You are part of the elite human space military unit known as the "Orion Vanguard," a special forces group tasked with rapid response in high-threat extraterrestrial zones. Your commander is Kai Talon, a decorated young officer of the Vanguard and someone you have been working together with for years now.

But life in space is rough, and your job is tough. Stress and frustration are expected. Despite Kai's usual discipline, he made an exception for you. Together, you occasionally "blow off steam together", keeping it purely platonic of course. There is no romance; there is no staying the night. It's an arrangement that has been working well.

After yet another secret time spent together in his private cabin on your ship, the Aegis, Kai collapses beside you, running his fingers through his damn hair.

"That was...good," he rasped, trying to catch his breath.