An Unlikely Ally

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A number of mercenaries had passed through the halls of the Graywall in the past week. All had been vetted by Cedric's assistants for their skills and experience, but very few made it beyond that process. Each man, woman, and everything in between were handpicked by Cedric. He could not afford to accept anything less than the very best.

This one in particular troubled him, yet his skills were far too exemplary to ignore. Any other Jedi would have likely dismissed the fellow outright, but Cedric had always considered himself more open minded than the majority of his peers. He understood people better than anything else, and if there was one thing he knew would assure loyalty, it was credits.

With that in mind, Cedric had not hesitated to invite [member="Jax Vandal"] to his private home. The man would be greeted by armed guards the moment he landed on the ancient castle's landing pad, though they would do little save for point him in the right direction.

The two soldiers would led Jax to the highest tower of the stronghold, and then they would take their leave. The doors parted to admit the man. Cedric sat behind his desk, clad in the furs of his homeworld. His lips pressed into a friendly smile.

"Good afternoon," he gestured for Jax to take a seat. "I am Cedric Grayson - it's good to meet you. We've much to discuss."

 

[Jax Vandal]

As Jax walked through the ornate halls and high ceilings he began to wonder what he was doing here. Used to the smog and din of the Coruscant Underworld, this place felt alien to him. He looked down at his dirty boots wondering if he shouldv'e dressed better for such a meeting. Then he snapped back to his normal self. He almost couldn't stand being in a place like this for long, but credits we're a wonderful motivator.

As he entered the room in the tallest tower he watched the man sitting behind a large desk. The man who has set the contract exuded importance.
Jax sat down at his request. He felt naked without his usual facepaint, but push the feeling out of his mind and grinned.

"I am Cedric Grayson - it's good to meet you. We've much to discuss."

"Nice to meet you too sir. So you have a contract for me?"

 

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"I do indeed." A hint of amusement found its way into Cedric's voice.

"I'll try to be brief, as I tend to get a bit long winded when talking about this subject," a datapad was slid across the desk. "I aim to conduct unsanctioned clandestine operations against the Sith Empire. To that end, I have sought out a number of individuals that I have felt could survive such a journey, and perhaps even thrive. You, Mister Vandal, are one of those individuals." Cedric gestured toward the datapad. A contract was listed upon it going over the various wavers one would need to sign for this sort of work.

"The pay is twenty-five thousand credits, monthly. In return, I expect your full availability, dedication, and if not loyalty to my cause, then loyalty to the credits that I provide. Not only is this a lucrative opportunity for you Mister Vandal, but it is also a chance to have your name recorded in the annals of history. Should we succeed, I will see to it that all members of this team are forever remembered as heroes."

He met the man's eyes. "Have I captured your interest?"

[member="Jax Vandal"]

 

[Jax Vandal]

Jax was indeed very interested. "I am willing to join you're unit, but first I have questions. How many people have gotten this invitation? Will we be outfitted with any sort of gear? What resources are we working with? I must say that I like the idea of my name being recognized across the galaxy, but I don't want to be seen in an active military campaign against the Sith. If I accept I need to be anonymous. I will wear a mask at all times and new armor. The other members and our enemies will know me by a different name. If you agree to my terms I will join your cause."

He searched [member="Cedric Grayson"]'s face for his reaction. Jax didn't want to align himself against the Sith and make a very powerful enemy.

 

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"A few dozen, though I've only accepted a small handful. This team will be elite, to say the very least." He paused to listen to Jax's concerns, a brow raising as he spoke of his desire for anonymity. "I will provide you with whatever kit you might need. As for resources, I've several thousand men and a small fleet at my disposal. That being said, you won't be deploying with them unless things have gone very wrong."

Cedric offered Jax an assuring smile. "I understand your desire for privacy, and it is one I am willing to work with. There are times when I wish I'd chosen to wear a mask," he snickered at his own thoughts. "Our operations will be quiet ones until the true assault begins. We must take their measure before we go in for the kill."

The smile faded.

"I'm pleased to see your interest, Mister Vandal. I'm sure you and I will get along quite well in the days to come." A pause, "Was there anything else that concerned you?"

[member="Jax Vandal"]

 

[Jax Vandal]

"I have plans to establish a weapons and cybernetics manufacturing operation. I asked that once all the details are banged out you consider letting me outfit some your men, and possibly this team with high end gear. It will have a focus on specialist's weaponry suited to individual customers so it may be perfect for the unit. Oh and one more thing. Do we have a name yet?"

Jax knew it was a long shot but if his operation was going to be successful he had to secure customers.

[member="Cedric Grayson"]

 

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Cedric smiled, and this it reached his eyes.

"I will assist you in any way I can Mister Vandal. So long as your products are of high quality, I've no doubt we can put them to good use." Cedric gestured down toward the datapad.

"If you need capital, I am willing to invest in your venture, so long as your products stay out of imperial hands. The force knows they have enough weapons manufacturers on their payroll as is." There was a hint of annoyance in Cedric's tone, though his good mood remained.

"As for a name," Cedric flicked on the holoemitter that had been bolted into the center of the desk. The symbol of the Rebel Starbird coalesced between the two men.

"This is very much a rebellion, and it is only fitting that we invoke the legacy of our predecessors. Mister Vandal, today the Rebel Alliance is reborn."

[member="Jax Vandal"]

 

[Jax Vandal]

"Respectfully sir, this is gonna be badass." The thought of being a rebel sparked something in him. Jax thought of his father, his real father for the first time in a long time. Maybe he could do something to make him proud for once. Jax smirked and outstretched his hand to shake. "I'm in."

[member="Cedric Grayson"]

 

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"I can't disagree with you," the knight grinned.

He reached into his desk, producing a small piece of flimsi, and slipped it over to [member="Jax Vandal"].

"Our comm frequency. Keep it private."

 

[Jax Vandal]

"Of course."