Nothing • Tech

15.Beskar'ad (Droid)

It's May the 4th!! Happy Star Wars day!

Omega was allowed to keep the Zygerrian bow she picked up in Old Ord Mantell. Training had begun for the girl.

Omega released another pink charge, aiming for the center of the target, but it nearly took the head off of a person who had just entered the parlor. Just as quickly as the Weequay came in, he was running back out in fear.

The squad had been on Ord Mantell for a total of twenty six hours. They slept in the Marauder and found themselves back at Cid's parlor where they had been training Omega ever since their breakfast–which contained a singular ration bar each—had settled.

Omega drew her bow back again, arms shaking violently as she struggled to keep it pointed at the target.

"Steady." Echo coaches from his crouched position next to her. "Arms level...and keep your eye on the target."

Wrecker sat in the booth, feet propped up on the holotable. He crossed his arms behind his head, watching the scene play out.

Bolo, the Ithorian local, raises his glass. "You can do it, kid!" He shouted supportively.

Ketch, the Weequay, the second regular attendee to Cid's bar, shook his head. "Not a chance. Miss! Come on! Miss!"

Malaina rolled her eyes. "Can I do something about him?" She asked, looking up to Hunter for permission. He immediately shook his head with a scolding look. Omega had to learn to tune out distractions, that's true, but she could do without the negative comments for now.

Omega released the pink bolt, hitting the outermost ring for the second time. She jumped up in excitement. "Ah! Got it!" She shouted proudly.

Echo nodded. "Good. Again." He urged, turning her back around to face the target.

Malaina leaned her side against the wall, using the lack of lighting in the spot to her advantage. She was less likely to be noticed if someone were to recognize her upon walking in the parlor. And maybe she was a little paranoid, but after what was done to her on Arkanis, she feared to go back.

Which was ironic, considering the teachings from Sidious, who heard such things from his Master, that emotions in humans were a fatal flaw. The same characteristic that fueled their need to form strong bonds and believe that all life was sacred made them compassionate to a fault. Inquisitors were not supposed to feel fear. Inquisitors were not meant to feel anything but anger and power.

Sidious and the Grand Inquisitor failed in training Malaina.

And she was glad for that.

A nudge from Tech pulled Malaina out of her thoughts. "Pardon, you just appeared a little lost in thought." He muttered, leaning against the wall with her. "Are you alright?"

Malaina nodded. "Yeah, I'm good." She confirmed, her skin heating up when the backs of their hands brushed together. She moved hers away, but her shoulder remained to touch him. Tech didn't notice, she didn't think, because of the piece of armor he wore that blocked his body from hers.

But he had in fact noticed, and was internally panicking, unsure if he wanted to move away, stay as he was, or get closer to her. He had a strong urge to do all three, which was a major conflict for his usually decisive brain.

Malaina pressed her shoulder further into the plasteel shoulder pad and rerebrace, unable to stop herself. She heard Tech's sharp intake of breath, and she only briefly considered moving away, but she couldn't. Like she was magnetized to him.

Omega whined, tired of shooting her bow, failing to hit the target almost every time. "I've hit the target three times already." She argued.

Echo placed a hand on her shoulder. "Out of 12. That's luck, Omega, not skill. Soldiers need to be consistent." He explained, squeezing her shoulder in encouragement.