The Girl and The Robot

[Kaili Talith]

Hand in hand they strode out into the chilly breeze.

“I was pretty tired.” Kaili snickered. “Surprised I even remember.”

The walk was longer than the walk to the bakeshop, Kaili had already promised that much. Knowing that when they passed the small shop they’d be half-way there, Kaili kept an eye out for the picturesque little corner and once it came into view she stopped for a moment. It was closed, the interior was as dark as the night and yet she couldn’t help smiling still. It was what she always did, tried to put on a facade (or genuinely feeling) of happiness. People had a way of listening to you if you did, even if they didn’t agree with a single word you said.

“So that’s closed.” She mused. “Anyway, we’re half-way there then.”

They pushed along down the road.

“So, how long have you known about the force?” Kaili looked at Allyson. “You seemed well-equipped enough to install the arm before, but the rest of the basics didn’t seem to be fully there yet.”

“Did you say that this... Ember, helped you?”

[member="Allyson Locke"]

 

[Allyson Locke]

“Ember tried to help me.” She corrected the girl, then continued. “He felt that I was force sensitive, according to him my connection isn’t strong it wavers or something.” She didn’t understand what he meant, but when he compared it to a wave length hers was small and weak, where others had long and a lot more waves. Her free hand scratched behind her ear for a second and then she quickly continued as they walked. “I’ve known about me being force sensitive for a few years now, neither of my parents are force sensitive and to my knowledge no one in my family was ever a Jedi or a Sith.”

Allyson went through her memories trying to see if someone ever showed any sign of the Force, if they did they must have hidden it quite well. Shrugging, she didn’t it really. “Ember tried to teach me how to move things with the Force, how to feel things and the like. None of it worked, though I’ve sneezed and I blew a door open.” Allyson grinned in the direction of the girl beside her as she remembered the time she was digging around on Jakku – the place she had found Bait. “Other than that, I’m just as normal as a non-force user.”

“As for the arm and with other technology like ships and other droids, when I focus it’s like I can see what their internal structures look like in my head. You know blueprints and schematics? That’s how I see the droid or the ship I’m trying to connect to. With the toy, it’s a blob that I’m trying to mold mentally, like when Ember made me try and push a crate across the hanger floor. Though I’ve had more success I guess with the toy because it seems like the electromagnetic field around the toy seems to react with what I’m trying to do with the Force…” She thought about it and wondered if that’s how she would be able to do telekinesis. A lot of things gave off electromagnetic waves, but not everything. It would be something she’d have to play with.

“I guess I’m weird haha.” [member="Kaili Talith"]

 

[Kaili Talith]

Weak connections. Kaili would lie if she said have one of those. In fact, it would be very much a lie. Through her father she had inherited something that few did, and if she was to truly think on it the thoughts and words that formed as a result of it would sound nothing but short of elitist. As such she tended to quite simply not think on it and merely be thankful for what she had. By the very least it kept her out of the AgriCorps division, a fate many others succumbed to.

“It can take time to learn, but given time it will fall into place.” Kaili said most master-like and nodded her head. “We’ll start with what you already know, or rather have an affinity for, and then take it from there. Nothing weird about things like that.”

The restaurant appeared before them and Kaili pointed at it for Allyson to see. It was extravagant, that much was certain.

“Welcome to Nihonryōri, Allyson.” Kaili mocked a bow. “Home of authentic Borleian-Atrisian Cuisine.”

[member="Allyson Locke"]

 

[Allyson Locke]

A part of her wanted to believe that it was possible to be able to do all of those things that other Force Users can do. Push the force, pull the force, and make things seem like they were dancing. Healing would be pretty helpful as well. Allyson knew though in her core that she was unable and didn’t have the needed blessing from the Force to be able to accomplish all of that. Still, she believed Kaili, because it was hard not to.

The restaurant came into view and the place was extraordinary. The first thing Allyson noticed was how extravagant the place was, it was obviously going to be a lot of money. A hand absentmindedly patted her wallet in the back pocket of her pants, it was going to be very thin by the end of the night. Looking over at Kaili, she chuckled softly. “They should hire you to be the host, you’re so welcoming.” Taking the girl’s hand again she gently led her towards the door way where they were greeted. Giving their names, they didn’t wait too long and was quickly taken down a red and white carpet walkway towards one of the secluded tables to the back. There were a few groups of people around them, but besides that they were alone.

Small tablets were placed in front of them and when touched, they lit up and showed the items on the menu. “So it’s a fusion restaurant, I didn’t know Borleian was similar or something to Atrisian. I’m even more excited.” Allyson smiled and under the table, her long legs took up a decent amount of real estate, she wasn’t as obvious as she was this morning with running her foot against Kai’s. This time she gently rested the very tip of her leather boot against the side of the other girl’s shoe. Despite the vow to wait, there was still a need to be close, something she had never felt with another person, not like this. “So what’s your favorite thing here Kaili?” [member="Kaili Talith"]

 

[Kaili Talith]

The restaurant was indeed extravagant. Kaili would lie if she said she didn’ want anything else. Modesty was great, but having an awesome vista right by your table was greater. They were received and they got their table. The neatly arranged napkins, cutlery and wooden sticks were almost pedantically placed for optimal eye pleasing.

“I have no real favorite.” Kaili shrugged as Allyson touched her feet against hers again. “The place isn’t fusion as much as... Multicultural? They serve both, simply because sometimes you can’t have too much pineapple in your food.” Kaili stuck her tongue out in a disgusted grimace. “I hate pineapple. It’s the taste, you know?”

Looking over the menu she lowered it to get a look at Allyson.

“The, errr, ushi beef is pretty decent.” And most likely the cheapest thing they had. “Tastes better than my homecooking though, by like, miles.”

[member="Allyson Locke"]

 

[Allyson Locke]

Allyson checked out the beef dish that Kaili had mentioned. The way it sounded was good and she partially wanted to order it, but she didn’t, figuring that the girl would order it. The back of her mind wondered if she would share or let Allyson try it. Continuing to look through the menu she was happy that Kaili didn’t pull away from her touch under the table. It was a good sign for the time being for Allyson, though she figured Kaili probably didn’t think much of it. "Your cooking from what I've had is amazing, don't sell yourself short Kai." Ally grinned.

When putting things into perspective, it was very obvious why some things that would cause a typical reaction out of someone yet doesn’t for her. Trying not to focus too hard on that situation and just enjoy her friend’s company, Allyson continued to glance through the menu. “Oh, Quez Farm Turkeys. Those are literally the best, I think I’m going to get the Tuskune Kabobs, mmm sounds so good!” Allyson glanced at the price and bit her lower lip. Numbers ran through her head and she nodded. Everything was good.

“Save room for dessert! It looks like they have frozen Mochi.” The waiter wandered over and introduced himself. He offered the wine selection and she looked at Kaili. “A nice white would be good, one with high acidity please.” The man nodded and looked towards Kaili, “Are we ready to order ladies?” [member="Kaili Talith"]

 

[Kaili Talith]

Kaili went with the meat dish. Mainly out of habit. She knew what was in it, she knew it was good. When it came to selling herself short, well, that was really just acts of humility. Kaili knew that she was good, but to let that go to her head wouldn’t help anyone. Besides, if she did let it go to her head the humility would turn into humiliation at the hands of her brother, and she refused to let that happen...

... Again.

“I know a Quez.” Kaili nodded after taking note of what she would get. “Blonde guy, somewhat something of a chauffeur to an acquaintance of mine... I think? We never talked much.”

Kaili was too busy with droids, books and Mara’s teachings.

“The Muja juice is nice.” Kaili folded the menu over. “I’ll just take that along with my meal.”

“Ushi Beef.” Kaili repeated her order. “No need to go easy on the spices this time.”

She waited for Allyson to relay her order, and with that they were back in business.

“I probably should have told you,” Kaili grinned. “I don’t drink. At all.”

[member="Allyson Locke"]

 

[Allyson Locke]

Allyson waited for Kaili to finish her order and then she told her own to the waiter. Smiling, she looked over at Kai who mentioned that she didn’t drink ever. Shrugging, Allyson leaned back in her seat and nodded while remembering the conversation of Kaili being a lightweight and only using alcohol to cook. “Ah yeah, I forgot about you mentioning something about being super lightweight. I’ll have to make sure I remember that, especially when I try to impress you with my impeccable talent to pair wine with food.” Grinning, Allyson would just enjoy the partial bottle herself and leave the rest for whatever. It seemed the place only did bottle service so either way it was alright.

“Quez, you know one?” Ally wasn’t surprised, after Kaili mentioned she was from an upper class family it meant she would probably know a lot of people who had influence on business and the sorts. A part of Allyson was a bit jealous, growing up she was always quiet and absorbed into what she wanted to do that she tended to push people away. They didn’t understand her and they didn’t share the same passion for the stars as she did – so why make friends? Still, knowing that Kaili was interested in the things she was, she knew she couldn’t screw this up. She couldn’t push her away no matter how conflicted her feelings became. If in the end, Kaili only wanted her as a friend, that would be alright even if she died a little every day being near the girl.

Being at her side either as a lover or a friend, she just wanted to be there.

“You know so many people. That’s a lot of connections, maybe they could help you with growing your business when you’re ready. I’m sure Quez farms has droids to help them out – maybe you could build a new sort of agriculture droid.” It was an idea.

Loose strands of brown hair hung at the sides of Ally’s face, she brushed them back quickly behind her ear as the waiter brought the wine and placed the glasses in front of them. Reaching out, Allyson declined him pouring the second glass for Kaili. “It’s alright.” The man nodded and then disappeared again leaving the wine in the bin. He left water in place for Kaili, since her juice was ordered with the meal. Sipping the wine, she smiled. “Missing out.” The glass was put back down onto the table and she moved her foot slightly against Kaili’s, just for a moment and then the movement stopped. “How did you get to know so many people? Parties and stuff?” [member="Kaili Talith"]

 

[Kaili Talith]

Kaili nodded. She knew Liam Quez from before. In fact she knew a whole bunch of incredibly powerful people from before. She could have told Allyson about the self-proclaimed ‘Brat Pack’ but in the end she decided not to. After perking her brows in affirmation to what Allyson remarked about the wine, Kaili contemplated how the Pack had actually met. Her hand waved in front of her. Much like she assumed a handwave by the inner workings of her mind. How the Pack met was quite simply as simple as that. A hand wave and a few hugs.

“We just kinda... Met each other here and there, I guess.” Kaili shrugged. “I wouldn’t say that we’re all more than distant friends at this point, but we keep up every now and then. HoloMails and such mainly.”

“But it’s a good point, maybe I should talk to Liam.” Kaili grabbed the glass and took a sip before putting it down again. “And Ibaris, and Mira, and Laura...” Kaili blinked. “The list goes on.”

“Did you ever... Meet people like that? I don’t wanna sound rude, but did- do you have any friends like that?”

[member="Allyson Locke"]

 

[Allyson Locke]

Allyson listened as Kaili recalled her acquaintances. She played with the stem of her wine glass as Kaili spoke and listed off the names of all of them. It seemed like a good solid group of people, quite sad that they weren’t as close anymore, but the way the galaxy was. It was hard to hold on to good people. Sipping the wine, the tables turned onto her. Kai was curious to know about her friends and the people she associated with.

Friends were a hard subject, Allyson was never one to have them or have many of them. The glass settled back onto the table and Allyson forced a smile the best she could. “I didn’t have a lot. When I did though we were pretty tight. I met most of them through school, but after I dropped out I lost touch.” Knowing the next possible thing from the other girl’s mouth would probably be along the lines of just message them or something. Then after she finished it would end with that adorable smile that no one could say no to.

The only problem was, the messages would go unread. Everyone that Allyson knew perished on Corellia, if they had survived they were more than likely killed from being under Sith rule. Allyson closed her eyes as she did her best to quell the anger that rose inside of her. Everything was the Sith’s fault and she couldn’t do anything about it. Shrugging, she leaned forward and took the wine glass again. “So for now, Ember is as much of a friend as I could call someone, then there’s you. I guess I can call Elijah my friend as well, but he’s weird.” Sipping the wine, she smiled. “So lucky you, you’re my only friend.” [member="Kaili Talith"]

 

[Kaili Talith]

“Oh.” Kaili blinked. “I didn’t know. Sorry.”

The kid too grabbed her glass and looked for the waiter. Funny how it always took so long to get your food when you ate out. It drew out all the uncomfortable silences as much as it could, like that jester at court who insisted on only putting his lewd sketches on display. The people around them were the jesters, the air around them the lewd sketches. Kaili turned back to Allyson and tried to think of a way to break the silence.

“I’m honored.” Kaili smiled. “Had it not been for Mara, I could say the same to you.”

And there Kaili went bringing Mara up again. There was no question that the girl saw her as a very important part of her life. Mainly because of her mentor status as well as being her best and closest friend. The three biggest honors anyone could have, really.

“Force, I wonder what is taking the food so long.” Kaili was growing impatient. “It’s like every time-...”

“I really shouldn’t.” Kaili scratched the back of her neck. “They’re just doing their jobs, right?”

[member="Allyson Locke"]

 

[Allyson Locke]

It was funny how easily Allyson had become jealous of this Mara. The girl seemed to know more about Kaili than she could ever dream of. Also, Kaili seemed to be quite attached to her. Fingers pressed into the stem of the wine glass as she attempted to calm herself down, while reminding herself that Kaili had a life before they had met. Along with the fact that they had just met recently. Forcing a smile she nodded and listened to Kaili recall more about this Mara.

Before Allyson could respond, the waiter walked by and placed the juice Kaili had ordered in front of her and behind him another waiter with two dishes. Placing the beef in front of Kaili then carefully placing the turkey meatballs in front of Allyson. A third waiter appeared with a basket full of steamed white rice. The basket was placed between them along with two small plates and utensils to get the rice out. Warnings of hot plates and questions of anything else needed was asked then answered.

"Well I guess they heard your stomach growling" Allyson couldn't help but laugh. The girl had grown impatient, but it was good timing on both their parts. The meatballs came on kebobs and Allyson moved towards the rice. "You want any?" If Kaili said yes, she would be polite and serve the blonde first then herself.

"I meet a lot of people with the work I do, but it's so hard to trust people in this galaxy that most of the time you try and cut any lingering ties. It hurts less, I don't know" looking up from her food she grew quiet, but still loud enough for Kaili to hear, " I don't want to do that with you..." [member="Kaili Talith"]

 

[Kaili Talith]

Fingertips reddening from the pressure of a woman that was doing her best to contain something. Kaili would have taken note of what the Corellian was doing if it wasn’t for the food arriving. The smell of different meats overwhelmed the kid’s senses as she closed her eyes and took a deep breath to truly let it all seep in. She could almost taste the ingredients, the salt and pepper, the soy and other fanciful condiments to truly make the stew-like beef the treat that it was. It was one of the benefits of her genes, albeit one she rarely made mention of. Saying “I have heightened hearing” was one of those things people liked to make unprepared tests for.

“Indeed.” Kaili opened her eyes and smiled as she finally exhaled. “I’m good, I got my own foods to take care of.”

Brief moment came to pass. Allyson plopped a meatball on her platter and with it Kaili looked at her food...

“Though... On second thought...” She grinned. “Maybe I could try one?”

“You could have a taste of my meat, if you’d like?” Kaili extended the her arm to share the bowl of warm meats and their sauces. “Trust me, nothing can beat this meat.”

“I tried to beat it, but I just couldn’t. Came out as a really... Reeeaally salty, sticky mess. And force... That smell!” Kaili grimaced. “No, I’m sticking to professionals when it comes to these things. For now anyway.”

[member="Allyson Locke"]

 

[Allyson Locke]

Allyson had already begun to pull the meatballs off the skewer as Kaili began to ramble on about her meat. Lips wrapped around the skewer as she pulled off one of the meatballs. Her words, they were, they could and were taking in another direction and Allyson nearly choked on the meatball she was eating. Fanning herself, she grabbed another skewer and paused. She stared at Kaili for a moment and replayed what the girl had said.

Made sense for the most part. “Eh what did you just say? I mean that usually happens when you beat meat…but guess you’re more seafood?” Allyson let it linger as she popped off a few meatballs for Kaili. She used her spoon to put a bit of the sauce on top. The offer of sharing food was exciting especially since Allyson did want to try the meat. Using her chopsticks, she pulled a piece of the beef from its stew like sauce and placed it onto her plate. Splitting it, she put a piece in her mouth and she sighed with pleasure.

The flavors that Kaili had described exploded in her mouth and she smiled happily. Chewing for a moment more she swallowed and nodded. “Oh my Force Kai, your meat is the best I’ve ever had” [member="Kaili Talith"]

 

[Kaili Talith]

“I knooow!” The girl smiled in full as she lowered the bowl back for her own consumption. “I don’t like the taste of seafood very much, which might seem weird considering where I live, but the tastes and smells are just... Eugh.”

Kaili grabbed a piece of meat with her chopsticks and put it in her mouth. She chewed as slowly as she could to truly savor and taste the entirety of the meat. Teeth grinded against the surface of the meat and tore right through it. Juices flowed free and with it Kaili too sighed in delight. It was like nothing she had ever had before.

Only, she kind of had. Many times, and on several occasions in different restaurants.

“Told you. The people around here truly knows how to handle a piece of meat.” Kaili nodded. “It must be in the way they tenderize it, I think. Maybe they beat it extra hard or something. I know that’s what I did.”

“Hmm, maybe that’s why my own experiment with it didn’t really work?”

[member="Allyson Locke"]

 

[Allyson Locke]

“It was possible you overbeat it. Can’t eat limp and tired meat you know. You should try again with me; I can help you out if you want.?” Smiling Allyson nodded and decided to give up on Kaili realizing how she’s talking. “We could tag team the meat” Nodding Allyson finished off the piece that Kaili had shared with her then returned to the meatballs. The turkey was tender and the meatball juicy in its own right. The rice she ate with it was perfectly steamed.

“This place is really amazing thank you for bringing me.” Feet still touching Allyson didn’t move but continued to devour her food. “What do you think of my meatballs? Quez Turkey is the best, you should get some or something” Ally had a few ideas for what to do with a turkey, but not something that only two people could eat. Musing over it, Allyson wondered if Kaili could invite her friends over for a dinner.

Remembering that Mara would come along, she decided to push that idea out the door. “Its going to be hard to save room for dessert, but I want to have some of this tomorrow.” Allyson pushed aside two of the kabobs and finished off what she had left. [member="Kaili Talith"]

 

[Kaili Talith]

“I overbeat my meat all the time.” Kaili scratched the back of her neck in shame. “I would love to do it with you. I find that it’s a lot more fun when you’re two.”

The kid took a look around the locale. The woman from the bakeshop earlier this morning was sitting in another remote corner, except with a weird looking man. Kaili’s eyebrow perked before lowering itself again to let her attention set on Allyson who was still talking about the Quez turkey meats. Kaili pinched the ball between her chopstick and raised it towards her mouth. The food squished between her teeth and with it Kaili closed her eyes again and once more sighed in delight.

“Oh force, these balls are delicious!” Kaili exclaimed. “I can see why you love them so.”

Deep sigh and back to her food Kaili went.

“If I had known Liam had balls like th-” With a piece of meat flopping in her mouth, Kaili stopped. The realisation of what she had just said hit her. And it hit her hard. “Oh no.” The kid uttered as she ripped the meat in two and slowly chewed in disbelief of what she had been saying all this time. “I, uh...”

Her face turned red like the second sun of Tattooine.

“All this time, huh?”

[member="Allyson Locke"]

 

[Allyson Locke]

Allyson nearly choked on the meatball she was chew, but she quickly caught herself. Kaili had finally figured out what she was saying and how it was all being taken. The Corellian laughed as she did her best to remain quiet enough for the other patrons. Finally leaning back, she wiped away a tear and nodded. “The whole time Kaili, I thought you were doing it on purpose.” Shaking her head slightly, the waiter came by and offered to box everything up and then suggested Dessert. “The Mochi would be great” Nodding the man left, leaving a very red Kaili and Allyson alone.

“That was too good, took you long enough to figure it out.” Leaning on the table, Allyson propped her head up on her hand and stared at the girl. She was quite red; she didn’t know someone could get so red. “It was funny though, I doubt anyone else but me heard, so you’re good. The reputation of the best droid maker is safe.”

Boxes and mochi soon arrived and Allyson waited for Kaili. “The mochi is frozen with ice cream inside, should cool you down, Tattoine Sun.” [member="Kaili Talith"]

 

[Kaili Talith]

She remained frozen in place. If blood glowed she truly would have been the second sun of Tatooine, but to her ever gracious luck she merely turned incredibly red. The kind of red that proved a great contrast to her otherwise rather pale complexion. She pressed the knuckle of her index finger finger against her upper lip and nose in an effort to quell it, but it didn’t work. The dessert was ordered and Kaili fell silent until the man returned with their chosen meals. With a second deep sigh she got herself under control.

“Thank you,” She opened her mouth to shove a piece of ice cream down her throat. “Skywalker.”

Spoon in, spoon out. Hard swallow to let the cold slide down and spread through her body.

“I swear, I must be-” Pain. Cold, brain chilling pain. “Ow. Owowowowow. Owww!”

Wrist against her temple, rubbing at the spot of bother.

“Brehnfress. Farchk.”

[member="Allyson Locke"]

 

[Allyson Locke]

Stopping her attempt at eating the dessert, Allyson watched as Kaili had suddenly become somewhat possessed at eating the dessert. She reached out to try and stop her, but it seemed she was determined to eat enough till her face stopped being so red. Instead, Allyson leaned back and took a sip of the wine that she had ordered and waited till that one moment where…

Yep there it was, the brain freeze. Leaning forward, she slid the dessert away from Kaili and slid the juice towards her. Nodding towards it, she responded calmly, “Drink something, might help the brain freeze.” Soft chuckles came from the other girl as she watched poor Kaili continue the downward spiral that started with her conversation of ‘beating’ the meat. Either way, it was a good dinner and while Kaili dealt with the brain freeze, the waiter came by and slipped the check. Allyson grabbed the bill and looked at it.

Not as bad as she had assumed, but still there was a lot of damage to the bank account. Continuing to grin, she slipped her money inside and the waiter quickly got it and moved on. She had left a good tip seeing as the man was quick, prompt and did his job properly. Leaning on the table, she grabbed the second spoon and took a bit of the ice cream and brought it to her mouth. “At least you didn’t eat all of it, but good job, you’re not as red as before” Grinning, she put the ice cream in her mouth and savored the dessert. The spoon twisted till the bowl of it was facing downward on her tongue. She slowly brought the spoon out of her mouth and licked her lips to make sure none of the ice cream lingered on her lips.

“This is so good. You don’t alright over there Professor Ice Brain?” [member="Kaili Talith"]