Private Damaged Goods

[Osenia Ee'everwest]

It was still months down the line before Osenia would be accepted into any sort of legislative program, yet she couldn't help feeling like she should still be preparing. Reviewing top issues and drafting potential bills to show off her level of competency for a coveted position within the Confederacy's government was a top priority in her life, inspired to take up the same sort of work that her father had done. She'd always loved helping him, having working endlessly for two years alongside him during the twilight of his tenure with the former Queen before an untimely death. Even now, that specific memory was a source of happiness for her. A gentle reminder of easier times. Now older, she knew more than enough on how to handle such work on her own, but instead of being holed up in a dusty old study room filled to the brim with political materials over the next few months, she was making her way through the Ee'eeverwest docking bay with her trusted bodyguard Sera, trailing not too far from her side.

"Miss Osenia, are you alright?"

Osenia's dark eyes blinked, swerving around working droids levitating crates of cargo into the hold. "Why wouldn't I be alright?"

"Well, you haven't said much today, and this is the first time you are traveling on your own in an officially diplomatic capacity."

To say she wasn't nervous would be a lie.

Osenia could remember boarding the Liberator V countless times with one or both of her parents, but this would be the first time she ever commandeered a vessel for an interplanetary trip alone.

For years she'd been eager to take on real responsibility, and approaching the Liberator V, the dawning realization that an entire crew of over two dozen members awaited her orders, struck her to the core. Today was that day.

Her delicate chin tilted up, long glossy black curls spilling around her petite shoulders, taking in the full enormity of what lied ahead of her. She would have to establish herself as a leader amongst a crew that had only ever known her as the, 'young Lady Ee'everwest.' As her father used to say, "Authority might be given, but leadership had to be earned." It would be a true test to see what she was fully capable of. One she could not fail.

"I just have a lot on my mind." she murmured, slowly unclenching her fist. "We have a very important obligation to fulfill in delivering these rations to the starving refugees of Fwatna. The Queen is counting on us to be successful so we might pave a path for future diplomatic relations." They weren't just delivering food, they were bringing hope with them. "As soon as the Jedi arrives, we should be able to get under way."

"I believe he is already here, ma'am."

Turning at the foot of the ramp, Osenia caught site of the unmistakable gait of her would-be-companion. "Hello, Abel." They had met once before when some distant cousins of hers had decided to profane her eldest sisters Luncheon with their tomfoolery and caused offense to the Knight Obsidian. Being the kind of woman who would square off with the devil himself if he dared interfere with her family, she descended like a lioness on the men to break up an altercation in the works. Osenia could remembered the unmistakable lethal glint in his eyes that day, and yet, something in the pit of her belly told her there was a gentle depth beneath the thorny surface. A subtle, but genuine smile crept along her lips. "I wasn't expecting to see you today, but I'm pleased none the less. Assuming you've already be briefed, let's be on our way."

Abel Denko ​

 

[Abel Denko]

The mission of the day felt...pointless.

Throughout his colorful lifetime, the Obsidian Knight had encountered a great many trials. He had stared down the barrel of many a blaster. He had clashed sabers with many a foe. Yet, after Christophisis, he found himself in the presence of something far beyond. Before that day, everything that challenged him was within reach. He could outsmart them. Or he could best them in the field. He could, by the efforts of his own two hands, get the job done. But this? This was far beyond mortal abilities. How could a mere man hope to contend with literal gods?

That question alone had plagued his mind as of late, robbing him of rest. Focus.

Yet, the demands of the Knighthood remained. His duty remained. And whilst the Obsidian leadership decided on the future, he would do his damndest to live up to those expectations. Those above, however, took mercy upon his soul. Or, more specifically, were gentle with those who were on Christophsis directly. When possible, their missions were lighter in nature - and Abel was no exception. There wasn't a combat operation in his docket for the next month. Instead, he was to join an Ambassador of Naboo in a humanitarian effort. Lovely.

What would rations do when the Unmaker decided to take a stroll? Nothing.

The inner conflict did not manifest upon his face. Rather, his expression was even. Patient. He tarried before the ramp of the Ambassador's vessel, waiting for her arrival. The mission was routine - at least for his part in it anyway. Make sure nothing harmed the politician. Make sure nothing harmed the cargo. Sit down. Shut up. Keep the boots of the chair. Simple enough. It was a...pleasant surprise when he learned just who the politician in question was. During a luncheon quite some time ago, a rowdy noble had gotten on Abel's bad side. The preening of nobility had gotten on his bad side, actually.

Osenia had brought order that day. And earned his respect in doing so.

"Lady Ee'everwest." he said, offering a light smile and nod of his head. "This is a pleasant surprise. With you here, the mission is sure to be a success." To the note of whether he had been briefed, he offered yet another nod and motioned towards the ramp. "After you."

***​

The Hyperspace voyage would take some time. A few hours to be precise. Thus far, the minutes flew by - as it seemed everyone aboard had dizzying tasks to attend to. Double checks. Triple checks. Reporting in to Naboo. The whole nine. Abel, however, remained quiet and out of the way. It would have been his preference to stay within his appointed quarters for the trip, but that clashed horrendously with his duty of keeping an eye on things. Thus, with but an hour to go before landing, his presence filled the doorway of the Ambassador.

Within his grasp were two mugs of caf. Nothing special - just whatever was available from the vessel's mess. But, the offering was genuine. "Some liquid gold before we land?" he said, offering one of the mugs.

Osenia Ee'everwest​

 

[Osenia Ee'everwest]

The trip was swift and mostly uneventful. Osenia spent a majority of her time in the cargo holds, checking over the rations and how they were stored, making sure everything was correct while also ensuring that the Royal Guard had clear instructions for distribution.

There were some matters she couldn’t entirely plan for however, and would have to decide once they reached the planet. Figuring out the settlement's layout to decide precisely where they could set up would be one of the first things needing sorted out.

As far as she knew, the planet required no special climate gear, being one of the more temperate worlds in the Outer Rim. Unremarkable as far as she could tell from the reports, and not especially prosperous - always just past the point of self subsistence. Their ambitions for the galaxy at large and intergalactic commerce had only ever been to a very modest degree, that is, until the refugee’s from the scar worlds started pouring in.

Eventually joining with the Confederacy could only be seen as a boon, promising the people better market access for galactic wide food and amenities.

So, why were they so hesitant? By her estimates, if something didn’t change soon, Fwatna would become overcrowded, famine would spread, and the sparse colonies would eventually collapse. There was no way it could sustain itself at its current rate of consumption.

Some liquid gold before we land?"

Suddenly the door swished open and her icy-blue eyes flicked up at the sound of Abel’s voice, pulling her from her melancholy thoughts with the generous offer of caf. “Ah, Knight Denko...Yes, thank you, that would be most helpful. Please come in.” She motioned to an empty seat adjacent to where she perched, one thigh draped over the other with toes dangling above the floor, due to its height. The crowning glory of her raven hair that was normally kept so carefully pinned up, spilled wildly over slumped shoulders in wavy curls. The aristocrats' entire demeanor spoke to how heavily this trip weighed on her.

“I know you likely had no choice in the matter, but I am nonetheless grateful for your presence here.” Osenia remarked, taking the cup and passively attempting to make conversation. Being on the bottom rung of privileged information, the young Ee’everwest knew very little of the more pertinent details of the Knights mission on Christophisis, including those who’d been there. Thus Osenia dug only the tiniest bit. “As such an apt warrior, I am sure you’d rather be spending your time doing anything other than a humanitarian mission.”


Abel Denko

 

[Abel Denko]

The Knight knew that look.

He had seen it many times before - not on Osenia specifically. During his tenure as a Black Sun Enforcer, he had seen the same expression before every daring raid. Before every rebellion. And most recently, he saw it upon the faces of his comrades after the mission to Christophsis. The expression was weight. Concern. Worry about what the task before them had in store. This was...a far cry from what the blonde warrior expected to see. In their times speaking before, Osenia had been the model of Naboo aristocracy. Always sure. Always steadfast.

But in this moment, her hair spilled down freely.

The weight of the worlds rested upon her shoulders - and for some reason, Abel...wanted to help her lift. She had motioned towards the seat beside her and he obliged, pausing first to provide her caf before he settled. His descent was far from graceful. He simply flopped down and released a pent up sigh. As he did, she spoke, extending gratitude for his presence on the mission. This...earned a small smile.

She then assumed that he would prefer to be doing anything other than a humanitarian mission. His lips parted for a moment - ego and the present reality clashed as he attempted to form a reply.

"The Knighthood is stretched thin enough - I'm happy to help share the burden as much as I can." he began, before nodding in her direction. "And frankly, I've had my fill of battle for the time being. This is a welcome change." He took a small sip of his own caf before continuing.

"But...where I'm relieved, I can see this is weighing on you. So, I'll make you the offer of a lifetime." His tone was genuine - and devoid of the 'noble undertones' he would embody during a usual day on Naboo. This was Abel Denko, plain and simple. "I'm a visitor to the world of Naboo and nobles. Don't know the circles all that well - don't have anyone to tell. So, consider me your journal until we land."

"If you want to talk, I'm here to listen. And when you're done, the lips are sealed."

Osenia Ee'everwest​