Ask Garos But First Thing First

[Nox Solus]

Nox had arrived on Garos, specifically at the operating base set up by Solus. The civil war was still raging on the planet, it reinvigorated with the recent independence of FWA systems across the galaxy. It had first started when his clan had invaded but because of injuries and casualties, both sides withdrew from the battle. In fact, the planet was where he had lost part of his leg and he had been unable to press on. The only reason he was able to leave was that both he and the Jedi were within a lethal blow of each other.

While his memories weren't exactly fond of the planet, Nox still recognized his worth and wished to finish what he started. He made a promise to the people of Garos that he would support them and he wouldn't fall back on it.

Even though the war was progressing well, they needed one last final push and that was the reason for his arrival. Not only had reinforcements in the form of Crusaders arrived, but also weapons and munitions. Nox was in the command tent at the operating base and studied a holo-map of the capital city, coordinating with the native forces.

Once the Garos commanders left, Nox would remain in the tent as he had one more thing to resolve. He already had someone go send for her as he would take a seat at the end of the table. With the small window of time by himself, he used it to collect his thoughts. The warrior had joined him in multiple operations, showing skill, efficiency, and resolve. But recently, he had heard reports of her activities outside of her clan and they were worrying. Even though he was bothered by the revelation, he would reserve judgment until she explained her actions.

@Bread

 

[Van'Aria Solus]

Van'Aria had arrived on Garos shortly after the Forward Operating Base was setup overseeing Instruction of a Vod that had earned himself his first stripes of Combat, seeing as though this was a battle personally overseen by the Solus'Alor it would be a great impression on the youth and that she thought would spur a fire within the young man, but that would soon be proven.

Overlooking idle fortifications a Mandalorian approached her and her Vod and curiously enough she was not expecting someone, it was only when they spoke the reason for their visit that she raised her head ever so slightly to regard the words.

<"Van'Aria Solus? Solus'Alor cuyir aya'na gar. Bal nayc, bic va subay parer.">

<"Mhi pabida at urcir Solus'Alor?!">

"Ij, bid kaysh ganar dagine."

Without another word to either her Vod or the Mandalorian sent to get her she put herself into motion, her Vod being the only one frantically trying to keep up with her, she had a purposeful pace and the way she moved through encampments was... it was with purpose and direction, it didn't take long until she arrived infront of the Command Tent and just afore she was going to slip inside she gestured for her Vod to stay here.

A brief moment of pause came before her larger frame slipped into the Tent, she scanned the tent briefly from side to side until her visor nestled on Nox, a few thoughts rushed through her mind one more pressingly, his wellbeing which was shortly afterwards dismissed by her look upon the Holo Map, she placed both her hands behind her back as she slowly strode forwards her gaze completely settled on the Map, she saw possibilities, angles of approach but didn't comment.

When sufficient moments of silence passed she slowly turned her head to him.

"Meg joha narir gar jatne emuurir?"

@Orbit

 

[Nox Solus]

After a few minutes, Aria finally entered the tent and left just the two of them, per se. Red Eyes, Nox's albino badger would step out from behind his chair to get a view of the fellow Solus. She would take a few steps to the side before simply falling on her side, her crimson gaze still lined on the Mandalorian.

Silence fell between them as Aria chose to inspect the map first before turning her attention to him, asking him which tongue to use. In response, he slowly stood up from his seat before giving a wave of his hand to indicate she didn't have to stand so straight. Nox would only take a couple of steps before planting himself on the table, his arms crossing over his chest as their visors locked with each other.

Instead of answering her question completely, Nox would just speak in one language to answer her question, "I need you to explain yourself because I have no idea what to think of you." There was a scale within him that couldn't find balance, the question being whether to trust her or to not trust her. "You've joined me at Ubrikkia, Bannistar, and now Garos. You've campaigned with the clans as well," his tone was appreciative at first as her involvement had spared Mandalorian lives being spent. However, when he spoke next, the appreciation from before slipped away with ease, "But then I've seen reports of you spotted with Dar'manda and the Mandalorians that followed him." Nox couldn't help but wonder what her reasoning was; if it was because of him or something else entirely. Normally, he would have been furious but she had earned his respect and it tempered his emotions.

"You've earned the right to explain yourself before I do anything rash. This is your moment to take it." Nox's gaze would just idly be staring at her as if piercing through her helmet and able to see her face itself.

 

[Van'Aria Solus]

She could feel it, the radiating conflict, he wanted to reprimand her but understand at the same time however he should know the underlying motive all too well, Kotii was Solus, Dar'manda or not, she wouldve done the same for Nox had he been in the same situation, but not only was Kotii a Solus, he was Mandalorian and that is what changed the playing fields, she looked around the Tent briefly as if to confirm they were indeed alone, infact she made certain noone would idly step inside by walking to the fauld that was used to enter and leave clipping it shut, they would hear if someone had intentions to enter.

She then slowly regarded him her posture betrayed that she had no secrets afore him and when she stepped to the left past the Table to stand just about infront of him was when their Conversation continued, visor peered into visor it was a fierce yet disciplined exchange.

"Sruce'ne daab gar nalku'na ibac tionas cak. Ni kar'taylir gar ganar. A Ni motir teg lti'uba gar cavu'a. Gar vercopa at cuyir ayalya be bic, motir teg bic."

She then did something that could be seen many ways but Nox, above everyone, should know that what she did was something that a Mandalorian only did to someone they trusted completely, it was a immense showing of respect, for she placed both hands upon either side of her Helmet before lifting it off her Head.

Spoiler

"Lait jima Ni gaa'tayl gar? Narir gar chaab ibac Ni ner teg gar? Nayc. Ni cuyir Solus. Bic cuyir ner dabr at motir ti ner Vod bal Vod. Bal cuyir kaysh va vod mr? Kaysh jimeh narir tase par gar ganar gar cuyir o'r kaysh naritir. Kaysh garay va tarja at or'parguur gar, gar hwa kar'taylir ibac, meh kaysh liser kaysh malyasa'yr akaanir ti mhi. Ni kar'taylir ibac Ni gatle narir."

Her Visage, much akin to his body was hardened, scarred, a long mark along her neck the testament that she had seen battle even beyond her Armor, her deep purple pupils radiated into him with almost mystical purpose, it was hard to read her expression as it was as stern as her Helmet however something in her tone betrayed that she could not be hard,on him, even if she tried.

"Meh gar tionas cuyir meh Ni bu'la'ya kat ti meg mhi narir? Nayc. Ni bu'la'ya kat ti meg mhi narir bic par. Mhi cuyir Mando. Cuun Smakiryi'a cuyir nuskr bal asas be gter mhi cuyir a ceratir Ra'gr ka'kra'a de eo ibac cuyir va o' Mando. Meg Ni copaanir? Par cuun adate at olaror tome gupu sto, at cuyir meg mhi ratiin cuyir, at be'ida asas solus asas mhi ratiin ganar. Meg pirimmur narir mies e'yar'e akaanir ganar meh val malyasa'yr cuyir cuun gatadr? Tion'jor cuyir lary'atayi tion'tuur mhi ganar kot at motir bat cuun srukre meh shi mhi jivaor ruyot Ha'yr par gupu?"

She asked this whilst taking a step forwards, shaking her head lightly.

@Orbit

 

[Nox Solus]

Nox remained silent when Aria first spoke but agreed internally with her that clarity was desperately required. What came after surprised him as she proceeded to slip off her helmet in order to reveal her features. The Solus knew what it meant to remove it, especially since he had only removed his helm for one person since he followed The Way. The face underneath was that of a warrior, a Solus, one scar pronouncing that claim as it extended from her neck and went underneath her armor. Even though he understood the weight the action held and appreciated the trust from her, it should have been a sight he was happy to see but it only confused his thoughts more about what to do.

But as she continued to speak, that anger that had been known to present itself quickly, started to flare within him. The arms that had been across his chest would unfold as his hands would grip the table on both sides of him. Almost without his knowing, his grip would tighten around the desk to the point his gloves crinkled. What lies had he fed her during this rescue of hers? The more it was spoken like he was just in some unfortunate situation, struck the Alor's nerves in ways he hadn't experienced before. Nox had seen his choice first hand and how it wasn't to stand with them. The fact it was being twisted in such a way enraged him.

As Aria stepped closer, Nox would stand up and to his full height as he let go of the table. He would take a step away, glancing outward for a moment as he shook his head before returning his gaze to her, "He had the choice to stand with us when the Sith arrived and chose to leave the planet. What you believe you know is not what I've actually seen him do. What you've done doesn't undermine me, it undermines everyone else too by helping the side that still actively fights us. " He would halt in his place, a respectable distance once more acquired as he spoke, "He would not have done the same for me nor would I have expected him to. He is Dar'manda, he does not have the right to receive our help, whether he is a Solus or not. That is a right he must earn back, if ever, not because we pity him for the choices he made." It did not matter whether Kotii hated him or vice versa, he was a lost soul and he had to find his own way.

Nox could only shake his head when it came to her telling them they were all just puppets. He gestured around him before rhetorically asking, "Who's hand has wielded us like a spear but my own? Where are the Sith here or on Mandalore ordering us what to do? Every choice and attack we have made has been made by me. We are doing this for ourselves and that's it. The Sith have given us an opportunity and all we have done is capitalize on it. You speak of internal fights being our downfall, but yet here you are, going behind my back to help the Dar'manda." A level of trust had been built between them but that foundation had grown unstable in the past few days. While he could understand what her intentions were, he had no idea where her loyalties truly lay. It bothered him deeply to have found out it had been one of his own, specifically Aria, but his respect for her prevented him from doing anything drastic yet.

Nox would take a step forward, closing the distance between them as his visor gazed into her exposed eyes. "Because of my gratitude and respect for what you've done before, I am going to offer you this; the moment you leave this tent, you will have decided whether you support the Manda'lor or the Dar'manda. If you choose to remain here and help, I will forget about what happened and we proceed as normal with the invasion. But if there is a report or even of a whisper of you helping him after this point by your own doing, then you can join him in exile." Nox's voice was stern, a tone that indicated that this would be the only choice she would have to make. He hoped she would choose the right decision but it would be completely up to her.

Nox would take a step to the side and past her, leaving them shoulder to shoulder as he glanced over at her, "You'll get a couple of minutes, though I assume you won't need that much time. I'll be waiting outside." With that, Nox would hold his gaze on her for another moment before departing from the tent.

 

[Van'Aria Solus]

She didn't understand, she was baffled at the response, there was so much anger in the Man for no reason she could relate to, it felt as though bringing the mention even up was enough to send him over the edge, the words she spoke felt to her more like they were laced with sorrow than anger, regret almost, she tried to understand him but he hid all of it behind his hard hitting words and attempts at chastizing her, it was for naught for it only reassured her of the truths in her head.

"Then how come he saved my life when I almost gave mine for his?"

She gestured to the Scar, she received it when she interposed herself infront of the defenseless Badger she had broken out, she carries that mark and she does not make a notion of regret about it, he may hold his thoughts about Kotii but her bond to the Solus Clan, former or not was stronger than to hold grudges, she had a firm belief she could stop the fighting, THEY could stop the fighting but deep inside a fear of inevitable confrontation rose.

However she gave no second retort, it was only when Nox began speaking of the Mand'alor that he could see her normally neutral features contorting into apprehension, the more he spoke on it the more twisted that notion became until eventually she averted her gaze briefly, her fists clenched and her body rigid she had to choose her following words very carefully.

"And subject you to more pain is that it? What good would it do if I were to leave like a coward and live in Exile? My Duty lies with Solus, it always has and always will."

She spoke just as he made his way for the Exit, her voice firm and collected, she had made a choice in her mind, one that she was sticking to no matter what came and at what cost, she stood with Solus the one true thing that gave her guidance, a purpose, however if she could stand with the Mand'alor she did not know.

It was shortly afterwards that it dawned on her, everything slowly came together, however there was a question in her mind that she herself did not dare to answer it was not for her to answer but rather for her to question him directly.

"Nox. Stop."

She called after him, this was the first time that she called him by his first name, normally she addressed him formally but this time she had called out personally, her voice did not command... nor did it sound firm. It was a plea, her eyes were trained firmly at the back of his Helmet she didn't know if she was ready for the questions she wanted to ask but she steeled herself well enough, it was uncommon for her to feel uneasy, but this time she did.

 

[Nox Solus]

Nox saw no need to answer her question as she had practically answered it herself. She had broken him out and was a capable warrior and the attempt to raise the idea of him saving her in the process was a futile one for him. He was angry because of the tired excuse that they were a tool. She was practically telling him to his face that he was a puppet when every decision has been made by mandalorians and for mandalorians. Fuel was also added to the fire just because it was Aria in the first place who had done this. A trust had started to be built between them but that became strained the moment she went behind his back.

The Solus could see her intentions being pure but in his eyes, she said one thing while her actions did another. Nox had stepped past her by the point she asked what good it would do to be exiled. He would halt for a brief moment, his head half-turned toward her so he could see her out of the corner of his eye, "What good would it do? It would ensure I have trustworthy people around me." Nox couldn't understand how it was viewed so lightly by her, especially with not even telling anyone of the Solus.

After the question was asked, he would simply face forward before stepping forward again. He only managed a few steps before Aria spoke again, this time telling him to stop. Nox would turn fully around this time, his gaze slowly centered back on her eyes as he didn't say anything at first. Just from the way he stood, she would be able to tell that she better have arrived at a choice and words carefully chosen when it came to the Dar'manda.

 

[Van'Aria Solus]

"I can't come to the conclusion as to how my choice matters so much to you. You speak with such volumes yet you leave me to choose for you. If you have things to tell me you had best do so."

She put it blunt and direct, she could not wrap her head around how she was viewed differently from any other Mandalorian that Nox had met, even if she had helped him before, he had a reputation to uphold and not doing what he had to considering her actions made her question if there was more to it than simple trust, she wondered if he couldn't afford to lose her.

"I understand if you wish to not entertain such thoughts."

She reassured him that simply saying nothing was an option aswell, shaking her head briefly she made intentions to slide her Helmet back on, which she did in a swift and rigorous motion, she then stepped towards him unless stopped whilst speaking stopping just a few inches afore him.

"If you wish him dead, point. If you wish for things to cease, speak. Just remember that I am Mandalorian, just as you are and I will provide to my Clan until there is nothing more to provide. But when the time comes even I will have a different purpose, just as you will in due time, I can see it."

She enphasized the last part by pointing directly at him before following up, if he did not obstruct her she wouldve tapped into the very middle of his breastplate, as if to point to his heart.

"You are destined for more than you may think, Solus. Sometimes however, you must allow your body to rest aswell."

She stated simply, it should be clear that her decision had been made but the question posed with it was curious, she took it with more pride than most Mandalorians it was as if she put everything into Tradition and Honor, Nox as a capable Leader should know that such principles bred the most loyal of people in existence.

"Now then, I believe we have War to wage."

If he had no objections she would gesture for him to lead on.

 

[Nox Solus]

Aria questioned why he was allowing her to make a choice and his answer was quite simple. "For a vast part of our people's history, we've been forced and ordered to do things by others. I will not force you to stand beside me, that is up to you." Even if she decided to side with the Dar'manda, then that would be her decision. He knew if he made her stay against her will, something ugly would fester and their people didn't need any more reason to separate.

She would then close the distance between them but Nox remained where he stood, his visor still locked on her eyes until she put back on her helmet. From the way she viewed it, her answer somewhat surprised him but he was glad for it. Every single person was valuable and every single one was needed for what was to come in the future. It eased his worries quite a bit but once again, he wanted to witness it before he gave her his complete trust again. The fires had been put out at least.

Instead of speaking up after, he remained silent, even letting her place the finger against his chest as she claimed he was destined for great things. Nox almost shifted uncomfortably with that but realized what was happening around him. With Fenyang's disappearance, more eyes have fallen onto him for leadership. He had compartmentalized by just transforming it all to strategy, where to apply force, available targets, supply, and whatever else he could. But with her pointing it out so openly, he realized what that actually meant and he felt the weight collect on his shoulders slowly.

Thankfully, Aria brought up that they had a war to win and his focus easily and thankfully snapped to that instead. But not thrown off by it, Nox stated one last time to make it absolutely clear between them, "Then it is known now. The Dar'manda is on his own from this point." It was a simple way to put it but he knew he wouldn't need to add or clarify anymore. The tension would slowly dissipate from him as he gave her a nod, "Let's go wage it."

The Alor would turn back toward the exit and open it before stepping through and the signal it was time to go. Nox would use his long stride and make his way over to the landing pads and assembling ships.

 

[Van'Aria Solus]

Just as the talk died down, she nodded to herself letting her final thoughts settle on what decision had been made, yes she had helped the Dar'manda but this should give him pause when he seeks to sabotage the Crusade which is why, should the time ever come she will endeavor to be the one to confront him at all costs.

"Solus has moved as you planned already, our people stand at the ready. If we move with great success on this endeavor we will be able to take multiple points of Interest that could be very valueable."

As they both walked almost in tandem, Van'Arias Vod stepped forwards as if to inquire what happened however their eyes fell on the Solus'alor immedietly, they had not seen them before and it was a if they met someone mythical, holding onto Van'Arias Vibro-ax he stood there, mesmerized but it was not overlong until Van'Aria reclaimed her weapon using it almost like a symbol as she walked with the Alor.

"Go and get yourself equipped, the time for inaction is over."

She gestured for her Vod to get themselves ready who... despite still dazed from the experience eventually took off in a hasty jog.

"Where do you plan to strike first?"

She asked as they began closing in on the Landing Pads which were bustling as they were already, there was much to do and Mandalorians werent particularely fond of standing overly idle.

"Our main priority should be the Schools and Universities, they would grant a significant boon to our ongoing recruitment efforts, I would see to it that as soon as the fighting is over a Training Facility is raised. This could help with publicity and our public image as well, if we have the ability to offer proper education alongside battle, it could attract more to the cause."

Her thoughts went to the schooling facilities, especially the Universities, they would be of paramount value in the coming days, it could increase their education rates and serve as a vital part of their ongoing training and recruitment efforts.

 

[Nox Solus]

The pair moved through a camp, an active bustle to the entire area as crusaders prepared for the eventual battle. Aria told him that their forces were in position and would only need the signal to be unleashed. As she pointed out, Garos was quite rich in value but they needed to take it one step at a time. "These people are fighters. It won't be an easy great success." Then Nox gave a slight shrug, "But it wouldn't be fun if it was easy." There was certainly a difference between pirates and a government military.

Nox's gaze would flick to the Vod that approached, noticing how the young man just stared at him, even with the helmet. Amused by his reaction, the Solus would just completely fixate his gaze on the Vod, holding it there until he glanced back and forth between the two subtly, uncomfortable with the attention. After the ax was handed off, Nox couldn't but glance over at the massive weapon, clearly seeing the taste that Aria had. It wasn't a bad one, to say the least. "Not bad," the words said with a slight appreciation as he preferred blades.

Stepping onto the landing pads, they would see crusaders slowly file into the gunships and shuttles. Asked about their first strike, Nox would stop outside of the shuttle before he filled her in, "Right now, the manufacturing and agriculture districts support and fight with us. That leaves Zila, the waterfront district, that supplies most of the government and its forces. They receive those supplies through drop-offs and trade along the water and ship them to the front." The Solus would then give a couple of smacks to the shuttle behind him, really indicating the small fleet of them around the pair. "We take out the ports and cut off their supply, to say the least, they won't be in a good position." The plan was rather simple but it could finally be underway because a sizeable force of crusaders arrived.

The shuttle doors would open behind Nox and he would turn before stepping onto the craft, "Time to go." All of them were antsy, including him. The attack wouldn't be only conducted by the Solus as well, Garos PD fighters lifting into the air before the shuttles.

 

[Van'Aria Solus]

He raised a valid point, albeit one that she dismissed almost directly, if both of them were boots on the ground the odds would be heavily tipped into their favor, Leadership and Logistics win Battles not a fancy Sword or big Blasters, just when they stepped onto the Landing pads was when Nox spoke more thoroughly about their Battle Plan.

"Cut off trade and we wont have to push... smart, that gives us options later on, push at a greater risk or starve them out in a siege, the siege being less of a strain on us as it puts noone at danger."

She played the scenario in her head, if this was the in an out for the force they were facing she had to make sure everyone was aware that what they will go up against will likely be the best the opposing side can offer as this strategic point of interest is vital to the defense and cannot be lost.

"We move swift and hard then, the Mandalorian way. It shouldn't be overstated that we will meet heavy resistance therefore be sharp and stick together, alone we are strong, together... unstoppable."

She entered the Shuttle alongside Nox who would notice... that the Vod that followed Van'Aria the entire time stepped in with them aswell, he was young... incredibly young and didn't speak a word ever since his mentor retrieved their weapon from him, knowing Nox was likely curious Van'Aria would enlighten him on this Vod's purpose.

"It is his first real battle, he will earn his first stripe today and become truely Mandalorian. Be not alarmed by his uneasyness when pushed I have seen him do things that I have seldom seen in a Trainee of mine-"

<"Your teachings are the rea-">

"YOU owe your prowess only to yourself, not me, nor the Alor. We are but guiding lights, the crucible from which Steel is forged."

The Vod interjected her but he was smattered down by a counter argument that could be taken multiple ways, she didn't like crediting herself, infact she experienced a certain amount of self reflection each time someone wanted to thank but in her eyes... what she did was never enough, she always believed that there could be more... or that she could have worked more efficiently, its ironic, with the amount of times that she tells Nox to take it easy on himself she pushes herself day in day out, the hypocrisy was bemusing to onlookers that saw through it.

"Do you want to rouse the troops?"

She asked Nox questioningly, it was almost as if she asked if it was necessary or if he found it appropriate, she was more than capable but with her not being the leading authority she found it not right unless asked to do so.

 

[Nox Solus]

Once he entered the shuttle, Nox turned around and lowered himself into a crouched position. He pulled out his knife, the blade twirled between his fingers before he brought it to the cheek in his helmet, routinely carving along the curvature as he habitually did. The blade stopped halfway when he noticed the Vod from earlier stepping onto the shuttle as well, the Solus casting a quick glance at him and then Aria before returning it forward.

Nox knew that Aria was selective and further explanation wasn't required on her Vod's skill, just naturally believing it. Though, he would see himself in this coming battle. When she compared them to guiding lights and "the crucible which the steel is forged," he couldn't help the smirk spreading underneath his helmet. Aria also had a way with words, to say the least, and the difference in their dialect was sometimes comical to him.

When asked if he wanted to rouse the troops, his gaze slid back up to Aria before it returned back to front. After a quick debate, a shake of his head would be given, "They all know what they need to do. If you wish to give one, however, by all means." Solus was always ready, if everything went according to plan or if it even went all to shit. The shuttle door opened, they would be able to see the landscape turn from grass and hills to water, indicating they were drawing nearer to their target.

The shuttles would fly in formation above the water, lowering their altitude slowly so that they wouldn't be picked up on scanners. It would only be so long before they started to receive AA fire but the closer they could get, the better.

 

[Van'Aria Solus]

She ducked her head towards him, she didn't mean no disrespect but regardless these words were only meant for him.

"I understand that they are briefed but sometimes hearing your Leader say a few words can go a long way, they look up to you, Nox. I dont need to tell you that for you to see that. Show them that you are the shining beacon sometimes."

Her tone was somber, not berating, she only meant it good and whilst she could do it herself she refrained, it was not her place to do so and she already overstepped once around Nox, she wasn't keen on doing it again.

"A Query, for you."

She directed to Nox, albeit one of the worst places to ask questions in she did so regardless snickering to herself in her head, the rumble of incoming fire erupting and the rattle of gear on every Mandalorian around them began to sound like a rythmic song, a song of war.

"Is there one that conquered you yet? Life as a Mandalorian can be quick."

She asked indifferent, she wasn't interested, not because Nox wasn't on her radar nor because she didn't like him, there was a different reason, she felt herself... too old to even try, that and she had duties that would not allow a love life.

Their Target came into range, it wasn't much longer until they had to prepare for landing, nevertheless the senior Solus Members were unbothered... they have been through this... time and time again and this was just another routine battle.

 

[Nox Solus]

Nox's gaze was centered on the vast blue ocean underneath as he watched the waves crash against each other without remorse. Aria then commented on the purpose of speeches, which earned a silent half glance from him before returning his focus to water. It didn't earn a snap from him, these words not as grievous as trying to remind him of considering his people's lives. Giving speeches wasn't something he was unfamiliar with but it also wasn't something that could be easily dredged up from within him. Numerous Invasions have been commenced by his hand, the crusaders that joined him today having personally joined him across multiple campaigns. These made them the most experienced warriors that Solus had to offer and both they and Nox knew each other intimately at this point with no words needing to be shared.

When Aria then stated she had a question, Nox once peered over at her before he stood to his full height, his head standing above all the others in the shuttle. She then asked her question but it slammed into him like a truck unexpectedly. He hadn't been expecting that and certainly from Aria but he instantly got lost in his own thought for the briefest of moments. Images and memories of Shale flooded into his head, them fighting in the mud, joining him in acquiring his dire badger, and both of them removing their helmets in front of each other. They had never given themselves a title or made any claims to each other but whenever he returned home, Nox always found himself by her side whenever he could. There was a pull inside him toward her that even if he tried to smother it, he wouldn't be able to snuff that feeling out.

Even though that all flashed through his mind, the actual time spent would be a couple of seconds before he gave his truthful answer, "Yes, I have been." It was the first time he admitted to it and the words felt good to say as they slipped out of his mouth. Despite his truthful answer, he still held to himself that it was complicated and that he and Shale would have to wait and see what happened between them in the future.

Before the two could add any more to the conversation, AA fire would begin to rip through the air, their shuttle rumbling harshly from the shockwave. All of the transports performed evasive maneuvers to avoid what they could. However, the amount of fire was commendable and both Solus would be able to witness one of the shuttles struck out of the sky as it became a fiery explosion. They would be able to see burning wreckage and bodies skid and crash into the ocean. That's when Nox would finally glance toward Aria, commenting about her suggestion of a speech, "My message will be simple." There was a fury laced to his words over the fact of witnessing his men perish and that the planet was still defending itself from the Mandalorians.

A step forward was taken through the open shuttle door and Nox would simply fall forward through the air, free-falling straight to the water. The Alor would straighten himself out, pencil diving toward the water before he eventually activated his jetpack, flames spewing out. Nox would bank upward and skim along the water, sometimes even smashing through a wave without hesitation as his flight path didn't deviate, straight at the port. Both his beskad and lightsaber would be drawn. both blades dragged through the water momentarily before he held them at his sides. One by one, other Solus would jump out of the shuttle to join and split the targets, a wave of fighters above and a wave of crusaders from below.

 

[Van'Aria Solus]

Van'Aria knew many things, but something that she did not expect from the cold and calculating Solus'Alor was his answer, despite that it was something she respected, something she herself could never come to terms with even if it was one of the basest duties of the Mandalorian people.

Or rather... not anymore, her body stiffened up, she had to forget the things of the past if she were to focus and more importantly forget those that she had lost, it was because of them that she reached so viciously and proudly forwards, it was because of Memory that she let herself not be denied all at the cost of her own identity, it was curious, those that knew her of elder days always proclaim that she was different as if the fierce and vicious Girl they knew was consumed by grief or anger, she let noone close enough anymore to find out building a mighty fortress so that she was no longer vulnerable.

Though it came with its own problems, many looked at her feeling her arrogant, overreaching, she acted selfless to a point where she disregarded anothers approval or denial, if it fit her direction she would do it, and while it was noble to do the right things, disregarding that another might care for another was just as much a problem as a trait.

"I trust whomever it is will be your shining beacon."

She simply replied giving his shoulder a firm squeeze, it was then that both of them witnessed the destruction of another Shuttle, Van'Arias eyes were glued to the exploding plane, a ember smoldering within her burning until it exceeded its kilns walls, a furious feeling of Vengeance one that fueled her very body with energy that was hard to control.

She knew some within the Ship that crashed by name and rank, some veterans, others fresh and new, it mattered naught for they all were swept up the same way, a cruel and grim reality of the Mandalorian Life.

"Gra'tua! Asas nadala asas Tracyn!"

She spoke as she departed the Ship shortly after Nox, it was a bold statement and one that many a Mandalorian with them repeated, those that had "wings" formed up around Nox and surely enough a deadly squadron column formed like a Arrowhead with the tip of it being Nox, a bit further behind on his right was Van'Aria, she contained herself to not overtake him but it was clear enough that with Ax in hand she was ready to repay the favor tenfold.

It would not be overlong until the AA Guns began targeting soft targets and surely enough they would try... but Mandalorians on a course for Vengeance did not back down... they did not retreat, today was a day any who showed resistance would regret.

 

[Nox Solus]

Even as Nox flew through the waves at blinding speed and toward the enemy fire, Aria's last words were repeated in his head. Instead of the battle, it threw his mind back toward Shale and what they were. He felt and knew every fiber of his being wanted to be with her and he tried everything, yet, there still was this... undescribable distance between them. Nox knew her secret and in her turn her reasoning but he had no idea how many times he tried to cover that distance to no avail. His mind became clouded from recent memories as they even filled his vision and the rest of his senses. The sound of the battle simply drowned out.

Lost in his own thought for a few seconds, that's when he would begin to hear someone shouting with concern as he was almost unresponsive to the incoming fire, "Solus'alor!? SOLUS'ALOR!? SOLUS'ALOR!?!?" The voice pulled Nox out of the murky depths of his own thoughts as the sight of the port came in full view, as did the incoming AA fire. He had come in too hot and having just been snapped out of his daze, he immediately banked to avoid being hit but wasn't fast enough.

Nox avoided a direct hit but the explosion from the flak would throw him off course, the force from the explosion spinning him out of control. The world would shift rapidly through his visor, first spotting the ocean, the sky, and fellow Mandalorians, and then the port before it all repeated in a never-ending cycle. The only fact he could make sense of was that he was getting closer and closer to the ground as shouting voices filled his comm but he couldn't discern any of them.

Without warning, Nox would slam into the ground of the port and past the soldiers that had been stationed there in defense. He struck the solid concrete hard, his body rolling over and tumbling on as his jetpack shut off from the impact. Thankfully, he was lucid enough to somewhat try and slow himself down but he would only stop when he eventually slid into a crate that shook upon his impact before settling. Pieces of Nox's armor would be smoking from grazing along the ground, the paint chipped away as he simply groaned, his mouth filled with blood. Unprepared for the crash, he had bit down on his tongue during, thankfully not biting through and severing it. Multiple ribs were broken and for the first moments, Nox just simply couldn't move until feeling slowly regained back to his limbs.

The comms for the Mandalorians would erupt, crusaders and Solus rushing toward their Alor's safety as they took on the guards and tried to find where Nox had crashed. The entire battle plan had been completely thrown in disarray.

@Bread

 

[Van'Aria Solus]

It unfolded infront of her, a rollercoaster of events that shattered the resolve of many a Mandalorian, it made her pause for a moment longer than expected from her, she was lucky enough to be far enough away from Nox to not be caught in the blast and however that was not her current concern, this... this was bad.

She could already hear it blaring into her head, the disarray in formation, everyone was all of a sudden for key leadership, she put herself into a corkscrew spin to break up her own signature, she had her eyes glued on Nox the entire way he fell, it was hard to keep track of for its entierity and most certainly would tax her if she intended to descend and go after him... which she elected to do.

She pressed her limps to herself making herself as aerodynamic as possible before heading full throttle after the tumbling Alor, it was when he landed like a spear that she slowed herself down, incoming fire both forced her to do so and restricted her entry.

"Listen up! Continue with the Battle Plan! We cannot let ourselves crumble now! I will secure the Alor."

<"You? You've found him?">

<"We cant advance without knowing if our Alor is alive! Are you nuts?!">

<"You dont command here.">

"Go on, Run if you so desire, im going regardless and im sure the Alor will love to see you turning your backs. If you're determined to put up a fight you will fall in."

Within a splitsecond decision she pressed forwards, she had made the jump over the enemy perimeter and was now a prime target it was not overlong until she was the one now in their sights but she unlike Nox at the time was focused... determined, there was someone waiting for him at home she would make certain that today was a day he would return there.

"Get those Anti Air Cannons offline! We need to get our Troops landed!"

Her voice erupted over the comms followed by a grunt as a stray blaster bolt from below her hit her chest plating, it held... but for how long was unsure, she swerved a final time until she could see the small crater Nox had landed in, without a second thought she touched down but it seemed she wasn't the only one wishing to investigate.

Two Soldiers were rushing for the Crater weapons drawn and just before they could look down into it two blaster shots hit either of them in the back of the head followed by the sound of a Jetpack disengaging as Van'Aria touched down, she slid down the sides of the Crater until she came up to Nox... the first lookover was enough to tell her it wasn't looking that good.

Pressing both hands to his Shoulders she rolled him onto his back and knelt down, her Blaster placed on the floor near his body where she could reach for it whilst her Ax was nestled on her Back it was clear enough for Nox to see that it was her gazing down at him, she reached up to her Helmet and lifted it off firmly just as she did she whipped around to kill another that approached... stress, determination it all played on her face.

"Come on... you dumbass... not today..."

She mumbled to herself as she looked him over, she reached for his helmet or rather... beneath it feeling his throat more directly taking his pulse.

 

[Nox Solus]

Nox's eyes slowly blinked underneath his helmet, the edge of his vision blackened as he tried to steady himself. Once again, he could hear the comms of others raging against his ear but undecipherable, the noise becoming painful as it practically pounded against his skull. The battle formed a whirlwind around him, blaster bolts soaring ahead and screams that echoed from every direction that only added to his momentary confusion. He attempted to move and lift himself off the ground but none of his limbs beckoned to his command.

Suddenly, a pair of footsteps would grow louder, able to at least pick up that. Before he could react, he felt a hand grab onto each shoulder before rolling him so he faced toward the sky. Rays of sunshine pierced through his visor and struck his eyes, making them flutter. It helped wake him up and after he recollected his bearings enough, that's when he noticed someone standing over him and reaching down toward his head.

Covered with shadow and because of his own slight haze, he couldn't tell who was right beside him and what they intended to do. Fear immediately blossomed within his stomach as Nox realized the compromising position that he was in. Acting off pure instinct, the pain he felt throughout his body was pushed to the side as adrenaline pumped through him. His cybernetic hand would shoot out and immediately seize Aria's wrist with an iron grip as it was held a few inches away from his helmet. Sections of his glove had been burned away and instead of warm flesh, she would feel cold steel and spot the metal black as the void that replaced his whole arm.

Nox's visor would lock with Aria's eyes for a few seconds before recognition of her finally dawned on him. Immediately, his grip around her would slacken and drop before he painfully murmured out, "I'm fine... I'm fine..." When Nox rolled back over onto his stomach but got to his knees, he would spit out a large glob of blood from his mouth, blood dripping from the bottom tip of his helmet. Eventually, he slid his foot underneath him and pushed off with it to stand to his full height, a painful grunt erupting out of him. His arm would clutch his side before he stumbled into the crate beside him and utilized it as a support.

Given how he crashed, there should have been no way he could stand and still be coherent but the Alor continued to remain on his feet, his head only tilted down slightly as his eyes blinked slowly underneath the visor. Instead of heading into a conversation asking whether he was alright or not, Nox just shook his head until his gaze met Aria's again, "How... is the rest of the assault?" There was a little difficulty speaking, his tongue still having been bit and blood pouring into his mouth.

 

[Van'Aria Solus]

"Bad. They all broke when they saw you fall."

She filled him in as she cracked off another shot over her shoulder, it was clear enough that she meant what she said and certain enough he should be reminded of the same aswell, whilst they were experienced fighters these people stood for Nox and seeing him be well... shot down... shook morale, whilst some regained focus with Van'Arias words they were also met with audible and rightful protest.

"Told you they wont listen to me. They are your people after all."

A joke... a incredible rarity coming from the Stoic and normally indifferent Solus Woman, it seemed as though she had her moments albeit brief and not so apparent.

"I went after you right when you were struck, made a sizeable crater you did. Couldn't leave you behind with a conscience of someone waiting for you on Mandalore. Like it or not its my responsibility as a Solus to make sure you are taken care off, no matter how high above me you stand."

She would reach out to place a hand along his shoulder pushing him slightly backwards to take a look at the damage he sustained, grimacing she went to work to atleast fix what she could without asking for his Permission, she knew he wouldn't retreat so she might aswell make certain he would stand in a fight unbothered by the defuncts of his Armor.

<"The Anti Air Cannons on the Western Side are powering down!">

"I guess some DID listen to me."

She looked up at him, it may be a small victory, but a victory nontheless in her books.

"Alright Solus, lets get into the fray."

She gave his chest a audible THUMP as she gave it a mighty knock before she straightened out her Helmet obscuring her Face once more, and if Nox werent to object... she would jet off either with him eventually overtaking her or... alone.