I came as a Smuggler, Left as a Warrior

[RC 212]

[member="Anija Betna"]

Location: Keldabe, Fleet Registry Office

Word had it that the Mandalorians conflicts were heating up. Jack had visited Mandalore only once, to retrieve some of his mothers belonging from the old Raxis homestead just outside of Keldabe. His mother had served the Red Legion in the Civil War, and a few other conflicts. Jack had been hidden away, completely unawares of her existence, running jobs in the Outer Rim.

But something had called him back here. Maybe it was the feeling he got when he thought of the homestead, maybe it was a chance at meeting some of the people that knew her. They had kept her death a secret the first time he'd come back. He had been back to Mandalore training with the Mando'ade, but bounced before she had come and settled roots.

Just missed her, and now she was dead.

But that was a story for a different day.

He was clad in his normal jacket and trousers with his blaster rifle riding on his shoulder as he stepped into the recruiting office. He wasn't officially a part of the Mando'ade or the fleet, just an associate.

He needed to change that.

"Welcome to the Fleet recruitment office Ner'Vod. Looking for a particular spot?"

"No, a particular someone. I have an appointment."

"Oh with who?"

Jacks stony expression never changed.

"One Anija Betna."

 

[Anija Betna]

[member="Jack Raxis"]

It wasn't often that Anija found herself in her office at the Fleet Registry Office. In fact, the mere fact she was here at all was a bit of an oddity. She had stopped by to check on a few things, and had decided to stay for a few hours to clear up some paperwork and look over reports. And, it was a good thing she did too... for there were a great many of them. With a sigh, Anija sat down at her desk and began to shuffle through the stack of reports, as she paused periodically to take a sip of her behot. it was a drink she'd grown up with, and she found it calming. Which was a good thing right now.

A great many of the reports of the Mandalorian territories weren't good. They'd lost yet another planet. That made more than a dozen in the past month or so. And every report pointed to one thing. And that was an answer she didn't like. Sooner or later, the clans would need to step up and admit that this was an issue. Initially, it had been thought that the loss of contact was due to the events of the Netherworld Crisis. But as more evidence surfaced, another reason became clear.

And it was that reason which had Anija at the Fleet Recruitment office today. They needed every able-bodied Mandalorian they could get. Time was a major factor here. And it was something they didn't have much of these days. Frowning, she took a sip of her behot and stared down at the report on her desk. It was then that the comm unit on her desk went off. "Yes..?" she asked, somewhat startled.

"Marshal Betna, sorry to disturb you ma'am. Your appointment for 1500 hours is here. One Jack Raxis."

She frowned yet again. Appointment? She couldn't remember having scheduling one. Probably something her ever-so-helpful assistant had done when Anija wasn't looking. Sighing, Anija rubbed at the bridge of her nose before taking a rather large swallow of behot. Shuffling the datapads to one side of her desk, she stacked them neatly, based on which had been looked at and which still needed her attention. The latter pile was still quite large.

After a moment to calm her nerves, she touched the comm unit on her desk again. "Send him in..." With that, she rose from her desk and moved around to stand just to the side. She wore her customary beskar'gam {check link in sig], and the helmet rested on the corner of her desk, with the visor facing out into the room. She wore a small unobtrusive headset which still allowed her access to the armor's scanners and other systems when she was not wearing it.

 

[RC 212]

[member="Anija Betna"]

"You an go in Mr. Raxis."

"Excellent, thank you."

Jack had a copy of his jobs in his hand. Just in case. It would never hurt one to have a resume, even if it was loaded with near scrapes and good old smuggling runs. As he walked down the halls of the offices a lot of things swirled through his head. Who was his mother? Who was Anija? Would he be a solid enough pilot to even join this outfit?

Quieting the demons he came upon the office door. She was in there alright, awaiting him. He didn’t know exactly how but his gut was telling him. He took one last glance at his clothes, righting his red handkerchief tied around his neck and stepped into the office closing the door gently behind him. Anija was there off to his right. She looked rather imposing, all suited up in her Beskar'Gam and such.

Jacks gaze shifted between the helmet on the desk. The Buc'ye the called it? Yeah that was it. Then his brown eyes locked gazes with Anija. The same fire that burned in Vassara's eyes burned behind his brown orbs and he took two measure steps forward, extending his hand to the woman.

"Pleased to meet you Miss Betna. Jack Raxis, Captain of the Kessels Pride."

 

[Anija Betna]

[member="Jack Raxis"]

As he extended his hand, she took a step forward, and reached out to grip his arm in turn. Wrist to wrist grip. A show of solidarity among warriors. There were some who might give a proper military salute, but Anija didn't feel that was necessary or warranted most of the time. Her lips quirked slightly as he dropped his title, and her stance relaxed somewhat. "Good to meet you, Captain. As you might know, I am Anija Betna. I serve as a Field Marshal among the Mandalorians. I am also a pilot, and an engineer."

Her blue eyes studied his face for a moment before she nodded to herself. Moving back around her desk, she sat smoothly and gestured to a chair in front of the desk. "Please, sit if you like, Mr. Raxis." A moment to glance over some notes before she asked another question. "Can I get you anything to drink? Tea, water, juice, netra'gal?" The last was added on sort of as a joke to see how he'd react and if he was paying attention.

There was a few moment's pause as she gathered her thoughts. "I am not sure how much you know of happenings in Mandalorian space lately. It's... chaotic. And right now, we need any person we can get who can wield a blaster or fly a ship." Her gaze tracked to his again. "How much do you know of Mandalorian culture, Mr. Raxis? Are you prepared to be educated in the ways of our people, both in culture, and combat?"

 

[RC 212]

[member="Anija Betna"]

Jack scratched his head as he sat and then leaned forwards. Her grip had been strong and her humor none the less. Jack was here to serve as best he could. He wanted, no burned to be a part of the mighty warrior culture. His mother had obviously embraced it, shunning the Jedi and their code. If it was good enough for her, It was good enough for Jack.

"No drink please, though I thank you for the gesture. Miss. Betna I am a smuggler by trade and looking to expand my horizons. I have trained briefly in a past time with some of the Mando'ade. I understand my mother Vassara Raxis joined the Red Legion before her untimely death."

Jack swallowed a bit at this part, still a bit upset the Mando'ade had never mentioned her. But what do you tell a kid? Yeah your mother was here helping to defend Mandalore and Concord Dawn and then died at the hands of a Nefarious Sith lord?

No, they had spared his feelings until he was ready. The fact that he would never get to know the woman who gave bight to him stung. But her legacy remained. A stalwart pilot with force skills. If the Mandalorians were really as desperate as they were they'd welcome him easily, given his prior experiences.

"I have a few among Clan Ordo and the Legion that can speak for me. Mostly untested warriors I trained in swordmanship with. I'm afraid I’m horrible with blaster. My strengths are piloting, and sword play. If you'd have me I'd gladly join."

Jack paused for a second, choosing his next word's with the utmost care.

"I'm afraid I still have obligations to my current employers, Justice Shipping and The Hutt Cartel. I'm offering my services part time for now. Until such time as I can clear my debts and return to the fold of the Mando'ade full time. But anywhere on the front a helping hand is needed, I will be there. First priority. Will you have me?"

 

[Anija Betna]

[member="Jack Raxis"]

She listened quietly, and very clearly felt the jolt of emotion at the mention of his mother. She didn't know the details there, but it seemed to be a rather sore spot for him. Taking a deep breath, she breathed out and reached out with the Force, doing her best to send calming thoughts and sensations. Whether they would be received, she didn't know. A great many people seemed to have... barriers when it came to any sort of Force ability. She wasn't trying to pull something over on him, merely offer some calm and stability.

A moment's pause, and then she said softly, "I am sorry to hear about your mother. I didn't know here personally, but I knew of her. She was one of the best soldiers to ever grace the ranks of the Red Legion.... and was considered by many to be a skilled warrior." She knew her words might sound hollow... but what else could she say to such profound emotion?

His next words jolted her out of her thoughts for the moment, and she felt her eyebrows rise slightly in surprise. "Ordo, you say? That was my aliit. Alor Ordo adopted me as a young girl..." She shook herself slightly. "That'll do. Blaster skills we can work on if you wish. And piloting skills are very valuable." Another pause. "I can well understand your current commitments, and with that in mind, I'll take whatever time you can give."

 

[RC 212]

[member="Anija Betna"]

Jack felt an unnerving calm descend upon him. And then she spoke of his mother, which was pearl. Any information he'd gotten about her was limited. He wanted to know more of her, legend had it she was a mighty capable Jedi among other things. But that was a conversation for a better time. Calming himself Jack nodded and looked
Anija dead in the eye, hiding his feelings as best he could.

"I'm glad you'll have me. I wasn't aware the Ordo's were your Aliit? I believe there was a Gretal Ordo, swordman, farmer type. He helped me work on my skills. However in keeping with the conversation. I'm sorely in need of some pay to keep a float. Given I’m not a full-time officer I don’t expect much. Can you give me a good percentage as a retainer fee. It'll help with operating costs of the Pride. Until I can get over here and re-establish the old Raxis Homestead."

It was a lot to ask. Jack was no fool. He kept up with the current events, no doubt the Primevil and the Civil war had destroyed the Warchest of the Clans. Given their own Mandalore was missing he was guessing funds were stretched.

"Can Mandalore swing a ten percent downgrade from normal Naval Officers pay, and I'll show up at every engagement I'm called to. Does that sound ok to you Ner'vod?"

 

[Anija Betna]

[member="Jack Raxis"]

"Aye, they were. I still talk to Buir Jasper every so often, but last I heard, him and his wife had retired to farm. Can't say I blame them with how things have been the last few years." Sighing softly, she backed off on her subtle calming that she was projecting to him as she realized he'd locked himself down. She'd meant no disrespect at all. "I'm not as familiar with other members of the aliit these days, but Ordo has some good people in their ranks. Farmers and engineers among them."

Her eyes narrowed slightly as he switched topics. It wasn't a wholly unexpected question to be sure. Ans while it wasn't overly publicized - and the pay wasn't wonderful, those vode who volunteered for military service were compensated for their time. It was a lot to ask, to be sure. And Anija didn't know him as well as she would have liked to. But, she had a good feeling about him. A few murmured commands to ANNE and she had a hologram floating over her desk. With a few flicks of her fingers, she pulled up the section of data she wanted.

"You said your primary skills lay in piloting. Here's the base salary for our pilots." She pointed out a figure which floated on the holographic display between them. "I can give you the ten percent downgrade in pay, plus hazard pay, dependent upon the assignment. I can also get you access to some good beskar'gam until you can get your own. It's not top of the line, but probably better than most other armor you'll find for starters. Is that acceptable?" She touched a few more of the holographic controls, bringing up a hologram of the Aliit'gam.

 

[RC 212]

[member="Anija Betna"]

Jacks eyes flickered over the holo display and a smile cracked his stony visage. He was overjoyed by the figures, more than he mad with all jobs combined. And hazard pay? He wasn't one to be the Mercenary but the credits were definitely welcomed. Especially since he was designing his prototype Freighter. The Freighter that would be his Legacy, available only to a select few.

Which brought up another point.

"I'll be straight with you Anija. I'm developing a prototype Freighter. It's slated to the fastest in the 'Verse. I understand you are the head of the Mandal Motors? I'm willing to give out the final schematics once it's complete. A loan would be favourable, if you can swing it. If not I understand."

He'd already collected from Justice shipping. Zorlac was eh... Zorlac the Hutt could be ripped off, and any bounty hunters Zorlac sent to fetch his prize would have their throats ripped out. But the Mando's? He was positive they could use any technological edge they could get.

"On another note, I'll take what you have on the table right now. The loan is a side bar. Where can I pick up the standard issue?"

 

[Anija Betna]

[member="Jack Raxis"]

At the look on his face, she couldn't help but chuckle. He seemed like a kid who'd had his wish come true on Life Day. She raised an eyebrow at his next comment and laughed lightly. "Mandal Motors? No... I am Head Engineer for Mandal Hypernautics. Similar companies, though Mandal Hype focuses more on military grade stuff." Her eyes narrowed slightly at his comment about the prototype freighter. She was also intrigued by new tech, especially ships. "Freighter, you say....? I'm a pretty fair engineer, if you wouldn't mind a second set of hands working on it?"

She paused. "As for the loan, I would ask to see either a portion of the schematics, or the prototype - if you are willing before I would agree to that. It's a rather sizable investment." She looked him over for a moment. "If that is acceptable, here's directions to the quartermaster's office, with e requisition order for your armor." She paused, as if waiting for his response before passing over a datachip with his orders and equipment requisition.

 

[RC 212]

[member="Anija Betna"]


Jack was taken aback? No he was enamoured at the woman’s suggestion. Another engineer? It was a very secretive project but he figured hey why the kark not. She asked for what she had so Jack delivered, smirking slightly as he dropped the plans onto her desk. The armor was a minor concern, compared to this.

"You'll love this. An AT-360 freighter with main generator plus two Linked Hypermatter Annihilator Reactor Core (L-HARC)'s. The thrusters have been updated too. Twenty P-w702 Ion Manuevering Jet's. On top of the normal Arcenau load out. Weapons are proving to be a bit of an issue. The power systems are geared towards the full burn of the motor plus the thrusters, which is excessive. I'm shooting for .50 on speed and manoeuvrings. Figured I'd trade out the energy based laser cannons for missiles of varying degrees, maybe one ion cannon too. I'd Be very interested to see what you think?"

It was all on the table now. And for some odd reason Jack felt perfectly natural revealing his secret plans to the woman. Must have been that calming vibe.

 

[Anija Betna]

[member="Jack Raxis"]

Her eyebrows rose as she watched him drop the plans on her desk. There were a couple datapads, but she was most intrigued when she noticed plans drafted on large sheets of flimsi. She'd done that herself a few times, but now she used the holographic interface that was part of ANNE. She still couldn't stop thanking Arrbi for that gift. It had proved invaluable on more than one occasion. As he began listing off the various upgrades, she couldn't help chuckling at his animated gestures as he outlined everything.

"Trading the laser cannons for torpedoes... it definitely wouldn't be expected by many of your opponents." Frowning slightly, she studied his schematics more closely. "You'll need to upgrade the power transfer system if you want to do that though, to make it more reliable." She studied them again. She could see a handful of other upgrades that could be done as well. Lifting her gaze to his, she pinned him with a searching look. "How much of a loan are we talking... and how soon could you have results?"

 

[RC 212]

[member="Anija Betna"]

Jack clasped his hands and gave her a stony look. This was the tough part, what could he ask of her without seeming like a mad man? The thing was a work in progress, no doubt he'd have to tweak it and then test it. Still he figured it was worth a shot.

"Five hundred thousand, and It'll most likely be a month out from now. All it needs is the finishing touches."