In Orbit {Open}

[Axelpro]

With a flash of light the three large ships came out of hyperspace and immediately loomed over the planet. Cay sat in his chair and looked down at the planet that should rightfully belong to the Mandalorians. The person inside of him, Mandalore, wanted to break free, but Cay managed to grit his teeth in order to suppress those instincts. He needed to keep his head until he had issued proper orders, but he still became infuriated every time he laid eyes on something that was so obviously wrong.

When he looked at Concord Dawn the same thoughts whirled through his mind as when he looked upon Mandalore or Dxun even. It was all because of that damned "Betrayer" that his brothers and sisters were suffering so. If he had been a normal boy or girl he Cay's heart would have broken and he would have found himself shedding tears, but his case was different. He had been given the proper training and ancestry to do something about this problem and that was why he was sitting aboard the Justice II gritting his teeth in anticipation of the coming battle.

Kain, you know how to contact them. Open a channel with the Karatos and we'll see what they managed so far. From that we can move and make assignments for the coming battle. Being flanked by Republic vessels will throw off any Republic forces as to our true intentions. These methods will have to suffice until we take Nar Shadaa and obtain our supply of Basilisks...

Kain noticed something that only someone who had been with Mandalore for a long time would know. It was something small and most would dismiss it, but Kain knew what was going on.

His voice is deepening...it's about time for the Unificator to show himself and lead the Mandalorians to victory.

Kain held the thoughts to himself and went on working with the Jamming device that was only being upgraded at this point as they waited obediently for their chance to use it.

[projectsunfire]

((Lightspeed=Hyperspace, Axe. . ))

Solus'ad slid his Beskaad across a sharpenning block with a soft grinding sound. Making the blade sing with a harmonic note when blade and block left eachothers company. He listenned to Cay's orders, observing his demeaner with his crew. Solus'ad was beginning to feel he had misjudged this Mandalore. He had the style of a pirate... Then an old memory clicked into place. An old story that his foster mother had told him. Mentioning the death of Mandalore the Betrayer. His memory was foggy but he recalled a Severn being part of that story. But this man, this Cay Severn couldn't be him. Cay would have been a child at the time.

But his thoughts were soon replaced by the quick orders, and scrambling inherent of soldiers prepareing for insertion into enemy territory.

[projectsunfire]

Rab Fett ran along the cooridoor of the Justice II with a purpose. His gear in tow. He had exitted his bunk late when his squad was given the red light. Just manageing to get most of his equipment strapped on he now hurried to catch up with his brothers. As he rounded a cooridor he was given an inspireing sight.

Mandalore always inspired him. His armor seemed invincible, his countinance infinite, his orders infalable, and his mercilessness magnificant. Yet a strange man Rab had never seen before walked at Mandalore's side. He wore freshly painted Mandalorian scout armor, yet he did not bear the specialized gauntlets of that unit. He saw the crusaders crest on his arm. Something of a relic.

Their ranks had swelled with members from the old days, from times long before he could remember. The oldest mandalorian soldier he'd ever met was a seventy year old quarter master named Decon. The man flanking Mandalore noticed Rab standing there looking at him and he approached. Rab stood straight and stared defiantly into the empty gaze of the mans visor. He stopped in front of Rab and began to unbuckle his ammo belt. Rab was about to protest when the man redid the buckle and bashed it with his fist to test its taughtness. The belt now squeezed comfortably at Rab's torso. The man traced a circle in the air and Rab spun around till the man grabbed his armor straps and he tested them with his fist yet again. When the stranger seemed satisfied he gently spun the man around and looked at him. Rab saluted him and the stranger shook his head. Then silently, he raised his fist to his chest over his heart. Rab adopted the salute, and the strange Mandalorian gave him a curt nod, and pointed him onward with a jerk of his chin. Rab strapped on the last of his gear tightly and ran on to find his squad mates.

The strange Mandalorian returned to Mandalore's side in silence.

[projectsunfire]

((Three ships bro, three. Plus there are some other ships about that are republic Vessels.))

[projectsunfire]

As the three capital vessels cruised silently through space, Solus'ad considered stealing a moment to go and grab the Heavy Repeater he had stashed under his bunk. He shrugged off the urge to aquire a larger fire arm, and continued to sharpen his beskad with the rottstone in his gauntletted hand. He took a moment to test the edge and made a nick in the armor plate of his right greave. The blade made a small scratch. Satisfied with his work Solus'ad rubbed the blade a few more times down with the rottstone to be sure its sharpness was uniform.

When the blade seemed ready to cut through blast armor Solus'ad sheathed it in ts synthleather lace up, and tugged on the cords to be sure they were tight. His eyes flicked to the chrono built into his helmet, eager to get into battle. The time was drawing nearer. Soon they'd have more soldiers to help them forward, restoreing yet another planet to Mandalorian control.

Solus'ad calmed himself by breathing slowly. He flexed his hands to expend excess adrenaline that was now laceing his blood.
'Easy old man,' He thought, 'Be patient. Savor this moment.' Solus'ad's hands unfurled slowly and he brought himself to a parade rest at Cay Severn's right flank.

[projectsunfire]

"Kaysh echoy'la" Solus'ad's dark voice came through his helmet. The transmission was coming from a small ship that had sent a signal to the Justice II. A couple of the Mandalorians manning the bridge chuckled at Solus'ad's comment. The Soldiers aboard the ship awaited Mandalore's orders.

[projectsunfire]

Solus'ad couldn't believe what he was hearing. If this or'dinii was transmitting on broadband signal, or if the Republic vessels in orbit were listenning in, they would wise up. Solus'ad wanted to say something, or send a transmission back demanding this utreekov to be silent. Many lives would be lost today. Needlessly, lives they needed to bring the glory of the Mandalorians back to light.

[projectsunfire]

Solus'ad didn't like it. This pilot seemed either a fool, or a suicidal maniac. The Republic would realize they were being jammed when their ship to ship comms began failing for longer than a minute. Solus'ad held his tongue, something that required much resolve. His greatest urge was to take action. Then again if he was a friend of Mandalores, it would be unwise for him to speak more ill of him.

Solus'ad watched Cay Severn's back as he rubbed his chin. What was he doing? This needed to be dealth with or ignored. What was he playing at? Solus'ad irritatedly checked his armor buckling again to be sure it was tight.

[Axelpro]

Cay felt the need to step in at this point after letting the banter between the hopeful at his side and the ship that hovered around the Mandalorian Attack force. Cay still hadn't donned his helmet and completed the transformation. His body was still calm even though he could feel it, the presence of his more primal self. That self that wasn't capable of long term planning, but would surpass his current self in battle 99 out of 100 times, the one time would most likely be because of self destruction. With his fingers tapping on the top of his dark green helmet which sat comfortably on the arm rest to his chair Cay proceeded with slow words so he would come off as calm and collected.

Many clans fled after the Betrayer's actions, but for you to say that an entire clan pledges loyalty to me is a little hard for me to believe without at least knowing who you are...

Mandalore, the Karatos have managed to get a line with us.

Cay nodded and the Mandalorian who gave Cay the news hit a couple buttons and a bright blue light shout out from the front window that allowed the crew on board a first person glance at Concord Dawn. The person who looked at Cay from the built in hologram projector was a gruff looking person.

My, my, it looks like we have been graced with the presence of the upcoming Mandalore...

Cay was already prepared to receive the criticism from his brother who had managed to dent the Republic's influence on Concord Dawn. A man who was constantly struggling for his right to live and continue The Tradition, who assembled his siblings for the righteous fight and pressed on day by day. Even though Cay expected this what happened took him by surprise.

Aliit ori'shya tal'din

He dipped his head because he knew. It was only he that knew that the Karatos faction was facing desparation, for all the efforts that he had put into defying the Republic and keeping the Tradition he was reaching wits end. For Clan Tyran to come and offer assistance was nothing more than grace for him because he was already prepared to use the last of his ammo on the Republic, but now that last clip would be saved for later as his brothers and sisters still needed guidance.

Dante...we have managed to secure a small complex that is a portion of the main Republic stronghold on Concord Dawn. We've been fighting them off for a month now since the area we took happened to be the supplies section of the Fortress. Unfortunately we are trapped between the entrance to the Fortress which is blocked by Republic forces and the rest of the Fortress that is trying to wipe us out. Cay, it is shameful for me to do this, but my brothers and sisters desperately need your assistance. Prove yourself worthy of the title of Mandalore in this battle for our planet and you shall have the Karatos, a Mandalorian group with a total of 20 of the most hardened Mandalorians, under your direct command.

Cay simply smirked as he nodded his head in agreement to the request for assistance, but before he closed the connection he raised his helmet up with his right hand that was busy tapping on it just moments ago.

My brother, I will assist you...not because you have offered me you allegiance, nor because I wish to prove my worth to you. I assist you because you are my brother as I am yours. If you are in trouble I must come to your aid if able and I expect the same of you.

Dante smirked just as the sound of blaster fire rang through the hologram and the Mandalorian had to duck down. He appeared again and fired the blaster rifle that was in his hands just as the connection cut out. Immediately Cay pointed to one of the Crew members.

I want a barrage on that fortresses hangars so as to disable any air or space support they might want to deploy after we drop down. Get the preparations done now!

Right away Mandalore.

It would be the last command Cay would give as he donned his helmet and switched the connection back to the unidentified Mandalorian.

[Axelpro]

His manner was a little more abrupt the before.

Fine, show your worth to the rest of the Mandalorian world by helping our brothers planetside.

Mandalore cut connections and turned towards the small hangar that was a part of Justice II. Kain was at his right as he made his way towards his destination. There was a sharp beep inside his helmet and using his index and middle fingers touched the area on his helmet where his temple would be. The action opened up a small communication line. To a normal person would seem as if Mandalore was speaking to himself or those around him.

Speak...

The voice that returned the command was that of the Mandalorian who still sat on the Command Deck at the console.

We are ready to begin bombardment on the Republic Hangar...we wait for your command.

Let the fear of Mandalorians burn back into the Republic's mind!

Mandalore stepped into the hangar and there before him 50 trained Mandalorians awaited him after being called to battle moments earlier. His emotions couldn't physically escape the metal shield around his face, but they still managed to seep through and into the hearts of his brothers. It was a feeling of determination, a sort of primal instinct that detested losing. It emanated from Mandalore as he stepped onto the one of the three dropships that housed the 50 Mandalorians that were only a third of the force Mandalore had ordered to go down to the planet. The would land dead center of the fortress and relieve pressure from the Karatos. Just as the door to the dropship rose up sealing Mandalore and his brothers inside the vessel the deafening sound of main cannons being fired rang out.

It's game time...

[projectsunfire]

Solus'ad had felt the slightest of shames, not only that a younger man, like Cay had stepped in to extinguish his commentary on the new stranger. He considered his brashness for a moment. Had he not been a stranger only a few days ago. His thoughts disturbed him. He was pushing his forties, yet he considered his conduct that of a child. However, Mandalore had acted, quite unlike he had expected. Gracefully, Honorably. He had to admit... This Cay Severn was beginning to grow on him.

Solus'ad followed Mandalore silently, to the Hangar, and loaded onto his drop ship with him. Finding that the box of his Heavy Repeater had been stowed in one of the compartments. His helmet concealed his grin, yet he touched the container with an unconcealable show of affection for the enormous weapon. As men climbed aboard after him, and took their seats, Solus'ad put the weapon together and strapped on the harness, and motion tether that held the weapon in place. When all was in Order he took his seat, and strapped himself in. It was timely. Men were still boarding.

He locked the immense weapon into his personal rack next to him, and switched over to Mandalores transmission signal.

"Solus'ad olar, cuun kote. Ib'tuur jatne tuur ash'ad kyr'amur." Solus'ad said with a merthful laugh. His laughter was echoed by a few of the others in the dropship. The hatch closed with a hiss.

((Bring it on!))

[Axelpro]

Sir, the Karatos leader has sent us a sample of the Kratos vaccination just now. I'll forward a decent amount of samples to the dropships just as a measure of caution.

I am pretty sure we are all Mandalorian here and have received the vaccination at some point or another. Still it is good that you have thought of this. Hurry and bring them aboard.

To show the urgency of his command actual Mandalorian sprinters brought the cases to the dropships.

I forgot about the virus, but that means Republic Reinforcements will not be showing up because that sample vaccination is still planetside. So that means it's us versus them in a fight to the finish.

The dropships lifted up and began to depart from the Capital ships for their destination which was Concord Dawn. It was time for a battle to be fought.

[Ardenator]

(Taking the part of Republic commander NPC)

General Veerda stood at the display, looking over the latest status updates. After the Battle of Mandalore, the Senate had seen fit to reinforce all Mandalorian worlds. So Concord Dawn had finally received the forces she sorely needed, although it wasn't much. One full Battle Squardon, sixty capital ships; twenty of the new Hammerhead Mark Two's and forty Corellian Gunships, and their starfighter compliment of Aureks and L-wings. Their fullcomplement of Naval Troopers and Marines, about ten thousand troops in all, were now deployed on the ground, at one of the many fortress-garrisons Veerda had set up all around the planet.

They had all received a force of ten thousand Republic infantrymen, along with the standard accompaniment of artillery, armor, and other heavy weapons. They were stationed at another fortress-garrison. The rest of the Republic defenses were composed of the original Army security forces which had been stationed on planet for over fifty years. There were thousands upon thousands of those troopers, stationed in all cities, towns, and villages on the planet. They were centered mostly at well-defended local bases. Summing up the planet's defenses were three large Starfighter Corps. bases, holding about three squadrons of Aureks and L-wings each.

All the forces had been drilled day and night against every kind of simulation and situation. They were trained in anti-sith, anti-teta, and especially anti-mandalorian tactics. Veerda pounded anti-Mandalorian warfare into his men. He would make sure that they were ready for anything.

"Sir! Three capital ships have just exited hyperspace. Heavy cruisers, perhaps. Trajectory leads straight to Mandalore."

Veerda cursed. Mandalorians. It had begun. But only three ships? What were they thinking?

"Move half of the squadron to intercept. Scramble all fighters. Have all forces in the system get to battle stations. Let us see what they plan to do with a mere three capital ships."

Veerda watched the tactical layout as his orders were carried out, waiting to see what move the Mandalorians would make next.