OOC:

I decided that it would be a fun exercise to write about Sam's time in retirement. Hopefully it will develop him character wise and let me brush up on my writing. Feel free to let me know what you think.

"Sir," the first lieutenant started at attention, "I have something of importance that you may not like to hear."

The Prefect of the Army turned slowly to face the Lieutenant. His face was solemn and it was clear the stress was taking its toll on him, but slowly a slight smile grew on his face.

"Sammay, relax. No need to be so formal," the Prefect chuckled.

"I beg to differ Rizz," Sam began, "I think it is time that I retire from service."

"You're right..."

"Bit harsh, but..."

"Ha ha! No, no, no. You're right, that isn't something I really like to hear."

The retort caught the Zabrak off guard. He had hardly expected to have such a reaction about his inevitable retirement. Although, he should not have expected anything other than a friendly attitude from Rizzit. The two had been through a fair amount during Sam's service. It ranged from dealing with insubordinate troopers to making significant changes to the direction of the Army. Through all that, they were friends.

"Rizz, I've put a lot of thought into this and I just don't see any other way about it. It is time for me to kick my feet up."

The Prefect's face resolved back to its initial solemn look, "I see. Well in that case Lieutenant, I accept your resignation and wish you the best. Try not to get yourself killed in any of your wild experiments."

The tension in the office grew. Both did not care too much for "good-byes." The Lieutenant snapped to attention and brought his arm up sharply for a salute. There was some hesitation in the Prefect's motion, but eventually returned the salute. The now retired Lieutenant performed an elegant about face and exited the office.

As Sam walked down the hall to gather the remaining items in his office, it was as if he was leaving his family all over again. The first time leaving his family on Lorista was hard enough, but leaving his newly adopted family was just that much more difficult. He had worked closely with most of the Army personnel for over seven years. He had seen many troopers fall and other rise up in ranks.

After gathering his things, he marched out of the building with his head held high. Those he passed knew nothing of what had just occurred and snapped to attention as he passed. They still knew him as the Executive Officer of the Army. The zabrak kept his eyes forward and ignored them. He knew it would not be until the weekly brief that they would learn of his retirement. He had every intent of being out somewhere enjoying the freedoms he had prior to his service trying to pretend that the news would roll off those who heard like water off a duck.

* * *  Six Months and Seventeen Days Later  * * *

"Okay 3PX, that should do it," Sam said to the old droid he worked with during his time as the Commander of Development.

"Roger than sir," 3PX replied.

"Let's go put that sneaky thing out on the range and see what we get."

"Sir, I'd feel better if you would hang back here. On the off chance we've erredin some way on the safety mechanisms."

The zabrak let out a long sigh. "You know I hate it when you do that right? It takes away a bit of the excitement."

"Yes sir, I do. You must understand that repairs on you are far more difficult that those on me."

Sam gestured the droid on its way in the most pompous way he could muster. The device was a new explosive design he had been fiddling with for the past few weeks.His aim with device was to be a silent explosive. Many would seem that to be nearly impossible to pull off, but Sam was crazy enough to even try. That had he had plenty of time to tinker about with such things.

Just as Sam was starting to lose himself in some random day-dream, 3PX returned.

"Device is in place sir."

"Hmm? Oh great. Let's -not- make some noise! Ha ha!"

"Good one sir..."

Sam gave a grunt knowing that 3PX was just placating him. He thumbed the switch cover open. Without even a second thought, he depressed the button. The device exploded. The blast was deafening and the concussion knocked Sam to the ground.Debris rained down upon him. Searing bits of metal cut and burned his skin.

As he worked himself to his feet, a last chunk of debris scrapped down the right side of his face. It cut into his cheek and cauterized as it passed. Sam gritted his teeth and winced in pain.

"Blast it! Where did all that garbage come from 3PX?!"

"I must have put the device too close to the scrap heap. I'm terrible sorry sir. We need to get you some medical attention now."

"I'll be alright. So much for a silent explosion, huh?" Sam shouted rubbing his ears trying to ease the ringing, "I'd say that ended up being significantly louder than usual."

"I do believe you are correct sir," 3PX began, "I believe there is someone at the front gate sir."

"Oh great..."

Sam headed back to the house to great his unexpected guests. He snagged a rag and cleaned up his face just before activating the view screen.

"Yes, how may I help you?"

"Sir, we are here to investigate a reported explosion here," the MP yammered. Sam let out a sigh and shook his head.

"No need for an investigation Corporal. That was me. Nobody was hurt and nothing was damaged; save for a good chunk of scrap metals," Sam grumbled, "Is this going to be a regular occurrence when I perform any other experiments?"

"I, uh, I am not sure on that one sir."

"Alright then, you are dismissed Corporal."

The pair of MPs had looks of surprise on their faces. They did not expect to be dismissed by the owner so militarily. They turned and took their leave. Sam was sure that there would be a followup inquiry about the incident, which would be a headache and one that he really did not want to deal with.

"3PX! No visitors. I'm going to have to write up a report about this now before those two come back with someone higher up."

"Yes sir. Shall I get you anything for your wounds?"

"No, I'll be fine."

Sam retired to his office and his terminal. His office was decorated with different memorabilia from his time with the Vast Empire.There were trophies on shelves as well as his old scorched trooper armor in a nice glass case. His terminal set atop a beautiful dark wood desk. The surrounding bookshelves were of matching wood. It had the air of a military office. Sam had slowly been shifting things towards the civilian side, but part of him still clung to the ways of the military.