Vanquoish Fears (Mandalorian Empire Dominion of Vanquo & Taris Hex AB21)

[Yasha Cadera]

Vanquoish Fears
Mandalorian Empire Dominion of Vanquo & Taris

Objective 1: (Leaders Yasha Mantis [member="Cynthia Solus"]) Occupying Vanquo & Reclaiming Relics
Objective 2: (Leader [member="Kaine Australis"]) Verd'gotens on Taris

Spoiler

Objective 1: Occupy Vanquo. Reclaim Mandalorian Relics

After the fiasco with the Mask of the Ultimate, Mand'alor the Infernal desired to take no chances with artifacts and relics of Mandalore's past. Thus, when word reached of relics on Vanquo, and with [member="Kaine Australis"] on Taris with [member="Beth Australis-Mantis"] and some others, who desired their Verd'Goten, Yasha decided against a simple 'fleet protection installation'.

Mom'alor was going relic hunting.

With their alor in hospital it was down to Rava and Dalphine to plan the occupation of Vanquo. The world was a strategic stronghold on this part of the outer rim. Clan Solus picked up talks that the miners on this world had been stumbling upon historical sites once belonging to the Mandalorian People. It made sense with our people once occupying the world. How could the aliit forget one of the most strategically sound moves that truly started the Mandalorian - jedi war. Vanquo was but the start of many victories that brought honor to the Mandalorians.

There was no way Clan Solus could stand by and watch aruetiise desecrate the world. Dalphine was the one to bring word to Mand’alor the Infernal of their plans. It was not one of just banishing vermin but one of creating an darasuum Yaim for Clan Solus and the aliit of manda. With the clans rallied once more the fleets would darken the skies of vanquo, once more would a mandalorian flag be raised up high.

Dalphine, Rava and the kids Vhela and Jaick stood aboard the shuttle in the presence of Mand’alor and her daughter as they descended.[SIZE=11pt] [/SIZE]

“For honor!…”

“For respect!...”

“FOR MAND’ALOOOR!” the kids shouted at the top of their lungs. Rava crouched down her hand caressing both the kids faces before pulling them in close.

“Thats my mini mandies, now promise to stay with Adara okay. Last thing we need is you two in trouble.”

“Okay momma.”

[SIZE=11pt]“Yes momma.” [/SIZE]

“Mom, mum kick lots of bum.” Vhela said before giggling.

“You bet we will.” Dalphine said before putting on her buyce. “On your mark Mand’alor.”

It did Mand'alor the Infernal momentarily well to see the children playing and giggling on such a serious, but welcome occasion. Tamar and Aiya, the Panathan wet nurses gifted to Yasha's use stayed focussed around the children... yet this day marked the first Tamar appeared dressed in her Panathan robes...

... and a Mandalorian chest plate. After years of service to Clan Mantis and the tangential Australis, Tamar finally succumbed to the Mando'ade advance and commissioned a set of beskar'gam for herself.

While rousing calls of 'One of us!' 'One of us!' still echoed in Yasha and Tamar's ears, the well lived Tamar shouldered her rifle, and angled her leg in her boot to see the beskar still shimmering in the sunlight.

"Protect the kids. There shouldn't be violence this far in, but be sure."

"Yes, Mand'alor."

"Adara." Yasha grunted, as her daughter hippity hoppitied away from the other children to come to her mother's side.

"Yes Buir?"

"Protect the others. They are your responsibility, understood?"

"Yes, Buir!!" Baba would be so proud when he found out Buir gave [member="Adara Raxis"] her first command! Yasha knelt down to press her nose and forehead to her daughter's in a tender keldabe kiss, sharing her breath with her offspring and running her thumb along the back of Adara's hair. Relic hunting wouldn't be that bad!

Unless pirates and ne'er do wells were involved. Standing back up, Yasha affixed the Wolf-Helm upon her head and stood tall, lofting her Rekr Karyatesa Warhammer Yasha scanned to the Mandalorians gathered round. The raid had begun.

"Our past is to be remembered and protected! No more will we allow others to dictate our cultural identity or make frivolous our glorious dead! Today we take what is rightfully ours!!"​

​

For Manda! ​

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For Mand'alor! ​

​

OYA!"​

​

Spoiler

[member="Kaine Australis"] [member="Raiz Australis"] [member="Kaden Mantis"] [member="Shia Kryze"] [member="Gray Raxis"] [member="Cassiopeia Australis"] [member="Parja-Kal"] [member="Quoron Mantis"] [member="Tal Vizsla"] [member="Lisset Australis"] [member="Atheus Voidwalker"] [member="Connory"] [member="Caz Australis"] [member="Dorn Skirata"] [member="Amanda Kryze"] [member="Jaster of Clan Awaud"] [member="Alvarex Zambrano"] [member="Skosk Australis"] [member="Rex Taff"] [member="Strider Garon"] [member="Keira Verd"] [member="Rhaegar Nemesis Dib"] [member="Ginnie Dib"] [member="Ra’a’mah"] [member="Nita Quez"] [member="Joanes Quez"] [member="Cynthia Solus"] [member="Aedan Miles"] [member="Acaleus Thorn"] [member="Alkor Centaris"] [member="Gerarich Thanor"] [member="Jor Kvall"] [member="Ambrose Mantis"] [member="Rory Baccus"] [member="Nibsani"] [member="Aaray Solus"] [member="Skorvek"] [member="Lilik Mantis"] @Meerax Quez [member="Stardust Australis Skirae”] [member="Lily-Grace Australis"] [member="Tristan Wren"] [member="Arthur Raven"] [member="Tom Taff"] [member="Mykes Vatak"] [member="Garrus Garon"] [member="Petria Breguet"] [member=“Ursula Vizla”][member="Marvik Dathu"] [member="Mavarah"] [member="Jake Awaud"]

 

[Shia Kryze]

"This is Stryx-alor, I have visual on target. Three, take them."

Shia didn't really care why they were fighting here - blooding the children was appropriate, even if she was keeping one eye on her back for the devilspawn. She did faintly wonder why they were not seeking to buy the relics, but equally, Mandalore was always short of cash these days.

"Oya."

The mercenary in her hemlet mag vanished in a single shot, without omitting a sound as Three - Julis Kryze - took the shot with perfect accuracy and... not perfect stealth, the rapport of his high-energy anti-material rifle echoed around the small valley.

There had been a lot of discussion lately of words vs. deeds. Well, today Shia and her clan would speak only with deeds.

That was, after all, the core of the Mandalorian identity.

"Six, Eight. Move up and flank positions. Two and three, heavy covering fire if you please. Everyone else... on me."

Two figures detached from the shimmering cloaked group of heavily armed Mandalorians, moving up to flank with their own heavy rifles, another two lay prone with repeating heavy blasters and began to lay down a barrage of fire.

The rest?

The rest discarded stealth and rose into the air on pillars of flame, descending - as was Nite Hawk tradition - without a war cry, as silent as their namesake.

And just as deadly for the camp of mercenaries working for the Hutt who had decided some Mandalorian relics would look nice on his wall.

What did Koda Fett say? Oh yes.

Just business.

"Kryze to all, engaging on Hunt-target Ve'vut."

[member="Yasha Mantis"]​

 

[Ravenfire]

Objective 2 and 3 quarters

Tom walked along alone. He had come to Taris hoping to find [member="Kaine Australis"] but couldn't find the man anywhere. He sighed he was in full armour and had come with weapons galore and everything. It was a disappointment as he hung his head. He eventually found his way to a rather interesting building and pushed his way in through the back door.

He made his way somehow into the world's council chamber through the back door. It was somewhat comical that he had accidentally slipped in. But he was randomly ushered to a seat as a visiting diplomat. Maybe he could use this to his advantage. They spoke about the ME. The idea the ME could invade them and take their lively hoods. It sounded as though majority of them were worried or corrupt.

With a grimace on his face he spoke. "Ladies and Gentlemen of the council. You have no idea who I am but I recognise you as the current ruling council of the Taris sector. I would like to voice my opinion on your problems with the ME. The mandalorian empire will not take your lives, they will allow you to exist as you are under their space if only you pay your taxes to them. Please consider what you are saying. Please consider thinking about the ME." Most of them looked at each other chatting for a while. He just hoped he had gotten to them.

Objective 2 - Captain Thran

"Ok ladies and gentlemen welcome to the undercity of Taris. You are here today to clean out the population of Rakghouls in this foul place. There are three parts to this event today that many of you are using as your first blooding. To them I hope to welcome them to adulthood very soon. First the undercity camp which is about a kilometre from here is under heavy attack from Rakghouls. The Taris security forces there have been overwhelmed and it is only a matter of time before they reach the elevator and the surface." He would look around the group to show his seriousness.

"Second objective, there are rouge rakghoul-droids down here. It is to be believed that these things are very very dangerous and that it is possible that the late spymaster [member="Rex Taff"] left them here as a way to slow down our progress. We are going to show him and these droids we are not going to be slowed down. They are to be killed on sight, do not attempt to hack them, they are to dangerous." This time a hologram of the droids appeared and showed a testing drill with them hunting and infecting several prisoners who were on death row. "As you can see from the footage from back when they were first made among the CIS they are very dangerous."

"Last job for all of you, kill every last Rakghoul on sight. The less Rakghouls there are the easier objectives 1 and 2 are." He would then show them around the several shuttles that had landed in the area as droids began to roll out of them. "These droids are here to assist us. Should you need help place a call with the lovely Genesis and she will send you a group of droids to assist. Please make sure to place beacons on the dead rakghoul bodies so the droids know where to go to destroy the bodies of these creatures."

He would then smile "Okay boys and girls good luck and OYA!" "OYA!" was shouted back as they ran off to complete the objectives. Droids such as the the-rolly-polly, trio-death-bots, n-4-probe-droid, attack-remote. Followed them to keep an eye on them and destroy bodies after they had fallen. A number of droids and vehicles remained to keep the homebase and field hospital created among the shuttle safe. Rakghouls were beasts and never recognised the injured as someone not to be attacked.

 

[Bryce Americus]

Taris


A lone Mandalorian walked through the cluttered streets of the Lower City, head covered by a cloth hood which brought a light shadow across his face. The young male moved with a crowd of citizens silently, not wanting to attract any attention. That wouldn't be hard considering where he was and how unaware the people were. The foul stench of inner city life filled the air, slightly burning the inside of Bryce's nose. He somewhat enjoyed it. The city life always somewhat fascinated him. He had never experienced for himself, being raised on the farmland, however he had friends who told him stories.

The Lower City, however, was not going to be a great first impression.

Buildings all over were abandoned and broken down and the ones that were somewhat livable were either drug dens or infested with rodents and/or insects. Many were without jobs and homes, living off of scraps from the Middle and Upper City. It was a dog eat dog world down there, survival of th fittest. It would only be a matter of time before the people of the Lower City would kill each other off in the name of survival.

It brought a pain to young Bryce's heart. He could not bear to see people struggling for their next meal. He had no real solution that would save them, but he had an idea until the Mandalorian Empire held influence on the planet.

 

[Zelen]

Despite her age, Zelen invariably found an angle when it came to claiming new planets for the Mandalorians.

Sure, most governments and organisations called it many things – from visiting to supporting to assisting. But they were, in Zelen’s opinion, just weasel words. They all wanted the same thing – to add another conquest to their burgeoning empires. She had little time for the Sith (or the Jedi for that matter) but at least the dark-siders were honest about their intentions – or rather they were most of the time.

But a warrior culture was relatively transparent in its goals. Planets had resources, or strategic value – and so were added to the ever growing list of acquisitions.

Taris was an urban planet that had undergone substantial damage under Darth Malak’s regime.

More relevant was that, during the Mandalorian Wars, Taris served as a crucial rallying point for those pesky dissident Jedi who had decided to fight against the invading Mandalorian Neo-Crusaders.

Like most ecumenopolies, it was a planet of two halves. The upper levels were safe and secure, inhabited by the wealthy, while the lower levels were frequently plagued by gang warfare and inhabited by thugs and the poor.

So, Zelen exited the ship she was on and gazed around, looking for a place to make herself useful. She was due to undertake her verd'goten with her adoptive father, so joining the remainder of the young Mandalorians was out of the question. But, she mused, if they saw this as a suitable habitat, then it would be an ideal spot to get in some practice.

Buoyed with a sense of purpose, Zelen strode off in search of something challenging her acquired skills in fighting and survival. And she suspected the Under City was the place to start.

 

[Alkor Centaris]

Vanquo​

"Tell me what we're looking for again."

Alkor took point position as the small group pressed forward into the dark cavern. His HUD bestowed sight to a blind man's world as he narrowly avoided stepping off a ledge. He put up a hand to prevent others from making that mistake. "Relics," the sprightly woman laughed at the question, so soon after the initial briefing. "This was one of the sites where our people fought the Jedi, and there were several battles where they used these caverns for strategic movement."

It was nearly two years since Asha and Alkor had seen one another, and she could hardly believe the changes. [member="Keira Verd"] was the same, warm sister she remembered, albeit a bit more broken by time. The two grieved together over the loss of a child and a marriage, but instead of going to Taris with the new Alor of her Clan, she opted to tag along with the woman's enigmatic brother.

He was taller than she remembered, and seemed healthier. He wore armor now, and held weapons that made sense instead of that worthless laser sword. When they spoke Mando'a, he seemed to understand. How had he become a Mandalorian without her knowing?

"You agreed to lead a small group to the flank," she pointed out. "I don't remember you ever wanting to work on a team."

"I do what Mand'alor wants when it comes to war," he replied flatly.

"Still a lone wolf," she giggled.

Alkor tilted his T-visor in her direction. "Are you going to harass me this whole mission?"

"Of course I am," she chided. "If not me, no one else would. They're all too rigid, not sure about you. Not me, though."

"You know me?" he asked sarcastically.

"Better than you know," she laughed aloud. "Do you know you?"

"Shut up, Asha."

The mountains of Vanquo were a veritable labyrinth and one deviation from the map, or a misstep could cause them to be lost forever in the underground. Five clicks in, the Mining Instillation had an elevator that led to the position where [member="Yasha Mantis"] wanted Alkor and his group to rendezvous with hers.

They moved at a decent pace, sans a few close calls- the children were inexperienced with this kind of movement, and it served as a learning experience. For Alkor though, waiting for them to catch up tested his patience. Thus the true reason for Asha's presence came to light.

"Be careful, ad'ika," she crooned, crouched low with an outstretched hand. She scooped one of the younger girls up into her arms. "Take it slow. No rush."

"No rush for you, maybe," Alkor muttered.

He felt her glare and shook it off. "Group up," he called out, "once everyone is ready, we'll get moving again. Anyone who needs water, take it now or wait til we get to the rendezvous point."

"If they want water before that, they're allowed to have it," Asha protested.

"Because water is that plentiful on the battlefield, right?" he bit back. Alkor switched his comm over to a secure channel and spoke up. "Don't keep doing that," he snapped.

"Doing what?" she asked innocently.

"You keep undermining me."

"You keep doing stupid things." Asha folded her arms and watched him pointedly.

"When I was their age, I was stealing what water I could drink," he told her, "they're lucky they get any at all. This needs to serve as a lesson that war can be unforgiving."

"They're kids, Alkor." Asha pulled her helmet off and blonde hair cascaded in a ponytail down her back. Her blue eyes defied him. "If you're thirsty, just say so," she told the children. "I'll make sure you get some water."

"Fine," his monotone voice croaked from the vocabulator. "Have it your way, but don't fall behind. I'm not waiting for anyone."

"Ignore him," she smiled at the young ones. "He's a grumpy old jerk."

"Jerk!" they repeated, and Alkor groaned.

So that's how it was going to be.

 

[Keira Priest]

Location: Taris
Objective: 2; supervise the kiddos (specifically [member="Beth Australis-Mantis"])

Did sixteen really count as a kid, anymore? Keira wasn't exactly sure, but it was over twenty years younger than herself, and she supposed that was enough. Her assignment was to accompany Beth on her overdue verd'goten, something she was happy to do, being that it was a welcome change from all the politicking and war that had consumed her life recently. Besides, there was something about helping guide the next generation that made an old warrior humble, and she was certainly no exception. The last time she'd escorted anyone on their trials had been her brother, and he'd been old enough then that she wasn't even sure if her presence counted as much of anything.

This time, it was arguably more necessary. Her fully-armored figure shadowed that of the younger woman as they made their way to the Undercity, otherwise known as the worst of the worst Taris had to offer. It wasn't a place anyone would choose to visit, which in part made it perfectly suitable for their current purpose. What better place to hone one's skill into adulthood? Especially given the current predicament the locals found themselves in. "Y'know, I killed my first rakghoul when I was about your age." This was how small talk worked, right? "They usually travel in packs, but they aren't that smart. Makes your job easier."

Despite her observational presence she held her rifle at low-ready, fully prepared to kill anything that Beth wasn't able to handle herself. The girl was about the age of her twins, and given that she didn't get the chance to see them much, maybe a touch of that maternal instinct was coming out to play presently. It wasn't anything she consciously registered just yet, but it was present all the same.

"It's your call, where we go and how we do this. I've got your six, but as per tradition I'm not allowed to help unless it becomes absolutely necessary. You won't have a problem, I'm sure. If my brother could manage it all in his first time wearing the armor, you'll be fine."

 

[Yasha Cadera]

Location: Vanquo
Objective: 1 (Relic Hunt)
Accompanying: [member="Shia Kryze"] [member="Cynthia Solus"] [member="Adara Raxis"] [member="Achani Raxis"]

Vance was a hot bed, and Mand’alor the Infernal had grown weary of the body politic pulling words out of her. Words, words, useless words! The universe was filled with such noise that the presence and frequency of their guns would be the only conversation on Vanquo today.

Beyond the children, that was. With [member="Kaine Australis"], [member="Tom Taff"], [member="Alkor Centaris"], [member="Keira Verd"], [member="Beth Australis-Mantis"], [member="Zelen Raxis"], [member="Bryce Americus"], and the others on Taris, this was much the side project. The personal moment of the Mand’alor.

The Mask of the Ultimate would not happen again. No Aruetise would take Mandalorian goods and then proclaim them fodder for their games.

Simply put, Yasha had enough.

The Mercenaries hired by the Hutt would die. The archaeologists, who worked for him would work for Yasha, or be replaced with bullets in their brain pans.

“Hunt well, Shia. Show them why we are not playing anymore games.” Yasha spoke to Shia alone, before making her way down the crevasse toward another settlement with another group of culturally inappropriate theft.

“Fall in.” Yasha got down on her haunches, letting her HUD scan the vicinity. Time for reminding outsiders why Mandalore should be respected.

 

[Ravenfire]

Objective 2 and 3 quarters

Tom sat back down after he spoke. He listened to the conversations of the politicians. The Taris council. It became clear in a matter of moments what had been settled was next weeks venue and whether to have tea or coffee. These people had been elected by people who trusted them to work out any crisis that came their way. Here they were deciding what kind of biscuits go well with coffee.

That annoyed Tom to no end. There were mandalorian kids down below. There was even security forces down there that had trusted them to help keep them safe. Here Tom was listening to them do it to. It was crisis hour and they wanted high tea. Was despicable. He was about to walk out when [member="Kaine Australis"] spoke with him.

"Kaine, where are you and how did you know I was top side? Nevermind I will figure it out later, Kaine the damn council here just decided they wanted coffee and teddy bear biscuits for their next meeting. I am not staying here much longer, I am either gonna come down or find a way to remove this council from power." He would say quietly cutting the commlink. The guard next to him heard him however and knew Tom was right.

When Tom got up the guard lead him to the captain of the guard rather than out. "Mandalorian, I don't care why your empire wants this planet. I have heard the mandalorians in the undercity are attempting to save and bolster my forces. That's ten times better than what the tossers in their are doing. Once I have the all clear around the elevator you have my support."

Captain Thran - Objective 2

Thran had received the voice of [member="Alkor Centaris"] telling him what he already knew. "Of course someone did! There is damn rakghoul-droids down here Alkor, so unless you got something new get your A into G and help clear out the elevator." He would leave the link open but would remain silent as he sent out men to go help the kids hunt the Rakghouls and also help clear out around the elevator in the undercity. Taris forces wouldn't be able to hold much longer.

Many of the kids including [member="Zelen Raxis"] had already begun to wander of in search of these rakghouls. He just hoped they would keep their distance. Rakghouls could be deadly up close. It sounded like the Warmaster [member="Kaine Australis"] had arrived but in a surprising move he didn't take command of Caotain Thran. That was until Tharn noted Australis had brought some kids with him. He still repeated some of what Thran said obviously trying to help the captain get through some of those thick skulls.

[member="Keira Verd"]

 

[Gaia Sunaris Cadera]

Achani fiddled with the other children of Solus as Yasha spoke of what would be going on. She really wanted to get into Taris and find cool, ancient artifacts! Maybe they'd find one like in the big stories. Or maybe it'll create a cool power that they never knew existed! Or something with that Force stuff that mom and dad always talked about! Whatever, she was just excited!

Achani pouted only slightly that Adara was to be put in charge of the crew, but knew better than to upset her or Yasha. So, she simply crossed her arms as Adara came over and she leaned over, to whisper, "I'm gwoing to fwind the biggest, bestestest artwifwact ever!"

The girl was excited and even wore a backpack with all sorts of tools to dig into the dirt, brush off relics, and carry artifacts! She was excited, ready, and more than willing to help in any way she could. As such, though, she simply followed along with the other children, nannies, and Yasha.

She stared at Tamara, who wore a Mandalorian chestplate. "Is thwis the first twime yous worn that?!"

[member="Yasha Mantis"] | [member="Cynthia SOlus"] | [member="Shia Kryze"]

 

[Gaia Sunaris Cadera]

Beth took a deep breath. It may have been a bit late, but it was time for her verd'goten. Multiple issues arose from her late entry to the verd'goten - her species mix meant she aged differently than humans. Also, her father had been 'imprisoned'. And everything else. So, for whatever reason, she ended up doing her verd'goten at 16. As such, she would be with [member="Kaine Australis"], several of the adopted kiddos, and [member="Keira Verd"]. She kept her blaster in her hands ready for fire - just in case she had to. She knew Keira was nearby in case something happened and so, she was confident that she'd be okay.

The girl who wore her beskar'gam more fervently ever since her incident on Jazbina with crazy Echani was not very happy about where they were at. She had searched about the rakghouls and they... Were nasty, nasty creatures. They gave her the heebiejeebies and ultimately made her uncomfortable to look at. But, that was the point, right? To confront your fears, prove you're a warrior. She could do that. She knew she could. Kaine and the others were a bit away from them, but they were still noticeable.

Keira chose for small talk. "Really? That's pretty cool! I've never even seen one before, but I read about them on the HoloNet and they're kinda gross..." She rambled, glad her face and her voice was relatively hidden and the audio processes keeping her nervousness hidden. Why was she so nervous, anyway?! She had been in battles. She'd killed bad people before. She shook her head as she continued forward in the belly of Taris.

"Yeah, I think I can do it! I'm pretty sure I can. I've been in battles and stuff... It's just usually not... Dark. And stinky. And... Well, yeah." She said quietly as she turned to the right carefully. She saw something move in the shadows too at her 11 o'clock. She aimed and fired - a lucky shot it seemed as one of the rakghoul landed with a thud. She couldn't see the others but she could hear them moving about. She chuckled at the mention of Alkor, though. She loved the siblings banter with each other.

"I feel kinda bad for them... I mean, they use to be people."

 

[Nicair Claden]

Objective 2(ish)

Not many of his vod knew he was on planet. He'd been in hiding for a bit. In hiding isn't quite right. More sitting and waiting for assassins to find him so he can have some fun. Was it fun? Yes, moderately. He was patched into their communications but hadn't turned his locator on just yet. [member="Kaine Australis"] had just finished speaking over the comm channel. It was a shame lone wolf adventures were what Nicair lived on. He'd never been around rakghouls all that much. Wasn't to say he didn't know how to kill them or hunt them. He just wanted to do it alone. It was more.. intimate that way. That and he had a collection of skulls on his ship from a variety of former hosts, he didn't like explaining why he was cutting up the beast.

He wasn't completely going renegade on this operation. In fact he stayed relatively close to [member="Keira Verd"], [member="Beth Australis-Mantis"], and the others. He'd be there if something went wrong, but knowing his allies he expected not to be needed. Many of his vod were skilled hunters, they'd know he was there eventually if they didn't already. What he didn't want right now was them talking to him. He was in his hunter mindset and didn't want to be disturbed. Still, he didn't want to get shot by his own.

"Claden to surrounding vod, oya. Going native for awhile, will turn locator on but I'll be going dark on the comms. Happy hunting kiddies." He grinned to himself. He himself had had a much different verd'goten than is usual. He'd had to kill his wife and survive on a barren world until finding transport off. He figured that would count. Tracks in the ground caught his eye, big ones. Larger than most rakghouls. His grin got larger.

 

[Shia Kryze]

Shia stood in the middle of the ruined mercenary camp as the prisoners were rounded up and tabbed her comm, opening a channel to [member="Alkor Centaris"].

"Alkor? This is Shia. We've taken the surface camp. I've got you your map data. Uploading now..."

She held out a hand and one of the Stryx passed her the pile of data-chits, which she systematically loaded onto the group network.

"We haven't had time for a long look, but from what the prisoners have volunteered." She paused as there was a sharp scream behind her. "... well, what they told us, the main group went down that big spur with the underground river running down it. Which matches some of the old sagas, you know 'tunnels dark, flowing deep' - there doesn't appear to be an exit other than the way in, so you've got them cornered. We'll catch you up."

 

[Adara Raxis]

Vanquo
Objective 1

“I’ll be good, pwomise!” Adara dug her toe into the ground, watching her mother pounce down from the top of the cliff face. The rest of them would have to take the long way round.

“Achey! You’d gonna find a biggest awtifact that we need to help yoooouuu an-and then we’s gotta caaarry dem and and Ooooo Alky’s over dat way!” Adara grinned and giggled, taking her aunt [member="Achani Raxis"]’ hand and running off toward the entry of the cave with Tamar and the Solus children.

“Yes, this is my first time in armour, do I look alright in it, Achani?” Tamar chased after the children, radioing [member="Alkor Centaris"] to let him know the girls were coming along his way.

Adara ran straight into the cave, eventually rushing past Alkor into the unknown. Maybe [member="Shia Kryze"] would show up, and Adara could pounce and make her scream again!

Shia made the best sounds when Adara came at her from an unknown place.

 

[Yasha Cadera]

Vanquo
Objective 1

[member="Alkor Centaris"] and [member="Shia Kryze"] were further out. The screams of Shia’s ‘captives’ hit Yasha’s buy’ce and the Mand’alor grit her teeth. Aruetise no longer belonged in the Empire. Aruetise never understood the draw and pull of battle, or the respect paid to their people and past.

Yes, it was the Aruetise who would always create problems for Mandalore, and it was time to take back their past. [member="Adara Raxis"] and [member="Achani Raxis"] fled to follow [member="Alkor Centaris"], and beneath the helm, Yasha smirked.

The map data from Shia hit her buy’ce, and Mand’alor the Infernal whistled.

“Prepare.” Six members of the Yalilyr swooped toward the heat signatures confirmed in the data. There was a mining chute in the distance, creating air flow for the raiders within.

Another whistle had the Yalilyr disappear, as a single blaster beam shot through from Solus Rekr. Yasha was already moving.

She flung herself down the chute, made larger for her form by the bolt. Down into the middle of the earth, her warhammer poised…

… the Mand’alor struck the middle of the confused and panicking tangle of woefully unequipped would-be raiders.

Immediate panic stole the raiders, who began to flood toward [member="Alkor Centaris"]’ position.

 

[Gaia Sunaris Cadera]

Achani gave a big, lopsided grin as Adara informed her that Achani would find the biggest artifact! Yes, yes she would find it and bring it back!

But she couldn't do it without Adara! And the others! They had to be a team to get the biggest and best relic there was!

Especially if they wanted to carry a really heavy one back. "Between yous and me we will get the BWIGGEST one! The Mwanda-wore will be so pwoud of uss!" She gripped [member="Adara Raxis"] hand as she ran with Adara through the long way.

She heard Tamar ask if she looked good as the nanny ran after them. She gave a little nod, nearly tripping as she ran with Adara but looking back at the nanny. "You're the pwettiest warrior ever!"

Past [member="Alkor Centaris"] they went until they were in the more unknown portions of the cave. "Ooo, it's getting weally dwark in here," she said quietly as she stopped for a moment and saw a strange, protruding rock with a bunch of dirt over it. "ADAWARA!!! It's a welic! We found ittt!"

... It may have just been a rock but... Someone would never know until they checked!

 

[Adara Raxis]

Vanquo

Objective 1

“Uberdupersuper pwoud!” Adara skippity hippity hopped around, tying her hair back in a flouncy bouncy scrunchy. Buir would see them find cool things and they’d even find something better than Buir did!

“Thank you Achani, you are most kind.” Tamar moved around in her new armour, spreading her robes atop it. Aiya thought it silly to ‘go native’, after all, was the Prince not going to take Adara as his own daughter someday? Was that not the ultimate plan, to make Adara a Zambrano Princess, and her mother a proper man’s wife?

This ‘single’ business was most ridiculous to the Panathan. Almost as ridiculous as Tamar going Mandalorian over the beautiful albeit silly little children.

Then they’d be happy and Buir and Baba would give hugs! So what if [member="Beth Australis-Mantis"] got to go to Taris with [member="Kaine Australis"] and [member="Keira Verd"] for her Verd’goten.

“Achy, let’s go see if [member="Alkor Centaris"] will give us piggy backs! Wait, no! Let’s go get the toys everybody wants!” Adara ran at the rock, squealing as she went.

“Girls, be quiet!” Tamar whispered, rushing past Alkor and Asha.

“Is it too dark for you, Achani? I’s got a light. I pwepared.” Adara yanked out the flashlight clipped to her dress belt and flicked it on…

… to reveal the two grown men hiding behind the rock!

“AAAIIIEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!”

 

[Keira Priest]

Location: Taris
Objective: 2; supervise the kiddos; [member="Beth Australis-Mantis"]

The girl's naturally bright and cheerful attitude drew a smile from her, but she was no less deadly for it, felling a rakghoul in the next breath with just a single shot. It represented the perfect dichotomy of being Mandalorian, something any one of them could appreciate. "There you go, see? Not bad at all." Keira had been for years younger than Beth when she'd held a blaster for the first time, for the express purpose of threatening the child of a rival family and nothing more. It hadn't been until nineteen when she first fired one, taking a life to preserve her own, though not on a typical battlefield. Not even her brother knew about that kill, and she planned to keep it that way.

"It's not a fate I'd wish on anyone. But it's good to practice a sort of detachment from your enemy. You can't worry too much about the other guy when it's life-or-death, but don't lose yourself in apathy, either. It's a fine line, but such is the life of a warrior." More poetic than she intended, maybe, but it was still as blunt and to the point as she always was. Something told her Beth was too kindhearted to lose herself in battle as she so often had in the past, and that alone was a blessing. She was surrounded by family and friends who cared about her, with a consistent support system that included Keira. That alone guaranteed a hopefully stable, consistent livelihood.

Opening a line to [member="Kaine Australis"], she notified him of their position, "Australis, we're approaching near your six. I'd prefer avoiding a friendly fire incident, if it's all the same." Again her attention turned to the individual she was accompanying. "Most battles are exciting enough that you have more to worry about than the smell. Don't let the little things distract you too much. You've got your safety and that of your vode to worry about." Those were more important to their people, before anything else. But she would do just fine, and they'd all be celebrating later.

 

[Gaia Sunaris Cadera]

"I'm mwean!!! Rawwrrrr!" Achani growled playfully towards Tamar as she called her kind. She was fierce! A warrior herself! She'd beat up all people when she was older!

"Piggy back rides!!! Let's do it!" Achani beamed as she already got distracted from her supposedly awesome relic that lay under the rock! "Toys!!!" Achani squealed happily as she immediately turned back around and went to the rock. "Twanks, Adawara." She took her own backpack off and began to - AHHHHH.

"EEEEEEEEEEIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!" Achani squealed right after [member="Adara Raxis"] once she saw the two huddled men behind the rock. "ADAWARA RUN. I'll hwold tem back!!!" She let of Adara's hand and...

Jumped! Right onto the dude who was shocked side and she started pummeling her tiny little fists all over his face and head. "TAKE THWAT!" The girl screamed as the two men panicked, standing up and flailing about into the open.

"Get the karking girl off me, mate! ARGHH" Achani bit into the man's nasty shoulder. Sure, it wasn't sanitary, but the girly scream he made afterward made up for it!

 

[Adara Raxis]

“Oh yes, absolutely terrifying.” Tamar added a frown just to increase to the effect, which, granted, wasn’t much. Achani and Adara went off, and the faithful nanny rushed after, diving behind a rock herself, when with a huge clang, a series of noises and screams burst upon the distance.

“Adara!? Achani!?” Tamar yelled, throwing herself back behind the next rock, one closer to where she heard the girls. She pulled out her pistol, and looked for a shot.

“RUUUUN!” Adara screamed, chasing back toward [member="Alkor Centaris"] and Asha. “Hurry, Achy!”

Adara tripped and landed with an oof beside Tamar, scrambling to look back out toward her fellow Raxis. “Achy?”

“ACHANI!!” Oh noes! Achani was still being brave! That wouldn’t do, they had to find their stuff together! So, little Adara did the only thing she knew to do…

… she ran back toward the evil scaredy guys…

… and screamed. The cave walls rumbled, as rubble began to fall. [member="Achani Raxis"] [member="Shia Kryze"] [member="Alkor Centaris"]