Private Not Enough Tihaar in the Galaxy

[Evangel]

Evangel slowly replaced her helmet back in the secure storage in the loading bay of her ship. Beskar was resilient, but that was not excuse not to take care of your armor. The softer material was more prone to wear, but even the metal needed a wipe down and examination for cracks. She might be of questionable genetics, but the condition of one's beskar'gam had been drilled into her at a young age all the same. The same was true for her weapons. No one needed anything jamming in a life-or-death struggle.

With the ship secured, she strode down the street within the Mandalorian Empire. Wearing everything but the helmet, and carrying only her spear and the arm-mounted blaster, the blonde hunter scanned the area for trouble. An excuse, really, to get mixed up in an adrenaline rush. With none found, however, the original plan remain in play: she wanted a drink.

Of course, in the Mandalorian Empire finding a cantina or club that served alcohol was not difficult to find. After a hard day something to help not think was a welcome distraction. Or, if you were saddled with a crazed desire for blood, a drink was a way of putting the voices to sleep. Evangel was -- to everyone's relief -- not an angry drunk. Sadly, she never got wasted enough for that to matter or for the itch to truly go away.

"Tihaar," Evangel lifted a hand as she called out an order to the bartender. She visually scanned the interior of the moderately sized open chamber with the bar in the center. Doubtful there'd be any major bounties just sitting there begging to get picked up, but it didn't hurt to check. Besides, there could always be someone paying too much attention to her movements -- not everyone appreciated a good mercenary's work in the galaxy.

Adelle Bastiel | Aether Verd​

 

[Adelle Bastiel]

If there was one thing that stayed consistent across the worlds held by the Mandalorian Empire, it was that a bar was never hard to find. Adelle set the metal cup down on the small table in front of her, enjoying the burn of a good Whyren's Reserve. Credits had been few and far between lately, but someone had been grateful enough for their child's magical healing--Adelle didn't bother correcting the parents--she'd gotten enough to spare a drink. She sighed. Maybe it was time to consider mercenary work. She'd have to find a blaster again. A lightsaber hardly seemed fitting to use on those jobs. Hells, maybe it was time to take the Caburian creed, at the least. Jobs might come easier if she did.

Something in the air changed. Something in the Force. Adelle discreetly lifted her gaze from the table as a Mandalorian entered the bar, gilded runes decorating the signature armor. Her presence felt charged, aggressive, like a direcat stalking its territory or a lightning bolt waiting to strike. The runes were incredibly distinctive but flashed in the low light like a warning. The woman's head turned to survey the bar and Adelle made sure she was looking elsewhere when she felt that predatory gaze pass over her. In spite of finding herself in trouble so often, the ex-Jedi preferred to avoid it.

"Hey," someone barked at her.

Adelle looked up. A human male, a Devaronian male, and a Twi'lek female stood in front of her table. All were armed and carried themselves with the self-assurance of freshly successful mercs.

"Speak of the Sithspawn," Adelle muttered.

"You're at our table," the human said. "Move."

She made a show of looking all over the table and under it, inspecting the surface, only to fix the human with a steely gaze. "I don't see your name on it."

The Devaronian snickered and the Twi'lek flashed a wicked grin.

"Feisty. I almost like her," she said.

The human didn't seem nearly as amused as his companions but he forced a chuckle. "Nice try. But we've got you three to one. I said move."

"And if I refuse?" she asked. Adelle took a long, slow sip from her cup and deliberately, carefully set it back down on the table, leaning back in her chair with one arm hanging off the back. And a foot on the rung of the chair opposite her, in front of the human. Her mismatched eyes flicked over to the bar where the gilt-runed Mando sat. Adelle apparently found a lightning rod.

She just didn't like how close she was to it.




Evangel | Aether Verd

 

[Evangel]

Evangel picked up the glass and tossed it back. A loud clack of glass followed as she set it down, fingers still coiled about its girth. Maybe it'd take the edge off for once. A silent sigh escaped her.

Before she could demand another, however, someone gave that customary 'hey' callout. Evangel pivoted away from the bar, one elbow one its surface to remain aware of its spatial location. Looked like a trio of dense thugs thought to claim a table. The current occupant didn't sound like they were about to surrender it either. Why should they, she thought?

The glass slipped off the counter as its wielder stepped away from the bar. "Hey. Find another table. You're ruining the mood." Actually, they were contributing to it, but that meant she needed to prod them to take the next step. Evangel wouldn't mind a tussle. Sure, some higher ups probably noticed she had a habit of finding trouble and not being the one to start it, but that just meant she was good at her job.

If one of the men thought to make a move, Evangel would cast the glass into their face and set to work with a body-shot. Weapons weren't necessary when they were already in such close proximity. Besides, it was more fun when you got to experience the visceral reactions of your prey.

Adelle Bastiel | Aether Verd​

 

[Aether Verd]

Assets: Beskar'gam | Basilisk
Darksaber | Resolute Dawn​

BAR - SOMEWHERE OUT THERE

The day had been long, far too long for his liking. Alors bickering over supply lines, Wardens squabbling over who bore the greater burden, and the War Council grinding on with all the patience of a bantha in a sandstorm. By the time the sun fell, Aether was in no mood for polished meals in silverware. He wanted grease. Not the kind that clung to the iron of his own kitchen, but the sort cooked up by some portly, sweaty, underpaid hand at the back of a bar. That was the flavor that came with exhaustion, and that was the taste he craved.

So the Mand’alor strode in, helm tucked beneath his arm, shoulders loose but presence heavy as iron. He arrived just as the show was beginning. Two men and a Twi’lek trying to puff themselves up over a table they had no claim to. The woman seated there had answered them sharp, telling the truth plainly enough: no names carved into the wood, no right to call it theirs. Another had already weighed in from the bar, voice cutting through the static like a whetted blade. That tension hung thick in the room, charged as if lightning might strike at any second. For Aether, it was the perfect seasoning.

He made his way to the counter and laid the helmet upon it, then took up a menu slick with condensation from some half-forgotten glass. The parchment reeked of old ale and fryer smoke, which was exactly what he wanted. An armored finger tapped against the listing for a basket meal filled with fried odds and ends, a medley designed to punish both stomach and porcelain throne alike. The barkeep nodded and shuffled off, and only then did Aether turn slightly, visorless gaze catching the light as he watched the tension build across the cantina.

Grease and spectacle. For tonight, he would have both.​

Adelle Bastiel + Evangel

 

[Adelle Bastiel]

The human leaned with both hands on the table, a smirk on his face. "I don't take no for an answer, sweetheart."

The Mando with the embellished armor turned a gilded visor their way. Adelle took another sip from the glass and opted to keep it in her hands for safe-keeping. Most of the other patrons kept to their own conversations but a few glanced at the confrontation, keeping an eye on it. A few more patrons entered the bar, another Mando heading for the counter. The first Mando stalked over, looming over the table.

"Hey. Find another table. You're ruining the mood."

Adelle could practically hear the challenge underneath, almost a demand to start something. The human stood up from the table and faced the Mando, a flicker of fear passing through his emotions as he looked into that expressionless visor. But he was high on stupid or something and decided to double down on the tough guy posturing. One of his hands held the grip of his blaster.

"Why don't you mind your own--"

Adelle slid her glass back onto the tabletop and kicked the chair into his legs, using a bit of Force to make sure he staggered. The Devaronian and Twi'lek split, Twi'lek rushing towards the Mando with a stun baton and the Devaronian lunging at Adelle with a vibroknife. She kicked his chest, forcing him back. Without giving him time to breathe, she was on her feet and advanced on him. Looked like everyone in the bar was about to get a show.


Aether Verd | Evangel

 

[Evangel]

Thugs. Or simply arrogant fools. Evangel lowered her expectations about the fight to follow when the Human kept a hand on his weapon. Did he seriously think he could draw, aim, and fire it before he was limp on the floor with them standing so close to one another? He'd be lucky to draw and shoot it into the floor before her hands were on him. Not to mention the beskar'gam.

Unexpectedly, Adelle was the one that started things. Hastened them along, really. Evangel took the opportunity to simply rock forward and let the man's forehead connect with the helmet she'd placed back on her head when she stepped away from the bar. Now he had two sore spots and perhaps a minor concussion.

The Human wasn't down and out, but she didn't need them to be in the first blow. A light strike to keep him disoriented while she pivoted slightly to intercept the Twi'lek. Evangel's right arm swing in and arched upward as she dodged to deflect the incoming stun baton. Guard wide open, her left hand slammed into the Ryl native's side. Twice in quick succession. The sharp pain they'd feel accompanied by a growing warmth, and even more sharp pains would be the ribs she'd broken and his efforts to laboriously breathe.

Evangel's helm turned to catch sight of Adelle to see how they were faring.

Adelle Bastiel | Aether Verd​

 

[Adelle Bastiel]

The Devaronian swiped at her twice and Adelle dodged. He had closed distance however and thrusted the point at her torso. Had she been slower, he would've hit his mark. Adelle moved as he lunged, stepping to the side and locking the knife arm. She leveraged the elbow joint, dislocating it, then slammed his head into the table while he reeled from the pain. The Devaronian slumped to the floor.

The Mando had made quicker work of their assailants. Adelle nodded at the impassive gold visor then grabbed her drink from the table, slowing her breathing down.

"Thanks," she said, taking a quick sip. Normally, she'd apologize but she wasn't sure that Mandalorians did apologies.

And she wasn't all that sorry. They'd been begging for a beating.

"Can I buy you a drink for your trouble?" she asked instead.


Evangel | Aether Verd

 

[Evangel]

Adelle hadn't needed assistance, and even seemed calm enough to resume her drink afterward.

Evangel pointed at the Twi'lek. "Take them, or be disintegrated." Broken ribs causing them pain? Concussion barely leaving them on their feet? Face met a table and completely unconscious? Evangel didn't care. In fact, she made a show of noisy drawing her pistol when it took more than a second for the Twi'lek to comprehend what she'd said.

The Twi'lek pushed the Human toward the door and grabbed an arm of the Devaronian to begin hauling them away with an obvious favoring to his side.

As they got under way, Evangel slowly holstered her weapon and pulled a chair around before the table to join Adelle. "Always accept drinks." She reached up to slowly lift her helmet again and set it down atop the table. "Even when it's no trouble." A soft snort followed suit. "I had hoped they would have been made of stronger stuff. Don't you?" Not everyone was hungry to literally throw herself against her enemies feeling every blow, but Evangel never let that still her tongue.

"Name's Evangel. What brings you here?"

Adelle Bastiel | Aether Verd​

 

[Adelle Bastiel]

The Mando sent the beaten trio packing and the bar settled back into something of a normal atmosphere. Adelle hooked her foot around the leg of the chair she'd pushed back and pulled it forward, signalling to a waiter-droid. The unique helm settled against the table and Adelle found herself facing a blonde a head taller than she was.

"It would've made things more interesting, sure," Adelle said. "I've gotten a bit rusty though so three against one would've been a bit much."

The waiter-droid stood next to the table to take the Mando's--Evangel's order.

"Adelle," she said. "Mostly looking for a cheap drinking hole. Been a little light on creds lately."

She took a drink, settling back in her chair. "You?"


Evangel | Aether Verd

 

[Evangel]

Evangel ordered something a little less strong, but with a smooth flavor when the droid came around. There was time for more tihaar, but if they were going to talk with their tongues than she should try not to get drunk too quickly. Even Sithspawn could be influenced by enough alcohol.

"I hunt. For now, I drink so that the next hunt is all the more potent." Evangel smiled with a clarity to her eyes. "If I am lucky, I find an opponent worth hunting as I drink. Perhaps even some to talk to." Not that everyone wanted to talk to a hunt-crazed woman wearing an armor covered in mystic symbols.

"You said you were 'rusty.' Are you returning to action?" Sometimes even a strong predator had to recover from a grueling challenge.

Adelle Bastiel​

 

[Adelle Bastiel]

Adelle smirked. "Feels like it's finding me. But . . . yes. Returning to action would keep my skills sharp and my account full. My other skills don't seem quite as valuable right now."

The Mando felt different in the Force. There was Darkness, yes: she'd recognize the oily chill anywhere. But it felt different from a Sith's. She seemed very focused on 'the hunt.' Adelle knew Mandalorians often hired themselves as bounty hunters, knew they had a reputation for hunting dangerous prey and people. But the few she had admittedly fought hadn't talked like that. Admittedly, there was very little talking during the fighting. Usually before or after, when one called for her surrender and a third party had interrupted and started negotiating during the other fight.

Still, no harm in humoring the Mando. "You seem to hunt a lot. Got any memorable hunts?"


Evangel

 

[Evangel]

Evangel nodded when Adelle mentioned the need to stay sharp. Credits... were a necessary evil. They made passage to other worlds easy. Allowed you to afford new weaponry to combat new foes. Sentient lifeforms, in particular, were dangerously unpredictable and prepared compared to mere beasts.

A grunt followed the question about memorable hunts. "A few." Perhaps more than that, but no need to brag about her pursuits. Some of which had been under the gaze of less socially acceptable persons. "A Jedi on Endor. Some still scour the world for artifacts of an old Emperor. We fought for an hour on the shores of a great ocean. Their blade moved swiftly and without waste." A smile crept onto her lips. "It was a good hunt. Their kind does not often rely on flashy Force abilities, but they are still formidable." That also meant she couldn't take advantage of her unique talent; a happy accident that favored her prey.

"What other skills do you possess?" Evangel asked in turn. Not that anything could possibly be more satisfying than combat.

Adelle Bastiel​

 

[Adelle Bastiel]

Oh . . . kriff. She had to ask. She just had to ask. A Jedi being a memorable hunt. Adelle took a drink to hide any expression of discomfort or tension. Well, if it came out, she could always be honest and say she left the Jedi. But she wasn't entirely sure how well that would go down. And then the Mando--Evangel--asked what other skills she had. Oh kriff.

Well she opened that can of duracrete slugs. She'd have to handle this delicately. "Used to work with CorSec as a liaison agent, investigating some of their harder cases. Like hunting but with paperwork at the end."

Adelle genuinely grimaced. The amount of reports had been necessary but absolutely tedious. As for her other skills . . . "I have some skill in medicine. Not a whole lot but . . . enough."

It wasn't a lie, even if it wasn't the entire truth. She had been a Healer in her Order, and had performed some surgeries with the Force when they lacked the necessary equipment and time.

"But moderate skill doesn't pay the bills," Adelle said. "Been meaning to check out bounties, see if there's something I could use as a warm-up."

Evangel

 

[Evangel]

"Planetary security?" Evangel took a small drink of the glass the droid had brought back. "Not so good for someone like me. Hunts are rare. Too much focus on 'justice,' which often requires a living captive. You can't push your limits if you have to hold back." Too many rules. Too much paperwork. "I manage when I need to, but I avoid it when I can." The Mandalorian Empire occasionally had her policing a scene; though she often ran off to the nearest source of chaos where rules were relaxed. Taris, for example, she didn't kill any innocent people. Rioters. Agent provocateurs. Sure, they died, but was it her fault when they started firing rocket propelled grenades?

"Plenty of bounties. Some even want them alive. Not all of them stay that way once they're turned in; so if that matters double-check who issued it." Evangel didn't care one way or the other, but Adelle seemed to. Not that she understood the big fuss. Reprisal? People were welcome to try it only provided all the justification in the world to respond. "Probably one for someone in the nearby area. Interested in taking a look?"

Adelle Bastiel​

 

[Aether Verd]

Assets: Beskar'gam | Basilisk
Darksaber | Resolute Dawn​

SOMEWHERE OUT THERE

The glass was half-empty when the fight broke out. Aether had seen plenty of tavern scraps in his time, but what reached him first was not the noise. It was the feeling. A familiar weight hung in the air like smoke, a Darkness not born of rage or corruption, but the tempered pulse of a warrior who carried it with purpose. Evangel. The runes etched across her armor shimmered faintly beneath the cantina lights, and the Force stirred around her with quiet hunger. Then another sensation reached him, sharp and precise. The woman beside her moved with the unmistakable touch of the Force, her actions clean, practiced, and controlled. Adelle.

His lips curved slightly as he finished the sip, the warmth burning down his throat before he rose to his feet. The scrape of his chair caught a few eyes, though none dared to linger when they saw who stood. The Mand’alor’s presence carried through the room like the slow roll of thunder, quiet yet undeniable. Helm beneath one arm, glass in hand, Aether crossed the floor until he came to stand beside their table.

He lifted his drink toward them in greeting, a gesture both casual and deliberate. “If this is how you spend your nights, I should visit bars more often.” he said, his tone calm but edged with humor. “You both made short work of that lot. Mind if I sit?”

While waiting for their response, he continued. “I’ve been reviewing a few bounties of my own. Ones with bite, the kind that make the blood move.” His gaze shifted between them, studying each in turn. “If you’re both looking for something worth the bruises, I might have just the hunt.” He took a slow sip, the corner of his mouth lifting. “What do you say?”​

Evangel , Adelle Bastiel

 

[Adelle Bastiel]

Another Mandalorian stood from the bar and moved toward them, his movement carrying weight. Authority. He towered over her same as Evangel, standing next to the table, but there was a smile in his voice that made Adelle relax just a bit. She should have known that drinking and scrapping in a bar in Mando space would catch the attention of the warriors but she was far more used to skating by under the radar. She took a drink to hide any unease she felt, pushing out a chair with her foot in response.

Adelle glanced at Evangel when the new Mandalorian spoke of bounties with "bite."

"You have my attention," she said, as casually as possible. It felt strange to be on this side of a Mandalorian bounty hunt. The only two she'd been in, she'd been the bounty and interference.



Evangel | Aether Verd

 

[Evangel]

Evangel looked up and over at the man that stepped forward to join them. Her blue eyes stared up at him without the apprehension Adella had felt. He would be an enjoyable hunt, himself. Someone in his position had to be a capable warrior. Perhaps even strong enough to emerge victorious against her. Provided he didn't use those 'powers' of his.

A duel, however, was not what he'd come to suggest. Instead, he spoke of a extending a hunt to them. Unless that was a duel? Evangel's attention shifted over to Adelle as the woman expressed interest. "Alright." Her gaze returned to the brave and capable warrior. "That sounds like something worthwhile. And I could use a hunt that at least breaks a sweat."

Adelle Bastiel | Aether Verd​

 

[Aether Verd]

Assets: Beskar'gam | Basilisk
Darksaber | Resolute Dawn​

SOMEWHERE OUT THERE

Aether waited until both women gave their assent before pulling the vacant chair toward him. He sat with a relaxed posture, helm resting against his knee, and for a few moments said nothing. His hand moved to his belt, the metal at his wrist catching the light as he unclipped something small and set it on the table. The silver bounty puck came alive in a hum of soft azure, casting their faces in shifting blue.

“The one on the menu,” he began, voice low and measured, “has managed to stay out of my reach for a couple of years now. Crafty. Brilliant, even. And far too comfortable for my liking.”

The hologram adjusted focus, text and images flickering through a dossier of remarkable breadth. Aliases began to appear one after another, each with its own trail of half-truths. There was mention of House Verd, followed by a record that drew a faint smile from Aether...supposedly a previous Mand’alor, titled Reclaimer. Farther down, there were notes about a third Confederacy that had risen and collapsed decades prior somewhere in the Galactic South. Supposedly the target was its Vicelord? The list read like myth and memory woven together.

He took a slow swig of his drink before speaking again. “Ideally, he's brought to me alive.” he said, setting the glass down. “But even a solid lead on where he is or what he’s building would be enough to earn payment.” His gaze lingered on the hologram for a moment, the flicker of recognition sharp in his eyes. “He’s a nasty, slippery fighter. Fair warning.”

Aether leaned back in his chair, the ghostly light of the puck washing over his armor. “What do you say? Up for hunting a ghost?”​

Evangel , Adelle Bastiel

 

[Adelle Bastiel]

When the bounty puck hit the table, Adelle leaned forward, alert. The information flicked by quickly, staying visible only long enough for someone to register what they've seen. There was an impressive amount in the dossier, a long list of aliases. Adelle rested her mouth against her fist, elbow leaning on the table. She had a few tools on her datapad that CorSec allowed her to keep--or at least, didn't care enough about to send agents to recover or remove them. Titles and names of governments scrolled by, clues she'd have to look into.

The Mandalorian took a drink and explained what he wanted out of this bounty. Adelle studied his face, catching a flash of knowledge or familiarity that faded from his features as quickly as it came. He'd either come across this particular target before--which his next words supported--or this was personal. Both, maybe.

Adelle picked up her glass and leaned back again. "It wouldn't be the first time I've chased ghosts. Consider me in."

She wasn't going to dwell on the worst ghost hunt she'd been on.

"Is there a last known location?" she asked.



Evangel | Aether Verd

 

[Evangel]

Evangel lifted her drink and threw it back. The glass clacked against the table. "The more powerful they are, the more dangerous I become."

Her blue eyes slid over to Aether after a moment. Once Adelle had inquired about a location. "Your profile. Your history with him. It's long. Detailed. And you described him as a crafty, brilliant, and nasty fighter." The tip of her finger tapped the table three times. "So why offer this hunt to us? Do you have extensive knowledge of our abilities as well?" Her voice wasn't accusatory or even perturbed. If Aether wanted this man hunted, Evangel would do it without complaint. That being said, she wondered why they had been chosen. Did he expect them to be sacrificial pawns?

Normally, Mandalorians didn't think like Sith; but Evangel was used to how Sith thought, how they acted, and how they'd do anything to get what they wanted. So she couldn't help but wonder why. Unlike a Sith Lord, you could sometimes figure out the 'why' before it was too late. Sometimes.

Aether Verd | Adelle Bastiel​