Ask [Roon] Worth A Shot

Hauron Solus

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Per OP template this thread is death enabled​

Hauron had discovered a familiar name when looking through his father's belongings. Zaia Krodas had come up on more than one occasion especially when when he had lived on Tatooine for a time. The woman was supposedly an excellent fighter, one of the best and not just because of their expert skills but because of their strength of character. Such a thing was hard to come by these days. So the Forge Master reached out and heard a response from the fellow Mandalorian.

The Group Leader of Rancor Squadron thought it best to meet up with this stranger he had heard about and gain an ally his father had trusted with his life. In doing so he may gain some insights to the man he called Buir as well as maybe even recruit a capable warrior. But he also wanted to ask something of her that had to do with the Roon system. Allegedly the planet that shared the name with the system was home to a group of Mandalorians as stubborn as any other. He felt it wise to approach them with a diverse group of perspectives and increase chances to convince them to join together rather than remain isolated.

Clan Trenessar of Roon used to belong to a larger organization called the Orar'da'yadr. Kotii had butted heads with the Orar'da'yadr on a few occasions but Hauron had worked along side former members so he had hope that he could sway some of them and hopefully all of them to join a larger cause. A more progressive and effective cause. If not Clan Trenessar, the Roonians themselves were known for being a capable fighting force.

Before any mass recruitment could begin, Hauron would meet with Zaia Krodas in the city of Nunurra. They were deep within Independent System Consortium space in the Roon system which was why the Mikkian had come alone. He would draw far less attention than if he came with company. The badger could send an encrypted message for assistance if necessary but he did not want to distract his mercenary company from their present operations.

The Roon Games were taking place soon and the locals seemed to be excited for it. Banners were fluttering in the streets and competitors from all over the planet had come to the largest city on the planet. There was still time to compete as an off worlder if he wished but the Mikkian refrained for now from such reckless acts. He knew he could not indulge his desire for thrills or put a target on his back. Then again... No he was better off not joining. Hauron had come to the planet for entirely different reasons and had to remember to be responsible.

He found a cafe just outside of the main space port with the name "Smug Pug" hanging over the door in aurebesh. A picture of a cute dog inside a mug made it clear it was a play on words as M U G was colored in a different shade of paint. Hauron found a spot towards the back of the cafe so he could keep an eye on the entrance and the back of the cafe. He ordered an iced caf with hazelnut syrup and a straw for him to drink easily while he waited for Zaia to arrive. She would have the location and know to meet him there.

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Zaia Krodas

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Sometimes with so much happening all at once, Zaia would find herself starting to forget her purpose. She’d spend her time freelancing, bounty hunting, revenge-seeking, yet even though she was helping to support her friends and family in some way or another, she still felt a little bit lost. Mercenary work was simply un-Mandalorian. In other words, dishonorable.

That was why when she received the message from Hauron Solus with an offer to do something that would benefit their people, she had been more than eager to accept his offer to meet up.

Zaia had never met Hauron before. Kotii had mentioned his son now and then, but other than what she’d heard from him, she didn’t know much about him at all. That didn’t matter, though. If he was anything like his father, then she knew that she would be able to trust him. Kotii was one of the warriors she looked up to the most, and anyone he trusted, she did too.

It was a beautiful day in the city of Nunurra, and from glancing at a few advertisements and listening to the passing buzz of conversations as she walked through the spaceport, it was clear that the Roon Games would be taking place soon. Zaia didn’t really know what those were, but some of the images she saw of the competitions did look fun. She might even have participated if she wasn’t here for something far more important.

Outside the spaceport, the Smug Pug was impossible to miss. Its neon lights and the picture of the cute puppy made it quite inviting, and soon Zaia was at the entrance.

She looked around for the man she had come to meet, and it didn’t take long to figure out who it was. Whether he was wearing his helmet or not, Hauron’s Mandalorian garb marked him as the son of Kotii, so Zaia made her way over. If for some reason he wasn’t the right person, she would find out soon enough. She stood in front of his table and took off her helmet, holding it at her side as she greeted him.

“Su cuy'gar.” Zaia extended her arm in an offer for a handshake. “I’m Zaia. It’s nice to meet you.” After that, she would take a seat across from him, putting her helmet to the side. “You’re Kotii’s son?” She had to ask, just to be sure.

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Hauron Solus

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Hauron took a sip of his flavored hazelnut latte through the straw. The utensil allowed him to drink without removing his helmet. The armor he wore was in part taken from pieces his father used to own and had since been modified. He wondered if Zaia had recognized some of the pieces but he also was wearing the Solus black and red along with the sigils befitting someone of his experience.

He quickly centered his T visor on the approaching blue armored woman. The Forge Master could tell the Krodas kept her gear in tip top condition and silently approved of its resplendent appearance. He set his cup down as his body rose up from the seat to shake her arm in a traditional Mandalorian handshake, grasping her at the forearm. "Su cuy'gar."

<"Hauron. Likewise.">
The Mikkian sat back down a moment after Zaia. He was still looking her over when she asked him a question. <"Yes. He told me a bit about you. All good things though, don't worry. I'm surprised you don't have a necklace of gundark ears."> He spoke professionally in Mando'a but still with a degree of flattery towards her reputation. He wanted to make a good first impression with Zaia and not be overly familiar at the same time. <"Can I order you anything?">

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Zaia Krodas

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Hauron had a firm handshake, not anything unlike what she was expecting. Just from looking at his armor, it was clear that he was proud of his heritage, and Zaia was glad that they both had that in common.

When she heard that Kotii had told him about her, Zaia couldn’t help but smile. She must have done something right if he’d said some good things, though deep down she knew that they both had a healthy respect for each other as warriors. And as friends.

“Ha! I’ve never thought of that one before.” A gundark ear necklace would be interesting for sure, even if it would be very difficult to come by. Zaia wondered just what Hauron’s father had told him about her— surely there had been some hyperbole in there. “Water would do just fine,” she responded with a slight smile.

After the drink came, which didn’t take long, it was only fair for her to offer him something too. As she took the straw out of its wrapper and put it into the drink, she looked up at Hauron’s black visor.

“Now, how can I help you?” she asked.

@Darasuum
 

Hauron Solus

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Hauron returned the smile though it was hidden by his helmet. The man was cautious and while he was not a religious fanatic or follower of the Way of the Mandalore, he could see the logic in keeping one's helmet on in public. The smile remained on his face and he tended to carry an up beat and positive tone to his voice. The badger nodded at hearing her request and made the order on her behalf since he was the one with a tab.

The Forge Master cleared his throat and got right down to business. <"Well, as you know there used to be a group of Mandalorians called the Thundertusk that used to be in prominent numbers across the galaxy. They aren't what they used to be but still have mighty warriors. I was hoping to rally them, perhaps even recruit them into my mercenary company, Rancor Squadron. If nothing else I was hoping to establish good terms with them so that our estranged community can once again begin to flourish.">

He leaned back in his seat a bit more as he continued. <"I don't know if you've been to Mandalore recently but I've begun a reconstruction project in the city of Sundari. I've made efforts in different places across the galaxy, most of them still secret and not really advertised for our people's safety.">

<"The Thundertusk group here on Roon are mostly composed of clan Trenessar. I wanted to approach them as diplomatically as possible and was hoping someone that was not from Rancor Squadron might make them more open minded.>
He gestured with an open hand across the table at Zaia indicating she was who he had in mind.

<"Things might not....probably won't be that easy but they never are. What are your thoughts?">
The Solus had asked the Krodas to come because even though he did not know her he felt she could provide valuable insight. If there were flaws in his logic he expected her to point them out. He reached for his drink again and took a sip causing the ice to shift as the liquid level decreased slightly.

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Zaia Krodas

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There wasn’t much time to think about why the server had given Zaia a straw when she clearly didn’t have her helmet on, as Hauron immediately jumped into why he’d asked her here today. She listened quietly and attentively, placing an elbow on the table and a fist under her chin as she contemplated what he was saying.

<“I see.”> Zaia took a quick sip from her water before she once again met Hauron’s gaze. Or his visor, anyway. <“It’s a solid plan in my opinion. Our people could use some unity. Just one question. Are you offering the Thundertusks a place on Sundari?”> She had really been missing out— the news that Hauron was potentially rebuilding the former Mandalorian capital city definitely came as a surprise. A good one at that, and she did want to help. She just thought they might be a little more agreeable if they were offered a place for a home, but if not, they could probably figure out an alliance nonetheless.

As for predicting that the job wouldn’t be easy, Zaia didn’t really mind. They were Mandalorian, after all, and if they only did things that were easy then they didn’t deserve the title.

<“I always welcome a challenge.”> She smiled, taking another sip of water from her straw. <“What do we know about them? Is there a creed… or something that might help us sell our message?”> Being from a fairly religious clan, Zaia knew that there were some things that would earn immediate hostility or friendship. With the Trenessars, she hoped that they wouldn’t push too many buttons, especially given what she’d heard about Clan Solus from Srucayr.

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Hauron Solus

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Hauron found it curious the look Zaia gave the server, or rather the straw automatically provied. The Mikkian had not requested one but then again some establishments gave them because some customers felt that the cups were unclean. In his case, he had a more pragmatic purpose for it.

He nodded singularly in agreement to their people needing some unity. But he could not help but tilt his helmet slightly to the side at her question. <"Of course."> The Solus said as a matter of fact. <"It's not my place to forbid any child of Mandalore from Sundari."> Only a Mand'alor would have a right to do such a thing in Hauron's opinion.

Hauron straightened and smiled audibly with an approving exhale even through his muffled helm. He could see why his father liked her so much. The Mikkian predicted they would become friends if given time. She asked good questions too. <"They're zealots, fanatics from what I hear. They still pray to the old gods Kad Ha'rangir the Destroyer, and Hod Ha'ran the Trickster. Arasuum the Sloth however they loathe and blame for...well everything bad I expect."> Hauron had learned of them and even occasionally made prayers to them himself but it was rare and far between. He would not consider himself a true believer these days. <"It may take a duel to convince them to even listen.">

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Zaia Krodas

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If the Orar’da’yadr were offered a place in Sundari, Zaia didn’t see any reason for them to not agree with their terms and at least try to become friendly with Rancor Squadron. Though she recognized the diversity in opinions among the Mando’ade, the prospect of recolonizing Mandalore should be a united effort. Then again, she’d always been an idealist, and maybe it wouldn’t be as easy as that. She nodded at Hauron’s answer, glad that they were on the same page.

As for the group being religious zealots, Zaia leaned back thoughtfully at that. Her own clan was quite religious in terms of continuing to worship the old gods and so was she, but not to the point of being that stubborn to request a duel in place of a negotiation.

<“Hopefully it won’t come to that.”> Though she wasn’t one to shy away from a fight, there was always an element of risk associated with it that she would rather avoid on a diplomatic mission. Speaking of, she just had one more question for Hauron before she was ready to head out and take this on.

<“Do you happen to have a contact within the group that might be partial to us? Or are we going in with these?”> She tapped one of her blasters at her hip.

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Hauron Solus

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Hauron nodded in agreement before he took another sip from his latte. The drink was nearly empty and getting to the point it was mostly caf flavored water. The caffeine would help him stay alert and focused. Since Zaia had not ordered anything of significance he did not need to pay any more than he already had.

<"Both"> He paused before continuing. <"There's a pilot I've flown with who I trust to put in a good word for us. They're name is Bev'nir Trenessar. Hopefully their word holds weight."> They would not know until they got there so wondering would only do so much good.

As they got up to leave Hauron finished off the rest of his drink until the audible sound of an empty cup could be heard. The Forge Master set the cup back down and headed for the door. <"Their fortress is isolated so we'll fly to the nearest town of Tann and see what they have for rentable transport. Let's hope they have a few vehicles or maybe some animals to ride."> If necessary they would make the trip on foot and combine it with some jetpack flight. But he preferred to conserve fuel and not seem like they were approaching in a manner that could be mistaken as an attempted assault.

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Rolled for contact in Clan Trenessar
15/20 success
 

Zaia Krodas

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Having a contact in Clan Trenessar would be helpful, especially if they could put in a good word. It looked like they were off to a good start already. As Hauron finished the rest of his caf, Zaia ditched the straw and downed the rest of her water before getting up. She would need to stay hydrated for the upcoming mission, after all.

She put on her helmet again before heading over to the door with him, nodding along as he explained the plan. The door opened for the pair, and with the spaceport close by, she assumed that they could probably take his ship to Tann since he had the coordinates. After that, an isolated fortress sounded exciting, though she too hoped that they wouldn’t have to fly there on jetpacks. That would probably send the wrong message.

Once in the spaceport, Zaia walked alongside Hauron as he led the way through the crowd to his ship.

<“You have a nice ride,”> she complimented once the hangar door opened. <“Let’s hope Tann has something half as good to take us to the fortress.”>

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<"Thanks. It draws less attention than a Gauntlet class transport."> He led the way onboard. The Beloved Lance sat waiting for the two to arrive and began powering up even as they walked towards the cockpit.

It was a Rasmus class assault ship with a built in S3 smart ship A.I. so it had a lot of automated features that made efficient and convenient. He liked to not draw attention to himself when operating alone and a Mandalorian made ship tended to make people assume that it also had Mandalorians onboard. The interior was clean and organized with numerous seats for Zaia to occupy during the flight. Hauron would be at the controls even though he could have the integrated droid do the work.

It would take a few minutes for them to traverse Roon until they arrived in the northern hemisphere. Hauron brought the ship in for a smooth landing outside a humble looking village. It was far more simplistic and less industrial looking than the city they had just been in. Hauron doubted any of the cafes offered straws automatically with their drinks. Then again, he doubted they even had a cafe in the first place. They would be lucky to have a tavern that sold more than one kind of ale.

<"Have you ever ridden an animal before?"> He asked as the Beloved Lance came to a halt. Hauron had not seen any other parked ships from the air and expected Zaia and he were the only visitors the town had in days, maybe even weeks. After walking down the ramp he made sure the ship closed and locked behind him.

His visor scanned the surroundings for any sign of a vehicle renting business but was forced to begin walking down the main street of the frontier town. People gave them looks and kept their distance as the pair made their way through. Eventually there appeared to be a junkyard of sorts right next to an animal stable. Half a dozen swoop bikes in various states of disrepair were visible from the street and Hauron doubted they would last the trip up the mountain. Then again, the beasts of burden available at the stable did not look to be particularly fast or strong. Hauron turned to look at Zaia, silently wondering which place they should try first.

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5/20 for mounts
mild fail
 

Zaia Krodas

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<“That’s true,”> she agreed. The less attention they drew, the better, especially when they would be visiting people that may not be friends at first sight.

Hauron kept his ship organized, Zaia noticed as she followed him up the ramp. She could appreciate that— clean space, clean mind, some in her clan liked to say. When they all lived together on a ship, keeping oneself organized was a necessity.

They arrived at Tann quickly enough, though what awaited the two Mandalorians off the ship wasn’t as good as what Zaia had been hoping for. A bit of walking and a few turned heads later, she and Hauron were met with a few broken up swoop bikes in a junkyard and a stable of animals that looked half-starved. It wasn’t ideal, but maybe they could make it work.

<“I have… but I’d hate for any of these to hurt themselves on the way up.”> Even from here, she could tell that the mountain would be a tough trek for these animals to make. <“Maybe we’ll have better luck with the speeders.”>

With that, Zaia headed over to the junkyard instead, picking out a bike near the edge of the pile that looked like it might be able to start up. Unfortunately, when she crouched down and tried to jump start it, the machine sputtered and died. then a few pieces fell off, and she figured that this one was done for.

“Dank farrik,” she muttered under her breath before straightening up again. She reluctantly looked back at the animals, but she still couldn’t bring herself to actually take one. Sighing, Zaia turned back to Hauron.

<“I guess… we’re going on foot?”> It wasn’t ideal, but they would get there eventually.

Rolled 4 for fixing the speeder

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Hauron Solus

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Hauron kept his head on a casual swivel throughout their time in the town. He could not help but feel like they were being watched, moreso than just because they were a curiousity. If he had to guess there may even be contacts or associates of Clan Trenessar in the town. Maybe the Mandalorians in the fortress already knew the pair had arrived.

The Forge Master gave a mild shrug at Zaia's suggestion. He appreciated animals and was not a cruel man. But a beast of burden had a purpose and he was fine using them for it. Still, the Solus was willing to humor the Krodas all the same.

Hauron suppressed a chuckle as he witnessed Zaia's frustration. They were both going to suffer for the lack of options. He wish he had the foresight to bring a bike on his ship but the last swoop bike he had was still on Tatooine collecting sand if it had not been stolen or dismantled by now.

<"I hope those aren't new boots. It'd be a hell of a time to break them in."> He tried providing some positive perspective. They would need it in the hours to come. Things could be worse. It would be some time before they made it to the fortress. Chances were high that they would be wanting to rely on the jetpacks sooner rather than later.

On one hand the hike would allow them to have more time to get to know one another. Hauron would lead the way to the fortress, taking point as per usual. He turned his head to the side so that he could speak to Zaia as they walked. <"So tell me a bit about yourself. We've got plenty of time to kill until we meet our estranged family."> They were all children of Mandalore technically. But some of them were more distantly related than others. The chatter would help keep his mind off of the monotony of the hike. Plus the conversation would help them get to know one another more.

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Zaia Krodas

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Zaia looked down at her boots, shrugging a shoulder.

<“Eh, I can always get new ones,”> she responded with a chuckle. If they did happen to break, it would just show Clan Trenessar of her resilience and her eagerness to talk to them, she thought in amusement. As much as broken boots might make them look like beggars— but the Thundertusks would all know that these two were anything but.

Since Hauron knew where he was going, Zaia let him take the lead. She walked alongside him on the hike up, turning her head to meet his gaze when he broke the ice. It would be a good opportunity to get to know each other, anyway, and it looked like her companion had the same idea.

<“We sure do,”> she agreed with a nod. The path ahead of them was rather long, but she’d seen worse. <“Well, there’s not much to me. I lived and trained with my clan up until a few years ago when I decided to leave and help out a bit more financially. Living on a ship can be expensive.”>

She smiled a bit at that, then continued as she looked at the path ahead of them. It curved left, leaving another long trail up. <“I tried a bit of bounty hunting and merc work, but it wasn’t really my thing. Tangoed with some pirates who call themselves Mandalorian. Lately I’ve been helping out a friend track down some criminals, and we hope to take them out soon.”>

Zaia looked at Hauron again. <“This kind of thing, though… making a positive difference for our people, that’s what I want to spend the rest of my life doing. That’s how I met Kotii, actually.”> She smiled. <“And… how about you? Being here and doing this yourself has to mean it’s important to you, too.”>

Zaia didn’t know if they would have gotten along so well if it weren’t.

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Hauron Solus

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Maybe the meaning of what he had said did not translate, or maybe Hauron misunderstood the joke. New boots ran the risk of giving the wearer blisters since they had yet to form to their feet. But broken boots were just as bad as brand new ones when it came to hiking. Either way, he did not comment on it further, instead wondering if his delivery of the joke was to blame.

<"I hear that."> He concurred at the mention of living on a ship. The nomadic lifestyle was not easy. It was one of the reasons he kept his ship clean and organized in the first place.

Hauron's visor kept an eye on their surroundings as he listened to Zaia. He was receptive to her story but also remained perceptive of their surroundings. The wilds of Roon were pretty and the smell of the air entered his helmet to refresh his senses. <"Well I hope that goes well for you. Let me know if there's anything I can do to help."> It sounded like she had plenty of experience in an array of jobs. Not all Mandalorians enjoyed working at the whim of disreputable individuals, Hauron included.

Zaia echoed the sentiments Hauron felt. <" I want to improve the state of the galaxy and not just exist in it. That is why I'm careful with what jobs I accept on behalf of the Squadron. We do our best to actively thwart slavery and evil where we can. But I can't do it alone. I knew early on I needed a platform, an army, a fleet.">

<"One of the reasons I started Rancor Squadron was to give Mandalorians some stability and security in mercenary industry. The structure allowed us to rely on one another and not be so easily taken advantage of by clients. Individual Mandalorians can be underestimated or targeted because of their isolated state but Rancor Squadron backs its members up. We take care of one another. People might risk testing their luck against a lone warrior but it is another thing if there was an army backing them.">
He hoped that gave some insight as to his motives for bringing the Thundertusks into the fold, at least, if they accepted such an opportunity.

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Zaia tilted her head in Hauron’s direction. <“Thank you for the offer. You already are helping.”> Even on this hike, she felt alive again. It really was the journey that mattered and not the destination— she would have to do this kind of thing more often.

As Hauron elaborated on his goals and purpose, she nodded. It was all too easy to become cynical with all that was going on in the galaxy, but Hauron was doing something about it to change it for the better. Zaia could respect that. Though she wasn’t formally a part of it just yet, the goal of Rancor Squadron was equally as well founded in her opinion. Mandalorians did need to stick together more often— and they could start with the Thundertusks.

<“With that pitch, you’re making me want to join your squad,”> Zaia responded with a slight smile as she turned to him again. However, she caught something in the corner of her eye just then, a glint somewhere in the distance. She didn’t stop walking but slowed her pace as she turned on her scout HUD. As soon as she did, the metallic glint disappeared behind a cluster of tall rocks, followed by the movement of a few plants around it. She switched the HUD off.

<“We’re being watched,”> she said quietly to Hauron as they walked. This time she kept a closer look on the path ahead, observing their surroundings for any more signs of movement. Hopefully whoever was watching would understand that they were no threat.

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Hauron gave a soft laugh and felt his confidence renew thanks to Zaia's comments. He hoped the sentiment was shared by the Thundertusks of Clan Trenessar. The Krodas was open minded and more progressive than some Mandalorians.

The Group Leader continued walking even as his partner slowed down. Hearing her report he turned his head to look back before scanning their surroundings. He switched his visor to infrared and scanned the environment. Sure enough, he caught movement from several heat signatures. The observers were all keeping their distance and remaining in cover for the most part. This was their home turf and so they would have the upper hand when it came to slinking around. The two visitors from off world however, had not exactly been trying to hide their presence.

<"I'm willing to bet they have friends back in town too."> He said as he switched the infrared vision off. The Solus did not want to let them know they were aware of their presence, yet. Let them think they were sneakier than they were. <"As long as they don't attack then I'll take it as a good sign.">

The two Mandalorians from offworld continued their hike for while and occasionally saw hints of activity. They were brief, few and far between. At one point Hauron guided Zaia around several traps meant to ensnare or injure less observant travelers. It was not until they had made it past the halfway mark to the Fortress that a dozen warriors made themselves known.

They had taken up positions in a semi-circle in high ground positions on rocky outcrops. <"Halt!"> One of them called out. Hauron stopped moving and looked at the various Mandalorians that had assembled. Not all of them had jetpacks but they were all well armed. Most of them had their blasters pointed in Zaia and Hauron's direction but the one that spoke held their's a bit more relaxed. <"Who are you and what are you doing here?">

<"I am Hauron Solus. I have come on matters of Mandalore and my mercenary company, Rancor Squadron."> He turned to introduce his counterpart. <"This is Zaia Krodas. We seek an audience with your leader and ask for your hospitality."> It would be several heartbeats where the Roon Mandalorians shared looks and a few short words.

<"Very well. We will take you to our chief. Don't try anything."> The obligatory warning was not a surprise. The squad leader would turn and guide them up the rest of the way. Several of the advanced guard waited until Hauron and Zaia passed before following behind. So far so good.

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Zaia Krodas

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<“Agreed,”> Zaia responded to Hauron’s remarks, figuring that the best they could do would be to continue on without looking like they knew something was off. However, she still kept her guard up in case the scouts were a little too trigger happy. Even if they hadn’t attacked in the town, it was always possible that things could change any second.

That proved to be true when she and Hauron suddenly found themselves half surrounded by a group of well-armed Mandalorians. Fortunately, they didn’t shoot. Despite the overwhelming urge to reach for her pistol, Zaia chose not to out of concern that this squad would take it the wrong way. Instead, she simply nodded to the group when Hauron introduced her, hoping that this wouldn’t escalate. Fortunately, the squad would lower their blasters and lead them up the path instead.

<“Of course not.”> Zaia responded cordially to the warning. It would be foolish to do anything anyway— two against who knew how many were odds that few would want.

After a while of walking, the group would bring their two visitors to the entrance of their fortress. The squad leader who had stopped them earlier sent someone inside before he turned to speak to Hauron.

<“Our chief will see you shortly.”> Once the Mandalorian came back out, the doors opened and the group would continue to escort the pair inside. Already she could see pictures and a few small statues of the old Mandalorian gods. Zaia turned to Hauron, hoping that this wouldn’t end up to be a duel like he’d said earlier.

<“I’m assuming you’ll be doing most of the talking… but if you need anything, I’ll be right by you.”> It was obvious and that was the whole reason he’d asked her here, but she hoped that it was encouraging nonetheless.

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Hauron Solus

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As they walked Hauron examined the warriors silently. They were equipped well enough, more than most outer rim mercenaries of non-mandalorian association. But he could see that their gear was marked with weathering and probably had not been maintained as well in a long time. The Forge Master wondered if they had a suitable Armorer. But they likely had recycled materials for their gear time and time again with limited supplies. Still, if that was the case it was admirable how they had persisted for this long. He had no doubt they would continue to do so.

The same could be said for their weapons. Heavy blaster carbines and similar sidearms were equipped along with various melee weapons. But none of them seemed to bear sigils of note that indicated they were high ranking members in the clan. Hauron would wait until they had an audience with the Alor of clan Trenessar.

With the armed Thundertusk guides bringing them to the Fortress, Zaia and Hauron would notice they avoided more of the traps in the area. The path taken was not the most direct, not the easiest, but it would get them to their destination safely. Any would-be attacker would have a hard time assaulting the fortress and pay for it in blood. The Solus was glad that they had not made the mistake of approaching too quickly. In fact, it was probably best they had not brought mounts or they too would have suffered.

The walls of the Fortress soon came into view. Grand doors large enough to allow a rancor to pass through were strong enough to keep such a monster out. But the portal opened and allowed the assembled Mandalorians to enter.

Hauron half turned his head to look sideways at Zaia and give her a nod. <"Thanks. Try to keep me from doing anything too stupid."> The Mikkian had a track record of living up to a badger's wild side. He had dove in head first on more than one occasion and only by some miracle had he survived each time. One of these times he would likely run out of luck.

As they passed underneath the arches of the walls he reminded the Krodas why he had invited her hear. <"Speak up if you feel it appropriate. If I felt I needed just moral support I could have brought my own lieutenants."> The Krodas was not a member of Rancor Squadron as of yet and because of that the Alor of Clan Trenessar might hear her council with a different degree of consideration.

Inside the walls of the Fortress it was just as active as any Covert Hauron had seen. Scores of mandalorians were out and about, active and watching. Men, women and children were moving this way and that going about their daily lives. Visors turned to watch the outsiders with masked curiosity and wariness. Impressive weapon emplacements were manned in the event of an attack.

Soon the guides brought them inside one of the castle structures and the sky was replaced by hardened bunker-grade fortifications and light fixtures replaced the sun. Zaia and Hauron were never left alone, especially as they were brought into a grand hall with a throne on the far end. Sitting on the chair was a Mandalorian in emerald colored armor. A spear, do doubt made of beskar, held in their left hand semi-casually seemed to be their primary armament.

The Alor raised a hand, palm facing the two visitors telling them to stop at a distance of several meters. <"That's close enough."> It was a feminine voice and an authoratative one at that. The T visor of the Mandalorian in the throne looked towards Zaia even as Hauron began to speak. <"Alor Trenassar, thank you for seeing us. I am Hauron Solus of Ran-"> <"I know who you are."> She interrupted without hesitating. <"I don't know who you are though. Why have you come?"> It was clear they wanted to hear from Zaia directly.

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Zaia Krodas

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Zaia smiled to herself at her companion’s request. It looked like they had diving headfirst into things in common too— she was just as much a hothead now as ever. If anything, he might need to stop her. Despite that, she nodded to him anyway. She would have his back either way.

<“Of course,”> she answered as they passed beneath the arches. Though she wasn’t the one leading the recruiting given that she wasn’t part of Rancor Squadron just yet, she would pitch in if Hauron needed support. From the looks of it, he would likely need it. This place as a whole was rather intimidating, and Zaia wondered what the Alor would be like.

She and Hauron soon found that out, though, when they entered what was essentially a throne room. On the other side, the gleaming emerald armor of the Alor in the seat caught Zaia’s eye instantly. Even before they spoke Zaia could sense that they were the one in charge here. And after they interrupted Hauron, it was even clearer that they would be anything but a pushover.

<“Alor,”> Zaia gave a slight nod of greeting, <“Like my companion, I’d like to thank you for granting us an audience. I am Zaia of Clan Krodas. I’m here with Hauron in hopes that we can work together to create a plan centered on a better future for our people.”> She hoped that by starting out broad, they might be able to get the Alor into a more agreeable mood. If uninterrupted, she would continue for a bit more.

<“From what we saw when we walked in, your clan is thriving. So is mine, and his. Our goal is for the same prosperity to be extended to all Children of Mandalore, and we believe that with your help, we’ll have a better chance of doing it.”> Hopefully, with some luck, the Alor might accept it.

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