[Video]

[generalgrievous]

Always there is a constant stream of new arrivals. If you are thinking of causing any trouble - don't.

That is a warning especially for those who venture into Nova City. If you cause trouble there, you will be dealt with swiftly and you won't cause trouble ever again.

[After that menacing and overly threatening message, he adds a curt side note.]

Cassian Andor, K-2SO - report to me immediately.

Comments

[generalgrievous]

No. Come to the Skyrise in Nova City when you have finished any work for today. I have something for you.

[captain_by_the_book]

Very well. Give me two hours.

[generalgrievous]

I will be waiting.

[action]

[captain_by_the_book]

[ Cassian makes it to the meeting point a little later than he had said he would, looking harried and flushed. It only adds to the stiffness of his military posture when he approaches the General. ]

Sir, I'm sorry. I was kept longer at work.

[ He's careful to avoid his eyes, while remaining attentive. ]

[action]

[generalgrievous]

[Grievous looks a little irritated but doesn't reprimand or remark on the lateness. Without any small talk, he holds out a box. Inside, is this cloak. It may be noticed that the patterns resemble the markings on Grievous' mask.]

This is for you.

Re: [action]

[captain_by_the_book]

[ Cassian accepts the box with a little bit of wariness and a great deal of curiosity, quickly opening it to find the cloak. He looks up, still holding it in his hands. ]

An uniform? [ It may just be a cloak, but he doesn't miss the symbol, or the significance of it. And really, he doesn't even know what to think of it, it's just too unexpected. ] Why?

[action]

[generalgrievous]

It is for you to wear when you represent me, as my bodyguard.

Or it can be worn on other suitable occasions, at your discretion.

I have already given one to the droid K-2SO.

[His pair of part-time bodyguards, even if not formally arranged that's how he thinks of them.]

[captain_by_the_book]

Oh. [ And apparently, Kay has accepted it. So then.

He nods, clutching the robe more firmly, though he still hesitates to wear it. It feels too much like a change of loyalties, though he knows it isn't. But does Grievous know that? He can't be sure. ]

Thank you, sir. It is a... generous gift.

[generalgrievous]

[He nods in acceptance of the appreciation.]

I feel that is important to maintain a certain appearance.

[It's why he still wears his own cloak, despite Count Dooku thinking it a mere vanity - and despite how often it got in the way when he had to fight. He often had to remove it for battle. But the markings and the cloak itself spoke of his origins, something he didn't want to entirely let go, even if his mind had been dulled to how important that past was to him.]

[captain_by_the_book]

[ If he knew there is cultural significance behind the cloak, that it is more than showing allegiance in a war long past, he would certainly feel more comfortable about it. As is, it feels a little bit like replacing his rebel uniform with something else, not a comfortable thought. He's had to shed too much of himself already to fit in in Genessia. ]

Of course. It is useful to show affiliation. He looks down at the robe again. [ His much younger self would have given a lot for wearing the colors of a proper Separatist. ] I never wore a uniform in the Clone Wars. It comes a bit late and unexpected now.

[generalgrievous]

This is not about those wars.

[He corrected. Even though such symbols had become associated with the Separatists through Grievous' use of them on his Magna guards.]

This shows that you are affiliated with me.

[captain_by_the_book]

Is there a difference?

[ That seems a little bit too blunt, he realizes a moment later, it could be taken as a challenge. He bows his head slightly in deference to soften his words. ]

[generalgrievous]

[There's a low but brief growl in his non-existent throat. A reflex, in a way. The cause was Dooku's. The politics were Dooku's. Yes, he had been the commander of the Separatist army but the links weren't so simple.]

There is.

There is no war here and this is symbolic of my people. The Kaleesh. It is an honour to wear these symbols.

[A sign it needs to be treated with some respect.]

[captain_by_the_book]

[ Most of the tension seeps out of Cassian's body along with his discomfort. His hold on the robe tightens. ]

Then I will wear it as such. [ His voice is firmer now. There's only another moment of hesitation before he wraps the robe around his shoulders. His feelings about his old cause might be more complicated these days, but there is no doubt about showing respect to another people, and their traditions. ] Thank you, General.

[generalgrievous]

[Grievous also relaxes somewhat. He nods.]

Good. That will be all for today.

[captain_by_the_book]

Another curt dismissal, but Cassian's getting used to them.

I await your next call then... [ He pauses. ] That is. I will be changing employers, I'm going to be a cook in Genessia City. Expect me to take a little longer in the future, if you need me right away.

[generalgrievous]

You may work wherever you want, as long as I can easily contact you when necessary.

[Cassian was free to stay and talk if he wanted to, but Grievous was finished with the important business of the day.]

[captain_by_the_book]

[ He pulls the cloak tighter around him, taking comfort in wearing an uniform. He really needs to get himself some more rebel uniforms custom-made. ]

You can. I'll come as soon as possible, just like before.

[ Cassian hesitates, curious enough about Grievous that he wishes to linger, but military discipline has him keep respectful distance to a General. In the end he gives him a firm nod. ]

I'll take my leave then. Again, thank you, sir.

[generalgrievous]

[They may have time for more conversation at a later time so for now he lets Cassian leave with just a nod in return. He hadn't expected the man to put on the cloak straight away but part of him was silently pleased by it. It was a little like gathering a new team of warriors, as he had in the long ago past.]