Contact: 1 - Time to say hello

[kraythero]

[ The viewpoint spins very slowly and smoothly, not showing a face but a tree, the bark, a branch, a nest. Occasionally tiny fuzzy grey heads stick out over the nest, and their squawking can be heard. The nestlings are grey and white, with pin feathers and a couple have a crest. Someone is studying a nest of blue jays. ]

I’m pretty sure there is a parent around, but only pretty sure. I don’t really know what they are either. Some kind of bird but? Are they going to be alright? They keep yelling.

[ Help a new import out? ]

Which isn’t what I was thinking about saying, but they caught my attention. Anyway, I’ve been filled in, including being told I was here before, even if I don’t remember.

[ With that Anakin pulls the device closer to him, turning it to record him. He’s young, the scar over his face fresh and his hair is very short – he’s only recently knighted and had his braid cut, and his hair is still very short from the more traditional haircut. And his smile is not quite confident, even shy. ]

My name’s Anakin Skywalker, I’ve been here a couple days now. And um, so you need a ‘driver’s license’ I’ve been told. How many of you have gotten one, how did you do it? I’ve been a pilot all my life, these cars have to be easier than a ship. Even a speeder.

Comments

[kraythero]

[ He catches it, but doesn't comment, assumes it's surprise over the apology. ]

Have there been many? Do you know who they were?

[ Look, if she says Windu, for all the man is a very talented warrior, the man is a dragon's ass. ]

[killtime]

A few. Kanan. Obi-Wan. Ahsoka. The older you, obviously. [ Deadpan: ] I fought the one called Pong Krell in a dreamscape. Wouldn't really recommend it unless you enjoy having both your arms sliced off.

[kraythero]

Obi-Wan was here?

[ He doesn't know who the other two are, but there's no getting around Anakin looks kicked that Obi-Wan isn't here now. ]

I'd like to spare with Master Krell, actually.

[ He might get his ass kicked, soundly, but he'd still enjoy it. ]

1/2

[killtime]

Master Krell was a conniving, self-serving piece of shit. The only thing I'd like to do with him is shove a blaster down his throat and hold the trigger.

2/2

[killtime]

[ But the intensity in her voice is short-lived. ]

You'll see what I mean. Eventually.

[kraythero]

[ He doesn't startle much, there's tension to his shoulders, the muscles in his neck, his eyes widened slightly. It's and gone in a flash, leftovers from a time when that kind of tone meant he was going to take a beating. Then he pulled himself together and just looks blank. ]

I said I'd like to spare with him. That's all. The better warrior I am, the safer my men are. Sparing often with people who are better is how that will happen.

[killtime]

[ She exhales. It would be a scoff, if she tried harder. ]

At least you give a damn about your men.

[kraythero]

Of course I do.

[killtime]

You're being naive if you think that's the standard.

[ Maybe a little grudgingly: ]

Though if that conviction sticks with you a few years, I can see how you'd earn the loyalty you've clearly inspired.

[kraythero]

It's supposed to be the standard.

[ She is very much not wrong on him being naive. ]

Why wouldn't it? If you are being given responsibility for someone or a group of someones, and you accept it, then you are always responsible for them. And that isn't a duty you can shrink, just because you're tired or busy.

[killtime]

That's a noble sentiment, if not a particularly practical one.

[kraythero]

It's not easy and it's not going to be, but doing what is right isn't always easy, and taking care of each other is always right - and what the universe needs.

[ His mom taught him that. ]

[killtime]

You're barely a man. What do you know about what's easy and what isn't?

[kraythero]

[ Oh he prickles at that. ]

You don't know me. My life within the Jedi or before it. Children don't exist where I come from, not really.

[killtime]

No. I don't. But I know about the burden of being responsible for other people's lives.

[kraythero]

[ His shoulders are tense and his jaw is set hard. ]

Unless you are prepared to take of something, you don't deserve to have it. My men are my responsibility, it is my duty to care for them. And failure to do so is also failing the Jedi tenant of compassion. Whatever burden it is, I will carry it and I will not fail them.

[killtime]

You're reciting.

You don't know what that actually fucking feels like. And kid, let me tell you now — there are moments that you will fail. Everybody does. Nobody's that good.

I need a line face icon so badly.

[kraythero]

If someone says something you agree with, better than you can, repeating their words is appropriate.

[ Slow inhale. Slow exhale. Swallow hard. ]

I have to be that good.

she does seem to inspire that feeling!!

[killtime]

Yeah?

[ She'd like to ask him where he was when Umbara happened. But she can't ask that. And even if she did, he wouldn't know. ]

I'm sure you'll get your chance to try.