The Importance of Health Insurance

[idontneedluck]

Chirrut sits on the stoop he tends to favor these days, his bowl in front of him. His position here keeps him out of the path of the main patrols, but here he can hear trouble before it comes (or find it before it can hurt more of those he considers under his protection). It's been a long few days - the colder snap of winter came sooner than usual, catching all of Jedha unprepared.

"May the Force of others be with you." He calls, keeping the words alive at least, hopefully giving some comfort to those walking by. "May the Force of others..."

He stops.

Stills.

The Force asks, and he obeys, as he always will. The coins go in his purse, that is tucked into his robes, and he scoops up his staff to venture forth. It doesn't take him long to find what has roused him from his place.

The children are terrified, and small, their young pleading voices countered by the harsh tones of troopers. Something about market thieves. Something about making an example.

Chirrut takes a breath, centers, and smashes his staff into the face of the nearest trooper before they can get around to carrying out their plan.

Comments

[idontneedluck]

"Some." He agrees - it isn't the raging thirst he woke with, but the the water soothes his parched throat. Three-fourths of the way through, he finally lets the glass fall again.

"More tired." He sighs, a disgusted sound. "I was just asleep." It is the epitome of unfair.

He doesn't comment on the idea of armor, or his feelings about it. He doesn't comment on how he worries that another nap could make him feel even worse than he does. Instead he latches his fingers into Baze's flightsuit again, a helpful tether.

[iprotectyou]

Baze takes the cup and sets it on the floor. "You were half-awake," he says, settling his friend in the bed again. Baze locates the blanket across the room and covers Chirrut's body with it, thinking he might be cold due to all of the sweat chilling in the winter air. "Go back to sleep. You'll probably truly sleep this time, with the fever broken."

He settles himself on the floor again, pressing his armored back against the side of the bed. Baze pulls his knees up to his chest and pillows his arms on them, resting his head on his massive forearms.

[idontneedluck]

The weight of the blankets is comforting.

But there is something...

He settles into the pillow, listening to the sounds of Baze settling and NiJedha continuing to survive in occupation.

Something like horror, like loss...

Chirrut slips an arm free of the blankets and, after a moment of searching, tangles his fingers in Baze's hair.

Not for me.

Chirrut sighs in satisfaction, and stops fighting the urge to sleep.