Chap. 63 - Times of Peace

The return of the Munificent was highly anticipated by all the inhabitants of Gwori. Much of the population of the Oasis left the refuge to see the victorious return of their comrades. The news was spread to all corners as a call for hope. A single word that ran from mouth to mouth with joy and joy: "Victory."

The huge ship docked at the docks hidden underground once again. It needed repair and maintenance, and they did not have the equipment necessary to repair it in the atmosphere. Plus, they could take a few days off. Although not for Miraj and those in charge of the administration, since there were now a huge number of Twi'lek refugees that had to be cared for and located.

The Munificent's massive hatches opened as the massive landing ramp unfolded toward the hangar floor. Immediately, hundreds of Oasis attendants rushed to tend to the wounded and needy, as the ship did not have a good hospital inside, and many of the refugees' combat wounds and health problems could not be treated. And while the dangerous tide of organic beings came and went, on the hangar platform, a small Neelvanian waited impatiently next to a B2 droid, a Lurmen and a Zygerrian, who was carrying a small creature in her arms.

Then he saw him, descending the ramp of the Munificent, Icarus still giving precise orders to everyone to help the refugees. Whether organic or droid, everyone obeyed his command without hesitation. The little girl ran and ran until she met him, evading the hundreds of passers-by who were running or walking in all directions.

Tova: - Papa! -

His voice shook the droid instantly. Icarus turned around and was able to identify the small blue-skinned creature that was approaching in a hurry. His core burned with euphoria within him, and his mechanical body crouched down to welcome her with open arms. Toba jumped towards his metallic chest and hugged him tightly, with a laugh so intense that those who were nearby couldn't help but turn their heads to watch the scene fondly. Icarus didn't say anything, but if he were capable of laughing he would surely laugh hard too.

Tova: - You're back. -

Icarus: - I said I would return. -

But their moment of happiness had to continue later, because there was still much to do and many refugees to care for. Curiously, Tova jumped out of the droid's arms and rushed to help a nearby Twi'lek family who seemed somewhat disoriented. Seeing her made Icarus' core throb a little, filling him with a feeling that organics would classify as: pride.

Once all the organics had been attended to and the thousands of battle droids began to disembark for maintenance, Icarus, along with Mirana and Bly, approached the couple waiting for their time.

Wag Too: - Ha ha. Look what hyperspace brought. Friend, it's good to see you. - The Lurmen rushed over and hugged the droid.

Icarus: - I'm also glad to see you, friend. -

Bly: - Well... it seems like he's not happy to see us. Don't you believe it, Mirana? - He said with intentions to mortify.

Wag Too: - Don't be dramatic. Of course I'm glad to see you. - But Mirana was more attentive to something else.

Mirana: - Oh it can't be... Is that...? - She asked dumbfounded, pointing to the bundle wrapped in blankets that Miraj had in her hands.

Miraj: - That's right. -

Miraj moved the bundle a little, revealing a beautiful little face that was the living reflection of her mother, but with the shade of her father's fur. A hybrid between Zygerrian and Lurmen, but it was clear that Miraj's genes were stronger, at least in physical appearance, since her eyes had that classic black color with yellow irises, and a chin that was not as rounded as that of the Lurmen. The curious thing was that it had a tail, something that the Zygerians had lost thousands of generations ago.

Miraj: - Say hello... little Sasha. -

Mirana and Bly were not afraid to approach and see her up close, but for some reason the little puppy was scared to see them so close and began to cry. And it was no wonder, both the clone and the human were somewhat impulsive, and this clearly scared the little girl who was barely a week old, but her eyes were already beginning to wander around the world.

Miraj tried to calm her daughter as best she could, but it wasn't easy. And it was no wonder, because Mirana's prosthetic eye and the clone helmet were a bit scary. Wag Too immediately approached her and started teasing her to try to calm her down, but nothing worked. Then, as if he knew what he was doing, Icarus took a step forward and approached the source of the crying. Without bringing his face closer, he extended his hand slowly towards the little girl, stretching one of his two fingers towards her small hands. The infant surprisingly grabbed the metal finger and squeezed it with the strength that someone of that age could have, and little by little she calmed down until she fell deeply asleep.

Everyone looked at what had happened in astonishment, and even found it difficult to believe that it was possible. Thank goodness there were four of them, otherwise they wouldn't believe the story if they had to hear it from someone else. Icarus didn't say anything, he just looked curiously at the small creature clinging to his finger. Computing how wonderful life was, and at the same time, how complex it was.

The scene didn't last long, as there was a lot to do and prepare. Despite her condition, Miraj was at the forefront of operations to accommodate Twi'lek refugees. This time they already had many homes ready, because Felucia's experience taught them a lot, and showed them the fact that this Rebellion was just beginning. But of all the senior officials, there was one who was not doing what he should.

Numa: - Wow... This is incredible. -

Boil: - It's not much. But it will be helpful. -

The clone commander was personally showing Numa his residence, which he was going to share with his friends, the Twi'lek Lubo and Tronda.

Numa: - It's perfect. Don't you guys believe it? -

Lubo: - It's huge... And we have our own rooms. -

Boil: - Of course. Some privacy will surely please them.

Numa: - Mmmm. We don't care about the truth anymore. When you are in rebellion you don't have much time for yourself.

Tronda: - It is still necessary. A young lady must have her own space. -

Numa: - Yes, yes. -

Boil: - Good. They will be here for a while. So get comfortable. -

Numa: - What? Do you already see yourself? -

Boil: - Yes. I must withdraw for now. I haven't introduced myself to the general and that's not... -

Icarus: - Wow, I thought he didn't want to see me. -

Boil: - General Icarus! - He exclaimed surprised.

Everyone turned around in astonishment, staring in astonishment at the huge tactical super droid that was standing in front of the room's door. Although all for different reasons. Boil stood at attention in a military pose, knowing that he had committed an infraction by not reporting to his superior, but he was so excited about his reunion with Numa that he had overlooked it.

The younger Twi'leks were somewhat worried. He still had that horrible memory of when the Separatist Alliance droid army attacked his world Ryloth. Day when Numa lost both of her parents and her home. Lubo remained alert and worried, but not with the terror that emanated from his friend's eyes. Tronda on the other hand, despite being blind, her eyes pointed towards the droid with some curiosity.

Icarus: - Commander Boil, I am still waiting for your report on what happened in the capital city of Ryloth. -

Boil: - Yes sir. I'm sorry Mr. It will not happen again. -

Icarus: - Rest, commander. This is not a court martial. - Then Boil allowed himself to breathe easy again.

Thunderstorm: - MMMM. Strange. - Said the old woman who until now had remained silent.

Icarus: - Commander? -

Boil: - Oh. My apologies, general. They are Numa, Lubo and Tronda. -

Icarus: - Numa? - He asked in amazement as he looked at the young Twi'lek woman.

Boil: - Yes, sir. -

Icarus: - I understand... Commander Boil, when you finish, come see me in my office. - (If that dark place where it was connected could be called an office)

It was no secret to Icarus about the past of Boil and his deceased brother Waxer and their history with Numa, the little Twi'lek with whom they fought together to overcome difficulties in a skirmish on Ryloth six years in the past. It was enough to hear the name for the droid to understand what was happening and why Boil was acting so distracted. So he just turned around and left, allowing her to have some time together before anything. After all... A simple report wasn't that important.

Tronda: - A strange being, without a doubt. -

Boil: - Are you talking about Commander Icarus? -

Tronda: - The same... There is something strange about him... something... alive. -

Lubo: - What are you talking about? It's a droid. -

Tronda: - Do you think he is just that? A simple droid? -

Lubo: - I... -

The voice dissipated and with good reason. In his eyes Icarus was nothing more than a pile of metal parts and circuits, but it was more than clear that this was not the case. There was something else about that droid... something... too organic to seem real.

Boil knew that feeling. He felt it day by day with his general. He was definitely different from his former general Obi-Wan Kenobi, but he could recognize that Icarus was more than just metal. He himself had fought countless droids, even faced other droids with intelligence of their own, but never with anything close to what could be called emotions. Many mysteries without a doubt.

And to demonstrate this, Icarus's plans to analyze all the data from the battle had to be postponed when he was intercepted by little Tova and a group of children contemporary with her. What a surprise the new Twi'lek tenants got when they saw the super tactical droid and an imposing B2 droid playing with the children as if they were the adults in charge of a kindergarten. For most it was inconceivable, although for the residents of the Oasis this scene was quite common. Much more seeing the sleeping little Nelvaanian being carried in the droid's arms towards her room. How could something made of metal be so... alive?

The next morning was a bit hectic. Hundreds of reports to be processed, as well as the number of units lost in the assault on Ryloth and replacements available. Icarus had to analyze all this information together with the supercomputer in his office. All while receiving the countless reports and reports from all areas of the Oasis. But their hurried and hard work was interrupted by the sound of someone knocking on the door. And what a surprise the droid got when he saw who it was.

Icarus: - Lady Tronda. What a surprise to see it here. Are you alone? -

The fact that a blind woman had arrived there without a companion made the droid quite suspicious, but when he looked closely at her eyes, he could see the completely white pupils. Furthermore, Tronda did not look at his face when she heard his voice. She was looking directly at his chest, exactly where his core was located.

Tronda: - General Icarus. If you don't mind, there's something I'd like to talk with you. -

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