Almost

Chapter Sixteen

After nemours congratulations, Tam finally convinced Kaz that it was time to leave. So they grabbed a couple more olive-shaped cheeses and made their way towards the door.

But it wasn't long until they were stopped.

"I have to say, congratulations."

He was a tall, thin man with a twirly gray mustache and a crooked nose. "I had to say hello to the happy couple." He adjusted his monical.

"Oo- oh thanks." Tam said, resisting the urge to roll her eyes. Or punch Kaz again.

"Thank you sir." Kaz wasn't looking at him. "We really must be going."

"Verywell." The older man adjusted his sleeves against his creamy skin. "You should be on your way, Mr. Xiono."

She felt Kaz and herself freeze.

"Oh come on. You really think I wouldn't recognize my favorite student?"

"Sorry Professor." He mumbled softly, looking at the ground.

"Oh it quite alright." He leaned a bit closer to Tam and muttered, "What he lacks in common sense he makes up for in confidence."

She tried her best to hold in her laugh.

The wrinkly man held out his hand. "Nicklaus Woodrough. I was Kazuda's history professor when he was still going to the Academy before he ran off to join the navy."

Tam grasped his hand and shook it. "Tamara Ryvora. One of Kaz's friends."

Professor Woodrough hummed softly, seeming to be lost in thought. After a couple of seconds he retracted his hand and adjusted his monocle again. "Last I heard of the name Kazuda was when you joined the Resistance." Woodrough tilted his head.

"Y-yes." Kaz smiled nervously.

"Well," the professor proceeded cautiously, "I believe I have some information that could benefit you."

"You do?" The slight tremor in his voice was gone. "Are you... you know-"

"Am I with the Resistance? Oh Kaz please. Of course I am. After the cataclysm of the Republic I would say you would say have 'no choice'." Woodrough's expression softened. "I am terribly sorry about what happened to Prime. I know you had a lot of friends there."

"Yes." Kaz agreed quietly. "It's not something I like to talk about."

"Hm yes." The professor hummed. "And here." He revealed a small data rod from his breast pocket. "Take this. It may be nothing more than conspiracy theories to some, but more ideas are better than few ah?"

Kaz accepted the rod from the professor. "Thanks."

"Oh no problem." He fiddled with his monical again. "And you two make a good team. You keep each other out of trouble."

"Thank you Mr. Woodrough." Tam smiled.

The professor chuckled. "Oh, no problem at all. Now I must be off. As should you." And with that comment, he turned and waddled off into the dispersing crowd.