Private Aftershocks

[Jasper Kai'el]

Aftershocks
Ool
Tags: Alicio Organa

​

Things were proceeding well with the Shield Core. Already, necessary steps were being taken to prepare the Dawnbreaker for her first voyage. The cargo bay was stocked with supplies, Iris Arani was now beginning to help structure their medical operation, and the ship's AI custodian had finally been brought online. What's more, Jasper had just recently flown their new H-99 Headsplitter escort starfighters and found them to be quite exceptional. With everything ready, it seemed to be the most appropriate time to bring in the project's financial backer. Alicio Organa was the one who had made the Shield Core possible. Jasper had reached out some time ago, recognizing the senator's past in public works and his connection to Amani, one of his many teachers from his days as a padawan. He was certainly a good ally to have, and it pleased Jasper greatly that Alicio found the Dawnbreaker to be satisfactory upon touring the vessel.

But this quickly shifted into different territory. Jasper had brought up their departure to Ool, one of the many planets ravaged by the Maw that they had been considering for their first outing. Alicio, to his surprise, made clear his intentions to tag along and join the scouting mission. Realistically, Jasper should have said no. Allowing his financial backer to join him into territory that was most likely unstable and crawling with sithspawn was no where close to intelligent. Unfortunately, the knight didn't have it in him to tell Alicio no, and not just because he was his business partner.

So, when the Dawnbreaker arrived above the atmosphere of Ool, Jasper set off in the Lonestar 1 with Alicio tagging along in the passenger's seat.

"Alright, here's the situation," Jasper explained, "Ool's been through a fair amount. Not many planets can say that they've been ravaged by Drengir and made it out on the other side. Thankfully the Drengir on Ool were wiped out by their allies. Unfortunately, the time they were here was enough to send the locals packing."

The Chiss were already a secretive bunch, living off on remote worlds and building compounds that stretched to the deep depths of their homes in the unknown regions. To say that locating the remnants of their population was going to be difficult was an understatement.

"To help these folks we sorta need to find them first," he continued. "That's a challenge in and of itself. We managed to pick up some heat signatures in a cave system linked to one of their settlements, but we're gonna need to make contact before we can start hauling out equipment. That also means walking through woodlands that I'm almost certain are infested with sithspawn."

Jasper did manage a grin. He preferred to be positive, after all, and this seemed a good opportunity to start building up this business relationship the two of them had.

"Hope you like hiking."

 

[Alicio Organa]

OOL
​

Alicio seemed entirely calm, staring at the planet ahead with curiosity as he sat perched on the passenger's chair. Unlike the average rich benefactor, Alicio was never one to shy away from danger. His selfless streak had landed him in trouble more times than the Count could count, not like that would ever stop him from doing it over and over again.

"I've worked with Csillan refugees before," Alicio noted, running a finger along his jawline thoughtfully. "But I have... limited experience with Sithspawn. I know the basic concept of them, but... What should we expect?" His other hand tapped the top of his cane, pondering the crystal inside.

The Dawnbreaker had been everything Alicio could have hoped for. Many actors in the Senate likely didn't approve of a travelling medical platform venturing beyond the confines of the Alliance, but the Count didn't care. Within the walls of the Assembly, all that anyone seemed to concern themselves with were their constituents. But this was what the Galaxy needed. Volunteers, able to travel beyond the borders of the GA, to help the people that really needed it.

Of course, when Jasper let slip that there was an issue, Alicio had to tag along, if only to put his money where his mouth was.

Or, more aptly, action where his money was.

If Jasper assumed he would be a liability, a defenseless politician in need of protection, he had another thing coming. Probably.

"Hope you like hiking."

"I do," he said knowingly, casting the man an easy smirk. When he'd lived on Alderaan, hiking had been one of his favorite activities. "Are you sure you can keep up?"

- Jasper Kai'el -

 

[Jasper Kai'el]

Ool
Tags: Alicio Organa

​

"Are you sure you can keep up?"

"I'd like to think of myself as spry and youthful," Jasper remarked with a grin before shifting his attention to Alicio's other question. "As for the sithspawn, they're probably your standard variation of twisted organism. Enhanced strength and speed, hyper-aggression, blood lust. Worst case scenario you wind up with the larger ones that eat the souls of their prey."

Leviathans were highest on that list. Giant creatures that ate souls and retained the memories of those they consumed for later use. Kahlil Noble had managed to prove that some sithspawn, primarily those that were natural beings twisted by the darkside, were capable of being reverted, but many were just monsters born purely from malice and hatred. Mindless as they were, there was always going to be a level of risk when facing off against beings engineered to kill you.

"I've got something for the real nasty ones," the knight assured, patting the claymore on his back, "But I suggest you keep your reflexes sharp. Just to be safe."

Before long, Jasper had touched the Lonestar 1 down, getting to his feet and quickly assessing his gear. Once he was satisfied, he turned to the senator.

"Right then," he nodded, "We're about 20 clicks out from the sight. Let's get going."

 

[Alicio Organa]

Alicio liked to think he had bravery in excess. But hearing that some Sithspawn could consume a soul shook that bravery, if only a little.

"Well... I certainly hope we don't run into any of the soul-munching variety," Alicio finally said, looking with some curiosity at the blade Jasper toted. "...I will."

After no time at all, the ship landed in the forest, letting the Jedi and the senator disembark. As Alicio's feet found solid ground, he took a deep breath in, sampling the tastes of the woods. He found a contented smile. It'd been too long since he'd gone on a forest stroll, and one could only withstand the Coruscant air for so long.

Patting his cane, and connecting to the crystal within for comfort, Alicio nodded to Jasper, though he cast a long glance at the shadows of the forest ahead. "Let's not waste any time," he finally said, beginning the trek. "People could be counting on us."

The Count dove headfirst into danger.

- Jasper Kai'el -

 

[Jasper Kai'el]

Ool
Tags: Alicio Organa

​

"The soul-eating variety are a bit more rare, fortunately," Jasper explained. "I'm not expecting anything more than your typical flesh-eating monster."

It was a reasonable concern though. The idea of your soul being consumed was not something that people were likely to think positively of. The very concept was terrifying. Fortunately, Jasper had seen a lot in his time as a Jedi, including a vision of the end of the universe as they knew it. There wasn't much these days that ran fear through his system, at least so long as he was the only person at risk.

"Let's not waste any time," he finally said, beginning the trek. "People could be counting on us."

"Right."

They set off rather quickly to make contact with the locals. Ool was in a rather curious state. The remnants of fire lingered in the woods. Scorched undergrowth, bits of tree and rock that had been blasted from their points of origin by Maw bombings, and all sorts of other debris. Still, nature was recovering, moss and roots having woven into the damage left behind by the battle that had ravaged it's surface.

That wasn't all, however.

Before long, the pair had come across a lone animal carcass. It was fresh, still bleeding, and heavily mangled. Notably, none of the flesh appeared to have been devoured, and trace remnants of a viscus black sludge were dotted across the creature. Whatever it was, it was unrecognizable now.

"Jeez," the knight frowned, stepping forward and crouching down to the creature. "Looks like this one was recent... I'd keep your weapon close, Senator. If whatever did this is close, I have no doubts it'll smell us."

 

[Alicio Organa]

Alicio and Jasper walked calmly through a wounded world.

Stepping past flame-scarred trees and black-blasted rocks, Alicio observed the forest of Ool with a sad glint in his eye. If the people of this world were half as bad off as their home...

He shook himself out of it as Jasper knelt down beside a pile of carrion. Alicio's frown only deepened, and his eyes turned to the woods with a bit more suspicion. At Jasper's suggestion, Alicio finally unscrewed the hilt of his lightsaber from the top of his cane, holding it in his hand loosely. If the Jedi noticed, the Count would give him a knowing smile, before staring out into the wilds again.

"Lovely," Alicio exclaimed, if only to regain some kind of bravery. "Should we... prepare, or keep walking, or...?"

- Jasper Kai'el -

 

[Jasper Kai'el]

Ool
Tags: Alicio Organa

​

"Should we... prepare, or keep walking, or...?"

"Let's keep going," Jasper decided. "The more ground we gain the better. Just be ready for a sudden attack."

He'd just need to keep himself aware of his surroundings. That was all. Jasper's senses weren't as strong as most Jedi, given his weaker force connection, but he was still confident enough in his instincts to anticipate an attack. And Alicio was force sensitive as well. He'd surely feel any incoming threats.

"I gotta ask," the knight continued, "You certainly seem the type to have been out in the field before. Not to come off as rude... but I don't know too many politicians who'd be willing to make a more dangerous trip like this. What set you down that path?"

It was a question asked in earnest and respect more than anything. He certainly respected the Senator's more hands-on nature. It was a change of pace that really reflected well on what those in power should be like, especially after seeing the sour side of high society.

 

[Alicio Organa]

"Well... I'm not sure I'll be entirely prepared for whatever eldritch horror bursts from the woods," he said, trying to keep his tone light, despite a subtle anxiety gripping his heart. "But I'll try my best."

They continued on in anticipatory silence for a minute longer, before Jasper popped a question. Alicio felt the corner of his mouth twitch up into a smile. "Well, Knight Kai'el, why does an accomplished Jedi warrior begin a galaxy-spanning relief effort?" He shrugged.

"A pen can't block blaster bolts, and a blade can't sign a treaty. Might as well use both, right?" He figured it was something Jasper could relate to.

"I'm a public servant. Which means I should serve." It was as simple as that to him. If he could help, he would. The Count regarded his hilt. "I'm no Jedi. But... this is something I can do too. So... if you need help, I have your back. Whether it's with this, or with a senate speech." He cringed a little, spinning the hilt in his hand. "Though, some days, I'd certainly prefer the saber."

Then, Alicio's head tilted, grey eyes suddenly following something unseen. The blade ignited in his hands, cold blue and savage black mingling along his lightsaber's edge. Three simple words ripped from his lips.

"Something's found us."

- Jasper Kai'el -