Ask Mandalore Mission to Mandalore: The Palace

[Minerva Wren]

​

Sometime later Minerva jettison onto the edge of the royal palace plaza. Well what was left of it at least. Destroyed columns laid in chunks and pieces all around. Were several craters, large and small on the floor as well. There was the remains of an AT-ST walker shattered on its side in the center of the plaza

Subsequently the mercenary walked toward the destroyed war machine. Now a few feet from it she examined it and said out loud. “Hmm, it’s appears that a rocket struck into a viewpoint, causing the walker to explode and collapse.” There was a brief smile underneath her helmet, taking some satisfaction that the Imps took losses in the purge.

Further signs of the last stand shown. Bones, pieces of stormtrooper armor and imperial grade blasters were scattered throughout. There was wreckage of gunships as well, here and there. The lack of Mandalorian remains and equipment told Minerva the current inhabitants must’ve taken care of it while leaving their enemies‘ to waste away generations ago.

Finally Minerva noticed the murals of the ancients more than half of it blasted away. The young warrior grimaced at that sight. The desolation of Sundrai was immense. Coming over to the ruined mural Minerva touched one of the destroyed sections.

One day this will be restored.

Of course little did the former foundling would realize that others were coming

@Topher @Reyn

 

[Eisa Wex]

Well this was perhaps the last place she had expected to find her self setting foot on, Mandalore of all places. A world that like Korriban held such a bitter history towards the Jedi, however it seemed that out of the two planets, those that called Mandalore home, held a level of bitterness to both sides of the Force using spectrum. She couldn't deny the fact that there was an air of unease about her as she walked along the dusty planes of the war ravaged planet. Even though there was a great distance between herself and her life as a Jedi, there was an inescapable legacy that she had once been part - almost a level of guilt in a sense.

But there was of course something more important than legacies of a life once lived, and that was loyalty. One that was held to her crew, an odd bunch as they may seem, especially to the casual observer watching the three of them squabble and bicker - but regardless of what anyone would see in the band of misfits, they were a crew, maybe family at a push. Though more importantly they had each others backs, well atleast she thought that was the case, until Minerva made a silent departure from the Ship.

Whilst at first it seemed that perhaps it was a result of a prank gone wrong, or Curse had broken something of importance to the Mandalorian, that was the reasons for her departure. But after a bit of wracking their brains and coming to the conclusion that if anything their antics had waned over the previous months of travelling together, they were at a collective loss as to why Minerva had chosen to disappear. That was until word had started to spread among some of the cantinas about the great Mandalorian Migration, or something along those lines - either way it seemed that Mandalorians had all started to travel to Mandalore some some big battle.

And with the Mystery solved, the remaining crew of the Rim Hopper made the swift Jump to Mandalore. Not really caring if it was their fight or whether they were welcome or not, but the agreement was mutual. Their crewmate wasn't going to stand alone, especially when it gave Curse the opportunity to have some destructive fun. Getting to the planet was the easy part, but finding their crew mate was trickier, having to fall back onto the Force to try and reach out and track down Minerva's presence on the planet.

Walking through the sandy planes that lead up to the ruins of the Palace, the fiery haired spacer finally after a few weeks set her eyes on the errant crewmate. "Oi... Minie! Why the Kriff did you bugger off like that" Eisa shouted out as she approached, before looking over to Curse, who seemed to be enjoying in taking her ATRT out for a spin once again. Yet despite the initial tone of her voice sounding annoyance, the closer Eisa got to Minerva, the clearer the wild grin on her features became. "You know better we don't need an invite to gate crash a party" the spacer added before punching Minerva's arm playfully.

@Minuteman75 @Reyn

 

[Curse]

It was easy for anyone to tell Curse and Minerva weren't exactly the best of friends. But while their time spent together on the Rim Hopper mainly consisted of the little Pistoeka constantly pushing the line of behavior the Mandalorian would tolerate before trying to blast her to pieces, she had to privately admit to some degree of begrudging respect for the violent organic. Minerva was very good at breaking things. And in this particular case her departure had brought them to a world rife with destruction, so really everything worked out perfectly in the end.

As she and her master marched through the ruins of Sundari on their way to the abandoned palace the buzz droid let out a whir of awe as she inspected the desolation surrounding them. //Wow... This place looks horrible! These Mandalorians really know how to destroy things don't they?// She mused aloud to Eisa. She was honestly a bit worried there'd be nothing around for her to destroy. There had to be some discarded beskar around here somewhere right? She wanted to get her claws on it before Minerva could see.

As they finally found their lost crewmate and Eisa rushed over to greet her the little Pistoeka scrambled up atop her AT-RT, quickly chittering out her clarification. //I only came here because Eisa made me!// She insisted. //Feel free to disappear any time you want Mandalorian!//

@Minuteman75 @Topher

 

[Minerva Wren]

Minerva Fhirdiad leaned her helmet head onto the ruined mural. Father, you often fondly spoke of Sundari during its glory days. Yet when I asked if we would ever come here you would become saddened and refuse much to my disappointment. Pausing she looked up at the mural and whispered.

“Now I understand. You could not bear to see it’s desolation anymore.”

Further reflection on the matter ceased when the mercenary heard a familiar voice shouting from behind. Twisting around Minerva saw it was indeed Eisa Wex, her red haired captain followed by Curse the ever destructive buzz droid on the AT-RT. At first she honestly didn’t know what to say to Eisa’s question.

Despite the following comment by the ex-Jedi and the playful punch along with Curse being Curse Minerva said nothing for several moments. Despite being masked in armor the other two would note their comrade’s body language was more solemn than her usual proud self. On one hand she was touched that they came all this way to find her yet at the same time concerned for their safety here.

Suppressing a sigh she confessed.

“It wasn’t my intention to stay gone Red. A Mandalorian gathering had been called forth via code and I had to answer it.” That is the closest Minerva was willing to give as an apology. As if to answer a possible question Minerva added.

“I knew you would’ve insisted on coming invited or not if I have told you.”


@Topher @Reyn

 

[Dregg Starr]

Dregg Starr
Dregg entered the palace and looked around at the ruin caused by the purges. He sighed as he saw the remaining bones and armour of fallen imperials, a feeling of pride swelled over him knowing his ancestors put up a fight. He heard voices echo through the palace and he followed the source of them. He knew some of the people had went up ahead to search the palace. He came upon a Mandalorian woman and two others, one was in an AT-RT and the other was embracing the Mandalorian. Neither were Mandalorian. He didn't know how felt about this, but they were definitely close to the Mandalorian girl and any help is welcome. He slung his rifle around his shoulder and approached the group. "Right" He called out from behind them taking his helmet off and showing his aged face "We need to form up and make some sort of plan, there's some of us outside that should be entering soon". He started as he knelt down on one knee and motioned for them to come over as he placed his helmet on the ground with a thud. Using his finger he begun to draw a circle in the thick dust and dirt on the floor and he drew where North was outside. Inside he drew a small square to signify the palace and smaller squares signify the buildings of the city. "Right, so outside it's eerily quiet. That don't sit well with me, something's amiss" he said with a frown "Since our people left this planet has been victim of pirates, smugglers and all sorts of criminals but they don't come to the capital? Most of us weren't exactly quiet when we landed outside. Some local gangs or anything could be mounting an attack against our small group, for all we know they could be on their way to us now." He had a stern and gravelly voice, a voice which you get with age and a strong disliking for those who mess around. Dregg pointed at the circle he drew in the ground "Now I'll wait for some more of us to come in before I start talking some more, but if you want to say what's on your mind go ahead and do it now". He then realised that he didn't introduce himself, they wouldn't know what to call him other than old man, he cleared his throat before speaking again "Dregg, Dregg Starr." He simply said pointing to himself. His clan did not matter, they were all dead anyways so what was the point of telling them what clan he was from, all they needed to know was his name. ​

 

[Eisa Wex]

A light frown furrowed on her brow, as she felt a wave of guilt and inner turmoil wash over her crewmate. Though she didn't need to have to call upon her training on the use of the JEdi's Empathic abilities to tell that being on Mandalore held much more a significant importance than just a simple homecomeing. Minerva's form slouching away from her usual upright and firm stance was the sure fire give away that there was a heavy burden on the Mandalorian' s shoulders.

After Minerva had said her piece, the fiery haired spacer simply grinned at her crewmate. "Aww Minie you know us all to well" Eisa responded with a light chuckle, before rolling her gaze round up towards the little Buzz droid perched upon her war machine. "Especially when it comes to letting Curse blow off some steam" she added before shooting their mechanical companion a quick wink.

The Spacer's attention got pulled away from her crewmates by the arrival and approach of another Mandalorian, her eyes arching up inquisitively as she watched the new arrival remove his helmet. The sight was enough to seemingly perplex the spacer, as she cast a bemused glance over towards Minerva. "Pssst I thought you said Mandalorians don't take of their helmet unless they're alone?" Eisa whispered under her breath to her crewmate. Her eyes widening briefly as she watched the male set the helmet down onto the ground, before they darted straight over towards the Buzzdroid. "Curse.... No don't get any ideas!" the spacer spoke out, figuring that the little droid was sizing up the helmet and planning to sink her little claws, saws and all other destructive mandibles into the helmet.

Keeping an eye on the mischievous little droid, for most of the impromptu briefing session, the spacer periodically looked over at the map that the man had drawn into the sand and dust, before returning a watchful gaze on Curse. Though going by the detail at which the man had explained their position and that of the seemingly absent local gangs, the description was enough to go by - yet she couldn't help but snigger at the mention of their arrival not being exactly quiet. If anything the crew of the Rim hopper was any thing but quiet, at the best of times.

Once the briefing came to it's end, Eisa simply grinned to the Mandalorian, before gesturing a hand towards her crew, "Thats Minerva, she's meant to be here. Thats Curse, and I'm Eisa and I Guess we're just gate crashing" the spacer spoke out as she carried out the introductions of her Crew, figuring it would be best to do it all in one hit.

 

[Curse]

Curse gave Minerva a quizzical look following her subdued response. She had been expecting the usual sharp jabs. Looking forward to it even. But instead she was moping about quite uncharacteristically. Curious. When the male Mandalorian revealed himself and began presumptuously giving orders the little Pistoeka looked at him oddly for a moment before clambering down from the AT-RT. Instead of going straight for his helmet like Eisa seemed to assume she would, the buzz droid climbed up to perch on her master's shoulder.

//I have no idea what you're implying.// Curse replied to Eisa's warning innocently. //I just wanted to say hello to our new friend.// Obviously she wasn't going to try to get at his beskar now. He was standing right there! She wasn't a fool and had no desire to be scrapped. She'd wait until he died or became distracted. Mandalore was a dangerous planet after all. Apparently.

So she put on a show of being a perfectly polite and obedient droid as Eisa made introductions. //A pleasure to make your acquaintance Dregg-Dregg Starr.// She twittered out in binary, tapping one of her pincers against her shell casing in a mock salute. The sooner she was aware whether or not he was capable of understanding droidspeak the sooner she could start plotting to trick him into letting her get at that wonderful armor. If she had any luck he wouldn't be as savvy as Minerva.

@Minuteman75 @Topher @Faust Rex

 

[Minerva Wren]

Minerva struggled to find the words to say to Eisa and Curse. As a warrior she often did not hesitate when confronting danger and even revel in. Yet now standing on sacred ground and seeing its decay stabbed into her soul like a vibroblade cutting through flesh. Underneath the t-visor she gritted her teeth in frustration with herself.

Get a hold of yourself already!

Subsequently a fellow Mandalorian showed up. Relieved that the attention was off her for the moment Minerva watched him to take off his helmet, not surprised at all. When Eisa whispered to her about that the armored woman paused suppressing laughter threatening to come out.

“I didn’t say every Mandalorian does that, just a lot of traditionalists do. You must’ve been more drunk that night when I told ya that bit.” Minerva whispered back in correction.

Of course in all fairness Minerva hadn’t really taken her helmet off in front of Eisa and
Curse. The chief reason being simply because she didn’t want the latter to get her sinister clutches on it.

As for the newcomer, the way he introduced himself, his appearance and went straight to business approach was on point. Minerva nodded in respect for the veteran warrior while listening to his briefing. The thought of scum trespassing or living here incensed the mercenary.

Eisa handled their crew’ names and Curse went into her typical routine. At the oh so ‘innocent’ act Minerva snorted and said to Curse.

“Don’t try it, pest.”

With that warning out of the way she addressed Dreg.

“Makes sense. Though to tell you the truth our crew here is rather spontaneous to put it mildly.” A short chuckle followed before Minerva added. “We can provide a diversion while you and the others get ready.”

@Topher @Reyn @Faust Rex

 

[Dregg Starr]

Dregg Starr​

Dregg noted their names as the woman before him listed them off. The Mandalorian was Minerva, the droid was curse and the plucky girl introducing them was Elisa. Gatecrashing? Was this some sort of joke to her? Whatever the meaning of her and the droid being here he knew his people couldn’t be picky on the help they get, so he’d have to grit and bare his teeth if these jokers were gonna stay. Dregg was a pretty grumpy older man, he didn’t take kindly to jokes in matters which he considered serious. He nodded as he listened to the droid talk through it’s beeps. “Yeah, yeah, nice to meet your acquaintance too droid” He spoke staring the droid down. The droid seemed to be a bit of a schemer judging from Minerva’s and Eisa’s warnings. “Yeah whatever you’re planning droid, i wouldn’t do it” He said giving the added warning to Curse. Dregg looked down at the drawing he made in the dirt, it was a pretty simple representation of the city, but it helped with picturing the possible entry points where any pirates or the sort could come from. He listened to Minerva before looking up at her. “How very noble of you. Judging from the other mandos outside and the way some of them are acting I’d say you and your crew are the most put together people here...that ain’t saying much. So I don’t think there’ll be much planning unless they enter here in the next few minutes.”

Dregg placed his helmet on his head before standing up. He figured that they should look through the palace some more, see if they could find anything useful. He eyed up Minerva’s armour and its handiwork as he begun to walk, noticing the mix of beskar and non-beskar pieces. “We should have a bit of a look around, see if we can find anything. You ever need someone to fix your armour or make you some beskar...well anything” He pointed at himself before uttering “I’m the guy” Dregg took his A280C blaster rifle from his shoulder and flashed it to Minerva, it was customised with a finely crafted wooden stock, wooden forend and wooden grip, Dregg wanted to show his own handiwork. “I can work anything, I don’t do droids or ships though, guns and armour are my thing. I have a store and forge on Nar Shaada you ever need anything. Anyways, enough about myself tell me about yourselves. I like to know who I might die with.” Dregg continued walking, he took in the faded paintwork on the walls and the dilapidated, destroyed walls that he walked past every so often. He was looking for anything, beskar, holobooks, holograms. Anything that might aid him and the takeover of his ancestral home. ​

 

[Gett'se Vizsla]

"Just don't get any ideas about the beskar." Gett'se's voice echoed through the chamber as he approached, catching only the tail end of the conversation. Walking up to the pair of mandalorians, Gett'se had noted with some slight indignation that the elder mandalorian had stood without his buy'ce, though he wore it now again, and in front of an aruetiise to make matters worse. He knew his ways were strict and that not all practiced the Way as he did, and he accepted that. But he didn't have to be happy about it.

"The beskar belongs to the Mandalorians." He said sharply, looking first at the droid and the aruetii before glancing at the the older mandalorian as if to say 'in case you've forgotten'. Looking between each of the gathered members of the group in turn, he sighed audibly before he turned his attention to the dilapidated conditions of the palace.

"This place is a mess. And if the fools keep arguing outside it will stay that way." He shook his head, ashamed at the conduct of the vod outside.

"Gett'se Vizsla, ner vod" He finally introduced himself, holding a fist over the iron heart on his chest briefly as he introduced himself.

@Forsythe Crowholde @Topher @Reyn @Faust Rex @Minuteman75

 

[Reiel Mal Crowholde]

Away from the tense situation and their arguing vode, Reiel's carefree attitude made itself known as she waved at the small group congregating within the palace. Two Mandalorians, one aruetii, and a Pistoeka droid. Her smile was amiable despite being concealed by her helmet.

"Hail and well met, vode," she said in greeting. Reiel then offered the outsider and what she assumed to be her droid a polite nod. "Miss. Tiny droid."

Unlike Gett'se, Reiel had been too preoccupied with checking out the new place so she missed whatever the trio and one droid were talking about. From another's perspective, she would appear to be rather careless in her approach. But hidden by the buy'ce was a piercing gaze looking for any sign of trouble or the presence of intruders. Her buir told her that Mandalore was not abandoned, that pirates and thieving scum often found their way to the homeworld in search of something worth stealing.

She then stood beside Gett'se, body language lax but eyes and mind ever alert for any sign of danger. The combination always came as a surprise against her targets and enemies, lulling them with a carefree attitude then being struck unawares. A trickster, her father sometimes called her. But Reiel always disagreed with the petname, still feeling that she was far from being one.

"I'd rather not have them argue anymore. Waste of time, energy, and allies. Really, I expect 'em to learn from the past. But there they go, all stood in a circle and arguing like old ladies in the presence of outsiders. Oh, the shame. What would our forebears say?"

Half-joke, half-serious sentiment aside, an introduction was still in order.

"Reiel Mal Crowholde. Pleased to meet you."

@Arclight @Minuteman75 @Faust Rex @Reyn @Topher

 

[Eisa Wex]

A Coy grin crossed the fiery haired spacer's features as the gruff Mandalorian commented that the crew was the most put together people who were present. Giving Minerva a quick nudge with her elbow and grinning at the complement being given to the oft dysfunctional crew. Following as Dregg started to pace further towards the ruined City, revealing his background as being a blacksmith, Forge father or what ever the term that Minerva had said it was - her memory was pretty hazy on that exchange, probably because it was in and around the time the female Mandalorian explained the nature of the helmet. When she was somewhat a little too inebriated to remember much of the discussions from that night.

After Dregg had shared a bit of his back ground, then only to ask the same of those who he might die with - such a pessimistic view! "Well I was a Jedi" Eisa offered with a casual shrug, not even thinking of the possible ramifications of announcing such a fact about her, whilst on Mandalore of all places - after all she was here to help out her crew mate, not answer to some ancient grudge. And if things were going to be getting hot, the fiery haired spacer figured it would be best getting it known and out in the open now rather than putting the other Mandalorians on the back foot should she have to resort to using Force abilities.

"Been one since I was just but a suckling babe, well up till I got lefty here" the spacer continued before waving with her cybernetic arm to emphasise the point. "Was rescuing some hostages, and well there was a few proxi mines..... they went boom... the mines not the hostages! Kinda decided after that there was more to life than just doing all that sit n waitin, and meditation schtick. So left the order to just go and explore the 'verse on my own terms ya know" She explained, before turning her attention towards the new arrivals that had approached.

"Now, mostly just bum about picking up odd jobs, scavenging for salvage, beating a warlord to pulp with a shield, running cargo shipments, blow up some pirates.... attacking a star destroyer.... you know fun stuff"

 

[Curse]

//I didn't do anything!// Curse chittered out indignantly as all the assembled organics seemed to immediately assume the worst intentions of the little Pistoka. Granted they were right, but she certainly wasn't going to admit to that. And how dare they assume as much. She didn't deserve to be treated this way just because she was a sabotage droid. //Are all Mandalorians so rude?// She asked Minerva. //No wonder your planet got bombed into oblivion!//

The sixth person to join their group, yet another beskar-encased organic, at least seemed to display some basic manners and not immediately try to start a grudge. Which means she's my best bet at getting a closer look at that armor... The buzz droid privately thought. With naturally devious intent.

//See? She's nice.// The little Pistoeka twittered, and poked at Eisa's head with one of her pincers. //I'm going over there. Since not even my own master is going to defend me from these baseless accusations.// With that she hopped down from the spacer's shoulder and scampered over to Reiel's feet, standing beside her as though it was already a forgone conclusion that they were going to be friends. //Designation K3-R5 at your service,// She introduced herself to the Mandalorian with the same fake politeness she had tried to pull with the others. //Or Curse if you prefer.// She looked back at her crewmates, doing her best to feign offense. Just focus on endearing yourself to this one for now... Curse thought. Whatever the Mandalorians' business on this world was meant nothing to her. That delightful beskar was all that mattered.

@Minuteman75 @Topher @Faust Rex @Arclight @Forsythe Crowholde

 

[Minerva Wren]

An armorer! Minerva thought with surprise as Dregg displayed his blaster rifle which was in an most impressive condition. The few she had met over the years had usually been at their forge and rarely outside of it. Quite an honor indeed to be in such company.

Before the former founding could reply, a voice echoed from behind them. Looking back in that direction she noted two familiar armored figures from earlier. The one in blue certainly made his position quite clear about beskar. Minerva nodded in acknowledgment, she was here to pay her respects to their ancestors after all.

He is from House Vizsla huh? That’s an old name, a very hated name in some circles.

Subsequently the other warrior next to Vizsla spoke up, confirming the continuing argument away from the palace and introduced herself. Unlike her companion Reidi seemily carried a sense of humor which Minerva appreciated.

Returning Vizsla’s salute, the mercenary finally said to the trio of Mandalorians present.

“Minerva Fhirdiad, adopted daughter of Jorel Merrik and a member of the Rim Hopper crew. It is an honor to meet you all my vode.”

Just then Eisa let out the loth-cat out of the bag, by immediately revealing her past Jedi ties. Underneath the helmet Minerva’s jaw dropped and her body stiffened. Red you idiot! As soon as the scavenger finished and Curse drew closer to Reidi while putting on her latest ‘endearing’ attempt the merc immediately placed herself in front of Eisa before the others as if a shield.

“She is my captain and only came here to find me, nothing more. I’ll take full responsibility for her and the buzzdroid as long as they’re here you have my word.”

Seconds later she and others would hear movement on the stairs above. Turning to look up a blaster bolt struck her in the helmet knocking the warrior down. Fortunately it was made up completely of beskar, bouncing off the shot but her head rang all the same.

Subsequently repeating shots erupted from top of the stairs aimed toward the gathered group. Soon enough they would their attackers were more than a dozen humanoids of pale skin and savage grins. They were Nagai!

“Kill them and their armor will be ours!” Shouted the leader in looted Mando gear, pointing his long knife down in their direction.

@Faust Rex @Arclight @Forsythe Crowholde @Topher @Reyn

 

[Casany Praxor]

Music OOC

Spoiler

Silence. It was everywhere. The walls were quiet, their screams having given out long ago as much as the rubble that so many had become. The ceiling said nothing as it loomed above, with fractured duracrete reaching through one storey after the other so that light shone through the odd crack here and there. Amid the stillness of the Sundari Royal Palace, where bare a critter was brave enough to wander, it was Casany’s own boots that she heard as they tapped across the floor; slow and low, like dull drum beats that ought to have echoed between the murals. A long time ago perhaps, when death and dust once held no sway here; when the walls were awake with the glory of gold and grey; when a Mandalorian like me could walk the halls as proudly as one walks away from battle to fight another.

Passing through a cold corridor, whose lifeless ice coiled around her bare body beneath the armor, Cass considered her own thoughts. Death and dust. Maybe both were there all along, even when the walls were whole and the floors were filled with my people. If today’s gathering was anything to go by then the Mandalorians of old had all but danced on blade’s edge with their bickering and their politicking. Was it only a matter of time before we collapsed? The Palace might have answered her as she strolled a hall of pillars; marble sentries that towered where they stood tall, or cried out their maim and murder where they had been hewn to crumble. Were we doomed all along?

New Mandalorians. Death Watch. Protectors. Children of the Watch. The Mandalorians were ever a people at odds with themselves, even despite their undying loyalty to their people. Undying. Yet death surrounds me everywhere I turn… There was a glow just then. Cass’ hand went for her holster but no further as she rounded a pillar to discover a lonely thing sleeping on the floor. A blue light gave way to a crystalline board that gave away the object as a holobook. Crouching, she retrieved the item just as a voice pierced the internal comlink of her helmet.

[“Hey Cass, there are others here all right. Not far from your position. Here you go.”]

Her 4EY Scout Droid relayed the data through to his master’s interface. There was nothing to be alarmed about just yet. Minerva, the first to fly as Cass liked to say, among others from the sands had evidently entered the Palace in their own fashion to explore it in their own way. She had desired to do so alone, letting the voices of years upon years permeate her presence like whispers in the dark. But I can’t understand you. I can barely hear you.

[“Hold position, Rawl. I’m on my way.”]

With that, Cass tucked the holobook away for now and departed the hall, entering a hallway toward the location of six other figures who had determined to discover the mysteries of their Mandalore beyond more than mere murals. Though they light the way even now, those visors of eyes watching me while I walk.

 

[Dregg Starr]

Dregg Starr
Dregg turned and stared at the incoming Mandalorians. He listened to what each had to say and nodded in agreement with Gett’se on his sentiment on beskar. He listened to them introduce themselves. “Dregg Starr.” He responded simply to Gett’se and Reiel’s introductions. He then glanced at Elisa as she told her story, he didn’t care much if she was a Jedi or not, she was a companion of Minerva and thus worthy to be worked with by other Mandalorians. Minerva would then vouch for her comrades although he didn’t particularly care where they came from as long as they were useful to their cause “A Jedi huh? Well Minerva has vouched for you and for as long as she does, you’re okay to me” He then turned to address Gett’se and Reiel to address any problems they might have with being in the presence of an outsider, especially a Jedi “Okay, if Minerva vouches for Eisa then I don’t want to he-“ His words and remarks were cut short by blaster fire, he saw Minerva’s helmet get hit. Definitely beskar. But Dregg couldn’t afford getting hit with much blaster fire considering his armour was made for durasteel alloy. Dregg dived out of the way of blaster fire behind some rubble. He was crouched down on one knee, his other raised as he looked up to spot his enemies. Twelve, twelve people attacking them. He planted his blaster rifle on the wall and begun to lay down suppressive fire, the larger capacity of his blaster’s magazine meant he could fire for almost two minutes straight as the Nagai scattered giving his Mandalorian comrades time to find cover. “Get behind something!” He barked loudly over his blaster fire “We can’t afford to lose anyone!” He shouted again over his hail of bolts. They were outnumbered, but Dregg figured this meant nothing. One Mandalorian was worth ten Nagai pirates to him so were they really outnumbered? He thought as kept his trigger held in.​

 

[Gett'se Vizsla]

Gett'se was torn on the subject of the aruetiise. On one hand, he felt this sacred pilgrimage to the homeworld of their people should belong to them, on the other... Well he hadn't exactly been impressed with the quality of the vode that he had met so far. Before he could say anything for or against, a scraping sound above caught his attention. And then blaster fire was falling upon them.

"Smoke!" He shouted as he drew, primed, and flung a smoke grenade towards the fallen Minerva to give her cover while she found her bearings. She looked like she had survived, the beskar that she wore likely saving her life. The grenade hissed as it skittered across the floor, spewing a thick smog that would deny the sudden assailants an easy shot on his fallen vod.

Drawing as he ducked a blaster bolt, he aimed down the site of his pistol towards the attackers. "Chaku'pel'gam!" He spat as he fired on one of the beskar clad raiders, adjusting his aim at the last second to wing the Nagai in the shoulder instead of blasting him in his beskar covered chest.

"Cover me." He said with a sideward glance towards Reiel before dashing for the fallen vod, Minerva. He didn't need to check to see if the woman would act on his word. He knew that she would and in this moment he trusted her and the older mando with his life as he charged into the smoke cloud to aid the downed sister.

"Can you walk?" He asked her as he crouched down next to her, slapping a button on the side of his helmet as he did so. His field of view turned to shades of grey and red as he peered out of the smoke, firing off a pair of bolts aimed at one of the red man shaped blobs that rushed down the stairwell.

@Forsythe Crowholde @Minuteman75 @Topher @Faust Rex @Reyn @Die Shize

 

[Reiel Mal Crowholde]

"Why, hello there, Curse," Reiel replied amiably to the little Pistoeka's introduction. But the indignation she could catch in the droid planted a certain wariness in her, and while she allowed Curse to stand beside her, the Mandalorian remained mindful of what the little one's intent might be. The Mandalorian usually dismissed droids – they were useful, yes. But when presented with one that developed a personality, Reiel sometimes floundered on how she'd respond to them.

In a show of trust in exchange for the buzz droid's "polite" greeting, Reiel crouched next to it – Him? Her? Sounded like the latter to her – and would proceed to scoop the Pistoeka from the floor to let her perch on her armored shoulder (the side covered with durasteel pauldrons). She then looked at Eisa, mildly surprised but not unwelcoming of the revelation. Reiel had, after all, been acquainted and made friends with a few Force-users.

"I've fought with the Jedi before," she declared in an even voice, aware of how Gett'se might react. But for Eisa and Minerva's ease, they'd have one less Mandalorian to worry about with regards to the ex-Jedi. Her thoughts immediately went to a certain politician, face turning red. She composed herself before continuing. "Not against, mind you. One time it's in a barfight, and the other was on a job–"

Reiel's eyes widened, her narrative disrupted, when Minerva fell to a blaster bolt. Holding up a hand to support Curse, she was quick to duck for cover beside Gett'se and peered over at their attackers. Kriff, how did she miss them?

The answer soon came to her as she identified their attackers – the supposed Nagai leader clad in beskar'gam. Memories of the Trandoshan scum back in Ord Radama came flashing in Reiel's mind, and rage quickly set her heart ablaze. She quickly unslung her DC-15A Blaster Rifle from her back before taking position and aimed at the pirates.

"I'd watch out for blaster fire if I were you," she would advise Curse should the droid remained perched on her shoulder. Quick to comply with Gett'se's command, Reiel fired at the pirates – her shot purposefully hitting one of the advancing scum on the shoulder.

The next shot would find their skull, she thought grimly.

"How about we kill you first? Kriffers!" she yelled, going against the idea of just slinging a frag grenade over. Wouldn't want to hurt her allies in a friendly fire, with Gett'se and Minerva still exposed. For now, she focused on firing at the pirates, intent on supporting her vode until they found cover.

@Arclight @Minuteman75 @Reyn @Die Shize @Topher @Faust Rex

 

[Eisa Wex]

Spoiler: Theme

A slight smile, come bemused expression crossed the spacer's features. The Mandalorians surprisingly seemed to have very little qualms with the revelation that she was once a Jedi, well it seemed that way - those helmets of the Mandalorians after all didn't really give much away of what was going on underneath. The only one what seemed to react to her revelation was Minerva, who rather touchingly interjected in defence of the fiery haired spacer, taking on the responsibility for the actions of both Eisa and Curse whilst they were on the spiritual Mandalorian soil.

That was until it happened! A streak of red cutting through the air out of no where.

The hairs along the back of the spacers neck shoot up as a wave of shock washed over her, eyes widening as the sight of the crimson blaster bolt struck Minerva on the side of her helmeted head. Time for the spacer seemed to dilate as Minervas descent to the ground came into effect. Whether it was just; the shock, the sudden rush of adrenaline through her body or just the Force, the sight of her crewmate being downed was enough to shatter her current musings and give her a swift kicking up the arse to focus on what present danger that had made itself known.

"Curse! Minie's down, Light those kriffers up" Eisa spoke out, her tone as it was during the battle of Ryloth, making it clear to the Buzz droid that it was go time. As the words left her lips, the fiery haired spacer lunged forwards grabbing Minerva's body before it could hit the ground. Her eyes narrowing as she reached out with the Force and channelled it through her and towards her crewmate, preparing her herself for the worse, but there was only a relief that washed over her. Minerva was alive, stunned and probably a bit shaken but she would be ok. "thank the Force" the fire haired woman muttered, before lugging Minerva's stunned body whilst keeping low to the ground - until she could safely place her crewmate behind the cover of the ATRT.

Rising up to her full height, the spacer broke off forwards towards the firefight that was now erupting in front of her, emerald eyes narrowing with a look of steely focus - as she stretched out her cybernetic limb to snatch up her BM-664 blaster rifle and satchel off of the racking that Curse had welded onto the side of the walker as she passed ahead of it. Powering up her rifle as she disappeared into the haze created by the smoke grenades.

From within the haze of smoke, a burst of 5 blaster shots streaked out towards the Nagai as they rushed down the stairs. Swiftly followed by another burst of five shots, although visually she would have been firing blind, the spaced out bursts of five were being directed towards the moving presences of the Nagai raiders felt through the Force. Sequential bursts of five shots being levelled towards and into the path of the Raiders as they attempted to rush the Mandalorians - enough to try and hold them back and pin them down, so that Curse could really let the Kriffers have it for shooting at their crewmate.

 

[Curse]

Curse allowed Reiel to pick her up and place her on her shoulder. Phase 1 complete. While the Mandalorian continued in her conversation with the others the buzz droid tapped on the pauldron, scratching it slightly with her prying hooks. Not beskar. Unfortunate but not unexpected. Of course it wasn't going to be that easy.

She squeaked with surprise when the blaster bolt downed Minerva, clinging tightly to Reiel's shoulder while she moved into cover. The little Pistoeka's focus however was fixed on her fallen comrade, flipping through several filters on her photoreceptors to see if she was alright. It was hard for her to tell but her sensors indicated the Mandalorian's body temperature remained the same. Had the headshot killed her that temperature would have started to drop fairly quickly. Meanwhile the unexpected skirmish was commencing in earnest between the two groups.

"I'd watch out for blaster fire if I were you," Reiel warned. Curse only waved her off as she climbed down her back and jumped down to the ground once more. //Yeah yeah I know how it goes.// She replied casually to the Mandalorian. She started making her way towards the AT-RT before Eisa even gave the order. //This isn't my first gunfight you know!//

It was easy enough for the buzz droid to find her way through the thick smoke, and no one was hitting a target as small as her in this chaos. From the black cloud the others would hear the sound of an engine roaring to life followed by a mechanical churning as it started taking steps forward. The scout walker emerged from the smoke, and wasted no time in blasting the Nagai to kingdom come. The first shot blew apart three of the raiders that were grouped together. The rest immediately reacted by starting to fall back up the stairs while keeping up the fire. It was clear to them now that they had underestimated their foes. For her part Curse did what she usually did in this type of situation and let out a crazed mechanical cackle as she slowly marched up the stairs to pursue the Nagai, keeping a slow pace to allow her allies to stick with her.

@Minuteman75 @Topher @Faust Rex @Arclight @Forsythe Crowholde @Die Shize