Private A desert trip

[Red Mobius]

Wearing: Red's Personal Mobius Steel Armor

Armed with: Doom of Ulmarah

Inside: Surplus Works Clan Crawler

Red admired her handiwork for a change.

It was in the back lot of her shop, designed to resemble a Sandcrawler, but it was anything but.

It was basically a small fortress on treads. It had taken her weeks to assemble because she didn't have a truly dedicated production line, and had to assemble it piece by piece with the assistance of the HRD Kassandra Beskar'ad , an Ex House Io warrior she had freed from her nearly unbreakable loyalty programming and offered the cover of being her engineering Droid in Mandalorian space.

They had needed to buy construction equipment to finish it properly. It wasn't fancy looking and didn't have a craft in it yet, but the weapons had been installed.

And Red had basically been just... chilling out, taking a small break. Internally, it was a barracks with almost fully self sufficient facilities on the inside, designed to house Mandalorians on the move in relative comfort. She was actually planning to take it for a spin today with Kassandra, busily tuning up the reactor in preparation for the trip into the deep desert to shake any remaining cob webs out of the design. They would have to use one of the wider roads out of Keldabe.

Some of the Domarians-non Mandalorian citizens of the Empire would be going with her. She had hired them to help run and maintain her Class Five Protected Transport . She had taken the time to get to know them. There was Beris, a Human who had left the core worlds years ago trying to flee bad memories, Karima, a teenage girl of seventeen, the daughter of a doctor, Calos, a middle aged human of muscular build and quiet disposition, and Tyri, another engineer from the outer rim.

Kassandra, clad in her usual skintight catsuit, the HRD with too human movement patterns joined Mobius in the sealed cockpit/bridge, hands folded.

"I must confess, Red...House Io would have found many uses for an engineer of your caliber. Your quality rivals that of the finest Nuetralizer Design Smiths." Kassandra admitted. "That is NOT easy for a Nuetralizer specifically designed and programmed as an engineer to admit."

"I'll take that as a compliment..." Red replied, busy whittling a flute from a piece of wood, the wood shavings going into a bucket. She was wearing her own self modified Mobius Steel Armor, her hammer hanging on a rack nearby.

"Red...may I ask a personal question?"

"You're efficient and dedicated. You've earned that right." Red replied.

"If the worst comes to pass, and your clan is dead...what will you do?" Kassandra asked innocently.

Red blinked under her helmet.

"I suppose beyond seeking vengeance...I would have to rebuild my Clan piece by piece...I would be the Alor."

"Perhaps you should consider doing that now..." Kassandra suggested. "Your Domarian employee pool seems to me to be an excellent recruitment source."

Red snorted. "They aren't warriors. That's part of the reason I hired them."

"Were you a warrior when you started out?" Kassandra pressed.

Red thought a moment.

"Touche..." she replied casually..."But I don't even know if my Clan's Alor lives or not. And one Clan can't have two Alors. Until I know for certain...I don't want to risk dishonoring Amar Mobius. At best, I would consider myself a recruiter for my clan."

Kassandra shrugged. "It's a start, Red."

Just then comms activated.

"Red! Got a new customer in the front waiting!" Karima called out enthusiastically.

"On it. Thanks...send her to the back lot." Red replied, uneasily considering the HRD's words as she took the small lift down to the base deck of her crawler, heading to the exit ramp. Athena Faar had been informed where to find her out back. Word was spreading about her quality apparently...

"Afternoon..." Red greeted. "Welcome to Mobius Surplus Works. I'm Red...what can I fashion for you this fine day?"

 

[Athena Faar]

She had first seen the Clan Mobius blacksmith at the great hall, when the Mandalore revealed his vision for the Empire and announced the inner circle of leadership. Red had spoken of her abducted clan, and offered her crafted items to the Mandalore and the Empire.

Then he saw her on Mytus, where she stalked out of the besieged covert after commandeering the invaders' own drill rig and turning it on them. She may have claimed not to be much of a warrior, but that day she proved she was much more than a blacksmith. Red had already made an impression on Athena.

So, in a moment of inaction, the Korun warrior paid Red a visit. She needed arms and armor upgrades from the salvaged and lower quality weapons and suit she had been using since leaving the Enclave.

A giant billow of dust arose, stirred up by broad beating leathery wings as the dragon settled to the ground near the big crawler. Athena climbed down and left the beast to bask as she drew up to an entrance to Red's mobile work station.

A large ramp sat lowered at the front of the massive vehicle, Athena paused before it. A teenage girl ran out to greet her, and was informed that the visitor came to see Red Mobius. The girl disappeared and soon Red appeared.

Athena nodded her head, reaching to remove her helmet. She was not one for the more formal traditions some held. The dragon rider much preferred speaking face to face. Athena's armor was of non-Mandalorian metals, bearing scorch and soot marks from battles atop the fire-breathing beast. On her back was a worn vibrosword. It was these she wished to improve.

Her emerald eyes took a quick scan of the woman before her. "I'm Athena..." there was a glaring absense of a clan name with the introduction, "...I am in desperate need of some upgrades." Her arms opened a bit, as if to invite the armorer to consider how insufficient the armor was for the scale of war they had been fighting. "I heard you speak in Mandalmotors Hall, I need your help." She inquired.

Tag: Red Mobius

 

[Red Mobius]

Red examined Athena Faar ...battered armor, been through the ringer. Nice pelt, though...

Red approached Athena, tapped the armor on Athena's arm, listening to the ring, before circling her, examined every part of the armor.

"Metal has been stressed to its limits...seals are too. Armorweave is worn out...you been through the ringer, alright..." Red noted. "But nothing I haven't fixed before. Step aboard my craft. I was set to head into the desert for more ores...we can discuss what exactly you are looking for in terms of upgrades before I make the journey. Every warrior has different requirements... you're free to join me on the trip if you like..."

Red looked at Karima. "Take care of her war dragon while we talk shop. Lots of raw meat. Take credits from the safe if you need to."

Karima nodded and ran into the shop.

Ten minutes later...

The Crawler was sealed up to drown out the noise from Keldabe, set to depart at any time.

As per Clan Mobius hospitality, as her guest aboard the crawler, Athena had been served a bowl of shatual meat stew and bottled water, with Kassandra handling piloting. She had also been provided a change of clothes so that Red could examine her armor more thoroughly on a diagnostic table. On the outside, it looked like an ordinary crawler. On the inside it was anything but. The architecture was clearly built to withstand near constant assault. Possibly even dedicated assault from other Mandalorians.

"So, what are you looking for in terms of upgrades? Specific platings, underlays? You looking for a traditional Beskar Suit or something lighter?" Red asked, samples of the various armor materials Red could work laid out before Athena on the large table for her to scrutinize.

"If you don't have credits, I am open to bartering. But higher quality materials will require something close or equal in trade value..." Red advised, poking and prodding the armor with her instruments...

 

[Athena Faar]

Athena stood still as Red took a cursory inspection of the armor. There was hope. With a nod, the Korun confirmed she would accept the invitation. Emerald eyes followed teenager to whom Red had given charge over caring for the dragon. Athena turned to look at Miit'alor. Friend, she impressed upon the dragon's mind. Behave! Those green eyes narrowed with a feigned threatening glare. The dragon snorted and offered a subtle nod. Then Athena turned back to Red and followed her into the giant crawler.

Inside, Athena found the interior far from what she expected. She had seen a jawa crawler once. It was a rolling junk yard. But Red's was a organized, functional, efficient and reinforced like a fortress. She shed her armor and donned the simple tunic offered to wear during the armorer's inspection. She also welcomed the stew with words of gratitude. She ate with vigor.

Having quickly finished the stew, Athena stood at the table with the various samples of armor material available. "I'm at a bit of a loss..." She admitted. "I guess I need something a bit lighter to allow Miit'alor to take advantage of her speed agility in flight. But protective enough to let me fight on the ground. What do you suggest?" She asked, her hand gliding over a piece of beskar. Athena's eyes also examined her host.

Red was fit, as expected, attractive with good hard features. The smith prodded and handled the carbon-scorched armor with practiced ease and an astute eye. Athena had no doubt the woman knew what she was doing, and the dragon rider trusted her. If she didn't she wouldn't have come to her.

Athena would also admit an interest in Red's story. Both the Mobius blacksmith and the former Aruetii soldier been with the Enclave, though Athena for a very short time. Both of them were orphans of sort, though Red had the potential of finding her clanspeople again soon.

"I have credits, probably not enough for a full load-out. I'm willing to barter too, but I'm not sure I have anything of worth to you." she offered.



Tag: Red Mobius

 

[Red Mobius]

"Well if it's weight concerns, your best option, in my opinion, is usually Phrik Alloy..." Red replied, her prodding of the armor quite ceaseless. "But a pure Phrik Suit, I suspect, would be prohibitively expensive...I could Alloy the Phrik though, with some of the plating on this suit that could still be salvaged...the Armorweave will need complete replacement. An electronics upgrade would also be in order. The result would be something akin to a Mandalorian Heavy Suit...not as heavy as a full combat suit, but light enough to take full advantage of your war dragon. Now, as for your sword..."

Red finally ceased her prodding of the armor and headed over to the sword in question.

"Chipped edge. Worn grip. Lots of continuous use, heh heh..." Red chuckled. "I would recommend Songsteel. It's a very light metal. Won't weigh you down like Beskar. Fitted with a proper Vibrocell, and it could have the potential to threaten even the most exotic armors. Failing that, a high quality Cortosis Weave upgrade would set you up just as good..."

Red moved away from the bench, sitting across from Athena Faar .

"I don't want to break your wallet. You have to eat too, so tell you what...you give me, one quarter of the total credits you have available to offer, and for the rest of it...you will help me extract the ore I'll use to upgrade your suit...and you become my part time assistant at Blacksmithing whenever you're in town. You help me with forging at least three suits of Non-Beskar Armor...and your payment will be considered complete..." Red offered.

"Free room on this craft and my Class Five Transport of course...with the option to join my Clan at the end of your...assistant-ship..." Red finished.

 

[Athena Faar]

Athena's deep emerald gaze watched with interest as the blonde armorer performed her analysis on the Korun's armor and sword. Red did so with ease, obviously with a skilled, experienced eye, talking through options as she did her assessment. She suggested something similar to a bodysuit.

The dark warrior nodded her head. Something lighter would server her well on Miit'alor's harness, where her own movement must synchronize with that of the war dragon. Her vibroblade was also studied, its shortcomings identified, ideas shared.

It all sounded... expensive.

Athena's green eyes followed Red as she sat across from her for the consult. The dragon rider listened, dismayed at first with the expected prohibitive cost of the exciting enhancements The Clan Mobius smith suggested. But her interest was rekindled with the proposition the woman offered. What Red proffered was more than a way to pay for the enhancements. It was an opportunity to learn new skills, and...to have a clan.

A crooked smile touched the Korun's lips. "A fair offer, generous even." Athena acknowledged, trying to conceal her excitement. "I vow to fulfill those conditions. I also thank you for the opportunity beyond my armor and sword." She added, her tone sincere.


Tag: Red Mobius

 

[Red Mobius]

"No problem, Athena. I been where you been... believe me..." Red replied. "And glad to hear it..."

"We move out immediately..."


A half hour later.

The Clan Crawler made good time out of Keldabe, Karima having been given strict instructions to keep the dragon fed, cared for, and out of the sun while they were gone.

They were journeying towards a canyon where an ore vein of Phrik had been long ago staked out by her now-vanished clan. The crawler moved slowly, but not so slowly they wouldn't be there in an hour or so.

"My Clan formed about a century before the 400 year darkness struck. We were doctors, engineers, merchants for the most part..." Red trailed as she began, in detail, stripping the armor of whatever electronics it had and removing the plating. The Armorweave was basically spent.

"But we were realllllly good at locking down trade in an area. Some of us were fascinated by the concept of economic warfare...it caused some of the clans to call us The Trade Federation with Helmets. A gross misrepresentation of our activities. Our activities were much more ground level. Basic goods, scavenged weapons, starships...and maybe a bank or two on the side..."

(Cutaway of Clan Mobius Bankers in a suit, tie, and Mandalorian helmet tossing darts at a wall in their office)

"The Gulag Era was not good for the clans. But my clan came out much better than a lot of the clans due to massive stockpiling of resources, and use of T-7 Ion Disruptors for problems..." Red added. "You'd be surprised at how few people want to mess with you when you teach your teenagers how to use Disruptors before they learn how to use actual blasters..."

Athena's armor had been sequestered away at the workbench and Athena had been supplied a spare set of stock Mobius Steel Armor (and was warned of its shortcomings beforehand, explaining that it was ultimately meant to be modified on a personal level by the owner) for when they headed out into the crawler, which was fully air conditioned. Athena had also been supplied with a spare Mobius Bes'Kad (Again, warned of its shortcomings) as well as a KV-33 Pulse Cycler, both weapons of which she also took copies of for herself. The Pulse Cycler had gotten very popular with Clan Mobius when traveling in public just before they vanished.

Kassandra Beskar'ad finally came down from the cockpit section on the upper level, coming down a small turbolift . She wore her skintight matte silver Armorweave Catsuit, seemingly an ingrained bit of programming.

"Beris has taken over piloting duty for now...we should arrive very soon..." Kassandra explained, before turning to Athena.

"Greetings. I presume you are Red's client?" Kassandra asked politely.

"Oh, uh, Athena, this is Kassandra. She's an HRD I bought from a pawn shop and reactivated somewhat recently. She helps maintain engineering on my vehicles mostly, and occasionally helps repair other equipment." Red explained. "Had to get her out of necessity. I have few employees at the moment."

HRD was underselling it. Kassandra was a Nuetralizer. A support model, but all Nuetralizers were horribly deadly to some extent, designed by an ex Jedi turned irredeemable psychopathic Sith Witch. Kassandra was freed from her programming by Red, and now worked with her due to a life debt.

"Now, good news, the vein we are headed to isn't in some cave. Bad news, it's really hard to get enough out to do anything with. It's a relatively unspoiled ore vein, but requires special mining lasers to cut free. Might also be some predators in the area, so keep your wits about you..." Red advised.

Soon they arrived and Red, the handful of her employees, young and old, and Kassandra were the first out into the canyon entrance, guarded by fat obsidian Ori'rami'kad Trees on either side.

"The vein isn't far, Athena!" Red said, hefting up a modified mining Laser. "Gonna be at this a while. This one is tough...

Red headed into the canyon.



Athena Faar

 

[Athena Faar]

Clan Mobius. She had heard of it, back when she was an officer in the Enclave's Aruetti army. But she knew little about who they were, and had heard nothing of them recently. Not until Red Mobius walked into the great hall on Mandalore. There, Athena had heard the heart-wrenching fate of that clan, and its only known survivor. The woman who had welcomed her into her mobile shop, and struck a more than fair deal.

Red had claimed she would restart the clan, resigning to the fact that Mobius was truly decimated. It was a daunting vision, but it was that monumental resolve that had earned much respect from Athena. Red, as a single source of the clan's rich past, would be the mother of a new Clan Mobius.

But the more current matter pressed upon them. Athena welcomed the lent armor and weapons. The armor was heavy, but the Korun's frame was muscular, and found motion limitation miminal. It was, in fact, a finely crafted set, and fit well enough to serve for their pending task. The bes'kad was flourished several times to measure its weight and balance. It was heftier than her vibrosword, but shorter, and after a few tests, Athena was confident she could wield it efficiently. With the cycler holstered at her hip, Athena was ready.

A tall, curious woman descended from an upper deck. Clad in a snug cat suite, she didnt' smack of being Mandalorian. Her manner of speech reminded her of an advanced droid, though she appeared in all respects to be organic. Red's introduction helped clarify the dichotomy. An HRD. Athena gave Kassandra a nod of acknowledgement. The Korun was a little suspicious of things that didn't appear as they seem. Like a droid that looked like a beautiful woman.

Soon enough, there was far more to focus on. Arriving at the canyon, Athena followed Red and her team out of the crawler and to the canyon's entrance. The Mobius armorer had explained the stubborn nature of the phrik vein there were going to mine, and potential dangers. It was those dangers that kept Athena's helmeted head on a swivel. Her tinted visor lifted to note the giant black trees that stood at the canyon entrance like obsidian giants guarding the opening.

"Lead the way, boss." Athena quipped.

Tag: Red Mobius

 

[Red Mobius]

The canyon loomed over everyone as Red and Kassandra led the way through. Noticeable reliefs were present in the canyon rocks, of extremely large and muscular Mandalorian Warriors armed with Warhammers battling what appeared to be catsuit clad witches armed with Lightsabers...

The employees carried ore processing equipment and moved repulsorlift carts. Red kept alert for threats, and while none had shown themselves yet, that didn't mean they were not in the waiting.

They finally came across one of the first major veins, shiny amidst crimson rock, with spidery lines.

"This is only one part of it..." Red said, activating the mining Laser as soon as everyone got into position.

Red started cutting into the vein, inviting Athena Faar to help start cutting...

"I was the chief engineer in my clan..." Red said to Athena over private comms as she cut into the ore, chunks falling to the ground between them.

"Thing you should know, is my clan was abducted...and I do not know the fate of most of them. Months back I woke up on an experimental five kilometer battlecruiser called The Dha'Parjai ...it was back when the Enclave was still a thing...I'd poured my heart into getting that beast space worthy...it was originally a project salvaged from the CIS. I was present for its maiden voyage to Kestri...and then... something happened...it all went to hell..."

Red continued to cut loose more chunks of material, her employees using portable tractor beams to pick up the chunks and put them into the carts, the chunks being mostly baseball sized.

"Last thing I remember...the crew was investigating a spacial anomaly that had appeared in our path. Everything directly after that is a blank. Then I'm waking up in a cryotube to a member of this fethed up Sith Cult about to gut me. Most of the crewman were Enclave Aruetii troops...they were all slain. Only a few members of my own clan were aboard and they were dead too...one of them was my Father..." Red explained. "Years had passed in my cryosleep. I don't know how they got aboard. I have no idea what happened between the time we investigated that anomaly and the moment I woke up in that cryotube. If Mand'Alor hadn't been investigating that wreck...I doubt I'd have made it off the ship by myself..."