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Fox had never liked taungsday. It was the one day each week that Palpatine was guaranteed to summon him or one of his fellow Commanders. Fox was pretty sure that taungsday was Palpatine’s favorite day for this specific reason. Why else would he always be in such a great mood? It was the one day a week that he didn’t make others do his dirty work for him, as well. Today felt different, though. Despite its rocky start.
“Hound is still in the medbay.” Thorn had told him this morning. Fox immediately knew that it was going to be a bad day.
“I know.” the Marshal Commander acknowledged and began to fill out the next requisition form.
“Someone needs to take Grizzer.” His fellow Commander had told him. Fox took one look at his face before vigorously shaking his head, “absolutely not.”
“It’s just for a few hours, Fox. Thire will take her for the night.”
“Just keep her with the other mastiffs for the day. Hound’s squad can take care of her.”
“Hound’s squad all have their own mastiffs to take care of and the Chancellor invited a bunch of senators for Grizzer to put on a show. Someone has to do it.” Thorn told him. And Fox understood that. He just hadn’t understood why it had to be him. Especially when he considered that Grizzer despised him.
“Why can’t you do it?” Fox groaned.
“Grizzer doesn’t like me.”
“She doesn’t like me either!” He argued and flopped his head back. He was starting to develop a headache. A really bad one, from the looks of it.
“But she likes you more than me.” His Commander argued and Fox wanted to scream. Or laugh. Or maybe cry, he wasn’t sure.
“She doesn’t.” Fox had settled on saying.
“I’ll cover your senate shifts for the entire month.” Thorn promised in return and it seemed appealing. Too appealing to ignore.
“The entire month?”
“Yes.”
“Fine. But tell Hound it’s your fault when something goes wrong.” Fox had said and left their shared office. He made his way down to the kennel and Grizzer looked wary of him when he stepped in. He was sure that she could feel his apprehension towards her, just as he could feel her dissatisfaction at not having Hound here.
“It wasn’t my choice either.” Fox mumbled and picked up her leash. To Grizzer’s, or maybe Hound’s credit, she did walk with him and didn’t make it harder than it had to be. Fox never thought that he could appreciate the mastiff. Usually he stays as far away from her as possible, but he’s starting to understand her appeal. It’s a great way to keep senators away from him.
Once they reach Palpatine’s office, Fox definitely understands her appeal. He understands why Hound is so fond of her and wishes that he had taken her with him sooner. As soon as they enter, she growls at the senator on Palpatine’s right side and Fox is glad that he’s wearing his helmet. The smile that lit up his face beneath the helmet would have gotten at least five of their squads decommissioned.
“Commander Fox.” the Chancellor reprimanded him, as if he was the one growling.
“My apologies, Chancellor.”
“This is unacceptable behavior.”
“Yes, Sir.” Fox nodded with all the seriousness he could muster.
“Control it.” Palpatine loudly demanded.
Fox tried. He tightened his grip on her leash but Grizzer had her eyes set on Palpatine and tugged on the leash. And Fox didn’t like the Chancellor, so he let go. Just as he was about to let apologies tumble out of his mouth and a promise to do better, the mastiff charged at the Chancellor and he fell over. His head hit the corner of his desk and even through the shocked gasps from the senators around the room, Fox could hear the crack of Palpatine’s neck.
He smiled.
After all, taungsday doesn’t seem to be such a bad day when Palpatine’s dead on the ground with Grizzer gnawing at his leg. In fact, it is Fox’s favorite day of the week from now on.