Not Getting Any Younger

[Valkren Calderon]

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It had been a good minute since the 'farmboy' from Alderaan had some proper R&R. Although he was no closer to getting sleep planet-side in a proper bed with solid ground beneath his feet, he was at least somewhat separated from the world of combat inside the corridors of the Shining Path.

Before his units previous gig, the Radama Raiders had worked in coordination with Silver command to ensure that they were arranged a pick up directly after the mission was completed. This allowed him and his operators' quick transportation back home, and some much-needed rest before their next deployment.

Valkren gave the team the free time they needed to do whatever they wanted. Hit the showers, decompress, get time in at the range, whatever it was that his rangers needed they'd get. Hell, they deserved it. As for him, his current craving involved tieing one off. However, before the thirty-year-old officer could leave his bunk after ditching his kit and move towards the closest watering hole on the ship, his second-in-command stopped him with raised hand after appeared around a corner.

Lieutenant Harris certainly had no trouble stopping the ranger, being at least another head taller than himself, the heavy weapons expert and old hard ass was a beast among men. Intimidated figure to meet in a hallway, to say the least.

"Boss, heard a certain Directorate Admiral is aboard today. Thought you might want to know, yeah? With your history with the Republic and what not." The ranger lowered his hand after this, stepping aside to give an indifferent shrug.

Valk' knew just who he was talking about, and with that sudden spurt of knowledge came another thought.

He hadn't actually spoken to Gir Quee in a proper conversation since his time in the Republic. He had seen him in meetings and on base at certain moments while in Silver space, but he never got the chance to 'catch up,' so to say. He'd have to change that.

"Appreciate that, Konrad. Think you can get one of the guys to send word up? See if the Admiral wants to meet for a drink or two."

With a quick nod, the lieutenant turned away and headed off, letting Valkren do the same. Valkren eventually found his destination, taking a seat and exhaling in the same motion. His seat rested directly across and to the side from a table and another seat. In front of the seats was a viewport out into space. The colonel didn't exactly look pretty, only sporting the bottom part of his blue and grey BDU's and an Antarian Ranger's t-shirt for his off-duty duds. The minor cuts and bruises sustained from the previous operation were visibly bandaged and stitched.

Still wouldn't stop him from getting a drink

[member="Gir Quee"]

 

[Gir Quee]

"C-tea again? You know, the Shining Path here has a lot more options available," said Ariela, sliding to down next to him, "that's one of the perks on being on the flagship of intersystem alliance."

Gir glanced down and nursed his cup of somewhat sweetened C-tea. The blonde man had to admit that it probably wasn't the most appetizing or sophisticated drink. The bar probably some of the most exotic and popular drinks that would be a real treat to many of the troops catching some brief R & R before their next assignment. A younger Gir would probably would have asked one of the robo-bartenders to surprise him some exotic cocktail made out of blend of liquors and juices. Glancing at Ariela's glass of swirling and oranges and reds, he could dream of its taste, and briefly wondered if the droid was actually programmed to enjoy it, or if she was merely playing along to her cover identity of a former socialite. A wan smile slowly grew over his face.

"Unlike you, I'm not planning on getting buzzed or drunk anytime soon."

Ariela paused before bringing to drink to her lips. Her eyes stared him down over the glass. I wonder if she's debating if she should remind me that she can't get drunk, or if she'll stay in full character...She set the glass down, revealing its now half-empty state. Gir glanced from the glass and into her eyes.

"Well, clearly you're not a lightweight."

She slowly shook her head, causing her ponytail to sway from side to side, "You know, you look like you've probably drunken as much as me."

Gir tore his mind from some idle ruminations to review his appearances. His Directorate blacks were fairly wrinkled after a long shuttle trip to the Shining Path. If he had been meeting almost anyone else besides [member="Valkren Calderon"], he would have considered bothering to change into a fresh set of clothes. But the two men had known each other long enough that Gir felt little interest or obligation to keep up immaculate appearances. He spared a glance at his worn wrist chrono.

"He should be here soon," mumbled Gir, looking back up at her, "take in what you will of the man, but he's an old friend. Try not to grill or annoy him in any way..."

 

[Valkren Calderon]

It didn't take long for the ranger to get lost in a daze whilst looking out the viewport from his resting position. It took a ping from Konrad on his communicator to snap the officer from his daydreaming and remind him of the meet-up. It was just a moment before Valkren was at his feet and moving towards the location that had been the proposed meeting place.

He hated to admit it, but he was almost nervous meeting with Gir again. The Admiral was one of the few remaining people he knew to be around that had any link to his past in the Republic, so there could be plenty of catching up to do if Valkren could find something to actually talk about. The commander also felt somewhat guilty for not initiating a conversation earlier, knowing all too and well that Admiral Quee had been present around Silvers Rest numerous times, and even in some of the same council meetings as Valkren.

A lot had happened in that time span though, and Valkren had been spending most of his time on missions and deployments.

He figured it was about time to make it happen.

As Calderon rounded the corner and spotted [member="Gir Quee"] sitting along side what seemed to be a female human, any idea of nervousness was suddenly lifted. The feeling was however replaced with an almost familiar case of deja-vu. It was as if he was a sergeant again, walking in to Gir's office in request of a favor.

He was a lot younger then. After his approach, it was almost instinct to snap off a sudden salute out of respect, "Sir."

"It's good to see you."