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It had to be the slowest day in 79’s history. Lex really just expected business to roll in every night. As if the Republic forces had nothing better to do, so why wouldn't they come here.
Oh, I dunno boss, I thought snidely. Maybe they’re busy fighting a war?
She’d taken off a few hours ago to try and network, which I knew damn well was code for “find a buyer.” The bar might be funded by the Republic in an effort to boost morale for the troops, but she was putting a lot of her own money to keep the place well stocked and decorated. She could barely afford the lease to stay on as the official owner. The torn seat covers and faded pinup posters were a true homage to just how in the gutter we were. If I wasn't so comfortable here I would have been embarrassed. Probably still should've been. L-9 popped his shiny head out of the entrance.
“I see you are still here.”
I sighed, “Yes, L-9, I am still here. Given that it’s my shift. Can I ask why you think I would just leave my post when I’ve quite literally never done that before?”
“I did not mean to offend you.”
“You didn’t.”
“There was a high probability you would quit on the spot after being trained in this position.”
“According to who?”
“Me. We have had many candidates who either do not take the job seriously and go galavanting off with a clone trooper, or some who feel the need to assert dominance over the soldiers and pick fights.”
“Do I seem like I’d skip off into the night with some random guy, L-9?” My eyebrows shot up.
“No,” his head tilted, “but you do seem to have a propensity for volatile behavior. When provoked.”
“I’ll make sure to add that to my resume. Maybe my dating profile.”
“If you wish to go on break, I can relieve you of the position.” I stood and cracked my neck, passing over the datapad.
“Thanks. I could use a drink.”
Because of Lex’s financial… issues, we were always understaffed. It was mainly droids running drinks. Though Dev back in the kitchen had been here longer than I had. I let myself behind the counter and poured some Corellian whiskey into a pink dainty glass. If it looked girly enough, no one would try to snag it. For good measure, I added a little flower on the rim.
Dev stuck a large spatula out of the order window, nearly taking my eye out.
“L-9! Oh, sorry Ken. Oh wait, Ken! What’re you doing back there buddy?”
“Break time, D. How are you on this fine fine night?”
“I’ve been better, I’m a little bored to be honest. It’s just so empty without y’know…”
“Please don’t say it,” I pleaded.
“Jesse and Fives.”
“You said it,” after pretending to vomit, I continued. “The worst part is, I was thinking the same.”
Dev let out a giggle, “I’m gonna tell everyone you said that.”
I knocked back more of the whiskey and grimaced.
“You wound me, Dev. I cannot believe there is an absolute traitor among our ranks. Get thee gone, kitchen wench!”
“I will poison your dinner.”
“On second thought,” I added, “say whatever you’d like to whomever you'd like, my good friend. The galaxy is yours for the taking.”
“You’re really bored, huh?” Dev asked.
“At this point, if L-9 asked me to start slinging drinks- I would. And you know how that went the last time.”
Dev shuddered, adjusting their apron.
“I’ve never seen the shinies run so fast.”
“Battle droids have nothing on you,” came a familiar voice.
We both turned to see Cody perching on a stool. His armor had that freshly polished sheen to it. He and the boys must've just finished a debrief if he took the time to come down, though I didn't see anymore of that telltale 212th orange.
“Finally!” I cheered, “Someone to keep me entertained.”
“Hey!”
“No offense, D. But you know if L-9 catches us talking for too long, he’ll snitch to Lex. Then the skank will stop scheduling us together and I’ll have to burn the bar down in protest.”
“Can’t have that,” Dev grumbled, ducking back and away from the window.
Cody rolled his eyes good naturedly.
“Always interesting when I come here.”
“Not tonight, unfortunately. Haven't seen any of the usual delinquents for a while now. I think I’m getting rusty in my fighting without all the practice.”
He laughed, “Maybe you should take it as a sign. Take a day off.”
“And miss all this glitz and glamor?” I swept a wide hand to encompass the shinies leaning on each other in a booth, all the way to the clones in civvies arm wrestling.
“Besides,” I went on, “What if someone interesting stumbles in and I miss my chance?”
“For what?”
“An epic romance, Cody. Or maybe a bar brawl.”
“Don't know if you'll get either of those tonight, but I am bringing in some new people. They're running a little late.”
“Shinies?” He shook his head.
“Just… not a unit you've met before.”
“I dunno, Commander. Don't think any clone could surprise me. Besides, I’ve met all the big players already. You, Cap-”
“Cap?”
“My most sincere apologies, Commander Cody. I meant Captain Rex, Cap to me and only me because I love a nickname. Like I was saying: Wolffe, Fox, Gree, and there's the other vaguely blueish green hot one I haven't gotten a chance to break yet.”
“Trust me, these ones are… different.”
L-9 started walking towards the bar, so I slid Cody a free drink and knocked back my own quickly. Any newbies were gonna have to get through me anyways. Might as well get a good look before they got completely sloshed. Shinies. I shook my head at Cody’s insistence that these guys were gonna be the least bit interesting to me.
Maybe when Mustafar freezes over.
-
Around the time my feet started to go numb, I snagged a stool from the bar and leaned against the wall outside. Clones were trickling out slowly. Jesse had actually sent me a very blurry image of Tup holding up a droid head like a trophy. I knew it’d been a mistake to give him my personal comm, but it made me feel a little more at ease with how long it’d been since I'd seen those idiots.
“We’re here to see Commander Cody.”
I looked up and froze. I was wrong. Dead wrong. I would never doubt Cody again. These were absolutely the most eye-catching clones I had ever seen in my life. Their armor wasn't white with colored accents like every other. It was gray, but there was barely anything uniform about it. One of them did sport… semi white armor, however there were way too many modifications for it to be regulation at all. They’d painted not only stripes of red over the gray, but skulls on everything. The tallest one had to be as wide as the door.
“Are we supposed to give you our CT numbers or something?” One of the shorter ones spoke up, removing his helmet.
He was a little paler than the others. There was also a scomp attachment on one of his arms. This one looked a little more like Jess, which put me at ease.
“No, you don't. It’s a bar, not a briefing room. Cody is up at the bar. So,” I eyed them up and down, “You guys are the elite force I’ve been hearing so much about?”
The big guy boomed a laugh, “Yeah we are. Cody is supposed to give us a mission worth our time.”
“Wrecker, that's classified.” I glowered at the clone closest to me.
“Well now I can tell the Separatist forces that there will be clones at their next battle,” my voice was flat. “You have fallen into my intricately laid trap. It will be your doom.”
The guy with the target on his helmet made a choked noise. He took his helmet off next. The silver hair was what really threw me. Face tattoos were common enough. All the rest took this as a cue.
“I’m Hunter. I didn't mean it like we shouldn't talk to you, we just… don't know you.”
“Well, Bandana, you're not exactly making a positive first impression. Anyways, if you’re here about a mission I can get you guys a private room upstairs. Less prying eyes.”
“Echo.”
I blinked, “Like… you want me to repeat that?”
“No- I meant my name. I’m Echo,” Echo echoed, giving me a polite nod.
“Oh you’re Echo! Cap’s Echo- I mean, Rex’s friend. I actually have heard of you. Some of the boys in blue were so upset they werent there for your big return. Jesse and Fives especially. Good to hear you’re settling into your new crew. I’m Kenedi.”
There was a murmur of hellos from all except Sunshine back there.
“This is Wrecker, Crosshair, and Tech.” My eyes flitted to each of them in turn as Bandana pointed.
I was met with a smile, a glare, and…
Oh, this is going to be a major problem.
He’d barely looked at me, that was the worst of it. A mere glance, then his warm eyes flitted to something over my shoulder. Then back to me. That was it. He had done the slightest double take, and I was done. Blood rushed to my cheeks. Embarrassment hot on the heels of attraction. For crying out loud, Wolffe had drunk whistled at me once and I hadn't batted an eye. This guy was nothing like the usual type I’d go for. He was tall, sharp cheekbones- sure. But he didn’t look menacing at first glance.
A huge, glaring, probably-going-to-end-in-tears problem.
For me, it felt like the end of the world. So I did what I do with any problem. I glared. To Tech’s credit, his eyes only widened a fraction before darting away again. His face remained entirely unbothered. There was a bit of a pause as I exchanged more polite chatter with Echo. I sent a ping to L-9 to make sure one of the rooms up on the balcony was cleared out for a large group.
“Hey Ken, you left your- oh!” Dev stopped short, my frilly drink in hand. “Er.. you left this half filled at the bar so I thought I’d bring it out to you.”
“Thanks, Dev.”
“Is that supposed to be the special tonight?” Crosshair sneered, elbowing Wrecker in amusement.
I didn't laugh. “It’s stronger than it looks,” I told him, tossing back the last of the amber liquor quickly.
When my head snapped back, I felt them all watching me with raised eyebrows. And I do mean all of them. Even behind the visor, I could feel his gaze on me- head tilted slightly to the side.
My voice was reedy, “Actually, D, could you do me a favor and stand here while I show Cody’s entourage to the private rooms? I would send L-9 but someone should stay downstairs.”
“Sure. Can I sit on your stool?”
“Knock yourself out,” I gestured for the group to follow. “Try to look scary.”
Cody wasn't at the bar when we passed. L-9 waved me onwards and I directed Echo to the staircase. My boots got a little stuck as we climbed, but I hoped none of them would notice. It’d been a while since we’d been able to afford a consistent cleaning droid. I drew back the velvet curtain and saw Cody with a glass of something vaguely yellowish, a shimmering holomap open in front of him. He closed it quickly.
“You’re late.”
“We had to make a bit of a detour,” Hunter said, as they all started shaking hands.
Tech just offered a half wave and sat down at the table. He brushed past me to do so, knocking his armored elbow against my upper arm because of the absolutely ridiculous height difference. Cody gave me a teasing smile, clearly not noticing the way I’d just flinched away from one of our new arrivals.
“They’re definitely different, don't you think?”
Ignoring him, I cleared my throat and looked elsewhere.
“You guys are all good here? Good? Great. L-9 is taking drink orders at the bar but we’re short on runners, so you’ll have to bring them up yourselves. Anyone starts making trouble just give me a shout, okay? Alright? Fantastic.” Then I spun on my heel and darted off.
I made a beeline for the back office and slid the door shut behind me. Lex had flashy magazines and half smoked clove cigarettes strewn about the room. Crates of bottles were stacked in the corner. She had propped a cracked full length mirror up against a fake potted plant. I stared into it harshly.
“What are you doing?” I hissed, genuinely confused at my own physical reactions to a complete stranger.
“This is not very Ken of you, Kenedi,” I jabbed a finger at the traitor in the mirror, “Pull it together. What would Izzy do?”
My eyes darted to my duffel, half tucked under the half lit vanity by the door. The crumpled little paperback fell into my hands. It was much easier to pretend I was a character from a book in these situations.
Dev was gracious about the fact that I had taken so long to come back, saying it was no big deal because we were slow anyways. Once they’d disappeared back inside I relaxed a bit. There were a few shady looking characters lurking around now. My blaster was still strapped to my leg, though I’d never actually had to use it before. I pulled the novel from where I’d tucked it into the waistband of my jeans, and sat down on the stool again.
Now I can really figure out what Izzy would do, I thought relaxedly. Isabelle does, admittedly, love a man in glasses. Guess we have that in common.
-
“So what did you guys do to her?” Hunter looked up confusedly.
They'd been studying the maps carefully for a few minutes now. Cody had made the plan seem simple enough. It was a quick hostage rescue situation. Hunter was sure they couldn’t have upset the Senator they were supposed to be rescuing since she was a few sectors away.
“What d’you mean?”
Cody arched a brow, “Ken, the girl by the door. I don't think I’ve ever seen her so uneasy before. Especially not around clones.”
“We barely spoke to her,” Echo said defensively.
“I want a drink,” Crosshair looked at Tech boredly.
“Then by all means, go get one.”
“You get it. You’re not paying attention anyways.”
“I am fully aware of the plan. My part is straightforward as always, and I have downloaded all schematics to my datapad,” Tech waved the device in question. “Besides, no one else wants to drink alcohol right now, Crosshair. We are receiving orders.”
“Oh, I want a drink!” Wrecker smiled almost apologetically at his older brother.
Hunter and Echo murmured in agreement, which was followed by a smug look from Crosshair. He sat back against the leather booth and crossed his arms. Tech huffed, clipping the datapad to his belt. They all started rattling off orders as if they went out drinking all the time. This was false, but he did not feel like arguing at the moment. When he turned to Crosshair, his brother shrugged.
“I want what the girl was drinking.”
Tech blinked.
“You want a pink glass with a flower garnish?”
“Ngh- it smelled strong. And it wasn't pink, the drink was brown. Don’t you pay attention to anything not on a screen?”
“How am I supposed to know what it was,” he asked irritatedly.
Crosshair pointed vaguely in the direction of the door with his toothpick.
“Go ask.”
“This is ridiculous. I am simply going to get whatever the droid recommends as a strong liquor.”
“No,” the sniper said, “I want what she had-”
“Ken,” Cody supplied helpfully.
“Or I’m going to tell Hunter what I caught you doing the other day.”
Tech’s glare was icy.
“You would not dare.”
“Try me.”
-
“What is it that you were drinking earlier?” I cursed and dropped my book, hand twitching for my blaster.
“Oh,” Tech looked mildly alarmed. “I apologize, I did not mean to startle you.”
I was still frozen, even more so having now fully processed who was speaking to me. Tech bent down to retrieve the paperback swiftly. He offered it to me in one gloved hand, the other holding his helmet at his side.
“Whiskey.”
“Any particular kind?”
“Correlian whiskey, second shelf, blue bottle,” I explained, still staring at the book in his hand. I took it quickly. “It’s not going to get served in the same fashion. So if you were looking to get all the frills and feathers you'll be sorely disappointed.”
“Is there a particular reason for that?”
“I’ve found that pouring an expensive spirit into a glass like that keeps the boys from drinking my liquor.”
“I see.”
The conversation could have ended there, and I probably should've let it. However, I was not the kind of woman who left well enough alone. Especially not when it was that tall. I tried my best to soften my resting face into a more open expression. Then it started to hurt my face, so I gave up.
“If it's for Sunshine up there, you might try Pamarthen wine.”
Tech’s head tilted again, “Is that stronger? Also, am I correct to assume by “Sunshine” you mean Crosshair?”
I felt the beginnings of a smile.
“Have you ever been to Pamarthe?”
“I do not think so. We have traveled to that sector though.”
“Well, I’m from there. Let’s just say we’re known for two things: flying and drinking.”
“I knew that. Though I do hope those things do not occur at the same time,” he said dryly.
I snorted behind my hand, “We’ve been known to have the occasional lapse in judgment, I will admit. It’s supposed to be good luck to empty your glass before flying out.” Realizing the book was still in my other hand, I placed it carefully on the chair behind me. Tech seemed to force out his next question.
“So you would recommend the wine over the whiskey?”
“Hmm… you guys shipping out at first light?”
He bobbed a nod, “Yes.”
My head shook rapidly, “The whiskey. Not sure what your brother's tolerance is, but Pamarthen wine knocks planet natives on their backs sometimes. Best to avoid the headache the next day.”
“I will take that into account. I appreciate the recommendation. Though I am surprised you do not call it Port in the Storm, since you are Pamarthen yourself.”
“A storm.”
“I’m sorry?”
“It- its called Port in a Storm.”
There was a brief moment where Tech seemed ready to argue the point. I waited, watching pink splotches appear on the high points of his tanned cheekbones. I was right. It was my birth planet after all.
“It is a high octane wine. A sweet red colored alcoholic beverage native to Pamarthe, which is a planet found in the Outer Rim. Known for their stubborn nature, and apparently their flight skills alongside a high alcohol tolerance,” he rattled off.
I stared, dumbfounded, “Are you lecturing me on my own planet?”
“I was merely attempting to demonstrate that while I made a slight error, I am not completely uninformed.”
My jaw ticked, “You’ve got some nerve.”
“I should hope so, I am a soldier after all.”
Strangely, the flash of irritation faded away. Tech was the best kind of funny a person could be, unintentionally funny. It made me wish Fives were here so I could go scream at him and then come back to sit here. Let this clone lecture me while I sat contentedly with a whiskey in my hand. He seemed like the type who could talk for hours. Though I could be quite the chatterbox myself when comfortable, if Tech wanted to talk I knew that I would listen.
“Six drinks is a lot to carry up by yourself. I’ll come help you out.”
“That is not necessary, I can manage. I may simply need to make two trips.”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” I grabbed my stool and slid past him. “I was going to head out soon anyways.”
That is a total lie, the voice in my head pointed out.
Then I made a little noise as my book once again slid to the floor. Tech watched it fall, then picked it up again. He continued to stand just outside the entryway, clenching and unclenching his hand that wasn't holding my paperback. He seemed to be reading the synopsis on the back. I waited. It was then that I realized he was looking over my shoulder now, and into the bar. Turning, I saw Crosshair standing there, hips jutted out and arms crossed.
“You took your time.”
“I was doing as you asked,” Tech suddenly sounded annoyed. “If you want a drink so badly then go get it yourself, as I suggested.”
My eyes darted between them. Ignoring Crosshair’s glare, I spoke clearly over the music.
“If you wanted to get wasted without the hangover I’d go for the liquor I had earlier. I was just going to help bring everything back to you guys.”
“So you’re a waitress too? How impressive.”
“I’m a bouncer, sweetheart. I just wouldn’t want you to break a nail coming to carry all those heavy glasses. Is that a 773?” I asked, jerking my chin at the weapon strapped to his back.
Crosshair seemed suspicious, as if my acknowledging the gun meant I was going to try and steal it.
“Do you know anything about weapons?” He sounded doubtful.
I rolled my eyes, my arms coming up to cross over one another- unintentionally mirroring his stance. “My father owns a weapons shop. Never let me get close to anything though. I barely know how to get a shot off with my blaster. But a good graze scares the usual losers we get around here so, I manage.”
“Hmph. Hurry up, Tech. You have to explain to Hunter your part of the mission again. He’s confused.”
“On our way.”
With one final calculating look, Crosshair turned and stomped back up the stairs. Tech turned to me and gestured.
“Lead on.” So I did.
L-9 took the rest of Tech’s order as I poured two glasses of whiskey, pretending to help. Might as well operate on a “one for you, one for me” basis. I watched Tech place his helmet on and try to balance a few glasses on top of each other, trying not to laugh. He gave me a pointed look as if to say “I thought you were going to help.” Hopping over the empty side of the bar, I reached up and plucked the glasses from his arms and set them down. L-9 shook his head and slid me a tray. Tech said nothing as I arranged everything in the center.
“I call this,” I said, finally breaking a smile. “Strategy.”
He sighed, “You could have told me the plan.”
“I wanted to see if you would ask for help first.”
“Ah, so it was a test.”
“Which you did horribly at,” Tech removed his helmet and held up one finger.
“Since I had no knowledge of this supposed test, I disagree with this assessment.”
I placed the tray in one hand and started towards the private rooms, “I see you’re not one for losing.”
He scoffed, “I shall have you know-” I raised an eyebrow in challenge. Tech stopped speaking until we reached the table.
Cody thanked me as Tech held back the curtain so I could set down the tray. I slid Crosshair his drink first. Hunter leaned forward, elbows on the table.
“Tech, I just needed to know why you’re going through the ehm..” he looked at me.
“The library,” Tech finished, clearly not noticing his brother's hesitation. “According to my schematics there is a ventilation duct there that will lead me to the main security control panel for the palace.”
“You sure it’s not just because you want to sit around and read while we do all the actual fighting?” Crosshair said, examining his glass.
“No, especially considering I will be going to reinforce you as soon as I have disabled the alarms. Besides it is not as if a library such as the one in this fortress holds any such significance for me. I have certainly seen, for lack of a better term, better. Much more extensive and exclusive.”
When he paused for breath, Wrecker made a comically loud snoring noise. The rest laughed, but Tech went on undeterred. I hid my chuckle behind my glass and leaned on the side of the booth. His brown eyes met mine.
“For example, the library in the Jedi Temple holds ten million volumes. Now that is a place I would like to make a detour one day if possible. Though their collection is meant for members of the Order only.”
“It’s around 87 million texts,” I looked down at my empty glass and frowned. “Closer to the hundred than the ten. It grows so often that it's impossible to keep track. That’s only partially including electronic pieces, as that number can change so rapidly with people discrediting and revamping maps into newer editions.”
It was quiet. Wrecker had even ceased his dramatics.
My face felt hot, “What?”
“It’s like there's two of them now. I’ll never have a moment of peace and quiet again.”
“I dunno Crosshair, she knew something Tech didn’t,” Hunter’s lip quirked upwards.
“No offense but how do you know all that, Ken?” Cody asked.
“Oh. Er- do you know Bly?”
“Course.”
“Right well his ah.. General.. Aayla Secura, and I are friendly. She knows I read a lot and I asked her about the library the last time we met up.” They were all still looking at me oddly, so my voice took on a defensive tone. “I know it’s all secret stuff I’d never get to touch but just the idea of being surrounded by that many books, you know?” I said the last part to Tech.
“I wanted her to kind of paint me a picture of it. When I asked for actual pictures she laughed, so I took that as a no. Probably a security breach.”
Tech finally spoke.
“And General Secura counted all the physical texts in the Jedi Temple Archives?” His tone was conversational, which made me relax a bit.
“Her Master made a comment one time about making her count all the books in the library as punishment for not following his orders. It was a joke, but she did it. Slowly, over the years, just to throw it in his face one day,” I grinned. “She’s great. That reminds me, just out of curiosity- who’s your unit’s Jedi General?”
“We do not have one.”
“Ah, then that's why you don't know much about the Temple. No big deal. I just know a lot of people.” Echo cleared his throat. When I turned to glance at him, he seemed to be trying not to laugh.
“Well I’ll just let you shinies get back to it. Cody,” I gave him a half mock salute and strutted back downstairs.
I heard Wrecker bark a laugh and proclaim rather loudly, “I like her!”
“Focus up, Wrecker.”
-
By the time Tech and his team were ready to leave, I was already gone. L-9 had sent me home not long after I’d come back downstairs. Part of me had wanted to insist I get to finish my shift. However, the other part of me, the “be cool” part, knew that if I stuck around I’d end up making a fool of myself. I was too high strung at the moment. Also way too full of liquor.
I took my speeder slowly up to my apartment, and threw my duffel on the kitchen island. Toeing off my boots, I fished around in the bag for my book so I could finish the next chapter. It wasn't there. My pulse jumped a bit, more from irritation than anything else. It was one I’d had for forever, Maker only knew how many times I’d read it. My mind began to retrace my last hour at 79’s. I’d had it outside with Tech, dropped it, gotten it back. Sat it down. It had slid off my stool, he’d picked it up then-
“Oh you have got to be joking,” I groaned.
Tech had my book. A soldier who was clearly a hundred levels above me in intelligence, had my book. My book about mythical creatures, angsty unrequited love, and apocalyptic alternate universes. He was going to think I was an absolute child. My hands reached for a pillow on the couch. I pressed it into my burning face and screamed.
END
—
(DELETED SCENE)
Tech was up prepping the ship before light broke the sky. In truth, he had never gone to sleep. Once back onboard, he had removed his belt and emptied his pockets on his bunk. Only later when he went to sweep everything aside so he could lie down did he realize there was an extra item in and among the pile. It was a book. Certainly not one of his, and he knew instantly where it came from.
Colorful though the cover was, the print inside was rather small. He thumbed open the title page which read, in thick red pen:
THIS IS THE PROPERTY OF A WOMAN WHO WILL SKIN YOU ALIVE IF YOU TOUCH HER BELONGINGS
(AKA Ken)
P.S Fives, if you have this I’m going to pay someone in the 501st to shave your face the next time you’re asleep. Get out of my stuff.
He sat it next to Lula, lest it become lost among his rather unorganized bed. Tech knew perfectly well where everything was. However if they did return to Coruscant any time soon, he would prefer not to be skinned alive.
END END