Post by Meira on Feb 2, 2013 17:40:03 GMT -5
Name: Ari Weyland
Race: Echani/Epicanthix
Age: 30
Birthplace: Bilbousa, Nal Hutta
Allegiance: Mandalorians
Status: Quartermaster, Spec Ops
Rank: Master of the Forge
Height/Weight: 6'6"/200
Appearance:
Credit for this image belongs solely to its creator.
Black hair and hazel eyes are balanced out by a strong, square jaw and contrast against rather pale white skin. He is tall and quite muscular from his work as an armorer and gun smith, with broad shoulders and chest tapering down to a more narrow waist. His hands are rough with callous and nicked and marked by several small scars, an occupational hazard. The rest of his body, however, is relatively unmarred.
His armor, which he wears less often than one would expect from a Mandalorian, is a deep red over a black meshweave and his insignia on each shoulder. A dull grey line passes from the vertically over the middle of the left side of the chest plate and stops at the waist. It carries fewer signs of battle than the armor of other Mandalorians, due to a limited time spent in action as well as a personal preference for keeping it well maintained.
When not in his armor or other military garb, Ari prefers comfortable clothing with a clean cut look.
Personality:
While working, Ari could be described as rather stoic and possessing an incredible amount of focus and attention to detail. He takes a quiet pride in his work and it shows in the product he delivers. He believes there is honor in good work and is quick to recognize it in others. With this also comes an expectation of quality from those under his command. While not overly harsh, Ari has little patience for laziness of any kind.
Personally, Ari if a fairly warm and friendly person. He was raised with a certain understanding of respect from his parents and has carried those values into his adult life. He is a relaxed individual and willing to help others whenever possible.
Though friendly, Ari could be described as somewhat private. Those close to him recognize in him a sort of isolation, as if some part of him is always kept at a safe distance and protected. Because of that, it could be said that, though he smiles and laughs and seems to enjoy life, Ari carries a sadness in his eyes that he has not found reason to share.
Slow to anger and quick to forgive, Ari rarely seems to lose his composure. But when he does, he is a beast not to be reckoned with. He is not proud of this, and does his best to prevent such shameful displays.
Ships/Vehicles: n/a
Equipment:
Basilisk War Droid (click)
Berskar'gam, standard issue blaster rifle and pistol, vibrosword.
Stats: (Feeble, Below Average, Average, Above Average, Superior, Legendary)
Strength - Above Average
Agility - Below Average
Intelligence - Average
Charisma - Above Average
Combat Training: (Unskilled, Novice, Apprentice, Adept, Expert, Master)
CQC: Adept
Melee: Adept
Ranged: Adept
Other Training: (Unskilled, Novice, Apprentice, Adept, Expert, Master)
Construction/Repair of weapons and armor (Smithing) - Expert
Biography:
Tell Me A Story
Lucine first met Wei on Nar Shadaa in a fighting pit. They were both competitors, part of a low stakes gambling ring. No death or anything too dangerous like that. She'd made something of a name for herself with her quick, close quarters style. They'd been pitted against each other a few times; the tall, strong Epicanthix against the agile Echani. Over time, Wei had begun to harbor a fondness for the woman, even as she managed to beat the living hell out of him over and over. And she had learned to smile at his resolve, constantly coming back for more. Their love, however, was a brief affair, as fortunes and necessity pulled them apart and set them onto different paths.
Unfortunately, Lucine's fate would fall to dark depths. A series of bad fights saw her in the pocket of a particularly deplorable Hutt. And worse, she'd found herself with child. Angered at the temporary loss of a good fighter, the Hutt had brought Lucine back to his home world, Nal Hutta, where she was put to work in his villa to pay her debt until the child was born and she could fight once again.
Ari came into the world screaming, with a shock of black hair against his otherwise pale skin. There was no doubt who his father was, and so Lucine gave him the last name Weyland and hoped to one day tell her son of the man his father had been.
When she was ready, Lucine returned to fighting, now in the arenas of Nal Hutta. She was, thankfully, able to continue in the less dangerous, no kill fights. Ari was cared for by a human who was also working off a debt to the Hutt. He grew well and was put to good use when able. Their lot in life might not have been ideal, but they had food in their stomachs and a roof over their heads.
When she could, Lucine began to instruct her son in the Echani martial arts, as her parents had taught her. She took great joy and pride in ceremony and tradition of it, even in the simplicity of what Ari was limited to learning as a young child.
But their relative peace would not last. Their Hutt employer had fallen into his own financial woes and was becoming more and more desperate. Lucine was entered into one final fight. If she won, not only would the Hutt's debts be paid, but hers settled as well. The only catch was that this fight would be to the death. Lucine would have refused, but the Hutt threatened the life of her son. She had no choice.
In the arena, Lucine gave her all, fighting with more passion and desperation she even knew that she had. But her opponent was simply stronger and more skilled. She found herself on the ground, beneath his merciless gaze, thoughts of Ari causing her eyes to water. She never saw the blaster bolt as it tore through her opponent's head, only that he fell. She never saw the arms that pulled her up, nor the body that bore her weight, only that she was moving. It wasn't until the chaos of the arena was gone from her ears that Lucine was able to bring her focus on the man. When she did, her eyes welled again with happiness and disbelief. Wei had found her again.
He was making for the space port, but she dug her heels into the ground to stop him. She cried out Ari's name, insisting they go back, back to the Hutt's villa. Had she not been so frantic, Wei might have ignored her pleas and thrown her over his shoulder, but the look in her eyes called for no dissension and so he reluctantly agreed.
The chaos left at the arena allowed for the two to slip through the streets well enough and they arrived to find the villa in an uproar of its own. The Hutt was still away, but servants and guards were moving with haste all over the place. It seemed their master might be needing to leave the planet very soon. They found the woman who cared for Ari hiding in a store room, the five year old boy clutched in her arms. When Wei laid eyes on him, he could not speak. He looked to Lucine, who merely nodded as she wrapped Ari in her arms.
Wei led Lucine, the woman, and Ari out of the villa and again to the space port where they boarded his ship and managed to leave Nal Hutta in their wake. Once they were safe and their nerves settled, Lucine introduced her son to his father.
Where We Came From
Wei took them to Shogun, where he'd managed to build a life over the past few years. In the time since Nar Shadaa, Wei had fallen in with a group of Mandalorian mercenaries and was quickly immersed in their culture. He'd joined and become a Mandalorian himself, part of clan Vizsla, and had only left Shogun after hearing word of Lucine fighting on Nal Hutta. When they arrived on Shogun, the woman who cared for Ari went her own way and he and his mother joined Wei at his home.
The years that followed saw Ari raised in the tradition of other Mandalorian children. Self reliance and honor, respect and combat were all ingrained in the boy. Coupled with this, Lucine continued to instruct her son in the Echani martial arts.
The years were not always easy. There was a time, as a rebellious teen, that Ari resented Wei, blaming Wei for being absent in his early youth and still seeing him as something of a stranger imposing as a father. But Wei's patience tempered the boy's resentment and a stronger bond was forged.
What's more, Ari found an outlet for the angst he carried when he began to work for their neighbor who was a smith. Due to the Republic's watchful eye over the Mandalorians, forging and maintaining armor and weaponry was a rare and fairly secretive practice, but the man taught Ari how to work metal in just about any way he wished and the teen began to show a good deal of skill in the craft. He was patient and focused, essential qualities, and grew proud of his accomplishments.
As the years passed and Ari grew older, a wanderlust began to heat his blood. Many young Mandalorians in their community had been leaving Shogun, searching out areas in the galaxy where the Republic didn't keep them so under heel. Barely an adult, Ari chose to leave with two friends, Ereik and Brinn, who were leaving to find a mercenary crew to join. Though his parents had urged him to stay, Ari would not be dissuaded. On the day he left, his mother and father gave him what credits they could spare and wished him luck in his adventures.
Can't Go Wrong
Ari and his friends found that joining a crew was easier said than done. They spent months working their way, however they could, from planet to planet until they finally found a crew on Druckenwell. But even then, it wasn't easy goings. They were at the bottom of the totem pole and tasked with menial jobs and little share in what the crew earned. But they proved their worth where they could, Ereik and Brinn as fighters, and Ari in maintaining the crew's gear.
The crew of mercs called themselves the Brokers. They were a small, close knit group of men who'd been around a long time and seen steady work for it. They took on legitimate bounties and hired security work, keeping a clean name for themselves. In the three young Mandalorians, they saw an opportunity to mentor and pass along their tradition. Too often, merc teams were turning to shadier deals and lifestyles, but the Brokers maintained a sense of honor that they were sure these Mandalorians would understand.
Ari found himself working under the guidance of one Symon Dalt, a human from Coruscant. The man was nearing his sixties, but still kept an impressive fitness and sharp mind. He knew the ins and outs of every piece of armor and weaponry the Brokers claimed as their own and made it his personal mission to bring Ari to the same level.
While with the Brokers, Ari and his friends grew closer than ever. Back home, they'd been schoolmates and occasional companions, but this new life caused their friendships to deepen to something more akin to family. In particular, Ari and Brinn developed a cherished friendship. Ari felt as if he could tell her anything. With Ereik, there was always that rough and tumble sense to their friendship; the kind where a punch to the shoulder and a hearty chuckle sufficed for a good talk. Yet it was always more than enough. Each in their own way was the closest of friends and both were very dear to Ari's heart. Even still, life and time had a way of changing things.
A Fool's Dance
It began subtly, and indeed, was not made apparent to Ari until all had been decided. The other Brokers had known, of course, but kept their comments to knowing smiles and shaking heads. Ereik and Brinn's own friendship had developed strongly as well and slowly blossomed into something more.
It was Brinn who finally had to spell it out to Ari. The two had found themselves awake and talking long into the night, as was their custom when time permitted. With a sigh, she confessed that she and Ereik had fallen in love. They'd kept it quiet, as Brinn was worried it would affect Ari. She was right.
Ari was shocked, and yet, knew it to be obvious once the words were spoken. It was all in her eyes. How could he not have seen it? He knew the look, one of adoration. Had he not made that same look himself? Brinn held his hand tight and he could see on her face that she knew his heart and he would not have to speak it. He had no way to thank her for that. It was kinder to break his heart this way. It would have to be done. Brinn and Ereik would be happy together, and Ari could bear the burden of that loss. He was strong, after all.
As a greater kindness, Ereik and Brinn decided to part ways with the Brokers. They wanted a home and a family after their few years of adventure. Ari grasped his friends tight as they left, making them promise they would stay in touch. They kept their word. Ari received holos of their wedding, new home, and the like over the months and years that would follow. At first it pained his heart as much as it brought him joy, but over time, the joy won over the pain and he could say honestly that he was happy for his friends.
He was happy with the Brokers as well. Symon declared he had no more to teach Ari and so the two worked as equals for a time, until Symon fell ill. The Brokers, after seeing that the man was not improving, forced him into a hospital where a tumor was discovered. Even with all the medical wonders the galaxy had to offer, it was inoperable. Symon's friends made him comfortable and after another few months, the man passed.
Ari continued with the Broker, but the following years were incredibly lonely for him. He'd lost his closest friends and his mentor. The rest were a welcome distraction, but he found it to be little more than that. So when the call of Mandalore echoed through the galaxy, Ari's parting with the Brokers was bitter sweet. He'd miss these men that had taught him so much, but he was overjoyed that he'd be seeing his friends again.
Wicked Game
Ari returned to Shogun, to the embraces of his parents and close friends. Ereik and Brinn seemed happier than ever and it was as if no time had passed between them. They took him to enlist with the Mandalorian military, where his skills were quickly put to use as a quartermaster. The whole business was delicate. The Republic military presence on their homeworld made discretion a necessity. They labored and stockpiled arms and armor, ready to fight when called, but the help of their free brethren would not come in time.
A raid by Republic forces saw Ari and Ereik captured, along with many others, and imprisoned at one of their bases. For months, they wasted and quietly raged in captivity before they were liberated. Mandalore himself and his elite Spec Ops team had orchestrated an attack on two Republic bases and Ari and Ereik saw themselves freed. They rallied with their brothers and took up what weapons they could find to join the fight.
In the heat of the fight, Ereik was hit in the abdomen. Ari caught him as he fell and stumbled and scrambled them both to the safety of cover. Ereik's entire left side was blackened and scorched. He gasped and panted, his teeth a shock of white against his soot stained face. Ari cried for help, but no one came to their aid. His best friend was convulsing in his arms, dying, and there was nothing he could do.
Through the coughing and hisses of pain, Ereik managed to speak, imploring Ari to find Brinn. "I know it was hard for you." he'd said, his hand clenched tight on Ari's shirt. Ari could hardly look him in the eye. Did he really? Had Brinn told him? "You have to take care of her now."
Ari began to protest, tears welling in his eyes, but Ereik pulled hard on his shirt to stop his words. He made Ari swear and, with that assurance in his heart, was gone from the world. Ari was paralyzed in his grief and was only moved when some faceless, armored soldier grabbed him and dragged him away.
He was in a haze after that, dropped on a transport and flown to a safe zone. When they landed there and were herded out of the ship, the sight of auburn hair snapped his mind back to purpose. He'd lost Ereik. He couldn't lose Brinn as well.
The camp was set up to house refugees and those who'd been captured, so it was as good a place as any to begin his search. He gave his name to the processors who were working to help many like him find lost loved ones. The process was slow, but it saw him reunited with his parents, for which he was thankful. Once he knew they were safe, working to set up the camps and keep them running as smoothly as possible, he continued his quest to find Brinn.
The two were not reunited until a few months later. Ari had found out that she was alive, but working with a different unit. He was relieved and the two had communicated when they could, but they were both officially soldiers now and had duties of their own to attend to.
Their reunion took place on Concord Dawn. They'd both found themselves working at the same base and took every moment possible to see each other. But their meetings always carried with them a sense of grief. Each saw Ereik in the other, and that pain was still too great and fresh to allow them comfort in each others company. He told her he'd made a promise, but Brinn begged him to give her space and time. In truth, they both needed it, and so Ari relented with a promise to stay in touch.
Hold On
Around this time, Ari was recruited to work on a massive set of armor that had been damaged during the liberation of Shogun. The man who wore it was apparently still recuperating and required some modifications to the armor. Ari was not told much of anything about the man, or his condition; only the requirements for the armor. He could say, however, that the finished product was his finest work ever. And it brought him notice.
Ari advanced quickly through the ranks, considering his age and soon found himself overseeing a number of other soldiers as they constructed and maintained the weapons and armor of many Mandalorian soldiers. After some time, he was called from his post amongst the army to serve as the quartermaster for the elite Spec Ops team. It was at this time that Ari realized that the mystery man, who's armor he had been so proud of, was none other than their new Mandalore. He had yet to actually meet the man, but the sense of pride he felt knowing that their leader carried with him the greatest work Ari had ever done was a great satisfaction.
Roleplay Sample:
Ari looked around his small room one last time. All of his personal effects fit neatly into one footlocker. He'd lived out of that box for his entire adult life. He'd bought it before leaving Shogun with Ereik and Brinn. He smiled at the thought of his friends. The sting was still there, but it was fading. He'd have to send Brinn a message once he had a moment.
The bunk was made neatly, corners tucked and all of that. His tools had been packed away the day before and were likely already loaded on the transport. He was bound to have his work cut out for him. The Spec Ops team was notorious for getting into the thick of everything. Ari was fine with that. He loved his work.
There was a knock on the door and Ari turned, waving his hand over the panel beside it to activate the control. The door opened soundlessly and two soldiers stepped in, giving him a salute. Ari returned the salute and stepped to the side, allowing the men to take his footlocker and exit the room. Those two were good men. They'd worked under Ari ever since he'd arrived on Concord Dawn.
He took a deep breath before following the two out of the room and through the building where he'd lived for the past year. Outside, a speeder waited to take him to the landing pad. Another familiar soldier at the controls. They rode the short distance in silence, but when they arrived, the driver spoke up.
"Congratulations, sir." he said, giving Ari a salute.
"Thank you, corporal." Ari responded, saluting as well. "Make sure these privates don't ruin all of our hard work." He smiled and gave the man a quick nod of his head before turning and boarding the transport.
Once seated, Ari pulled out his datapad and wrote:
Brinn,
It's been too long since I last wrote. I'm sorry for that. It's been chaos getting the supplies organized around the move for Ordo. Speaking of which, my next message might be sent to you from there. I've been transferred. You are now close friends with the Quartermaster for the Spec Ops team. I haven't decided if this is a death sentence or a promotion yet. I guess time will tell.
How has it been in the boot camps? I hear you all almost have more than you can handle with all the people signing up to fight for the cause. I know if you're their trainer, we'll be getting some quality fighters.
He hesitated for a moment then, with a sigh, continued.
I miss you, Brinn. I know it's been hard, and it still hurts. But we have to move on at some point. If we don't, then I've lost both my friends. I don't want that, and I know you don't either.
Ari
After hitting send, Ari let the datapad fall to the chair beside him. Leaning his head back against the headrest, he closed his eyes and ran his hands over his face. A few minutes later, the datapad beeped. He lifted it up and opened a message.
I miss you too. Stay safe. I'll message you again soon.
Brinn
Race: Echani/Epicanthix
Age: 30
Birthplace: Bilbousa, Nal Hutta
Allegiance: Mandalorians
Status: Quartermaster, Spec Ops
Rank: Master of the Forge
Height/Weight: 6'6"/200
Appearance:
Credit for this image belongs solely to its creator.
Black hair and hazel eyes are balanced out by a strong, square jaw and contrast against rather pale white skin. He is tall and quite muscular from his work as an armorer and gun smith, with broad shoulders and chest tapering down to a more narrow waist. His hands are rough with callous and nicked and marked by several small scars, an occupational hazard. The rest of his body, however, is relatively unmarred.
His armor, which he wears less often than one would expect from a Mandalorian, is a deep red over a black meshweave and his insignia on each shoulder. A dull grey line passes from the vertically over the middle of the left side of the chest plate and stops at the waist. It carries fewer signs of battle than the armor of other Mandalorians, due to a limited time spent in action as well as a personal preference for keeping it well maintained.
When not in his armor or other military garb, Ari prefers comfortable clothing with a clean cut look.
Personality:
While working, Ari could be described as rather stoic and possessing an incredible amount of focus and attention to detail. He takes a quiet pride in his work and it shows in the product he delivers. He believes there is honor in good work and is quick to recognize it in others. With this also comes an expectation of quality from those under his command. While not overly harsh, Ari has little patience for laziness of any kind.
Personally, Ari if a fairly warm and friendly person. He was raised with a certain understanding of respect from his parents and has carried those values into his adult life. He is a relaxed individual and willing to help others whenever possible.
Though friendly, Ari could be described as somewhat private. Those close to him recognize in him a sort of isolation, as if some part of him is always kept at a safe distance and protected. Because of that, it could be said that, though he smiles and laughs and seems to enjoy life, Ari carries a sadness in his eyes that he has not found reason to share.
Slow to anger and quick to forgive, Ari rarely seems to lose his composure. But when he does, he is a beast not to be reckoned with. He is not proud of this, and does his best to prevent such shameful displays.
Ships/Vehicles: n/a
Equipment:
Basilisk War Droid (click)
Berskar'gam, standard issue blaster rifle and pistol, vibrosword.
Stats: (Feeble, Below Average, Average, Above Average, Superior, Legendary)
Strength - Above Average
Agility - Below Average
Intelligence - Average
Charisma - Above Average
Combat Training: (Unskilled, Novice, Apprentice, Adept, Expert, Master)
CQC: Adept
Melee: Adept
Ranged: Adept
Other Training: (Unskilled, Novice, Apprentice, Adept, Expert, Master)
Construction/Repair of weapons and armor (Smithing) - Expert
Biography:
Tell Me A Story
Lucine first met Wei on Nar Shadaa in a fighting pit. They were both competitors, part of a low stakes gambling ring. No death or anything too dangerous like that. She'd made something of a name for herself with her quick, close quarters style. They'd been pitted against each other a few times; the tall, strong Epicanthix against the agile Echani. Over time, Wei had begun to harbor a fondness for the woman, even as she managed to beat the living hell out of him over and over. And she had learned to smile at his resolve, constantly coming back for more. Their love, however, was a brief affair, as fortunes and necessity pulled them apart and set them onto different paths.
Unfortunately, Lucine's fate would fall to dark depths. A series of bad fights saw her in the pocket of a particularly deplorable Hutt. And worse, she'd found herself with child. Angered at the temporary loss of a good fighter, the Hutt had brought Lucine back to his home world, Nal Hutta, where she was put to work in his villa to pay her debt until the child was born and she could fight once again.
Ari came into the world screaming, with a shock of black hair against his otherwise pale skin. There was no doubt who his father was, and so Lucine gave him the last name Weyland and hoped to one day tell her son of the man his father had been.
When she was ready, Lucine returned to fighting, now in the arenas of Nal Hutta. She was, thankfully, able to continue in the less dangerous, no kill fights. Ari was cared for by a human who was also working off a debt to the Hutt. He grew well and was put to good use when able. Their lot in life might not have been ideal, but they had food in their stomachs and a roof over their heads.
When she could, Lucine began to instruct her son in the Echani martial arts, as her parents had taught her. She took great joy and pride in ceremony and tradition of it, even in the simplicity of what Ari was limited to learning as a young child.
But their relative peace would not last. Their Hutt employer had fallen into his own financial woes and was becoming more and more desperate. Lucine was entered into one final fight. If she won, not only would the Hutt's debts be paid, but hers settled as well. The only catch was that this fight would be to the death. Lucine would have refused, but the Hutt threatened the life of her son. She had no choice.
In the arena, Lucine gave her all, fighting with more passion and desperation she even knew that she had. But her opponent was simply stronger and more skilled. She found herself on the ground, beneath his merciless gaze, thoughts of Ari causing her eyes to water. She never saw the blaster bolt as it tore through her opponent's head, only that he fell. She never saw the arms that pulled her up, nor the body that bore her weight, only that she was moving. It wasn't until the chaos of the arena was gone from her ears that Lucine was able to bring her focus on the man. When she did, her eyes welled again with happiness and disbelief. Wei had found her again.
He was making for the space port, but she dug her heels into the ground to stop him. She cried out Ari's name, insisting they go back, back to the Hutt's villa. Had she not been so frantic, Wei might have ignored her pleas and thrown her over his shoulder, but the look in her eyes called for no dissension and so he reluctantly agreed.
The chaos left at the arena allowed for the two to slip through the streets well enough and they arrived to find the villa in an uproar of its own. The Hutt was still away, but servants and guards were moving with haste all over the place. It seemed their master might be needing to leave the planet very soon. They found the woman who cared for Ari hiding in a store room, the five year old boy clutched in her arms. When Wei laid eyes on him, he could not speak. He looked to Lucine, who merely nodded as she wrapped Ari in her arms.
Wei led Lucine, the woman, and Ari out of the villa and again to the space port where they boarded his ship and managed to leave Nal Hutta in their wake. Once they were safe and their nerves settled, Lucine introduced her son to his father.
Where We Came From
Wei took them to Shogun, where he'd managed to build a life over the past few years. In the time since Nar Shadaa, Wei had fallen in with a group of Mandalorian mercenaries and was quickly immersed in their culture. He'd joined and become a Mandalorian himself, part of clan Vizsla, and had only left Shogun after hearing word of Lucine fighting on Nal Hutta. When they arrived on Shogun, the woman who cared for Ari went her own way and he and his mother joined Wei at his home.
The years that followed saw Ari raised in the tradition of other Mandalorian children. Self reliance and honor, respect and combat were all ingrained in the boy. Coupled with this, Lucine continued to instruct her son in the Echani martial arts.
The years were not always easy. There was a time, as a rebellious teen, that Ari resented Wei, blaming Wei for being absent in his early youth and still seeing him as something of a stranger imposing as a father. But Wei's patience tempered the boy's resentment and a stronger bond was forged.
What's more, Ari found an outlet for the angst he carried when he began to work for their neighbor who was a smith. Due to the Republic's watchful eye over the Mandalorians, forging and maintaining armor and weaponry was a rare and fairly secretive practice, but the man taught Ari how to work metal in just about any way he wished and the teen began to show a good deal of skill in the craft. He was patient and focused, essential qualities, and grew proud of his accomplishments.
As the years passed and Ari grew older, a wanderlust began to heat his blood. Many young Mandalorians in their community had been leaving Shogun, searching out areas in the galaxy where the Republic didn't keep them so under heel. Barely an adult, Ari chose to leave with two friends, Ereik and Brinn, who were leaving to find a mercenary crew to join. Though his parents had urged him to stay, Ari would not be dissuaded. On the day he left, his mother and father gave him what credits they could spare and wished him luck in his adventures.
Can't Go Wrong
Ari and his friends found that joining a crew was easier said than done. They spent months working their way, however they could, from planet to planet until they finally found a crew on Druckenwell. But even then, it wasn't easy goings. They were at the bottom of the totem pole and tasked with menial jobs and little share in what the crew earned. But they proved their worth where they could, Ereik and Brinn as fighters, and Ari in maintaining the crew's gear.
The crew of mercs called themselves the Brokers. They were a small, close knit group of men who'd been around a long time and seen steady work for it. They took on legitimate bounties and hired security work, keeping a clean name for themselves. In the three young Mandalorians, they saw an opportunity to mentor and pass along their tradition. Too often, merc teams were turning to shadier deals and lifestyles, but the Brokers maintained a sense of honor that they were sure these Mandalorians would understand.
Ari found himself working under the guidance of one Symon Dalt, a human from Coruscant. The man was nearing his sixties, but still kept an impressive fitness and sharp mind. He knew the ins and outs of every piece of armor and weaponry the Brokers claimed as their own and made it his personal mission to bring Ari to the same level.
While with the Brokers, Ari and his friends grew closer than ever. Back home, they'd been schoolmates and occasional companions, but this new life caused their friendships to deepen to something more akin to family. In particular, Ari and Brinn developed a cherished friendship. Ari felt as if he could tell her anything. With Ereik, there was always that rough and tumble sense to their friendship; the kind where a punch to the shoulder and a hearty chuckle sufficed for a good talk. Yet it was always more than enough. Each in their own way was the closest of friends and both were very dear to Ari's heart. Even still, life and time had a way of changing things.
A Fool's Dance
It began subtly, and indeed, was not made apparent to Ari until all had been decided. The other Brokers had known, of course, but kept their comments to knowing smiles and shaking heads. Ereik and Brinn's own friendship had developed strongly as well and slowly blossomed into something more.
It was Brinn who finally had to spell it out to Ari. The two had found themselves awake and talking long into the night, as was their custom when time permitted. With a sigh, she confessed that she and Ereik had fallen in love. They'd kept it quiet, as Brinn was worried it would affect Ari. She was right.
Ari was shocked, and yet, knew it to be obvious once the words were spoken. It was all in her eyes. How could he not have seen it? He knew the look, one of adoration. Had he not made that same look himself? Brinn held his hand tight and he could see on her face that she knew his heart and he would not have to speak it. He had no way to thank her for that. It was kinder to break his heart this way. It would have to be done. Brinn and Ereik would be happy together, and Ari could bear the burden of that loss. He was strong, after all.
As a greater kindness, Ereik and Brinn decided to part ways with the Brokers. They wanted a home and a family after their few years of adventure. Ari grasped his friends tight as they left, making them promise they would stay in touch. They kept their word. Ari received holos of their wedding, new home, and the like over the months and years that would follow. At first it pained his heart as much as it brought him joy, but over time, the joy won over the pain and he could say honestly that he was happy for his friends.
He was happy with the Brokers as well. Symon declared he had no more to teach Ari and so the two worked as equals for a time, until Symon fell ill. The Brokers, after seeing that the man was not improving, forced him into a hospital where a tumor was discovered. Even with all the medical wonders the galaxy had to offer, it was inoperable. Symon's friends made him comfortable and after another few months, the man passed.
Ari continued with the Broker, but the following years were incredibly lonely for him. He'd lost his closest friends and his mentor. The rest were a welcome distraction, but he found it to be little more than that. So when the call of Mandalore echoed through the galaxy, Ari's parting with the Brokers was bitter sweet. He'd miss these men that had taught him so much, but he was overjoyed that he'd be seeing his friends again.
Wicked Game
Ari returned to Shogun, to the embraces of his parents and close friends. Ereik and Brinn seemed happier than ever and it was as if no time had passed between them. They took him to enlist with the Mandalorian military, where his skills were quickly put to use as a quartermaster. The whole business was delicate. The Republic military presence on their homeworld made discretion a necessity. They labored and stockpiled arms and armor, ready to fight when called, but the help of their free brethren would not come in time.
A raid by Republic forces saw Ari and Ereik captured, along with many others, and imprisoned at one of their bases. For months, they wasted and quietly raged in captivity before they were liberated. Mandalore himself and his elite Spec Ops team had orchestrated an attack on two Republic bases and Ari and Ereik saw themselves freed. They rallied with their brothers and took up what weapons they could find to join the fight.
In the heat of the fight, Ereik was hit in the abdomen. Ari caught him as he fell and stumbled and scrambled them both to the safety of cover. Ereik's entire left side was blackened and scorched. He gasped and panted, his teeth a shock of white against his soot stained face. Ari cried for help, but no one came to their aid. His best friend was convulsing in his arms, dying, and there was nothing he could do.
Through the coughing and hisses of pain, Ereik managed to speak, imploring Ari to find Brinn. "I know it was hard for you." he'd said, his hand clenched tight on Ari's shirt. Ari could hardly look him in the eye. Did he really? Had Brinn told him? "You have to take care of her now."
Ari began to protest, tears welling in his eyes, but Ereik pulled hard on his shirt to stop his words. He made Ari swear and, with that assurance in his heart, was gone from the world. Ari was paralyzed in his grief and was only moved when some faceless, armored soldier grabbed him and dragged him away.
He was in a haze after that, dropped on a transport and flown to a safe zone. When they landed there and were herded out of the ship, the sight of auburn hair snapped his mind back to purpose. He'd lost Ereik. He couldn't lose Brinn as well.
The camp was set up to house refugees and those who'd been captured, so it was as good a place as any to begin his search. He gave his name to the processors who were working to help many like him find lost loved ones. The process was slow, but it saw him reunited with his parents, for which he was thankful. Once he knew they were safe, working to set up the camps and keep them running as smoothly as possible, he continued his quest to find Brinn.
The two were not reunited until a few months later. Ari had found out that she was alive, but working with a different unit. He was relieved and the two had communicated when they could, but they were both officially soldiers now and had duties of their own to attend to.
Their reunion took place on Concord Dawn. They'd both found themselves working at the same base and took every moment possible to see each other. But their meetings always carried with them a sense of grief. Each saw Ereik in the other, and that pain was still too great and fresh to allow them comfort in each others company. He told her he'd made a promise, but Brinn begged him to give her space and time. In truth, they both needed it, and so Ari relented with a promise to stay in touch.
Hold On
Around this time, Ari was recruited to work on a massive set of armor that had been damaged during the liberation of Shogun. The man who wore it was apparently still recuperating and required some modifications to the armor. Ari was not told much of anything about the man, or his condition; only the requirements for the armor. He could say, however, that the finished product was his finest work ever. And it brought him notice.
Ari advanced quickly through the ranks, considering his age and soon found himself overseeing a number of other soldiers as they constructed and maintained the weapons and armor of many Mandalorian soldiers. After some time, he was called from his post amongst the army to serve as the quartermaster for the elite Spec Ops team. It was at this time that Ari realized that the mystery man, who's armor he had been so proud of, was none other than their new Mandalore. He had yet to actually meet the man, but the sense of pride he felt knowing that their leader carried with him the greatest work Ari had ever done was a great satisfaction.
Roleplay Sample:
Ari looked around his small room one last time. All of his personal effects fit neatly into one footlocker. He'd lived out of that box for his entire adult life. He'd bought it before leaving Shogun with Ereik and Brinn. He smiled at the thought of his friends. The sting was still there, but it was fading. He'd have to send Brinn a message once he had a moment.
The bunk was made neatly, corners tucked and all of that. His tools had been packed away the day before and were likely already loaded on the transport. He was bound to have his work cut out for him. The Spec Ops team was notorious for getting into the thick of everything. Ari was fine with that. He loved his work.
There was a knock on the door and Ari turned, waving his hand over the panel beside it to activate the control. The door opened soundlessly and two soldiers stepped in, giving him a salute. Ari returned the salute and stepped to the side, allowing the men to take his footlocker and exit the room. Those two were good men. They'd worked under Ari ever since he'd arrived on Concord Dawn.
He took a deep breath before following the two out of the room and through the building where he'd lived for the past year. Outside, a speeder waited to take him to the landing pad. Another familiar soldier at the controls. They rode the short distance in silence, but when they arrived, the driver spoke up.
"Congratulations, sir." he said, giving Ari a salute.
"Thank you, corporal." Ari responded, saluting as well. "Make sure these privates don't ruin all of our hard work." He smiled and gave the man a quick nod of his head before turning and boarding the transport.
Once seated, Ari pulled out his datapad and wrote:
Brinn,
It's been too long since I last wrote. I'm sorry for that. It's been chaos getting the supplies organized around the move for Ordo. Speaking of which, my next message might be sent to you from there. I've been transferred. You are now close friends with the Quartermaster for the Spec Ops team. I haven't decided if this is a death sentence or a promotion yet. I guess time will tell.
How has it been in the boot camps? I hear you all almost have more than you can handle with all the people signing up to fight for the cause. I know if you're their trainer, we'll be getting some quality fighters.
He hesitated for a moment then, with a sigh, continued.
I miss you, Brinn. I know it's been hard, and it still hurts. But we have to move on at some point. If we don't, then I've lost both my friends. I don't want that, and I know you don't either.
Ari
After hitting send, Ari let the datapad fall to the chair beside him. Leaning his head back against the headrest, he closed his eyes and ran his hands over his face. A few minutes later, the datapad beeped. He lifted it up and opened a message.
I miss you too. Stay safe. I'll message you again soon.
Brinn
