Private A Helping Hand

[Anika Tau'ri]

L O C A T I O N | Arkania
T A G | Kat Decoria

There were many ironies to working as a doctor. Most were easy to see. Small things that you could laugh about later when you made the connection, but not all. Some were so deeply rooted that said doctor could not have seen it for themselves if they were looking at it in a mirror.

For Serena, that type of irony was rife today. It had been for the past four weeks. She had chosen this job to heal. To mend what was broken. It was exceedingly rare for the job to fix her in return, but that was exactly what it was doing. Despite the hardships, the refugees had faced. Despite the fact that they had been bundled onto the frigid wasteland that was Arkania. They still managed to stay positive. It was that fact, and that fact alone, that had kept a smile on Serena’s face. That had kept her moral up enough to continue her work with the same compassion and dedication she always had.

Bent over one of the temporary tables set up as a desk space for that evening, Serena whittled her way through the mountain of endless paperwork. When there were not medical matters to attend to Serena could never resist the lure of the datapad. In a place like this, paperwork piled up and piled up quickly. Instead of sitting and thinking, allowing the silence to take over, she buried her head in something that mattered. Something important.

A dull chime rang throughout her box room office. Serena was only vaguely aware of any noise at all until it was replaced with a sharp rapping sound. “Got a new volunteer for you, Serena.” She finally drew her gaze up from the harsh azure light of the datapad. The office looked a little strange now that it had such a strong blue tint to it, but it would quickly return. She flashed a smile at the uniform-clad woman, an orderly in high regard, who had just spoken. “Thanks, I’ll be out in just a sec.” The woman nodded and left the same way she had come in. Serena did her best to neaten up the desk somewhat before she pushed herself away from the paperwork sinkhole.

Her office was just a short walk to where the orderly was waiting with the brand new volunteer. It took a special kind of soul to do this for free. Not many were willing to take up the task. Serena was eager to meet whoever it was. “Hello!” Serena chimed as she rounded a corner to greet their newest co-worker.

 

[Kat Decoria]

Location: Arkania
Tags: Serena Takan

What had brought Kat to Arkania? Was it the need to help others since she had heard there was a refugee spot for people trying to hide out from the several wars going on in nearby territories? Was it just that she had a chance to give back to the community that she had somewhat neglected in her pursuit of "finding herself"? Or was it just to do something that was remotely Jedi-like to see if there was still a Jedi inside her? There were so many possible reasons that Kat found herself on Arkania but they didn't really seem to matter now since she was here and looking around the medical facility. Her hands were in the pockets of her tight jeans, wearing a cropped leather jacket and hoodie underneath to fight the chill of the world. Though truly she didn't feel too cold, it was just something comfortable she had picked up on her way here. Her Lightsaber was strapped to her back, but she didn't carry any other weapons. While she didn't always carry her Lightsaber with her, she knew that leaving it behind was not a good idea and to most it would just look like a short staff or walking stick.

She approached the desk of the medical centre, "Hey, I am looking to volunteer, Kat Decoria, member of the NJO." The clerk handed her paperwork, pointing her to a seat to sit down and fill it out. Offering a nervous smile, she took the seat and looked over the form, it was comprehensive that much she could tell. Filling in the basics, name, age, race, languages she spoke which were Echani and Basic, any allergies or disabilities and gender as well as relationship status. The form took a bit to fill out, she wasn't sure if she should mention her robotic legs but at the same time felt that they weren't hindering her and didn't want people checking up on her constantly about them. In the end, she added it in, figuring if something did go awry then she feel like an idiot if she didn't mention it over something petty. Standing, she lifted to tips of her toes and stretched her limbs out. She hadn't been sleeping the greatest lately but casual hook-ups were not renowned for comfy beds, at least in her experiences.

Handing the form in, an orderly went and informed someone in charge apparently. Kat waited patiently, looking around. As the orderly returned, Kat spotted the person in charge and a chuckle could not help but escape her lips. So, this was why she came to Arkania of all worlds. Her arms crossed under her bust with a smirk etched on her lips, "long time no see Serena. You look good."

 

[Anika Tau'ri]

T A G | Kat Decoria ​

​

Serena was taken aback.​

​

For the first time in a long time, she was genuinely surprised.​

​

“Kat!” She almost screamed, with no shortage of glee in her tone. It had been an age since the two had quite literally bumped into each other during a spring festival. Of all the planets, all the places, all the hospitals she could have volunteered at, she showed up here. She had not realised she was even missing them, but Serena could not even begin to describe how nice it was to see a familiar face.​

​

The young doctor barrelled forward with both arms out to encompass her friend in a warm hug. “It’s so good to see you again.” The hug lasted all of a second before Serena pulled away and wrapped her fingers around Kat’s. With a friendly wave and a nod to the orderly, she tugged her back toward the box room office. It was private there. They could catch up without being disturbed.​

​

It was quite a tight squeeze with two people, but Serena used the tip of her toe to offer her friend the office chair. In the meantime, she busied herself making two fresh cups of caf from a beat-up dispenser. “What are you doing here?” Serena asked as she pushed a cup beneath the spout. “Not that I’m not extremely happy to see you, just…” The machine whirred, and then sputtered out a torrent of thick liquid.​

​

“…You’re extremely far from home.” Serena grabbed the two steaming cups and turned to face Kat. One of the cups she offered out to her. The other she brought close to her chest as she slid some datapads out of the way to make room for her to sit on the desk. ​

 

[Kat Decoria]

Where Kat went for a calm and perhaps aloof approach, something she had learnt from the many women she has admired. Serena went the opposite of her and Kat had to take a step back to make sure she wasn't knocked back by her friend in the running hug. While they had only met once, it had been a really great time together and Kat couldn't help but remember that day with a smile every now and then. It was clear that Serena was throwing herself into work and isolated from a lot of people, especially since last she heard Serena was in CIS space. Kat wrapped her arms around Serena returning the hug before she felt Serena lock hands with her and pulling her into the back room. Looking at the orderly, Kat offered and small smile.

As she looked around the small office space, noticing it was a little cramped for the two of them but enjoy the closeness of Serena and the privacy of the office, Kat remembered her own mechanic workshop on SJO. She had built a little space to tinker on equipment and small items with a pay as you feel service, which sometimes left her with not a lot for a day's work and sometimes considerable amount for something that felt like an easy day. It was a good way to build her skills and keep her on top of her mechanic game. Something to consider doing in the GA, though her path of mechanic was all over the place so she wasn't sure that it would be a good idea. Shrugging, she took the chair, removing her jacket and hoodie, revealing the simple black strappy top she had been wearing underneath her hoodie, the cramped space meant she was starting to feel a little warm and thought it best to take the hoodie off before she overheated.

"Could ask you the same thing. Thought you were part of the CIS, rumour was you were engaged when I was asking around. And to a guy." Kat raised an eyebrow at Serena with a wide smirk etched on her face, "I'm here in hopes of finding my place as a Jedi, maybe, or figure out what I am doing with my life... Maybe just needed some space from my last bad date... Ummm..." Kat stuttered realising she was oversharing, "Ha, I am not sure, but feels like the Force brought me here." Kat confessed, "your turn, why are you here?"

Serena Takan

 

[Anika Tau'ri]

T A G | Kat Decoria

After a few minutes or so intense shuffling, Serena finally managed to clear an edge of the desk for her to sit on. With one hand wrapped around the hot cup of caf, she wedged herself between a pile of datapads and a thick textbook.​

​

Kat avoided her question at first with a perfectly true statement that Serena could not deny. Her time in the Confederacy had been wonderful, and she’d garnered much experience from it. She would never forget the people she had spent time with there. Nor the community that they managed to build, but there were bigger and better things on the horizon for Serena.​

​

Sacrifices are always required in the name of glorious pursuits.​

​

She had heard that quote recently, and it had never rung truer with her than it did now.​

​

Serena focused her attention non her friend as she dove into an explanation of why she was here. It made sense. Serena had known Kat was a light sider from the moment they bumped into each other, but she was not quite sure what had happened to divert her from that path. Still, if there was any place in the entire galaxy to find one’s meaning in life, it was a hospital.​

​

Life was a fleeting thing in places like this. Here one moment and gone the next. Both beautiful and catastrophic at the same time. Kat would find her place, whether it was here at the hospital or elsewhere, and Serena would do her best to help her find it.​

​

She offered her friend a curious raise of her brow at the mention of dates. Fortunately for Kat at least, she quickly moved the conversation on with a question regarding Serena’s motivations.​

​

“Ah. Well…” Serena began, settling back against the wall of the office to start her tale. “I was engaged as you heard. A promise I made to my dying uncle to carry on family traditions.” Serena pressed her lips together for a moment or two. “He was lovely, kind, caring…” She missed him, with all her heart. There was nothing at all in the entire galaxy that she would not have given up in order to return to the way things had been with Abel.​

​

Serena let out a sigh that was full of every sadness she had been hiding away for the past week and then carried on. “But I could not force myself to live a life that I had so fervently tried to escape from in the past.” When she finished, she let the silence stretch for all of a minute before asking her friend a question in return. “So… dates, huh?”​

 

[Kat Decoria]

Leaning back in the chair, stretching her back out, as she grabbed the caf that Serena had poured for her and took a long drink listening to what Serena had to say. It was clear not just from the Force but in Serena's body language that she was deeply saddened to be leaving things in the past, it was hard to see her friend look so glum, from what she had seen, Serena was upbeat and energetic. Which, she figured was a good thing for a doctor. Nodding her head, Kat knew the feeling it hadn't been too different when she was leaving the SJC. "When I decided to leave the Jedi, not continue to be a Padawan, I felt the same. Leaving friends, even my family who live on Eshan, behind. It was hard. Not seeing them as often as I want, can be lonely at times but I also know that I am doing this to find who I am meant to be, what person I need to be."

Her heavily tattooed arms rested on the arm rests as Kat leaned back in the chair and listened to Serena explain her engagement, and the break up, Kat could help but smirk a little. "An arranged marriage? You were going to let yourself get married to some guy?" There was a little bit of disapproval, though it was clearly steeped in jealousy that someone else had caught Serena's eye. "Traditions... Yeah, I guess they can be hard to break. I mean, my people's whole deal is talking through combat, been Echani who are healers and helpers but struggling with the concept of fighting, it seems wrong yet war seems more wrong... Probably why I am a bad Echani, not my legs but my mind." Kat chuckled a little and took another sip. "Well, glad you are looking to find your own path, might have had to beat some sense into you if you went ahead with an arranged marriage. Could have been a Hutt..."

Then Serena mentioned dates... Kat laughed. "I suppose one-night stands don't really count as actual dates, got this scar after a reasonably angry boyfriend caught me in bed with his girlfriend." Pointing to the scar cutting down her cheek, "so, shows my luck and taste isn't exactly the best?" Kat smiled but there was a sadness there, she wanted it to be easier. It should be easier.

Serena Takan

 

[Anika Tau'ri]

T A G | Kat Decoria

Serena nodded as Kat talked. It was nice to hear someone else talking for once, instead of the droll sound of her own voice giving advice or requesting something. Kat had a nice voice. There was a sweet lilt to the emotionless words.​

Her gaze turned to her friend when she spoke of leaving the Silver Jedi. Serena could not truly remember whether they had discussed that during the festival. It came as something of a surprise. Still, it was nice to hear that someone felt the same way. Sometimes when you were so wrapped up in your own mind like Serena had been, it was difficult to remember that the galaxy was an expansive place. No matter how unique your situation felt, you were never truly alone.​

When Kat smirked and commented on her engagement, Serena laughed. The hand that did not clutch her caf cup raised up defensively as she began to explain. “I was totally coerced, I’m telling you.”​

Serena let Kat go on. There was no denying the hint of disappointment in her tone when she dove into traditions. Serena herself had little experience with Echani, though she could recognize them from a mile off just as most in the galaxy could do. It was interesting to hear of their lifestyle from Kat’s perspective, and it was no wonder that Kat was struggling with her identity.​

Another smile broke on her face when she rounded back to the engagement. “I’m sure my uncle would never have been so cruel.” She grinned. “He was extremely attractive, and a noble from Naboo. Quite the gentleman." She nodded pointedly, though the pride was merely an act. She made it exceedingly pompous on purpose.​

Her trained medical gaze came to rest on the scar stretching across her face, to which Serena could only tut at gently. “I wish you had come to me.” She lent forward without thinking, her free hand stretching to run a thumb along the length of the scar on her cheek. Suddenly, a flush of colour invaded her cheeks. Serena sharply withdrew her hand when the realisation of what she was doing finally hit her. “Sorry!” She exclaimed, shaking her head till loose strands of chocolate brown hair fell across her face. “Instinct.” She blundered.​

“Maybe not.” Serena commented on Kat’s luck, attempting to regain some composure in conversation. “Maybe it just means the galaxy is a meaner place than you think.” At this point, she leant back against the wall once more and cast her gaze up to the bright fluorescent lights. “People think bravery is fighting battles, killing the bad guys, or wearing a uniform.” She said pointedly, glancing down at her doctor’s coat. “But bravery isn’t any of that. Bravery is carrying on in the face of adversity. When everything and everyone seems to be against you. When it feels like all you’re doing is swimming upstream.”​

Serena turned her head toward Kat, placing a soft smile on her face. “You’re brave, Kat.” ​

 

[Kat Decoria]

Kat chuckled and finished her caf as she placed the mug on the table, it seemed that Serena was trying to take defensive side of it all. Shaking her head and laughing, "no one could force you, might not known you long but I know that much, you struggled to get out and have fun at the festive. If you didn't want to marry the guy, you wouldn't have, arranged or not." Poking her tongue at Serena as she leaned into the chair. "Dunno, I just know that arranged marriages aren't always that great, sometimes they work, sometimes they don't." Kat shrugged, it would have been likely that her mother would have tried arranging a marriage for Kat if she had been bisexual or straight but her mother didn't want to force on when Kat came out, which was a relief, though her mum did threaten blind dates if Kat didn't find a girl soon. The mere thought of a blind date sent shivers down her spine.

"So he was a rich himbo? Sounds like you were gunna marry some rich himbo? Really? You?" Kat asked raising an eyebrow, from what Serena had mentioned about herself and from what Kat saw, she was hard working, life of nobility and pompousness did not scream the doctor she saw before her. "I mean, if rich himbo is your type then sure you can find someone else soon enough." Kat chuckled teasingly, her tongue was acting sharper than usual and there was pang of disappointment that to her it seemed Serena clearly wanted a life that was not possible with Kat, though she figured it didn't work out in the end but she wasn't sure why that was.

When Serena leaned in and stroked the scar on her cheek, Kat froze and there was the palest of blushes on her very pale skin. Kat looked into Serena's eyes deeply, "well, I healed the worst of it myself, might not be a doctor by trade but got some decent healing skills myself haha. I figured leaving it a scar would be kinda badass, though I suppose the tattoos seem to add that edge to my look haha." Kat grinned as she tried to compose herself, able to smell the shampoo from Serena's lush hair.

Blush deepened when Serena called her brave, "well, there are still some things I can't just help but do as an Echani. Perhaps I can show you some Echani fighting?" Kat gave a smirk as looked at the doctor, clearly not a fighter but Kat couldn't help but want to share the combat skills that had been taught to her.

Serena Takan

 

[Anika Tau'ri]

T A G | Kat Decoria

​

“Well.” Serena sighed out. “I didn’t think it was appropriate to refuse a dying man’s last wish at the time.” She understood Kat’s aversion. She was right when it boiled down to it. Serena was not the type to go for an arranged marriage at all. However, her need to heal whether it be physical or emotional was far greater than her need for self-care. Where family was concerned, that was doubly so. She could not, in good conscience, refuse her Uncle on his death bed. It would have gone against everything she lived for.​

​

Serena shot a risen brow at Kat and shook her head firmly. “He wasn’t a himbo. He was sweet, and down to earth. Didn’t really do the whole rich and lavish thing. He was a Knight’s Obsidian. Do you think I could have even stomached meeting him if he was that type?” Serena shook her head again, this time more of a reflective disagreement than anything. “No, I’m not that type of girl. That is why I ended up coming all the way out here. To feel useful somewhere that needed me. To get away from all that crap.”​

​

When Kat mentioned fighting, Serena laughed at first. She laughed for as long as it took for the reality to sink in. Kat was being serious. Serena covered her mouth in mild embarrassment. “Me?” She questioned, a tone of disbelief dominating her voice. When she pulled her hand away from her mouth it was clear there was a myriad of emotion running through her mind. Serena had never been a fighter. She had never even considered it beyond the absolute minimum it took to get her into the Knight’s Obsidian. Even then they made special allowances for her on account of her degree.​

​

“I dunno, Kat…” She said uncertainly. “I’m not sure I even have it in me.”​

 

[Kat Decoria]

It was clear that Serena really couldn't find it in herself to refuse her uncle, something that wouldn't have been an issue for Kat if she didn't find it comfortable or for her personally, but that was likely where they differed. Was clear that Serena was a giver, always willing to give herself to something, whether it be work or letting her heart take risks. "From what I learn, since guys are really not my type, a himbo isn't a bad thing. I mean, attractive guy, with money, power and influence doesn't exactly sound your time either. That was how you described him to me." Kat pointed out, with a finger directed at Serena. "Knights Obsidian, that's the Force Users, doesn't mean he can't be a himbo. Hell, he could be a decent guy, and someone I could get along with but still be a himbo." Kat shrugged, she really didn't know much about guys when it came to relationships, the whole lot of them could be himbos in her mind. Just as long as they stopped trying to hit on her.

"I didn't mean to offend, just... surprised..." Kat hesitated when she tried to think of the right word and stuck with surprised, she didn't want to play her hand and admit to her feelings, she wasn't even sure if Serena saw her as anything but a friend. Could be that Serena was straight, and then Kat look like a right idiot, at least that was what she feared would happen. "And sorry about your uncle, must have been tough. When my brothers died, I kinda lost myself to drinking and bunking off training." Kat admitted, it had been some years now but her heart ached thinking her brothers murdered by the Mandalorians as they invaded Eshan years ago.

Then the biggest embarrassment of all happened, Serena turned down her offer for training. Or at least stated that the training was really something she wouldn't be interested in, the Echani gave a weak smile and looked down, annoyed at how silly she had been. Of course Serena wasn't interested, clearly she was into men so why would she want to train and see Kat open up in ways she never could with works. Combat was the best way to reveal your romantic interest, at least that was what she had been taught by her parents, it allowed an Echani to express feelings and emotions beyond the words in Basic. "Oh. Sure. Foolish of me... Sorry..." Kat said in a small voice, embarrassment clear on her face as she pretended to drink more caf.

Serena Takan

 

[Anika Tau'ri]

T A G | Kat Decoria ​

​

“He wasn’t.” She commented in regard to Abel being her type, but she shrugged her shoulders as a quick addition. “But in the world of arranged marriages, he was the best I could have hoped for.” Serena felt rather attacked by Kat, but in such a strange way she did not quite have the words to explain it. She had loved Abel. She still did. If he had chosen to come to Arkania with her, he would still be here. They would still be together. But right now, all she wanted was for Kat to stop talking about it. ​

​

It was almost like Kat’s opinion mattered, to the point where it was upsetting to realise that she did not approve of her decisions. Her charcoal gaze glanced down to the thick, sweet caff in her mug. It was still steaming a little, Serena watched the white trails of smoke curl up and disappear into the air. Kat brought up her Uncle again, and Serena shot her a sad smile. “It’s okay. I lost him a long, long time ago.” Serena could pinpoint the moment. The second she had accepted the offer that would lead her on the path to medical school.​

​

“I’m sorry about your brothers. It must be awfully lonely without them.” Serena never had any siblings. Just her Uncle, but she and Kat were more alike than she had first realised. Both were alone, struggling with their identity, just trying to get by.​

​

At least now she was here, they could do that together. And for Serena at least, the loneliness would no longer be a factor.​

​

When Serena turned down her offer of fighting, she could immediately see how much it upset Kat. It was not the ordinary kind of upset that she found in anyone else’s face, but Serena could still see it. She shuffled uncomfortably on top of the desk for a second or two. Wasn’t there something someone had said a long time ago about Echani? Fighting was important to them, but Serena could not rightly remember why. She did not want to hazard a random guess, or make assumptions, but from the way Kat had reacted…​

​

“I could give it a go?” Serena said, though no matter how hard she tried, she could not hide the hesitation in her voice. She wanted to give it a go, that was true enough. If only to see Kat happy again. She was just keenly aware of the fact that she was terrible at it. “I think I remember some of my Knight’s Obsidian training.”​

 

[Kat Decoria]

It was clear from Serena's body language that there was mixed feelings about Abel and what Kat was saying about Abel was not improving the situation so she figured it was best if perhaps she dropped the matter entirely. Looking up, she nodded when Serena mentioned that her uncle had passed long time before he actually had, "I still have my mother and sister, and my niece as well. But they live on Eshan, so seeing them isn't often." It was also still hard, she felt the pressures of keeping her family financially secure, especially since her sister could only work part-time. "I try to, but I can never stay on Eshan, too many bad memories." She smiled sadly as she thought about the times she had gone back to Eshan to mourn her brothers and brother-in-law.

Shaking her head, she didn't let herself dwell on the negative thoughts too long since she was with a friend. "Are you staying on Arkania? Or is this just short stay before moving on?" Kat asked curious, she was staying in the Galactic Alliance capital, it wasn't the greatest apartment, small, basic due to the costs of Coruscant but it was enough for one person. "I have been living on Coruscant for a bit, so expensive there though!" Kat sighed and chuckled at the same time, "but if you ever wanted to spend time there, I got a small flat and you can crash on the sofa?" She was trying to be platonic, still unsure where she stood with Serena. Why was romance so damn confusing?!

Being disappointed in Serena not wanting to fight, it was surprising how much it disappointed Kat, did she really feel that the only way to express romantic interest was through combat? Kat realised that she just didn't know any other way because for her, there was no better way to express her thoughts in a very honest manner. When Serena mentioned being interested, her hesitation was clear and Kat wasn't sure if this was more out of pity than anything else, shaking her head. "No, it's silly, you don't have to. Urm... Neither of us are really dressed for sparing either." Kat softly chuckled.

Serena Takan

 

[Anika Tau'ri]

T A G | Kat Decoria ​

​

Serena nodded her head in response to Kat’s question. “Yeah, there’s a little apartment at the back of the hospital. I’m on call twenty-four-seven so I mostly stay there.” Despite having worked in some of the most affluential hospitals in the Confederacy, Serena had never been to Coruscant before. The idea of staying there was incredibly intriguing.​

​

Still, it was clear that her attempt to patch things over regarding the training had not gone down well.​

​

What else could she say to make Kat believe her? Of course, she didn’t wantto fight, but Serena would have done anything to make her happy. That’s what being a friend was. “Well.” Serena began. “I have to work a few more days here, but I have some leave coming up.” She placed the mug down on the desk. It made a rather loud sound that dominated the already small room.​

​

“I think it’s about two weeks. If you like, I can come to stay with you on Coruscant. We can try then.” In truth, Serena needed a break more than she cared to admit. Besides, there were many medical and psychological benefits to training like that. It was cathartic, for one. A safe way to relieve some stress. That was what she was going to view it as.​

​

She turned her charcoal gaze on Kat and gave her a look that meant she was deadly serious.​

 

[Kat Decoria]

Kat shook her head, Serena living in a small apartment always on call, that wasn't a healthy work ethic, and that was coming from Kat who was known to be a ridiculous workaholic. "Can't be on call twenty-four-seven, that is sure-fire way to burnout." Kat looked concerned, she was thinking of Serena's health. Looking at Serena, "we could take a day off today, have a few drinks and relax. Let your hair down." Kat shrugged, she had come here to volunteer but she also thought that it was important for her friend to relax and take more time off, working constantly on call was never good and living at work was not good way to unwind.

When Serena mentioned visiting her and doing some training there in a couple of weeks, Kat nodded her and gave a shrug, she wasn't confident that this was going to work out like she had originally thought it could but she knew that Serena wouldn't drop it since Kat had clearly shown her disappointment. "Sure, maybe, if you want." Trying to act cool about it all, unsure if she wanted to show how important Echani fighting was to her, even after she bullying she had suffered for not being a skilled fighter when growing up.

"Echani usually train in certain clothing, things that don't restrict movements and usually bit skin tight so that a person's movement is very clearly on show. If you are interested, that is. Tends to be really different to other fighting that you are use to, so wanted to give some warning because I guess that you don't know much about Echani fighting?" Kat realised that Serena might not understand why Kat felt this way and couldn't help but blush, she just assumed that everyone knew that Echani expressed themselves when fighting and understanding someone might not, she felt a little silly not realising soon.

Serena Takan

 

[Anika Tau'ri]

T A G | Kat Decoria ​

​

Serena shrugged again. By the end of this conversation, her shoulders were likely to be sore and tired, but it was all she could do. “It’s needed.” She answered simply, there was no other way to put it. “I’m not doing things all the time. I mostly do office work, but they’re short-staffed here as it is.” Serena took up her mug again and downed the last dregs with a satisfied sigh. “I just sit around in here until things are really crazy and they need an extra pair of hands.”​

​

She omitted the fact that that was more often than not, but Kat would likely figure that out anyway.​

​

When she suggested going out for a drink, Serena shot her another sad smile. “I wish I could, but we’ve already been sitting here far too long.” She followed it with what seemed to be a genuine chuckle. “They’ll be wondering what I’ve done with you.”​

​

As she began to slip herself off the desk to put the caff mug back on the side, Kat spoke again. Serena shook her head lightly, until soft curls broke free of her hairband and scattered over her face. Of course, that had been what it was. It was suddenly so clear now. "I don't know anything about it, admittedly." She said somewhat sheepishly. “But, look.” Serena then spoke with confidence as she reached over to the other side of the office to abandon her mug. When she had both free hands, she turned back to the desk and rummaged through the datapads quickly. “Aha!” She exclaimed, brandishing a pocket-sized one in the clutches of her fingers.​

​

She placed it down on the desk, in front of Kat. A personal organiser. One flick of her finger brought up the calendar. She went through the trouble of selecting the two weeks she had off, starting the following Monday. Just two days from now. The weeks weren’t booked off yet, of course. Serena had no intention of taking them until Kat showed up, but a break would be nice.​

​

The selected weeks flashed for a few moments, before being dominated by a large blue box that flickered brightly. It made one statement.​

​

Confirm leave of absence.​

​

Serena pushed her finger on the yes button till the tip of it turned white. “See.” She said as the datapad beeped twice and faded into black. “Deadly serious.”​

 

[Kat Decoria]

When Serena explained that she was keeping Kat here too long and that she didn't do too much, but her body language suggested very much the opposite, Kat shook her head. She was not having that and Kat was going to force her to take a break a lot sooner than she was going to organise, standing, she elegantly shifted out of the small office, opened the door and closed it behind her. There was murmuring for Serena to hear as Kat was talking with an orderly before she entered the office again and leaned against the door. "Right, sorted, told them that you feel a little run downed and that you needed to take the rest of the day off. Interestingly, the orderly was not surprised saying that you have been keeping yourself too busy with all the jobs around here." Kat narrowed her eyes as she crossed her arms across her chest.

"So, you have the rest of the day free to enjoy with me, since I said I would look after you. Because clearly you are not allowing yourself a break." It was something hypocritical of Kat to force this but she knew at least that she could make sure her friend got the chance to take breaks and avoid crashing like Kat often did because she pushed herself too hard. "It's fine, can't know everything about every race. I can go over it in detail if you wanted? It can seem a bit weird I guess but it is something that we have been doing for years."

Watching Serena, she nodded her head when she saw her friend confirming the time away to spend together. It was a small relief to see that Serena was definitely interested in spending time with her and while Serena might not enjoy the combat training or understand the importance to the Echani but making the effort was something she did truly appreciated. Grabbing her friend's hand, she grinned widely, "so common, lets get a drink and relax since you have been allowed the day off and I can tell you more about Echani culture if you wish to know more about it." It was a bold move and she was sure that Serena wouldn't be happy initially but she wasn't going to let her friend work this hard constantly and knew she hadn't take a break in a long time.

Serena Takan

 

[Anika Tau'ri]

T A G | Kat Decoria ​

​

Serena watched, mouth slightly agape, as Kat charged out from the room. There was a brief silence in which Serena was left with the echo of the door closing and the mumbling of a distant conversation. She could do little but sit and listen with strained ears. ​

​

When Kat returned Serena shot her a daring gaze. In the few short minutes that Kat had been here, she’d pretty much turned Serena’s little sanctuary upside down. The only problem was Serena could not quite decide if she liked that or not. Perhaps it was time for a shakeup, she had been here long enough now, doing the same routine day after day. Maybe something new was needed. Serena let her expression drop and replaced it with a pleasant smile. “Thanks.” She did have the decency to blush regarding lying to Kat about just how busy she was. “I don’t know what’s gotten into her. She must be frazzled herself.” ​

​

A drink did sound nice, as did a day away from the acrid smell of bleach and blood. Serena nodded once again, this time with a lot more confidence. “Alright.” She admitted, littering her words with a soft chuckle. “Alright. I’ll take a break for a while.” ​

​

When Kat mentioned the Echani again, Serena nodded once more. “It’s not that I don’t know anything about them. I can probably tell you about body parts you didn’t even know you had.” That was just medical knowledge though. Jargon. She did not know anything of importance. “I guess I’ve just never been friendly enough with an Echani to start getting to know your cultural ways yet.” ​

​

As Serena moved to the other end of the small office to grab her coat, she answered Kat’s question. “Sure, I’d love to learn more about you.” She had spoken too quickly, and not considered what her words meant. So, in a fluster she turned, one hand grasping the coat as embarrassment flooded her face once again. “I mean. I’d love to learn about Echani’s.” She did her best to cover up her red cheeks by unbuttoning her doctors' coat and quickly replacing it with her ordinary one. ​

​

“So, where are you taking me?” She asked as she fiddled with the zip. ​

 

[Kat Decoria]

Kat put her hoodie and jacket back on, taking Serena by the hand as she grabbed her friend's hand and pulling her out of the hospital. Shrugging her shoulders when Serena asked where they were going to go, "no idea, maybe somewhere random. Just go wild and be unpredictable for the day." Kat wasn't sure what mood she had gotten into, acting in a manner that was completely not her but at the same time she was excited and her heart was racing a little, somewhere that served drinks, had good music and maybe a chance to dance. Kat wasn't sure if they could find that on Arkania. "So, Echani... Hmm... Not really had to talk about Echani culture before but I can do this... So, should begin that all Echani look quite similar and siblings especially look like each other."

"My sister looks quite like me, my tattoos and scar probably make me stand out but otherwise she looks very much like me, my brothers looked exactly alike even though there was a couple of years between them in age. Due to this, our culture has developed in identifying ourselves, expressing ourselves in ways that weren't verbal. We developed combat styles and each Echani fights and moves in a unique manner, an Echani can identify a person just by the way they move and how they fight. Because of this, combat is very important to us as a people." Kat didn't divulge that the way Echani courted was through multiple sparring sessions, that opening yourself up through more and more combat mention that you were courting the person. That wasn't something that she felt ready to share yet.

Spotting a decent looking nightclub, Kat grinned and pulled Serena inside with her. "So, we also are led by our women, a matriarchy of sorts and it's pretty cool. But, growing up it was hard. I was born with lower limbs but they were deformed and with little to no muscle mass to support me, so they were removed to allow me to have robotic legs to walk. However, early years having older versions of these legs, they were heavy, difficult to do Echani combat. Kinda made me stand out and get bullied, my siblings supported me and helped me grow and now I am a solid fighter and my legs with the Force means I can do things no Echani could before." Kat shrugged as she wandered to the bar and ordered two drinks for them. "But that is a brief look at Echani, there is a lot more and there are rituals and traditions with Echani fighting as well but we can discuss that when you come to train!" Kat smiled widely.

"So what about where you are from? What is it like there?" Kat asked with a warm smile.

Serena Takan

 

[Anika Tau'ri]

T A G | Kat Decoria ​

​

Wild and unpredictable wasn’t really Serena’s style. Years of medical school, and years of nobility before that, had instilled quite the need for structure in her. “Oh…” She managed to say before Kat grabbed her by the hand and yanked her from the office. Kat seemed so excited about it though. Serena couldn’t help but smile. It was infectious. Maybe it would be nice to get away for a while, though Serena wasn’t much of a drinker she was sure the music and the people would be entertaining enough. She wasn’t even sure what kind of thing was available on Arkania, but this was an adventure. The first one she had been on in a long, long time.​

​

“Oh.” She said again in remark to Kat’s comments on Echani culture. It seemed strange to Serena that a whole race of people used battle to express themselves. But then again, it must have seemed strange to Kat that an entire galaxy of people did not use battle to express themselves. She began to idly wonder what that meant when Kat had offered her some training sessions. Was it a way of expressing herself, or was she just trying to be kind? Serena had little time to think about it because Kat was tugging her hand toward a tall building with heavy, muted music thudding in its depths.​

​

A club?​

​

If Serena had the time to hesitate, she would have, but before she even realised what was happening Kat was dragging her through the heavy double doors.​

​

Immediately, Kat began to speak again, and Serena found herself stepping closer just to catch her words properly. “Ah, a matriarchy.” She added between Kat’s words. “Sounds like my kind of place.” The quip put a smile on her face for all but half a second as Kat continued on. She was sad to hear Kat had such a hard time growing up, but she was pleased to see how far she’d come since then. “Sounds like your siblings loved you very much.” Serena nodded firmly as she took a seat beside Kat at the bar. “And sure, I’ve already heard enough to pique my interest so I’m looking forward to more.”​

​

She smiled a little as she took up the drink Kat had ordered, taking an exploratory sip. It was far stronger than anything she had drunk before, but she managed to get another sip down as she thought on Kat’s question. “Well… I grew up on Naboo. My family own land there, and an extremely popular tailors.” She began with a sheepish smirk on her face. Her life was a stark contrast to Kat’s. “I was an only child, so I spent a lot of my time learning how to take over one day. Business lessons, dance classes, elocution…” Serena took another deep sip of the drink.​

​

It seemed to be going down a lot easier now.​

​

“But that wasn’t for me. The minute I turned eighteen I applied for medical school, got accepted, and left. I didn’t look back, and intended never too until I found out about my uncle.” Serena shuffled in her seat for a moment and let the drink clunk heavily onto the bar. “When he passed, I left the house and the business in the extremely capable hands of hired help.” She nodded slowly. “I wanted to sell it all, but I’ve been told that’s going to take longer and cost more than its worth. So, I guess that makes me Lady Takan.” She quipped. “But I much prefer Doctor Takan.” ​

 

[Kat Decoria]

The music was loud but it was good, heavy beat music that was just asking for someone to dance to its beat. Kat grinned widely, gulping down her drink, it wasn't too bad for her, Kat had gotten use to drinking a lot or spending a lot of time in places like this so she didn't feel cautious about the drink or wasted much time with it. Watching Serena drink it slower, Kat realised that this was definitely more her scene than her friends, though it wasn't really much of her scene, she was just use to being in this environment. "I mean, it is still all politics so I doubt it is better than any other, just different gender leading it is all I can see." Kat shrugged, "yeah, they did and why I work hard to take care of my sister and mother. My father was the one that got me into tech and building stuff, he made my first legs and made sure I could repair them on my own from a young age." She smiled softly, her father passed nearly a decade ago but she still missed him deeply.

Tilting her head as she leaned in close to Serena, Kat listened as she explained her upbringing. Kat raised an eyebrow, seemed that Serena was definitely from a high born life, where Kat was probably more middle class upbringing. She chuckled, "okay, sorry, dance classes? Hmmm, nah, you gotta show off some of those dance moves tonight!" Kat giggled lightly as she teased, "most of my dancing is just adapting things I learnt from Echani forms, otherwise my dancing is really basic and bad." Kat chuckled deeply as she ordered herself another drink as she couldn't help but raise an eyebrow even higher hearing that Serena was a Lady.

"Ohhhh, I think Lady Serena shouldn't be hanging out with the help like me. Maybe Lady Serena deserves a noble man, whose wealth matches and silver spoon is far up his..." As Kat finished her sentence another louder, deeper bass song came on, "Ooo... This beat is too sweet not to dance to!" Finishes her second drink and let Serena finish hers before pulling her onto the dancefloor, "show us what you got mi'lady." Kat poked her tongue at her friend as she moved in time with the beat.

Serena Takan