Devil at the Crossroad

[Miha Archan]

The Morod Cantina was empty save for Mihal’ii and the bartender. They chatted idly of battles fought and won, the sights they’d seen, and the battle raging outside. The boom of a far off detonation was accompanied by the click of two ice cubes melting into a thimble full Raava, as Miha finished the bowl of noodles he'd ordered with the dark liquor. “Well,” said the Bartender, his wary eyes drifting to the boarded windows, “I’m thinking it’s last call now, there anything you want?”


Miha’s eyes scanned the shelves in front of him, before his eyes settled on a jar of dried plant cuttings, “Aye, I think it’s about time I head out. A cup of Ajash, if it’s no bother.”


“None to me,” replied the Bartender, picking the jar off the shelf and picking the brittle leaves from the stems.


“Could you save me the stems too? I might not be back here for a while, it’d be nice to have a souvenir.”


With a shrug, the bartender flicked the stem over the counter, where Miha snatched it from the air. Slipping his short scabbard from his sash, he began working to secure the skinny little thing to his scabbard with a tattered piece of string. By the time it was tied down next to the rest of his keepsakes, the bartender had finished preparing the tea which he slid towards Miha. Ajash Tea was a funny thing, as black as ink with a smell of carbon, and yet as sweet as honey on the tongue. It’s a shame it’s such a rarity outside of Mandalor, thought Miha. The pair sat in silence as he finished his tea, until Miha asked the first uncomfortable question of the evening:


“You think this is the end for the Mandalorians?”


“So says the writing on the wall… but I don’t go by what the writing on the wall says.”


With a chuckle, Miha replied, “Good answer. You got any idea what’s gonna happen next?”


It was the Bartender’s turn to laugh now, “Buddy, even I don’t got a mind that inhumane.”


“Well, are you ready for what comes next?”


“As I’ll ever be, if the Emperor shows up in my bar? I’ll throw ‘em through the damn window, won’t even think about it.”


The two laughed together this time, as Miha slipped his scabbard back into his belt and stood up from the bar. “Thank you for the tea, you’ll need to let me serve you next time we meet.”


“I’ll hold you to that, now get out of here, won’t stay this peaceful for long.”


With a nod of agreement, Miha headed towards the door, plucking a cigarra from behind his ear and lighting it as he stepped through. He breathed out a billow of smoke from his nose, stretching in the afternoon sun that bathed the broad crossroads he stood in. His ship wasn’t far off from here, and while there were pockets of fighting between there and here, it shouldn’t be too much to handle. As far as he was concerned, he had a little time to kill before things had to get bloody, so he stood in the warming daylight and savoured the taste of the smoke. However, only a scant few drags into the smouldering cigarra, the sound of footsteps slapping on cobles echoed through the crossroad. He pinched the filter between his lips as he turned to face the source of the sound, his hand resting against the pommel of his sword.

 

[Xzaien]

​

It was no coincidence that traveled to Mandalore. For it was not to join the attack or liberation of Mandalore but to simply meet with a few associates of hers to discuss unknown details about the current political climate of the Galaxy's Great Powers. It would seem that fate would have it that there were rumors of a local legend of sorts. A individual by the name of Mihal'ii Archan. Xzaien had no intention of passing up creating a new connection or perhaps a ally in the coming days so it interested her greatly to find this individual and have a pleasant if not downright cordial.

​

Fate would see it as a meeting of two great individuals in a not so gracious place. A random bar located in the middle of all of the fighting nearby it would be no cakewalk yet it would give some invaluable combat experience to her entourage of bodyguards. A pleasant walk. After a few minutes Xzaien herself would be walking swiftly nearby the bar some hundred yards from the bar, surrounded in a vee formation a whole lot of white armored bodyguards whom wore nearly featureless armor and had the same scowl. Their job predictably was to protect the extremely short and small Cathar at the middle of the Vee formation. A scarlet robed enigmatic figure who's cloak billowed in the wind behind her. A intimidating sight for some yet needed in the current battlefield that ebbed and flowed around the city.

​

Xzaien would slowly approach, the Vee formation collapsing as she simply plodded her way in through the front door coming face to face with the man himself. Mihal'ii. If he turned to look at who approached him at the bar counter there would be a short and small Cathar woman, head exposed in the breeze with her bright reddish-orange eyes transfixed on him yet with this cordial welcoming smirk that seemed to send various signals of unease. Behind her would come in about twenty white armored troopers. With most of most of their helmets being similarly covered yet wholly alien in design, exposing their lower jaws to the air. Odd, however Xzaien approached steadily and soon took a seat at a bar-stool nearby crossing her legs all fine and ladylike as her bodyguards closed the doors and took positions guarding the front door. Leaving Mihal'ii and Xzaien to their own devices. However a few shadows began to move inside the bar. From the booths in the far corners of the bar came standing sophisticated looking suited men who's expressions were stern and cold all of them human. They took strategically strong positions nearby with all of them watching the two and the man behind the counter converse in their own way hands held behind their backs. The silence was suddenly broken by Xzaien speaking in her somewhat badly concealed cold voice.

"Mihal'ii Archan I presume? I have heard much about your exploits in system."

If Mihal would even bear to look at Xzaien he would feel a deep chill run down his spine. She was most definitely a Force User and a Darksider and if she knew he was with the Alliance, he was likely finished.

@Miha Archan

 

[Miha Archan]

When the cadre of monochrome thugs flooded in, Mihal’ii and the Bartender simply ignored them, carrying on their conversation as if they were the only two present. After they shared their last laugh, Miha’s eyes flickered briefly to the back exit and the Bartender’s followed. The old Bartender made his way out, making a point not to hurry. This wasn’t the first time they’d sent men after him, though to be addressed by name was certain new. Without a word he turned to look at the speaker. Pretty, for a sith, he thought. For a moment he was tempted to think she was some jumped up scion eager to die, but quickly assessed when he caught a glimpse of her eyes; there was a hunger in there, a dangerous addiction he’d been warned about. After a moment he’d taken his measure, speaking up loud enough for the room to hear: “Someone lives here, if you’ve come all this way to kill me, you won’t mind taking this outside?”

 

[Varis]

As the battle at Mandalore raged a few of the Sith Acolytes were dispatched to sweep the streets surrounding the place of the main battle, retake them and establish outposts before the Mandalorians could.

Varis stormed the streets with a squadron of Sith soldiers flanking him and shooting eliminating anything that seemed as a potential threat while Varis tried to cover the front. Two of the Sith soldiers shot down a male trying to run into his apartment and other three went inside and brought out a mid 20's male, two females and and older male, holding them at gunpoint.

''These were the only ones inside, the others must have fled before, should be send them back to our camp as prisoners ?'' said one of the soldiers that pointed a gun at the group of civilians.

Varis eyed the group as he approached them. The two females were young, teenagers but their faces weren't those of children. A fiery rage burning on them as they watched the cloaked Sith figure that approached them. Their invader, their butcher, the evil off worlder.

He glanced at the two girls, a standard Sith issued acolyte mask obscuring his face.
''No.
Execute them all.'' He said as he walked away from the group.

''You murdering bastards, I hope you all get slaughtered here!'' one woman screamed as the other one pulled a knife and turned on the soldiers. Such an effort would bare no fruit in this situation and the woman probably knew that, wanting to go down fighting as the Sith squad fired and shot all of them down.

''These are Mandalorians officer.'' Varis said ''Male, female, old or young, you should assume each has enough skill to at least attempt to kill you when they have the chance.'' he explained as the Sith squad continued forward.

Varis was far from okay with actions that he had performed with the Sith, ,he could feel the pain he inflicted upon these people, he felt it himself but he had tried his best, to shut down his heart, shut off his guilt as much as possible and not allow himself to waver, for the greater good of everyone...

Making their way forward the Sith Squad approached a seemingly working bar and Varis instructed one of the soldiers to check for hostiles and threats inside. The Soldier went inside while ten others waited in a formation outside with Varis stading behind them.

 

[Miha Archan]

When Miha’s last request was interrupted by a lone Sith Soldier stepping through the door. “Well, Spook, looks like someone’s arrived to poach your game.” He said, pointing to the lone solider “Find your captain friend, tell him you need more men.”

 

[Xzaien]

​

It was a bit of a surprise to everyone that boot-steps were suddenly heard outside some meters away. Just as the conversation began it was suddenly abruptly ended as the Barkeep attempted to escape through the backdoor he coming face to face with a towering suited bloke who blocked his path and almost literally pushed him back in while using his body to block the only exit left. He stood there, sunglasses over eyes while staring down at this barkeep who had this look of confusion emblazoned on his face. Nevertheless one of Xzaien's white armored troopers stepped forward. He seemed to differ from the rest by having a singular red stripe go down the left side of his helmet. He spoke:

"Ma'am, We have company outside. Looks like Sith Troopers."​

Xzaien only turned her head toward the man briefly before nodding. She turned around in her chair to face the door which in no doubt one man would be sent forward from the Sith's Lines as a expendable scout. Xzaien had also planned for this it appeared as she then rattled off a few orders toward her followers in a calm if not outright collected fashion. She gestured while she spoke.

"If they decide to disrupt our meeting, draw them back and we will hold them here. Sergeants Upsilon and Gren take four men each and see if you can get a surrounding system on these Sith Troopers. Captain in the meantime order your men who are not guarding the windows and front door to take position behind the booths and tables. Overturn them if you have to. Do not fire unless they make it their intention to silence everyone in this building. Agents, do what you do best."​

Xzaien finished her spiel quickly and in a proper commanding tone. Almost as if there was a match stricken eight men hopped the counter and left through the backdoor, and the tall suited men seemingly vanished out from the bar utterly. Leaving the rest of the featureless armored troops in defense position. Meanwhile it was deadly silent in the restaurant. If a pin would drop everyone would be able to hear it. All that was left was the sound of footsteps getting closer and closer. Until it was directly at the door.

​

The door opened slowly and sheepishly before being literally thrown open. There stood a Sith Trooper who sort of kind of looked shocked. He stood there rifle in hands and slowly walked in and shut the door behind him he then stared as he was suddenly greeting with about thirty blokes with weapons all trained on him. He sort of well, lets just put it as "Screamed" as he suddenly dropped the rifle and put his hand up. Guy was clearly not expecting to walk into a room and then get face punched with about thirty blaster rifles. He seemed to look toward Miha while he spoke. In the meantime Xzaien nodded to her followers.

"Go, and do tell your Commander that we in here do not wish for hostilities."​

Xzaien only responded with a pleasant mini conversation while she allowed the man to literally turn tail and run back to his mates. Xzaien's followers only then entered some kind of relaxed state. Xzaien on the otherhand returned to conversing with Miha while she rotated back toward him.

"Now, I know of your exploits, and I seek no quarrel. However, I believe I may have a use for your services."​

@belligerentProle
@Six

 

[Miha Archan]

"You have use for me?" Asked Miha, scratching his chin "Well, I've got no use for you. You've got nothing to offer me, and if you know my exploits, you know what happens to people who try to force my hand." His hand dropped from his face and pointed towards the door, "Don't make me throw you out."

 

[Varis]

The scout soldier let out a startled scream and immediately the rest of the squad outside raised their weapons and entered a combat stance. None of them took a shot though, giving it a few seconds since there were no sounds of blaster fire or combat from inside the bar. The soldier came out of the bar, alive and well and adressed his comrades.

''Armed forces inside, about a dozen of them from what I've seen. Also a few residents. They.. they said that they didn't wish for any hostilities.''

''Were they Mandalorians ?'' Varis asked

''Not from the looks of it, their armor didn't look like anything Mandalorians wore and they seem to be in command of a Cathar woman that was sitting inside.''

Varis remained silent as he weighed the options in his head. They weren't Mandalorians, they couldn't have been, Mandalorians would have taken this opportunity to attack immediately seeing the forces that came to invade them. Who were they though ? Not wishing for hostilities meant that they must have had their own business here and would either not get involved with the conflict on the planet OR would not want to involved in combat with the Sith. Either way a few options were left...

Varis thought about immediately commencing the attack on the structure, letting every one of the soldiers bomb it with thermal detonators to reduce the numbers of the enemy inside, but considering the situation he strangely opted for a different approach.
Clearing the streets was not the only objective of the squadrons sent out for that task, they were also tasked to get to a nearby Mandalorian outpost structure and cut their communications and Varis was intent on using this current situation at hand to aid him in the objective.

''Whoever is in charge of the forces inside this building, step outside.'' The Sith shouted, loud enough to be heard inside.
''You are not Mandalorians and if you do not wish to get hostile with the Sith forces then be assured that we do not want to apply any unnecessary force.''

''As you can tell, none of our men had fired a single shot yet, we hope you're smart enough to take that as a sign of trust.''

 

[Xzaien]

​

It was no surprise that Xzaien had only gotten one more sentence out before the Sith outside began to shout demand. As Miha looked upon her face she almost literally rolled her eyes at the sudden act of demands from the outside. The Cathar literally turned the char back around, and stood back up. She listened at the demands for a few minutes while her followers watched her grimace. She was impressed that the man outside was listing out demands and whom was none the wiser to his current pickle.

Xzaien only raised her right arm to her head. She spoke into it with a somewhat commanding tone.

"Reveal yourselves once the entry team exits the building, but do not fire a single shot." ​

Following said instructions she gave to unseen goons she looked toward the Captain, who was still holding his blaster rifle at the ready position. Upon the sudden gaze of the Cathar he stiffened up and nodded in her general direction.

"Orders madam?"

"Yes, Take three of your best men and travel outside. Let the Sith know that we seek proper no hostiles and that we will have no qualms about defending ourselves if needed. Also- Do invite him in for some wine."

"Copy that- Steppenwolffe, Boxcars and Radzig on me now. Keep those blasters at your sides gentlemen." ​

​

And with that, The three stepped outside linked out and prepared to walk outside. With the rest of the squadron defending them the Captain opened the front door and stepped through flanked by three white armored troopers. A difference to the regular troopers reported was that these three troopers flanking the Captain wore an oddly bulky set of armor with some kind of electrical device located on their backs. Save for that, their armor was white, featureless, and angular likely as a mechanism to deflect incoming rounds. They still sported the exact same style of helmet as seen on the regular troopers, but it was far more angular and seemed to cover more of the head. Only the upper and lower lips were seen as they peered to the front. Two by the Captain's Side and one to his rear. In the meantime, Several Suited goons appeared from the rooftops of the buildings and to the Sith Platoon's rear. In all intent and purposes they were boxed in. Each Suited goon sporting his own slimmed down blaster rifle and a striped bandanna to cover his face.

​

The Captain seemed to act cordial enough. His body language suggested that they were infact friendly and willing to commence possibly pleasant conversation. If the Sith could sense intent, then his senses would call to him indicating that their words are spoken true.

"Greetings Sith, It appears that we have not exactly met on the... best of terms I presume? If I may humbly ask. If you would join our Mistress for some wine and perhaps speak of of business? If you choose to leave us, we will let you leave. However, if we are fired upon we will return fire. So lets keep this civil. I humbly request so." ​

The Captain spoke with a small Inner Core drawl, It would seem he was from a Noble class judging by his mannerisms that being standing bolt upright and with his hands at his sides. The rest of his mates were also standing guard watching the front ranks of the Sith's Troopers. However the Suited men who stood at the rooftops had no weapons pointed at them. It was up to the Sith to announce to his men to lower their weapons. A strange event would occur however as one of the Sith's Privates suddenly appeared nearby the Acolyte. He too began to speak after offering a short bow to him.

"My Lord, I have reason to believe that we are dealing with members of the Medriaasi. I strongly suggest that we keep things peaceful. We have all reasons to believe that there are many more among these ruins."​

He stood nearby just incase the Acolyte wished to choke him to death or cut him down with his sword. It would appear this Sith Private knew the risks and is willing to die to prevent the deaths of his brothers.

 

[Varis]

As the armored goons came out with a rather polite answer Varis realized that he had made the right decision about approaching this situation. The soldiers were outnumbering them by a good margin and were heavily armored, any attacks (even the surprise bombing of the bar with thermal detonators that had crossed his mind) would have most likely result in more casualties on the Sith side than theirs.

One of the soldiers addressed the masked Sith acolyte in command of the squad.

''Medriaasi ?'' Varis thought to himself.

He was not familiar with this term but remained silent towards his comrade. Even without his insightful advice he would have already decided not to engage in another battle on the hostile grounds were one battle was already raging.

''You can lower your guns... We're not fighting here.'' The Sith calmly said as he made his way inside the bar, the squad of soldiers following him inside.

Inside, an interesting site to behold. A Cathar woman, flanked by even more soldiers and a man sitting next to her on the counter. It was quite obvious the Cathar was the one in charge of these unknown forces.

''That's quite the impressive troop you've got there. They don't look like the Sith army nor the Galactic Alliance forces... and they're definitely not Mandalorians.'' he said calmly, the last part coming out almost jokingly. ''Mind if I ask who or what are you aligned with ?'' he asked the Cathar as he casually strolled around a few tables.

''Excuse my intrusion, but seeing that you're in the middle of a war zone our army is conquering and you have no intention of fighting us off it is only natural that one's curious about your particular situation. I'm sure you understand.''

 

[Xzaien]

Quick and concise. That was what Xzaien liked about her followers all loyal and blunt. Nevertheless she had new business to attend to just as the Captain radioed back into Xzaien that he had managed to negotiate a cease fire with Sith Troops and a Sith Acolyte. A true feat of charisma. Meanwhile as the Sith had walked in his hands held at his sides did he see the depths of the group inside. About twenty white armored troops with their blaster rifles slung over their shoulders. It would appear that most of them did infact listen to Xzaien's decree to lower their weapons once the cease fire was arranged. Xzaien turned around in her seat and stood up, her white furred face seemingly glowing in the quite dark bar and restaurant. She took note of the squad of Sith Troopers who came in, ensuring that each of them also had their rifles slung over their shoulders.

She looked toward the Sith instantly recognizing the smell of Acolyte from seemingly the moment they met. If Varis even could bring his eyes to bear on the short Cathar, he would be greeted with an extremely angular and refined face seemingly flawless save for obvious signs of Dark Side corruption etching across her face. She had on a cordial smile with one hand extended and visible by her side, while the other was hidden underneath a scarlet red cloak. She listened to Varis talk before she herself spoke.

"Magnificent aren't they. For non sensitives they do their job quite well. To whom I am aligned to? I cannot say dear Sith. However I am sure one of your followers knows exactly. So do allow him to speak."

She locked eyes with the Sith Private who spoke outside. By now his helmet was off and held at his side with his forearm bracing it against his hip. He looked at Varis, seemingly confused but then continuing his explanation from before.

"Why- Y.. Yes. As I was saying my Lord. These are Medriaasi Troops. The best and brightest of troopers hailing from either the Empire or Rebel worlds. Aside from that I don't know anything more My Lord."

If Varis happened to take a closer look around. Several of the Troopers, a good five of them all had Red Markings on their uniforms, and what looks like extra armor plating located on their chests. All of their helmets were off and they oddly... looked identical. They all were clones of the same man but with small differences such as a different haircut or facial tattoos. They were watching intently with at least two of them resting their hands on their blaster pistols at their sides.

In the meantime, Xzaien spoke up again.

"Of course it was never my intention to come to a war zone out of the simple aspect of wanting to. If you would have a seat so that we may discuss more formally, I shall greatly appreciate it. And do tell your men to lower their arms, they are safe here. I can guarantee that."
​

@Six

 

[Miha Archan]

"Well, I think I’ve seen all I need to see." Said Miha, standing up from his stool and brushing a few loose pieces of dirt from his cloak before slipping his shorter scabbard from his sash, holding it loosely by his side as he continued. “I’m a professional with standards, I keep things honest, simple. So let's keep this simple.” He raised his arm, pointing at the Cathar woman with the pommel of his sword “You’ll start by telling me your name, what you want, and what you’ll offer me in return.” His arm drifted towards the young Captain of the Imperial Forces that now occupied the cramped bar as he continued, “And once she's done, you will let me by without incident. Any issues with my terms?”

 

[Xzaien]

Xzaien had turned back around to get a look at Miha. Apparently she caught him attempting to stand up however not reaction just simply holding a base cordial look on her white furred face. She had no quarrel with him that is until he stood up and drew his sword in the direction of Xzaien initializing a response by her men to... promptly unslung their rifles and take aim at his self. The Sith Troopers on the other-hand did the same this time eliciting a response by the Sith Troopers.

"DROP THE SWORD!"​

Xzaien's troops on the other-hand did not say a ward, the previously unhelmeted Troopers already wearing their T-Visored Plastoid Helmets. They seemed to be waiting for Miha to either do some really stupid like charge Xzaien or make a run for it. Judging by the flipping of approximately half of the rifles on stun it would seem that if he decided to take they'll attempt to subdue him nonlethal however nonlethal it may be.

"The Captain"​

Xzaien on the other hand was most impressed by this display yet somehow disappointed in a minor way. Judging by her swift change of expression from cordial to serious things were now starting to escalate beyond simple talks. A talk at gunpoint being the most likely thing. In the corner the Captain who once stood with his helmet off swiftly drew a pistol on Miha. With his other hand ordering the rest of the Troopers to move forward slightly, that they did encroaching on Miha a few inches at a time.

Xzaien finally spoke, this time unlatching her crimson red cloak to split straight down the middle to reveal her armor. A clear blood red segmented plastoid contraption which seemed to fully encapsulate the Cathar's body in a nearly form fitting low profile armor. At her side hung what looked to be a regular sword. However, it was clearly pulsating with some unknown purple light and was half folded into its hilt similar to fold able light-sabers. She changed her voice to something of a serious tone no longer having a cordial friendly twang.

"I see you hold a blazing hatred in your heart Mr. Archan. Your passions drive you to do arguably stupid things. However, you have earned at least one answer. I am Xzaien now that we have formalities out of the way it was never my intention come here to this war zone to kill you. I do infact... have a gift and a proposition if you are willing to answer."​

She slowly approached him, while she did however she reached into a side pouch located on her hip she took something round and circular off it. It glinted briefly in the dingy dark bar light. She handed him the object literally inserting it into his free hand before turning to leave.

"Farewell Mr. Archan I have reason that we may speak yet again in the future. Until then, I bid you farewell and good luck in your future dealings." ​

She'd start walking toward the Sith and his Troopers, who clearly were ready to go for battle. She spoke to him in the similar cordial voice as before. This time with a polite request instead of a proposition.

"Do let him go, He is simply protecting his bar and I seek to not be the cause of unneeded bloodshed. However, you have earned my respect dear Sith. Your presence commands those near to fear and follow. A admirable aspect. However I bid you farewell and good fortune in your future endeavors." ​

With those final words she's exit out the front door, Then trailed by about thirty White Armored Troopers. She'd eventually dissapear into the ruins likely to go to her ship which was hidden some few miles away. Very cryptic that the suited individuals that were on the rooftop had also mysteriously dissipated into the evening. It was as if they weren't even there to begin with.

/exitthread

@belligerentProle
@Six