This is the way (Ty)

This was exciting. She was excited. Her face may not have shown it, but she was excited.

It had been a sudden idea, as far as things had went. A proposal by her boyfriend. They had not prepared and toiled over costumes for a month, like some people. Lenna would not have known what to do, if she had been given that much time. For her, it had been ingrained deeply that any new mission involved a complex planning stage and days of preparation. Two days prior to the engagement had not been nearly enough time! So, she had descended into Research Mode, to learn more about ‘comic conventions’, and their ilk. And as they say in Poker, she had gone all in.

It had probably been a little overwhelming, when Lenna had begun making suggestions. Insisting, with all the seriousness she could muster, that they would need to go in costume if they were to do this correctly! ‘People go in costumes, Cowboy’ she had said. ‘It is known.’

She had heard that phrase on a... ‘message board’? Was that the word? It was from something, but she did not know what. But, she liked the phrase, all the same. It was cute. When someone said it, all said it! It is known. There was another one... another reference she missed... but it was also good. This is the way! It was the same idea, utilized in a similar fashion. Often, interchangeable. Or even, all in the same place. Back and forth, like a chorus. A monk’s chant. Instead of ‘ohm,’ ‘this is the way!’ It is known. Eventually, Lenna would likely learn more new and interesting things such as this. Ty had... created a monster.

After much research into who would be at the convention, and what time of year, as well as what the event celebrated, Lenna created their costumes. Disguises are a classic skill set in the infiltration and assassination biz, kid. It was the way. Lenna knew how to make basic costumes. Her one fandom vice was old movies... and... Star Wars. She would be Return if the Jedi Endor costume Princess Leia, of course. Because it was cold. Too cold for Slave Leia, sorry Cowboy. And she had not wanted to wear a bath robe. Or white. She braided and put her hair into a bun, herself!

Lenna had desired to see Cowboy as Han Solo, in the tight pants. He had had different plans. Cowboy had shown her the movie character he wished to dress as... same actor, different idea. Nazis. An Ark. Lenna had liked the movie. Liked snuggling with him. Really liked the part where Jones had shot the fool who had showed off with his sword skills by flailing around. A battle is not an exhibition. “There is a time and a location, Cowboy.” She has told him. “He deserved what he received. It is known.” She liked the hat too. Indy was accepted. Lenna assisted. His costume came out fantastic.

The day of the opening of the convention came, and they went. After a long line wait, they were within! They passed the food stands and several booths. Lenna had a destination in mind.

She told him she wished to buy a blaster for her cosplay. Surely, there was a small Star Wars booth somewhere. When she found it, it was not small. And, there were several. Her jaw hit the floor.

The largest booth had loads of merchandise. It was a big booth, with shirts and plushies and dvds and other fun stuff. Nearby, were several more with walks of weaponry, from savers to blasters to big sticks. But those booths were not what had throttled her attention. Close by the largest booth, there were several star fighters and displays. There was a TIE surrounded by men clad in black, and an X wing with men in orange... and... a tiny unfamiliar ball robot. The Star Wars theme played in the background. As she gaped, it rolled to stop by her feet. It beeped cutely. Though it was a rare sight, Lenna melted, all the same.

Her face softened into a warm smile as Lenna knelt down before the droid. She reached out one hand to pat it gently.

”Hello there, little one. You are unfamiliar to me. I know not where you are from. I would have expected Artoo, but you?” She shook her head with a light laugh. ”Are you lost? What movie are you from?”

A voice from behind and near by cut in. It had a Southern drawl. “That’s BB-8. He’s from Star Wars, alright. Episode VII.” He was dressed in an orange flight suit with a white chest panel, and a helmet. He had a very 70s mustache. The man stood behind the counter of the large booth, and had a big black box with joysticks in his hands. A control for the droid?

She stood, and looked to Cowboy for confirmation, visibly confused. ”Seven. There are seven movies now?”

“Nine, sugar. There are actually nine.” He said.

Lenna frowned at Thai. ”This is getting out of hand, Indy. Now there are nine of them!”

“And a couple prequels! I got em all here on “dvd!” He grinned, stretching the word until it was deeeveeeedeee.

Lenna surged towards him, and thrust Kyle Tannenbaum’s credit card up in his face. ”Shut up and take my currency, Biggs! I will buy them all!”

Biggs Darklighter grinned at her, and finished their transaction. Light bounced off his gold tooth as he said bagged the last of the DVDs in the big cloth tote bag. “A fine addition to your collection.” He drawled.

Lenna nodded curtly at him. ”I will watch them all. Then I will be caught up sand know every thing Star Wars.” After a moments hesitation, she smiled weakly and added ”This is the way.”

The guy laughed, and repeated the line. As she turned back towards her boyfriend, tote bag full of movies clutched right to her chest, there was a chorus of them from nearby patrons of the Star Wars booth. “This is the way,” and so on and so forth.

There was a twinkle in her eye and a spring in her step. Another rarity. As she came back to him, she was humming something to herself. It sounded like... the Imperial March.

Lenna stopped before him, smiling widely. She held up the bag. ”Date night movies for days, Cowboy.” She said, then laughed. Added ”I bought these. Next stop, blaster. But after that, maybe you can us lunch... and maybe get me one of those tiny Yoda stuffed animals? I keep seeing them everywhere.”


”Did you see the dad in line dressed as Luke Skywalker with his baby on his back dressed as Yoda? So cute!” She practically squealed. ”I will take ten. Huh. Do you think that is what the tiny Yoda actually is? A baby? I really need to catch up on the Star Wars! I miss everything. Like a storm trooper.”