Ask Ripples in the Sand

[Jin Vaisra]

Getting into contact with the Senator of Onderon was not hard. Following the last Senate assembly, Jin had reached out to him personally with the offer of accompanying him on a refugee mission to the Outer Rim. The Free Worlds and the New Republic had been lackluster in their efforts to curb the AMS pandemic, even with the release of the vaccine, but today was a chance for both sides to showcase their capacity for generosity and foreign aid. Senator Vaisra had a reputation to maintain, after all, and he had a distinct feeling Senator Graves would agree.

They were politicians. It only made sense.

Already onboard his flagship, the Preserver, Jin waited on the bridge, staring out through the viewport windows as the ship’s crew made final preparations to depart Fondor. Instead of choosing to greet Cassian outside by the loading ramp, he chose to have the senator come to him, partly due to sheer laziness, but also to flex his own authority. He had a deep respect when it came to members of the Republic or the Consortium, but the Alliance? Beyond the Prime Minister, Jin barely thought them worth his time.

Only reason he chose to meet with Senator Graves, really, was to give the media the idea that the Republic and the Free Worlds remained friends, and were open to ‘compromise’ and ‘cooperation,’ two words Jin thoroughly despised, but today, would have to learn.

Behind him, the lift to the bridge swept open, and out came the senator, accompanied by his own security detail. Jin gave the man a short bow. “Senator Graves, welcome aboard the Preserver. It’s a pleasure to have you. I have to admit, it’s been a while since I’ve seen a member of the Free Worlds Alliance step beyond the comfort of their own homeworld. Has Fondor’s climate been treating you well? Not too cold, I hope?” A thin smile crossed on his lips. Jin could not help but taunt the man, no matter how delicate the political situation was.

@llamallove

 

[Cassian Graves]

"Senator Vaisra," Cassian greeted in turn, returning the senator's ceremonious bow with one of his own.

Not unlike this whole arrangement, the gesture was nothing more than show. Superficial curtesy at its best. Each man was a pawns, better yet— a player. Players in one another's political performance, and this the opening act of their mutual production.

Neither player deceived themselves, placating their larger than life egos by imagining otherwise. It was quite clear that Jin Vaisra did not respect Cassian Graves any more than Cassian Graves respected Jin Vaisra. On that, at least, they could agree.

The Zeltron had already taken a disliking to the politician playing opposite of him, but there was an uncanny intelligence behind his charcoal eyes. Undeniably shrewd and calculating. His thin smile reminded Cassian of an Amani he had once met, slimy and cold. In impolite company he might have been called a sleemo. The biggest difference between the two? The Amani was taller.

Cassian flashed the senator a smile, leaning against his walking stick. "The weather has been lovely. Thank you for your concern. In fact, I had not noticed a chill in the air until now."

His blue eyes swept over the bridge. "I couldn't help but admire the craftmanship of the Preserver on my way in. It is a beautiful ship. Truly remarkable. I must admit I'm surprised to find that the New Republic is able to maintain such a ship or, frankly, any ship for that matter after..." He shrugged, his lips curling into a catty expression. "Well, I suppose it doesn't matter."

In a more friendly tone he would ask, "So tell me honestly, Senator Vaisra. Just out of curiosity, did you invite me yourself or were you just following orders?"

Again.

@Song​

 

[Jin Vaisra]

Senator Vaisra smiled, restraining the urge to order one of his guards to escort Cassian to the cargo bay for ejection. The man had a much sharper wit than Jin remembered, maybe even on par with Chancellor Ro, but he wouldn’t lose to the likes of a Free Worlds senator, especially from Onderon. In fact, he welcomed the challenge.

“Thank you for your kind words, Senator Graves. Fortunately, this ship was constructed by Fondor, for Fondor. But I understand if you could not recognize the small differences in craftsmanship. I know Onderon is not well acquainted with the subject.” Jin clasped his hands together, feeling his pride swell at the senator’s expense. “Not to worry, though. We can discuss topics you are most familiar with, if you’d like. The AMS pandemic, perhaps?”

Jin knew he’d gone a little too far with that one, but frankly he didn’t care. His relationship with Senator Graves had already deteriorated after his party, and there was no point in hiding behind a mask of compassion. At least here, in the small privacy of the bridge, they could be their true selves.

Jin laughed, shaking his head. “But to answer your question, Senator Graves—no, I’m not following orders. Unlike the tabloids might have you believe, I’m not the Chancellor’s lapdog. Whatever I do, it is done for Fondor. And right now, that involves meeting with you.” He turned back to the viewport windows. “Don’t get me wrong. I have no interest in making a deal with Onderon. I doubt you could even offer me anything worthwhile.”

He glanced over his shoulder. “But I think we both understand images matter. When it comes to pandemic relief, the Consortium is running around the both of us in circles. I want to change that. I figured a man like you might be interested in joining me—you know, for media’s sake. However, if you’re not interested, you are more than welcome to turn around and head back to your adorable apartment on Onderon.”

@llamallove

 

[Cassian Graves]

"Forgive me," Cassian replied, no real sincerity in his words. "After a lifetime of taking orders, I just assumed you would have grown accustomed to it... First the Jade Queen, now the Supreme Chancellor." A smile spread spread across his lips at the barbed comment. "Well, you understand."

The Senator of Fondor's own belittling comments and egotistical demeanor made it only too easy to retaliate. "Personally, I hate the idea of taking orders. Jumping every time someone snaps their fingers, falling in step behind them. Always... in their shadow." He pursed his lips and shook his head, but the twinkle in his blue eyes betrayed the carefully constructed face of sympathy. He hoped that his last words in particular would sting.

"I had enough of that in the Royal Guard, but I applaud you for your fortitude, Jin Vaisra. A proud man might have longed for an identity of his own, but I can see that you are a humble man." Humble was not the word Cassian actually wanted to use. Submissive. Subservient. Weak. These were the words implied but not spoken.

Leaning against his staff, the Zeltron turned to cast another sweeping glance over the bridge of the Preserver. "But you're right. I know very little when it comes to the craftmanship of Fondor. This vessel is quite nice, but I would be lying if I said I did not prefer the style of the Mon Calamari. Theirs is a timeless design."

His gaze returned to the Senator of Fondor, shining but cold. "I have no intention of leaving a job half finished. That's the Chancellor's move, isn't it?" He did not need to elaborate for both of them to understand he spoke of Denon.

The Zeltron stepped toward Vaisra and smiled over at him. "So lead the way. That ought to be a nice change for you."

@Song

 

[Jin Vaisra]

The corner of his lip twitched. Senator Graves had nothing but the audacity, and his relentless attacks had eroded Jin’s patience into a wall of ice. His little ‘shadow’ comment didn’t help either, and only reminded him of his years back in the Palace of a Thousand Stars, when he was passed between tutors like a bottle of wine, living as a member of royalty but never with the power or privileges that came with it. That life had been full of disappointment. Just like this meeting.

“I’ll gladly lead the way, Senator Graves, but be sure not to fall behind—just as Onderon has with the rest of the galaxy.” He left it at that. Cassian had unleashed a flurry of attacks on him and Jin was in no mood to reply to every single one, partially out of laziness, and half because he didn’t even know what to say. I’ll give you this battle, he thought, but don’t think that you’ve won the war. Jin folded his arms over his chest just before the frigate’s captain came up behind them.

“The Preserver is ready for takeoff, sir,” he said. Senator Vaisra didn’t bother voicing his approval. He only nodded and, soon enough, the whole ship was detaching from the dockyards, crew mates buzzing around the bridge. In minutes, they were already soaring up the planet’s atmosphere, through a cloud-studded sky and into the cold void of space. Around them, Fondor’s hundreds of shipyards orbited the planet. “My homeworld has been toiling day and night in the construction of our fleet. Can you say the same for yours?”

As the frigate drifted by the line of construction satellites, Jin waved a hand to the ship’s captain, motioning them for the jump to hyperspace. “Tell me, Senator, are you familiar with Klatooine?” He despised smalltalk like this, but he knew Cassian had little idea of the voyage they were about to embark upon, besides the fact they would be administering medical aid to a pandemic-stricken world.

@llamallove

 

[Cassian Graves]

The Zeltron could tell he had struck a nerve, and he couldn't have been more pleased with himself if he tried. He observed Vaisra with interest, mirth whirling across his blue eyes as the Fondorian crossed his arms. This elicited a smile. "Oh, I do hope the cold isn't getting to you now." His words dripped with false concern, and he shook his head with practiced commiseration. "I'm more than happy to lend you my suit jacket should you have need of it."

Cassian chuckled inside himself. The suit would be ruined after that, tainted by Vaisra's stench and slime. It would be good for nothing but to be thrown into the garbage, but that was no matter. The taxpayers of Onderon ensured that he never wanted for anything. Anything material, that is.

For a brief moment, the Zeltron hesitated, wondering if he had gone too far— been too hard on the Fondorian. His gaze flickered to the man beside him, his doubts put to rest after only one glance. No, Vaisra had started this. Surely he was man enough to finish it.

Fondor shrunk from view as the Preserver ascended toward space. Cassian's attention shifted toward the large viewport of the bridge, and he sucked in a deep breath. Countless orbital shipyards hovered above the planet, each as impressive as the last. There was nothing like this on Onderon, that Cassian could not deny. That was something he was hoping to change. His skin bristled beneath his clothing at the Fondorian's comment, but Cassian chose to remain silent.

As the ship jumped to hyperspace and the conversation shifted, the Zeltron was more inclined to speak. "Klatooine," he repeated, flashing Vaisra a playful smile. "A desert. Home to the paddy frog, isn't it? A favorite of yours?"

@Song

 

[Jin Vaisra]

“A favored delicacy, more like it. Not like on Onderon, where the frogs eat you.” Jin snorted a laugh. Predators lurked the jungles frequently and were known to pick off whole settlements on a whim. There was a reason Graves’ apartment lay in the comfort of the capital, behind towering walls of limestone and steel. “But you’re right. Klatooine’s an ugly world. Uglier than both of ours, I’d say, but in desperate need of help. The pandemic has ravaged the planet for years, which is why we’re heading there to save them.”

Jin liked to paint the operation as some major liberation effort, and while it was, the only reason he did it was in order to curry favor with the Outer Rim and uphold his sterling public image. Cassian, no doubt, had the same thought in mind.

“This frigate is packed with hundreds, if not thousands, of vaccines and medical equipment. In a week, we could bring the planet’s infection rate from twenty percent to zero. Doesn’t that sound nice? ‘Senators Vaisra and Graves save a planet,’ splashed across the HoloNet. I know your public image could use some serious work after all those rumors of nepotism between you and your darling princess. As could mine.” He folded his arms, watching the blur of stars as they crossed through the Colonies and toward the edge of Free Worlds territory.

“I hope that satisfies your curiosity, Graves. We should be making landfall within a week. Feel free to catch some sleep, tour the ship, or meet with the men and women you’ll be working alongside soon. If you have anymore questions, though, you should find me in the captain’s cabin.” Jin smirked. It was a small flex, just to remind the senator who was in charge here, but it was also an invitation. He was a bastard, that was for certain, though it was often in jest. Mostly.

@llamallove

 

[Cassian Graves]

Cassian actually found the New Republic Senator's quip amusing. The Zetron chuckled, a little surprised by the sound of his own laugh. "Well, dosh. There go my plans to take you camping on Onderon," he replied, a wide grin displayed across his face. "It's probably for the best. You don't strike me as the outdoorsy type." Cassian's blue eyes ran the length of the senator's suit before meeting his charcoal eyes again. "Or the type that likes to get his hands dirty."

A certain conversation replayed in the Zeltron's mind, of two senators 'plagued with scandal.' Vaisra wasn't opposed to all dirt, perhaps only that which could not benefit him. Cassian understood that.

Vaisra's next words pulled the Free Worlds Senator from his thoughts, spurring a reply. "What a wonderful sentiment."He shared a sly, understanding smile with Vaisra. The two men were more alike than either of them would have liked to admit. "And think of all the lives we could save, too."

The eight words 'We should be making landfall within a week' were expected but nonetheless unwelcome. Cassian despised space travel, hated the sense of confinement and boredom that always followed. Starships were cold and lifeless, even one as impressive as The Preserver.

At least aboard The Preserver the Zeltron would never run out of hallways to wander, and who knows? Before the week was over Cassian might even get bored enough to take Vaisra up on his offer and seek out the captain's cabin. Maybe.

"Thank you, Vaisra. I'm sure I'll settle in just fine," he lied but determined to make the best of it. He wouldn't give Vaisra the satisfaction, not when Cassian already dreaded the impending conversation about defense contracts that he would have to broach at some point.

@Song

 

[Jin Vaisra]

Klatooine. A barren wasteland with more dunes than people. Jin had probably seen more green on the metal husk that was the Preserver than he did here, even in the planet’s capital city, Yebrena. At least what the world lacked in greenery and cool weather, it made up for in a rich culture and spices. Distinctly he could smell smoked paprika and cinnamon, as well as the food wafting in from the city bazaar, enough to make his stomach growl. The trip through the Outer Rim had been rather uneventful, and peppered with the most shit cafeteria food he’d ever had.

He expected that would change soon, though.

Jin did not wear the royal regalia and blue sash favored by Queen Leyti but instead the gray drab coat that was standard-issue for most Republic soldiers. He didn’t want to give the appearance of a egotistical politician—which he exactly was—but a humble and generous man. If he hoped to gain any real foothold on the planet, he’d need these miserable people to worship the ground he walked, and while ending their little pandemic would help, he needed to charm them, too.

Which was why Jin chose for him and Senator Graves to make a procession through the city, in a convoy of white speeder carriages, bracketed by guards and gathering crowds. In the open-air speeder, Jin smiled and waved to them like a prince would. The people would respond in kind with cheers and applause, crying, “Blessings to Fondor!” or, “We love you, Cassian!” He figured the other man seated beside him was eating that up, but he didn’t mind.

Jin leaned over to Cassian and smiled. “Just to let you know, I think there’s something in between your teeth.”

Well, he mostly didn’t mind. Just because they’d both come to Klatooine to share in the glory did not mean he’d pass up the opportunity to continue roasting the other senator. He enjoyed their little talks.

Whether or not Cassian replied, Jin draped an arm over the carriage seat and nodded toward the palace ahead, its domed roofs poking above the city streets. “Minister Ryevost should be waiting for us in his palace. There, he will sing our praises and we’ll do the same. Ply him with enough wine though and maybe we can squeeze an extra deal out of him. Klatooine is mineral rich and I’m sure you—as much as myself—would love to get your grubby hands on a piece, right?”

Jin tilted his head at him and raised a brow. “Or are you really just here to look pretty and play humanitarian?”

@llamallove

 

[Cassian Graves]

"Oh, is there?" Cassian asked with as much surprise and interest in his voice as he could muster. "I never realized you were so observant." The Zeltron only half believed Vaisra was telling the truth, but his tongue did run a few swipes over pearly white teeth just in case by some miracle the New Republic Senator was actually telling the truth. There was a first time for everything.

"And you didn't even offer to clean it for me?" Cassian shook his head reproachfully, although clearly amused. He just couldn't help himself, especially around Vaisra. Something about the Chancellor's lapdog brought out the worst in him. "I always considered you akin to a vulture, picking the bones of your enemies clean."

The comparison wasn't entirely accurate or fitting, but the comparison was merely the vessel for another thinly-veiled insult. Something they both liked to indulge in at every opportunity. Vaisra provided more opportunities than most.

"Well, someone has to look pretty," the Zeltron would continue, blue eyes never straying from the crowd that had gathered along the streets. "It certainly isn't going to be you. Not with that leer of yours."

The procession of white speeders and security continued toward the palace, now within their view. Jin hadn't been exaggerating when he spoke of the Minister's wealth, quite evident by the glittering palace that he called 'home.' A large sandstone complex, complete with golden domes and tipped minarets with immaculate, blooming gardens on each side. Impressive, particularly for a planet considered to be a barren wasteland.

As the white speeder drifted through the gates of the palace and left the city behind, a woman's half-slip was thrown into the carriage and settled in Cassian's lap. "I believe this was meant for you," he didn't hesitate, tossing the garment to Jin and sliding out of the speeder.

A line of footmen stood in the courtyard to greet the pair of politicians, escorting them inside the palace to the waiting Minister Ryevost.

@Song

 

[Jin Vaisra]

“Thanks. I’ll be sure to add it to my collection.” Jin took the woman’s half-slip, but instead of tucking it in his waistcoat, he threw it over his shoulder and onto the head of another valet. Then, refusing to let Cassian leave him in the dust, exited the speeder and trailed him into a courtyard lined with manicured gardens and blossoming trees. It was like Klatooine’s desert never existed in the first place. Here, behind the gates of Ryevost’s palace, it was a green haven.

The inside was no different. Marble pillars, porcelain antiques and statues—the foyer was dripping with so much wealth, Jin thought he might’ve stumbled back into Sibyl’s estate. The woman had always been so absurdly luxurious, and clearly Ryevost thought the same. Which was perfect.

Spoiled fools made for easy dealings.

Servants eventually ushered Jin and Cassian through a set of double doors and into a small banquet hall, a curtained table in the center and with Minister Ryevost at the very end. A man with an overachieving belly, he looked like he might be hoarding most of Klatooine’s food stores in his basement, and wondered how he’d managed to be such a popular icon among his people when a quarter of them lived in general poverty. Or maybe he wasn’t popular at all. Just smart about his bribes.

Jin could understand. Pay off the right people, and a world and government could be yours.

Dinner was a relatively boring affair. Minister Ryevost spent most of the evening bellowing about his collection of Emryc Thorne merchandise, which meant neither the Republic or the Free Worlds would likely be able to persuade the planet to join them. Jin could barely hide his disdain at the news. The biggest reason he’d come to Klatooine was to establish another military installation like on Cyborrea. So, the best he could squeeze out of the minister was a minor defense contract, earning Fondor’s shipyards yet another wealthy patron.

Still, it was not what Jin had wanted.

“Well,” he told Cassian once they were dismissed from the banquet hall and ushered to their respective quarters. The hallway glowed with candlelight as night set in, the stars peeking through the stained glass windows. “That was a fucking disaster.”

@llamallove

 

[Cassian Graves]

"Always the pessimist aren't you?" Cassian chided, though he didn't have one pleasant remark to make about the evening either. The only thing drier than the vorrax was the Minister's personality. It was a good thing the pair of senators wouldn't be staying for long, otherwise even Vaisra's company might start to look good when compared to Minister Ryevost's.

"You must have enjoyed the meal at least, considering the amount of spice rolls you put away. Keep that up, and you and the Minister will have a lot more in common."The Zeltron didn't need to elaborate for Vaisra to understand that he was referring to the Minister's size, although Cassian's tone lacked its usual venom.

He ran a hand along the back of his neck and let out a long breath, blue eyes glazed over in thought. Candlelight flickered across their faces, Vaisra nearly looking the part of a villain with his dark eyes.

Well, it was time for Cassian to swallow his pride. All the Zeltron could do was hope that Vaisra wouldn't gloat for long.

"Now that we're alone, Vaisra, I've been meaning to ask you something," Cassian began, nearly hesitating. This was misery. Better to get it over with quickly. "The Free Worlds Alliance is losing worlds left and right to the Sith. Unless something drastic changes, it's only a matter of time until the Sith Empire reaches Onderon. Should it, I don't want its citizens to be helpless— defenseless."

Since Vaisra wasn't going to swoop in and save him the embarrassment of finishing that sentence, Cassian was just going to have to come right out and ask. "Simply put, I would like to commission a fleet of ships from Fondor. Nothing large, just enough to provide the first line of defense against any possible attack."

Cassian fell silent, waiting for that smug smirk to spread across Vaisra's face.

@Song

 

[Jin Vaisra]

If he’d hoped Vaisra wouldn’t gloat for long, he was wrong.

Once Jin’s surprise had faded, he broke into roaring laughter. “Oh, isn’t that rich,” he said, “the darling Prince of Onderon asking me for a fleet. Weren’t you just telling me the other day that you’d prefer the ships of Mon Calamari over my own? My, you sure are something.” He wiped a hand over his face and bit back his smile, finding it impossible to hide his amusement. Out of everything he’d expected Cassian to say—down to even sharing a bed—he certainly had not expected this.

And it was an opportunity he certainly would not pass up.

“Alright. I’ll accept your commission. I already have your Prime Minister knocking at my door for a cut of the cake, so I don’t mind handing you a slice as well.” He loomed over Cassian, just barely edging him out in terms of height. “Perhaps I’ll even throw in a discount, if you get down on both knees and beg me for it.” He laughed again, then leaned against the wall, arms folded over his chest. “Unfortunately, I think we both know your pride couldn’t take it. Just look at your face. I thought you were about to have a stroke when you were building the courage to ask me.”

Jin waved a dismissive hand. “I’m not sure what a handful of battleships could do for Onderon, though, especially against the Sith or the Mandalorians. I would sooner anticipate an evacuation plan for you and your citizens.”

He clapped the man on the shoulder. “Not to worry. Fondor will also gladly take on whatever refugees manage to escape the Empire’s onslaught. My shipyards could always use more workers, and I suppose the royal palace could benefit from a spare courtesan, Zeltron or not.” He eyed Cassian warily. “Or maybe a chambermaid? Bathroom cleaner?”

@llamallove

 

[Cassian Graves]

The moment Vaisra broke into fits of laughter, Cassian knew that he was in a for a long and miserable ride, with lots of painful detours and intentional bumps. So predictable, so typical of the Fondorian to gloat at a time like this, although had the roles been reversed Cassian knew that he would not have acted differently.

Grinning from ear to ear, charcoal eyes shining even in the darkness, Vaisra looked like the cat that had swallowed the canary, and Cassian was the canary. A tall, pink canary that felt very small and helpless at that moment. The Zeltron's face grew as still as a marble statue under the glow of the candlelight, but there was visible tension along the jawline.

There was a word Cassian had learned in grammar school that had always bewildered him as a child: schadenfreude. Now he had a face to match the definition of that word, and it was leering at him out of the darkness. Cassian bore the majority of the Senator's remarks in silence, pink skin bristling with anger beneath his clothing.

Another man might have been grateful, despite the jeering, but not Cassian. Vaisra's hand on his shoulder felt like a lead weight, dragging him down further into his own humiliation, but he did not shake it off right away. When he did, his lips curled. "I just want something to buy the planet more time. To prepare for the attack and, if necessary, began an evacuation," he said in as even a voice as he could muster.

"I would have thought the royal palace had enough courtesans already for all of the Midori, yourself among them." Not the best comeback Cassian had ever delivered, but it would have to do for the time being. The Zeltron approached the threshold of his quarters, lingering in the doorway with his back turned to Vaisra.

"On behalf of Onderon, I thank you." Then, turning the doorknob, Cassian retreated into the safety of his own room.

end of thread.​

​

@Song