Colonel Calvin Harris sat at his desk in his obscenely adorned office and looked at the small velvet box in his hand, a tri-folded piece of paper laying next to it… containing life-changing information for the woman that was his closest military adviser. Amelia Manning was dropped into his lap over a year ago and has, in spite of him being a complete ass at times, been nothing but an exceptional officer and was far beyond deserving the promotion orders on the paper before him along with the solid gold pip in his hand.

Looking across the desk at the smartly dressed college professor seated opposite of him. “I can’t thank you enough for finding the time to come all the way out here Dr. Manning…” Harris smiled warmly at the young man who nodded with a warm smile of his own. “… I know Amelia will be thrilled to spend a few weeks with you, even if it is on-ship.”

“Of course Colonel…” Amelia’s husband, Baron Peter Manning IV, smiled slightly wider. “… I’ve missed her more than I think she’s missed me!” He chuckled softly. “I hear you’ve been keeping her on her toes, Sir.” Harris greeted the comment with a laugh of his own and shook his head. “No idea what you’re talkin’ about!” Both men shared another laugh before the Marine raised his hand slightly. “Guess we should get on with this. I’m sure you’d like to see your lady again, so I won’t keep you any longer. If you’ll grab that spot over there…” Harris motioned to the only semi-dark corner of the room and Manning moved there straight away. As Manning reached the corner, Harris tapped his CommBadge.

=A= Harris to Manning… Exec, can I see you in my office for a moment?=A= The Marine said flatly and gave Peter a smile, which was met with another friendly nod.

Harris/Manning