought the brave volunteers would surely perish, as would they not long after. 

They trekked through the cragged granite terrain without any real navigation. The night could be warded off with fire and flickering flashlights, but these tools weren’t meant to last. Time passed and no progress was made. It is said that Erebos instructed the others to amputate limbs so as not to fully succumb to the cold’s avarice. They had long since consumed their last ration, hunger threatened to swallow them in its awaiting belly.

Until they came upon an opening to a cave with soft lights inside. This area would later go on to be named the Nectary. 

Journeying deeper into this timely oasis, the destitute group was amazed at the sights they saw. Gems embedded into the walls emanated an amber glow, and vegetation lined the floor, which fauna could be seen grazing upon. They feasted upon the tarte fruit growing inside until they could eat no more. Rejuvenated, they continued the trek, all the while grabbing everything they could carry. A sweet aroma wafted through the air the further they descended. At last, they discovered a vast underground lake that stretched out as far as the eye could see. The liquid cradled within was mostly transparent. When the light hit it at just the right angle, shimmering golden flecks became visible.  

The four were astounded by what they witnessed. Some wondered if it was all a dream, and that when they woke, everything they had gained would be lost. They would later testify that after sharing in this fear, a tender, otherworldly voice crooned directly into their subconscious. 

To Erebos, it said, “To dream is a sacred thing.” 

To Rhea, “Don’t fear it. Welcome it, rejoice in it, and shed no tears when it is finished.” 

To Iapetus, “I will grant you my purest blessing. While I slumber, find rest in me.” 

And finally, to Soter, “Drink my ichor. Then you too can have the sweetest of dreams.”

Later, the Genius Society would theorize the quartet had heard musings from the Aeon of The Ideal, known as Noct. 

They were hailed as heroes upon their triumphant return. Bit by bit, piece by piece, plans were drafted to utilize what was found in the Nectary to its fullest potential. 

And so the IPC’s greatest eyesore was born. 

Exalted Arbiter

The Exalted Arbiter is a revered title passed down from generation to generation in the Phaeales Clan, descendants of Rhea. The Exalter Arbiter boasts profound proficiencies in their field. Very little is known about the details of their upbringing. One anonymous source claims that they cannot interact with anyone aside from their parents until they’re 100 Trailblazer Years old. If an Exalted Arbiter has more than a single child, the one who tests with the highest aptitude inherits the title. 

LOTUS-EATER

Located in the Thelx quadrant. 

The only licensed institution on Eris where Arbiters can legally practice their craft. Beings from almost every faction travel across the universe to come here. It is rumored that the current waiting list to become a client is in the range of twenty to thirty Trailblazer Years. No one knows for certain how much a single Synalink session costs, due to the contracts clients sign swearing themselves to secrecy. Suggestions range from trillions of credits, to organs, and even ‘siphoning years off a client’s life’. The LOTUS-EATER denies these claims. 

Link

The Intelligentsia Guild describes this as a sort of ‘empathetic bond’ that opens up channels of communication from the Arbiter to their client. It is categorized into two phases: a low-level link and a regular link. A white ring forms around the client’s pupils once any link has been made. A low-level link allows the Arbiter to better sense the emotional state of their client and gauge if they are ready for the next steps. In this phase, they offer suggestions that help make the client’s psyche more malleable. Ethical concerns have been raised that Arbiters can use this to control the client against their will, but this was found to be highly improbable. During the regular link phase, the Arbiter prepares the basic building blocks for the request the client has made. 

Nectary

The miraculous finding that saved the first generation of prisoners from extinction. 

Nectary’s tonic

The Nectary’s tonic is the widely used name for the liquid found within the Nectary. Arbiters who have completed their training are told its original name is ‘Ichor’. It serves an identical function to water, except in its untreated form, cannot freeze at any temperature. Historical texts attributed many miracles to the tonic, such as the rumor it could raise the dead back to life. While it is unlikely these tales are true, it is universally accepted in the realm of academics that the tonic lost its initial miraculous potency over the Amber Aeons since its discovery. Regardless, its remaining benefits in the present day make it a highly sought over commodity. These benefits range from healthy, dew-like skin, to a greatly stronger immune system. 

All attempts at manufacturing a synthetic version have unanimously ended in failure. 

Nymphalian

A humanoid species native to Eris. Their most prominent physical attribute is the white ring around their pupils. Generations of natural selection honed the Nymphalian’s physiology to suit their planet better. Their bodies can endure freezing climates and their eyesight is honed in the dark. The average lifespan ranges from 500 to 700 Trailblazer Years. 

Perianth II

The capital of Eris and the main bustling hub of activity. The original Perianth was destroyed in an IPC-funded insurrection, however, the Nymphalians have proved themselves to be nothing if not resilient. Scraps were scavenged and a new, better city was built. It is sectioned into four main quadrants — Arc, Thelx, Ade, and Mele. Though the night is infinitely dark, the city itself twinkles like a starry sky.

Synalink

“It can be anything… you can be anything. You can converse with Aeons. Raise a family with a lover who would never have glanced your way in reality. Conquer planets, rule galaxies, turn the universe itself into your playground. After experiencing this… is there any way to live as you once did…?” -Unclassified fragment from a former LOTUS-EATER client’s journal

The highest form of a link. Hundreds of years can be lived out in a dreamscape while only sacrificing a few minutes in reality. It is the Arbiter’s crowning achievement. Although she’ll vehemently deny it, Herta is said to have based the proof of concept for her Simulated Universe on the Synalink. The phenomena earns drastically different reactions. Some condemn it, others praise it, and most doubt it’s even possible. 

The Hounds

A derogatory term referring to the IPC. Popular among Nymphalians.

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Trump advisers propose jeopardizing national security by giving out security clearances without FBI vetting for Donald's appointees if elected again

Maggie Haberman, Jonathan Swan, and Charlie Savage at NYT:

A memo circulating among at least half a dozen advisers to former President Donald J. Trump recommends that if he is elected, he bypass traditional background checks by law enforcement officials and immediately grant security clearances to a large number of his appointees after being sworn in, according to three people briefed on the matter. The proposal is being promoted by a small group including Boris Epshteyn, a top legal adviser to Mr. Trump who was influential in its development, according to the three people. It is not clear whether Mr. Trump has seen the proposal or whether he is inclined to adopt it if he takes office.

But it would allow him to quickly install loyalists in major positions without subjecting them to the risk of long-running and intrusive F.B.I. background checks, potentially increasing the risks of people with problematic histories or ties to other nations being given influential White House roles. Such checks hung up clearances for a number of aides during Mr. Trump’s presidency, including Mr. Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner and Mr. Epshteyn himself. The proposal suggests using private-sector investigators and researchers to perform background checks on Mr. Trump’s intended appointees during the transition, cutting out the role traditionally played by F.B.I. agents, the three people said. Once Mr. Trump took the oath, he would then summarily approve a large group for access to classified secrets, they said. Asked about the proposal, Steven Cheung, a spokesman for the Trump campaign, responded with an attack on Vice President Kamala Harris, saying she and Democrats “have weaponized the Department of Justice to attack President Trump and his supporters” and that Mr. Trump would use “the full powers of the presidency” to build his administration starting on Inauguration Day.

A number of Mr. Trump’s advisers — and the former president himself — have long viewed background checks for security clearances with deep suspicion. They believe that the process is designed to make challenges to outcomes difficult, and that personal pieces of information submitted during the vetting can be disseminated later for damaging results. Mr. Trump has long railed about the F.B.I. being part of a “deep state” conspiracy to undermine him. But a change that would allow a president with a record of flouting norms and rules for the handling of classified material to further sidestep existing guardrails would raise new questions about the adequacy of the system protecting national security secrets. It is not clear what positions the altered system would cover, but the people familiar with the proposal said it appeared to apply to a large number of potential Trump appointees in a second administration.

Mr. Epshteyn, who was indicted earlier this year in Arizona in connection with a so-called fake electors scheme to upend Mr. Trump’s 2020 loss and has two prior arrests in that state, speaks with Mr. Trump multiple times a day and is one of his most influential aides. He is a lawyer and consultant who has helped recruit and manage the legal team that has been defending Mr. Trump in the four criminal cases filed against him since he left office. (Mr. Epshteyn reached a plea deal after a 2014 arrest, and in the other case, in 2021, three charges were dismissed and he pleaded guilty to one charge. Both convictions were later set aside.)

[...]

Traditional federal background investigations for security clearances carry risks for potential appointees. Lying on official application materials could lead to a criminal charge for making a false statement. Seeking a clearance also invites scrutiny that could turn up some other cause to open a criminal investigation. Potential Trump appointees would reduce or avoid those risks under the proposal, in which the privately assembled dossiers would apparently be seen only by the White House.

According to certain advisers in Trumpworld, Donald Trump seeks to jeopardize national security by giving security clearances to large chunks of his potential appointees without proper vetting and background checks if he elected again.

[mangotangerine]

99% of this is getting cut from the fic because it's unnecessary, so i shall share it here before I toss it into my deleted scenes pile.

under the cut!

“What?”

“Lockdown mode,” Vox repeats. “Nobody gets in or out. I’ve got their phones in a separate room, Faraday cage to stop signal so they can’t be tracked.”

“They can track the fucking journey we took, Vox, right to this building.”

“Nah. Gotta do some things to get those logs locked, too. Sorry, you’re going to have to endure some technical shit while I handle security. Our guy had knowledge he’s not supposed to have, was telling your drunk guy about it and to be careful. Very annoying, gotta talk to my NSA buddy about some shit.”

Vox’s reassurances do nothing to actually reassure him, because there’s no way that Vox would have the level of power and control he’s implying he has. It’s a ridiculous thought, but Alastor has no idea why Vox would lie to him about this. He’s silent as they head up, trying to figure it out. He’s still thinking when Vox leads them into his office, shutting it and swiping his card when they’re inside.

Alastor sits down in the chair in the corner and watches Vox boot up his computer. More weird card swipes, then Vox sits back and looks at Alastor. “You don’t believe me,” he says.

“No,” Alastor responds.

“Why?”

“What do you mean why?” Alastor asks incredulously. Vox shrugs, and Alastor shakes his head in disbelief. “You’re a—you’re just a scientist. A researcher,” he says. “High level, you’ve said, I know, and you mentioned once being some… some attack dog of the government, which I still don’t understand, but you’re implying something ridiculous.”

Vox opens his mouth to respond, then shuts it, thinking. “Okay, first—ouch,” he says, not sounding hurt at all. “Second—uh… I mean, I don’t really know how to explain it. Well, I do, I’m just not supposed to.” He sighs, then, and runs a hand through his hair with frustration. “I’m very good at my job—”

“Nobody’s that good,” Alastor says. “And I’m sorry, but there’s no way you’re that important.”

Vox blinks at him.

“To them,” Alastor clarifies, voice soft. “You’re more important than anything, to me.”

“Love you too,” Vox says, smiling. “I mean, you’re right, kinda. Through some combination of bad luck and incompetence—not mine—I managed to hear some shit I wasn’t supposed to. They found out, of course, because I had no idea how important it was and asked them. Typical process is probably just to merc me then and there to make sure nothing gets out.”

Silent, Alastor waits for Vox to continue, still unconvinced.

“Right. So, surprisingly, when they grabbed me they took me to a secure room instead of some torture facility. I’m not important to be told the kind of info I was—don’t ask what it is, they will literally murder me. I mean, I’ll tell you, but I will absolutely, 100% die. So… unless you want that..”

“I won’t ask,” Alastor says, sighing at the knowledge his curiosity will never be sated.

“Perfect, because I don’t want to die before we get married. So, not important enough to be told that kinda info, but important enough that they can’t just kill me.”

“Because you’re somehow so good at your job?” Alastor asks, eyebrow raised.

“Nah. I’m just some researcher who happens to have really, really high top-security clearance. No, baby. Wealth and connections.”

Alastor makes a face. “That’s even less convincing.”

“It’s really not that difficult to blackmail people. They care about the dumbest shit, and my dad has a lot of that info. I mean, me too, but that wouldn’t matter because I’d be dead. But kill his only son… probably some of that will get out.”

It takes what feels like minutes until Alastor sighs, accepting the information. “Really? Blackmail?”

“Like I said, people care about dumb shit. Not really a big deal to keep me alive anyway, and I am good at my job. Overhearing that tidbit conveniently opened up some opportunities for the U.S. government to do some shit on domestic soil, since I’m a fucking genius. It’s why Husk’s gonna believe the whole ‘top-secret experiments’ thing I’m going to feed him when I tell him the lab’s locked down for the next few months.”

“Convenient,” Alastor says, and Vox shrugs again, then turns to his computer.

He does… something, and Alastor sits impatiently until Vox finishes and shuts down his computer. It’s bizarre and surreal when Vox gets up and goes back and forth to multiple areas of his office to unlock things that unlock things that, presumably, unlock things, but he’s done soon enough.

“All right! Now I have all the shit I need to unlock the lab,” he says cheerily. “We can go home, and you can grumpily fuck me.”

“I begrudgingly find your level of power and competence attractive,” Alastor mutters. “Are you sure that room is secure?”

“Seismic sensors, crazy weird composite material that’s like impossible to drill through, multiple electromechanical locks, biometrics, regular old mechanical locks, and multi-personnel unlocking.”

It’s the multi-personnel unlocking that has Alastor alarmed. “What do you mean, multi-personnel unlocking?” Alastor asks.

“Have to have more than one person with the proper level of access to open,” Vox answers. “Conveniently, I had a colleague with me when I overheard some info I shouldn’t have, who was way more important than me job-wise. He didn’t need the money or connections to keep him safe. Some NSA nerd that followed me here because we’re not supposed to be separated geographically. I don't know why. Probably some dumb shit, not like it matters. Anyway—I've got info on him, blackmail—he won’t ask questions, and he won’t talk. Got even more against him now! Apparently he fucked Husk’s boytoy years ago and he doesn’t want his wife to find out.”

Alastor shakes his head. “That’s stupid.”

“Yep,” Vox says. “Let’s go so you can fuck me.”

They leave, finally, and Alastor fucks Vox until he cries—as usual.

[pocketramblr]

5 headcanons for an AU where All might deflates in front of the crowd after defeating the sludge villain?

OOOOOOH now that's fun

1- it's quiet, for a moment, as everyone stares and tries to process what they just saw. Izuku, who saw the truth already, still is stunned for a second. And then he realizes everyone else sees too, and his feet move before he can think more about it.

2- Izuku needs everyone to stop looking at All Might as the crowd begins to murmur, shaking itself. Izuku knows that Kacchan is very good at being loud and the center of attention. So, 2+2=4, he gives Bakugou a little push into a hero and a civilian and let's that work out.

3- As the explosion begins, Izuku grabs All Might's hand and runs, down between two buildings that still smell like smoke and sewage. Mt Lady grows for crowd control, and sees where they go- but the look in their eyes makes her turn back to the crowd and block a few civilians from following. She pretends everything is normal, and she's an actress. If that really was All Might- and it had to be, she felt that power- he'll be grateful when she contacts his agency later to demand what happened. If it isn't, then she can point out that letting non-heroes follow a villainous impersonator of that power level would have been disastrous.

4- they go a few buildings further when All Might's feet drag and Izuku's burst of motion slows. He pants, and stops at the street. "Go one way, All Might, sir, I'll tell them you went the other way." He can still hear Kacchan shouting above the other voices, and Mt Lady arguing back, but they don't have a lot of time. "Yeah, no." Toshinori says, and drags Izuku instead into a store, heading for the clearance section and hats.

5- the good news is, most people had put their phones down at this point and weren't filming. The TV cameras had turned away to show the people cheering and the blond victim fine. The bad news is that some people still were filming, and the TV crew went back, catching sight of All Might's skinny back fleeing the scene as the crowd erupted. As Toshinori pays for a change of clothes for both him and Izuku, his phone starts to ring. He mutes it as they change and put on the hats. Izuku asks where they are running too, but Toshinori just goes two buildings down to a ramen shop and sits at a table. He points out that no is going to look for All Might at a restaurant a block from the crime scene, much less expect him to be casually eating there in an Endeavor hoodie and a ball cap. He thinks the bright orange FG jacket izuku is now wearing to hide his school uniform clashes horribly with the lilac beanie, but it works to make the few curls escaping to look less green. As they eat, Toshinori tells Izuku about OfA, and makes his offer. Izuku bursts into tears because he just ruined All Might's secret, revealed it to everyone, he doesn't deserve his quirk, and now that it's in the open All Might can pick someone else, the best choice. Toshinori disagrees, because all Izuku did was inspire him to save that other boy, which was more important. Izuku agrees to be his successor, numbers are exchanged, and after eating Toshinori walks him home just in case- but it seems Izuku wasn't identified, probably because Bakugou could only scream "Deku" when shoved, so Izuku gets a quiet night of pure stress to himself while Toshinori heads to ask Tsukauchi for a ride to Might Tower for a very loud and very long night of pure stress and demanding answers.

[weskin-time]

i hate this so much but i’ve been suffering from Wesker burnout (and RE in general) and that’s the reason i haven’t been writing a lot. So this is a self insert of me getting out of my burnout and hate for wesker and taking him back into my heart <3

Not beta read

cw- unhealthy relationship mention, insulting wesker, some cuss words, gun mention, sfw gun play

“How were you allowed in here?” A gravelly voice called out from a corner of the lab as you walked in.

“I let myself in.” you reached around you to fix the gun in the waist band if your pants. It was a GSG 1911, you wouldn’t go anywhere near Umbrella without a gun on you.

Guards didn’t obstruct you from entering the building, workers didn’t question your stamping through the halls, scientists let you into the higher clearance area without blinking. Everyone knew of your relationship with Albert Wesker. No one dared to stop you as you made your way to his lab.

“Let me rephrase that. Why are you here?” He stood up from chair he was sitting on, a black turtle neck hugged him tightly as the white lab coat hung loose around him, the shades covering his eyes slipped down his nose and revealed his red eyes to you. They burned right through you. His light brows furrowed at you.

You didn’t have a good answer for that.

You wanted to see him.

That was the worse answer out of all the ones in your mind. You really didn’t have a reason to come see him, and as you marched through the halls you forgot to think of a reason to be here. So you took a deep breath and answered.

“I needed to talk to you.”

“You missed me?” He said it more of an observation, eye brows raised and a smirk playing on his shitty thin lips.

“No.” You answered a little too fast. You walked to him and took a look at him standing. You haven’t seen him in months. The two of you were taking a break from your relationship, you walked out on him.

Stopping a few feet in front of him you watched him sit down in the chair again, facing you, he pushed his glasses back up on his nose. He was a cocky mother fucker. You should dislike him, you should hate his guts, and yet you crave him on some weird level. A part of your brain missed him, begged you to see him, it missed the feeling of his arms around you and his stupid deep chuckle as he held you tighter.

“I hate you.” You looked into the space between his eyes, not wanting to meet his own eyes, but wanting to present yourself as more confident than you really were.

It took a millisecond to register the movement across from you, Wesker had reached behind your back and grabbed the gun, the metal now pressed against your temple, he had dragged you closer to him in the process so you were now in front of him. You flinched at the movement but you stood still as you took a second to understand what just happened, it all happened so fast. You met his eyes that burned under his sunglasses, they held contact before breaking as his gaze shifted to the gun. He dragged it down your cheek, slowly tracing your jawline down to your chin, where he patted the bottom of your chin before that cocky smile reached his lips. The metal grazed your skin as be brought it down to your neck, poking it against your pulse before dragging it back up to your temple. You held still.

“Curious. Curious indeed. You hate me, and yet you trust me to not pull the trigger.”

Your eyes instantly flickered to the gun only to find his pointer finger on the side of the firearm, the safety still on. He wouldn’t hurt you. He wouldn’t kill you. The GSG 1911 pressed back to your pulse, you felt your heart hammering against the metal.

Something shattered in you, be it your pride or your ego, a wall around your heart started to break down. You missed him. You missed him dearly. You hung your head and the gun left your skin.

“Why can’t you be the person i want to hate?” Your voice was barley a whisper.

Wesker stood up once again and hugged you.

How you melted in his arms was embarrassing, something you wouldn’t admit to anyone, not even wanting to accept it yourself.

“I missed you too.” He admitted.

[sashketter]

The Captain and the Senator

Chapter 4 - Project Spycraft

Summary: After learning of Omega’s abduction, Riyo Chuchi and the clones plan a stealth reconnaissance mission into the Imperial Inspectorate HQ for intel on Hemlock’s lab. Once there, Rex and Riyo run into Boil, discover a list of clone deserters, and recruit Admiral Barton Coburn for the Clone Underground.

Word count: 4.4k

Warnings: One fluffy Rexiyo scene.

Notes: This takes places during Omega’s first stint at Tantiss. I refuse to believe the regs wouldn’t or couldn’t help Hunter and Wrecker search for Omega. I like to think whatever mission Rex and Echo were on that kept them for two rotations had to have been related to her or Tantiss. I might’ve gotten a little carried away tying in other people and places, but I think it works.

Chapter 3 - Table of Contents - Chapter 5

“I’ve got a bad feeling about this, Senator.”

“This was your idea, Captain.”

Despite Riyo’s best efforts to tailor a Pantoran guard’s uniform to Rex’s measurements, the helmet is still too big for the clone’s head. It falls over his nose as they walk along the First Battle Memorial. Rex pushes it back up in time to nod to an Imperial officer. Following close behind, Riyo wonders if she should have brought along one of her guards after all.

Echo had returned from Ord Mantell several rotations ago with news of Omega’s abduction by a Dr. Royce Hemlock. The clones were divided on next steps. Echo and Gregor wanted to join Hunter and Wrecker on the search. Howzer and Fireball wanted to continue preparing the base on Teth where Nemec and a few others were waiting for more supplies. Samson was loath to leave the base on Pantora unguarded, and Greer felt the base on Orto Plutonia still needed renovations. Rex was torn.

Riyo cast the deciding vote. “Continue with your missions. We cannot begin the search without knowing where to look first. Rex, you and I must call on all our contacts.”

Halle Burtoni was no longer amenable to any contact with Riyo Chuchi, convinced by Rampart’s arrest that she would soon face a similar fate. Imperial officers stonewalled Bail Organa at every turn. Even Senator Mon Mothma offered her help and only reached as far as Finis Valorum’s opinion that any Imperial assets guarded closely enough to trip up the good senator from Alderaan would require the highest-level security clearances. At least Chairman Papanoida managed to point to the Durands for some intel; Echo comm’d Hunter and Wrecker with the tip while the regs continued pulling strings. None of Rex’s contacts within the Empire could turn up anything on a Dr. Hemlock or an Advanced Science Division.

“Would Rampart have had a high enough security clearance?” Riyo looks around the holotable at each clone.

Rex shakes his head. “Yes, but it would’ve been revoked by now.”

“Of course, but what about his computer?” Riyo starts to feel out of her depth, but she continues, “Would the databanks in his office have been wiped?”

“No!” Gregor lands a light punch on the table. “Echo, you said Kamino was evacuated before the bombardment.”

Annoyance crumples Echo’s face. “What does that have to do with anything?”

“Could some of the clones from Kamino have been taken to wherever Howzer and the others were heading?” Gregor knows it’s a stretch.

“It’s possible.” Echo rubs his chin. “They haven’t all been accounted for. What does that have to do with Rampart?”

Howzer catches on. “Any information related to Rampart’s arrest can’t be wiped. They’ll be part of Imperial records. That should include the destination for the clones evacuated from Kamino.”

Realization dawns in a wave around the table.

“Internal Affairs might’ve already taken the databanks from Rampart’s office,” Gregor taps at the holotable and brings up a map of the former Republic military base on Coruscant, “but the backups are housed in the building’s central processing grid. If we can get into Rampart’s office, we can access the backup databanks.”

Echo doesn’t like their odds. “Can’t we just connect to any panel at HQ? Or go directly to the building’s central databanks?”

“No,” Rex remembers some quirks in Republic security, “if Chancellor Valorum is right, only the highest-level security clearances will get us in, and those could still be on Rampart’s computer.”

“They’re tied to the office, not the officer?” Fireball wonders why they haven’t stormed HQ yet. “Seems sloppy.”

“For the sake of efficiency,” Nemec’s holographic image ponders, “so that incoming officers can get to work without waiting for the system to update.”

Greer is curious. “Who’s Rampart’s replacement?”

Samson’s ahead of him. “I don’t think he’ll be replaced, which means his computer is probably already gone.”

Rex turns to Riyo. “What about Senate records?” The men fall silent.

The Senator shakes her head. “I tried. Much of Rampart’s arrest has already been locked and classified. By the Emperor, I imagine. The Imperial Inspectorate HQ is our best chance of finding anything on Hemlock’s laboratory if it is still an ongoing project.”

The clones settle into quiet contemplation. They all know Gregor’s hunch is a stretch, but it doesn’t feel beyond the realm of possibility. A top-secret Advanced Science Division could be responsible for the top-secret clone assassin whose identifying number could be erased only by top-secret technologies. Rampart’s deployment of the clone assassin means he likely had access to the Advanced Science Division helmed by Hemlock – a tenuous connection but their best lead so far.

And after everything Howzer and his men had recounted about their time on Balmorra, it was evident that the Empire’s attitudes towards the clones contained two contradictory notions: they were both inconsequential and a threat, treated like disposable debris but deliberately divided from each other. Everyone in the galaxy knew what the Jedi-influenced Republic troopers were capable of doing when they worked together, so separating and isolating them between several facilities, between prisons and science divisions, was a logical strategy.

“We have to try.” Riyo breaks the silence. “For Omega.”

The men nod at each other and begin.

“Rex, can you get us some stormtrooper gear?”

The Captain hits the brakes. “Negative.”

The men share confused looks. Echo swings his arms out, gesturing to the makeshift command deck on the top floor of a “community center,” and counters, “You can get all this equipment, but not—”

“The Imperial Command Center isn’t a transport ship or a planet on the Outer Rim,” Rex explains. “It’s the head of military operations in the heart of the Empire. Checkpoints in each section require codes that change multiple times a day.” He punches a few buttons on the holotable and highlights on the map dozens of checkpoints manned by armed troopers, metal sensors, and bioscanners.

“What, you can’t get the codes?” Gregor ribs the Captain. In another lifetime, the commando would’ve recruited CT-7567 for his squad.

Rex smirks. “I’m good, but I’m not that good. Why doesn’t the commando have a crack at it?”

Gregor laughs. “You can’t get rid of me that easy, Rex, old boy. I intend to—”

“I was able to get in with one of my guards.” Ever soft and light, Riyo’s voice commands the men’s attentions. “I had a meeting with Rampart to discuss provisions for…” She trails off, ashamed, and casts her eyes down. Rex rests a reassuring hand on her shoulder, and she covers his hand with hers.

He picks up her lead. “Echo, can you schedule an appointment for the Senator?”

“Without alerting them? Depends on the officer.”

Rex nods. “I know just the one.”

Echo had insisted that he be the one to accompany Riyo into the Imperial Command Center, nearly coming to blows with Rex, but his scomp was difficult to disguise. Howzer had returned to Teth, and Gregor and Fireball left to liberate another clone prisoner transport, leaving Rex as the Senator’s sole accomplice. He wasn’t as adept with computers as Echo or Nemec, but he had a few tricks up his sleeve to bypass some security. As a precaution, he rigged a comlink into the Pantoran helmet and kept an encrypted line open to Echo who hid in the back of Riyo’s senatorial speeder. All Riyo had to do was walk to Rampart’s office.

“She’ll be safe,” Rex assures Filip in the Senator’s office at Pantoran City. They were scheduled to leave for Coruscant in half a rotation.

“I’m more worried about you.” Filip turns his tall helmet over in Rex’s hands. “You don’t exactly look Pantoran.”

Rex smirks and tries on the guard’s helmet. “You don’t recruit off-worlders?”

“Perhaps they should,” Riyo chimes in, holding out a hanger with a Pantoran guard’s uniform. “I did my best, but Filip has a point. Perhaps we should paint—”

“I’m not doing blue face, Senator.” He sets the helmet down on the coffee table and stands to take the uniform. He knows he doesn’t look Pantoran enough to pass as one of Riyo’s guards, but none of the guards the clones spoke to felt up to the task of successfully navigating Imperial security, much less committing treason.

“I wouldn’t be offended, Rex. Just the lower half of your face, the only part of you that is not covered.”

Rex looks to Filip for support, but the guard simply shrugs. “Whatever it takes, Captain. You know more about Imperial systems than any of us.”

The clone turns towards the adjoining fresher where he changes into the custom uniform. Rex is no stranger to disguises, but for a moment, as he adjusts the cape around his shoulders through his reflection above the sink, he wonders what his life would be like protecting the Senator or the Chairman as an official guard. He’s surprised to find that the idea doesn’t turn him off.

Filip wolf whistles and salutes when Rex returns in full regalia. “Looks good!”

Riyo sits on the sofa, an open tin of blue stage paint in her lap and a brush in her hand. She gestures for Rex to sit next to her and smiles when she gets a closer look at her handiwork. She could have had her own seamstress or a droid make the alterations, but in the interests of total secrecy, she spent two rotations poking Rex with pins and hunched over a sewing machine. She pinches his collar where the ornamental tassel hangs, smoothing it down his chest while unaware of her guard’s watchful surprise. Rex smirks at her pride, and Riyo smiles back. Filip makes a mental note to leave them alone more often.

“A little short for a Pantoran guard,” Filip interrupts.

Rex huffs as Riyo crooks a finger under his chin to expose his neck to the window’s light. “Nothing I can do there, Fil.”

Riyo swirls her brush around in the tin and starts at Rex’s Adam’s apple. “Your brother is the same height as the good captain, Filip, and no one in the Assembly thinks less of him because of it.”

“Speak for yourself, Senator. He is my little brother, after all.” Filip smiles and leaves to return to his post just outside the double doors.

Riyo continues in silence, quickly covering Rex’s neck and jaw. He tilts his chin down when she reaches his cheeks. She senses him tense up and tries to calm him.

“I would’ve thought you liked blue.” She smiles and catches surprise in his eyes.

Rex clears his throat. “Uh, well, I like it better on you.”

Riyo’s eyebrows shoot up. “I meant because of your armor.” She tries to hide her smile and focus on the last stretches of his tan skin left. “But thank you, Rex.” She catches his lips turn into a smirk as he squeezes her thigh. She bites her bottom lip to stifle her squeal.

Rex wonders if he’s turning as purple as she is.

~~~

Rex straightens his posture and balances the Pantoran helmet on the crown of his head as they enter the Imperial Inspectorate HQ. Not much had changed in the way it looked, but to the Captain of the 501st, the absence of the clones’ customized colors changed everything. Nondescript troopers roamed the atrium in squads or platoons. He counts only a handful of the clones’ helmets. Rex finds it easier to suppress the urge to nod or salute with the balancing act on his head. Two troopers man the front desk, one in front of and the other behind it.

The one in front steps forward, holding his rifle across his chest. “State your business.”

Riyo steps next to Rex who stands at attention. “I have a meeting with Admiral Barton Coburn.”

Keys clack behind the desk while Rex takes in all points of in- and egress in his peripheral vision. He knows to avoid the main entrance if he and Riyo need to make a quick escape.

The trooper behind the desk speaks up. “TK-3094, escort the Senator to Admiral Coburn’s office.”

Riyo raises a hand. “Thank you, but I can find my way.”

TK-3094 stands unmoving in front of her. “Standard procedure, Senator.”

Rex’s fists tighten behind his back. He knows this was not standard operating procedure when it was the Republic Center for Military Operations. He hopes his knowledge of the building’s security systems are still reliable.

“And have your guard leave his weapon here.”

“As I recall, trooper,” Riyo moves past TK-3094 towards the desk, “that was not standard procedure when I was last here. What’s one firearm to a building of battalions? And my guards are bound by Pantoran decree to remain armed in my presence. They are not subject to Imperial whims.”

Riyo squares her shoulders and hopes she hasn’t flexed her command too far. She turns towards Rex who faces his own silent standoff with TK-3094. She’s glad his visor hides his gaze, though she spies his lips twitch into a smirk. Whether at her bravado or the unmoving TK trooper, she wasn’t sure, but she hopes he’ll remain silent or risk undermining her own words.

“For now,” warns the voice behind the desk. Riyo whips around with a stern look before the trooper waves his hand. “Very well. On your way.”

TK-3094 walks ahead of Rex and Riyo, brandishing his security pass at each checkpoint, as they make several turns down several corridors. In his helmet, Rex hears Echo growl, “Get rid of him.” Riyo hears the faint grumble and looks up into Rex’s helmet. He shakes his head imperceptibly. Two more turns will bring them past Rampart’s office. Riyo looks around for a distraction in the empty hallway. To her surprise, it comes from behind.

“Senator Chuchi, to what do we owe this pleasure?”

The three turn around to face an Imperial officer. He’s just far enough to obscure his name tag, but Riyo recognizes his rank.

“Admiral, I—”

“You’re early.” He extends a welcoming hand on her arm. She spies his name and looks up in relief. He turns to TK-3094. “You’re dismissed.”

Rex and Riyo continue down the hall with Admiral Coburn who waits for the TK trooper to turn the corner before addressing them. They walk side by the side, the men flanking Riyo.

“Senator, I must commend you for your defense of clone rights on the Senate floor.” Coburn walks at attention, hands folded behind his back. “Many still serve under my command, and they took your impassioned speech to heart. Know that you are not alone in believing the clones deserve more than what the Empire is willing to give them.”

“Thank you, Admiral. It is always reassuring to know whom one’s allies are.”

“Indeed.” Without pause, Coburn asks, “What’s your name, trooper?” The Admiral was a shrewd man. He would recognize a clone anywhere.

“Rex, sir,” without breaking stride, “it’s good to see you.”

Coburn turns his head halfway in Rex’s direction. “Captain? I— records said you were killed in action.”

“Yes, sir, en route to Coruscant from the Siege of Mandalore.”

“How did you survive?”

“I had help.”

They turn a corner and wait for a pair of troopers to pass before continuing.

“It is not safe for you to be here, Captain,” Coburn warns under his breath. “If the Empire finds out you’re alive, you will be branded a deserter and hunted down. You must leave. What were you two thinking?”

Riyo speaks slightly above a whisper. “We need your help, Admiral. A friend of mine was taken by an Imperial scientist named Dr. Royce Hemlock. We only wish to locate her.”

“I’ve never heard of a Hemlock.” Coburn doesn’t hide his agitation. “What did your friend do to warrant her capture?”

“Nothing, Admiral,” Rex grumbles. “I bet you won’t even find an arrest warrant for her in the system.”

Coburn stops and looks down. He groans, “I am sure you are right.”

Rex and Riyo turn to face him. Their fears of more Imperial officers acting with impunity are confirmed in the Admiral’s sighs and sagging shoulders. They look around and find Coburn’s office two doors down. Hope blooms in the empty hallway.

“You could’ve turned me in, Admiral.” Rex tests him. “But you brought us to your office. This is why we scheduled a meeting with you.”

Coburn looks up and meets Rex’s determination. “What do you need, Captain?”

They hurry into the Admiral’s office. Coburn and Riyo head for the desk while Rex keeps his ear to the door, blaster in hand. He shifts his head inside the oversized helmet to whisper into the comlink.

“Mako-2, still there?”

“Copy, Mako-1. I’m patched into the building’s comm channel. So far, so good.”

“Signal when the hallway is clear. We��ll wait to leave until then.”

“Copy that.”

Rex turns and nods to Riyo who stands behind Coburn sitting at his desk.

The Admiral taps at his console and lights up the screen. “What are we looking for?”

Riyo whispers, “Anything pertaining to Vice Admiral Edmon Rampart and his operations on Kamino.”

Keys clack as Coburn scoffs, “I never did like him.” The Admiral remembers Rampart’s identifying number and heads straight to his profile. The screen flashes an error message.

“Oh, no.” Riyo stares in shock. She realizes the locked documents in the Senate records were a placeholder.

Coburn is more determined. “That’s odd. Let me do a general search.”

Error message.

“Rex!” Riyo is wide-eyed and breathless as she turns towards the door. “They wiped him completely. There’s no record of Rampart in the Imperial system.”

Coburn continues clacking. “Only his arrest and his current location at a labor camp.”

“But no record of his service?” Rex takes a step towards the desk. “Any of his projects?” He wonders how much more the Empire is willing to erase and cover up.

“Not here at HQ.” The Admiral types furiously at his terminal, eyes fused to the screen. “Maintenance logs indicate his databanks were moved immediately after his arrest.”

Riyo wonders why. “Where?”

“It doesn’t say.”

Riyo still wonders why. “Are you sure they weren’t destroyed?”

“They appear on the manifest of a transport ship headed to…” Coburn trails off as he meets dozens of redacted lines.

“Scarif?”

Riyo turns from Coburn’s screen to Rex at the door. “It’s been classified. Why do you say—”

“I have a contact who works construction there. They’re not sure what they’re building, but he said they’re receiving tons of databanks every day.”

“Where’s Scarif?” She hopes it’s close enough to Pantora that they can resupply and make the journey before she’s called back to the Senate in a few rotations.

“In the Abrion sector, close to Kamino.” Rex had never been, but he knows if the Empire is building something top-secret on the Outer Rim, it can’t be good.

“Is it dangerous?” It’s a question Riyo asks Rex before every mission, but today, she’s curious more for herself than the clones. She had never asked to be a part of their missions, well-aware that her skillset was better suited to the Senate than the field, but now she wonders if the Captain will continue to let and help her expand her expertise.

Rex smirks. “More dangerous than the center of Imperial military operations?” He’s unaware of Riyo’s ambitions to join the clones on more of their missions, assuming instead that the Senator, as always, is worried about their safety.

Coburn butts in. “There’s something else. Communications to and from Rampart’s office.”

Riyo looks over the Admiral’s shoulder and finds—

“A list of clone numbers? Transmitted to… where?” She starts reading off, “CT-3947, CT-0569, CC-2224—”

“Wait!” Rex is already halfway to the desk. “Repeat that last one.”

“CC-2224. Did you know him?”

Rex peers over Riyo and tilts his helmet up and away from his eyes. “What is this?”

“There are dates next to each CT number and ‘AWOL.’” Riyo looks up in shock. “Rex, these clones are all deserters.”

Rex reaches over Coburn’s hands, punches a key, and brings the printer to life. “How long’s the list?”

Coburn looks up and shakes his head. “Captain, it’s–”

“Mako-1!” Echo cuts through in Rex’s helmet. “Two squads inbound. No alarm’s been tripped. Something’s up.”

“We have to go.” Rex grabs the paper that’s already out of the printer and stuffs it flat against his chest inside his uniform. “We got two squads headed our way.”

Coburn shuts off his terminal, sending the room into darkness. “Senator, over there.” He points to one of two chairs in front of his desk. “Captain, at attention next to the door. Follow my lead.”

Rex flicks the switch to turn the lights on. Coburn smooths his uniform as he walks around the desk and perches on the corner closest to Riyo. The sound of the squads’ radio chatter announces their arrival before they enter.

A knock prompts Coburn to answer, “Come in.”

The door swings open, and Rex meets the unmistakable visor of a clone trooper. His markings had been painted over grey, but the silhouette of a hawkbat on the left side of his helmet gives him away. Boil. He aims his rifle between Coburn and Riyo.

“Admiral, please step outside.” Boil lowers his weapon.

“Gladly, Sergeant. The Senator and I were just finishing.”

Boil extends a downward palm in Riyo’s direction. “Remain seated, Senator.”

Coburn stops in his steps. “What is the meaning of this?”

“This meeting was never registered with the Senate.”

Rex hears Echo curse in his left ear. The Corporal had only fixed the Imperial Inspectorate’s books and forgotten that appointments were made through Senate channels. “Stand by, Mako-1.”

Riyo stands, her face and voice immovable. “I did not think a visit with an old friend required Senate approval.”

Boil wasn’t having it. “Right,” he stretches the word two syllables longer, “but you registered it in the Imperial Inspectorate’s logbook and only our logbook.”

“Sergeant, this is nothing more than a clerical error.” Coburn puts a hand on the clone’s spaulder. “I can assure you the Senator and I were merely discussing—”

“You can discuss it with Internal Affairs.” Boil brushes off Coburn’s hand. “Both of you, come with me.”

“Sergeant, I must protest.” Riyo stands her ground. “As a member of the Imperial Senate, I am under no obligation…”

The rest is muted by the blood beating in Rex’s ears. He only knows that his hand is on his blaster, his eyes on Boil’s rifle slowly inching up to point towards Riyo. Before he can wrap a finger on his trigger, Echo chimes in. “Fixed.”

Rex stands back at attention and curtly tucks his chin in. Coburn catches the half nod.

“Check again, Sergeant.” The Admiral moves back to his desk and turns his console on. “The Senate’s systems aren’t as up-to-date as ours. Sometimes they don’t sync properly.” He taps at keys quickly.

“Admiral, stand down. You are ordered to—”

“Sergeant, I order you to stand down and look at the screen!”

While Echo was stationed in the back of the Senator’s speeder parked outside HQ, Riyo’s usual guards were on standby in her office where she would rendezvous with them for the return trip to Pantora. Echo comm’d Roland and Tival with instructions to make an appointment through one of Riyo’s aide’s terminals and cover up the time delay in the Senate’s system.

Boil looks down at Coburn’s console. His helmet hides his reaction, but Rex can hear the low hmm of a clone trooper processing new information. He’d heard it enough times to know that whatever Echo did had worked.

Still looking down at the screen, Boil punches a key and orders the troopers outside the door. “Stand down.” He looks up at Coburn. “Apologies, Admiral. It seems you were right about the delay between HQ and the Senate’s systems.”

“Good day, Sergeant.” Coburn was done with pleasantries and wanted only to be rid of Boil and his troopers. He fixes his face into a cold glare.

The squads retreat further down the hallway. Boil reaches the open door and turns to face the right side of Rex’s helmet. “Funny how a senator’s appointment appears first in our system before her own.” His visor turns slightly over his shoulder in Riyo’s direction.

“Curious, indeed.” She follows the Admiral’s lead. “Good day, Sergeant.”

Rex remains motionless, his back to the wall. He knows Boil is on to them, but for some reason, does no more.

“Whatever you’re doing, trooper,” Boil rumbles low enough for only Rex to hear, “don’t.”

Rex can’t decide if it’s a warning or a threat. Boil decides for him.

“Tun s’oko fendoon circaa, nerra.”

Rex doesn’t understand most of it, but he recognizes nerra. Between Waxer’s stories of Numa and Howzer’s constant cursing in Twi’leki, he understands “brother.” He understands Boil’s show of force in a superior’s office and his failure to arrest him. Rex turns his helmet enough to catch Boil nod. He returns the gesture and watches his nerra close the door.

Coburn and Riyo release the breaths they’d been holding and sit down. They don’t understand the exchange, but they know it was significant.

Echo interrupts the silence. “Mako-1, did he just say—”

“Yeah. It was Boil.”

“Will he—”

“No.” Rex takes a deep breath and finally moves. “We should go.”

Rex opens the door and swivels his head towards both ends of the hallway. Coburn and Riyo gather behind him. “Lead the way, Admiral.”

“Back the way you came.” Coburn steps into the hall, with Rex and Riyo close behind. “The front desk will be expecting you.”

“With more squads in the atrium.” Rex reaches for his blaster.

Coburn catches the movement. “Stand down, Captain. I’ll walk you out.”

Once again, Riyo is flanked by the men. “We can’t thank you enough for your help, Admiral. Rex spoke highly of you before, and I see now he was being modest.” She reaches a hand to Coburn’s shoulder. “You’re a good man.”

Two turns around two corners and two long corridors will bring them within sight of the main entrance. As they continue, Coburn lays a hand on Riyo’s back.

“Thank you, both of you. It’s reassuring to know there are still good people doing good work in the galaxy.”

Rex whispers, “We may need your help again in the future, Admiral.”

“And you shall have it, Captain. The Empire is not the Republic, and I am afraid we are doing more harm than good.”

“We can change that.” Rex lowers his whisper as the atrium comes in sight.

“‘We?’ You, me, and the Senator?” Coburn scoffs. “We’re vastly outnumbered.”

“Perhaps.” Riyo reaches for Rex’s hand. “But it’s not just us.”

(Footnotes here.)

[angelasscribbles]

The De Facto Queen Chapter One: Queen Without a Crown

Series: The De Facto Queen

Fandom: The Royal Romance

Pairings: Riley x Drake, Riley x Liam

Rating: Teen

Warnings for this chapter: Language

Word Count: 5,355

A/N: Extensive Author's Note

My other stuff: Master List.

Unity Tour, Day 2, Portavira

Riley handed the color-coded, tabbed, and thick as a copy of War and Peace dossier back to Madeleine, “I appreciate all the hard work you put into this, Madeleine. And since you’ve done such a thorough job, I trust you to fill me in on the most pertinent details so that I don’t have to wade through all of this.”

Things had been crazy since Drake had been released from the hospital. There had been a press conference announcing their engagement, wedding planners had practically taken up residence at the palace, and there had been an entire security detail assigned to Riley that had taken some getting used to. She wasn’t accustomed to having people follow her everywhere she went. She had protested that it certainly wasn’t necessary inside the palace but both Liam and Drake had overruled her.

She had wanted to move into Valtoria as soon as possible but again she’d been overruled by both men who insisted that the estate be fortified and locked down as securely as the palace itself prior to her taking up residence.

These two men were going to be the death of her.

Drake, though still recovering from a bullet wound, had thrown himself vigorously into building her security team, as well as the one for Valtoria and he was both meticulously exacting and excruciatingly detailed oriented.

Liam seemed determined to make her queen in all but name. Her security detail wasn’t being called a queen’s guard, but it followed the exact structure of one. She was privy to details no one outside of herself and Liam knew. She received the same daily intelligence briefings as the king. She was given security clearances and thrust headlong into ruling.

No one seem to question why Cordonia’s newest duchess, the one that had been a commoner and a foreigner mere months ago, was ruling by the king’s side. Why she, and not any of the Cordonian-born noblewomen, had been given the privileges and responsibilities of the crown.

No one but Riley herself.

She assumed, and Drake verified, that it was because Liam trusted her, and he needed a ruling partner. It was too great a job for one person alone, that was the whole reason for the marriage provision in the succession laws in the first place.

She wanted to help. Drake may have been the man she said yes to, but Liam still held a special place in her heart, and she would never be able to tell him no about anything again. Not after saying no to the biggest, most important thing he had ever asked of her and shattering his heart into a million pieces in the process.

The memory of that night still physically hurt whenever it pushed its way into her consciousness. Staying busy actually helped distract her from that, and from the fact that her fiancée had almost died when he had taken a bullet meant for her. Those first hours when she thought she might lose him had nearly destroyed her. If she sat still too long, the fact that the perpetrator was still out there somewhere started to eat away at her, gnawing at her sense of safety and threatening her very sanity.

So, she’d thrown herself headlong into the business of governing.

Preparations for the Five Kingdom’s Festival, planning the Unity Tour, and being brought up to speed on the investigation into the attack at the Homecoming Ball had kept her in seemingly endless meetings with Liam, The Royal Council, and the heads of the Cordonian Armed Forces.

All that was on top of scheduling engagement pictures, the engagement party, private fittings for a custom-made dress, picking out flowers, and cake…… thank god she had Hana and Max to run point on all things wedding related. Still, the final decisions rested in her hands.

Then the attack on the orchards had happened, thrusting her somehow into a public relations role. Her, of all people. She attended meetings in the situation room with Liam and Drake, conferred with the palace’s PR team, scoured intelligence briefings, and made public statements to the press, hoping that she had found the right words to calm and reassure the people. Even though she herself often felt far from calm or assured of anything.

But the most difficult thing she’d done by far was swallowing her pride and convincing Madeleine to work for her.

Now she was standing in front of a full-length mirror having a strategy meeting with the woman that had been the bane of her existence for the entirety of the engagement tour, while Max held up dresses for her approval and Hana picked out her accessories.

“This one is the Ebrim house colors!” Max enthused.

“You haven’t steered me wrong yet,” Riley took the dress out of his hands and tried it on.

She admired herself in the mirror. The floor-length purple dress was sparkly with a plunging neckline, putting her cleavage on prominent display. She twisted one way then the other checking out how the dress hugged her curves before nodding in approval, “This is the one!”

She was rewarded an hour later when she exited the dressing room and saw her future husband’s face light up.

Drake had been waiting for her in the private train car. He was standing in the hallway, leaning against the wall, phone in hand when he heard the door slide open. His eyes flicked from the phone screen to his fiancée, then back to the phone screen before jerking up to find her again. He fumbled the phone, barely keeping it in his grasp as his eyes raked greedily down her body, “Riley! Wow!”

“You like it?” She smiled as she spun to give him the full effect.

“Like it?” He pushed away from the wall and pocketed the phone so he could pull her into his arms, “That dress nearly killed me! Are you sure it’s not overkill for an informal dinner?”

“Oh honey, nothing involving crown business is ever really informal,” she told him as she tipped her head to the side to give him access to her neck.

He knew the drill. No mussing up the hair and makeup before a royal event. After, and sometimes even during if they could sneak away, all bets were off. But perfection was required for making a proper entrance.

There was no lipstick to smear on the side of her neck and he loved the way she shivered when he peppered it with kisses. Her low moan and the feel of her body trembling in his arms just pushed his anticipation for the end of the night higher.

“Fuck, baby,” he whispered in her ear, “you have no idea the torture you put me through…”

“Oh, I have some idea,” she told him with a teasing smile as she pulled away, “You look pretty good yourself, Walker.”

Drake shook his head with a laugh at the reference to the suit he was wearing. The button-down shirt wasn’t a far cry from his usual, just dressier than denim. The jacket and slacks were an upgrade, but he still refused to wear a tie.

She didn’t care what he wore. The denim was fine with her. He was the one determined to fit into a world he’d always hated.

For her.

She sighed as she ran a hand down his chest and thought, not for the first time, that maybe she should have declined Liam’s request for help with…well, everything.

But she wanted to help him. She wanted to be involved. She liked making a difference in the world. And as it turned out, she was good at it! She fit seamlessly into Liam’s world.

But where did that leave her husband to be, she wondered as she watched him fidget with the collar of his shirt. It was sweet that he was willing to push himself outside his comfort zone for her, but she didn’t like that he felt like he had to.

She reached up and undid the top button, “Let yourself breathe babe.”

“I just don’t want to do anything to embarrass you tonight.”

“You couldn’t if you tried. I love you. Now, come on before we’re late, Liam is probably already out front waiting on us.”

Liam was indeed standing next to the limo when they exited the train. His face went slack when he saw her, “Riley! You look amazing!”

“Thank you,” she felt her face color not at the compliment as much as the obvious effect she was having on her former lover. She shot a glance sideways at Drake to see if it upset him but he didn’t seem to notice.

Liam recovered quickly, smoothing his face back into polite monarch mode and giving her a chaste peck on the cheek before helping her into the limo and then sliding in after her. He took the seat across from her. Drake slipped into the seat next to her.

Drake talked about the deep-sea fishing off the coast of Portavira as they drove. Riley’s eyes lifted slowly to meet Liam’s. It wasn’t the first time she had caught him staring at her with frank unadorned longing on his face. The sexual tension still hung in the air between them, so thick it was almost suffocating and how her intended never noticed it was beyond her.

The yearning disappeared from his face as he composed it into a cordial smile the moment he noticed her looking, but the damage had been done. Warmth had already exploded inside her, heating her blood and making her heart race. She glanced quickly away and slipped her hand into Drake’s to steady herself.

She had made her choice and she was in love with the man she had committed to. Drake gave her everything she could ask for from a man and so much more. He was loyal and brave, funny and kind, intelligent and endearing. He centered her, he calmed her, he grounded her. She loved everything about him. The deep rumbling of his voice, the way his hair fell in his eyes but he refused to cut it, the way he talked with his hands when something excited him, the way he loved with his whole heart. She loved his snarkiness, his sharp, witty repartee that kept her on her toes and she loved the tender, soul-baring honesty of the declarations he whispered to her when no one else was around to hear. She loved him.

But Liam still ignited a fire within her with every glance, every seemingly innocent touch and she had no idea what to do about it other than ignore it and hope it went away.

“How does that sound?” Drake asked as the car coasted to a stop in front of the seaside restaurant they were meeting the Ebrims at.

“That sounds lovely,” Riley responded, hoping it was the right answer.

“Great! I’ll find out where I can rent a boat for tomorrow night!”

Greetings and pleasantries were exchanged, seats were taken, orders were placed and the conversation turned to the weather.

“You’ve probably seen the news about the wedding,” Drake said as a way to segue into the topic they were really there to discuss.

“We have! Congratulations to both of you,” Landon responded.

“Thank you,” Riley beamed at him, “We would like to personally extend an invitation to all of you!”

While Liam and Riley attempted to sway the Ebrims toward attending the wedding, the waiters sat piping hot bread bowls filled with steaming bisque in front of them.

Drake started to tear off a piece of his bread bowl but froze as his eyes flitted around the table. Everyone else was eating the bisque with a spoon. He sighed as he picked up his own spoon, wondering what the point of a bread bowl was if you weren’t going to eat it.

“This is a nice place you’ve got here,” Drake commented when there was a lull in the conversation.

“The restaurant?” Landon asked, “We don’t own the restaurant.”

“No, of course not,” Drake stammered, “I just meant the whole duchy. It’s very nice.”

“It is quite lovely,” Hana agreed.

“And this food is amazing!” Max added, “Kudos to the chef!”

“Thank you,” Landon smiled at them, “This is my favorite restaurant, because of the food and the view.”

“It’s an amazing view!” Drake agreed, “It would make a great painting or postcard! I’d love to have a postcard of this place!”

“We don’t have…er, postcards..” Emmeline gave him a puzzled look.

“I just meant it’s a great view…” Drake trailed off in frustration. This was why he hated socializing. It was stupid.

He sighed as he leaned back in his chair. Fuck it. He tore off a chunk of bread and dunked it in the bisque before bringing it to his mouth. He closed his eyes briefly in appreciation as he chewed. Delicious!

That’s how you were supposed to deal with a bread bowl. He met Riley’s eyes across the table. She was biting back an amused smile, her eyes sparkling with mirth. He had to repress one of his own as he shook his head ever so slightly.

One glance and he knew that she knew the exact thoughts that had spilled through his brain. She really got him. And she shared his disdain for the superficial, hypocritical bullshit of court. The difference between them was that she knew how to play the game and could do it without letting it get to her.

Catty, backstabbing, and backhanded compliments rolled right off her. She suffered fools patiently with a serene smile pasted on her face. She charmed and coaxed the nobility, she turned fence-sitters into allies and enemies into fence-sitters. And she did it all without the extensive lifelong training that Leo and Liam had received.

Not that those lessons had taken in Leo’s case.

As angry as Drake had once been at Leo, he recognized that Riley would never have come into his life otherwise. If Liam hadn’t been thrust into the role of crown prince, they never would have been in New York that night. He couldn’t regret that.

Riley’s attention was pulled from Drake as the conversation turned to the devastating floods that had recently ravaged the port community.

She was instantly on alert. This was something they could use. Her eyes met Liam’s over her water glass. He gave her an imperceptible nod. She knew they were thinking the same thing. They were perfectly in tune like that. They made a formidable diplomatic team. Turning to Landon, she asked, “Is there anything we can do to help?”

“I’ve allocated crown resources of course,” Liam added, “but if there’s anything Riley and I can personally do…”

“We’re here to help.” She finished his sentence.

Liam felt pride stir in his chest. She had them. She always did. He had never worked a room with anyone as in synch with him as she was. Not Leo, not his father, no one. They made an unstoppable team and he regretted that he had ever questioned her suitability for the role.

The way she had handled the press after the attack on the orchards had cemented for him just how perfect she was for the role. When she had told the press, and the public, that “No true king would give in to their demands!” he had known then and there that she was exactly the woman he needed by his side.

His father had been wrong. The council had been wrong. She was perfect for the role. She was perfect for him.

But she wasn’t his.

His eyes flicked across the table to Drake, taking in the way his best friend’s eyes lingered on her, the soft, contented smile on his face as he watched her and he felt guilt, anger, and loss punch him in the gut in rapid succession.

The dinner wrapped up with promises for Riley and Liam and their entourage to join the charity polo match the following day. As everyone prepared to leave for the Ebrim estate, Liam pulled Riley to the side, “That was very well done.”

“Thank you, but I know I’m not quite at your level.”

“What are you talking about?” Drake walked up behind her, slipping his arms around her waist.

“I was just complimenting Riley on her diplomacy skills,” Liam smothered his irritation. Drake was with her nearly every minute of the day. All Liam wanted was a few moments of her time, a few crumbs of her attention.

Riley smiled as she ran her hands along the arms that encircled her, “And I was telling him that I feel like I still need some work. My nonverbal communication could use some polishing.”

“Well, I think you’re perfect!” Drake kissed her neck, just behind her ear.

“Mm,” Riley smiled and relaxed back into him.

Liam cleared his throat, “Yes, well... Riley does display a natural propensity for diplomacy, but she could benefit from a crash course in body language management.”

“Yes!” Riley agreed.

“I would be more than happy to give you a few pointers. Right now, if you like. So you’re more prepared for tomorrow.”

“That would be great, Liam!”

“Okay,” Drake released her, “I’ll meet you back at the Ebrim’s.”

“Wait, you’re leaving?”

Drake’s eyes went to Liam and back to Riley, “Yeah…I don’t think I’m required for this. We all know that I’m never going to be good at it no matter how many pointers Liam has to offer.”

“I’ll wait over there,” Liam pointed toward the nearest dock, “while you say goodbye.”

Riley spun in Drake’s arms, “Diplomacy isn’t your strong suit. That’s why you don’t do it, remember?”

He combed his fingers through her hair as he spoke, “Yeah, but…I just want to be an asset to you, Riley, not an embarrassment…”

“Oh, Drake, you big marshmallow, you could never be an embarrassment! Are you kidding me? I prefer you just the way you are, rough edges and all!”

“Really?”

“Really!” She went up on her tiptoes, bringing her lips to his.

He returned the kiss with all the passion she’d come to expect from him. He showed his love through physical touch and acts of service. He wasn’t great with words, but god did he know how to let his body do the talking for him.

“I love you the way you are,” she told him when she pulled away, “You don’t need to change for me. Besides, you’re good at so many other things.”

“Oh yeah, like what?”

“Security for one. You’re a genius at it. Do you think Liam knows what securing the perimeter or shoring up the flank means?”

“Yes.”

“Would he know how to do either thing?”

“No.”

“And he sure doesn’t have your extensive knowledge of weapons, or horses, or martial arts, does he?”

“Yeah, but-“

“But nothing, mister! I’m the one that agreed to help Liam with all the crown business, not you. There’s no reason you have to be good at any of this!”

“I just don’t want you to think I don’t care about the things that are important to you!”

“And I don’t want you to feel like you have to change for me,” she insisted.

“Okay, you’re right,” he sighed with relief, “Does that mean I don’t have to do any more of these fancy dinners?”

“Not if you don’t want to! But you do have to play polo tomorrow, sorry.”

“Meh. Smacking a ball with a mallet is more up my alley than worrying about which fork I’m using anyway. And there are horses involved, so I’m all good!”

“Good! Now kiss me again before you leave!”

She was a little breathless when they pulled apart. He made her go weak in the knees and the cocky grin on his face told her that he knew it.

“I’ll be waiting at Penelope’s,” he whispered in her ear before glancing up and giving Liam a wave goodbye.

She watched him walk away then turned and made her way to the railing next to the dock where Liam was patiently waiting.

“Everything okay?” He asked.

“Yes, fine,” Riley replied.

“Good! Now, if you’re ready, I’ve taken the liberty of procuring a boat for the evening’s tutorial!” He gestured to what looked to be a sixty-foot yacht waiting at the end of the pier.

“Oh, wow! How did you manage that on literally no notice?”

He gave her a dazzling smile as he offered her his arm, “A man can’t reveal all his secrets, can he?”

“Fine. Keep your secrets,” she teased as she took his arm, “Lead on Captain Liam! Or should I say King Captain Liam?”

“I can do without the ‘King’ once in a while. I preferred it when I was ‘just Liam’ to you….” He trailed off as his eyes traced across her face.

She looked out over the water, away from him, hoping the darkening of the sky as evening faded into night hid the pink that flamed across her cheeks. “You’ll always be just Liam to me,” she replied quietly.

“I can’t begin to tell you how much it pleases me to hear that.” He told her as they walked down the dock and boarded the ship.

“Shall we?” he gestured to a row of lounge seats attached to the railing.

She took a seat as the yacht glided away from the dock and headed further into the Mediterranean. “It’s a beautiful evening.” She inhaled the night air deeply basking in the peacefulness. There was a beautiful starlit sky, and the weather was a perfect autumn temperature, not too hot, not too cold with just a hint of a breeze drifting off the water.

“I’ve always loved how quiet things are on the water. I could stare at it all night,” Liam said, “But I promised you lessons and the first lesson calls for props!” He pulled a chilled container out from under the deck’s bar and uncorked a bottle of champagne, pouring two glasses as he talked about toasts.

Riley’s eyes scanned the deck of the Italian yacht. Full crew. Chilled champagne, Armand de Brignac, her favorite brand, two Baccarat champagne flutes. There was no way this had been an impromptu rental. She was suddenly uncomfortably aware that they had not been alone together since the Statue of Liberty.

The night she had rejected him.

The night they had the most mind-blowing sex of their relationship inside the statue. She turned her head and rested her chin on the railing, pretending to stare out over the water to cover up her sudden nervousness.

Liam took the seat next to her and handed her a glass of champagne as the boat slowed to a stop and dropped anchor.

Liam talked, Riley listened and then they played out several scenarios involving toasts. Liam proposed hypothetical diplomatic landmines and Riley successfully navigated her way around all of them. She slowly relaxed as Liam’s nothing but professional and polite conversation and the effects of the alcohol soothed her.

“Look at you,” Liam smiled, “I told you, you’re naturally good at this. You barely need me.”

“I’m sure that’s not true,” she returned his smile.

“There is one more thing I can teach you, Riley….” He turned his body to face her, his arm resting across the back of the seating, “body language. You asked about nonverbals. I have a few suggestions.”

She leaned toward him, “I’m all ears!”

“Did you know that roughly eighty percent of communication is nonverbal?”

“What? That much? No!”

“Oh, it is! You can tell a lot about what people don’t want you to know by paying attention to their body language and facial expressions. You can learn to read the signals people give off unintentionally. Take Drake for instance, you can tell when he’s with someone he trusts, he hooks his fingers in his pockets when he feels comfortable.”

“Aww, he’s got a tell!”

“That’s how I first realized he had feelings for you….”

“What?” She was startled at the sudden shift the conversation had taken.

“He was relaxed and comfortable in your presence when it was just the two of you. The times you were together, but apart from the rest of the group, for instance, in a crowded ballroom, but in a back corner out of the way of said crowd. Reversely, he was nervous when the two of you were around other people. Especially me.”

Very rarely was Riley ever struck speechless, but that did it. “I…”

His eyes searched her face, “You didn’t know?”

“Know….what?”

“That he had feelings for you from the beginning.”

“I didn’t know,” she replied quietly, eyes dropping to her lap.

“That’s what I thought,” Liam responded thoughtfully as he twirled the glass in his hand, watching the remaining liquid swirl around the sides, “Nice to know I haven’t lost my touch reading people.”

She reached for his arm, “Liam, I’m sorry-“

“What?” he looked up from his glass, “No, no! I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable! I’m the one that’s sorry! Let’s…Let’s get back to those lessons!”

“Are you sure you don’t want to talk about it?”

“I’m sure!” He diffused the situation with humor. Making her laugh had always been easy. They shared the same sense of humor. “Hey, Riley, why can’t you hear a pterodactyl going to the bathroom?”

“What?” She laughed, “Why?”

“Because the “P” is silent!”

“Oh, my God!” She covered her mouth as laughter shook her body, “That was bad!”

“So bad it was good?”

“No!”

“But you’re laughing!” Her laughter made him laugh, which made her laugh harder.

“Okay, okay, okay!” She gasped, “I’m done! No more dad jokes, okay?”

“No promises,” he shook his head with a smile, “ready to get back to it?”

She wiped the tears of mirth from the corners of her eyes, “Yeah, I’m ready!”

Twenty minutes later she felt she had a good grasp of the concept. “Wait, wait, wait! Watch this!” She smoothed out her expression letting her face go blank, “What did that say?”

“Very little…which is the whole point. You’re the perfect example of courtly composure.”

“Thank you!” she let her smile rush back.

“Thank you, Riley, for agreeing to help me with all the diplomatic stuff. You’ve fallen into the role so well, it’s like you were born to it, honestly. You’re perfect.”

The unadorned longing was back in his face, and he wasn’t trying to hide it this time.

“Thanks,” Riley turned her head away to watch the play of the boat’s lights along the water as a myriad of emotions collided inside her. The only sound was the peaceful lapping of waves against the boat’s hull as it drifted through the harbor.

They sat in silence, staring out over the water, both lost in their own thoughts for a good while.

“In peaceful moments like this, you can almost forget what the region has been through,” Liam broke the silence and changed the subject, “They’ve had more natural disasters in the past few months than most of Cordonia has faced in years.”

The self-blame in his voice brought her up short, “Hey, don’t go feeling responsible for that. Kings can’t prevent earthquakes or floods, or meteor strikes!”

“If we could, that would be quite a superpower,” he chuckled softly, before heaving a sigh of discontent, “I don’t blame myself for this, Riley…but it’s hard not to feel my reign thus far has been one crisis after another.”

“Liam…”

He tipped his head back and looked up at the stars, “Riley….do you think I’m doing enough for Cordonia?”

“Of course you are! Things might be hard right now, but you’ll learn as you go,” she reached over without thinking and took his hand in hers. “And you’ll have me by your side.”

He turned his head to search her eyes and she suddenly became hyperaware of just how close they were to each other. She stopped breathing for a heartbeat.

He ran a hand gently down the side of her face as she dropped her gaze to her lap. His feather-light touch sent goosebumps chasing down her spine. Using a finger and thumb, he grasped her chin and tipped her head up. His thumb ghosted across her lips,  “I want to kiss you,” he whispered.

He waited for her to object.

She licked her lips.

His mouth met hers, and her lips parted,  his tongue slid softly against hers, moving languidly. One arm wrapped around her waist and tugged her closer, as the other continued to caress her face before moving to tangle in her hair.

She leaned into that kiss, her heart rate speeding up as her hands slid up his chest.

He pulled her closer and kissed her harder.

She pushed him away, gasping for air, “Liam….”

“I know, I’m sorry,” he reached for her, and their hands entwined with each other, his forehead resting on hers, “I got carried away. It won’t happen again. Please accept my apologies. I couldn’t bear to lose your friendship, Riley!”

“Liam…I….” Her whole body was trembling.

The two of them alone in the moonlight brought so many memories rushing back. All of the good ones.

But even the bad ones weren't so bad anymore. They had worked past coronation night, they had worked past her refusal of his proposal. They had salvaged a friendship and forged a working relationship. At least that’s what she had believed until this moment.

She still loved him. The realization hit her like a freight train. Then guilt plowed right into her, and she pulled away from him and jumped to her feet, “I guess we should…get back…”

“Certainly, if that’s what you want,” Liam stood immediately, reaching for her again, “but please tell me that my unwelcome slip-up won’t affect our working together, or our friendship,” he pleaded.

“That’s the problem, Liam….it wasn’t unwelcomed.”

“Oh! I…I’m not sure I understand….”

“Neither do I!” She fought back tears, “but it can’t happen again!”

“Of course not!”

“And I have to tell Drake!”

“Are you sure that’s wise?” Liam asked hesitantly.

“Yes? No…maybe?”

“Whatever you think is best. I’ll follow your lead on this.”

It had been an accident, a momentary slip-up. If it was never repeated, then maybe she didn’t have to tell him, right? No, she had to tell him. “I…I don’t know, I’m not sure….”

“Well, perhaps sleep on it before you make any rash decisions.”

“I don’t know, Liam….I feel like he has a right to know.”

“I realize I might not be the best person to advise you on this, since I’m the one that just kissed you, so I won’t try. But I need you to know…”

“Know what?” She wasn’t sure if it was anxiety or butterflies clawing through her stomach. Maybe a little of both.

“That I’m here, Riley. For whatever you need.”

“Thank you, Liam. I appreciate that.”

The ride to the Ebrim estate was filled with superficial chit-chat, that felt wrong, forced, and awkward. Which wasn’t what she wanted at all. As the car rolled to a stop she turned and took his hand, “Liam, we don’t have to talk about the damn weather and the fluctuating cost of apples! I know what happened tonight threw us both for a loop but can we just…I don’t know…go back to being us?”

The moment it fell from her lips she realized her error, “I don’t mean us, like us…I mean, our friendship, the way it’s been since-“

“It’s okay, Riley,” he squeezed her hand, “I know what you meant, and I’m gratified that you value our friendship.”

“Okay, good,” she sighed with relief. She and Liam would be okay. If they could get past him allowing her to be drug out of the coronation and her refusing his proposal, they could get past this. It was just one little kiss after all.

The bigger issue was how she was going to explain what had happened to her fiancée. Especially when she wasn’t sure she understood it herself.