The walk to the mess took a third of the time it usually did. At least, that's how it seemed to Heavy as he was deep in conversation with Starlight and the time flew past. However he was well trained enough to either nod to or salute (which happened more often) those he past. Starlight bowed from the waist for each one. People looked at her curiously and occasionally returned the bow, but no one commented.
When they reached the mess Starlight stopped in the doorway to look around her with those large eyes. The white room, with all of the white tables and white armored men carrying grey trays of food seemed unusual to her. Heavy saw the uncertainty in her eyes and touched her arm to get her attention. When he had it he motioned to the food line.
They walked to it and then he took a step to be in front of her to show her what to do. However he stayed close to her and when there were options he explained them to her in an undertone so that she could make an informed decision. Heavy automatically led the way to the Domino Squads usual table which was back in a corner to be out of the way. When he took a seat Starlight sat across from him. Soon they were deep in conversation about the ship and the differences between the mess halls.
All too soon it was half an hour later and Starlight sensed that Standing Bear was wondering where she was. She closed her eyes and let him know that she was still in the mess hall and would start on the way back as soon as her tray was put away. There was an acknowledgement and Heavy spoke as she opened her eyes, "I guess the free time is up."
She nodded and smiled. They both knew how rare free time was and had enjoyed what time they had. As they started to get up from the table another group of Republic Clones came in and spotted Starlight with Heavy. She didn't like what a few of them were putting out and slipped closer to Heavy. He turned to see what she was looking at, and his face hardened when he saw them.
This squad had been one he trained with, and had always talked down about the Domino Squad. However this time he wasn't their target, Starlight was. The leader had see her when the Vanglorians came aboard and saw his chance to get at the attractive young woman. This desire was shown from what he thought would get her, "That idiot is okay, but if you want a real winner I have time and know the perfect spot."
Heavy's eyes flashed with anger, "How dare you speak to her like that!"
The smirking response, "I am the best in our year." Then pressing a sore spot, "We didn't have to have a Jedi intervene in order to get another chance to pass a test."
Never one to back down Heavy was ready to beat the smirk off that face, but Starlight's hands on his back helped him keep calm. He answered, "At least I don't have to force myself on girls that are too drunk to know what I'm doing because no one would choose to be with me unlike you."
Livid anger replaced the smirk and the other clone had to be held back by his brothers. "Take that back! I can show a much better time than you! She won't be a virgin when I'm through!"
Unfortunately for this angry clone Commander Cody had entered in time to hear that last outburst. "TROOPER!" The group near the back of the room all froze and looked at him. But he was glaring at the formerly livid now pale clone, "How dare you use that kind of language!" This was shortly followed but the trooper given the worst punishment a clone could get before being ordered out of the mess hall and to stay away from the Vanglorians. Starlight would have laughed at the sight of him running out of the hall if Cody hadn't been so terrifying at that moment.
The rest of the squad were quick to apologize for their leaders behavior and were dismissed as well. Only then did Commander Cody turn to Starlight who was still hiding behind Heavy. "Navigator, are you alright?" She nodded and he continued more gently, "I am sorry that you had to witness that. Not all of the troops are that disgusting, but there are some in every kind of person."
As he spoke Starlight slowly came out from behind Heavy as she realized Cody wasn't angry at her. She gave a faint smile and nodded her agreement. Then she looked up at Heavy. He spoke, "Commander, permission to take the Navigator back to her brothers."
Cody nodded, "Permission granted Heavy."
After saluting the Commander Heavy picked up the trays. Both men were surprised when Starlight slipped closer to Heavy and clung to his arm as if holding on to him was her only hope of salvation. Watching them leave Cody reflected on what Rex had told him about the conversation with Standing Bear. He also hoped that the kids would have a chance. They were probably too close for their own good, but that was something it was too late to point out. There was a force drawing those two together, and there was nothing that he or anyone else could do to stop it now that it had such a hold on them. Resolving to mention it to his General he got his lunch.