Private Errand Blondes | Coruscant

[Lysander von Ascania]

Jasper Kai'el Corazona von Ascania

Lysander exhaled a deep breath, completely unaware that he'd been holding it. The heavy weight was lifted from his shoulders and all anxiety began to melt away. While still standing outside the doorway, he took a quick moment to ground himself.

The conversation sounded like a puzzle with missing pieces. He assumed the guard was an old ghost with some scars from the past.

The Padawan also felt a familiar warm touch, as though it seeped right through his tunic, stirring a mixture of emotions. While it normally possessed the power to erase any doubt, he fought back against its comfort this time. Shifting his gaze to her, a boldness began to blossom within him. “Everything was totally fine. Nothing was going to happen to me. No way.”

The words fell effortlessly, already convincing himself, and attempting to not be embarrassed in front of the other Jedi. Yet, a pang of guilt struck him just after, piercing right through the facade.

As they resumed their stride, his head then turned to glance at the one who had pretty much assumed the role of leader among the trio. A sly smirk touched his lips underneath the helmet. “Hey! Now it's my turn for a question.” His tone carried a hint of playfulness. “Imagine that Lieutenant guy just sent me straight to the Netherworld with his blaster. Since it’d be your responsibility to ensure Coco doesn’t meet her end, what would you do to keep her safe?”

 

[Jasper Kai'el]

Coruscant
Tags: Corazona von Ascania , Lysander von Ascania

Lightsaber
​

“Hey! Now it's my turn for a question.” His tone carried a hint of playfulness. “Imagine that Lieutenant guy just sent me straight to the Netherworld with his blaster. Since it’d be your responsibility to ensure Coco doesn’t meet her end, what would you do to keep her safe?”

"You know, hypotheticals have to be somewhat realistic," Jasper remarked. "I was in front of you. It would be pretty impressive if it somehow killed you through me, yeah? Regardless, I would be positioned to defend against incoming blaster-fire anyways. Not that Cora needs me to defend her. She's a Jedi Knight with extensive field experience."

A gentle exhale escaped his chest before he continued, casting his helmet back into the smaller box.

"It would be best to change the subject," he stated. "We came here to help these people, not theorize how they might kill us. Best not get the tone of our assignment twisted."

The settlement proper was a row of condominium-style structures, stacked three high up to the ceiling on either side of a narrow road. Clothes lines hung across the street between balconies, and more defensive walls had been put up to protect their windows, made from scrap metal and salvaged pieces of armor. The old veteran, who had been closing the door behind them, quickly made his way back up to them. It was apparent that he was the closest thing these people had to a leader.

"You came at a damn good time," the man noted. "Just ran outta Bacta, had a beastie from the underground get in. Weren't a pretty sight, lad who got got by them jaws was pretty torn up. Couldn't be conservative with the Bacta no more..." he paused before speaking again. "We'll get by a little longer, but it ain't sustainable. What we need is them swoop-gangers gone. We ain't got the fire power to get'em gone."

By now people were beginning to gather on their balconies, drawn by curiosity at the arrival of strangers in their home...

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

"Lysander," she warned. He was probably getting bored of how often his name was spoken as a reprimand.

Beneath the helmet, cheeks flushed red at the use of her childhood nickname. As Jasper put that hypothetical to rest - and it was hypothetical because Cora refused to imagine a scenario that lead to her brother’s demise - they passed into the somewhat more welcoming atmosphere of the settlement.

Their arrival began to draw attention, and Cora's gaze passed over the stacked balconies. It was hard to imagine that people were living here like this. Locked in, practically under siege.

She looked over to the veteran, her expression softening a tic.

"How long has the swoop gang been harassing you for?"

Lysander von Ascania Jasper Kai'el

 

[Lysander von Ascania]

Jasper Kai'el Corazona von Ascania ​

Lysander shook his head slowly; had he not been wearing a helmet, the skepticism etched across his face would’ve been clear as day. His brow furrowed slightly. “Sure, I understand Cora's title as a Jedi Knight," he began, raising both hands in protest. “But she's pretty much just a boring teacher these days."

With a flick, he gave a dismissive gesture. “I mean.. I don’t think it’s any secret that she spends more time on her hair and nails than actual training now.” The Padawan then scoffed through the rebreather.

Next, he took in the scene before him; it was worse than the slums of Ukatis, and his stomach turned at the thought of some people having to call this place home. Lysander truly hoped the bacta would bring some good to the residents here, even if he didn’t show it. It felt good to think that he possibly contributed to some kind of effort that may have benefited them.

A spark of excitement then flickered in him. Images of engaging with the swoop bike gang swirled in his mind’s eye. He reached up and finally removed the helmet, pushing back several strands of hair from his forehead. When the veteran approached, he became more curious, and didn’t hesitate to ask a question of his own immediately after his sister. “So, how many members are in this gang?” Lysander was already prepared to calculate different tactics and strategies for whatever lay ahead.