Mission Hard Earned Credits

[Matthew of Valendale]

TAGS: Jackie Rosso Roten ​

Matthew stood in the small, sparsely decorated training hall, his thoughtful gaze shifting between the two individuals standing before him. Both teenagers had been plucked from lives defined by scarcity and struggle, their backgrounds a mirror to his own past in certain aspects. Today's lesson, however, wasn't about combat or survival. It was about something far more insidious—the art of handling money.

Matthew held out two small pouches. The sound of credits clinking faintly against one another.

"I've been thinking," Matthew began, his voice calm but firm. "You've both been through situations where money has been scarce. Handling it wisely is just as important as earning it." He extended the pouches toward them, one in each hand. "Inside each of these is ten thousand credits."

He observed their reactions, noting every subtle shift in posture and expression. He didn't smile, but there was a trace of warmth in his otherwise stoic demeanor.

"Here's your task: keep this with you at all times. Don't spend it. Don't trade it. Don't even lend it. Just hold onto it. That's all I ask for now."

Matthew continued, "Because money has weight. Not just physical weight but mental. It changes how people see you, how you see yourself, and even how you make decisions. Before you learn to spend or invest, you need to understand that weight. Carry it, live with it, and feel what it does to you. Only then can you learn to control it."

He folded his arms, his expression steady. "If you lose it, then you've learned your first lesson," he said without hesitation. "But I hope that doesn't happen. This lesson is about learning discipline and responsibility. If you can handle this, you'll be ready for what comes next."

 

[Roten]

Training Hall
Tags: Matthew of Valendale , Jackie Rosso

"Is... it real money?"

Roten felt a chill go down his spine. This was the sort of cash that his fellow pirates would kill for on the daily. Surely his own mother would have gutted someone to get her disgusting claws on such an amount. To have such a thing actually in his hands was... wrong. Incorrect. There had to be something at play here.

But the order was clear. Matthew had told them to not spend it. It was rather obvious that they would be protecting the money instead. Surely there had to be people intent on claiming such a some of credits, right? He didn't bother asking any more specifics. The Bursantian respected Matthew, but not in a healthy way. It was fear, recognition that the man was no doubt stronger than him in every conceivable way. He was hopeless but to go along with what he was told, the same way the old man Kalrath could have popped him like a balloon if he stepped out of line. He certainly wouldn't be taking any chances.

"Understood, boss," Roten responded. "The money will be kept safe."

Or at least his would. Jackie was a different story. That greaseball surely had to be thinking of how to blow it already. Did they both need to protect the money to succeed?

Perhaps it was better to prevent the worse just in case.

 

[Jackie Rosso]

Tags: Matthew of Valendale | Roten

---

Jackie stood there next to Roten as Matthew spoke to them. His jacketed arms crossed firmly over his chest as he listened to their Master. His blue eyes watched them closely as they spoke. Narrowing his eyes over the mention of money. Wondering where the very well off Master was going with this.

As he was handed a pouch Jackie took in the information that there were thousands of credits held within. Jackie’s eyes widened before the zeltron teen quickly opened the bag to see it for himself. His blue hues taking in the sight of all the golden credit chips. Confirming for himself that there were indeed thousands of credits in his hands. Without hesitating he reached into the bag and pulled out one of the credit chips. Mentally noting that he’d never seen one of such value. "Woah" Sure he’d seen pieces of money of higher numerical value but they were cheap corporate sector credits. A highly inflated knockoff. Galactic Credits were the real deal.

Then Jackie realized that Matthew was talking, and only pieced together the last parts of what their Master said to them. “Uh… Yeah that doesn’t sound very hard at all.” Jackie said before putting the credit chip back into the bag with the others. “Can we put the money somewhere safe? Like, a safe or something? Or do we need to keep it to ourselves?” Jackie asked, thinking of ways to make the task easier.​

 

[Matthew of Valendale]

TAGS: Roten Jackie Rosso
​

Matthew nodded at the question, "It is real money, yes," he assured, his voice calm but deliberate. "The purpose of this exercise is for you to have a tangible representation of money—money you can hold and feel in your hands. Putting it somewhere safe is a smart thing to do, but that's not what I want for this lesson. This exercise requires you to keep it on you, to carry it and experience the weight of it in your daily life."

He paused, letting the importance of his words settle before continuing. Reaching into his coat, he retrieved two smaller pouches and handed one to each of them.

"Now then," he said, his tone shifting to a more practical cadence, "inside these are thirty credits. You can spend this however you like or do with it whatever you see fit." He watched as they accepted the smaller bags, their weight far lighter but still meaningful.

Matthew elaborated, "You'll notice that the denominations vary. Use this as an opportunity to think about how you manage smaller sums. The larger amount isn't for spending, but this—this is yours to experiment with. Whether you waste it, save it, or invest it, the choice is entirely yours. Just remember, every decision carries consequences."

 

[Roten]

Training Hall
Tags: Matthew of Valendale , Jackie Rosso

No... this was wrong. Something here was definitely off. Why would Matthew want them to carry money knowing the risks of such a thing. And they couldn't keep it somewhere safe? He was certainly trying to get them killed if anything. Roten wasn't about to let himself be taken out of the race. Not so soon, anyways. He was going to succeed. This little ploy wasn't going to work on him.

"Understood," Roten nodded, his tone cold as he accepted the smaller pouch. "A little weight should be no trouble at all."

He'd use the thirty for something practical. A backpack made the most sense, something to make the money easier to carry and lest apparent to onlookers. He'd have no issues soldering the bag shut to prevent entry. But how did he prevent the greaseball from spending his cash? Did he just let Jackie take the fall? No, surely he couldn't. That had to also be part of this rediculous exercise, a test to see if one was capable of subduing the other if they stepped out of line. That was part of being a Jedi after all. Adherence to code over all other things. This was the path to survival.

"Pinky and I won't have any issues," he stated, his beady red eyes glaring at his fellow student. "Right?"

 

[Jackie Rosso]

Tags: Matthew of Valendale | Roten

---

Jackie did his best to absorb what Matthew was saying to them. He supposed it helped having credits ships. Simply giving them charge cards with thousands of credits on them wouldn’t really have the same effect. Actually seeing and feeling the money seemed to be a pretty crucial part of this strange lesson.

As Matthew handed them both a smaller pouch Jackie spoke up. “Oh so do we get an allowance… Is this the only one we get? Also how long are we supposed to keep these with us?” The Zeltron asked while sensing the growing unease and concern from Roten next to him.

“Huh, what do you mean by that?” Jackie said back as his blue eyes met Roten’s red. Feeling now that if anyone was gonna be causing issues then it would be Roten. Could Jackie trust a wild child like him to even know what money is?​

 

[Matthew of Valendale]

TAGS: Roten Jackie Rosso ​

Matthew watched the two before his gaze settled on Jackie. "This isn't an allowance, no," he began, "This is an exercise I've devised to teach you both about money in a more meaningful and practical way. But tell me—would you like an allowance?"

He tilted his head slightly, waiting for a response before continuing. "A children's allowance," he explained, "is money given to children by their parents or guardians, often on a weekly or monthly basis. It's sometimes tied to completing chores or earning good grades. However," his voice firmed, "I won't base an allowance on either of those things. I expect those of you as a standard reguardless."

Matthew paused, considering the idea more deeply. "That said, an allowance for the two of you doesn't seem unreasonable." He nodded slightly, as if finalizing the thought in his own mind. "You may have an allowance."

His statement was simple, yet intended to linger on them. "Now, as for this exercise," he continued, his voice calm but carrying an undertone of seriousness, "I want you both to keep the ten thousand credits on you for a week. That shouldn't be too difficult, should it?"

He let the gravity of the sum and time settle in before adding, "If you still have the money by the end of the week, our lesson will move to the next step. If I explain any more, the lesson won't have its intended effect. However, if for any reason you lose any of the money, I want you to come to me and explain what happened. There's value in reflection."

His expression softened as he concluded, "It's often said that mothers teach their children by telling them what they should know, while fathers let their children learn by making their own mistakes. Both methods have merit, and I plan to use both."

 

[Roten]

Training Hall
Tags: Matthew of Valendale , Jackie Rosso

“Huh, what do you mean by that?”

"Don't worry about it," Roten scoffed. "It ain't mean nothin."

He absorbed the words that Mattew was saying in regards to this lesson. Started to relate it to... parenting of all things. He couldn't help but frown at the saying. Is that how mothers were supposed to be? Seemed like a crock of chit. The moment she could his mother placed a blaster in his hands. Sent him off to raze and pillage. There was no way that every other parental structure was organized in the way Matthew described. It was statistically impossible.

"Right..." Roten continued, choosing to alter the course of the conversation. He didnt want to dwell on parents. "What do we do in the meantime?"

 

[Jackie Rosso]

Tags: Matthew of Valendale | Roten

---

Jackie’s eyes narrowed some as Matthew replied to his question. Sharing the idea that only children get allowances from their parents which wasn’t what Jackie had in mind. But as Matthew gave them an idea of how long this exercise can be, the zeltron teen nodded. “If it’s only a week then the 30 credits should be fine.”

He really had no real conception about how the Jedi are supposed to act or function beyond mythic tales of their martial prowess and psychic abilities. But instead Jackie was being given lessons on personal finance. Wondering now if Jedi were more supposed to be akin to polymaths than just an order of legendary warriors.

“Well I ain’t ever needed no mom or no dads, and I’ve turned out well enough.” Jackie countered, his internal logic reasoning that because he was still alive that meant he didn’t need any kind of parent help.

In regards to Roten’s question the zeltron figured they’d just continue along with their normal padawan lessons. Just now with a heavy sack of credits with them. Jackie wondered if there was some way to carry it without it weighing on his belt so much. He also made a mental note to count the chips every day just to make sure that the marauder next to him didn’t plunder his pouch any.​

 

[Matthew of Valendale]

TAGS: Roten Jackie Rosso ​

"You'll continue your classes and day-to-day routines as usual," Matthew assured, his tone calm but firm.

He turned his gaze to Jackie, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Do you think so?" he asked, his words carrying a hint of intrigue, as if he found her reaction particularly noteworthy.

"For today, I've left a list of errands for each of you on the doors to your bedrooms," Matthew continued, his voice taking on an authoritative edge. "Roten, I want you to accompany Raphael. Jackie, you'll go with Matteo for anything that requires leaving the grounds. Understood?"

 

[Roten]

Training Hall
Tags: Jackie Rosso , Matthew of Valendale

"You got it, Boss."

This was going to be a pain. So much to do while carrying this big old bag of credits. Hopefully it wasn't going to be anything to ridiculous. It was unfortunate that he'd be split up from Jackie. There was no way he'd be able to keep an eye on the grease ball from a distance. He'd just have to hope that nothing stupid would happen to the money in the meantime.

For now it was off to his room to receive his list of duties.