Faction Doctor's Orders. (Ticca's Introduction to the KO) (Open to Friends and Allies)

[Ticca]

It was a warm morning on Vylmira, a slight haze of heat bore down upon the jungle. Sunlight flickered off the exterior of the spires that formed the crystalline structure of the White Gold Tower, casting a shimmering net of diffracted rays over the nearby grounds, that slowly crept across the earth. Sheltered from the sun's harsh rays inside the tower, Ticca made her way down the metallic corridors feeling as if she was underwater, with the way the sun's rays refracted over the translucent walls. Ticca truly would have enjoyed to watch the light dance forever, but she had to report to the medical facilities. It was her first day as an official Squire. It would hardly do for her to dally. She continued onward, passing by the aura forms of several similarly occupied trainees, all rushing to report to their assignments. Ticca weaved through the crowd engaged in this intricate dance and turned left towards where the Operations Suite was.

Not knowing on where she would find the Medical Suite persay, Ticca instead relied on two things to identify where she should go. The normal sensations that came with a medical job. The hiss of people expressing pain, and the sharp, stinging smell of sterilization. Additionally, it helped that Ticca could see through walls due to her enhanced Miralukan Force Sight. Through the translucent outlines of the walls, Ticca could identify that people were lying down on raised platforms in the room just beyond, sporting all manners of wounds and ailments that affected their aura forms just as it affected their physical bodies. Softly, she strode into the room and directed her attention upon who seemed to be the person in charge. A thin, wiry man with a severe face and an angular nose, adorned with spectacles was conversing with one of the other doctor's. He was wearing a crisp, cut doctor's uniform and appeared to hold a clipboard in his long, spindly fingers. "We need 7 more miligrams of bacta here, and give them some cordina as well. 5 milligrams should suffice." He murmured to his companion.

Ticca stepped forwards slightly, causing him to start and snap his attention to her. "Ah, yes. You are the Squire assigned here? A Force Healer? Correct?" Ticca nodded. "Yes, that is correct sir." He seemed to contemplate this somewhat. "Very well. You may go assist Patient 3." Ticca nodded once again and recused herself to the bedside of this patient. Upon looking at the gangly lad that lay there upon the table, she could see that he had dislocated one of his shoulders. "Ayaa, how did you manage this?" She asked with a small smile, gingerly touching his shoulder with her fingers. A slight pulse of the Force confirmed that his shoulder was dislocated as she had initially diagnosed. He hissed, a chagrined expression blossoming on his face. "It was a stupid dare. Payloo challenged me to climb up one of the Spires. I was on my way up and slipped. Managed to catch myself with a force push before I hit the ground, but... well, I guess you know what happened." Ticca found herself wishing that she had human eyes to roll, and merely shook her head. "Alright, vimino (fool in Miralukan) Stay still for me please. This will only hurt a little." Well...that was a lie. But Ticca thought it might be better if she saved him the torturous anxiety of imagine pain. Ticca watched through her Force Sight as her own energy coaxed the energy of the world surrounding her and it suffused into his aura form, setting his shoulder and gently regenerating the tissue. After a few moments, she removed her fingers from his shoulder and folded them in front of her. Staring down at the squinting, flinching man, she spoke softly. "You're healed now. Please do try to refrain from injuring yourself in the future." He reacted with shock, but she quickly interrupted him. "This way, please." With that, she escorted her patient out the door and settled down for her next one. It was going to be a busy day. She had her duties here to attend to, and then after that, Force Training and her search for the various crystals for her saber. Steady. You have much to do. She cautioned herself.

 

[Kyyrk]

P E A C E

Ticca​

Voph moved with purpose through the icy corridors of the White-Gold Tower, the typical furrow in his brow that hadn't left for some months, according to most onlookers. He was settling into his new position nicely, now that the White-Gold tower was established and functional as the Acanthus Headquarters. Already, the Tower was beginning to feel like home. And home it was. Voph had moved what meager belongings he bothered to keep with him at all times into his personal suite near the top of the tower. Today was something of a rarity to him, as he was free to pursue his own ends.

Voph drew to a pause in the entryway to the White-Gold Tower's medical suite. His Obsidian black Robes hung about him, seeming to shroud him in shadow itself. His hands folded at the small of his back as he surveyed the bustle around him. Most injuries being tended to were not severe, as the entire facility had been open for little more than a month. Anything that could not be solved within a matter of hours was typically re-routed to the dedicated medical facilities in the nearby cities. As Voph stood quietly, he was approached by the chief doctor, thinking that perhaps he had come on administrative business. "Lord Vizier. Forgive me, I wasn't expecting a personal visit from you today."

Voph raised a hand to set the man at ease, indicating he had not come for him. "Nor was I expecting to give one, Doctor. But alas, my staff seem to have failed to keep me properly occupied today." Voph smiled mirthlessly at the man as he made this quip, turning his head to survey the area around him. "Tell me, any more information on that matter I asked you to look into?" The doctor opened his mouth, preparing to reply, but winced and shrugged as Voph asked his question. "The...results are not conclusive, nothing we didn't already know. I'm sorry. There was one other test I thought to run, but I cannot guarantee anything concrete."

Voph nodded quietly as the doctor spoke. It was a fool's gambit, but didn't hurt to cover all the bases. Voph paused as he noticed a somewhat familiar figure assisting a patient. He turned to the chief doctor and said, "If you will excuse me, I need to have a word with one of my students." The doctor nodded, and gestured for Voph to continue. Voph turned his attention towards one of the newer members of the Knights Obsidian, and called out, "Squire Ticca. A moment, if you will."

Voph waited for a moment to gain the girl's attention, then gestured back towards the hall. "Come. Let us walk and speak. I wished to see how one of my own was faring on their first day." Voph spoke as though Ticca was family. And in a sense, she was. Both a native of Vylmira, and a member of his own, extremely rare species. He was, at a glance, familiar with the name, if not all her exploits, and vaguely recalled that he had crossed paths with her parents on more than one occasion. This one, he had taken a special interest in. After all, members of his own planet seeking a larger role in the Confederacy was rare. This one he intended to nurture as best he was able...

​

 

[Ticca]

The stranger didn't need to try and attract her attention. Ticca's eyes had naturally shifted up towards the doorway when the sensation of a powerful Force presence radiated in the room. Spotting the stranger speaking with the chief doctor, Ticca tried to make out their conversation. Her vestigal eye sockets squinted perhaps out of instinct behind her mask as she peered through the stranger's aura to find their aura form through the haze of blended energy that permeated the stranger's form and immediate surroundings. To her surprise, she found that she knew the man before her. Well, only in name. But every Bladewalker Initiate had learned of that organization's foundation by Lord Voph. Ticca's mouth opens slightly with disbelief. It was a shock to see a figure she had learned in history, standing before her in person.

Fortunately, it would seem that the Lord Vizier was momentarily distracted by the Chief Doctor. Ticca's awestruck expression quickly disappeared into a trained mask of stoicism. After all, it would hardly be comforting to patients if their doctor's body language appeared to convey that they were surprised by their diagnosis. Such a thing might lead to a misunderstanding that the doctor had no idea of how to treat them, and damage the precious relationship and trust required when dealing with saving lives. Still, Ticca couldn't hide the slight furrowing of her brow as she overheard snippets of the conversation. What is it that the Chief is looking into? And why does it seem that there is an unusual amount of emphasis on this final test? Ticca thought to herself. As casually as she could, Ticca directed her Force Sight into Voph's form, searching for clues that something was amiss with his health.

She was snapped from this concentration when Lord Voph called her by name and asked for a moment of her time. Startled, she straightened and nodded. "Of course, Brother... Lord Voph. I would be happy to walk with you." Ticca replied, wincing slightly at her use of the more traditional, familial Miralukan address. She needed to remind herself that positions of seniority existed with the Knights Obsidian and although Voph also a Miralukan, it was likely more proper to address him by title in from of others. Hopefully her little stumble would be taken well and not a disrespectful address. Ticca finished with the patient she was treating momentarily and glanced briefly towards the Chief to see if he could handle matters here for a while. She received a dismissive wave of the hand, which she took to mean that he could and stepped out from around her table to join Voph in the hall.

Kyyrk

 

[Kyyrk]

Voph, perhaps frustratingly, was the picture of perfect health. Mostly. Old wounds still lingered, and scars riddled the man's body. Whatever he had been speaking to the doctor about, it was not immediately evident. If it was even about him to begin with. Fortunately, however, Voph did not react to the girl's stammering about his title. He instead walked on, not even pausing at her calling him brother. In truth, it was an odd feeling to him. So long afield from his people, it still felt strange any time he interacted with his own. But for now, that matter was neither here nor there.

"I would suggest that you come to terms with the idea that the great legends of the galaxy are within your reach, young Ticca." He glanced at her sidelong, offering a smile. He'd seen her staring. How could he not? The lack of eyes made perception of many things a trivial matter. His smile, however, was meant to set the girl at ease. It was of no concern to him if people wanted to stare. He had long since learned to live with it. "The Knights Obsidian will put you within some of the highest echelons within the Confederacy. I will not be the last of whom you have met by reputation alone."

Voph turned his attention to a small gathering in the hall as they walked past, soon turning back to worry about the direction he was walking. "I was pleased to see that you had sought to join the Knights Obsidian. I can only hope that you have served it as well as you have our planet." Voph turned a corner, exiting from the cramped halls into the large atrium that spanned the lower floors. "It is rare that beings such as we leave Vylmira willingly. I am proud that you have decided to take that step."

Voph turned, and smiled grimly at the girl once again. It seemed odd, in his features. Much like Ticca, he wore a nearly impenetrable mask of stoicism that rarely showed emotion. But more odd, he carried himself as one that had seen numerous years, and yet looked no older than the girl before him. He leaned against the railing behind him, folding his arms over his chest, and picking his right leg up to rest his foot against the railing.

"A small mercy, I suppose, that you chose to join the Acanthus, and stay on Vylmira for a time longer. But tell me. When you joined the Obsidian, did you do so out of a desire to leave Vylmira? Be honest. No wrong answers."

Ticca

 

[Ticca]

Ticca's brows furrowed slightly as she couldn't find a hint of physical malady or wound. Scars certainly, but scars were proof of healing. So either the topic of conversation with the doctor was not discernable, or about him. Ticca filed away the knowledge of the conversation that she had overheard. It would be something to investigate later. Instead, she found herself walking down the translucent halls with her senior, noting that he hadn't seemed to even pause at her address. Her wish that her manner of address would smooth over paid out it would seem.

Or well, that wish was smothered a few seconds later. He had noticed her staring, and now Ticca felt a flushing of the cheeks as he commented that she should adapt to the monumental figures of import that she would interact with daily. He was right of course. Though his direct address did nothing to dissipate the immense feeling of embarrassment that lingered, despite his calming smile. He's right. Come on Ticca, pull yourself together. Stop reacting like a new recruit to everything. Ticca found herself berating herself, wearing a smile to calm her nerves. "Of course, Lord Voph. You are completely right. I should be used to these things by now."

Ticca also noticed the small gathering in the hallway. As they walked on, she kept an ear out for what they might be saying. But it didn't seem as if Lord Voph was troubled by their presence and therefore Ticca also found herself relaxing. Her masked gaze whipped around to Lord Voph as he began speaking. "Ah, yes. I should hope that as well." Ticca replied, as he began to speak of how he hoped that she served the Knights Obsidian as well as she had served the planet. Ah ha ha, what does he mean? I sure hope so too. I mean, that's why I joined. To help people. W-wait no, did he hear of the spaghetti incident... Ticca was generally a helpful person. At least she liked to think so. She was dutiful in her studies and always willing to lend a hand to help others. The aforementioned spaghetti incident was one of the few times that Ticca had actually gotten in trouble because of her desire to help. She had noticed that a few of the Squires were consistently eating only one dish. And so, Ticca had gotten creative in trying to...spice up their nutritional intake. Cooking was not one of her talents. ...Perhaps it's best left at those poor souls spent the day in the bathroom.

As Voph's aura form leaned against the railing, Ticca followed him trying to grasp his train of thought. It always seemed to veer in odd directions whenever she finally thought she had a handle on it. Challenged however on whether or not she desired to leave Vylmira, Ticca found herself glancing upwards towards and through the translucent ceiling above them. "If I am to be honest sir, I joined the Knights to help others." Ticca said, fixing Voph with a glance. "Loss is inevitable. I understand that. But, I believe that no one should have to experience undue loss. There is a difference when the spark of life is ripped from you. Will I save everyone? No. But I will save all I can. If the Force allows me to save even one more, just one more, I will go wherever I am needed." Ticca answered.

Kyyrk

 

[Kyyrk]

​

C O N V E R S E

Ticca​

Voph nodded quietly. To help people. The same reason he did what he did. Albeit in a much different way. But help nonetheless. "A noble goal. One that I might have pursued myself, in another life." Voph frowned slightly. Not that another life was a thing. Or...maybe it was, and he had simply been barred from it same as the other facets of the afterlife? Either way, it was a moot point for now. "Conflict has always been a part of my being. The life of peace will never suit me, I'm afraid. But I do not diminish those who do seek it." Voph was quiet for a moment longer, then withdrew a small package, wrapped in some kind of paper, from his robes. "I have something for you."​

​

Voph paused, looking at the package within his hands. To beings like him and Ticca, it practically glowed, such was its connection to the Force. Voph turned his attention to Ticca, and handed the package to her. "While it may not be as impressive as other gifts, it is still yours. A reminder of where you came from. I make a point of giving one to all of our kind that seek their fortunes beyond Vylmira. And even though you still call it home, your commitment to the Knights Obsidian marks you as one that has left our home behind, as I once did so many years ago."​

​

And yet even though Voph had left under...questionable circumstances, he'd been welcomed back with open arms. When the Council had chosen him to be their leader, Voph had declined. But they had insisted. Voph was best to lead the planet into its membership within the Confederacy. So he had returned to his home. Even though he could not shake the feeling that it was all still foreign to him. "Once, I thought our uniqueness to be a curse. A burden that we were forced to bear. But now I see it for what it is. A gift. Powerful and limitless. And our symbol of such a gift, what some might consider a shield to protect the others from a harsh truth, I consider to be a standard of your potential." Voph pulled back the paper to reveal the package in his hands, waiting for Ticca to pick it up. A small strip of cloth, glowing and humming with the Force. "This mantle has been altered by my hand. While worn, it will bolster your resolve, and guide your hand on the path laid before you. In time, you will be able to make your own. But this, I feel, will suffice for now. A boon to guide you on the first steps of your journey."​