Private Work to Do

[Shan]

Shan stayed quiet when the discussion seemed to go towards Mandalorians. His opinion and thoughts upon them were starting to just get more and more muddled. Minerva obviously didn't seem like the stories he had heard about them, but at the same time it was too soon for him to start assuming that Minerva was already a good person. As much as he wanted to believe in the best of people, that thought had already got him burnt more than once so he was just starting to get a bit more cautious around things. It was better to be safe than sorry now.

Though as they prepared to head off towards the feast, one of Minerva's people asked Shan if he had ever been from Nar Shaddaa, and the Mirialan just froze up for a moment, the colour draining from his face. He had been trying not to think about Nar Shaddaa after how his last trip had went. "I...Yeah. It's...where...I used to live. It was my old home, though the Jedi Temple is my home now." He broke out into an awkward smile at that, trying to keep himself relaxed. Just don't freak out, especially around the Wookies. He just had to breathe.

Minerva Fhirdiad Kahlil Noble

 

[Minerva Fhirdiad]

Tag: Kahlil Noble Shan

Rhust nodded in appreciation before his eyes became downcast.

[Minerva is the only Mandalorian in their group. I'm grateful that she is here and brought extra hands with her but just wish she would stop trying to work herself to death over what happened. That won't solve anything.]

As for Shan and Gakot, the latter raised an eyebrow noticing the padawan’s discomfort. He shrugged his shoulders in response.

"Yea I lived and worked there too but as a local muscle before going pirate. Then later I was left for death but got picked up by an Alliance patrol. Decided to go respectable and enlist after that. Been in the army ever since and not looked back."

Afterwards Rhust would lead them all to the hall. Already numerous Wookiees young and old were taking their seats among large giant-like tables arranged in multiple circles. Amidst all the roars, growling and whimpers was the booming voice of Dhraallo commanding all the cooks in the center of the hall at their posts. The aroma of Bantha rump filled the place and along with other delicacies that excited many there.

Members of Talon Company began arriving as well. Gakot separated from Rhust's group to link up with his fellow soldiers. He and a Sullustan female in sniper gear were directing their comrades to various spots. Rhust looked around for a minute before seeing Minerva already seated staring aimlessly with a neutral expression and arms folded together over the chest.

There was not the usual joy he knew she had during the feasts but for now he focused on his Jedi guests bringing them to that specific table. Halting to the end of it he said.

[Much of our cuisine and beverages are hard to stomach for your bodies so we prepared those that off-worlders can enjoy. Go ahead and take your seats now Jedi friends.]

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"I understand pretty well what it's like when family causes atrocities." Mandalorians were all family, if what he knew about them was correct. He glanced briefly to Shan, just to make sure he was alright. Talking about home seemed to upset him before, but.. He seemed to be holding up. He smiled just a little before finding a spot at the table to sit down and join in on the feast. He wasn't going to say no to a Wookie, after all.

Shan | Minerva Fhirdiad

 

[Shan]

"Heh...I used to get beat up a lot on Nar Shaddaa..." The Mirialan sighed at the memories, rubbing the back of his neck. "Wanting to help people wasn't always a good thing back home." Shan gave a nervous chuckle at that. There was a part of him that missed being back at Nar Shaddaa. Things had always been more simple for him there. Sure, he might have gotten beaten up a lot but he didn't have to worry about the Sith or how his choices might impact people at the end of the day.

He was not going to refuse the offer for food from the wookies either way, sitting himself down at the table carefully and preparing to feast. He had actually built up a bit of an appetite. He hadn't really been in the mood to eat the past couple of days. He had been eating when he had needed to but his appetite had faded away. Though now at the idea of having a feast? It seemed like it was going to be a neat idea to try and eat as much as he could.

Kahlil Noble Minerva Fhirdiad

 

[Minerva Fhirdiad]

Tag: Kahlil Noble Shan

Even when the Jedi took opposite of her Minerva barely nodded to them. Not out of disrespect, just mind distracted. She was lost in a sea of thoughts. Even with hunger besieging her the warrior didn't want to eat. Well not here at least but alone so she can get back to the job at hand quickly as possible.

Yet Rhust was insisting and only the deep respect she held for him and the Wookiees' rights as hosts prevented the Mandalorian from turning it down. When she had decided to return to help Minerva had underestimated the effect of reliving the memories of what happened to this world could do to her. Without a task to focus on it was almost impossible not to dwell on those real nightmares. Then Minerva was tapped in the shoulder a few times before turning to see Irni's giant mouse-like eyes that were filled with a comrade's concern.

"Boss you okay?"

"Just take a seat, Irni we'll eat then go back to work."

Irni's worry didn't lessen as her CO avoided the question. Still she sat next before noting the Jedi and the female Sullustan who was wearing green sniper gear gave them a friendly wave.

"Hey there. Lieutenant Irni Tajee, Strike Force Talon. It's always good to have your lot with us.“

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"Kahlil Noble. I've heard of Strike Force Talon. Good reviews." Kahlil offered a friendly smile and a bit of a wave. He actually had heard of them, not in much detail, but they were among the best the Alliance had to offer. Which made it clear all the more personal helping the Wookies was to them. Much like his own case.

"Do you know what they're going to be serving?"

Shan | Minerva Fhirdiad

 

[Shan]

Shan raised an eyebrow as he watched Minerva seemingly zone out for a moment. What was going on? Now he was more curious than ever...but this wasn't the time to start interrogating people. He needed to focus on the feast instead of his own curiousity. Though the Mirialan glanced over towards the Sullustan, blinking a few times. He hadn't heard of Strike Force Talon before, but according to Kahlil, they seemed to be capable. Shan just gave a short nod towards them

"Shan. It's a pleasure to meet you today. Hope you're having a good day."

Minerva Fhirdiad Kahlil Noble

 

[Minerva Fhirdiad]

Tag: Kahlil Noble Shan

Nudging Minerva on the shoulder, Irni remarked.

"Hear that even famous Jedi are starting to notice us."

Rubbing her the side of her neck Minerva nodded. She is proud of the team for what they achieved together. They started as an experimental unit no smaller than a squad that eventually became a platoon. Now after numerous trials and much sacrifice they were now forged into a whole company within the ranks of the special forces. Even if for some reason she was demoted Minerva would be content as long as she was allowed to serve with the company and live by her warrior heritage.

"It was bound to happen with the way we kept bumping into each other in all those operations."

Irni laughed at her friend's comment. That was an understatement to put it mildly. She maintains a smile while answering Shan.

"It is a good day, thanks. Just being able to admire the wildlife and scenery through my scope without trouble happening is just great."

Subsequently Minerva answered Kahlil's inquiry.

"For us it will be Bantha rump, Chyntuck and Wasaka berry pie for dessert. Personally the first one is my favorite but the pie is delicious."

 

[Kahlil Noble]

Bantha rump, here?

Kahlil chuckled. That was quite the dish to get around here, all things considered. They were normally limited to Tatooine. The pie, though, that sounded good. Like a long lost memory at that. He smiled as he relaxed, simply waiting for the food to served out. "Been to Tatooine often, then, Minerva?"

Minerva Fhirdiad | Shan

 

[Shan]

Bantha Rump? Shan hadn't heard of that before. Though to be fair, he wasn't much of a foodie. He was fine with his dumplings at the end of the day but it sounds like it was going to be decent enough.

"I've heard a lot about Tatooine. It's very...sandy. I like sand. I think...Never really seen it much." He shrugged his shoulders. Shan was trying his best to stay in the conversation, even though he wasn't sure what he could actually add to it all.

Minerva Fhirdiad Kahlil Noble

 

[Minerva Fhirdiad]

Tag: Kahlil Noble Shan

"It's been a few years since I last tread on its soil. Though often when I was still a founding, my father would often take me there. When he wasn’t doing merc jobs we would focus on survival training."

Done with answering Kahlil's question she turned to Shan and a chuckle escaped her.

"Trust me you’ll get more than your share of sand among other things there in the event your journey takes to Tatooine."

Well that world is under the Enclave's sphere of influence for the time being so any Jedi going there will have to be covert. Without warning strong paws clapped in the center, getting everyone's attention. It was Dhraallo and she loudly proclaimed.

[Food is ready!]

Minerva signed to herself. Of course she would. Subsequently Dhraallo and the other Wookiee cooks started out bowls and various wooden and finely plates to their guests. Sure enough the old matron went straight to Shan bringing a large plate of Chyntuck in the right arm and bowl of Bantha rump in the other. She passed the first one to the padawan and he would see a large seasoned tenderloin surrounded with cooked Kashyyyk vegetables.

Giving the others the same before situating the Chyntuck plate in the center of the table for all to see. She then said to Shan.

[Enjoy your meal I would've added spicy beetle juice to the seasoning but there was no time.]

Hearing and understanding what was said Minerva bit her lips, trying really hard not to laugh. But quickly she was slapped on the head by Dhraallo. Rubbing her head awkwardly she exclaimed.

"Ouch! Okay, okay I'm sorry Dhrallo I couldn't help myself."

[You better eat up this time young lady or else.]

Straightening up in posture Minerva instinctively said. "Yes grandaunt I will."

Irni's jaw dropped at the sight before snickering. Needless to say it wasn't everyday she wintess her fierce Mandalorian commander get scolded like a child but then again this is a Wookiee matron they’re dealing with after all. Dhrallo finished serving everyone else at the table before moving on.

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"Sand does get everywhere." Kahlil nodded in agreement with Minerva, though. They'd find more than sand if they ever went to Tatooine. Which, they might. Eventually. Hopefully not because of the coming war, though. It wasn't a hope he was betting on. He turned his attention to the food, just taking a bite as he listened to the conversation with a slight smile. She really did have a good relationship with the Wookies.

Good. This would be good exposure for Shan.

And of course, Kahlil translated for Shan so he'd at least be part of the conversation.

Minerva Fhirdiad | Shan

 

[Shan]

Shan actually let out a small chuckle as Kahlil translated things for the Mirialan. He still wasn't sure how to feel about the Mandalorians...but Minerva was in his good books at the very least. He just shook his head slightly at that, keeping a small smile on his face. It was a pretty good experience if he was being honest, just leaning back in his chair to try and get comfortable as he looked down at his food, frowning in thought for a moment. It was hard to wrap his head around, but he had to focus on the enjoyment of it all.

So that's what he did. Looking down at the food in front of him, and got to work eating the vegetables first off. He was always more of a veggie fan than a meat fan. It was mostly because veggies had a burst of flavour in his eyes, whereas meat could be quite...chewy. And he didn't like the idea of chewing.

Kahlil Noble Minerva Fhirdiad

 

[Minerva Fhirdiad]

Tag: Kahlil Noble Shan

Minerva cut part of the tenderloin into several different pieces and ate some before digging into the vegetables. She was lost in its taste, closing her eyes and just enjoying the sensation. A warm smile remained on her expression before digging in further. For the next few minutes Minerva said nothing and ate the meal and drank her beverage in between bites. That and in being the company of friends she felt harmony.

This is what I always wanted. To belong.

The thought surprised her, causing the Mandalorian to pause. The more she thought about it the more Minerva realized it was the truth. Years before she had once believed the Enclave was the place to belong but both time and events proved otherwise. Still as war comes between her former brethren and the Alliance she wonders if the latter eventually will turn on her for being Mandalorian or become radicalized themselves like the Enclave.

Without warning she saw another Wookiee, a young male by the look of him storming toward her. She hadn't seen him before in this community like so many so must be a new arrival. He roared angrily but Rhust quickly stepped between them.

(Out of my way!)

The stranger shouted whose eyes were stained with unnumbered tears. His hands were covered in faded mud and dust and the fur stenched with smoke.

(No friend, she is not one of the raiders.)

(She wears the same armor! They're nothing but glorified butchers!)

The young Wookiee tried to rush but Rhust suddenly gripped his shoulders and kept him in place.

(Let me go! The Mandalorians deserve to burn for what they did! All of them!)

Rhust refused to let go of the unknown youth. The latter continued to roar, cursing Minerva and all Mandalorians. Trying to make him come to his senses the chieftain

(Minerva fought with us, slaying her kin for us that day and saved some of ours. Those who wronged us are elsewhere.)

At those words the youth shook his head and began to weep anewed. Then Rhust embraced the teenager, holding him as a father would even though they just met.

 

[Kahlil Noble]

It was a peaceful dinner.

Until it wasn't. Kahlil turned his gaze over as he felt a flash of emotion. And frowned. He didn't move, not yet, but he did watch. And listen. If violence was going to break out, he'd step in. He already knew Minerva wouldn't defend herself. Thankfully he didn't have to. The Wookies knew the truth here. He stood after a moment, stepping over to look the boy over. For him to be so dirty only meant a couple things.

"Where are you from? You seemed to have come here in a hurry."

Minerva Fhirdiad | Shan

 

[Shan]

Shan was focusing on his food, making sure to enjoy it before he started to hear the kerfuffle starting to happen with Minerva and one of the younger Wookies. And in what actually seemed to surprise Shan, was that he was almost ready to jump in to try and help protect the Mandalorian, though seeing Kahlil stand his ground made the Mirialan just sit himself back down. He didn't want to add to an already stressful situation at the end of the day. Lashing out to try and protect someone wouldn't help fix anything right now. He was sure that Minerva or Kahlil would know what they're doing right now. So Shan just stayed quiet, listening to the Wookie, or well listening to Kahlil as things were translated for Shan. Damn it, he really needed to figure out how to start learning languages himself.

Minerva Fhirdiad Kahlil Noble