A (birth)Day to Remember (Lat)

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

((omg super post of doom.... ))


So here they were…Kuat City, Kuat.

He never thought he’d see the day he’d willingly come back here…not after that girl…not after the way his family had reacted to him telling them he was enlisting. It had taken a lot to try and psych himself up for coming down here with Sev and the others to celebrate the sergeant’s birthday, and in the process he’d managed to look like the neurotic nutcase he was. Or was he? Yeah, he was. Paranoid, a bit compulsive in the way he had groomed himself and changed out of hardly worn clothes for a fresh set, the way he’d made it sound (accidentally) like he had been mixed up in some rather bad business here on Kuat…well, he had been mixed up in some bad business. Lots of it…but he was never, okay almost never, on the illegal side. Heck, his family was nothing but security force officers, detectives and private investigators!

Still, he wanted nothing more to do with them…not because they were crooked, but because they all were just so disappointed and constantly attempted to wrangle him back in any time they caught a whiff of him. He was really hoping that his earlier appearance planetside to bring the ‘Hawk up to Anthelion didn’t have the hounds on his trail already. Silently he shuddered at the thought as he hailed an air taxi. ”No…nonono…no way…” Tossing his hands up in frustration, he turned on his heel and paced away from the edge of the platform in frustration at the sight of the cabby. He just couldn’t catch a break! Already! Already someone he knew!

Shoving his hands in his pockets, he slouched just slightly before moving back to the curb and opening the door. ”Hop in fellas…” No sooner had the last of his wing mates slid in than the dulcet tones (hahaha, right) of Bronx reached his ears as Archer slipped in and shut the door behind him.

“So where to gen—ARCHIE?! Holy frell! No way! Vinze Archer…it can’t be!”

”Uh…no…no, you’re very right it can’t be. Utterly impossible. I'm a figment of your very dim imagination, Bronx, so if you could quietly take us to the Dive and Diner, I’ll pay you extra to keep my mirage-like figure to yourself, you understand?” Archer replied, scratching the side of the bridge of his nose with an index finger for a moment before cocking his head just slightly to the side and narrowing blue eyes at the cabby, who had only noticed him by looking in the rear-view back at the men while asking for the address they wished to be taken to. ”You see, I don’t want to be found…you, unfortunately, found me…and if anyone down town gets a whiff that I'm here they’ll have the bloodhounds after me faster than you can say ‘Nebula Orchid.”

That got a laugh out of the cabby, who shrugged and plugged the destination into his system. “Right, sure Archie…and I can bet you don’t want me to take you anywhere near there either, right?” It was good-natured ribbing but Vinze just wasn’t biting right now, replying only with a short ‘why I oughtta…’ before settling back and huffing.

”No, I do not want to go anywhere near the Orchid, and if you know what’s gonna get you paid, Bronx, you’ll take us straight to the Dive and Diner without any more jokes, right?”

“Right, right…sure, Archie, you’re the boss,” he chuckled and started off into traffic.

With that Archer proceeded to sulk. He didn’t quite make it apparent that he was sulking, but he was. Typical talkative Archer was nowhere to be found. In fact, he stayed alert, but rather inattentive of the conversation inside the taxi during the short ride, his attention focused, instead, on the world outside the windows. There wasn’t much to see, blurs of people and buildings, but at one point (when they came to a stop at a signal), he tensed and sat up, blue eyes wide at the figure he saw there at one of the public comm booths. He couldn’t see the face, but hot-damn he knew a flight suit when he saw one, and the blond hair…and the body…and the posture…and…

No frelling way…no…cut it out. You know she’s hunkered down somewhere right about now. The woman had started to move back to a position he’d be able to see her face when…”Ahhh nuts! Really?!” The signal had turned and they were moving once again, leaving him unable to see her face. The looks he got he waved off, not wanting to cause any undue damage by something he may, or may not, have seen. ”Sorry, thought I saw someone I recognized.” It wasn’t a lie…

As the taxi pulled up outside ‘The Palace Dive and Diner,’ Bronx twisted around to look at them all from the front seat, the besalisk regarding them all quietly for half a moment before fixing Archer with a steady gaze. “Alright, Archie…I owe ya one, so I’ll forget I saw you if I come across anyone who might be interested in knowing you’re here, right?”

Archer had just produced a credit stick and was programming the fee when Bronx had spoken. That got him looking up with a mildly perplexed expression that only barely went past his eyes. It took him a moment to figure out just what the man was talking about, but finally it clicked and he nodded slightly, reprogramming the stick and handing it over. ”Right…yeah, well I was doin’ my job okay, don’t get too sentimental on me.” Taking the stick back, he’d climb out and poke his head into the passenger window of the front. ”Hey, and uh…say hi to Mags for me, eh? Tell her I hope she an’ your kid are doin’ alright too, and that I'm sorry I couldn’t drop by. We’re leavin’ port soon so…” Shrugging slightly he’d pull his head out from the window and shove his hands back into his pockets as the besalisk laughed and shook his head.

“You never change, do ya Archie? Meh…I’ll pass along your message, ya bum, but ya should’ve done it yourself!”

”Yeah, yeah. Quite griping and get goin’ already.” It was a good natured grousing, but it was grousing none-the-less. Turning, his ears perked a bit at the sound of music from inside. How many times had he played this kinda stuff for the guys before? Probably enough to drive them all batty at first, and then some…especially once Sam came along and she took an interest in dancing to it. Of course, being a professional skirt chaser, he couldn’t resist the chance to teach a pretty lady how to swing.

It sounded like home…

”Well fellas…welcome to one of my old haunts.”

Without further ceremony, he led the way inside, pushing through the heavy synth-wood and glass door into the dive. Inside was softly lit by hanging lamps with colorful stained glass shades, casting colored lighting around the walls. This effect was added to by the colored spotlights that highlighted the dance floor and the band in the corner. Game tables lined the back wall, a pool table in a niche of a ‘side room’ was fairly active today, the tables and booths were filling up swiftly. He didn’t even bother noting the décor…it was all familiar to him anyway. Instead, blue eyes flickered swiftly around the people nearest them as he slouched just slightly and paced swiftly for one of the booths…but too late…

“Oi! You there!”

He kept walking and prayed he wasn’t the one being shouted at.

“Yeah, you know who I'm talking to! I’d know your slouching ‘please don’t see me’ posture anywhere.”

The jig was up! …he’d been had…

”Ahh nuts…”

Immediately he sighed, straightened, plastered a smile on his face and turned to look at the bar keep. ”Hey-hey, Riley...! Long time no see…”

“You know Bauer still comes in here askin’ about you, kid?”

”No…no I didn’t. But I do now, so I’ll be sure to ring at the office later and say hello.”

“Hah! Right…like I believe that. C’mon Vinze, don’t make me get him down here.”

He met Sev’s eyes, an almost defeated look in them, before he flung his hands up into the air with ‘a look of shock and annoyance’ directed at the offending barkeep. ”Blackmail! Blackmail, I say! And you sir,” he said, shaking a menacing finger at Riley, ”are going to get it for this…this atrocious and malicious attack, you hear?! You wait right there, sir, and I shall deal with you personally!” Well, if he was going to be spotted, he might as well fall into old routines. That made him wonder…had the others ever even heard him say the words ‘atrocious’ or ‘malicious’ before? Somehow he doubted it.

Lowering his voice again, he turned to Sev and the others jabbing his thumb at the booth behind him. ”Grab a seat, I might be a minute with this guy, if only so he doesn’t call Bauer…he’d snitch on me to Iiro in a heartbeat. That wouldn’t be good.” With that, he slunk off to have a chat with Riley over at the bar. Seemed like the first round of drinks was gonna be on him.

---

It was a day she never missed. Not once. There were six of them, actually…six very important days she never missed when it came to her past, all of them birthdays. Two were family: her brother and father…she never missed those dates, even if she couldn’t do anything on them. The other four were her former wingmates birthdays. Fortunately and unfortunately she’d had the day off and, for once, she’d almost forgotten.

She’d gone to check in with the head of security, filled out some reports, checked the shack above them for outside tampering then gone back to her room and changed into her grey jumpsuit with every intention of working with the AXE. There had been something nagging at her mind, however, and as she zipped the thing up over her shirt it finally struck her. Like a ton of durasteel it struck as grey eyes swept over to the calendar hanging on her wall. How could she have almost forgotten this? How? A flash of frustration at herself coursed through her and she huffed loudly. ”Well, the AXE will just have to wait, now won’t it…of course it will.” Checking the time, she debated on if it was too early to go and have some time to think…and drink a little.

Deciding it was never too early, she paid a bit more attention to her hair and put on some light makeup. Even though part of her still found it odd that she bothered to do this sort of thing when she knew full well that she wasn’t meeting any one, it was habit and tradition. Not to mention it felt good to be in the base of her flight suit. It felt comfortable and familiar. There wouldn’t be a serape today, she just wished she had her uniform…her bloodstripes…anything physical to show her support outwardly. She did have two things, however, and she was lucky to have them. They had been in her wallet when she’d been taken by Ean. The first was folded at one edge so that it fit, and faded slightly from the years; well worn and well loved, and it rarely left her person. Pulling the small photo from her wallet once more, she slipped it inside the inside breast pocket of her flight suit with the other item, her old Sevens ID card.

She didn’t care who might find out who she was, they never left her.

Ever.

Those things they said about Corellians being a sentimental breed? It was true. Every word of it was true, and so she’d become attached to the two small items she stowed away close to her heart from the moment she’d gotten them. With them now in their proper place, she pulled her belt on and checked the pouches for the forged ID she carried and the small disk that was her ‘electronic leash’ to Familiar as well as all the ‘usuals’. Snapping on her holster and strapping it to her leg, she checked the blaster charge and nodded to herself. All set.

Leaving her room, she (once again) made a trip to see the head of security and, with only a bit of convincing, acquired possession of a set of keys. The speeder wasn’t fancy, wasn’t flashy, wasn’t special in any way, shape, or form, but it worked well enough for her needs, and as she opened the door a voice from behind her caught her attention. ”Oh hey Red.” The zeltron man, aptly nicknamed Red, was hustling toward her from his personal speeder, tool belt in one hand. Typically Sam didn’t much care for the overly friendly zeltron race, but Jazz (yes, that was his actual name) was a good guy. Friendly, but not overbearing.

“Sam, where ya off to? I thought we were gonna get working with the AXE today?”

”Yeah…sorry, Jazz. I had intended on it, but I realized that I’d nearly forgotten today is…well it’s special. Not sure I’d feel right working on the AXE today, I’d be kicking myself.”

“Special? Uh…right, okay. Sure thing. Hey, you gonna be okay? Want some company?”

She shook her head and smiled a bit. It was a nice enough offer, and she appreciated it, but she would rather be on her own today. She had work to do anyway, things to read up on to get her up to speed on this whole strange company, and these ‘Rilan,’ and the AXE, and you know what…there was a lot of reading to do, okay? ”Nah, I’ll be fine Jazz. I got plenty to keep me busy, just need to be busy elsewhere right now. Thanks for the offer though.” He gave her a mildly concerned, and slightly disbelieving, look but shrugged slightly and nodded.

“Okay, but we’ve got a date with the bird tomorrow, you got it Zaftig?”

”Yeah, yeah…I got it Red. We’ll have our play date tomorrow,” she replied with a laugh and shake of her head as she slipped into the speeder and made a mental note. Shutting the door and slipping the key in, she settled in and made off toward Kuat City.

The city wasn’t really that far from the compound, but the ride felt longer simply because she took her time winding her way along the road through the green countryside. She didn’t doubt that Hunter would have liked it out there, especially at night when all the stars looked so close that you could touch them and you could clearly see the twinkling lights of the KDY and the ships docked there. Hell, it was likely they all would have…what pilot wouldn’t enjoy seeing a sky like that at night? What pilot didn’t dream about soaring over green fields and hills studded with trees like the land she was driving through right now? Aside from, perhaps, an aquatic species, she couldn’t really think of many…but maybe it was just her perception.

Coming up on the city, she sighed slightly and worked her way into the mid-day traffic. She hadn’t had much time or desire to go hunting around Kuat City for anything Corellian yet, but…well, today was as good a day as any. It seemed fitting enough, anyway, so her first stop was a parking lot with a public comm booth. Easiest way to find places like this was to use the listings, and that was just what she did. Corellia, Coronet, Corellisi, Chirq, Eharl, Khoehng, she checked the typical and a-typical words in basic, Corellian, and old Corellian…a few numbers came up, but not many. It was a start, however, so she leaned against the booth with her left arm as she tapped in the information to her data pad, obscuring her face from view in the process. Not that she’d intended to, but it had happened.

A few minutes later she was on her way to the first address, but she was feeling heavy hearted. Just a little while back she’d seen him, been around him, and now he was off gallivanting around the galaxy with the others. I should have thought to wish him a happy birthday back when we dropped him off on Umgul again. She sighed slightly and shook her head. It had been a busy few days that they’d had, it was little wonder that she’d not thought this far ahead, and when they dropped him off…she’d had other things on her mind, like the fact that she wouldn’t see him again for who knew how long. Not exactly the frame of mind for remembering to wish someone a very early happy birthday. Ah well, maybe I should use that code he gave me. I suppose I’ll start with that when I get to the Coronet Khoehng, she mused, the thought making her smile a little. It also seemed to take a bit of the weight off her heart.

That weight had a habit of settling every year for a few days ever since she’d lost contact with the remaining members of her wing…times three. She’d come to believe that it had to do with the fact that she didn’t have a way to contact them on ‘their day’ and it had bothered her greatly. The thought was only solidified now, as she realized she had a fairly assured way of contact and she felt more at ease. Still a bit glum, but it was tolerable compared to how she tended to feel. Ah Sammy girl, you’re just a big ball of mush on the inside, aren’t you? …Of course I am… The thought made her chuckle again and shrug to herself as she rounded the corner and found the address she’d picked up had been…well it was the right address but it wasn’t the name she was expecting.

”The Palace Dive and Diner?” The name alone made her laugh at the imagery, but as she pulled into the lot to figure out what had happened, the music from inside had her intrigued. It reminded her of the stuff Archer used to listen to. ”Heh, well he was from Kuat, wasn’t he. Hmm…” She couldn’t lie, the stuff was fun to dance too, and he’d wrangled her into doing so a number of times…until she started wrangling him into dancing instead. Dance lessons with Archer, always fun, she mused as she hopped out once she’d found a place to park. No sooner had she shut the door than the muffled music hit her ears and she just couldn’t help but smile.

It might not be Corellian, but if this place is as good as what little I can hear…I might have a new haunt.

Brown work boots brought her swiftly around to the front of the pub and through the doors. Immediately she felt decently underdressed. An odd sensation for a dive bar in her experience, but…well she’d never been to Kuat before now. The live band was, well, lively…a few couples dancing on the small(ish) dance floor. Several lean (and fairly well dressed) men were propped around the bar and intermingling with each other, the bar keep, or (if one approached) the ladies. A few waitresses and server droids flitted here and there among the growing crowd of patrons stationed in booths and at tables throughout the warmly colored establishment.

Swiftly she took all of this in, ignoring whatever looks she may have gotten…except one.

Grey eyes had scanned the crowd of people swiftly until they halted, suddenly, on one face. This face was gaping in her direction and she nearly gaped back; especially as she caught sight of the white hair and part of a face beside him in the booth. Those eyes of hers widened in shock as they recognized each other before a grin swept across her face, lighting it up. I’ll be damned! Lucky Sevens luck strikes again! And it struck twice as a new wave of customers swept in. Immediately she moved with them.

---

Whatever had been said to him upon his return with the first round of drinks was lost, rebounding off his mind as those blue eyes had swept the dive once more for anyone else he knew. He wasn’t expecting it…yet…but better safe than sorry. It was bad enough Riley knew he was here. Dratted bar keep was gonna tell someone he was around Kuat again (despite their nice little chat just a few minutes ago) and then he’d never get the end of messages and calls…and, if he was very unlucky, Sef, James or (force forbid) Bauer would be sent to drag him back to his Uncle’s place. What a nightmare that would be. Finally, however, the conversation started to seep into his mind again and he’d just taken a breath to answer when it happened…

His mind blanked.

Completely.

Blue eyes widened and he sat up from his slouched down position next to Hunter and, after a momentary narrowing of his eyes, gaped at the person he saw. No way…no way! ”No frelling way…” She stood there, pretty as a picture, wearing practically the same damned thing and not looking a year older. She gawked back at him a moment before that brilliant grin appeared and he was caught between jumping up and being frozen solid a corner of his mouth twitching up to smile. The next moment his view was obscured by people and then…she was gone.

His face paled a bit and he rubbed his eyes with a hand, then ran that hand down the length of his face before he sat back, looking spooked. Am I seeing things now? I mean what are the chances of this happening? He attempted, for a moment, to get his mind to crunch the numbers but he just couldn’t focus enough. Looking at the glass of juice he’d opted for originally, he vaguely caught the others questioning him but he could only get one thought out: ”I think I could do with that shot right about now, fellas…” Yeah…the cranberry juice just wasn’t gonna do it for this, a weight had suddenly settled on him and he looked about as solemn as Hunter.

…And that’s when she appeared.

With their attention focused on Archer’s odd behavior, her presence had (hopefully) gone relatively unnoticed until she was right on top of them. ”Next round’s on me boys. After all, a ‘hawk’ swooped by and told me it was someone’s birthday today.” When they finally took notice of her, those arms would be folded across her chest and her weight rested on one leg as she beamed a grin down at them…a blast from the past for three of the four men.

The looks on their faces?....Priceless.

They were so priceless, in fact, that at least one of them earned a bright laugh from the woman, not that the laugh hadn’t been coming anyway. It was just so freaking good to see them again! ”Surprised?” She certainly had been. ”And what does a girl have ta do ta get some hugs around here?! Sheesh!”

That was about all the invitation Archer needed to get his body in gear again as he practically scrambled to get out of the booth and squeeze the life out of her. It earned a strangled laugh from Sam even as she attempted to hug back…and not be crushed.

[Latus]

So here they were then. Four Republic soldiers with credits to burn on a world that had at least one more bar than temple than Coruscant. As someone who had grown up on that horrible city planet Sev was used the the soaring buildings and lack of vegetation. Hunter and Jennings, he noticed (the latter almost exclusively), craned their necks at the towering strato-scrapers as they stepped from the shuttle and into the nightly haze of Kuat City, Kuat. The sergeant had suggested this city as it was closest geographically to the Anthelion's dock. If something unpleasant did happen at least they would not have to wait long to be chastised about it.

The group waited for only a brief moment when they landed, each man getting his bearings. Archer, the resident expert from this particular city on this particular planet did what was only necessary in this situation; hail a cab. The sergeant could not be sure what had gotten the second-youngest member of the Wing acting so much unlike himself; this left the commander concerned. As he watched Archer hail and then grow a look of visible disappointment, well, Sev did not know what to make of it. The man was skilled, smart, confident, and a hell of a chatterbox; to make him act so outside his character...

”Hop in fellas…”

... took some doing. Trying not to visibly notice the Airman's discomfort he ushered Hunter and Jennings into the cab, sliding in beside Hunter, across from Archer. Immediately it was made obvious why Archer had flinched prematurely; the Ojom pilot knew him.

“So where to gen—ARCHIE?! Holy frell! No way! Vinze Archer…it can’t be!”

”Uh…no…no, you’re very right it can’t be. Utterly impossible."

The nickname made Sev chuckle but it was incredibly short-lived. He needed to ensure something. As the cab pulled away he leaned to Hunter. The echani must have noticed as well because he gave Sev a minuscule nod.

Keep an eye oan, 'im. A dunno wha's go' 'im so worked up but et may no' be good.

The kid?

Aye, ah'll look after 'im.

The pair leaned away from each other as their most talkative member turned away from the cabbie. From the fragments Sev had picked up they were headed to a place named the Dive and Diner and, honestly, the simpler the better to his mind. If "Archie" was in trouble down here better to avoid it than rush into it blind. If the brief conversation was anything to go on, the Nebula Orchid was not somewhere they wanted to go with Archer. Trying to change the subject to something, anything, he glanced over at Jennings who remained quiet as they rode, looking out the window at the scenery. As they pulled to a stop at a signal Sev chuckled.

They're called strato-scrapers, lad.

Jennings started, realizing what he had been doing. He chuckled.

We never had anything like this on Dantooine, Sarge. Its a little, he paused, disorientating. My parents told me about the cities on Bothuwai but still...

Ye get used tae it after a few years. Sev smiled at the bothan monkey who smiled back. All except for Archer it seemed their small group was in a positive mood. With the Anthelion launching so soon they all needed this break.

”Ahhh nuts! Really?!”

Three sets of eyes turned to look at him, more questioning than judgmental. Sev was ready to assign it to more strange behavior until he spoke again.

”Sorry, thought I saw someone I recognized.”

Old flame, lad? Sev chuckled, trying to lighten the airman's mood, but he reckoned that this particular situation was one in which that could not be done. As the taxi pulled away from the curve Sev glanced sideways out the window in the direction Archer was gazing. And Sev saw something. He was unsure as to the brief glance he got but he was forced to look twice. A flash of pale blonde, a familiar colored jumpsuit... sighing Sev shook his head and turned back to his mates.

The possibility was unlikely; he would leave it at that.

The ride concluded in relative silence, Archer conversing here and there as the other three rested and enjoyed the relative calm and quiet that was rarely afforded to them. Sev found himself looking at the 'scrapers and pining about his home on Coruscant. He wished he could get home, if only briefly to pay his respects to the dead. The thought had just passed through his head as the taxi pulled to a stop. The exterior of the building looked just as good as its name; “Dine and Dive.” It was in no way dilapidated but could certainly use a few new wall-panels. Not to mention Archer beat him to drawing out his credit-stick.

“Alright, Archie…I owe ya one, so I’ll forget I saw you if I come across anyone who might be interested in knowing you’re here, right?

As the pair got started up again Sev gave a momentary sigh before pushing the vehicle door open. Though he cared for Archer like a brother, like a son in some cases, this was not his responsibility. Archer was smart, tough; his life before the Sevens was likely just the same. Closing the door behind him he stepped around the cab so he was beside the others, Hunter and Jennings looking nearly outside their element. Hunter, at least, had something to occupy himself with that evening; keeping an eye on Archer was a full time gig. Sev smiled at the thought, they were a colorful bunch. As they stood there, listening to the music that pounded through the walls of the small pub, Sev felt a twinge of nostalgia welling up. The music was slightly different than he was used to but not in a bad way; the beat was addicting.

”Well fellas…welcome to one of my old haunts.”

Without another word Archer led the way, the quartet entering the softly lit establishment through an ornate synth-wood and glass door. Sev almost allowed himself a smile as he looked around; hanging lights in a multitude of colors that seemed to glow with the mixture of smoke and alcohol. A bandstand populated the far side of a modest dance floor and all around them the sounds and smells could only remind them of a less complicated time. Other than a game-room Sev was unimpressed but pleased. With the music and, hopefully, a competent liquor selection the sergeant believed that this night would turn out all right after all. The three newcomers to that particular establishment followed Archer as he wove his way through congregated mess of people; it was already getting busy. Within several moments of them moving inward, however, a voice rose over the music and merriment. Sev's question was answered as he noticed Archer, his shoulders held around his ears, his quickened pace; another “familiar” face.

“Oi! You there! Yeah, you know who I'm talking to! I’d know your slouching ‘please don’t see me’ posture anywhere.”

The smile that Archer shot the barkeep dripped insincerity and Sev sighed to himself. More of Archer's unspoken past was showing up than even the sergeant hoped for. As far as Sev was concerned this was more than he could handle. In watching the pair of them banter back and forth, the forced and uneasy mood rolling off his wingman in sheets, he could tell that his friend was unhappy though everythign he said and did seemed perfectly natural. Now, more than ever, his regret for bringing them all to this place in particular had spiked. Names were flying every which way and though some of them sounded more important than others Sev was rigid on not getting involved. When Archer wanted to tell them about what was going on he would, or he wouldn't.

”Grab a seat, I might be a minute with this guy, if only so he doesn’t call Bauer…he’d snitch on me to Iiro in a heartbeat. That wouldn’t be good.”

Nodding briefly Sev turned and led the others to the booth as Archer moved away to better talk with the barkeep. As the trio finally found their seats, Sev sliding in beside Jennings across from Hunter, he could almost feel the intrigue flowing off his mates as well.

What was that all about, Sarge? I've never seen Archer so riled...

Ah'm no' th' person tae ask, laddie. Et does nae seem like ah good idea tae ask; th' lad jus' 'as some friends down 'ere... Whether they're the good type er' no' ah cannae say.

Right... right. I need a drink.

Aye...

They did not have to wait long as their missing member returned soon after with their first round. Archer seemed to have taken care of the business at least for the moment though Sev could tell that he was still on edge. The first round was, force be praised, Corellian whiskey for himself, Bothan Brandy for their Bothan grease-monkey, and an ever-potent Flameout for the stoic Hunter. Archer stuck with a glass of, what looked to be, cranberry juice. Sev was almost surprised as Archer was quite fun to have a drink or two with but did not begrudge him his sobriety for tonight; the old place probably brought back some memories and a threat of being mobbed by a ghost of his past; in Sev's opinion, not the best time to be drunk.

Gradually the pub became crowded and the group turned their conversation to things that concerned their future; the Anthelion, progress on the Warhawk, even an off-color comment about the Captain by Jennings that had Sev laughing sincerely. The music was picking up, bar specials were announced, Hunter smiled once, all in all the night was turning out to be one that they could enjoy. However, as they continued to talk Sev found himself looking less at Archer and more at the surroundings, enjoying the feeling of pubbing; something they only did rarely anymore.

”No frelling way…”

It was Archer's voice that drew Sev's attention again and what the sergeant saw surprised him. The airman who, no more than a few moments ago was crestfallen, downtrodden, was sitting ramrod stiff, his eyes wide. A quick glance to Hunter caught only one of slightest confusion. However, the strangeness was confirmed as the silent Echani's mouth dropped very slightly ajar, his eyes wider than Sev had ever seen them. Though Archer's gaze returned to the table and his shoulders slumped, Hunters did not. A glance at Jennings found the same confused look.

What? You two look like you've seen a ghost.

”I think I could do with that shot right about now, fellas…”

Ghost...

”Next round’s on me boys. After all, a ‘hawk’ swooped by and told me it was someone’s birthday today.”

That voice could only belong to one person. With all speed Sev spun around, it was a small miracle that he did not break his back. There she stood as pretty as a picture. It was almost as if she had stepped out of the picture Sev carried around in his breast pocket and into his life... again! When Sev finally came back to himself he realized his eyes were just as big as Archers, his mouth ajar...

”Surprised?” It took every ounce of self control Sev had to nod gently. He was still not sure this was not just a dream. ”And what does a girl have ta do ta get some hugs around here?! Sheesh!”

Lassie!

With those few words Archer was out of the booth and had flung himself at her. Sev's face had melted back into one of pure elation, mimicking the one he sported on Umgul. Jennings, who had only heard limited stories, had a face of mixed happiness and unease at what Sam really was. Though the monkey knew the truth from Sev himself he had never known Sam. Hunter was actually smiling, a genuine expression that threatened to show his teeth. Quickly the Echani slid out after Archer and stepped toward his old wingmate; Sev knew how much Hunter had missed her.

Well, thus es unexpected. Quickly he slipped a finger into his vest pocket and withdrew a credit stick. When ye're through crushin' 'er ribs, laddie, go run an' get us a roond o' Corellia's Best. Before Sam could talk, though admittedly in Archer's grip it was unlikely Sev held up his hand, chit between his fingers. Highest rank buys first roond; Seven rule numb'r 1.

The smile on Sev's face was so profound as he handed off the credit chit and sent Archer on his way. Hunter stepped up for his turn as the feeling of nostalgia crested. It was a Sixth Squadron reunion... every surviving member, plus one. Thus, a rule Sev felt was pertinent for this particular situation, was applied. Smile still on his face he turned over to Jennings.

Thus es yer first time meetin' Six-Five, roight?

Yes, sir...

We'll introduce yeh when things calm doon. Subtlety es our ally, lad.

Jennings only nodded as the canine features of his face curled into a genuine smile. Quickly Sev turned and slid out of the booth and waited for his turn for a good hug. When his turn came he gently wrapped both arms around her shoulders and pulled her tight.

Ah didnae think we'd be connectin' again thus soon, lass. Ets truly good tae see yeh.

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

Oh yes…their reactions had been priceless; from Hunter’s wide eyed ‘Ghost’ (and subsequent smile) to Sev’s spine cracking turn in the booth (accompanied by wide eyes and slack jaw and almost disbelieving nod) it was a wonder she managed not to die of laughter. The greeting was more than welcome…even as Archer all but catapulted himself out of his seat to cling to her like he was attempting to absorb her.

“Lassie!”

”Aye…sir…” The words were practically gasped as she flailed a moment and decided it was a better idea to go limp than struggle. Archer seemed to finally get the hint and loosened up his grip on her. Practically staggering in the aftermath, Archer was quick to give the poor woman just enough support to keep her from tipping over as she blinked at him and laughed again.

“Well, thus es unexpected. When ye’re through crushin’ ‘er ribs, laddie, go run an’ get us a roond o’ Corellia’s best.”

Panting a bit she tried to formulate words, but Sev beat her to it once again as Archer craned his neck to look back at him. Nodding, silly grin plastered on his face, he took the chit, saluted swiftly, gave a short “Aye sir!” and, looking almost like an excitable puppy, went ‘bounding’ off to get the requested drinks. As Archer left, Sam found herself wrapped in Hunter…any thoughts of arguing that it was Sev’s birthday and that she was going to be paying first round vanished in an instant. Closing her eyes, she hugged him back.

”Hi Hunter…how’s my guardian been?”

Looking up at him, she couldn’t help but grin again her eyes shimmering just a moment before she blinked the tears back again. She loved these guys…all three of them (she’d not met Jennings, after all)…but Hunter had played guardian for her when she’d been injured (even against the ever talkative Archer) and that had meant worlds to her. She’d missed him a lot.

”Been keeping an eye on this lot? Never mind, don’t answer that, I'm sure you have been. Don’t imagine you’d do otherwise.”

She’d just stepped back a pace to turn and give Sev a glare for ‘not greeting her appropriately’ when she found him there…waiting. ”Hi there stranger…” when did you sneak up?! she wondered, grinning impishly at the thought as he pulled her in. Wrapping her arms around him and splaying her hands against his back, she gave just as good as she got. It was funny to her just how nice it was to be hugging him again. It just felt good…not that hugging the others hadn’t but after Umgul, then Tatooine, and thinking that she wasn’t going to be seeing him again for who knew how long, this was that much more special.

“Ah didnae think we’d be connectin’ again thus soon, lass. Ets truly good tae see yeh.”

She nodded a bit, working her mind up to be able to convince the rest of her to pry herself out of the hug. It was amazingly difficult to convince mind or body to willingly oblige, but after a moment she took half a step back. Okay so she wasn’t quite out of his embrace yet, but there was enough space between them to count. It was a start anyway. With that she put on her best innocent face and shrugged slightly before grinning again. ”Yeah well that makes two of us, Sev. My jaw nearly fell off when I saw Archer’s goofy-lookin’ face gaping back at me, and Hunter’s Echani self beside him.”

”I am not goofy-lookin…that hurts, Sam, that hurts bad, and if I didn’t have all these drinks I’d…well I might just collapse on the floor from the heartache, but I just can’t allow good drink to go to waste like that.”

”Bah, you’re a big fat liar too, Vinze! Sit your rump down and pass those around!”

”You’re not my CO!”

”No, but I’ll bet you he’d say the same thing!”

With that she’d finally let one hand drop away and half turn to face Archer, who had set the drinks down on the table and was facing them with arms folded across his chest.

”Tell ‘er she’s full of herself and needs ta quit ordering people around, Sarge.”

”Oh please...tell this goofy-lookin goon he shouldn’t be mad just ‘cause I'm right.”

Archer feigned anger, scowling darkly.

Sam feigned haughtiness, arms folded and nose stuck up.

They both attempted not to laugh or smile and looked in opposite directions.

No matter what Sev might say, soon enough Sam turned her face back to Archer and poked her tongue out.

Immediately they both laughed, the all too familiar play getting to both of them and helping ease Archer’s anxiety just a bit. It was good to see her again. Sure Sev had told them all that he’d seen her and she was well enough off, but seeing her for himself confirmed it and eased some of that burden of worry that had built up since they’d all seen the news about her and her previous commander. Finally he put his hands up in ‘defeat’ and slid in beside Hunter again, handing the shots around. As Archer finally caved and sat down, Sam would shoo Sev back toward the booth as well.

”Scootch in, go on…slide around, Hunter doesn’t bite unless Archer or stupid nurses tick him off. By the way, hi!”

She gave an honest smile to the bothan man who had sat quiet enough in the horseshoe shaped booth as she attempted to get him and Sev to move along so she could sit down as well.

[Latus]

Replacing Hunter's silent and stoic form he drew the thin form to him with powerful arms, gentle but firm.It was unreal, to much so to even quantify it with a statement. Sev was at such a loss, in fact, that he held her for a little longer than intended. The realization hit him quickly, however Sam seemed as happy as he, not willing to relent in the grasp. Sev didn't rush, didn't force her to let go by moving, but simply waited until his youngest ex-wingman released him. When she did he stepped back, both hands still resting upon her shoulders. Her hair color had returned to normal, a bright blonde rather than the fading auburn she had been sporting on Umgul. He preferred it, enjoying a Sam that nearly looked like she had stepped out of his photograph. He knew it was the second time he had thought of such a thing and marveled at the truth of such thoughts.

It was Archer returning with the shots that finally drew his mind and something else. This was a splendid time to celebrate as it was the last chance they would receive in a long time. As he spoke he meant every word of it not ever daring to hope that they would run into her on either planet or local. A smile replaced the look of excited disbelief a moment later and he turned, offering her a seat. In no time, even before either of them sat, Sam had struck up a conversation as in the old days; one that included feigned hurt feelings and silence. At least it was good to see that Vinze was no longer in the mood he had been in only moments ago.

Sev could only chuckle heartily; that was a splash of the old days.

”Bah, you’re a big fat liar too, Vinze! Sit your rump down and pass those around!”

”You’re not my CO!”

”No, but I’ll bet you he’d say the same thing!”

Roight you two, sto-... he was cut off as they began again.

”Tell ‘er she’s full of herself and needs ta quit ordering people around, Sarge.”

”Oh please...tell this goofy-lookin goon he shouldn’t be mad just ‘cause I'm right.”

Sev had taken just about all he could and as the pair struck the most perfect besmirched expressions he had seen from either of them he could hold back his laughter no longer. The combination of the shock of nostalgic times and the two of them falling back into their old ways made Sev laugh every time and this time was no different. Quickly he slid into the booth before the moment got the better of him, motioning for Sam to follow.

Oh, he loved this. He laughed merrily, slapped his leg, held his gut; Sev had never been so relieved and entertained in his life. Even Hunter's shoulders, he noticed as he looked back up at those across from him, rose and fell in rapid succession. It was another shock of relief that even Hunter with his barely contained laughter was enjoying the reconnection with an old friend. Finally Sev got his breath back and glanced around at their small group and reached over to pick up one of the double-shot glasses filled to the brim with Corellian whiskey. As the others took theirs, Jennings hesitated. So much so that Sev finally took the last shot in his free hand and handed it to the Bothan grease-monkey. Taking a deep breath Sev turned to the table again.

Roigt. Sam, yer no' tae order Archer aroond until e's tae drunk tae know any bett'r an' Archer yer th' only lad in thus ootfit tha' ah'd consider goofy. Nae goofy lookin' bu' definitely goofy.

Quickly glancing to Sam he nodded towards Jennings; before anything else, introductions were in order.

Lass, ah'd liek ye tae meet Senior Airman Alfren Jennings; our new grease monkey. Alfren, thus es Six-Five; we'll call er Namra fer taenight.

Leaning back Sev allowed Jennings to reach a furred hand around his midsection to offer a handshake to Sam. The Bothan had an energetic smile on his face, not unusual for this particular bothan but one that said, in this situation, that everything was acceptable.

Nice to finally meet you, uh, Namra. The pause seemed necessary as Jennings forcefully reassigned the name in his memory. I have heard many things about you; good things. A few of which came from the chuckle-head over there. The bothan, found his jab and glanced to Archer, the smile growing.

An' goofy lookin'...

There, you see?! Jennings gave several loud laughs that mirrored on Hunter's face. Sev enjoyed this type of banter which is why he allowed it. He enjoyed not having to be a sergeant today, hell, even just that night.

Roight.

He slowly raised the shot over the center of the table, waiting for the others to do the same.

Tae th' Sevens.

The Sevens.

To the Sevens!

He waited until they all had echoed the cheers all around before shooting the glass back and draining the burning liquid to the last drop. Upending the glass he sat it back on the serving tray as Jennings laughed and Hunter took a quick drink of his Flameout to chase. To Sev this was a great day, indeed. Each man was brimming with energy, happy to be reunited with their prodigal daughter once more.

Lass, ah'm no complainin' bu'; what're ye doin' 'ere? Ah though' ye said ye' were off tae Socorro aft'r Umgul.

Sev hadn't told his men that information if only because it was more of a need to know. The fewer people that knew where Sam was headed the less likely anyone was to find her. He trusted his lads but it never hurt to be careful. Now that it was no longer true he thought it was the critical next question.

Wha' brought ye tae Kuat?

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

Archer had noticed, barely, how the two held on to each other just a bit longer than was normal…especially for Sev. Sam he could have seen it from, but Sev? Typically the sergeant liked his space, even around the happy young woman. To have him not trying to at least nicely get her to let go of him seemed…well…odd. Bah…it was just him thinking too hard. Having returned with the drinks, the banter that followed had his mood brightening considerably, despite the fact that he and Sam were apparently ‘arguing’ with each other. In the end, however, neither one of them could hold onto it for long. Especially not as Sev started chuckling…then his attempted interjection…then the laughter came and it was all over.

Slipping in beside her former commander, Sam basked in the moment. Sev was laughing, Archer was all but doubled over with his head on the table in his laughter, and even Hunter was suffering from a silent fit of the stuff. It was more than Sam ever could have hoped for when she had left the PF compound not but an hour ago. Never once had it crossed her mind that she would see her adopted ‘family’ like this…much less on Sev’s birthday. As her own laughter died down (the others still in various stages of it), she gazed around at them with a thousand watt grin and sighed contentedly. She missed this…she really did, and now she was especially glad she’d taken the job with Familiar.

The Goddess was funny that way; putting people where they needed to be, when they needed to be there in order to set things up correctly. It didn’t always make sense, and it wasn’t always pleasant, but it was always right. Looking back, it was a bit of a shock to her the way everything bad that had happened had played out so well. Being abducted by Ean, rescued by Ryn, bet into slavery, saved by Athar, parting with Ryn and going back to Socorro, teaming up with Athar and going to Umgul, racing there and having Sev take a chance betting on a name that just happened to be her, the bar fight and Sev’s decision to go with them to Tatooine, meeting Shine…once on Umgul and again on Tatooine, the mission there and everything that had played out after, the difficult parting once more with Sev on Umgul, the pirate attack on the Exodus after checking in on Socorro and the way the Espial had been there to assist, coming to Kuat to work for a practically unknown (and very secretive) company, the decision to go out on Sev’s birthday even without him around…taking a chance on a bar that wasn’t the one she’d thought it had been…

It all led me here. All the right places at all the right times…even luck couldn’t have done this. What are the chances I would have ever seen or heard from Sev again if none of that had happened leading me to Umgul? Would I be here now, with all of them, if I hadn’t been attacked by those pirates? Heh…Via really does know what she’s doing, doesn’t she?

Glancing sidelong at Sev she could see hints of relief settle across his face and the frame of his body, the muscles of his shoulders…no, all his muscles…relaxing subtly as he looked at the two directly across from him. If this has Sev relaxing and looking relieved…well, I guess we all needed this. That realization was, well it was a relief to her as well. Some part of her had been almost afraid they didn’t miss her enough to really care. It was a stupid thing to be worried about, and she knew better, but fears aren’t always logical. Sev’s reaching for a glass snapped her out of her reverie and she playfully nudged his arm with her elbow to knock him short of a glass for a moment before playing nice and leaving him be as she got her own. Again Vinze couldn’t help but lift an eyebrow…well, now that he was done nearly dieing of laughter and was conscious of his surroundings once more. For a moment the two exchanged a few puzzled looks before Sev’s voice caught their collective attention.

“Roight. Sam, yer no’ tae order Archer aroond…”

Archer gave a triumphant look at that, Sam starting to protest…

“…until e’s tae drunk tae know any bett’r…”

…until he said that. Then Archer protested and Sam grinned triumphantly.

“Archer yer th’ only lad in thus ootfit tha’ ah’d consider goofy.”

Sam’s grin grew, adding a little ‘hah!’ to the mix as Archer huffed and looked moody.

“Nae goofy lookin’ bu’ definitely goofy.”

”I still win!”

”C’mon Sarge! Don’t I ever get a break…I swear it’s because you’re a girl. I’ll get you though Sam…just you wait.”

”What? Gonna talk me ta death?”

”Nah, too easy. I'm gonna put you through your paces.”

”Aw shi—“

“Lass, ah’d liek ye tae meet Senior Airman Alfren Jennings; our new grease monkey. Alfren, thus es Six-five; we’ll call ‘er Namra fer taenight.”

Sam let out an audible groan and rolled her eyes so far back she had to close them in the process. ”Goddess I hate that name Sev…” With a good natured chuckle, however, she took the man’s hand and gave it a good shake. ”Hey-hey! Same. You’re the one workin’ on Sev’s baby aren’t you? He mentioned it when we last saw each other. You should be proud; he won’t let just anyone work on his bird.” It was true too. Sev was always pickiest about who worked on his Hawk, and the fact that he was letting someone do so much to it (even if she didn’t know the specifics) meant a great deal.

“I have heard many things about you; good things.”

”Well that’s a relief!”

”A few of which came from the chuckle-head over there.”

”Via help me…I retract my previous statement.”

”Aw c’mon…Chuckle-head? Now wait a minute Sa—“

“An’ goofy lookin’…”

”Not you too?!”

“There, you see?!”

”Bwahaha! I knew it! You’re outnumbered Archer! …wait, did you just say three words Hunter?”

Letting his head drop back against the tall back of the booth, Vinze groaned loudly and looked as pathetic and defeated as is humanly possible while trying not to laugh. ”When am I not?!”

“Roight. Tae th’ Sevens.”

Lifting their glasses, the toast was echoed back at him from four different people, each voice adding their own accent and flavor to the mix before the table grew silent as the shots were downed. Archer knocked his back with hardly a blink til the end when if finally caught up to him and he winced slightly even as he grinned. Sam let hers burn on the way down, taking it a bit more slowly before settling her glass on the tray again with Sev’s. Maybe it was the Corellian part of her, but she just didn’t have it in her to not let the first round settle in slow…not since it was a ‘home brew’ anyway. No sooner had she finished and settled her glass down than her attention was drawn back to Sev.

“Lass, ah’m no’ complainin’ bu’; what’re ye doin’ ‘ere? Ah though’ ye said ye were off tae Socorro aft’r Umgul. Wha’ brought ye tae Kuat?”

Of all the things he could have said, she was most surprised by the one thing she should have been most prepared for. For a moment she simply looked at him, blinking a few times as if stunned by the question…well, she was and she’d let it get the better of her, but inside she was swiftly attempting to formulate an answer for him. What the hells do I say to that?! "yeah Sev, I only moonlight as a Bha'lir now, didn't you know? I was saved from a band of pirates by a top secret organization that then offered me a job here on Kuat." Right, I see that going over well…

”Well, we did go to Socorro actually.”

She had to wonder, did Sev realize what a spot he’d put her in by asking that question? She’d only told him her past because it had come up…Archer and Hunter she knew, but Jennings…she couldn’t gauge him or his reactions yet, didn’t know who or what he was as a person. What was she supposed to say without giving everything away? Then there was Familiar to consider; she couldn’t openly talk about them either. Without realizing it, the feeling of the others eyes on her (merely curious or not) had made her tense again and with that her old injury started acting up around the shoulder. With a sigh she ignored it.

”It’s sort of complicated and…well…you aren’t going to believe my luck on part of it, but I’ll give you the short version. We went to Socorro and gave our report to the Tribunal there, when they didn’t have anything pressing we decided to go back to get Athar’s ship, maybe split up for a while…yeah, don’t laugh, he didn’t like the idea but I tried it on him. Anyway, and this is where I say you won’t believe my luck, I…well you remember me telling you about my luck with pirates back on Umgul? Hells you saw it first hand. I swear to Via I have a homing beacon for the rats on me somewhere because, of course, the Ex gets attacked out in the middle of nowhere as we’re trying to make a jump.

They fry the hyperdrive so we can’t run, they start frying our shields, our comm-system…finally they got the engines and we were dead in the water. I haul back to see what I can do with the engines on the fly…well, heh, you know what I mean…and Athar and Worrak start bellowing for me to get to the cockpit again. Turns out some company cruiser armed with heavy ions comes bursting in and saves our arses! Unfortunately they tractored us in nearly scaring me to death, but with a lot of luck and some talking it turned out the captain and I had a mutual friend, so I ended up with a job here on Kuat as security detail and a pilot.”

Grinning sheepishly she hoped Sev and the others bought it. It was primarily the truth, after all, and she couldn’t go into any more detail than that no matter how much she wanted to. Reaching back, she rubbed the offending muscles near her neck with her left hand. Archer was watching her every move. While you could take the boy out of the detective business, you couldn’t always take the detective business out of the boy, and that natural curiosity was driving him to analyze the situation, her words, her actions, her tone, her posture…After a moment he stopped himself and blinked, grinning.

”Sheesh, and I thought we had it rough…”

[Latus]

The pub had gotten livelier in the preceding minutes as both riff and raff came through the single entrance by the dozens. All seemed to be looking for a good time and it seemed that the Dive and Diner was the best in that regard for time time being. The band was starting to pick up and the music echoed from the far room as people drew themselves and each other onto the dance floor. Sev's eyes wandered back and forth looking for something that, so far, seemed to be the farthest thing from them; problems. His gaze shifted all in the space of a moment or two and returned to settle on Sam again, her face seemed passive, confused, surprised that he had asked her that question in particular. His head tilted one way and he smiled sheepishly at her; sorry lass, everyone's thinking it, I'm just saying it. Honestly, if it were anyone else Sev may have reacted the same way. The sergeant had never believed in coincidences although dearly wanted to pass this one off as one; seeing Sam again seemed almost too good to be true.

”Well, we did go to Socorro actually.”

With another minute glance the soldier saw that the others, Jennings, Hunter, and Archer, may have been ready to dismiss it on that. Sev knew the stress Sam had been under regarding her standing with the law so when she began to speak at length he was unsure of what to think.

The story was, in a way, captivating. It gave a snapshot of not only her life but the hard times she had fallen under, if her fugitive status was not enough proof of that. Sorocco, pirates, and a well timed save by a strange cruiser that just happened to warp into system. Sev was immediately leery and, glancing at his right hand man, Hunter. He got no response from the silent Echani but the briefest feeling of locked eyes; the only necessary response from his silent friend. As they both knew, Sam was proficient at reading body language and neither wanted to give anything away. She finished in stating that she was now a pilot and a member of the security force there on Kuat, ending the dialogue with a simple grin.

On the far side of the table Jennings was, skeptical, his furry brows hiding the thoughts churning in his head. Pirates wouldn't attack anything with a cruiser in system especially something with ions... it must have warped in and signals don't transmit through hyperdrive fields.

That was immensely lucky for you, Sam. That hyperdrive operator must have been a true expert in his field.

Hmm...

With a glance Sev's eyes caught the grinning face of Jennings who had leaned over the table, seeming enraptured by the story, then to Hunter's neutral acknowledgment. The sergeant knew better, knew his wingmen better. Neither said anything that could be simply taken at face value. Sev immediately realized that, indeed, Alfren and Hunter were literally confirming what the sergeant thought a moment ago; that was an anomalous level of skill... or preparation. He didn't see anything immediately from Archer but he always was a little slow on the critical uptake. Not wishing to pry Sev sighed as he realized that the curiosity of both of his men could be dangerous. He hoped they knew that.

Lassie, are ye sure tha' yer doin' th' roight thing? Can ye trust these people?

As he waited for an answer the sergeant's eyes locked to her. To be honest Sev was concerned at what was going on. Who were these people and what was their interest in Sam? If what he read between the lines was correct there might have been something deeper at work in her rescue. However, knowing that he shouldn't know any more he simply sighed, shaking his head and turning his kind eyes back to her, smiling.

Nae questions lads. Th' less we know th' better.

Turning to Jennings he saw that the man's inquisitive eyes were fighting Sev's statements.The bothan saw his superiors glare and finally nodded with a tiny moan. Aye, sir. He knew he didn't have to tell Hunter twice.

Next one is me; move goofy. Ever silent Hunter's attempt to break the tension appeared to work as he got Archer to shove out of the booth, picked up the tray of shot glasses and was gone, swallowed by the crowds of the pub. Although Jenning's eyes retained their inquisitive glow he nodded, smiling and chuckling at Hunter's comment toward Archer. Sev, still unsure as to whether he could follow his own orders as he looked at his ex wing member. She seemed to glow around them, her skin lit with a golden light that reminded him of a sunny day across the rolling hills of Corellia. A smile crossed his face and he stretched an arm around her shoulders hugging her close.

Eh, ah'm jus' happeh tae see ye, lass. Might hae tae get a new pic' fer when we ship off again.

Glancing over to Archer Sev's eyes lit up and he tilted his head toward Jennings.

Or we could jus' copy th' one I have; ets a li'l roughed up, though.

You still carry her pic?

Aye, lad. 'Ere... He quickly reaches into his pocket and pulls out the old picture of Sam. It was faded, it was dog-eared, but it still showed Sam in her jump-suit, working on one of the Hawk's primary laser cannon mounts.

Ye should recognize tha', Jennings.

Oh yeah!

Archer?

Quickly he glanced at his goofy member, the smile on his face didn't relent and he pulled Sam closer again before letting her go. This was supposed to be a fun night, not a tense one.

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

Sam knew it was too much to hope that they’d let it go without questioning. Jennings was first to speak up, even if Hunter and Sev had glanced at each other before then.

“That was immensely lucky for you, Sam. That hyperdrive operator must have been a true expert in his field.”

”Lucky’s a frame of mind…they nearly dropped in on top of us. Literally. My co-pilot told me the blasted thing filled the whole viewport in seconds. Two shots out from the cruiser and the pirates turned tail. Our com system was fried by the time we were pulled aboard, I'm not even sure anything from our distress call was transmitted…in system, or out…and no one could have known our jump plan, but…” Pausing a moment she seemed to be debating on if she was going to continue or not. Finally she gave a little shrug. ”Call it Via, or the force, or whatever you will, but someone or something was watching out for us. The entire thing went way beyond any luck or planning possible.”

It was rare when she spoke her personal (religious) beliefs, but when she did it often meant that it was her only logical explanation for the occurrence. Very few things were ‘blamed’ on divine intervention with her…luck was more probable an explanation most times if she had to base and experience on something that just beyond her capability to explain (or, jokingly, magic)…however, this was simply about as far past ‘luck,’ ‘magic,’ or any probable explanation she could possibly concoct. Hence the pause before her speaking out on it.

Archer had settled back in the booth while she replied, his eyes wandering the dive and mulling over the situation. It all sounded fishy, but he was pretty sure all of them were thinking that. What they likely weren’t thinking, however, was of people…actual friends…who might have been trying to get hold of her. Someone who might know someone in an organization or company that was well funded enough to have a cruiser…all he could think was military. But the military wanted her dead. Why would she willingly go with someone military if they wanted her dead? And if they wanted her dead, why wasn’t she turned in yet? That line of musing brought him around to one possible conclusion: she had a friend (call them X, as Iiro would say), X was well connected (possibly military or former military), and was still in touch with a company that likely had some sort of attachment to the armed forces…but not enough to require them to turn Sam in. Problem was, who was X and who was the middle-man company that Sam was now working for who knew X?

Sighing slightly, he attempted to curb his thoughts again. He wasn’t Iiro, he couldn’t pull names and agencies miraculously out of nowhere…he couldn’t solve a murder by picking seemingly random news articles and reading them…he couldn’t talk to a person for anywhere from five minutes to an hour and have a pretty good idea if they’re a criminal or not…he just wasn’t that kind of detective. Never had been, and never had any delusions that he would ever be.

No, he’d come to the same conclusion everyone else had; something wasn’t right…

…but he’d come to it for completely different reasons; there just a piece he was missing…the question was: how badly did he want to figure out the answers to his questions?

“Lassie, are ye sure tha’ yer doin’ the’ roight thing? Can ye trust these people?”

She smiled at Sev once more, this time far more confidently. Without a hesitation she held his gaze, making sure to get her point across.

”Yeah…at first I wasn’t so sure, but yes. Yes, I can trust them. Besides, I'm not being held against my will and if they were going to hand me over…they would have done so already.”

That sigh, that shake of the head, they were indicators that had Archer’s blue eyes fixed back on him intently, even though his hands were laced behind his head and he was leaned back casually. Sam knew it as an indicator too…except for her, it meant she was off the hook…that he was letting the topic drop.

“Nae questions lads. Th’ less we know th’ better.”

That’s a matter of opinion, Sarge, he thought as he glanced over at Jennings, who looked just about as displeased by the ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ order they’d just gotten. Aw man, I'm really gonna regret opening up this can of worms if I open it… Shrugging, Archer decided now was a good time for that cranberry juice…and maybe some food. It was about 2pm and he honestly didn’t remember eating anything. Not that they’d really had time to eat. It had been get the Hawk up to the Anthelion, get it settled in, get themselves settled in, meet and greet their sexeh captain and then get down here.

“Aye, sir.”

“Next one is me; move goofy.”

Huffing, Archer would grudgingly move. He’d been comfortable, and sitting had allowed him to keep still…keeping still meant a better chance of not doing something stupid, like calling Bauer and picking his brain about what companies were around Kuat that might fit the bill. ”Bah…you’re lucky I'm itching for food anyway. I’ll go with you. Anyone else here starving besides me?” He’d lean forward on the table as he stood, letting Hunter out to get the next round. The chorus of ‘yeses’ he got had him chuckling. ”Right…I’ll get Riley to send someone this way for orders…” He paused a moment, though, his eyebrows raising just slightly as Sev curled an arm around Sam’s shoulders. No…nope…he wasn’t even going to let his brain go there. He blamed Kuat City…made him think too much. Way too much.

Sam didn’t mind Sev’s actions one bit as he pulled her into a one armed hug. She also ignored the slight eyebrow raise from Archer. Pressing in just a bit closer to his side, Sam would return the hug by getting one arm up between his back and the booth and the other around his middle, hugging him back for a moment before letting the arm around his torso settle back on the table.

“Eh, Ah’m jus’ happeh tae see ye, lass. Might hae tae get a new pic’ fer when we ship off again.”

Archer’s eyes lit up at the suggestion, a classic ‘Archer’ grin plastering itself on his face. Sam could only laugh and shake her head.

“Or we could jus’ copy th’ one I have; et’s a li’l roughed up, though.”

“You still carry her pic?”

“Aye, lad. ‘Ere…”

As he pulled out the picture from his chest pocket, she’d catch a glimpse of it and gape, blushing slightly. She was even more surprised when Archer started digging around in his wallet and put down a different picture of her in full uniform, putting it on the table as well, and smirking…looking pleased with himself as Sev gave her another squeeze.

”Via help me…you guys still have those silly things?!” Her grin widened, her eyes narrowing in the expression as she fought off laughter. ”I'm the Corellian here…I'm supposed to be the sentimental one! Alright then…” She pulled her arm from behind Sev and smirked impishly and she ‘flirtatiously’ started unzip the upper part of her jumper, giving them all a wink for added effect. Of course, she had a shirt on under it so it didn’t really matter once it was unzipped enough for them to see the olive green material beneath, her smirk blooming into a full grin once again as she reached into her inside pocket.

”I’ll see your pictures…and I’ll raise you an old clearance badge.”

With that she’d drop the worn and creased picture of the sixth wing on the table and hand her old badge to Sev. Archer let out a low whistle and his thoughts turned to the license in his wallet as he finally took the picture back and slipped it back into its proper cover before slipping his wallet back into his pocket.

”Ah, how about I go grab that waitress now, eh? I…might be a minute though. May as well make a call while I'm…” He’d looked up and seen the one person he’d been about to call. Oh he was gonna kill Riley… ”Damn…S—Namra, you stay right here, scratch making a call, I'm gonna go have a talk. If you see me coming back with a well dressed Epicanthix guy, go have a dance with Hunter. Got it?”

He just knew Sev was gonna be looking at him funny…hell, everyone likely was…Sam certainly was, but she simply nodded slightly.

”Just trust me, fellas…I'm hoping this will turn out well, maybe even really well. Call it…prevention, though it likely means I’ll have to go visit family later today.” He sighed and shrugged, offering a small smile. ”Heh…what can ya do, right?” With that he’d head off toward the bar (snatching a waitress on the way and pointing her back toward their table) before continuing toward the empty seat beside a tall, dark haired, broad shouldered man in a hat, knee-length black coat, and well polished shoes. Over the crowd Acher’s voice could be heard greeting the man with a chuckle to his voice; ”Hey! Bauer!” For a moment the man simple blinked up at Vinze, almost looking stunned, before they actually gave each other a friendly half-hug and Archer plopped down on the open seat.

In moments the woman was there to take their orders. Sam, however, looked from the backs of Archer and his companion (Bauer, was it?) to Sev as the waitress started with Jennings' order. "Dare I ask what that was all about? ...Or do you know?"

[Latus]

The idea with the picture turned out much better than he had expected. It had not only drawn the attention of those in attendance away from the awkward conversation about Sam's newest development in her fugitive lifestyle and to the past; something that even Jennings could appreciate. The bothan never pried too deeply into their past but it was plain that it was held as something of joy, happiness, and pain for Sev, Hunter, and Archer. As this was the first time Jennings had met her, Sev hoped there was some understanding for Sam as well. In moments Archer's prized photo hit the table to a smile from the sergeant as he remembered that one as well.

”Via help me…you guys still have those silly things?!” The sergeant glanced to her and drew his arm back, pressing a knuckle against her shoulder. ”I'm the Corellian here…I'm supposed to be the sentimental one! Alright then…”

Oh, he knew that tone all too well. A chuckle left his lips before she even had a chance to move; she had something up her sleeve. As she drew an arm to her chest she slowly, and with all the grace and charm he knew she had she slowly began to draw the top zipper of her suit down. Aye, thats Sam. Jennings leaned around to get a view of what was happening and got a surprise that he muffled with a brief glance away. In his seat Sev saw the shirt before the others and shook his head at her wink; he wished Hunter was for this.

”I’ll see your pictures." She said, plopping a picture that was slightly larger than the others, "and I’ll raise you an old clearance badge.”

Sev chuckled as he took a hold of Sam's old, tarnished Corellian Planetary Guard service badge. Now that took him back. He was the most openly nostalgic of his crew and, even to the mechanic the badge should have been familiar. Sev's was tucked out of the way on the primary panel of the Hawk with express orders for Jennings to not touch it. Still with a smile on his face (he was doing that a lot this evening) he sat the badge on the table in front of him as he reached to place a finger on Sam's old picture.

No' tae mention the pic. All five o' us... now tha' takes meh back. Nodding he motioned to the badge which Jennings was already glancing at. Tha's th' same badge ah 'ave oan th' forward primary. Ets a li'l bit o' the Sevens wit' meh all th' time...

Got it, boss; nice.

Ye're no' th' only one tae get sentimental when talkin' thinkin' aboot th' Sevens, Sam.

Sev chuckled again and glanced away from the table just in time to see Hunter slide the tray of amber-colored shots onto the table just short of the pictures.

Hey... He said, taking a look of soft joy. I remember that.

With Hunter's return, Archer finally seemed to return to his thoughts before the pictures started flying.

”Ah, how about I go grab that waitress now, eh? I…might be a minute though. May as well make a call while I'm…”

”Damn…S—Namra, you stay right here, scratch making a call, I'm gonna go have a talk. If you see me coming back with a well dressed Epicanthix guy, go have a dance with Hunter. Got it?”

Sev looked up at Archer, unsure of how to reply to his statements. Hunter, who had just slid back to his seat, quirked a silent eyebrow at Vinze, wondering just what he had himself into as even he, who knew Archer better than most others, was unsure as to what was going on. At least Hunter's gaze was not as obvious as Sev's who's was cutting and questioning.
”Just trust me, fellas…I'm hoping this will turn out well, maybe even really well. Call it…prevention, though it likely means I’ll have to go visit family later today.” Archer gave a small shrug to which Sev sighed. ”Heh…what can ya do, right?”

Ye know wha's best fer ye, lad. We'll be here an'... try to stay oot'a trouble.

As Archer moved away and out of Sev's sight the sergeant finally just shook his head and returned his attention to the table. A glance at Jennings returned a shrug and Hunter's silent visage was characteristic to him save the eyes which were focused through Sev and Sam, out and beyond. The Echani could be very dedicated when he wanted to be.

S'all right, lad. E's go' thus under control... a' least dinnae make et sae obvious.

At that Hunter nodded, his gaze softening.

"Dare I ask what that was all about? ...Or do you know?"

Tae be honest, lass, ah know vereh little. Archer's no' been himself since we landed an' ah think ets tae do wit' his history 'ere; family or somethin'. Et' seems ye cannae take a step aroond 'ere without meetin' up with an old acquaintance o' his. Cab driver, bar tender... ah dun know.

We can't really pry, Sev. This is his problem... if it is a problem. Archer may be goofy but he can take care of himself... well enough.

With a tiny smile at the last moment errata Sev glanced at the bothan who returned the look before quickly glancing over his shoulder toward where Archer disappeared off to. Hunter huffed in agreement before passing the shot glasses out to each of them, leaving the last one sitting on the tray. Carefully Sev reached across the table and gathered up his and Sam's pic as well as he badge before returning them to her and his own to his pocket. Finally, turning to Sam, he grasped the small glass.

Ah think ye've earned thus one; what do we drink tae Sam?

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

Sev’s chuckle at her antics, even before she started them, almost made her loose the ‘flirt’ and fall back on laughter…almost. It didn’t help, however, when Jennings gave a stunned and wide eyed look, swiftly followed by him looking away. It was always fun to tease the newbies, they gave the most amazing looks. Archer had, of course, glanced…blinked once or twice…then realized what was going on. Didn’t mean he hadn’t still been secretly hoping, however; she knew the guy pretty well and he wasn’t exactly difficult to read for her. She had to hand it to him though; he did a better job of hiding it now than he had when she’d first joined. Ah, if only Hunter had been around to tease as well…in fact, she was pretty sure he was the most fun to tease. Well, except maybe Jennings now. As Sev took the ID, she beamed a smile over at him and it only grew brighter as he set the badge down and looked at the picture.

“Hey…I remember that.”

Sam was nearly ready to burst, she was so happy. Archer’s sudden excusing of himself, however, put a bit of a damper on her mood.

“Ye know wha’s best fer ye, lad. We’ll be here an’…try to stay oot’a trouble.”

”Yeah yeah yeah…”

Sam could only shake her head slightly before looking over at the others and gauging their reactions as Sev practically told Hunter to stand down. When he answered her question, keen grey eyes focused in on him. She knew Vinze had been born and bred here, but much more than that she hadn’t been able to get out of him. Occasionally he’d let something slip, like the fact he’d worked for his uncle or that his family hadn’t been too keen on him flying, but after that he’d clam up pretty quickly. Sighing, she glanced over her shoulder at Archer and his ‘friend’ talking animatedly. Well…Archer was talking animatedly, anyway. Even when she turned back around she barely noticed Hunter set the shot before her and only ‘returned’ to the group when Sev handed her her picture and badge. With a warm smile that reached all the way into her eyes she took the items back and slipped them carefully back into her inside pocket and zipped her suit back up once again.

“Ah think ye’ve earned thus one; what do we drink tae Sam?”

The question caught her by surprise, and as she picked up her glass she looked at it thoughtfully for a long moment, trying to narrow it all down. There was so much she wanted to say that it was difficult to hone in on one or two things.

”Well, I came here for a reason…but that reason sort of spills into everything else…” she admitted quietly, the hint of a smile flitting about the corners of her mouth. Finally she settled on something and that smile warmed up again, soft eyes lifting from her drink to look at the others around her and ending on Sev. ”To the good life…from family to friends who may as well be family, from hope for a good tomorrow to taking in today, from chance meetings to planned ones…and last, but certainly not least, to a birthday to remember for Sev here and a one in a million chance that we’d all be in the same place at the same time on it.”

Lifting her glass, she’d hold it out to the others.

---

“Archie…never thought I’d even hear from you again, much less see you again.”

”Yeah, well you know I didn’t leave on the best terms, Bauer.”

The man nodded, taking his hat off and setting it aside on the bar with one hand, the other running through his tidy black hair to slick it back and straighten it. “Well, kid, that’s no reason not to keep in touch. I’m sure your parents would like to hear from you, and you know I’ll have to drag you down to Mr. Dashiell if you don’t show up yourself…otherwise I’ll be in trouble.”

Vinze settled his elbows against the edge of the bar and leaned forward, looking past the epicanthix to Riley, one leg bouncing slightly on the rung of the stool. ”Oi, Riley!”

“Usual, Archie? Or you still lookin’ at shots?”

”Twist on the usual.”

A gruff laugh came at that and he nodded. “Yeah, I know just what you want.”

Settling back again, Archer looked over at Bauer with a shrug and a slight smile, that leg still jumping…to the music, of course. ”I’m sure they would, and I’m sure you would be…but that isn’t my problem now.”

“Why the hell are you so bent on not seeing them Vinze? I know you can be bull headed, but this is a bit much, even for you.”

Archer could only give him an incredulous look as one of the servers set a plateful of sandwich down in front of Bauer. ”Oh, I don’t know…maybe because I don’t feel like being guilted into doing anything? I mean come on, Bauer, let’s be realistic here…” With a clunk a glass full of rum-spiked chocolate milk was plopped down in front of him. Bauer could only laugh at the sight. ”Get over it Bauer, you’ve seen this a million times, you should be over the juvenile laughing stage by now.”

“Bull, Archie, I’ll never get over it…seeing you drink that tickles me.”

”Stow it.”

“So…how long are you here for?”

That leg stopped jumping.

”Why?”

“That way I know how long I have before I have to track you down and set Pearly on you.”

The glass stopped half way to his mouth before settling back down on the counter. Blue eyes turned slowly to the man beside him, followed in short order by the rest of his face and the attached head. Those eyebrows were practically into his hairline. ”Now see here, Bauer, that’s outta line. As for how long…I’m only here until tomorrow afternoon. I’ve got my wing here with me, it’s my CO’s birthday and I’m tired of slinking around…got it? That’s why I’m talkin’ t’you and not mingling with the pretty girls or hunkered down in a corner somewhere.” He paused. ”You know that means not being badgered by any of them.”

“Sounds like the perfect time to be badgered if you ask me.”

”Bah.” He took a drink, glaring into the glass half a moment before setting it down again. ”And what? Let’s just suppose I go to the station…then what? I get harangued by mom and pop and anyone else in there, embarrassed in front of the fellas, then turn around and go to Iiro? Not only is that more than uncomfortable for me, but them too.”

“Well you could always go without—“

”Out of the question. I’m not ditching them like they’re some tail, Bauer.”

“You don’t have much choice then do you?” By now that sandwich was almost half gone. That was when it hit him.

”What’re you doin’ away from the penthouse anyway? Footing it for the man or…”

A shrug was his answer, the muscular man focused on his sandwich like it was heaven sent. Taking another drink, Vinze fought the urge to glance back at the others. Sitting beside Bauer was…nostalgic…in a way, but it made him feel out of sorts, and most certainly under dressed. He found himself wishing he’d put on his uniform…at least then he’d have been presentable, though he’d have stuck out like a sore thumb. Ah well. Six to one, half a dozen to the other, I guess.

[Latus]

The men at the table raised the short glasses high, absorbing the statement and feelings of the young woman beside them. Despite everything and in spite of all of the upheaval their small group had experienced here they were enjoying the serendipity of a spontaneous and truly wonderful day. That Archer was not included in this served as a reminder of how fragile everything was. Sev doubted that the issues he had re-immersed himself in were quite as critical as threatening the current status quo but it served as a proper analogue. They had to enjoy everything that they could for as long as they could.

And that was exactly what the Sergeant intended.

Tae th' good life!

The good life and good friends!

Only Hunter remained silent in this, a soft smile wrapping his face in a moment of pleasure that he was not willing to waste. Each of them then tipped back the glass, downed the fiery liquid, and returned the empty containers to the table rim down. Sev breathed out, the heat escaping over his lips as his esophagus steamed. The timing was perfect as the waitress walked up to their table bearing menus and a datapad. Quickly she passed the folders around and stood back.

Sorry about the wait, folks. I'll be your server today. Our specials are on the board over there, I'll be back in a few minutes to take your orders.

And with that she hustled away. Taking the menu in hand Sev quickly opened it and began flipping between pages.

Get whatev'r, folks. Thus es mah treat.

No way Sarge, this is your birthday, I'll pick up the tab.

Aye dunnae think sae...

Sarge...

Sev glanced to Hunter. His smile had vanished but the sergeant could tell that his most stoic wingman still had the spirit of the day behind his eyes. He also noticed a twitch as the Echani's eyes switched to look over Sev's shoulder at something in the background. Sev knew who.

This is our gift to you.

The Sergeant blinked twice, once at the words, the other at the length of the statement. When Hunter glanced over Sev's shoulder again he realized why the ever quiet man had spoken up. It was a message hidden within the short six words. It meant:Archer is talking, nothing seems wrong. Sev nodded, both at the insistence of his men and Hunter's message before glancing down at Sam, shaking his head.

I should know no' tae argue. Thanks, lads, an make sure Sam's gettin' somethin' too, ay?

He smiled at her before glancing over to the special; the Sandwich du jour seemed fine enough and he decided upon that. The waitress did indeed return a few moments later, bearing several glasses of water. After each person received one she stepped back.

Are you ready to oder?

Aye lass. Ah'll 'ave ye're corned beef ruben.

House Burger, everything on with chips, please.

Bowl of red chowder.

As Sam ordered he glanced back over at Archer who was still talking. He knew the youngest member was also hungry so he turned his attention back to the waitress.

Will that be all?

Nae, lass, th' lad ov'r a' tha' table talkin' tae th' epicanthrix fello'. That'll be oan th' same bill.

Ok.

Without another word she whisked herself away in Archer's direction. Smiling he looked back over their table and took the glass of water. As he sipped he nodded to his wing, just happy that they could spend such a simple day together.

So Namra, what did you do with the Sevens? Heard you went by bomber but does that mean anything special?

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

“Tae th’ good life!”
“The good life and good friends!”

Sam couldn’t help but grin at them, her smile beaming over at Hunter last. It was good to see them all smiling and happy, even the newest member of their little family. A moment only she hesitated, a bit of concern for Archer creeping into her thoughts, before she too tipped back her glass and let the shot burn its way down. With a simple twist of her wrist the glass was set upside down on the table before her, and she settled back with a pleased smile on her face. Sheesh…when was the last time we all went out like this? I can’t even remember it’s been so long. Her attention was caught soon enough by the waitress who came bustling up to the table and passed around the menus before excusing herself so they could have some time to decide on what they wanted.

She’d just reached out to snatch up her own menu when Sev’s voice had her giving him a look from the corner of her eye.

“Get whatev’r, folks. Thus es mah treat.”

”Sergeant man say what now?”

“No way Sarge, this is your birthday, I’ll pick up the tab.”

“Ah dunnae think sae…”

“Sarge…”

”You tell ‘im, Jennings.”

“This is our gift to you.”

Sam blinked several times at Hunter as well, her head tilting to the side slightly as an amused (and partially shocked) smile tugged at her face. ”Hells, I know he said you talked more, but this is just spooky Hunter.” She chuckled a bit and shook her head before grinning up at Sev. ”They’re both right, though….not supposed ta be picking up the tab when it’s your birthday, don’t care who you are.” Pausing briefly, her thoughts picking out one person she could make an exception to that rule for. She was about to continue, however, when Sev beat her to her thought.

“I should know no’ tae argue.”

”Got that right…now, I owe all of you so I’m gonna pick up the--wait what about me?” As he smiled, she could only give him a subtly baffled look in return. Something had just gone awry in her plans for picking up the tab in this situation hadn’t it? Maybe it hadn’t…if she could nab the ticket first. Mentally shrugging it off for now, she’d thank the waitress as she came back with the waters and asked for their orders. Frell…I’ve not even considered it yet! Flipping through the pages, she paused at something she hadn’t seen in a good while, and while she doubted it would be anywhere half as good as Oren could make it, she just had to try it.

”I’ll have the smoked nerf sandwich with a’jous, please. Thanks.”

“Will that be all?”

Again Sev beat her to a reply. I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised there…fearless leader takes care of his minions. The thought made her chuckle and pat the back of his shoulder lightly before she started playing with the ice in her glass with her straw. It was good being back around these guys…comfortable and reassuring. It wouldn’t have been a stretch for her to say that she felt safe around them, secure in her place and identity for the first time in months (not counting when she’d bumped into Sev not to long ago).

“So Namra…”

”Hmm?”

Sam looked up, pulled from her thoughts at the sound of the bothan’s voice.

“What did you do with the Sevens? Heard you went by Bomber but does that mean anything special?”

She blinked at the question, then over at Hunter, before finally ending on Sev. Had none of them told him anything? Hunter she could believe…he didn’t say much of anything, but not Sev or Archer either?! Finally she chuckled, the soft sound gaining energy until it was a light stream of kind hearted laughter. ”Geeze fellas…I woulda thought you’d have told him that by now. Not sure if I should be offended that you haven’t, or not.” Finally she let go of her straw and shifted around so that she had one leg tucked underneath the other, leaning one arm on the tabletop to look over at Jennings.

”Hmm, what did I do with the Sevens? Oooooh, nothing out of the usual…you know…destroyed stuff with big explosions.” She shrugged slightly, before she glanced sidelong at Sev and smirked sheepishly, scratching the back of her head a bit. ”…And little explosions…and middle sized explosions…and…y’know…let’s just leave it as ‘I blew stuff up and I liked it.” Another laugh escaped her as she shrugged once more.

”Bah, I think she could have made space explode if she tried hard enough. This sweet little face is the perfect disguise for a pyromaniac…emphasis on maniac.” Archer had returned, sans Bauer since…well he didn’t like to think of the deal he’d made with the man. Nudging Hunter aside, he slipped into the booth with what remained of his drink and sat back with a sigh. ”And of course by pyromaniac I mean demolitions expert.”

Sam could only giggle and nod emphatically. ”Oh yeah…need something demolished? I’m your girl. Not bad with the missiles and bombs either…I made sure of that. It’s part of how I got the name…dropping payloads like that on missions.” Twisting around slightly, she’d look at Sev curiously. ”How many ticks did I have for drops and missile hits by the end? Had to have been ten at least for successful hits with the Hawk…”

Glancing over at Archer, she offered a smile. "Everything go okay with your friend?"

"Yeah...gonna have to make a few stops before we leave port though...can't get out of visiting family this time."

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

From here on, it’s IMRP logs. Lat and I agreed that the thread could be completed just as well/easily with logs/shorter replies than full length posts. Soooo here they are for posterity’s sake…and future reference…and…stuff. Starting with Sev (Lat)

---

Archer's return was unsurprising and after the brief discussion and the relieving Jenning's of his curiosity Archer spoke. This made Sev curious. “Ah cmon lad, yer family cannae be tha' bad. Jus' go en, have ae drink wit' em an' catch up. Ah' mean, ye havnae seen them en years. Mebeh they jus' wan' tae see how ye've been.”

---

Archer looked at him with some mild form of disbelief, then gave an almost sheepish smile and a shrug. "Oh yeah...yeah they wanna know how I've been, alright. Though I highly doubt that a few drinks'll satisfy any of 'em. Especially not my uncle..." He huffed a chuckle and shook his head, sitting back and crossing his ankles under the table. "Not to mention how I'm dressed..." Running a hand through his hair, he shifted positions to sit up again, unable to figure out which position was going to be more comfortable. "Cripes. If I'd know I was gonna be strong-armed into seeing them I'd have worn my dress greens at least. Though...I think I still have something pa---no, no I took it out. Oh well. Too late now anyway."

Sam quirked a brow at Archer before glancing over at Sev, then back to Archer. "Hey, look...Vinze...I get that your family must have some high standards or something, but isn't this a little extreme? I mean...Sev's right. Even while I was around you never really went to visit them...I'm sure they'll be happy to see you however you're dressed." Sheesh, and here I thought women were bad with wanting to keep a good appearance, she mused silently

Archer simply took a drink and bounced one leg a bit before glancing back at the dance floor. "Well, at least the music and the service around her haven't changed. That's a good thing."

---

The sergeant gave that pause. There was so little that Archer had said about his family in the past that, for once, the sergeant was at a loss. Once Archer mentioned the music Sev realized that this was something that, to him, it seemed like Vinze needed to get off his shoulders. Chuckling at Sam and then at Archer's fidgeting with his outfit he leaned back over the booth and looked in the direction of the bar where a young bothan woman sat.

“The music is certainly jumpin' taenight. Hunt'r why dinnae ye take same oot fer ae dance; tha's somethin' else tha's no' come up in a long time. An' Jennings... theres ae smoker o' ae lass a' th' counter, go ask for a dance.”

Jennings, getting the none-to-subtle meaning of Sev's suggestion, nodded with a respectful smile and slid out.

"You heard him. C'mon Sam. See if I remember..."

As the others made their way out, respecting the wishes of their superior. Then, it was just the two of them. “Roight Archer, ye've dodged this long enough. What es th' issue 'ere? Ah know et's ae sore spot, ets always been an ye dinnae hae tae say much if anythin' but wha' happened a'tween you an' yer family?”

---

Sam could only blink at Sev's reaction, clever grey eyes studying him for a long moment even before he spoke. His first sentence said just about all she needed to hear in conjunction with his actions. She was up in an instant and ready to go...she just needed to know who with. Turned out it was Hunter, an impish smile pulling at her features as three of them (Jennings had been given the boot as well) were given a not-so-subtle dismissal. "You think you've forgotten, Hunter? Now that is a shame!"

Archer, who'd slid out to let Hunter and Jennings out, was none too pleased with what he knew was coming. Blue eyes hardened a bit and his mouth turned down at the corners as he sat down again, back a bit more rigid that was normal for someone just having a drink with a friend. "Honestly, Sev, that's n--..." He stopped himself there, closing his mouth on the words he wanted to say. He wasn't trying to cause another problem, certainly not with Sam around (finally) after so long. For a moment a muscle in his jaw worked as he considered the situation, weighing the options in his mind swiftly as he tried not to outright glare at the man across the table from him.

After several long moments he finally had enough of a mind to open his mouth without immediately inserting his foot. "You're right. It is a sore spot. One I don't appreciate you jabbing at. You wanna know, alright, fine. You and the guys can come make the rounds with me tonight and you can get the story from someone else." That...was just about all Sev was going to get as far as a concession...a confession...or an offer.

---

Sev sighed as he looked out over the dance floor to see Hunter and Sam dancing away like tomorrow wouldn't come. Even Jennings had managed to pull the "lovely" young bothan out to the dance floor and were both dancing with bright smiles on their faces. “A wound won't heal unless you give et some air, lad. I'll take tha' offer bu'... jus' me. Ah'll even wear mah new boots fer et tae make ae good impression.” Pauses as he takes a drink before sighing. “Ah onleh jab, Vinze, because, with us gettin' ready tae ship off, this may be yer las' chance tae settle up any last scores.”

Sev didn't really think that anything would happen on this particular hitch [snicker] but the meaning was there anyway. With If he could get this off Archer's mind, he thought, it might be an improvement in the long run.

---

"Whatever ya say, Sarge." He knew Sev meant well, but he didn't get it. Family wasn't the only problem. Sure they were a big part of it, but they weren't all of it...and try as he might (and he sure did try...at points), those deaths...especially of his girl...had cut him deep. Deeper than any deaths he brought about, or witnessed, out in the field.

Finishing his drink off, Archer tapped the bottom of the milk-glass against the table. "If we're goin' we need to scram soon or things'll get sticky. Iiro's got a very...strict...timetable and force only knows about my parents. Need to get downtown to find out about them."

---

Unsurprisingly, and most certainly supported by the tone of Archer's voice, he had missed something that he didn't know was there to miss. He wondered how much of this was to do with family at all or if family was only the catalyst. Giving a soft sigh he glanced at the dance floor that saw Hunter still swinging something fierce with Sam.

“If tha's the case lets go now. Leave a message for th' others tae hold our food; we'll come back aft'r.”

Sliding out of the booth he stood and adjusted his outfit. This certainly wasn't what he wanted to be doing on his birthday but if it meant getting this mess out of the way then so be it.

---

"Don't bother with the food. By the time we get to Iiro you'll have a feast for dinner." He certainly didn't look pleased about leaving, but at least the thought of some of Joss' cooking brightened him up. "Bout the only thing good that'll come out of meeting with him...Joss' cooking I mean." Standing with a resigned sigh, he waved down Kelly. As the waitress came over, she beamed a grin at him that he couldn't help but return...even if it was just a ghost of a smile. "Hey, Kelly... you got a bit of flimsy or something to write a note on, or you mind taking a message for our buddies?"

"A message? Uh...well I don't have any flimsy, but I can put a note on my pad to give them when I bring back the food. That good Archie?"

"Yeah, that'll be fine Kelly. Tell 'em this exactly: 'Sev and I went to go see the folks. I have food for us taken care of. I'll return the birthday boy ASAP" He watched as Kelly tapped out the message onto her datapad, his voice rising to be heard more easily above the music. Her nod and a smile had him nodding in return and squeezing her shoulder a bit. "Thanks, you're a real gem."

"Sure, no problem Archie. Does that mean I should cut the order for your guys' food then? Are you going to the Orchid? Or just going to see you're uncle? I know Bauer was talking about you going over there."

"Yeah, tell the cook we're sorry about the mixup. And....I really hope we aren't going to the Orchid....buuut....ya never know. As for Iiro...." He simply shrugged and gave her cheek a friendly, light, pinch that made her laugh and bat his hand away.

"Same ol' Archie. Get outta here."

With a grin, he nodded and turned to Sev. "Alright Sev, let's get the hell outta here and get this over with." With that said, he'd lead the way to the door and out into the sun, hailing a taxi and sliding in. "11760 West Luxom Avenue." The cabbie turned and looked at him stupidly for a moment before nodding and turning back around.

"Sure thing, boss."

---

The sergeant was silent during the exchange with the waitress, simply letting Archer do the talking as he would only look and sound out of place. With the food and the note out of the way he took the lead and stepped out of the tavern. His stoic side was showing and he only paused and waited as their cab pulled up to the curve. The order of 11760 West Luxom Avenue meant little to Sev but the cabbie seemed to know it well. Something did strike him whilst they were inside the bar, however.

“Tha' was th' second time ah've heard yeh avoid th' Orchid... more "family" there, too?”

Whichever way the question went he simply enjoyed the speeder ride. Soon they were outside the place and he quickly opened the door and stepped out. All the while he had to reassure himself that this was all for the best. Honestly, Sev didn't now what to expect.

“Who will we be meeting with? I may have volunteered for thus bu' goin' in blind doesn't suit meh.”

---

"The Orchid? You've really never heard of the Nebula Orchid, Sev? Right...well it's only Kuat's swankiest restaurant. If you wanna take a girl somewhere real nice...that's the place." He sighed a bit and started straightening his hair as the cab moved further into down town-central, large office buildings and posh apartment buildings and stores making up the area. "Iiro owns the place. Joss is one of the head chefs there...though he's only there a few days of the month every month."

Readjusting his shirt so it 'settled right', he worked to make his appearance as tidy as possible. With as pressed as he kept his day uniform, the button down shirt and slacks assigned for briefings and the like, it wasn't difficult to do. Still....it just felt wrong. The whole thing felt wrong as far as what he was wearing...

As they pulled up to the curb, Archer paid the cabbie and slid out after Sev, chuckling a bit at his question. The only answer needed was a jab of his thumb at the large metal words and symbol affixed to the building above the door. 'Kuat Central Police Station'. Shoving his hands in his pockets, he headed inside...almost heading right past the front desk, only stopping when the man their called out at them.

"Hey! You, get back here. You need a visitor's badge or clearance to go any further." The heavily built officer stood and started coming over, Archer heaving a sigh in the process.

"Yeah, I know." Pulling his hands out of his pockets, he flipped open his wallet and pulled a card out from behind his military ID. Walking to the gate laser, he slipped the card in and waited, biting back his anxiety. After a moment a cool, digitized, female voice sounded from the speaker.

"Access granted, Private Detective Archer."

"Yeah yeah..." he muttered, pulling out the card again and looking over at the officer, who was blinking in surprise, and jabbing his thumb over in Sev's direction. "He's with me.”

The officer nodded once and sat back down at his desk as Archer started walking again, not bothering to look at Sev. "C'mon...parents should be up on the fifth level if they're in here today."

---

He'd not looked at the building until the moment Archer spoke. The KCPD... he'd heard things about them before. Idle chatter and so on in the barracks of Kuati recruits, even a little bit from Archer back in the day but never anything about Vinze's fam-... not surprising. The loud-mouth had been mum only on the subject of family. The moment he realized Archer had stepped foreword he fell in behind the Airman, walking much like someone in the army was bound to.

Stepping into the lobby they stepped right past the guard who was quick to voice his distaste. Sev nearly stepped in to speak but Archer beat him to it. The ID flashed and there was little more problem as it was scanned. The sergeant was happy for it. Though it would never have happened the burly guard would have made a tough opponent.

"Access granted, Private Detective Archer."

The wheels began to find some grasp in Sev's mind as he began to put two and two together from everything he had heard regarding Vinze's past. Parents must both work in the precinct, knows everyone around town... thats it, isnt' it.

“Not interested en th' family business. Tha's et... or part o' et.”

Sev slowed, looking at Archer. But... either his parents were conservative hard-cores or something else was afoot. That particular line made him chuckle. From there on he was quiet, as stoic a man as he ever was before. Sev almost hoped that things were just that simple.

---

Archer simply shrugged at the statement...well...part question, part statement. "Not just my folks business. When you say 'family business' you don't get the extent." he replied, pausing at the lifts and thumbing the button for it. "Didn't mind it for a while. Good job. Tough but fun, sometimes anyway. A real mental challenge...but..."

"Vinze Archer! What're you doin' in my station, Vinze?! I don't need your hell around here right now!"

Rolling his eyes, he turned and folded his arms, facing the ever agitated Inspector. "Why hello there, Inspector Hart. How're you? How's the wife? It's good to see you too, by the way. I'm doing great, thanks for asking. I'm just here visiting my folks…you know what visiting means, right? Anyway, they in?"

The grey and balding man jutted out a chiseled jaw in obvious irritation at being talked to like that as he slowed his brisk pace down the hall and stopped at them, eying both Sev and Archer through narrowed eyes. "I'm fine, so's the missus, and yes they're in...they're all in." The Inspector gave a smile that looked a bit more like a grimace...though Archer could tell he had enjoyed the fact that he'd been able to inform the younger man that his -whole family- was here. Right up stairs. "Who's yer friend?" He asked around his unlit cigarette.

"Him? This is my CO, Sergeant Sevchenko. Sev, this is Inspector Hart...a kinder, more gentle and well tempered man you'll meet every day."

"Why I oughtta...!"

"Cool it Inspector, I don't wanna be here any more than you want me here, and I still have Iiro ta see."

That seemed to give the gruff man some pause...just enough to let a devilish grin curl along his features before he held out his hand to Sev and shook it. "Iiro, huh? My condolences...you going to see that fat...good fer nothin' ---"

"Cut the crap, Inspector."

"...too? Heh. Good luck." He started on his way down the hall again before pausing and looking back over his shoulder. "Oh! And keep your grunt under control. I don't want him mucking things up or sticking his nose into any of our business around here! Have fun with Dashiell, Archie!"

The lift had horrible timing....it dinged open only moments after Hart left. As Archer stepped inside and pressed the button for the correct floor, he huffed. "Sorry, Sev....the whole family's here. Must be a meeting day."

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

The conversation took a turn for the strange as the pair continued to move forward. Specifically it was the introduction of the large man, the graying human with a gravelly voice and something of an attitude. He did little but listen as the two bantered back and forth, offering his hand unsuccessfully when Archer introduced him to this Inspector Hart. The man struck him as something of an unsavory character, attitude and...significantly rude comments notwithstanding. The grunt comment certainly got under his skin, though he did not allow any kind of irritation to show on his person. Outside of the elevator they stopped, Archer finally turning the inspector away. As Hart moved away Sev glanced at Archer. ”Dashiell? I can't begin to guess but I can certainly suspect that your group dislikes the military?

Giving a dry chuckle he stepped into the elevator as the door opened taking up a casual stance as Archer followed.

No need tae be sorry, lad. Ah go' meself intae' thus an ah intend tae see et through tae th' end.

---

”Ah yeah...my Uncle Iiro.” He sighed a bit and shook his head. ”He won't be here, anyway.

Stepping into the lift he'd press the button for the correct floor. ”It isn't that they have a problem with military...it's just that...well they're an odd group. They'll try and worm your whole history outta ya if you let 'em. As for Hart....he doesn't like anyone. Especially not me or Iiro. We caused him and the precinct no end of trouble as far as he's concerned.

He didn't even bother to lean against the lift side as they rode it up. It was only a few floors and soon enough they were stepping out into a series of large rooms. Some with desks and stacks of datapads and flimsies, some interrogation rooms, some meeting rooms...the moment the doors slid open a shout could be heard across the room

"OI!"

"Here it comes, Sarge..."

"IT'S VINZE!....I think..."

The man, dressed in a suit, tie, and a long (open) jacket came hustling through the bustle of the main room via the center aisle, bypassing all the desks.

"Hey, hey! If it isn't Konner!"

"Vinze, cous! Hot d--well I never thought I'd see you 'round here again!"

Despite himself Archer took three loping strides forward and met the man with a swift hug and a lot of back patting on both parts.

"You back for the meeting? You actually -back- back?!" Green-blue eyes swung from Archer over to Sev as they stepped back. "And who's your buddy? Konner Archer, pleasure. Hey, let's get away from the lift...Cripes, Vinze, you really goin' around in that stuff? Man, oh man, your parent's'll throw a fit if they catch you alone for a second!"

Konner had, of course, extended his hand to Sev as they moved away from the lift before going back to speaking to his cousin with a laugh.

"Yeah...about that...This is Sergeant Sevchenko, my flight leader. We're just in fo--"

"Vinze!?"

The woman's voice had Archer stone stiff for half a second before turning with a grin. "Cat! Well don't you just look lov--"

"Don't you start with me Vinze Archer! You left me high and dry to go and join the -army- of all things. I've had to find myself a new dance partner, too...You know how hard it is to find someone that dances as good as you?"

The look on Archer's face at the half angry, half sultry-simpering voice said 'uh-oh...trouble' as the well dressed woman strutted her way over to them with an arm full of flimsy documents, her other hand finding her hip. Still, without missing a beat, doe brown eyes turned to Sev, eying him for a good long while.

"Who's your friend?"

She didn't sound entirely displeased...

---

The elevator slid open and, though he did hear Archer and his warning, the 'OI' instantly put him on edge though he didn't necessarily know why. Perhaps it was his own unresolved stress for this particular situation or the desire to be prepared for the unknown that brought him to look at the young man with a suit and tie coming toward the elevator. While the resemblance was only minor he could certainly see some family resemblance in this young man before Archer stepped out to greet him. Sev stepped out behind him. The exchange between the two resolved his suspicion; cousins. The tone was much lighter and Sev found himself smiling, stepping out to grasp the man's hand as it was offered.

”Ah'm jus' th' lad who got seated wit' yer cousin en th' Planetary Guard. E's been followin' meh aroond like ae li'l lost Nexu ev'r since.”

Sev's hand grasped the confident young man's in response and he found himself shaking it with the same level of energy. It seemed to fall in rivulets off of Konner Archer. His thought process was interrupted by a second outburst, one from a young woman, one who seemed to be giving Archer a similar faux sarcasm that he had seen out of Sam many a time. Archer seemed to indicate trouble but he would certainly allow himself to see who the young woman was before making many assumptions. As her eyes turned to him he looked back, his own color shifting eyes looking the young woman over at an equivalent turn. At her question he stepped forward gently taking her hand, squeezing it.

”Adamar Sevchenko, Staff Sergeant Republic Navy Pilot. And may ah say, ye're quite lovely mah dear.”

---

Konner couldn't help but laugh at the reply he got from Sev, Archer making a disgruntled little sound before huffing a chuckle.

"Hah...yeah, I feel for you. I really do. Vinze is...special."

"Hey!"

When Cat had arrived, though, Konner had stepped back, arms folded, and watched with no small amount of amusement at the interaction. Sev's reply to her had both Archers glancing at each other, Konner wearing an impish grin. And Vinze's look?...a little displeased...especially as she smiled, politely, back at Sev and stepped closer.

"Why thank you, Mr. Sevchenko. You are polite, aren't you? So unlike dear Vinze here..." She paused for dramatic effect, that smile quirking up a little at one corner. "And such a unique accent, too..."

Vinze coughed and stepped up right between the two of them to save Sev from himself...and her. Especially her.

"Okay, Cat. It was very nice to see you again, but I need to make the rounds. 'Atta girl...you're a pip."

"See? And to think I used to like you, Vinze Archer..." she sighed dramatically and batted her lashes just twice at Sev. "It was very nice meeting you, Mr. Sevchenko...maybe we can talk again sometime."

---

Why thank yeh, lassie. Et's ae bonny pleasure.

When Archer did step between him and the young woman, Cat, he realized he had done something wrong... or right, depending on ones feeling. The suggestion of history between the two was noticeable just from the way she talked, from the way she complemented and, after Archer's interruption, the way she suggested they meet up again. The Sergeant just smiled, shrugging at her as he pulled himself away off behind his wingman. For the time being he was actually still having a time finding out why Archer had feared coming back so much. As far as Sev could tell it was just the dealing with an old girlfriend that had occurred so far. Hart was something of an arse but that seemed natural. Nodding to Konner he stepped to as Vinze continued onward.

”So... et's no' th' people tha' are botherin' yeh. Es tha' Cat lass always so...” He paused, gesturing backhandedly to all of her.

---

Cat smiled just a bit more at his reply and nodded with a pleased "you're welcome." Still as he pulled back she tried not to let it bother her. Just like men to do that kind of thing. With a little wave, she turned and sauntered back toward the desks, doling out the flimsies in her arms.

"Hah...seems like she's tryin' to get back at you still, Vinze. C'mon, the others are in room 10. Still missing a few, but we're all here pretty much." He chortled a bit. "All twenty of us...just waitin' for the other five."

Joy.

Whatever relief he felt in Catherine's leaving was crushed as he heard the news, Konner leading them back toward the large meeting room. Sev's question, however, gave him a short reprieve from his thoughts.

"You'll see in a bit...but no, not just the people. And yes...she's always like that. Trust me...she's good if you're looking for a dance and something slightly casual, but other than that...best to just stay away."

As they reached the back of the office and the open door to room 10, the bustle and bantering inside would be obvious. Lots of Archers, lots of Harpers, lots of Jansons, one Dashiell (but not -the- Dashiell).

Dress was obviously important...most were dressed in well pressed suits, shined shoes, neat and tidy hair, starched shirts, blazers under overcoats or overcoats hung on the backs of chairs, classy hats...Archer immediately felt underdressed.

The older men were bantering amongst themselves, younger ones leaning or seated here or there, women sitting or standing placidly or looking over files and datapads.

"Hey! Cut the ruckus! Vinze is here!"

He -almost- cringed as the room grew quiet for a long instant...dozens of eyes snapping to them with varying looks of shock and curiosity and disbelief, a few of the older men even managing to look stern, before the room burst into motion and sound again.

"Where've you -been-?!"
"...finally come to your senses and..."
"...Mother will be so..."
"Vinze!...knew it! Pay up Josh!"
"Who's...with you?"
"...young man...taught you better than..."
"Iiro will be..."

"Oi! I've only got one set of ears!"