Jawbreakers and Vinegar
| Author: | Durendal |
|---|---|
| Series: | Kelborn and Cadets |
| Length: | 1,923 words |
| Source: | AO3 |
| Publication Date: | 02/06/2015 |
| Timeline Placement: | 25 BBY |
| Preceding: | Following: |
|---|---|
| The Disruption | The Broken Man |
[[Category:Media by Durendal]]
Jawbreakers and Vinegar is a short story written by Durendal, the second of the Kelborn and Cadet series. The short focuses on two squads of Ambu Kelborn's clone cadets as they begin to come up with their nicknames.
Back Cover
While Republic Commando cadet Oh-Three discovers the joys of condiments, Five-Six finds himself at odds with Null Arc-11, Ordo Skirata.
Plot Summary
In the mess hall of Tipoca City, the clone cadets of Hyperion Squad and Epsilon Squad are eating their meals while discussing the weapons they've been practicing with. As they eat, RC-1203 pulls out a bottle of vinegar he received from Kelborn when he noticed the sergeant applying it to his food. Curious about the novelties of food flavourings, Oh-Three liberally applies it to his fanteel, quickly becoming enthralled by the taste of it. Noting his enthusiasm for it, RC-1156 jokingly says he should name himself after the liquid, a suggestion that Oh-Three takes seriously, deciding to adopt it as a nickname, pointing out that several other cadets have also chosen names for themselves. A disdainful Five-Six notes that this includes the Nulls and goes on to insult them and their adoptive father, Kal Skirata.
The Nulls, passing by the table, overhear the disparaging remarks, get into a confrontation with Five-Six, prepared to face both Hyperion and Epsilon Squads when it looks like they may try to intervene. Ordo grabs Five-Six and begins to insult Kelborn in turn, declaring him to be a deserter and a coward, only for Jawbreaker to shoot back with criticisms of his own about Skirata. As Ordo and the Nulls turn to leave, Five-Six grabs his serving tray and hits Ordo across the jaw with it, sending the Null sprawling to the ground. Before the Nulls can retaliate, Kelborn arrives to break off the fight and orders Five-Six to his quarters for discipline.
In the Sergeant's quarters, Kelborn dresses down Five-Six, criticising both his violent outburst and that he felt the need to defend Kelborn's reputation. He reminds the cadet that he is not his father, merely his instructor and does not want his cadets to think of him as such. As he rants, he begins to soften, saying that he wants what's best for the cadets he trains, wanting them to become good, stable soldiers. He idly regrets taking the job, before sending Five-Six on his way, remarking to himself not to get attached after Five-Six leaves.
Back in the mess hall, the members of Hyperion and Epsilon Squads inform Five-Six that he broke Ordo's jaw, and that Skirata came storming in and calling Five-Six a "shabla little jawbreaker", a title that Five-Six notes he likes.
Appearances
Characters
- Hyperion Squad
- Jawbreaker (As RC-1156)
- Genet (As RC-1157)
- Destroyer (As RC-1158)
- Cabur (As RC-1159)
- Epsilon Squad
- Ambu Kelborn
- Llats Ward
- B'arin Apma
- Ordo Skirata
- Mereel Skirata
- Mars Guo (Mentioned only)
- Kal Skirata (Mentioned only)
Organisms
Events
- Mandalorian Civil War
- Battle of Concord Dawn (Indirect mention only)
- Boonta Eve Classic (Mentioned only)
Locations
- Concord Dawn (Mentioned only)
- Kamino
- Tatooine (Indirect mention only)
- Mos Espa Circuit (Indirect mention only)
Organisations and titles
Sentient species
Vehicles and vessels
- Podracer (mentioned only)
- Plug-2 Behemoth (Indirect mention only)
Weapons and technology
- Armour
- Blaster
- Blaster rifle
- DC-17m Interchangeable Weapon System (Mentioned only)
- Blaster rifle
- Verpine shatter gun (Mentioned only)
Miscellanea