/takes the huntress out back and buries it (jan mingle pt. II)

[scrubscrub]

Who: Anyone on the SS Huntress! Crew and visitors.
Broadcast: N/A
Action: SS Huntress
When: More of January! We got three new crew mates and it will be messy.

IT'S ANOTHER MINGLE FOR OUR EVER-EXPANDING SHIP.

Also, we need an update on how well Koala is doing at pinball.

God, help this ship.

Comments

[princessia]

[ Cullen is still her father. They're from different worlds and blood, but he's still family. ]

He always comforted me, even on the day we first met... when I first arrived here. I know Daddy would want me to be happy.

[ He was there from the very beginning. Now he's gone, but living on as a memory. She lowers her head, her cheeks now glazed with tears. ]

It's... hard.

[beardstrokes]

Yes.

[ That is a fact. It has always been hard. Qui-Gon was a father, was more. To define it would be absurd (uncalled for. Not the way of the Jedi) ]

You must give yourself the chance to feel it. And to let it go. Because he dwells always within you.

[princessia]

I'm- I'm sorry.

[ She's not sure why she's apologizing, maybe because she feels she's unable to fully let go. Not yet.

She sighs then bites down her bottom lip, keeping her head lowered. ]

I think I need a little more time...

[beardstrokes]

[ Gently. ]

Of course. I'm sorry I could not help you.

[princessia]

[ She shakes her head, reaching up to rub her eyes again. ]

...I think I feel a little better though, being able to talk about Daddy.

[beardstrokes]

Well, I'm glad.

[ It can't be easy. He's seen many children without parents lately. Briefly, he wonders how Numa on Ryloth was faring. ]

You're very strong.

[princessia]

[ She has been with the fleet for a long while. Months ago, she had trouble thinking herself as strong, having cried a lot and often feeling scared. Yet many people have been praising her for her strength. Now him too. She has to believe in it.

She looks up, bashful. Despite her tears, she musters up the confidence to answer without any doubt in her voice. ]

I'm doing my best.

[beardstrokes]

I know.

[ He doesn't comment on her tears - it would be rude after all. ]

There's no shame in being upset, you know.

[princessia]

[ She nods slowly. Yet she acknowledges her own tears. ]

...Strong, brave people cry too sometimes. A friend told me that.

[beardstrokes]

That's always been my understanding of it.

[ Obi-Wan, however, hasn't cried in years. ]

[princessia]

[ Though she feels she could be stronger and braver. Cry less, without needing Cullen all the time to coax a smile out of her. ]

I wonder if he'd be proud of me.

[beardstrokes]

I think you know the answer, deep down.

[ This father seemed to make his feelings clear on the subject. ]

[princessia]

[ She's quiet, thoughtful for a moment. ...Cullen would have to be proud with how strong and brave she is now. And she would like to make him even prouder somehow.

Then she slowly rises to her feet. ]

I-... I'm going to head back to my ship now. [ She gives him the tiniest of smiles. ] Thank you, Obi-Wan.

[beardstrokes]

You're welcome. May the Force be with you and peace as well.