? ~PROJECT SAC-1~ ??

Chapter 35 - Not so Black and White ?|?

Then slowly, the blaster was reluctantly slipped back into to her hip holster. Hunter could breathe now, release her with some good faith, but the dagger-like glares on Talla's part did not let up, showing that she wasn't letting this go yet. It's just, when Hunter put it that way, she couldn't help but listen. This was going to be the true trust test of trust tests, both would find.

When Talla's hand was no longer on her weapon is only when Suu lowered her own blaster, and everyone else let out silent breaths in relief. Wrecker jostled the boy in his arms good-naturedly which succeeded in getting a little laugh out of Jek and literally shook the worry out of him. For Uncle Crosshairs version of reassurances, Shaeeah giggled and hugged him tighter is that was even possible, forcing Crosshair to have to heave the girl along on one leg as they all stiffly made their way up the stairs and into the humble home of the Lawquane. Hunter had to act as a barrier between Talla and the ex-clone trooper on her hit list, hesitating to place a delicate hand on her back in the hopes some of his calm would transfer onto her.

It was smacked away. As opposed to her eagerly accepting the reassuring hand, a hint of regret and hurtfulness touched Hunter's serious features when she shot him the same dark look she'd been giving Cut. It wisely made him fall back a little, to give her space... But Talla had never rejected him before. 'I have a bad feeling about this.' He rightfully feared.

Chairs from around the house were pulled up to the large dining table, and the deserter graciously offered the entire squad breakfast this time.

"Do ya even have to ask?" Wrecker laughed, settling his nephew onto his lap when taking the chair at Cut's left.

"Pass." Talla responded with much less enthusiasm, kicking back the chair next to Wrecker's and defensively crossed her arms when settled, bestowing upon the deserter an expectant look.

As the rest of the boys took seats at the rounded table, he remained lighthearted and friendly, leaning onto his elbow so he could look at her around Wrecker. "Ah come on!" Cut egged her on with a grin, "My family boasts making the greatest pancakes this side of Saleucami!"

Suu went to get extra plates and cutlery with Shaeeah, letting Jek beg for stories from his uncle about his travels, but the protective mother and wife made sure to perch her rifle against her designated chair next to Cut, so one or both could have easy access if necessary. Journeying to the kitchen, she fixed the Clone Agent with an open warning look that said, 'I won't think twice about using this if there's a next time.' Unfazed, Talla steadily returned the gaze until Suu had to break the fierce eye contact when disappearing over the threshold, skipping Shaeeah hot on her heels.

The grinning traitor got her full attention now - lucky him. "The only thing I'm interested in is hearing your attempts to justify your actions." Unlike with the others, the sheer resolve in Talla's eyes said she was going to get answers from him, no doubt whether he wanted to or not.

Clearly, this wasn't something that could be put off till a better, more private time. Cut was thankful when Wrecker snatched Tech's datapad from to distract his kid. The big lug showed Jek various images and totally wizard recordings of animals Tech - now pouting - had collected in the last few months so. Cut sighed not out of annoyance, but out of worry for her, because it seemed the possibility for him and Talla to be friends was going to take a lot of work. "Look, I'm simply exercising my free will to choose the life I want." Cut calmly started.

With much more enthusiasm about this subject than him apparently, she also leaned forward to easily see her opponent around Wrecker. "'Free will?'" Talla mirthlessly huffed. "We're Kaminoan property, created to defend the Republic - end of story."

Across the way, silently tapping his fingers against the wooden table in boredom, Crosshair had to give an annoyed roll of his eyes. 'She's still on this?'