Soldiers of the Stars

A Lesson in Patience

SOMEWHERE IN THE MID RIM, SACRED MERCY

BRYKA ACRUX

     "The Separatists' agitation deprivation techniques aren't working. Look here." I pushed my datapad in Gunner's face, blocking the small mirror above his refresher's narrow sink, his face half-shaven, half-covered with shaving cream. He blinked at the footage. A montage of civilian uprisings and local militias overpowering Separatist forces looped on the screen.

     Gunner lowered his razor, eyes fixed on the holo-vid. "Where's this happening?"

     I leaned against the refresher's door frame, scanning the holo-vid analysis and notes from earlier. "Ryloth–no surprise there. Felucia, Kashyyyk, Florrum, and Falleen."

     "Falleen? I thought the Falleens' relationship with the Seppies was strong. What changed?"

     "Don't know. But whatever happened, Lambeaux's loyalty remained with Dooku and not to his people." Bitterness coated my words. I switched back between my Bexas After-Action Report and Commander Lambeaux's file as I tapped my foot. He achieved his main objective. It wasn't the kyber itself like the Republic and the Council originally thought, but the Force essence within the crystals. Like the holo-vid, my mind looped the vision that trapped me in the mines a few rotations back. The cannon fired and drained all life around the blast. The bird fell from the sky and turned into ash. I bit down on my lip.

     Gunner's reflection locked onto me, and his face softened. "We'll get him, Bry. We'll hunt him and this weapon down, but you can't keep blaming yourself for his escape."

     "If GAR doesn't accept my proposal, then what happened to Bexas will happen to every star system that monster visits. What he did to the kyber is just the start. I want to find him before he starts experimenting with that weapon on sentient subjects."

     ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!

     I scanned the pop-up reminder on my datapad. Gunner raised a brow at me, waiting for me to brief him on my newest distraction. "I'm supposed to meet with Javi. His shuttle just docked."

     "I don't like him," Gunner grumbled, tilting his head and patting his face with aftershave. "I don't trust anyone who annoys you."

     "You annoyed me," I reminded him, fighting back a smile.

     "Fair, but we've come a long way since Mygeeto."

     "Mygeeto?" I reached out for his folded shirt lying on the edge of his neatly made bed and playfully force-slammed it into his face. Seeing him shirtless any longer would only cause additional distractions I definitely did not need. "Try Agamar."

     He placed a hand over his heart dramatically and gasped. "Your words wound me."

     There were plenty of times Gunner drove me crazy, but in a different way. And Javi wasn't altogether annoying; he just had a tendency to push the wrong buttons at times. I didn't tell Gunner much about Javi; we were sparring partners as younglings. But I'm pretty sure he picked up some of the pieces during the Bexas battle-brief.

     "Javi was the only friend who tried to fight for our friendship after Master Shaula died. I imagine it's because of how badly I hurt the others. They gave me my space and eventually moved on. But Javi didn't have anyone besides me and Master Reid. He might not understand when he crosses a line, especially with his continual flirting, but he does mean well. He listens to his heart and always tries to do the right thing. I respect that.