Ask Close to Home

[Corran Velt]

Canto Bight, Cantonica​

A setting sun contrasted against the bright lights that illuminated the darkening sky from the city streets. Nearby, coastal waves softly came in and out against a sandy beach near high cliffs. The city of Canto Bight, with its Naboo-like architecture, looked picturquese. Like many things in the galaxy, nothing everything was as it seemed. Black collar crime was almost totally unknown, thanks to the constant vigilance of the well-trained police. White collar crimes went on without interruption, as long as you didn’t make too many enemies in the process.

Someone running afoul of that common sense was probably why the Sector Rangers were here. An anonymous tip along with some scant evidence and a location were provided to Ranger headquarters back on Coruscant. Either someone in the Canto Bight PD wanted to get even or someone of significant social status wanted to knock a competitor down a peg. Weapons smuggling and arms dealing were a tradition as old as the First Order Crisis on this world, and their suspect was neck deep in dealing it to various criminal organizations. The tip had come with a more damning accusation: selling defective medical supplies. Such resources in the Outer Rim were worth more than blasters and that’s saying something. Catching them in the act was the only way to get hard evidence on them and hopefully tried in court.

The anonymous data-packet suggested an old sauna and massage lounge was the front for the suspect to meet with various dealers or even buyers. It was a small building - only one story - and seemed empty most of the day.

The dwelling the Rangers had taken up in for surveillance was drab, non-descript, and easily forgettable from street view. It was sold as a hotel room for the less ritzy guests to the world – the more common citizens of the galaxy who wanted to catch a weekend of gambling or the sights. It was more like a closet. The bathroom was small. The beds were passable. The windows had blinds, at least. The best thing about it was that it sat directly across the street from the massage parlor. From their vantage point, the Rangers could lie in wait for the right moment to pounce.

The most difficult part so far was that Corran was working in tandem with Ranger Falynn Tikarsis for the first time. Alone. The two had set up their temporary abode hours before and not said much since. Mostly because the young man was pretty anxious about the whole thing. He didn't know her very well and didn't want to make a fool of himself on their first assignment together. Corran was laying on his stomach, peering through some macrobinoculars, mounted on a tiny tri-pod for comfort and stability, that tucked through the blinds discreetly. Like he had been for awhile. Without looking away from his scopes, the male Ranger finally asked, "Do you want to play 20 Questions? Maybe that's not what it's called. The game where you ask each other one question and trade off."

Anything was better than more silence.

@FireSong

 

[Falynn Tikarsis]

Falynn stared across the room, watching as light filtered through cracks in the blinds and cast shadows on the bare floor. Yet her attention wasn’t on the window, but rather on what was beyond it. The bright city of Canto Bight. Dazzling in all of its extravagance and splendor, it was the main spot of interest on the desert planet of Cantonica, and also happened to be Falynn’s birthplace.

It had been eight years since Falynn had been back home. If she could even call it that anymore. She hadn’t visited once since leaving for Coruscant and her medical program, at least not until today. When she’d discovered the location of her assignment, Falynn had almost dropped her datapad in surprise. Being called back to her home world because of duty had been one of the few things she hadn’t considered. Mainly because crime was hard to pinpoint in the affluent city. Too often it was allowed to be neatly covered up and nothing ended up being reported. That was one of the things that frustrated Falynn the most about Cantonica. Of course, the fact that leaked information had alerted the Sector Rangers enough to send a team out should have pleased her more. And it probably would have if Falynn hadn’t been the one assigned.

A quick side glance told her that her partner, Ranger Corran Velt, was still intently focused on the establishment opposite the hotel. They had spoken very little since setting up and Falynn hadn’t done anything to help that. In general, she thought herself an adequate conversationalist, but she just couldn’t seem to find anything to say in the moment. Falynn was becoming increasingly more nervous the more time she spent here. This mission was quite literally too close to home for her liking and she was afraid of what that might mean for her. Especially because she was working with someone else.

Then a voice sounded above the quiet. 20 Questions. He was asking her if she would like to play 20 Questions. Falynn was familiar with the game, having played it as a little girl. Back when any answer was harmless enough. “Okay...I’ll play.” Her voice seemed far away. In truth, she wouldn’t mind getting to know the Ranger better, and what better opportunity than the one that lay before her? After a moment, she thought of her question. “Do you have any hobbies, or things you like to do outside of work?” Was that too personal? She didn’t do things like this very often.

@TerranSteel

 

[Corran Velt]

On second thought, maybe he had been a bit juvenile in asking her to play a game children often did. Although she wouldn't see it, Corran's mouth grimaced in mild embarrassment beneath the macrobinoculars. As far as he had seen, Ranger Tikarsis was the epitome of professionalism and decorum. Not even the wounds and chaos of the medical needs in the field had shaken her. By nature of her doctoral background, she had more traditional education than Corran by a long-shot. She probably liked talking about the arts, or philosophy, or the human condition. 20 Questions, what was he think--

“Okay...I’ll play.”

Oh. That was unexpected. Though her voice seemed distant. Shy, maybe? That seemed unlikely to the young man. A few moments passed as Corran tried to conjure up a question to ask. Nothing immediately came. Well, plenty of questions did but not the kind you start off about asking. Mercifully, and somewhat surprisingly, Falynn asked first. "Hobbies? Mhmm..." That would require some thought. Fingers tapped rhythmically on the carpeted floor as the male Ranger reviewed the archives in his mind.

"I don't get a lot of time outside of work, as you can imagine," Corran began, admitting a near universal truth for all Rangers, "But... I like to read. A lot. I'm somewhat of a novice historian." Unlike many pilots, the blond youth didn't have a droid on his ship and very rarely had company. Holobooks were the best way to pass the time and although he never had attained higher education, there was a thirst for knowledge. Plus some fictional stories were great escapism. Corran pulled back from the scope and looked over his shoulder back at his partner, "I work out regularly too, I guess. But I think all Rangers do. I'm pretty good at Hintaro, but I haven't played that much since my merchant fleet days." All of this was beginning to sound like he was a dull person to his own ears. His duties consumed a lot of his time. Was that an excuse or the truth? "I'll try anything at least once though. I like new experiences."

That was certainly honest. He had seen countless ports and worlds during his trader years and as a Ranger. Only places he actively disliked were Nar Shaddaa and Dxun, so far. Everything else had redeeming qualities he admired. Well, maybe not the Manaan system. But that was because the memories there were mostly blaster fire and body bags. The male Ranger returned his eyes to the scope, keeping an eye on the building across the street. So far, no one. Not even pedestrians. Maybe nightfall would increase foot traffic. It was his turn to ask a question though.

"Who do think would win in a fight? Bast or me?" His voice sounded genuinely curious and that it wasn't a leading question. It was one he asked himself plenty of times and never could really parse out a plausible answer. Falynn might offer some third party insights that Corran hadn't considered. It also helped that the seemingly innocent question might offer up some insights into the medic as well.

@FireSong

 

[Falynn Tikarsis]

The more Falynn thought about her question, the less appealing to her it seemed. If the same question had been asked of her, she wouldn’t have very much to say. But what was said, was said and she would just have to wait for an answer. It turned out Corran did have some fascinating hobbies. She listened intently as he spoke. With each new piece of information received, various broken thought fragments floated into her head.

Yes, it wasn’t often she had time to herself. That was something that had never changed with her profession, not that Falynn minded. Between having a constant stream of duties or being in an endless state of boredom, she would choose the former every time. Hearing of Corran’s interest in reading made Falynn smile. She was the same way. Her love of learning was one of the reasons she’d pursued the ever growing field of medicine. Corran turned to face her and continued, speaking of Hintaro and his merchant fleet days. Now that was interesting. The dice game frequented the tables at the Canto Casino. Falynn had even tried it, at a friend’s request, only to discover how awful she was at the game. She’d never played again. One question in, and the medic was already learning more about her partner. What kind of question would she have to answer in return?

The question of who would win was one to which there was decidedly not one answer. But if he was genuinely curious, Falynn could try to answer to the best of her ability. She carefully considered the question before speaking. “I haven’t seen either of you in action to a great extent, which makes it difficult for me to provide an accurate answer. But I think it would greatly depend on the situation.” So many underlying factors had to be considered. Was this a battle of strength? “If you and Bast were fighting in hand to hand combat, you would likely win due to your physical advantages.” Falynn decided there was no need to reiterate Bast’s medical condition. Both of them were already aware of it. On the other side, if this was a battle of wits? “Strategically speaking, I’ve seen Bast to be very precise and logical in all her actions, in a way that seems like she could outplay every single one of her opponents. Thus, it seems probable that Bast would win in a fight of pure strategy.” Like the two sides of a credit chip, physical and mental aspects were the basis of a fight. Combine the two, and a state of equilibrium could be reached. “Assuming you both engaged in one-on-one combat, with no starting advantages or disadvantages, I’d say you’re both pretty evenly matched. For this reason, I can’t definitively say who would win.” There, she’d said it. In order to be as fair as possible, Falynn had tried to address both sides, which she knew would result in an indirect answer. Either Corran would think her insight was helpful or he wouldn’t. Having given her own answer, Falynn wondered what conclusion Corran had come to for the question. This led her to think on why he would ask her that question, with the knowledge that she didn’t know either of them very well.

Another peek out the window told Falynn the sun was just about to disappear beneath the horizon. Shifting her position, Falynn once again glanced through the evidence of criminal activity for this mission. There wasn’t much, but she wanted to ensure she understood everything before confronting the dealer. A moment later, she asked her next question. “If you could change one thing about this universe, what would it be?” It seemed like a childish question to ask, but Falynn had chosen to because it was something she often thought about. She herself could never decide on one thing.

@TerranSteel

 

[Corran Velt]

She thought he was physically strong? Once again, the macrobinoculars provided a convenient cover. Corran felt a flush of heat in his cheeks, like any young man would if a pretty woman said something similar. He knew she wasn’t flirting, it was merely analytical, but… it was still surprising. The way Falynn walked through the question like a thought exercise was revealing unto itself. Was she always so calculating? Clearly observant. Bast was definitely a strategist. Maybe even a bit of an over-thinker. In the end, Ranger Tikarsis weighed the scales and found them even. There was no correct answer, but the walk-through of her thoughts Falynn provided said a lot about her. In a small way, what she valued, what she thought of others.

After chewing that over, his voice carried from over his shoulder again, “I think Bast would beat me pretty solidly. The current betting odds side with her too.” The male Ranger pulled back from the scope and pushed himself up to one knee and smirked back at his partner, “Nice to know someone believes in me. Just a little.”

As she scrolled through the supplied datapacket, Corran remained on one knee peering through the blinds unaided by the scope. It helped get a good view, but sometimes stepping back and getting a wider view helped see things one would otherwise miss. Literally tunnel vision. The blond youth rubbed his eyes and blinked away some accumulated strain. He might need to trade with his partner soon.

Her question was one philosophers had wrestled with for generations. The Jedi and the Sith found their answers – both ended in bloodshed between the two for time immoral. That didn’t seem like the ideal solution for the galaxy. Sky blue eyes stared out the window, searching thoughts for an answer.

Finally, a soft voice responded. “I wanted to say have all of it be under one government, but that wouldn’t solve everything.” Corran hushed for a moment, his shoulders shifted in some small expression of ease, “If I could change anything about the universe, it’s that everyone would be born to a family that loves them. In whatever form that takes.” A united, universal government appealed to the young man's attraction to order. For everything to be consistent and all the rules be under the same banner. That simplicity was a goal, but it wouldn't solve everything. So many people suffered from poverty, loneliness, anger, and all the ills manifested in the hearts of mortals because they didn't have people to care about them. How many criminals had he arrested that if they had parents, or even friends, who offered something more than the next cut of spice, would have turned out differently? His own mother provided enough love for two parents and her influence was felt in his life every day. Too many sentient beings across the universe spent their whole lives looking for places just to belong.

Corran turned his head to look at his partner over his shoulder. "So, why do you color your hair that way? Does it mean something?" He gestured vaguely with a finger to his own head. A relatively simple question, but Falynn seemed reserved and otherwise a prime example of a professional medical doctor. She was perhaps the first to have such striking features that he knew of, short of Zeltrons. It might reveal more about herself than at face value.

@FireSong

 

[Falynn Tikarsis]

Her finger stopped scrolling through the text as a soft voice floated across the room. Out of all the options Falynn foresaw him saying, that wasn’t one of them. Corran would have everyone be born to a loving family. That in itself revealed a lot. His tone coupled with the slight relaxation in posture made her almost positive he was speaking from experience. A loving mother and father perhaps? Falynn considered her own parents with a certain resignation. She couldn’t say the same. A unified government was practical, yes, but the idea that everyone could feel loved was even more enticing. The medic could only imagine the amount of healing that would bring. How many people had she seen on the cusp of their breaking point, searching for a reason to continue but coming up short? If her own fractured family was any indication, a little love would go a long way.

Ah. Falynn had been waiting for the question about her hair. It had been a common one among patients and hospital staff. Generally, she would answer with, “It stands for a new beginning” or “I’ve found patients are more at ease when they see something other than the professional attire”. Both were true, but there was more she left unmentioned. Falynn didn’t deny it was tempting to answer with one of her generic responses, easier too. Yet, Corran had thus far been nothing but open with her. It was only fair she do the same. Gently fingering her red streaks, Falynn began to reply. “I...,” she paused. When was the last time she’d told someone this? “Back when I was still a student, I left home to do my medical program and residency. The original plan was that I’d return once my program was completed, but I felt compelled to stay, permanently. My mother wanted me to return home because she was convinced this feeling of mine was only temporary. We had some disagreements, but they eventually ended when she realized my adamance on the subject. I dyed my hair red soon after, to symbolize a new beginning of my life.” It was impossible to hide the pain in her voice. Not only did the color signify a new beginning, it was also a constant reminder of the reason behind Falynn’s strained relationship with her mother.

She had a vivid memory of that day. It was the first time Falynn had confronted her mother without yielding. They had slathered layer upon layer of harsh words against each other. At the end of it all, a blanket of exhaustion tinged with regret had settled over her. The very next day Falynn had purchased a bottle of red hair dye, done extensive research, and painstakingly colored her hair until satisfied with the result. A splash of color against a black canvas. A stark contrast between herself and her mother.

With a sigh, the medic rose to her feet and stretched her legs. She had just finished reviewing the data packet. Glancing at partner, she spoke in a lighter tone. “Let me know if you want to switch places. I can look outside for a bit.” Falynn would be happy to take over, should Corran decide he wanted to, if only to have something else to concentrate on. Meanwhile, it was her turn to ask a question.

“What did you do before joining the Sector Rangers?” It would have been easy to guess Falynn’s reply. Namely, that she studied to become a medical practitioner. But with Corran the answer wasn’t as obvious. In order to understand her partner better, she would have to get a better gauge of him as a person. Having worked with people for a while, Falynn knew that one’s actions often reveal a great deal about their character.

@TerranSteel

 

[Corran Velt]

Out of all the possible answers that could have been said, Corran found himself drawn in by the one that was actually voiced. A tale of youthful rebellion for just causes, much like his own. Though Falynn's was more altruistic. Perhaps a family not quite as understanding and loving as his. The young man dented his eyebrows as he took in all the new details. Sometimes glancing to the vibrant hues of red in his fellow Ranger's hair as she spoke of them. Falynn's voice expressed a certain ache to the raw memory. In a way, the male Ranger felt a little remorse for asking what he did. If he had understood the depth of it, maybe he would have been a bit more delicate. Sky blue eyes averted their gaze to floor, looking at nothing in particular. Mercifully, Ranger Tikarsis returned to the task at hand.

"Thanks. You can take over. My eyes were getting a little tired." That was the truth, but also an excuse. Anything to move past reliving a painful memory. Corran rose from his kneeling position and stretched. His neck and back popped. Laying prone for awhile will do that. A hand ran smoothly through his air and he walked to the other side of the room and picked up his pack. Rummaging through for a minute, he plucked out a Jorgan fruit and examined it carefully. Still fresh. With a grunt, the young blond sat with his back against the wall adjacent the window the Rangers spied through. Just as Corran drew out his vibroblade, Falynn inquired on his career history. It wasn't anything embarrassing, but she might draw conclusions from it.

The vibroblade cut into the fruit and began slicing off a bite-sized section. "I worked aboard a trade ship for several years. A big hauler, too. Plenty of crew. The captain was one of the strictest beings in the galaxy." A chunk of purple fruit was tossed into his mouth. After swallowing, he continued, "I was barely 18 when I started. My mom wanted to work the rowdiness out of me, if you can believe it. I saw all the major ports this galaxy had and a few smaller ones too." It wasn't anything glamorous. Plenty of Rangers had come from planetary militia units or police forces. Some were even sheriffs or former bounty hunters. Even between the two in the cramped apartment room, one was even a trained and experience medical professional. No, it was what came before that people would find interesting, if it wasn't both parts embarrassing and agonizing.

Another piece of fruit was carved out. "Do you want a piece?" Corran offered, gesturing it to her. If she didn't take it, he would. The male Ranger gave his head one shake, "Sorry. That's not my question. I get a do-over." The knife froze in the fruit as Corran pondered on what to ask next. The tone in the room had become more somber; more serious. A few quiet seconds of thought passed by. He glanced at Falynn out of the corner of his eye before returning to the fruit. "What do you hope to achieve with all this? With the Rangers, I mean."

@FireSong

 

[Falynn Tikarsis]

Falynn knelt by the window and peered through the binoculars. Nothing. Night had fallen, yet the parlor remained empty. The only people on the streets were a few drunken gamblers that stumbled past, heading out for their next stroke of luck. Luck and skill seemed to be large factors in whether one won or lost at the casino. Or cheating, there was always that. Keeping her eyes forward, Falynn listened to her surroundings. Behind her, the steady thrum of a vibroblade was audible as Corran sliced some fruit.

He spoke of his earlier years, working as a crew member aboard a large hauler. 18 seemed a young age to begin work on a trade ship. Though maybe it was perfectly normal. Falynn knew next to nothing about merchant fleets. It was surprising that the Ranger who sat behind her hadn’t always been the strict law abiding person he was now, albeit not hard to believe. After all, Rangers had such a wide range of various backgrounds. The way he had phrased his response made Falynn pause. Evidently, his mother had had some reason to want a respect for the law engrained in her child, but the reason itself was still unclear. Perhaps it would be unveiled later.

The medic gladly took the piece of fruit offered her, recognizing the familiar purple shade of the Jogan fruit. While savoring its sweet flesh, Falynn pondered his question. Like the ones before it, this one would require thought. In fact, it was something she often asked herself. Then there was the other question that always came with it. What had compelled her to change career paths? Certainly not the promise of a sizable income. Nor was it her reputation, as a doctor was generally, in the eyes of others, seen to be a more prestigious position. No, the real reason was discontentment.

In the end, the answer to his question was fairly simple, the explanation less so. “I hope to make the galaxy a better place.” A bit of a cliché answer, she knew, but every bit true. Falynn had no dreams of grandeur, she just strove to correct wrongdoings in the world. “I was drawn to the Rangers because they aren’t bound by planetary limits. They can truly solve a problem by getting to the heart of it.” Organized crime was a huge issue across the galaxy. A small criminal enterprise would be established, spread its tendrils to neighboring areas, and grow into a massive organization. Unless the base was uprooted, the felonies would continue. “If being a Ranger helps bring equity to the galaxy, that is enough for me.” Balance, in Falynn’s mind, was something to be sought after. An idea she valued, even if it was impossible to fully accomplish.

Another long sweep outside, before she turned her head to look at Corran. This time, Falynn already had a question in mind. “So, why the change from trader to Ranger?” It was a similar one to his, only phrased differently. Both had the same underlying meaning: Why are you a Ranger?

@TerranSteel

 

[Corran Velt]

So many Rangers Corran knew had been brow-beaten by the galaxy in which they served. Darmus Onn, Lorcan, and many others. Even more than the embittered officers, countless Rangers had joined up to get out of bad pasts or career advancement from planetary police duties. Falynn had given up something to enlist with the Sector Rangers. The blond youth understood from another doctor he knew that such work was in high demand across the galaxy and made good credits doing it, if they wanted. The woman had sacrificed a peaceful life, a universally respected career field, and future prosperity for… ideals.

Disgruntled Rangers would have scoffed and claimed naivety. Corran, though, he respected her for it. While so many others chose this line of work because it came natural to them or they had nowhere else to go, Falynn had seen the ills of the galaxy and decided to do something about it. She kept the selflessness required by all medical professionals and brought it with her. A little heart goes a long way and by how she talked, Falynn had a lot of it. They were kindred spirits that way. The male Ranger wasn’t in the force because he had to be or had nowhere else to go. He wanted to be here and had since he signed his name.

The vibroblade stuck into the fruit, as if jammed like a machine. A few seconds ticked by. The medic’s question was an innocent one. She couldn’t have known what she was really asking. It was a natural follow-up to her previous one; why wouldn’t she ask? Recovering from the mental surprise, the knife resumed motion and carved out another morsel, which Corran promptly tossed into his mouth.

Falynn had been honest about her hair; something that held a surprising story about finding one’s true purpose and growing beyond what her parents expected. Corran felt compelled, or something like inspired, to meet her honesty in kind. He had told only one other person the absolute truth why the young man had walked this path. Not even Bast. Maybe because it felt raw every time it came into words.

“A selfish attempt to right some wrongs,” the words were distant, like someone else were saying them out loud, “It didn’t work out the way I planned. Instead, I focus now on providing justice for others where I myself found none.” As much as he tried, the blunt truth wouldn't present itself. Maybe whitewashed words would soften the blow. Revenge had motivated him from the start, even before the trade lanes carried him far and wide, and drove him still. Would someone like Falynn understand that? Corran wasn't even sure Bast would. That all this started, and in some ways still is, driven by a juvenile desire to avenge - to punish. He pulled the blade out of the Jogan fruit and offered the rest to the Ranger next to him, "Want the rest? I've had my fill." He lost his appetite, he meant.

If she took it or not, he would get up to clean off the knife and toss the snack if he had it. The chore provided the necessary distraction for the young man to try and think up a question. Nothing easily came. He gave his head a small shake, trying to return back to his original mood. Thankfully, Falynn had supplied a way out. The male Ranger turned around to face his current partner, placing the vibro-knife back into its sheath."You asked me about hobbies earlier. I was rude enough to not ask about yours," Corran asked, a friendly but bashful smirk on his face, "What do you do besides patch up fool-hardy Rangers?"

@FireSong

 

[Falynn Tikarsis]

The lapse of silence that passed revealed to Falynn that her question was not as simple as intended. Corran’s attitude turned somber, and there was a slight detachment in the way he spoke. The very same distance that had been clear in her own voice not so long ago. A small feeling of guilt tugged at her; she hadn’t meant to tread in deeper waters.

His answer brought many more questions to mind than it satisfied. Like many Rangers, Corran had a desire for justice, a concept that seemed to unify the law enforcement agency. Yet there was a secondary reason for the change as well. Falynn could sense a hidden truth behind her partner’s neat façade of words. There was a vagueness in his answer that could only be caused by the careful omission of poignant details. While others might have been be frustrated at this, Falynn felt something akin to relief.

People always held a certain expectation that she be open and honest with them. They would share some troubling thought on their mind and expect the likes in return. Honesty came naturally, but openness was a perpetual challenge. She tried to make an sincere effort at candor but the struggle didn’t seem to fade, especially for more personal matters. Falynn had always been bewildered at how people could so easily talk about themselves, without fear. For some reason, knowing that Corran also struggled to be open about a topic was reassuring.

After gently declining the rest of the fruit, Falynn quietly waited in anticipation of his next question. She didn’t have many hobbies. There simply wasn’t enough time to pursue any very seriously, and most activities she participated in were related to medicine. What was she going to say? In her free time she did volunteer work? That wasn’t a real answer to his question. Only a few other hobbies came to mind. “I read, an activity I also enjoy. I think I just like learning new things in general.” For her, reading was one of the most liberating experiences available. There was a vast amount she could learn and experience all from the confines of her home. “I run too, if I have the time.” Another form of escapism lay in running. It provided her with space to think and reflect away from the constant tumult of life. Was there anything else? “Oh, I also used to sing, but I haven’t in a long while.” The last one was added as an afterthought. Falynn didn’t really consider it a hobby anymore.

Early memories of her parents’ singing washed over her. Her father’s rich baritone paired with her mother’s light voice. Their soothing timbres entwined to create a beautiful melody and harmony. Although memories like those were scarce, one emotion was consistent in each fragment: pure, unrestrained joy. The sort that warms the heart and leaves a lasting impression of happiness each time the memory is recalled.

Falynn hadn’t missed the smirk that appeared on Corran’s face as he asked a question. His original mood was returning. Now that it was her turn, there were several questions that came to mind. The medic was fairly certain that asking about one’s home world was normal, but she was trying to avoid it out of fear it would lead Corran to asking the same of her. Falynn knew it was only a matter of time before that question appeared, but she couldn’t bring herself to do it. Then, there were questions regarding more of Corran’s past, but they couldn’t be asked without prying. Neither outcomes seemed acceptable, so instead she said, “What is your idea of a perfect day?” A fitting question for the relaxed ambience of the room. Falynn would relish the moment while it lasted.

@TerranSteel

 

[Corran Velt]

A few nods followed Falynn's answers. Mostly as a social cue for Corran's expression of listening, but also because he felt kinship with many of her responses. Reading and literature were a mainstay of his time, mostly in between planets as the vast galaxy passed by while in hyperspace. Though, it didn't really surprise him; Falynn was obviously a literate and well-read individual. The young man made a mental note to ask her what genres she liked. Was it all practical reading or for fun? Why did she like what she did? Maybe Corran would find what she partook in to be of interest as well and ask for some recommendations. Running didn't come as a surprise either. Any passerby with eyes could tell Ranger Tikarsis kept herself in good physical condition. It was one of the first things Corran noticed about her, in fact, back when they met on Onderon in the hospital wing. It's hard not to.

The third gave him pause. Singing? Like vocally? Corran sung too, but only along with a recording and only when completely alone. Probably because he was pretty sure he was terrible at it, but no one had ever confirmed good or bad. A wave of questions seemed to burst forth. Did she sing classical or more modern? Did she ever record anything? Could she pick it up again? What does it sound like? All these curiosities were innocent. The type of fascination one has when someone has a talent that is almost totally unachievable to another. Plus it seemed so... unexpected. A medical doctor turned Sector Ranger who might have been a Songstress. That alone was worth a thousand questions.

Her turn for the next question interrupted this youthful wonder. The male Ranger blinked a few times before a light chuckle escaped. That chuckle actually grew into hearty laughter before the young man fanned his face, as if shooing away the reaction. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, " Corran said, finally working his way back down to a more serious tone, "I'm not laughing at you. The question caught me off guard." He hoped she believed him. It was the truth after all. It was something so simple and almost friendly - beyond just exchanging the surface curiosities. The male Ranger strode over to the wall near the vantage window again and leaned against it, folding his arms in a relaxed posture. "My idea of a perfect day. It sounds like something a first date asked me awhile back." Another brief chuckle followed but quickly squelched.

"I guess it would be getting up at my usual early time. Get a good morning fitness cycle in. Plenty of time to cook breakfast with my mom or for friends," Corran seemed to be speaking a stream of consciousness, his eyes focused in the empty air of the room. It was clear he was concentrating. A perfect day, beyond work? Imagining a whole day without putting on the badge was hard to stitch together without some thought. "Spend an afternoon with close friends, maybe going to hike the forgotten trails on developed worlds. A nice, quiet evening with a good holobook. Top it off with star-gazing from the roof of my ship. That would be pretty perfect. Or close to it." An index finger tapped against the shoulder sleeve of his jacket, mulling over if that was the best answer. Nothing else came up, so it must be. When it was all said out loud, Corran got the feeling it seemed kinda boring. At least compared to the excitement and rush of being a Sector Ranger day to day. Maybe that's why he found it appealing in the off-hours.

The return question came rather easily. Perhaps the exchange was getting easier as the barriers of only discussing Ranger business and immediate tasks at hand were broken down. It was an odd thing how easy it could become with some people. Corran finally swiveled his head and looked over at Falynn. "What's a place you always wanted to visit or see?"

@FireSong

 

[Falynn Tikarsis]

What started as a mere chuckle turned into laughter. Corran was laughing? That was a surprising reaction. Falynn didn’t see anything profoundly funny in her question. She gave him a curious look, as if awaiting some sort of explanation. When it came, the look turned into a more amused expression. That also was not the explanation she’d been expecting. But there was no need for an apology; she knew Corran wasn’t laughing at her. Chuckling herself, Falynn said, “Don’t worry, there’s nothing wrong with laughter.” The simple action made her feel more at ease. She liked the sound of his laughter. It was warm, friendly, and just nice. Not at all the cruel kind expressed at the expense of others.

Overall, Corran’s idea of a perfect day was pretty ideal. It was quiet and unhurried. The sort of day where you could take the time to enjoy the small things in life. His third sentence espescially sparked a few questions. He liked to cook? What did he make? Just possessing that skill was an incredible feat to her. Cooking was such a practical skill. Sure, Falynn could do the basics, but anything more complicated than that was beyond her. There was a time when she had tried to learn how to do more, but after destroying too many dishes to count, she’d sort of given up. Now, Falynn stuck with cooking simple meals in bulk and reheating them when necessary. It was probably better that way, and with her busy schedule, more convenient. Even if she was able to do more, there was rarely enough time.

When her partner asked his question, the medic shifted around to look out the window. Mostly to give herself time to think, although she didn’t neglect her duty and scanned the parlor’s perimeter. “Hm, I’ve always wanted to travel to a planet with a lush natural environment, see wildlife, that sort of thing. Something different from the typical city life I’ve become accustomed to.” Falynn had spent most of her life either on Cantonica or Coruscant. Both planets lacked a lot of native flora and fauna, one being a desert, and the other an ecumenopolis. On the occasion work called her to another location, the medic had always spent her time within inhabited cities or towns, never in the surrounding nature. Falynn turned her words over in her head and realized how broad her answer was. A specific place? She drew on her knowledge of planetary environments. Onderon and Felucia were jungle planets which would surely have a variety of wildlife. Still a third one seemed the most appealing. “Naboo‘s countryside is a place I want to visit.” Yes, that was it. The beautiful pastoral planet with city and country topped her list. “I’m not sure if I’ll actually enjoy it or not, but it would be worth the experience.”

In return, Falynn asked a similar question. “Is there anything you’ve always wanted to learn or do?” Their flow of conversation was becoming more natural. It was beginning to have the resemblance of two people chatting instead of two Rangers exchanging pleasantries. Somehow, that didn’t bother the more reserved female medic.

@TerranSteel

 

[Corran Velt]

Falynn’s chuckle was unexpected. Not only because he heard it, but because it didn’t match the other personality traits that Corran had witnessed. Where Ranger Tikarsis was serious, even-toned, and even withdrawn, her laugh was jovial, flighty, and even relieving. A hint of a deeper person behind the badge. Maybe they were more alike than Corran knew. She even gave him a pass on laughing in the first place.

Based on her answer to his own query, she was a city-dweller like himself. While Corran enjoyed semi-urban worlds like Commenor and Zeltros (he was raised in that environment after all), Falynn’s interest seemed more adventurous. He got the feeling she wanted to see rarely charted paths through Kashyyk or climbing the ice towers of Mygeeto. With the mere mention of 'wildlife', the blond youth felt a deep pit in his stomach form. After spending 24 hours on Dxun, he never wanted to meet untamed wild animals ever again. Especially not when they can cloak and eat you in less than 15 minutes. It dawned on Corran that maybe he just disliked jungle worlds altogether. The female Ranger's specific choice blew away theories the blond youth just concocted. Naboo? Wasn't that world... idyllic? Practically a garden world, if he recalled correctly from gazing out from the domed port in Theed many years ago. After weeks of looking at the grey-and-white metal interior of the bulk hauler upon which he served, the sloping green plains and wondrous waterfalls seemed like the peaceful Great Beyond. The Captain said spacers went mad just looking at it, so he kept the crew scrubbing and hauling for their entire stay there. By the sound of it, Falynn had never been there. Corran wondered what other worlds she hadn't seen, but many others had. "You should take some leave sometime and go see Naboo," the male Ranger offered, "It's a pretty dazzling experience. Take some friends along too, unless you are more of the solo type."

He didn't immediately answer at first. Arms folded and facing forward, back against the wall. It was clear he was deep in thought. The question wasn't hard to answer. It's just that it had too many answers. There were so many practical skills to invest in to stay ahead as a Sector Ranger, then domestic life skills; not to mention ivory-tower studies of history, politics, and philosophy. The second half of the question also mentioned things he wanted to do in his life. That list was even longer. The bane of every young man was there was a galaxy of opportunity out there and few live long enough to see it all. Corran rubbed the back of his head in an expression of conflicted frustration, "Where to even begin? Might be the toughest question you've asked me so far." Dented brows and a mild grimace eventually gave way to a shrug. "I always wanted to learn how to fly a starfighter. I've done it once, but... I mostly got by on luck. Maybe get better at hand-to-hand combat." Corran glanced at Falynn and felt a little embarrassed. Those were too practical. It also made him sound a bit like a gear head. He gave the question one last try, "I want to swim in the waters of Mon Cala. Countless spacers told me the planet is like a fountain of youth. I just really like swimming." A deep dark part of the young man reminded him that he also wanted to find a way to defeat Force-users. To counter their special powers and turn their swords of light against them. Those were forbidden things. Things he couldn't mention. Especially because he wasn't sure such things could be learned. Powerlessness. How he detested it.

Corran glanced over his shoulder to peer through the blinds. Sun was nearly set by now. Only a distant, weak red suggested there was a star on the far horizon. Street lights had lit up the roads below, including two that stood near the entrance of sauna across the road. "What's your biggest fear?" He asked, somewhat absentmindedly. It didn't sound ill-intended or brooding, but it had come from his own dark recesses. The part where his own fears and insecurities laid. The place few knew.

@FireSong

 

[Falynn Tikarsis]

Corran’s mention of leave set her thinking. When was the last time she’d taken a leave of absence from work? No immediate date came to mind and Falynn knew it had been a long time, probably too long. After all, breaks were important for the overall well-being of a person. Work was just so time consuming. There was always more that could be done, and if she didn’t do it now, there would be consequences to face later. Besides, Falynn liked work, even with all its vicissitudes. A small voice nagged at the back of her mind. Yes, leave was more appealing than she would admit. It might even be worth some consideration.

Her question brought forth three answers from Corran. The first two were practical; skills that could be used in the field. The only ship Falynn had ever flown was her own, not counting the flight simulators she’d practiced with in training. And while she could safely maneuver her ship, a starfighter would be a different story. Hand-to-hand combat was also a skill the medic could improve upon. When Falynn had learned self defense, she had chosen to hone her skills with a blaster instead of physical combat. Mostly because she knew that her height and weight would be a sore disadvantage, but also to decrease the chance of having to take someone’s life. In a dire situation, Falynn knew her expertise in anatomy and physiology would provide her with a way out, but she was loath to use that knowledge to her advantage. Knowledge is power, and that scared her. The male Ranger’s third answer differed from the precious two. An answer that revealed more of his other side. He wished to swim in Mon Cala: home of the Mon Calamari and Quarren. Another planet Falynn had never visited, although that wasn’t astonishing. She had mostly swam in the artificial Sea of Cantonica, not far from where the Rangers now resided, as well as in other pools, but never in a natural ocean. Just listening to Corran was proving how much more there was to the galaxy than the small fraction she had witnessed. Gazing wistfully out the window, Falynn chewed over that thought. Yet another reason to take a leave.

The room stilled. Falynn’s eyes widened slightly as she continued looking through the binoculars. Such a simple question with a more than challenging answer. It was asked so innocently that the medic had a sudden urge to look over her shoulder at Corran and see what was expressed in his features. Was he genuinely curious or asking for a different reason? What was the impetus behind this? A moment ago he was asking about places she wanted to see, and now he was asking her biggest fear. How the questions had escalated.

A beat of silence passed. Then two. Three. Falynn bit her lip in thought and ran a hand through her hair. She could think of a few things that really scared her, but not enough to be her greatest fear. That slot was reserved for something else entirely. It didn’t take long to search her heart for what was at the forefront of her chamber of fears. Quietly, Falynn responded. “That I won’t be able to save someone when it matters most because of my ineptitude.“ As a medic, she personally felt responsible for the lives of those under her care. It was one thing for a person to die knowing there was nothing else she could do, and another for them to die because of a lack of skill on her part. Disappointment. Helplessness. Failure. Three factors that she could handle individually, but together created a dark, bottomless chasm. One mistake and she would be eternally falling. And in the field of medicine, there was little room for error. Possessing the abilities of a medical professional was both a blessing and a curse. She could be capable of helping someone, but only at the cost of knowing the outcome was ultimately her responsibility. There were multiple ways to save a life, and just as many to end one. Falynn tried not to think about that every time she offered her medical assistance.

This was usually the time when Falynn would pick another question from the many that floated through her head, but she couldn’t bring herself to move past this moment. It would have been easy to return to their original mood. A simple question about his favorite planet to visit would have helped in that endeavor. But their flow of conversation had diverged. If there was ever a time to delve beneath the surface, it was now. Finally, the medic allowed herself to twist her head and glance at Corran before turning back around to face the window. “And you? What do you fear the most?”

@TerranSteel

 

[Corran Velt]

Regret set in almost immediately. A vice began to tighten over the male Ranger’s chest as Falynn sat in silence. He couldn’t read the social signals. Running a hand through the dark-scarlet hair. A feeling of hesitation. What did they mean? Corran closed his eyes for a brief moment and exhaled softly through his nostrils. This might be the first question Ranger Tikarsis declined to answer and he wouldn’t blame her for it. It was one of those times where the young man’s mouth moved quicker than his brain – that bravado of youth that lingered in him. Blue eyes opened to half-lidded and he let patience take hold, letting the room settle.

Her answer was quiet; near inaudible to the male Ranger. It was his turn to be silent, digesting what Falynn shared. It could have been a fear of being broke, or being ejected into space, viruses, or kidnapping. Anything surface level that would be understandable to anyone. Instead, the young woman had been genuine. The way she talked made it undeniable. Falynn feared failure when everything was on the line. The heartfelt honest pinned Corran into a corner. When she turned glanced at him with searching dark eyes and asked the same of him, the young man knew he had to share his own heart of darkness.

“Being powerless.” It was as certain in his voice as the universal laws of gravity. Corran gazed downward at the female Ranger peering out the window, wondering if there would be a reaction. People could only often guess at their deepest fears – crawling insects, dangerous animals, falling from great heights, death – but Corran knew being unable to do anything was his greatest fear. He had lived it, bruised and broken, in the streets of Mon Gazza. Where the teenager cried out for justice and revenge and was ignored. As if he didn’t exist. There was no feeling he feared, and hated, more in the galaxy.

An index finger raised in the air, cresting just above Corran’s folded arms. Like it was objecting to the very mood in the humble hotel room. “That’s the thing about fear though. We all have to face it sometime and being brave in the face of our fears is what truly makes someone courageous. That’s what the what the Chief said,” the young man recited, referencing the very commander of the Sector Rangers. The finger lowered back into the fist, satisfied, but Corran wasn’t. “We’ve all had to face fears to get where we are and often made us stronger for it. I know you're capable of incredible medical talent. I'm living proof,” he said and tapped his own chest where a wound once was, “What’s something you’ve overcome? Your proudest accomplishment, I mean.” Even though it may have sounded like the male Ranger was encouraging her, he was really encouraging himself too. Falynn made have been able to read into that, but Corran didn’t mind if she did. As Rangers, they’d have to face all kinds of fears, their own and each other’s.

@FireSong

 

[Falynn Tikarsis]

Unlike with her, there was almost no hesitation before her partner’s response. Corran had no greater fear than the inability to do anything in a given situation. The certainty that threaded his voice gave her pause. Either he’d experienced his greatest fear before, or he’d come close enough to be sure of it. Nothing else could explain how he spoke. Suddenly she wanted to know the why. What made powerlessness so undesirable that it had grown into more than a dislike? What about it was so terrifying to him? Was it just being powerless, or that it made him dependent, vulnerable even? Or that it took away his freedom? And finally, what had he experienced that gave him this certainty? Falynn knew why she had been certain of her own worst fear. A crystal clear memory recalled two boys, no older than 7 or 8, and their sick mother who had come into the clinic late at night when she had been on call. Once the necessary procedures had been performed, Falynn remembered waiting in anticipation as the mother recovered, fighting for every breath. She remembered the one thought that had kept resurfacing: she did not want to make orphans of this woman’s sons. There were other situations that could be considered more important, but that evening a simple fear had been instilled in her. A fear that still plagued her today.

Corran talked about facing one’s fears, and Falynn nodded her head ever so slightly in agreement. His words rang true. They would all have to face their fears eventually, and courage stemmed from overcoming one’s fear. But at what cost? Falynn wasn’t sure she really would be stronger at the end of it all. Perhaps that was applicable to some fears, but the medic could also imagine having to sacrifice a piece of her for it. Would the end justify the means?There wouldn’t be a way of knowing until it was too late to go back be, and Falynn didn’t know if that was a risk worth taking. Corran‘s next words were surprising. Was that encouragement? It even bordered on praise. Of course she remembered that fateful day when he had taken a shot to the chest. She had to credit her wonderful teachers for giving her the knowledge to treat his wound, and treat it well. Everything she had ever learned was taught by another.

When he asked of something she’d overcome, an immediate answer appeared in her head. From a young age, Falynn had had a fear a disappointing her parents. She’d pushed herself to her limits in order to stay in her parents good graces. Refusing to return back home from Coruscant had changed everything. Her parents had been disappointed, yet Falynn had stood her ground. In a way, she‘d overcome her fear of parental disapproval by doing so. Yet, when Corran clarified his question, asking of her proudest accomplishment, the medic reconsidered. At the time, yes, she had been proud of that. But now? Less so. Her pride had regressed as regret had set in. The action had brought too much regret to be considered her proudest accomplishment. Falynn pursed her lips in a conflicted expression behind the binoculars. She considered what Corran already knew through his question about her hair. She considered what he had told her. And she gave a reply. “My proudest accomplishment will probably always be that I was able to follow in my father’s footsteps and become a medical doctor. But, I’m proud of overcoming my parent’s expectations of myself as a physician as well.” It was true, Falynn had always looked up to her father. Even now, she would always admire her father in the way children often did of their parents. But there was also so much more left unsaid. Falynn could have mentioned how aghast she had been at her parents expecting her to ignore the suffering in the very streets of Coruscant. How her father, who had always taught her that class didn’t matter, hadn’t understood. And that only covered part of it. If Corran wanted to know more, well, he could ask, and Falynn would given an honest response. Always. Anything beyond that was unacceptable.

Blinking several times to clear her vision, the medic refocused on what was in front of her. Every time she peered through the lenses, Falynn noticed another detail in the architecture that reminded her of her home. A pang echoed in her chest. It was still hard to believe she was back. When it was her turn, she tilted her head over her shoulder to ask, “What is your happiest memory? Or one that brings you great joy?” Falynn wasn’t sure Corran would want to share his most cherished memory with her, so she offered an alternative. After all, memories were special, unique, and private. They were reminders of the good and bad, the joy and sorrow, the beauty and destruction, everything that made life, life.

@TerranSteel

 

[Corran Velt]

A pattern was starting to emerge. From her hair, her medical work, to what she overcame and what most proud of. It all danced around the relationship between Falynn and her family. If it was anyone else, Corran would have chalked it up to teenage rebelliousness. Force knows he had his own streak a few years back. But Ranger Tikarsis didn't seem the type to resist just because she could. Her answers seemed more grounded in a deep chasm between parents and child. What had caused the split? What had been so powerful a force to fracture the bonds of a family that, by all other accounts, seemed normal? The young man didn't know Falynn's age, but she wasn't a teenager. The fracture must have been deep and long-lasting. And yet... she was most proud of following her father's footsteps. Yet then overcoming, or surpassing, her parents expectations as a medical professional? All these answers tangled together. Was Falynn her own woman or caught in the reflection of her family?

Corran, for his part, couldn't imagine life without his own kin. When he listened to his fellow Ranger, his eyes stared blankly forward as he focused on hearing everything. How she spoke. Her inflections. All the little things to truly listen. To others he looked stone-faced or too serious to approach. He spent the quiet after her reply chewing over his thoughts on her family. On independence and togetherness. How he could make an educated guessed, but wanted to know more. To understand Falynn with certainty. Her own question though caused the young man to blink before turning his head ever so slightly to peer at her out of the corner of his eye. A small grin appeared on his face, "All happy memories bring me joy. I have so many good memories though." Becoming a Ranger. Entering hyperspace for the first time. Meeting Bast Emblai. Flying his first ship. School dances. Seeing the stars from an open field on Commenor with friends. Being kissed by...

He gave his head a light shake with his eyes closed. There was really only two memories that competed for happiest memory so far in his life. The mere recollection of them forced the blond youth's grin into a barely contained smile and blue eyes opened once more. "This is sorta cheating, but anytime my mom and I made breakfast together. There never was a bad morning between us." Corran chuckled to himself lightly, remembering all the times she flung batter at him. "After my dad..." A noticeable pause hung there, leaving the implication open ended, "My mom first smiled again at a breakfast when I flubbed pancakes. I mean, who messes up pancakes?" The young man stifled another chuckle. It was obvious him and his mother were close. Positive feelings and warmth practically emanated from the usually serious and professional Ranger. It was almost infectious.

"I message her pretty often," Corran said, still smirking as if his mom were present, "She always asks if I'm doing well and making friends. Like I'm out camping or something. Heh. I'll need to make time to go see her sometime this year." The young man shook his head to ward off the lingering chuckles and jovial grin. Unthinkingly, the blond youth gave a quick glance to his partner, "What are your folks like? Any siblings?"

@FireSong

 

[Falynn Tikarsis]

The loving connection shared between Corran and his mom was almost tangible. It was as if she could feel the tendrils of affection reach out to her. Speaking of his mother clearly brought him a lot of joy. He paused at the mention his dad, letting the sentence hang, but the cheerful tone resumed shortly afterwards. The more she heard, the more she was filled with a sense of wonder. Falynn could think of few others who shared the same kind of bond with a parent of theirs. Even if she navigated the rough waters of her relationship with her mother, it would never be quite the same. If Falynn hadn’t known the ruptured ties were her own doing, she might even have been slightly envious of him.

While one half of her marveled, the other half took every piece of information he offered as a chance to compare her own relationships with his. “...my mom and I made breakfast together.” Falynn couldn’t remember ever doing that with her mother. Cooking didn’t run in the family anyway. “There never was a bad morning between us.” The medic could recall several instances when she had gone toe-to-toe with her mother. During the day and at night. “I message her pretty often.” That was the most notable difference. Falynn tried to message her parents often, especially on special occasions. With her father, the conversation involved a good bit of dialogue, and they usually ended on a high note. With her mother, Falynn barely got past the curt replies before the messages began to escalate. In an effort to avoid a full on dispute, she always ended the conversations early. Now, they had become few and far between. “She always asks if I’m doing well and making friends.” That was something her mother had done during her time studying abroad. After their fight, the messages had quickly drawn to a halt. When Corran mentioned paying a visit to see his mom sometime in the year, Falynn almost smirked. Little did he know, a short ride from their hotel room and she could see her own parents. Oh, would they be surprised.

A perfectly normal question after having spoken about his own parents. Really, Falynn shouldn’t have been surprised. But she still was. The medic shifted uncomfortably in her kneeling position, wondering what her parents were up to. Last she heard, nothing had changed since she’d left eight years ago. Falynn finally straightened to look outside before starting to reply. “No, no siblings. I suppose I’ve gotten the perks of being an only child,” she said wryly. Being the only child meant that for better or for worse, all her parents attention had been focused on Falynn her entire life. Her eyes flickered back and forth in a distracted manner. “My father works as a plastic surgeon. He’s good with people, better than I am. I guess that’s where I get it from.” A brief chuckle ensued, carrying a somewhat bitter undercurrent. Of course it was an important profession, as people could remove physical defects and deformities that limited them. But, in a city such as the one they were in, it was too easy to want something altered on a whim. A procedure that on other planets might cost several year’s wages, would be an unnoticeable dip in the wealth of a person on Canto Bight. Only after leaving Cantonica had Falynn thought about how her father’s job suited the city’s extravagance. A lucrative profession fit for the lucre of the city. “My mother mainly took care of me while my father worked at the hospital. A lovely woman, who is never afraid to speak her mind. She...” Falynn trailed off. ‘She and I are barely on speaking terms’ would have been the completely accurate answer. What was the best way to describe their relationship? Rocky? Hostile? Undesirable? “She can be very determined, and we disagree on various issues.” Anyone that knew her and her family said Falynn had received her mother’s looks and her father’s personality. While that wasn’t all true, in some ways it was spot on. Her mother was more assertive, while Falynn would rather avoid confrontation whenever possible. When put that way, it was ironic that they fought as of then as they did. “Both my parents had the best intentions raising me, yet I’m not as close to them as a child ought to be. Maybe I used to be, but not anymore.” That was where she ended. A sigh escaped from the medic’s lips. If she provided more information, Falynn would find herself explaining her complicated history before she was ready. And she wasn’t keen on baring her soul.

Falynn pulled her gaze away from the binoculars and shifted to a cross-legged position to relieve the pressure from her knees. Speaking to the window was nice, but she couldn’t do that forever. “It sounds like you have a great relationship with your mom. Better than I do, at least.” That was an major understatement. Her parental relationships paled in comparison to his. It was even slightly embarrassing for Corran to know her own family history with what she knew of his. “What was your childhood like? Were you always this close to her?”

@TerranSteel

 

[Corran Velt]

The uneasy shifting of the other Ranger was the first thing he noticed. He brushed it off, thinking it simply a change in posture for keeping watch. The female Ranger’s description of her immediate family started out pleasant enough. She was an only child, like him. Her father being a plastic surgeon was surprising. The young man would have guessed he was more of a general practitioner. Closer to the common people, much like Falynn herself. Plastic Surgeon was definitely more lucrative than that. Did that mean she came from money? Details of her mother started out promising as well. An attentive care-giver, outspoken. But that’s when the conversation took a turn. Corran turned his head from his wall-leaning stance to look at his fellow Ranger directly. Disagreements. Was that linked to Falynn staying on Coruscant? Tension. A falling out. A family in disarray.

By the time Falynn had said her peace on her parents, Corran had an uneasy frown. He hadn’t intended to dig into the history of what sounded like an estranged family. The young man’s jaw shifted uncomfortably from one side to the other, as if chewing over the regret he felt. Unless she spoke of it on her own volition, he wouldn’t pry into her family life again. It would feel wrong. Intrusive. Falynn repositioned again to sitting cross-legged. Was that another expression of emotional unease or just physical discomfort? Even her comments comparing the bond with his own mother to her own almost made him noticeably wince.

But a question was a question and the unspoken rules of their little game meant Corran had to answer. It wasn’t a challenging question or even one that required any kind of softening. It felt… unfair to talk about his familial bonds now. If she wanted to know, he would share. “My life was pretty average growing up. My dad was a freelance bulk trader. He would get contracts from companies, governments, or private individuals. Sometimes he’d drum up a haul on his own. He’d be gone for weeks or months, but always made time to be home. Provided well too. We lived a middle-class lifestyle, I mean.” The male Ranger was quick to clarify. His family wasn't wealthy by any means. "My mom stayed home with me when I was a tyke. When you have no siblings, and my father gone for long stints, she was my only friend for years. A good one at that. We always played outside or cooked together. She made mundane things seem wondrous. She got part-time jobs when I became a teenager, but we still made time for each other. I think making time for people stuck with me as a life lesson."

Now came the tough part. Corran finally stood up from the wall he had been leaning against and unfolded his arms. He took a few steps forward, turned around, returning a few steps. Finally, he rubbed the back of his head as if to conjure words. "We were pretty close when I was a kid. Even in my teenage years. But we are far closer now than then. There was a small gap between those two eras where we didn't get along at all." The blond youth held up two fingers, one on each hand, for a brief moment as if to demonstrate the timeline. "You can probably guess when. My rowdy years at 17 and 18. We fought a lot then. There was just a lot of emotions we couldn't reconcile or make sense of by ourselves." Corran's sky blue eyes went to the floor and a slow smirk dawned on his face. "It wasn't until we worked through them together that we healed. Took a long time, but we got pretty good at making breakfast through it all."

He had said a lot. Maybe too much. When it came to his mother, Corran really didn't mind sharing it. Probably because if Falynn ever met her, his mom would spill it all out in the first hour. Along with a few other embarrassing stories. A faint scarlet grew at the top of his cheeks. The thought of Falynn Tikarsis meeting his mom. To get to that point, a lot would have changed. The mental implications were... bashful enough. The male Ranger cleared his throat, "You've been watching for awhile. We can trade spots again, if you'd like." It was clearly nightfall now and no change in the opposing sauna across the street wasn't a good omen for their stakeout. A foot patrol might even be more productive than this. What cover would they use for a stroll, though?

There was something else he needed to say too. Diverting away to the job at hand wasn't enough. "Ranger Tikaris, I..." the young man began slowly, "I'm sorry about bringing up your family. I didn't know and I wasn't thinking." It wasn't a question. But it was something he felt needed to be said.

@FireSong

 

[Falynn Tikarsis]

Falynn listened intently, picking up as many details as she could. In some ways, his childhood reflected hers. No siblings, a father who provided for the family, a mother who looked after him as a kid. The friendship between mother and child was mirrored in her own life. He even had a point in his teenage years when he had fought with his mom. That was where the similarities ended. Where Corran had reconciled with his mother, Falynn and her mother had only bent their bond even further until it snapped. Like a shattered bone that wasn’t fully healed until every shard was replaced, their relationship couldn’t be mended until every piece was found. That last part of his response stayed with her though. Corran and his mom had managed to rekindle their bond after a long time. Why couldn’t she? Sometimes there just wasn’t a simple answer.

Having been on the floor for a while, Falynn was beginning to feel her legs becoming stiff. It was probably a sign that she should switch with her partner. When he offered, she made a move to get up, but paused once Corran spoke again. He sounded uncomfortable, and she could guess why. The medic rose to face him, shaking her head. “It’s no problem. You couldn’t have known what my relationship with my parents is truly like. I was speaking a bit cryptically, so wanting to know more is only natural.” Replaying her own words in her head, Falynn recognized the conflict. She knew the ways she’d worded her thoughts was like a giant puzzle with missing pieces, which wasn’t far from the truth. She knew and still didn’t offer a better explanation. For how could she? It was her burden, her fault, and the responsibility was hers alone.

But she had made Corran uncomfortable, and that was something she could give an explanation for. “And I really did enjoy hearing about your history with your mom, even it differs from my own.” Why did she enjoy it? The answer was fairly simple. She could learn from it. And learn in two ways. By asking, Falynn discovered more about him, and also found aspects of it she could apply to her own life. It wasn’t a reminder of what she didn’t have, but of what she could have if she tried. “You may not know, but it speaks to me.” His was a wonderful reminder that where there’s a will, there’s a way. Countless times over the past years, Falynn had been on the verge of giving up. Some days it was just so, so difficult to push on. It was during these moments that doubt pushed its way through. Maybe she was just naive for holding onto the sliver of hope that she would have a chance at fostering a better relationship. What if it was all for naught?

Once the two Rangers had switched positions, Falynn took the opportunity to walk around their rather cramped room. It was silent again, but she wasn’t uncomfortable. After all, there was usually nothing wrong with silence. So far, Falynn hadn’t spoken again, not because there was nothing to talk about, or because he hadn’t asked her a returning question, though the notion did pass through her mind. Really, she was thinking about the mission at hand. In her time by the window, Falynn hadn’t seen anything of note. Though the night was young, their vantage point wasn’t proving to be very useful. Which meant... going outside might be a better option. She stopped walking and slowly turned toward Corran. Careful now, a voice whispered in her head. Falynn opened her mouth to speak. How long before regret set in? “At this point, would it be better if we...,” she couldn’t back out now, “walked outside instead?” If this would make their mission more productive, so be it.

@TerranSteel