An Unpleasant Shroud

[Garuga]

Twisted forces were rooted in all edges and seams of the world, the accursed beings who ensured that the temptations of diabolic nature were always that much sweeter than upholding what little of personal integrity there remained amongst societies. Whether working in their typical packs or convents, or as individuals, they were scum as well as the stars of the home that we all share. Geniuses sprung amongst their ranks, no matter how sickening their intents or motives, brilliance flashed from those much more naturally than those holding good will unfortunately.

This assignment was not one that many would seek for themselves. Indeed, horrors would be encountered, for that was what their duty was, remove the tainted roots, albeit if temporarily. It was certainly not a field trip suited for younger Padawans, but Bacilla was confident with Alec’s displayed maturity being over what his age of 16 suggested. That is, confident that he would not bail out on her or panic excessively when firm and sharp decisions are required to be made. As for his current capabilities in the force or with the saber, practical applications served much better practice than hours of sullen repetition. Of course, that too was essential to perform well, but the world was active, and so too therefore should be a Jedi’s progression. Bacilla would use the opportunity to teach, but Alec would also need to adapt and learn just as quickly.

It was the planet of Aleron that they were on now, the heavy mining industries had caused the widespread pollution of the place. The air was heavy, leaving a metallic dusty sensation within the mouth and nose everytime one had to inhale. Smog covered everything, from the faces of the unfortunate mine workers to everything that was constructed above the deserts that made up the planet. It was the reason most of the establishments were deep underground, entire cities hidden amongst the caverns and canyons of the otherwise near uninhabitable place.

If there was one thing an underground city was good for, it was to provide secrecy and isolation for those that wished for it. It was for that reason exactly Bacilla and Alec were there, certain tips and reports of shipping orders and such were indicating that there was certainly something other than the masses of harvesting plants operating underneath the planet.

It was time to get off their ship, and figure out what in the blazes was indeed being hidden.

 

[Pele]

The ship ride had been long, but it hadn't been bad which Alec had feared when the flight began. Though the ship was small he had never felt cramped or uncomfortable, which could be attributed to the fact that he had done trips like this in worse quarters before, but he still wished to see the inside of some of the huge flagship and see how they lived up there and have a room all to his own. He was able to occupy his time with mindless tasks, cleaning, eatings, sleeping, and when he had time he looked out over the expanse of the universe. It still amazed him as it had when he had first seen it, all the stars laying out across the sky. Passing the time he had tried to count the stars and see if he could perhaps try and place where he was, but looking out at the jumbled mess of them he had no idea.

He still had no clue where they were going but when the planet came into view he could tell that it seemed quite ugly. Not the vibrant green and blues he was accustomed to seeing, but instead it had an ugly brownish, greenish color. Once the ship got closer to the planet he could see why the planet had its ugly coloring, with the smog covering everything, it made it look quite terrible and he hoped that the surface was cleaner, but he held no high hopes as he made his way away from the window and put on his cloak.

As the ship descended he grabbed his training lightsaber and twirled it in his fingers, trying to keep the hilt moving constantly. Once or twice he had to stop and realign the hilt so that it didn't fall but the trip had taught him a new skill in which to take occupy his mind while he waited. He even thought of what it would be like to be a performer. Flipping, twisting, twirling, and all the thrills. It must be an easy life for them, enjoying life, flying around and performing daring acrobatics. The perfect dancers, he thought, thinking of his sister. She would have been a great performer. With that thought he stopped his twirling and dropped the training saber into his pocket and went to find his master.