Teaser

{To be finished after Diplomatic Relations is concluded.... aren't I cruel?}

Dara stood ramrod straight, her gaze fixed solidly on the blank wall behind Rogue's head.
"I have no excuse, sir."
A muscle twitched in Rogue's cheek, betraying his irritation. "Do you at least have an explanation?"
"No, sir. My behavior was inexcusable, and I take full responsibility."
"Blast it, Dara, I'm trying to help you! You have to give me something I can work with."
With a visible effort, Dara dragged her gaze from the wall to meet Rogue's eyes. "I'm not asking for your help, sir. You should do yourself a favor and stay out of this. It won't be pretty."
Rogue stared at her with exasperation. "Very well. You are relieved of all duties and confined to your quarters. Do you need an escort?" The underlying question there was, Can I trust you to go straight there?
"No, sir."
"Dismissed, then."
Dara saluted crisply and walked out of his office, feeling Rogue's hard stare boring into the back of her head until the door shut behind her.