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[doubled_speed]

[Lookie here, it's Tommy, looking shaken as hell. Makes sense, he's lost more of his people recently and he's NOT doing okay. So you know what that means! Tommy needs a fucking project, and he thinks he's moving on pretty well with the one he's got.]

Yo. So know how I was looking for help making some sorta hydroponics shit in the hangars of at least the Twin Roses and possibly some other ships if people want it? Think I've found people to help me make it. Just...

Turns out we need parts. And one of the dudes helping me? He's stuffy and NOT cool with me taking things out of abandoned buildings if they can be salvaged and lots of other shit and well, anyway some of the stuff we'll need is apparently small and custom.

So basically I'm supposed to ask if, seeing as that replicator thing is now here and all that shit, people might be willing to help out by donating a replication or two a month to helping us replicate packages of the small parts that are important for the drip irrigation something or other thingamabob.

Think about it, bros and bros who aren't amab or who are agender and fuck backtrack need something better. Okay, think about it my fellow kidnapees. Fresh produce. On ship. Whenever they kidnap us.

Hell, I'll even tend it when we're not on ships. If you want your ship to have a hydroponics thing. Just let me in once a 60hr cycle and I'll fucking tend the hell out of those bitches.

Anyway. Uh, call me?

[And he shuts the thing off before he can sound stupider. Dammit!]

Comments

[doubled_speed]

[Oh god, BD-1 waving is the absolutely best thing ever. And damn if he almost coos over how cute that is. Fuck, he's all soft and squishy of heart for bots.]

Yeah, uh, well... I made them gifts. Because, well, they're good little guys.

[out_of_order]

That's really nice of you.

[Cal means that too. Droids are often too underappreciated. He glances down at BD-1, who trill-hoots at the screen and Tommy, his little antennae perking.]

He really appreciates the thought.

[doubled_speed]

[Tommy listens so very intently every time BD-1 makes noises. Like he's REALLY trying to understand it without translation. It's not going well so far, but he's trying.]

Yeah, well, I didn't make you one Cal because I haven't finished it yet. Sorry.

[out_of_order]

[Not that Cal was expecting anything either. He chuckles, his smile a little broader as he offers a shrug.]

Hey, it's the thought that counts?

[He looks down at BD-1 as the little droid speaks up again.]

BeeDee says he can't really make things, but he'd like to help you out if there's anything you might find applicable.

[doubled_speed]

Dude, just talking is good for me.

[He does smile at them both and gets to his feet.]

Where are you? So I can drop this off?

[out_of_order]

Well we're happy to oblige.

Ah, we're... Over in the northwestern part of the city, the bigger of the two buildings directly across from that gaping hole in the northeast.

[doubled_speed]

Ugh, gaping holes suck, man. Gapers are the worst. I'll find you. Just, you know, don't get bored while you wait.

[out_of_order]

Yeah, I'm not sure I want to know what's going on down there. We're well a ways from it at least.

[He grins a bit. While they wait, huh.]

Right.

[doubled_speed]

[See, waiting is a thing he won't have to do for long. He was definitely making a joke. Not even a minute later Tommy's shouting from nearby.]

Yo! Beady and bro! Where are you!?

[out_of_order]

[Cal laughs as he hears Tommy somewhere outside. Shaking his head, he sets his tablet down and starts for the door, BD-1 hitching a ride in passing. Once outside, he looks around.]

Tommy, hey! Over here. What took you so long?

[At his shoulder, BD-1 beeps his own greeting.]

[doubled_speed]

[Tommy's there in a blur, grinning and waving to them both. Fuck people who said he started trouble. CLEARLY Tommy is the best of people who can be friends. He pauses to listen to Beady's greeting, and then started digging into his pockets.]

So, ugh, I don't have a really good way to affix the medals, for you know, valorous service and shit. But I made them. Maybe you can help Beady hold on to it?

[out_of_order]

[Cal grins back. He exchanges a glance with BD before giving the droid on his shoulder a bounce.]

Hear that, BeeDee? You're getting a medal.

[The droid hoots, clearly delighted as he makes himself a little taller, stretching up on his legs as far as his balance will allow. Cal laughs.]

As well you should.

[To Tommy, he nods.]

Sure thing. Hm. Maybe making them magnetic?

[doubled_speed]

I don't know how to work with magnets. And in my world, well, magnets still fry electronics. I didn't want to be offensive.

[Tommy pulls the chunk of wood he'd worked out of his pocket, holding it out. It's very crudely carved, because it's not like Tommy had tools or experience. But it still reads For Services Rendered For Honorable Service - BD-1]

For being a little hero!

[out_of_order]

If it's not too strong it shouldn't interfere with systems. And actually some droids back home employ magnetic locks so they can do things like stick to starships to repair them.

[Still he nods, appreciating Tommy's concerns as much as BD-1 does.

With Tommy presenting his handmade medal, the little droid peers at it and then at the young man before borbling as he shifts about on his perch. And then he gives a proximation of a bow, more or less a singular bob.

Cal smiles, and he'll take the medal on the droid's behalf.]

He says he's honored, and thanks you.

[doubled_speed]

You're working with Cal, and that guy's clearly a hero. That makes you a hero too, Beady. And humans don't fucking respect that enough.

[Tommy's never gotten a medal, but he doesn't need one. For him it's a job. But for him, it's still serious. He MEANS this for BD-1. The guy deserves it because droids had the shit job, clearly.]

[out_of_order]

[Cal laughs.]

BeeDee's definitely a hero.

[Cal's never gotten any medals either, but like Tommy, it's pretty much duty for a Jedi. He'd agree with Tommy though- droids really were underappreciated all too often.]

Thanks Tommy.

[doubled_speed]

[He doesn't want thanks. So Tommy just shrugs.]

Hey, what are friends for?

[Because they are friends. This is a decision he has made.]

[out_of_order]

[Friends. Cal's completely fine with this, so few and far as are those he has. If there's anything good about being stuck here, it's having the time to make friends without worrying that looking over his shoulder to make sure those who've been after him haven't caught up.

He grins at that, and on his shoulder BD-1 trills and gives a little bounce with glee.]

[doubled_speed]

And you're definitely a friend too, little guy. We're all fucking friends here.

[Wait, that's not the best choice of words.]

[out_of_order]

[Not really, no, but the general idea otherwise is understood.]

Always good to know we've got friends. Makes being here a little easier too.

[doubled_speed]

It really does. I've, uh... got to get going?

[Because he feels SO WEIRD being close to people this long when he's put himself out there emotionally. He'll definitely talk more later, but he needs some time to process.]

[out_of_order]

Cal nods, and BD-1 gives a cheerful beep.]

Oh, sure.

[Maybe Cal can get a sense of that awkwardness. He doesn't question the abrupt excuse, although he looks a little surprised. Well, maybe Tommy's got other things to do too.]

We'll see you around then.

[doubled_speed]

[Tommy offers a brief smile and wave and he gives one last nod before heading off at lightning speed. It's all he can do.]