Ask Mandalore Cu'bikad Comrades

[Gett'se Vizsla]

The glory of the Battle of Lothal had passed and Gett'se Vizsla had returned to Mandalore. A rather stark difference the two, the lush plains of Lothal compared to the glassy desert of Mandalore. He awaited the arrival of Nox Solus, who he had invited to the Vizsla war camp as a guest to celebrate their shared victory over the Jedi. He also had his own ulterior motives for inviting the freshly elevated Alor, elected to the position by his clan after the shameful betrayal of their previous leader.

He had been unsure about reaching out to clan Solus before, but Shale had put his mind somewhat at ease, at least with this warrior. Alor now, Gett'se reminded himself. It was a risky proposition inviting a Solus to a Vizsla war camp, and the grief between their clans ran deep. One thing they shared however was a burning distrust and derision of the Sith, and Gett'se intended to get a feel for how the new leader of Solus felt about their situation. If Shale was right... Perhaps it was time to put old rivalries aside. They really didn't have the luxury of hanging on to old rivalries, and a united Mandalore was an unbreakable Mandalore.

So Gett'se waited near the landing area of the war camp, where ships and shuttles of various make, Mandalorian and not were being maintained or otherwise sat idle. The clans war camps had been a shock to the often solitary Gett'se, the clan boasting numbers that he hadn't known of. Their power as a one time House still showed, and though they lacked the numbers they once did, they still fielded an impressive force. Many tents large and small littered the field, all surrounding one big tent that served as the clan hall. They had returned to Mandalore but most of Vizsla's fortresses had been lost during the Night of a Thousand Tears, when the glass of Mandalore burned once more under the Galactic Empire's wrath. The same Sith that now held out a hand to feed them.

The question was, would the Mandalorians bite the hand the fed. Or did they even have the teeth for it.

@Orbit

 

[Nox Solus]

Nox had been elected Solus'alor and he shifted in the seat of his transport ship, still acclimating to the title being for him. With the chance to be by himself, he reflected on the moments that led up to him being elected and how just less than a year ago, he was the bounty hunter, Wolf. From just securing supplies for his people to actually deciding their fates and plans of action, it was a massive uprooting of what he knew.

But, the prospect still hadn't deterred him and with one of his first steps, he was going to attempt to settle the long dispute between his clan and the Vizla's. Their history was vast and bloodied but times were different. But the new Alor of Solus hadn't been born when those transgressions happened and did not feel the same hate.

One of Nox's closest friends, Shale, was a Vizla and he had battled with another one, Gett'se, who held himself up well in combat. The two never had gotten the chance to speak on Lothal but that would be solved as the Solus had received an invitation to arrive at the Vizla war camp.

If the Mandalorians were to be under one banner, then it meant they truly did have to be united, starting with the clans themselves. With this meeting, Nox hoped that something fruitful and lasting would be born from it.

The Solus' transport dropped down at the landing area, the surrounding Vizla's staring up as they spotted the clan colors. When the landing gears touched the ground and the ramp dropped, Nox would finally exit from the ship, the crimson scarf that displayed his colors proudly blowing in the wind. It was just himself as the Solus kept his word and made a show of good faith.

The Vizla's stared at him, some in curiosity but some with daggers but made no move. All of it unbothered Nox as his gaze would eventually find Gett'se waiting for him. Stepping towards him, Alor approached with a hand outstretched as he intended to clasp the other's forearm. They had fought together and there was no stiffness between them, at least for Nox. If they clasped, he would even knock his helmet against Gett'se's as well. "It's good to see you alive and well, Gett'se." Even though his voice was slightly modulated, it carried a warm tone.

 

[Gett'se Vizsla]

Gett'se watched as the Solus transport landed, flanked by Vizsla flags flapping in the wind. The red and black of Solus side by side with Vizsla's blue, white, and black. Harshly opposite, but both of the children of Mandalore. Crusade had been called and a Mand'alor once more ruled their people for the first time in over a century. This was history in the making, and Gett'se did not intend to stand idle as it was made. He would not fall prey to the corruptions of Arasuum the way his clan leaders did.

"It is good to see you as well. I welcome you to Clan Vizsla, Nox Solus, as my guest." Gett'se stated as he welcomed the Alor, reaching his own hand out to meet the man's clasp. His words were sincere but not without ceremony. By declaring the man his guest, Gett'se was promising his protection. Whatever harm might threaten Nox, Gett'se would meet it as he would for any of his Vizsla brothers so long as the man remained in their camp.

"You fought well on Lothal." He complimented the man as he began to lead him towards the main tent, remembering the roar of his flamethrower as he pressured the Jedi, allowing Gett'se to put the sorcerer down. "A shame you weren't able to make Kalevalan barbeque of the witch." He joked with a light chuckle and he wondered if the Solus'alor held it against him that he had snatched the prize. They gathered stares as they walked through the camp, Vizsla warriors glaring daggers at the new Solus'alor. Not all of them held the clans grudge, and the group seemed content to stand and watch rather than act. Until a rather large Vizsla stepped from the pack.

"A Solus killed my father." The warrior said as he stepped into the pair's path. His visor was locked on Nox's and his hand hovered near his blaster in its holster. Gett'se took a step forward, drawing his attention.

"And it will be a Vizsla who kills your son's father, if your hand touches that blaster." Gett'se spoke coldly, his own hand hovering near his peacekeeper. Eyes locked on the visor of his Vizsla brother. He didn't wish to spill Mandalorian blood this day, especially that of a clansmen but he had claimed Nox as his guest and would not see him threatened even by one of his own clan.

@Orbit

 

[Nox Solus]

The clasp between them was solid and Nox was glad it was as he noted how he was greeted by the Vizla. Both of them knew what it meant and it understood the fact that he had taken a major risk to arrive at the camp. It would just have to be seen if the rest of the Vizlas would follow suit.

As they walked toward the center of the encampment, Nox would be shoulder to shoulder with Gett'se, his visor glancing back and forth slowly as he couldn't help but keep his senses alert. While the Solus held little vitriol to other clans unlike others, it still didn't mean he would be on the receiving end. There were always grievances between their people.

Gett'se spoke up as he complimented his involvement in the battle of Lothal, As did you. The Vizla had proven himself quite effective. While he had been disappointed that his kill had been snatched, a chuckle came out of him with a slight shake of his head, evidence that he was unbothered, It was but we were all able to walk away victorious. Good enough for me. A pat on his hip followed afterward, Besides, I still got something out of it. A lightsaber hilt would be attached to his belt. It helped soothe any pains.

As if one cue once the two complimented each other, a large framed Vizla stepped in front of them. While he towered over Gett'se, the Solus was quite sizeable himself as the two stared into each other's visors. A staredown commenced for a few seconds, neither backing down until finally, the big one spoke, One word, and you're done. Nox gave the Vizla an upward nod as his own hand hovered near his blaster, Then I know who to aim for first. With a grunt, the Vizla departed from the pair's path.

Easing his hand off as the rest of the Vizla's did, Nox glanced over to Gett'se as they kept walking, I see your invitation was well received.

 

[Gett'se Vizsla]

The tense standoff lasted for a few seconds before more words were exchanged and then the other Vizsla retreated, leaving their path open. Gett'se watched the man's back for a moment, resolving to keep an eye on him, and on the others. Quite a few had seemed ready to throw their hands into the fight if one had broken out. That would need work.

"It was." He responded. That that was the only trouble they had ran into so far was something of a blessing. Gett'se wasn't about to start counting them though. He continued their previous pace as he talked and they began to approach one of the larger tents where the mead hall was. "Let me buy you a drink." He said as he held open the flap to the hall for the man. "We fought together on Lothal, It is only right that we drink together."

It also served to cement the Solus's guest right within the camp. It was one thing to challenge a man after he had set foot in camp. It was an entirely different thing to challenge them after they had shared of you bread and beer.

Not that any of that really mattered in the end, other than honor.

Gett'se led the way into the hall, and the low rumble of voices hushed slightly at the sight of the Solus next to him. He ignored them and strode to a tapped keg, walking past a few tables, a few warriors, and one particularly engaging game of cu'bikad that most of the warriors had been watching before they entered. Grabbing two mugs, Gett'se poured them both generous helpings of Net'ra gal, handing one to Solus.

"To shared victory." He toasted the man before bringing the mug under his helmet and clicking a button inside. A straw popped out of the buy'ce and he took a long pull of the sweet black ale.

@Orbit

 

[Nox Solus]

Nox couldn't help but chuckle at Gett'se's response. Even so, if at least one was willing to openly stand against him, there were most likely more. The Solus'alor remained alert for anything but for the sake of the invitation, he gave off no signs that he been disturbed.

At the proposition of buying a drink for him, that fully turned Nox's head toward the Vizla as he grinned underneath his helmet, "I can't say no to that. You truly know the way to a Solus' heart. The next one is on me." As he would pass by the Mandalorian, a closed fist would tap against Gett'se's chest before he stepped inside. Its ulterior purpose hadn't been missed by the Solus, adding appreciation to the warm gesture.

Their presence hadn't gone unnoticed as it earned a few turned heads. Nox would walk past the warriors without concern, his massive frame and opposing colors making him easy to place. But even as he moved through the hall, most of the attention in the room had been seized by the game of cu'bikad. The activity had even managed to draw the Solus' attention with him still trailing behind Gett'se. Nox had played it a few times when he was younger and it was where he had fully mastered the ability to throw a knife.

Acquiring the drinks, Nox would turn his attention back to the Mandalorian before he offered him a nod. With a raise of the mug for the toast, he repeated the words, tapped it against the Vizla's, and then drew it to his mouth. While the straws were used by him in most situations, he had always loved the feeling of the cup against his lips and actually gulping it down. After a tilt of his helmet to expose his mouth, Nox would pull off a long gulp as well before slamming what was left back on the counter.

"So, how have you been? How is your clan doing?" He asked those questions first as he had an interest. It was well known Nox had been elected Alor recently, the word between Mandalorians fast, and they didn't need to delve into it.

 

[Gett'se Vizsla]

They toasted, they drank. A fare few visors were turned their way to witness it. Word would surely get around that Gett'se Vizsla was drinking with a Solus. Gett'se respectfully kept his eyes off Nox's exposed chin as he drank through his straw himself.

"The clan is coming together, I've seen faces I haven't seen since I was a child. I'd almost be glad for the war if not for the circumstances." Gett'se started, probing on Nox's thoughts on the matter. Shifted slightly to keep an eye on the cu'bikad match that was currently being played, wincing slightly as a dagger slashed through a bicep on its way to thunk into the board.

"Your clan is doing well under your leadership?" His tone indicating a question, not a comment. He took another pull through his straw, smacking his lips at the sweet ale.

@Orbit

 

[Nox Solus]

Gett'se answer was basically Nox's as well. With a common purpose to follow behind, Mandalorians from all clans have out to proudly support their Mand'Alor. It was a glorious sight to behold, especially compared it had been like the past few years. The Solus'Alor believed he would have never been alive to witness it and had been committed to his nomad ways until the Sith gave them a choice.

"It's good to hear that." Nox responded warmly. Despite their history, the Solus prioritized the health of their people overall compared to just the clans themselves. He had picked up that Gett'se didn't seem completely pleased with the crusade they were manning. It was pushed aside then as the Vizla asked him a question in return about his clan.

Nox gave a hearty nod before he tilted his helmet back once more to take the last gulp needed to empty the mug. Slamming it back down, it was refilled quickly by a passing droid, "If I can say so myself, yes. Like you, more Solus come each day. It won't be long until we finally catch our stride." The Mandalorian war machine was just waking up and there was even more untapped potential. At first, the Solus was gonna let the comment be ignored but it kept nagging at the back of his mind and he couldn't resist, "Even given our circumstances, you still don't seem pleased with the fight." It felt deeper but maybe he was wrong.

Hearing another thunk, Nox glanced over at the game being played and watched how it neared its end. A tap from the bottom of the mug on the table to get Gett'se's attention, he would return his gaze back to the Vizla, "Shall we call the next game? Finally, measure up Solus and Vizla?" It was practically a challenge that he knew Gett'se wouldn't be able to refuse, especially with the clans thrown in.

 

[Gett'se Vizsla]

Gett'se sipped at his beer as they talked, listening to him speak of his clan. Gett'se was glad that Solus was coming together strong, despite the two clans rough histories. Perhaps through this war, new bonds could be forged that outweighed the old baggage.

"Pleased? I am not pleased by war." Gett'se responded. He didn't enjoy the needless slaughter of innocents or fleeing men that his leaders had ordered. "I appreciate what it has done for our clans, but the sun is just rising on this war." He finished. The war had just begun, it was early. There was no knowing what the future held.

"It will sort the strong from the weak, though. The lucky from the unlucky." He said somberly, hoping their luck held out. Glancing at the cu'bikad game, Gett'se grinned under his helmet at Nox's challenge. "I assure you the measure lean to Vizsla." He felt a little irony in the situation and he let amusement leak into his voice. Nox stood well over him by quite a few inches.

"The next game is ours!" Gett'se shouted to the players, nodding to Nox before taking a sip of his beer. "A score against you means you drink." Gett'se raised his mug to Nox before taking another sip.

@Orbit

 

[Nox Solus]

Nox was perplexed about Gett'se statement, as he believed that the Mando would have pledged his full support being that he was in the first battle. Then the image of the mother being shot quickly zapped through his mind and he was reminded where the apprehension possibly came from. The Solus had dealt with it himself until the unfortunate accident with the truck and Shale. Just at the thought, his gloves crinkled as his grip around his mug tightened.

His attention on it didn't linger long, by his own hand and with the help of Gett'se continuing to speak. Nox gave the Vizla a nod at his assetment. War would certainly do that and he suspected a few Mandos hadn't acclimated from a life of survival to a life of war cleanly. But it couldn't be doubted that the way of their people was being forged through fire.

As the two stood up from the table, Nox could hear the grin within his words and simply offered a glance up and down Gett'se before offering a cock of his head, Clearly, it does. The size difference between the two hadn't been unnoticed by the pair. Turning his head back to the Vizla after checking on the game, he chuckled softly, I consider that a reward more than anything else. His mug was raised as well before he gulped down ale.

Once the game finished and the two could approach, Nox saw the row of knives lined up for them and immediately angled toward them. He placed his mug down and replaced it with a knife, twirling it between his fingers with ease before he offered one to Gett'se. It had been a while since he played but the rules quickly returned to him. You can go first. It was his home after all.