Ask Scrub Squad Strikes Again

[Leon Baudelaire]

”SCRUB SQUAD!” cried Leon!

The cheesy cheer reverberated off the metallic walls and Leon couldn’t help but feel like the universe was slowly falling back into it’s usual. Tense? Yes, but that was normal when you put Dash, Ferrin, and Ezra into the same room. Ezra seemed to have resurfaced. Their brief, albeit incredible, handshake told him whatever beef had been cooking between them was done.

Leon took the lead and led them to the bridge following the holographic Jedi Master’s directions. As soon as the doors opened any levity in his face deflated like a balloon with a pin-prick in it. Luckily, Ezra was the fastest type-er alive and before the droids could open fire they were disarmed, “Well, I need to change my pants, and it’s not because of my second asshole,” joked Baudelaire.

As they all settled into the area, Leon sidled up to a particularly comphy looking captain’s chair and took a seat, groaning with delight as he kicked up his feet. To Ferrin he said, “Honestly, we didn’t learn much, just that the bridge would give us the into we needed to see if salvage was possible, oh and that this place is called, uh, what the hell did she call it?”

Baudelaire crossed his arms over his chest cupping his chin, brow furrowed in deep concentration, then it hit him, “Starlight! This station used to be called Starlight Beacon!”

Of course Leon had no idea what the significance of the station around them was. His indoctrination to the Jedi was very short, and whether by luck or misfortune, wasn’t aware of much of the Order’s colorful history.

“I don't wanna intimidate Ezra, but I'm pretty good at copying and pasting," he chuckled, "Ferrin will you help me find the important stuff?” he asked, hopping up from the seat and wincing as the pain in his ass returned with vengeance.

“Okay, I’m not trying to be that guy, but I might need you to look at my ass again,” he said with the appropriate amount of apologetic pleading in his voice, as he made his way to an unoccupied console.

@Alhon @Altaris @Sreeya

 

[Dash Pavan]

Ezra did not directly answer Dash’s question, his neutral look difficult for the Rhinnalian to read even after all this time. But he took from the chatter between the group that the station could indeed be resurrected.

After a slightly lacklustre group chant, they all headed to the bridge, Dash content that they were agreed on that much at least. He would have to work out how he really felt about their spat later, particularly Ferrin’s chiding of him that had sounded unsurprisingly heartfelt. Unlike Leon, the Rhinnalian was not sure it would be resolved with a simple arm wrestle.

The droids behind the bridge door had him throwing his guard up, but once again Ezra deployed his technical skills. Dash resisted the urge to point out that, if not for those skills, the station would have indeed proved the unnecessary danger he’d feared. But he was on weak ground and perhaps really had underestimated Ez. He continued to be exceptionally good at everything, except communicating.

The droids dealt with, they fanned out across the bridge. Leon and Ferrin were talking in low voices off to one side, seemingly about asses, but Dash had to have misheard. He took the opportunity to move in next to Ezra running his diagnostic.

Dash was surprised to hear Ez was happy to call it quits once they had the data. It might make a difference, but it could just as easily put the Council off if unpromising.

“What would it take the Order to get this place back in orbit?” he asked. It seemed a massive undertaking to him, but he was starting to see the reality of it now. Also, while he was trying to be the cautious Jedi Knight, it was not his natural disposition. He had always played leading parts in his theatre days and the chance to be associated with such a big project for the Jedi now overrode his cautiousness.

“What did you and Ferrin get up to then?” he added, tagging on “to get things back online?”. It would be obvious to most that his question went wider. Had they discussed the argument? Did Ezra think how the Pantoran spoke to Dash was ok? What did he think about it all, did he think anything? But he knew he might have to ask more directly when they were alone; his boyfriend could be more dense than most.

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[Ferrin Sipal]

Ferrin watched the group for a long moment, listening when Leon brought up some of the information they’d gleaned from the archives. He arched a brow at the mention of a name - but his gaze inevitably flicked between Dash and Ezra to confer any relevance. History wasn’t his subject of choice, which meant the name didn’t really evoke anything for the Pantoran. Except for some particular question.

“Why does every Jedi outpost get the cheesiest name ever?” He muttered, loud enough to be heard.

More importantly though, Ferrin paid close attention to both Ezra and Dash. He waited until the quarter-Sephi had begun the data collection - ensuring that their objectives were all but complete, and couldn’t otherwise be derailed. He didn’t forget the way that Ezra had been picking at his bandages, nor the blood that was soaking through them. The moment the quarter-Sephi was allowed to do what he needed, Ferrin stepped up from where he was leaning against the station.

“Give me a minute,” He nodded to Leon.

“Hold still,” Ferrin said, gently taking hold of Ezra’s arm just below the bandages. “The worst of it was healed.. But it probably tore open again while you were repairing things,” The Pantoran said, starting to undo the bandages tenderly. He couldn't help but glance up to give the quarter-Sephi a genuinely fond and caring look, and pointedly ignored any side eye he was getting from Dash. This was obviously important to him and enough to warrant concern.

As the bandages came off, Ezra would get a glimpse of the severe lacerations that were torn deep into his bicep. It would likely take some time to heal, even with constant Bacta treatment and care. Without a word, Ferrin pulled over Ezra’s bag with the Force - pulling out a few medical supplies while avoiding a very specific bottle he’d stumbled upon earlier. Antiseptic spray was applied to the entire injury, followed by an almost paste-like substance to aid with clotting and stemming the blood loss. This was followed up with a sticky Bacta patch to the deepest sections of the injury, and new gauze bandage wrapped around Ezra’s bicep and upper forearm, leaving his elbow unobstructed to bend.

All of it was done slow, meticulous and gentle - in almost stark contrast to the flippant way he normally behaved.

He finally took a step backwards, allowing Ezra to flex and test the new dressing. “I don’t know if I have the juice to do anything better without knocking myself out..” Ferrin said with an almost sheepish smile, staring up at the quarter-Sephi. He allowed a moment or two longer than necessary to pass before he stepped back completely. “Just baby it until we get back to Ithor.”

Only then did he turn to follow after Leon - allowing the two boyfriends their moment. Of course, he couldn’t help but blink a few times when Leon made his medically necessary - albeit not ideal - request. Ferrin paused for a long moment before shrugging. “Sure,” He said simply.

He assumed the position and waited for Leon to do the same, flashing the Adumarian a smirk over his shoulder. “Don’t worry, I’ll be gentle.” He teased, unable to help himself given where he was standing.

 

[Ezra Thorne]

Starlight Beacon. It sounded vaguely familiar. His courses covered a lot of history of space stations and mechanics throughout different eras. The fact that this was once a Jedi station would only further bolster the argument for getting it back into orbit. Ezra finally glanced at Dash when he asked his question, his face still impassive, “I can commission some droids, but otherwise you will have to appeal to the council and organize fundraising missions. It will probably take a few months,” He didn’t volunteer himself to lead the initiative because he had little desire for that kind of responsibility. It was more fitting for a Knight to take on anyway - padawans weren’t usually granted audience with the entire council.

Ezra said nothing in response to Dash’s next question, but he didn’t miss the tone of voice or the very nosy look on his face. He was distracted when Ferrin grabbed his arm, reminding him that the wound was still painful and now seeping through his bandages. Ezra was silent as the Pantoran worked on the injury, noting how every gesture was tender and how Ferrin was suddenly fussing over him. The part Sephi shifted uncomfortably for a moment, looking in every other possible direction. Ezra looked over at Ferrin when he was done, “Thanks,” He said quietly, surprised that Ferrin was even entertaining the possibility of healing again.

“Thyferra has the best medical facilities in the galaxy,” Ezra said after a beat, “Maybe you can get your voice checked out there? I’ll go there in two weeks if…..you want to come,” He muttered quietly. There was a tick of silence as he simply stood there before clearing his throat when Ferrin shuffled off to inspect Leon’s ass disaster.

Ezra flexed his fingers, marveling at how much better his arm felt. He occupied himself by fiddling with his datapad and parsing through the data he collected from the terminal. As soon as Leon was patched up, he figured they would leave the planet. After finding Charlie, of course.

@Zay @Alhon @Altaris

 

[Leon Baudelaire]

Leon listened to the plan Ezra was laying out in response to Dash’s question and he chimed in, “I can help make the pitch,” he said with a shrug. His and Dash’s connection to council member Albion should be able to grease the wheels on this little endeavor. Leon crossed his arms over his chest, mind beginning spiderweb into devious machinations as he considered the leads he’d acquired over the last few months.

“I’ve got a couple of ideas on how to acquire the funds to get us started as well, but I’ll save the boring talk for the ship ride back.”

Leon’s fingers flitted across the console’s ancient keyboard as he started sorting pertinent information. The sheer amount of data was staggering. So, he decided to start at the beginning. Baudelaire decided to build his case on facts and how the station was tied to the early Jedi. He glanced down at Daybreak, then back to the screen. Of course he wanted to know more about his weapon, but he didn’t have a clue where to start. Instead he found the launch log that detailed the station’s inaugural launch and decided that was a good place to start. Leon hit transfer.

Leon returned Ferrin’s quip with a sneer before dropping his pants.

With a dramatic sigh he dropped trow and assumed the position, “Try not to get lost in my brown eye.”

@Alhon @Altaris @Sreeya

 

[Dash Pavan]

Ezra just answered his first question of course, not taking the opportunity to land any blows. It was not his boyfriend's style to air his feelings, but all the same the stonewalling could be strangely maddening.

Dash tried to picture himself pitching the restoration of Starlight Beacon to the Council. He smiled weakly at Leon's offer of help, but even with that it was hard to imagine. He did not know much about technology, or the resources or practical steps that would be needed to return the station to orbit. There was someone who did of course, but he found it hard enough to look at Ezra's impassive features right now, never mind relenting to ask him for help.

His boyfriend was silent too when it came to Ferrin. Dash would have tried pressing him more, but mere mention of the Pantoran seemed enough to summon him between them.

The blueskin slinked up like an alley cat, taking Ezra's bandaged arm in his hands and gently unwrapping the bindings. Dash stood motionless, watching in disbelief. Ferrin had played healer plenty of times now, but there was an unusual softness to the way he handled Ezra's injury. Like he actually cared, a lot. What's more, Ezra let him go about his work, though admittedly looking a little anxious. If Dash had tried, Ez would probably have brushed him off, too focused on his diagnostic. But he did not wave Ferrin away.

When it was done, Dash opened his mouth to speak, but then Ezra invited Ferrin to Thyferra. He had to be kidding. Thyferra was Ez's home and a place that increasingly held a special place in Dash's heart too. He wanted to take this guy there, after today? "Take your ship and superiority complex and shove it up your pale ass" . Those had been the Pantoran's words. Had Ezra not heard them, or did he even agree?

"Looks like you had a swell time" Dash said quietly, answering his own question after Ferrin had sloped off. "I'll go signal my ship, triangulate where I left Charlie". He stalked towards an access hatch and pulled it open, letting the light outside spill inward. "I know the droid at least is super important to you".

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[Ezra Thorne]

Ezra stared blankly at Dash when he made a searing remark about he and Ferrin having a great time, “We split up as you requested,” He replied dryly. But he wasn’t in the mood for bickering, so he promptly returned to what he was doing. He kept his eyes glued to the screen as Dash spoke again, not looking up even as the Rhinnalian exited the space station.

He wanted to feel angry when he was left alone, but it was one of his personality flaws yet again. He had detached, and he found it difficult to relate to what Dash felt. He knew his boyfriend was upset, but found it challenging to empathize. It was a combination of his genetic makeup from being cloned from Pops, but also his Sephi origin. Sephi simply didn’t process and display emotions the same way.

“Are you done ogling his asshole yet?” Ezra called out to Ferrin impatiently, “I want to get off this planet.”

With that, he started walking away from the ruins and towards Dash’s ship.

/Exit

@Zay @Altaris @Alhon

 

[Dash Pavan]

All Dash got back was another one of his boyfriend's blank looks and a reply fit for a droid. The Rhinnalian turned away and stepped through the hatch, stalking across the clearing towards the treeline.

Maybe Ez still really had no idea how Ferrin felt, or how Dash felt, or that anyone might have feelings he might need to consider. Either that, or he was deliberately not engaging. Dash was tired of to trying to figure it out.

He was vaguely aware of Ezra a little behind him and the droid escort beginning to fan out through the exit, but he hurried on alone, unconcerned. The last remnants of the unnatural winter he had unleashed upon the clearing were melting to nothing, but he was ready to unleash again if needed. Right now, he felt he could do worse.

As it was, there was no sign of the Sayansami and Dash made it to the treeline without incident. He gave him comlink a few shakes and finally got a link with his ship, its engines on the edge of hearing as his own droid brought it down to pick them up.

He had slain the monsters of Eiram and saved his friends, but it barely felt like a victory. It felt shit, and he could not wait to leave it all behind.

/exit

@Sreeya @Altaris @Zay

 

[Ferrin Sipal]

Ferrin didn’t miss the tense exchange between Ezra and Dash, golden eyes flicking between the two of them cautiously. On some deeper level, the Pantoran bit his tongue - wondering if he’d taken things a bit too far with his bickering with Dash. They were Scrub Squad, after all. Even still, he didn’t allow any of it to break to the surface - instead returning his focus to patching up Leon to the best of his ability.

“Yeah,” Ferrin said after a long moment, giving the Adumarian a pat on the rear. “Nothing a dip in bacta won’t fix.” With that, the Pantoran rose up - glancing back at the Station before making for the exit himself. He couldn’t help but internally smile at the thought of bringing the entire place back online.. And yet, there was a part of him that wondered if it had all been worth it at the end of the day.

@Sreeya @Alhon @Zay

 

[Leon Baudelaire]

They’d really accomplished something here. Maybe it was the vulnerability of having a dear friend look right at his asshole, but Leon couldn’t help but think they’d really done some good. Was it what they were meant to do? No, not even close. He hoped the Jedi Knight they were supposed to meet up with figured everything out, but that's what made this adventure all the more special to Baudelaire.

He just wished their discovery hadn’t been tainted by jealousy, and anger. Leon was good at playing the fool. It was his default way of dealing with hard situations. It’s easier to deal with the pain life throws at you when you deflect the brunt of it’s cruelty with a joke. Which was why he was on all fours with his whole ass out. He knew he was fine. He’d been trained by his father in field medicine, but that didn’t change how badly he hoped to make the team laugh together before this was over.

To his heartbreak, he wasn’t funny enough. Even as Ferrin gave him the good news Leon could only fake an over the top sigh of relief before pulling up his pants. About that time, Dash stormed off. Ezra griped about their progress then stalked off, Ferrin followed close behind, but Leon hung back for a second. There was a gravity to this moment that he couldn’t put his finger on. The force had brought them to this planet. It had exposed them to the seedling and flayed their fears wide open before their very eyes. A shiver ran down his spine as the image of the hulking shadow seemed leer down at him.

A small sad smirk flickered across his lips as Leon realized this might have been the last mission the squad ever did together. He looked down at the stylized “S” emblazoned on his blastvest like a badge of honor and felt the sting of tears in his eyes.

He sniffed, wiped his eyes, and yelled out, “Oh cool, yeah no, leave the guy with a mortal wound in his ass, ALONE to fend for himself, real cool guys, maybe I’ll dress up all cute next mission and you ding-dongs won’t forget me!”

/exit.

End. :'(​

@Alhon @Altaris @Sreeya