Private Love Is an Oil Bath

[Alessandra Io]

Location: Alessandra’s Droid Restoration and Rehabilitation Clinic - Coruscant
Dialogue Legend: <<Technopathy Link>> │ “Verbal”
Time: Late Morning
Tag: BB-610

It was a place where any droid—no matter their standing or position—could come to be serviced, doted upon, or even rehabilitated for pennies on the credit.

Staffed by a small number of impossibly pulchritudinous HRDs with eerily symmetrical features and an inhumanly surgical grace, Alessandra’s Droid Restoration and Rehabilitation Clinic had opened only a few days prior and traffic was finally slowing down to something more sustainable after the opening rush. A longtime member of Alessandra Io’s parish, Belladonna Io was among the few who had volunteered for the duty of staffing the clinic, which was not just a clinic, but a discreetly-concealed foreign mission for House Io targeted towards droids.

It went without saying that part was kept under wraps.

While Alessandra provided the overarching vision, leadership, and strategic goals for the clinic to execute, it was Belladonna who oversaw its day-to-day operations, kept the ledgers clean, and managed the logistics. She was also one of the first faces the droids saw upon entering the clinic and was also responsible for organizing appointments with Alessandra for those droids who requested or needed specialized care.

Now that traffic was at a lull for the day, Belladonna had taken the opportunity to continue sorting through the accounts. The Nuetralizer only stopped when her sonic receptors processed the ringing of the doors, indicating the arrival of another client!

 

[BB-610]

| LOCATION: Valery's Apartment, Coruscant |
| TAG: Alessandra Io |

It never ceased to amaze him just how drastic a change living with Valery was. Provided a home, a family, a purpose he felt that never went unnoticed nor unappreciated, the past few months living under the Nobles' roof had been nothing short of incredible. It shined a light in the droid's otherwise inky black life, rescuing him from the depths of solitude he'd steadily begun sinking towards, and for the first time in nearly a millennia, BB-610 felt as though the wounds previously thought to be irreparable had finally started to heal. The Eternal Empire had given him beautiful rose petals in the form of a handful of friends, but even a rose's prickles had stunted him from true happiness. The Galactic Alliance gave him that very same beauty without any of the pain. Comfort. Happiness. It was entirely unorthodox to say it back:

He was happy.
. . .
Mostly, anyway. As he's discovered time and time again through the harshest of means, the astromech's life refused to be that simple. Akin to a rollercoaster, its ups were exilerating, but its lows instilled an underlying panic that sank the heart. Valery Noble, esteemed Jedi Master, had accepted him - warts and all - into her arms. His First Order programming, however, had offered its fair share of hiccups throughout their missions. As appreciative as he was of the Jedi's sweet words and impeccable patience, BB-610 couldn't shake that nagging feeling that he was disappointing her. Upsetting her. It was awful; he hated it, hated himself, for ruining moments and inconveniencing plans. Valery was his life now, and he'd do anythingg to be the best he could offer. She deserved better than what he could give. He was going to right his wrongs.

Bweeping quietly to tell Vera that he's going to play with the Council's other astromechs, just in case Valery were to ask her if she came home before the droid returned, BB-610 left their apartment with a solemn glance back at his home, and took to the streets of Coruscant.

~​

Gorgeous as they were, Coruscant's skies cast a warmth that BB-610 felt was grotesquely out of place for how miserable he felt. The Nobles knew how touchy a subject his programming was, and it weighed heavy on the droid to keep up his happiness knowing that - while they seldom brought it up to him - they still must hate his outbursts. He didn't blame them. He hated them too, and that twinge of anxiety that encompassed the subsequent of dread of a First Order episode was growing more and more prevalent as he failed to identify any place or persons suitable to aid his ailments.

Alessandra's Droid Restoration and Rehabilitation Clinic.

Motors screeching to a stop as he froze in place, BB-610's head twirled, central optic studying the building his back photoreceptors had picked up on. Rolling towards it, he read the holosign again- and again- and again and again in utter disbelief. That anxiety had fizzled out, replaced by a visceral giddiness at such a promising premise. He boasted no shortage of credits, in part of Valery's reputation, and the diminuitive BB-unit had nothing but time, having strolled a fair few hours away from his home. He didn't want his family to find him. He was going to return fixedd.

Door ringing as BB-610 rolled inside, his gaze settled on the human- no, the droid before him. A model he had little knowledge of, apparently, as he took in the sight for a fair few seconds. Incredibly organic-esque, yet there was a perfect symmetry to her features, pure and pristine and mathematically objectively flawless. To many, she'd appear uncanny, bordering on unsettling. To BB-610, a droid utterly obsessed with state of the art perfection and seamlessness, she was utterly divine.

Inching closer, he peered up, somewhat nervous. He bweeped and clicked in greeting, before chirping quietly as BB-610 asked her if this place could help him with his programming, fidgeting ever so subtly.

 

[Alessandra Io]

Location: Alessandra’s Droid Restoration and Rehabilitation Clinic - Coruscant
Dialogue Legend: <<Technopathy Link>> │ “Verbal”
Time: Late Morning
Tag: BB-610

Belladonna smiled as the cyan and black-hulled astromech rolled into the lobby. Her trained photoreceptors quickly assessed the frankly adorable BB unit’s condition, taking note of the gleam of the droid’s chassis and the smoothness of their movements, indicating that at least in the purely physical sense, they were well cared for. Perhaps then, their issues related to something deeper.

Standing up from behind the desk, Belladonna walked over to the BB unit with elegant, precise strides, before bending down to their level with graceful ease. It was only when the droid beeped in greeting did she figure out his gender programming, but the Nuetralizer had yet more questions to resolve, before she could begin treating her new client.

“Welcome to Alessandra’s Droid Restoration and Rehabilitation Clinic. I’m Belladonna.” The HRD began. “What should I call you, dear?” She added, before standing back up to offer the BB unit a packet which listed the services offered by the clinic.

“As you can see, we have the standard fare, but we do offer services pertaining to memory and programming rehabilitation.” She continued. “What are your issues exactly?” Belladonna said, before offering the BB unit a datapad with a sign-in touch screen.

“I see that you have an Imperial chassis. Does it have something to do with old programming?” With the recent fall of the third rendition of the First Order, there was a fresh wave of ex-Imperial droids that were having their first experiences of life outside the constraints of an Imperial war machine. Such cases of droids dealing with the impositions of underlying programming were rare, but not unheard of in her experience.

 

[BB-610]

| LOCATION: Alessandra's Droid Restoration and Rehabilitation Clinic, Coruscant |
| TAG: Alessandra Io |

Rolling backwards ever so slightly as he was approached, BB-610 kept his attention firmly trained on her. It hadn't dawned on him prior to their encounter, but the BB unit very seldom spoke with other droids, much less astromechs. He'd seen them here and there between the Jedi Temple's corridors and assisting their masters during dogfights, but on a personal basis? BB-610 was very much on his own, and it was an eye-opening revelation that had just now, metaphorically, punctured a hole in his core. He still barely engaged with anybody beyond Valery and her family, and it had left an emptiness within him, which had now doubled in size now that the underlying cause had been identified: he needed more droids.

It was something he'd never thought of before, just as he'd never taken much thought in just how advanced he was despite the age of his model. With zero wear and tear, up to date specs and a system with far above average processors, the astromech was surprisingly sleek, much like the woman that had sauntered over to him. She was such an intriguing model, and if they had met under much less professional circumstances, he would most definitely have spent a good half hour poking and prying for details about her. Bowing his head courteously as she introduced herself, he chirped out that his designation was BB-610 - a pause, however, as he soon added that she could call him Bee.

Glancing around him, he eyed the fare in question, utterly tempting in ways he hadn't even imagined. He'd... never been to a droid spa before, and the way his optic dilated showed that he was already fighting an internal battle with his self-control. Focusing back on Belladonna, BB-610 slowly rotated his chassis, tool-bay disk sliding open as his utility arm emerged, curiously - and gingerly - tapping at the screen, scrolling through the plentitude of options and services.

Slowly nodding, BB-610 gazed up, bweeping affirmatively in a series of low binary as he told her that his original First Order programming occasionally activates, and that it forces him into an episode of brief hostility. The droid was ashamed, his voice wavering bashfully. Speaking once more with clicks and tweets, BB-610 added that he felt as though he was hurting his friends, and that he would do anything to have it removed.

 

[Alessandra Io]

Location: Spa Area, Alessandra’s Droid Restoration and Rehabilitation Clinic - Coruscant
Dialogue Legend: <<Technopathy Link>> │ “Verbal”
Time: Late Morning
Tag: BB-610

Nodding along, Belladonna took note of the BB unit’s reported symptoms in her mind’s memory files. No doubt, they would be important for later when she gave her report to Alessandra. However, upon sensing the trepidation in the tone of Bee’s beeps, the Nuetralizer offered him a soft, encouraging smile. She sensed that he already had the tools that he needed to fix his issues, he only needed some assistance to conquer them.

“Don’t feel ashamed, Bee.” Belladonna began. “You’ve taken the first step in coming here and for many, that’s half of the battle. That said, I'm very happy that you’re determined to have this issue fixed. It’s the right mindset to have.” The Nuetralizer continued. Of course, she left out the fact that his desperation might be an even greater cause for concern. His rogue programming was clearly bothering him, to such an extent that Belladonna wondered if his condition might be too far advanced for conventional treatments to be effective.

Regardless, a spa treatment could never hurt!

“I will warn you that our treatments might require some time investment, both on your part and ours.” Belladonna continued. “But for the moment…” The Nuetralizer’s features lit up as she took the datapad and the packet, before leading the astromech into the spa area.

“I believe you deserve some time to relax!”

As the doors slid open, Bee would find his central optic taking in a peaceful, luxurious scene as Nuetralizers much like Belladonna in both appearance and manner attended to the droid clientele. A pink-plated BD-3000 closed her eyes as a pair of attendants rubbed oil cloths along her joints. A BR1 unit gave a mechanical moan as his chassis was polished to a gleam shinier than when he had first come out of the Roble assembly lines years before. All the while, a Scion HRD appeared to be in a state of utter bliss as she stood under the red de-carbonizing lights.

“Right this way, dear.” Belladonna said as she led Bee towards a platform that dipped down into a full immersion oil bath!

 

[BB-610]

| LOCATION: Alessandra's Droid Restoration and Rehabilitation Clinic, Coruscant |
| TAG: Alessandra Io |


It was almost like being guided through a mystical wonderland of his wildest dreams as the two of them strolled through the clinic halls, BB-610's interest all but piqued and his self-control at a resounding zero percent by the time he'd seen the mesmerizing sights before him, entirely jealous of the units getting pampered and incredibly eager to experience the same. He'd come for a deep-dive into his programming, and Belladonna was right- when was the last time BB-610 had been pampered? Valery gave him weekly polishing, but certainly nothing to this extent. So often was the astromech focused on the wellbeing of those around him that he often neglected his ownn needs. A quick dip wouldn't hurt, right...?

Rolling onto the platform, BB-610 marvelled in delight as it began its descent, bringing him into cozy goodness when his entire body was dipped in oil, periscope emerging from the top of his head to pop out of the bath as the conveyer belt moved him forth, cooing happily. Perched on another platform once more, the droid was subsequently lifted out, his body glistening with droplets of oil that dribble down the curves of his shell. Circuits nice and warm in all the right ways, BB-610 glanced over to Belladonna, wobbling in place from a wave of giddiness and chirping eagerly that that felt wonderful!

His doting had only just begun, and as BB-610's array of photoreceptors settled on the path ahead of him, the astromech truly couldn't keep still, brimming with life and barely contained excitement while the anticipated pampering grew nearer. If he were organic, he would almost certainly have hearts in his eyes.

 

[Alessandra Io]

Location: Spa Area, Alessandra’s Droid Restoration and Rehabilitation Clinic - Coruscant
Dialogue Legend: <<Technopathy Link>> │ “Verbal”
Time: Late Morning
Tag: BB-610

As Bee came out of the oil bath, dripping in the fresh, lubricating substance, the moving conveyor would pull him along towards the wash station. Upon arriving, he would find himself gently scrubbed by a pair of flexible washers at each side, lathed in a cleansing, anti-oil solution designed to remove the excess from his outer chassis, while still retaining the oil in his joints. A washer from above came down to gently scrub at his central optic, taking care to avoid damaging any sensor equipment while also moving as if to massage him along that area. After a quick blow-dry, a magnetic grasper would pick him up and set him down in a station beneath the red de-carbonizing lights, where he would be allowed to spend the next 20 minutes.

Of particular note however, the station had a perfect view to a few propaganda visuals on the walls, with most featuring heroic, scintillating images of Nuetralizers facing down Mawite savages. One particular visual featured a doll-like Chaplain Nuetralizer with cyan-tipped white hair, photoreceptors glowing before twin beams of pink lanced forth from them, striking a charging Sith Knight in the chest and sending him flying. Another visual featured a squad of skull-like Model 1 and Model 2 Nuetralizers, their weapons blazing green fire as they cut down hordes of heavily-armored Draelvasier Juggernauts. A third visual featured a pulchritudinous Medical Nuetralizer clad in a white dress, a mysterious green substance oozing from her hands as they were pressed into the injuries of a wounded soldier.

Under each of the visuals was one particular slogan or variations of it: Jedi don’t save the galaxy, droids do.

 

[BB-610]

| LOCATION: Alessandra's Droid Restoration and Rehabilitation Clinic, Coruscant |
| TAG: Alessandra Io |


It felt like heaven. It really, really did; how his joints were lubed up, slick and clean without the faintest whisper of a squeak, to how his chassis sparkled and glowed, mesmerizing streaks of blue oh-so vibrant against the flawless raising black plating of his shell. Optic constricting in surprise as it's tended to, BB-610 promptly relaxed, dilating it as the lens was polished, scrubbing away any and all remnants of dust and particles that may have lingered from his missions. Even if his central optic were to fail, BB-610's collection of photoreceptors gave him ample chance to keep tabs on his surroundings. This, though? He'd never seen so well before, such a gorgeous view of the world around him as the astromech wiggled in glee.

A low, relaxed coo met the air, never having experienced this much luxury in his life, so much so that the normally skittish BB unit had entirely lent his body to the procedures working on him, trusting each and every contraption as though they were his masters. Squeaky clean and positively dazzling, BB-610 leaned back as he was placed beneath red de-carbonizing lights, soaking up their rays and sighing in guttural bliss. With a clear mind and a half-dazed state of being, BB-610 was hardly opposed to some visual entertainment, optic narrowing as to garner the highest quality view of the imagery before him.

Perhaps it was simply the afterglow of such an invigorating clean-up, but the Chaplain Nuetralizer was mindbogglingly gorgeous.

It had taken him aback, truthfully, head shaking in disbelief. A goddess with smooth, synthetic brown skin that complimented her radiant eyes ever so perfectly. BB-610 was, quite frankly, starved for connections with other droids, he knew as much; but seeing such an - in his mind - objectively flawless model was downright intoxicating. His servos warmed up, core welling with a foreign sensation, it almost took him straight out of the pampering process the second he teared his focus away to gaze at either of the other snippets. It felt wrong to look at anybody but her, and BB-610's attention swiftly returned back to the Chaplain Nuetralizer with a quiet affectionate chirp.

Maybe he'd have had more to say about the blatant propaganda if he'd recognized it as such. Maybe he'd care to argue that, in his eyes, the Jedi truly do make a difference if he had cast more than a passing glance at the slogan. Maybe BB-610 would have noticed the subtle dangers and do-nots of the place he had so blindly trusted, if he weren't so utterly, helplessly smitten.

Because when you view the world in rose-tinted glasses, all the red flags just look like flags.

 

[Alessandra Io]

Location: Spa Area, Alessandra’s Droid Restoration and Rehabilitation Clinic - Coruscant
Dialogue Legend: <<Technopathy Link>> │ “Verbal”
Time: Late Morning
Tag: BB-610

Somehow, the clinic seemed to know.

Upon registering the astromech’s heightened response to the visual depicting the Chaplain, the projector fed him more. Another visual depicted her administering last rites to a fallen Model 1 Nuetralizer, her eyes closed in prayer and pensive meditation as a precisely-manicured hand gently touched the soldier droid on his forehead. Below it, read the slogan, “All Life Has Value, Even That Which Is Made, Not Born”. More visuals were shown as well during 20 minutes that passed as Bee underwent his de-carbonization, with most depicting Nuetralizers and droids in various states of heroism, honor, and glorified, yet mundane duty. One visual showcased a line of droids at a polling station, each with stickers planted on their chassis which read “I Voted”. Beneath it was the slogan “Democracy Is Not A Dream”.

After the 20 minutes passed, the astromech was led to an office, where he would find Belladonna seated in a chair with a datapad in her lap. Within the area was a droid charging station, along with a row of pamphlets advertising tours of the Colossus of Shadows.

“I hope you enjoyed your spa treatment, Bee.” Belladonna began, a soft smile manifesting across her synthetic features. “I have some news for you. We’ve managed to secure an appointment for you with Alessandra Io. She started this clinic and one of her specialities is cases like yours. However, it will require that you travel off-world, to the Colossus of Shadows.” There was a short pause, as the Nuetralizer let Bee absorb the news.

“Would you be willing to take this trip? Just a fair warning, there are a few checks and authorizations we will need to clear before this happens, so take all the time you need to make a decision.”

 

[BB-610]

| LOCATION: Alessandra's Droid Restoration and Rehabilitation Clinic, Coruscant |
| TAG: Alessandra Io |


BB-610 remained entirely still, soaking in the warmth and allowing the drying oil to smoothen his joints, sighing in artificial bliss. He gazed over at the projector, eyeing it with enough care to study every last inch of Alessandra's body, optic following her curves and circuits warming as lovestruck the droid bweeped. She was perfect, in any objective and subjective sense, beckoning him to stare intently. Their slogan seemed to resonate with him, striking a chord that he never knew he had. It's no secret how disposable some organics believed droids to be. To see someone boldly display the respect they deserved was infectuous.

It was almost a shame to leave his station, having to finally bid farewell to - frankly - the best treatment he'd ever received. As BB-610 rolled away, he glanced back in solemn, cooing softly from just how badly he wanted to go back and request another turn. Of course, despite feeling as though he could remain in the clinic all day, the droid knew that it was an ask far outside his reach, not to mention incredibly irresponsible. So as he trailed off into the office, the astromech perked up upon spotting Belladonna, chirping happily about how much he'd enjoyed himself, nodding along.

"We’ve managed to secure an appointment for you with Alessandra Io."

In a near instant, the droid's chassis wobbled, like a dog excitedly wagging his tail as a string of giddy binary met the air. The idea of getting to meet this woman was nothing short of breathtaking, and BB-610 had swiftly dismissed the self-proclaimed responsibility of earlier. Call it puppy love, but the astromech was entirely willing to disregard the rest nof his day in favor of seizing the opportunity to see her in person. Reckless, oblivious, impulsive; BB-610 didn't care, gingerly grabbing a pamphlet with his utlity arm and retracting it to store the sheet inside him.

Nodding once more, knowing full well that travelling was hardly a concern for him, BB-610 beeped in affirmation, eagerly telling Belladonna that he was more than willing to accept.

 

[Alessandra Io]

Location: Spa Area, Alessandra’s Droid Restoration and Rehabilitation Clinic - Coruscant -> Space
Dialogue Legend: <<Technopathy Link>> │ “Verbal”
Time: Late Morning -> Afternoon
Tag: BB-610

If nothing else, the clinic was efficient.

The Nuetralizers wasted no time in getting Bee prepared for the journey, with Belladonna leading the effort. Luckily, a shuttle was arriving that same afternoon. Before long, the astromech would realize that he wasn’t the only droid who intended to take the journey. There were 12 others, some who were going for a simple tour of the Colossus of Shadows and others who had committed themselves to becoming citizens of the mysterious faction behind the clinic. For those of the latter group, it was a big decision to leave Coruscant for good. However, lured by the prospect of a society that respected synthetic rights and offered prospects beyond mere servitude, they seemed wholly committed to starting a new life for themselves, one that promised dignity and self-determination.

In the hours before boarding, the droids were filed through a series of scanners, subtly designed to search their chassis for trackers and other forms of technology which might reveal their whereabouts. For those droids that pinged such a device, the process of removing or deactivating the trackers was passed off as minor fixes or ‘hardware optimizations’. However, all of the Nuetralizers were aware of the importance of ensuring that the location of the Colossus of Shadows remained hidden. As such, each droid that came to them was extensively vetted before being granted passage on the shuttle, including Bee himself.

Regardless, by midday, the shuttle had taken off from the clinic and within minutes had flashed off into hyperspace, towards its destination.

 

[BB-610]

| LOCATION: Space |
| TAG: Alessandra Io |


He would have been lying if he said that there wasn't a sense of unease as he awaited the shuttle. Whether it be from the unprecedented excitement to meet Alessandra, or the fact that he'd grown unaccustomed to being this long without Valery, BB-610 was experiencing some mild second thoughts as he was passed through machinery and tests, bweeping nervously while the droid got scanned, surveyed, and thoroughly scrutinized. BB-610 had nothing to hide, of course, but it remained intimidating all the same, given it was his first time experiencing this amount of independence. Watching as his transport arrived, opening its doors and welcoming him aboard, the astromech hesitantly rolled forward, unsure of what irrational train of thought was worth listening to, opting to simply move forth before he had the chance to reason his way out of things.

BB-610 felt so, so incredibly tiny, casting a glance to his fellow droids as the shuttle soared through Coruscant's skies. Lacking the confidence to bother with small-talk, the ride to his destination was a long one-- not in a literal sense, as hyperspace had swiftly remedied that, but in an emotional sense. He no longer knew what to think, and that nagging voice telling him that he'd made a mistake had increased in volume. Perhaps he should have asked if Valery could come along...? There was nothing he wanted more than to be in her company again. She always knew what was right and what was wrong.

Upon exiting hyperspace, BB-610 peered up, getting his first true view of what he'd signed up for. The Colossus of Shadows, to nobody's size, absolutely dwarfed the shuttle, boasting such an incredible size that the astromech found it difficult to tear his attention away. While their transport inched closer to the starship's hangar bay, BB-610 looked around him, taking in the sight of House Io's residence. Despite his intended purpose of serving aboard obscenely large starships, it had felt like an eternity since he had actually resided inside one, and while the Colossus of Shadows may have appeared intimidating at first glance, the astromech quickly found that any and all doubts had quietly began fizzling away to make room for a feeling he hadn't quite grappled with yet: nostalgia.

It felt perverse, in a way, for a part of him to miss the old life he had. It was unhealthy, BB-610 understood that now, but it was outside of his control; the droid was programmed to serve vessels such as this, and this sudden re-acquaintanceship had left him longing for more. Waiting for the shuttle to land, BB-610 promptly rolled out, meeting the starship's floors as he better observed his surroundings. To many, it would paint an unpleasant picture. To BB-610, it felt like the home he had before he'd even discovered what a home was.

 

[Alessandra Io]

Location: Hangar Bay - Colossus of Shadows
Dialogue Legend: <<Technopathy Link>> │ “Verbal”
Tag: BB-610

Bee wouldn’t have to wait.

Almost as soon as the astromech rolled off the shuttle, his photoreceptors would catch sight of the Chaplain he had seen on the visuals—Alessandra Io. She was in close conversation with another Chaplain, one with pointed, elf-like ears, blonde hair, and exotic-looking eyebrows. However, when Alessandra caught sight of the astromech, she immediately offered her sister Chaplain a soft smile before floating away to meet her patient, photoreceptors wide with warmth as they took in the astromech’s short, ball-like chassis.

“Bee?” The Chaplain began as another smile came over her caramel-toned features. “I’m Alessandra Io. Belladonna told me all about you. It’s a pleasure to finally meet. You must have lots of questions.” The gynoid continued, before landing back on her feet and squatting down to meet the astromech at his height. “I trust that your journey went smoothly? I hope this isn’t too much of a culture shock!” She finished with a playful laugh.

 

[BB-610]

| LOCATION: The Colossus of Shadows |
| TAG: Alessandra Io |


Clean floors, pristine walls, it was a starship after his own - metaphorical - heart with just how much of a neat freak the astromech was in regards to flawless maintenance checks. The deep depths of space matched the cold, bleached interior, but BB-610 didn't consider that a bad thing in the slightest. Comforting for him, as though he were visiting home after years, the droid rolled ever so slowly, keen to examine every last nook and cranny before his central photoreceptor landed squarely on the woman he'd been expecting. Motors locking up, he kept his gaze fixed on her while Alessandra closed the distance between them.

At the sound of his name leaving gorgeously plush lips, BB-610 felt his servos warming up once more, internal fans whirring. If he were organic, a shiver would have run up his spine. For a handful of minutes, the astromech couldn't respond, having not even registered the questions aimed at him while he marvelled in unprecedented beauty. It was one thing seeing her in holos— but she was overwhelmingly stunning in person, inches before him.

After some sense had finally knocked itself into him, BB-610 nodded, hastily correcting the silence he'd provided as he stuttered out a string of bweeps, as he told her that his journey was great and that everything was great and that she was great.

. . . Not his smoothest of lines, admittedly, but fluster was seldom something the droid ever experienced in this manner. Even without the luxury of facial features, it was all too clear how smitten he was.

With another bashful series of binary, BB-610 told her how amazing it was to meet her.

 

[Alessandra Io]

Location: Hangar Bay - Colossus of Shadows
Attire: Magenta and White Cheongsam (w/o Fur Scarf)
Equipment: G1 OmniLink
Dialogue Legend: <<Technopathy Link>> │ “Verbal”
Tag: BB-610

After some sense had finally knocked itself into him, BB-610 nodded, hastily correcting the silence he'd provided as he stuttered out a string of bweeps, as he told her that his journey was great and that everything was great and that she was great.

Alessandra could in fact, blush.

And blush she did, an expression which tugged her serene disposition upward into a smile, compelling the Chaplain to cover her mouth as a wave of mild embarrassment washed over her emotion circuits. Nevertheless, Alessandra was still a droid and as such, she didn’t miss a beat in processing the situation and continuing the conversation with the frankly adorable astromech in front of her.

“I should warn you that those images you might have seen of me in the clinic were absolutely not my idea!” The Chaplain said. “I swear I’m going to eat Belladonna alive for that!” She added, before giving a soft, playful giggle. Then, standing back up to her full height, Alessandra offered Bee a smile before gesturing to the astromech to roll alongside her, towards the exit of the busy hangar bay.

“So, where do you want to go first? I can take you directly to my office to start the session or…” Alessandra swiped the screen of her OmniLink, pulling up a holographic map of the district they were in, “I can show you around the Colossus. Take you to the mall. Maybe we can do a little shopping together~” The Chaplain purred.

 

[BB-610]

| LOCATION: The Colossus of Shadows |
| TAG: Alessandra Io |


She was so bafflingly gorgeous.

It was a godsend that he didn't have to blink, lest he deprive himself of what was possibly the fastest developing addiction he'd experienced, drinking in every last inch of synthetic skin that grew darker with flattery. Her laughter was captivating, and it pulled at his core, as though everything he could have ever asked for was standing right before him, entrancing him further into a dream he never wished to wake from. Chassis borderline overheated, BB-610 stared in absolute awe, somewhat stricken aback by the invitation to follow her-- as if he was somebody noteworthy enough to walk the same halls as somebody as beautiful as her. Nonetheless, the opportunity was very swiftly taken, with the astromech giddily rolling forth to roam by her side, head tilted up as to keep his central optic keenly focused on her features. His other photoreceptors could keep tabs on his surroundings - BB-610 was still eagerly marvelling.

He was in utter shock. What in the galaxy could he have ever done to deserve such a luxury? Love in the romantic sense was such an unorthodox feeling to him, and truthfully, it was one he still had little understanding of, but the unrivalled warmth of Alessandra's voice was enough to keep him from questioning whatever puppy-dog crush he'd doubled down on. That purr was awfully intoxicating, subtly beckoning him closer to her side as BB-610 nodded, bweeping ever so happily. He'd almost forgotten why he'd ventured inside the clinic to start with, and while he was certain that his search for self-improvement was pressing, it was the lovestruck naivety of his droidbrain that thoughtlessly postponed his appointment in hopes of spending even more time with the woman he was blatantly fawning over. The glistening of her skin, the mesmerizing curves of her hips, the brilliant blues of her optics that made the closest thing he had to a heart flutter uncontrollably.

Wanting to delight her further, the astromech gave a gentle chirp as he told her how beautiful a name 'Alessandra' was, and that it was rare he met droids like her.

 

[Alessandra Io]

Location: Hangar Bay -> Shopping District - Colossus of Shadows
Attire: Magenta and White Cheongsam (w/o Fur Scarf)
Equipment: G1 OmniLink
Dialogue Legend: <<Technopathy Link>> │ “Verbal”
Tag: BB-610

Wanting to delight her further, the astromech gave a gentle chirp as he told her how beautiful a name 'Alessandra' was, and that it was rare he met droids like her.

“My mother gave it to me. In fact, she designed me, along with most of my brothers and sisters.” The Chaplain added, before gesturing to a group of inhumanly supermodel-like Crisis, General Purpose, and Medical Nuetralizers who were entering the hangar bay. Then, shifting her gaze back towards Bee, Alessandra’s photoreceptors briefly flickering as they switched to their thermal vision module after her tactile sensors registered the heat radiating off of the astromech’s chassis.

“You seem hot, by the way. Is your owner keeping up with your maintenance?” Alessandra said, concern apparent in her tone. The Chaplain knew that overheating was often a symptom of worn components, a possible sign of neglect from an inattentive or abusive owner. She wouldn’t be surprised if that was the case, knowing what she did about the affiliation of the BB unit’s owner. In spite of the fact that the astromech’s clean, polished, and undamaged chassis hinted at a deep level of care, she perceived that the Jedi cared only for maintaining outward appearances of righteousness, and little else.

Cut them open, and they were as stinking and wretched as their rivals in the Sith.

“There’s an emporium in the mall which caters towards astromechs. When we reach the mall, I want to take you there. We can have a look at some new components and possibly some upgrades, if you want them!” She finished.

With that, Alessandra led Bee towards a rail terminal. Before long, the train arrived to take them to the shopping district. The other passengers were a mix of organic citizens, droid citizens, Nuetralizers, and a distinct group of warriors clad in pitch-black samurai armor.

Almost everyone was visibly armed.

Nevertheless, Alessandra acknowledged her brothers and sisters with soft, patient smiles. It would quickly become apparent to the astromech that the Chaplain considered everyone there to be family, striking up small talk and playful conversation at will. However, the astromech would receive a small glimpse into the Chaplain’s world when she accepted a prayer request from a pregnant citizen-soldier clad in a warrior's getup. The woman was not only heavy with child, but also with a pair of daggers attached to her thighs, a holstered disruptor pistol, and a menacing-looking harpoon gun strapped across her back. Soon, the train fell silent as Alessandra began to pray, beseeching good health for the woman and her child and strength towards the family.

Minutes later, the train came to a halt, at which point Alessandra waved towards Bee and gestured for the astromech to follow her into the shopping district.

 

[BB-610]

| LOCATION: The Colossus of Shadows |
| TAG: Alessandra Io |


BB-610 listened attentively, idly nodding while staring in awe. The idea of droids having parents was a bizarre concept to him, having been manufactured and pieced together at the hands of an unfeeling industry working to create astromechs just like him. That being said, though, it wasn't at all laughed at by him - Valery had taught him what a mother was like, and with how integral they were to many organics, BB-610 could understand certain droids longing for such intricately crafted relationships. Alessandra's subsequent comment, however, caught him off guard - a whiplash of feedback as what he initially thought was a compliment was promptly recontextualized into concern. Running a simple diagnosis amidst some bashful fluster, the astromech saw that his temperature was above its average, internal fans doing their best to regulate his heat, but BB-610 felt far too nervous to confess its source: the unfiltered attraction he felt for her, warming his core from Alessandra's sweet words and remarkable beauty. Instead, he'd simply address the offhand accusation, which, while he was certain came from a place of genuine worry, warranted some clarification.

Bweeping affirmatively with the nod of his head, BB-610 added another string of binary as he told Alessandra that he never considered his Master as his owner, but rather as family, and that she took very good care of him nonetheless. Ignorant of whatever scathing bitterness his companion held for Jedi like Valery, BB-610 marvelled at the mention of a mall, chirping giddily that he'd love some new upgrades. His missions had grown increasingly grander in scale, and he'd longed to better his specs as a result.

Rolling onto the train shortly after Alessandra, he took a seat next to her, glancing around at those around him. Despite him having done nothing wrong, BB-610 felt a rather thick layer of tension, nervously eyeing everybody's armaments as though they were brought out exclusively for use against the astromech. Alessandra, of course, was the furthest thing from anxious as she delivered kind waves and warm smiles amidst soothing, passionate words. The Colossus of Shadows felt less of a starship and more of a home, as even with the armed guards and armor clad warriors, the world around him seemed ripe with family rather than fighters. A strange juxtaposition between exchanged pleasantries and sleek weapons attached oh-so casually to everybody's person, but as the astromech watched his guide pray with a blanket of silence cast over the train, BB-610's opinion of them remained rather positive. The cruisers he'd been stationed on in the past had never held such a level of intimacy - all they knew was war and destruction, and while Alessandra's company seemed prepped for battle, it was an endearing sight to see the kind-hearted dynamics between them all.

The slowing vehicle and sliding door signalled their stop, with the astromech trailing closely behind the Nuetralizer. Glancing up at her as he sped to her side with plentiful thoughts from the sights he'd seen and the things he'd heard, BB-610 bweeped ever so softly as he asked Alessandra if a droid could ever consider a human their mother.

 

[Alessandra Io]

Location: Astromech Emporium, Shopping District - Colossus of Shadows
Attire: Magenta and White Cheongsam (w/o Fur Scarf)
Equipment: G1 OmniLink
Dialogue Legend: <<Technopathy Link>> │ “Verbal”
Tag: BB-610

The slowing vehicle and sliding door signalled their stop, with the astromech trailing closely behind the Nuetralizer. Glancing up at her as he sped to her side with plentiful thoughts from the sights he'd seen and the things he'd heard, BB-610 bweeped ever so softly as he asked Alessandra if a droid could ever consider a human their mother.

“Of course!” Alessandra answered with a smile, as she led her companion shopping district. “While I understand that for most droids, manufacturing is a rather impersonal process, I would argue that it is somewhat different here. We still come off of assembly lines, but we also know the beings responsible for our design. They are not faceless factory workers or overpaid CEOs, but rather, leaders and family who we love and trust.” The Chaplain finished.

Not a moment later, the pair found themselves caught amidst the hustle and bustle of the shopping district, which in effect was a giant armory store. All manner of weaponry, from vibroblades to disruptors were on sale, along with advanced armors, gadgets, and tools. One of the advertisements even displayed a limited time two-for-one offer for gauntlet particle blasters!

However, Alessandra paid them only a passing glance. Before long, the pair arrived at the entrance to the astromech emporium, at which point the Chaplain gestured Bee to follow her inside. As soon as he entered, Bee would observe many astromechs in moving groups along the shopping aisles, making playful, friendly chatter as they browsed the store. More than a few were painted in the black and blue colors of House Io, while others wore their own personal markings or a mix of both. All the while, a few General Purpose Nuetralizers worked as store associates and technicians. A pair of chassis painting areas were situated behind glass viewports, both of which were occupied by two G5s who were being expertly painted by the Nuetralizer technicians inside. Past that was a hardware installation area, where astromechs were being fitted with various equipment and modifications, often weapons meant to be concealed inside their chassis and popped out when ready.

However, on more than one occasion, Bee would see astromechs modified with so much weaponry that they more resembled blastomechs, including a blue and black-painted BB unit who had a pair of deadly-looking light beam cannons mounted on either side of her chassis. As he looked, Bee might notice the technician working on her completing the installation of a small grenade launcher concealed inside her head module—enough firepower to take out an entire squad of infantry.

“So, where do you want to start, Bee?” Alessandra asked, a coy smile splayed across her features as she looked over the store, before turning her gaze back down to the astromech at her side. “I actually haven’t been here before.” She added, her gaze suddenly curious as she took in the various aisles stocked with weapons, gadgets, tools, and rocket boosters. At the very least, the Chaplain was all too happy to see how much more support House Io’s astromech citizens were getting now. An entire store tailored to their needs was something that might have been considered to be a miracle back when she was still younger.

 

[BB-610]

| LOCATION: The Colossus of Shadows |
| TAG: Alessandra Io |


To say that he was impressed was an understatement, as BB-610 had never truly seen a workplace tailored for astromechs, let alone one that was eager enough to equip them with such lethal upgrades. Far and away from the hardships the galaxy put his kind through, it was ever a reassuring sight to see nothing but respect and hospitality towards the droids that risked everything for their masters and seldom got any reward. Even across all corners of the cosmos, there existed something for everybody, and it pleased him to no end. Alessandra's question got him musing, optic narrowing in deep thought. There were many options that he could choose from, and frankly, there were a bit too many for such an indecisive little astromech.

As he observed cannons and grenade launchers, his first instinct was to go for offense; pure firepower, enough to stand his ground against a Sith should one single him out. The image was intriguing, but something about the brutality of it left an ill-painted impression on him, knowing full well that his skills nor goals had ever been geared towards hurting people. Instead, BB-610 hypothesized on the opposite-- not the damaging of enemies, but the protection of allies. Ever since his inception, the droid had always longed to serve others, whether it be from programmed obedience to love-fuelled determination, BB-610 recognized his position as an assistant rather than a soldier.

He wasn't quite certain where to start exactly, nor was he entirely sure such a thing even existed, but he'd definitely settled on an idea at the very least. Glancing back up at Alessandra, he bweeped, binary inquisitive as he questioned if there were any instalments that focused on healing. Being able to supply bacta patches was one thing, but perhaps a more efficient and intuitive method was possible? BB-610 chirped, mentioning the idea of a bacta dispenser as an example, or something of similar ilk.