Mandalore Indomitus

[Bardan Kex]

"Wait in the ship." the other warrior had said. "Wait in the ship, I've got a party to be at."

The hell he would, he'd decided shortly after the other warrior had left. Parties meant booze and women, both of which had been somewhat scarce on the frontier world he'd run into the other Mandalorian on, oh and he guess the guy claiming to be Ral was gonna be there and he probably check that out. Still though, it wouldn't do to show up immediately behind the other man, he had told him he'd wait. So he'd taken his time, tailing the man from a far, stopping briefly to pick up a bottle on his way. His battered white, mostly metalic, armor garnered the attention of a number of the Mando's he'd passed on the way his obvious disregard for the state of the armor sure to raise more than a few eyes of his fellow warriors, standing tall in up kept armor for what ever celebration the party was for. He paid them little mind as he stalked through the crowds. The warrior, Kalan, soon disappeared into the target building and Bardan resigned himself to wait a bit before making an uninvited appearance.

Taking up a perch on the stairs in front of the building the man would remove his helm, turning it over in his hands and running a gloved hand over a faded image of a Wolf and Crescent moon, a unit badge from a merc group he'd worked with some time past, somberly he placed the dinged up bucket beside him. Opening his bottle of booze he'd make a quick toast to the fallen, other than himself each man from that unit had fallen leaving him the lone wolf. He waited and he drank, watching the crowds walk by for the next several minutes until he felt something distantly in the force, something dark. Now that had peaked his interest.

Pushing himself up from the step he'd been on he turned, tucking his helmet into the crook of his arm and taking a long pull from the drink. He could have moved quicker, but as soon as the dark flare had occurred it had faded. He'd considered sitting back down and finishing the bottle before making what could only be a mistake in presenting himself to the Mandalorian Leadership, but he'd already stood up and right now sitting seemed like more effort. As he made his way to through the main doors, he noticed an all too familiar woman turning away from a man that looked suspiciously like Ral. His attention was quickly pulled to an attractive enough woman who stormed past him in a huff, a swirl of darkness emanating from her in the force. He cocked an eyebrow taking a drink, his head turning to follow the woman out.

"Well this certainly looks like the right place..." he announced, turning his attention back to the party and noticing a man that looked to be his friend Caed Vizsla.

 

[Kori Buor]

Grinning as Talia took his hand, he glanced at her as they took a step out onto the dance floor. "Well, I'm glad you can't." He'd offer a wink back before he took her into his arms and they began to dance. It was surprising to him to see how Talia managed to move with such grace, even in her beskar, seeming like a woman who wore almost no armor at all. If he didn't know better, Ral might have even thought the woman under that armor was a professional dancer.

As they danced, his deep blue eyes followed the woman and his thoughts wandered back to their nights on Telos. That was the last time they danced. They went to a gala he had managed to score tickets for while trying to remain inconspicuous, and he invited her to join him. They had an excellent dance there, and he even surprised her by knowing how to dance. That night had its moments, a few words were exchanged which would forever change Ral and set him on the path he was on once and for all, not to mention a bounty hunter coming after him which they had to deal with.

Back to the present, Ral was truly losing himself in the moment. This was a rarity in of itself; Ral normally was cool and collected, and even when he did let himself enjoy a moment he kept himself in control. But now, with the music playing filling his bones with its rhythm and moving in step to the tune, he could only grin as he got to do something fulfilling for once.

As he lifted up his arm and Talia spun around coming closer to him than she had before, the two looked into the other's eyes. They were almost uncomfortably close. He saw her open her mouth as her eyes went wide in surprise. Raising his eyebrows expectantly for the words that never came, Ral simply smiled at the woman. For the first time in many years, Ral could look into her eyes and see what was in there. And for just a moment everything was in sync as they held each other, his chest felt like it was burning, which was an odd sensation for the Mandalorian. Manda, its been too long. Having stopped moving, Ral thought to say something since Talia wasn't, but before he could open his mouth there was raucous of a scuffle.

Turning to see Evelyn having tripped his cousin Caedryn, Ral scowled, the sensation of Talia pulling away from him in that moment eliciting a momentary glance thrown in her direction. Even he could hear Evelyn was angry, feeling ostracized by the company of his court. That induced a small pang of guilt and sorrow in Ral; no one should have to feel like that after all, especially not in his court. There would need to be words later about the tact used when conversing with aruetii. That's when Ral saw the sword Caed had managed to draw and place against Evelyn's inner leg and he realized how truly bad the situation had gone. Damn it.

Thankfully, Dawn arrived and pulled Evelyn off his cousin. Evelyn, clearly angry about how she was being treated, stormed past everyone. Ral raised a hand up to say something, but before he could get the words out she had brushed past him. Blinking in surprise, "Alright then... I guess there's a reason Mandalorian parties are often said to be dull without some bloodshed." Meeting Talia's gaze as she turned to head back to the group, he called out to her as he matched her grin, "Thank you for the dance, Tal'ika."

Walking up to Caed, he offered his cousin his hand, "Was all that really necessary? What did you say to her? You know I'm never going to hear the end of it... now I have to go talk to her..." He would help his cousin up if he wanted it, letting him give a witty retort to his comment. That was when he saw someone enter the throne room through the great double doors just as Evelyn bolted out. "Well... I'll be damned. It's Bardan Kryze!"

 

[zachowon]

Zach sighed softy at the party. His hand with the strongest drink they had was tight on the glass. His head was killing him worse then normal and he was trying to drink the headache away. He had heard mandalores speech and it made him feel proud again. Something he had not felt since his last time doing a bounty hunt for the fun of it.

He looked around at every person talking and having fun drinking and the like. Man even wished he knew more of his own kind and fit in. He sighed taking a sip of his drink and pursing his lips from the strength of it hitting his throat.

Though he didn't think he would fit in with his various headaches being caused from what seemed like visions happening every now and then casing him to have restless nights. Though he is trained in medicine he does not know what causes these things. Though he tries not to care much about them and drinks them away. Which is why he came to the party in general. He saw two people dancing and the saw a woman storm out. He looked at his drink and finished it with a single tip of the glass and held it tightly as the strong drink hit hard. He looked at his helmet on the counter where he placed it and smiled slightly. His headache was gone for now as he ordered a slightly less strong drink.

 

[LordOfShadows]

Telag stood among the crowd of his fellow warriors. The speech of his old acquaintance turned Mand'alor was a glorious one. Telag enjoyed himself a good speech. The past five years had really been something. Countless battles he had fought. The blood he waded through to help get his vode to this point in a turning point in Mandalorian history. It had almost seemed like yesterday that he had flown side by side with Ral taking out an invading fleet of pirates. Even more so when helped fight against the waves of Echani on Eshan. The memories of the battles he fought and the ones that had fallen brought out a great emotion within. It wasn't necessarily sadness, but one of great pride he had in the Dominion. There were to be more battles to come and he was ready for it. The day was glorious and it would be one to remember or to forget after he would make his way toward the strong drinks.

Though he would try not to drink too much, old habits died hard. He sat down at the bar in his black clad armor and helmet in hand. He placed his helmet on the stool and ordered a Blue Bantha and a shot of whiskey. Telag raised his shot of whiskey in the air as in a toast. The silent toast would be directed to the future and to the continued expansion of the Mandalorian Dominion.

"Oya Mandalore!" he exclaimed before downing the warm liquid.

 

[Arcangel]

Before the woman could react to the blade pressed against her thigh, she was hauled off of him by her sister. Watching as she stormed off, Caedryn resheathed his partially drawn blade, and was about to get to his feet when Ral appeared above him, offering a hand up. Grasping his armored wrist, Caedryn hauled himself up and brushed himself off, fixing his tunic as the crowd slowly turned away from the drama that had just happened, some with disappointed looks on their faces as they had likely been expecting some bloodshed.

"I didn't tell her anything but the truth cousin." Shrugging nonchalantly as if he didn't understand why she had suddenly attacked him. Before he could continue that line of thought, he felt a presence approach the room. A familiar presence.

"I sense something, a presence I've not felt since..." He would speak quietly to Ral, trailing off as he followed Ral's eyes to the entrance of the throne room, a bearded warrior pushing his way in, armor chipped and bare of pain. "By the gods." Striding over to the man who had entered the room. "Barden Kryze! Now that's a face I haven't seen in ages." Pulling the armored man into a rough hug, he then held his shoulders at arms length looking at the man. "Your beard is longer." He stated simply as his arms began dropping to his side. Halfway through their drop, one of them reversed course, untelegraphed, with no warning of the sudden strike as Caedryn punched the warrior in the face with a swift jab. "That's for disappearing on me you old bastard."

 

[Phoenix]

Well it wouldn't have been a Mandalorian gathering without some fighting. In fact, he couldn't quite believe that they didn't have a Battle Circle going somewhere right now and Dak smiled as he contemplated starting one somewhere.

Was it necessary to intervene over there? Nah, it's Caed, he's got this handled. He shrugged it off and grabbed another drink from one of the waiters and took a gulp. Ah, Tihaar. He said as the fruity drink slid down his throat, burning all the way down. As it began to take the edge off, his head started to bounce and his foot tapped to the beat of the music playing around them.

His eyes darted around to the rest of the room, looking for more alcohol but instead fell on Talia who came sauntering up. In the background, he saw someone dragging the woman off of Caed. And resolved, just like that, he muttered to himself. So, how was the dancing? he asked Talia as he grabbed two more drinks, handing one off to the Queen of the Protectors.

You got a cigar? he asked with a grin, thinking back to their post-battle cigars. Although I guess we're not "supposed" to smoke in here, right? he shrugged. Guess, I'll just have to get wasted, then. @Sreeya

 

[Sreeya]

Talia grabbed the drink from Dak, throwing it back almost at once, “What a shitshow man. As much as I hate drama, always finds a way to follow me,” She chuckled, feeling pretty good about the music and beat around them. As he asked about her having a cigar, she playfully nudged him, “Come on man, cigars are your thing,” She got herself another drink, having thrown the other one back entirely too quick, “Speaking of which, we need to go into some missions together. I feel like it’s been a while.”

She laughed at the thought of Dak being wasted, “You are the most well behaved wasted person I know, just throwing that out there,” Talia glanced over to see a man join the throng of people near Caed. She caught Caed abruptly punch him and it caused her to take a closer look. Her eyes widened immediately, jaw dropping at once. Talia shook her head and hastily made her way over.

“You son of a bitch,” She growled as she pulled back her fist and drove it forward to collide with Bardan’s other side of the face as he began to recover from the initial strike. Almost right after that, a grin broke out across her face as she pulled him into a one armed hug, “Where the hell you been?” She snapped her fingers, glancing over to have the Prudii helmet brought over. It was still sloshing with alcohol and probably some backwash too, but everyone was too drunk to judge.

Talia shoved the helmet into Bardan’s chest, “Rite of passage, cuz. Drink up," She turned and grinned at Caed, "Did you get a nice look up her skirt while she stormed off?" She gave him a quick wink, "I forgot you were such an asshat."

@Phoenix @Arclight @Bardan Kex

 

[René]

Jaycob was relieved that the man was from Clan Vizsla. Since he was part of the same clan, he immediately felt a bit more comfortable. Ji'Kel, interesting name. He was also relieved that he was a SuperCommando. Perhaps he could learn a thing or two from him. The reason for him being there? To find a teacher to help him with the Mandalorian culture. So, no. Jaycob was not adjusting to the Mandalorian culture well.

"Yeah everything is going great so far" he lied, "and I'm here for the same reason everyone else is. To celebrate Mandalore." He raised his glass into the air and took another swig. He wondered if Ji'Kel could see through his lies, with him being a force-wielder and all. As he drank, he felt awkward. As if, everyone in the bar saw through him, like a ghost. Jaycob avoided eye contact while ordering another glass. He was getting nowhere. Maybe Ji'Kel would be the one to finally put an end to his nonsense wandering around and actually get him on the right track he thought.

"I'm interested in this SuperCommando thing. Tell me more, what do you do exactly? Have you killed someone before? What jobs does the Dominion include?" He randomly shot out. Jaycob understood that there were many questions he had and, hopefully, this would be the man to answer them. For 5 years in the faction, one would think that he already had all of these answers, but sadly they're wrong.

@Kyle: The Rogue

Ji'Kel had no problem seeing through Jaycob's lie about adjusting well to Mandalore. He didn't even need to use his Jedi training, or Force powers for that matter. The human was clearly nervous and felt awkward at the party. "Whoa there buddy. 1 question at a time." The Chiss took another swig of his drink, remembering his transition into the Dominion. A tough process, but worth it in the end. "It took me a while to become a SuperCommando; it's nothing that gets done overnight. Took me 7 years to be promoted. As for killing? I've killed 3 Jedi, numerous pirates, slavers, and bounty hunters. Then I've killed many people from small groups that resist the authority and rule of the Dominion." Pausing to take a breath, Ji'Kel finished, "There are many jobs here; however I mostly just do my own thing and report to a mission when I'm needed. Don't worry; if it's a friend or mentor you're looking for, I can help you adjust."

 

[Phantom]

Oh how this man enraged her. He was even worse than Kalan. But she could feel the cold metal against her leg. She knew she had lost. While the blade wasn't sharp, she imagined he had one of those vibro swords she'd seen several Mandalorians wield. She hated the fact she wasn't fast enough to get him before he got his sword. Sure she could kill him, but she'd die much faster losing blood through that vein.

And then came Dawn. Her sister nearly ripped her off of Caedryn. Maybe she'd be thankful for that lately. But now....now she was just as enraged at her as the men. She stormed away, pushing past anyone who didn't move, Ral included. Evelyn was stopped by her sister once again before she could do something else stupid.

"What am I thinking?" Evelyn repeated back to her sister. She pulled her arm free, with a shove, then flipped her head around to turn away from Dawn. She then returned on her storm out and made her way out if the throne room. She needed air for a minute.

@Kori Buor ; @Arclight

Dawn followed her sister out, seeing as Ral was too busy catching up with old friends to care about his date. Catching up to her, she grabbed her sister's arm once again, this time she wouldn't let go. "Evelyn! You are going to listen to me, and you are going to calm down before I have to force you to."

Dawn stared into her sister's eyes, her grip never once faltering. "What the hell did he say to you that ticked you off so bad? I suggest you answer me now, or deal with it later when you get back to your Void Serpents. Which would you prefer?"

 

[EmilyHuene]

Dawn followed her sister out, seeing as Ral was too busy catching up with old friends to care about his date. Catching up to her, she grabbed her sister's arm once again, this time she wouldn't let go. "Evelyn! You are going to listen to me, and you are going to calm down before I have to force you to."

Dawn stared into her sister's eyes, her grip never once faltering. "What the hell did he say to you that ticked you off so bad? I suggest you answer me now, or deal with it later when you get back to your Void Serpents. Which would you prefer?"

She promised herself she wouldn't cry. Yet, here she was with her sister, no one else to see her. Not even her date cared to follow. That's what broke her. Tears started to come and she started fanning herself so as not to ruin her makeup which she'd spent so much time on. "Calm down, Eve. Calm down." She tried not to look at her sister even though she persisted on getting her to talk. Once she'd forced herself to hide the tears she would then address the question. "They called me a whore. Both of them. Their pigs. All of them."

 

[Prudence]

This party was truly just getting started. Kalan had chuckled at the whining that the warrior, Dak Veren, had done after having the alcoholic mix spewed on him. The warrior had accepted the helmet from Kalan however, and allowed Kalan to get closer to the dancing pair. He didn't even have a chance to pose his question to Evelyn, seeing as she flipped out on Caed, ending in the two brawling... or mating?.. on the floor and Caed going for her femoral. Kalan backed up quickly, ending up right where he'd been next to Dak. Just in time, he accepted the helmet back from Dak and tilted it up, pouring the last bit of the alcohol out into his mouth. His throat burned and fizzled as the different alcohols worked their magic on him.

Now quite drunk, Kalan stood holding the former Mand'alor's helmet and forgot who exactly had made the concoction. Unsure of what to do with the helmet, he clipped it on his belt and stumbled across the floor. He was sure whoever actually owned the former Mand'alor's helmet would come and collect it later. In from the main door to the ballroom came... that guy?? Kalan tilted his head at the warrior, and began to slur at him "I told you.. stay in the ship. What part of stay in the ship don't you bloody get?" He shook his head and turned away from that guy, and that's when he noticed that as the Mand'alor, and the former Mand'alor stopped dancing to inspect the drama, Ral's 'date' was storming away with... a pretty fekking hot woman he didn't yet know.

Kalan put on his best swagger, which ultimately ended up being a pitiful attempt to walk straight, and followed the pair out of the ornate glass exit to the palace gardens. There the two women were exchanging.. heated? words with each other. Kalan would need to handle Evelyn before he could properly talk to... soon to be Mrs. Ordo. The Duke composed himself as best he could, standing straight and collecting his thoughts before he interjected, "M'lady... my utmost apologies for... er.. how I spoke with you earlier." The words came out more or less soberly, and Kalan held up a finger to emphasize his point. This is where it would get tricky, as his drunk mind was telling him that this course of action was a wise one, but a small part of him knew that it probably wasn't "I believe I saw.. the Mand'alor sent away his other guest that he was dancing with... I tru... truly missunderstood the... erhm... nature of your relationship.. He has sent me, his- erhm," what am I? Ah yes Duke! "His duke to send word that he... erm.. would like to see his princess-" yes Kalan go. You're doing perfectly, "and I believe I saw a-" the jewelry that goes on a finger. People give it to the ones they want to shag without guilt, or love or stuff.. ring! "A ring! You best hurry along madam."

 

[zachowon]

Zach rested his back against where he was sitting and admired what was going on from the fight that wasn't a fight and the constant talking and the like. He took a sip of his water now as he did not want to get to drunk where he would stumble out the door. He watched the man go after the good looking lady out the door and he stood up finishing his water.

He may as well walk around some and see if he could maybe get to know some people here and maybe get in close enough to be more involved then he normally is. He keeps his helmet on his side walking around close to others and decided to rest against a wall leaning against it. "This is some party. What's next someone going to try and crash it?" He joked but quitely hoping that no one heard the last part.

 

[Bardan Kex]

The first to take notice of him was the man who seemed to be his long lost friend Ral who called out to him after approaching Caed, Bard could scarecly believe it, he'd thought for sure the rumors would have been true this time. The second was Caed himself, who strode towards him as he made his way further into the room. Suddenly he'd found himself enveloped in an awkward bear hug with a comment on how long it had been. He did his best to return the gesture one armed, as the other still held his helmet, his bottle of booze clanking on the back plate of the other warrior.

"That happens when..." he was about to reply when his friend's fist caught him squarely in the mouth, the blow was sudden and surprising, un-telegraphed by expression or in the force. It staggered Bardan, who struggled to keep his grip on his bottle and helm, the all to familiar coppery taste of blood had begun slowly filling his mouth as he realized he'd bitten his lip in the attack. He'd barely even begun to recover when he'd heard the third voice call out to him just before the second fist took him in the opposite side. He should have expected a follow up from someone, should have being the key word. He stumbled, feeling the battered helmet fall from where he'd been holding it, his fingers tightened around the neck of the bottle how ever. He'd never been one to waste booze. He had some assistance in his recovery this time as he felt his cousin wrap an arm around him and pull him close, inquiring as to where he'd been. Using her presence to balance himself, he'd spit a blood infused glob of saliva past her onto the floor.

"Here and there, keeping busy." he'd respond, using his now free hand to rub his face. He'd look his cousin in the eye as she took a helmet from the Warrior that had brought him back to Mandalor, who himself was now drunk and thankfully only yelled something at him. He took a sip of the strong mixed liquid in the old bucket, its contents immediately numbing his mouth. "I remember you hitting harder Moira." he'd say, using the birth name he knew she wasn't entirely fond of. He turned to Caed. "You too, everyone go soft on me?"

 

[JDF]

Ji'Kel had no problem seeing through Jaycob's lie about adjusting well to Mandalore. He didn't even need to use his Jedi training, or Force powers for that matter. The human was clearly nervous and felt awkward at the party. "Whoa there buddy. 1 question at a time." The Chiss took another swig of his drink, remembering his transition into the Dominion. A tough process, but worth it in the end. "It took me a while to become a SuperCommando; it's nothing that gets done overnight. Took me 7 years to be promoted. As for killing? I've killed 3 Jedi, numerous pirates, slavers, and bounty hunters. Then I've killed many people from small groups that resist the authority and rule of the Dominion." Pausing to take a breath, Ji'Kel finished, "There are many jobs here; however I mostly just do my own thing and report to a mission when I'm needed. Don't worry; if it's a friend or mentor you're looking for, I can help you adjust."

Ji'Kels words were like music to Jaycobs ears. He grew more and more fascinated about his adventures as a SuperCommando. Jaycobs wish for a teacher would finally be granted. Killing a Jedi was hard enough, but 3? To Jaycob, Ji'Kel looked like a God. Jaycob didn't care if he looked dumb, he was eager to learn.

"7 years? I've been here for 5 and I haven't been promoted yet. What gives?" Jaycob joked. But, he stumbled upon a serious thought. What's his duty going to be in the clan? What will he do that will make him be remembered in Mando history forever? He'll have to start small. Ji'Kel was what he'll model himself after. A freelancer who just did their duty wherever needed and hopefully that will start his journey of traveling up the ranks and, eventually, become a SuperCommando like Ji'Kel.

"In all seriousness, if you had one piece of advice to give a little noob like me, what would it be?" Jaycob was looking forward to what the pair would continue to do in the future.

 

[EmilyHuene]

"M'lady... my utmost apologies for... er.. how I spoke with you earlier."

And now she was angry again. Hearing him cough to announce his presence, Evelyn would turn and give him an evil glare. She said something very unladylike to him, which translated in the terms for children would resemble something the lines of "Go eat slime."

"I believe I saw.. the Mand'alor sent away his other guest that he was dancing with... I tru... truly missunderstood the... erhm... nature of your relationship.. He has sent me, his- erhm...His duke to send word that he... erm.. would like to see his princess-...-and I believe I saw a-....A ring! You best hurry along madam."

Evelyn just kind of stood there. There were no words to describe what was going on in her head, but her emotions spoke through her body. "Couldn't he have sent someone a little more sober?" She'd then scoff and push past him to go inside. Whether or not her sister followed her Evelyn didn't care.

Moving back inside the throne room she would look around trying to find her man in this crowded room. Her mind then started to focus on what Kalan had said. Ral had a ring. He was going to propose. Oh my god. He was going to propose! She was going to be married! Squeeeeee! But where was he? She started walking among the crowd trying to find him; being short really made this difficult. She eventually noticed his armor and started to head over. He had indeed ditched Talia by now but instead had found himself in another circle of followers. Not letting herself be known, she crossed her arms angrily and began to tap her foot. She was still a little angry at Ral. But all would be forgiven when he got down on one knee.

@Prudence ; @Kori Buor

 

[Arcangel]

Caedryn couldn't believe it. The old crew was back together again. Even Prudii was with them in spirit it seemed, his helmet filled with liquor and being passed around. He couldn't think of a better way to honor the traitorous son of a bitch. Catching Talia's wink, he merely grinned and returned her wink. "A gentleman never peeks and tells." Which of course meant that he had, and Talia would surely know so. Clutching his chest as Talia impugned his character, staggering as if he had taken a blade before stumbling into her and catching himself with an arm around her armored shoulder, metal plates digging into his side. "Why would you say such a thing? Cant you see I am nothing but a perfect gentleman?" Gesturing to his fancily bedecked self, fine quality clothing bearing the colors and sigil of his house. He managed to bold a straight face for a second or two before laughing. "And I am not nearly drunk enough yet!" Shouting before snatching the bottle of liquor out of Bardan's hand and tilting it back to guzzle down the booze.

Wiping his lips with the back of his sleeve, he handed the bottle off to Talia before finally releasing her from his grip and turning his attention back to Bardan. "Well you dont want me knocking your ass out before the party even begins do you? We can save that for later." It was then that he noticed someone standing near the edge of their group out of the corner of his eye. Turning, it was the blue clad maiden of his cousin's back for more it seemed. "Aw darling, back for more already? I thought you had enough of my blade already. Unless it's my other sword you're wanting." The alcohol had begun to hit him, he noted, as the words escaped his mouth. Ral would likely be pissed, but he figured family would run thicker than whatever connection he had with the woman.

@Bardan Kex , @Sreeya , @EmilyHuene , @Kori Buor

 

[zachowon]

Zach saw what was going on and he stood up off the wall. Was he finally going to be neededone. As a medical he would jump at the chance to save some of these higher ups in the Dominion and show what he has to offer. Though the woman in blue seemed very impatient and he hoped it wasn't for something that would cause a mess with in this place.

He rested his hand on his medical kit and pulled out his scalpel slightly to play with it. He remembers when he got this not long after his medical training as he does not even remember how many times in the past 5 years this saved him. He kept his eyes looking for any signs of injuries on people as he normally did

 

[Kori Buor]

Watching in mild surprise as both Caedryn and Talia walked up to their prodigal brother and gave him what for, Ral could only chuckle to himself. Bardan had that one coming. When the greeting was done, and Bardan was spitting out blood from his mouth onto the polished stone floor, the Mand'alor gave him a contemptful glance at the spittle and sighed. "Well, I haven't, but if I were to follow them up and sock you in the face than it would look like I'm just hopping on the bandwagon. I'll just get you good later."

Extending his hand, Ral would grasp his comrade's forearms and pull him into a friendly embrace. Manda, it had been too long since everyone had been in the same place. "It's good to see you, Kex. It's been too long, but I guess that's what happens when your shuttle gets blown up, and you get stranded on an island with no memories of your former life!" He sniggered at himself as he pulled away. "Just in time for the party, too. If there's one thing you Kryze know how to do it's show up fashionably late... well that and be a pain in my ass, so I guess you all know two things pretty well." The man winked at his friend. "Tell me, what have you been up to?"

Nodding in agreement with Caed, Ral snapped his fingers and a bottle of tihaar was brought over, from which he took a long drink of, the liquor sweet and spicy as it burned its way down his esophagus. "Don't lie, Caed, I remember when we were teenagers, you couldn't help but brag about all the action you were getting!" He winked at his cousin. Then his cousin turned and addressed a third party who seemed to be nearby. Looking over his shoulder, Ral saw Evelyn and he grinned, even though she seemed to be waiting for him. As he heard Caedryn's taunt, Ral shot him a look. "Caed, manners!"

"Evelyn! It's good to see you back! I thought you had left. I must apologize for some of the members of my court," he glanced at his cousin for a moment before continuing. "It was unjust of them and unfair to you to be treated that way, you have my apologies. I have often heard about how obnoxious and loud my countrymen are, it was only tonight I seemed to have run across it first hand. Now, I'd like you to meet my good friend, Bardan Kryze! I once saved him from the Sith! I haven't seen him in over five years now... how long has it been exactly?" He shot an inquisitive look at Kex, wondering how long it had been before the assassination attempt they had seen each other. Waving his hand through the air, he shrugged. "Eh, well over five years, anyways. Along with Talia, and Caed, he's one of my oldest and closest friends! We've been through a hell of a lot."

@EmilyHuene @Arclight @Sreeya @Bardan Kex

 

[Sreeya]

Talia chuckled at Caed’s words, playfully shoving him as he muttered about not peeking and telling. As he acted wounded and professed he was a gentleman, “Real gentleman all right. I’m impressed you’re not in some random corridor getting a blow- Oh you shut up!” She chuckled as her cousin remarked on not hitting hard enough, “Five kriffing years. Have you settled down with a lady yet? Out of all of us scrubs, I always figured you were the most gentlemanly of ‘em all.”

She didn’t bother correcting Bardan on her name. He had called her Moira from day one and he never stopped. She felt Caed’s arm around her and she half wondered if he were using her for support at this point. Talia took the bottle from him and guzzled it down right after he did, finishing it off and casually placing it on a passing by tray. She glanced to the side when Caed spoke, spotting the woman from earlier again. There was an abrupt shift in the jovial mood, though Talia kept the grin on her face.

From the looks of it, the woman was angry and the gaze was directed at Ral. Talia coughed as she grabbed yet another bottle and took a huge swig to distract herself from Caed’s comments. She eyed the woman curiously as Ral made introductions. When he mentioned her name, Talia stepped forth, extending an armored hand to shake the woman’s, “Talia A’Saif, nice to meet you, Evelyn,” No harm, no foul. She pulled back and pointedly avoided making eye contact with her Mandobros, as she knew their expressions or comments would be priceless at that point.

Talia cleared her throat and kept drinking, glancing over to the side to catch what Kalan was doing. That guy was always suspicious and up to no good, and she knew there was most likely drama brewing wherever he was involved as well. In fact, wasn’t that just where Evelyn had come from?

@Arclight @Kori Buor @Bardan Kex @EmilyHuene

 

[René]

Ji'Kels words were like music to Jaycobs ears. He grew more and more fascinated about his adventures as a SuperCommando. Jaycobs wish for a teacher would finally be granted. Killing a Jedi was hard enough, but 3? To Jaycob, Ji'Kel looked like a God. Jaycob didn't care if he looked dumb, he was eager to learn.

"7 years? I've been here for 5 and I haven't been promoted yet. What gives?" Jaycob joked. But, he stumbled upon a serious thought. What's his duty going to be in the clan? What will he do that will make him be remembered in Mando history forever? He'll have to start small. Ji'Kel was what he'll model himself after. A freelancer who just did their duty wherever needed and hopefully that will start his journey of traveling up the ranks and, eventually, become a SuperCommando like Ji'Kel.

"In all seriousness, if you had one piece of advice to give a little noob like me, what would it be?" Jaycob was looking forward to what the pair would continue to do in the future.

Pausing for a moment, Ji'Kel thought of one decent piece of advice to give the young human before him. "Well Jaycob, in terms of advancing in rank, simply do your duty and be there when the Dominion calls. No elaborate plots to get glory or satisfy a personal vendetta; trust me, it's not worth it. Something like that cost me an arm and a leg, literally. If you want to fit in, follow the examples of other Mandalorians."

The Chiss finished his 12th drink, subconsciously using the Force to purge his system of alcohol. He found his free hand one of his two lightsabers hanging at his waist. A SuperCommando, and yet many Mandalorians still judged him for his past. Surprisingly,n his newcomer didn't seem to mind; if anyhing, it seemed to make himself more of a god in Jaycob's eyes. "Hey Jaycob; I'm hitting a smuggler's outpost on Tatooine soon. They're smuggling young rancors. If you want some action, you're free to come along." Ji'Kel smiled as he put his helmet back on, finishing his message, "There's only one rule; you call me 'Azazel' in the field."