Post by Nicole on Aug 24, 2011 16:38:18 GMT -5
Concord Dawn - Aid
-When the small fleet arrived back outside of Isen’s gravity well, Zev ordered a turnabout. There four Meteor-class transports would join the warships. While each warship took up protective positions around the transports, Ranah and her crew docked with the Adenn Naast. The rest of the fighters and bombers went to their respective berths as well. Where they were going next was no secret. Yes they brought hell down about Tyne, now it was time to mourn the loss of Concord Dawn. Offering what aid they could from the meager supplies the fledgling Warriors of Shadow could muster.
With each ship indicating its readiness to jump, they made the jump once more to hyperspace, their destination Concord Dawn. It would be several long hours before the fleet could reach the ravaged planet. Zev had to prepare and went to his quarters.
There he poured himself a drink finally clicking off his helmet. Watching the blue streaks as they wandered by his viewport, he sipped his prized vintage. Swirling the brown contents in his glass he couldn’t help but hope that Concord Dawn would fare better than Tyne. Mand’alor – what did they even mean to him and to the men and women he led? He didn’t want the mantle of responsibility.
He was a follower, not a leader. Looking at his T-Visor and the white skull immortalized above the T, he couldn’t help but picture another token to the right of the skull. A planet on fire – there had been no greater joy than watching the proton torpedoes rip through the atmosphere and obliterate whole cities. There were no innocents in war, only those who were too stupid to get out of the way. Their next battle wouldn’t be so easy and somewhere out there roamed the larger Federation fleet. Who knew maybe that fleet was waiting for them above Concord Dawn, having just taken another pull from the bottle his lips contorted into a smirk.
---
Duncan woke Zev with his synthetic voice warning of him imminent arrival. Bottle in one hand, empty glass in the other, he roused himself from the couch and donned his helmet. Making it to the bridge just thirty minutes prior to their arrival, “Order the crew to general quarters, I want the flight crews in their fighters, I want tactical scans the moment we arrive.”
The Officers bayed their assent. When the moment came the fleet would arrive much as it had left with the capital ships forming a protective circle around the transports. Scans would reveal all too well the destruction the Federation had unleashed on Concord Dawn. Once a tranquil and serene it was now marred by the dust that had risen to shroud the landmasses in darkness.
At last the Warriors of Shadow had come to offer what aid they could as the fleet moved within orbit.-
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Post Sun Jul 31, 2011 12:31 am by NemoSD
The FNS Reach was preparing to make its jump when a series of alarms flashed across the sensor and comm panels. Kilive quickly looked over and instinctively shouted, "STOP JUMP!" This shout snapped Miri out of meditation, and she started to look around as well. Klive stormed over to the sensor panel, and the moment he got there, he added another order, "All hands to General Quarters, transmit to fleet, prepare for microjump to Concord Dawn. Rebel fleet in orbit," he paused for a moment turning to Miri, "What are the rules of engagement?"
"I do not know..." she responded trying to catch up with what was going on.
Klive didn't wait for her to decide and turned to his comms officer, "Transmit first fleet command, inform them of the situation and request guidance!"
The comms officer echoed a "Yes sir," and began to frantically key in a sub space encryption.
Klive turned to his flight operations officer, and said, "Scramble all fighters, update their nav computers with the Reach, have them ready for the micro-jump," he did not wait for a response instead turning to his weapons officer, "Spool up all weapons, and load all torpedoes."
"Captain, command says to enter orbit over Concord Dawn, engage interdiction field, but remain outside of weapons range, you will wait for the arrival of the fleet," the comm officer said. "We are not to engage the enemy, only hold position, shifting to remain out of weapons range."
"Very well, rely the orders to the fleet, and prepare to jump on my mark," Klive said, then waited for the man to send out the transmissions, and then said calmly, "Mark."
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The two dagger shapes of the ISDIIs appeared over Concord Dawn again, this time with a Mon Calamari cruiser between them, four Nebulan B frigates, and an Ibelin Class ship as well. The full fighter wing of all the ships were deployed leaving hundreds of dots between them and the rebel fleet. Fighter types ranged from old FAS Poseidon class fighter craft, to b-wings, TIE Defenders, and other fighter craft.
Aboard the Ibelin, they were prepping each of the six primary weapon launchers, while targeting sensors provided targeting solutions on the Providence class ship, preparing the Menelaus weapon system for launch. No active sensor pinging occurred from any of the ships, and while all weapons were charged, none of them, except for the Menelaus, were within range. All shields were up.
"Send word to command that we are on station," Klive ordered, standing next to Miri, who looked at the small fleet in front of them.
"Does the Admiralty think this is bait?" Miri said with disgust.
"I do not know m'lord," he paused, "I only follow orders."
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Post Sun Jul 31, 2011 1:19 am by Praenuntius
-The warships arrayed themselves in a semi-circle behind the receding lines of the transport ships. Their operatives on the ground had placed landing beacons where the need was most dire. However just as the transports where engulfed by the soot still falling from the destruction now days past a new threat emerged. Long range sensors had picked up the incoming armada seconds before it had them surrounded.
“We have multiple incoming. Looks to be Federation,” Zev nodded as the Officer turned back to his station. Shields where already up, batteries bristling along the exteriors of each ship as they moved to face the new threat, fighters began pouring from the bellies of the assembled capital ships, forming into neat rows before the small half circle of the capital ships.
As the Federation created a perimeter, they seemed to stare each other down across the void. “Tell all ships to hold their positions. Fire only if fired upon.” Why aren’t they attacking? Rising from his chair as the order was passed down and communicated to all warships.
Trying to puzzle the riddle that was the Federation admiralty he made the use of his time to maneuver his fleet to present an optimal firing solution on one of the ISD II’s. While the Mk. II Dunelizards and Sterlings screened their every movement the thin line of no man’s space was breached. The fleets now sat facing each other. On one side of the line the Federation ships with the numerically superior force held back while on the other side the same scene was played out on a much smaller scale.
They should have been swarming over the small ragtag band of antique ships by now.-
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Post Sun Jul 31, 2011 1:30 am by NemoSD
A single carrack cruiser appeared from hyperspace behind the rebel fleet. A single, active sensor ping was sent out. It was a pointless gesture, as the fleet in system had already prepared a data packet with target data. Obviously, it was meant to draw attention. The lone ship hung in space, its haul a rust red color as the reflected light hit the facing angles.
Suddenly, blacking the lone carrack out in shadow, the massive form of a Super Star Destroyer appeared from hyperspace, followed in quick succession by star destroyer after star destroyer, mon cal after mon cal, more carracks, nebulan b's. Fighters began to swarm out, forming a picket line between the rebels and the Federation ships.
The second fleet stood hanging in space for a few moments, the sheer mass of the Morning Star diminishing the rebel fleet by its mere presence. Finally the silence was broken as a holo message was sent, a brute force transmission on all frequencies ensured every holoprojector on every ship displayed the image, and every speaker on every ship played the audio.
A figure of a women, dressed in heavy robes, an ornate head dress, and an even more ornate mask appeared. She was dressed like a Sith Lord of old, the garments were harsh, beautiful and terrifying, a metallic voice started, filtered by the mask, "This is Darth Varya offering free passage to Ranah Vrei, and the leadership of the Warriors of the Shadow. We have much to discuss."
With that, the image vanished, and the sound faded away, back to normal comm chatter.
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Post Sun Jul 31, 2011 1:48 am by Praenuntius
-Knowing the situation was dire he was pleased to feel no fear. There could be no tomorrow and yet he held no regrets. These men had placed their trust in him. There was no way they could break the picket lines of the Federation fleet. No matter how adamant their resolve, the Warriors of the Shadow would live beyond this confrontation. Nothing would please him more than to die in the fury of battle. Being a Mandalorian however was more than just mindless violence and the endless rage to fuel it. It was about protecting clan and family. What good would they be to all those afflicted below if they died here?
Surrender was never an option. Not to someone like Zev. The fury was smoldering beneath that battle suit. How he longed for the simple days of his youth where the orders were given and he followed them.
The ping shattered the brooding silence of the bridge. “We have been pinged.” Before he could even utter the words, even with the viewport turned the wrong way the shadow that befell the modest fleet spelled their doom. Their sensors clearly displayed the arrival of the third force and its odd predicament as it stood between the Federation and the now dwarfed Warriors of the Shadow fleet.
Zev had seen many in the Vong war and as hard and cruel as he was even a tiny piece of him was awed by the stature of the Morning Star. The holographic communication would display before the speechless Zev. When it ended he turned to the Communications Officer, “Get Ranah up here right now.”
Even among the disciplined ranks of Dune Lizards and Sterlings the Mandalorians grew restless. Judgement day would have to come another day. “Tell all ships to hold position and stay away,” he had to take a moment to scroll through his HUD to get the registry of the SSD that eclipsed their tiny band of warships. “Keep away from the Morning Star. Open a channel and inform Darth Varya that we will be coming aboard with the Bes’bev. We will need an hour to prep before our arrival.”
The order was immediately retransmitted and sent to the holding SSD. They had chosen Zev. Followed him through thick and thin, this was no different. They could fight and die, but then what? What would happen to the survivors? Who would fight for them? They had no choice but to trust his judgement and relinquish their hatred to see the greater cause they all shared. There would be no surrender, whether he was standing on the command deck or in a cell on an SSD. They all seemed to of accepted it so far as no one had fired on the hostile ships or broke the formation Zev had set.
Pooling his thoughts together he awaited the arrival of Ranah Vrei, it seems her acquaintance still wanted a chat. Zev would never offer terms or bend the knee, but any chance to escape unscathed would more than suit his needs. After all, they decimated Concord Dawn and the Warriors of Shadow had in return done the same to Tyne, that had to be worth something.-
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Post Sun Jul 31, 2011 9:35 am by Nicole
Ranah was far from idle during it all. She had kept in touch with those few operatives they had sent back to Concord Dawn upon their arrival. She had even ventured down to the surface on one of the transports to see the damage first hand. To say she was in shock was the understatement of the year, everything was in ruins.. sure there was an occasional unscaythed building but most of them bore signs of damage. It all was eerily reminescent of the Vong Wars a few years earlier only then it has been the planet Mandalore itself. Ranah had seen that first hand as well and as she surveyed her knees grew weak and she dropped to them, her armor scratching on the broken duracrete. Her fingers coiled through some of the ash there broken bits of rock, squeezing and grinding as it fell from her grasp. There was a few choice words in Mando'a, a prayer to the fallen.
Her uttered words were interrupted as a squawk came over her headset. She acknowledged the order to go back to the Adenn Naast but lingered a few moments
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Post Sun Jul 31, 2011 9:43 am by Nicole
(Evidently my phone has a limit post was longer but suffice to say she returned to Adenn Naast and asked 'Mand'alor' his orders. I'll edit this later when i make it to a comp and give it better detail but that should be enough for you to continue on since ill be out most of the day.)
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Post Sun Jul 31, 2011 2:58 pm by Praenuntius
-When the images returned from Concord Dawn Zev felt his anger subside. Concord Dawn had been a lush planet thriving with life. Now it only had shades of grey and black. Soot still continued to fall from the sky leaving the crumbling ruins of the once former capital blanketed in glittering brown and gray. Immediately he uttered the dirge for the fallen, “Ni su'cuyi, gar kyr'adyc, ni partayli, gar darasuum.(I’m still alive, but you are dead, I remember you so you are eternal.)” While he had no way of knowing the names of the dead, he repeated the dirge beneath his lips each time a new image popped over his view screen. When Ranah Vrei finally left the destroyed planet and made her way back to the Providence. Before he could leave the bridge however he had to give one final command,
“All ships are to maintain formation and presence. Stay out of weapons fire. If fired upon fire back. If I do not return from the Morning Star in 24 hours, attack at will.”
Rising from his chair he looked out over the officers under his command. He wondered what they might be thinking of him and his decision to treat with the Federation. At the very least he would make a show of force, that the Warriors of Shadow would not be galled by shear naval power.
“Have eight verdas(warriors) meet me in the bay.”
---
When the Bes’bev pulled into the hangar and ramp came down he stalled her at the bottom. Flanking him where the eight Mandalorian’s he requested. “I’m sure you saw the SSD and got the transmission. We’re going aboard. They’ll be expecting us shortly.” Turning his head he regarded the eight behind him, they where more than bodyguards. “They will be coming with.”
Looking back up the ramp at Ranah he didn’t wait as his boots thudded with each elevated step. The eight followed along and Zev directed them to the remaining seats. To Ranah, “I’ll join you in the cockpit.” His tone said he wanted to know everything she knew and even the things she didn’t about this Darth.-
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Post Sun Jul 31, 2011 9:50 pm by Nicole
Ranah gave nod of her head. Her eyes settled upon Zev behind her visor once more as she stepped out into the hanger deck where the Bes'bev had been called in for their trip. Ranah's eyes glimpsed among the eight warriors that were being brought along with them, she gave a small shrug, she doubted it would've been justified any other way than to have armed guards at each other's throats. Afterall, they had no reason to trust these Federations now. Not after what they'd done to their people.
Ranah proceeded on up the ramp with Zev to the cockpit and took her seat next to him, she could allow a pilot to control the ship this time, all the while she sat with Zev going over everything she knew, she thought, and even the things she felt.
Soon enough the Corvette was powering through space towards the massive Morning Star, all the while everyone else waited and held their breath.
/Morning Star this is the Bes'bev, we are expected.
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Post Mon Aug 01, 2011 11:03 am by NemoSD
A shuttle flew past the Bes'bev at long distance, having launched from the Reach and taken a long route around the fleet so as not to be mistaken as an attack. After it entered a the hanger, a voice came over the comm on the Bes'bev. "Bes'bev, this is FNS Morning Star Flight Ops Control, please idle engines and allow the docking tractor beam to pull you in."
Once the corvette it is pulled into the larger hanger, not actually docked in the hanger bay, but in the more temporary dock normally reserved for large resupply ships, an umbilical extends, as does a gangway, forming a seal, and pressurizing itself to allow transit into the large ship.
Once they found their way out of the docking bay, they'd find a single officer, wearing a crisp grey and red uniform. Around his wrist were the marks of a commander.
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Re: Concord Dawn - Aid
-Leading the procession through the umbilical was Zev. To his immediate right, shoulder to shoulder, Ranah Vrei and behind him the eight Mandalorian warriors he had brought along. As they exited the pressurized tube that connected the corvette to the Morning Star, one of the warriors stayed at its entrance. Leaving them with a ubiquitous number of nine as they greeted the Federation Commander with silence every single one of them wore their Mandalorian armor and all of them had weapons hidden about their suits though evidence of any heavy weapons could not be seen.
“Welcome aboard the FNS Morning Star.” Came the haltingly crisp militaristic voice of the Commander. He seemed ill at ease as he turned on his heels, “If you would follow me please, and stay close on my heels.” Without waiting for a response the Officer would start forward.
Hard on his heels Zev, Ranah and company, the thudding of the hardened soles of their boots echoing along the corridors. None of them said anything. There was nothing to say. Heads continued to swivel however. Taking in every sealed door and the lack of personnel traffic, not even a single Marine to be sure the Mandalorian’s where kept inline. Perhaps that is why the Federation Commander was nervous. Either that or just really didn’t like aliens aboard his ship. It felt more like a ghost ship to Zev. But then again, why excite the crew with their arrival when they could be snuck aboard?
He had to admire the audacity of the Darth. It wouldn’t take long for them to reach the conference room. Once there the Commander made a request of them, one Zev knew was coming. Giving his curt approval, the seven took up station at the door. Zev was the first one pass through the sealed door and into the room beyond. No one was there as of yet and still no Marine guards could be seen. Instead of taking a seat Zev remained standing arms crossing his chest, hands clasping his biceps as he awaited the arrival of their distinguished hostess.-
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Post Mon Aug 01, 2011 1:15 pm by NemoSD
As the two Mandalorians entered the conference hall, the door behind them closed silently, the datapad showing it was still unlocked. Music filled the air, one of those pieces which was neither, happy, sad, or anything else really, but you could project just about any emotion on it.
After a few minutes, a door on the other end of the hall opened, and a red skinned Togruta stepped in, walking with a slight limp and a very angry expression on her face. Her lightsaber, the long hilt of a double bladed affair, was worn in plain sight, her loose and flowing garment showing hints of leg as she walked, which she did in a dignified, almost militaristic walk, even though it seemed to visibly pain her. Following her was the Mandalore, resplendent in his shiny, well kept armor. He walked him, nodded to the Togruta as he walked by and found a chair. In line right after him came a man in a blindly white 'uniform' with gold shoulder boards. He was obviously not a military man, but had spent much effort trying to appear as such. His hands were bound in front of him.
Finally, wearing the same severe outfit the holovid had shown her in, Darth Varya walked into the hall. The embroidery formally lost in the holovid was now very much visible, Sith writing running down the hems of the outfit in gold thread, intricate geometric patterns sprawled across the rich purple fabric in various hues of purple, blending and standing out from the base color in an almost hypnotic fashion. Shoulder pads, which almost resembled armor, covered her upper arm, and came to a distinct point just past her elbow. A double bladed lightsaber hung from her belt, a large girdle with a large red crystal in the center, presumably some form of force crystal. Her head dress covered her entire head, in the exception of her face, which was covered by a mask. The head dress's fabric blended with the fabric of the robes, fading to a dark black by the time it reached the crown, where two long decorative horns extended out, and then down. Her mask bore a resemblance to the long dead and ancient Kassassi, the metal crafted to appear a vibrant red. Gold inlay details what might be jewelery or body art the Kassassi have been seen wearing in ancient depictions. The entire outfit looked intimidating, and even though it did not at first appear to be something one could fight in, she did not give the impression that she even needed to move to be deadly.
It wasn't just her outfit that caused that though. As she entered the room, it seemed to become colder, and the Mandalorian's with their helmet HUDs would watch an almost instant drop of 4-5 degrees. A weight seemed to press down on everyone, a cold sickening knot in there stomachs. Ranah would feel the dark side rise up in her, inspired by the presence of one of its masters.
Darth Varya nods to the two Mandalorians across the room, and then speaks, "Welcome my honorable and noble rival, it is my pleasure to meet and speak with you, and with you Ranah, once more." Her voice was calm, smooth, and almost kind sounding, a strange juxtaposition to the oppressive feeling of the room.
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Post Mon Aug 01, 2011 3:21 pm by Praenuntius
-Zev was resplendent in his scarlet armor. The blackened T-Visor hid his disdain and scorn for the Mandalore. Lips grew thin and taut against a hate filled expression. Hands clenched and unclenched, his entire body going rigid as he struggled to restrain himself from throttling the man. The Togruta had been ignored as well as the man who followed after the puppet Mandalorian. The Mandalore was all Zev could see. Eyes narrow slits as he loosed a howl of rage preceding the entrance of the Darth.
A side plate with a glossy scarlet cover hissed open on his thigh and within seconds a heavily modified 434 blaster was in Zev’s hands. The 434 was lighter than standard issue models having most of its durasteel stripped and replaced with lighter components. The blaster pistol packed the same punch however. The motion was in synch with the rest of his body as he moved forward both hands holding the gun firm and level at the Mandalore.
“Aruetycate demagolka!(Traitorous monster!)” This would be the scene the Darth walked in upon. The tension in the room was palpable. A veritable powder keg ready to explode at a moment’s notice, Zev hardly even noticed the oppression or the degree drop was he so intent on killing the Mandalorian traitor.-
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Post Mon Aug 01, 2011 3:36 pm by Nicole
Ranah could not help but feel the emotions rise within the room to such explosive levels. Tension, anger, grief, fear, anguish, oh it was all a toxic mix to those whom could feel it. She was about to mirror Zev's actions, she like Zev had much issue to take up with the former Mand'alor. Yet just before Zev would squeeze the trigger Ranah's gauntleted hand slipped up, fingers wrapping around the barrel of the firearm and tilting it up, off target as she glimpsed her visored head towards him.
"Nu jurkad Mando'ade, burc'ya ( Steady, Mate )."
Her voice seemed urgent to Zev, fingers slowly released his blaster and rest on his bicep for a moment, perhaps even a thought shared between them before she stepped back, her eyes settling directly on Varya behind her helmet.
"You insult us with the presence of these aruetii (traitors)" she took a step forward, shoulder to shoulder with Zev.
"Give a reason why my vod (comrade) and I should not avenge our fallen here and now."
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Post Mon Aug 01, 2011 4:26 pm by NemoSD
Varya's masked face remained as emotionless as only a mask meant to look angry all the time could. She did not rush to respond, her head moving to look at the two Mandalorian's and then the Mandalore. She finally spoke breaking a quiet made uneasy by the dark side aura emanating from her. "Because I swore to protect him as long as he was in my company, that and I am sure your people would benefit much more from a public execution," she said taking a seat next to the white clothed man.
The Mandalore quickly turned to face Varya, while standing quickly drawing a blaster, his speakers clicking as if he were about to say something, but was interrupted as a wave of force slammed into him from Miri.
Varya looked down at the man, and shook her head, "You are jumpy friend, so quick to betray at nothing. I was never going to surrender you to them but now that you drew a weapon on me, my oath of protection is null." Varya looked back up at the delagation from the Mandalorians, "He is yours now."
Miri had already walked over towards the Mandalore, taking a pair of binders placed on the table, and fitting them onto the Mandalore. As he struggled, Miri verbally let out a shout of "Enough!" then twisted and pulled his helmet off, and slugged him so hard with the binders that we was out cold, and a few pristine teeth went scattering across the floor. She then bound him, and with a flick of her wrist sent the man flying across the room, his armor making a loud commotion as it hit the far wall.
"Sorry for the disturbance," Varya said. "Shall we begin with introductions? I am Darth Varya, this is my Apprentice Miri Reu," indicating towards the Togruta, and then pointing towards the white clad bound man, "And this is Senator Soni."
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Post Mon Aug 01, 2011 4:39 pm by Praenuntius
-Ranah’s intervention only served to leave a reminder of their visit upon the ceiling. Breathing in as he lowered the weapon he exhaled and muttered, “Aruetii.(Tratior)” His eyes never left the man, concealed as they where his hate smoldered and soon simmered as he finally turned away instead to look at the Darth. The oppression emanating from her arrival did little to faze the Mandalorian. While it weighed on his shoulders he clung to the reason he had came here and took the few moments Ranah had given him to compose himself. At least the Darth looked worthy of his notice. Whether the suit was practical remained to be seen. Intimidating a Mandalorian was hard to do but even so he knew the puppet master when he saw her.
With her gilded robes and stylish flair, Zev had little idea who she was trying to be, but whatever it was spoke volumes of strength and the knowledge to hone it into power. Ranah had briefed him on the mysterious Darth Varya and possible motives. He had no fear then and had no fear now. Come what may there would be violence and heaps of it should things spiral out of control.
Standing beside Ranah Vrei he said nothing following her less than warm greetings to the Darth. Elbows had bent upwards slight to bring the weapon over the edge of the table, but still pointed down. He raised it again the second the Mandalore brought out his own weapon but found it to be a useless gesture as the Darth’s apprentice took care of the matter.
He looked between the exchange of Varya and Miri. Finally he lowered his weapon holstering it once more in the thigh plate that slid out. Taking a step back he tapped twice on the door, paused, tapped once more and three of the seven Mandalorian warriors left outside entered. Their weapons weren’t drawn and instead they waited for orders. Pointing to the crumpled, helmetless Mandalore, “Pick him up and see that no lasting harm is done to him, return him to the Bes’bev,” Zev commanded. They did as they were told and none of them where gentle in picking up the unconscious human. They would beat him all the way to Bes’bev, and then there they would beat him even more. By the time the man saw the inside of a cell he would have so many scrapes and bruises he would be hardly recognizable.
Turning back to Darth Varya he only caught the introduction of the Senator. He found it odd that a Senator would be in tow. “I am Zev Khandrr,” once again they where shoulder to shoulder, “and this is Ranah Vrei.” He remained standing, legs spread as if still weary, but folded arms across his chest gave the opposite impression.-
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Post Mon Aug 01, 2011 5:17 pm by Nicole
Ranah watched with exquisite interest the little scene unfolding between the previous Mand'alor and Darth Varya, when Varya had stated protection of the man while in her presence she held such a dark chill that forebode what was about to happen. While Miri and Zev had both acted in instinct to stop the armored traitor from placing his shot to the Darth Ranah kept her eyes on the woman, never turning, never bolstering a blink in that direction.
The only time Ranah's gaze ever altered was when the girl flung the man across the room and he landed somewhat near them on the otherside of the room. Well. That was one down certainly, the one that the people most wanted.
Precious silence was invested as the Mandalorian vanguard outside stepped inside to withdraw the man from the room and haul him back to their vessel. Ranah's hand extended to the helmet laying discarded carelessly on the floor and drew it across the expanse to her, letting it come to rest on the table just infront of her as she crossed her arms and rest her wrists atop it securely.
"That will appease the Mandalorians to some extent." she replied simply. "Zev is the leader of Warriors of the Shadow, the one I had mentioned in our little chat prior." she stated, giving a small nod of her helmet towards Zev. "He is also our true Mand'alor."
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Post Mon Aug 01, 2011 6:53 pm by NemoSD
Varya nodded, then stood up, and turned to fave Miri for a moment, then looked over her shoulder towards the two delegates, "Zav, Ranah," she started, "If you would indulge me, there is a quick ceremony I wish complete before we begin."
Varya turned her head to face Miri once more, and then said, "My Apprentice, kneel before me," her lightsaber floating towards her hand.
Miri nodded at her master, and as she dropped to her knees, she watched the lightsaber. She had taken quite the beating prior to entering this hall, and now she was terrified that that had just been the pre-show.
"Miri Reu, as Dark Lord of the Sith," Varya starting, pausing after stating her title, then continuing, "I grant you the status of a Lord of the Sith, and the title Darth Veradun. Do the name proud," Varya said, and then suddenly ignited the lightsaber and brought crashing down towards Miri, who without hesitation rolled out of the way, her own lightsaber igniting and crossing the blade of her masters. The two red blades hung, crossed together for a moment, before Varya nodded, and stepped back disengaging her blade. "Be at your ease Darth Veradun," and then turned to face the Mandalorians again.
"Before we begin negotiations, I would like to provide you with a gift," Varya said, grabbing the collar of the senator and standing him up, "What happened below us was an atrocity, and one I wish had not happened. It has made my position in this system untenable, and I am going to withdraw from it. However, I do feel you have the right to justice. You have already blackened my eye for the black eye delivered onto you with my men and my equipment," Varya paused, her voice trailing for a moment, "This man here, he thought bombarding the surface of your world would bring you guys in line... he obviously did understand what it is to be the warrior he pretends to be."
"This man, without consulting with me, ordered the bombarding of your planet, and in turn is responsible for the deaths on Concord Dawn, and Tyne. Normally I would take such a man and punish myself, however in the interests of good faith between a new government, I will give him to you as a gift," Varya said before pushing the senator towards the other side of the room, and then sitting back in her seat.
"Now, I am not in the habit of withdrawing and leaving the civilians behind without aid, structure, or needed support. While my rule of your system may not of been effective, many of the benefits of Federation involvement are needed, especially with the rebuilding of Concord Dawn. I propose an agreement in which we help rebuild the damaged infrastructure, and my men will work with yours in defending your sector, and maintaining the infrastructure. The only thing asked in return is free and open trade, and an agreement of Mutual Defense."
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Post Mon Aug 01, 2011 7:19 pm by Praenuntius
-Zev did not like the title she attached to him. He was no Mand’alor no matter how many of his followers looked to him as one. He was the leader of an insurgency that had sought to repel the Federation’s rule. Sometimes Ranah went too far with her grand titles and in this he found much fault. Instead of correcting her mistake however, he inclined his head towards Darth Varya. Ranah spoke true for the Mandalorian people. Having that buffoon of a Mandalorian beheaded in the capital square would do much to repair the damage the Federation had caused. However that would not solve all of their problems.
“By all means.” Came his curt reply to her question. Rhetorical as it might be, it was her ship after all, he still felt inclined to give it. He was after all the ‘Mand’alor’ as Ranah had declared him. He made no move throughout the archaic ritual and in fact found the conclusion admirable. Had this new Darth not been worthy of the title she would have been consumed by the lightsaber.
By way of respect the Mand’alor nodded his head in approval and respect for the newfound Darth. That was the only congratulations she would receive. And then he turned his attention once more upon Darth Varya, whose face was concealed, save for those heated orbs. The eyes of a predator he remarked. As she introduced the bound Senator as the instrument of Concord Dawn’s destruction he moved forward again out of instinct only to restrain himself at the last second.
His slate grey hues where cold and merciless, perhaps the Sith could feel the hate behind his gaze. It made no matter, because like the puppet, this man would meet his just fate. Perhaps it was time to reinstate the fighting pits of old. Zev had to admit it would be quite pleasing to see him torn limb from limb. A cruel grin spread across his shrouded features, “We will see if he is a warrior yet.”
He gave Ranah Vrei a look when the terms where offered. No side would surrender but both would agree to coexist peacefully and perhaps even benefit from each other in these harsh times. Not entirely unreasonable. Zev however was no fool. He never had a head for politics and instead turned to his Riduur(partner.)No word was spoken but the visible nod in her direction would be more than enough to signal her rise to prominence. Unfortunately he had no token title for the woman, but that would come in time if he truly was to be Mand'alor. Had he been in charge he would have certainly asked for a hostage. Perhaps the newly risen Darth – but he had left the decision to Ranah instead. Maybe he would if she found them disagreeable.-
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Post Mon Aug 01, 2011 7:54 pm by Nicole
Ranah's arms folded across her chest as she and Zev witnessed the ritual. It was the first time Ranah had seen anything of the sort from a force user. Then again, there were warrior merits in the act of attempting to kill one's student. Mandalorians went through something similar, but not entirely a copy. Her eyes glimpsed towards Zev for a moment as he began to launch towards the Senator.
Once again Ranah's observed her Sith hosts and then back to the Senator, she could sense an unusual amount of fear coming from him, her fingers lightly drummed against her metal arm before ceasing as Zev averted the decision, or rather the opinion of one to herself. There was something about the offer that left her uneasy.
"Your offer of assistance is most generous considering you're offering to repair what you destroyed in the first place. However, the Mandalorian people would never defend you should you require help, after you tried to destroy us. Furthermore, at the time, if you required help, there would be little we could tactically do for you as I'm sure you already know. Seeing how easily you gave over the former Mand'alor to us after your sworn pact it leads me to believe you wish us to agree so when we falter you have the justification to finish what you started. We respectfully decline."
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Re: Concord Dawn - Aid
"I had no intention of turning over the Mandalore to you, I had actually hoped to make peace between the two of you, but..." Varya trailed off, her head moving to the side slightly as if trying to remember something, "But, I did not have a lot of faith in his ability to maintain respect from his own people, and when he tried to draw a weapon," looking back up at Ranah, "Well, he was no longer under my protection," Varya stopped for a moment, then set off on a different topic, "The Federation has built a massive infrastructure in this system, we have begun many projects to rebuild destroyed worlds like Mandalore. If our aid is not accepted, all those resources go to waste." She paused again, Darth Veradun taking the queue and keying up a display which started to detail various projects and planetary revitalization projects, "We seek to ease the transition to the new government.
"As for your inability to provide aid, that is understood. It is a face saving measure for me, and my government. Being coming out of this as allies, neither of us hold the shame of surrender, or defeat, you gain the glory of victory, and I gain the peace of mind of a balanced budget. As far as free trade, that just seems fair, and a very generous offer to be given a new government."
Varya stood up from the table, "Those are the only terms though, I will give you time to considered them, I have set aside quarters for you aboard this ship, or you may return to your own ship. We can schedule another meeting for the same time tomorrow, unless there is anything you wish to add?"
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Post Mon Aug 01, 2011 9:09 pm by Praenuntius
-He couldn’t have been more proud after Ranah declined their terms. The woman had a way of sniffing out the more devious elements. The Mandalorian’s where much too proud to accept foreign aid. Especially from the Federation that had rendered one of their most beautiful planets nearly inhospitable, granted Zev had done the same in retaliation, but that in no way cleared the air between the two factions.
“Mando'ad draar digur”(A Mandalorian never forgets.) He spoke to reinforce the words spoken by his Riduur. The Mandalorian’s where a proud and tenacious people. They wanted no help from their enemies and enemies the Federation would always remain for the atrocities committed. They would however be much obliged if the Federation went back to minding its own business instead of trying to play the good Samaritan. Zev had to admit there was a certain allure to her words though.
Furthermore as anyone with common sense knew, when offered something that appeared to be too good to be true it most likely was too good to be true. While he had never doubted Ranah to see the obvious, he was to some degree relieved. Zev gave equal attention to Darth Varya’s rebuttal. While the keyed up display of ongoing projects and projects still in the funding stages and the Federation’s interest level, was informational, it in no way lent itself to the argument being presented. The Federation wanted to save money but continue to spend resources on the Mandalorian system in the hopes that its people would provide military support?
While the Darth had tried writing off their position, Zev would have none of it. A fist would slam down on the table. “Those are the only terms? You asked us here for a discussion. Not to meet your demands. You left a world in ruin; I left your world in ruin. You think this is all the Warriors of Shadow are?” He brought his fist up to better level his gaze over the Dark Lord of the Sith. While he was bluffing the Federation had no way of knowing where the rest of the Warriors of Shadow where or if there was a bigger fleet lurking out there. “You cut off the head another will rise to take it’s a place. I suggest to you,” he pointed at her showing his lack of fear, “that you treat with us instead of acting like what you’ve put before us is more than just scraps from your table. We deserve more and we will fight for it if necessary.”
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Post Mon Aug 01, 2011 9:28 pm by NemoSD
Varya paused, Veradun's hand went to her lightsaber, although did not draw it. Varya turned back around slowly, laughing quietly, "Some times I forget that I am not dealing with boot licking Senators," Varya said, then turned to Veradun, "This Darth Varedun is why you do not send heads of state into diplomatic situations, we have long sense forgotten what it is to have people with a thought to work with."
Varya walked back towards the table, the sense of oppression, cold, and the knot in everyones stomach grew, and she started to speak, her soft melodic voice traveling through the room, "Rebellions are notoriously tough to eradicate. They are like virulent weeds that spread through a beautiful garden. Fighting them is a life times mission once the first takes root.
"The wise gardener eventually decides it is cheaper to destroy his garden in flame, and start a new on the ashes of his fallen investments, taking a greater mind to those weeds. I'd much rather turn my garden over to nature though."
She paused for a moment, visible facing Ranah, then Zev. "Lets have your discussion, what terms would you propose?"
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Post Mon Aug 01, 2011 9:51 pm by Praenuntius
-That had seemed to stop the Dark Lord of the Sith. While the temperature would seem to dip even further the pit in his stomach only became snarled. Coming out like a nest of vipers the fear was bit back by a surge in anger. While he did his best to keep the tide of anger and fear from clouding his judgment he shook his head. “Give us a moment Darth Varya.”
Reaching over his left forearm deft fingers lifted a panel and press several buttons in sequence before closing the tiny plate. They wouldn’t be able to hear a single word said through normal means as he linked his suit with that of Ranah’s. “I think the terms should be the Federation leaving Mandalorian space entirely. All projects should be handed over to Mandalorian contractors, all oversight should be done by a Mandalorian council. The Federation should continue to supply resources and funds when needed to complete the projects in place. We should also take this new Darth as a hostage to be sure nothing untoward happens. We can discuss her release once Concord Dawn has been restored.”
All the while he remained motionless. He wasn’t about to admit he didn’t have the head for politics but he knew he had to missing some aspects of the terms they would need to forge to keep their people free and safe from persecution. Hopefully Ranah would be able to catch his mistakes and make terms that benefited the Mandalorian people.-
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Post Mon Aug 01, 2011 10:11 pm by Nicole
Ranah stepped aside, her eyes on Zev's visor as she reached up and toggled a switch, cutting off her own external speakers as she began to hold her conversation with Zev. There were a few heated moments, an argument about a certain issue, even her body grew a little rigid on her disagreements on a few things. In the end she balled her fist slightly and relaxed it, shaking her head slightly, giving in to Zev obviously but she looked back to Varya.
She cast one last glimpse back towards the Mand'alor, reluctantly looking back to the two Sith she toggled the switch back.
"We propose the following agreement:
The Federation Fleet will leave the Mandalore Sector, if it must, for any reason be here it will be done so with Zev's explicit permission.
We will allow you to aid us in rebuilding, truth be told you have greater access to resources than we do at the moment. Getting our planet functioning again will be a struggle otherwise.
Mandalorians will lead your people and oversee all projects. When your people are not lending assistance they will return to their vessels.
We both will declare an Armistice. A mutual agreement to cease the fighting. You wish to appear peaceful to the rest of the galaxy, less oppressive than what you displayed here this week. We will keep that image to the rest of the galaxy.
An Envoy will remain behind aboard a small Federation vessel, Frigate Class, in orbit. We propose your new Darth. I'm certain she would find it acceptable to oversee the repairs on your behalf since she was here during it's destruction.
When repair to our infrastructure is complete we will reconvene to discuss mutual defense and trade. Perhaps if our people can see what it is like to have yours working with us they will be more adept to protecting you should you require it versus stabbing you in the back later on. Revenge is a nasty thing is it not Mistress Varya?"
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Post Mon Aug 01, 2011 10:22 pm by NemoSD
"Youth is most entertaining," Varya said. She leaned against the chair, casually, and let the room sit quietly for a few long moments before finally saying something again, "I agree to those terms with two provisions," she starts, "The First, Darth Veradun has to complete a pilgrimage to Korriban, where she must ask the Sith Lords of old, and the Sith Lords of now to see if there are any who would challenge her new status, she must be allowed to complete this journey."
Varya went quiet again, looked straight at Ranah, "I would only allow you to accompany her. I know why you seek an envoy, and I acknowledge your wisdom, and as such, once the journey to Korriban is complete, you, Ranah Vrei, will travel to Dromund Kaas, where you will serve as my Envoy."
Varya paused to let that settle in then said, "As to my second term, you will allow free trade immediately. Cessation of trade would damage both the Federations economy, and yours to the point where restoration becomes moot."
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Post Mon Aug 01, 2011 10:40 pm by Nicole
Ranah drew in a deep breath and held it. The last thing she wanted was to go with this brat anywhere or to the Federation planet. Then again, she supposed it the most appropriate course of action considering someone important to Varya would be remaining here that someone important to the Mandalorians go there.
That didn't make it any less obviously annoying or unpleasant for Ranah. She cast a look to Zev for a long quiet moment before she looked back to Varya.
"Very well. I will require a day to make the arrangements, we do have an execution to plan afterall."
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Post Mon Aug 01, 2011 10:52 pm by Praenuntius
-Zev couldn’t honestly believe what he was hearing. First the notion that Ranah would serve as an envoy was an outrage and then when she didn’t flat out reject the offer he knew she was considering it. Could she not see the obvious? The Federation would end up with Ranah and their hostage in Federation space – what then served the purpose of the envoys?
Still before he could interrupt, Ranah accepted the terms and asked only for a day. “No.” He shook his head looking at Ranah. “She will not be going to Korriban. If she is, it will be with me and our Mandalorian brothers. If that isn’t acceptable she stays here until Darth Veradun has completed her pilgrimage and after we make the swap.”
He couldn’t let his personal feelings ruin all they had worked for. Victory was within his grasp. Was one woman really worth tearing down all they had worked for? She had left before of her own volition and now that she had come back – no those thoughts were useless. His back straightened. Being a leader of men and women meant being able to make those hard decisions. When neither solution was the best solution and while it would leave a bitter taste in his mouth he saw the wisdom of Ranah’s acceptance. He gave her a lingering look before staring back at Darth Varya.-
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Post Mon Aug 01, 2011 11:12 pm by NemoSD
"Those terms are acceptable," Varya said, then turned to the Togruta, "You will complete your pilgrimage at a later date, but prior to returning to Dromund Kaas."
The red Togruta bowed her head and said, "Yes Master," and then turned to face Zev, "Do you have a preference of what ship I use as my prison in your system?"
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Post Mon Aug 01, 2011 11:19 pm by Praenuntius
-Zev regarded the Darth he had pleaded for. Was it a stupid idea to ask for a hostage? No. Ultimately it was the right thing to do given the circumstance. A Sith couldn’t be trusted to keep their word. For the meantime the fleet would stay here and so too would his new guest. “You will stay aboard the Adenn Naast until we can provide a ship for you. You will be escorted everywhere you go.” And because the Sith could be wily tricksters, “All critical areas are off limits.”
Turning back to Darth Varya, “You will also instruct Darth Veradun that any use of the Force on my men will constitute her immediate execution.” Without waiting for a reply he plodded on, “I will expect a shuttle to arrive in one day aboard the Adenn Naast. Ranah will take the shuttle back. We will meet when the restoration is complete.” With that he turned and made his way back to the Bes’bev.-
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Re: Concord Dawn - Aid
Ranah turned, following the Mand'alor back to her vessel where it would immediately request departure and return to the Adenn Naast once it was given.
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Post Tue Aug 02, 2011 12:24 am by NemoSD
"Master," Darth Veradun said, after the Mandalorian's left the room, "What is your play here?" She sat down in one of the chair, her hand moving for the pain in her leg, but she quickly changes her mind, and places her hand on the table and ignores the pain.
"None, you are not under there command, do not let them order you around," Varya replied, "If your accommodations are not suitable, I will find out, and will take it as an insult to my person." Varya pulled her mask off, and dropped it onto the table. "Try not to kill anyone."
Varya stood up from the table, and exited the conference room, leaving the new Darth standing in the room.
********************************
The following day, to the hour, a shuttle left the Morning Star heading towards the small, antiquated Cruiser. Inside the shuttle sat five large chests, and Darth Veradun, who held a datapad and was just shaking her head at it, almost laughing. In the cockpit, the pilot was requesting docking clearance.
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Post Tue Aug 02, 2011 12:35 am by Praenuntius
-The clearance was given. Zev stood resolute upon the docking bay. The very one he had ordered cleared hours before. Only five Mandalorian warriors where present, but before him stood the only warrior he cared for at the moment, Ranah Vrei. “Remember what you are to do if things go south. We will be standing by if anything should happen. Do not hesitate to act.” These where all things they had already gone over, things she knew already from whatever ordeals she had faced before coming back to the fold.
“Riduur, cyare, I will see you again soon. We will see how they treat you.”
---
Moments later the shuttle would pull in and standing shoulder to shoulder to meet the Envoy of the Federation, Sith Lord, Darth Veradun.-
"Sometimes it is necessary to Sheathe the Sword."
Image
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Post Tue Aug 02, 2011 12:57 am by NemoSD
As the ramp descended, Darth Veradun was making her way down, marching with the air, and strength that typifies the Sith, her saber was in plain sight, and her clothing was loose and made to appear ready for a fight. Unlike her master, she did not decorate herself in the finest, and most traditional clothing, instead focused on simple garments which allowed her to move freely. She did not slow as she got to the bottom of the ramp, and continued on towards Zev and Ranah, before stopping less then a foot away from Zev's face.
"I understand that officially I am diplomat, yes?" she asked, then not giving him a chance to answer, "Because I brought five chests filled with ceremonial Sith bricks that I need carted to whatever quarters I am to be assigned," she started to step aside so that Ranah and Zav could say their good byes, but then stopped and turned back to the pair, "By the way, Darth Varya asked I give you this." she said handing a datapad over.
On the datapad was the converted registration of the FNS Endeavor, a MC-90 cruiser, to the personal ownership of a Zav Khandarr. At the moment the Veradun's shuttle landed, sensors on the bridge would've picked up every fighter craft on the Endeavor launching, and shuttles beginning to ferry back and forth between the Endeavor and the FNS Reach. The fighters cleared the gravity well and jumped to hyperspace.
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Post Tue Aug 02, 2011 8:46 am by Nicole
Ranah was standing there with Zev, as stoic as ever, a simple bag was slung around her back and she stood, ever watchful of the situation unfolding before her. Listening to the new Darth and her statement. Ranah sneered some, stepping aside to one of the bay attendants she returned carrying a flat pad of some sort, almost shoving it into Veradun's chest Ranah came just as deadly close to her, prying her back away from Zev as she spoke.
"Officially. Unofficially you're a war criminal being protected by an Armistice agreement. Think twice before you ask for the Mandalorians to do anything for you, they might just as easily leave you a bomb." Ranah stated, leaving the girl the control pad to one of the hoversleds. " Carry your bricks yourself." she snarled in conclusion before she looked back to Zev.
There was so many things that could've been said between them at that moment. So many things they could've done to express their separation. But at the moment no words came, words were not needed, not after they'd spent all night "discussing" the situation. Showing an emotional weakness at the moment didn't seem justifiable, nor the Mandalorian way, surely Veradun could sense the increased annoyance level Ranah exhibited when regarding the Sith.
The only thing Ranah spoke, acted on was to ball her fist and bump it across her chest to her shoulder and tilt her head towards Zev. "For Mandalore." she spoke, regarding the people, the planet. Her response was a typical oath before many Mandalorians would go to battle. She turned, caring not of the "gift" that the Darth gave Zev, a warship certainly was eye-raising but questionable. Thoughts which Ranah kept to herself as she made her way up the rampway onto the shuttle and glimpsed around inside, studying the interior while the shuttle's crew sat the chests at the end of the rampway. Soon enough she took her seat, bag resting across her lap and her armored arms atop it, eyes focused on the wall across from her, brooding. Frakking Federation, frakking Sith.
-When the small fleet arrived back outside of Isen’s gravity well, Zev ordered a turnabout. There four Meteor-class transports would join the warships. While each warship took up protective positions around the transports, Ranah and her crew docked with the Adenn Naast. The rest of the fighters and bombers went to their respective berths as well. Where they were going next was no secret. Yes they brought hell down about Tyne, now it was time to mourn the loss of Concord Dawn. Offering what aid they could from the meager supplies the fledgling Warriors of Shadow could muster.
With each ship indicating its readiness to jump, they made the jump once more to hyperspace, their destination Concord Dawn. It would be several long hours before the fleet could reach the ravaged planet. Zev had to prepare and went to his quarters.
There he poured himself a drink finally clicking off his helmet. Watching the blue streaks as they wandered by his viewport, he sipped his prized vintage. Swirling the brown contents in his glass he couldn’t help but hope that Concord Dawn would fare better than Tyne. Mand’alor – what did they even mean to him and to the men and women he led? He didn’t want the mantle of responsibility.
He was a follower, not a leader. Looking at his T-Visor and the white skull immortalized above the T, he couldn’t help but picture another token to the right of the skull. A planet on fire – there had been no greater joy than watching the proton torpedoes rip through the atmosphere and obliterate whole cities. There were no innocents in war, only those who were too stupid to get out of the way. Their next battle wouldn’t be so easy and somewhere out there roamed the larger Federation fleet. Who knew maybe that fleet was waiting for them above Concord Dawn, having just taken another pull from the bottle his lips contorted into a smirk.
---
Duncan woke Zev with his synthetic voice warning of him imminent arrival. Bottle in one hand, empty glass in the other, he roused himself from the couch and donned his helmet. Making it to the bridge just thirty minutes prior to their arrival, “Order the crew to general quarters, I want the flight crews in their fighters, I want tactical scans the moment we arrive.”
The Officers bayed their assent. When the moment came the fleet would arrive much as it had left with the capital ships forming a protective circle around the transports. Scans would reveal all too well the destruction the Federation had unleashed on Concord Dawn. Once a tranquil and serene it was now marred by the dust that had risen to shroud the landmasses in darkness.
At last the Warriors of Shadow had come to offer what aid they could as the fleet moved within orbit.-
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Post Sun Jul 31, 2011 12:31 am by NemoSD
The FNS Reach was preparing to make its jump when a series of alarms flashed across the sensor and comm panels. Kilive quickly looked over and instinctively shouted, "STOP JUMP!" This shout snapped Miri out of meditation, and she started to look around as well. Klive stormed over to the sensor panel, and the moment he got there, he added another order, "All hands to General Quarters, transmit to fleet, prepare for microjump to Concord Dawn. Rebel fleet in orbit," he paused for a moment turning to Miri, "What are the rules of engagement?"
"I do not know..." she responded trying to catch up with what was going on.
Klive didn't wait for her to decide and turned to his comms officer, "Transmit first fleet command, inform them of the situation and request guidance!"
The comms officer echoed a "Yes sir," and began to frantically key in a sub space encryption.
Klive turned to his flight operations officer, and said, "Scramble all fighters, update their nav computers with the Reach, have them ready for the micro-jump," he did not wait for a response instead turning to his weapons officer, "Spool up all weapons, and load all torpedoes."
"Captain, command says to enter orbit over Concord Dawn, engage interdiction field, but remain outside of weapons range, you will wait for the arrival of the fleet," the comm officer said. "We are not to engage the enemy, only hold position, shifting to remain out of weapons range."
"Very well, rely the orders to the fleet, and prepare to jump on my mark," Klive said, then waited for the man to send out the transmissions, and then said calmly, "Mark."
******************************
The two dagger shapes of the ISDIIs appeared over Concord Dawn again, this time with a Mon Calamari cruiser between them, four Nebulan B frigates, and an Ibelin Class ship as well. The full fighter wing of all the ships were deployed leaving hundreds of dots between them and the rebel fleet. Fighter types ranged from old FAS Poseidon class fighter craft, to b-wings, TIE Defenders, and other fighter craft.
Aboard the Ibelin, they were prepping each of the six primary weapon launchers, while targeting sensors provided targeting solutions on the Providence class ship, preparing the Menelaus weapon system for launch. No active sensor pinging occurred from any of the ships, and while all weapons were charged, none of them, except for the Menelaus, were within range. All shields were up.
"Send word to command that we are on station," Klive ordered, standing next to Miri, who looked at the small fleet in front of them.
"Does the Admiralty think this is bait?" Miri said with disgust.
"I do not know m'lord," he paused, "I only follow orders."
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Post Sun Jul 31, 2011 1:19 am by Praenuntius
-The warships arrayed themselves in a semi-circle behind the receding lines of the transport ships. Their operatives on the ground had placed landing beacons where the need was most dire. However just as the transports where engulfed by the soot still falling from the destruction now days past a new threat emerged. Long range sensors had picked up the incoming armada seconds before it had them surrounded.
“We have multiple incoming. Looks to be Federation,” Zev nodded as the Officer turned back to his station. Shields where already up, batteries bristling along the exteriors of each ship as they moved to face the new threat, fighters began pouring from the bellies of the assembled capital ships, forming into neat rows before the small half circle of the capital ships.
As the Federation created a perimeter, they seemed to stare each other down across the void. “Tell all ships to hold their positions. Fire only if fired upon.” Why aren’t they attacking? Rising from his chair as the order was passed down and communicated to all warships.
Trying to puzzle the riddle that was the Federation admiralty he made the use of his time to maneuver his fleet to present an optimal firing solution on one of the ISD II’s. While the Mk. II Dunelizards and Sterlings screened their every movement the thin line of no man’s space was breached. The fleets now sat facing each other. On one side of the line the Federation ships with the numerically superior force held back while on the other side the same scene was played out on a much smaller scale.
They should have been swarming over the small ragtag band of antique ships by now.-
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Post Sun Jul 31, 2011 1:30 am by NemoSD
A single carrack cruiser appeared from hyperspace behind the rebel fleet. A single, active sensor ping was sent out. It was a pointless gesture, as the fleet in system had already prepared a data packet with target data. Obviously, it was meant to draw attention. The lone ship hung in space, its haul a rust red color as the reflected light hit the facing angles.
Suddenly, blacking the lone carrack out in shadow, the massive form of a Super Star Destroyer appeared from hyperspace, followed in quick succession by star destroyer after star destroyer, mon cal after mon cal, more carracks, nebulan b's. Fighters began to swarm out, forming a picket line between the rebels and the Federation ships.
The second fleet stood hanging in space for a few moments, the sheer mass of the Morning Star diminishing the rebel fleet by its mere presence. Finally the silence was broken as a holo message was sent, a brute force transmission on all frequencies ensured every holoprojector on every ship displayed the image, and every speaker on every ship played the audio.
A figure of a women, dressed in heavy robes, an ornate head dress, and an even more ornate mask appeared. She was dressed like a Sith Lord of old, the garments were harsh, beautiful and terrifying, a metallic voice started, filtered by the mask, "This is Darth Varya offering free passage to Ranah Vrei, and the leadership of the Warriors of the Shadow. We have much to discuss."
With that, the image vanished, and the sound faded away, back to normal comm chatter.
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Post Sun Jul 31, 2011 1:48 am by Praenuntius
-Knowing the situation was dire he was pleased to feel no fear. There could be no tomorrow and yet he held no regrets. These men had placed their trust in him. There was no way they could break the picket lines of the Federation fleet. No matter how adamant their resolve, the Warriors of the Shadow would live beyond this confrontation. Nothing would please him more than to die in the fury of battle. Being a Mandalorian however was more than just mindless violence and the endless rage to fuel it. It was about protecting clan and family. What good would they be to all those afflicted below if they died here?
Surrender was never an option. Not to someone like Zev. The fury was smoldering beneath that battle suit. How he longed for the simple days of his youth where the orders were given and he followed them.
The ping shattered the brooding silence of the bridge. “We have been pinged.” Before he could even utter the words, even with the viewport turned the wrong way the shadow that befell the modest fleet spelled their doom. Their sensors clearly displayed the arrival of the third force and its odd predicament as it stood between the Federation and the now dwarfed Warriors of the Shadow fleet.
Zev had seen many in the Vong war and as hard and cruel as he was even a tiny piece of him was awed by the stature of the Morning Star. The holographic communication would display before the speechless Zev. When it ended he turned to the Communications Officer, “Get Ranah up here right now.”
Even among the disciplined ranks of Dune Lizards and Sterlings the Mandalorians grew restless. Judgement day would have to come another day. “Tell all ships to hold position and stay away,” he had to take a moment to scroll through his HUD to get the registry of the SSD that eclipsed their tiny band of warships. “Keep away from the Morning Star. Open a channel and inform Darth Varya that we will be coming aboard with the Bes’bev. We will need an hour to prep before our arrival.”
The order was immediately retransmitted and sent to the holding SSD. They had chosen Zev. Followed him through thick and thin, this was no different. They could fight and die, but then what? What would happen to the survivors? Who would fight for them? They had no choice but to trust his judgement and relinquish their hatred to see the greater cause they all shared. There would be no surrender, whether he was standing on the command deck or in a cell on an SSD. They all seemed to of accepted it so far as no one had fired on the hostile ships or broke the formation Zev had set.
Pooling his thoughts together he awaited the arrival of Ranah Vrei, it seems her acquaintance still wanted a chat. Zev would never offer terms or bend the knee, but any chance to escape unscathed would more than suit his needs. After all, they decimated Concord Dawn and the Warriors of Shadow had in return done the same to Tyne, that had to be worth something.-
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Post Sun Jul 31, 2011 9:35 am by Nicole
Ranah was far from idle during it all. She had kept in touch with those few operatives they had sent back to Concord Dawn upon their arrival. She had even ventured down to the surface on one of the transports to see the damage first hand. To say she was in shock was the understatement of the year, everything was in ruins.. sure there was an occasional unscaythed building but most of them bore signs of damage. It all was eerily reminescent of the Vong Wars a few years earlier only then it has been the planet Mandalore itself. Ranah had seen that first hand as well and as she surveyed her knees grew weak and she dropped to them, her armor scratching on the broken duracrete. Her fingers coiled through some of the ash there broken bits of rock, squeezing and grinding as it fell from her grasp. There was a few choice words in Mando'a, a prayer to the fallen.
Her uttered words were interrupted as a squawk came over her headset. She acknowledged the order to go back to the Adenn Naast but lingered a few moments
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Post Sun Jul 31, 2011 9:43 am by Nicole
(Evidently my phone has a limit post was longer but suffice to say she returned to Adenn Naast and asked 'Mand'alor' his orders. I'll edit this later when i make it to a comp and give it better detail but that should be enough for you to continue on since ill be out most of the day.)
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Post Sun Jul 31, 2011 2:58 pm by Praenuntius
-When the images returned from Concord Dawn Zev felt his anger subside. Concord Dawn had been a lush planet thriving with life. Now it only had shades of grey and black. Soot still continued to fall from the sky leaving the crumbling ruins of the once former capital blanketed in glittering brown and gray. Immediately he uttered the dirge for the fallen, “Ni su'cuyi, gar kyr'adyc, ni partayli, gar darasuum.(I’m still alive, but you are dead, I remember you so you are eternal.)” While he had no way of knowing the names of the dead, he repeated the dirge beneath his lips each time a new image popped over his view screen. When Ranah Vrei finally left the destroyed planet and made her way back to the Providence. Before he could leave the bridge however he had to give one final command,
“All ships are to maintain formation and presence. Stay out of weapons fire. If fired upon fire back. If I do not return from the Morning Star in 24 hours, attack at will.”
Rising from his chair he looked out over the officers under his command. He wondered what they might be thinking of him and his decision to treat with the Federation. At the very least he would make a show of force, that the Warriors of Shadow would not be galled by shear naval power.
“Have eight verdas(warriors) meet me in the bay.”
---
When the Bes’bev pulled into the hangar and ramp came down he stalled her at the bottom. Flanking him where the eight Mandalorian’s he requested. “I’m sure you saw the SSD and got the transmission. We’re going aboard. They’ll be expecting us shortly.” Turning his head he regarded the eight behind him, they where more than bodyguards. “They will be coming with.”
Looking back up the ramp at Ranah he didn’t wait as his boots thudded with each elevated step. The eight followed along and Zev directed them to the remaining seats. To Ranah, “I’ll join you in the cockpit.” His tone said he wanted to know everything she knew and even the things she didn’t about this Darth.-
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Post Sun Jul 31, 2011 9:50 pm by Nicole
Ranah gave nod of her head. Her eyes settled upon Zev behind her visor once more as she stepped out into the hanger deck where the Bes'bev had been called in for their trip. Ranah's eyes glimpsed among the eight warriors that were being brought along with them, she gave a small shrug, she doubted it would've been justified any other way than to have armed guards at each other's throats. Afterall, they had no reason to trust these Federations now. Not after what they'd done to their people.
Ranah proceeded on up the ramp with Zev to the cockpit and took her seat next to him, she could allow a pilot to control the ship this time, all the while she sat with Zev going over everything she knew, she thought, and even the things she felt.
Soon enough the Corvette was powering through space towards the massive Morning Star, all the while everyone else waited and held their breath.
/Morning Star this is the Bes'bev, we are expected.
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Post Mon Aug 01, 2011 11:03 am by NemoSD
A shuttle flew past the Bes'bev at long distance, having launched from the Reach and taken a long route around the fleet so as not to be mistaken as an attack. After it entered a the hanger, a voice came over the comm on the Bes'bev. "Bes'bev, this is FNS Morning Star Flight Ops Control, please idle engines and allow the docking tractor beam to pull you in."
Once the corvette it is pulled into the larger hanger, not actually docked in the hanger bay, but in the more temporary dock normally reserved for large resupply ships, an umbilical extends, as does a gangway, forming a seal, and pressurizing itself to allow transit into the large ship.
Once they found their way out of the docking bay, they'd find a single officer, wearing a crisp grey and red uniform. Around his wrist were the marks of a commander.
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Re: Concord Dawn - Aid
-Leading the procession through the umbilical was Zev. To his immediate right, shoulder to shoulder, Ranah Vrei and behind him the eight Mandalorian warriors he had brought along. As they exited the pressurized tube that connected the corvette to the Morning Star, one of the warriors stayed at its entrance. Leaving them with a ubiquitous number of nine as they greeted the Federation Commander with silence every single one of them wore their Mandalorian armor and all of them had weapons hidden about their suits though evidence of any heavy weapons could not be seen.
“Welcome aboard the FNS Morning Star.” Came the haltingly crisp militaristic voice of the Commander. He seemed ill at ease as he turned on his heels, “If you would follow me please, and stay close on my heels.” Without waiting for a response the Officer would start forward.
Hard on his heels Zev, Ranah and company, the thudding of the hardened soles of their boots echoing along the corridors. None of them said anything. There was nothing to say. Heads continued to swivel however. Taking in every sealed door and the lack of personnel traffic, not even a single Marine to be sure the Mandalorian’s where kept inline. Perhaps that is why the Federation Commander was nervous. Either that or just really didn’t like aliens aboard his ship. It felt more like a ghost ship to Zev. But then again, why excite the crew with their arrival when they could be snuck aboard?
He had to admire the audacity of the Darth. It wouldn’t take long for them to reach the conference room. Once there the Commander made a request of them, one Zev knew was coming. Giving his curt approval, the seven took up station at the door. Zev was the first one pass through the sealed door and into the room beyond. No one was there as of yet and still no Marine guards could be seen. Instead of taking a seat Zev remained standing arms crossing his chest, hands clasping his biceps as he awaited the arrival of their distinguished hostess.-
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Post Mon Aug 01, 2011 1:15 pm by NemoSD
As the two Mandalorians entered the conference hall, the door behind them closed silently, the datapad showing it was still unlocked. Music filled the air, one of those pieces which was neither, happy, sad, or anything else really, but you could project just about any emotion on it.
After a few minutes, a door on the other end of the hall opened, and a red skinned Togruta stepped in, walking with a slight limp and a very angry expression on her face. Her lightsaber, the long hilt of a double bladed affair, was worn in plain sight, her loose and flowing garment showing hints of leg as she walked, which she did in a dignified, almost militaristic walk, even though it seemed to visibly pain her. Following her was the Mandalore, resplendent in his shiny, well kept armor. He walked him, nodded to the Togruta as he walked by and found a chair. In line right after him came a man in a blindly white 'uniform' with gold shoulder boards. He was obviously not a military man, but had spent much effort trying to appear as such. His hands were bound in front of him.
Finally, wearing the same severe outfit the holovid had shown her in, Darth Varya walked into the hall. The embroidery formally lost in the holovid was now very much visible, Sith writing running down the hems of the outfit in gold thread, intricate geometric patterns sprawled across the rich purple fabric in various hues of purple, blending and standing out from the base color in an almost hypnotic fashion. Shoulder pads, which almost resembled armor, covered her upper arm, and came to a distinct point just past her elbow. A double bladed lightsaber hung from her belt, a large girdle with a large red crystal in the center, presumably some form of force crystal. Her head dress covered her entire head, in the exception of her face, which was covered by a mask. The head dress's fabric blended with the fabric of the robes, fading to a dark black by the time it reached the crown, where two long decorative horns extended out, and then down. Her mask bore a resemblance to the long dead and ancient Kassassi, the metal crafted to appear a vibrant red. Gold inlay details what might be jewelery or body art the Kassassi have been seen wearing in ancient depictions. The entire outfit looked intimidating, and even though it did not at first appear to be something one could fight in, she did not give the impression that she even needed to move to be deadly.
It wasn't just her outfit that caused that though. As she entered the room, it seemed to become colder, and the Mandalorian's with their helmet HUDs would watch an almost instant drop of 4-5 degrees. A weight seemed to press down on everyone, a cold sickening knot in there stomachs. Ranah would feel the dark side rise up in her, inspired by the presence of one of its masters.
Darth Varya nods to the two Mandalorians across the room, and then speaks, "Welcome my honorable and noble rival, it is my pleasure to meet and speak with you, and with you Ranah, once more." Her voice was calm, smooth, and almost kind sounding, a strange juxtaposition to the oppressive feeling of the room.
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Post Mon Aug 01, 2011 3:21 pm by Praenuntius
-Zev was resplendent in his scarlet armor. The blackened T-Visor hid his disdain and scorn for the Mandalore. Lips grew thin and taut against a hate filled expression. Hands clenched and unclenched, his entire body going rigid as he struggled to restrain himself from throttling the man. The Togruta had been ignored as well as the man who followed after the puppet Mandalorian. The Mandalore was all Zev could see. Eyes narrow slits as he loosed a howl of rage preceding the entrance of the Darth.
A side plate with a glossy scarlet cover hissed open on his thigh and within seconds a heavily modified 434 blaster was in Zev’s hands. The 434 was lighter than standard issue models having most of its durasteel stripped and replaced with lighter components. The blaster pistol packed the same punch however. The motion was in synch with the rest of his body as he moved forward both hands holding the gun firm and level at the Mandalore.
“Aruetycate demagolka!(Traitorous monster!)” This would be the scene the Darth walked in upon. The tension in the room was palpable. A veritable powder keg ready to explode at a moment’s notice, Zev hardly even noticed the oppression or the degree drop was he so intent on killing the Mandalorian traitor.-
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Post Mon Aug 01, 2011 3:36 pm by Nicole
Ranah could not help but feel the emotions rise within the room to such explosive levels. Tension, anger, grief, fear, anguish, oh it was all a toxic mix to those whom could feel it. She was about to mirror Zev's actions, she like Zev had much issue to take up with the former Mand'alor. Yet just before Zev would squeeze the trigger Ranah's gauntleted hand slipped up, fingers wrapping around the barrel of the firearm and tilting it up, off target as she glimpsed her visored head towards him.
"Nu jurkad Mando'ade, burc'ya ( Steady, Mate )."
Her voice seemed urgent to Zev, fingers slowly released his blaster and rest on his bicep for a moment, perhaps even a thought shared between them before she stepped back, her eyes settling directly on Varya behind her helmet.
"You insult us with the presence of these aruetii (traitors)" she took a step forward, shoulder to shoulder with Zev.
"Give a reason why my vod (comrade) and I should not avenge our fallen here and now."
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Post Mon Aug 01, 2011 4:26 pm by NemoSD
Varya's masked face remained as emotionless as only a mask meant to look angry all the time could. She did not rush to respond, her head moving to look at the two Mandalorian's and then the Mandalore. She finally spoke breaking a quiet made uneasy by the dark side aura emanating from her. "Because I swore to protect him as long as he was in my company, that and I am sure your people would benefit much more from a public execution," she said taking a seat next to the white clothed man.
The Mandalore quickly turned to face Varya, while standing quickly drawing a blaster, his speakers clicking as if he were about to say something, but was interrupted as a wave of force slammed into him from Miri.
Varya looked down at the man, and shook her head, "You are jumpy friend, so quick to betray at nothing. I was never going to surrender you to them but now that you drew a weapon on me, my oath of protection is null." Varya looked back up at the delagation from the Mandalorians, "He is yours now."
Miri had already walked over towards the Mandalore, taking a pair of binders placed on the table, and fitting them onto the Mandalore. As he struggled, Miri verbally let out a shout of "Enough!" then twisted and pulled his helmet off, and slugged him so hard with the binders that we was out cold, and a few pristine teeth went scattering across the floor. She then bound him, and with a flick of her wrist sent the man flying across the room, his armor making a loud commotion as it hit the far wall.
"Sorry for the disturbance," Varya said. "Shall we begin with introductions? I am Darth Varya, this is my Apprentice Miri Reu," indicating towards the Togruta, and then pointing towards the white clad bound man, "And this is Senator Soni."
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Post Mon Aug 01, 2011 4:39 pm by Praenuntius
-Ranah’s intervention only served to leave a reminder of their visit upon the ceiling. Breathing in as he lowered the weapon he exhaled and muttered, “Aruetii.(Tratior)” His eyes never left the man, concealed as they where his hate smoldered and soon simmered as he finally turned away instead to look at the Darth. The oppression emanating from her arrival did little to faze the Mandalorian. While it weighed on his shoulders he clung to the reason he had came here and took the few moments Ranah had given him to compose himself. At least the Darth looked worthy of his notice. Whether the suit was practical remained to be seen. Intimidating a Mandalorian was hard to do but even so he knew the puppet master when he saw her.
With her gilded robes and stylish flair, Zev had little idea who she was trying to be, but whatever it was spoke volumes of strength and the knowledge to hone it into power. Ranah had briefed him on the mysterious Darth Varya and possible motives. He had no fear then and had no fear now. Come what may there would be violence and heaps of it should things spiral out of control.
Standing beside Ranah Vrei he said nothing following her less than warm greetings to the Darth. Elbows had bent upwards slight to bring the weapon over the edge of the table, but still pointed down. He raised it again the second the Mandalore brought out his own weapon but found it to be a useless gesture as the Darth’s apprentice took care of the matter.
He looked between the exchange of Varya and Miri. Finally he lowered his weapon holstering it once more in the thigh plate that slid out. Taking a step back he tapped twice on the door, paused, tapped once more and three of the seven Mandalorian warriors left outside entered. Their weapons weren’t drawn and instead they waited for orders. Pointing to the crumpled, helmetless Mandalore, “Pick him up and see that no lasting harm is done to him, return him to the Bes’bev,” Zev commanded. They did as they were told and none of them where gentle in picking up the unconscious human. They would beat him all the way to Bes’bev, and then there they would beat him even more. By the time the man saw the inside of a cell he would have so many scrapes and bruises he would be hardly recognizable.
Turning back to Darth Varya he only caught the introduction of the Senator. He found it odd that a Senator would be in tow. “I am Zev Khandrr,” once again they where shoulder to shoulder, “and this is Ranah Vrei.” He remained standing, legs spread as if still weary, but folded arms across his chest gave the opposite impression.-
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Post Mon Aug 01, 2011 5:17 pm by Nicole
Ranah watched with exquisite interest the little scene unfolding between the previous Mand'alor and Darth Varya, when Varya had stated protection of the man while in her presence she held such a dark chill that forebode what was about to happen. While Miri and Zev had both acted in instinct to stop the armored traitor from placing his shot to the Darth Ranah kept her eyes on the woman, never turning, never bolstering a blink in that direction.
The only time Ranah's gaze ever altered was when the girl flung the man across the room and he landed somewhat near them on the otherside of the room. Well. That was one down certainly, the one that the people most wanted.
Precious silence was invested as the Mandalorian vanguard outside stepped inside to withdraw the man from the room and haul him back to their vessel. Ranah's hand extended to the helmet laying discarded carelessly on the floor and drew it across the expanse to her, letting it come to rest on the table just infront of her as she crossed her arms and rest her wrists atop it securely.
"That will appease the Mandalorians to some extent." she replied simply. "Zev is the leader of Warriors of the Shadow, the one I had mentioned in our little chat prior." she stated, giving a small nod of her helmet towards Zev. "He is also our true Mand'alor."
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Post Mon Aug 01, 2011 6:53 pm by NemoSD
Varya nodded, then stood up, and turned to fave Miri for a moment, then looked over her shoulder towards the two delegates, "Zav, Ranah," she started, "If you would indulge me, there is a quick ceremony I wish complete before we begin."
Varya turned her head to face Miri once more, and then said, "My Apprentice, kneel before me," her lightsaber floating towards her hand.
Miri nodded at her master, and as she dropped to her knees, she watched the lightsaber. She had taken quite the beating prior to entering this hall, and now she was terrified that that had just been the pre-show.
"Miri Reu, as Dark Lord of the Sith," Varya starting, pausing after stating her title, then continuing, "I grant you the status of a Lord of the Sith, and the title Darth Veradun. Do the name proud," Varya said, and then suddenly ignited the lightsaber and brought crashing down towards Miri, who without hesitation rolled out of the way, her own lightsaber igniting and crossing the blade of her masters. The two red blades hung, crossed together for a moment, before Varya nodded, and stepped back disengaging her blade. "Be at your ease Darth Veradun," and then turned to face the Mandalorians again.
"Before we begin negotiations, I would like to provide you with a gift," Varya said, grabbing the collar of the senator and standing him up, "What happened below us was an atrocity, and one I wish had not happened. It has made my position in this system untenable, and I am going to withdraw from it. However, I do feel you have the right to justice. You have already blackened my eye for the black eye delivered onto you with my men and my equipment," Varya paused, her voice trailing for a moment, "This man here, he thought bombarding the surface of your world would bring you guys in line... he obviously did understand what it is to be the warrior he pretends to be."
"This man, without consulting with me, ordered the bombarding of your planet, and in turn is responsible for the deaths on Concord Dawn, and Tyne. Normally I would take such a man and punish myself, however in the interests of good faith between a new government, I will give him to you as a gift," Varya said before pushing the senator towards the other side of the room, and then sitting back in her seat.
"Now, I am not in the habit of withdrawing and leaving the civilians behind without aid, structure, or needed support. While my rule of your system may not of been effective, many of the benefits of Federation involvement are needed, especially with the rebuilding of Concord Dawn. I propose an agreement in which we help rebuild the damaged infrastructure, and my men will work with yours in defending your sector, and maintaining the infrastructure. The only thing asked in return is free and open trade, and an agreement of Mutual Defense."
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Post Mon Aug 01, 2011 7:19 pm by Praenuntius
-Zev did not like the title she attached to him. He was no Mand’alor no matter how many of his followers looked to him as one. He was the leader of an insurgency that had sought to repel the Federation’s rule. Sometimes Ranah went too far with her grand titles and in this he found much fault. Instead of correcting her mistake however, he inclined his head towards Darth Varya. Ranah spoke true for the Mandalorian people. Having that buffoon of a Mandalorian beheaded in the capital square would do much to repair the damage the Federation had caused. However that would not solve all of their problems.
“By all means.” Came his curt reply to her question. Rhetorical as it might be, it was her ship after all, he still felt inclined to give it. He was after all the ‘Mand’alor’ as Ranah had declared him. He made no move throughout the archaic ritual and in fact found the conclusion admirable. Had this new Darth not been worthy of the title she would have been consumed by the lightsaber.
By way of respect the Mand’alor nodded his head in approval and respect for the newfound Darth. That was the only congratulations she would receive. And then he turned his attention once more upon Darth Varya, whose face was concealed, save for those heated orbs. The eyes of a predator he remarked. As she introduced the bound Senator as the instrument of Concord Dawn’s destruction he moved forward again out of instinct only to restrain himself at the last second.
His slate grey hues where cold and merciless, perhaps the Sith could feel the hate behind his gaze. It made no matter, because like the puppet, this man would meet his just fate. Perhaps it was time to reinstate the fighting pits of old. Zev had to admit it would be quite pleasing to see him torn limb from limb. A cruel grin spread across his shrouded features, “We will see if he is a warrior yet.”
He gave Ranah Vrei a look when the terms where offered. No side would surrender but both would agree to coexist peacefully and perhaps even benefit from each other in these harsh times. Not entirely unreasonable. Zev however was no fool. He never had a head for politics and instead turned to his Riduur(partner.)No word was spoken but the visible nod in her direction would be more than enough to signal her rise to prominence. Unfortunately he had no token title for the woman, but that would come in time if he truly was to be Mand'alor. Had he been in charge he would have certainly asked for a hostage. Perhaps the newly risen Darth – but he had left the decision to Ranah instead. Maybe he would if she found them disagreeable.-
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Post Mon Aug 01, 2011 7:54 pm by Nicole
Ranah's arms folded across her chest as she and Zev witnessed the ritual. It was the first time Ranah had seen anything of the sort from a force user. Then again, there were warrior merits in the act of attempting to kill one's student. Mandalorians went through something similar, but not entirely a copy. Her eyes glimpsed towards Zev for a moment as he began to launch towards the Senator.
Once again Ranah's observed her Sith hosts and then back to the Senator, she could sense an unusual amount of fear coming from him, her fingers lightly drummed against her metal arm before ceasing as Zev averted the decision, or rather the opinion of one to herself. There was something about the offer that left her uneasy.
"Your offer of assistance is most generous considering you're offering to repair what you destroyed in the first place. However, the Mandalorian people would never defend you should you require help, after you tried to destroy us. Furthermore, at the time, if you required help, there would be little we could tactically do for you as I'm sure you already know. Seeing how easily you gave over the former Mand'alor to us after your sworn pact it leads me to believe you wish us to agree so when we falter you have the justification to finish what you started. We respectfully decline."
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Re: Concord Dawn - Aid
"I had no intention of turning over the Mandalore to you, I had actually hoped to make peace between the two of you, but..." Varya trailed off, her head moving to the side slightly as if trying to remember something, "But, I did not have a lot of faith in his ability to maintain respect from his own people, and when he tried to draw a weapon," looking back up at Ranah, "Well, he was no longer under my protection," Varya stopped for a moment, then set off on a different topic, "The Federation has built a massive infrastructure in this system, we have begun many projects to rebuild destroyed worlds like Mandalore. If our aid is not accepted, all those resources go to waste." She paused again, Darth Veradun taking the queue and keying up a display which started to detail various projects and planetary revitalization projects, "We seek to ease the transition to the new government.
"As for your inability to provide aid, that is understood. It is a face saving measure for me, and my government. Being coming out of this as allies, neither of us hold the shame of surrender, or defeat, you gain the glory of victory, and I gain the peace of mind of a balanced budget. As far as free trade, that just seems fair, and a very generous offer to be given a new government."
Varya stood up from the table, "Those are the only terms though, I will give you time to considered them, I have set aside quarters for you aboard this ship, or you may return to your own ship. We can schedule another meeting for the same time tomorrow, unless there is anything you wish to add?"
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Post Mon Aug 01, 2011 9:09 pm by Praenuntius
-He couldn’t have been more proud after Ranah declined their terms. The woman had a way of sniffing out the more devious elements. The Mandalorian’s where much too proud to accept foreign aid. Especially from the Federation that had rendered one of their most beautiful planets nearly inhospitable, granted Zev had done the same in retaliation, but that in no way cleared the air between the two factions.
“Mando'ad draar digur”(A Mandalorian never forgets.) He spoke to reinforce the words spoken by his Riduur. The Mandalorian’s where a proud and tenacious people. They wanted no help from their enemies and enemies the Federation would always remain for the atrocities committed. They would however be much obliged if the Federation went back to minding its own business instead of trying to play the good Samaritan. Zev had to admit there was a certain allure to her words though.
Furthermore as anyone with common sense knew, when offered something that appeared to be too good to be true it most likely was too good to be true. While he had never doubted Ranah to see the obvious, he was to some degree relieved. Zev gave equal attention to Darth Varya’s rebuttal. While the keyed up display of ongoing projects and projects still in the funding stages and the Federation’s interest level, was informational, it in no way lent itself to the argument being presented. The Federation wanted to save money but continue to spend resources on the Mandalorian system in the hopes that its people would provide military support?
While the Darth had tried writing off their position, Zev would have none of it. A fist would slam down on the table. “Those are the only terms? You asked us here for a discussion. Not to meet your demands. You left a world in ruin; I left your world in ruin. You think this is all the Warriors of Shadow are?” He brought his fist up to better level his gaze over the Dark Lord of the Sith. While he was bluffing the Federation had no way of knowing where the rest of the Warriors of Shadow where or if there was a bigger fleet lurking out there. “You cut off the head another will rise to take it’s a place. I suggest to you,” he pointed at her showing his lack of fear, “that you treat with us instead of acting like what you’ve put before us is more than just scraps from your table. We deserve more and we will fight for it if necessary.”
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Post Mon Aug 01, 2011 9:28 pm by NemoSD
Varya paused, Veradun's hand went to her lightsaber, although did not draw it. Varya turned back around slowly, laughing quietly, "Some times I forget that I am not dealing with boot licking Senators," Varya said, then turned to Veradun, "This Darth Varedun is why you do not send heads of state into diplomatic situations, we have long sense forgotten what it is to have people with a thought to work with."
Varya walked back towards the table, the sense of oppression, cold, and the knot in everyones stomach grew, and she started to speak, her soft melodic voice traveling through the room, "Rebellions are notoriously tough to eradicate. They are like virulent weeds that spread through a beautiful garden. Fighting them is a life times mission once the first takes root.
"The wise gardener eventually decides it is cheaper to destroy his garden in flame, and start a new on the ashes of his fallen investments, taking a greater mind to those weeds. I'd much rather turn my garden over to nature though."
She paused for a moment, visible facing Ranah, then Zev. "Lets have your discussion, what terms would you propose?"
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Post Mon Aug 01, 2011 9:51 pm by Praenuntius
-That had seemed to stop the Dark Lord of the Sith. While the temperature would seem to dip even further the pit in his stomach only became snarled. Coming out like a nest of vipers the fear was bit back by a surge in anger. While he did his best to keep the tide of anger and fear from clouding his judgment he shook his head. “Give us a moment Darth Varya.”
Reaching over his left forearm deft fingers lifted a panel and press several buttons in sequence before closing the tiny plate. They wouldn’t be able to hear a single word said through normal means as he linked his suit with that of Ranah’s. “I think the terms should be the Federation leaving Mandalorian space entirely. All projects should be handed over to Mandalorian contractors, all oversight should be done by a Mandalorian council. The Federation should continue to supply resources and funds when needed to complete the projects in place. We should also take this new Darth as a hostage to be sure nothing untoward happens. We can discuss her release once Concord Dawn has been restored.”
All the while he remained motionless. He wasn’t about to admit he didn’t have the head for politics but he knew he had to missing some aspects of the terms they would need to forge to keep their people free and safe from persecution. Hopefully Ranah would be able to catch his mistakes and make terms that benefited the Mandalorian people.-
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Post Mon Aug 01, 2011 10:11 pm by Nicole
Ranah stepped aside, her eyes on Zev's visor as she reached up and toggled a switch, cutting off her own external speakers as she began to hold her conversation with Zev. There were a few heated moments, an argument about a certain issue, even her body grew a little rigid on her disagreements on a few things. In the end she balled her fist slightly and relaxed it, shaking her head slightly, giving in to Zev obviously but she looked back to Varya.
She cast one last glimpse back towards the Mand'alor, reluctantly looking back to the two Sith she toggled the switch back.
"We propose the following agreement:
The Federation Fleet will leave the Mandalore Sector, if it must, for any reason be here it will be done so with Zev's explicit permission.
We will allow you to aid us in rebuilding, truth be told you have greater access to resources than we do at the moment. Getting our planet functioning again will be a struggle otherwise.
Mandalorians will lead your people and oversee all projects. When your people are not lending assistance they will return to their vessels.
We both will declare an Armistice. A mutual agreement to cease the fighting. You wish to appear peaceful to the rest of the galaxy, less oppressive than what you displayed here this week. We will keep that image to the rest of the galaxy.
An Envoy will remain behind aboard a small Federation vessel, Frigate Class, in orbit. We propose your new Darth. I'm certain she would find it acceptable to oversee the repairs on your behalf since she was here during it's destruction.
When repair to our infrastructure is complete we will reconvene to discuss mutual defense and trade. Perhaps if our people can see what it is like to have yours working with us they will be more adept to protecting you should you require it versus stabbing you in the back later on. Revenge is a nasty thing is it not Mistress Varya?"
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Post Mon Aug 01, 2011 10:22 pm by NemoSD
"Youth is most entertaining," Varya said. She leaned against the chair, casually, and let the room sit quietly for a few long moments before finally saying something again, "I agree to those terms with two provisions," she starts, "The First, Darth Veradun has to complete a pilgrimage to Korriban, where she must ask the Sith Lords of old, and the Sith Lords of now to see if there are any who would challenge her new status, she must be allowed to complete this journey."
Varya went quiet again, looked straight at Ranah, "I would only allow you to accompany her. I know why you seek an envoy, and I acknowledge your wisdom, and as such, once the journey to Korriban is complete, you, Ranah Vrei, will travel to Dromund Kaas, where you will serve as my Envoy."
Varya paused to let that settle in then said, "As to my second term, you will allow free trade immediately. Cessation of trade would damage both the Federations economy, and yours to the point where restoration becomes moot."
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Post Mon Aug 01, 2011 10:40 pm by Nicole
Ranah drew in a deep breath and held it. The last thing she wanted was to go with this brat anywhere or to the Federation planet. Then again, she supposed it the most appropriate course of action considering someone important to Varya would be remaining here that someone important to the Mandalorians go there.
That didn't make it any less obviously annoying or unpleasant for Ranah. She cast a look to Zev for a long quiet moment before she looked back to Varya.
"Very well. I will require a day to make the arrangements, we do have an execution to plan afterall."
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Post Mon Aug 01, 2011 10:52 pm by Praenuntius
-Zev couldn’t honestly believe what he was hearing. First the notion that Ranah would serve as an envoy was an outrage and then when she didn’t flat out reject the offer he knew she was considering it. Could she not see the obvious? The Federation would end up with Ranah and their hostage in Federation space – what then served the purpose of the envoys?
Still before he could interrupt, Ranah accepted the terms and asked only for a day. “No.” He shook his head looking at Ranah. “She will not be going to Korriban. If she is, it will be with me and our Mandalorian brothers. If that isn’t acceptable she stays here until Darth Veradun has completed her pilgrimage and after we make the swap.”
He couldn’t let his personal feelings ruin all they had worked for. Victory was within his grasp. Was one woman really worth tearing down all they had worked for? She had left before of her own volition and now that she had come back – no those thoughts were useless. His back straightened. Being a leader of men and women meant being able to make those hard decisions. When neither solution was the best solution and while it would leave a bitter taste in his mouth he saw the wisdom of Ranah’s acceptance. He gave her a lingering look before staring back at Darth Varya.-
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Post Mon Aug 01, 2011 11:12 pm by NemoSD
"Those terms are acceptable," Varya said, then turned to the Togruta, "You will complete your pilgrimage at a later date, but prior to returning to Dromund Kaas."
The red Togruta bowed her head and said, "Yes Master," and then turned to face Zev, "Do you have a preference of what ship I use as my prison in your system?"
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Post Mon Aug 01, 2011 11:19 pm by Praenuntius
-Zev regarded the Darth he had pleaded for. Was it a stupid idea to ask for a hostage? No. Ultimately it was the right thing to do given the circumstance. A Sith couldn’t be trusted to keep their word. For the meantime the fleet would stay here and so too would his new guest. “You will stay aboard the Adenn Naast until we can provide a ship for you. You will be escorted everywhere you go.” And because the Sith could be wily tricksters, “All critical areas are off limits.”
Turning back to Darth Varya, “You will also instruct Darth Veradun that any use of the Force on my men will constitute her immediate execution.” Without waiting for a reply he plodded on, “I will expect a shuttle to arrive in one day aboard the Adenn Naast. Ranah will take the shuttle back. We will meet when the restoration is complete.” With that he turned and made his way back to the Bes’bev.-
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Re: Concord Dawn - Aid
Ranah turned, following the Mand'alor back to her vessel where it would immediately request departure and return to the Adenn Naast once it was given.
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Post Tue Aug 02, 2011 12:24 am by NemoSD
"Master," Darth Veradun said, after the Mandalorian's left the room, "What is your play here?" She sat down in one of the chair, her hand moving for the pain in her leg, but she quickly changes her mind, and places her hand on the table and ignores the pain.
"None, you are not under there command, do not let them order you around," Varya replied, "If your accommodations are not suitable, I will find out, and will take it as an insult to my person." Varya pulled her mask off, and dropped it onto the table. "Try not to kill anyone."
Varya stood up from the table, and exited the conference room, leaving the new Darth standing in the room.
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The following day, to the hour, a shuttle left the Morning Star heading towards the small, antiquated Cruiser. Inside the shuttle sat five large chests, and Darth Veradun, who held a datapad and was just shaking her head at it, almost laughing. In the cockpit, the pilot was requesting docking clearance.
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Post Tue Aug 02, 2011 12:35 am by Praenuntius
-The clearance was given. Zev stood resolute upon the docking bay. The very one he had ordered cleared hours before. Only five Mandalorian warriors where present, but before him stood the only warrior he cared for at the moment, Ranah Vrei. “Remember what you are to do if things go south. We will be standing by if anything should happen. Do not hesitate to act.” These where all things they had already gone over, things she knew already from whatever ordeals she had faced before coming back to the fold.
“Riduur, cyare, I will see you again soon. We will see how they treat you.”
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Moments later the shuttle would pull in and standing shoulder to shoulder to meet the Envoy of the Federation, Sith Lord, Darth Veradun.-
"Sometimes it is necessary to Sheathe the Sword."
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Post Tue Aug 02, 2011 12:57 am by NemoSD
As the ramp descended, Darth Veradun was making her way down, marching with the air, and strength that typifies the Sith, her saber was in plain sight, and her clothing was loose and made to appear ready for a fight. Unlike her master, she did not decorate herself in the finest, and most traditional clothing, instead focused on simple garments which allowed her to move freely. She did not slow as she got to the bottom of the ramp, and continued on towards Zev and Ranah, before stopping less then a foot away from Zev's face.
"I understand that officially I am diplomat, yes?" she asked, then not giving him a chance to answer, "Because I brought five chests filled with ceremonial Sith bricks that I need carted to whatever quarters I am to be assigned," she started to step aside so that Ranah and Zav could say their good byes, but then stopped and turned back to the pair, "By the way, Darth Varya asked I give you this." she said handing a datapad over.
On the datapad was the converted registration of the FNS Endeavor, a MC-90 cruiser, to the personal ownership of a Zav Khandarr. At the moment the Veradun's shuttle landed, sensors on the bridge would've picked up every fighter craft on the Endeavor launching, and shuttles beginning to ferry back and forth between the Endeavor and the FNS Reach. The fighters cleared the gravity well and jumped to hyperspace.
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Post Tue Aug 02, 2011 8:46 am by Nicole
Ranah was standing there with Zev, as stoic as ever, a simple bag was slung around her back and she stood, ever watchful of the situation unfolding before her. Listening to the new Darth and her statement. Ranah sneered some, stepping aside to one of the bay attendants she returned carrying a flat pad of some sort, almost shoving it into Veradun's chest Ranah came just as deadly close to her, prying her back away from Zev as she spoke.
"Officially. Unofficially you're a war criminal being protected by an Armistice agreement. Think twice before you ask for the Mandalorians to do anything for you, they might just as easily leave you a bomb." Ranah stated, leaving the girl the control pad to one of the hoversleds. " Carry your bricks yourself." she snarled in conclusion before she looked back to Zev.
There was so many things that could've been said between them at that moment. So many things they could've done to express their separation. But at the moment no words came, words were not needed, not after they'd spent all night "discussing" the situation. Showing an emotional weakness at the moment didn't seem justifiable, nor the Mandalorian way, surely Veradun could sense the increased annoyance level Ranah exhibited when regarding the Sith.
The only thing Ranah spoke, acted on was to ball her fist and bump it across her chest to her shoulder and tilt her head towards Zev. "For Mandalore." she spoke, regarding the people, the planet. Her response was a typical oath before many Mandalorians would go to battle. She turned, caring not of the "gift" that the Darth gave Zev, a warship certainly was eye-raising but questionable. Thoughts which Ranah kept to herself as she made her way up the rampway onto the shuttle and glimpsed around inside, studying the interior while the shuttle's crew sat the chests at the end of the rampway. Soon enough she took her seat, bag resting across her lap and her armored arms atop it, eyes focused on the wall across from her, brooding. Frakking Federation, frakking Sith.
