Ask Felucia Jungle Sickness

[Xukas Mangle]

Mist hangs across fungal floors, moss glistening with a morning dampness that fills the air with a thick humidity. Heat rests upon the jungle like a wet blanket, challenging the lungs and and lashing at the body. Felucia is, overall, an uncomfortable climate for the looming beast that is first to exit from a landed Imperial shuttle. In the surrounding tropics, the call of whimsical wildlife, from birds to insects, drip into the moist air like jungle song. The landing pad itself is slick with sunlit dew, but Xukas navigates it with grace, nonetheless. His glowing eyes peer through thick, vibrant undergrowth as the brutish canine takes in the surroundings, a small clearing, a designated landing area for visiting ships. The closest to a space port that this particular part of the planet would get. The locals valued their harmony with the jungle, and this, Xukas could understand.

"Step lightly." A low, warning drawl as nostrils flare to take in surrounding scents. He sensed no danger, yet. "Despite their size, Jungle Rancors are quick, and deadly." Of course, they should know that well enough. Xukas had briefed the two others that accompanied him during the journey. They knew of their mission, their intentions on Felucia, and of the ruthless hunting tactics of the foe that they had been brought to face, a pack hunting species of reptilian predator that seemed unusually eager to tear through local farmers, as of late. Ears twitch as the Shistavanen draws in the surrounding sounds of the jungle, and it's clear enough that he's alert and prepared for any attack that may come. "Be polite to the villagers. Represent the Sith well. Do not get devoured by the beasts." He steps off the landing platform and into the cobbled pathway that lead through the towering trees. "The village is about a half mile down the path." And considering that this particular road was commonly used as a means of transporting the local crop onto supply freighters for exportation, Xukas is confident that it will be well maintained, and perhaps even guarded.
@LadyRen @Sicadorito

 

[Cheriss Ktrame]

The rush of humidity that entered the ship when the boarding ramp lowered instantly reminded Cheriss of Corellia. It, too, was partially covered in jungle, yet the air here tasted far cleaner than that of her home planet. It made sense. The native Felucians were conservationists, opposed to the industrialists of Corellia, and she found herself already taking a liking to this place before she’d even gotten off the ship. Although, perhaps that sentiment wouldn’t last long, given what they were here to do.

“Hm. Sounds like fun,” Cheriss said with a wry smile at Xukas’ warning as she came to a stop on the ground next to him. The rest of his instructions were straightforward and simple, and she nodded once he finished. “Noted.” She certainly wouldn’t want to end up as dinner for the rancors, so there would be no problem following that last part. As for the villagers, as long as they didn’t get in the way, she had no reason to quarrel.

“Make sure to stay close. We won’t be running around trying to find you if you get lost,” she told Nova as she met the acolyte’s gaze. Once she got the girl’s confirmation that she understood, Cheriss would look back at Xukas and give him a nod.

“Ready to go when you are.”

@LadyRen @Nevermourn

 

[Nova Trent]

Felucia. Felucia was as different from the parts she had seen of Corellia as possible, but even though Nova hated every last bit of Coronet City and what had happened there, she wasn't so sure about liking this humid, jungle like place either. There journey wasn't very long, but while Nova had partly grown used to Cheriss in the meantime, Xuxas, or rather Mangle, as he preferred to be called, was still a stranger to her and so her misstrust ran deep.

When Mangle brought the ship to an halt, the acolyte's eyes scanned the surroundings suspiciously. She wasn't so sure about what to expect and whether attending this mission was right for her. She knew why they had to deal with those..beasts but normally Nova wouldn't care to help a bunch of villagers. However, the prospect of doing something helpful in the eyes of the Sith was promising, as Nova was still striving to be promoted into the rank of a Champion as fast as possible.

When the Shistavanen explained how they were suppose to behave again, Nova nodded curtly but couldn't suppress a rolling of the eyes. She felt like she and Cheriss had received enough information already and that Mangle didn't need to instruct them to be careful yet another time. Everything he repeated was obvious and so Nova was starting to question his intentions. She was already starting to become a little pissed, but then Cheriss comment made her even angrier. "You won't have to", she growled silently ash she rose from her seat and stepped forward. "Yes, let's get it over with", she then added with a sigh, trying to force herself into a better mood somehow.

@Sicadorito @Nevermourn

 

[Xukas Mangle]

An ear twitches toward Cheriss, as he catches the thin presence of the smile that presses across her lips. Xukas knows little about her, as this was their first real interaction. She, at least, seemed interested in insuring the stability of Felucia's crop export. The healing properties of Nysillin were irrefutable, and entirely valuable. Far too much to allow for it's destruction. He blinks at her, crimson eyes flashing with appreciation for the other Champion's willingness to press on, and Xukas can feel the wet moss between cobbled stone that tickles the pads of his clawed feet, as his piercing gaze shifts like fiery shards of glistening ruby toward the Acolyte.

He could sense anger. Frustration, perhaps. Could hear the exhale of her drawn sigh as it tickled into his sensitive ears. The wolf's features are entirely stoic, because he's not going to entertain some Acolyte's temper tantrum. She would keep up. She would do as she was told. Or she would face the consequences for her failure. The same could be said for all of them, really. But Xukas had no intentions of letting this mission result in a failure. The price would be far too high.

He grunts, turns away without a word, and sets his broad paws down the wet path, where droplets of dew scatter across the dark fur of his skull as the water slips from overhanging trees and ferns. The song of birds and insects floods his mind, the heat of the humid air pricking at the skin beneath his furred frame. The shadow of a manta that flies lazily overhead falls across the group as they make their trek toward the village.

"A question for the two of you. It is of curiosity alone. Will you indulge?" The deep, graveled vocals of the Sith slither roughly into the peaceful jungle air that dances around them. Though he spoke with a relaxed tone toward his companions, the Shistavanen was most assuredly alert of their surroundings. His nose twitched with the scents upon the breeze. His ears flicked like triangular radars. And the force itself stretched well beyond his physical form, as the wolf senses the tropical world that surrounds them. "What are your future aspirations, hmm? What goals have you, what drives you to be as you are, as Sith?" It's clear enough that he's trying to get a better feel for the both of them. Xukas was, by his very nature, a curious creature. And what was the harm in learning more about his two allies, during their walk to the village?

@LadyRen @Sicadorito

 

[Cheriss Ktrame]

Cheriss gave Nova a warning look after hearing her grumbling, though she chose not to give the acolyte a verbal response. The mission would succeed with or without her, and if the acolyte refused to listen, then she would deal with the consequences herself. However harsh those would be she didn’t know, but she was sure of one thing: Sith were not as forgiving as the Jedi.

With a light frown on her face, she turned and followed behind Xukas as he started in the direction of the village. As she walked, she couldn’t help feeling a little bit relieved that the majority of what she was wearing was waterproof. It would have been mightily uncomfortable if that hadn’t been the case.

At Xukas’ first question, Cheriss looked in his direction in mild surprise. While she was a curious being at heart, she normally put it aside on missions and assignments to retain an air of professionalism. But seeing as the mission hadn’t technically started yet…

“Depends on what it is.” She smiled, a real one this time. She listened to his following question and nodded once to herself, looking forward again. That one was easy.

“To serve the Empire,” she replied simply. Of course, there was more to it, but she had no intention of revealing everything all at once. As for Nova, she was curious as to what the acolyte had to say. The younger woman had told her plenty back in the cantina, but she was interested in learning more. Who knew, maybe it would end up being helpful for the mission.

@LadyRen @Nevermourn

 

[Nova Trent]

Nova felt her anger levels rise, but with a few deep breaths she soon managed to calm down. She didn't know Cheriss for a long time and she was still grateful that the champion took her in for now and so she decided that she had to behave accordingly. She swallowed her pride and her anger and reminded herself of the necessity of this task. It was not just about helping villagers but helping the Empire by ensuring the crops supply.

She followed the two champions outside, setting her first foot into the swampy soil, immediately realizing that Coronet City offered at least something pleasant: Appropriate, hardened ground. Here, she needed to step carefully, planting every step rather slowly, ensuring that the damp soil would not flood her boots. She had to acknowledge that her own equipment was not the best fit for this jungle-like surroundings, but it would suffice for now.

Still a little reluctant, she matched their pace, walking just right behind Cheriss, setting every foot inside her footprints, because it was simply easier. The acolyte was a little tense, as she had never been in such a biome before and she couldn't yet calculate the risks appropriately. She had never encountered a Jungle Rancor before and she wasn't so sure about what to expect, but she tried to remain positive. She was not afraid at all, but rather not amused by the whole situation.

When the giant wolf addressed them, asking a rather intimate, at first glance even strange question, the acolyte raised an eyebrow, ignoring Cheriss' warning glare. Why did he want to know something like that? Was this his interpretation of small talk? Or was it merely a test of loyalty? She kept herself from scoffing when Cheriss seemed to answer his question solemnly.

So...it wasn't a joke. He seriously wanted to know their aspirations. Nova tilted her head to the side while she followed their trail, listening to Cheriss' scare answer. "I agree. It's basically the same for me. I want to rise through the ranks, serving our Empress. I fully support what she is doing", she declared honestly. It was true for Nova. She was born into the Sith' way of life, she had internalized their doctrines and she followed them willingly. "What about you, Mangle?", she addressed the Shistavanen directly, her own curiosity piped.

@Sicadorito @Nevermourn

 

[Xukas Mangle]

Cheriss responds, and Xukas listens, his large ears angled back to snag the voice that was ushered forth upon the humid breeze. To serve the Empire. A simple enough response, and one the wolf could relate to. Xukas does not respond, however. His maw remains clamped firmly shut, as he awaits the Acolyte's response. She speaks with a bit more detail, not merely a simple phrase, but just the same in terms of intent.

Two loyal hearts, but that made sense, did it not? If they did not care for the Empire stability, they would not have accompanied him here, to Felucia.

"Hmm." A rumbling drawl, a thoughtful response, budding upon the canine's dark lips. "Pruzah kos mir. It is good to be loyal." Xukas speaks in his graveled tone, fanged maw flashing it's razored gums with every thunderous word, even as he slips into the tongue of his own people, the Shistavanen. But the Acolyte had addressed him in turn, her own curiosity driving an inquiry from her mouth. Xukas shifts his long muzzle to peer at her idly, before he answers, "The same." He rumbles simply in response, and he is honest with his words. It would seem all three shared similar aspirations.

He stops suddenly then, muzzle twitching as he scents the air, ears alerted by... something. Movement in the jungle to the right of their path. Xukas peers into the misty shadows with narrowed eyes that pierce the dark, and the force stretches out like curious tendrils, probing at the creature. In a flash of brightly colored feathers, it darts from the depths of the thick undergrowth, sweeping quickly past before rising into the clouded sky above. Nothing more than a large Felucian bird. But Xukas knows that it pays to remain alert, when there are packs of jungle rancors in the area.

He snorts, and makes his way along the path once more. He's fairly certain that through the towering trees ahead, he can see the sunny clearing that housed their little farming village.

@Sicadorito @LadyRen

 

[Cheriss Ktrame]

Cheriss angled her head in Nova’s direction as the acolyte responded, taking in what she had to say. Her response had been similar to her own, and Cheriss could respect that. At least she knew what she was fighting for. The same went for Xukas, and his statement, while simple, was a great truth. There was not enough loyalty to go around in the galaxy.

When Xukas stopped suddenly, Cheriss’ hand went instantly to her lightsaber hilt, hidden in the inner pocket of her jacket as usual. She soon saw, or sensed, whichever had come first, what had caused the abrupt stop. A bird, with feathers flashing colors more vibrant than any city light. Seeing that it was that and nothing more, she relaxed her arm and let it fall back to her side, lightly tossing back a couple strands of hair that had come loose. There was nothing to worry about— at least not yet.

Soon, Cheriss was able to make the village out between the trees. She was pleased to know that they were almost there, yet a little apprehensive. She had never met a Felucian before, and while they seemed like friendly folk from what she’d heard, her own experience with beings of any species told her that there were always two sides to the same coin. Though, the Sith were here to help them, so perhaps this time would be different.

However they would turn out, they were already here, and there was no going back.

@LadyRen @Nevermourn

 

[Nova Trent]

Nova followed the two Champions, still focused on their surroundings. The fauna here was nothing like anything she had seen before. Strange, sometimes even giant plants covered most of the damp, vibrantly colored surface. A whole bunch of foreign sounds was to be perceived, making it difficult to tell each different sound apart from the next.

She heard humming and whirring, clicking and scratching and the surroundings felt heavy with movement. Little creatures seemed to crawl everywhere but until they encountered the giant feathered creature, they didn't meet anything big enough to pose an actual threat so far. While she waited for Magles answer, she tried to anticipate his response, assuming that he would give them another far-reaching, detailed account of his motifs, but to the acolyte's suprise, he kept it rather short.

Well...this could turn out to be a looong, long journey with two such talkative, social companions, she thought bitterly.

They soon approached the village and she could start to sense the Felucians' nervousity with every step they took. Whatever had befallen the Jungle Rancors, it really seemed to trouble the folk and so the problem had to be dealt with fast. By the time they had reached the outer border of the smaller village, she could feel that the swampy soil had indeed already managed to sink into her boots, but she tried her best not to kept anyone notice her disgust. She knew what was at stake. They were representing the Sith right now and so they should try to do their best.

@Sicadorito @Nevermourn

 

[Xukas Mangle]

When they broke through the trees, the sun was dazzling. Rows of nysillin crop lined vibrant fields, and beyond that, the homes of the farmers, and their various tools scattered about. Xukas can see the signs of a looming threat, however. There were scars in the field, where herbs had been ripped from their soil. There were farming tools lined along makeshift barricades like weapons. These were a people living in fear with creatures that they normally lived side by side with in harmony. It was an odd thing, to drive the jungle rancors to violence. The wolf can see why they suspect illness.

His paws stride between fence-lines as they break through the strip of jungle, and into the grassy farming village beyond. They're already being approached, because even Felucian trees were not tall enough to conceal the arrival of an Imperial shuttle. There are onlookers, standing at a distance, gawking with long necked glares, suspicion and concern like embers that crackle through the humid atmosphere, threatening a ruthless blaze if they are stoked.

The man who approaches them is a short thing, with his long neck and worm-like features, beady eyes of red that seemed to hold some semblance of authority. He can see why, this man looked older than the rest, even in his dirtied farming clothes. Alas, these were not the colorful and mysterious Jungle Felucians that captured tales of wonder beyond the planet. These were simply farmers, helpless against the rancors that had suddenly turned upon them.

Xukas stops walking, and the older Felucian only closes a bit of the distance before he stops a few feet away. There is clear uncertainty within his dark eyes, and the Shistavanen can't help but notice the wary glances stolen at his fanged maw, and razor-like talons. He imagines he must look quite similar to the monsters that plague their farms, looming and armed with natural weaponry, but draped in fur instead of scales. He was no wild beast, though, and he wouldn't act like one. Xukas would avoid frightening their hosts. He was, after all, there to help, and he hopes his two Sith companions understand that well.

"You're the ones that are here to help with the rancors?" Nervous curiosity, the wolf notes.

"We are. I am Xukas. The other two are allies." He would let them introduce themselves if they so desired, before leaping into the meat of their purpose on the jungle world. "We will handle these rancors, and insure this village, and those beyond, are safe." The Sith speaks with diplomacy, because he knows well enough that the nysillin crop is the real reason they are here. If the rancors are growing more aggressive, and destroying Felucia's most precious import, then the Empire would suffer for it.

The older farmer offers a gesture that indicates the group should follow, before he turns on his heels to walk toward the village, and the many eyes that cautiously waited there.

"The Jungle Rancors aren't typically like this." The Felucian speaks as they walk, "In fact, this particular herd has been on this land for generations without any real problems. They made their den in a cave system to the West, but it collapsed during a heavy storm about a month ago. That's around the time they started their attacks. We thought they were just upset about the loss of their den! But then we found one dead not too far from the village, torn apart by scavengers, but nothing to indicate it had been hunted. I think they're sick." Xukas listens to the man with ears pricked, as they walk side by side up the path.

"Oh, my name is Lazzis, by the way." The Felucian offers with a polite dip of his head.

@Sicadorito @LadyRen

 

[Cheriss Ktrame]

The village appeared tranquil and tranquil when the Sith first approached, but it didn’t take long for Cheriss to notice the signs that not all was well here. There were makeshift barricades that shouldn’t have been there, and obvious markings in the ground where nysillin should have been growing. If this went on, there would be even less of the crop, and less profit for the Empire. And that was something they couldn’t have.

Cheriss stopped next to Xukas when the Felucians approached them. She could sense their relief, mingled with fear and curiosity as they laid eyes on the three members of the group. For some, or perhaps many, it would be their first time meeting Sith.

She kept her eyes on the older Felucian as he spoke, acknowledging his question with a nod as Xukas responded.

“Cheriss,” she introduced herself to the man after Xukas did, and then let him continue with what he was saying. He was polite in the way he did it, and she was glad that it seemed to get the Felucian to tell them a bit more about their mission. Her interest was piqued when he mentioned the possible sickness of the rancors.

“Lazzis," she began, "do you have an idea where the sickness could have come from? Contaminated food, maybe, or a mutant virus?” She was thinking about her time on Deysum with the Infected, and it hadn’t been pretty. “If there is a source, we can try to eliminate it.”

@LadyRen @Nevermourn

 

[Nova Trent]

Nova studied the scenery of the village carefully. After all, she was still a very misstrusting person and since she could think about a thing or two with which those villagers could either betray or abuse them herself, she considered it as a possibility. Felicia was-just like this village- loyal to the Sith Empire but in the end you could never be truly sure.

While Xuxas was the first one to answer the short, meager man who had just welcomed them. "Nova" she replied curtly as a mean of introducing herself but she then continue to study the man with a hint of misstrust. She could sense his nervousity and the fear that ran deep in his veins, but she knew that those feelings could also be deceptive, which was why she maintained her professional distance.

She listened to the conversation attentively, trying to remember every single detail while her gaze was wandering across the fields. It was not hard to tell that this village was being attacked but from what she had already heard about Jungle Rancors, this all seemed rather atypical. She therefore nodded when Cheriss explained her suspicion by asking the man for further details. Cheriss was right. There was no doubt about it. If a species suddenly decided to change its behavior, there had to be a reason behind it. And Nova was eager to find out what that could be.

@Sicadorito @Nevermourn

 

[Xukas Mangle]

The wolf tilts his head at the words of Cheriss, who had uttered a good question into the ears of their reptilian, jungle hosts. Eyes of crimson flicker like bloodied flames back toward Lazzis, as their feet carry the group ever closer to the awaiting villagers that huddled outside of their homes with nervous breath.

"We're not sure about a source, really. We can't risk traveling into the jungle to look, they'd attack us! I know where their old den is, and that might be the best place to start looking, but I'm not going into the jungle while those rancors are rampaging about the place!" The old Felucian's vocals rise with a note of fear, as beady eyes of dark, muddied hue peer anxiously around the fields, as if simply speaking of the rancors would be enough to draw them into a frenzied assault on the farming village. Xukas can sense the weakness of this place, and it's people. Hardy as they might be to the Felucian elements, they were not soldiers.

"You know the jungle far better than I, or my companions. And you'll have three trained Sith as protection from the beasts." Xukas reasons boldly. Lazzis still appears uncertain, though. Fearful.

@Sicadorito @LadyRen

 

[Cheriss Ktrame]

Cheriss could understand the Felucian’s sentiment. These men were farmers, not warriors, and where they would have been going she was certain they wouldn’t have lasted a minute if they tried. That was why the Sith were here, after all. Although, some additional information would have been helpful.

“Xukas speaks the truth. We will do everything we can to keep you safe.” She nodded at her companion’s words. Lassiz still appeared uncertain, but in her eyes there was no reason for it now. He would merely be their guide and would likely not be involved in direct combat if the situation came to it. Even so, three Sith were probably more than enough security for one man. But perhaps it wasn’t the rancors… and it was the prospect of being alone with Sith. That she was used to, and there was nothing they could do about that as far as she knew.


“By the way, I must add: The sooner we get back, the sooner your life will go back to normal. It’s what we all want. With your help, we’ll be able to make much more progress, and you won’t have to worry about your safety. What do you say?”

@LadyRen @Nevermourn

 

[Nova Trent]

Nova had listened to the man attentively, trying to think about reasons behind all that was seemingly going on here on Felucia. The whole story seemed not only suspicious but truly odd. Animals didn't usually change their behavior from one day to the other. The thing what Cheriss mentioned seemed logical though. A sickness could have infected them, but the three Sith should rather find the source or different reasons behind it any time soon.

The man, Lassiz, still seemed uncertain and afraid, if not even intimidated. Of course, jungle rancors could easily threaten the commoners, but the man also seemed to be cautious because of them. Nova wondered, whether most of the village folk could actually trust them or whether they'd be more intimidated by the presence of the Sith. But since Nova couldn't actually care less, she didn't bother to ask. She was simply trying to concentrate on the mission.

"Yeah, totally. Cheriss us right. It would not only save us them but we can guarantee your safety", she added as softly as she could, hoping that the man could actually be convinced without having anyone use the Force to manipulate him. She shot the man a look, trying to keep her usual hate hidden.

@Nevermourn @Sicadorito

 

[Xukas Mangle]

The wolf is grateful as his two allies speak up to affirm his assurances. An ear flicks back to hear the words of both Cheriss and Nova. The Acolyte had been quiet thus far, but at the very least, she seemed to realize that the old Felucian needed some convincing. With the confidence of all three Sith, Lazzis seemed to contemplate what was being said with a bit less uncertainty. They were at the edge of the village now, the wary looks of other farmers intense upon the group's mismatched forms. Xukas pays them little mind, as their guide finally speaks once more with a drawn out sigh of what appeared to be acceptance.

"I do want things to go back to normal." Lazzis admits quietly, dark eyes searching the faces of the other Felucians that gazed upon each of them. "Very well, I will guide you to their old den. But if the rancors are there... don't expect me to be much help! Let me tell the others. Please, wait for me." The Felucian requests with a pause, before he makes his way into the small farming village to inform the rest of the farmers of what had been decided. Xukas turns to peer back at his two companions, shining eyes glowing with a scarlet intensity.

"Nicely done. I wonder... what do the two of you think of this so far, hm? Do either of you have experience with curing sickness?" Xukas himself was no healer, but they were surrounded by nysillin crop, and at the very least, he's certain the farmers have a basic understanding of how to utilize it in local medicine. "If it is some sort of contaminated food source, perhaps we need only have to remove it, but it is my understanding that viruses can also mutate rather quickly in different environments." His last address seemed to be toward Cheriss, who had been the one to bring up such possibilities.

---

@Sicadorito @LadyRen

 

[Cheriss Ktrame]

When Nova joined in to reassure Lazzis, Cheriss was glad for her support. Now was a good time to put their differences aside and focus on the task at hand. Fortunately, the Felucian seemed to feel the same way, and finally relented and seemed willing to help them.

She gave him a nod in thanks as he spoke, and when he left to tell the other farmers, she turned back to Xukas and Nova as the former asked about how they felt so far.

“I’m glad we have a guide,” she responded with a slight smile. There wasn’t much more she could realistically ask from the farmers, and having someone to show them the way to the rancors was already better than traipsing through the jungle themselves. The second question he asked caused her gaze to darken for a moment.

“You could say I have a little. But there are some diseases where the cure is impossible to find.” She gazed into the forest. Would that be the case of the rancors?

She looked back at the others as soon as the next would speak, and she nodded at Xukas’ last statement.

“I’m no expert in disease, but that’s what I figure as well. We can only hope it’ll be that easy.”

@LadyRen @Nevermourn

 

[Nova Trent]

Fortunately the farmer, Lazzis did decide to help them and Nova forced herself to a warm smile to signal the farmer her gratitude. Though, she hoped that he would be much of an help after all. Of course he knew where the rancors' den was, but this didn't necessarily mean that it would be helpful.

When the Sith were alone again, an unintentional yawn escaped her lips. Nova felt like she could use some action after all. She wondered whether the problem could also be solved by simply killing the rancors of they wouldn't find the source of their changed behavior. The other two started discussing while Nova let her gaze wander across the nysillin fields, before she looked back at the two champions. "Yeah, well...same. I'm not an expert myself and I hope that we found out what has befallen them as quickly as possible. I also wonder whether this whole thing has a natural cause or whether it was not just coincidence" , she replied darkly, hinting at possible further issues. Of course it was no secret the the crops were useful for the Empire, so they should keep in mind that this whole rancor incident could have also been manipulated...

@Sicadorito @Nevermourn