Private The Great Hunt - To Slay a Dragon

[Rocho]

Well things were progressing, keeping out of range was possible, but he couldn't venture too far. Each time it turned its attention away he tried to force it back on him by firing a slug into it, or hurling The Beast into its flesh. Not too far, they needed it alive. But it wasn't that hard to avoid seriously injuring the creature. It's hide was very thick and durable.

Mostly it was going well, he could tell the insectoids were doing their work. Then the creature released a rain of acid into the air. He snarled his toothy mouth and took in a breath, he could protection himself, but there was little he could do to aid the others. He waved a hand roughly in front of him, parting the acidic rain with the force around him.

The Cha'ta'ri may have evacuated to prepare for their next strike. But he had to make sure that that next strike would count. He rushed forwards again the Lightsaber Axe in his hand and leapt forwards straight to its face before shoving off and ending up under it. The great beast swept at him but he evaded, it tried to drop on him, as he wanted. He became nearly half submerged in the ground as he swung the axe against its tissue cutting its stomach and causing it to rear back in pain revealing its body even more to avoid his weapon cutting too deep.

Good, just what it needed to do. He managed to force himself out of the sand and shove both his hands forwards, it was a force push, almost as much as he could manage. Just enough to stagger and and keep it from falling back down to cover itself up, but it would not last long. Maybe a few seconds. In those few seconds he hoped the Cha'ta'ri would get another good chance to make use of their blades while he leapt backwards and out of the way for its inevitable return to the ground.

Bovos Darakses

 

[Darakses]

The ginormous squirming beast thrashed about as under the guidance of Bovos Pathfinder trainees and experienced Hunters alike joined in on the attack.

Sand shook beneath their feet as the monster wailed its pain towards the sun. Its fury was tremendous. The Krayt dragon sought to lash out forwards at its enemies, to burry them between its jaws, tear them apart.

It was then that Rocho reentered the fray, his battles axe soared upwards, disrupting the local apex predators' terrible malice. The huge crimson marble-like eyes squinted from the searing pain in its stomach. They ripped open a second later its gaze pure hatred. The giant head snapped forward and recovered almost momentarily aiming to dash forward and squish the smaller reptile beneath it.

Darakses three hundred sixty all-around vision supported by his self-crafted helmet caught the events unfolding as his massive near two and a half meter form raced along the wave-like sand dunes circling in to intercept the attack on the Challenger.

Then the impossible, unimaginable, the adopted Hunter Trandoshan released a wave of pure energy, given shape and powered by his will. The Pathfinder Eldest halted his advance, he felt something, this display had stirred something within. A sensation. Relieve? Saturation? As if he had gobbled down liters of blood.

The tremendous beast was almost toppled. The shockwave-like assault had thrown its scaley hide backward further revealing the exposed belly beneath. The Cha'ta'ri alpha chose to ignore his previous sensation and instead focus on the battle at hand. The Challenger had yet again presented them the opportunity to deliver a blow. He would not waste it, but the experienced hunter would choose another target. They needed the monstrosity alive and its abdomen had sustained previous blows.

No, Darakses wanted to end this. Insert an electronic pulse as close to the target's brain as possible. Having reached the tip of the dune he practically ruptured its summit apart as he burst forward his powerful hind legs catapulting him into the air searing towards the dragon's scalp. On impact the raptor-like claws of the Cha'ta'ri dug themselves into the serpent's thick cartilage tegument, his lower off hands acted much the same holding on gaining him valuable grip. His two larger upper appendages curled their massive digits around the hilt of his large zweihänder electroblade.

With a ravaging hissing, he sank his iron razor into the stunned creature. The crackling blue sparks sprung to life as the vorpal weapons were discharged into flesh and tissue.

The near twenty-five meters of exposed Krayt dragon fell into itself, collapsing into the dunes below. Dust and sand were hurled into the air, a copper cloud covering the fullness of their line of sight as the ground was shaken by the falling giant.

Darakses was laying on his back. Red alerts inside the animated smart visor informing him of the damage his helmet had sustained. With the one dormant arm he could feel he flung the apparatus from his head, his four burning azure eyes scanned along his body. His left arm was ruptured around his wrist, somehow he had broken it multiples times holding onto the blade. His right lower leg was also misformed, the landing had broken its bones.

The group was still covered in the almost sandstorm-like hazard but for the Cha'ta'ris and their ultra-sensitive eyes sight, it was little distraction. Within moments Twin Sisters hurried to the side of their fallen captain. They supported the wounded Eldest and lifted his much larger frame back into an upright standing position.

He scanned the situation, with a killer's iron gaze. Their prey lay curled up at the bottom of the pit, heaps of sand covered its huge body as the rest of the group recovered to their feet.

The Pathfinder Hunder shrieked with booming mandibles in Cha'tar "Brothers, Sisters, count your siblings, know their names, living and dead. Today you have hunted along them, yes."

Now they needed to regroup and restain the dragons movement.

"Call the Flyers" Darakses demanded from his second in command, one of the Twin sisters promptly used her communicator to call out the dropships.

"And find me the Challenger"

 

[Bovos]

Rocho's energy charge, against the Dragon was oddly satisfying to Bovos. Just as the energy left the challenger's body the insectoid felt all his hunger pass, he abruptly felt full and content. This was a strange sensation he had never sensed before but Bovos had no time to think about that as Darakses lead another attack against the dragon.

The Pathfinder eldest had displayed his power over the rest of the group as he struck down the legendary creature. His movements were swift and precise and with one powerful blow, the electric charge of the blade was transferred within the dragon body causing the Krayt dragon to faint. The final blow might have been dealt by the Cha'ta'ri leading the expedition but in no way was this the accomplishment of a singular person, only using the combined forces was the team able to take down the sand dragon.

The battle had ended and Bovos could slowly calm down yet never letting down his guard. He was still on the devilish desert planet of Tatooine a place he knew little to nothing about. Moreover, this was no time to rest as the dragon would have to be secured in case it woke up. The materials were limited but with the resources supplied by the dropships that had arrived after the battle Bovos was able to come up with a plan for their situation. Employing thick ropes to tie down each of the heavy limbs of the large lizard would limit its movement, moreover, he would connect large boulders supplied by the local environment to the dragon's body to weigh it down. This would take some time and keep some of the insectoids busy whilst their leader planned the next step with the Challenger.

Reader had recovered from his battle injuries and was again able to work together with Bovos to orchestrated the safekeeping of the dragon. The large ropes had to inspect for their durability, they could not afford faulty equipment in this challenging situation. The next step was to collect large rocks from close by locations using the Cha'ta'ri drops ships. This proved more difficult than originally planned as the vast desert was immense and empty. Eventually, all things came together, the sturdy ropes were set into position and a good number of stones were secured. A selected number of Brave Cha'ta'ri were chosen to approach the legendary dragon's sleeping body to tie its limbs together and restrict the movement of their captured target. Next rocks were connected to the roped that tied up the lizard-like creature. The rocks would restrict the monster's movement as the weight would be too much for even the sand demon that had taken down some of the Cha'ta'ri. All things worked out in the end and the precious package was secured and ready for delivery if that was still happening, Bovos was unaware of any plan as were most other members of the expedition group.

Satisfied with the results of his plan Bovos felt sweat run down his scaled head. The true satisfaction though was that soon Bovos could return to the cold and dark asteroid he called home. This burning desert sand had not given the machinist a great time and he did not intend on returning to this desert planet for a long time. Disregarding his hatred towards the annoying sand Bovosa enjoyed the hunt, he was thrilled as the dragon initially emerged from the sand. The machinist would surely never forget his time here no matter the pestering sand or the extreme heat.

Rocho Darakses

 

[Rocho]

Rocho got himself out of the way as the creature came back down, still even with that the crash of the beast knocked him backwards and he had to struggle to keep himself upright. He had not been injured in any way that mattered, because almost any injury could have been serious had the creature managed to catch him. The challenge was not letting that happen. However, not all of the Cha'ta'ri had been so fortunate. Darakses had managed to take the creature down, in an excellent proof of his abilities. Still, there were people to bury. Or not, perhaps, he wandered what exactly they did with their dead.

He took in a breath, taking a knee as the exhaustion of how much he had been running back and forth and his last bout with the creature had taken him. Still, the job was not finished. The Cha'ta'ri, it looked like with Bovos influence, were already working to ensure the great creature stayed down. And there was people he needed to talk to. Fortunately, he wouldn't be the one to have to get the ball rolling. Before long one of the Cha'ta'ri came and guided him to Darakses , he gave a nod, "Many points have been gained today by us today. Even in death." He said. However odd their culture, he approved of their abilities. They were beings to respect. "We'll need to send the signal for the creature to be picked up. It looks like your people are already at work keeping it down, might get some sedatives just in case." he added

Yeah, he didn't want that thing on his ship. Even if he could get it on board. It was not designed to stop a creature of that power from taking him right back down with gravity.

(Apologize for the shortness, was unclear on if I was going to tag all the mando's or not as well)

 

[Jhira Mereel]

​

LOCATION: Deserts of Tatooine, CIS space.
Objective: Carbon freeze and transfer Kryat dragon. Don’t get eaten. Not even by the Cha’ta’ri of Mithrax Hive.
Equipment: Cybernetics | Jet Pack | Beskar’gam | Weapon load out | The Echoy’la Sun
Tags: [ Darakses ] [ Bovos ] [ Rocho ] [ @Loreena Aranais-Valhoun ]

Twin suns sent blinding flashes of light off of hulls, as the The Echoy’la Sun descended. Jets of fire warred with the nearly unbearable heat of the dessert world below her, tractor beams reaching out to compress soft, near fluid sand into a temporary landing platform. Small craft launched, spiraling away from the descending merchant ship in coordinated sweeps the sent punishing waves of sound into the sand, before the larger ship once more compressed it beneath the ship’s shadow.

Stars and Stones, but Jhira hated Tatooine. Most desert worlds bothered her, but this one … this one provoked because it had been so preventable.

And so Healable.

When the rest of the greater galaxy had set about healing the ravages of war, some 400 years ago, they’d somehow forgotten this miserable world. No oceans filled it’s cavernous valleys, and no greenery colored it from space. Yet the place had one saving grace.

It had dragons.

“Fething … Auntie, we’ve got to get the shabla databases fixed. I’ve got the Fel-Empire multipurpose fighter, heavily customized. She’s who summoned us; I radioed her as we began our landing maneuver. The-Challenger, registered to the Trandoshan Rocho.” A bounty hunter, and a good one “but nothing on the other four. Can’t get a visual match to anything! Roble Manufacturing put out a new line of ships? CorelliSpace?” Mia didn’t mention any of the Mandalorian shipyards; these things were way too organic, to insectoid to appeal; not with the recent Vong hunt hanging over everyone. “They are dropships, tight formation - well placed except one might be jiggled a bit by our landing. Low on electronic signatures but I’m reading a lot of hangar space. Twelve to sixteen fighters each, is my guess.” Nearly double what their own ship carried.

Sweat beaded upon Jhira’s brow, as the environmental system strained against the dual suns and the heat of a low-speed, high powered re-entry. “Get our support craft close enough to stabilize if it stars to go over.” With exquisite care she eased the large ship deep into the still-hot, nearly glassed over landing pad. Precisely three seconds before she reached the depth she desired, the cryoban mines affixed to the outside her ship triggered, cooling the newly formed docking cradle instantly.

Oh, it wouldn’t last; the moment she took off again, the ice-formed, cloudy glass would shatter back into meaningless sand, it’s brief moment of glory forgotten.

Settling back for a moment, Jhira studied the scanners. The full scanners, even the boring stuff about the organics. “Looks like you have some homework to do, whilst I collect a dragon - get me everything you can on those organics.” Slipping free of her station, Jhira headed to the docking bay. A blast of heat and sand hit her when she was barely half-way there, sand scouring her amor, light near-blinding.

“Lori-gof,” a pause, whilst Jhira shared her sensor data with her glorious kinswoman. “What do you make of them?”

The desiccated air leached energy, lashed her skin. But she did not give in, yet. There was talking to do, before she could seal away the heat of this barren world. As she stepped free of the boarding ramp, droids lept into motion behind her, prepping the docking area for it’s oddest customer.

Ever.

Before Jhira stood the single Trandoshan Hunter, and a dozen or so insectoids whose like she’d never seen. A strip of cloth bound away the worst of the glare from their eyes, and they were grouped warily around the inert form of the Dragon. One too-still form told her that the dragon had claimed his price.

“Greetings, all. I am Jhira Mereel.” Her smile flared. “Congratulations on your Hunt, but how about we get him stuffed in my carbon freezer before we spend much time on formalities?”

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

Desert planets were never fun to visit. Unless one came after dark when it was much cooler. Lori had done that before during some of her treasure hunting excursions. Those were in the good ol' days, before her family were more torn apart than ever. Both of her parents were dead and her brother Caedyn Arenais was off who knows where doing who knows what. Did he even know that she had been married off? Most of her Mandalorian kin were dead, and the Alor that helped raised her and trained her kept her away as though she was dar'manda. He did at least give her a parting gift that she could use to escape her enemies. But still, she had never felt so alone as she did now.

Jhira Mereel had been a delight. The woman took her on as akin to a sister, related moreso in spirit than in blood. They bonded over their love of flying and of ships. And now they were working together to repopulate Mandalore with species important to their culture, and important parts of the ecosystem.

And that was what brought them to Tattooine today.

Lori secured her helmet over her head, the HUD turning itself on mere seconds before Jhira's data was patched through. ~Trandoshans...they can be nasty. I've run across a few of them since I was a youngling. Of course usually I was escaping them. Hopefully all will go well today.~

She followed behind Jhira and kept to her right side. She nodded in greeting to the hunters before locking her eyes onto the dragon. Never in her wildest dreams had she seen one up close. It almost made her gitty.

Rocho Bovos Darakses

 

[Darakses]

The Challenger was safe, Darakses watched as his reptilian hide appeared above the dunes the searing heat blurring his image as it flickered in and out of place. The Eldest had decided that these dessert planets were not to his liking, thick pungent slime-like drops coiled down his leathery skin, he needed sustenance. They probably all did. Before he could order the Pathfinders and Machinists to begin securing the ginormous sand dragon the yet titleless one known only as Bovos began doing exactly that. The outsider had once again proven not just his own skill but the willingness to lead others. A serious word would have to be spoken with Thesiks, it was time this Cha'ta'ri received a title and a standing among his own.

The Twin sisters, lanky and thin were still with him, flanking their Eldest as they regained utter control over the situation. Equally tall and both sporting a long coat from their neck down hiding their bodies from the sun up until their ankles. As the pair snapped commands across the windy sands of Tattoine newcomers approached.

At first, you could hear it, then a spacecraft came into sight. This was the "pick-up" the Challenger had announced to them mere minutes ago. It was large, much larger than their own vessels. The experienced Hunter had seen ships of its size before, even large, raided a good few of them himself. Reinforced Alusteel, it might not look like it but this ship had a fighting nature, its scales far thicker than even the dragons. His mandibles clicked repeatedly, it was a warning call, one that most Hunters and Pathfinders recognized immediately. They halted their current actions and launched into a defensive perimeter. They might be natural predators, but every good hunter knows there is always a bigger killer out there. It's on you to judge whether you're the hunter or the hunted

A whirl of sand and bodies as they took a v-shape formation. Darakses and his two female Hunter Eldests in its midst along with the Challenger, beside them, a row of growling hooded insectoids ranging from two to almost three meters in height. The Hunters at the tip of the line Blade on one and Silence on the other raised their slugthrowers at the two humanoids emerging from the craft and introducing themselves.

It was too late to evacuate, too late the disappear, too late to guard their secrets. Darakses was prepared though. Thesiks had warned him of the event and he had already made contact with outsiders before. His relation to the Trandoshan a perfect example of this.

The dozens of crimson robotic eyes on his black helmet sparked to life as the mechanical apparatus clicked and hummed. He was running his own analysis now, the ancient access over a long-forgotten Empire server to the Holonet proving its worth yet again. The crest on their armour identifying them as what was referred to as a "Mandolorian". He couldn't quite understand that data he was being fed virtually by the assisted AI, but he grasped the concept of a mighty people, a warring nation of tribes and a strictly followed code.

A robotic broken stuttering voice seemingly mashed together from many mouths began to speak in basic, its origin the strange multi-eyed headgear of the Pathfinder Eldest.

"If you grow hair under your helmet it is best you keep it on, for all our sake, yes"

This was the historically biggest exchange of words between a group of Cha'ta'ri and outsiders. Most insectoids present had absolutely no clue what they were talking about nor why they were doing this in the first place. The normal reaction and one they had been trained to adhere from since birth was to violently assault and kill any outsiders they crossed paths with. Thus it was good that these Mandalorians were cladded in armour, fur was a sign of healthy flesh to the Mithraxians, one each and every one of them would want to sink their jaws into.

Darakses continued "Jhiriiiiia Mereeeeeel..." the broken voice box letting his words echo oddly into the dessert. "This is a name, yes, you carry no title, hmmm" The group of strangers would have to learn to navigate the oddities of Cha'tar and their lack of questions.

In one swift motion, the hulking creature unsheaths his blade hanging horizontally from his back, while his main right arm pulls his cape aside revealing the exposed leather-like skin and chitin under it.

"A titless comes to take the prey of the Mithrax, Challenger understands this, yes"

The blades electric sparks sizzling menacingly, while the two ex-hunters flanking him on each side keep their weapons aimed at the newcomers.

It was up their Trandoshan middleman to deescalate the situation.

Jhira Mereel Bovos Rocho Loreena Arenais-Valhoun

 

[Bovos]

The harsh heat from the deserts sun was grazing upon Bovos's scaly hide as he peered at a large space form descending from the sky. The ship was larger than most, much larger than the dragon that they had slain earlier this day. After an entrance of large stature two armour covered humans exited and were making their way towards the Challenger.

Darakses the pathfinder eldest was the most notable hunter amongst the group called for a defending formation against the humans who just recently arrived. The insectoid machinist positioned himself at the back of the v - formation keeping his slugthrower aimed at the newcomers. The pathfinders and hunters were towards the front of the formation with their leader Darakses, making sure the less experienced were more protected and in the back. The Cha'ta'ri were families in all aspects, when they hunted, feasted and when they died. Together they would be able to overcome the challenges thrown in their path this included the recent arrival of the two humans. These insectoids were fierce and dangerous creatures, few were able to tell tales about them and soon these two humans would be choosing whether they wanted to be part of those few. Before the conflict broke out between the two groups the pathfinder eldest approached the humanoids. Words were exchanged, seemingly peaceful but Bovos was unable to understand the complete conversation.

The humanoids were plated in strange and shining armour, covering their entire body. The sole reason that Bovos was able to tell these creatures were humanoid was because of their simplistic organic structure, he had encountered many humanoids some with a strange colour of skin and others with similar hides as himself but non had ever fully engulfed their bodies in armour nor did they passed such powerful presence as these individuals, the machinist could tell these were people of power but in the eyes of the Cha'ta'ri they were untitled trustpassers and as such were treated that way.

Disregarding the recent events Bovos's fascination with the newly arrived space vessel was overwhelming. All he wished for at this time was to explore the endless circuits of this machinery. He wanted to delve within it and find out what makes it function, what makes it different from the Cha'ta'ri drop ships and how could he implement his newfound technology. The machinist was increasingly interested in new technology that he could learn from, he would often use every opportunity he could get to expand his knowledge. The giant vessel seemed to be heavily modified from its original state adding much more armour. This improved ship reminded Bovos of their space vessels, the tweaked vessels both seemed to be personally customized to meet an individual's liking. Cha'ta'ri drop ships were created to allow space travel to the explorers and hunters of the clan however, because of limited resources and knowledge of starships most drop ships were made somewhat unique in their creation.

Bovos himself was ready to act to the commands given by his brothers and sisters, whether these powerful individuals would prove to be peacefull or their prey the insectoid knew what had to be done.

Darakses Rocho Loreena Arenais-Valhoun Jhira Mereel

 

[Rocho]

Rocho watched the ships come in, and watched the Cha'ta'ri react to it. He couldn't blame them, thus far, the Krayt Dragon was the biggest thing he'd seen them go up against. Which, admittedly, was a terrifying creature. Even for him fighting it alone was a horrid idea. Even in a group it was dangerous, what they had just done was indeed a great achievement and worthy of respect.

Still, he hoped they wouldn't do anything risky. He didn't need to choose sides here. He stepped forwards, ensuring that the Cha'ta'ri could seem him. He was fairly confident that Darakses wouldn't let them do anything stupid. While he'd only recently seen Bovos and his abilities, he seemed good at least when fighting. He didn't think he'd make a mistake either.

"Greetings Jhira Mereel. I'm Rocho Krul, or Challenger, and couldn't agree more." He said with a nod. Rocho would tilt his head to the side slightly speaking quieter to Darakses on the matter of the title-less. "Most go by names, not titles. Most titles tend to change between people rather than being assigned and never changed. She's a Mandalorian, usually worthy of respect for their combat prowess."

Once they started to get the process of getting the dragon frozen and on the ship they could talk more, first he spoke to Darakses, "How do you want to go about this, they'd have may name and history on record. But as far as I'm aware, you've never worked with them before and aren't exactly used to the systems. Can give them your title or name, and those of your people, or perhaps you'd rather use the title of your tribe?"

He wanted to ensure they still got what they deserved, but, having seen some of their actions, he wasn't sure exactly how those would be received. Still, they were a vastly important part of the battle and that deserved respect whatever ones opinions outside of it.

Loreena Arenais-Valhoun Jhira Mereel

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

Keep her helmet on. There was no problems there. Tattooine was always too hot to her liking anyways and her suits systems helped to keep her cool.

Lori continued to study those that had gathered before them once Darakses spoke and already it seemed as though some unintended offence was made to them, for their weapons were soon branded and charged. Lori made no move for her own just yet, especially as getting into a fight with them wasn't their intended purpose here.

Jhira Mereel only offering her name, although she wasn't sure if her kin carried any titles. But Lori sure did...

"Greetings. I am Loreena Arenais-Valhoun of House Arenais and of Clan Raxis, Queen of Mnemosyne, Princess of the Elysium Empire and CEO of MandalArms and it's subsidiaries. It is such an honour to be invited to the company of skillfull warriors that have taken on a krayt dragon and survived. Your kinsmen will be proud to hear of this day. Your stories will be told among our own and forged in legend. " That is of course if everything went smoothly. Lori loved a good adventure and even enjoyed hearing about them. There were lessons to be learned in the stories and she took those to heart.

She just hoped that her words would be enough to appease their sense of honour.

Bovos Rocho

 

[Darakses]

Both the Challenger and the newcomers played their parts well. Darakses listended attentively as the red glowing robot eyes jotted up and down both his ally and the creature having identified themselves as Loreena.

Thesiks the Wise had anticipated this moment many cycles ago, according to his teaching the envisioned glorious colony of the Mithrax was destined to learn from outsiders. Just as the Eldest of the Eldest among them had been taught and guided by strangers in past the hive itself had to learn to accept and grow this way.

He could hear the nervous clicking of confused mandibles around him, why hadn't he ordered an attack on these foreign creatures yet? He sheathed his electric long-swords in a single frictionless motion. The Challenger's introduction to the clan came to mind as Darakses turned his massive hide away from the newcomers and addressed his people in Cha'tar.

"Sisters, brothers..." his scaled and clawed digits rose over his head, the attention of his clan swayed between their Eldest and those on the receiving end of their readied slugthrowers.

"These are the Mandalorians, a clan of warriors and survivors such as us" he wasn't appealing to his kinsman's empathy because there was non, he was letting them know he judged these strange humanoids to be on the same par as the Cha'ta'ri. "Look at their shells.." he spun around and his two right hands pointed at the shining armor cladded aliens.

"There scales are of metal, their titles are long"

His outstretched claws were now directed at Loreena Arenais-Valhoun . "Queen Mnemosyne Princess Elysium Owner MandalArms "
Buzzing intensified, what an extraordinary title, what hive could have a single member carry both the title of Queen and Princess? And what could a MandalArms be? Some insectoids remained visibly skeptical others more and more interested. The azure oculi of the present Cha'ta'ri hidden under poorly crafted helmets and wrapped tunics shifted intensely around the bespoken figure. Were they really dealing with someone of such high status in this wretched burning sand dump?

Darakses back had been exposed to these Mandalorians throughout, a sign among Hunters that he trusted them not to attack his blindspot.

"Titles have been exchanged, The Challenger has brought great bounty upon his fellow Hunters, he too believes these Mandalorians will do the same, let us not prey upon them but hunt alongside each other to slay creatures even mightier than this dragon"

He lowered his outstretched limbs, and with that the weapons of his fellow comrades too lowered. They were still not fully on board with the idea of just accepting these foreigners but seeing their Eldest and the Challenger so calm and collected benefited the cause.

The Pathfinder Eldest turned to face Loreena again.

The robotic but strangely disfigured voice of his translator came to life again "Cha'ta'ri will not harm you, your carry a powerful title, title like this demands respect and we will grant it"

He snapped back at his kin, "Titless one..." he was addressing Bovos and Rocho in basic "You and the Challenger coordinate with the Mandalorians, move the prey to their vessel, but a token of the hunt must be taken back to the colony and a token must be awarded to the Challenger"

He turned to Loreena one last time "I would like to learn more about your hive, come to me before you return to it"

With that, he left the spearhead of the group, and as he did the V-formation that had gathered around them too broke off. The identical Twin Sisters, in height just bearly shorter than their Elder would remain with Bovos to assist the handover keeping those Hunters on standby in case their strenght was needed.

The scow ships of the Mithrax much much smaller in size than the counterpart the Manadlorias had brought along came into sight as they raced along the dunes and landed walking distance to the meeting point of the two clans. Walkers filled to the brim with sustenance emerged from their bellies and a small campsite was set up to nourish the battle-ridden Cha'ta'ri, Darakses would rest among them.

 

[Rocho]

Rocho almost felt himself chuckle at the amount of titles that Loreena Arenais-Valhoun gave forth. He remembered having a title when he was in the Fel empire. But this just seemed excessive. But her introduction was a good one, and in all honesty, it was still impressive she managed all that...and kept them.

The trandoshan smiled as Darakses explained the mandalorians. That was good. It was a strange connection he'd made here. Two groups, neither of which he was truly a part of, yet held some respect and connections to, and now had connections of their own. He wandered how well they'd fare in the future. They had the determination and physical abilities for it. It'd only be if their intellects would be enough. Then again, he likely wouldn't live long enough for that.

Their weapons lowered. Good. This was not a fight they wanted to be in. Nor him, he wasn't even sure who's side he'd fight on. Or if he should fight if one got started. Bovos , the 'titleless one' and himself were given the job to coordinate things. In truth his own part was mostly done, but there was probably some reward to be had. Taking down a krayt dragon, and alive at that, was a memorable occasion. He didn't want to forget it. And he somewhat didn't want to be forgotten either.

He looked to Loreena Arenais-Valhoun , Jhira Mereel , and Bovos . "Whenever you're ready we can get to moving this thing. Long as we don't take too long." he said simply getting ready to help get the beast aboard. They truly had accomplished an incredible task.

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

Lori watched as Darakses addressed his people, speaking in a foreign tongue that she didn't know. His back was towards her and Jhira Mereel . That in and of itself was a sign of trust. Yet still she saw that eyes were upon her and so she made no move at all in case it was taken the wrong way.

Once all weapons were lowered, she breathed an inward sigh of relief. Tension now dissipated to a level that Lori was more comfortable with. And what was more was that she was going to be given respect. Most people tended to brush her aside, yet the Cha'ta'ri were different.

She dipped her head in acknowlegement and listened to his further comments. The krayt dragon was to be loaded up and thankfully her and Jhira weren't doing it alone. Rocho and Bovos were going to help. A trophy was to be given in exchange which was understandable. In this place credits wouldn't be enough. Trade of goods and weapons was far more valuable.

But it seemed as though this wasn't going to be the last that she saw of the Cha'ta'ri, for she had been invited for a chat before her departure. "Yes, I will see you before I go. I look forward to learning about your hive as well." More allies could never hurt.

She turned her attention to Rocho as he spoke up and nodded. "Alright, let's do so carefully. The less harm to the dragon, the better." Lori turned and looked back at their ship they had arrived on. At least it was big enough.

 

[Jhira Mereel]

​

LOCATION: Deserts of Tatooine, CIS space (at the time).

Objective: Carbon freeze and transfer Kryat dragon. Don’t get eaten. Not even by the Cha’ta’ri of Mithrax Hive.

Equipment: Cybernetics | Jet Pack | Beskar’gam | Weapon load out | The Echoy’la Sun

Tag: [

Darakses ] [

Bovos ] [

Rocho ] [ Loreena Arenais-Valhoun ]



Slipping her helmet on, and setting the seal so her armor could begin laboring against the heat of the desert, Jhira nodded to Lori-goof. Her suit COMMs synced up flawlessly, allowing her reply. ⌁ I have known a few Hunters; not close enough to be friends, but those I’ve known had their own Code.. ⌁ She angled a look at her kinswoman, troubled. ⌁ If any bother you now, let me know. ⌁ She hadn’t been there when every hand was turned against Loreena, but she was here now.



The Trandoshan was clear, and an almost reassuring sight compared to the strange, intricately organized warriors gathered around. Whilst she did not know them, she did know warfare. They had a solid formation, and excellent discipline. Some sort of insectoid, she’d have to guess; not really a good sign. Historically speaking, insectoids and humanoids tended to offend each other instinctively. They were angry that she hadn’t bothered with her titles, or Lori-goofs; it was a battle of will not to be angry at weapons leveled upon her when she’d been invited. Oddly enough, the many robotic eyes and strange shape did not bother her, despite a historical aversion to bugs. A good sign, maybe.



Because whoever, whatever they were, they had chosen to aid Mandalore, and so earned both respect and patience.



Lots and lots of patience. She listened intently, studying the syntax, where the emphasis and pauses appeared. It was hard; what was translated by the ancient vox-corder. It was if someone had gone into a cantina, and randomly sampled words from every species there, without regard to pitch or emotional stress.



Unaware of the greater historical and political power of the moment, Jhira found herself momentarily baffled by the caution about hair. Using internal COMMs, she ordered helmets on and advised her crew about the rage-inducing provocation. She wasn’t about to laugh at the caution; these were serious warriors.



But when he drew his blade, Jhira’s Jet Pack snapped on with a hiss, but the moment did not flash over into violence; the Trandoshan Hunter was surprisingly eloquent. Jhira relaxed from her battlestance when he spoke, though her Jet Pack remained on. Unlike many, it would not swiftly run out of fuel.



“Well met, Challenger Rocho Krul. It is an honor to meet you,” it was only instinct, but Jhira suspected the insectoid warriors would consider it an insult if she called Rocho by his name alone.



The Insects wanted titles, did they? Feth, but Jhira had so many, most of which meant nothing to those not intimately involved with the organization or planet in question. Ooh, but she was glad Diplomacy was Lori-goof’s area of expertise. If the titles failed to satisfy, Jhira would have to fight. Fight against an unknown foe, in the worst possible conditions, with unknown weaponry, without doing enough damage that it broke their fragile alliance.



Jhira could hold her head up in any society, but Loreena could out-snob anyone, anywhere, though the fierce pilot hated it. Lori-goof was just too Mandalorian at heart, and far too competent, to believe that what titles she carried or what her last name was were the most important things about her.



The titles flowed from Lori in a fluid wave, a weight of duty and responsibility heavier than any mountain. It would crush a lesser soul.



The Speaker for the insectoids turned to address his compatriots; not, she suspected, a tactical error but rather a deliberate act. Trust and test, all in one.



It was something a Mandalorian might do.



With a single gesture, he signaled all of his warriors to lower their weaponry. They moved in such harmony as even the most well-drilled and experienced squad might envy. He allowed his translator to convey his complements to Lori, and his orders to his people.



Lori agreed gracefully to a meeting; Jhira’s mind turned to what sort of trophy they would want, given that they didn’t wish to harm the dragon. An odd idea occurred to her.



[ Rocho ] spoke again, and Jhira nodded. “Agreed, Challenger. Let’s get him aboard swiftly. Please advise if anything suggested will be problematic to our guests.” She nodded her greeting to the two who were only introduced as titleless.



[ Bovos ]“Well met,” What did you say to a giant bug you’d only just managed to avoid brawling with? Lori would know! “Will you be travelling back to Mandalore with us? Are you willing to advise upon what would be considered a proper trophy?”



Turning back to Rocho, she added, [color=maroon.]“This was a remarkable hunt that will long be remembered on Mandalore; I hope you will come and share your tale with us.”[/color]



Moving lightly down her loading ramp, she studied the somnolent Dragon.



“Kinsman, I have an idea. What if we were to remove some of his teeth, for you to take to the …,” She paused, aware he’d never given title, name, or even race. “...Leader. Krayt shed their teeth like a shark; I’m certain some will have been loosened by the fight.”



Closing with the great beast, Jhira rested a gauntleted hand upon his head, measuring the extent of his slumber. At a raised hand signal, loader droids moved to the edge of the ramp, whistling and clicking nervously.



“I think a Grav-belt under each limb, and a slap of plasteel laid out between him and the ramp, and we can drag him aboard without harm,” she grinned at those around her, though likely only Lori and Rocho would be able to read the expression in her body language. “I’d love to try a tractor beam but I suspect the same biology which makes him resistant to Blasters would repel them.”



A second hand signal summoned her warriors, all in full armor, to begin laying down panels over the sand. Gently, she scratched the mighty predator’s neck, looking him over for wounds to heal. Seeing sand lice the size of her hand, she was once more grateful for the foresight of carbon freezing. It had a way of doing away with pests and fungi that could otherwise be a threat to her ship.



Still, she gave a final order, “Mia, get the Decontamination team to rig up a mist as part of the Carbon freezer.”

​

​

​

 

[Bovos]

After the little stunt with the newcomers, Pathfinder Eldest Darakses had cleared things up. Bovos would not have minded a little feast, the last time he had to hunt for his meal was long ago and he preferred the sensation that came with fighting for his success. Nevertheless, this unlikely peace would most likely come with benefits, why else would their well-respected leader deny them the thrill of battle.

The armoured being who had yet to introduce itself approached the Cha'ta'ri mechanic. He had little care for these people, they came only after the battle had come to a conclusion and had yet to prove themselves trustworthy, yet he would do nothing to endanger this strange peace between the newcomers and the Cha'ta'ri hunting party. No, all he would do is prep the pray for its travels, get their reward from the plated humans and check out their tech for more personal exploration. The Mandalorian spoke in galactic basic, a language Bovovs was still toiling with. His vocals would pain each time he tried speaking in these strange combinations of sounds, it was unlike their own language. The mechanic tried his best to sound natural as his voice was crackling as broken words emerged. "Well met armoured one, You are right yes, teeth or talons will be accepted as our reward, all must be compensated yes, We shall take from him now when he sleeps" Bovos was clearly exhausted after giving his answers to the Mandalorian, his throat was perplexed thus he moved on from this tiering conversation. The Cha'ta'ri had given their demands, and one would be foolish to deny them their well-earned reward.

However, the larger reward for the mechanic was the extensive vessel he was about to study. Back home their spaceships were smaller, as their resources were limited and allowed for only minimalistic creations. Bovos craved to take this exhibit apart but knew it would come across as rather belligerent thus he narrowed his exploration to the design choices and materials used. Such design of the ship was strange but at the same time the mechanic noticed the strategic choosings the maker had made, such brilliance went into the creation, such beauty.

Regrettingly the insectoid did not have all the time he needed, there was a task to be done. He ordered the remaining mechanics and a few others to gather they would help out the Mandalorian and his droids move the sand beast. Cha'ta'ri were strong creatures and could be very useful if used right. They would follow the plan of Jhira Mereel as it seemed she knew best how to store this beast in her ship.

The progress was coming along quite good but before anything could be finished the reward would have to be given to them, this was important for both a friendly relationship following this quest and to honour the battle they had with the monstrous dragon. If this all went smoothly their leader would surely want to follow the armoured newcomers to their home planet, As newcomers to their galaxy they had much to learn and many friends to make in addition it never hurt to scout new hunting grounds.

Darakses Rocho Jhira Mereel Loreena Arenais-Valhoun

 

[Darakses]

The massive insectoid laid back, crouched up in the red sands of Tattoine.

His four eyes scan the horizons, dune after dune, rolling hills so unlike the dark weightless craters of their homeworld asteroid. How could they prepare their hatchlings for worlds like this? A stern gaze fell over the ongoing operations before him, Cha'ta'ris and Mandalorians working together to maneuver the colossus dragon into the belly of the flying fortress. How could he ever prepare their youngling for creatures like these? The word "dragon" as such didn't even exist in Cha'tar, to begin with. Admittedly he was more concerned about the warriors dressed in clandestine armor. What threat could they pose?

All this time Mithrax had been hunters in the dark forest of their galaxy, swift, ruthless but most importantly secretive. Rocho The Challenger had been among the first to ever get this close to their hive. Now Darakses himself had revealed his kinsman to another tribe.
He glanced over to the two tall lanky figures of The Twins, the two sisters who had been hunting alongside him ever since he hatched into adulthood. Yet even these, his most loyal compatriots were flustered by this turn of events.

He was reminded of the ritual the two Cha'ta'ri females underwent before a hunt, shall he too now pray to the ancestors of the tribe? Ancient hunters, that had accomplished formidable deeds, would they answer his prayer?

Darakses didn't believe in the arcane, his prayers would be wasted on the past. He and his brethren were the peak of Cha'ta'ri evolution, mutated and raised by knowledge passed down generation after generation over centuries. None of the hunters of old could have done what he had accomplished.

Regret was for the weak.

He would trade the secrecy of the tribe for the wisdom of the galaxy, and with it, they would make their vision of a hive world reality.

The strange union of Mithrxians and Mandalorians came back into sight, bit by bit they made progress. The giant creature was equipped with foreign machinery lifting its massive hide off the ground, gravity-willed by their inventions. The transport was coming along. The twin suns of Tatooine began their descent into the horizon projecting orange and red rays as it fell. Shadows stretched further and further across the ocean of sand.

The Pathfinder Eldest was sweating, thick, pungent drops of honey-like liquid excreted from in-between his smooth shimmering armor plates.

He felt the knawing latch of hunger claw at him, but he would deny the sensation. Even under these strained circumstances, he could go on without feeding for days. Most of his kin couldn't wait, they had begun feasting on the thawed remains of still breathing prey inside the walking flesh trees that were the Mithraxs mobile sustenance units. The small camp of resting Cha'ta'ri was mostly occupied with feeding while some of the different Guild members went about fixing their own skiffs and moving crates.

Darkases wondered if their new allies would find their feeding habits problematic. It was best to keep them away from these proceedings until necessary.Instead, they should focus on what they had in common... Hunting.

Once the massive sand beast had been entirely hoisted from its pit and preserved deep inside the guts of the massive transporter Darakses the Pathfinder Eldest would swing into motion. The hulking insectoid, cladded in leather wraps and tunics flanked by two fellow Pathfinders would make his way to stand before the gaping mouth of the ship that had previously swallowed up their prey. He was waiting for the return of the Mandalorians whose titles he had learned today, he would wait to receive the gift of the hunt as well as learn more about their hive, tribe, and way of life.

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

Lori helped Jhira Mereel and the others load up the krayt dragon onto the ship. The beast was large and heavy, despite being young. However the gravbelts and other devices help to finally get the beast onto the ship. It took some time and effort, but in the end they were successful. And the beast still slumbered.

Now came the part of collecting the trophies. One of the Mandalorians that appeared to be one proficient in the medical field took care of the task. Special tools were used. Even with teeth loose from the fight, it was still being handled in a delicate way.

Lori ran her gloved hand along the dragon's tough hide. Living in space most of the time, she didn't get to see such creatures often. She didn't even have a pet of her own. Nor did she think that she'd ever have one in the future. Once a spacer, always a spacer....

The teeth were gathered into a leather pouch. Lori took hold of it with a nod in thanks before exiting the ship. Darakses was waiting for them and also for her. Bovos and Rocho had their own ideas as to what they wanted to do next. Lori wasn't sure if it was to explore the ship with Jhira, or to join her and the Elder with their chat. Regardless she did as she was asked to do.

Darakses must have anticipated her arrival, for she saw him get to his feet as she started to walk down the ramp. Once she approached him, she stopped and held out the leather pouch. "Inside you will find the jagged teeth of the dragon. I hope that you accept this trophy with our gratitude for your legendary skills. May you use them well."