New Horizons, Old Territory {open to all}

[Iota]

It had been some time since the mandalorians had taken back Concord Dawn, General Joranus's troops had kept to their orders despite being hevily outnumbered, but they used the buildings as cover and ultimatley overwhelmed the republic troops with superior training in fighting. They had held the city for the arrival of the bulk fo the mandalorian forces to which then they dominated what had remained of any resistance.

Now Joranus looks over the construction of a new mandalorian headquarters, along with a training centre and a recruitment agency. His home planet now restored to its rightful owners and the cowardly republic troopers sent packing.

Joranus Stood perfectly still, his right hand on the hilt of his sword resting and his left down by his side, he stood outside the almost complete headquarters. Ultimatley he was waiting for mandalore for further invasions, but for now he abided his time and helped train the younger mandalorian warriors.

[Zarkan]

Isa sighed audible as she clutched the datapad to her chest looking at the back of joranus. "General, you have a inspection in two hours with the transit system in the state it is we'll be lucky to make it if we leave now." She tapped the datapad rapidly as she waited for joranus to do something.

[Regnier]

Deep within the edge of the system Concord Dawn inhabited, a small, battered, and old freighter dropped out of hyperspace. It made no attempt to hide its presence as it adjusted course and aimed itself for the Mandalorian planet. Its ID signature marked it as a privately owned freighter, holding no connection to either the Republic, the sith, or the Mandalorians.

Within the cockpit, two fully armed and armored Mandalorians sat, and one stood. The Barabel, Mkohar, sat somewhat awkwardly in the pilot’s seat, which was obviously not designed for something of his physiology. Still, he managed. Behind him, the Twi’lek, Mesh’la, sat huddled over a large terminal, thinking aloud in rather complex mathematical equations as she fiddled with several controls. Towering above her stood Raynes, holding various tools and pressing buttons as instructed by the technical officer. Wrapped in an incredibly uncomfortable position around one of the main stabilizers in the engine compartment, Felix cursed a few times, turned a few gauges, tightened a few pieces, cursed a few more times, and punched the stabilizer’s housing.

”Finally came out of hyper?”

”’Lek.”

”How’s it look from up there, vod?”

”See for yourself.” Pulling on his helmet, the Barabel activated his recorder and transferred the image he was collecting to Felix’s helmet. The short-range communications remained silent for a few seconds, before an audible sigh sounded from the other end.

”Yaim…it’s been too damn long. At least the years seem to have been kinder to you than me.”

”That’s an understatement…we’re coming in to comm’ range. Bringing up a line to the planet. Let’s see who’s at home, shall we?” Tapping a few keys, the terminal hummed to life. There would be no holo projection, but Mesh’la had programmed the audio to function well enough to get the job done. ”Concord Dawn, this is First Sergeant Mesh’la Deggeram, technical officer, calling from aboard civilian freighter Two-Two-Five-Six-Zero-Four. We are in the system on approach and requesting clearance to land, over.”

”Ten credits says we don’t meet anybody that has the faintest idea who the hell any of us are.”

”Twenty, and you’re on.”

”Done.”

[Iota]

In the communications array tower stood a lone mandalorian trooper designated with monitoring the movements with in the mandalorian space, he had been in the tower working for several weeks now, mostly the comm channel was quiet as freighters and supplies were kept low key to avoid detection of the mandalorian activities as of late, so it was no surprise that this particular mandalorian had become some what distracted by boredom.

the audio comm channel lit up like a bonfire "Concord Dawn, this is First Sergeant Mesh’la Deggeram, technical officer, calling from aboard civilian freighter Two-Two-Five-Six-Zero-Four. We are in the system on approach and requesting clearance to land, over." The mandalorian almost scared to death from the sudden burst in transmission, he leant forward and activated the audio transmitter "Very well Two-Two-Five-Six-Zero-Four, you are cleared for landing in docking bay B4... i Believe the General has been expecting you" he stated before deactivating the transmitter and going back to his state of boredom.


================================================

Joranus heard the the sigh young mandalorian female produced who proceded to talk about the meeting and how they were going to be late. He remained still looking infront of him for several second before turning his head by a few degrees to his left.

"I can understand your greivance with being assigned this demeaning task set upon you, ner vod." He placed his right hand on the hilt of his sword. "I would probably react the same... do not worry though my fellow mandalorian.. the glory of battle shall once again commence, like i.. you will too be involved witht he forth coming ventures that lay ahead of us." He nodded for a moment before looking back infront of him "The meeting can wait..they won't start with out me... i loath the beaurocracy..." Joranus's communication reciever in his helmet buzzed to life, he allowed the transmission to commence before shuting the reciever off and heading towards the the head quarters war room.

[Zarkan]

Isahale placed her hands on her hips as she looked at him. "That's easy for you to say your not the one who gets the reprimand when your late. Now, if..." she broke off as he started walking away. "Hey, are you listening to me!" She growled as she ran after the mandolorian general. "Get back here you to cannock bait!"

[Regnier]

"Confirmed, control, docking bay B4. Changing course. Deggeram, out." Mesh'la flicked the communications terminal off and turned her head slightly as Mkohar adjusted the ship's direction. The cockpit was silent for a few seconds, an unasked question floating in the air. Finally, Felix broke the silence as he strode into the cockpit, brushing something black off his armor.

"'Expecting us'?"

"How the hell'd they know we were coming? Hollis wouldn't have called ahead, would she? And we didn't..."

"And what's this about a General?"

Raynes held up his hand. "Enough. It doesn't matter. If they're expecting us, then they should know who we are as well. These are Mandalorians, our kin. We have nothing to fear from them, as we have done nothing against them." Standing to his full height, the massive, armored warrior started for the hold of the ship. "Set the ship on auto and check your equipment, all of you. I don't want to get down there and look like I'm leading a band of prancing Echani bounty hunters."

-----

Nearly as soon as the ship settled on the ground and powered down, the boarding ramp lowered, both Mesh'la and Felix already half-way down, Raynes close behind. Before he'd even reached the bottom, Mkohar caught up at an easy jog. All four were fully armed and armored, and all of their equipment had been kept in top condition, with only the unimportant scars of battle marring their weapons and armor, and all of them were alert as hawks and tense as springs, yet relaxed at the same time. Raynes studied his surrounding as Felix knelt beside him, setting a hand silently on the ground. It had been a long time indeed since he'd been home. "Verda, shaadlar dayn. Ruus'alor Mkohar, gar alorir. Ver'alor, hukaatir shebs. Deggeram, ti ni."

The four started forward at a casual pace, their arms slung over their shoulders, the Barabel taking up point a few yards ahead of the Twi'lek and Raynes, and Felix lagging behind a few yards. Hopefully, they would either cross someone's path, or someone would be headed out to find them. If not...well, that was no big problem, it would just take longer.

[Iota]

Joranus continued to walk as the insult came flying to him, he stopped in mid stride before looking to Isa for a moment "Cannock Bait?....if you are insulting my honour.. for your sake hope a quick death..." he turned to walk back towards the base "Know your place....Lieutenant... before i remind you of it" He was not angry, it was rare for Joranus to be angry, instead his voice remained fairly mono-tone and none emotional.

They had managed to get to the base before Joranus stopped again and looked to Isa "Go gather the men who have just arrived in docking bay B-2.. bring them to the war room." he nodded to Isa before walking away towards the war roo located on the upper floors of the base.

[Zarkan]

"I am not insulting your honor general merely your intelligence." she said dryly. "Where are we going? General this isn't the way to the lift station, we have to leave." almost whining she tried to verbally and mentally pull the brute to the lift station. As he turned and looked at her ordering her to go fetch the new arrivals and quickly turned to enter the facility. "What?! I am not your errand girl! you hear me!" she yelled at the retreating back of the general glowering at his shoulder blades. She let out a pained sigh as she turned and made her way stomping along to the docking bay before entering. She barley paid any mind to the men as she entered the docking bay still in a huff. "Come on." she growled at the group without ever really looking at them. "The esteemed general wishes to see you now.

[Jace]

Bane sat in the War Room waiting for General Joranus to arrive. He wasn't exactly sure why he was so early but his squad was off getting some R&R so he figured he might as well be on time. Not to mention General Joranus was not someone who you wanted to get on your bad side. Bane was about 5 years younger to the General, and they both had spilled the same blood on the same mud. Bane had fought hard with the resistance for many years and now the Mandalorians were finally going to make their big move.

Its about time too, I was starting to get bored he thought to himself

He wasn't much for these meetings, but he supposed they needed to be done. He was ready to get back into the field, these meetings took out serious time from his training. He pushed the thought of training to the back of his mind and awaited the General's arrival.

[Iota]

Joranus wasted no time in ascending the stairs up towards the war room of the base. The corridors, in their virgin manner, glittered a light silver. It would not be long for this sight to deminish from the frog marshing the officers there wil no doubt be doing.

Joranus entered the war room, he clenched his right fist and placed it over his heart, the salute of a warrior. He look to the officers in the room until he saw Bane. "Good to see you again, ner vod" he gave a slight nod before arranging some data pads on the table. "I have gathered you all here today, as the Grand General to Mandalore's army, i have been given all the funds, all the troops, all the ships by Mandalore to use for my discretion to gain what by birth right belongs to us" Joranus leant forward onto the desk with both palsm of his hands, he tapped the desk with his fingers on his right hand.

"Bane, comrade... i have quite a few missions for the special operations division... some of the jobs may be tedious, but others will be glorious... unfortunatley we cannot just go all out guns blazing as of yet... not until we are strong enough in numbers..." He stood up straight and looked to the officers one by one.

"The first mission will be to acquire a Centaurion class battle ship from Kuat Drive Yards. Despite the republics inability to put up a decent fight, this ship design is robust and if used correctly can be quite devastating... we will need one whilst the bulk of our battleships are in development.. use one of the unmarked Jek'tar freighters, it is a new ship we have employed so the republic will not know its of mandalorian design. We have stumbled" upon a few republic officers uniforms and studying from what we have seen, we have replicated a fair amount of uniforms and crudentials.. They will be enough to get to the ship but i doubt they will be valid for any decent amount of time, but it should give your team enough time to get on board and disermbark, you will be given some soldiers to make up the numbers so you can fly the ship back.... once acquired, jump from one system to the other so they cannot track your movement...""

[Regnier]

”Excu-“

”Uur. We still answer to generals, remember? Get a move on.” Felix muttered something beneath his helmet, audible only to his own ears, but kept moving, following as Mkohar and the two in front of him turned to follow this small woman before them. Raynes could have personally cared less in what manner they were treated, so long as they were pointed in the direction of someone worth speaking to; and if the person would be taking them directly to someone worth speaking to, all the better. He certainly wasn’t about to complain.

”Who exactly is-“

”Uur. We’ll find out soon enough; hold your tongues. You’ll be shown respect when you prove you’re worth it.” The Twi’lek shrugged silently and kept walking. It wasn’t important enough to her to push the walking battle-tank. Not much was. When he set his mind to something, it was generally best to either get behind him or stay the hell out of his way.

”Remind me why you brought them along?”

”I’m beginning to question my reasoning.” With a hiss and a click, Raynes unsealed his helmet and slid it off, resting it against his belt as he walked, his boots thumping heavily against the floor. He pinched his thumb and forefinger against the bridge of his nose, rubbed his thumb along the uneven length of cartilage, and sighed softly as possible for a man of his size. ”Ni ganar haa’taylir naysol simire.”

The Barabel sissed in vague amusement. ”’Lek, four decades ago, and I'm not as far behind as I'd like, old man.”

The juggernaut grunted and pulled his helmet back on.

[Squee]

((Let me know if I have the places swapped up. I’ll take it down and modify it. ^.^))

The rolling motion of the shuttle startled Valry awake. She hadn’t meant to fall asleep like that. She shouldn’t have. Instantly, her head snapped to the seat beside her, checking on Orak. He was there, sleeping sounding against her shoulder. Valry didn’t know how comfortable that was considering she was wearing her armor. Her helmet was balanced on her legs, the only thing not completing the outfit. If she had fallen asleep, she should’ve done it with the helmet. That way no one could point out a Mandalorian had fallen asleep.

To some eyes, Orak was an excuse. He was a young boy, and many would believe he caused her a lot of trouble. He truly didn’t. Which was why Valry falling asleep annoyed her so. It would make it seem as if her kid had tired her our, and that wasn’t the truth. Staying up throughout shuttle rides was the real reason. And this was their third one to bring them here to Concord Dawn.

The other people, the few of them, were beginning to shuffle out of their seats, stretching in what little interior space there was. Valry remained sitting. She’d wait for the people to exit. It was nerve racking enough to see a Mandalorian in armor. What was more is understanding that a weapon lay nearby. In fact, her pistols were within drawing range and her rifle was stored in the compartment above her head. As well as the shapeless bags her and Orak’s life was currently contained in.

“Wakey, wakey, hun,” she whispered gently to Orak, nudging him slightly. The boy’s eyes blinked open tiredly and he rubbed them roughly, moaning some. “I know,” Valry continued, “Let’s get out of the shuttle first.”

She sidestepped out of the aisle and opened the compartment. She slid the two bags out and dumped her helmet in hers before flinging the straps around her head. Valry slid her rifle out, opening its thick leather case to inspect any damage, then clasped it tightly back together and brought that over her shoulders as well. She would appear as some kind of bantha for a little while, but she planned on carrying Orak.

Valry led her son down the landing ramp and onto level ground. She paused briefly to turn to Orak and lift him in her arms. One of each of his legs braced on either side of her body, he wrapped his arms around her and snuggled his face against her neck. Bracing her left forearm under his bottom and reinforcing it with her right, Valry started walking again.

Orak deserved to be carried. The time changes were enormous, and where they had just come from would be night time. And to Valry, being a good boy on the shuttle rides deserved effort on her part.

Something clattered behind her. Orak was suddenly alert, his chin lifting from her shoulder. “ Buir[Mother]…” he started to mumble.

“What did you drop?”

“I didn’t mean to!” he protested. Valry calmed him with a gentle brush to remove hair from his face. She wasn’t angry, but he had obviously taken it to he had to be defensive. She turned, seeing the one figurine of a speeder on the ground that he had kept with him…

And then some behemoth creature stepped on it. Orak’s usually straight face was suddenly laced in horror. He said nothing though, only turned those eyes on Valry.

“It wasn’t my favorite,” he said, calming quickly and draping his arms back over her shoulder, his chin pressed against her armor again. Valry merely patted his back, turning around again, and continued to walk.

As she emerged to a busier sector, she paused, clicking her tongue in thought. Concord Dawn. It had been a few years, but it was still slightly the same old place. Other than Republican officials were no where to be seen. This puzzled her. But she reminded herself she’d be up to date with everything soon. Living in the conditions she had been, it didn’t provide holonews or anything to let her in on anything beyond the planet itself.

This place was turning into a base. At least the Mandalorians wouldn’t be too difficult to find. She ducked back into the docking bays with a number of people she had already ridden in with. Many were already changing their minds about the planet. This amused Valry. No one wanted to be around Mandalorians. All people knew of was their warfare and “yippe-ki-yay and give me a besilisk”. But, Valry would have expected people to be more… decided. It’s why Valry didn’t associate herself with stupid people.

She walked briskly with Orak in her arms, checking the docking bays the further she plodded along. She was securing an act of curiosity, wondering if there was a clearer band of her kind moping along somewhere. She readjusted her grip on Orak, having to shift him some.

“Mommy, mando’a.” Valry became stock still, halting the slight creak in her armor and listening attentively. It was there, and whoever spoke it was fluent. She turned once more, having to flip her hair from her eyes. Orak once again lifted his chin from her shoulder and leaned back some, twisting in her arms to look at the characters as well.

First, there was a woman, looking as annoyed as hell. Behind her were four warriors decked in their full armor. One was raising his helmet to his head. Once the helmet was sealed, she was sure she wouldn’t hear anything more. She deducted it was him who had spoken. She blinked once, and then shifted to the side some, willing to allow them to pass. So far, so good. And the one in front even had a rank. The military was nearby. A thin-lipped smile passed on Valry’s features.

“Vor entye[Thank you],” she said to Orak. The boy only nodded.

[Jace]

Bane watched as the General entered the room and sprung to his feet, bringing his right hand in front of his chest for a salute. Bane listened calmly as the General outlined his plan, and he already had various scenarios running though his mind. He was glad that there wasn't some bonehead in command, with no idea of how things were running. In fact if that were the case, Bane would have probably killed the man himself...luckily this was not the case.

"I agree fully with your plan General, this battleship will prove quite handy, not to mention send a message to the republic. I also hope that if we play our cards right, the enemy will never know it was us Mandalorians and will buy us even more time to build our great Army. I take it General, that you would have us embark on this mission immedietly?"

In Bane's view, things were pretty simple. He trained, He followed orders, and for the most part..he killed. This seemingly simple cycle did not borrow Bane in the least bit, there was no need to complicate things. Soon his Special Commandos would be running through the galaxy creating Havoc for the republic.

I can't wait Bane thought to himself as a small grin appeared on his face.

[Iota]

Joranus looked to Bane for a moment as he spoke, waiting for a few moments before replying. "yes, the sooner the better.. you will find your uniforms and crudentials in the ship.. use them wisely for they will only work for so long..." Joranus pushed against the table to stand up straight before placing s a clenched fist over his heart "If you die.. make sure its a glorious death, ner vod"

[Jace]

Bane stood up and crossed his clenched fist over his heart.

"Yes, General! I shall excuse myself, there are preparations I must make."

He looked at everyone in the room once again, his eyes met the generals, and with a slight nod he walked out of the room. There was alot of work and preparations to do. He walked swiftly down the hallways until he reached the entrance, where his 2nd in command was waiting. His lieutenant gave a quick salute and Bane motioned for him to follow.

"Get the troops ready, we have a mission, and its going to be a fun one. I will brief the troops in 15 minutes at the vessel we are using for the mission."

His 2nd saluted and quickly went off to gather the troops, while Bane made his way to his quarters.

[Zarkan]

Isahale ignored most of the exchange of the mandalorians exiting the ship as she quickly spun on her heel and stamped out of the hanger bay mumbling quietly to herself. The space port halls we're still heavily filled with Mandalorians and even some normal bounty hunters looking for jobs and the opportunity to sign up with the reforming military. Isa the short woman she was might have been easily lost in the crowd if it wasn't for the curses following her shoving her way though the droves. Fortunately for isa who was becoming tired from shoving the largely massive mandos out of the way the crowds began thinning out as she neared the core sections of the Military base.

She glared at the door to the war room hunched and tensed like a alley cat ready to pounce. Finally she resigned herself to entering and looked around to reassure herself that the mandos she was sent to fetch were still with her stalked into the room passing on of the mandalorian soldiers on the way in and spotting the general across the room. "Your errand girl has returned." she hissed though clenched teeth as she glared that the general though her opaque visor while gesturing for the mandos she fetched to enter the room.

[Regnier]

Mesh’la chuckled underneath her helmet, which trapped the sound inside. ”I think she’s pissed. Today’s not going to end well for someone.”

”Rule Seventy-One…”

”’A pissed-off Mandalorian will crack skulls’.”

”Amen to that.”

Mkohar brushed past anyone in the way without a second though, focusing his attention on not colliding with anyone and keeping track of the small woman leading them through a sea of mostly much larger bodies. Not that it was particularly difficult for a tracker as experienced as him, but, then again, it probably wouldn’t have been too difficult for a blind man with bad hearing, the way she was going. She almost was beginning to remind him of Namara, and that was truly an unnerving trait. One of that woman was bad enough.

Someone in the crowd, however, caught Raynes’ eye; a woman, clad in the armor of his people, minus the helmet, armed, and carrying a child, as well as numerous other items. He studied her from behind his dark visor as they neared her. He had a knack for spotting talent, and this woman struck him as…dangerous. Just his kind of person. The woman, striking as she was, was obviously the capable type. Her stance, burdened as it was, still belied the skill beneath the armor. Raynes had seen a great many Mandalorians in his time, and far more soldiers and warriors of other cultures and people, and he had a lot of experience spotting the notable ones. Still, he made no sound as he approached, simply nodding his head in respect as he passed, towering over the woman.

Felix, on the other hand, caught the look. Raynes didn’t tend to focus much of his attention on any one person without one of two reasons. One was if they were a potential threat. The other was if they were a potential Verda. He rapped his knuckles against his breastplate and inclined his head at the woman, then the child in her arms, flicking his helmet’s external speakers on as he walked. ”Jate’kara ti gar, vod, bal gar sa pirusti, kih solus. [Luck be with you, sister, and you as well, little one.] Returning his attention to what was in front of him as he passed the two by, he had barely enough time to duck under the large barrel of someone’s repeater as they turned around with the weapon slung over their shoulder. Tossing a mild curse after them, he continued into the crowd.

It was good to be among Mandalorians again, on that all four were in agreement, even if it meant facing crowds of them laced with civilians in relatively small corridors. The Barabel flowed seemingly without effort through the mass of bodies, making no sound, not even from the various points he actually made contact with another body, which were few and far between. It actually would have been rather impressive to the others of the group, if they only hadn’t seen him accomplish similar and much harder feats on a regular basis. A ghost could hardly have done better. Raynes, on the other hand, never once altered course to avoid anyone. Those who didn’t, or couldn’t, get out of the metal behemoth’s way were brushed aside like toys, and the path he plowed was more than large enough for the Twi’lek to remain unhindered within. Felix just bludgeoned his way through, exchanging curses, threats, and greetings with countless Mandalorians.

Finally, it seemed, they had arrived, judging by the fact that their aggravated guide had stopped near a door. Eventually, she entered, and once she motioned for them to follow, Mkohar stepped up to the outside of the door and turned, moving slightly to the side so his back was against the wall. In his stead, the tan-armored Twi’lek went through first, her medium-grade armor more apt at absorbing damage than the relatively light suit the scout wore, but she wasn’t as important to the chain of command in the squad as Raynes. None of them expected trouble, but…old habits died hard. It had long ago become reflex. Next followed Raynes, with Felix directly behind him, and Mkohar following in last. Not a one of them spoke at first, but each rapped their knuckles against their breastplates in salute. They were not in his army, but he still held the rank of general, and was worthy of at least that much respect. Anything else would have to be earned.

”You are the general everyone has been speaking of? I am Raynes, of the Clan Kohul, Commander and ranking officer of Te Verda be Tal bal Prudii. These…are my fellow Verda.”

”First Lieutenant Felix, of Clan Carthen. Vehicles and repair.”

”First Sergeant Mesh’la, of Clan Deggeram. Technological officer.”

”First Sergeant Mkohar. Field scout.”

[Iota]

Joranus was in the midst of assigning tasks to several divisions as his grand master plan was about to commence. It would not be an over night task, but to avoid any great deal of attention, the mandalorians would have to tip toe for the time being until they had enough numbers whether it be warriors, battlefield weaponry or even starships. The military was gaining its numbers, it was no longer the militia it started out to be and it would not take long for them to build their numbers up to defer any idle threats made by any opposition.

Joranus turned his head slowly to the left so he could see the entrants of the room, he looked at them for a few seconds before turning fully and bringing his clenched fist to his heart level. "Good day... I am Joranus, Grand General to Mandalore's military...Raynes eh? i have heard much about you, but at the same time i have heard little..." he nodded for a moment "Do excuse the lieutenant, she is itching to fight...as i am sure most are... most would find it an honour to serve and work with the next in line for the title mandalore..delusions of grandure, if you ask me" he chuckled softly. "Still, your numbers have dwindled Raynes and despite your excellent skills in combat, i am sure you want more warriors..." Joranus walked around the table and towards Rayne before stopping a few feet in front of him, his right hand on the hilt of his sword, not out of caution, but rather out of comfort. "The 10th infantry are with out a competant commander.. if you want the position, it is yours... when i speak with mandal motors we will be starting to manufacture artillery, tanks and several other devastating weaponry.. which of course, will be supplied to you and your regiment...if you decide to take this position of honour and glory...ner vod" Joranus remained calm and collected and rather still as he waited Rayne's reply.

[Squee]

Valry, still standing to the side out of the way of passerbyers, was scanning the beings skittering to and fro. They all acted like they ahd business to attend to, somewhere to go, paces to see, things to do. Valry had a sense of longing and an itching feeling that made her feel as if she didn't completely belong. Not yet, anyway. Orak was following her gaze everywhere, trying to see what she saw. Each time he turned back with a puzzled expression, wondering what the thoughtfulness on his mother's face.

The hair on the back of her neck stood on end, and she had the sense that someone was watching her. Tilting her head back so her chin didn't collide with Orak's head, she twisted her neck and saw the Mandalorian leading off the group staring her way. She couldn't see his eyes, but she knew his gaze was locked on her by the way his helmet moved as he walked. She didn't pick up immediate threat from him, just an honest inspection. Her face remained as sturdy as steel, inclining her head his way when he did.

One of the others, however, spoke to them. Valry was slightly taken aback, and had to remind herself she was back on Mandalorian territory. This wasn't the low levels of Coruscant anymore. The best she could manage was a little steeper dip of her head, acknowledging him and saying something similar in return.

Orak sat in her arms. He lifted his right hand and stared at it as if it didn't belong to him. Once again, he looked at his mother, questions lingering in his black eyes. It almost made Valry smile. Almost.

"What were they doing with their right hand?"

"It's called a salute. It shows respect to one another."

"... Were you disrespecting him? You didn't put your hand to your chest."

The faintest of smiles spread on her lips. She slowly shook her head and lowered Orak to the ground. He was no longer asleep. The Mandalorians passing them had awakened an interest in him. He had questions, but Orak had a tendency of asking him with large pauses in between. Valry believed he somehow wanted to keep a quiet appearance about him, asking questions with when the subtle moments came.

"No, Orak, I acknowledged him in the best way possible."

"Oh... okay," he said, the words almost too low to be heard. Valry read her son's lips more than she listened to him sometimes.

She sighed and looked around her. She was unsure for the first time in a long time. That wasn't a good sign in Valry. She was always sure of herself, or mostly sure anyhow. To have her wondering where to begin was a scary territory to be crossing in. Scary territory didn't have to exist on soil. Even the mind of one's self can be the most unfamiliar territory in the entire galaxy.

[Regnier]

Raynes sighed as he moved his hand back to his side, adopting an idle stance, the others following suit. None of them made a sound as the general spoke, laying things out for them, and ending with his offer. Each of them knew what was coming, knew what Raynes would say. They had served with him for far too long not to.

"What you know of me surprises me little. More than fifty years ago, we were a force among the Mandalorians to be reckoned with, but we have had little to no contact with our people since the Crusade's end. We have been...waiting, for a day such as this to arrive."

Felix nodded as he turned to face Isahale. "We understand, General. Believe me when I tell you that we've lived with worse for a very long time. You should meet his sister." He said, motioning Raynes with his head.

Mesh'la grunted, then turned to the woman that had led them to the room. "Just remember what Hesh said; Rule Twenty, Lieutenant. Look for a fight-"

"-and you'll find one."

Raynes shook his head and lowered his gaze to the general as the man stood before him. "General, I am afraid I cannot accept this offer. You must understand...to command a force of such size, it is not who I am. For more than sixty years, I have been one of the Verda, and for fifty years I have led them, losing less than thirty under my command in that time, through more wars than I can remember with species that will never be seen again; that is who I am. No elite strategist of large battles am I, but give me but a company of men and women up to my standards...and I can accomplish far more than I ever could with a regiment."

Folding his arms across his chest like small trees, he tilted his head back slightly, fixing his gaze at the point on the far wall where the wall met the ceiling. He was not a battlefield commander, there was simply no other way to put it. The old warhorse was at his best among a relatively small group of warriors whose hearts, minds, and bodies he knew like his own. At their best, the Verda were not a band of elite soldiers; they were extensions of each-other, operating not in unison, but as one. Raynes let out a low hum of contemplation, his deep and impassive tone, as always, remaining perfectly level, and nearly what one might consider slow. "So you see, it is not a place within your army I would ask of you. I wish only to remain as I am, to have the Verda allowed to serve Mandalore as they once did, as we were intended to do. Ultimately, we answer to him, and will follow his will without hesitation when called to war, but are not a part of this new-formed army. All that I ask is that any one of our people who wish to join our ranks be given the right to try. What numbers I can get, I will not lead against the Republic; that's your job, but rather these people calling themselves sith. It is they that worry me, vod, and, call me an idealist, but I still believe the Republic and the Clans can be made to coexist without all of this hostility for a time. These constant crises are becoming somewhat repetitive.

I do not ask for your finest, just those capable of doing what it is we do, and that will not likely be very many. If you wish to make the best use of the our capabilities, then, honestly," He shrugged, shifting his view back down to Joranus. "All I can suggest is that you allow us to do our jobs as Edorni Hesh intended when he formed us. To be a piece of an army would defeat the entire purpose of our existence."