Analysis

5

Subtlety? Never heard of it.

At least I think it's obvious at what I've been hinting at? It's not just the Force thing.

Tw: Violence.

"He found this," Amelia interrupted.

Both of their gazes went to her as she stood in the entryway to the ship. Tech's vision narrowed in on what was in her hand, and how it reflected on her skin.

"You came back," Tech said in surprise.

"That's... a lightsaber," Hunter breathlessly said, eyes wide.

Tech's eyes were wide with horror. "You're not the data analyst, are you?"

Amelia pushed her glasses up her nose. "I am, actually. I didn't lie about that."

Tech swallowed as he realized something. "Hunter, her lightsaber is-"

"An interesting colour for your armour," Tech commented on the ground beside her, snapping Amelia back into focus. "The red makes it seem like you're one of us."

Amelia touched at a splotch of red. "I didn't think about that."

"You'll be leaving eventually, and that's when that connection will end," Tech stated, finding the fact unsettled him for some reason. "Will you keep the paint, or wash it off?"

"I think I'll keep it. I've enjoyed my time with you all." Amelia smiled softly at him, eyes falling to the designs on his own. She scooted closer, pressed a hand to it. "Did you do it yourself?"

"Y-Yes," Tech stuttered, taken aback by her closeness. He could feel her warmth. 

"They're very impressive," Amelia murmured, eyes falling halfway shut.

Tech swallowed, watching her trace the patterns with her fingers. "Thank you."

"You know," Amelia whispered, glancing up at him, "I think I figured out why we hated each other so much at first."

"Oh?" Tech worked up the nerve to take her hand in his. "What is your theory?"

"Why don't I just show you my experiment?" Amelia suggested, squeezing his hand. "If that's okay with you."

"For the sake of your theory," Tech agreed, heart pounding in his chest.

Amelia pressed her lips to his as tenderly as she could. His eyes widened a fraction before he kissed her back. They were still holding hands, and their fingers entwined.

Amelia pulled back and rested her forehead to his. "What do you think of the results?"

"Your theory is certainly interesting," Tech confessed, closing his eyes. "And I have to say that I'm rather fond of the results."

"As am I. I didn't expect for this to happen." Amelia brought a shaking hand up to his head and stroked his temple. "So that's why I'm sorry."

"Sorry for-" Tech's eyes glazed over. His mouth parted and his breath trembled before everything went black.

Amelia searched through his mind, a bead of sweat running down her face at the effort it took. Stronger minds were harder, and Tech's was about as strong as they got. 

Amelia stumbled back as she found what she needed, panting and leaning against the wall. She trembled as she wobbled away, feeling like she was about to pass out.

Hunter needed to get the last of their supplies before they went on the mission.