Chapter 3; A New Beginning

Mac is looking around, and he picks Fuzzball up, cradling him in one arm, and then he
stands up, still standing over me. He lowers a hand down, “Want some help, Ma’am?” he
asks. I reach to his hand and he actually gently helps me to my feet. Not being an ass, like
in our previous sparring sessions. Where he appeared to enjoy flipping me and flinging
me into walls.

“So Mac, have you found any decent coffee here yet?” I ask while smiling at him.

“No, Ma’am. Only swill.” He is absently stroking Fuzzball. Who appears to like Mac.
Silly kitten is purring.

As I’m looking around, a man is coming towards us. Mac is a MACo and his hand goes
towards his phaser. I reach over, placing my hand on top of his and say, “Easy Sergeant.
I’ve scanned him; he’s the Security officer in this town. And I jumped you. He’s doing
his job. Now for me to do mine.” I turn away from Mac, and face the security officer,
reaching up and tapping my Psi Corp/Security Rank Badge, that stops him in his tracks
and he salutes me. I return the salute, and, “It’s alright, Corporal, the Sergeant and I are
teammates. I merely surprised him.” I can feel Mac stiffening his posture behind me,
Fuzzball meows, and the Corporal is looking at us.

“Commander Storm,” he starts, “I was unaware that you would be visiting Delaana,
Ma’am. I apologize.”

He is sincere, odd how these strangers treat me here. “Its fine, Corporal. This was an
unplanned visit, and will not be on your logs. Understand? Oh and there’s two naked
thieves tied on the road approximately half a klick from here. You can take the credit for
the arrest, etc.” I point the direction I came from, “I’ll give you the details for your report
later. Okay?”

“Yes, Ma’am. If you caught them…”

I interrupt him, “No. I’m officially not here, Corporal. I’ll be in later to give you the
pertinent details to be able to convict them. Just enjoy their story.” I giggle a bit at the
memory of Moron one and two.

Mac leans forward and whispers, “Are you alright, ma’am? And coffee see if he knows a
place?”

The Corporal heard Mac’s questions and replies, “Ma’am, Sergeant there is a place on the
pier that serves the best coffee. I like it, and I’m a finicky person when it comes to
coffee.”

“Thank you, Corporal. Carry on. I’ll discipline myself later for the unprofessional
behavioral.” I smile at him and he chuckles before leaving.
‘Alone…I’m alone with Mac. Well Fuzzy is here.’ I compose myself mentally, before
turning around to face Mac, and while smiling, “So Sergeant, up for a walk?”

He just blinks, looking at me. I know he’s never liked my casual style of command.
That’s why I remember to use his rank out loud. He’s Mac in my thoughts only.

“Lead the way, Ma’am. Obviously you know the place better than me.” He shoves a padd
into his pants pocket.

“Well, not really, Sergeant. I’m new here to Delaana. So any info on that padd you just
put away?” I smirk as I ask. I do enjoy teasing him, he’s always so…tight…I mean,
professional in his demeanor with me.

Mac smirks back at me, while pulling the padd back out, turning it on and accessing the
data, “It’s that way,” he inclines his head.

Fuzzball has crawled up his arm and is now perched on Mac’s shoulder. He doesn’t seem
to mind either. So Fuzzy can stay there.

“Take the lead, Sergeant. I’ve got your six, this time.”

“Ma’am.” He takes the lead, not bothering to see if I’m following him. ‘He just assumes,
what attitude.’ I purr softly and while dusting off my seat, I follow him, admiring the
view. ‘Of all the men in my prior Security team, Mac does have the nicest ass, Evermore
had nice biceps, and Norman had nice pecs. I am a woman and I did notice. D’Auggie
though had the wickedest sense of humor, King of the double entendre. Matt though.’ I
laugh out loud; Mac turns and looks at me, “Ma’am?” he questions.

“I’m fine, Sergeant. Just memories of the team and Garatis,” I smile remembering Matt’s
antics and practical jokes. ‘If Imara hadn’t been distracted by Bigg’s and his annoying
behavior, she probably would’ve shown Matt why I had her on my team.

Mac never found Matt’s humor to be funny and it shows now, by the annoyance
expressed on his face. He picks up his pace. I may not be able to read Mac’s mind, but I
can read his non-verbal’s. I wouldn’t have survived long, just relying on my telepathy.

I reach down, pulling out my own padd, ‘that is a good lesson to teach the newbie’s.’ I
growl in annoyance, the tussle with the moron’s has caused some problems with the
padd. I don’t have my tools with me to take it apart and fix it either. And then being
passed to me is a padd, “Thank you, Sergeant.” I say and smile.

Mac has slowed his pace, I notice and I notice why. ‘Men.’ I look around, and I can
appreciate some of the beauty, but…’what am I?’ I’m tempted to go ‘native’ and realize
I’m being childish, and why does Mac looking at other women bother me any way? As
I’m musing, we’ve arrived at the pier. Mac holds his hand out to assist me with the steps.
“Thank you, Sergeant.” I accept his assistance as the pier is swaying with the tides. This
time he lets me lead the way, I don’t care, I can smell the coffee aroma over the sea.

I reach the restaurant first, and I turn around to see if Mac is still following and he has a
grin on his face. He recovers as he gets closer. He opens the door, “Ladies first,” and I
enter the restaurant.

“Let me, Sergeant.” The maitre’d coughs, and then he’s noticed my badge, “Ah,
Commander Storm. It is an honor, you visiting our humble restaurant, let me show you
and your companion to a good table.”

I can feel Mac rolling his eyes, at the maitre’d’s little speech, and probably being called
my companion. I do a light scan of the maitre’d and he seems sincere, his thoughts show
him to be scared of me, a Psi Corp Commander. I can’t seem to hear anymore, it appears
he, himself, is a telepath and has felt me; he’s singing an old lullaby in his mind. One I
recognize as well. I stop scanning as we’ve arrived at our table.

“The views are quite lovely here. Thank you, Kevin,” I say to him. Mac looks at me and
then at him.

Kevin has a grin on his face as he replies, “You’re welcome, Briana. You could have
read more, thank you for stopping.”

“I saw what I needed,” I smile back at him. I pull my chair out and sit. Mac takes his seat
saying, “Hey Kevin bring coffee. And keep it coming, got it?” He reaches up, petting
Fuzzy, who jumps onto the table and then onto Mac’s lap.

“Oh. Of course, Sergeant McGuire,” Kevin replies as he walks away to care of our order.

Mac looks at me, while I’m giggling at his expression. No one can read his mind, but his
non-verbal’s are screaming.

“Relax, Sergeant. I scanned him and he caught me doing it. Most Psi’s know me, and
your name must’ve been a surface thought.”

“A surface thought, huh? Thinking about me, ma’am?” he asks.

“Yes, actually I am. What are you doing here on Gol’dara, in Delaana? Why aren’t you
still on Enterprise? And why can’t I reach the ship? Nothing. No static either, anymore?”

Mac looks around the restaurant, “Not here. I’ll tell you later. For now, just enjoy my
company,” he smirks at me.

“Ah, Sergeant McGuire, I have always enjoyed your company. Especially when kicking
your ass in training sessions.”
Mac laughs, replying, “You mean trying to kick my ass.”

I giggle, and then smile while saying, “Fine. Trying to kick your non-fuzzy butt.” I
couldn’t resist, I can’t read his thoughts, but I want to let him know, I have other ways of
knowing what he’s thinking.

Before he can say anything, the waiter arrives, carrying a tray with a large silver carafe,
and cookies. I inhale the coffee scent, and sigh aloud. Fuzzy purrs at my obvious
pleasure. Mac is still smirking at me.

“If he’s bothering you, “ I point at Fuzzball, “I can take him.”

“He’s fine, right where he is. Siamese, right? I haven’t seen one in years.” He’s petting
Fuzzy, who’s purring like a well tuned warp engine.

“Yes, he is. Siamese. He’s a companion of mine. Junior Security Kitten. Apparently he’s
a vicious attack kitten. He’s killed all the dust bunnies in my guest room.” My tail
twitches. I don’t want to think, what…who is in my guest room.

Mac notices the tail twitch, ‘something off there.’ Aloud, “So, planning on staying here
overnight? We could get some rooms and talk. This needs to be a private conversation.”

As he’s talking, he’s used subtle hand movements to let me know, what ever is up with
Enterprise is for our ears only.

I take that in, and then, “Sure. We can stay here. I still need to complete my paperwork
on my mugging attempt, I can do that tomorrow. So I guess, I’m yours tonight.”

Mac gets the strangest look on his face, as he swallows his coffee, and then coughs. “So
tell me about this mugging, someone tried to mug you? Crazy or stupid?” he asks,
leaning back into his chair.

“Stupid, two of the most inept muggers.” I tell him the story as we’re drinking coffee,
and I’m nibbling on the cookies.

Mac laughs outloud, “He had a gun, and couldn’t figure out how to use it. I would’ve
loved to have seen his face when you disarmed him and shot him with his own weapon.
You’re right, morons. You weren’t hurt were you?” he asks.

‘What’ “Uh..no. I’m fine.” Purring. “So these cookies are good, but I need something a
bit more substantial. Even with the minor workout, I’m hungry.” I say a bit too quickly,
covering up my purr from his concern.

“Food sounds good. It’s not my cooking,” he shrugs, “You trust these people?”
I tap my forehead with one hand, and the badge on my breast pocket with the other. “Yes,
they gain nothing killing the Head of Security for Gol’dara, and Psi Corp’s new
Instructor here.”

Again, there is a flicker of something on Mac’s face, but he recovers well, “So two
steaks, loaded baked potatoes and some green veggies for me. What are you having?”

“I’ll save the stomach ache, and have one of your steaks and a potato. You can have all
your veggies though. You are a growing man.” I laugh, Fuzzy purrs.

“Works for me. I’m hungry but I need a poison tester. You eat first. No one poisons
vegetables.” He laughs back at me.

I need to mark a calendar, mac is actually sitting with me, and he appears to be enjoying
my company, ‘will miracles never cease?’

He’s placed our orders when the waiter comes back to our table. The waiter informs me
he needs to talk to me privately. I excuse myself and the waiter is acting odd, hovering
close behind me. Although his motives are sincere, no thoughts of harming me, thoughts
of minimizing my embarrassment. ‘What the hell? My embarrassment?’

He guides me into a room, and opens a closet. It’s full of clothes, dresses for women, and
suits for men. I stare at him.

“Your pants,” he starts, “they have a uh, tear in them. When you sat down, it has split
more, up to your belt.” He looks embarrassed for me.

“Oh, um, thanks.” ‘So I’ve been flashing my ass. No wonder Mac was smiling.’

“In here,” he indicates the closet, “Is some outfits for special occasions. Please choose
what you like, and I’ll send your uniform to be repaired.”

I remove my badge, and look at the clothes. “These are lovely. Thank you.” I start
undressing before making my selection, his jaw drops as he sees, I’m wearing nothing
under it. I hand him the uniform minus, my dagger, phaser and my badge. He leaves,
looking once more before the door closes. ‘I repeat…men.’ I look through the clothes in
the closet and find a nice Trilaxian silk plum/black dress, ‘Hmm, when the light hits, it
looks plum. Nice.’ I also look for something to secure my phaser to my thigh. Hanging
on a hook inside, is a garter belt. ‘That’ll work.” I slide it up my leg and then place the
phaser between its band and my leg. Adjusting it, so it won’t show while I’m wearing the
dress I’ve picked. I slide the silk dress on, it feels soft and silky next to my skin, and I
reattach my badge, on one of the straps, I don’t want to damage the dress. No place for
my dagger though. I adjust the dress, to ensure it falls right. And that’s when I notice that
the sides are only sewn from the bodice to right above the hip, exposing my legs when I
walk. ‘Must watch how I sit.’ I have my tail, inside the dress, it’s hanging down and
playing against the side of the dress, exposing even more skin on the right side. Most
designers never think of a tail escape. If this was my dress, I’d cut a slit in it. As it is, I’ll
have to sit a little funny. It’ll be uncomfortable, but not as uncomfortable as the crack’s
Mac will make about my flashing my fuzzy butt. I still don’t know why that bothers me,
it could be much worse. I know. I’ve heard worse. Reaching up, I undo my ponytail and
let my hair fall down, the final touches if this was a date, would be some lip gloss, and a
dab of perfume between my breasts. ‘But it’s not a date.’ I think to myself, it’s Mac,
‘Hardass’ McGuire; that likes to knock me on my fuzzybutt and straddle me. ‘Hmm,
wonder if his ass really is hard?’ What?’ ‘Where the hell did that thought come from?’ I
try to stop the other thoughts about what else Mac has that could be hard, as I’m walking
out the room and back to the table. I see him, petting and feeding Fuzzy. Others in the
restaurant notice me and now they are smiling. I make it back to the table; Mac looks up
and gasps, his jaw twitches, but doesn’t drop. “Ma’am,” he rises from his chair and pulls
mine out for me. He looks at me and asks, “Where is your tail?”

I giggle a bit, “It’s um, under the dress, no slit for it in the dress.”

He looks and sees me holding my dagger. Next thing I know, he’s holding my dagger and
is gently threading my tail through the slit he just made.

“Sergeant!” I growl, “This isn’t my dress, you just sliced up!”

His tone changes, “It is now! I’ll buy it…for you.” Mac sits back down, just as our dinner
arrives. He asks the waiter the cost of the dress, the waiter lowers his voice and tells him.
Without blinking, Mac hands him a card. I’ve seen one of those before, however only in
the hands of those covert ops MACOs. The MACOs that are considered to be the elite of
their Command. There were parts of Mac’s files, that even Captain Forrest couldn’t
access, just told me to “accept him and watch your six, Bri.”

So maybe Mac does have more surprises, than I originally thought. I figured him to be
related to an admiral, his attitude some days seem to fit that theory. His ‘I can do what I
want and nothing you can do about it.’ However, he did follow my orders, especially
when he saw I walked the walk. That’s one thing I learned in Security, it’s one thing to
sound good, another to carry it out and still be alive at the end of it. I smile as he’s
watching me, slice up the steak he put on a plate for me. “Waiting on me? Oh please,
eat.”

“Huh?” he asks.

“Food…good…eat.” I giggle.

“Right. Poison tester remember, you volunteered.”

“Oh right.” I pop a piece of the steak in my mouth savoring the flavor. I fight the urge to
play choke. I don’t want to ruin his good mood.

“Well? Is it good?” he asks.

“Mmmm, hmm,” as I pop another piece in mouth, purring slightly. “It is really good,” I
say after I swallow. “To bad, no wine. Could you pour me some more coffee, or pass the
carafe, please and thank you.”

“We could order some wine, if you want, save the coffee for after?” he looks at me while
waiting on my response to his question.

“Naah, it’s fine. I don’t want to say or do something that might upset you wine loosens
me up.” And I have no clue why I said that. It’s subtle, but there’s a new scent in the air.

“Do you smell anything?” I ask Mac.

“No. why? Should we be concerned.” He looks around the restaurant.

“Hmm. No nothing like that. Must just be me, sorry. Enjoy your meal, I am. Much better
than the leather chef called steak.” I sit back and cross my legs, revealing one almost
completely from bare foot to hip. ‘No shoes. Now I remember shoes.’

“Lose your glass slipper, Ma’am?” Mac smirks as he asks.

“No. I just didn’t feel like putting my boots back on, would’ve ruined the effect of the
dress. Besides, I don’t mind being barefoot here.”

“Going native, Ma’am….” He drifts off, apparently lost in a thought.

“Perhaps…Sergeant.” I’m finding it a tad bit hard to keep up the usage of military rank,
but it’s what he wants from me. We’ve finished our meal, and the waiter hands me a
voucher to sign. Mac looks suspicious.

“Perks of my job here, Sergeant. Perhaps you could ask for your cred’s back…on the
dress?” I mention to him, I’m feeling a bit guilty for his generosity.

“Why? Does it appear I need the money?” he smirks as he replies, before continuing,
“You can get the rooms.”

“Fine, I’ll do that. So what does it say on your padd about that? Rooms that is? Anywhere
nearby?”

“Well, since I’m looking for you now too, I’ll have to scrap a few of them.”

“Why? What’s wrong with me? Oh…right, sub-human, even here, that can make a
difference with some.”

“That’s not IT! It’s just some of these places aren’t exactly…nice. Okay for someone like
me, but not you.” And then he mumbles, “Especially when you look like that.”
I smile on the inside, “Oh. Well. I’ve been in less than reputable hotels, Sergeant. The
Admiral never had a problem with finding me a room in one.” I sigh and frown,
remembering Admiral Asshole, even if he did sign me over finally to Psi Corp.

“Yeah, well Black’s not here.” He says.

“Thankfully for him, “ I do smile, baring my fangs.

“Right. Any way. There is a place, not to far. If you want to walk.” He puts Fuzzy back
on his shoulder and stands. He holds out a hand, to help me up. I accept it and stand.
Smoothing the fabric down on my dress.

I hear Mac growl, and I snap my head up, “What?”

“Nothing, just a gentleman checking you out.” He looks at me, an unreadable expression
on his face.

“You want to lead, Sergeant? You have the map.” I gesture to his padd. “And if he’s
worn out his welcome, I can take him back.” I reach out to stroke Fuzzy, he purrs which
causes me to. ‘I can feel Fuzzball’s happiness.’ I can’t feel anything from Mac, and he’s
been schooling his non-verbal’s. He is very well-trained, better actually than some of the
other MACOs I have worked with. And that card, oh well, some things I’m not meant to
know. It’s frustrating, but he doesn’t know about all of me either. ‘Guess it’s a draw, for
now.’

“No. He’s fine where he’s at.” As he’s watching Fuzzy and I interact. He places his hand
on my lower back, guiding me, and walking next to me. A smirk on his face. Some of the
staff opens the doors for us, and we walk through, back on to the planks. I expect him to
move away and take the lead, he doesn’t. He moves a bit closer to me, our hips almost
touch, and again he’s using his splayed hand to guide me. He presses his middle finger in
more on my back-‘head straight’ and then he’s tapping me with another finger, on the left
side of his hand-‘turn, go left.’ They are subtle, but I get the signals. It seems as if we just
left the restaurant, and we’re in front of a resort hotel. And a very nice resort it is too. I
giggle, and Mac looks at me questioningly.

“Sorry, was just thinking about my Ambassador status on Risa. That would be good
here.”

“Ambassador? On Risa?” he asks, looking askance at me.

“Oh it was a misunderstanding. Worked in my favor, though. So want to go in?

He motions me through the door; however once through he goes to the desk. And is
talking to a guest agent. I see him place some currency on the counter and a bellman is
hurrying over. Which is kind of funny, I have no luggage, just my pack and the same with
Mac. No way will he let that leave his care.

We are escorted to the elevator, and the bellman goes out first when we reach our floor,
letting us follow him. He opens a door to a suite. I smile and walk in. Fuzzball meows
and Mac puts him down. He turns and places more currency in the bellman’s hand.

“Tip the guest service agent, the concierge, and the bellman, and they will see to it your
stay is outstanding.” He says to me.

“Um, not that I mind sharing. But…you have always preferred your privacy.”

And then we both scan the room, Mac pulls a scanner out of his pack and I close my
eyes, scanning for anything out of the ordinary. I giggle and then open my eyes, Mac has
finished too.

“What’s funny?” he asks as he nods and signals me, ‘we’re clear.’

“Oh, the couple in the room above us. I’m sure you can figure it out.”

“You scanned your way.”

“Yes. Does that bother you? You have your methods and I have mine.” I realize I sound
defensive, and I calm myself.

“No, it doesn’t bother me. You can have the shower first, if you want?” He says while
sitting down in one of the plush couches.

I drop my bag on one of the chairs, before I turn to find the bathroom, saying, “Thanks! I
need that. Be out shortly, I’ll save you some hot water.” I smirk at him before walking
away. It’s only when I undress, and am in the shower, I realize, ‘I have no change of
clothes.’ Not a problem tonight, I get out of the shower, drying myself off with a fluffy
towel, and then I wrap the towel around me, securing it in place. I comb my fingers
through my wet hair as I walk back out into the living area. “All yours, Sergeant. Wait!
I’m in a towel, and you…we’re sharing a room. I think by now, I’ve earned the right to
call you by your first name. Thoughts?” ‘Cause I can’t read yours.’

“If that’s what you want…Briana.” Mac smiles at me. I must twitch or shiver, because
he’s laughing as he enters the bathroom.

I sit down on the chair and meow at Fuzzy, he jumps up onto my lap. And as we stit
there, I’m lost in thought. I don’t want to go back to my house, or to him.-He expects me
to ‘fall into his arms.’ Some where as I’m coming to the conclusion, I’m not going back
to that house, Mac walks out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around his waist. ‘Oh
Damn! He does have a nice body.’ I try to act as if I’ve seen him like this a million times
and a stray thought enters my mind, ‘Even if you do, you’ll still enjoy the view.’
He looks at the bed and gets in, “This is a huge bed, Briana. I’ll stay on my side,
promise.”

I get up and walk slowly over, Fuzzball hears Mac’s, “Here kitty, kitty.” And jumps up
on the bed curling next to Mac’s chest. I hear Mac chuckle, and I slide in the bed, towel
still wrapped around me. Again, Mac chuckles, Fuzzy is nuzzling his chin.

“Lights?” he asks.

“Oh right, sorry forgot.”

“No problem,” he tosses a pillow at the switch, “No audio commands here, interesting.”

“No. One has to get up and turn them off and on. It’s a little more work, but it’s worth it.”
‘I am talking about the lights…I am talking about the lights.’ I grab my pillow and turn
on my side, curling up and pretending to go to sleep.

I can feel the bed move and I tense up. Mac has turned over on his side, facing me. I
slowly move back and switch to facing him too, watching him, as his eyes are closed.
‘He’s actually peaceful looking at the moment, no lines etched onto his face. His
breathing starts to even out. I close my eyes to sleep as well, and I feel Mac’s mental
defenses crumbling, and then I see his memories; ‘parts of his past, the hardships he
endured as a child-the indoctrination of the MACOs program, his triumphs’, his….’ I
shiver, ‘his horrors, his fears and his hopes.’

I sit up quickly in the bed, hyperventilating and crying-the tears falling freely down my
face. I turn slightly away as I hear.

“Ma’am…I mean, Briana. What’s wrong?”

I start shaking from the last thought I saw/felt, Mac likes me.

“Briana look at me, please.” He says with concern.

I slowly turn to face him, and Mac sees me crying. I lower my head, closing my eyes.
“I’m so…sorry. I didn’t do it on purpose.” I’m still crying as the words tumble out.

Mac reaches up with one of his strong hands, and instead of the blow I expected, he is
holding my face gently and softly wiping my tears away. I open my eyes to look at him,
and his face is still calm and peaceful, I see tears falling from his eyes as well. I reach to
him and wipe them away-mirroring his actions.

He pulls me into an embrace and lays us back down on the bed. He isn’t holding me
possessively ‘like someone else did’ it’s a loose comfortable hold, and I relax. He is
stroking my hair absently, as Fuzzy jumps off the bed. I start to drift off as once again his
breathing evens out, this time I shield myself when I start to feel him again. He’s earned
my trust, respect and his privacy. If he wants, to talk-we can do so out loud. Until then, I
need some sleep, and to think about the fact, I’ve always ‘deep-down’ been attracted to
him too. I…might…even care for him. ‘Can’t say that word, yet’ He’s almost always
treated me with respect, and somewhat of an equal; Sub-human status aside. His
occasional fuzzbutt comment notwithstanding. I’ve been his boss, but that has never been
an issue with me before. I know the difference between private and professional. Unlike
certain Major’s; ‘I’ll never do to Mac, what has been done to me.’

Mac has pulled me closer, and is softly humming, I purr in response and drift asleep.

Tbc….