Cicatrix

Don't Feed Strays

The mission is simple. Well, at least it's supposed to be. You were sent here to help round up the civilians and direct them to the safety zones. Typically, these missions are handled by other squads, but because of the sudden attack by the Separatists, things are going south fast. Hunter made the quick decision to split all of you up into different sections to make sure your skills are evenly spread out. While you know you can easily handle yourself, it's a little unnerving not having at least one of the boys with you like normal.

You are currently following your trail, as per Hunter's instructions. He mentioned the possibility of crossing paths with an upended village, but he didn't warn you of the chance that it had already been destroyed by the Separatists before you could get there.

Though maybe that's something that shouldn't have to be said anymore.

You walk through the rubble, taking extra care to walk only where others have already left their tracks. You pass by everyday life, haunted by the sudden abandonment all around you. Fires inside the small yet secure houses are pushing out black smoke through their chimneys. A few droids are still tinkering around, carrying out their programmed tasks as if nothing has happened.

While that's all a little distressing, the part that truly makes you want to get in and out fast is how quiet it is.

It's almost as if everyone is still sleeping in their beds to gain the energy they need to tend to their ordinary, comfortable lives.

Or like someone hit a pause button on time and you're the only one with the ability to move about freely while they're hidden away.

You're starting to wish you had taken Tech's offer to trade positions on this mission.

Just as you're working out how to explain to Wrecker how creepy this place is, an ear-piercing cry freezes you in tracks. Your heart picks up speed as a soft, ragged voice fills the silence with a plea for a mother.

Kriff. There's still a child here.

You stray from your path, searching for the owner of that awfully sad voice. You keep close to the buildings, peering inside each one in hopes of ending up at the right place. You know you have to be nearby, as the child isn't crying very loud.

And finally, you see them. Peering through a window, you find them laying in a pile in the middle of the room. Sniffling as they shake the unresponive body, you spot a young boy who can't be older than two.

You don't think so much as act. Without hesitation, you climb through the shattered window just further to your right. Being careful not to swing your legs into the sharp glass scattered on the floor, you land gently on the ground inside the house.

The little boy startles, his hiccuping cries coming to a sudden halt as the two of you make eye contact.

Slowly, you remove your helmet from your head. You toss it aside, hoping that your real face will bring the boy a bit of comfort at seeing a stranger in his home. "Hey, buddy." You warmly say, making no movements towards him.

His face contorts, but he doesn't shy away.

You tell him your name and add that he can just call you Ace if he wants. He makes no effort to communicate, instead keeping a strong gaze on you. You want to get him to come to you first, rather than forcing yourself onto him. It'll be easier to gain his trust. "Do you want to see something?" You ask, tilting your head a bit more exaggerated than you normally would. You're hopefully that this will entice him to at least be curious about you.

"No." He whines with a shake of his head.

"No?" You repeat, getting another head shake. "Oh. Well, are you hungry?"