Welcome to Gaia! ::

Axinite had been at his desk working on paperwork, as was fairly common for him at this time of day. His door was usually open, as it was now--a constant invitation to anyone that might require assistance or direction, or who perhaps simply wanted to grab whatever baked good he'd brought to share.

When he heard the knock he lifted his head; there seemed to be perpetual circles under his eyes but he smiled. "Reinerite!" he greeted immediately; he had the luxury of studying files and considered himself fairly good at matching names to faces.

"It's been a while! Congratulations on your return, welcome home!"

He rose to greet her and ushered her in, pulling out a chair for her. "Please, come have a seat. Did you just get in?"

Axinite offered a courteous smile, obviously pleased with her good manners and general demeanor. He accepted the report and settled into his seat, flipping through it. While he was only skimming, he nodded approvingly. "Thorough, as always. You make me very proud, Reinerite. I can't wait to read this in full. Tell me, have you put any thought into joining a branch? ...I have to say, you would be a valuable asset to the Information Branch. You've already more than proved yourself in my mind."

He paused and gestured to the snacks on his desk. "Please, help yourself. I know it must have been a long journey. Would you like something to drink? I have some tea, just brewed. A few energy drinks, as well. Or soda. If you tell me what you like and I don't have it, I'll make sure to have some in stock for next time."

Axinite reached for the tea, effortlessly pouring her a glass and sliding the cup over. He made one for himself and settled back into his seat. "Oh, thank you. I've had a lot on my mind, recently. I bake when I can't sleep." It was a strangely human confession, from a General King. He sipped at his tea and offered another polite smile.

"Not all news can be good, I'm afraid. But don't fault yourself for that. I didn't get a chance to look it all over, but your research has been superb. I'll finish going through it later. But I have to say, it's a bit of a relief to hear that you're interested in the Information Branch! It saves me from having to do the recruitment speech I've prepared. You'd be welcome here, of course."

There was no fabrication of admiration in his voice; he was visibly proud of what she had accomplished and wanted to encourage that behavior.

"I think you've earned a request. Please, anything you like."

Axinite watched her for a moment as he listened; his eyes were intent and his gaze was unwavering. Despite his gentle demeanor, there was something about the look that hinted there was more to him than just cookies and tea.

"I think that's an excellent suggestion. It could be very helpful identifying which senshi are the most threatening--and which have the most potential with us. As expected, already participating as a valuable member of the Information Branch! Though, it is true, a General should head the team. That's a big project, and you'll want someone with the power to step in if something were to go wrong. But," he smiled at her. "I don't really see the need to bring someone else in. Why don't we just set you up for the position? It's your project, after all. And you've got a beautiful record. You've made me proud, made the Negaverse proud. What do you say?"

He sat up a little straighter. "...Are you ready for a promotion?"

The eagerness of her posture, of her eyes, only made Axinite smile. Wanting something made the promotion hurt a little less. At least, he liked to think so. It didn't feel like torture when there was something glorious at the end of it.

"I know you won't. But I have no doubt you remember what it felt like the last time you were promoted."

He was always prepared for these things. There were sugar laden baked goods already on his desk, and while he had offered her tea, he drew an extra energy drink from the mini-fridge he kept behind his desk. An orange joined it on his desk and he stood, walking around the table. "You can sit or stand, if you like."

He reached out a hand to rest on her chest and watched her face, letting her settle into whatever position was most comfortable. "Say the word and I'm ready. We'll get this taken care of and go over the details, either now, or tomorrow if you need to rest."

A tiny surge of Chaos danced at his fingertips, ready to slip into her; he waited only for a signal that she was prepared for him to begin.

Axinite had given her a moment to prepare. He had her consent. He nodded, acknowledging her words, and then his fingers dipped into her chest. It was like a hot knife through butter for him, but he had done so many of these that it was simply second nature.

And yet, for as fast and uncaring as he could have been, he took the time to be as gentle and swift as possible. He took her starseed into his hand and pushed chaos into it in a steady, rapidly increase pace. He did not make her suffer.

There was always pain, but he had always been able to justify it as a necessary evil. She was strong, though, and he pushed the power into her starseed until it could take no more, and then he eased it out. Axinite kept one hand on her shoulder, steadying her before she could need any assistance.

He looked at her and nodded approvingly.

"How does it feel, General?" he asked, when he was certain she'd had enough time to collect herself.

He accepted her answer and nodded. "I'm proud of you. As always, you exceed expectations. But now is not the time to push yourself. Here. Sugar helps," he said, gesturing towards the treats on his desk. He drew out an energy drink of her as well. "And this, just to keep you going. I have orange juice as well."

In some ways, the General King might have seemed no different than a mother hen--only, he had the strength and skill to be imposing, even if he chose not to be at the time.

"I'll want you to get home and rest, soon, of course. But your body is no doubt adjusting, and if it is sore, I don't want you pushing yourself. I can take you home if you need, or you can rest here for a bit."