mamuzzy | [HARD CONTACT] Chapter 2: Family

|| Republic Commando: Hard Contact || 2004 || Book series || Military, Sci-Fi || 18+ for violence and harrowing themes ||

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The commandos were focused on the weaponry, but Darman was also noting Jusik’s behavior with growing interest. The Padawan stood back to let the men get a closer look at the armaments but he was watching them carefully. “You’re nothing like droids at all, are you?”

“No sir,” Fi said. “We’re flesh and blood. Bred to be the best.”

“Like Advanced Recon Commandos?”

“Not quite ARCs, sir. Not like clone troopers, either. We don’t work alone and we don’t work in formations. We just look the same.”

“This is your unit of four, then? A squad?” He seemed to be recalling a hurried lesson. “Almost like a family?”

Niner cut in. “It is now, sir.”
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I am a bit torn because ultimately I want to talk about the things that interest me, so talking separately about Valaqil and Bardan Jusik for the sake of talking currently feels like a chore, but just mentioning him, Bardan is definitely someone who is already showing curiosity and interest toward the commandos, and not just as military assets, but realizing that they are actually people under the helmet.

And I especially adore this part where Bardan tried to compare them to something another very abstract concept, something another unfamiliar thing to him - a family. Abstract, compared to a jedi, given they are separated from their families in their very early years.

But also I like how Niner instantly confirmed: yes, they are a family now. Because due to Skirata, they DO have a concept of family.

I don't know that Niner really just wanted to cut short this conversation, because he right away changes the topic to weapons, but given what we will know about his mindset and how much he looks up to Kal Skirata, I think Niner really decided, he wants to be a good sergeant/dad of this squad/family, whatever it takes.