"Maybe another time," Anakin turned from the group of cadets, their disappointment washing over him. He caught Mace's eyes and they both sighed. If only they could do stuff like this, show children what life was really about, give them a good time, just what these clones, these kids needed. Yet, it was not going to happen.
"Whoa, there!" A voice called and they all looked up to see Ahsoka racing towards them, Cody not far behind. "Hi!"
She skidded to a halt not far from them, bubbling with excitement," My name is Ahsoka Tano, Padiwan Learner to Anakin Skywalker and this here with me is Commander Cody and we're going to be giving you all the tour today. Okay?"
The cadets looked up at her, hope filling their eyes and smiles forming on their faces. Cody stopped next to Anakin and Mace, wincing as he readjusted his helmet, which was balanced on his hip," Next time, you have Rex help her. He'd jump into a blackhole for her."
"Thanks, Cody. This means a lot to them," Mace rested a hand on Cody's shoulder before following Anakin down the hall. They shared a brief smile as they looked back at the two. Ahsoka loved children, while Cody would rather take on a rancor. This would be good for him.
"Ok, so what we're going to do is I'm going to take half of you and Cody is going to take half of you and we'll show you around the cruiser. In about an hour we'll meet up in the sim room and show you what we do around here for fun," Ahsoka beamed broadly. "Shall we go?"
"Yes, sir!!!" the cadets answered. Boba ended up next to the boy from earlier, who was practically bouncing as they followed Cody through the halls," Aren't you excited? We are with Commander Cody!!!"
"What's so great about him?" Boba eyed Cody up. He could be a challenge, maybe. Or an aid.
"What's so great about him?!?!" the boy's eyes grew wide. "He and Obi-wan Kenobi have single-handedly taken down at least twenty droid bases by themselves, plus tons more!"
"You're exaggerating," Boba frowned.
"Am not! He holds like half the records back at base. I want to be just like him," the boy beamed proudly.
"Good for you," Boba hissed, but he boy didn't notice. He rushed ahead, following Cody into a control room. Boba fell behind, being the last one in as he pulled a capsule and respirator out of a hidden pocket. Time to get rid of some obstacles.