*Fox rushes by with an armful of water bottles*
Thorn: What's going on?
Thire: Fox wouldn't drink water.
Thorn: ...And?
Thire: And I asked him how fast they could chug an entire bottle.
Fox, loudly: 16 OUNCES IN TEN SECONDS, BITCHES!
(Alpha finally starts giving the cadets names as he grows closer to them and others around him.)
Alpha walks into the once vibrant jungle with dense vegetation that has now faded back to nothing more than a bare simulation room with grey smooth surfaces. The cadets are scattered around the room trying to adjust to the sudden change. 7567 stands slightly shocked on an extended block from the wall that had just been a tree branch like he hadn’t realized how high up he was. The others slowly adjust to the plainness while giving Alpha their full attention. Alpha stares down at his datapad taking in the information while 2224 approaches him.
“Sir, permission to lead the next simulation?” the cadet stands at attention.
“That’s fine Cody.” Alpha starts to walk back to the observation room.
“Sir?” 2224’s voice is unsure which makes Alpha pause. He turns back to see all eight cadets wearing confused awkward faces. At least more than normal.
“What?”
“You called me… Cody, Sir.” 2224 starts carefully. Alpha is glad he has his helmet on to hide his face as the realization dawns on him. In truth, Alpha has been slowly coming up with names for all his boys. He didn’t want to start giving them names until he had one for each of them. So far 1004, 4477, 8826, and 7567 were the only ones missing names. Alpha realizes that he hasn’t said anything for a moment, so he clears his throat.
“Yes, that’s your name now.” Alpha hopes he doesn’t sound as awkward and unsure as he felt. “If you don’t like it…”
“Cody was the name of a Mandalorian that helped train us ARC Troopers. I thought you and he shared a likeness in some respects.” Alpha watches the cadet’s face closely. He was trying hard not to show any form of excitement, but it was there. “Now, Cody, get the others to the start and redo this simulation. I want to see some real results this time.”
“Yes, Sir!” Cody salutes as Alpha turns away. In the reflection of the window leading into the observation room Alpha can see the smile spreading across the cadet’s face. Alpha holds back his own smile despite his face already being hidden by his helmet. When he walks into the observation room, he finds Fordo staring at him with crossed arms.
“Commander.” Alpha grunts while stepping in front of the controls. He has the jungle simulation up again disrupting the cadet’s conversations over 2224’s new name.
“So, you’re naming them now, huh?” Fordo tilts head slightly.
“Why not? We both have names and so do most clones now.” Alpha commands a few of the torrents to aim fire at 1138. He takes cover behind a tree signaling 3636 for back up.
“Well, you know what they say about naming something? You start to get attached to it.”
Alpha watches closely as 1138 and 3636 take out the torrents. “And what if I do? We’re not Jedi.”
“No, no, you’re right,” Fordo begins walking towards the door before stopping right behind Alpha. “But unlike the Jedi we don’t get nice funerals surrounded by friends and loved ones. We get left behind as the squad advances. Will you be prepared to leave Codybehind if he gets shot down in battle?”
Alpha finds himself unable to answer. When the doors open, Shaak Ti walks in. She nods politely to Fordo as he walks out. Alpha crosses his arms and focuses on the simulation.
“I can sense your unrest, Captain. What troubles you?”
Shit.
“Nothing. Just… stressed about the boys training.” He sighs the last bit feeling a wave of exhaustion wash over him. She eyes him curiously.
“You carry much on your shoulders. Do not forget that you do not have to carry it alone.”
Alpha glances at the Jedi. She smiles softly at him before turning her head towards the simulation. Alpha stares a moment longer before doing the same. They stand in a comfortable silence while the cadets go through the simulation. After a time, Alpha begins pulling up the different monitors.
“What are you looking for?” Ti asks.
“4477. I lost track of him.” Again.
Ti closes her eyes while focusing through the Force. When her eyes open, she says, “There, in the upper east side.”
Alpha pulls up the camera pointed in that area. When the image appears they both squint until they can finally make out 4477 crouched down in a tree. A droid walks below scanning the ground for lifeforms. 4477 drops down stunning the droid before darting into the bushes unseen.
“Clever kid, I’ll give him that.” Alpha chuckles. “That one’s getting harder and harder to spot in these drills.”
“A useful skill to have.” Ti nods. She reaches down checking on the other cadets. After a moment she says, “Your cadets are improving more and more each day. But still, something troubles you.”
This again. “It’s really nothing.”
“Knowing you, if you’re this rattled its not nothing.” She arches her version of a brow at him. Alpha feels his lips twitch into a smile.
“Fine,” He sighs at last. “These cadets… am I getting to attached?”
“Ah,” she says as if she completely understands. Hell, maybe she does. “The hardest part of teaching.”
“Though, who am I kidding? I’m sure the great Shaak Ti would never grow to close to anyone. To good of a Jedi.” Alpha crosses his arms. He sees a flash of… somethingin her eyes before she quickly returns to her natural expression.
“I’ve had padawans, Alpha-17.” She says with a hint of ice in her words. Alpha chuckles. Hit a nerve, did I?
“Oh? And did you ever form attachments?” Alpha leans against the control panel now giving her his full attention. Ti stares down at the controls in thought.
“I did.” She lifts her eyes to him. Even though he still wears his helmet it felt like she was staring right into his eyes.
More softly he asks, “So, what happened?”
“When my last padawan’s training was complete I took her to coruscant to go through the trials and become a knight. And she did.” She looks back at the training cadets. Alpha stays silent feeling the tension in her words. “On her first mission she was sent to a planet filled with Jedi hating mercenaries. She was killed.”
The once comfortable atmosphere now feels like they were trapped in a pressurized room. Alpha uncrosses his arms failing to find the right words.
“And do you know what I did after receiving the news that my former padawan died on her first mission? I grieved. The grief felt suffocating at times, but I found my resolve in the fact that I must go on for the sake of myself and others. Now I carry her death and the death of all the others with me every day. So, no. I may not be that great of a Jedi after all, Alpha-17.” She begins to walk towards the door. Alpha doesn’t quite understand why he did what he does but it achieves its goal. He pulls his helmet off showing his face and by doing so it stops her in her tracks. This wasn’t the first time she’s seen Alpha’s bare face, but it is rare for him to remove his helmet out of his private quarters. Now, unable to hide his expressions and facial tells he feels naked before her. She can sense his unease and can clearly see it too. Alpha clears his throat awkwardly trying to pull a neutral expression on.
“I’m sorry Ti. I didn’t mean to upset you.” Alpha also hadn’t meant to call her Ti out loud. A smile spreads across her face before she turns back to the controls as if trying to hide it.
“I’m not upset, Alpha.” The comfort from before slowly settles between them again.
Trying to move past their last conversation, Alpha asks, “So, any ideas on what to name one of these guys? I’ve got a few in mind but still struggling with the rest.”
“Hm,” she lifts a hand to her chin in thought. “If you wouldn’t mind, 1138 reminds me a lot of one of my very first padawans. He died in a fierce battle. He was strong and very brave. I think he would be glad to share his name with 1138.”
“And what was his name?”
“Bacara.” She smiles sadly with eyes looking towards the past. Alpha smiles softly. He finds himself reaching out to gently touch her shoulder.
“I think that’s a perfect name.” definitely better than Steroids that’s for sure. They find themselves staying like that for a few moments longer before the doors open and a cadet steps inside. Alpha takes his hand away and slips his helmet on as fast as possible. Ti occupies herself with the control panel. Alpha turns to see 1010 looking between Ti and Alpha before slightly tilting his head and smiling. “What are you doing? Get back out there and finish the simulation!”
“We did. Ten minutes ago.” 1010 gestures to the simulation room that has reverted back to a bare bland grey training room. The other cadets lean against pillars and blocks looking bored. Oh.
“I knew that.” He snarls at the cadet who already knows that he definitely didn’t know that. “Get back in the room. Now.”
“Yes, Sir.” He says before looking past Alpha to Ti and going, “General.”
“Cadet.” Ti says politely. 1010 smiles wider while returning to the others. Alpha shakes his head with a heavy sigh. He freezes when he feels a warm hand gently touch his left shoulder.
“I’ve distracted you long enough. I’ll leave you to your cadets.”
Alpha watches her walk out of the room. Now standing alone he smacks the side of his helmet. Get it together Alpha. He walks into the simulation room prompting the others to pop to attention.
“Alright boys, we’ll be running sprints next.” There is a collective of groans even from the more obedient ones. As the boys start gathering their gear to head to the indoor track, Alpha stops 1138. “What do you say about having the name Bacara?”
“Bacara?” 1138 repeats the name while wrinkling his nose as if something smelled bad. Alpha eyes him through his helmet.
“It was the name of a strong and brave Jedi. They were also trained by the greatest Jedi I’ve ever known. Anyone would be lucky to have it.” Alpha watches the cadets face slowly come to terms with it. Eventually he nods. “Good, Bacara it is then.”
Alpha sees excitement and intrigue grow on the faces of the others who haven’t been given a name yet. A clear flash of jealously burns across 1010’s. That put a smile on Alpha’s face.
Over the next few days Alpha begins giving out the clones names. He gives 3636 his name after successfully out witting everyone, including 1010, in a drill. He was more then happy to be given the name Wolffe. Alpha was a little hesitant to give 1010 his name. 1010 already put himself on a high pedestal, Alpha didn’t want his ego to grow any bigger. But the kid had skill and earned it after completing a training course in record time. Though it still made Alpha grit his teeth after giving the kid his name and he responds, “Fox huh… this is acceptable.”And then going about his business. Ti ended up helping again in naming 4477. Alpha was close to naming the kid Ghost before she pointed out how many other clones shared the name already. They finally settled on Thire, and the cadet was happy to take it. 1004 was the easiest to name because the cadet chose it himself.
“Gree?” Alpha repeated the name. “Like the species?”
“Yes, Sir. They’re my favorite species to read about.” 1004 says proudly. Alpha shrugs his shoulders.
“Fine. Gree it is.” and that was that. This left 7567 and 8826. Alpha could see how much it bothered 7567 no matter how hard the cadet tried to hide it. He could also see how unbothered 8826 was. Fordo and Alpha lean against the barracks wall talking quietly to each other while watching the cadets clean their gear.
“I don’t know… maybe Clumsy?” Fordo shrugs his shoulders while watching 7567 trip over a bag on the floor. Alpha shakes his head.
“No, he’s been doing better. A name like that might affect his confidence.” Alpha can feel Fordo’s stare but keeps going. “What about 8826?”
“I don’t know. I still like Lil’ Psycho for him.” Fordo chuckles to himself. Alpha rolls his eyes but doesn’t necessarily disagree. They look over at 8826 as he tells a story to Bacara and Wolffe.
“… and you should have seen the way I jumped over the droid!” 8826 goes on in his story. Wolffe rolls his eyes.
“We did see it, you plebe. We were there.” Wolffe says while Bacara continues to silently clean his blaster.
“Yeah? But did you see how fast I was going? I went NEYOOUUM!” He stands and moves his hand quickly as if to demonstrate his speed. Alpha and Fordo look at each other.
“That’s it.” They both say.
“Hey, 8826, you want a name?” Alpha calls across the room. The cadet looks over at them.
“If you’re giving them out.” He shrugs with a half grin.
“Good. Because from now on your names Neyoum.”
This causes the other cadets to erupt in laughter. 8826’s face pales.
“Sir, no.” he says with a face so grim it even brings Alpha and Fordo to laughter. “Sir, anything but that. Please.”
“Alright. Since you said please,” Alpha chuckles. He tilts his head thinking it over. “How about Neyo then.”
“Neyo works for me Sir!” the cadet sits with his cheeks growing a few shades of red. Bacara is still in a laugh that shakes his whole body prompting Neyo to smack him.
Fordo pats Alpha’s back as he regains himself. “Well, that was easy.”
“Yeah, but we still need to find one for 7567.” Alpha nods his head in the cadet’s direction. The cadet stares at his training blaster like someone just told him he had six weeks to live. Fordo taps the side of his helmet.
“We’ll have to come up with one later. Just got word the Generals are arriving.”
Alpha lets out an exhausted sigh. That’s right. The meeting. A bunch of the Jedi Generals are coming to form a plan of attack on the upcoming battle of Muunilinst and Hypori. All of the ARC troopers have been requested to be there. Alpha groans deep in his throat.
“My sentiments exactly but we need to change if we’re going to be on time. They want us in the new officer attire to look more professional.” Fordo snorts while making his way towards the exit. Alpha forces himself to walk out to the center of the room.
“Alright, listen up,” Alpha says loudly getting all of the cadets attention. “I have to go to a meeting for the next hour or so. You are to stay here. I don’t care what you do as long as you don’t leave this room or burn anything down. Are we clear?”
“Yes, Sir!” they say loudly. Alpha leaves the barracks to return to his quarters. The only time Alpha was ever out of his armor was when he was sleeping here on Kamino. Sometimes not even then. So peeling off his armor and pulling on a thin grey fabric uniform felt like putting on uncomfortable pajamas and parading around the city. Alpha walks out of his room while tugging at his collar. A chuckle gives him pause as Shaak Ti approaches him. If he felt naked before with his helmet off in front of her, he definitely does now.
“This is ridiculous.” He says while still struggling to adjust the collar.
“It’s good to see how well you can function in them. I hear they are about to issue these to all clones stationed in control towers.” She reaches up and helps him adjust the collar size.
“Thanks.” He says now that he doesn’t feel like he’s being strangled. She smiles softly before walking with him towards the meeting room. “Will you be joining us?”
“I will. From what Master Mundi is saying I will be accompanying him and a few other Jedi to Hypori.” She explains. He gives a hm. As they walk Alpha spots a familiar face walking down the corridor with 99.
“CT-7567, what are you doing out of the barracks?” Alpha frowns at the cadet. 7567 just stares back at Alpha to shocked to speak from seeing him out of his usual armor. Alpha clears his throat loudly. “I’m waiting.”
“It’s my fault Sir. I came by the barracks needing help carrying some boxes. 7567 was kind enough to help me out.” 99 says. Alpha softens his expression at 99 before hardening it again at 7567.
“Back to the barracks the second you are done helping 99.” He orders. 7567 can only nod with eyes still wide with shock. He silently follows 99 down the corridor. Alpha rubs his face tiredly. When he hears a laugh from Ti, he arches a brow at her. “Something funny?”
“I’ve never seen you so uncomfortable before.” She says as they continue walking. Alpha fidgets in his uniform.
“Yeah, well…” he trails off unable to argue with her. when they make to the meeting room, he makes out the other ARC Troopers all as uncomfortable as Alpha in the new officer uniforms. He turns his gaze over to the Jedi filling the other parts of the room. Masters Mundi, Windu, Secura, and K’kruhk along with a hand full of others Alpha didn’t recognize huddle around each other in their jedi robes. Alpha keeps looking through the faces trying to see everyone he recognized when he spots a boy standing with a scrunched-up face of constant disapproval. Alpha feels himself chuckle before approaching the boy.
“Didn’t know they let kids in here?” Alpha snorts with a grin. Skywalker looks him over with a raised brow. Then a smile spreads on his face as he realizes who Alpha is.
“I’ll have you know I’m a Jedi Knight now.” He says standing a little taller. Alpha chuckles while crossing his arms.
“Oh? And who in their right mind decided that?”
“I did, Captain. Along with the rest of the Jedi council.” Another familiar voice comes from behind him. Alpha turns to see General Kenobi approaching them. He reaches out and shakes the Jedi’s hand. “Good to see you again.”
“You as well.” Alpha crosses his arms as they stand around each other. “But what I really want to know is who came up with this uniform?”
“That you’ll have to take up with the Admirals I’m afraid.” Kenobi laughs slightly. He reaches up to stroke his beard.
“Oh, I don’t know Master. I rather like the outfit.” Skywalker says making Alpha roll his eyes.
“Outfit? It’s a uniform.” Alpha corrects him but the kid just smiles.
“Call it whatever you want. Either way it brings out your eyes.”
This time its Kenobi’s turn to roll his eyes. At that moment Windu walks towards the holotable letting everyone know they are about to begin. Alpha stands next to Skywalker taking in how much he’s grown since the last he saw him. while the briefing goes on, he notices the kid yawning. Alpha nudges him slightly before leaning closer to say, “If you watch Commander Fordo closely, you’ll see him roll his eyes from time to time. I think he’s forgetting he’s not wearing a helmet.”
They watch Fordo for a moment before he rolls his eyes at something Secura says. This makes both Alpha and Skywalker laugh earning a harsh glare from Kenobi. They straighten up and try to act professional but snicker every time Fordo makes a face or rolls his eyes again. Maybe the briefing won’t be too bad after all.
Once again, @detroitbydark and I were discussing the CG boys and we decided that Commander Thire needs some love. So here we are! This post is long as shit and I’m sorry but this got posted on mobile as I walked into the hospital.
Summary: Thire meets an interesting new friend who happens to share a hobby. They go on a date.
Word Count: 3000
Warnings/rating: none/T
Chapter 1
It was the third shooting this week, and they’d just lost another patient. Endless compressions later, Sofi was exhausted and frustrated. And absolutely covered in blood.
The doctor had to go declare another patient, so Sofi slipped outside for a little caf, just to clear her head for five minutes. Jorah popped out with her and they leaned against the door for a bit in silence. He was her favorite work friend because he had the same sense of humor, which was evident when a pair of red and white armored troopers walked out of the Emergency Department exit.
“I dare you to go give your comm to one of them.” He nodded towards the two men.
“Jorah, I’m at work. You’re gonna get me called in to HR.”
“Well you and I are on break and we’re technically not in the hospital so...debatable. You’re just scared.”
“Am not.”
“Are too. You’re scared to put yourself out there.”
“Am not!”
The troopers were waiting for a pickup at the end of the landing platform that stretched from the building. Giving her comm frequency to a random man in uniform was usually right up her alley, in terms of risk taking, but she tried to be professional when she was working. But they’d had a terrible day, and she wanted to start a little mischief. The worst he could do was say no. Or arrest her. Now that would be fun.
She made a rude gesture at Jorah, shook her hair out of its bun, and started towards the men, shooting a suggestive look over her shoulder on the way. Scrubs weren’t really her most flattering look, but she’d make do for now.
“Excuse me, trooper.”
They turned to look, helmets swiveling. Sofi honed in on the one nearest to her, who’d crossed his arms defensively.
“Red looks good on you, but I think it would look better on my floor.”
The nearer man remained a statue, while the other was obviously trying to stifle laughter under his helmet.
“If I gave you my comm, would you call me?”
Farther trooper elbowed his buddy.
“Come on, Thire,” he said, “the lady wants a date.”
The lady didn’t really want a date, but she wasn’t one to turn down a dare.
“Why don’t you think about it?” she persisted, “Give me your hand.”
The unnamed trooper elbowed her target again and an object fell from under one of the nearer man’s arms. A book. Not a datapad, an actual book made of flimsi sewn and glued together. She didn’t know anyone else who didn’t read on a datapad. Sofi’s grandmother had given her troves of books when she was a girl, and she’d devoured them.
Swiftly, she bent and picked it up. There was obviously more to him than met the eye. Not many men she knew read antique romance novels. Her plan changed as she handed it back to him.
“I know a place I think you’ll like. This is my comm frequency.” She tugged on his hand and he acquiesced the appendage to her grasp. Removing his glove, she uncapped her pen with her teeth and scribbled her frequency on his palm.
“I’m off in two cycles, call me when you’re not on duty and we’ll have some fun.” Sofi gave him her most winning smile, ready for a line, a laugh, a flirty comment, anything.
“I’ll think about it,” he said, softly, and turned away. Their ride was here. She strode back towards the hospital, feeling their eyes on her back, which was her plan all along. Idly, she wondered what he’d look like under that red and white helmet. Stupid, she thought. They all looked the same.
——————————————————————
Stone hadn’t stopped laughing since they left the platform.
“You really turned my day around, vod,” he wheezed, in between laughs, “I’d be jealous, but I think you need this more than me.”
“Shut up,” Thire replied, just grateful his bucket was on to hide what must be a furious blush. He could still feel where she scribbled her number on his hand. The woman hadn’t even told him her name.
They’d all breathed a sigh of relief when Mouse had discharged from the hospital. Senator Amidala had whisked her off to Naboo that morning. Stone and Thire had been the last watch before she left.
Fox was still acting strange about the whole incident, and none of them knew why. Thire hoped it wasn’t what he thought, but the longer his brother avoided her, the more evidence he had. He thought Fox was a better man than that. Her nightmares weren’t improving and she wouldn’t talk to anyone about what happened.
He and Fox had always shared the responsibility of being the ori’vod, but now Thire felt like he had to bear it all himself. So right now, a distraction was welcome, no matter now embarrassing.
He was pretty sure her proposition was a joke, but she was so pretty he didn’t even care. Not pretty, gorgeous. Even spattered in what appeared to be blood. Force knows he’d seen enough of it.
Two days later he found himself sitting on the side of his bunk in his blacks, staring down at his comm. He’d been looking at it for an hour now, debating whether to comm that nurse from the other day. One one hand, it could be fun. But he didn’t know where she wanted to take him. Or she could turn him down, laugh at him. But he didn’t have that much to lose, and it was his day off after all. Okay, here went nothing.
“This is Commander Thire. I’m supposed to comm you on your day off?”
And he waited.
And waited.
Then came a chime from his comm.
“Meet me at these coordinates at 1500. No need to wear your armor. ;)”
No need to wear armor? He didn’t have anything else to wear besides his dress uniform. Civilian clothes weren’t something they could wear out and about on Coruscant. Or afford. It was a precious day off, and he was oddly excited to spend it with someone he’d never spoken more than a sentence to. Someone who didn’t have the same face as him. Stone had finally stopped popping off about it yesterday. Thire usually wasn’t one to rise to his jabs, but it seemed that being around Fox and Mouse had rubbed off on him.
Despite her request, he wore his armor anyway, since he didn’t have anything else and he loathed his dress greys. They made his gett’se itch and pinched his neck. The red and white plastoid was practically a second skin after all these years of training in it, working in it, and occasionally even sleeping in it. It was his oldest friend aside from his batchmates.
Thire also looked up the coordinates she sent. One couldn’t be too careful these days, not knowing where civilians stood on the ‘issue’ of the clone army. To his surprise, he’d been there before. On official Guard business, no less.
A few weeks ago some punks had tried to break into an old bookstore down in the levels. They’d thrown a brick through the window and Thire helped the wizened old shop lady sweep up the broken transparisteel so she didn’t hurt herself. Not much had been taken, as the little store was stuffed with floor-to-ceiling shelves of real books and her till was almost empty. He wondered then - and still did - how she stayed in business. Giza, the old woman, had offered him any book he wanted. Having only read training manuals and required reading for flash training, he hadn’t known where to start. He’d never read for pleasure before. Giza finally took pity on him and handed him her favorite. Knights of the Old Republic. He’d devoured it.
Thire was looking forward to going back, and strangely smug at knowing the secret. But he couldn’t help but sweat nervously in his armor the whole way to the location. Again, he was intensely grateful that he hadn’t decided to wear his dress greys.
He pulled his speeder up in front of Giza’s store, early as usual. Except his date was already there. Earlier than him? That never happened. Taking a little more time than was necessary to park and dismount, he snuck a few looks at her. She certainly was not in her work uniform this time. Burgundy leggings and a matching cropped top set off her dark skin. The ensemble left little to the imagination, but he found that he didn’t much mind.
He reminded himself to keep her eyes on her face, which fortunately wasn’t hard since she was wearing that same cheeky smile as two days ago at the med center.
Sofi watched Thire pull up in front of the shop. She found herself excited to surprise him with her favorite bookshop, rocking back on her heels. Giza must be in the back of the building; she hadn’t come out to say hello as she usually did.
I wish I was as fat as the first time I thought I was fat, she thought, studying herself in the remaining window. At least her hair was clean today; it hung to her waist, shiny and black as deep space. And she wasn’t covered in someone else’s blood. Although Sofi was certain some man somewhere was into that. She shuddered and pulled herself out of her musings. Commander Thire was striding towards her in that blasted armor she’d told him not to wear. It seemed to her like it must be uncomfortable but boy did it do things for a man’s body.
“Hey there,” she greeted.
“Hey,” he replied, taking off his helmet.
“Sofi,” she said, and stuck out her hand awkwardly.
“Thire.” He gave her a firm handshake and looked her in the eye. The intensity she saw there made her stomach flip.
“So I don’t have to call you Commander?” she asked.
“No, ma’am,” he replied, with a touch of cheekiness himself. So he did have a sense of humor. Useful.
They were interrupted by Giza’s voice, surprisingly rich and loud for such a tiny woman. Sofi thought Giza would greet her first, but to her surprise, the wrinkled Sullustan went straight for the man to her right.
“Commander Thire,” she tutted, “Have you finished my latest recommendation yet?”
He ducked his head, embarrassed.
“Not yet, Giza.”
Reaching up, she pinched his cheek and Sofi stifled a laugh behind her hand.
“It’s alright son, I know you Guard boys have been working night and day. But you’re almost to the best part!” Huge glittering eyes looked from Thire to Sofi and back, obviously putting two and two together. She crossed her chubby arms and looked to Sofi.
“So how did you two meet?”
“Oh, I told him that his armor would look better on my floor. He took the bait,” she said, winking at Thire. He looked away.
Giza just laughed. “That’s my Sofi alright. Watch out, Commander, she’s a wild one.”
Sofi rolled her eyes.
“This place was supposed to be a surprise, but it seems that you and the Commander have already met.”
“Oh, yes,” Gizareplied, “he helped me after those boys broke my window a few weeks ago.”
It made sense. The Coruscant Guard and a few other clone battalions were helping the absolutely incompetent and corrupt Coruscant police with the uptick in crime. He could’ve just taken a report and been on his way, but by the way Giza was doting on him, he must have helped a lot more than that.
“How wholesome of him.”
“I’m right here,” he said, nudging Giza good-naturedly.
“We know, son.”
“Shall we?” Sofi began. She was eager to start browsing. He gestured for her to enter first, his soft bootfalls telling her he was close behind.
The shop was tight, packed to the brim with shelves of aged books. Thire seemed nervous, embarrassed even, and all it did was endear him to her. Or maybe it was the fact that Giza seemed to love him. She wasn’t this warm with everyone.
They started to browse, close together in the tight shelving. Pulling one off the shelf, she opened it reverently, put her face close to the pages and inhaled. He was watching her, she could feel it. Sofi didn’t mind.
“What?” she asked, eyeing him over the top of the pages.
“What are you doing?” His eyes narrowed.
“You’ve never smelled an old flimsi book before?”
“Uh...no.”
“Try it.” She smiled softly at him, trying to get him to trust her, nodding a little.
A skeptical look passed over his handsome face, but he lowered his head to the book he was holding and took a long sniff. Warm, wide brown eyes closed for a moment and then met hers again.
“Smells like...dust.” He shut the book with a laugh.
“Rude,” she retorted and made a face at him, “It’s a thing!”
That earned her a wide smile before he continued browsing, edging toward the Romance section. It was kind of adorable, even if it wasn’t her genre of choice.
Tinkling noises came from the back of the shop, followed by a kettle whistling. She could kill for some tea right now, just a little hit of energy and warmth to go with her book. Somehow she’d restrained herself to just one. The Testaments. Feminist lit. Sofi tended not to branch out in her choices. Just as she was about to peek over at Thire’s pick, Giza emerged from the back with a tray of cups and a large onyx teapot. The woman set it on a small table tucked into the back corner of the room and beckoned them over. Sofi and Thire exchanged a look before making their way to the small table. Sofi chuckled internally, she wasn’t sure how the Commander was going to fit at the tiny table, which was made for someone approximately a quarter of his size.
“Sit!” she motioned for them to be seated at the petite table and chairs.
With as much grace as the tall man could muster, he sank down the the floor and rested, cross-legged by the table. Sofi folded her long limbs as best she could into the small chair next to Giza’s. She leaned over to see the book he’d picked in his lap.
“Talk!” she exclaimed, and waddled into the back of the shop.
Neither of them could contain their laughter at this point, and it sputtered out of both of them for a few moments before it got quiet again.
“So what do you like to do besides reading and propositioning strangers in uniform?” Sofi felt her eyes widen a bit. Bold, but she could give as good as she got.
“Drink!” they heard, muffled, from wherever Giza was buried in the back rooms.
“I’m not a big tea person,” he said, eyeing the pot and cups warily. She reached for the pot and poured three cups, assuming Giza would be back to meddle some more in a few minutes, and took a sip from hers.
“Well Giza isn’t going to let you out of here without trying it.” He made a little hmmph-ing noise but reached for his cup anyway.
“Better than stims, I guess.”
It….wasn’t good. Thire met her eyes over their cups, a concerned look in his eye. It was obvious he agreed with her assessment. She’d never tasted tea that tasted like straight smoke before. Sofi wondered if Giza had accidentally burned it. Giza breezed by with a stack of books in her arms.
“You like the tea? Traditional Sullustan.”
Sofi and Thire nodded and made affirmative noises in unison. It seemed like they were both polite to a fault. Walking back, she smiled a conspiratorial smile at Sofi. Oh no.
“On Sullust we have matchmakers. They always serve albenda. Good for … how do you say? Stamina.” And walked away, as if discussing performance in the sack was normal first date conversation.
Thire immediately started loudly coughing, gently setting his cup back on the table with a clink. At that moment, his comm beeped, as if on cue. He looked incredibly relieved.
“I’m sorry, miss. I have to go.”
“I understand,” she said, “But don’t call me miss. I’m not twelve.”
“Sorry,” he paused, “Sofi.”
They walked out of the shop after their hasty goodbye to the meddling Sullustan. Sofi paid for the books before Thire could even try.
“Do you need a ride home?” he asked.
“I’m just down the street, but thanks anyway.” He looked around, as if trying to spot her place, soaking in the neighborhood. “Before you leave, I have an idea.”
He raised his eyebrows.
“I’ll take your book and you take mine. Branch out a little bit?”
“Hmm. Okay.” They switched books and he held his under his plastoid arm.
“Can I comm you again?” she asked.
“Sure,” he replied, “but no tea next time.”
“Agreed,” she said, with a small laugh.
They were close and he was looking down at her. Not expectantly, as she would have thought. His face was just open, relaxed, almost happy looking. She leaned up to kiss him on the cheek and he stiffened minutely, mouth a tiny bit open as she pulled away, the tiniest bit of stubble scratching against her skin.
“See you soon,” she shot over her shoulder, and walked back towards her apartment. Their date had been cut short, but she’d learned plenty about Commander Thire.
Anything in italics is your internal dialogue hopefully that is clear but just case it wasn't. Hope you enjoy!
Warnings: PG, unless Star Wars swearing counts, If it does PG-13.
It's pretty fluffy with a a dash of spice.
Our Story
"Stop right there!" The red and white armored trooper sternly warns. You freeze and slowly turn to face him, his blaster aimed and ready, as you nonchalantly raise your hands. You take the moment to catch your breath and think of a plan.
"You're very fast sir, ya really must be something under all that armor. Maybe we can settle this with a drink? See where the night takes us?" You coyly ask, edging slowly towards the ledge. The updraft off the building blows strands of your messy hair wildly.
"Your attempt at flirting isn't going to work with me. I will shoot! Now Stop Moving!"
You come to a halt partially listening to his warning, but mostly because your heels were already teetering off the ledge of the roof. There was a decent 10 feet between you and jail time. Your mind races through the dwindling option for escape as two other troopers make their way up to the roof. The initial trooper with a pauldron-- that means he is higher rank, a lieutenant or captain maybe, you couldn't remember-- motions to the others and they make their way towards you with binders in hand.
"I mean I don't even know your name yet sir. And honestly, I've never really been into handcuff but if that's your thing..."
The troopers blaster waivers slightly and you swear you heard him chuckle as he shakes his helmet nearly imperceptibly. Tilting your own head to the side, you look at him through batting eyelashes and give him a mischievous smile.
"You know if you shoot me, I'd most likely fall off the side of this building." You sigh. "Not a great ending to our blossoming story."
"Well, don't move and Our story will continue, uh blossoming on... Lieutenant Thire" He clarifies. You hear a flapping sound, glancing down you see curtains blowing in the funneled wind.
An open window.
"Staying Still? Hmmph, now where's the fun in that Lieutenant!?"
"Don't you dare! Hurry it along troopers!" He quickly barks. Thire must have seen the the glimmer in your eyes, or maybe the glint of the knife hidden in your sleeve. Giving them all a quick farewell salute, you jump back diving feet first down the side of the apartment.
"For kriffsake!" You hear Thire yell, as you fly down the side of the building only slowed slightly by your vibroblade slicing into the duracrete. It was truely a beautiful firework display of sparks, flashing this way and that, off the speeding wall. Then with some skill and a lot of luck, you catch the top ledge of the window and swing yourself in.
A slight wobble in the landing, but a solid 9 for the overall execution.
You try to orient your self in the dark room and then are momentarily blinded when the lights turns on. When your eyes are finally are able to adjust and focus you see a very, very large green Twi'lek. He is blocking you from an easy exit. His tiny human partner cautiously comes up behind him holding a bat.
Great!
"Good evening folks" you greeted them with the ease of second hand speeder sales man.
"What in the kriffing hell! What are you doing in here!" yelled the foreboding Twi'lek.
"What do you mean..." You pretended to be shocked looking to the Twi'lek and then his partner who is still nervervously holding on to the bat.
"You didn't get a written notice from your land lord?" You questioned and suddenly act as if you just now saw the weapon in her hands. The green giant looked down to his partner and his partner back up at him. Both looked equal and extremely confused.
You can work with this.
Pulling out your datapad from your bag and start angrily taping the keys, pacing slightly with your back turned to them. "Steve! You son of a bantha! I could throttle you, just kill him!" You fumed to your small audience, trying to quickly put together a holonet site to give the story your weaving some actual weight.
"I try, You known, to tell him," you said sounding exasperated. "I tell him a partnership takes two people... Two people working as a team." Your two suspicious hosts look to each other and back at you. Still unsure of what to make of this intruder and the verbal diarrhea of new information being spewed at them.
A troubled partnership with someone named Steve. That will be the key out of this situation, the legend that will be Steve and his inability to do his job.
"When he doesn't do his part I get shafted." You practically wept, still avoiding eye contact with your increasing worried audience. You let out a resigned sigh, rubbing your temples trying collect yourself. Buying enough time for your site to become live. With a relieved but tired inhale you continue your one man show.
"I'm so sorry, My name is Maree Jakorr" you said thinking of a grade school classmates mother. "And I'm part of a start up security company." You turn your datapad over and show them the holonet site you just put together. Its was barebones but got the job done.
It's Steve for kriffsakes, he can't even call up potential clients, and make sure the tenants are informed. There isn't much hope for his holonet site design abilities.
You take another deep breathe you were getting a little too deep into lore. "As you can see we do mock break-ins to find weakness and then try implement different measures to increase security and safety. Of course this is supposed to be done with the home owners knowledge and consent." You explain. With a partially exaggerated groan you put away your datapad. "Well this is going to be fun to explain to the CG."
"The gaurd doesn't have to know" squeaked the human. "I mean we don't need to call them." She said more confidently looking up at her partner. The Twi'lek looked lovely down nodding his head and pulling her in close.
You instantly adore these two, and make a mental note to send them something later for their trouble.
"Oh you're too sweet hun, but as part of the test we call the CG to see how long it take them to respond to a threat. You know, extra data points for the algorithm, if that makes sense."
"Oh."
"I'm so sorry for the inconvenience." You say truely apologetic. "Well I guess I should leave you two be, so you can get some resemblence of a normal evening back."
"Feel free to use the front door... or window if you prefer." Joked the Twi'lek. They both chuckle and she stands on her tip toes giving him a kiss on the cheek.
Gosh these two.
"I'll try my luck with the front door I think." You laughed. As you hand reaches for the handle, you can hear the sounds of troopers knocking on doors as they sweep the hall. Their footsteps and voices getting louder as they near.
Crap!
"Do you mind if I use the fresher quickly before I go?"
They both nod their heads and the Twi'lek takes the bat from his partner and puts it away in the closet. "Just that door there at the end of the hallway."
"Thank you so much, I promise I'll be out of here in no time." You say closing the door behind you, making sure not to lock it. You search the cozy room, looking for an alternative way out. Not to thrilled with the prospect of using window again for escaping. Hopefully it wouldn't be needed, only a options, the last resort, hopefully.
Depsite the nerf burger, extra fries and large shake you devoured for dinner, you manage to squeeze yourself from the air vent of the apartment and into the slightly larger main vent of the building.
Without a second to spare you see the troopers through silted grate, knock on the door of the apartment you once occupied. Your tempted to eavsedrop on the conversation, knowing you had given that beautiful couple enough information to give the undoubtedly handsome Lieutenant a headache. You think better of it, and make your long overdue escape.
Once out of the building you causal walk the back alleyways making your journey home. You send Lieutenant Thire a link and a small message;
"Dear Lieutenant Thire,
I hope this holonet link clears up any misunderstanding between you and the lovely and completely unsuspecting couple in apartment 459.
Sincerely, 'Our story lives on for another day.'
P.S. Please excuse the poorly designed website, Steve did his best. Best regards xox 💋. "
