#anyway: op is a trooper and a star

[yukipri]

"Not in vain."

Go save ALL your brothers, boys!

*My hopes for The Bad Batch S3. Happy Premiere day!

~~

PLEASE DO NOT REUPLOAD, EDIT, TRANSLATE, OR OTHERWISE USE MY ART. To share, please reblog! Reblogs and comments greatly appreciated!!!

❀ You can see the rest of my art through the Masterpost pinned to the top of my blog!

[cinemaocd]

#are me and cinemaocd rewatching this for reasons#yes yes we are#what can I say they are ADORBZ#esp duffel coat and chunky knit jay!

This episode is a gift! This gifset is a gift! OP you have gone above and beyond as ever!

Lincoln / Pamela dinner/boat/train shenanigans

[inkstainedhandswithrings]

The Shiny Captain

A/N: I saw a post by @infinityrevengers and it made me write a shitty, non-beta'd 4am fic :). enjoy!

warnings: non, just dumb fluff

pairing: Captain Rex x gn!reader (platonic)

summery: you do your new friend Rex a favour by cleaning off his armour for him, only for him to sheepishly tell you that he doesn't want shiny armour please.

masterlist

It had only been a few weeks since you'd joined the crew on board the Resolute. The Clone Army was stretched thinly across the galaxy, and many clones that had formerly been assigned to engineering and medicine had been 'repurposed' to become soldiers like their brothers. That, of course, left a lot of vacancies in the aforementioned fields, which is why you, a civilian, with a degree in engineering and basic medic training were offered a job pretty quickly.

You liked being on the Resolute a lot. You'd only been along for one campaign, hanging out in the hangar and fixing ships - and the odd clone trooper once in a while, if it wasn't too serious or they just wanted to avoid a dressing down from Kix - and chatting with he troopers moving in and out of the ship all day. Or night. Or whatever timezone you had been in. You lost track of that the second you entered hyperspace.

One of the clones that you'd taken a particular liking to was Captain Rex. When you first met him, he sort of intimidated you. How could he not? He stood tall and proud, dual DC-17's on his hips and Jaig Eyes painted on his helmet in that deep 501st blue. Clone Captain Rex, first in Command of the renowned Skywalker's Fist. Nothing to be scared of right?

After about two days though, you found out that there truly was nothing to be scared of. You were in the mess hall with Fives and Echo, sharing a truly horrible meal - you would never get used to the brown sludge and gray cubes they grew up on - when Rex walked in and joined you. That was the first time you saw him without his helmet on and you immediately noted the blond hair and dropped a compliment, as it was the first thing that came to mind.

"Oh wow, Captain, didn't know you were a blond! That natural? Looks good on you."

Your compliment had left him a stuttering mess and you had to hold back a laugh as your image of the stoic clone captain became much more human in an instant.

"Uh... yes it- uhm, thanks... thank you, yes its natural," he had managed to get out.

The short conversation left your two companions hiding their matching grins and you wondered if you had said something wrong. You could imagine that the clones had their own culture. Their own way of doing things. Perhaps pointing out an uncommon hair colour was considered a faux-pa's?

A few days later you ran into him again and had stammered out an apology which he quickly waved off, saying you hadn't done anything wrong.

"It's just not something I grew up being... proud of," he'd explained, leaving you even more confused.

Clearly, your comment had flattered him, but there must've been something else making him feel as conflicted as he seemed to be. You decided not to push it.

But maybe you should have taken the time to learn more about what you had started calling clone culture, because it only took you a couple weeks to actually commit a pretty serious faux-pa's.

It had been the morning after a pretty tough mission. When Torrent and their Captain had wandered off a banged up gunship, looking a bit battered and bruised, you'd worried. You should've gotten to work on the gunships right away, but you took a minute to talk to Kix about injuries. He wouldn't need you to help out in the med-bay that night, but he appreciated you checking in.

The Captain noticed too, and approached you to give his thanks. You noted his armour seemed to have an extra coating of black dust on it. Likely volcanic ash from the planet they'd just returned from.

The two of you got caught up in an easy conversation, like you did many times since your initial, semi-awkward meeting. It had ended with him clipping off his armour and falling asleep leaned against some supply crates filled with parts that you were using to fix the gunships. You ended up pulling an all-nighter, not minding the Captain softly snoring behind you. In a way, it comforted you. At least this way you knew he was alright.

Once you were done it was already 0600 and you'd have to be up again in about an hour, which didn't seem like it was worth it to you. But you didn't want to wake Rex either and just leaving him behind here in the hangar while he was asleep - and without his armour strapped on - seemed wrong too.

Deciding to do him a kindness you found a rag, some water and some soap, making sure it wasn't so aggressive that it would remove the paint. You set to work, washing the dust and grime off the Captains armour until it looked white and shiny and pretty again. Like it was fresh off Kamino. You smiled at your work, pride rising in your chest. Not only had you managed to get the gunships going again, you'd also saved your friend some valuable time that he could now spent resting.

Another ten or so minutes passed and despite you fighting it, you must've drifted off, because the Captain's wrist chrono woke the both of you.

When your eyes fluttered open, you were met with the sight of the Captain stretching his arms and neck out. Maybe letting him sleep propped up against a supply crate all night wasn't the best idea. Oh well.

Rex said your name with a tired smile. "Mornin'. Managed to fix those gunships?"

"Yeah, all fixed. Even got some... extra work in," you said, trying to be onimous.

"Extra work, eh? Can't wait to see it," Rex said, reaching for his first few pieces of armour, stacked exactly the same way they were last night - you were meticulous, thank you very much. "Let's grab some caf first though, ya? I need to...," Rex trailed off.

He was halfway done putting on his armour, only the top side of his blacks still visible. He was currently holding up his chest plate turning it over in his hands. He seemed puzzled as he picked up his pauldron and vambraces, swiping his fingers over them.

You smiled up at him proudly. "I cleaned it for you! Figured I'd take some of your load of, seeing as the last mission was a little rough."

"You.... cleaned my armour?" Rex repeated slowly.

"Sure did! Now it's nice and shiny again!"

The way you smiled up at him made Rex's heart ache. You were trying to help him. To cheer him up after a tough mission. Which he appreciated, and yet. He couldn't bring himself to appreciate shiny armour. He sighed and said your name softly. "Thank you so much for... caring... but, uhm... do you remember our conversation about, uh... how did you call it? Clone culture?"

Fear crept up on your face as you fixed your eyes on him. "Yes?" you responded, only cringing slightly. This was gonna be uncomfortable.

"It's not a big deal...," Rex began.

"Really? Would you tell me if it was?"

"Uh, I.... uhm, well," Rex stammered, answering your question well enough. "Uh, the thing is... Shiny armour... Well, clones, the young ones, fresh off Kamino... We call them shinies. Because their armour-," Rex was interrupted.

"... Is shiny. And your a Captain so-," you trailed off this time.

"So I'd prefer to leave my... shiny days behind me," he chuckled awkwardly.

You nodded in understanding. "Of course! Gosh, Rex, I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to..."

"Hey, hey, no, please! You were trying to help!"

"Well, that worked out great, didn't it?" you joked. It illicited a soft chuckle from him, but you could tell that somewhere, he was still slightly... disappointed, for lack of better word. "If it helps, I'd love to take one of these newly fixed gunships down planetside with you. We can... roll around in the mud or whatever, get that armour dirty again."

Rex let out a louder laugh this time, shaking his head. "Yeah, I think shiny armour is enough embarrassment for one week, but maybe I'll find a mud puddle to throw you in when you finally come planetside with us."

You chuckled at his obvious threat. "Unfortunately, I just handed in my two weeks notice. Apologies, Captain, looks like you won't get your revenge this time 'round!"

"Eh, I'll find something fitting. Now, how 'bout that caf?"

And so you made your way to the messhall with your shiny Captain, ready to defend him from Echo and Fives's quips, which you both knew were coming.

[nocturius8015ficore]

Nocturius: Third Republic Commando fanfiction! This one is about Ordo and Besany trying to understand each other.

————-

Fandom: Star Wars Republic Commando books by Karen Traviss

Characters: Ordo Skirata and Besany Wennen

Rating: Family-friendly ** Fairly accessible to people who don’t know RepCom **

Topic: Slice of life, autistic spectrum, romance

Pitch: Besany and Ordo are not very used to be with each other like a regular married couple. Adaptation is required.

It was late. Besany was tired but not as much as Ordo was. He just went back from a dangerous spec ops, took a shower and crashed on his bed without saying a word or taking a bite. Besany said to herself that she will never get used to that high level of risk about his husband but that was the life she chose.

Well, not exactly chosen, Ordo happened in his life and yes, she didn’t have to fall in love with him, she could have helped the clones by providing information only. Staying on Coruscant. Spying. Nothing was that simple with the clones though, especially those under Skirata’s protection. The point of no return was the day she saved Fi from being left to die at the hospital. The poor man, he never fully recovered from his injuries.

She spent most of her day busying herself with the chores of the Aliit and a bit of weapons training. Laseema and her were a great team at organizing and maintaining everything in order to sustain all those ever hungry soldiers and supporting their other needs.

She looked at Ordo. He was buried under the bed sheets. She only saw a part of his hand, in a claw position, holding the duvet. She hesitated before joining him in the bed, she didn't want to wake him up. Those men never seem to have enough sleep, even less leisure time.

‘’ Are you joining me or not? ’’ he said, not even moving. She shouldn't have been surprised. Of course Ordo wasn’t asleep. She probably woke him up by her footsteps only.

‘’ Yes, I’m sorry, I didn’t want to stare…’’ She felt awkward. ‘’ I didn’t know if you were awake or not. May I ask a question? I mean, it’s already a question, why are you always sleeping with a sheet on your face? Are you breathing correctly?’’

Ordo sighed and moved slightly to let her take a place near him.

‘’That’s multiple questions. Yes you can, why, to sleep well and yes, I have no problem breathing. Otherwise I would get a headache which would get in the way of me to sleeping well. ’’

‘’ Obviously. ‘’ She suspected she might not have been precise enough therefore she reformulated the question. Ordo had that tendency to take everything so literally. He was way more intelligent than her on so many levels but sometimes, he had the mind of a child. Which, to be fair, he was in a way, as a 14 years old clone.

‘’ Why does it help you to sleep better? The room isn’t dark enough? Is it because you are used to sleep with your helmet? ’’

The former Null ARC trooper let a sound come out of his lips. Besany didn’t know if it was from irritation or a chuckle.

‘’ I’m not sleeping with the bucket on. Only our vod Darman does that. And he is not the smartest of his squad. And for why I’m doing that, it’s my business. I don’t want to talk about it. ‘’

‘’ It’s alright, I respect that. As long at it makes you feel good, it’s all I need to know. ’’

Besany was used to his silence and she knew the Nulls had been through so many things in their short existence. She would probably never know all of it but what she learnt for Kal Skirata and the other Nulls was horrifying enough. She was happy to share her life with him nevertheless.

Then she carefully slipped under the blankets. His husband had a complicated arrangement of sheets with his arms and she didn’t want to disturb him. Even if she fully trusted him, Ordo’s feelings were hard to predict. They haven't slept together often since their Mandalorian wedding about a year ago. They were not totally accustomed to that new normality. Nothing could ever be normal with a clone anyway. Things always moved so fast even for her quick witty mind but especially with that exceptional man. She smiled sadly. She felt the need to be better at guessing his needs but she reminded herself that she didn’t have to understand him perfectly. She would never be. Even Skirata could't. She only had to accept him as he was. She heard him sighing again as he uncovered his face and sat.

‘’ It began on Kamino. Before Kal’buir. Like almost every osik to be honest…I took the habit of hiding my eyes from the never ending thunderstorm. But even when we got a soundproof room with no window, I kept doing it. It soothed me. The other Nulls didn't need to do that apparently. It took me time to realize that it was not only about that childhood trauma of live ordnances bombardment … ‘’

‘’Wait, before Kal Skirata you said?! You were like… Two standard years of age?’’

‘’Correct. It surely didn’t help my other disorders. I think I have sensory overload issues. In the daytime I can manage with the bucket, artificially control the inputs and keep my mind busy but I can’t rest that way. Things can get pretty intense. It’s like… all I didn’t manage, come back together at once. And I have a lot to manage. ’’

‘’ I see… it’s like if the sounds and lights come from your own mind? ’’

‘’Something like that, yes. The blanket helps me feel safe. I know, it must look weak to you, a childish thing…’’

‘’ Of course not, Ord’ika. It’s simple but if it works, that’s all good. You know, as a child I had a cuddly toy and even if I knew it wasn't a real animal, it made me feel safer too. I even talk to them. It helped me feel less lonely and the faux-fur also had a calming effect.’’

‘’ We didn’t have toys on Kamino. ’’

The woman looked at Ordo with tenderness.

‘’ I know sweetheart, but today… you have me? Can I come under your… fortified blanket? ’’

‘’ Why is that even a question? ’’

She looked at him not sure if she had crossed his boundaries too far but he finally smiled at her.

‘’ If I didn’t want you to be here, you wouldn’t be in my room at all. Come closer, cyar’ika.’’

Pressing her cheek to his chest, she felt Ordo replacing the duvet around the both of them, the sound went slightly muted, the darkness was appeasing. She felt privileged, cozy and yes, also safer. Maybe she would never fully understand him, but it seems he also struggled on his own as he tried his best to be a good husband to her. They both joined in the middle. She put her arms on his very athletic belly and kissed him softly.

‘’ It’s quite lovely, but it’s getting hot under it. ’’

‘’Believe me, it’s getting hotter than you think. ’’

Fi-Core/Nocturius 5th of Avril 2024 / Updated 14th of October

[hello-there-cyarika]

Hive Trooper Cicada explains helmets :]

After sitting on the floor for far too long I think I've figured this shit out!!!! Everyone please bee nice say hi to my OC Cicada (CT 3301) he's shy about being a model :,)

More info below the cut <3!

First of all, Cicada is technically a Special Ops/Stealth Trooper, so he'd actually have a slightly different style helmet, but for the sake of demonstration he's wearing standard trooper kit!

Fun facts about Cicada: he has two stripes shaved into either side of his hair because ✨fashion✨ and although you can't tell because he's in uniform, both of his hands from just above the wrist are cybernetic prosthetics! (he got got by a baddie with a lightsaber rip) ((betcha can't guess which one))

He's also specially trained in bomb defusal and communication encryption

If you saw my other post about the technicality of hive trooper anatomy and equipment, then you know that he's Milo's batchmate!

LISTEN IF YOU KNOW WHY CICADA'S CT NUMBER IS 3301 YOU'RE MY FAVORITE

anyway

more about helmets

As I said above, the helmet splits into the mask and the shell, and snap together with an airtight seal, including around the antennae bases

How is it perfectly airtight, you ask?

It just is my guy *waves hand in star wars science*

Does the hexagonal pattern on the visor serve any purpose?

Lol nah its just pretty and on brand <3

I mean it could serve a purpose I just don't know what that purpose is... any suggestions lol?

The antennae slots still allow for movement of the antennae, which is very important for the beepers' coordination and proficiency with certain skills

Other than the antennae slots and the separation of the mask and shell (and the cosmetic visor change lol), the helmet's functions are just the same

CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE!!!! This is obviously majorly inspired by @mothask and their original design for this type of helmet! Please go give them all the love and support that their work deserves!!

<3 I do not give my consent or my permission for my art to be re-posted or reuploaded on this or any other website <3

[darksouls2yuri]

ur making me want to get into halo but I don’t know anything about halo. tell me why I should get into halo

‼️OK DISCLAIMER I WROTE A LOT‼️

ive technically been into halo since i was a little kid. my first experience with it was my older cousins playing halo 2 multiplayer and handing me a controller to terrorize me (they did this with black ops 2 also). that jumpstarted me being captivated by halo. i was really into how the spartans looked i was like. woaaah these dudes are awesome. which is a no brainer bc i also thought clone troopers were awesome as a little kid too (they still are. i love star wars prequels and i really like halo a lot).

anyway. i really think the expanded canon of halo is interesting! theres a lot of stuff to pick through and a lottttt of lore. theres like over 30 books for these games. im only like a chapter into the first one (which its really good so far. im really into fall of reach). the gameplay isnt really anything to write home about to me, but im not a huge fan of shooters in general. i like the COD campaign stories, hate watching the missions. same for Halo. i loveeee the arbiter sections in Halo 2 though. his HUD is purple and you can go stealth mode :)

the story for the original 3 games is really good! and reach and odst are also very good. theyre all solid games. really good dialogue, master chief is short and blunt, cortana is a kind of funny/witty nag, johnson is so so funny. AND MIRANDA. REALLY AWESOME I LIKE HER A LOT. i love 343 guilty spark hes also very funny, a little blue cuck ball type beast. and i love the arbiter hes awesome. verbose and honorful i love him. the graveminds dialogue in 2&3 is just like aaaaaah its so awesome really clever and powerful stuff. the games themselves are also super beautiful, the art direction and sound design are so so good and really make the games come together beautifully.

i think a good place to start would just be to look up a longplay of halo, or maybe an overview video/series of the story. obviously i havent played the games first hand, my beautiful wife is doing all the playing because i dont think i would be able to do that myself.

anyway i really like halo and i love master chief and the arbiter. i want to put master chief in my pocket and let him take a nap while i go to panera bread with thel 'vadam.

[searchingfortheuniverse]

HELLOOOOOOO!!!! if it's not too late--

🍄🦷🎨

: D

Not too late! Thank you for the ask lovely <3

🍄 ⇢ share a head canon for one of your favourite ships or pairings

Uhh hmm I think it's got to be a star wars one since it's you asking so might as well make it for Fives/Jon Antilles because at this point I'm overly invested in them despite how ridiculously niche they are. (Also known as: I'm making headcanons for my own AU and you can't tell me I can't.) It's not a very interesting headcanon but I reckon that the two of them develop this entirely unique way of fighting together that it's very hard for anyone else to slot into. They can adapt to others much more easily than anyone can adapt to them. The best of the other troopers at picking up what Jon's laying down are Echo and Rex, just because they know how Fives would think better than most, but nobody ever manages to rival the way they just work together. Somehow when Jon uses Fold space to teleport Fives always knows where he's going to show up.

🦷 ⇢ share some personal wisdom or a life hack you swear on

I have no wisdom I'm kind of making it all up here. Maybe just. Like. If a writing advice post or article or whatever doesn't vibe with you then it's not for you. If that makes sense? I spent so long getting anxious about using the word said because of all those "50 words to use instead of said" posts until I decided it's just not that deep. Half the time, you'll find as many pieces arguing the opposite to whatever you've internalised anyway. If you like the advice and think it'll have a positive impact on your writing then sure, follow it, but otherwise it's just Some Guy on the internet.

🎨 ⇢ link your favourite piece of fanart and explain why you like it

Maybe... this one of Tup, which I know for a fact I reblogged from you lol. I'm so so in love with the pose and I think about him daily. The alternative is probably a DC one because there are so many amazing pieces of the Robins. There's this one of Arkhamverse Jason where he's just so so pretty and I wish I could link OP not my reblog from years ago but they deactivated.

Send asks from this writers truth or dare!

[nonhumanhottie]

Resistance season 2 rewatch

18 & 19 - The escape

Tam wants out!!!

Hux looks mad lol

No but the way Hux and Kylo would have had to coordinate that reveal!! its so funny

Anyway Supreme Leader Ren!!

I love how our calm and collected villains Pyre and Tierny and suddenly scared shitless

Like Tierny can hardly look at him

The voice is rough but the lines themselves and very Kylo lmao

Using the force through hologram is so op i can't believe it's stuck around over the decades lmao

but making Tierny and Pyre point their guns at each other!!

and Kylo's theme!!

Yeager wants his daughter back

and then they compare Torra to Tam

Tam hugging Kaz!! but Yeager is hesitant

Rucklin sold them out for nothing

I don't understand how holograms work in star wars... how do the see each other when there are no cameras????

Aunt Z looks so happy to be killing troopers

I love Kylo showing up in the finale just to be scary

Tam and Neeku are best friends!!!

this is a cute show i enjoy rewatching it

[yukipri]

Wyler and Nova!

From the Bad Batch, Season 2, Episode 3

I have adopted them into the 212th <3 (not canon ;_; )

Character designs are original!

~~

PLEASE DO NOT REPOST, EDIT, TRANSLATE, OR OTHERWISE USE MY ART. To share, please reblog! Reblogs and comments greatly appreciated!!!

❀ You can see the rest of my art through the Masterpost pinned to the top of my blog!

~~

Some character headcanons:

Nova - An extremely extroverted lad who acts first, thinks later. He has great luck and great instincts, which has lead him to somehow surviving. He loves detonators, despite having been in a major accident with one that caused the massive scar on his face. He's friendly and cheerful and always eager to drag new self-assigned buddies into his latest not-so-carefully-planned idea. His old squad mates say that he shines like a star and is always the center of attention, hence his name!

Wyler - In the same squad as Nova, and perpetually grim-faced. He's younger than Nova, and often frustrated by his older brother's whimsical and reckless nature. Yet despite always scowling and complaining about Nova, he finds himself tailing after him, hiding in his shadow. He isn't used to being noticed and gets easily flustered when he is. The only reason why Nova didn't die when he got his scar was because Wyler tackled him out of the way, earning his own scars. Nova felt terrible afterwards and promised to try to tone it down, but Wyler grudgingly told him to keep being himself, because that's why Wyler's there—to keep him out of trouble when Nova can't help himself. Wyler makes a rare joke that he'll probably die covering for Nova's hide.

[purgetrooper77]

The Bad Batch (Post Season 2) theories, predictions, and an announcement

 Warning: MASSIVE SPOILERS FOR THE BAD BATCH SEASON 2!!!!

I finished watching the Season 2 finale of TBB and I have to say, it was an emotional rollercoaster. That Season doesn’t need a rating from me, it needs a reward of amount of hearts broken it caused. I loved every single second of it and the plot twist of Emerie Karr being a female clone caught me off guard. Bravo writers bravo. Now onto the rest of the post.

Theories: Remember my Mark Omega Cloning Theory? I believe that is going to happen in Season 3 but there will be a twist. Omega is not going to be the only one being experimented on, other clones would take part of the Mark Omega project as well. My theory is that Dr. Hemlock will take so much DNA out of Omega, he would have enough to make a second clone army along with the rest of the clones. 

My new theories: So far I have two new theories of the ending of the current season. 

New Theory #1: Emerie Karr is a 2nd Gen Clone. Basically she was created at the same time the other Gen 2 Clones were created and Karr was hidden from Lama Su by Nala Se. It is confirmed that Nala Se kept secret cloning information from Omega and Emerie’s existence was one of those secrets. Her being a Gen 3 Clone makes no sense to me because that would mean she is younger than most of Clone Force 99 (if I am mistaken please correct me) Or she could be a failed Clone Commando that was supposed to be on special ops mission. Instead she began to become an Imperial Scientist. It is also confirmed that Nala Se is hiding some secrets to Lama Su since we all know that Se has a soft spot for different clones. But then again this is just a theory. 

New Theory #2: A civil war will erupt in Coruscant. Allow me to explain: in the finale of Season 2 of The Bad Batch it is revealed that many people are now Clone Rights activists and obviously there are some who believe clones are Imperial property. There will be a short civil war in Coruscant between those two kinds of people which will instantly get the Empire involved. That civil war would cause all sorts of conflicts which will have a huge effect on the entire galaxy. This could be one of the reasons why Tarkin dissolved the senate like he did in Star Wars: A New Hope. 

Here are my predictions: Crosshair will lose his mind when he hears about Tech’s death, Hunter will become Star Wars’ version of John Rambo (or John Wick), Dr. Hemlock will die in Season 3 (assuming that season will happen), and last but not least, Phee Genoa will start an underground crime organization all because Tech has died. Or did he? Let me know what y’all think in the replies. 

I would smother Season 2 of the Bad Batch will all of my love, consider that my rating for the show. Please let there be a Season 3, I am praying hard for it to happen.

One more thing... 

I said I have an announcement and here it is... I have been writing some fanfiction on my own. The fanfiction I am currently writing is coming to an end at the time of this post. This fanfiction won’t be about Clone Troopers nor anyone involved in Dave Filoni’s current projects. Once I finished writing the finale of this fanfiction, I will announce it what it is so stay tuned for that. Anyways this is Purgetrooper77, signing out. 

[masked-rat]

Timelines in Marathon Infinity

I'm pretty sure we're travelling between *parallel universes*, not doing one- universe time travel.

General blocking:

Ne Cede Malis (and M1 and M2; last level in the "core" timeline)

Rise Robot Rise thru Aie Mak Sicur*

ACME Station thru Carroll Street Station

Naw Man, He's Close thru You're Wormfood, Dude*

By Committee thu Aye Mak Sicur

Defenders are present on all "bad ending" levels except Ne Cede Malis and Wormfood, despite recent theory that they don't show up. They do show up. The big differences are that key parts of the station are sealed off, and more importantly there is *no* Farcast pattern chip.

You did notice that for both Aie Mak Sicur and Carroll Street Station, you conveniently dropped in right where the first chip would be. And it's not there. Whoops, thassa problem.

It's theoretically possible, in a co-op game- to bring a chip forward from Robot World Arena. Or use a save game editor to give you one? The first chip socket is still present on this level, and the terminal close by it. I'd kind of like to read it.

Where Are Monstairs in Dreams always gave me "bad ending" vibes as well, with Aie Mak Sicur possibly being a *second* bad ending. Maybe the timeline splits or something.

Would've been ironic if Carroll Street Station hadn't been the bad ending, and that it'd been on Lh'owon. ACME Station, the "scanning buoy," would've been the Jjaro station the whole time. *raucous laughter*

I have a feeling there's something going on between Naw Man, He's Close; Foe Hammer; and Hang Brain. The vacbobs on Naw Man, he's Close don't carry fusion batteries we can use, and the ones on Foe Hammer do (but are also somehow not flagged "Dies in Flames" in the level physics).

I mean, I think the canon explanation is Durandal yoinking your teleport signature, which would explain some things later on, but I have a hunch Foe Hammer is in fact a different timeline by itself.

Wormfood.

*shakes head*

The Troopers are bobs. The hunters are vacbobs. The Wyr'kyn'kakntr is awake, and active, and it's noodling reality so bad you just shot your way through whatever was left of Durandal's bobs. You notice there's also no Defenders *anywhere* on this damn level? And it's the only one of the bad endings to have Troopers *at all*?

The Arthur Frane term is your OSHIT moment where you realize just how bad things have gotten.

Final Timeline Breakdown:

Tfear wants to get more humans to surrender (the Pfhor are slavers, after all), sends a possessed drone to plant a fake distress message from Tycho in the network. By Committee happens.

One Thousand Thousand Slimy Things happens. I want to know more about the Hindmost Creche (this is the second time a Creche is mentioned in Pfhor culture; it also gets mentioned in Aie Mak Sicur). Damn you, Tfear, my minor was Anthropology! Give me something to work with!

Sometime while you're doing A Converted Church in Venice, Italy; the bobs finally manage to rouse some iteration of Thoth, although I get the feeling this Thoth is itself incomplete. But, it detects the pattern you brought with you from a prior timeline, and realizes you could be useful. This is why there's two different exit terms: one if you go out thru the stairs and take the extreme long way around, vs. another you get if you take the hell-ivator.

Son of Grendel makes almost *zero* sense, in a Watsonian *or* Doylist sense. There's an artifact (and yeah, there's actually a couple of fake artifacts you can find if you totally miss the real one). *shrug*

Strange Aeons and Bagged Again happen. Not a lot to work with. K'alia gets referred to as a "sullen star" and I kinda want to know what that means beyond just imagery, but anyway. Oh, and Tycho managed to escape containment during the orbital bombardment. You do notice that the Son of Grendel site is now badly damaged, right? Tfear is probably shitting bricks right now.

The Big Time arena fight, followed by Aye Mak Sicur. Worth noting, you *can* bring a chip forward, which means you *could* skip the second one (or the first one, if you don't fancy facing the center arena a third time- the second chip is only requires timing and a passable knowledge of the map layout- the door by the first terminal is now open).

Also, *two* dummied- out terminals. There's the old S'phit Y'sa Mnr term that we all know about, but there's also one on Slimy Things in the first *non- secret* bob ammo stash (the one that doesn't have the 3x can). Given that it's sized for Water terms, I wouldn't be surprised if the level wasn't originally a Water level and somebody changed it.

Or it could've been a fun Media Munger case. Water architecture but sewage liquids. I don't think anyone put Media Munger to good use, but then again I also never really messed with the expansions that needed a shapes patch.

M1 had blue and orange Troopers- probably the same CLUT as the Fighters.

I do like how Infinity lets you play with the Spanker and flamethrower a lot earlier, instead of reserving them for endgame like M2 did. But at least they didn't do like AvP 2 where you use the Sniper Rifle for literally *one* game- ending shot.

[phykios]

this one is dedicated to mi amor mari @perseannabeth, who is a beautiful bird and a wonderful friend and i am v v vvvvv grateful to have crossed the airwaves with her :”)

Today Was A Fairytale [read on ao3] T, modern royalty, fun at disneyland!

She stares at him. 

He stares back. “What?”

“Really?”

“What?”

“You really think this is going to be enough?” Annabeth points at her head, the blue Yankees cap squishing her curls. 

“Of course! It’s the Clark Kent effect.” As if to underline his point, Percy slips on his fake hipster glasses, except that stupid grin of his is too bright not to draw attention. 

“That’s not a real thing.”

“Sure it is. Studies show that glasses are actually good enough to alter your appearance if someone doesn’t know you well.”

“Then why didn’t you bring a pair of glasses for me?”

“Because your hair is definitely the prettiest thing about you,” he says, automatically tugging an unruly curl which peeks out from under the brim, a gesture so practiced she almost doesn’t register it--until he blinks, dropping his hand, blushing lightly. “I mean--the most noticeable thing. You know. A hat should be fine.”

He looks away. Heat rises to her face, too. Because it’s so hot out, obviously. 

“Anyway,” he mumbles, “um. No--no one’s going to give you a second look if your hair is hidden.”

Chewing her lip, Annabeth can’t help but worry. Percy’s face is extremely well-known, possibly more than hers, and they’ve both spent the better part of three weeks with their faces plastered all over the media on their diplomatic trip. This is probably a really, really bad idea. Then, a thought occurs to her. “How about,” she says, perking up, “you give me your glasses, and I’ll give you mine.” From her backpack, she fishes out a pair of sunglasses, big and nondescript. He’ll practically be wearing a superhero mask with these.

Percy smiles again, and Annabeth thinks she might fly. “Perfect.”

Which is how Her Royal Highness Anna Elisabeth Ingrid Irene of Sweden and His Serene Highness Perseus Alexandros Ioannis of Thera play hooky from their day of boring meetings, insufferable dignitaries, and stuffy security guards, to go see the eighth wonder of the world: Disneyland Resort in California.

And how Annabeth eats her words as they make it past the security gate unchecked. “Eh?” He beams, nudging her with his elbow. “Eh?”

Rolling her eyes, she shoves him back. “Shut up.”

***

[description: a tiktok video which depicts a line at Disneyland. the op, a black girl with braids, covers her mouth and looking into the camera, turning the camera to focus on the two people behind her. one is a tall boy with black hair and sunglasses, and the other is a blonde girl with a yankees hat and glasses. both are white. video text reads: “p sure the people behind me are prince percy and princess annabeth??? um?????”. background audio is a dubstep remix of the fight theme from undertale. end ID]

***

Maybe it’s a little weird, on account of her being actual royalty and all, but Annabeth has always been interested in princesses, both as a matter of historical record (history is awesome) and in the general sense. Like millions of other people, she, too, was raised on Disney movies and tales of princesses and true love, and she was just as captivated as the rest of them. She and Percy used to watch the Disney catalogue whenever their families held state visits for each other, staying up into the small hours of the morning, sharing some popcorn and singing along. 

Luckily for Annabeth, her favorite princess is holding a meet and greet at the Royal Hall.

“Excuse me,” Percy says, approaching Princess Ariel. Well, her cast member, anyway. “Could I get a photo for my friend?”

“Of course!” she trills, her blue eyes sparkling. “It would be my pleasure.” Holding her hand out, perfectly poised and graceful in a way that would impress even Annabeth’s stodgy etiquette instructor, she smiles, warm and welcoming, pivoting to bring Annabeth in for one of those weird, semi-awkward half-hugs. “What’s your name?”

“Anna,” says Annabeth. Hey, it’s not untrue. She’s a little leery of using any of her names, but Anna is common enough. Annabeth? Not so much. Even with her glasses and hat disguise, a little paranoia is justified, she thinks.

“It’s so wonderful to meet you, Anna,” she says, cheerful, with all the grace and charm of someone who doesn’t spend hours saying the same thing over and over again to excitable, temperamental children. What a trooper, she thinks.

“Don’t you recognize a fellow princess when you see one, your highness?” Percy says, grinning that stupid, smarmy grin of his. 

Annabeth glares. Oh, he thinks he’s so damn clever. 

“Oh, of course,” says Ariel, smoothly. “How could I have thought otherwise? Your highness.” And she curtsies to Annabeth, a short dip, her hand placed delicately against her chest. “Perhaps I can introduce you to my friend Anna, princess of Arendelle?”

Still smirking, Percy takes some more pictures, trapping Annabeth into smiling for the camera. She can’t be glaring daggers in her pictures, nor can there be video evidence of her kicking him--no matter how much she wants to.

And she definitely doesn’t miss the way Ariel not-so-subtly checks Percy out, eyeing him up and down.

“You fucking asshole,” she hisses as they leave the photo area, swatting him lightly, and he giggles. 

“Sorry, sorry, I couldn’t resist.”

“Ugh, I hate you so much.”

It’s hard to stay mad at him, though she definitely tries as they enter back out into the park proper, giving him just the barest hint of a cold shoulder. 

“Aw, come on,” Percy says. “I was just teasing.”

“You shouldn’t go around tempting fate like that,” Annabeth says. “Do you want to cause another international incident?”

Percy winces, no doubt remembering the Gateway Arch incident of 2008. 

“If someone recognizes us, we don’t have Zoe or any of her team to protect us,” Annabeth goes on. “Not that I think anyone here would try to hurt us, but…” But it’s a little nerve-wracking, being on her own like this. She hasn’t been alone like this for a really long time.

Wincing, Percy rubs the back of his head. “I guess I forgot you’re a little higher profile than me. Sorry.”

She doesn’t like to think about it, but it’s true. Percy, by his nature as the younger son of a largely defunct royal house, doesn’t have quite the same number of… issues… that someone like Annabeth might have.

Deflating, she uncrosses her arms. “It’s okay.”

“I should have asked you first.”

“It’s really okay,” she says. “No harm no foul.”

“Do you want to get out of here?” he asks, entirely serious. “I can call someone up.”

She knows just how long they’ve planned this, how many favors he’s called in and policies he’s sidestepped. Backing out now would just be a waste of a day. She shakes her head. “It’s fine,” she says. “I’m just… feeling a little exposed, I guess. But, I don’t want to ruin all our plans. Let’s keep going.” She grabs his hand, squeezing a little.

“...Okay,” Percy says. “But say the word, and we’ll call it a day. Okay?”

“Okay.”

“Good.” Like he doesn’t have any other expression today, he smiles at her again.

It hits her, suddenly. He’s so much taller than she remembers. Once upon a time she used to be taller than him; now, he’s basically a whole head above her. 

It’s annoying. But also… not.

Spying something over her shoulder, his eyes light up, and he practically gasps. “Cinderella!” he points with his free hand, like a five-year old. “Come on!” And he takes off to one of the park corners, dragging Annabeth along with him. 

He has to wait in line behind a pair of twin girls, six or seven years old by the looks of it, in identical Cinderella dresses for a photo, bouncing up and down on the balls of his feet, and when it’s finally his turn, he nearly trips over himself to go up and ask for a photo. 

Cinderella agrees, and now Annabeth is relegated to the job of cameraperson. Percy slides in next to the princess, his hand on her waist, but, ever the respectful gentleman, loosely held, so the cast member can slide out of his grasp without any difficulty at all.

Taking a few shots, it does look kind of strange to have Cinderella’s beautiful, shining face, and Percy’s enormous sunglasses blocking his. “Take off your glasses?” she says, lowering her phone for a second. 

Dutifully, Percy slips them off, smiling again for the camera. 

Cinderella’s smile doesn’t falter, a credit to her professionalism, but Annabeth can see her eyes widen, just a touch.

Annabeth snaps off a few more photos, “Got ‘em!” and Percy once again gushes over the princess, thanking her for her time. Grabbing Annabeth’s hand again, he practically skips off, leading them in the direction of a nearby candy shop. 

***

me: IM SHAKING GUESS WHO I JUST TOOK A PICTURE WITH????

sis: prince percy?

me: HOW TF DID YOU KNOW

sis: its on twitter already

***

They’re walking along, Annabeth slurping up a Dole whip, when she suddenly stops in her tracks, outside of one of the many, many gift shops. “Wait up a second.”

“Hm?” Percy says, around the giant lollipop in his mouth. 

“I want to get some Mickey ears.” 

Very quickly they get lost in the sea of Disney merchandise, walking the labyrinth of Star Wars and Marvel and Pixar goods. There’s a surprising amount of black for the so-called happiest place on Earth, but things do brighten up when Annabeth finally turns a corner and finds the enormous selection of Mickey ears. It’s a wash of sparkles, flowers, bows, and occasionally characters, for children and adults alike. Annabeth eyes a pair designed like Baby Yoda, eyes wide and ears adorably huge, before she fingers a pair of white Mickey ears that have a bridal veil attached to them, contemplating its counterpart, the black ears for the groom, each ear emblazoned with a sparkling silver “Happily Ever After.”

She looks around. Where did Percy wander off to, anyway? 

Well, wherever he is, hopefully he hasn’t gotten mobbed by a horde of excitable fangirls. Given that she can’t hear any screaming--well, any unusual, non-Disneyland-relevant screaming--that’s probably a good sign. 

Running her fingers over the ear selections, she finally picks out a pair of silver sequined earrings with a shiny gold bow, a tiny, rhinestone Cinderella’s castle placed delicately in the middle. 

Yeah. This one. 

Percy finds her as she is paying for her ears, a pair of his own already on his head, red balloons inside of plastic circles. The sunglasses, she notes with a tinge of nervousness, are tucked in his shirt, and not on his face, protecting his identity. “Oh, check mine out--they light up!” he says, giddy, pressing the button on the side, not that she can tell in the brightly lit shop.

“That’s not why I was looking.”

Walking out of the store, ears firmly in her possession, she looks around again. Percy’s face is out there for the world to see, and no one is giving them a hard time. 

And her hat is really sweaty. 

Ah, fuck it.

She removes the Yankees cap, shaking out her sweaty curls, sliding the ears on in its place.

And the glasses, for good measure.

“Cinderella?” Percy asks.

“I thought you’d approve.”

Outside the shop, next to a corn dog cart, Percy pulls her aside, out of the way of a whole classroom’s worth of children, holding up a plastic plag. “So, confession.”

“Percy…” He didn’t. “We said no gifts!” They had agreed to it that morning!

“Well, see,” he says, fumbling around in the bag, pulling out a black t-shirt. “I saw this, and I thought--I thought you might like it.”

He unfolds it, and Annabeth frowns at the shirt design. 

It’s… a drawing of a man in a purple mask against a solid black background, glaring at the viewer. Circling him, in distressed, white-grey military font, are the words “BARON ZEMO,” and the logo for the show he must star in, Marvel’s The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. She doesn’t really watch superhero shows, though, and she’s pretty sure Percy doesn’t, either. Maybe he’s started this one and he really likes it? “Thanks,” she says, confusion coloring her voice despite her best efforts. 

But he doesn’t look too disappointed. “I was looking through their pride merch, and they didn’t have any stuff with the ace flag, which totally sucks, but then I thought that maybe you might like something a little more subtle? So, yeah.” He shakes it. “Ace pride!”

Oh. Oh, this boy. 

She remembers, so vividly, visiting his father’s summer home on Kalymnos, a few years ago, the summer she turned nineteen, waking up to a banging in the kitchen, noisy pots and pans making a real racket. Granted, it had been one in the afternoon, and Annabeth probably should have been awake sooner, but she had stumbled out of the guest room into the kitchen, rubbing sleep out of her eyes, to the sight of Percy wrestling with the standmixer, making bright, neon purple frosting. The night before, sometime around three or four AM, that weird, liminal hour where the shadow of night just starts to recede, the sky a sweet, soft, dusky blue, she had come out as demisexual to her best friend, saying the words aloud for the first time ever. Loopy from lack of sleep, the moment had passed without much fanfare.

But Percy, dark-circled and still yawning, had woken up early to make her a chocolate cake. By the time she had woken up, he had baked the cake, chilled it, and made two out of the three frosting colors, a beautiful, moist, dark chocolate cake which ended up being frosted with a marbled mix of purple, black, and white, all folding into each other into a kind of colorless, grey sugar. 

Here, now, in Disneyland, she throws herself at him, wrapping his arms around his neck. His arms automatically come up to circle her, hugging her tight. 

She had been worried it had been some kind of defense mechanism. A young girl with an alarmingly high profile, Annabeth had been the subject of intense scrutiny with regards to any romantic entanglements, with critics, tabloid reporters, and fans alike attempting to invent gossip-worthy relationships with every boy she ever talked to--most usually Percy. They did grow up in the public eye together, attending all kinds of events and functions together over the last fifteen or so years. And they did tweet at each other. Like, a lot. They even had their own portmanteau hashtag. But no relationship ever materialized.

She thought maybe she was just being stubborn, unwilling to play the media game. But it hadn’t been stubbornness. It wasn’t about shyness or inexperience. It was real, and it was her.

And Percy hadn’t even blinked.

“I love it,” she murmurs. “Thank you.”

“Of course,” he says, swaying her from side to side, just a little. “It was my pleasure.”

***

What’s happening: #percabeth (Entertainment • trending)

@kndrck__ STREAM CHROMATICA: um @TheraUS @SwedenRoyals i think i found your sick royals? #percabeth #disneyland

@wasabiviking: omg werent they supposed to be at some hospital opening today #percabeth

@ChampionSno brando he/him: LMAOOO NOT #PERCABETH PLAYING HOOKY LIKE IT’S ROMAN HOLIDAY

***

“Holy shit,” Percy moans, his mouth full of food. “Oh my God. Dear God in Heaven.”

Annabeth kicks his ankle under the table. “Don’t be rude.”

He swallows, eyes fluttering. “Oh my God, Annabeth. Holy shit. This is the best damn sandwich I’ve ever had in my entire life.”

“A monte cristo?”

“A deep-fried monte cristo! In sweet batter!” Taking another bite, he moans again, just this side of indecent. “Oh my God I love Americans. They are absolute culinary geniuses.”

“Better than Bistrot Chez Rémy?” They had both been to Disneyland Paris, separately, sadly, and Percy had recommended the restaurant to her with great enthusiasm for her upcoming trip. As usual, he was spot on with his food recs. 

He nods, eyes closed in rapture. “By a mile.”

“You’ll have to learn to make your own when we get back home, then.”

He jolts, straightening up, cheeks full of food. Roughly, he swallows. “You’re right! I need to take notes.” And he takes out his phone, hurriedly typing down whatever scent and flavor notes he must be able to discern. “This is definitely challah…”

Plucking another piece of chicken with her fork out of her jambalaya, Annabeth lets her attention wander a little, content to watch the passengers on the Pirates of the Caribbean ride as they float on beside them, down in the artificially constructed bayou river. 

Truth be told, she’s kind of tired. They’ve been walking around all day, and even with the brief reprieve of rides, her shoes really aren’t the kind that deal well with huge amounts of walking. She can already tell that she’s going to crash, and crash hard, whenever they get back to their hotel. You know, if their security detail doesn’t eviscerate them first. 

When Percy had first presented his idea to her, she had agreed without hesitation. They had had a long, dense schedule of public appearances planned for their excursions to the states, and the days had begun to seriously wear them out. Together, they had worked out the kinks, coming up with contingencies, negotiating things to do, all over Discord so no one else would get wind of what they were doing. Prior to this trip, she hadn’t seen him in… probably almost a year. She knows his father had been keeping him close to home for whatever reason, and Annabeth had had a handful of official functions to deal with. Their paths just never managed to cross, up until now. 

She hadn’t realized how much she had missed him. 

It’s lonely, growing up in the public eye. It’s cliche, but it’s true. And while Annabeth is afforded a metric ton of various intersecting privileges, she thinks she’d probably give it up in a heartbeat. It kind of sucks being a living, breathing tourist attraction. 

Growing up, she had her cousin Magnus, and a handful of other assorted children to play with, but she would never say that she had a best friend, or even a good friend, until she’d met Percy. Her mother and his father, famous for their mutual dislike, had put aside their differences to host some kind of charitable dinner for the disgustingly wealthy, and had trotted out their respective children in all their finery. Annabeth, being all of twelve years old, hadn’t really grasped the gravity of the event, and had gotten into an itty bitty little food fight with the then-unknown Prince Perseus, the result of an extramarital affair whom his father had so graciously decided to acknowledge and adopt. 

After that night, they became fast friends, and she decided that, if she ever left the royal life, she’d make sure to take Percy with her. He’s one of the few things that makes her life bearable. 

She thinks about it, sometimes. Renouncing her title. It wouldn’t exactly be hard. There was Magnus, just in line behind her. And it’s not like her family held any executive power anyway. They’re just fancy, historically interesting celebrities. 

Would Percy give up his, she wonders?

“Hey.”

“Hm?”

He looks at her oddly over their dessert, two vanilla-bourbon creme brulees. “You okay?”

“Yeah,” she says. “Just tired. Long day.”

“You want to call it a night?”

She frowns. “What’s left?”

“Well, we did Space Mountain, Rise of the Resistance, Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, a few others,” he counts off his fingers, “saw the princesses, got Mickey ears, ate at Blue Bayou… I guess all that’s left is walking around the pier, if you want.”

“Sounds like you two had a full day.”

As one, they almost leap out of their seats, Annabeth choking on her spit. “Jesus, Zoe,” Percy pants, his hand over his chest. “You nearly gave me a heart attack.”

“Oh?” says Zoe Nightshade, the head of their security detail, who had just apparently materialized out of thin air. “Funny. I could say the same about you, sir.”

Coughing, Annabeth eventually manages to get her air back. “Hey, Zoe,” she wheezes. “How was your day?”

“Eventful. Let me tell you about it in the car.”

Annabeth glances at Percy, who’s looking a little bit like a deer in headlights. Honestly, she’s surprised they even made it this far without one of their own tracking them down. Still, it looks like their game is up. 

...Or is it?

Out of the corner of her eye, she sees a large tour group, approaching on the horizon.

“Sure,” Annabeth says, getting up. Luckily, they’ve already paid, so they can just head out; they don’t need to wait for another big group of people to cross their paths. “Will you let us go to the bathroom, first?”

Zoe squints. She’s always been able to see through Annabeth’s bullshit. But Annabeth has her best, Percy-patented baby seal eyes on, perfectly innocent. Surely, Zoe wouldn’t deny them a physical need such as relieving themselves?

After a moment, she nods. “Make it quick, if you please.”

“Of course,” Annabeth says, looking over at Percy, hoping he gets the message. He stands up, slow and stiff, eyes darting between the two of them. “We’ll be right back.”

They wander through tables and chairs towards the bathroom, her eyes always on the tour group as it just starts to pass by. Reaching out, Annabeth grabs Percy’s hand, and with a turn that would make her track coach proud, sprints out of the restaurant, using the throng of people as cover. 

She thinks she hears Zoe yelling behind them, but maybe it’s just her own laughter. “Come on!” she shrieks, breathless, as Percy’s long legs keep pace with her. “To California Adventure!”

***

darthbingus said: the monarchy are fucking parasites but percabeth is pretty cute i guess :/

ladyofsandwiches reblogged and said: it’s obviously a publicity thing lmao, also prince Percy is gay???

eowynning reblogged and said: he’s dating rachel dare, right? he can’t be gay 

ladyofsandwiches reblogged and said: That was a publicity thing too obvs, and Annabeth hasn’t ever been linked to a guy. The king of thera is hardline greek orthodox, there’s no way he’d let his son come out publicly. They’re both gay and pretending to date because homophobia

lardoftheprks reblogged and said: people can be bi and ace and pan and all sorts of things you know

batgirlcock reblogged and said: can you animals leave them alone fr

***

Zoe only spots them after the ferris wheel starts moving. Sprinting over to them, they’re still a full forty feet off the ground by the time she reaches the operator. “Sorry!” she yells down to her, hands cupping her mouth. “We’ll be down in ten minutes!”

“Ananbeth!” he chokes, giggles still escaping him. 

“What?” she laughs. 

“We’re in enough trouble as it is!”

“Exactly,” she says, settling back on the ride. “You’ll probably be grounded for life.”

“Me?” he squawks, playfully offended. “What about you?”

She scoffs. “Please. I’ll just pin it all on you.”

Leaning back, he pouts, arms crossed. “Wow. I plan this amazing day, violate a few embassorial rules, and probably put both of our countries on a massive red alert, and this is the thanks I get?”

“I helped plan it, too.” But he does have a point. “Thank you,” she says. “I had a lot of fun today.”

He turns his head to her, a grin stretching across his face. “Me too.” 

His voice is so soft, so fond. They share a look, a moment, no words between them, only the silence of a true, deep companionship. They don’t need to say anything else, because they already know what the other would say. 

As one, they break away, looking back out into the California evening. 

They don’t talk much as the ferris wheel climbs higher and higher. Honestly, Annabeth is kind of impressed with how well he’s handling himself--she knows heights are a bit of a weakness of his. He grabs the edges of their gondola every once in a while as it drops a few feet, knuckles white and face a little green, but he manages to keep his dinner down, even as the ferris wheel grinds to a halt, Percy and Annabeth at the top of the world. The swing back and forth a little, hot faces against the cool evening breeze. 

And they stay there. 

And stay there. 

And… stay there. 

Annabeth checks her watch. How long have they been up here?

Percy taps his feet, a little too frantic just to be ADHD. 

Finally, there’s a burst of noise from below them, garbled and static. “Uh, yes, excuse me--” the voice says, amplified through a megaphone. “Yeah, um, it appears we are having some… uh, technical difficulties with the Pixar Pal-A-Round. Please remain calm, as we have our best technicians on it, and we are working on evacuating the ride in a calm and efficient manner.” Then the voice cuts out. 

Annabeth glances towards Percy. He has his hands in his lap, fists clenching and unclenching, over and over again. “Uh… you okay?”

“Hm? Oh, sure,” Percy says, “just fine. Peachy keen.” He squeezes his eyes shut, slowly blowing out his breath through his mouth. 

“Hey.” She reaches over, and takes one of his hands in hers, lacing their fingers together. After a long day of holding hands, somehow it still manages to surprise her, how well they fit together, how her skin tingles as she rubs her thumb against his finger. “It’s gonna be fine. We’re gonna be just fine. They’re going to get us off this ride, and then we’ll fly home and be grounded for life.”

“I thought,” he wheezes, “you’d blame it all on me?”

“As if you could come up with a plan as genius as hiding from our guard in It's A Small World.”

He nods, shakily. “Right. All you. Definitely not my idea. Everyone knows I’d have looped back to Pirates of the Caribbean.”

“Definitely.” She squeezes his hand, scooting a little closer. “Just breathe with me a little, okay?”

They breathe together, slowly and evenly. At some point, Percy takes her hand in both of his, running his thumbs over her palm, tracing her lifelines like a map. His hands are big, and warm, and it seems to calm him down a little, so she doesn’t mind all that much. 

Twilight darkens, stars twinkling against the grey, dusky sky, and still they are holding hands. Eventually, Percy relaxes, slumping against his seat.

“You good?” 

He nods. He still doesn’t let go. “Yeah. Just…” he sighs, stretching his arms up, taking Annabeth’s hand with him. “Not super looking forward to the dressing down I’m going to get.”

She winces. Annabeth’s dad is a little more flexible than Percy’s when it comes to breaches of protocol. The king of Thera is somewhat famous for his paranoia. “I hope it was worth it.”

He whips his head to her, eyes wide. “Of course it was worth it!” he says, as though the opposite were even fathomable. “You kidding? This was the best day of my life.”

“Better than your sixteenth?” His father had officially acknowledged him that day. Annabeth had spotted him in a deserted hallway with his mother, the two of them fighting off a few happy tears. She knows just how special that day was for him. 

“Not even close.” Squeezing her hand, he smiles again, that smile she knows almost better than her own by now. That smile she grew up with, a quiet oasis in a whirlwind of ancient tradition and modern media coverage. That smile is safety, familiarity. That smile was there to greet her when her mother chose to leave her family, when her uncle died without heirs, thrusting the position of heiress on her, whenever she had a rotten day or a bad grade or a lonely night, just on the other end of a phone, or down the hall, or in the kitchen. 

Whatever happens, she knows, Percy will be her best friend. Her anchor. 

Her…

She swallows. “Thank you,” she says again. “I needed this.” A day without an agenda. A day just for them. 

His eyes are dark, and soft, like the water beneath them. One hundred and fifty feet in the air in a broken ferris wheel, there’s nowhere safer she can be. “Me too.”

So she’s not really surprised at herself when she says, “I’d really like to kiss you now.”

Eyes widening, just a hair, he opens his mouth, momentarily speechless. “You--are you sure?”

She nods, maybe a little too enthusiastically.

“Cool. Uh, me too.”

“Cool.”

Neither of them move. 

“So, do--do you want to--”

Annabeth leans in, her other hand cupping his cheek, and kisses him. 

His lips are soft. His mouth tastes like vanilla and bourbon. They are trapped in a metal box, one hundred and fifty feet off the ground, about to get the punishment of their lives when they get down, and it is absolutely, utterly perfect. 

And when Annabeth pulls back, there are fireworks. 

Quite literally.

Percy’s face glows with pink and green and purple, and a little fire in his eyes that’s all him. The pops of the fireworks, loud and brassy, and muted, completely overshadowed by the pounding of her heart in her chest. 

They rest their heads against each other, breathing each other’s air, quiet and intimate, the calm before the storm that is surely coming. But that’s fine. Let it come, she thinks. She’ll be safe with Percy.

When the park technicians eventually get the ferris wheel moving again, Percy and Annabeth disembark from the gondola like nothing’s even gone wrong, waving to the crowd of people, fans, and reporters alike, who have swarmed the pier, phones and cameras held aloft in a constellation of light, before being quickly hurried away by Zoe and her crew, ushered to the end of the pier where Annabeth’s embassy’s car is waiting. 

Percy doesn’t let go of her hand once. 

***

KALYMNOS, GREECE--Prince Percy has arrived on the island for his family’s annual summer retreat, bringing his girlfriend, Princess Annabeth of Sweden, with him for the fifth year in a row, and the third as his official partner. Lifelong friends, the couple were most recently seen at Disneyland Tokyo, continuing something of a tradition for the two royals where they visit Disneyland parks across the globe. Our sources inside the castle are hinting that the family is planning something big this year. Could we see a proposal by the end of summer? Be sure to subscribe for more updates!

[vagrantblvrd]

Really though.

Hero of the Rebellion and all-around golden boy Luke Skywalker with a price on his head everyone’s always reminding him about like he doesn’t know.

And also, it’s not as bad as everyone seems to think it is because he’s just a farm boy from Tatooine, not a sort of almost former smuggler - “I’m getting better about it! Ask Chewie, he’ll tell you!” Or a princess/senator “Politics are just like that, Luke,” or other assorted people he could name.

“Well maybe if we didn’t have to rescue you from certain death every other week, we wouldn’t continue to have these conversations, Luke.”

And then, like.

This random Mandalorian who picks up a bounty on some planet or other where Luke was seen committing crimes...because reasons.

(Tied to his own death-defying shenanigans or swooping in to help Han or Leia or whoever with their death-defying shenanigans, whatever.)

The local equivalent of some hooligan blowing into town and partaking in hooliganery or what have you.

Small-time stuff, but the bounty’s still out on him or whatever years later, rright? Forgotten in the face of the whole...Death Stars nonsense and also death of the emperor and subsequent fall of the empire, and look, they just had bigger problems to worry about, right?

But then - again - this random Mandalorian shows up and the pickings are slim and his ship needs new parts and so on.

Sure, the bounty’s a few years old by this point and no one’s expecting anyone to pick it up, but it’s still a paying job.

So anyway, anyway.

That’s how Din picks up a bounty for this blond-haired idiot and it’s like.

Starts out as this regular job, right? Nothing super time sensitive, and also because this is Luke - and, okay, also Din - Complications arise.

Things like Din getting sidetracked by other, bigger matters - a small, green gremlin child at one point, just as an example.

Luke and his, well, everything.

Not to say hat Din doesn’t try to catch the blond-haired idiot, he does, just.

Stuff happens.

Things where he shows up just a little too late to catch Luke, but the local baddie’s base of operations is literally on fire and the locals - while grateful, are still reeling because wow, okay, wow.

New Republic will be by soon to help with the clean-up, but until then there’s work to be had.

Henchpersons and such hiding in the hills above a nearby town causing trouble and maybe there’s something in it for the Mandalorian if he helps out? (Payment, of course, what little they have to spare and so on, but also wide-eyed kids and a community in need and Din’s not heartless, alright?)

And so on.

Once or twice he actually runs into Luke, but it’s the kind of situation where they have to work together for survival and maybe one of them is injured so the other has to tend to their wounds.

Some bickering that turns to bantering and friendly-ish conversation and mutual respect that has Din looking the other way while Luke ~escapes because of course he does.

Other similar situations where Din’s not all that bothered about collecting the bounty on Luke’s head anymore because it’d just be awkward, what with all the times Luke’s saved his life and the like?

But still.

He uses the bounty as an excuse to get Luke out of some local authority’s hands a time or two, pretends they aren’t enemies or whatver people think as he drags Luke out of a cell and marches him through town to his ship, Luke’s head lowered, shoulders slumped and looking like a properly defeated criminal in the hands of a renowned bounty hunter to keep from laughing himself sick.

(Din all >:(((((((((((((((( because he hates Luke so much, seriously, so much and maybe this time he really will bring him in and collect that bounty because it would serve the smug bastard right.)

Other such shenanigans, and the whole goddamned time Din never realizes Luke’s a Jedi - Luke doesn’t hide the fact, but he’s always disarmed or unable to use his Jedi powers or Din’s unconscious and therefore misses the part where Luke is seriously OP and not a little terrifying??? So yes.)

Also?

Flirting.

So much flirting and Din is like “...” because usually they are in a Dire Situation in which someone/something is actively trying to make them super, duper dead, and maybe now is not the time, okay!!1!

(Maybe, though. Maybe a kiss, that one time it really did look like they were going to die on some planet no one remembered the name of, and Luke’s tired laugh as Din pressed their foreheads together, moments before a battered freighter - the kind smugglers tended to favor - roared overhead and one hell of a dramatic rescue took place, Din slipping away before he could draw too much attention to himself because Luke’s people and anyway, anyway, he had pressing business elsewhere and. Just. Yes.)

AND THEN.

The thing with Gideon and rescuing Grogu and what looks like a last stand before an X-Wing shows up Din is like “No....but maybe? No.

(...but maybe?)

Because Luke’s proven to have impeccable timing in the past and it’s been a while (years, and maybe some other bastard of a bounty hunter less likely to have a soft spot for Luke caught up to him, and really, what are the odds?) since the last time their paths crossed.

That whole thing where Luke was like not today, assholes, and tore through a platoon of Dark Troopers because Skywalkers are nothing if not dramatic bastards at heart, but also Din and that call for help and just -

“You’re a Jedi?”

Because they’ve known one another for years by that point, and Din should probably be more surprised about that revelation?

But also, okay, also.

Luke is just that guy, the one who just goes and does shit like that like it’s nothing, and Din is so very tired at the moment and maybe he’ll have a freakout later, but for now -

Yes.

...And then he and Grogu go off to train with Luke, because really, what else would they do? Grogu needs to be with his kind - and wow, okay, the look Luke gives Din when he says that, like his heart isn’t in his throat and all the love he has for that tiny green gremlin child of his and Din’s everything, and just.

Luke is like, “Why am I not surprised you’d say that?” because Din, but also Luke, and they’re too alike in that way, and anyway.

Din thinking he’ll have to leave, because attachments and dangerous and better that way, but then Luke asks about the Darksaber, and Din tells him - still confused, bewildered, because why and ugh no, and really, no, someone else take this stupid thing.

Which means - naturally - Luke has to train him how to wield it - “Laser sword, Din. I have one” - and Din shouldn’t accept for all the reasons he listed off above?

But.

He’d be stupid to turn Luke down, and he’ll leave as soon as he’s able, but of course ,of course, because it’s Din and Luke (and Grogu) Complications arise.

Things like the whole being in love with Luke even though he delights in being a smug bastard and other things and just.

Look.

When Leia comes to Luke to ask his opinion about rumors floating around of the new king of Mandalore and so on and how they could entice them to join the New Republic only to find her brother shacked up with the man in question and helping raise his green gremlin of a child?

Well.

(She was never keen on the forming alliances by marrying people off deal? But hey, if it works it works, right?)

[nocturius8015ficore]

Fanfiction #10: Duty, sir!

Nocturius: 10th Republic Commando fanfiction! I know, it looked like you have skipped a few, it's just that one is fresh from the oven and I though you folks would want to read a comforting one today. All my ficts readable independently anyway.

Enjoy!

---

Title: Duty, sir!

Fandom: Star Wars Republic Commando books by Karen Traviss

Characters: Null ARC trooper Captain Ordo and RC-8015 ''Fi''

Rating: Family-friendly ** better if you know the book or are familiar with the characters**

Topic: Solidarity, Hope.

Pitch: Omega squad are on a off-duty break on Coruscant. Ordo called Fi in his office for a private talk.

----

📖📖📖📖📖📖📖

Duty, sir!

by Fi-Core/Nocturius

Somewhere between Triple Zero and True Colors

Arca Company Barracks, Triple Zero (Coruscant)

After the black op on Coruscant where they pretended to be on leave, Omega Squad didn’t have a lot of proper days off. Getting back on Triple Zero mostly meant for them, getting quick fixes with bacta, updating their HUDs with new perks and replacing damaged equipment. Sometimes they had a proper debriefing with General Zey and his aid, Alpha ARC trooper Captain Maze, but it was usually Ordo’s who collected Niner’s reports. By the same occasion, they could exchange some very off-grid intel. Love letters for Darman and Atin, snacks from Kal Skirata and Bardan Jusik.

Niner usually kept himself busy with familiarizing himself with updating procedures and getting ready for the next mission, Fi, on the other hand, didn’t have much to do. No girlfriends to wait for him, or care, he felt pretty lonely during those times. Which was also a perfect occasion to annoy Ordo with his endless blathering.

Fi never fully understood why the Null ARC trooper tolerated him. That’s true, Ordo saw Fi saving a bunch of police officers on Coruscant a couple months ago but that didn’t explain why he let the vein on his forehead pulsate with irritation. The commando’s intuition was usually good about guessing when to stop pushing buttons  but with the Null, it was hard to predict.

That’s why when Fi received a direct message on his ‘pad from his brother, he didn’t know what to think about. The Null asked him to talk…privately. 

‘’ Wanna see me alone Captain? Should I have brought flowers and chocolate for this secret date? ’’ Fi said, joking his way into the private quarter and testing the water. 

‘’ ‘Wouldn't mind the snacks, ner vod. Want some caf? ‘’

‘’ Sure! Can you draw a cute tooka-cat in the milk? I love when people make fun patterns in their drinks! ’’

‘’ No snacks, no fun patterns.’’ Ordo answered, deadpan.

‘’ ‘Will remember that for next time! So… How can I help? ’’

‘‘Sit. Please.’’

‘’Okay… ’’

Ordo poured a very hot and high quality smelling jug of caf, gave one mug to his brother and took a sip in his before developing.

‘’ I would like to ask you how do you cope. ‘’

Fi looked at the Null ARC with wide eyes. Clearly, he didn’t expect that question.

‘’ What do you mean? ’’

‘’ I’m not asking, how are you today, I’m asking you how you manage to stay cheery and smiling all the time. I see how you are with your squad. Always lifting them up.‘’

The commando stopped playing with the spoon in his mug and looked at the wall, slightly unfocused. 

‘’ I just do, Captain. I have to keep going.’’ he said with a tone of voice that was not entirely convincing.’’

‘’ I wish I could learn to be more carefree. ‘’

‘’ Oh.’’ Fi said,  tasting his drink appreciatively. ‘’ ‘Telling you the truth sir, I am not. Quite the opposite. I care a lot. ‘’ 

‘’ So. How do you cope then? ’’

The trooper stood up and walked a few steps in the room, his face showing a very neutral expression. 

‘’ I don’t. ‘’

‘’ Vod.’’

Not knowing what to do, the Null also stood up and joined the commando on his side of the office. 

‘’ I know I have some gaps in understanding social cues, but I had no idea… ‘’ he said softly.

‘’ Because I’m good at masking it. Remember Kamino? I couldn't afford looking all sad and moody, what would have happened to me? Depressed clones are not fit for duty. ‘’

‘’ I know that.’’

‘’ What I truly feel doesn’t matter to anyone. ‘’

‘’ It matters to me and to Kal’buir. ’’ 

‘’ And to my squad I suppose. That’s why I don’t want to be a burden for them. If I can make them smile, at least I can help them in a way. We all lost our pod squad. We are a patchwork one, as Delta would say.’’ 

‘’ Delta are di’kute. They don’t understand what you lads have been through.’’

‘’ I still don’t wish any of them to go missing. It feels like… I’ve lost a part of myself in Geonosis.’’ 

‘’ I don’t know how I would react if I was to lose one of my five close brothers, Kal… or you. Please stop calling me sir and Captain between us, just call me Ordo or vod.’’

‘’ Thanks then… I didn’t know I was counting this much for you.’’ 

They both stayed in silence for a while, drinking awkwardly till Fi finished his caf.

‘’ It’s not that I lie or pretend to be cheery you know… I just want you to know that. I do it because it’s who I am. My duty sort of speaks. Who will make the squad smile in the darkest hour if not me? How can I expect to have something to look forward to if not the next joke popping in my mind to have a laugh? Without those funny bits in our lives, we have nothing left as a being. ‘’

Ordo took a deep breath and looked his brother in the eyes for a long moment. 

‘’I think I have some leftover biscuits. Want me to share with you? Want more caf? ‘’

‘’ Certainly! Let me draw a fun pattern in the milk then! I’m not a super barista artist, but I can manage to make my ideas understandable. ‘’

‘’ Help yourself. ‘’ said the Captain. Fi drew something with the spoon and put some extra spices tactically. Then he turned to his bigger brother with a sparkle in the eyes. ‘’ That’s no cute tooka-cats… That’s a fierfek d* …’’

‘’ … And fit for duty, sir! I mean, Ordo! ‘’ He interrupted him and smiled mischievously.

End

📖📖📖📖📖📖📖

[greenygreenland]

The Floor Is Lava: (Platonic) 501st x Jedi Reader

-saw something about the floor is lava and imagined this in my head at like 3am

-note, you are a jedi padawan of shaak ti’s with your own squad (who are actually my ocs lol). They are called the Nebula Squad (the squad is actually from Wannabe, another one of my Star Wars fanfics)

-basically, you are someone who acts alone (without your master) and goes on special ops missions. you team up with anakin a lot

-CAN BE READ WITHOUT HAVING TO READ WANNABE

Summary: The floor is lava.

Spring came early. Too early. Maybe it was the fact that this planet had short winters, or the fact that you just weren't used to the warm breezes and scorching heat. After being stationed on Hoth for a good two weeks, you adjusted to the climate. With that came the curse of low heat tolerance.

"I'm going to die." you grumbled.

Your mission was in the more civilised (that was how one of your boys put it) regions of the planet. For some strange reason only the Force knew, your ship broke down in the worst place: a deserted village. Why was this the worst place? Because there was no way you could repair a broken ship without spare parts.

And where were spare parts located? In the city you were supposed to land in. Great, just great.

“(Y/n), can’t we contact General Skywalker for assistance?” inquired Nova. “We are supposed to RV with them anyway.”

Nova was your friend and assigned clone Commander. He, like you, had a knack for getting into sticky situations. Usually he was the one with the plan B, not you. “I can ask Grav and Nimbus if they can get a signal out over there.” He pointed to the mountain on your right. It was tall with a jagged top, where thick forests of luscious greenery sprouted out all over.

Yeah, good luck getting through that.

“You mean to tell me there’s no signal here?” you inquired. “Just how remote is this place?” Even with that bucket over Nova’s face, you knew he was frowning and holding back a long sigh. “Intel said--”

“Intel’s always wrong.” cut in a voice. You peered over Nova’s broad shoulders and met gazes with another member of your squad, Icee. He was just as tall as Nova, sporting the Squad’s signature purple stripes and it’s logo--a nebula. Over his shoulder, he held tight to a sniper rifle. The thing was a beauty, as well as his baby.

“The three things you can never trust are the weather forecast, the canteen menu, and intel. Plain and simple, vode.” Icee added. You shook your head, swatting a few mosquitoes away with a wave of your hand. “If that big ‘ol mountain is the only place we can get a signal from, then I say we go. All of us.”

Nova nodded in agreement. He shouldered his pack, adjusted a few straps on his kama and weapons, and motioned for the rest of the squad to move out. “Is there anything we should know about the wildlife here?” he inquired. “My HUD’s picking up the usual birds and rascals. I’d rather not risk it though. Remember Felucia?”

A shiver ran down your spine at the mention of that jungle-hell. Everywhere you walked lay a deadly plant in need of its next meal. They snuck up on you too, striking out of nowhere like the silence of night. Your number one rule there was not to touch anything.

“There are a few carnivorous plants south of here,” answered Nimbus. “Besides that, all we have to worry about are the birds.” You admired the way he was able to brief everyone so quickly. The only other clone you’ve met with such a well of info was Tech, a member of Clone Force 99.

“What do the birds look like?” you inquired. Nimbus scrunched up his face under that bucket of his. “I don’t think you wanna know.” Grav squinted at the screen and pushed his brother’s head with the back of his hand. It wasn’t enough to hurt him, but you sensed a lingering annoyance in the air after. 

“What, you scared of some little bird Nimbus?“ he teased. Nimbus wordlessly flipped over his datapad for everyone to see. The screen displayed a large bird-like creature with long fangs covered in drool. Its eyes were beady and bloodthirsty, as if it wanted you to be its next meal.

Nimbus scanned over the heading. “This is a...uh...Kah-rah...Kahl-ram-dah-lahm-dahl...?”

“Kara’dalamb’da.” corrected Storm. He pulled off his helmet, the low ponytail of his fanning out in the warm breezes. “I’ve read about them once. They’re not the type of creatures I’d want to run into. They drag you to their caves, pull you apart limb, and then chew you alive. The worst part is that they don’t eat you.”

Nimbus knitted his brows together. “So we’re like chewing gum to them?”

“Exactly.” Storm affirmed. “They come out at night time, then stay around till dawn before hiding in their caves.” Icee blanched and you couldn’t blame him. You were all heading towards the mountains, where plenty of caves and labyrinths lay. There were probably tons of those Kara-whatevers waiting for their dinner.

You folded your hands together with a tight frown. “Is there another way of getting a signal to Anakin?” George shook his head sadly. You sensed an overwhelming amount of resignation rolling off his shoulders. “No. Even if I tried use long-range comms, it wouldn’t work. There’s too much interfering with the signal.”

There was a chance you could telepathically contact Anakin. He’d answer in an instant and personally come to find you. But that would drain your energy. Your boys needed you more than you needed to contact Ani. If you became dead-weight then it would compromise the mission.

“Alright,” you decided. “We have twelve hours to scale that mountain and hurry our shebs to the ship. If we don’t make it back in time, consider ourselves toast.”

You wished you’d consider yourself toast from the start. If that were the case, then you wouldn’t be running for your life. The mission up was a success. You managed to reach the highest point on the mountain in less than eight hours by ways of a local trail (Nimbus noted that this was a popular tourist spot in autumn). Then you contacted Rex, who promised to RV at the foot of the mountain.

The way down was a different story.

It was dusk when you made your descend. The moon rose into the sky while the sun shied away, and if it weren’t for the boys and their helmet lamps, you wouldn’t have been able to see a thing. At first, the walk back was completely fine. The boys were in good spirits and you weren’t hungry for (favourite food).

But then it didn’t go well.

It wasn’t your fault that you didn’t see the giant jaws of death looming over you, or Nimbus, who started arguing with Grav. Again. It also wasn’t you fault that George so happened to trip over a rock and slam into Sapnap, who tried breaking his fall by grabbing onto Halo’s arm. The three went down together, and with the heavy clanking of katarn-class armour, you were sure the whole animal kingdom heard the show.

And that was how the Nebula Squad found themselves in this mess, fleeing from the horrifying Kara’dalamb’da.

“This is your fault Grav!” cried Nimbus. They bumped heads and it took all your willpower not to join the screaming match. “Shut up,” replied Grav. “You were the one who started it!” Nimbus gritted his teeth. “You who else started this?” he seethed. “Them!” He pointed over his shoulder at Halo, George, and Sapnap. They were the ones who had fallen, after all. Why else did the beast wake up?

“It wasn’t my fault!” cried George. Sapnap scoffed and it was lost to the screech of the oversized bird above. “No one said it was your fault anyway! You just have a guilty conscious!”

You eyed the bird with a sharp scowl. It flew higher, into the haunting light of the moon and across the stars. It gave a great screech again. You covered your ears as a shiver ran down your spine. “Is there any place we can hide from that thing? I’m pretty sure it can smell us from klicks away!”

“That’s correct Commander!” Nimbus congratulated. By the light aura around his shoulders, you guessed him and Grav already made up. They always had petty arguments anyway. “The Kara’dalamb’da has an incredible sense of smell and a wingspan of about ten meters! That’s pretty cool.”

Storm stared at his brother in bewilderment. “How is that cool?” he demanded. “You want to be chop suey for that thing? Be my guest.” Halo laughed a little. You knew he was doing it to shake off his nerves. “Why’d you have to go on and say that? Now I’m going to start singing.”

You scanned the forest. For miles, it seemed to be only forest, wildlife, and bare nature. A flicker of...something cut through your senses. Calculating, at the ready, and deadly. You paused in your step, Storm mimicking you. He met your gaze. “You sense it too?”

“Maybe it’s them.”

You heard them before you saw them.

“Blast that bird out of the sky!”

A squad of 501st troops rustled through the trees. They were silent as the night, save for one trooper who decided to whisper-shout a ‘hi’ to your squad. Their formation, lame as it was, worked in their favour. They raised their blaster, lighting up the sky with bright bolts of blue.

“Can we get a rocket launcher over here?”

“Yes, sir!”

The bird dropped out of the sky with a cry, razor-sharp teeth bared and claws at the ready. It was coming closer, diving faster. You pulled out your lightsaber and thumbed it on.

I am one with the Force and the Force is with me.

You heaved in a deep breath and leapt into the moonlight. Your robes fluttered in the wind, and your hair whipped in arc of (hair colour). It was like you had wings. Time slowed and you raised your lightsaber. It came down in a neat slash across the beast’s neck.

You tumbled through the air and met the ground in a roll. The beast fell behind with a loud THUMP!. You turned off your glowing blade and stashed it away on your belt. The adrenaline keeping your nerves hidden away was slowing, and the realisation that you just murdered a beast settled into your mind.

Part of you wished things could have been different. But what choice did you have?

“Commander!” called Nova, stopping by your side. “Are you okay?” You smiled and he heaved out a sigh of relief. “That was some jump, but now look.” He pointed to your dirt-covered robes. It wasn’t a big deal, but to someone like Nova, it was an issue.

“Here.” Nova helped you dust off the robe with a few pats. “That’s better.”

“Oh, it didn’t look bad.” you stated. He folded his arms across his chest. “That’s what you always say (Y/n).” You grinned and bumped shoulders with him. He replied by playfully shaking his head with a sigh.

A familiar boy made his way towards you. Even through the moonlight struggling through the thick canopies, you saw the chipped blue paint. “Rex,” you greeted. “Thanks for the assistance. Although, I wish you toned it down a bit. You made my squad look like a bunch of young fools.” A loud ‘hey’ sounded from your boys, but you elected to ignore it with a grin.

“Your squad did a phenomenal job in staying alive that long.” Rex said with a chuckle. “And besides, you stole the show in the end. The boys had fun watching your display.” You three shared a warm laugh that reminded you of the sun.

Speaking of sun, was it just you or did it get brighter outside? You looked up to gaze at the moon. It still stood high in the sky, just as before. The stars were out too, bright and clear as ever. So why had the temperature risen so quickly? It was at least another eight hours till dawn. That was more than enough time for the moon to stay out.

A scattered cluster of birds flew from out of the trees. Was it just you or was the forest getting really silent? Owls refused to hoot, those kara-whatevers weren’t screeching from their caves, and crickets stopped chirping their calming songs.

“WOAH, WOAH, WOAH!”

“I TOLD YOU IT WAS HERE!”

“I THOUGHT IT WAS IN THE SOUTH!”

You spun around so fast that you could have gotten whiplash. Sapnap, George, and Halo sprinted from out of the thick trees with their helmet lights on the highest setting. You squinted behind them. Something had to be chasing them, otherwise they wouldn’t be sprinting like track stars.

But you didn’t see any deadly animals, nor did you sense them. All that was left was an...

...an eerie silence.

You thought back to the briefing. Back to the meeting you nearly fell asleep in. If it weren’t for Icee kicking your feet every now and then, then you would have passed out completely.

“On this outer rim planet, I suggest you be careful,” Obi-wan had said. “The locals reported the activity of volcanoes erupting unexpectedly. They believe it has to do with an angry spirit plaguing their land, but we’ve found out the Separatists have a hand behind this.”

“Do you know where these volcanoes are, General Kenobi?” inquired Grav. He shook his head. “No, but I’m sure you won’t have to know. The city under siege is our main objective. You will rendezvous with Anakin there.”

Sapnap, George, and Halo motioned for everyone to move. There was a flicker of movement behind them. Fives emerged from the bushes in a frantic sort of panic. “LAVA!” he cried. “THE FLOOR IS LITERALLY LAVA!”

That was all it took for everyone to run. As uncoordinated as the retreat was, having lava behind you wasn’t exactly something anyone could stay calm about. The glowing magma was faster than it was supposed to be, and you had a feeling it was because it had a nice flow coming out of the planet’s core.

“Talk about an intense game of ‘the floor is lava’!” Hardcase shouted with a laugh. Jesse ‘pffted’. “I thought being chased by lava would be worse! This isn’t nearly as bad as last mission!”

Last mission? Oh, what was Ani doing to these poor souls? Your shoulders slumped in defeat. They were so nonchalant. How? Burning to death in lava was said to be the most painful death, and you’d rather not be Gollum in his last moments on Mount Doom.

“Why don’t you turn that frown upside down?” inquired Fives. You hadn’t even realised he’d caught up with you. “What are you talking about?”

“It’s just a bit of lava!”

You threw a hand over your shoulder and pointed to the glowing, hot mass. It burned through everything it touched. A fire was beginning to catch too, and all the smoke and ash from it wasn’t doing you any good. “Just a bit of lava? Well how would you feel running into that?”

“I don’t know!” he retorted. “Never tried it!”

“If you did, then you’d be dead!” Kix shouted. You face-palmed. “That’s a bit of a no-brainer!” Fives pulled off his helmet. The grin smacked upon his lips didn’t leave. “Who’s up for a round of ‘the floor is lava’?”

“Me!” said Jesse.

“And me!” added Hardcase.

“You guys need to cool it.” Kix said. “But don’t leave me out, I want to play too.”

You let out a long sigh. The 501st may have saved your skin today, but tomorrow? They’d probably get you killed.

TIP JAR <--- (if you’re feeling nice)

[youhavethewrong]

for that tumblr post about star wars, I feel like they meant more what the force awakens set up, new protag that came from nothing (concept ruined), a rebel storm trooper (concept ruined). Unfortunately they really dropped those balls among many others like right after with the last jedi, but at least we got old cranky luke

First of all you have no idea how much my heart dropped after I posted an opinion about star wars on the internet and then got a notification in my inbox

Second of all, yeah, I agree! I made that post half-joking, I mostly wanted to make the fortnite joke. But at the time of posting I really couldn't think of anything original or thought-provoking that the sequel trilogy did. And then I remembered some things!

The idea of a stormtrooper realizing that his side is in the wrong and rebelling against it is interesting. The idea that you have a weapons dealer who sells ships to both the first order and the resistance because "it's all the same in the end" is interesting. The idea that the protagonist comes from literally nothing important but is still strong enough to make change is interesting (and new to at least Star Wars). The idea that the main character is now old and cranky and hates the force is interesting.

As OP said these are all good ideas that were completely botched in execution. What's the point of showing stormtroopers can have individuality if you're gonna mow them down by the dozen later anyway. What's the point of setting it up that both sides are the same because they both promote war if then the weapon dealer ends up being objectively evil and deceitful anyway. What's the point of setting up that you don't need to be special to make a change if you're then gonna go back to "actually Rey is powerful because she comes from one of the most powerful families in the galaxy" anyway.

The most interesting thing they did and executed well was cranky old Luke, but it's kinda weird knowing that Mark Hamill felt uncomfortable with the whole thing because he thought it was out of character. At least the man's an absolute professional and he hit it out of the PARK with his performance.

I don't like to be the kind of person who goes online to shout about how so and so director ruined Star Wars but man. JJ Abrams is not a good writer by any metric. Weird that he got so high up in the industry without having a grasp of basic set up and payoff storytelling. Mystery box buncha baloney.