Exploring the Jungle

[Kori Buor]

Mimban
​

Mud. Mandalorian Protector Aethon Kast hated mud. It got everywhere and stuck to the armor, flightsuit, boots, pouches, weapons, in the jetpack, everything. As he stepped through a knee-high pool of thick, black muck, Aethon didn't just hate being stuck in the mud, he loathed it. Overhead, dark storm clouds rolled with surprising haste through the skies, lightning flashing in the distance issuing a crackling din with each strike. Though he had his helmet on, Aethon was sure the air was heavy with humidity, and the Mandalorian had to wonder for a moment if it would start raining soon. He hoped that it wouldn't be too bad or too long, but given the jungle he had found himself in, he wasn't sure if either of those things would end up being true.

Sighing, Aethon moved between two massive trees whose gnarled roots spread out like spider webs from their trunks, breaking the soft earth and making it seem like the ground was much more uneven when it was simply the roots. Looking at the other Mandalorians who had chosen to join him on this little expedition, the Protector was curious to see how well they'd end up doing today. With all of the mud and humidity, it wouldn't surprise him if tempers flared. If they did, they'd have to learn to work through it and operate as a team. Mandalorians were skilled soldiers, and the lone wolves typically ended up dead. Against the Sith and Jedi, one would have to work as a team if they wanted to survive.

Their purpose for being on Mimban was to do some scouting for the Dominion in hopes of finding a place they could use for a future outpost. Maybe a clearing for a landing pad or listening post; Aethon wasn't entirely sure what, just some place that looked acceptable that they could forward to the Dominion. Humming to himself, Aethon went over their names. "So, it's not so bad right?" Aethon asked over their comms. "I mean, there's the mud and stuff, and it's probably going to rain, but it could be worse!"

@Smike @Radiwalker @MaskedMosquito

 

[Radiwalker]

*Not the best conditions for a recon mission but we can work through this* Vod thought to himself as he follwed at the back end of the small squad. He knew little about the planet they were on and less about his team members. They were mandalorians, however, and that was more than enough for him. The conditions weren't ideal for their task but he could imagine worse scenarios. Nevertheless the tracks they were leaving in the mud were a cause of concern even if it was only animals that could track them, he would prefer to minimize the risk. Covering their tracks would take too long and would slow them down but he had a different idea in mind.

He was wearing his standard issue armor in hist customised colours. His two blaster pistols were holstered on his sides. He preferred to travel light and that helped him in combat too as in increased his agility and speed on which he relied. He wasn't paranoid about running into enemy forces but he liked to be prepared for any eventuality.

"The rain could cover our tracks" - he responded to Aethon who had assumed the leadership position for the mission. Some may think that the position of a leader is the most important one in a team but Vod thought differently. Every role in a team was equally important to him, that is why it's called a team. "However, I think we should walk in single file until it starts raining. I know little about the fauna here but it is good practice to hide our numbers, even if the risk of being attacked is low."

He was trying to stay mindful of their surroundings and build a map of the jungle in his head but it was very difficult. Even to his trained eye everything looked similar and there were no landmarks to memorise and use as guidance. If the rain did erase their tracks they could easily get lost...

@Kori Buor

 

[Smike]

Gazing cautiously up at the sky at every flash of lightning, Var trudged cautiously behind his squadmates, wincing at the thought of his gear in the muck. His pistol was at his side in a holster which would hopefully provide some protection from the elements and the vibroblade strapped to his chestpiece was obviously fine, but his repeater was simply slung over his shoulder. With luck, it would remain operational.

Despite the chance of catastrophic weapons failure, Var was actually actually enjoying the mud. Well, perhaps not enjoyment. The black sludge stuck to everything and was making it hard to move, but it reminded Var of home. Roon was filled with fields of black mud just like this one, and Var was used to it. As he stopped under a massive tree, his keen senses picked up the slight chittering of insects coming from the leaves above. Despite the harshness of the jungle, at least something was alive.

Turning toward his companions, Var took off his helmet and scratched at one of his lopsided ears before putting the helmet on again. "The mud shouldn't be a huge issue for a landing pad. Could probably also build a small outpost. We should keep looking though. I'll take point." With that, he moved to the front of the group, ready to set off again.

 

[Kori Buor]

Looking back at the one who called himself Vod, Aethon Kast smirked and nodded behind his red and gold T-visor. The other Mandalorian had a fair enough point, even though they really wouldn't be encountering any intelligent resistance. Wild beasts on the other hand, they would be a threat to the Mandalorian scouting party. While the trio was more than enough to handle most things, Aethon knew that a large enough beast, or a pack of deadly carnivores could overwhelm them. Unless there was a pack of hyper-intelligent lizards around there, they would be fine. "Alright then. We can transition to a single line, but keep your eyes open. The creatures here could eat a Mandalorian for breakfast, so don't get cocky or complacent. If you die here I won't be bringing your body back for your family."

Glancing at Var as he removed his helmet, Aethon chuckled at the other Mandalorian. "True. You have a fair point, but I think the Dominion would prefer something a bit more reliable and robust. Something we can expand in the future from beyond a simple landing pad with a listening post or barracks. Just keep that in mind!" Moving ahead, Aethon began to wonder whether they would eventually get attacked or if they would be lucky enough to get out unscathed.

Bringing out his rifle, Aethon looked down his sights at what appeared to be a slight flutter in the trees. Looking down his scope, the Protector could see nothing out of the ordinary. Though, if something was going to attack now would be the time. Watching as Var moved ahead to do a little light recon, Ral wondered if it was really necessary at this point, but he wouldn't argue with it. "So, how long have you two been with the Dominion? You guys ready for the war with the Sith."

@Radiwalker @Smike

 

[Radiwalker]

When the third member of the team - Var, took off his helmet, Vod was pleasantly surprised that he did not only have an intimidating body structure, being tall and well-built but was also of a species that could bring terror to the heart of any enemy even in the light of day. Vod would certainly enjoy a healthy fight with someone of such proportions but now was no the time.

Var moved forwards to do more recon, while Aethon seemed to take a firing position. Vod slowly stepped to the side of Aethon, while drawing his own blaster pistols. If they were going to be attacked it would be better if they weren't standing too close together, so they wouldn't cross each-other's firing lines. "Both the sith and the jedi have enough to make for some valuable trophies." Vod said as he smiled under his helmet, he was no fool to rush into battle but that didn't mean he wasn't thrilled by the thought of it.

@Kori Buor @Smike hey, I am back :)

 

[Smike]

Var crouched down slight in the mud, listening intently. Looking around, he spotted nothing out of the ordinary. Mostly satisfied that they were safe for now, Var looked back toward Aethon. "Been a Mandalorian for about six years now. Joined up when I was eighteen, wanted to fight for a free galaxy. I'm definitely looking forward to killing some Sith."

When Vod spoke, Var glanced back toward him. While he knew a bit about Aethon, simply due to his high rank, he had very little knowledge of Vod. It didn't matter much. He was a Mandalorian, and that was good enough for Var.

"How about you guys? Where you born into the Dominion, or did you come from somewhere else like me?"

@Kori Buor @Radiwalker