Tin had to admit that he's uncomfortable. Not uncomfortable because he's in the same room with his boss who was very scary and able to kill everyone with a flick of his hand, Tin was uncomfortable because of the Siiloon, or the people of Siiloo I. They're very expressive and not afraid to show their interests in Tin, even when it's just the way their eyes lingered longer on him or them talking while looking directly at him – even pointing toward him sometimes.
Maybe because I'm the only one without a mask on, people are always curious about what we look like. Damn, this is just 'small party', as the queen had said, to welcome Lord Vader and Master Luke. Kriff, this is just a 'small party' but I feel like she had invited the every nobles of this world.
Tin thought and ignored the urge to sigh. Stormtroopers, or Clonetroopers who still served the Empire, were always in their white armours with their faces concealed. However, Tin had been assigned with this grey uniform and he didn't want to ask his boss if he could just put his armour on; that question would probably get him kill. Besides, Luke didn't like the white armour. He said that it looked lifeless and that he preferred to see all his bodyguards' faces. That's why when they're on Carida and had no visitors, Luke's bodyguards were in their casual clothes.
Back to the present, Tin straightened his back and tried his best to stay still. His job was to watch over Luke while the boy socialized with Siiloo I's nobles. Tin noticed several familiar faces that he had memorized before going here. The faces of the most influent politicians of Siiloo I. Some of them were with the queen, but some did challenge her, saying that she's leading the planet into the wrong path.
On the other side of the room, observing the party from the terrace on the second floor, was queen Erre and Lord Vader. Tin knew that his boss had never preferred to attend party, but this was all about deception. If the nobles saw that the queen was honoured by the Emperor to have his second in command sitting beside her, it would be wise for them not to question her. The Empire might have treated the core worlds and the Middle Rim worlds fairly, but they're ruthless when it came to the Outer Rims and their rebellious actions.
Tin hoped that there would be no incident during their stay at Siiloo I. He had a feeling that the queen invited the Empire here because something's about to happen.
Tin had noted several Ladies who approached Lord Vader's son with charming smiles on their faces. Some were just friendly, but some were expecting for extras attentions. Tin couldn't really blame them for wanting Luke to be interested. The boy might not have any position in the Empire yet, but he's Lord Vader only son and would probably follow his father's footstep and became one of the most influent and powerful figure of the Empire. Also, right now just the word 'Lord Vader' alone screamed power.
Luke handled the people who greeted him all the same, warm smile and politeness, a bit playful sometimes if the people he talked to decide to make some jokes. Overall, Luke hadn't shown his interest in anyone yet and Tin was happy about that. In his opinion, Luke's still too young.
"Hello," then, as Tin was observing the party and mostly looking out for Luke, a woman approached him. Her hair was bright purple and she had a big tattoo on her right cheek, a symbol of a royal bodyguard of the palace. Her eyes were bright pink, large and beautiful, but unreadable.
Tin wasn't sure what he should do. His boss didn't instruct him about how he should behaviour to anyone that talked to him in the party. Maybe no one had expected that there would be people interested in talking to an Imperial trooper.
"Hi," so Tin decided to be polite and replied.
"I'm Rexanarr," the woman said, stepping close. "And you?" she spoke liked she was singing. Tin wasn't sure if it's the Siiloo I's accent or she intended it to be that way.
"CT-9331," Tin replied and waited. He wasn't sure what he should say more. She might be friendly, or she might be a spy. She could be both.
"You're not going to give me your real name?" She asked, raising her eyebrows. She's standing too close and Tin started to feel even more uncomfortable than he already was.
"That's what they call me," Tin said, keeping his voice emotionless but neutral. He reminded himself that they're the guests and he must behaviour.
"Alright," Rexanarr nodded. It seemed like she's not going to continue, but she didn't walk away and just stood there, watching the rest of the party. Tin knew that she's not the one in charge of the security of this place, he didn't see her in the list of the people he had to be aware of.
Rexanarr stayed silent for almost twenty minutes, and then she spoke up. "My mistress is trying to seduce your master."
Tin blinked. Mistress? Well, there are three women trying to get Master Luke's attention away from one of the Siiloo I's senators he's talking to. Tin thought, looking at each one and made a guess of who was Rexanarr's boss. He guessed that it must be the girl in pale yellow dress with golden hair. The mark on Rexanarr's cheek matched the golden symbol on the girl's dress; when attended a royal party, in Siiloo I's tradition every guess had to wear a dress with their families' symbols on them.
Rexanarr cleared her throat and Tin realized that she's still waiting for his response. Having no idea of what to reply, Tin kept his eyes on Luke and acted like he didn't hear her. In the end, Rexanarr huffed and crossed her arms in from of her chest.
"Did the academy teach you only to shoot?" she asked, more like trying to rile him up than asking out of curiosity and Tin ignored her.
The party ended shortly after that. Captain Coyote waited for both Luke and Tin patiently at the door. Lord Vader would be discussing some matters with Queen Erre and he wanted Luke to head to bed first. Luke looked happy enough, but Tin felt like the boy wanted to say something.
After they reached Luke's room, White and another Stormtrooper shuffled to their post in front of the room. Tin was about to say goodnight to the boy and go to the room assigned for him and other Stormtroopers when Luke grabbed his arm.
"I…I want to talk to you," Luke said, pulling Tin's arm. Tin raised his eyebrows but didn't say anything. Coyote murmured that he would be waiting outside and dismissed the other Stormtroopers who weren't on guarding duty tonight.
Tin followed Luke inside. The room was large and well-decorated. At first Tin thought that Luke was going to talk right after they're in the room, but no, the boy headed to the terrace and Tin followed silently. He wondered what Luke wanted to talk about.
Once they reached the terrace which showed them a view of the city below, stretching to all side and a blurred figure of the industrial area on the horizon. Luke put his arms on the rail and sighed, head bowed.
"I…" Luke started, now looking up and turned his head to look at Tin. "…I…the people there….they're…full with emotions and agendas." The boy gulped before continued. His voice was shaking, not from fear, but from the experiences. It took Tin several seconds to realize that Luke felt overwhelmed.
"I've attended parties and meetings….conferences…something like that before," The boy went on. "But it's not like this. Those officers of the Imperials have the plan of their own, but it's always about the Empire and their positions, sometimes their families and most of the time they tried to please my father or me but… but not like this. They've never tried to please me because they want… but… some of those young nobles… I don't know how to describe it."
"They've never tried to get you into… an intimate relationship." Tin spoke, he didn't need to be able to read mind to know some of the young nobles' intention.
"Yeah, yeah…" Luke nodded, sighing. "I've tried to be as polite as I could, I…I don't think my father would like it if I told them to leave me alone because they're making me felt uncomfortable, right?"
"You're correct," Tin nodded. Even that Lord Vader didn't seem to enjoy this type of mission much, they still had to behave. "I'm sure that he's proud of you, Master Luke. You did well today."
"Thanks…" Luke smiled, a wary one but it did reach his eyes. "…but…well…tomorrow and the day after that and also the day after I'll be going to meetings with my father and whichever lunch or dinner I've to attend." The boy sighed. "The meetings are okay, I'm looking forward to those…but those meals…I…I don't want to attend. I know I've to but it means I'll have to be 'sociable' to the people that aren't really interested in me. Most of them are interested in my position, what I can do, and what I might achieve in the future. That…" Luke shook his head. "It's just… Father had told me that these kinds of…interests are to be expected, but I've never thought that it would be… this much."
Tin nodded. He knew that this day would arrive, the day that Luke realized how complicated and ambitious people could be. Some were truly just friendly, but some would do everything to get things going in their favour. Tin felt sorry for Luke.
"People are complicated, some are good, and some are bad. That's the way the galaxy is. It's going to be boring if it has just one type of people. Political meetings are usually where all self-centred intentions are presented; at least to a Force-user likes Lord Vader and you." Tin spoke. He had prepared for this since Lord Vader started taking Luke with him on his mission. Tin knew that Luke would have met these kind of situation someday, and he had half-hoped that Luke might come to him for advices, or at least to blow off some steam if it made him felt uncomfortable. "They're people who truly wish you well and who prefer to just use you and cast you aside. You will get used to this after a while."
"Yes, father has said that before." Luke nodded. "It's just…at first I thought he was exaggerating, I thought he tried to scare me a little bit."
"Your father will not do such a thing," Tin said. Well, Lord Vader might love scarring people by the Force-choke or whatever, but he probably never wanted to scare Luke. Tin had been with them for almost thirteen years; Lord Vader might be strict or scary, but never once did his boss had tried to scare the boy. And if Lord Vader truly did intend to scare Luke sometimes, Tin had never seen it.
"I know," Luke nodded, sighing. "I just…it's hard Tin. I…I used to believe that most people weren't this… greedy, selfish, manipulative, and egotistical. I've never…now I understand why father warned me to be very cautious around them."
"He's right, you have to be very careful and always aware of what happens around you," Tin said. This advice he improvised from what he was taught when he's still a cadet. Tin guessed that it's the same, awareness helped keep troopers alive in the battlefields. These meetings were just another battlefields, only with different way of fighting and strategies. "Some you might want to pick as your allies though, they might benefit you as much as you benefit them. But do not ever let them lead you." He added.
"You don't have to lecture me about that, it made me feel like I was ten years old again." Luke mumbled, but his tone wasn't hostile. Tin knew from the years of spending time with Luke that the boy was just tired. Then, to Tin surprise, Luke turned and rested his head on Tin's shoulder - something Luke rarely did these days since he's no longer a child. Nevertheless, Tin knew him well enough that Luke only did this when he wanted encouragement or simply told Tin that he was too tired and just wanted to be spoiled, at least a little bit.
"Sorry then Master Luke, old habits die hard," Tin chuckled before looking at the clock. "It's quite late now, you should get some rest." He patted Luke's shoulder, and the boy sighed happily against his shoulder.
"Tomorrow I'm free in the evening," Luke murmured, still clinging to Tin as he slowly pulled away. "Let's go for a ride. I'm sure that father would allow it since last time you and White came back in one pieces."
"I think that we should bring Captain Coyote instead," Tin almost grinned. He still remembered White's voice when the Stormtrooper thought that they're going to crash. "We should let poor White has some rest."
"Okay," Luke nodded, finally letting go of Tin and yawned, stretching out like lazy cat. "I agree that I should get some rest. See you in the morning Tin."
"Good night, Master Luke." Tin bowed and walked out of the room. The boy was clearly more relaxed after he had told Tin what was in his mind, and the fact that Luke still trusted him made Tin smile all the way to the room assigned for him and other Stormtroopers.
/
"Tin, Lord Vader wants to see you,"
One of Luke's bodyguard said as Tin entered the room. Tin sighed, nodded and walked out. It seemed like the meeting had ended quicker than he thought.
He walked quickly to Lord Vader's quarter, nodding at his boss' guards on their shift. The guards at the door nodded at him and notified Lord Vader of his arrival.
The door opened and Tin walked in, straightened his back as the door slid shut behind. Lord Vader was at the balcony, standing with his hands on the rail. Tin walked toward his boss, stopped several meters behind him.
"Lord Vader…"
"Come here."
Tin blinked, but did as he was told. He walked until he was just one metre one the right behind his boss and waited.
"Report"
A simple order, Tin inhaled and straightened his back again and reported what he saw at the party to his boss. He also mentioned to Lord Vader about Rexanarr and her mistress. He was hesitated to report about what Luke just vented off, but knowing better than not to do so. Lastly, Tin told Lord Vader about Luke's idea of going for a ride tomorrow's evening.
"Hm, still a child I see," Lord Vader said after Tin finished his report. If Tin wasn't mistaken, he thought he heard Lord Vader chuckled. "And you spoil him."
Tin had no idea how to answer to that. Lord Vader had never, never ever commented about how he treat Luke before. He didn't even know if his boss was angry with him for spoiling Luke a bit, damn, he didn't even know if Luke was going to be punish by his father for his action.
"Sergeant, I would have kill you a long time ago if I am not approved of how you treat my son."
Lord Vader spoke up as if he knew what Tin was thinking. No, he knows what I'm thinking, Tin mentally kicked himself. His cheeks heated up a bit from the embarrassment, so he stood still as Lord Vader turned back to face him. His expression unreadable as always.
Then, Lord Vader held his hands up and Tin was pushed against the wall by an invisible hand. His first reaction was to panic as he gasped for air. At first he thought Lord Vader was going to kill him, but he wasn't hurt, or at least the pain was just from slamming in to the wall. No Force-choked, no lightsaber activated, so he's going to live, at least for now.
Lord Vader moved his hands, and then Tin's pants were pulled down and off him in no time. Tin gasped, knowing what's going to happen and try to relax himself. Lord Vader stepped forward, but this time he didn't use the Force; he grabbed Tin's by his hands.
Without words, Lord Vader maneuvered Tin's legs to be around his waist, also locking Tin's ankles together. Tin wasn't too fool to not hold on when that's what Lord Vader obviously wanted him to do so. However, Tin wasn't know what to do with his hands. He had nothing to grab on, and he wasn't sure if Lord Vader would want to be touched without his permission, so Tin let them hanged beside himself. Tin almost yelped in surprised when something slick touched his entrance, and then his cheeks reddened when he realized that it's Lord Vader's finger.
Lord Vader is prepping me?! Tin was almost shocked. He had…arg…his finger is still big…ngh….but he has never…he…he…
And now Tin could barely form a coherent thought as Lord Vader started fingering him. It felt so good Tin almost cried. And then he realized that Lord Vader's other hand was holding him up by his ass. It's a bit embarrassed but Tin didn't care. After being used for years, this was one of the very few time that Lord Vader cared about how he was doing and also the first time Lord Vader decided to prep him.
Tin brought a hand up to cover his mouth as he almost screamed when Lord Vader touched something inside him. His cock jerked and Tin squeezed his legs by instinct, before he quickly relaxed them a bit after realizing that he's having his legs around Lord Vader's waist.
"My…my Lord?" Tin almost whimpered as another finger was added. He knew he should be quiet, and that he shouldn't push his luck, but he spoke up anyway. "Sir…I…I'm going to…please… I don't want to…" he cried out as the third finger was added. What Tin was trying to say was that he's afraid he would get his fluid on his boss' clothes, which would likely to happen since they're very close to each other.
"My Lord…" Tin tried again, but then he was choked. Not a choke that wished to kill, but a warning to be quiet. So Tin bit into the back of his hand and tried his best to behave. However, before he came, Lord Vader removed his fingers and pushed himself in. Tin tried his best to muffle his scream, not because he was in pain, but because it felt so good he almost cried. He had never felt anything like this before, with Lord Vader's prepping he felt as if he was ten time more sensitive. And with his passage relaxed and ready, this sex felt like heaven.
His orgasm was intense, and he had no idea how he was able to hold on until he came right before Lord Vader. Tin didn't even know if he left something on his boss' clothes as Lord Vader slowly pulled out. The movement told Tin to let his legs down. He almost stumbled forward when his boss stepped away, turning back to watch the city while Tin scrambled to get his pants on. His mind was swimming in half-consciousness, dazed by what just happened to him. It took him several seconds to be able to control his breath and to straighten his back up.
"Do research about the people who approached my son today," Lord Vader said. "Report your finding to me tomorrow before the afternoon meeting."
"As you wish, my Lord," Tin bowed, before quickly turned and walked out of the room. His cheeks still red and he's glad that the guards said nothing about how dishevelled he looked like now.
While Luke attended the morning meeting with his father, Tin did some research about the nobles he saw yesterday. The ones who weren't in the list of the people he must know. He had told White and Coyote about the royal guard that came to speak to him, in case she was a spy.
It turned out that the Rexanarr worked for was Lady Ninre Eihbi, a daughter of one of the barons of Siiloo I. And after dug deeper, Tin found out that she's quite important. Her father might not be on the watch list, but her maternal aunt was currently on the list Tin was given.
Tin also did the research about the other ladies and lords who approached Luke yesterday. Half of them were related to the people on his watch list, the other half weren't. He gathered all the information he had and went straight to report to Lord Vader before the afternoon meeting start.
Lord Vader didn't say anything and Tin was dismissed quickly after his boss took the tablet from him.
Luke was very excited that evening. He announced to Tin and Captain Coyote that all three of them would eat outside tonight, and that he's the one buying. Luke also said that his father allowed him to be out until it's time to go to bed. Both Tin and Coyote were surprised, but they didn't say anything. Luke also forced Coyote to leave his uniform behind before they grabbed the speeders and headed out of the palace.
They stopped at some local restaurant. Coyote walked in first on instinct, checking the place before turning to nod to Luke and Tin. Luke rolled his eyes while Tin just chuckled and followed the boy in.
"This place looks comfy," Tin said as they were seated at a table on the balcony which was on the third floor of the building. The balcony gave them the view of the busy street below, along with the view of other buildings surrounded them. They were also able to see the palace from here. Tin had to admit that despite the vibrant colours of the city, this place was quite beautiful at night.
"I hope we could go out like this sometimes," Luke said; his words made both Coyote and Tin turned toward him. "On Carida, we barely have time to have dinner together." The boy added.
"Master Luke," Captain Coyote seemed to be confused. "Our duty is to protect you, I…"
"I know Coyote, I know, you're the head of my bodyguards, I remember," Luke rolled his eyes, but there was a smile on his eyes. "But I saw you two and others as friends. Come on, you cannot deny that."
"But…" Coyote tried to argue. Luke cut him off.
"You even taught me Mandalorian, especially when I asked about the rude words…" Luke tried to finish the sentence, but Tin cut him off.
"Wait," Tin snapped his head toward Coyote who was trying to pretend that he knew nothing about this. "You taught him those words?"
"Come on, it's not going to kill him," Coyote mumbled. "Besides, he's also our boss…why shouldn't I do as he ask…"
"Coyote," Tin glared. "That's not going to work."
"Calm down Tin! It's not that bad," Luke said, trying to pull Tin's attention away from Coyote, and it worked as now Tin turned to him. "Really, I was just curious. You know I'm not going to use those words to anyone except the sparing droid. I promise, I'm not going to get any of you into any troubles."
Tin rolled his eyes but he let it slid. Well, how could he not?
The rest of their stay on Siiloo I went without any incident. Tin was mostly free nearly all day, so he spent his day walking around while waited for Luke. The boy didn't talk about the people around him or what he felt from them anymore, but he did ask Tin to go out for dinner with him nearly every day. Tin guessed that it's Luke's way to relieve stress, so he didn't decline the offer. One or two of Luke's guards always went with them, mostly Coyote and White.
Tin reported to Lord Vader every day after he came back from the trip with Luke. Nothing happened thought, yet Tin couldn't forget what had happened days before, that he and Lord Vader…on the balcony…that Lord Vader prepped him. However, Tin wasn't that foolish to just ask his boss about it.
/
"I didn't want to go to the party," Luke mumbled as he looked himself up and down in the mirror. "It's boring and there're too many people."
"This is a royal celebration, Master Luke," Tin replied softly, looking Luke up and down to make sure that the boy was ready for the celebration tonight. "This is the Princess of Siiloo I's birthday."
"I know," Luke's shoulders dropped. "She's okay, but I…I hate to feel how the people want my attention for themselves and their own benefits. How can father survive this…this sea of craziness?"
Tin was glad that Luke didn't use any rude words he learnt from his bodyguards, even that it's obvious Luke was about to use one but stopped himself in time. "Well…I believe that's not the answer I can…"
"I'll have to ask my father, I know that," Luke cut him off, almost chuckling as he spoke.
Tin smiled, happy that the boy had relaxed a bit. "We better get going, your father expects you to be at the hall within ten minutes."
"Let's go then," Luke nodded, turning to leave the room with Tin followed closely behind him.
/
The celebration was, in Tin's opinion, overwhelming. The palace was decorated with even more vibrant colours, and the guests were in even more colourful dresses that made the Imperial troopers, Luke, and Lord Vader very standing out in the crowd – including Tin.
As the celebration progressed, the more uncomfortable Tin became. He didn't have a mask like the rest of the troopers, and his standard grey uniform made him very stood out, even among the Imperial troopers. Many had turned to look at him, some even quickly called their friends and pointed at him, probably about his look. Tin tried his best to pretend that nothing happened and keep his expression neutral.
Luke was in the middle of the hall, dancing with the third Lady that came to him. Tin was half torn between wanting Luke to have a good time and begging that someone please be stupid enough to ask Lord Vader for a dance. Tin was sure that if someone committed such suicidal thought, this celebration would end a lot quicker.
Tin spotted Rexanarr somewhere in the hall, wearing a bright purple dress. She turned and saw him, before giving him a wink and turned to continue watching over her mistress. Tin, who didn't know what to do, decided to forget about it.
The celebration went on and Tin was glad that it would be over in an hour. He's tired of standing still and watched those people talking about nothing and nothing – to just sure they looked good in public, that they had never fought each other numerous time already.
And then, Tin felt as if something was wrong. Everything looked secured, but one had never been careful enough. Tin scanned the room, noting that Rexanarr had left, but her mistress was still here.
Then, as Tin was about to tell Captain Coyote to check the area again, the middle of the ceiling exploded.
"What in the…"
Tin shouted in surprise before dodging out of the way as the debris fell down. The guests screamed. Everything went into chaos. Some people weren't able to get away and were buried alive. And the rested who survived fought each other to get to the door first.
Tin tried to find Luke in the sea of people who were trying to escape the area, and was relieved that Luke wasn't buried along with some of the guests. He's safe with no scratches, as far as Tin could see. Two of the bodyguards who stationed on the other side of the room were with Luke now.
"Master Luke, are you alright?" Tin asked through the comm, looking for the boy and relieved when he finally found Luke.
"I'm alright Tin, you don't have to worry," the boy replied, eyes still looked at him from the opposite of the hall. In the corner of his eyes, Tin saw Lord Vader stepped out of the balcony on the second floor.
However, before Tin could do anything, Luke screamed through the comm. "Tin! Get out!"
Get out? Tin was puzzled, and then the wall behind him exploded, sending Tin and the Stormtroopers beside him flying toward the middle of the room. Tin shouted as pain erupted through him. Beside him, Coyote groaned and tried to get up. A sound of gunfire broke out, but Tin was too dazed to make any detail out of the chaos around him.
"Tin! Tin are you alright?" Luke screamed through the comm. Tin bit his lips as he brought the comm to his mouth; every movement hurt liked hell.
"I'm okay master Luke," Tin tried his best to answer liked his back didn't hurt at all. He muffled the groan as he slowly pushed himself into a sitting position. "I'm with Coyote. You have to get out of…"
"I won't run, Tin. Stay where you are, we're going to get you out of there..."
"No!" Tin almost shouted at the boy. "You have to get out of here. Leave me, I don't worth…"
"You worth saving Tin, damnit!..." the comm was cut before Luke could finish what he wanted to say – or yell at the comm. Now Tin was panicked. Luke wasn't supposed to save him. If anything happened to the boy, Tin would never forgive himself, and would be more than willing to let Lord Vader tortured him to death for his mistake.
"Tin, can you walk?" Coyote's voice pulled in from his train of thoughts. The Stormtrooper was in a sitting position now. "We're going to be sitting ducks here if we don't move."
"I think I can," Tin nodded, groaning as his muscles screamed when he tried to stand up. Coyote almost dragged him up and then pushed him toward the nearest covered, covering and protecting Tin with his body. Another Stormtrooper joined them, covering them as they retreated.
Tin cursed that the hall was so large. He pulled out his blaster form its holder, ignoring the pain in his shoulder and fired back to the intruders. They dressed like the palace guards, maybe this was their disguise or maybe this was a coup, something that Queen Erre had been paranoid by the idea of it enough to call the Empire. And now it was happening.
As they shot, Tin finally noticed a familiar figure in the chaos of dusts from the explosions and the laser blasting at each side. His boss, Darth Vader, with his lightsaber activated, were dancing between them, directing the fires back at those traitors and slaughtered them one by one. Now Tin felt like he could breathe, until he heard a crack.
"What…"
"Tin!"
Luke screamed through the comm. Tin saw the boy running toward them from the corner of his eyes, blue lightsaber in his hand.
A blue lightsaber? Tin thought, interested since he had never seen Luke used a lightsaber before. However, as he was about to shout for Luke to take cover and that they're doing fine, the floor underneath him cracked and gave out. Tin shouted something colourful as he, Coyote, and the other Stormtrooper fell backward into the large hole that suddenly appeared. Then his head knocked against something hard and Tin's world went black.