@simonfuckingriley asked for a dark!SC verse starter
There was very little within Shadow Company that escaped Rose’s notice. That was her job after all, to lead, to recruit, to monitor. With Shepherd managing two such different teams, Rose knew that he relied on her to keep a true handle on Shadow Company matters. Even if it wasn’t her responsibility, Rose would have had her finger in every pie regardless. It was just her nature, after all.
Some issues were far more pressing than others, it was true. The death or serious injury of a soldier would always be a more urgent concern than petty misdemeanors or base gossip. Regardless, Rose didn’t miss the small items brought to her attention, even when much larger problems took precedence. She kept them at the back of her thoughts, forever observant, a mental note to assess the issue at a time when she finally had the time.
Today, Lieutenant Riley had rejoined SC’s ranks after a prolonged absence recovering from a nasty gunshot wound to the leg. He’d been living within the 141′s infirmary during his recovery as with Shadow Company still establishing itself, the 141 had the much better medical facilities. As one of her founding members of Shadow Company, Rose had been insistent that he received the best medical care available. She’d entrusted that job to the 141′s chief medical officer Dr. McCoy. She didn’t particularly care for the woman on any kind of personal level, but professionally at least she had Rose’s respect.
The only troubling news she’d heard was of the unlikely friendship that had begun between then pair during Riley’s recovery. She’d heard reports of them becoming closer, Riley’s usually icy temperament melting a little around the medic. It made for a troubling thought. Riley was a soldier that Rose relied upon to be distant and loyal, to be the man who would accomplish his goals no matter what. Bonds between SC and the 141 were something Rose wanted to avoid, but with Riley she’d expected better. A part of her wondered what magic the McCoy witch had worked on him when so many others had failed before her. It was worrying. Rose had relied on Riley to remove rivals and traitors before, usually on missions that were very much off the record. The thought of him developing a conflict of interests because Dr. McCoy had a penchant for bad boys was simply something she could not stomach.
“Lieutenant...” The door to her office opened without a knock, Riley striding in with his usual arrogance, albeit this time with a slight limp. She knew that he hated it when she called him to her office, but as a soldier of higher rank Rose knew that he would never refuse her. Riley was a good soldier like that.
“It’s excellent to see you in such good health. Forgive me for not preparing a ‘welcome home’ gift basket, but I’m sure you understand that I was busy juggling other priorities.” She smiles, her voice sarcastic, unable to stop herself from teasing the man a little. It’s how she gets her kicks these days, getting a rise out of men like Riley. She indicated to the chair opposite her desk with one hand, gesturing for him to sit down. “I called you here for your debrief, although you’ll formally meet with the General tomorrow. But before all that, I thought you and I should have a little catch up, chew the fat as it were.” She grins, all demure and innocent, although the tone of her voice betrayed her true suspicions. “How was your recovery? I hear that the 141 treated you wonderfully. A part of me wondered if you’d ever return to us.”