Warlords

[Placeholder 0133]

Plate-bound fingers trailed down the arms of the throne.

Clad in the armor and furs of his homeworld, Alexander Ontonas looked down upon the forces arrayed before him. The bridge of the Acerbitas was an exceptionally large place, and warriors of every culture and creed had come to call it home in the past few months. Most had rallied to his tattered banners in hopes of finding some kind of safety from the coming tide of Sith. Others had come looking for a fight. The rest were loyal men that had served alongside him for decades.

Alexander smiled.

"How far away are they?" The soldier asked.

Stanley's digitized voice crackled through his helmet's comms. "They've just arrived. The fleet has moved to welcome them, though weapons are at the ready if they decide to get frisky," the AI chuckled, "You think this is wise?"

"It's better than doing nothing; better than raiding like common pirates."

"I suppose."

"You don't think so?"

"I didn't say that."

The bridge doors hissed open as men from the two visiting warbands filed in. Alexander paid them little mind, though some of his own warriors tensed up as they approached.

"Welcome to my home," the warlord offered a simple nod to the two men, "I am Alexander Ontonas. These men answer to me," he paused, "I recall you Rahn, and I've heard tales of you," he gestured toward [member="The Matador"]. "Have you guessed why I've reached out to you?"

 

[Tathra Khaeus]

The Matador had been summoned from his self imposed exile by someone unknown to him; [member="Alexander Ontonas"]. Based on the incredible warship on which he awaited them; he was a man of notoriety. This was a show of power, not that it phased him. As far as he can tell, this man was interested in some kind of deal. A pact, perhaps.

The Matador arrived with a small group of Tol Varen militia, he did not need a show of power. He wasn't like those Mandalorians who had brought their name to ruin, he came here genuinely seeking a purpose. The Mandalorians had failed him, they had failed themselves. Perhaps, this man would give him something to live for. Upon arrival, he became very aware that he wasn't alone. Another man, a scaled creature, of the likes he had never seen before. Surrounded by like minded warriors, the Matador was under the impression now that there were more to come. The Matador and this lizardmen, and their men were lead deeper into the ship until arriving on the bridge.

Ahead of them stood their host, clad in metal plate. He posed a question to him, as the Matador examined his soldiers. "I don't know why you've reached out. But I'm keen to know why."

Matador observed his soldiers, steely eyed warriors ready to protect their commander. Regardless, he felt at ease. However, his attention shifted to Ontonas and the scaled man.

 

[Causstik Rahn]

Causstik shifted in his war gear as the airlock connected. Their was a soft hiss and clack as the two shifting forces connected. They allowed admittance to the Trandoshan forces and they entered the airlock dubious of the unmentioned forces that lay awaiting them. They tread with a cautious gazes as they eyed the armoured men that lay in wait with them. It was a large vessel that they had met upon indeed. So large that they had brought their full fleet to bear upon the loan vessel. It was assured that should any treachery befall the lone chieftain his own forces would see to it that the opposition met a swift end. Still he stayed his hand and the Warriors watched with crafty gazes. Should anything happen to the warlord, one of them would be next… And then it would be every T’dosch for himself. But while the warlord still stood they would heed his call. The only binding force that matched them all together marched through the place with his personal guard like he owned the ship. He cared not for whatever got in his place, for he simply shoved them out of his way with ease. He stalked upon the bridge and announced his presence.

“What is it you want of me Warlord Alexander?” Causstik growled, his voice like raking leaves.

[member="The Matador"]
[member="Alexander Ontonas"]

 

[Placeholder 0133]

"As polite as ever Causstik," Alexander snickered as he settled down upon the throne. As if on que, two warriors clad in similar armor took up places alongside of him. They were clearly men of station, though their armor was dark as the void, and lacked any particular furs or cloaks.

"I've called you here," he nodded to [member="The Matador"], "to discuss a proposition. One that both of you will find to be rather lucrative." The man that lined the bridge turned to file out of the room with a wave of Alexander's hand. After a few moments, only Alexander his guards, and the warlords' retinues remained.

"I enjoy my privacy," with a hiss of pressure, the commander reached up to remove his helm. It was settled on one of the throne's arms with a dull clang, revealing a scarred albeit patrician visage. His eyes were the color of slate, and his blond hair had been shaven to the scalp. Alexander regarded the two men with quiet curiosity.

"The government I served has fallen, and I'm tired of serving the ideals of others just to line their pockets. I want to line my own: build a place where my people can raise families and live peacefully if they so wish. An agreeable goal, I would think," another gesture of hands brought a holomap to life between the two warlords.

Lines that dictated the territories of various star kingdoms and solar empires were illuminated over a map of the galaxy. "Sith, Imperials, Jedi, Zealots - the galaxy stands on the brink of an intergalactic war. I intend to capitalize off of this."

Another gesture. Various singular worlds lit up like green beacons. "My people are warriors, but many have families. We can't survive being simple pirates. I've had another idea. These worlds are all isolated, any of them would make a suitable base of operations."

Eyes of slate shifted between the Trandoshan and the Mandalorian. "I'm sure many of your men are in a similar state, but there's nowhere to go now. Everyone is at war. I suggest we forge our own path. Together."

Alexander smiled. "We merge our resources, colonize one of these worlds, and sell our services to the highest bidder. We could serve as the only truly neutral system in a sea of factional dogma. We would be both a fair court, and a source of soldiers for the empires that are busying themselves in the chaos. We could legitimize the bounty board, serve as a neutral ground for peace talks, protect our families, and make a very, very large profit."

Silence followed for a moment.

"Have I piqued your interest?"

[member="Causstik Rahn"], [member="The Matador"]

 

[Tathra Khaeus]

The Matador listened intently, Ontonas was like every other man in this galaxy. He wished to profit from the suffering of others, but that did not shake his interest. This, was an original idea. Not dominated by some unrealistic ideal expected to be followed by every being.

The Matador's beskar iron plate shimmered in the dull light of the bridge, the dull colour of its design and his navy fur cloak usually hid the intricacies of the Mandalorians armour, however the dull light cast a clear visage upon the well worn armour, and the many symbols burnt into its chassis. Some were for bonds forged on the battlefield, others lost in the destruction of Mandalore or memories of a time long past when he was a student of the Tol Varen's high priests.

He recalled those days with what most men could consider glee, discipline and war was his life. But now, as a leader he had indulged in the social and political ways of life. In order to survive, he had to adapt. He understood that, endless and mindless conflict was not a strength. For when the true foe emerges, you will be all too weak to stop them. He did not believe [member="Alexander Ontonas"] nor [member="Causstik Rahn"] could be considered such a thing, they perhaps could be allies. He saw the merit in Ontonas' plan, hopefully this; Causstik did as well. In unity there was strength, but it was their independent strength that had drawn them together.

"The three of us, we are the leaders of our respective people for a reason. We are warriors, warlords as you call yourself. Warlords of our own kind that seek to rebuild our worlds, people in our image. Perhaps we can do it together, but what? Are you proposing you lead us? What assurance do we have, if there is to be an alliance. It is to be a partnership, nothing else will do. None with authority above the other, strength outdoes all."

He observed, his fellow Warlords. Or, potential. Causstik stood a few inches taller, heavier and possibly stronger. Ontonas was smaller than both, but heavier built than the Matador. The Matador was built like an Olympian, but his body had been rugged with muscle since he was but a small thing. Each, impressive in stature. Together, quite impressive.

 

[Causstik Rahn]

Causstik listened intently to what the man had to say and nodded in agreement occasionally. The man revealed his face and Causstik noted it was that of a warrior, surely then he might understand why Causstik would be hesitant to make an accord. Still the T’doshok heard the man out and listened intently, as he would to an equal.

“You are correct, my warband operates from a raid camp on Mugg Fallow. The Rot God claims more of my people daily and as he does so his numbers swole greater than my own. We cannot remain on such a world,” Causstik growled, fingering a scar that ran the length of his breastplate as he did so “But, my people are nomads, forged in the crucible of the hunt. We traverse the star lanes and strike fear into the hearts of our enemies. I care not for power, but I refuse to be anyone's lap dog. On top of this the Scorekeeper demands a worthy foe, something I admit, it sounds like your new government could provide,”

The War-Chief raised a hand to his scaley chin and contemplated what both warriors had to say. It was true Causstik was making a lucrative business in the slave and spice trade. Also privateering for the warring states, but with every battle he lost more men, and with the Jedi having lost their hold on the homeworld Trandosha, many would rather return home and hunt game rather than pillage the stars. Causstik supposed he could convince his masses to move camp to one of the selected world's.

“I propose we lord over this new tribe as equals. We are all physically strong. Probably the strongest our people have to offer, so why should it not be us who leads them to a glorious new age of prosperity?” Causstik said lowering his hand from his chin. “But, I will not have my people shunted onto some backwater shithole… If we do this than our people mix as equals as well. No one gets one certain world,”

[member="The Matador"]
[member="Alexander Ontonas"]

 

[Placeholder 0133]

"Equality is the word of the day," Alexander offered up. His gaze shifted between the two warlords, a thin smile finding its way onto his lips. The two men had been far more agreeable than he had expected, but then one needed to be pragmatic if they were going to survive in this day and age.

"We stand as entirely neutral. Our services go to the highest bidder. We accumulate enough credits to make sure our families live by the best possible means in the galaxy," he gestured toward the map once more. "Then we move on from there. We'll have to give up certain liberties, however."

Alexander rose from his throne, and strolled down toward the two men. He came to a halt once he stood at their level.

"We can't openly slave. No pirating without a contract. We need a code of ethics if we're going to maintain a solid reputation. Thoughts?"

[member="Causstik Rahn"], [member="The Matador"]

 

[Causstik Rahn]

Causstik eyed the other war chief sucpiciously. Slavery was a T’doshok’s livelihood. To take it away would be to cripple the Trandoshan way of life. But, even so Causstik understood certain liberties had to be sacrificed for the greater good of his people. Still without slaves the T’doshok would be reduced to nothing. Their economy crippled and their ranks decimated.

“I agree to your terms, but with a few conditions of my own. All slaves already taken by my people remain slaves. Who else would power our ships or tend to the mines? Without them I do not even have the numbers to maintain my fleet,” Causstik said than also added in “Any slaves who escape must also be treated as criminals and returned to the owner, but only if said owner provides documented proof of ownership. Those born into slavery remain slaves,” He finished and thought his demands were relatively reasonable.

His people would stop pillaging the star lanes, they would even stop taking slaves from war zones, but their had to be a compromise. He could not see them recovering from such a complete and total loss. Even in this new government, which would supposedly bring them untold riches.

[member="Alexander Ontonas"]
[member="The Matador"]

 

[Tathra Khaeus]

"I will agree to your terms Ontonos."

He wasn't a fan of slavery, truly the idea strangled his moral code. However, for the time being it was necessary. He imagined in the future, to work coherently with these two his morals would have to be more flexible than they were previously. He was the only one among them that had a strong connection to the force, thus his attachment to life was different but his ability to take it greatly exceeded theirs as well. His body, head to toe was littered with weaponry.

His Great-Axe hung loose to its magnetic grip on his back, his saber clung to his belt, a modified explosive repeater clung to his waist surrounded by various types of grenades. On his hip, was a vibrodagger; he had a tendency of throwing losing them lodged in the body of a enemy, usually at a distance. He had no previous experience fighting alongside these men, but assumed they could hold their own.

"At the end of the day, we all have something to lose if this fails. But we have much to profit from if we succeed. You both, have my support. As I assume I have yours in future endeavours?"

[member="Alexander Ontonas"]
[member="Causstik Rahn"]

 

[Placeholder 0133]

This is the darker path.

Alexander peered at the Trandoshan longer than he'd intended. His lips pressed into a thin line, and his brow furrowed with something that might have been displeasure. He had a deep and ingrained hatred for general crimes against sentience, and slavery was a chief among them. It was why he had fought for the republic. It was why he had fought for the alliance.

But he wasn't with the alliance anymore.

"Call them indentured servants, and we'll pay them a garnished wage. Slaves may be useful, but giving those men enough to buy a drink in the evening will get you far more than a whip." He answered. There was room for further compromise, but retaining slaves was not something he could abide by.

They might not make much as servants, but he could at least sleep at night knowing they were provided for.

"In due time, they can work their way up to citizenship once we've settled," he waved a hand toward Causstik, "For now, however, I agree. They'll stay where they are now, albeit with encouragement to accept this change, and perhaps a bit more fondness for their superiors."

He looked to Matador, then back to Causstik. "Agreed?"

[member="The Matador"], [member="Causstik Rahn"]

 

[Causstik Rahn]

[media]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FXrbNlX0KU[/media]​

[SIZE=11pt]Causstik saw that Alexander seemed displeased with Causstik’s proposal. He had expected this, but by proposing more he had expected to be countered with less. Even so, he received what he had hoped for. A way to retain slaves and even make new one’s, but under the guise of a new name. His mind was already thinking of ways he could abuse this ruling in order to strengthen his people. Those who fought against the new government would be forced into service under this “Indentured servitude”. Eventually they might garner enough wages to buy their freedom at which point they would do whatever they wish, but Causstik would make sure they served a very, very long time. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“I agree to your terms,” The T’doshok growled. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Through this new accord the three warlords would be bound together. Through sickness and death, forged in the fiery crucibles of battle, baptized in the blood of their enemies, they would become brothers all. They would strike fear in the hearts of their enemies. Damn the galaxy to die upon the flaming blade. It would be a glorious alliance of the, Mandalorian, Trandoshan, and Coruscanti human warriors. They would devour the galaxy in a fit of war and terror. Villages, towns, and cities would burn. But, not their own. They would see to it that no matter what the new brotherhood of warriors stood as god’s amongst men, and their people as the chosen strong to lead what remained of the galaxy to a new era. [/SIZE]

 

[Tathra Khaeus]

"I agree. But I'd also like you to compile a list Causstik, of your slaves. Many of them, could perhaos become useful soldiers under a Mandalorians guise. But we may discuss this at a later date. For now, to these terms. I agree."

And that was it, the three of them had so easily forged a pact. Given all this worlds misgivings, its atmosphere allowed for unity and in their unity, between the trandoshan, the Mandalorian and the Coruscanti, stood a genuine chance for success.

It felt good to be leading his people once more, not reluctantly following behind some misguided Mandalore. He used to believe all there was to himself was his dedication to the idea of the perfect Mandalorian, in many ways he still was. But, his perspective on what that meant, changed drastically.

[member="Causstik Rahn"]
[member="Alexander Ontonas"]

 

[Placeholder 0133]

"Then it's decided."

Alexander strode back toward his throne. The warrior regarded his equals with a thin smile and a nod. "I'm already in talks with the government of Antecedent. Many of my people are from that world. They've been suffering extensively from religious revolts and pirate attacks. If all goes well, they'll have signed their defense over to us."

A hand was waved toward the blip that represented Antecedent on the map. "Mining teams have already been dispatched to Eniga Prime. That world will be a great source of wealth for us - then there's the Colluctari Nebula, but that's a conversation for another time."

Armor bound hands clapped together.

"Let's get to work gentlemen."

[member="The Matador"], [member="Causstik Rahn"]