Work Text:
The Poster Child of the GAR, Clone Commander Mayday is
“So, Commander, as to the question of yours just now, as to why you are here? Well, guess the answer is quite simple. You are here to talk to me.”
The interviewer had a very confused and newly promoted Commander Mayday sitting opposite them. Mayday not really sure what this civilian person was on base for and why he, had been chosen to talk to said person.
“Yes, well, I have some questions, for sure.” Mayday simply answered.
The Commander having just come out from yet another successful mission and his new squad perfuming nicely. The men Mayday had chosen proving to be just what he had wanted them to be. The lot of them, while different from each other, having the same basic traits as Mayday himself did.
And yet right now, right here was Commander Mayday sitting down for.…what?
The absolutely great looking clone (they all were, but…), with long lush hair and a rather thick beard. The man having a somewhat lax attitude yet following orders just the same adding his own unique leadership skills to the mix.
So, what else was there to be expected from a Clone Trooper?
Except to know why there was a need to the talking with this, civilian?
“I am sure you do. But first things first. Let me ask you this, Commander.” The interviewer leaned in over the table, their eyes fixed on Mayday. Mayday staring right back into the other person’s eyes, never faltering, never backing down.
“Yes?” The word delivered in a low, calm yet warning tone.
“Would you do anything for GAR? I mean anything, to ensure the success of your Troopers?”
It was a stupid yet standard question Mayday had most certainly heard before. Usually from the natborns. Nothing new to Mayday. The mantra for doing everything for GAR deeply embedded into his and other Troopers psyche, that much was sure.
“That question, I do find to be, rather moot.”
“Oh?” That piqued the interest of the interviewer if nothing before. Then again, they were fascinated by this particular Trooper.
“Yes.” Mayday paused, not wanting his emotions to show, trying to be as polite as possible. He always was. Delivering his remarks no matter how sarcastic with such lilt, the other party usually was none the wiser. “We are born and bred to be soldiers, true and true. The simple answer being - yes. Without a doubt.”
“Good to know.” The interviewer smiled then, not being offended even if they had picked up on the minuscule sigh just the same. “So, guess the other thing I need to know for now is, whether you are willing to become the image of the GAR?”
That did throw Mayday off, just a tad. After all, he was a rather cool and calm as far as any character, so nothing really rattled his cage. Not really. But, there were a few things though which did throw him off. And this was one of those.
“What exactly does that mean? Being the image of the GAR?”
“It means, that we would take some holo-snaps of you. In full uniform of course among other things. And then put you out there, on posters, billboards, the holonet of the GAR…”
“Oh.”
Oh indeed!
Mayday wasn’t really sure how to take all this information. Not to mention the reason why he had been the one chosen to become the face of the GAR. Mayday had heard the other clones talking about it sure. Some having posed in similar fashion to promote the Clone Army.
But this? Having him be the one to…? What exactly?
Sensing the hesitation in the Commander, when Mayday hadn’t given a response. And clearly, the Trooper deep in thought about what he had just heard, contemplating on the offer.
“Not something you would be interested in then?”
“Well…”
“Look,” The interviewer lowered their voice, sitting down as they spoke. “we have interviewed several prospects so far and well, someone suggested you and guess I and the brass liked what we have seen so far.” There was a hint of a smile present there too.
“Oh.” There it was again, Mayday echoing the interviewer’s responses. Not really as certain of what to do. Not his usual mode of operation at all.
“Commander, you don’t have to decide right away. But, from what I can tell and see from your resume and exploits out there, you are quite liked and a great the leader among the clones. So, I would prefer to have you. If not, then, well, I understand that too.”
Mayday looked as confused as he felt.
His thoughts running a parsec a second as he was weighing all the options. The reasoning behind choosing him and what it would most likely mean for his future. Mayday not really sure why though, but this was something he could do to motivate others and all that. Set a good example for them all.
So win win?
“Let me know okay…” The interviewer started only to be interrupted by Mayday.
“I will do it!”
“You will?” It was a tad of a surprise, the interviewer pretty sure Mayday would back down.
“Yeah, I will.” Mayday paused, rubbing his beard nervously. And yet, he felt anxious just the same. “So, when do we start?”
Mayday seemed eager enough to get it done and right away, not really sure what it all entailed. But not wanting to postpone it either nor back down.
“Heh, glad to hear that, Commander. But, it won’t be until next week. We need a few days to prepare for the actual setup.”
“Oh-kay then.” Mayday sounded hesitant alas slightly relieved, thinking about talking to the few Troopers he knew having done something similar, get a few tips and pointers maybe.
“Indeed. Welcome aboard!” The interviewer extended his hand, Mayday shaking it back.
Mayday was about to take his leave, getting up and then turning back. “Just so you know, I am doing this for the others. For the Clones.”
“I am sure you are.”
The interviewer smiled at Mayday. But they knew better. As usually, those selected for these kinds of promotional gigs got quite the following, and they were sure Mayday, would become very popular soon enough.