Chapter 26 – You're Not the Boss of Me

Vacy had noticed that Bowdaar spent most of his time in the break room, although he never actually seemed to take a break. As usual, rather than lounging on the couch, he was standing attentively beside it. When she walked in, he immediately straightened and set his datapad on the counter. It had been the first item he'd purchased after they'd gotten him a Galactic Trade account, and Vacy didn't think she'd ever seen him without it since then.

"You can relax, Bowdaar," she said with a grin. "We're not in a crisis or anything – at least, I don't think so. But Risha's suggested we head into town and find out what the local entertainment is like. So I figured I'd ask if you wanted to come along."

He hesitated, tensing ever so slightly before dipping his head in reply. "Yes, Captain," he said in a throaty rumble. "It would be a pleasure to accompany you."

But given the pause, she couldn't help wondering if he really meant that, or if he was simply in the habit of agreeing to whatever was asked of him. "You know, it's okay for you to say you'd rather stay here. Or go somewhere else. You don't have to come with us, if you d––"

A short, sharp bark cut her off. "No, Captain, I truly meant that. I am glad that you asked, and I do want to go with you." He chuffed, shaking his head. "I suppose perhaps I am growing too accustomed to my freedom."

Vacy blinked, her brows pulling together. "I don't think I understand."

"I hope that you can forgive me," Bowdaar explained. "I know I am not being very clear, and I apologize for any confusion. But when you present me with a task, or you make a request, I immediately have the urge to refuse you." He continued quickly, before she could protest. "It is not that what you ask is unreasonable or burdensome; quite the contrary. I am glad to have the opportunity to help someone, rather than simply fighting for profit. I realize, rather, that it is my response that is unreasonable. I have the urge to say no…" His series of barks broke off into a soft, mournful howl, and he sighed briefly before going on, his tone more hesitant. "I want to say no… simply because I can."

Vacy blinked again, though this time it wasn't from confusion, but because for some strange reason her eyes were stinging a bit. "It's okay to say no," she replied gently. "I hope you know that."

Chuffing another laugh, Bowdaar nodded. "I do, and I cannot express to you how much I appreciate that. But there is a conflict within me, because while I feel the impulse to refuse, I also recognize that impulse for what it is, and I know that I would regret following it."

With a soft sigh, Vacy shook her head. "If anything, it sounds like you aren't yet accustomed enough to your freedom. You'll know it's over-familiar to you when you go along with somebody's suggestion just 'cuz it's not worth the effort of saying no."

Bowdaar tilted his head as he looked at her thoughtfully. "You do not wish to go tonight?"

That caught her completely off guard, and she found herself blushing. Crei Manet'lee! Guess it's true what they say, that there's no secrets aboard ships. She rubbed a hand over her forehead. "Well… kind of like you said. I guess I'm most comfortable 'round here, but that doesn't mean I've got to spend every spare hour up on the bridge. I figure it'll do me some good to have some dirt under my boots for a bit, 'specially if it doesn't involve somebody shootin' at me for once." And maybe there was more to it than that, but the plain truth of the matter was that she wasn't really sure what the plain truth of the matter was.

But the wookiee seemed content to accept her response. "I look forward to our time together, Captain," he said politely. And then he surprised her by smiling, just a bit. "Even if it means that I will have to find other opportunities to assert my independence by being contrary."

Vacy found herself smiling back at him. "Do I need to start making some unreasonable requests, so's you can practice?" She put her hands on her hips and did her best to look stern, though she could feel a grin tugging at the corners of her mouth. "Bowdaar! Uh… hop on one foot and twirl around!" She clenched her teeth to hold back the giggles that threatened to burst out. "On the double, mister!"

His eyes sparkled delight as he glared down at her. "No!" he bellowed. But it was when he put his hands on his hips, mimicking her stance, that Vacy lost her composure. And then he went and made matters worse by stamping one foot. "You can't make me!"

Trying to catch a breath between shouts of laughter, Vacy managed to gasp out, "You sound… like… you're three!"

For several moments they both just stood there and laughed. Finally Bowdaar reached up, wiping at his eyes with his furry paws, and Vacy rubbed at her sides. "Owww," she groaned. "My tummy hurts."

The wookiee smiled at her fondly, his eyes still twinkling. "Remember that next time you go up against one of us, Small One. We are fierce opponents, after all," he barked.

Just then, Risha leaned through the doorway. "Uh, Boss? Everything all right?" Corso stood just behind her, looking over her shoulder with an expression equally as puzzled.

Vacy smiled warmly at Bowdaar before looking at the mechanic. "Just fine, Teacup. C'mon, everybody. Let's show these dirt-huggers a good time." And with that, she headed down the main hall of the XS toward the airlock.