Open Corellia The Lizard Dance: Part 0

[Rrodossk]

The reptile leaned back in his seat, a hookah between his scaled lips as he took a slow drag from it. The thumping music of the dance club rang in the ears of the grinding, swaying bodies on the dance floor where he wished he was back on. But he knew he needed to hydrate and take a breath. Earlier in the day he had finished speaking on behalf of Dosh to the Galactic Senate, and he needed a break. Usually he would end up at some sort of bar or gambling den, but tonight he had decided he wanted to dance. He had danced for hours already, sweat particles from the bodies around him littering the scales of his body. Rrodossk needed to bathe to get it all out, he knew that, but at this point it was all about fun.

Well... thats not quite true. He was here for some buisness, but he waited for it to arrive. He was ready to make a risky offer to someone he hadn't met before, so the average Tuesday for him. His teeth softly ground together as he pulled the pipe from his lips, a small wisp of smoke leaking out from between his teeth. His eyes wandered around the club, trying to spot the man who he was here to do buisness for... or for anyone who responded to his add. To many private operators, working for a senator would be a cashier job. But to work for a legend they would kill for. And he was both, and he put out a wide reaching add for new guards or agents.

He was in a private booth all to himself, a velvet rope separating the outside world from his corner. Two of his own guards stood beside two of the clubs guards at the entrance to the private lounge, with his son and his other guard sitting on the lounge seat with him. Rrodossk rolled his shoulder and popped his neck, obviously bored of waiting.

 

[Romeo Solus]

.

The Lizard Dance?

Why not...

Corellia, Romeo hated Corellia. Once part of the Republic and later the ISC, neither organization favored with the rebellious Mandalorian. His closed minded views made him think of this place as a breeding grounds for bureaucrats and politicians, worthless swine that did nothing for the galaxy but simply further colluded with corruption and inaction. But at least he wasn't here on vacation or leisure, but rather business.

The armored warrior navigated through crowded corridors of the night club, three of house Solus fighters with him; their beskar'gam distinguished them from others, the proud sigil of Mandalore brazen in their battle suits. Eventually, Romeo found his way to the corner, approaching the velvet rope and four guardsmen standing around. He chuckled lightly, tilting his head into an arrogant angle as he glanced at the Senator within. It appeared nothing short of dangerous, as all parties were heavily armed. Romeo himself had his carbine in his hands while regular armament of his armor on his body along with the dual wielded pistols at his hip.

However, something about the Mandalorian's demeanor didn't appear threatening, almost a coy friendliness.

"Thought I'd find you here..." He said, voice slightly mechanized as it came from behind the helmet. Lifting his carbine rifle upwards, he pressed its side against the Guards chest, almost handing the weapon to the man in a manner. Romeo's broad shoulders brushed past the security, stepping into the lounge and extended a modernized hand shake to the Trandoshan.

"Hope you weren't waiting too long...Nice speech by the way, I was watching the broadcast.."

@Issachar

 

[Kotii Solus]

Spoiler: THEME

Corellia was a core world and had numerous regulations and laws which prevented the Mandalorian from arriving in his preferred manner which was outfitted with weapons and tools of war. But Kotii was still heavily armed compared to most other galactic citizens. The man was half Corellian, while the other half was Echani. But he had little in the way of pride associated with the world and its people known for ship building.

Kotii had spent some time debating how he should come dressed to this meeting. He still thought of himself as a leader and as such needed to represent his people even if many of them still considered him a dar'manda. Thus he decided to wear his scatterweave coated black armor with accompanying kama. On one shoulder he bore the mythosaur with three red claw marks and on the other the sigil of House Solus. He only had his Blackhand sidearm on his left hip and a few knives since his Zok-10 sniper rifle and micro-missile pistol would be out of place at their current locale.

He walked behind the four Mandalorians with Romeo Solus at the front. Kotii's blank T visor scanned the club calmly and with cold indifference before making his way towards the back corner. Approaching the table, he did not surrender any of his armaments to the guards. The ambience of the establishment seemed relaxed enough but the badgers weren't here to party. Romeo was far more friendly than the ex Solus'alor who choose to stand by and wait for the guards to move the velvet rope before allowing him to take a seat. "Good evening Senator." He offered a greeting and a nod from where he stood. A lot was on the Mandalorian's mind and he did not exactly feel comfortable enough to relax in the presence of strangers, yet.

@Issachar @SlagathorTheUnknown @Faded

 

[Rrodossk]

Rrodossk slowly stood tall, his form easily a head taller than the armored Mandalorians'. Kotii and Romeo were allowed in the rope, all but their pistols being carefully taken by the guards for saftey reasons. The older senator softly pet the head of one of the vargr his son was gently holding back, the lips of the animal uncurling from the snarl it made towards the new entities. She was not quite fond of new people, unlike Woosan. He was curious as he gently tilted his head to the side. The senator tightly squeezed the Romeo's hand, his clawed digits pulling the armored frame into his own as he completed the gesture. His claws, once freed from the grasp, would gesture over to the couch behind him with plenty of room.

"Come come, ssssit. Lesssst you wish to inssssult my hosssspitality." His voice was the usual airy sandpaper of his species, yet passed through the bassy lungs of this larger specimines chest. His lips twisted softly into a somewhat cocky smirk as he slowly sat back down. "I would hate for the latter to be the casssse, or elsssse I could not give you thissss gift I have for your clan." He motioned to the fourth Trandoshan, off to his side, who stood up from a box he was sitting on and dragged it closer. The box was a large container, but what it could hold would be anyone's guess.

 

[Romeo Solus]

.

Romeo slowly pulled away from the Trandoshan as they completed their handshake gesture, glancing over to the couch behind them all as he headed in its general direction. Before claiming a seat for himself however, he flagged down the Twi'lek server girl, whispering a few words only to her ears. Eyebrow lofted as the senator spoke of a gift for their clan. While he hoped it would be something practical, deep down, he wished it was one of those Wookie pelt cloaks. Though revolting in sight, he thought the black furred cape would compliment well with his scatterweaved ebony beskar'gam.

"A gift?" Romeo chuckled lightly, moving over to the box as the trandoshan guard had dragged it closer. Armored hands sliding over its surface before softly digging a nail into its crest. "Your too kind Senator.." He said, shifting his attention towards Kotii. "You wanna do the honors, boss?" He asked his commanding officer. As senior leadership, Romeo felt it was best decision to allow Kotii to decide on the discretion of whether to accept or reject the gesture.

The twi'lek girl returned back few moments later, bringing a chilled bottle of tequila and some flaring fireworks for them. She set it down on the table besides their coach, pouring several glasses for the badgers and their company. Settling down on the coach himself, armored hands slid upwards to unfastened and remove his helmet. Romeo didn't follow the creed as tightly as Din Djarin or some of the Wren clan, and he certainly wasn't going to drink his liquor with a straw through his helm.

He reached over and pulled the hookah hose over to himself, changing out the disposable mouthpiece and taking a long drag before setting it back besides the Trandoshan. Billows of puff clouds exited from his lungs, as he pressed his lips against the glass and drowned the chilled alcohol. Romeo let out a gentle sigh, feeling the burning sensation of tequila caress his esophagus.

@Darasuum @Issachar

 

[Rrodossk]

The largest Trandoshan smiled a toothy smile, he was enjoying the energy from the one in black. Mammals always expressed their emotions in funny ways, and this one seemed to enjoy pleasures much how he did himself. Rrodossk slowly stood up and went to a holster on his hip, slowly pulling a large macuahuitl into his hands. The large paddle like object shone, the entire object metallic, and the hilt was easily able to hold the larger lizards hand and a half. The glint off the thick, flat teeth of the weapon were obviously of as pure of Beskar as the Trandoshans could find, but the body was a lesser metal most likely Durasteel. Rrodossk spun the weapon in his hands effortlessly, the thick muscles in his arms allowing him to carry such a huge weapon easily. This one he had made for himself, the others in the crate were more the size for the average human.

"Thesssse weaponssss are able to crack any armor with a sssswing or two, the teeth will make ssssure of that. Made from your own Mandalorian Iron, a very good material if I ssssay sssso mysssself. In the crate issss about thirty or sssso more. Thissss issss my way of sssshowing my appreciation for thissss meeting. Now we sssshall wait for the final member of thesssse negotiationssss before we begin." His dry voice rolled around the air with command, clear he would not fill anyone else in before this mystery member would arrive. This was not mentioned to anyone else, but Rrodossk knew if things were to work out he would have to wait. If this failed, and this all got out... He softly swallowed at the thought. He would be ruined, absolutely thrown out and torn apart by his kin. But he would make sure he would not fail.

 

[Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl]

Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl didn't know which was pounding louder; the music, or his headache. The recent senate session had been a cluster for the ages, and it was too soon to tell how the galaxy was going to be impacted by the decisions made there. Regardless, the aged Wookiee had promised himself and his people that he would not stop fighting for the good of the galaxy... so here he was. A pair of towering Wookiee guards stared across at their Trandoshan counterparts, no doubt sizing each other up, but Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl was not here to confront Rrodossk; he was here to meet with him.

Strange times made for strange bedfellows.

Rrodossk wasn't the only one present, however, as several Mandalorians were also nearby the Trandoshan senator. Apparently, this was no typical meeting; Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl's eyes widened as he realized that he'd just walked into an ongoing arms deal. The Wookiee swallowed, processing the information; what was Rrodossk playing at? "I apologize for interrupting" he finally rumbled, already composing a press release denying being tied to whatever plot the Trandoshan senator had in mind. "I will wait outside until you are finished with your current meeting."

@Issachar @Darasuum @Faded

 

[Rrodossk]

The Trandoshan grinned and motioned for the Wookie to take the seat he once sat in, a soft laugh escaping between his teeth as he realized his plan was already falling into place.

"Dear Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl, thesssse are merely tokenssss of my appreciation. Much like yourssss, which I have ussssed to demonsssstrate to thesssse fine Mandalorianssss how they work." The claws of the lizard gripped the upper head of the paddle, slowly turning the hilt down to be grabbed by the Wookie. Rrodossk knew he had to be quick, these gifts were not going to hold this gaggle together for long. He had been waiting months for this...

"My reassson to have both partiesss here isss ssssimple: Thesssse Mandalorianssss are looking to sssset up a basssse of operationssss assss they do not believe in what their government hassss done with the Ssssith. My plan issss to invite them both to Kashyyk and Dosh sssso they can train our forcessss in casssse of another Mandalorian attack. But, my plan goessss beyond thissss. These Mandalorianssss will help design weaponssss and technology to better defend ourselvessss. Ssssee, Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl, the Free World Alliance issss being attacked on all frontssss; in the ssssenate, in the battle field, and even at our own planetssss. I wish to increasssse our defenssssive capabilitiessss, to show our economic alliance through a common defence." His dry voice seemed knowledgeable, his gravelly and rough voice knowing quite exactly what he wanted. The dichotomy was striking, yet he was sure he wanted to do this and knew just what he wanted to do.

 

[Kotii Solus]

When the Trandoshan guard stepped aside and allowed him entrance into the VIP area Kotii would step forward and make his way to the couch but refrain from taking a seat just yet. The Trandoshan Senator then presented a gift that had been in plain sight up to that point. Kotii knew that the reptilian species had a unique culture, one that was heavily focused on their deity, the Scorekeeper and a point system. In some respects it shared similarities to the Mandalorian way of life.

The Alor in Exile gave a jut of his chin, signalling Romeo was free to open the 'gift' and see what was inside. <"Go for it."> He added while keeping the Senator in view as he continued to blatantly brandish the beskar weapon in his clawed hand. Kotii had been around Mandalorian steel for all of his life and while he was no armorer, he knew the alloy when he saw it.

Behind his blank T visor, his crimson eyes moved back to Rrodossk with a scrutinizing gaze. The center of his visor training on the Senator to let him know he had the Mandalorian's serious attention. Perhaps the inebriated reptile had a funny way of showing courtisy or the difference in their culture left something to be desired, but regardless, Kotii did not jump to the worst conclusion without first asking.

Beskar was sacred to his people and only Mandalorians were meant to bear the armor and weapons forged with the metal. Kotii's hands flexed into fists for a moment before relaxing in the next. "How did you come by the beskar?" He asked cooly, giving no indication of the fiery embers of anger should the Senator answer poorly. He reminded himself that an ancestor, Koil Solus, had killed and skinned scores of Trandoshans to make a poncho in retaliation for their hunts on Kashyyyk. But that was ancient history. They could not all be blamed for the transgressions of their ancestors.

The younger Mandalorian did not have the same reservations about keeping his helmet on and ready for a fight. But there was no point in bringing up the subject at this time. Maybe later he would mention it to the fellow Solus if for no other purpose than to show a sign of concern. But Romeo was his own man and could make his own decisions. If he got gassed, holo-graphed, his nose bitten off by a Trandoshan or worse, he would have to live with the mistake.

Just then a new arrival joined them and it was just a surprise as seeing the Mandalorian iron in the hands of an outsider. Kotii was not sure if he should expect the Wookiee to fight the Trandoshans but then he recognized the furry being as the politician from a few holo-broadcasts. The Mandalorian was not much for politics and was no regretting not being appraised on current events. The blood stayed below boiling point in the veins of the badger, for now.

Rrodossk addressed the Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl and once again, he was reminded that he was dealing with politicians. But the Senator of Trandosha was not incorrect, nor did he sound like a fool. His words had truth to them and showed he knew, or perhaps guessed, at the motivation behind Kotii's own desires and that of the breakaway battlegroup he led. "If your two planets are concerned about fairness, allow myself to be a mediator. Senator Rrodossk..." He addressed the tall reptilian politician with a turn of his head to get his attention before turning in kind towards the Wookiee and his entourage. "...Senator Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl, apologies for my mispronunciation, but putting pleasantries aside, why don't we sit down and speak plainly by starting off with what it is that we can do for one another." For this to work they needed to be seen as equals and to not have any biased towards one another. It was asking a lot given the two people's history not even considering the implications of involving the Tor'la Akaan'ade.

"Senator Rrodossk has already stated what we, my Mandalorians, can bring to the table if it is appealing to you." He addressed both parties equally. "He is correct and perhaps more than that, we can achieve peace in our life time between your people. An end to the bloodshed and what's more, unity against a greater enemy. The Sith." Trying to talk on behalf of Trandosha, Kashyyyk and his own people was not going to be easy. But it at least kept him from starting a cantina fight. Then again, he wondered if he would come out on top considering how both species made him look like a feather-weight.

@Issachar @SlagathorTheUnknown @Faded

 

[Rrodossk]

The Lizard grinned as wide as he could at the questioning, he knew he had gotten under the Mandalorians beskar by procuring the metal. Yet his superior reptilian brain has already knew that was going to be the case, so he only spoke spoke truth.

"I have paid a freelance Mandalorian armorer to forge each tooth by hand, the durassssteel though was not forged by one. I entrusssst Mandalorians with their ssssuperior metalssss to forge them in their ssssuperior wayssss, but the armorer did lay them in ssssaid durassssteel frame. I've read up on your people, the metal hassss never once been touched by an outsider in the forging processsssss." He spoke calmly and surely, his species arrogance trickling through each word like a trace element. This gift had cost him much more than he was willing to admit, in both time and credits. But it so far paid off. Now it was time to act inebriated to keep up the charade.

"Oh goodnesssssss, my apologiessss. I meant to give you the two handed one Kotii, Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl was meant to have thissss one." He picked up the blade he handed the Wookie and gave it to the leader of the Mandalroians, before pulling out a blade with a wood enlayed handel and phrik blades. He made this as a conscious move, keeping the facade of being somewhat inebriated. He was in actuality in complete control, giving the other a disadvantageous position.

 

[Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl]

A common defense.... economic alliance... Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl's mind whirled at the suggestions coming from Senator Rrodossk; such concepts had never been discussed in the history of their two planets. The capital that Rrodossk must have expended just to make this meeting happen- between forging authentic Mandalorian weapons, and donating a sizeable amount to Kashyyyk- spoke both to the validity of the overture and the stakes.

Certain that there was more to this meeting than Rrodossk's drunken promises, Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl gathered his thoughts while he examined the weapon his Trandoshan counterpart handed him. It was a beautiful weapon, its handle inlayed with Wroshyr wood, and the Wookiee's eyes widened as he realized that the metal was of a different luster than the ones that the Mandalorians held. Where did the lizard get his claws on Phrik? Clearly, Rrodossk had contacts. The aged Wookiee knew that his fighting days were long over, but caught himself imagining himself swinging the blade through the neck of Darth Andruil.

Reluctantly tearing his eyes away from the gift, Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl realized that he was more distracted now than before. Questions swirled in his mind, tinged with confusion. Curiosity battled with caution until curiosity eventually won. "Senator, you're proposing that Kashyyyk, Dosh, and these Mandalorians work together against the Sith?" Each word sounded more ridiculous than the last, but his pattern of speech, crafted over decades in public office, gave no indication as to his thoughts on the matter. Kashyyyk was rebuilding, but slowly. "You mentioned the possibility of a base; what else would you ask of Kashyyyk?" His question asked, the Wookiee now waited for the inevitable catch; with monumental asks like these, and with Rrodossk lavishing them with gifts, it was only a matter of time, as far as Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl was concerned.


Italics = inner thoughts
"Quotation marks" = speech (translated by droid on belt)

@Faded @Darasuum @Issachar

 

[Rrodossk]

Rrodossk knew the other senator felt like this was the single weirdest conversation in his life, that it would feel all like a trick. The reptile could read mammalian emotions quite well, and he understood that this was unorthodox. But he would not lie and say this would all come free, Rrodossk was always a "honesty is the best policy" kind of politician. This would be expensive for everyone, but in the end they will be one of the greatest military powers in Galactic history.

"To start, we need more funding. I know I am quite wealthy, but if this is to succeed we will need to increase the contributions to this naval power we can be. This will later on be recouped by funds derived from hiring out the services of one of our fleets to others who require protection. I also require other Senators to create support in the Alliance to bring others in, as that will cause the avalanche of support this plan requires. I also require the Mandalorians, yes, you will have to contribute, to build us craft along with other corporations I will hire on. Beyond that we will use them to train some of our forces so we have a standing Mandalorian army. I shall atleast give you some of my population, those who voulenteer, to join your ranks. I ,also... need assistance. If this is to work I need to do away with the current Clan Grand Chieftain. This will give me complete control of Dosh and secure Phase 1 will be complete, as I can use my entire planets economy instead of just my own coffers." The lizard was, surprisingly, nervous at the last part. It was a carefully calculated crack in his facade. He allowed his true worry to be somewhat exxadurated while also showing a true emotion. That was unheard of for his species, for anything but hatred, rage, or superiority to be genuine.

Rrodossk knew he needed this small coven's support to succeed. So he had planned the conversation up to this point, and like the inferior mammals they were playing right into his hands. In his head all he could do was congratulate himself, but he would not outwardly do that until he heard a yes.

 

[Romeo Solus]

.

Romeo had largely been silent for a majority of the conversation so far, allowing the two politicians and Kotii to do most of the talking. He took another long drag from the Hookah before setting it back down onto the base, a billow of smoke coming from his lips that briefly obscured his facial features before dissipating. He held the gifted weapon in his right grip, fingers of his left hand slowly tracing over each of the beskar teeth. He couldn't help but admire the craftsmanship of the paddle, though Kotii's earlier point certainly had merit. Romeo wasn't as prone to anger as his elder brother but he also narrowed his eyes to listen closely on how the Trandoshan would answer, a wrong statement could certainly put him at odd's with the Mandalorians. When the Senator spoke about the independent armorer, Romeo had his doubts though for the time being he seemingly let it go.

Fingertips still toying with the weapons, his eyes shifted upon the other men gathered near him. "Your Free World Alliance is approaching dangerous times. Chancellor Xerxes seems intent in cutting off your power base. Hopefully with the comments of that New Republic Senator, the vote may fall short of removing your seats..." Romeo said.

Glancing back at the Wookie at his thoughts, the Mandalorian slowly nodded, seemingly appearing to be in somewhat of an agreement. "Yes, the Sith have stood nearly unopposed for years, an alliance with my spineless brethren has granted them even more bodies to use in their oppressive crusade. So it would seem natural that the Free World alliance, Jedi Order, and us, would be fitting to put an end to that regime." He spoke.

Romeo's attention now shifting towards Kotii to see what his thoughts were on the proposal of the Trandoshan. Eliminating a chieftain was certainly something the Tor'la Akaan'ade could easily do, if the other components of the deal were satisfactory enough, that is.

@Darasuum @SlagathorTheUnknown @Issachar

 

[Kotii Solus]

Kotii listened to what Senator Rrodossk said, but he was not entirely sure if he should believe him. There was not much he could prove otherwise, so for now the Solus would have to take his word for it. "I would like to meet this armorer if the opportunity presents itself." He replied in kind, both to show he was not going to simply accept Rrodossk's answer at face value but also in the hopes of connecting with more like-minded Mandalorians. Armorers were precious and highly valued members of their culture. But for now the two Senators and Mandalorians could move on to the subject at hand which was the future of their people.

Taking the toothy club in his left hand, the man hefted the weapon before twirling it to find its balance. A few slow and casual swings like an athlete testing a new bat followed while the black clad warrior examined the creation and its provider. Time would tell how effective the tools of war were. There was no guarantee they would remain in their current shape since beskar was hard to come by. Armor for foundlings was always in demand but there was no point in insulting the forger of the weapons or their distributor. Regardless of what came of them in the end, they would be put to use by the Tor'la Akaan'ade.

The way Rrodossk presented himself seemed to show him as a person of wealth. He had gifts for the wookiees as well. This bode well for potential work. Of course in Kotii's mind, he new presented wealth did not mean they had deep pockets. Money was not everything and the Senator more or less said he did not have infinite coffers.

Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl asked for clarification, voicing his concern and allowing his Trandoshan counter part to further elaborate. The ex Solus'alor knew it was all vague until the right questions were asked. Hiring out an entire fleet of a collective joint force sounded like a private military corporation. Kotii was not keen on just becoming another mercenary company or hired contract killers. But often that is all the common citizens of the galaxy thought of the Mandalorians. They were more than just soldiers of fortune.

Production of Mandalorian ships and weapons on the other hand was not something the Tor'la Akaan'ade were capable of yet. But with the proper facilities and resources, manufacturing of such requests could begin, albeit on a limited scale starting off. Kotii looked down at the macuahuitl, twirling it between both hands as he heard Romeo's wise addition to the conversation before slowly nodding in turn. The Mandalorian placed the club on his belt, fastening it in place for the time being and returning his attention fully to the conversation.

"With all due respect Senator, we are not a grav-ball team you can throw the jersey on and call yourself Mandalorian. It is a way of life and takes root in the core of one's being. You live, breath, and die Mandalorian." He let the pause hang in the air before continuing. "That being said, it has been awhile since I've visited Dosh or Kashyyyk and perhaps meeting and training with the people of both will allow for some influx of neophytes. Either way, my warriors will follow my lead. We see our missions through to the end."

The lizard was confident in his own abilities and accomplishments. But he was not the only big fish and needed support. Now was the time to lay out the boundaries and expectations of each of them. "I don't currently have the means of mass production. If we are to use our designs and create new war machines to fight the Sith we will need assurances of exclusivity and confidentiality." The last thing they needed was for the Trandoshans to be selling Mandalorian weapons on the black market or being hired as military units by an enemy force only to later fight against the Tor'la Akaan'ade and the Wookiees.

The badger reached into a pouch and pulled out a rectangular impact-resistant device. It was a signal tracer, one that would tell him if there was any bug or listening devices nearby. The action was as calm and measured like he had checked the time on a datapad and chose to set it down next to the served drinks.

The nature of Rrodossk's other request, regarding the Grand Chieftan sounded fishy and he liked to know if he was being set up for some kind of plot. While the device scanned for any listening equipment in the VIP area, he would look back towards the Senators. He repeatedly voiced the word 'use' and it did not sit right with Kotii. "Your people will be alright with the Grand Chieftain being neutralized in such a way?" A cocked helmet gave an indication he was skeptical of any specifics Rrodossk might have just as much as his tone did. Perhaps this was all just a ploy for the reptile to make a grab at power and have the Mandalorians be his scapegoat. Kotii would not allow his people to be used as pawns if that was the Senator's agenda. The ex Solus'alor was careful to not say he was accepting the plan yet. The details needed some work and who controlled what and with how much autonomy had to be ironed out before the badger would accept it. Because when he accepted a job, he saw it through.

@Issachar @SlagathorTheUnknown @Faded

 

[Rrodossk]

The reptilian eyes sweeped through through small crowd around him, smiling a small toothy smile. He knew the armorer would be hard to find, but he slowly leaned in and motioned for Solus to do the same. He spoke softly, sliding a data pad to the armored figure.

"You will not be welcome, he hassss turned hissss back on most of the wider galaxy assss a whole. He ssssettled down on a backwater planet, it'ssss all in the datapad. He sssstill hassss hissss equipment, I jusssst had to promisssse to never return to him mysssself and pay him an abssssolutely asssstonishing amount of creditssss. But not to him, to a local town he lived up the road from." Rrodossk's muscular torso leaned back into the seat as he reached for the pipe of the hookah again, pulling it lightly in between his lips and began to inhale. He pulled the pipe out between the scaled lips, softly sighing in delight.

"I do not expect anything to be produced right away, I undersssstand adopting thoseeee into your Warrior religion takessss a while, and establishing a foothold for indusssstry takeseee longer. But what you do not realize issss that might makes right in Dosh ssssociety, sssso if we kill the old Chieftain they will allow my rule. But if you go to plan, I can make them practically beg me into office. All I need to do is make ssssure I deliver the killing blow." The lizard chuckled softly as he thought about absolutely devouring the current Chieftain. He grinned wide and gently tapped the table, infront of him, letting the pause set in the air a moment.

"That issss when I can begin making major movessss for you; making your basssse sssstate of the art, giving your engineerssss and armorerssss indusssstrial power to back them, and we can even ssssmuggle in Mandalorian Iron for you to usssse."

 

[Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl]

There it was; the Bantha was out of the bag. Rrodossk wanted help with a military coup. Fresh doubts sprung up into Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl's mind about the legitimacy of Rrodossk's crusade against the Sith; the Trandoshan was being incredibly selfless with their resources in hopes of building a strong fleet, but there was no guarantee that such selflessness would continue once Rrodossk achieved more political and military power. Trandoshans had a strange sense of honor that, in Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl's experience, was binding until it served their own interests to break it.

All the more reason to ensure that Kashyyyk wasn't overshadowed by the ambitions of this lizard.

"You will find me and my people staunch allies against the Sith" the Wookiee rumbled, "for while Kashyyyk cannot get involved in the political affairs of Dosh" -not a dealbreaker, he hoped, but necessary for the building of trust between their two planets that Kashyyyk stayed neutral in regard to Dosh politics- "we can provide some financial support and, of course, some of our remaining industrial capacity. Kashyyyk was not entirely crippled by the Sith's bombardment." Several major cities had been reduced to virtually nothing in the bombardment, but Wroshyr trees were notoriously slow to burn so the damage had not been as significant as some experts had feared. Kashyyyk's remaining peoples were also now unified in their desire to strike back against the Sith. Furthermore, the aged Wookiee had long wondered if the FWA's defense couldn't be better structured- perhaps by appointing regional commanders who would oversee their sector's defense- and this alliance could be a trial run for that idea. "It is good to see Mandalorians with true honor" he said, inclining his head to the two before him as he acknowledged their commitment to the cause. The atrocities committed by Death Watch and the Mand'alor on Lothal were still fresh on his mind, but these Mandos had even included the Jedi on their list of allies- always an easy way to the aged Wookiee's heart.

@Issachar @Darasuum @Faded

 

[Kotii Solus]

The Trandoshan looked around the crowd, making Kotii think that the Armorer could be in the crowd at the club for a moment. But he had not seen any other Mandalorians other than those Kotii had arrived with and still found none. Then Rrodossk produced a datapad which drew the ex Solus'alor's attention. Looking at it for a moment and then back at the Senator, he would inevitably pick up the device to examine the information stored within.

"You will keep your promise." He mildly assured Rrodossk as a response. He almost followed up with a threat towards the politician should the information fall through. But thought better of it. The Trandoshan before him was not of the same ilk as some scum sucking scoundrel or spineless thug in the outer rim he needed to threaten for intelligence. In fact he seemed almost pleasant to be around. Kotii committed the key information on the datapad to memory but would keep the datapad for himself, assuming the Trandoshan no longer had a use for it. He could likely pay for another without too much trouble. Hells, Kotii had procured numerous NalPhones and could send the Trandoshan a dozen, free of charge once he tracked down the Mandalorian Armorer he was after as a show of thanks.

Rrodossk's expanded detail on his people's culture and disposition gave the badger a moment's pause. His own people often believed that strength was the only thing that mattered. It was a way of thinking that was aligned very much in the same way as the Sith. They killed one another to gain a foothold and make power grabs. But the echani offshoot did not think the Trandoshan was in leauge with them. Instead, he just remained wary that their ways were just as susceptible to outside forces as his own.

It warmed his heart to hear Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl's reply. The integrity of the Wookiees reinforced Kotii's own hopes and convictions. He gave a nod of his helmet towards the harry senator, and though he could not see it, the man smiled underneath his helmet. "You honor me with your words, Senator. I will take great pride in working along side you and your people."

His helmet turned to look back at the smoking Rrodossk, examining the relaxed individual and changing his own tone to be more contemplative, as if he was giving his next words with deep thought. "Senator Rrodossk, if a Sith came to Dosh, or perhaps if I, a...Mandalorian, killed the Grand Chieftain...speaking hypothetically of course...would an outsider, a non-trandoshan... be allowed to take up their responsibilities and position? Would your people follow such a leader?" His helmet stayed level this time, refraining from his usual tilt when questioning. Behind the stoic visage, the Solus was wondering what kind of response that line of questioning would earn him from the Senator. Most of all, Kotii wanted the reptile to answer honestly. It was not meant as an insult or a threat, merely a query about the nature of the Trandoshan people. Leviticus had been a Sith and others had tried claiming the title of Mandalore without deserving the title in Kotii's mind. But despite his own opinions and the opinions of his ancestors, many had chosen to kneel to an arguably undeserving leader. Would the same thing happen to your people as it did mine He asked, in not so many words.

@Issachar @Faded @SlagathorTheUnknown

 

[Rrodossk]

The reptile grinned a wide, ugly, toothy smile as he began to laugh. Not a soft, calm laugh like he normally did. The lizard was genuinely laughing heartily, putting a clawed hand on his stomach as it heaved out with each breath. To imagine a mammal leading Trandoshans... that must be the most outlandish idea in the galaxy.

"My friend... you jussssst assessed the most ssssstupid quessssstion I have ever heard. A mammal who even attempted to gain any foothold in our power structure would be torn apart and comsumed. The Trandoshans as a species are led by our elders, our elders. Our society, if anyone but a Trandoshan would try to control us, as a whole we would collectively slaughter them. We do not have to go back for in our historical records to show our xenophobia and our high views of ourselves when compared to mammals."

The laughing wound down during his short speech, his hands moving to his knees as he sat. He was blunt and honest, and he spoke what he knew. The Dosh were not to be bossed around by others, especially those who they considered inferior. Which entailed most of the galaxy, seeing as they found themselves to be the most perfect being.

"Assssss for you, Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl, I am glad you have decided to offer up your planet'sssss ssssssupport. I would reccomend however currently focussssssing on rebuilding, we need all of our membersssss at top ssssstrength for the behemoth of a tasssssk ahead of usssss. I can deal with my Head Chieftain in no time, with the support of a few Mandaloriansssss."

 

[Kotii Solus]

The man hummed with mild satisfaction at hearing the otherwise xenophobic response. The Mandalorian did not take the insult personally. The straight metalic visor did not smile and Kotii did not laugh to share in the hystarical amusement that Rrodossk seemed to draw from his question. Instead, he garnered some comfort at knowing the Trandoshan people were not so easily conquered by an outside force. It made them a factor that was reliable in its own way.

The armored form of the Solus looked back to Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl when Rrodossk addressed his fellow senator again, adding onto it in turn. "With your permission Senator, I can have my fleet arrive at Kashyyyk within a few days time. My engineers can survey the surface and begin assisting in your rebuilding efforts. In a week, we can perhaps begin manufacturing the means of new ships and weapons. We don't need to discuss the specifics now. As I've said..." He turned his gaze back to the Trandoshan counterpart. "I personally would like to visit Dosh as well. I think a tour of both worlds is in order, as long as I'm not imposing." It was his way of asking for both leaders to prepare their planets for his forces to arrive.

"A base for my warriors will be needed. We will start with Kashyyyk and then Dosh." He nodded, repeating some of what Rrodossk had said earlier. The Tor'la Akaan'ade were highly mobile and can travel the space lanes quickly without the attention of the Sith Empire. He simply needed to send word at his discretion to have them make their way towards the next theater of war.

"While the re-industrialization begins, I'll travel to Dosh and see what your people...and the current Grand Chief is made of." Implying that he would first reconnoiter the target before making any promises of carrying out an assassination. The signal tracer had not detected any listening devices, but Kotii refrained from outright agreeing to the killing of the political leader. It was best to not do so in front of witnesses regardless. That matter was between Kotii and Rrodossk and Senator Aezzairrfhowrrhudrrl did not need to be involved. The unease in his body language alone told Kotii as much.

Kotii would turn to look at the unhelmeted kin that had a relaxed posture for the time being. "What do you think, Romeo?" He wanted to hear what the warrior thought of the choices being made by the leaders of each party. If he had any input, observations or suggestions, he was welcome to do so. The ex Solus'alor valued his follower's opinions as they could provide insight his own perspective was ignorant of.


@SlagathorTheUnknown @Issachar @Faded

 

[Romeo Solus]

.

Romeo took another long drag from the hookah, his relaxed posture showing no concern or reservations. A billow of accented smoke released from his lips, obscuring his facial features until the cloud dissipated moments after. He turned his head to the side as Kotii asked for his input, a slow nod coming from the Warrior as he appeared seemingly in agreement.

"Seems our problems have now doubled, not only are the Sith invited into the Senate but they've been granted full voting rights as well." He spoke, pressing the comm link in his earpiece as he received news from their brethren at headquarters. TV broadcasts of the Senate meeting were displayed in some screens in the bar though not the immediate ones in their private lounge area.

"I think touring both planets is prudent, that way we can assess areas of immediate assistance as well as begin our industrialization efforts. I can go ahead to Dosh if you so are inclined Senator, begin our tour and when you're done at Kashykk brother, you can join us. Don't worry, I wont start the Grand Chief project without you.." He smirked with a light chuckle, knowing Kotii liked to kick ass as much as himself. Though the elder Solus was slightly less trigger happy than the often, hot tempered Romeo.

Turning back towards the Trandoshan, Romeo awaited to see what Rrodossk's opion would be on their proposed terms.


@Issachar @Darasuum @SlagathorTheUnknown