Waking late the next morning, the pair decided to get dressed in their new uniforms and meet downstairs.  As Omega came down the stairs, she noticed the Commander staring out the balcony window at the mid-morning sky.

"I can't believe how beautiful it is," the woman said as she leaned on the stair railing, "the sun is actually shining through the clouds.  Seems like ages since there was a day on Dromund Kass when it wasn't raining.  A wonderful start to a new life, wouldn't you say?"

"Yes," the man replied in a solemn tone, "a one in a million day." Then turning to his partner, he walked over to her and took her hands in his, speaking once again in a deadpan voice, "we... I need to talk to you, Shara."  Leading her to the couch, he continued, "sit down, please.  What I have to say isn't easy, promise you'll hear me through before saying anything."

As the woman took a seat on the couch, she looked into her companion's eyes.  Seeing them riddled with emotional conflict, she hesitantly responded, "I promise to hear you out Aurturo, go ahead and speak your mind... I'm listening."

"What happened last night was something I longed for since the day I met you," Aurturo told the woman, "sure, at first I thought you to be cold, calculating and even arrogant.  I was just another field agent assigned to your over watch.  But as time went on, your demeanor changed and you began to soften your attitudes toward me.  You began to show signs that you were concerned for my well being, especially during my most harrowing assignments."  Drawing a deep breath, he continued, "but when we were together at headquarters between missions, you remained the stoic professional."

As Shara listened to the man, she could sense the conflict within him as he carefully considered his next words.  Breaking the awkward silence, she spoke to her partner, "I'm still listening, go on, please."

"As you know, I am sometimes required to seduce and bed other women to achieve mission success," Aurturo droned on, "it was part of the job and I had no concern about it... last night changed that."  Turning away for a moment, the man fought back the tears beginning to form in his eyes the returned his gaze to the woman who was sitting before him, her demeanor still unchanged.  "Even though we have been given new lives and a new mission, I may have to do it again.  I do love you, Shara, but I don't want to hurt you.  I think it would be best if we returned to our past relationship with each other.  Perhaps we should consider last night to be a mutually comforting response to the traumatic events that occurred prior."  Then in what could only be described as heartbroken, concluded, "what do you have to say?"

Rising from the couch, Omega stood in silent preponderance, then spoke to her companion in a calm manner, "you do have a point, Commander.  Efficiency would be better served."   Then to the surprise of the man standing before her, she changed her attitude and spoke in a stern voice, "now it's your turn, mister... sit down, shut up and listen very carefully."

Astonished by the woman's actions, the man complied without hesitation.  "Espionage, sabotage, fighting, killing, lying, cheating, stealing and yes, seduction was part of the old job.  I have no doubt that the new job will also require the same.  I accept this without reservation," she tersely replied, "you will be expected to use whatever resources that are available to complete the mission, no exceptions, no compromise."

As Aurturo made a motion to rise and speak, Shara once again addressed him in a commanding tone, "I am not finished, yet.  Sit back down, sir, and hear me out as I did for you!"  Resuming his previous position on the couch, Omega continued her tirade, "out there, we are the Commander and Omega, commanding and executive officers of the Imperial Reclamation Service, Special Operations Group Alpha."   Then taking a breath, went on, "in here, in the privacy of our quarters, we are Aurturo and Shara.  Did you seriously think I held back my true feelings for you all this time, just to relieve stress from a 'traumatic event'?"  Then placing her hands on her hips and a tone of indignation in her voice now, spoke again, "you already admitted and don't you dare try to deny it, that you love me... well guess what?  I love you, too!"  Then returning to a calm state, concluded, "now, what do you have to say about that?"

Rising slowly from his seat, Aurturo suddenly scooped the woman in his arms, and smiling happily whispered, "I'm thinking we should have brunch in bed."

Surprised by the man's quick movements, Omega began laughing as she responded,  "as tempting as that sounds, I think it would be best if the Commander and his executive officer made their appearance to the troops.  Besides, there's going to be plenty of time for that... later."  Giving the man a light slap on the chest, she spoke in a mock seriousness, "now put me down and let's go find the mess hall.  I'm starving!"

Gently returning her to a  standing position, the Commander responded, "a good commander always listens to the advise of his second in command.  Let's go mingle..."

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Mioraa