Private In The Doghouse

[Jackie Rosso]

​

Location: Bonadan
Tag: Matthew of Valendale

---

Tragically Jackie was separated from his ride. Which was only a temporary setback for the teen. Having needed to ditch it after getting chased off by espos after the ignition failed. The zeltron was determined to get it back from the small impound lot at the local station. He’d lost his swoop bike once before and it was a real pain getting it back after it was auctioned off. He was determined to not let that happen again.

Jackie made sure to come around during the dead of night. Skulking around in the shadows created by. Already having scouted around to figure out where it was in the lot. Equipped with what he needed to get it up and running to make a hasty escape. Above him the night sky was covered under a blanket of smog and the glow of light pollution. Concealing the wider wonders of the galaxy from him and just about every other unfortunate soul here on Bonadan. Also concealing the destitute world from the rest of the galaxy.

He approached the metal fence that surrounded the impound lot and rummaged into his pockets. Pulling out his vibro-shiv and activating. Letting the thin blade pop out from the handle and vibrate and going to cut through the metal fence with it. Which it did like warm butter, however it also made a terribly loud sound like he was pressing an angle grinder against it. Jackie knew that it would cut through with ease. But I didn't imagine it would be that noisy. Once he finished a hole big enough for him he got past the fence. His vibro-shiv also shook and jostled in his hand violently before he turned it off. Looking down at it he saw how he functionally ruined the blade as it became dulled and even serrated form being misused as a powertool like he just did. Letting the blade slide back into its handle Jackie knew now that he had to act fast as he heard someone approaching. Surely attracted to the loud sound of his not-so-stealthy entrance.

The teen scampered off through the maze of ‘stolen’ vehicles. Making his way to where they kept swoops and speeder bikes. Since it was so dark it was actually a bit hard for him to distinguish them all from his own, especially if they were of a similar model. All the while he could hear night-guards calling out that they found his little hole. Letting them know that there was indeed an intruder here.

Eventually Jackie got his swoop-bike. An old yet fully capable Flare-S Model. Quickly crouching down by it and pulling from his pocket exactly what he needed and what had caused him to need to ditch it earlier. A new spark plug. Blindly reaching into the engine block he struggled to remove the old one and replace it with the new since he could hardly see and his hands were getting sweaty and shaking from how nervous he was.

But soon enough his mechanical instincts pulled through and he managed to get the part replaced securely. Now all he needed to do was escape. He quickly hopped onto the swoop-bike and started its engine. Loudly sputtering and revving to life. Announcing to all that he was about to ride off with his ride. Cranking the throttle and narrowly avoiding crashing into a pair of guards as the swoop began to take flight. Hoping to fly it right over the Espo station. Adrenaline coursed through the excitable zeltron teen as a wide grin stretched across his face. Quickly ascending out of reach and 20 feet off the ground, just a few feet from freedom until…

A dome like energy shield suddenly appeared over the station and impound-lot. Startling Jackie and causing him to brace for impact. But he and his bike moved through it without an issue. But it disrupted the repulsor engine. Cutting it off him and the swoop began to fall back down towards the station. Causing Jackie to let out a terrified yelp as he and his swoop violently crashed through a window on the second story of the espo station.

Tumbling through a large office room and falling harshly onto the floor. Things had now taken a turn for the worse as he figuratively kicked the hornet’s nest, and hard. Letting out a groan Jackie lifted himself up some and propped himself up on his elbows. Trying to get his bearings. That’s when he looked up to see a trio of espos with blasters aimed down at him. He was really in the doghouse now.

. . .​

Currently the zeltron teen was in a holding cell with his wrists cuffed together. Sitting back against the duracrete wall on a bench in a horribly sour mood. The negativity of other angry inmates and overworked espos only added to how he felt. It was likely that what was in store for him now was imprisonment paired with indentured servitude to pay off his debt to the city. ​

 

[Matthew of Valendale]

TAGS: Jackie Rosso
​

The officer, a seasoned Espos enforcer named Jorran, relished the moment as he approached the cell. His boots clacked against the duracrete floor, echoing down the corridor as he stopped in front of the bars. With a smirk, he watched the young Zeltron, waiting for him to notice his presence.

"Well, well, look what we've got here," Jorran said, his voice dripping with mockery. He crossed his arms over his chest, leaning slightly against the doorframe. "Thought you could just stroll in, cut through our fence, and take back your ride without anyone noticing? Real smooth move, kid."

Jorran's eyes gleamed with amusement as he saw no reaction from the inmate. He stepped closer to the bars, lowering his voice as if sharing a secret.

"But I gotta say, you're luckier than most," he continued, his tone shifting to one of false sympathy. "Could have been a long stretch of indentured servitude for you, working off your debt to the city. But it seems someone out there actually gives a damn about you. Imagine that."

The officer let the words hang in the air, watching for any sign of recognition or understanding. He enjoyed toying with the young troublemakers that ended up in his care, especially when they thought they were invincible.

"That's right," Jorran said, his smirk widening. "Your ticket out of here just came through. Someone posted bail for you, can you believe it? Don't know who you conned into doing it, but looks like you're free to go."

He pushed himself off the doorframe and gestured to the guard behind him to open the cell. As the door creaked open, Jorran stepped aside, allowing space for the prisoner to step out.

"Now, don't get too excited," he added with a dark chuckle. "The galaxy doesn't do favors for free. Whoever's pulling you out of this mess is going to want something in return. And trust me, kid, it's not going to be cheap."

Jorran waited for the prisoner to step out, his gaze following him as he moved toward the exit. As they passed, he leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a menacing whisper.

"You'd better be ready to pay your dues, kid. One way or another, they'll come collecting."

With those final words, Jorran straightened up, signaling the end of their little chat.

 

[Jackie Rosso]

Location: Bonadan
Tag: Matthew of Valendale

---

Jackie’s unamused eyes glanced at the pestering espo. “Psh… I wasn’t tryna be that sneaky. All that mattered was getting my ride back, didn’t care how.” The teen said before glancing away from them. Listening as they spoke about what was seemingly in store for them. They had to be pulling his leg. But there was also a good deal of concern that washed over the zeltron at the news.

Right now there wasn’t even the passing notion that whoever was bailing him out had any altruistic motive. In fact it even scared Jackie more. At least spending some time as an indentured servant had some predictability on how things might play out. There was a proceder, a system that people followed. More importantly he wouldn’t really be alone. Surely there would be others in a similar situation.

But the idea that some private individual would be responsible now is somehow worse. The system has had enough of him and now was just gonna pawn him off to whoever flashed them enough credits. Part of his anxiety also came from how uncertain the future seemed lately. It wasn't uncommon for the teen to have some idea of what the future held. Coming to him in dreams, but lately such dreams have been blurry and confusing.

As Jackie exited the holding cell he glanced back up at the espo as they freed him of his cuffs and whispered some more foreboding words. Jackie’s brows furrowed some. “Ah put a sock in it already would ya.” He said before stepping away from them as the knot in his stomach tightened. Trying to mentally prepare himself for what was to come. Predicting that he might need to play along until there's a moment for him to ditch whoever it is that bailed him out. Put everything he had into earning his own freedom. Now he would go meet whoever his would-be savior was.​

 

[Matthew of Valendale]

TAGS: Jackie Rosso ​

Out in the lobby, Matthew stood as a striking figure, his full Jedi Templar garb immaculate, the white robes adorned with intricate golden trim and filigree designs that seemed to shimmer in the dim light. His tall, imposing presence was further magnified by the large, feathered wings folded neatly behind him, their tips nearly brushing the ground. The mask he wore concealed his features, giving him an air of mystery, while the gleam of his golden eyes behind the mask suggested an unyielding resolve.

In his gloved hand, he absentmindedly turned the speeder bike's keys over, the soft jingle of metal filling the otherwise quiet space. He waited with the patience of someone who had seen more than most, his posture relaxed yet alert, as if always ready for whatever might come next.

As the doors slid open, revealing the bubblegum-boy stepping hesitantly into the lobby, Matthew's gaze shifted, locking onto the newcomer. With a smooth, fluid motion, he turned to face the boy, his wings unfurling slightly, casting a shadow that seemed to envelop the smaller figure.

"There you are," Matthew's voice resonated through the lobby, warm yet carrying an undeniable authority. "You must be Jackie. I'm Matthew; it's a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance." He paused, letting the weight of his presence sink in. "We have much to do, and I'd rather we not dawdle here all day. Come along, little one."

Without waiting for a response, he gestured toward the exit, his wings rustling softly as he moved. It was clear that Matthew was not one to linger in idle places, and his mere presence seemed to demand attention.

 

[Jackie Rosso]

Location: Bonadan
Tag: Matthew of Valendale

---

Jackie, rather quickly found himself intimidated by the presence of who he was meeting within the lobby. His blue eyes widening as he saw the colossal man before him. His comparatively diminutive form tensed up some. His mind begins to race over what could possibly be in store for him. He didn’t recognize the winged man’s outlandish attire.

Were the espos really just gonna let this ‘obvious’ cultist run off with him? That actually wasn’t very hard to believe. They probably wanted him out of their hair no matter what. Standing closer to the stranger Jackie was at a loss for words. The normally loud mouth zeltron couldn’t think of any wiseass remarks to say right now.

But he had to remember what he had to do. Ditch this weirdo and get his bike back. So long as the espos didn’t already sell poor Clarice as scrap just to repair for the damage he caused. Getting a grip on his situation now Jackie seemed to straighten posture and even puff his chest out some. “Hmph… Yeah well anywhere’s better than this dump.” He finally said before marching out of the station after Matthew gestured to the exit.​

 

[Matthew of Valendale]

TAGS: Jackie Rosso
​

Matthew extended his hand, the keys to Jackie's bike resting in his palm. The metal gleamed under the dim lights of the station. "These are the keys to your bike," he began, his voice calm yet carrying a weight of authority. "It's already aboard my ship, safe and sound. Can I entrust you to keep these safe until I allow you to use your bike again?"

Matthew's gaze remained steady, his voice calm but carrying an unmistakable seriousness. "I should also inform you," he began, his words deliberate, "that I've taken it upon myself to pay your bail. Given that you have no close relatives on record, I've accepted full responsibility for you. Legally, you are now under my guardianship."

He let the gravity of his statement hang in the air for a moment, his eyes never leaving Jackie's. "This means that, for the time being, your well-being and actions are my concern. I'm here to ensure you stay out of further trouble, but it also means you'll be following my lead from now on."

He allowed the weight of his words to settle, observing Jackie's reaction before continuing, his tone now tinged with practical concern. "Your court date isn't for a few months, but I've already secured the services of a pair of skilled lawyers to handle your case."

Matthew paused, the blue photoreceptors of his mask fixing on the bubblegum-colored boy with an almost scrutinizing gaze. "And while we will need to have a serious discussion about your reckless behavior," he added, his voice firm yet patient, "that conversation can wait."

Matthew's gaze met Jackie's, a hint of understanding in his eyes. "Before we depart, is there anything you need to take care of? Any loose ends to tie up, or something you need to retrieve? I understand that leaving home, even a place like this, isn't always easy."

His wings rustled softly behind him as he added, "Now's the time to speak up. Once we leave, it may be a while before you have another chance."

 

[Jackie Rosso]

Location: Bonadan
Tag: Matthew of Valendale

---

Jackie raised a deep blue brow up to Matthew as they presented his swoop bike keys. Without any hesitation he swiped them out of the tall man’s hand. “Of course you can, I’m the best rider in this entire sector, hell, probably the whole Tingle Arm.” He confidently replied to their question about him being safe. “I only got caught because I wasn’t fast enough, all it would’ve taken was a second and I wouldn’t be in this dump now.”

The zeltron shoved his keys back into his pocket and turned away from Matthew as they began to exit the station. Keeping his hands deep in the pockets of his black leather jacket as he listened to more of what the winged man had to said. Getting the idea that the mysterious individual is gonna wanna take him off world. Which would be rather odd for the teen since he’d never been off world before. Also talking about how they were apparently now Jackie’s legal guardian. “Legal what now? Listen pal, I ain’t responsible for nobody and nobody is responsible for me.” For him that’s how it’s been and how it’s always gonna be.

He listened more to what they had to say about court dates, discussing his behavior, and if he needed to take care of anything here. Confirming his suspension that his person sought to take him off world. “Well you haven’t even told me who you are or what you want. I’m just gonna go out on a limb and suspect you’re from some sort of church or something offering charity?” Jackie thought out loud. Trying to understand this stranger that was now claiming ownership over him.​

 

[Matthew of Valendale]

TAGS: Jackie Rosso
​

Matthew's cerulean blue eyes glinted behind the mask as he listened to Jackie's defiant words. The boy's bravado was expected, but Matthew could sense the underlying uncertainty, the fear of the unknown. With a slight tilt of his head, Matthew responded, his voice even and steady.

"I'm not here to control you, Jackie," Matthew began, his tone patient. "But understand this—your actions have consequences, and I'm here to ensure those consequences don't lead you down a darker path. You may think you're invincible, that no one can tie you down, but the galaxy is vast, and there are forces at play far beyond what you've encountered here."

He paused, letting his words sink in before continuing. "As for who I am, I'm not just someone passing through. I'm a protector, a guide, someone who has seen the depths of darkness and the heights of light. My interest in you is not charity, but a recognition of potential—a spark within you that, if nurtured, could grow into something much greater. Or, if left unchecked, could consume you entirely."

Matthew's wings rustled slightly as he took a step closer, his presence filling the space between them as he leaned own his wings arching and enveloping around the smaller closing him in between the walls of feathers. "You can think of this as an opportunity, Jackie. A chance to see beyond the smog-covered streets of Bonadan, to explore the galaxy, and perhaps, to find a purpose that goes beyond simply surviving."

His voice softened, though it still carried the weight of authority. "I won't force you to accept this, but know that I am offering you something far more valuable than an escape. The choice, however, is yours. Stay here and continue on the path you're on, or come with me and discover what lies beyond the horizon."

Matthew extended his hand, not as a demand, but as an offer. "Decide, Jackie. Your future is in your hands."

​

 

[Jackie Rosso]

Location: Bonadan
Tag: Matthew of Valendale

---

It sounded to Jackie like the man was telling him that he was just a big fish in a small pond. But he didn’t really understand the warning about going down a darker path. What did that even mean for him? That he was gonna turn into some sort of villain? However he still didn’t really like how vague they were being with him.

Before he got to really reply he noticed how their wings almost seemed to envelope him. Which had the teen tense up some with apprehension. All the while listening more to how the stranger seemed to speak about a more promising life away from Bonadan and likely the corporate sector as a whole.

As they offered their hand to Jackie he looked down at it and then back up to the masked stranger. “Sounds like a tall order on my part. I don’t know who you are, what you want or where you plan to take me.” Stranger danger was never really the biggest concern for Jackie, but still. So right now, Jackie didn’t take Matthew’s hand. “Just let me see my ride and make sure she’s okay. Then we can talk about my future or whatever…”​

 

[Matthew of Valendale]

TAGS: Jackie Rosso ​

Matthew gave a subtle nod, his large wings folding neatly behind him. "Alright," he said simply, gesturing for the youth to follow him. The pair made their way toward a docking bay, where Matthew's sleek yacht was stationed. As they approached, a few of the ship's crew greeted them with respectful bows before standing aside. The vessel itself gleamed under the soft bay lights, its hull designed to impress both in size and elegance.

Upon stepping inside, Matthew removed his mask and unfastened his cloak, his piercing cerulean blue eyes locking briefly onto the youth. The cool air inside the ship was laced with the faint scent of polished metal and leather, a hint of luxury in every breath.

"We're headed to one of the hangar bays," he informed the youth, his tone casual yet authoritative. He led the way through the ship's corridors, which were designed to stimulate the senses—smoothly polished walls, warm lighting that shifted subtly in color, and delicate mosaics that adorned the corners of the floor. It was a space meant to dazzle without overwhelming, carefully curated to reflect Matthew's penchant for detail.

After several long minutes, they stepped into a spacious lift. As it descended, the subtle hum of the machinery was the only sound, though it was a soothing presence. When the doors slid open, they entered the hangar—a cavernous space. Speeders of all shapes and sizes lined the bay, their sleek forms reflecting the overhead lighting. Rows of speeder bikes and smaller ships were arranged with military precision, each one carefully maintained.

At the far end of the hangar, near a row of more personal vehicles, Jackie's bike stood out. It was pristine, almost gleaming, as if freshly detailed. There was something oddly meticulous about its cleanliness. Dust and grime, which might have clung to other machines, seemed to have been carefully wiped away, leaving it immaculate.

Matthew glanced over at the bike, a slight smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth before turning to the youth. "Looks like someone's been busy."