Aboard The Grand Hammer

[Zenva Vrotoa]

The Blood Hunter's Defense Fleet drifted through space in a lazy arch. At their forefront a beastly flagship simply referred to as The Grand Hammer. Flanking the Vrotoa flagship was her vanguard, Predator and Instinct, twin Heart Seaker Frigates. Lurking in the shadows of these heavier ships were a pair of Cutters their captains had named Hunter's Boon and The Devil's Maw. Deep in the heart of The Grand Hammer, Zenva Vrotoa sat poised, one leg folded across the other, watching the holographic images of her fleet spin in the air above the conference table before her.

The images of the fleet was swept away, replaced by an overly large hologram of her cousin Zuko, commander of The Grand Hammer. "Forgive my interruption matron but, you asked to be informed when your contact arrived. A lone freighter just entered the system. What are your orders?"

Zenva smiled softly, "Monitor the ship's approach. Warn it's crew to power down all weapons systems and make ready hanger five to receive our guest. If there are any issues inform me immediately."

The commander bowed slightly, "As you wish matron." With that the image vanished, replaced once more but the spinning images of the Vrotoa fleet. Zenva's smile turned fierce as she leaned back in her seat to await her guest's arrival.

[member="Kaster Sane"]

 

[Kaster Sane]

SANE!!!! Wake up you no good space trash. We're about to drop out of hyperspace so get your ass up here! Shouted the feminine tone of the Ta4 designated ScrapHeap over the shipwide comms.


With a low growl the Zabrak stirred awake, Thoughts of smashing a droid running thru his mind as he sat up and grabbed a glass of water from his nightstand. Splashing the cold water over his face and giving his head a good shake helped to wake the Mandalorian before he stood and grabbed the torso armor of his Beskar'gam with another grumble as the shipwide alarms sounded.... I really hate that karkin droid.

Now adorned in his full Beskar'gam and ready to meet with [member="Zenva Vrotoa"] , Kas finally made his way to the cockpit and arriving just in time to she hyperspace vanish from around Them and leave them staring at a fleet that could easily dust their piddly asses with one good shot. Just a slight worry set in as he truly didn't know much about the Matron of the Blood Hunters and do all he knew this could be a trap.

Shaking the thought from his mind Sane turned to the blasted droid, Still thinking he'd be happier if he just shot the thing, And barked out an order in his normally cold tone..... Scrappy, Make yourself useful and contact The Grand Hammer and let them know we wish to dock and that Kaster Sane has an appointment with Matron Vrotoa......And make it quick before I vent you!

Squishy space trash Thought the droid as it turned to the console, and with a flick of a switch activated the communications array. Grand Hammer this is the BlackHeart carrying Kaster Sane, We request docking clearance and procedures.

 

[Zenva Vrotoa]

Commander Zuko, first cousin to the matron, glanced down at his terminal having just listened to the request from the Black Heart. A slow smile split his sharp Zabrak features. "Miss Aylia, take point on this matter won't you?"

A young female jumped up from her station, a fierce smile cut across her lips. "Gladly uncle. I mean, Commander." Renesri Aylia was a diminutive creature, barely more than five feet tall and one hundred and ten pounds, but only in a rain storm. Her sharp yet elegant features were a near mirror to the Blood Matron's, from the clean line of her jaw to the crown of horns atop her head. The small girl moved with purpose as she took up a position near the Commander's platform, cracking her neck and shaking her arms loose as she got there. "Right. All stations on standby. XO sound general quarters. Navigation, nose up five degrees. Weapons, bring ventral hammer turrets online, track incoming vessel. Comms, hail Instinct and Predator, they are to turn away and present broadside to the incoming vessel. Hunter's Boon and The Devil's Maw are to fall back and track incoming with main batteries. No one is to engage unless fired upon. I want a wing of Blood Darts in the air to escort that vessel inbound."

The youth paused while her orders were relayed. Outside the fleet began to respond instantly, the heavy frigates turning aside to present their main batteries to the approaching vessel. A dozen interceptors were launched from one of the frigates within moments. The nimble little nightmares already cutting through space toward their target. Renesri continued to smile her harsh little grin. "Comms, put me through to the Black Heart." She paused again, waiting for the communications officer to signal her. When he did Renesri's voice rang out as calm and commanding as only a true sion of Vrotoa clan could manage, "Attention crew of the Black Heart, this is Security Officer Second Class, Renesri Aylia of The Grand Hammer. Power down all weapon systems and make ready for landing procedures. Blood Squadron Alpha is in route to escort you to landing bay five. Matron Zenva Vrotoa welcomes the arrival of mister [member="Kaster Sane"] with open arms."

 

[Kaster Sane]

Holy kark Sane! They're powering weapons and have launched several small fighters....What are your orders now? Huh space trash? Quipped the droid as Sane watched the massive ships turn, Ready to destroy him at a moments notice if he even thought about doing some of the lunacy he was known for. His lips curled into a sly smirk under his helmet and out slipped a small chuckle, He had to admire any woman with balls as big as his.....Especially one with her own fleet.

Upon hearing the message from the young security officer, Kas took a moment to think before shrugging his shoulders and turning to the droid..... Well you heard the woman Scrappy, Cut the weapons and sheilds and follow them to the docking bay He knew the droid was about to blow a gasket and that made him even a little happier since the droid annoyed him so much most days.

HAVE YOU LOST YOUR KARKIN MIND KASTER?!?! Came the response, just as he had expexted, but by then he was already heading back to his quarters to grab a bottle of wine he'd gotten from his friend. He did hear the droid however, How could he not, And as he re entered the cockpit he made his response simple and to the point.... Just do it Scrappy......But keep this bird ready to jump to hyperspace if anything does go down And with that said the droid quickly powered down the sheilds and weapons withe a shake of its head..... Whatever Space trash....Its your funeral if they fire

He let out another half laugh as he shook his head at the droids "attitude" and wondered why he'd had a personality chip installed into the blasted thing. He truly was anxious to meet [member="Zenva Vrotoa"] , And he didn't get anxious often. While their escort surrounded them the droid activated the comms to the Grand Hammer and with an almost normal tone stated.... Blackheart acknowledges and complies Grand Hammer....We'll follow your escort in

 

[Zenva Vrotoa]

Zenva's brow quirked up as the signal for general quarters sounded through her ship. "The frell is going on out there?" With a quick motion or two she brought up the active holograms of her fleet. Her brow furrowed as she watched the ships move into an assault formation. Her fingers danced across her datapad again, the fleet shrank in size and fell away to the far end of the table. In front of her a small speck of a ship appeared, a holographic representation of the approaching freighter perceived by her ship's sensors. All about the freighter Blood Dart interceptors circled, guiding it toward The Grand Hammer. "Renesri is playing Admiral again I see." She shut down the active holograms, pulling her personal comm device off the table sharply.

On the bridge of The Grand Hammer little Ren's own personal comm chirped to life, and she hurried to answer the device. "Yes lady Zenva? Yes ma'am. Yes but... No ma'am. No I understand. Yes ma'am. I will." Once Zenva ended the call, Renesri turned to Commander Zuko. The man didn't so much as look at the girl as he waved a hand, dismissing her. The youth left the bridge at a run her comm at her ear again, "Irons, I need your company in hanger five. Full dress. Bring one of the 60s online. No this isn't a drill."

By the time Renesri reached the hanger the eighty commandos of The Matron's Elites had already formed ranks along one wall. Beside them stood one of Vrotoa Clan's first siege weapons, a newly forged DTI-60 Rail Tank . The company commander, Sergeant Irons snapped a crisp salute as Renesri arrived. "Everything is ready miss Aylia."

Renesri glanced down at her own appeal and back to the gathering of soldiers in their crisp, shining armor. She instantly regretted not dawning her own armor today but there was no time to change. The Black Heart was already on it's final approach. So Renesri straightened her "artfully" shredded black skirt, checked to make sure her black combat boots were not scuffed and zipped her leather half jacket closed. The Black Heart glided into the hanger a moment later.

[member="Kaster Sane"]

 

[Kaster Sane]

Inside the hanger the Blackheart landed upon the durasteel deck plating with a hiss as the landing gear shouldered the weight of the modified YT-2000. A moment later the engines shut down with a soft whirring and the loading ramp lowered to the deck. Slow almost lazy strides carried the Zabrak known as Kaster Sane down the boarding ramp and onto the deck of the Grand Hammer , The modified TE4 battle droid quickly following behind the Zabrak, Blaster rifle gripped tight within its mettalic grasp.

From under his helmet the Mandalorian's gaze cut across the hanger, The data streaming across his HUD highlighting each of the elite commandos as well as the tank that had been sent as his welcoming party..... She sure knows how to make a guy feel at home He thought to himself as his scanners highlighted the form of the young and oddly dressed female Zabrak that stood amongst the heavily armed commandos, And without a second more hesitation Sane sauntered over to the young woman and with a somewhat ceremonial bow of his head stated..... Honored Hostess....I am Kaster Sane, Captain of the Blackheart. I'm honored to make your acquaintance....Mrs.... He didn't know who she was actually...Could this Be the Blood Matron herself? Or merely a member of her crew?

 

[Zenva Vrotoa]

Renesri's head jerked back as though she had been slapped. Something of a choked scoff escaped the young Zabrak, "Missus?" She turned aside slightly her voice pitched to carry throughout the hanger. "Sergeant Irons!"

An impressive specimen of the Zabrak race stepped forward from the first line of commandos. A little more than six feet tall, Sergeant Irons was a mass of muscle tipping the scales at nearly three hundred pounds in his Champio-class body armor. "Yes miss...."

Renesri's hand snapped into the air, interrupting the large warrior. "Ah miss, good. I was concerned I had become aged and weathered in the last few moments and no one had the courtesy to inform me of it." The youth turned back to [member="Kaster Sane"], a scowl creasing her features, "No it seems mister Sane is just rude. I'll do you the honor of giving you a brief lesson in decorum. There are three kinds of women aboard this vessel mister Sane, only three. Those pointedly younger or smaller than yourself, such as I. We are given the honorific of Miss. There are those whom serve as warriors among our clan such as Sergeant Kil'kae Vrotoa." A second commando stepped forward from the line, like the others she was clad in heavy armor, the only thing to distinguish her from most of the other elites was the shape of her chest plate which curved out somewhat to accommodate her anatomy. "These women are given the honorific of Lady or simply addressed by their rank. Thank you Sergeant Kil'kae. Finally there is The Lady. Lady Zenva should be addressed precisely in that manor. Lady Zenva. If you find that difficult you may address her as Matron. One final point mister Sane, when you introduce yourself it is considered extraordinarily rude to keep your helmet on."

The women of Clan Vrotoa all shared the same scowl, Zenva's had been described as "a look of pure death." Young Renesri had learned her scowl at the matron's knee and could very closely mirror that hateful expression, which she now leveled against the Zabrak Mandalorian. "Now then. I am Security Officer Second Class, Renesri Aylia. Favoured Sion of Clan Vrotoa." The girl dipped slightly in a curtsy, her head bowing respectfully, or seemingly so. When she straightened she continued to speak, though her scowl had faded. "If you have a question make it known now mister Sane. Oh! I nearly forgot, your droid is to stay with your ship."

 

[Kaster Sane]

A slight chuckle slipped from under his helmet at her bluntness, He had meant no disrespect he merely knew nothing of their culture. Though himself a Zabrak he'd been raised far from Iridonian, Away from Zabrak culture, Hell he'd been raised by the Mandalorians. His attention stuck on her every word, Intrigued by them, confused by them, yet somehow they felt right.

As the commando called Irons stepped forward Kaster's attention was pulled to the wall of a man for a moment before turning back to the younger female as she called him rude, Quelling his highly trained instincts and code of honor that normally called for her life for such and insult. His attention once again pulled away as the female Commander stepped forward, His eyes naturally scanning over her frame before turning back to hear the Security officer continue her explanation.

Now finishing and asking if he had any questions Sane thought for a moment about all she had said. What she said next was almost relieving to the Mandalorian as he turned to his droid and with a wave of his gloved hand sent it back to wait with the ship. What he did next however was highly unheard of from a Mandalorian but as he spoke his next words he slowly reached up and began pulling his helmet off..... Well........Miss He slips the helmet fully from his head revealing his deep orange red skin, Which long ago had been adorned in black tribal designs even atop his horn covered head..... You can take me to Lady @Zanva Vrotoa before I am any later than I am now And as he finished he tucked the helmet tightly into the crook of his left arm

 

[Kaster Sane]

[member="Zenva Vrotoa"]

 

[Zenva Vrotoa]

The young Zabrak smiled and nodded slightly to the larger male. "Very well mister Sane. Follow me please." She turned on her heel and started off. The girl offered no further pleasantries or discussion of any kind, she simply walked. As [member="Kaster Sane"] moved to follow, the first row of commandos fell into two rows of five behind the Mandalorian. The group traversed the Vrotoa Flagship, down long stretches of corridors and up multiple lifts. In time the young Zabrak leading the way stopped, finally. She stood before a set of doors simply staring at them as she drew in a deep breath, gathering herself. She keyed the door release and they swept open with a soft hiss, the scent of Jasmine incense wafting into the hallway. "My lady Zenva, your guest has arrived."

Zenva flowed out of her chair with serpentine grace and straightened the seem of her dress. She paused to check her pistol was clearly visible, strapped to her thigh in the slit of her skirt. "Thank you my little Admiral. See him in. After which dismiss Sergeant Irons and his men, who I'm sure are out there, and return to your post." There was a harshness to the tone, displeased by young Renesri's treatment of her guest, that left no room for questioning. The Matron had spoken, her word was law.

The young Zabrak bowed quickly, turning back to Kaster, "The Matron will see you mister Sane." The girl bowed again this time to the Mandalorian, and walked back the way they had come. Her soldiers in toe.

"Please come in mister Sane. Join me won't you?" Zenva's cool voice carried into the hallway.

 

[Kaster Sane]

He gave a slight nod to the young Zabrak and watched her and the group of Commandos leave with a smirk before shaking his head and finally entering the room where Lady [member="Zenva Vrotoa"] stood waiting. Her beauty far surpassed his expectations, Which came as a pleasant surprise to the Mandalorian, Not that he'd expected her not to be. Slow strides carried him to her and upon reaching her he gave a respectful nod before taking her hand lightly into his own and lightly brushing his lips softly across her knuckles before finally speaking..... Its a pleasure to finally meet you Lady Vrotoa....your reputation preceeds you

 

[Zenva Vrotoa]

A small smile played at the corner of Zenva's lips though she did not allow it to spread any further than that. She nodded in response, one hairless brow raising as the Mandalorian bent to kiss her hand. A pleased little hum escaped the Zabrak Matron before she spoke, her voice soft and sweet, "I believe the pleasure is mine, mister Sane." She made no attempt to extract her hand from his gentle grasp. "I do hope you will forgive my niece's little display. I spoil her too much it seems."

Zenva's free hand gestured to the open seat across from her own, "Would you care to sit mister Sane? We have much to discuss, you and I. I understand you have already familiarized yourself with my inventory of capital ships. You have something more in mind though am I correct?" Still she made no indication of moving away or withdrawing her hand. She simply stood, her yellow-red eyes focused on his.

[member="Kaster Sane"]

 

[Kaster Sane]

"Ahh yes....Where did I put that holovid?" He asked more to himself than her as he scrounged about in his cargo pocket until finally pulling out a small emmiter. With a flick of a switch the image of a Ship popped up in the center of the tiny device. "This is the ship id like......Well I'd really like a ship like this one but who am I kidding" Kaster the did something completely unlike himself and let out a nervous chuckle, Even he had to admit that this beautiful and intimidating woman was having an effect on him. What was the feeling.......Fear? Shyness? He had no clue bit it was new to him. So new the he had in fact lost track of the fact that he still had yet to sit and still had hold of Lady [member="Zenva Vrotoa"] hand.

 

[Zenva Vrotoa]

Kaster laughed nervously and Zenva's smile broadened in response. She had not quite looked at the ship he had selected just yet, momentarily intrigued by the apparent discomfort she caused the young man before her. For a moment she maintained eye contact, her piercing yellow-red gaze fixed on his, before glancing at the hologram of the Cutter Marauder V-1. A pleasant little hum rolled through Zenva's throat, "The Cutter is it? My favorite you know and the first capital ship I designed."

She paused, smiling once more before freeing her hand from his. She gestured toward the open seat once more. "Might I inquire as to what you intend to do with The Cutter, Kaster? May I call you Kaster?" She waved one hand through the air dismissively, whether or not the man cared how she addressed him being of little consequence to her. Zenva moved back to her seat with long, sure strides and slid into her chair with uncanny grace. One leg folded elegantly across the other, a reflexive action that put her blaster pistol close at hand and easily drawn. "I ask because The Cutter is an assault vessel yes but they operate much better as fire support as opposed to operating individually. They boast no real fighter defenses. They are complimented by a wing of bombers. Certainly they have fire power but they are built to fill a role."

Zenva's fingers danced across the holo-keyboard of her datapad, calling up an inventory. "Since The Cutter has gone into mass production we, or should I say I, have released two new weapon systems, a new medium Fighter craft, and a gunship." Zenva stopped herself once more, giving the Mandalorian time to process what she had said. Her gaze trailed over the man lazily before she continued, "So the question I propose is this; Are you sure you would like The Cutter or would you rather have something like The Cutter?"

[member="Kaster Sane"]

 

[Kaster Sane]

[member="Zenva Vrotoa"]



"Well honestly Gorgeous......Do you mind if I call you that? Lady Zenva Vrotoa is such a lot to say, And you are mighty gorgeous... " His words trailing as he sat into the chair just enough so he could still jump up if need be. His mind finally returning to the topic at hand as he finished admiring her beauty and grace.

"What I really want is a ship that's an all around BadAss as far as sheilds and weaponry go.....but with enough cargo space for all my loot as well a cell block to store live bounties........Why what did you have in mind?

 

[Zenva Vrotoa]

Zenva's smile dwindled rapidly, her eyes narrowing slightly, "Kaster Sane understand this, and pray you understand it well, speaking to me in a familiar manner is one thing. Speaking to me as though I am some frivolous wench you met in a bar room is another entirely." She was silent for a moment as she fixed the Mandalorian with an icy glare. "Am I quite clear Kaster?"

Zenva drew a deep breath, forcing her expression calm in the process. Her fingers danced across her datapad as the holographic images of the Heart Seeker and the Siege Breaker appeared. The two holographic ships spun lazily in the air above the table. "Now then, if your after firepower and bulk these are where I think we should start. Of course I don't think a Cartel enforcer can actually afford to commission a Siege Breaker but, if I made one similar in size to the Heart Seeker I think something could be arranged for you. You want something that is able to stand it's ground in a war zone then your going to want something a little beefier than a Corvette, Kaster."

[member="Kaster Sane"]

 

[Kaster Sane]

[member="Zenva Vrotoa"]

"I meant no disrespect.... And I'd never compare you to some random bar wench. I was merely making an observation." Hell in all honesty Kaster found her beauty almost....Intimidating. He didn't fear her, Nor did he want to offend her, He'd just always been a bit awkward around women so beautiful as her.

As the ship's holoimages spun lazily he made sure to study them both as well as their schematics and layouts.....And a moment later he would speak again. "I like them both. And as far as affording one Lady Vrotoa.....Never judge a wine by its label, Just because I work for the Hutts does not mean that I HAVE to work for my money.....I come from great wealth my dear " He thought silently for a few seconds, Mainly wondering if it were safe to tell her what he needed such a ship for before finally stating.... "Too be completely honest, My ship is old and just can't do what she used to, Plus I need something big enough to carry cargo and live captures.....As well as at least one Starfighter onboard, But still need something that can be flown by only on person or droid or better yet can be flown by Droid brains..... "

 

[Zenva Vrotoa]

Zenva smiled briefly, "By all means observe. I invite it more often than not. However, be mindful of your tongue Kaster. I will not tolerate crass attempts at flattery." She studied the man a moment longer before her attention turned back to the datapad in front of her. With a quick set of movements the two titans of The Blood Hunter's fleet vanished. A moment later a new ship appeared above the table, it too spun in a lazy circle.

Zenva glanced quickly at the hologram ensuring the correct vessel was being displayed. Her cold gaze settled on the Mandalorian once more, "Now Kaster we both know your not being wholly honest with me but, since you won't tell me what your actually planning to do with the ship your after I will keep up the cherede. This is the Archon A Class. It's small, fairly well armed and boasts a single fighter craft as support. The basic model comes with two basic detention cells and two force cages for live capture. The ship can be piloted by one man or droid, provided the droid has adequate programming to do so. Unfortunately much of the potential cargo space is taken up by the fighter bay. Otherwise this ship closely mirrors what you have asked for. I do not have the ability to produce droid piloted ships. If I could, I would."

Zenva fell silent, her expression softened marginally. Suddenly she leaned forward, her hand crossing the table as her fingers brushed the back of Kaster gauntlet fleetingly. "Help me out here Kaster. If you tell me what you need, we can make modifications."

[member="Kaster Sane"]

 

[Kaster Sane]

[member="Zenva Vrotoa"]

His head cocked to the side, a softer smile finding his lips as he moved his hand from beneath hers and softly clasps it around hers. He would let out a soft chuckle as he gave thought to her words, His own words carrying a tone of humor and cheekiness as he asked... "Lady Vrotoa... Do you really want to know the answer to what a Slaver pirate gun for hire is going to need a ship for?

He would give her a moment to think about that before flat out dropping his plan on her.... " So basically what I really want is the flagship of what I hope to someday be a fleet of my own...But since I don't know any company that would sanction and Back a known Smuggler, making it to where he could acquire a proper flagship.....So I'm looking for the best damn gunship that money can buy for the purpose of piddling my ass off till I make enough on my own to purchase my dreams"

 

[Zenva Vrotoa]

Zenva's smile returned, lending a softness to her features. Her hand twisted in his grasp giving him a gentle squeeze before taking her hand away. "Now was that so difficult Kaster? I don't see why you were so hesitant."

He smile turned cold, the distraction of the handsome young Zabrak flirting with her was pushed to the back of her mind. His words had set wheels in motion, bold and daring thoughts had begun to emerge. Zenva's expression became serious, focused on a daring new business venture unlike any she had thought of before. Her hands came together in front of her, her fingers steepled. "Tell me Kaster, what would you say if I were to back you? If I were to give this slaver, pirate, gun for hire, money and men and the means to build this fleet you desire, what would you do with it? What would you be willing to do for it Kaster?"

Zenva leaned back in her seat, her arms folded beneath her modest bust. "More importantly Kaster, what would you be willing to offer me in return?"

[member="Kaster Sane"]