CT-2255

501st shiny looking for new friends... if that’s okay?

[ct-2255]

Meet the Shiny!

Number: CT-2255

Age: ~17

Name: undecided; goes by ‘55 (he was thinking about going by Fives until he ran into Fives from the 501st and now he’s out of ideas)

Posting: 501st Legion

Commanding Officer: Sergeant Wall (a jerk)

Specialization: In training for bomb squad

Looks: As close to regulation as possible (although his hair always looks a bit fluffy). Has a port-wine stain birthmark on his neck, just visible above his blacks (a bit larger than the diameter of a lightsaber hilt, but he’s self-conscious about it so be nice please). Hasn’t finished growing yet, so he’s a bit shorter than a full-grown trooper.

Disposition: Introverted and awkward but well-meaning. Anxious, has some self-worth issues and struggles with standing up for himself. Sticks out from his vode in that he prefers quiet and peace compared to their louder, outgoing personalities. Naturally careful, which serves him well in bomb squad training (and for cutting his batchmate’s hair). Good at mediating conflict between his brothers, and skilled at sneaking around when necessary.

Training/Combat History: No combat history as of yet. Trained on Kamino under a trainer who was later expelled by General Ti for mistreatment of cadets he deemed defective. Scores under this trainer were sub-par, but graduated near the top of his age group once another trainer took over. Was recommended to bomb squad by CO (who gave him the recommendation in the hopes that he’d either become someone else’s problem or he’d get killed in combat), but has shown promise in training, and may be transferred permanently to the 501st bomb-squad at some point in the future.

[ct-2255]

💃- For a talent that they like to keep hidden from others

// ‘55 is actually a pretty good singer, but he’s very shy when it comes to sharing that talent with others. Sometimes he’ll hum quietly to himself while he’s doing something with his hands, but if other people are around, he’ll stop as soon as he notices. 

//That might change once he gets more comfortable in his place with the 501st, but it’s unlikely that he’ll work up the courage to try karaoke anytime soon 😅

[ct-2255]

📲- Talk about someone/something you dislike, but only pretend to like

//One of his batchmates was really thoughtful on their first shore leave and got everyone matching scarves. ‘55 loves his batchers and appreciates the thought, but the texture of the scarf is just awful; he could barely make himself touch it when he wrapped it around the end of his bunk for a small decoration. 

// It’s a gift, though, so he’d never tell his vode how much he secretly wants to toss it in the incinerator 😅

[ct-2255]

🐇- For a secret item they keep (stuffed animal, comfort object, etc)

//Not exactly an item, but ‘55 has taken to doodling on the inside of his armor plating in his spare time. His CO hasn’t given him permission to paint his armor yet, but it’s a nice way to get to show his own individuality, even if he’s the only one who knows it.

//It’s also useful for differentiating between his own armor and his batchmates, since some of them can be a little messy and their armor would get mixed up.

[ct-2255]

📒- For a secret journal/diary they keep (Bonus: Share an entry from it!)

// ‘55 read somewhere that writing his thoughts down is a good way to destress, so when he remembers to do it, or if he’s really worked up, he’ll journal about it. It works a lot better than keeping everything bottled up, but he forgets a lot of the time too. Most of his journal is variations of “aaaaaaaahhhhhh” with an attached explanation, though 😅

//Entry No. 224:

“Met an ARC trooper today! They were so cool! I, uh, was distracted by them walking by when I was helping unload a gunship, though, and I dropped a crate on my foot, and it was super embarrassing.

It’s not broken, which is good, but I’m pretty sure I yelped like a baby lothcat when it happened though, and I’m still young enough that my voice cracks a little, and they definitely heard me, aaaaaaaahhhhhh! 

I wish I could’ve melted into the floor then, or turned invisible, but they came over and helped move the rest of the crates, which would’ve been nice if I could have remembered how to talk respectfully with a senior officer instead of blurting out, “what are you doing?” like I was the one in charge! 😩

He didn’t seem to mind, though, which is good. Wouldn’t want another mark on my record, with how many my CO is trying to give me...

The ARC’s armor was really cool, though! He had a handprint on his chestplate! I bet there’s a really cool backstory to it! Like maybe he cut off an enemy’s hand in battle, or he he took on an acklay with his bare hands, which is why it’s a handprint? I dunno. I’d ask him if I wasn’t afraid of making a bigger fool of myself than I already did.

Should probably go before my CO thinks I’m slacking off, bye!”

[ct-2255]

Hey there!! Just poppin in with some cookies for you! *hands him a small box of cookies with little colourful candy designs* I hope you enjoy them, and have a nice day! Much love🤍

*a blushing and stuttering mess* Aaaaah... T-That’s really, I just-- why m-- 

*gets nudged by one of his batchmates, so he takes a breath and responds coherently* I mean, thank you! That’s really nice of you! I’ve never tried cookies, but I’m sure they’re great!

[rp-meme-glaceon]

Force my Muse to Spill their Secrets

🌧- For a heavy, emotional secret

🙃- For a lighter, slightly embarrassing secret

🌟- For a secret wish or desire of theirs

🍏- For something they secretly wish didn’t exist

🍎- For something they secretly wish did exist

❤️- For a secret crush

📲- Talk about someone/something you dislike, but only pretend to like

👁‍🗨- Talk about someone/something you like, but pretend to dislike

🍻- For something bad/mischievous you did as a child or teen that your parents don’t know about

🌜- For a ‘weird’ habit or tic that no one knows about

💃- For a talent that they like to keep hidden from others

🏹- For a talent they wish they had

👻- For something that scares or disturbs them, but they refuse to tell anyone

☢️- For a controversy or scandal they have been able to keep mostly under wraps

🐇- For a secret item they keep (stuffed animal, comfort object, etc)

📒- For a secret journal/diary they keep (Bonus: Share an entry from it!)

📔- For a secret sketchbook they keep (Bonus: Share a sketch or doodle within it!)

🖤- For something they secretly wish they could do with your muse

❓- Free Space! Ask them about a specific secret!

[ct-2255]

You’ll be fine! Just keep being you no matter what the haters say. :)

I’ll try... I-I just... I wish I was better at standing up for myself sometimes...

*wrings his hands together anxiously* Whenever I get in that kind of situation, it’s like I forget how to argue for myself. E-Even if I could normally think up a good comeback and defend myself, when I’m in the middle of everything, it’s hard to even speak...

My batchmates used to stand up for me sometimes, and when my CO leaves, they’ll be nice to me, but they don’t want to be dragged into it, and I don’t blame them... so it’s usually just me...

*eyes unfocus slightly as he remembers his most recent run-in with his CO, giving the anon a small smile as he remembers how Coric stood up for him* But when Coric-- he stood up for me the other day, and I-I... I didn’t know that people would do that... for me, I mean. 

If Coric’s trying that hard to be nice to a defec-- someone like me, it does make me hopeful for the rest of the 501st.

[ct-2255]

*leaves a bouquet of orchids and a box of gingerbread with smiley face icing on '55's bed with a note saying "you're really nice, I hope these make you smile"*

*eyes widen in wonder at the beautiful flowers, grinning at the tasty-looking food* Wow, thank you-- a-all that’s for me? I’ve never seen flowers this beautiful before! And the food smells almost spicy! 

*takes a hesitant bite, then a larger one as he finds that he loves gingerbread; speaks again with a few crumbs on his face* Thank you! It’s really good!

[ct-2255]

*sneaks in, gives you a hug and a porg plushie, runs off*

*wakes up briefly as the barracks door slides closed* ...wha-- huh?

*sees the porg plushie sitting at the foot of his bed, sitting up a little so that he can give it an experimental hug* ...is this for me? 

It’s really cute, and soft too... *looks at it with an awed expression before breaking off to yawn sleepily* ...thank you, ‘s really nice...

*falls back asleep, snuggling the new plushie close*

[ride-rpg]

☛ GET INSIDE YOUR CHARACTER'S HEAD! aka The Excessively Detailed Headcanon Meme

[toxicrobotyaoi]

Ask a question, any question! Because I have nothing better to do than to answer your questions. … No, really. I don’t. D:

1: What does their bedroom look like?

2: Do they have any daily rituals?

3: Do they exercise, and if so, what do they do? How often?

4: What would they do if they needed to make dinner but the kitchen was busy?

5: Cleanliness habits (personal, workspace, etc.)

6: Eating habits and sample daily menu

7: Favorite way to waste time and feelings surrounding wasting time

8: Favorite indulgence and feelings surrounding indulging

9: Makeup?

10: Neuroses? Do they recognize them as such?

11: Intellectual pursuits?

12: Favorite book genre?

13: Sexual Orientation? And, regardless of own orientation, thoughts on sexual orientation in general?

14: Physical abnormalities? (Both visible and not, including injuries/disabilities, long-term illnesses, food-intolerances, etc.)

15: Biggest and smallest short term goal?

16: Biggest and smallest long term goal?

17: Preferred mode of dress and rituals surrounding dress

18: Favorite beverage?

19: What do they think about before falling asleep at night?

20: Childhood illnesses? Any interesting stories behind them?

21: Turn-ons? Turn-offs?

22: Given a blank piece of paper, a pencil, and nothing to do, what would happen?

23: How organized are they? How does this organization/disorganization manifest in their everyday life?

24: Is there one subject of study that they excel at? Or do they even care about intellectual pursuits at all?

25: How do they see themselves 5 years from today?

26: Do they have any plans for the future? Any contingency plans if things don’t workout?

27: What is their biggest regret?

28: Who do they see as their best friend? Their worst enemy?

29: Reaction to sudden extrapersonal disaster (eg The house is on fire! What do they do?)

30: Reaction to sudden intrapersonal disaster (eg close family member suddenly dies)

31: Most prized possession?

32: Thoughts on material possessions in general?

33: Concept of home and family?

34: Thoughts on privacy? (Are they a private person, or are they prone to ‘TMI’?)

35: What activities do they enjoy, but consider to be a waste of time?

36: What makes them feel guilty?

37: Are they more analytical or more emotional in their decision-making?

38: What recharges them when they’re feeling drained?

39: Would you say that they have a superiority-complex? Inferiority-complex? Neither?

40: How misanthropic are they?

41: Hobbies?

42: How far did they get in formal education? What are their views on formal education vs self-education?

43: Religion?

44: Superstitions or views on the occult?

45: Do they express their thoughts through words or deeds?

46: If they were to fall in love, who (or what) is their ideal?

47: How do they express love?

48: If this person were to get into a fist fight, what is their fighting style like?

49: Is this person afraid of dying? Why or why not?

[ct-2255]

Hi hon, hope you are feeling better. Good luck on your next mission!

*blushes slightly* Oh, thanks! I’m doing a lot better; my leg’s all healed up now, and I was able to spend a lot of my down time doing training mods for my new Bomb Squad posting. Hopefully I won’t need to do any of that in the field yet, but it’s good to be prepared.

*rubs his neck with a bit of nervousness in his expression* This will be my first mission, so I hope everything goes okay.

[79s-staff]

*an anxious-looking shiny wanders up to the bar* Hi, uh... I know this is more of a party drinks kind of place, but I was wondering if you had any teas? I-I've never tried it before, but my general said it was warm and had a calming effect for them.

*Dally smiles gently* We are here for any trooper who would like something. *she pours the shiny some Cassius tea* Here you go! Nice warm tea. And here are some bantha cookies to pair with it! *she leads the shiny over to a quiet corner of the bar* Here you go! It should be nice and calm here

[ct-2255]

*is surprised at Dally’s kind response* Oh, t-thank you!

*eyes widen at the steam rising from the cup of tea given to him, sighing happily at the warmth it gives off as he holds it in his hands* It smells good… I didn’t know tea smelled like that 

*gives Dally a grateful look as she leads him to the quieter area* Thanks, I really like it here, but it’s a little loud for me. This kind of place is more my brothers’ thing… they’re out there on the dance floor.

*blushes as he remembers his very brief civvie interactions training* S-Sorry, I forgot to ask your name; I’m CT-2255.

[79s-staff]

My name is Dally! I am one of the bartenders here. *she smiles* To tell you the truth, I am not really into all the loudness either. Its much nice during the week in the middle of the afternoon. Its much quieter and we have the best lunch specials. *she winks* Its so nice to meet you!

[ct-2255]

*grins shyly at his new friend* Nice to meet you too! I’ve only ever had rations for lunch before, so if I have a break before we ship off again, I’ll have to come back and try it.

*his civvie training fails him as his mind draws a complete blank for conversation topics; to avoid an awkward silence, ‘55 takes an absentminded sip of his too-hot tea, only to burn the tip of his tongue* Oww! Hot! 

[79s-staff]

Oh Dear! *Dally gives him a little pat on the shoulder* You have to be careful there! Blow on it and take hot sips. *she smiles and hands him a napkin to dab up some of the tea* How are you liking Coruscant so far? Have your veteran brothers been showing you around to all the fun places here?

[ct-2255]

*rubs his neck self-consciously, internally berating himself for forgetting to take it slow* S-Sorry! I’m okay, just forgot how hot it was.

*is internally relieved at Dally’s questions, having a place to start, conversation-wise* Coruscaunt’s really big! I knew from our training modules that the whole place is a city, but I-I never imagined it would have this many people!

*becomes a bit more reserved as Dally asks about his older vode* Well, sort of… My CO was assigned to give my squad the rules for leave, but he told me a different time to meet than the rest of my squad and… *mumbles almost too quietly to hear*… h-he left without me… *regular volume now* But I was able to get a ride with a vod named Jesse, who gave me the basic rundown on the speeder ride here, and he seemed really nice!

[79s-staff]

*frowns* Well thats not very nice of them. I am so sorry you were left behind like that. Some people can be mean, even siblings. *pats 55s hand* Tell you what, one day this week, if you are free how about you pop in here for some lunch and then I cut work early and show you around some of the city! *Dally taps her chin, thinking* Hmm.. a few fun places that aren’t too crazy are the boardwalk, a few parks, and we even have a zoo and nice animal shelters on these few levels here! *she smiles* I bet you would really like the park! Its got a really nice walking path and a small stream you can splash in! 

[ct-2255]

*sighs* Yeah… I’m used to it at this point, but thanks, ma’am– I-I mean Dally. 

*he’d been looking down at his hands, which were fidgeting nervously with his comlink, but at Dally’s offer, he glances up in surprise bordering on shock* Really? We’ve just met and you want to cut work for some random shiny you’ve just met? 

*rubs the back of his neck again, brain full of self-depreciating thoughts as he tries to wrap his brain around the idea of someone (who’s not his batchmate) wanting to spend one-on-one time with him* You work here at 79′s, and you probably see plenty of troopers here, some Commanders and ARCs and even Nulls. I-I just… all that stuff sounds really fun, but… what makes me so special?

[79s-staff]

Why wouldn’t I? *Dally smiles and looks around the bar* I have talked to plenty of troopers, from some of the most hardened Commanders down to the nervous new shiny. The moment you walk through that door, you become a part of our big family here at 79s! *she looks over at the trooper* You deserve to have friends and feel apart of something other than the GAR ya know? At least thats my belief. Its our mission here to let troopers like you know that you are loved, appreciated, and cared for! It would be an honor to show a future hero around !

[ct-2255]

*blushes at being called a future hero and part of a family; is a little lost for words when he tries to respond* That’s, well-- uh, thanks, Dally. If you’re sure, I’d love to... have you show me around the city, that is 😅

I don’t know about future hero, though... *sighs* ... my CO’s pretty sure I’m going to get taken out on my first campaign... 

*realizes who he’s talking to* Sorry! That’s, uh, kind of a lot to dump on you when you haven’t-- when you’re not asking about it...

[79s-staff]

*an anxious-looking shiny wanders up to the bar* Hi, uh... I know this is more of a party drinks kind of place, but I was wondering if you had any teas? I-I've never tried it before, but my general said it was warm and had a calming effect for them.

*Dally smiles gently* We are here for any trooper who would like something. *she pours the shiny some Cassius tea* Here you go! Nice warm tea. And here are some bantha cookies to pair with it! *she leads the shiny over to a quiet corner of the bar* Here you go! It should be nice and calm here

[ct-2255]

*is surprised at Dally’s kind response* Oh, t-thank you!

*eyes widen at the steam rising from the cup of tea given to him, sighing happily at the warmth it gives off as he holds it in his hands* It smells good… I didn’t know tea smelled like that 

*gives Dally a grateful look as she leads him to the quieter area* Thanks, I really like it here, but it’s a little loud for me. This kind of place is more my brothers’ thing… they’re out there on the dance floor.

*blushes as he remembers his very brief civvie interactions training* S-Sorry, I forgot to ask your name; I’m CT-2255.

[79s-staff]

My name is Dally! I am one of the bartenders here. *she smiles* To tell you the truth, I am not really into all the loudness either. Its much nice during the week in the middle of the afternoon. Its much quieter and we have the best lunch specials. *she winks* Its so nice to meet you!

[ct-2255]

*grins shyly at his new friend* Nice to meet you too! I’ve only ever had rations for lunch before, so if I have a break before we ship off again, I’ll have to come back and try it.

*his civvie training fails him as his mind draws a complete blank for conversation topics; to avoid an awkward silence, ‘55 takes an absentminded sip of his too-hot tea, only to burn the tip of his tongue* Oww! Hot! 

[79s-staff]

Oh Dear! *Dally gives him a little pat on the shoulder* You have to be careful there! Blow on it and take hot sips. *she smiles and hands him a napkin to dab up some of the tea* How are you liking Coruscant so far? Have your veteran brothers been showing you around to all the fun places here?

[ct-2255]

*rubs his neck self-consciously, internally berating himself for forgetting to take it slow* S-Sorry! I’m okay, just forgot how hot it was.

*is internally relieved at Dally’s questions, having a place to start, conversation-wise* Coruscaunt’s really big! I knew from our training modules that the whole place is a city, but I-I never imagined it would have this many people!

*becomes a bit more reserved as Dally asks about his older vode* Well, sort of… My CO was assigned to give my squad the rules for leave, but he told me a different time to meet than the rest of my squad and… *mumbles almost too quietly to hear*… h-he left without me… *regular volume now* But I was able to get a ride with a vod named Jesse, who gave me the basic rundown on the speeder ride here, and he seemed really nice!

[79s-staff]

*frowns* Well thats not very nice of them. I am so sorry you were left behind like that. Some people can be mean, even siblings. *pats 55s hand* Tell you what, one day this week, if you are free how about you pop in here for some lunch and then I cut work early and show you around some of the city! *Dally taps her chin, thinking* Hmm.. a few fun places that aren’t too crazy are the boardwalk, a few parks, and we even have a zoo and nice animal shelters on these few levels here! *she smiles* I bet you would really like the park! Its got a really nice walking path and a small stream you can splash in! 

[ct-2255]

*sighs* Yeah... I’m used to it at this point, but thanks, ma’am-- I-I mean Dally. 

*he’d been looking down at his hands, which were fidgeting nervously with his comlink, but at Dally’s offer, he glances up in surprise bordering on shock* Really? We’ve just met and you want to cut work for some random shiny you’ve just met? 

*rubs the back of his neck again, brain full of self-depreciating thoughts as he tries to wrap his brain around the idea of someone (who’s not his batchmate) wanting to spend one-on-one time with him* You work here at 79′s, and you probably see plenty of troopers here, some Commanders and ARCs and even Nulls. I-I just... all that stuff sounds really fun, but... what makes me so special?

[coric-the-medic]

*a younger vod’s voice comes through Coric’s comms* C-Coric, sir?

It’s CT-2255, you fixed my ankle the other day... sorry to bug you, but you said that I was excused from duty for another week still, right?

Because my CO... h-he said that he didn’t like my attitude when I told him that I couldn’t do patrol, called me lazy... he said that if I didn’t report for duty h-he’d send in a reccomendation that I be transferred back to Kamino to be a maintenance clone, a-and I don’t know what to do!

*a pause as the shiny begins to regret speaking* ... I-I shouldn’t be bugging you with this, sorry— *goes to hang up*

No, it’s okay! You are no bother!

Are you okay? Where is your CO? If he’s there with you, I’ll have to talk to him again because he’d be going against medical orders and he can’t do that.

Are you okay? If you need to, you can come to the medbay here and stay around while I talk to your CO.

And please don’t worry, you won’t be send back to Kamino. It’s going to be okay!

[ct-2255]

I-I’m okay, I guess… *takes a deep breath, trying to calm himself down, still stressed out about the idea of being separated from his batchmates*

M-My CO’s not here, he said I had five minutes to get ready for duty, which is why I’m comming now.

A-Are you sure it’s okay? I don’t wanna get in trouble for hiding in medbay all the time… it might take me a little while to get there too; I’m not used to getting around with crutches yet.

[coric-the-medic]

Are you going to do your patrol? No, please don’t do that! You need to rest your ankle and doing patrols is one of the things that you should not be doing at all!

And you won’t get in trouble for being here, don’t worry. I am calling you in here so it will be under my responsibility. Do you need to to catch up with you and help you walk here?

[ct-2255]

*hesitates for a moment before responding with his decision* N-no, I won’t go on patrol. My vode offered to cover for me originally, so I’ll let them know they’re still needed.

*smiles shyly at Coric’s offer, starting the trek to medbay* Thanks, Coric, I think I’ll be okay getting there by myself, though. Hopefully my CO doesn’t see me going there instead of going on duty, though…

[coric-the-medic]

Oh! That’s good! I’m happy to hear they’re helping you.

Okay! Just be careful on the way here. If he finds you and tells you anything, just comm me and I’ll be there in a second, alright… Uh.. I’m sorry, I forgot to ask before, do you have a name, or not yet?

[ct-2255]

Okay, I’ll be careful! *doors whoosh in the background as he starts moving*

N-no, I haven’t found a name quite yet. I’ve thought about it some, but… nothing fits yet.

*shrugs* Maybe I’ll figure it out after my first deployme—

*cuts off, but there’s yelling in the background as the comm falls to the floor before turning itself off*

[coric-the-medic]

That’s fine, you’ll fine one for you eventua-… kid? Kid!!! What happened?! *leaves the medbay and runs towards the barracks*

[ct-2255]

*head ducking reflexively, shoulders tense as he tries to make himself a smaller target, balancing precariously on his crutches* S-sir, I-I—

*His CO Seargent Wall stands over him, shouting abuse, calling him lazy and worthless, and getting into his space; he looks about two seconds from shoving the shiny when Coric arrives*

[coric-the-medic]

HEY! Stop that! *he says angrily as he pushes the CO away, planting himself in front of the shiny, with one arm protectively covering him while standing firmly and looking at Wall straight in the eye* who the kriff you think you are to treat him like this? Ni'duraa!

[ct-2255]

*Seargent Wall turns to face Coric, looking affronted at being interrupted* I am his commanding officer, and I can treat this slacker however I see fit!

You’re an older vod, Coric. You know how trainers have been going soft on the newer troopers, giving them free passes so that they get shipped out on schedule.

If this defect had been born any earlier, he wouldn’t have made it past basic training! I’m just trying to toughen him up so he doesn’t drag anyone else down with him when he inevitably gets himself killed out there!

[coric-the-medic]

He’s not a defect and if he has made it this far now, it’s because he’s fit for combat just like any other one of us.

And can’t you remember that when we were his age we were still training in Kamino? These kids are too young to be here and yet, here they are. So you better show him the respect he and his team deserve. Insults and demeaning won’t do any good, you’re just scaring them. Treat them well and you’ll see better results if that’s what you want!

Now with this kid here, he’s not slacking! I myself checked him and he still needs time to heal, time that would have been shorter had you not kept him training while injured!

[ct-2255]

*Seargent Wall huffs in disagreement as Coric says he’s not a defect, nonetheless stops trying to berate him as he sees a higher ranking officer walk by*

*grumbles about loosening training requirements stalking away angrily to find someone to cover the shift he’d forced the ‘55 to do*

*CT-2255 sighs in relief when he leaves their section of the hallway* Thanks, Coric… sorry you had to come save me like that… again…

*almost falls over as he forgets to balance with his crutches* Whoa!!!

[coric-the-medic]

Wow hey! *grabs his arms and helps him not fall* are you okay, kid? how are you feeling? And you don’t have to apologize for anything, it’s okay.

[ct-2255]

I-I’m alright, sir, I just… *exhales with a deep sigh, expression going a little blank as he tries to shove away unwanted emotions* … he’s right, you know… about me being a defect…

[coric-the-medic]

Hey *puts a hand on his shoulder and speaks softly* that’s not true at all, why do you say that?

[ct-2255]

*his face turns red, looking ashamed as he pulls on the collar of his blacks to cover a wine-colored birthmark on his neck* B-Because it is true… the Kaminoans put it in my file.

*shuffles his uninjured foot, avoiding eye contact with Coric like he’s expecting to be insulted again* My CO’s only ever like this with me, he’s good to my vode… s-so the problem’s gotta be me, right?

[coric-the-medic]

No, it’s not you. Sometimes mean people feel it’s easier to pick on those who can’t defend themselves. I’m sorry he’s doing this to you, you don’t deserve it. But… What is that thing you’re trying to cover? May I see it? Are you okay?

[ct-2255]

*looks up at Coric in surprise, unbelieving but comforted by his words nonetheless* T-That’s nice of you to say, sir.

*winces internally as Coric notices what he’d been trying to cover up; he wishes the floor would swallow him whole so he could escape this conversation*

I-It’s nothing, sir. I’m not injured, I mean. It’s just a birthmark… m-my defect…

[coric-the-medic]

*is surprised but talks in a gentle voice* What? No, why would you think it’s a defect? Those are natural things, there’s nothing wrong with them!… Hey, have you seen captain Rex in person?

[ct-2255]

*shrugs quietly, a hand still covering his birthmark protectively* I dunno, it’s just… we’re supposed to be clones, identical units, and all that… but I’m not the same, so that’s wrong. A-At least, that’s what everybody else says… my trainers, the Kaminoans, even my CO.

*thinks back to his memory of the Captain* He was there, in full armor, when they came to pick up the new batch of troopers. Had a Kama and everything, sir. Why?

[coric-the-medic]

Hey, there’s nothing wrong with being different! And while yes, the kaminoan think that being different makes you a defect, the truth is that they’re wrong… They are wrong about many things and this is one of them. I k that it’s difficult to believe right now but you’ll understand the more time you spend out of Kamino. We celebrate individually, the things that make you different make you special and unique, whether is the color of your armor, your favorite activity, the way you move in the field, hair colors, and yes, birthmarks too. There’s nothing wrong with them.

Oh, and Captain Rex? Look at this *shows him a photo on his datapad*. These are my squad, and this one here *points to a blond clone* he is the Captain. He was born with that haircolor. The Kaminoans thought he was a defect, of course, but he proved them wrong, he showed everybody that even though he was different, he was just as capable as any other clone. And look at him! He’s a Captain now!… I’m sure that you also have the potential to get there too one day, or even higher if that’s what you want!

[ct-2255]

*blinks at the holo in shock, like he can’t believe what he’s seeing* R-Really, sir, that’s his actual hair’s color?

*wheels spinning in his mind, trying to reconcile what he’s been told all his life about how he’ll never amount to anything, but now he has proof that there’s vode out there that are different, like him, and they’re accepted by others, and he’s not sure what to do with it*

*tears up slightly at Coric’s unfounded faith in him when all the other authority figures in his life had done nothing but put him down* … I-If that’s true then why… *thinks to himself, ‘why do they treat me like this…?’*

[coric-the-medic]

Yes, it is! Though he sometimes dyes it, last week it was a new shade of blue, but that’s not the point here. And you don’t need to call me sir, kid, you can just call me Co- *stops when he sees him tearing up and pulls him into a hug without thinking* hey, no, wait… did I say something wrong? Are you okay?

[ct-2255]

*flinches at first when Coric hugs him before leaning into his ori’vod* N-No, you didn’t, sir— Coric, it’s just…

*sniffles* …you’re so sure that I can be good enough to do all that a-and you barely even know me… I‘ve never had that before… thanks…

*tries to return the hug, momentarily forgetting about his crutches and injured leg as he puts his foot down to balance himself; squeaks in pain and loses his balance, grabbing onto Coric in an attempt to avoid injuring himself further* Ack! Sorry! Sorry!!!

[coric-the-medic]

Oh! Careful! *holds on to him so he doesn’t fall and helps him stand up again but waits for him to push away just in case he still needs the contact* are you okay? And of course I believe in you. I’ve been here long enough to be able to recognize potential when I see it, and I know you’ll do great things in the future, kiddo.

[ct-2255]

*holds onto Coric for balance, reluctant to let go completely* Yeah, my ankle’s fine, ori’vod, thanks for the save… i-if you’re okay with me calling you that, sorry.

*gives Coric a small smile at his encouraging words* Thanks, Coric, that… that means a lot.

[coric-the-medic]

Hmm… And how are you feeling? And of course that’s okay, vod'ika!

[ct-2255]

*shrugs, afraid to answer that question in its entirety; smiles briefly when Coric calls him vod’ika* Kinda tired, my ankle’s a little sore.

*gives Coric a sheepish look* I’m a little hungry too; haven’t had the chance to eat yet today

[coric-the-medic]

You need to rest, that was enough stress for just one day for you. Want to go to the barracks, or would you rather take a nap in the medbay? I have some snacks there if you want them!

[ct-2255]

*thinks for a moment before deciding that he’d appreciate a break from the craziness of the barracks, away from the reach of his CO’s glares*

W-Well, I’m already halfway to medbay now. Might as well rest there, if that’s okay?

*rubs the back of his neck tiredly before positioning his crutches to start walking* Snacks sound good, Coric.

A-And thank you… for helping with my CO… I really appreciate it.

[coric-the-medic]

Yes, that’s okay, of course!

And no need to thank, I’m always here to help you, vod'ika… And talking about that, do you need help walking to the medbay, or are you okay like this?

[ct-2255]

*looks relieved at the thought of having a safe place to rest* Thanks, Coric.

*is about to insist on walking to medbay himself when he takes note of the slight shaking in his arms and the tiredness of his good leg; that combined with the beginning of blisters on his palms from the standard issue crutches (just a bit too tall for a younger vod’ika his size) made him reluctantly accept Coric’s offer*

If you don’t mind, Coric, help would be nice. Uh… how should we…? *tries to figure out how Coric’s going to help him get to medbay*

[coric-the-medic]

Hmmm… *smiles* Do you know what a piggyback ride is?

[ct-2255]

*takes a moment to realize the question is rhetorical* Yeah, it’s when you carry another trooper on your back by holding their legs and– oh! You mean you want to give me a piggy back ride? Uh, sure, if you’re positive you don’t mind?

[coric-the-medic]

Oh, I don’t mind! Do you? Or do you prefer another way?

[ct-2255]

*shakes his head* N-No, I don’t mind. Thanks... ori’vod.

*looks to Coric for approval as he gets ready to be carried, feeling a little bit like a cadet as he’s lifted off his feet by Coric* Heh, haven’t done this since before I graduated from blues to reds.

[coric-the-medic]

*a younger vod’s voice comes through Coric’s comms* C-Coric, sir?

It’s CT-2255, you fixed my ankle the other day... sorry to bug you, but you said that I was excused from duty for another week still, right?

Because my CO... h-he said that he didn’t like my attitude when I told him that I couldn’t do patrol, called me lazy... he said that if I didn’t report for duty h-he’d send in a reccomendation that I be transferred back to Kamino to be a maintenance clone, a-and I don’t know what to do!

*a pause as the shiny begins to regret speaking* ... I-I shouldn’t be bugging you with this, sorry— *goes to hang up*

No, it’s okay! You are no bother!

Are you okay? Where is your CO? If he’s there with you, I’ll have to talk to him again because he’d be going against medical orders and he can’t do that.

Are you okay? If you need to, you can come to the medbay here and stay around while I talk to your CO.

And please don’t worry, you won’t be send back to Kamino. It’s going to be okay!

[ct-2255]

I-I’m okay, I guess… *takes a deep breath, trying to calm himself down, still stressed out about the idea of being separated from his batchmates*

M-My CO’s not here, he said I had five minutes to get ready for duty, which is why I’m comming now.

A-Are you sure it’s okay? I don’t wanna get in trouble for hiding in medbay all the time… it might take me a little while to get there too; I’m not used to getting around with crutches yet.

[coric-the-medic]

Are you going to do your patrol? No, please don’t do that! You need to rest your ankle and doing patrols is one of the things that you should not be doing at all!

And you won’t get in trouble for being here, don’t worry. I am calling you in here so it will be under my responsibility. Do you need to to catch up with you and help you walk here?

[ct-2255]

*hesitates for a moment before responding with his decision* N-no, I won’t go on patrol. My vode offered to cover for me originally, so I’ll let them know they’re still needed.

*smiles shyly at Coric’s offer, starting the trek to medbay* Thanks, Coric, I think I’ll be okay getting there by myself, though. Hopefully my CO doesn’t see me going there instead of going on duty, though…

[coric-the-medic]

Oh! That’s good! I’m happy to hear they’re helping you.

Okay! Just be careful on the way here. If he finds you and tells you anything, just comm me and I’ll be there in a second, alright… Uh.. I’m sorry, I forgot to ask before, do you have a name, or not yet?

[ct-2255]

Okay, I’ll be careful! *doors whoosh in the background as he starts moving*

N-no, I haven’t found a name quite yet. I’ve thought about it some, but… nothing fits yet.

*shrugs* Maybe I’ll figure it out after my first deployme—

*cuts off, but there’s yelling in the background as the comm falls to the floor before turning itself off*

[coric-the-medic]

That’s fine, you’ll fine one for you eventua-… kid? Kid!!! What happened?! *leaves the medbay and runs towards the barracks*

[ct-2255]

*head ducking reflexively, shoulders tense as he tries to make himself a smaller target, balancing precariously on his crutches* S-sir, I-I—

*His CO Seargent Wall stands over him, shouting abuse, calling him lazy and worthless, and getting into his space; he looks about two seconds from shoving the shiny when Coric arrives*

[coric-the-medic]

HEY! Stop that! *he says angrily as he pushes the CO away, planting himself in front of the shiny, with one arm protectively covering him while standing firmly and looking at Wall straight in the eye* who the kriff you think you are to treat him like this? Ni'duraa!

[ct-2255]

*Seargent Wall turns to face Coric, looking affronted at being interrupted* I am his commanding officer, and I can treat this slacker however I see fit!

You’re an older vod, Coric. You know how trainers have been going soft on the newer troopers, giving them free passes so that they get shipped out on schedule.

If this defect had been born any earlier, he wouldn’t have made it past basic training! I’m just trying to toughen him up so he doesn’t drag anyone else down with him when he inevitably gets himself killed out there!

[coric-the-medic]

He’s not a defect and if he has made it this far now, it’s because he’s fit for combat just like any other one of us.

And can’t you remember that when we were his age we were still training in Kamino? These kids are too young to be here and yet, here they are. So you better show him the respect he and his team deserve. Insults and demeaning won’t do any good, you’re just scaring them. Treat them well and you’ll see better results if that’s what you want!

Now with this kid here, he’s not slacking! I myself checked him and he still needs time to heal, time that would have been shorter had you not kept him training while injured!

[ct-2255]

*Seargent Wall huffs in disagreement as Coric says he’s not a defect, nonetheless stops trying to berate him as he sees a higher ranking officer walk by*

*grumbles about loosening training requirements stalking away angrily to find someone to cover the shift he’d forced the ‘55 to do*

*CT-2255 sighs in relief when he leaves their section of the hallway* Thanks, Coric… sorry you had to come save me like that… again…

*almost falls over as he forgets to balance with his crutches* Whoa!!!

[coric-the-medic]

Wow hey! *grabs his arms and helps him not fall* are you okay, kid? how are you feeling? And you don’t have to apologize for anything, it’s okay.

[ct-2255]

I-I’m alright, sir, I just… *exhales with a deep sigh, expression going a little blank as he tries to shove away unwanted emotions* … he’s right, you know… about me being a defect…

[coric-the-medic]

Hey *puts a hand on his shoulder and speaks softly* that’s not true at all, why do you say that?

[ct-2255]

*his face turns red, looking ashamed as he pulls on the collar of his blacks to cover a wine-colored birthmark on his neck* B-Because it is true… the Kaminoans put it in my file.

*shuffles his uninjured foot, avoiding eye contact with Coric like he’s expecting to be insulted again* My CO’s only ever like this with me, he’s good to my vode… s-so the problem’s gotta be me, right?

[coric-the-medic]

No, it’s not you. Sometimes mean people feel it’s easier to pick on those who can’t defend themselves. I’m sorry he’s doing this to you, you don’t deserve it. But… What is that thing you’re trying to cover? May I see it? Are you okay?

[ct-2255]

*looks up at Coric in surprise, unbelieving but comforted by his words nonetheless* T-That’s nice of you to say, sir.

*winces internally as Coric notices what he’d been trying to cover up; he wishes the floor would swallow him whole so he could escape this conversation*

I-It’s nothing, sir. I’m not injured, I mean. It’s just a birthmark… m-my defect…

[coric-the-medic]

*is surprised but talks in a gentle voice* What? No, why would you think it’s a defect? Those are natural things, there’s nothing wrong with them!… Hey, have you seen captain Rex in person?

[ct-2255]

*shrugs quietly, a hand still covering his birthmark protectively* I dunno, it’s just… we’re supposed to be clones, identical units, and all that… but I’m not the same, so that’s wrong. A-At least, that’s what everybody else says… my trainers, the Kaminoans, even my CO.

*thinks back to his memory of the Captain* He was there, in full armor, when they came to pick up the new batch of troopers. Had a Kama and everything, sir. Why?

[coric-the-medic]

Hey, there’s nothing wrong with being different! And while yes, the kaminoan think that being different makes you a defect, the truth is that they’re wrong… They are wrong about many things and this is one of them. I k that it’s difficult to believe right now but you’ll understand the more time you spend out of Kamino. We celebrate individually, the things that make you different make you special and unique, whether is the color of your armor, your favorite activity, the way you move in the field, hair colors, and yes, birthmarks too. There’s nothing wrong with them.

Oh, and Captain Rex? Look at this *shows him a photo on his datapad*. These are my squad, and this one here *points to a blond clone* he is the Captain. He was born with that haircolor. The Kaminoans thought he was a defect, of course, but he proved them wrong, he showed everybody that even though he was different, he was just as capable as any other clone. And look at him! He’s a Captain now!… I’m sure that you also have the potential to get there too one day, or even higher if that’s what you want!

[ct-2255]

*blinks at the holo in shock, like he can’t believe what he’s seeing* R-Really, sir, that’s his actual hair’s color?

*wheels spinning in his mind, trying to reconcile what he’s been told all his life about how he’ll never amount to anything, but now he has proof that there’s vode out there that are different, like him, and they’re accepted by others, and he’s not sure what to do with it*

*tears up slightly at Coric’s unfounded faith in him when all the other authority figures in his life had done nothing but put him down* … I-If that’s true then why… *thinks to himself, ‘why do they treat me like this…?’*

[coric-the-medic]

Yes, it is! Though he sometimes dyes it, last week it was a new shade of blue, but that’s not the point here. And you don’t need to call me sir, kid, you can just call me Co- *stops when he sees him tearing up and pulls him into a hug without thinking* hey, no, wait… did I say something wrong? Are you okay?

[ct-2255]

*flinches at first when Coric hugs him before leaning into his ori’vod* N-No, you didn’t, sir— Coric, it’s just…

*sniffles* …you’re so sure that I can be good enough to do all that a-and you barely even know me… I‘ve never had that before… thanks…

*tries to return the hug, momentarily forgetting about his crutches and injured leg as he puts his foot down to balance himself; squeaks in pain and loses his balance, grabbing onto Coric in an attempt to avoid injuring himself further* Ack! Sorry! Sorry!!!

[coric-the-medic]

Oh! Careful! *holds on to him so he doesn’t fall and helps him stand up again but waits for him to push away just in case he still needs the contact* are you okay? And of course I believe in you. I’ve been here long enough to be able to recognize potential when I see it, and I know you’ll do great things in the future, kiddo.

[ct-2255]

*holds onto Coric for balance, reluctant to let go completely* Yeah, my ankle’s fine, ori’vod, thanks for the save… i-if you’re okay with me calling you that, sorry.

*gives Coric a small smile at his encouraging words* Thanks, Coric, that… that means a lot.

[coric-the-medic]

Hmm… And how are you feeling? And of course that’s okay, vod'ika!

[ct-2255]

*shrugs, afraid to answer that question in its entirety; smiles briefly when Coric calls him vod’ika* Kinda tired, my ankle’s a little sore.

*gives Coric a sheepish look* I’m a little hungry too; haven’t had the chance to eat yet today

[coric-the-medic]

You need to rest, that was enough stress for just one day for you. Want to go to the barracks, or would you rather take a nap in the medbay? I have some snacks there if you want them!

[ct-2255]

*thinks for a moment before deciding that he’d appreciate a break from the craziness of the barracks, away from the reach of his CO’s glares*

W-Well, I’m already halfway to medbay now. Might as well rest there, if that’s okay?

*rubs the back of his neck tiredly before positioning his crutches to start walking* Snacks sound good, Coric.

A-And thank you… for helping with my CO… I really appreciate it.

[coric-the-medic]

Yes, that’s okay, of course!

And no need to thank, I’m always here to help you, vod'ika… And talking about that, do you need help walking to the medbay, or are you okay like this?

[ct-2255]

*looks relieved at the thought of having a safe place to rest* Thanks, Coric.

*is about to insist on walking to medbay himself when he takes note of the slight shaking in his arms and the tiredness of his good leg; that combined with the beginning of blisters on his palms from the standard issue crutches (just a bit too tall for a younger vod’ika his size) made him reluctantly accept Coric’s offer*

If you don’t mind, Coric, help would be nice. Uh… how should we…? *tries to figure out how Coric’s going to help him get to medbay*

[coric-the-medic]

Hmmm… *smiles* Do you know what a piggyback ride is?

[ct-2255]

*takes a moment to realize the question is rhetorical* Yeah, it’s when you carry another trooper on your back by holding their legs and-- oh! You mean you want to give me a piggy back ride? Uh, sure, if you’re positive you don’t mind?

[ct-2255]

Hey, it’s nice to have you around! Welcome! And if I may ask, who, so far, is your favourite comrade?

*takes a moment to realize he’s being addressed, a growing blush on his face* H-Hi, and thanks for the welcome...

I, uh, haven’t met too many troopers yet, outside of my own squad. Coric seemed nice, though, when he was patching me up that time I got a training injury, and Jesse gave me a ride to 79′s when my CO left me behind. He was nice too, although I wish he’d watch the skylane a little more... we almost got into a couple speeder crashes on the way there...