Private Dead Down Trouble

[Ianswiën]

Veradune's vicious fauna and flora made sure that only the toughest creatures survived on the lands. The weak was thinned out. It also meant Zorrens were one of the more hardier species around, having called the planet home. Any of the plague that reached the planets surfaced would be wiped out - or so they had thought. Like a parasite, it had adapted, managing to latch on to stronger host. Reports had come in from the more rural villages south of the planet.

An investigation was done, and it was shocking. Ianswen had managed to send small forces to put the area in quarantine. It was only a matter of time before things plummeted south. While it was protocol to report to the excelsus of his department first, Ian thought that the Valde of Veradune would want to hear it for himself. It would also likely delay the chaos and panic if more people knew about it.

If it were any other, there would likely be more of an exchange in pleasantries and formalities, but instead, Ian would come barging into his office. "Ya have to see this. You've heard of the undead? Its reached the southern villages and it is bad." Straight to the point. Vulpesen

 

[Vulpesen]

"How about next week? I've heard there's a large pack of Zipher in the western wo-" Vulpesen cut off as his door slammed open. His body tensed and both he and his guest, Excelsus Harlow of the Armis Militia, would have their weapons trained at the door, a pair of pistols ready to take the Valde's grandchild in each eye.

It was an awkward moment as Vulpesen processed the words before slowly lowering the pistol, Harlow clearing his throat as he did the same. While he currently led the entirety of Veradune's military, his early days as a captain had involved him swearing to personally protect the Valde and his family. Part of that family, he had just levelled a fennec at. "Learn to knock, kid. Bad idea to bust into a room of soldiers."

"Harlow, call Lucas." Vulpesen's brow furrowed as scenarios ran through his head. As Valde, decisions regarding multiple branches fell to him. An oddity in internal security fell to the Tenevi. But military force would likely be required, leading to Armis intervention. As for Lucas and the Howlaw Court, if these undead were part of the ongoing crisis with the sith, it was a problem brought on by the Galactic Alliance. Tragic as the circumstances were, perhaps this was an opportunity to strengthen relations with the greater factions of the galaxy. As Harlow moved to a corner of the room to make the call, Vulpesen fixed his attention to his grandchild, rising up from his seat with a drink in his hand. "Tell me everything."

Ianswiën

 

[Ianswiën]

He'd expected nothing less of the security around Veradune's valde. Guns were raised. His loud entrance had his own grandfather leveling a gun at him. He merely reacted with a smug look on his face. But his visage would soon shift into a bout of seriousness as Vulpesen asked for him to elaborate.

"Aight. Bring it in." He called from behind the doors. This time, changing his stance, his weapon now in hand. Of course, Ianswien had a flare for the dramatic. Bringing a living corpse to the Valde's office might not have been the best idea but it was crucial that he saw the severity of the situation for himself.

It was a metal crate with bars that was barely half of his height. With the animalistic cries and the way the cage rattled violently, one would assume that there was one of Veradune's many beasts trapped within. Glowing hollow eyes glared from the dark interior. "Its a kid." Another violent bang, a small hand reached out from the bars, the metal creaked, bending as it was pulled on. He said. "Was." He corrected.

"Many Zorren younglings in the villages have contracted what ever hell spawn this is. We have been getting reports of sick adult Zorren. I have sent forces to quarantine the villages. No one gets in or out for now."

 

[Vulpesen]

Vulpesen recoiled at the sight of the creature, and inside, he could feel his heart break at the sight of a child in such a pitiful state. Even as it gnashed its teeth and growled for his flesh, he could only feel one thing. Sorrow. "Our kind are bread to be the perfect warriors. And I've seen Wilders that can induce a state similar to this upon themselves. But for an entire village to become so beastial... devoid of reason. Devoid of the instinct..." he shook his head and heaved a small sigh. "Keep up the cordon sanitaire. I'll have Lucas get in contact with the SIA. This is a Galactic Alliance problem that's come to our turf. We'll take point as they mop up the mess. Harlow, have a Trident platoon on standby for entry. Have Sword link up with the rest to enforce the quarantine." It was moments like this that Vulpesen shown best. He hadn't become a Valde because of his political savvy. He had proven himself from crisis to crisis, handling each one with a ruthless efficiency. "As for that thing," he turned his gaze tot he gnashing creature behind bars and raised a hand. "Stars forgive me..." He sent his awareness into it, finding little resistance as he went into its skull. Then, with a simple clench of Vulpesen's fist, the undead child froze before collapsing in a heap, blood leaking from its ears. It was the swiftest end the Valde could manage.

Ianswiën