Ask Chief Among You

[Van'Aria Solus]

Outer Space,
Contruum Sector
Asteroid Belt Zeta​

Hauron turned out to be a resident Advisor with his recommendations lately, and bringing forth a good point was that the old Forces of the Crusade left behind by Nox Solus were still out there, decapitated from Leadership. This posed a vital opportunity to reconnect and potentially rebuild a very vital core Military Strength, for certain it was not going to give them an edge enough to go out and conquer like the days of old but if they could... this would restore unity and pose a boon to Clan Solus.

Van'Aria put herself forwards almost immediately when it came to the fact of representing and taking responsibility mostly because most old Crusade Forces were Solus Core to begin with, this meant that more likely than not among those leading the now "Renegade" and "Independent" forces were either former Clansmen or akin to that.

For this endeavour she elected that it would most likely be ill advisable to come prepared in a singular fighter, so the Solus Rally Master was forced to improvise.

Some very old machines and ships still left behind during the Crusade would do the trick predominantly chosen for this was a decrepit but still working Gauntlet painted in the Solus Colours of elder days, everything about this ship practically screamed "Obsolete" the Hyperdrive had seen better days, the Cannons weren't properly tweaked and the controls manoeuvred worse than expected, but it's all one could afford as of current that and... she wanted to blend in, didn't she?

"It's not a Scyk... that's for certain. When I upgraded from that to A Jaigalaar... night and day." Van'Aria quipped to herself dismissively.

<"You haven't flown a blast boat, then. The Term BOAT is very much the point.">

Both the Eldar and her trusty shadow Foe'guth would be more than invited to ride along, so they comprised a singular unit rather than having multiple starfighters patrol along her, but Van'Aria wouldn't protest against an escort, especially with the troops she carried in the Transport itself already, albeit only a few select Solus Members, she needed people to absolutely trusted her on this if she was to convince anyone of being respectable.

Eldar was a name Van'Aria only really read about in registries and books, there is very rarely a mention of them anywhere outside of it, so she silently hoped that Hauron did not assign her a wildcard, she had enough disasters to think through already.

"Right... once we start tracking the old Ships it's more than likely that they will pick us up too, rumours say they operate in this sector, but it's also likely we will have to go planet-side, any questions?"

She asked over a maintained comm-link that was being recorded for Haurons debrief later. If there were questions or doubts to be had this was the time because once they do end up finding said remnants... it is very likely that should a fight break out that a swift retreat is the smartest course, that or... ending up as a compacted square of space debris.

@Iviinyc Eldar @Foe’guth Rook

 

[Foe’guth Rook]

Foe'guth opted to ride with Van'Aria instead of piloting his own ship. It was more of a gesture that he trusted Aria more than anything- but now that he was thinking about it more, she probably already knew that he trusted her. Either way, Foe'guth sat in the cockpit behind Van'Aria watching the scanners for anything that might tear the old ship apart.

"How do we plan on greeting the Nox-Loyalists?" Foe wasn't really sure what else to call them. The Crusade loyalists were all either Fenyang's Death Watch or war zealots that were led by Nox himself. "Our people tend to display diplomacy with blasters and blades... We aren't very good talkers." Aggressive negotiations were only fun when you were fighting your enemies. Not your beskar-wearing bothers and sisters. Though, when Foe'guth thought about the conflict with Genova Veren on Mandalore, another idea came to mind.

"Maybe... We can challenge them. Leader against leader?" It was probably the best way to earn the renegade's trust and respect. "Or perhaps you need only be there to give another one of your rally speeches." Foe quipped playfully. Aria's speeches were always good at inspiring those that listened.

@Bread @Darasuum

 

[Iviinyc Eldar]

"Bes'kad she'cu, ba'ga'payt." The twi'lek pilot's voice would come in over the ship to ship channel, slightly altered by the sound of minimal interference. She was flying a custom Cutlass class interceptor which potentially rivaled the Rally Master's multi-role starfighter in age and archaic design.

Iviinyc Eldar had returned to Umbara recently but found few of her clan there. Many of them had left the covert there. Some had been killed in their own endeavors, some had been killed following one of the foolish past leaders of their people, others simply left in groups to try their own luck. But there were some that stayed and they were kind enough to help their Eldar sister repair and refuel before coming to the Contruum System.

The Twi’lek Mandalorian had never been one to join causes unnecessarily and had simply been “too busy” to answer Mand’alor’s call. It was true, every time a man had become the leader of their people she had been busy on a job for the Bounty Hunter’s Guild.

In no particular order, the Saber-Cat’s reasons for coming on this mission were to get a new starfighter. In exchange she would give her ship to Rancor Squadron and get the option to pick from a newer starship if there was one available. Among her top picks was a fang, jai'galaar or osprey interceptor. She had heard the fleet Kotii had led, counted a few Starviper attack platforms among their number before his fleet fractured. She hoped she would get to fly them rather than fight them, at least until she got a better ship or made improvements to the Beskad-9.

Today she was keeping her freelance status by working independently with Rancor Squadron. She wanted to see how their operation worked and if they were any better than the claims Hauron’s buir had made or Nox or any other. Iviinyc had not attended the party on Mandalore either, nor had she been to the planet. Many on Umbara believed it to be cursed and an ineffective home for those that walk The Way of the Mand’alor.

Her clan had urged her to reach out to other allied Mandalorians and from what they told her, clan Solus and its banner-clans were the most likely to be trusted. So on their behalf she was going to at least try to unify more of their people, if only to see if a smaller number were worthy of learning of her Covert. There was some monetary compensation in play which helped ease some concerns. The twi’lek expected every part of the deal to be upheld. She was a stickler for payment.

There was a last reason she did not particularly wish to admit to herself. Her clan was dying and they needed a leader. There was no Alor of clan Eldar as far as she knew. But the Twi'lek warrior was not a leader. At least, she did not think she was ready for that sort of thing. For that reason and more, she was glad to be joining Van'Aria Solus. If anyone was to be a trusted ally, it was her.

@Bread @Charles

 

[Van'Aria Solus]

"It will likely come down to that, Foe'guth. The Main Problem will be to get close enough to issue that challenge."

Van'Aria said this whilst flipping several Switches in the large Cockpit, her gaze went to a proximity Radar that displayed the approaching ship of the Eldar Twi'lek, she transmitted a hail followed by integrating her into their Comms, this was more a formality than anything.

"Whilst I would like to simply say fancy words today, Crusaders will want to see blood." She looked over her shoulder to gaze upon the Vibro-Ax that she brought with her, seeing a head roll might just be enough to inspire both... fear, and reverence. "We will have to see how they react firstly."

Van'Aria then turned to Foe'guth swivelling around in her Seat. "Engage scanner protocols, I'm transmitting you old crusade codes we used on Utapau." Van'Aria then did exactly that, she hoped one of the Ships had a trace in them that could make it easier for them to lock onto what they were searching, and then with enough time... and luck they might get a hail through.

"I'm sending you the same, Eldar. Perhaps your Scanners will pick up more than ours."

Frankly Van'Aria was unsure what they were getting themselves into, if the Mandalorians they were going to meet were going to be hostile it was very likely they were going to be reduced to space rubble in a very short span of time but at the same time... Hauron made a good point that if they can be converted... this could be a huge boon.

"Enhance Scanners beyond the Asteroid Belt, point me in a direction. If they are working out of this System, I wouldn't be surprised if they are coursing around Contruum itself."

@Darasuum @Charles

 

[Foe’guth Rook]

Foe'guth gave a quick nod and went to work. The asteroid field was not fun to skim through- everything was ship sized and moving at normal ship speed -but with the crusader codes Aria gave him, he'd be able to tell them where and how to get to them. Then, another thought popped into the Rook's head; Did they know they were coming? It was probably safe to assume that when Foe found them on his scanners, they would probably find him, too.

"Hauron was right," It didn't take long before the rogue Crusader fleet began popping up behind a cluster of asteroids. They were stationary for the most part, but one of the medium ships began to approach them followed by three smaller starships- probably starfighters or interceptors. "Establishing comms-connection... We've got four tangos in bound- A corvette and three fighters, by the looks of it." He relayed to the crew and the Eldar pilot.

"Someone's coming through..." The larger ship didn't slow down, but the three little ones did. Another ping went off, however, that signaled the activation of their weapon's systems. The unfamiliar voice of another Mandalorian sounded in Foe'guth's helm. "They want to speak with the leader, Van'Aria, I'll add you to the line..." Then, with a flick of a switch, Aria would be able to hear what they desired.

"Gauntlet and guest, You have a minute to convince me why I shouldn't blow you both back to the Ancestors."

@Bread @Darasuum

 

[Iviinyc Eldar]

Iviinyc listened to the Rally Master's shared insight and direction. The Cutlass class starfighter lacked any advanced scanners and frankly was working with technology that was a few generations outdated and only was on par with modern craft thanks to the twi'lek pilot's dedication. The ship probably belonged in a museum.

All the same, the warrior checked the scopes on her starfighter. The voice of Foe'gurth came over the ship to ship link allowing her to focus her attention on the same area he had noticed. Sure enough there appeared to be a small fleet of Mandalorian made ships beyond the asteroid belt. Even with advanced scanners it would be hard to pick up specifics.

The Rogue Crusaders, as Iviinyc was considering them, were only sending a small meeting party it seemed. Or perhaps they were just what the mercenary group felt was needed to deal with the starfighter and transport. The ominous Hunter class frigate stayed in position while its neo-crusader corvette companion and some small craft compliment approached.

The Eldar pilot gripped the controls of her ship a little tighter with gloved hands. If the Solus Rally Master was going to issue a command to attack or flee, it would be now. This was meant to be diplomatic meeting and she did not want to be the one responsible for things going sour. This was going to be a test, an example to any Mandalorian group that interacted with the Crusaders and also Rancor Squadron. Each of the brothers and sisters were responsible for raising or tarnishing their shared reputation this day. It depended on them whether or not the day would end with success or failure.

The Tracker would hold her tongue for now and breathe audibly through he nose. She was a representative for her own clan. However she was only a warrior, and Van'Aria was a Rally Master. The Strill would follow the badger's lead.

@Bread @Charles

 

[Van'Aria Solus]

Charming. She thought to herself, what a real treat this one already turned out to be, a Solus Reflex would have been to make whoever dared to make such accusations eat their words, but there would be plenty of time for that still should it be necessary at a later date for now she focused on keeping concise, she had to find out on which side these Crusaders stood.

"Killing someone that fought in the same Crusade as you did would be ill-advised."

She began as she slowly began calculating attack vectors if need be, her left hand idly flipped up switches that regulated the power for the Shields and slowly hovered her right hand over the flight stick to control the actual Ship.

"I am the Solus Valkyr. I am here to speak to your Leader."

Van'Aria spoke a curious nickname out, not many here were privy to it, not even Foe'guth. It was exclusively one she earned on Utapau during the Crusade for the way she fought, a Mandalorian that combined both Glaive and Jetpack had a feel of mythicality about it, which is why those that fought with her dubbed her thus.

"We can sit here and stare at each other through our cockpits, or you let us dock, and we speak proper."

Van'Aria exercised restraint. They would learn once she stood in front of them proper... that she was not a person easily intimidated and that if they wished to reintegrate into the Mandalorian fold... she was their best shot, that however does not mean they won't plan an ambush. But Van'Aria liked a challenge... it meant she was able to show that she was not only a Woman of words.

@Charles @Darasuum

 

[Foe’guth Rook]

Solus Valkyr? Foe'guth found himself staring at Van'Aria in awe for a little too long. He quickly shook himself and got back to work, making sure there weren't any ships thinking to make a surprise attack. The silence was rather... Well, Foe was more eager than scared, so 'anxious' probably made the most sense. Anxious silence...

"Fine. We will escort the both of you." With a sigh of relief, Foe'guth relayed the information to the rest of the crew. It wouldn't take long before Foe'guth could see the rest of the fleet. How many of these Mandalorians remained loyal to Nox? Or were these all traitors that looked for an excuse to become warlords? Whoever the leader was, Foe was sure they wouldn't be a match for Van'Aria. The title of 'Solus Valkyr' still echoed in the back of his mind.

"Aria..." He asked in wonder. What had she done to earn such a name? The Rook couldn't help but tilt his head with curiosity and admiration. Though they never took their helmets off, those who followed the Way were accustomed to knowing the expressions of those behind a helmet. Foe'guth was not confused, but even more proud to be following such a woman.

"I'd follow you to the end." He mumbled quietly to himself.

@Darasuum @Bread

 

[Iviinyc Eldar]

The Solus Valkyr, she said. The title sounded vaguely familiar but it was not meant for Iviinyc Eldar. The Tracker waited to hear the ex-Crusaders' response. The Neo-Crusader class corvette was nearly two hundred meters in length and dwarfed the smaller ships ahead of it even at this distance. The trio of Osprey class interceptors moved around the large vessel like pod fish.

The Mandalorian pilot relaxed only slightly at hearing the voice on the other and agree to letting the ships dock. It was not immediately clear to the Twi'lek if they wanted them to dock with the corvette or they were implying they would escort them back to the Hunter class Frigate beyond the asteroid field. For now, Iviinyc would continue to follow the Rally Master's ship and its owner's lead.

When they docked with the ship, she would exit her starfighter with her head held high and posture speaking to her pride as an axe pilot. The Beskad-9 might attract the eyes of other Mandalorians with an interest in customized antique war machines. A dozen various icons depicting the silhouettes of different starfighter kills were painted near its cockpit indicating its pilot's lethality and success rate.

Unlike many Mandalorians onboard the Crusader ships, the Eldar lacked either a Jetpack or jetboots. She did not even have jump boots. Instead the magnetic boots she wore helped in zero gravity maneuvering. The rest of her armor characteristics catered to the nature of her work. Her stoic visor panned the area while standing atop her ship's cockpit for a moment, hoping to catch sight of a basilisk war droid or some rare starship.

@Bread @Charles

 

[Van'Aria Solus]

Van'Aria's mind was conditioned on a goal, which had almost pressed her into a trancelike state as she punched in multiple commands in the cockpit letting it be escorted by the Ex-Crusaders, in time the entire thing moved autonomously, she then swivelled out of the Pilot Seat heavily, her entire frame coming to life as she stood up, her head tilted to the side looking towards Foe'guth.

"Prepare yourself for landing."

She then strode forth into the Transport hold of the Gauntlet and looked upon the Mandalorians that came with her, each of them carefully selected with good reason, were this to turn ugly she needed very dependent allies, she stepped in front of one of those select few and let herself be geared up, the Mandalorian affixed a Jetpack to her back, then held out a holster to her which she affixed to her left leg, inside of it a common Mandalorian Blaster Pistol, then another Holster, this one a Harness for beneath the shoulders, affixing it to the right armpit inside which... lay a Grenade Launcher, configured to be as slim as a Pistol.

Lastly she strode forth to collect her Vibro-Ax before turning on the spot and moving towards the boarding Ramp, a swift and direct rumble.... indicated soon after that they had landed, with time slowly more Solus Filtered in on either side left and right of her, lining up along the Ramp, she herself stood in the middle both flanked by another Mandalorian of Clan Solus, and likely Foe'guth.

"Regard them with respect, but also show your strength." She spoke adressing those that were present. "I know the wish to fight with me will come, but when it comes to a challenge, respect tradition."

She then nodded to a Mandalorian further down along the Ramp who pressed a button causing the loading ramp to slowly lower, curiously enough, Van'Aria expected more trials and tribulations than to simply be able to land this smoothly, but noone said they were out of the woods just yet, the main part was still coming up.

Once the loading ramp fully lowered, she sallied forth first, followed in staggering numbers by the rest. Her head tilted left to right taking in the large space that was given to them, this most definently... was an Ex-Crusader Ship, some distinguishing marks stuck out to her almost immediately, one of which being the fact that some Solus Markings were still readily all about.

Her gaze clocked the Eldar Mandalorian in an instant and with a gesture forth she invited them to join the "Congregation" if she truly wanted to see a War-Droid... the chances are whoever poses as the Leader of this group... will sally out on one.

Eventually she would form a large half circle afore the Ships that were used to dock and solemnly awaited... whom would receive them, this was both as a show of respect as well as challenge to come out and speak to her, it was Mandalorian Custom after all that both Leaders usually meet face to face in the eyes of their own people, however... to show that she arrived she struck the ground with the bottom of her Beskar Vibro-Ax twice, letting resound a very distinct ring.

@Charles @Darasuum

 

[Foe’guth Rook]

Foe'guth readied himself and followed behind Van'Aria. He came prepared with his full loadout; his trusty beskad sabre sheathed on the back of his waist, two Westar-93 blaster pistols holstered on his thighs, and he held his Galaar-35 blaster carbine with pride. Van'Aria was a capable warrior and Foe knew she wouldn't lose to anyone without battering them up into a pulp first.

"Oya," He chanted with a nod. The Crusaders were warriors, too, but a warrior without a master to guide them was nothing more than a rabid anooba. Van'Aria would be their new Alor and give these Mandalorians a better cause to fight for. No more hiding in asteroid belts. No more hiding in the sewers. No more living under a rock. No more waiting to be led. It was time for action.

Aria, I wish I had a mirror so you could see yourself... Foe reveled in the Rally Master's presence as did a few of the Crusaders who watched her enter. Then, Foe'guth looked over to find the Eldar and swung his head to the side to gesture for her to join in this great show of force. "I am Foe'guth Rook," He introduced himself quietly to the Twi'lek Mando. "Thank you for joining us."

@Darasuum @Bread

 

[Iviinyc Eldar]

Iviinyc would stand by quietly and observe the Mandalorians that crewed the ship she had boarded. They appeared like any other Mandalorian group. Some of them had clearly seen some rough times and were seasoned veterans. But there were a few that looked more well kept or perhaps fresher plates of armor. They seemed well stocked and provisioned as well as overall in good health as far as the Twi'lek could tell.

Foe'guth introduced himself and the helmet of Iviinyc turned to look at him. She gave him a simple nod but responded in Mando'a. It was one of the resol'nar, to speak the language and she liked to keep to her routines and rituals. <"Call me Strill."> She said, giving the man her Bounty Hunting alias. <"Thank me by buying me a drink when this is over."> She half joked with a tone that said she was smiling. It was not a flirtation but more of the sister-in-arms talk that would let the important personal chatter be saved for later.

Van'Aria gained everyone's attention by stamping her axe's haft into the deck and the Eldar was no different. The murmuring stopped and even it seemed the most decorated members with Jaig Eyes and sigils paid attention. If ones wants respect, one needs to give it or else lose it. The Eldar clan member would remain quiet though her clan emblem would be visible for others to see. Perhaps there were a few members of her own clan in this congregation.

@Bread @Charles

 

[Van'Aria Solus]

It became eerily quiet, so quiet that the tension in the air was practically palpable, it was akin to being able to hear sweat roll and fall among the occasional shuffle of Beskar'gam and Werda, The Solus Sally Party waited relatively long until even the faintest of a group formed in front of them, but it was clear that... when they did, each person they looked upon screamed Ex-Crusader.

It was no lie that as soon as they docked every Mandalorian that remained in the large Hangar Zone clocked the newcomers with prejudice, it took only a needle prick it felt like to initiate all out chaos, but there was restraint on both sides, an uncertainty of what was friend or foe, what was most curious was out of what now rivalled and even eclipsed the size of their friendly party no Leader had stepped forth just yet.

Van'Aria found that worrisome, it made her neck hair stand on edge, if no Parley would be had it could mean they seek to skirmish but that she hoped to avoid, She didn't want to get those around her involved in bloodshed that might be avoidable, but she also trusted both the Eldar and Foe'guth to be fully ready to fight.

"I see many Solus among you." Van'Aria began by speaking to what she hoped to still be clansmen on the other side. "It is good to see none of you have gone yet."

Murmurations were met to those words, there was no direct dismissal nor was there... a direct response it felt standoffish, but eventually the murmurations were beginning to be loud enough to be heard by a select few.

<"Thats the Solus Woman... one with Nox always no?">

<"Yes... I flew with them on Garos, she saved the Mand'alor when he was shot down by an Anti-Air Cannon...">

The Murmurations continued and uneasiness spread, some Mandalorians instinctively laid hands along their Blasters... tensions were growing fast.

"I must speak to your Leader. I want you to come home."

This was met with louder commotion, imaginary lines were drawn... uncertainty was spreading.

Roll: 17/20.

@Darasuum @Charles

 

[Foe’guth Rook]

Foe'guth stood proudly behind the Rally Master as she made her entrance, captivating the masses just as he thought she would. Trill would revieve a quiet chuckle and a respectful nod of his head. A drink did sound pretty good right now anyway. However, the Rook's attention was drawn to a larger Mandalorian that entered the hangar in a heavy set of armor. The murmuring quieted as the leader of these corsairs stood before Van'Aria. He was shorter than her, but so were most people, Foe'guth thought.

"We have no home." The Mandalorian growled.

The silence throughout the hangar was so damned loud, Foe could hear his heart beat beneath his chest. Those words stung at the Warrior as he clenched his rifle a little harder in his grip. Mandalore had been Foe's home since he was little, but his Covert was small. In fact, Mandalore didn't seem to have much of a functioning government either. Mandalorians had been scattered throughout the galaxy, like these fellow brothers and sisters here. Where was this home that Aria spoke of?

Perhaps... It was rather the people who made Mandalore rather than Mandalore itself. Mandalorians were a people, after all, so it made sense to Foe that maybe Aria would invite these capable warriors to join a cause with more direction than lingering in an asteroid belt.

@Bread @Darasuum

 

[Iviinyc Eldar]

The armored Twi'lek stood at a height of nearly six feet and three inches, close to two meters tall. But the Mandalorian pilot was not attempting to appear intimidating or puff out her chest. Instead she was looking over each individual ex-crusader and noting their icongraphy and color schemes to pick up on identities.

As the talks began between the Rally Master and a large Mandalorian, Iviinyc took a few steps to one side as if to go further into the ship but was blocked by a Wookiee with Vizsla paint schemes and heraldry. The twi'lek held her hands away from her side as the warrior let out a warning growl. Now was not the time for tours. "Udesiir." the pilot took a step back to where she had been standing and waited for the talks to continue which seemed to satisfy the hairy Vizsla.

@Bread @Charles Mild fail 19/100

 

[Van'Aria Solus]

Van'Aria seemed relatively... calm, no preternaturally calm. She slowly walked from left to right afore the burly Mandalorian that showed himself to her, she wasn't focusing on him, more so... on those present. She was gauging every person that stood behind him, trying to encapsulate a feeling for how many stood with him... and how many only followed him to not be lost.

"You are the one that leads these people?"

She said now directly stopping in front of the burly Mandalorian, the penetrating sound of her words echoing loudly, you could feel the judgement practically radiating from her the more she stared into that opposing Visor, however a rarity broke that silence soon, she chuckled... lowly and contently.

"All Mandalorians have a Home. It is where the Family is." She gestured around. "We, many of us, have taken to Mandalore, our Origin. It is our home... our Family. And we would see you returned to it."

She then pointed directly at the Mandalorian afore her, the finger that came forwards was plated but not only that, it was clawed, the sheen of her fingertips adorned with Vibro-Claws glinted in the light of the Hangar.

"Instead... you waste around by playing Pirate." This was directly directed to the Mandalorian afore her, and the tonal shift of her accusation almost immediately changed the mood of the conversation. "You know why I have come. My question is... are you afraid?"

The Threat was unmistakeable, every Mandalorian knew the rite, the rite of a Duel, the challenge and the grave repercussions it could have, but the tension of it was there, the entire room felt as if it compressed, previous lowly spoken voice silenced themselves as the attention slowly grew centerwise.

"Come." Van'Aria said this slowly, taking two steps back. "Show me that you have the strength to lead."

12/20.

@Charles @Darasuum