[Open]

[leftonjakku]

Who: Rey and HuxArmitage
Broadcast: Fleetwide
Action: For S.S. Bloodsport.
When: Monday evening.

Hold on. [The small voice is somewhat muted at first while a communicator is being turned this way and that.] I think we’ll be able to reach others with this -

[With the communicator finally facing the right way, the image of a small girl comes into focus. Her hair is in the same style she will wear when she is older and much of her clothing is similar too.]

Isn’t your name Armitage? Can I call you Armi?

That’s not my name though… [Another voice, this one also younger and uncertain can be heard then and when the communicator shifts there is a 5 year old with sharp blue eyes and orange hair. He’s wearing a fitted uniform of an Imperial officer though the only insignia is an armband around one arm bearing the symbol of the Galactic Empire. He still has some dust on his clothes, a small cut on one cheek but his expression is determined.] I just need to find the Commandant and the fleet before they leave.

Someone will know. [Rey has the simple trust of a child, though recently her trust has been badly shaken. Being left on a remote desert planet will do that to you. However she is three or so years older than her companion and she feels the need to take charge and soothe his worries.]

If anyone can hear, we’re looking for the...Commandant? I’m also looking for Jakku. [Though she really, really doesn’t want to go back there. But her family might come back and look for her.

She takes a deep breath.] I need to go back to Jakku, but I like it better here. Armi has been really nice and I don't see very many kids in the desert.

[The nickname is sticking and there is obviously a growing affection for the small boy.]

Comments

[leftonjakku]

[Rey hurries to the shuttle bay, finding a map on one of the walls. She stands on her tiptoes, looking around expectantly. When a person - with a lovely tail! - gets out of the newest arriving shuttle, she blinks and hurries over.]

Are you the fox?

[aigue]

Hello. I am.

[With a French accent, no less. She crouches down immediately, her tail curling around to waggle at Rey.]

I like to look human, sometimes. Fingers are much more dexterous than paws.

[therewillbeorder]

She has a tail and fuzzy ears.

[Armitage was right behind Rey of course since he didn't want to be left alone if they were going to find a way to the Imperial fleet. He made a face at the fox before looking at Rey, staying behind her.

Sentient non-humans were rare on Arkanis, the Empire didn't exactly encourage diversity.]

[leftonjakku]

Wow... [Rey is immediately smitten. She beams at Armitage and reaches for his hand.] Do you want to pet her tail and ears?

[She turns to Renart, smiling hopefully.] Could we? They look so soft!

[aigue]

[Hah, she might have to tease Hux about this when he's back to normal. Right now though she just looks mildly amused.

Thankfully, she's a lot more tolerant of kids being interested in her ears and tail. It's out of a sense of wonder for them rather than skepticism like most adults, she appreciates that.]

It's fine, I suppose. As long as neither of you pull them.

[She'll hold her tail still and tilt her head down so they can reach her ears. Her fur is indeed fluffy, pitch black with bits of silver, and the end of her tail along with the insides of her ears are a snowy white. Mixed in with with the soft fur is some wiry fur as well. It's all very dense and thanks to her fastidiousness, immaculately clean.]

[therewillbeorder]

[Armitage was still wary, peering at Renart]

Are you dirty? Nanabot warned me to stay away from animals cause they can be dirty and dangerous.

[But he didn't move away either, curious. But if Rey thought it was safe then Armitage was willing to move forward to reach out touch the tip of the black tail very carefully.]

[leftonjakku]

[She barely holds herself back from going first. Armitage needs to see that he isn't surrounded by enemies. He can make friends and he can depend on them too. She gently nudges the boy forward.]

Look how shiny her fur is! She's not dirty. [Rey knows dirty, believe her. Renart is beautiful.] See? Isn't that soft?

[She, in her turn, touches Renart's ears, beaming.]

[aigue]

[She has to hold back a scoff. At least Rey's got it.]

She's right. I preen every day. My tail is a source of pride.

[Though being pet by people aside from Monty isn't her favourite thing, she can tolerate it.]

[therewillbeorder]

I guess so...


[His eyes widened at how soft her tail was, slowly becoming more brave as he moved to pet her tail more. He was careful not to pull at least. If Rey said it was alright than he trusted that.]

[leftonjakku]

That makes sense for foxes. [Rey gives Armitage a big smile, whispering:] Be gentle. You don't want to pull out any hairs. That might hurt.

[She pulls back and gives Renart a shyer grin.]

Thank you for letting us pet your fur.

[aigue]

[This is adorable and turning out much better than the last few times non-Monty people touched (pulled) her tail, so she's more than happy to stay still until they both step back.

Then her ears perk back up and her tail flicks.]

You're very welcome. Most people aren't that gentle.

[And she stands back up!]

So, shall we go search the Iskaulit?

[therewillbeorder]

Is that where the Commandant is?

[Armitage didn't look hopeful though and he didn't look excited. He knew he was going to be in trouble for getting separated but he didn't want to be left behind when the Republic came.]