Faction Ashes in the Undercity [ME]

[Evangel]

Evangel didn't respond to the young man insistent Rynna had her reasons. In point of fact, Evangel did believe that. Because the alternative was likely the young woman wasting away in a gutter somewhere unseen by any living soul. The galaxy was a ruthless, heartless place where only those that fought for their right to survive lasted. Likewise, as a Mandalorian, Evangel was expected to enforce law on criminals caught in this theater of operation -- that was what she had to do in order to survive.

Ferris turned his efforts toward Rynna next, which had Evangel curious if it would help motivate her to action.

Behind the helmet, Evangel actually smirked. Not one of mirth, but of amused acknowledgement. "You'll be given a chance to become a Mandalorian. The training will be harsh, but you will be provided shelter, food, clothing, and armor. You can forge bonds with others. And when you graduate, and come of age, you will have everything necessary to forge your own destiny. Or I will release you to return to the lower levels and forget you drew a blade intent on doing harm to vod. Your call."

That was a shocking good deal was it? A chance to get everything denied to her so far, or to return to what she found familiar; either way Rynna could avoid being hauled off, thrown in a city, and then summarily returned to whatever she found familiar and poorer for it. Somehow, Evangel didn't expect either Ferris or Rynna to see it as generous as she did.

Ferris Skirata | Rynna​

 

[Ferris Skirata]

T A R I S​

Undercity – Barricade
Ferris caught it, the way her hand inched toward the blade, the look in her eyes that said she'd risk it all for steel. He almost spoke, almost barked at her to stop, because he couldn't let her swing at a Mandalorian again. Not with his sister-in-arms standing right there. That wasn't who he was trying to be. He had a code now, and breaking it wasn't an option. His mouth opened, the words ready, but Evangel's voice cut the air first. Rynna's hand stilled, and Ferris let his breath slip out slow, thankful he hadn't had to make it worse.

He shifted, careful to stay out of the line of fire, but not retreating either. His visor flicked to Evangel and then back to Rynna, catching the defiance in her face. He knew that look. He'd worn it himself, not so long ago, when he thought every deal was a trap and every offer came with a price he couldn't afford.

"It's not a cage," he said finally, his voice carrying over the crackle of blasterfire. "It's a choice. You take it, you decide what comes next. If you don't… then you walk. Nobody's dragging you anywhere." His helmet tilted toward Evangel for a beat.

"You don't gotta trust me. I wouldn't trust me either if I was you. But you can trust what I am. Skirata. Foundling. Same as you'd be. Six months ago I was standing where you are, swearing nobody was gonna tell me what to do. And here I am. Still breathing, still figuring it out." He shifted the rifle strap against his shoulder, the thing almost too big for him but steady all the same. His voice softened a notch when he spoke again. "You've already done the hard part, Rynna. Don't throw it away for a knife. There's better fights out there waiting for you."

TAG: Rynna Evangel ​

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