Leveling the Field

[Chask274]

OOC: Open only to members of House/Clan Fett. All others, please PM me before joining.​

Shonruss, Concord Dawn
1900 hrs.

Aiden sat at the end of the long table in the tavern's back room, sipping from a bottle of the local brew as he waited for the others to arrive. He'd sent out a message to every member of his clan that could be reached, asking for any able-bodied warriors to meet him at this tavern on a specified date. The message only included a brief and vague explanation as to why the call to arms was being made, but mentioned that the Count had a plan to bring their House back to it's former glory. Knowing many of his clansmen thirsted for the chance to have the name Fett regain the weight and respect it once carried, Aiden knew many would answer the call.

He just hoped that the true purpose of the meeting didn't send them running...

Spoiler: Tags

@Valen Pelora @Narsi @Metal Gear Seth @Prudence

 

[Narsi]

Gorman gasped in quiet relief as he laid eyes on the tavern door, finally. He'd been up and active all since early morning, training and working all day without even a lunch break. He was really feeling it too, every muscle in his body protesting each step he took. His armor, adorned with the Fett colors felt thrice as heavy as normal. Thankfully the end was near a welcome respite for his body just ahead. Unfortunately, the same couldn't be said for his mind, for this wasn't some random get together with friends, nor was it a tasty treat he'd decided to allow himself. No, this was a war meeting.

Opening the door to a surprisingly crowded dinner hour, Gorman headed straight for the backroom as told. Although not before ordering himself a rather large steak and several bottles of brew. Maybe it wasn't appropriate for a meeting with the Count, but screw it, he was hungry and they were in a tavern of all places. Entering the backroom, Gorman was greeted by the sight of a single long table, nearly empty except for one person, Aiden Fett. Nodding once to the Count and greeting him with a single, "Sir," Gorman took a seat a short ways from the man on the opposite side.There he removed his helmet and set it down next to him, taking a few calming breaths as he tasted fresh air once more.

Almost immediately the awkwardness set in, a nervous tension that neatly prevented Gorman from even touching his fork. Sure, he'd faced worse things, far worse, and he'd certainly met higher ranked people before. But to tell the truth, he still was, and felt like, an outside among the clan. Plus he got the feeling that several other clan members didn't really like or trust him on account of his past. Not that he blamed them for that, he wouldn't trust himself either if he were in their shoes. But his forward mindedness did nothing to lessen the tension in situations like this.

 

[Valen Pelora]

The air was hot and sticky. Tension hung in the room, riding on the waves of humidity. Voice hummed in strained anticipation. This was a fight. A terrible, horrible, bloody fight. Theran Fett felt the sweat dripping down his brow. His heart raced as the adrenaline coursed through his body. He never fought the thrill of the kill. It sharpened his mind, honed his instincts. His finger itched to pull the trigger. This was war.

He raised his eyes from the heavy wooden table, locking eyes with the massive Cathar across from him. Theran’s hand rested on the table and curled around the shot glass. He winked at the Cathar before tossing the liquid back. He smiled as the alcohol burned. The glass slammed upside down on the table joining 10 like glasses. He wiped his mouth. The hulking Cathar took his shot, rolled his eyes, and promptly passed out. A great roar filled the Salty Ordo. Theran stood and took a wobbly bow. His wrist mounted datapad chimed. It was time. He collected his winnings, slapped on his helmet and tootled from the bar. His armor proudly displayed the Fett colors as he walked the streets of Concord Dawn.

His Duke had summoned the members of Clan to a nearby tavern. Their numbers were tragically few. A spike of hate ripped through his soul. He was there when Kryze had betrayed them, he had watched his family die. Theran quickly banished those thoughts. Aiden had not specified the summons or the reason of the hidden nature. He had no idea what he was walking into. All he knew was meetings were boring and always better after a few drinks. When the Cathar had challenged him he simply couldn’t resist. Hell, he had had time to kill. He made his way to the tavern, quickly walking to the back room. He wasn’t the first to arrive. He kept his helmet on but nodded towards Gorman. There were so few of them they all knew each other. “Sir.” He saluted Aiden and took his seat. He sat heavily in his chair. Waiting.

 

[Metal Gear Seth]

"Of fekking course." Scarlet twirled her pistol, as she walked the streets to a meeting place set by her new Count.

'What a joke. He'll have some pretty choice words if he pulls what I think he will just from his new position.' she scoffed.

'It's alright though. I'll just have to double up, and outrank him faster. Especially with the message I recieved..' she glanced at the message on her wrist readouts before entering the place of meeting. She'd arrived a solid 2 minutes after the last person, her heels making a rather satisfactory clicking as she swiftly and briskly walked into the room giving the salute that pained her so, before saying something so she could sit down.

"Don't get used to it." she said sitting down, kicking her feet up onto the table, her helmet clicking off, and being set on the table. She tossed a stick of gum in her mouth, and began to chew as she watched her new "Leader" and waited for his brief from the look of things.

"So what's this about Aiden.."

 

[Chask274]

Aiden looked over at Gorman as he entered the room, simply nodding in reply. While Gorman was a good and proper member of Clan Fett now, Aiden was still uneasy around him. Not because of his past, but because he'd yet to prove himself worthy of any trust. However, if he participated in this plan, that would change. As the others began to filter in, Aiden stood and waited for them to take a seat, giving each of their greetings a nod (or salute in Scarlet's case) in reply. Aside from Gorman, Theran, and Scarlet, a handful of other warriors arrived, just enough people for what needed to be done. Squaring his shoulders, Aiden smiled warmly at each of them, and began.

"Thank you all for coming. I know you must be curious as to why I called this meeting, so I'll get straight to it. As many of you know, back when the Sith Brotherhood first reappeared, House Kryze pledged to fight alongside us against them, only to stab us in the back and leave us to fight alone. Many of us still feel the sting of that treachery today, and I for one am no longer going to sit by and let their injustice stand. After discussing things with the other House Fett leaders, we've decided that it's time to hit them back, and do it where it hurts." He paused for a moment, then continued. "What I say next doesn't leave this room... I've been given the go ahead to organize an assassination of Duke Bardan Kryze as well as the former Mand'alor and current Protector Talia Al'saif, aka Moira Kryze. I've already prepared a plan of attack, but I needed some help to pull it off, which is why I called this meeting. Now, given what she did for our people, I understand if any of you are hesitant to take such action against Talia. If you don't want get involved for such reasons, then you are free to leave so long as you keep your mouth shut. This is your one chance, however. Either walk away now, or accept that you're in it for the long haul, no matter the outcome." He waited for any that chose to leave to do so before fixing the people who stayed with a feral grin.

"Alright then, let's really get down to business."

@Valen Pelora @Narsi @Metal Gear Seth

 

[Narsi]

As others entered the room, Gorman simply focused on his food, feeling somewhat out of place amongst the more experienced clan members. At Aiden's announcement however, he stopped eating, paused with a strip of meat halfway to his mouth. Swallowing silently and trying not to show his alarm, Gorman calmly continued with his meal as he digested what he'd just heard.

Honestly, he didn't like it, not one bit. Not the power play, not the revenge motivation, and especially not the assassination bit. He could understand the anger, despite actually being on the other side back them, the reports of a surprisingly easy battle had bounced all over the Sacred Band. But assassination? Something like that would only breed more hate, especially when they were targeting someone who was apparently adored by many. Gorman remembered Talia for another reason, mainly the indirect cause of Cipher's death, but still, assassinating famous people never went well. Yup, horrible idea, and that was without factoring in the cowardice and dishonor in such a move.

Gorman sighed, taking a swig from one of his bottles before nodding at Aiden. He would stay, feign agreement for now, make his true judgements after, He owed the clan that much at least, and he wanted to prove himself. Mayhaps a little hand dirtying now would make things for the better later. It eased his mind knowing that the Fett clan actually had a legit reason for their actions, even if he didn't approve. If it weren't so, if the motivation had been only about power or money, Gorman's unconsciously eyed the rocket launcher equipped to his forearm....

 

[Valen Pelora]

Theran kept his helmet on as the room filled. He trusted the members of his House with his life, but something about this meeting pulled at him. There was a strange feeling in the air. His gut clenched with tension. Clandestine meetings, hiding in a back room like rats, was not their way. House Fett was nothing if not ferociously proud. They should be shouting their claims from the mountains of Concord Dawn, not skulking. Aiden did not speak until the room was partially full. He kept his eyes moving. Searching for trouble. This didn’t set right with Theran.

As Aiden spoke Theran felt like he had been punched in the chest. Was he mad? Had he been possessed by some Jedi or Sith voodoo? To suggest what Aiden suggested was the highest of treason. The leaders of House Kryze were damn near Mandalorian royalty. The Mand’alor had eyes on the bitch of Kryze, she walked with his grace. To train your blaster on her was to draw the attention of the Mand’alor himself.

Theran smiled beneath his helmet. Oh yes, their time had finally come. They would feel the pain of House Fett. The pain of betrayal, of loss. The utter devastation of losing everyone you loved. Aiden gave them all a chance to leave. Theran kept his ass in the chair. He had been waiting for his nearly half of his life. He was not about to lose his nerve. He would have his vengeance. Finally. @Narsi @Chask274 @Metal Gear Seth

 

[Metal Gear Seth]

"Wow. You grew a pair." she smirked as the room fell silent from the prospect of the idea, herself being one of the ones not to leave. Just such a plans existence was practically unheard of, let alone impossible, but for the same reason, she loved it, however..

"Why should I?" she stood up, and cast a look of seriousness at Aiden.

"I understand that you're count, and believe me when I say that I'd be more than willing to take down anyone of those you just mentioned as you said." she smirked, giving a hint of unnerving laughter to her disposition.

"Okay, you know what? As far as I'm concerned, I'm gone. You'll have to speak with me in private if you want me to do this for you, because I don't-" she stopped mid-sentence from some kinda of concern in her voice.

"Convince me if you can." she said with a still rather unnerving smirk as she got up, and left the room.

 

[Chask274]

Aiden watched as a handful of the people quietly got up and left. He didn't blame them, gunning for the former Mand'alor and pissing the current one off at the same time was a dangerous idea. But the prestige and honor it'd restore to House Fett were to great to ignore. He looked to reach of those that stayed and gave them a nod of gratitude, only to have his focus snap to Scarlet as she spoke up and made to leave. It seemed she'd rather leave to weaken their chances of success just to spite him, instead of taking the revenge he knew she craved just as much as he did.

Luckily, he came prepared for just such an occurrence.

Before Scarlet had made it even halfway to the door, Aiden drew himself up to his full height and spoke calmly, staring intently at her. "If you want to leave, then fine, leave. But if you're leaving solely to spite me, know that I will never tell you what I know about Wyatt, or why you haven't been able to find him." He let that sink in a moment, then finished. "If you want to find out how I know any of that, sit your ass back in that chair and stay for the rest of the meeting." He then turned back to the others. "Now, back to the topic at hand. The plan is fairly simple, and some of the preparations are already underway, though there's still some work to be done. We need to finish selecting and prepping a location, as well as gather some additional supplies. Each of you will be contacted with a task or supply list within the week, along with a delivery location and time. Once all the pieces are in place, I'll make final arrangements, then call you all back together for the hit. Codeword that the plan is still in effect in that final transmission will be Geronimo. Any questions?"

 

[Narsi]

Ugh, some people were just so melodramatic. Why couldn't they just keep their concerns to themselves rather than bother everyone else? Now he was probably going to get blood in his food as they collectively lynched the idiotic young woman. Hunkering down as he waited for the inevitable fight, Gorman settled for cramming one last piece of meat in his mouth before grabbing his helmet, ready to shuck it on and shield his noggin from danger.

Only....it never came. Instead, the Count stood up and belted out a very nice burn that would no doubt put a stopper on the girls actions. Gorman nodded once in approval before popping another bottle, way to go, that was the way to handle jarheads who didn't know what a line was or how to stand on it. As for the plan, it seemed his own role would be relatively small and be limited to support and equipment gathering. Good, so far he was just helping out his clan, as was his duty and obligation. If he were lucky, maybe he wouldn't have to do much of the actual distasteful act.

When Aiden asked for questions, Gorman only shook his head no and leaned back in his chair, finished off the last of his drinks before casting an eye around the room at the others. His eyes landed on the one he was pretty sure was called Theran, he could practically feel the nutty bloodlusting excitment oozing of the man like a bad odor. Gorman looked away.
@Valen Pelora

 

[Valen Pelora]

This had gotten boring quickly. For about thirty seconds, Theran had been fully engrossed in a gloriously stupid plan. There was nothing he loved more than gambling with his life. Where was the fun if you couldn’t die? He had nearly forgotten he was sitting in a meeting. He hated meetings. People never died in meetings, usually. A few fun ones had rung up a body count. Theran tuned out the bickering between a random solider and Aiden. He didn’t know the women. He didn’t care to.

All he needed to know was her voice was bitchy and her ass was flat. His astute evaluation ended there. Theran occupied himself by examining a far better female specimen while the ‘drama’ ended. Anticlimactic. Finally, Aiden wrapped up the final stages of the plan and asked for questions. All of this was still in infancy, plenty of room to go wrong. He prayed he got his chance. Just once shot at the bitch. That’s all he wanted. This meeting was over. He stood.

“Call me. I’ll be waiting.” He saluted Aiden, nodded to his fellow conspirators, and marched from the room. He needed a damn drink. He could feel a hangover clawing at the edges of his mind. There was only one sure cure for the dregs of alcohol. Drink more, a lot more. He smiled and laughed. He felt good.

 

[Metal Gear Seth]

Scarlet had made it to the arch of the door, her left foot literally a step out of the room, before she froze, and instantly filled with shock, and anger from Aiden's statement. She wasn't just told to come back if she didn't want to lose the info he could've had. She had to sit her ass down. She tensed, clenching her fists, and gritting her teeth as she straightened up.

She whipped around as fast as lightning, strutted to Aaron, and grabbed him by the collar, lifting him more than to his feet. She was filled with enough adrenaline from her anger that she lifted him off the ground as she stared into his soul as it were.

"<HOW THE FEKK DO YOU KNOW ABOUT WYATT!?>" She shouted at the top of her lungs, her tone firm, and powerful.

"<WHAT HAVE YOU DONE YOU BASTARD. WHERE IS HE. I Swear to Manda I'll gut you like the little Osik YOU FEKKING AR- >" she'd taken off her helmet to show the sheer rage in her eyes, but let him down after a solid minute of silence, having cut herself short when realizing the scene she'd made. She huffed, her face still red, as she turned, grabbed her helmet off the table, and put it back on.

"We're going to have a very important discussion after this Aiden." she walked to the open seat closest to where Aiden sat, and sat.

"I promise you that." she said crossing her arms, and kicking her feet up, though she got a rather odd sense to cross her mind when she looked at some of the other Mando's now staring at her.

'Why do I feel like a part of me's been insulted, and not just me internally..' she shifted her position in her seat.

'My ass feels uncomfortable for some reason..'

 

[Chask274]

He had expected her to get angry. He expected her to start shouting, hell, he even expected her to get in his face to get herself really heard. What he didn't expect, and what crossed the line in a number of ways, was her picking him up by the collar and threatening him as well as implying he was at fault for what happened to Wyatt. Threatening the Count of one's clan and physically attacking them was seen as borderline treason by many Mandalorians, and the combination of that and striking a nerve with her accusation finally drove Aiden to the breaking point.

As she seemingly came to her senses and sat down, giving a final comment about needing to talk with him afterwards, he looked at her with a cold look in his eyes, and a blank expression. "Indeed we will..." Using a trick he'd picked up from a friend, he quickly drew his pistol, setting it to stun in the same motion, and put five stun rounds into her upper chest, throat, and faceplate. The shots would more than likely blast her out of the chair, and as she collapsed, he holstered the pistol and turned back to the others. "Alright then, I think we can consider this meeting adjourned. I'll contact you all again when the time is right." Walking over to Scarlet, he scooped her up and carried her from the room, leaving the bar and heading for his ship.

//END THREAD​

@Metal Gear Seth @Valen Pelora @Narsi