Red Trailer
Faunas were coming down the rock face onto the beach. It was a cove that offered a private little venue that was ideal for a picnic having a gorgeous view of the sparkling ocean. It was also a popular spot couples hoping they could sneak away from prying eyes. Thankfully no one was there that could interfere.
"Come on move it, move it, move it! Get off the cliff then form ranks!" This was being yelled by none other then Republic Major Phoenix Dorne. He was with special forces during his military career, leader of the infamous Havoc Squad which was the most celebrated and successful unit the Republic Military. Phoenix was a Zabrak, with negro skin, amber eyes, and a set of rounded horns. Two were shown at the edges of his supposed hairline, three crossed back across the centreline of his bald head. He also had the traditional Zabrak tattoos personal to the individual. Pheonix had a series of lines going up and down his face, four lines came from his lips down his throat, two of which extended to his upper lip. Four also boxed his eyebrows, the outer heading towards his ears. He was built like a tank, rugged, and was easily over 6'5". And he had the muscles and scars showing his experience in combat. People respected him, he knew what he was doing. Only thing he wasn't doing, was being in uniform.
"Come on boys! Only 8 more miles left to go!" Everyone was in a t-shirt of some design or color and weat pants were worn over sneakers. Pheonix himself was in a white shirt, camo pants, and combat boots. He would have preferred they were in uniform, but with Remnants culture encouraging individuality, so he let it slide.
"Come let's go. I don't don't know what I've been told!"
"I don't know what I've been told!"
"Save me a drink that's strong and cold!"
"Save me a drink that's strong and cold!"
"I run all day and train on the beach!"
"I run all day and train on the beach!"
"My feet get sore but the music is sweet!"
"My feet get sore but the music is sweet!"
"Feels good!"
"Feels good!"
"Real good!"
"Real good!"
"On Menagerie!"
Pheonix kept calling out lyrics as the Faunus repeated after him, keeping a beat for them to jog to. And they continued down the beach as the sun sparkled, Pheonix in the lead. They were doing a monthly exercise which he himself started. The Menagerie guard were to trek about 5 miles of jungle, down the cliff, across 4 miles of shoreline and all the way back to the manor. There awaited a potluck lunch and a few hours of relaxation.
Ku'o Kuwana was certainly cramped. The streets were filled with people going about their business. Stalls showed off foods and goods from all over the place. The market near the harbour was especially busy, as tourists and potential residents got off the boat. Wooden houses were elevated at different intervals with green lawns and tropical flowers. There was no fighting and everyone seemed to get along. It certainly looked like an island paradise. "Makes me feel bad pretending to be one of them."
The soldiers arrived at the Belladona Manor where tables were set out with food, drink, and towels. The guards looked dead tired while Pheonix looked perfectly fine. "Then again, having two hearts does have it's benefits."
"Alright! Your done for the day. Until next month, keep up the good work." They all dropped to the ground relieved that it was over.
"Well, you certainly put them through the wringer today," a tall dark Faunus came up to them. He had long black hair, groomed with a full beard. His fur lined coat was a deep purple and appear to be in two pieces hanging down to his knees. An intricate paulderon was on his shoulder showing of his status. He also had tan pants, black boots, and was shirtless.
Pheonix immediately stood to attention, "Have to keep them in shape. You deserve the best, sir."
"Come now Phoenix, how many time have I told you to call me Ghira."
"As many as I said, 'When you stop being chief," There was a pause before they shared a light laugh and Pheonix relaxed. The guard were already moving to the tables.
"Come on, Kali has the tea ready by now and waiting for us," Ghira placed a hand on his shoulder and they both started walking into the building.
They came to a dinning area with a low table and pillows to sit on. A woman in black and white was sitting down with a tray of cups, sugar, and a teapot. There were also some sandwiches in the centre of the table. Her pierced cat ears twitched noticing the two men entering.
"Ah, there you two are. How was training?" Kali passed them each a cup, and started drinking.
"Good. Pheonix put them through the wringer again."
"Where'd you go this time?"
"10 mile jog, through the forest and across the beach. All the way back."
"My, my that is a long way. And you do this every time?"
"No, but they need to stay in shape to be at their best, ma'am."
"Well I'm sure they're doing a fine job." Ghira chuckled a bit at his wife's comment.
"So Phoenix, you find anyone lately?"
"No, Sir. Training and paperwork seem to keep me busy."
"Really? When was the last time you took time off? I'm almost certain I told you too last week."
Pheonix took another sip of his tea, "You did... but I do have a duty to serve and protect. Besides, I'm not sure I'm ready for another relationship."
"Ah... yes. What was her name again, Elara? You don't talk about her much."
"No. And I'd prefer to keep it that way." The chief only sighed at his captain's reluctantly.
Ghira and Kali had an idea about Phoenix's past. He had to submit a resume before being accepted into the Royal Guard. They knew he was a special operative despite having no Huntsman training. Pheonix was the leader of his own squad and that he was formally married to a human. And that he placed his relationship status as widowed.
Ghira decided to try and lighten the mood, "You know what?" he placed an arm around Pheonix, "You and me, guys night out. You, me, and a pint at Joey's."
"And watch Homer hit on Lola again?" They had another friend who was constantly coming onto a wolf Faunus during game night. Homer would try and flirt but get rejected in the most spectacular ways. "Perhaps another time, I still have that lecture I go to write for that security expo. And you still have to address public opinion for expansion and a new CT Tower in a couple days." Ghira sighed apparently forgetting his next public announcement.
"I'll see you guys later," Pheonix moved to get up.
"Alright, stay safe."
"Will do, ma'am."
Pheonix had stopped by the tables to say he was going to take the rest of the day off. The other guards regularly agreed, not wanting a surprise training session. He trained most of them over the last 5 years and Pheonix was sure they knew what they were doing.
He walked his way home, taking little over 15 minutes. It was a small cottage near the edges of the city. It wasn't particularly special, it had no paint, no ornaments, it was completely bare, the only thing out of place was the lawnmower in the corner. The only upside was the view of the ocean. His front door was facing the ocean and had a good look out point over the beach.
Pheonix opened the screen door as he dug in his pockets for his keys. He called out as he opened his door, "R1? I'm home!"
An excited whirl was sounded as a miniature droid appeared above some steps. It had a domed head with a circular lense, an antenna to receive wireless signals, and had four Spider like legs supporting it's movement. It spoke back to him in binary. "R1 + Greeting = Good Day!"
"Good day to you to." His home had a kitchen, and dining area and a living room. A corridor led to his bedroom and the washroom, as well as a sliding door closet. There was no basement as he was stationed on a cliff side. It wasn't much but it was home.
He sat on in a comfy chair and turned on his tv to listen the news. Pheonix didn't watch the news, R1 had a habit of watching tv when it wasn't doing anything so he turned the tv on just so it doesn't spook him. He reached around to find a stack of papers detailing the Vytal Festival and schedule for when everything took place. There was the Opening Ceremonies, albeit it was just a concert before the partying began. Then there were the presentations, Atlas, Minstral, in preticular were showing off this year with a military showing and an arts featuret. There were definitely a lot of shops going—
There was a knock on the door, Pheonix looked up from his papers and wondered who'd need him now. He pressed mute on his Scroll as he walked towards his front door.
Standing outside were two faunus, which Phoenix was less then pleased to see. They were both dressed in a black kung-fu uniform shirt with white pants tied into a pair sandal boots. A red hood was draped over both of them, one however had holes so their fox ears wear poking through. Both were poised as if they were good-will worked with their hands clasped together.
"Greetings brother Pheonix, and how is your fine day?" Fennec greeted him.
"I'm not your brother. Now what do you two yahoos want."
Corsac responded, "We are merely inquiring as to our request a few weeks ago."
"The commission for about 20 shields, 50 breast plates, Plus some munitions for the KKPD right?
"That's correct, any news about when they arrive?"
"No."
The brothers paused not expecting that answer, "Oh... Do you have any idea when they might arrive then?"
"Never."
"What? But sir, we—"
"Have been lying to me? I checked in with the KKPD a while back and they made no such order. Especially not through two White Fang propagandists. Ghira Belladona does not condone the radical actions of the White Fang, and neither do I. Now I consider myself a reasonable Faunus, and I will kindly ask you to leave. Good Day," Phoenix slams the door in their faces and sighs. He hates dealing with the White Fang. Phoenix started walking back to the chair when he heard knocking again.
He opens the door, "Brother Phoenix, please reconsider. The White Fang—"
"The White Fang is nothing more then a group of terrorists! There is no thinking about this. You are not getting your munitions and that's final."
"Sir, please. Surely we could come to some arrangement?" That got Phoenix's eye twitching.
"I'm going to count to 3. If your not gone by the time I'm done, things are going to get messy."
"Now Mr. Dorne—" "1," Phoenix presses a button revealing a large Assult Cannon, with two handles, gatling barrels, and a mortar shaft. "—there is no need for such—," "2," he points his weapon at the brothers, "...violence."
"2 and a half. I already had to replace the door last month." This was his weapon of choice back in his Republic days. It certainly a downgrade from his old weapon but it lived up to his standards.
"Thr—" "Alright," Fennec raised his hands in surrender, "alright we'll go. Have a pleasant day Mr. Dorne." The brothers turned around and walked away. Though Phoenix suspected they walked faster than usual.
He shut his door, "...Damn White Fang. Why the hell did I have get myself into politics?" He checked the barrel to see his Dust. The cannon was empty.
"A~nd I'm out. Might have that drink after all."
Author Note: I'll admit I'm not as familiar with the Trooper in SWTOR than other characters. So I understand if this story doesn't have the same luster as the others and you are disappointed. Also I used the word "negro" because "black" would have implied actual black skin on an alien like Zabrak. And we've all seen black skin on Maul. Last one is coming up, not sure how soon, but I'm working on it.
