A Warrior Reborn (Mando only)

[Minuteman75]

"Five years..."

A human prisoner said out loud, sitting cross legged inside a spartan-like cell, containing only a cot, a water sink, and an toilet with grey walls that surrounded him on four sides with an locked door in the front. He wore an plain orange uniform, marking him as a 'guest' of this prison on Mandalore. When first captured, Shiro wished the Mandos had just killed him. Everything he had believed in and fought for was gone with the Republic, leaving the former lieutenant extremely bitter for the longest time. Shiro had been a stubborn prisoner when they first interrogated him and refused to give any intel he knew about the fallen GAR, in hopes they would at last put an end to his wretched existence, but they didn't.

Shiro often had nightmares about Coruscant, the day it fell. Fire, screams, and the blood of those who died haunted the spaceborn, leaving him resentful toward the Republic's leadership for failing to prepare for the onslaught, despite warnings. Eventually as time went on, his captors allowed him to excerise and read as he began to accept his fate and at last told them everything he knew as a member of the GAR. Yet Shiro Yama chose to remain a captive for these past years until today.

During that time, he had gotten to know more about the Mandalorians and their culture. Needless to say a civilization devoted to their own way of life greatly intrigued the ever curious Shiro. They not only accepted warfare as a fact of life, but embraced it as well and yet placed an great emphasis on family and loyalty. They have more purpose than I do. He thought with great envy with his eyes, reading the latest chapter a leather covered book on Mandalorian language.

Sighing, he rubbed with one hand, his black goatee beard that have grown during this stay in prison. Earlier this morning he let the guard who usually brought breakfast know he was interested in joining the Dominion. That has been a few hours ago, no doubt whoever in charge were debating about the sincerity of the request. He hoped they make up their minds up about accepting it or not soon. Then the door started to open, causing Shiro Yama to look up from where he sitting at, next to the sleeping mat.

 

[Mad Dog]

Zar had been asked to escort some high profile inmate from his cell, up to see the suits. He's probably gonna beg for his life..

Zar Was relatively new to the organized Dominion, though he'd been a Mandalorian all his life, well.. most of it.. Even considering this fact, he felt he was still a little high up to be babysitting the kids in time-out.

Zar had walked down the cold hallways of the detention facility his heavy armor and gear sounding like ominous semi-automatic thunder roaring down the halls. Zar's swords both clanking against the respective legs, who's hips they were secured to.

He was looking for the cell of some old republic soldier, hardly warriors if you ask me.... As he trudged through the cold and dim hallways, his Nova-67 Blaster Carbine filling his hands, he finally found the individual cell he'd been sent to.

After giving the go ahead to open the doors, the mag-locks decompressed and the door began to slide open. Zar tossed a pair of magnetic hand restraints onto the ground in front of the doorway while simultaneously raising his blaster to point at the chest of the man exiting the cell,"Put 'em on." Zar ordered his deep voice commanding respect even through the voice modulator in his gold lined jet black helmet.

 

[Minuteman75]

Relief set in for the former soldier as he got up and walked out of the cell that had been home for several cycles. Shiro spared a glance for one moment before before calmly meeting the armored warrior's gaze andweapon, the latter pointed at his chest. With discipline he picked up the cuffs and put it on as ordered by Zar. Shiro looked back at the Mando, not with fear nor defiance but calm acceptance of one had noting left to lose. Whatever they decide to do, take him into the fold or stage an execution Shiro knew in his heart that the days as a captive were over.

Calmly and professionally he said. "I'm ready."

 

[Mad Dog]

After the inmate was restrained, Zar lowered his blaster then pointed up the hallway signaling the man to walk first, as Zar would walk behind the man and to the right a bit.

Since the man's cell was literally one of the furthest from the exit, it was quite a long walk. Eventually Zar spoke up,"So... You know where I'm taking you?"

As they walked through the corridors several other inmates began pushing their faces up against the Transparasteel windows trying to catch a glimpse of who was returning from the maximum security area they had just left. Dozens of comments were yelled through the magnetically closed heavy steel doors, as other inmates began banging on their doors as well making the corridor rumble with noise,"Enough of that!" Fraggin animals.. After Zar's thunderous voice rang out, much of the noise stopped and only a few of the wanna be rebellious types continued their comments or ruckus, trying to put on a show for the others.

Knowing where they just came from,"You might wanna shield your eyes for a moment.." while Zar commanded respect with every word and action he was not evil, or even mean. So being quite considerate, he allowed the man to cover his eyes before he used his comms to call for the door to be opened. A loud *Click* then he pushed the door open, the sunlight splashing the immediate area inside the door. After checking out with the various security check points, and allowing the man's eyes to adjust to the natural light he'd no doubt not seen in years,"That way." Zar said as he pointed to a large building not far away.

 

[Minuteman75]

"To where your superiors are and be questioned I assume."

Shiro replied in all honesty when asked if he knew where they were going. As they walked, Shiro let his observant nature take over, examining the surroundings with a subtle eye. Just like any other prison he concluded, while the damned inside their cells cause some rackus before most were silenced by Zar. For a moment he grinned to himself, recalling a few times he used to interview smugglers and terrorists locked up in Border Allaince Detention Centers. Quite ironic indeed when one thought about it that way.

Once at the door, he shielded his eyes when directed and the entrance opened. Slowly he lowered and the sun's rays blasted his vision. So blinding yet so beautiful. Despite wincing from the pain Shiro felt pleased at seeing natural light after so long. Blinking from the effects he walked through the check points escorted by Zar. He took every moment to admire the beauty of the outside world before him until shown where their destination laid.

Sighing, he confessed out loud. "I never had a world to call home. You Mandos are kriffing lucky in that regard, I see that now."

After crossing the walkway they were allowed inside to the court that awaited them.

 

[Mad Dog]

"It isn't luck that keeps the Mandalorian's safe. We all fight hard to ensure its security and expansion..."

At the court house Zar checked in with the various security staff, even having a small side conversation with one whom he knew. After less than ten minutes the two were approached by a young woman who ushered them into the court room. As per the usual procedure, Zar stood next to the captive man while the officials entered the room along with some additional security forces.

After taking their seats and announcing the reason for the hearing, the head judge signaled for the captive to sit. Zar pulled out the chair set behind a small table and allowed Shiro to take a seat, pushing the chai in a bit after he sat down. Sar maintained a position directly behind the man in case he decided to stand up and try something, though even as Zar was contemplating most probable situations he was struck with the thought that this man didn't give any aura of resistance.

"Shiro Yama, your request for an appeal to join the forces of Mandalore has been approved. This is your evidentiary hearing, you will now present your case, with supportive facts, then will be allowed to answer inquiries from the council. Afterwards you will be returned to your cell to await a decision. Do you understand?" One of the judges behind the raised podium said.

After Shiro's reply to the man's question,"You may begin now."

 

[Minuteman75]

One thing is for sure, Mandalorians take security seriously, that he didn't see often in much of the former Republic. Shiro Yama can understand the reasoning behind the extra security, he wasn't your average prisoner. No an ex special forces officer would not be one to take lightly. It wasn't arrogance for him to think because it was true. Yama listen attentively to the council's opening statement and asked if he understood Shiro answered.

"I do your honor." Pausing until bid to state his case.

"Council I won't deny the truth that I was a combat officer and counter intelligence specialist for the Grand Army of the Republic and the Border Alliance before it. I fought against the Republic's enemies, whoever it been. I was there at the Battle of Coruscant , defending a position at the 500 Republica budiling against Sith and Mandalorains, until it was overrun."

He became silent thinking of the fallen he knew then continued.

"I fought and killed some of your warriors that day, but only because I was trying to save people from the horrors of the Sith. When the battle was lost I escaped only to discover the Republic that I bleed for fell. So I wandered from place to place, lost in more ways than one. Then your forces took me into custody on Tatooine following a bar fight that I started in drunken anger. For a long time I refused to cooperate during repeated sessions of interrogation, hating you all along with the Empire for my own problems."

Lowering his eyes in shame, he remembered those dark days when he lashed out at everything like a mad nexu.

"Yet slowly but surely I came to realize that the Republic leadership was not worth the blood that me and my former comrades once gave for them if they gave up so easily as they had done. Not only that I studied the Mandalorian culture and its people during my current imprisonment. Since then I have gave the Dominion what limited information I had on the fallen GAR and been a model prisoner. Council I won't pretend to know everything about the Mandalorian way of life but please give me a chance to embrace it. Your people will be my people and your enemies will be my enemies."

He finished saying all of that, with absolute sincerity, looking at the judges each in the eye as a man, though bound yet broken no more.

 

[Mad Dog]

What a great opening statement, I killed your men but we're cool now.... Zar thought, a small smile pulling at the side of his mouth.

"It is true that you maintained your silence regarding the Republics army for an extended period of time, however.." a female councillor began but was cut off,"Perhaps that speaks of your loyalty to whichever cause it is you are dedicated to.." another councillor interjected, seemingly already supportive of the idea,"Would we be able to expect such loyalty from you?" The man continued.

After his answer, a councillor who'd been thumbing through a data pad spoke up,"It appears your statement regarding being a modal detainee was spoken in truth, do you understand that in the future nothing but the full uncorrupted truth will be expected of you? And anything but may be quite detrimental to your position, should your request be approved.." the councillor said.

Another councillor chimed in,"A more on point inquiry for you, what contributions would we expect you to add to our organization?"

At this point four of the five councillors had voiced questions at the man in the mag-cuffs.

 

[Minuteman75]

"You will sir." Shiro replied to the first question. In the back of his mind, the former republic soldier knew it will be a tough sell. He nodded in acknowledgment when the third judge told that him he is expected tell the whole truth. When the foruth asked what he could contribute for Mandalore's cause, Shiro answered.

"Though I will need retraining to fully adjust within the Dominion's military I have years of combat experience, specifically in counter-insurgence operations and excellent tracking skills from my time as a bounty hunter. Furthermore I have studied and interacted with various cultures and species in the former republic since as a youth traveling the galaxy, some of whom are currently, now under your authority. I can provide extensive insight from their mindset and patterns."

Rendered quiet for almost a minute Shiro Yama had an concerning thought they could very well deny his request. Mustering his courage, he added.

"If that isn't enough for this council, should this application be rejected due to any mistrust from my past loyalties, then my next plead is to be given a swift execution if it is possible. To rot away without a purpose, is a living hell for warriors."

 

[Mad Dog]

At this time Zar saw at least two of the judges nod with an appriciative smile. His last comment really sold his point, hell at this point Zar was ready to let the man join his ranks.

"Mister Yama, you have made a case for yourself and as such.." The female Councillor began but was cut off again by the same Councillor that cut her off last time, her scowl in his direction was hard to miss.. "Your application is granted." the man said with a smile.

The Councillor in the middle of the long raised podium chimed in quickly"Now now Councillor, a full deliberation will need to be held prior to a rendered decision. Mister Yama, unless you have anything else to add Mister Zar here will escort you back to your cell while we deliberate." he said as he motioned to the mountainous man that stood behind the captive man.

After the mans response Zarr stepped back and allowed the man to stand, before escorting him out of the room back toward the front doors of the building."You know, I think that went well for you in there... But uh just in case the uh... worst case scenario, we can make it a longer walk back to the pit.." he said referencing the detention center, and walking with absolutely no sense of rush.

 

[Minuteman75]

Very promising, but it wasn't time to celebrate just yet, the prisoner reminded himself. Curiously Shiro did noticed that the two Councilors who wanted to approve his application seem to have disdain for one another. He will have to ponder on that later when he was told it was time to leave. "Thank you for at least hearing me out Council." Shiro Yama said before being escorted out of the courtroom.

When Zar, the guard offered to make the walk last a little longer, he nodded in appreciation. Once through the walkway, Shiro took the time to smell the air and examine the landscape, once again. Being imprisoned could make a person more grateful for the little things in life, that many people take so much for granted. Mandalore had a certain savage beauty to it, he concluded. Coruscant had its towering spires, but here the mountains and the fields were this world's glory. Should everything work out, he looked forward to experiencing this place fully.

Before they reached the first checkpoint, Shiro noted to Zar. "For it's worth, you have my gratitude for allowing me to appreciate the view."

 

[Mad Dog]

"It sounds to me the only crime you're guilty of, is loyalty.. I trust the council will see the same thing.." Zar replied,"Perhaps one day we will be on the say side, if we're not already.."

The ten minute walk lasted roughly twice as long as normal, the check point guards allowed Zar to escort the man through and back into the building. The natural light quickly blocked by the closing of the door.

After several minutes of walking down the corridors and the inmates in the cells th pair walked by acting as equally childish as the last time, Zar came to a stop, and ordered Shiro to do the same.

Zar stood there silently for almost two minutes, his helmeted face giving off no indication of what he was doing.

"Copy." He finally said out loud, although clearly not to anyone in the vicinity, suddenly Zar lifted his rifle to Shiro's chest,"On your knees! Hands in the air." Once his orders were complied to Zar took hold of the man's magnetically cuffed hands, with one of his own.

"Shiro Yama.." Zar began, the Inmates faces pressed so hard up against the transparasteel their faces warped, trying to get the best view of the show,"The council has completed its deliberation, and you have been sentenced to life, as a contributing member of the dominion." With that Zar released the Mag-Cuffs, and with his right hand gripped Shiro on his forearm, Zar's own forearm now in Shiro's hand. Zar pulled Shiro to his feet and nodded his head.

 

[Minuteman75]

At first confusion set in when Zar stopped them both then utter shock set when the Mando pointed his gun to Shiro's chest. With hands raised up the prisoner went to his knees. So this is how it ends. Death sure doesn't discriminate. I'm no saint, but I will die with pride as a man if noting else. With those thoughts, he looked up and listen to the guard relay the council's verdict. He grew dismayed hearing he was given a life sentence until explained it was as a member of the Dominion.

Freedom, an abstract word that Shiro had struggle to comprehend its full meaning for all his life. The fallen Republic preached about it, but many of its members took such rights for granted and even abused. Sith constantly spouted about the force setting themselves free, yet they're only slaves to their base desires and power mad addictions. Maybe it is different for others but for him, this very moment is what it really means to be freed. A fresh start, a new beginning for someone who lost everything while on life's journey.

With joy unbound and tears threatening burst on his cheeks Shiro griped Zar's arm firmly as he was brought up. Shiro Yama the republic soldier and prisoner is dead and is now reborn as a warrior and son of Mandalore.

"Vor Entye(Thank you)." Shiro said in the Mandalorian language, as he had been practicing often as he could.