Ask A Pact Sealed in Dust

[Nathan Braxon]

DOAN, ABANDONED QUARRY​

A gentle breeze stirred within the walls of the quarry, but otherwise Nathan could hear little but his own breathing and the security detail’s booted feet on the dry earth.

The Senator was in boots himself today, his dark formalwear and black pants a tad more practical than his usual garb. Doan was such a disappointing world, packed to the depths with rich minerals, but wracked with a conflict between castes that held everyone back. There was no leadership, no ambition.

The saving grace was few came to the world, and even fewer to abandoned quarries of this kind. Nathan had even read that the particular mix of minerals in the surrounding rock would shield them from sensors. Doan at least offered facilities for clandestine meetings.

”They’re inbound Sir” Stamper said solemnly, eyeing the sky.

Nathan looked skyward, lifting his sunglasses, but could see nothing just yet. His longtime security chief had always displayed heightened senses. “Relax, big man. I’ve invited them here to chat, nothing more”. Nathan knew Stamper was not a fan of this particular plan, but the man knew him well enough not to argue. He and his two subordinates had secured the area and their military training should not be needed further. If it was, Nathan could only hope it was enough.

There were few peoples Nathan Braxon truly respected, but the Mandalorians were one of the few. True Mandalorians anyway. Nathan pulled out his datapad, eyes closing for a second or two as he reabsorbed everything he could find about the Endless Watch.

If they were everything they promised, they could achieve great things together. If not, well, the tonne of quarry dust seeping into his pores was on them.

@Rimrald @The Mad Hammer @Narzen @Fine Dining Set @Mythos

Spoiler

Open to all members of Endless Watch who want to join. No obligation.

 

[Atuu Skirata]

Having heard about the opportunity for work through his compatriots in the Endless Watch. Atuu's eagerness to grow the fledgling factions reputation, coffers, and allies throughout the galaxy - drew his attention to this meeting place. Unsure who among his Vod would be joining him today, Atuu had also flipped the information to a fellow Mandalorian outside the Watch. A hunter whose name he had run across more than once in his years floating about the galaxy with his family (@Darasuum referencing Iviinyc).

Punching through the atmosphere towards the coordinates provided, Atuu's Osprey would draw a shadow over the long forgotten quarry as he passed once before rolling back around to land. Upon securing his ship on land, Atuu would be presented to the potential contact as he emerged from his cockpit. Clad in typical mandalorian attire, a flight suit variant which would signal towards his primary skill set to anyone looking him over.

With blaster pistol on hip and carbine on back. Atuu raised his hand in greeting before speaking from beneath his helmet in basic.

"I hope your flight here was without incident and I trust you and yours will be patient as my Vod make their appearances here soon." Lowering his hand and standing near the nose of his interceptor. Keeping an eye on the senators detail while doing his best not to raise any of their suspicions. Today was a day for conversation not concussion missiles or blasters.

 

[Xim Zhan]

The loud hum of a speeder bike preceded the sight of Xim Zhan’s arrival. Expertly weaving through the hills above the quarry, the Mandalorian smiled at the sight of @Atuu Skirata ’s ship coming in to land. “At keast I know I’m in the right place,” he chuckled to nobody in particular.

Xim had left his ship parked in the wilds several kilometers out. He had preferred not paint a target on his back if things did in fact go sideways, at least in the spacelanes at the least. Walking was out of the question, so with careful unpacking, he had brought his speeder bike out of the cramped bay of the ship and set up, kicking up plumes of chalky dust in his wake as he zigzagged about the hills waiting for a sign, and obscuring any path he may have taken from his carefully concealed ahip. Atuu’s ship was that sign. With that, the black clad Mandalorian rocketed toward the meeting place, leaping the speeder bike over the lip of the quarry as the engine roared and brought Xim toward the surface below.

Xim winced as the repulsors caught the descending craft with a jolt. The Mandlaorian’s arthritic joints protested silently; but he managed to keep control of the craft and bring it about in a wide circle alongside the landed ship.

Bringing the craft to an idle, Xim carefully dismounted, his knee protesting with a jolt of pain up and down the Mandalorian’s leg as he swung it free. With his rifle still aboard the bike and his other weapons holstered or concealed, Xim came to stand next to Atuu, offering a knowing nod from behind his visor to the Senator’s security detail. He was sure the man liked this no more than he did; a mysterious meeting in the middle of nowhere. What could go wrong.

“Greetings,” he spoke as his T-visored gaze came to settle on Senator @Nathan Braxon; his tone as deadpan as he could muster. Even as his gaze did not falter, Xim spoke to his associate(s) in Mando’a so all could hear, “<Is this the mark or the marker?>”

@Rimrald @Alhon

 

[Virgo Armegedon-Lok]

Oathkeeper exited hyperspace above Doan as Virgo keyed in the coordinates in her nav computer and set the ship toward her destination. It wouldn't take long for her to land and exit her ship, a waving hello to her present 'vod and the mysterious man they came to meet. As she drew close, her hands came up to remove her helm as it clicked with a pressurized hiss.

Long Platinum locks flowed from beneath, revealing the silvered eyes she gazed upon them with. "Ner'vod.... Sir." She spoke the recently arrived trio plus one present. Her blinded gaze shifted to the henchman and she simply gave a nod. "Is this all that is coming, Atuu?"

In truth, she was a bit disappointed. She thought for sure that Wer would be there as was Xim. You usually didn't see one without the other, or the usual trio of herself, Xim, and Wer. It was an uncomfortable feeling to say the least, like a Mandalorian without weapons. But if he wasn't able to make it, he likely had a good reason. Or better had one.

"If so, we should get under way." Virgo eyed the surrounding area, open and exposed. She didn't like being so, as was spoken by the HB-4 hanging across her backside. "I feel vulnerable."

 

[Nathan Braxon]

They came one by one. Two by ship, a third by speeder bike. Nathan was pleased. Three was a good number. Large enough to secure the influence he hoped to gain with the Watch. Small enough to stay under the radar for now.

“We have time enough, my friend” Nathan smiled at the polite Mando (@Rimrald ) and nodded to the others. “Please, come sit” he motioned to a makeshift table erected beneath a rock overhang. They would be sheltered from aerial view, even if anyone was smart enough to pinpoint their location.

“A cup of ne’tra gal perhaps?”. Nathan motioned to Stamper and his man set a tray of flasks on the table. The Senator had an insatiable appetite for knowledge that could smooth his path. He had read, learned and made certain to have refreshments on hand the Mandalorians would enjoy.

”Tell me, how fares the Endless Watch these days?”. He had a fair idea already, but they were not to know that. Each of them would no doubt have their own view and Nathan was intrigued to see how they answered. Who led, who followed, who spoke truth and who concealed it. Were they one, or were they many.

@The Mad Hammer @Mythos

 

[Atuu Skirata]

Taking a few steps towards the hastily setup table, Atuu would reach to disconnect his helmets tubes and slip the bucket up off of his head. Stowing it between his legs as he takes a seat. Giving a short nod and small smile to their host. Then shooting a look over his shoulder back to Xim and saying in Mando'a <"No no this is not the mark, this is the man who will be paying us.">

He then turned his attention back to Nathan as he offered the group ne'tra gal and with a surprised look on his face, his small smile widened to a genuine one, one of satisfaction. "You did your homework on us I see, Senator. - Bravo to you."

Maybe this relationship would work out after all, if Nathan was thoughtful enough to host and provide something of their culture he was at the very least decent with people. Being a Senator that seems to be a worth while skill to possess. "I regret to say I did not get you anything so thoughtful, I only hope we can return this kindness by helping with whatever issue you need resolved." Atuu added while waiting for refreshment and allowing his Vod to join the discussion. (@Alhon, @Mythos, @The Mad Hammer)

 

[Xim Zhan]

Xim nodded in understanding as he stepped forward. “Many thanks,” he said cheerfully as he took the offered drink, but remained standing. He took up a place across from the Senator’s me. Swirling his drink about in his glass, Xim leaned back, stretching his cramped back muscles as he scanned the bluffs and cliffs and crevices all about them. If this was a setup, it would sure be a dandy one. No where to go, no where to fly, plenty of space for watchful eyes to shoot from without warning . . .

As he scanned, Xim spoke in reply to the Senator’s question. “The Watch fares well sir. Every day our people grow stronger, more secure in our ways, that one day we may return home. How fares your constituency?”

@Atuu Skirata @Dar'Manda @Nathan Braxon

 

[Virgo Armegedon-Lok]

Virgo stepped forward with the others, but never took her gaze off the horizon even as she accepted the Senator's drink and let the dry liquid flow down the back of her throat. Wiping away the small drizzle that escape her lips, she nodded in agreement to Xim's words. "The will of Kad Ha'rangir has placed many blessings upon the Watch thanks to our return to the old ways."

Taking a seat upon one of the chairs, Virgo took another sip. "I only wish others would see the futility of the ways of Arasuum and repent, but perhaps our path will lead them to redemption in time, just as it will for me."

As her gaze shifted from Xim to Atuu, and back to the Senator, she poised the question which had plagued them all. "But let us shed the formalities and move on to business. What is you wish of us?"

 

[Nathan Braxon]

Nathan sat and sipped his drink, showing no hint of his thoughts. The three spoke of faring well and many blessings, but it was common enough knowledge that the Watch had fallen far from grace. These were a people sorely in need of new horizons.

“I hope we can help each other” he ventured, picking up on the deferential Attu's point. He rose, taking the jug of net'ra gal and making his way around the table, moving to top up all three of their cups unless they were rude enough to stop him.

“I’ll be completely straight with you” he began as he circled “seems to me we are both looking to improve our lot, for our people". He clapped Xim firmly on the shoulder as he passed. "To do that, we need to play to our strengths. You Mandalorians are soldiers, warriors all. You make your way by martial skill and a code of honour. I respect that, believe me”.

Nathan sat back down, gesturing at himself now. “I’m no soldier, that’s why I keep Stamper around” he smiled, gesturing briefly to his burly security chief. “My strengths are different; making things happen, finding opportunities, give others a leg up in this galaxy”.

He placed his hands on the table, fiddling with his old class ring. “So to business indeed, madam Virgo. There is something I want true enough. A droid manufacturing plant, one that will help me to keep on helping others. I want you to help me take it”.

Nathan sat back, dark eyes looking at each of them in turn. “In return, there will be credits of course, but more than that, an opportunity your people sorely need”.

“The opportunity to build a new home”.

@The Mad Hammer @Rimrald @Mythos

 

[Atuu Skirata]

Atuu would keep his gaze locked on Nathan, giving the man the mutual respect he showed to the mandalorians, as he spoke his piece. Atuu would also quickly finish his first cup of net'ra gal as Nathan rose to refil the cups. Nodding in thanks for the refil. It was his first time having this drink, not being one of the mandalorians born in mandalorian space - but it was delicious.

Atuu would only turn his gaze from Nathan and to his compatriots when Nathan began speaking of the opportunity. Waiting for him to conclude his offer. Atuu would let a low and slow whistle go before speaking "Well that... that is a big offer Nathan." Atuu paused, sharing a glance with his Vod before continuing "Are you offering us land on your planet? An uninhabited body in your system? What strings are attached outside of this opportunity." His mind began to race as he fired off the questions, the foremost thought was that this deal was too good to be true. @The Mad Hammer @Mythos @Alhon

 

[Xim Zhan]

Xim resented the broad assumption that Mandalorians were only good at soldiering and fighting. A part of his heart sank at the realization that the general public had reduced their people to such a generality of one point of their culture.

Still, he listened with interest. Perhaps he had been mistaken. He had thought that this was a simple bounty hunting job; find and capture/eliminate the target.As the senator spoke; however, it sounded like much more and perhaps the chance at building future relationships.

But when the man started to circle, Xim stood firm and unmoving in his flight suit and armor until the man clapped him on the shoulder. At that Xim recoiled spinning free of the Senator’s hand, turning to face the man as he continued to speak, but no longer allowing the man to walk out of his sight

As the offer was laid out, Xim nodded slowly with Atuu’s assessment. They already had a home. The opportunity of new lands; however, was potentially promising. History spoke of such promises, land of gold and silver, of eternal sunshine, only for the reality to be swampy bogs of floods and rain and monsters

“What sort of droid factory?” Xim queried, leaving Atuu’s question to stand. “Such a promise, generally means complications. Your seeking out the Watch; maybe you expect things that Stamper cannot or will not handle?” Xim angled a hand in the direction of the Senator’s guard, the implication of the Mandalorian prowess over the general public militia was left to hang in the air as was the idea that this acquisition was more complicated than a mere purchase of real estate. Xim turned to look at his fellow Watchmen and chuckled aloud in Mando’a “<Perhaps he wishes to keep his hands clean.>”

@Rimrald @Alhon @Mythos

 

[Virgo Armegedon-Lok]

Virgo watched as the man @Nathan Braxon snaked around the table, refilling each of their drinks as he made promises of friendship and gain. For Virgo, it mattered little, the opportunity for battle and war more promising to her than kinship and prosperity. Yet, as @Xim Zhan and @Atuu Skirata spoke of their own interests, she remained quite. It wasn't until Xim spoke in Mando'a the she finally voiced herself, first replying to Xim in Mando'a herself. <"Be mindful of Hod Ha'ran, for he leads many astray brother.">

She turned her attention to the man before them. "Your offer is generous, some would say too good to be true. So you must understand our hesitation. Those who walk the way of Manda'lor must always be mindful of tricksters and those who would use us as fodder. For they betray our commitment to Kad Ha'rangir and our Resol'nare."

Her blind gaze shifted toward Atuu and Xim, apparently speaking more to them than to Nathan with her next sentence. "There is no afterlife for those who waver from the way."

Her gaze shifted back fully upon Nathan. "If you truly wish our aid and honor us with respect, please, speak candidly. Do not hide your aspirations behind flowered words and open promises. Speak of your heart's intent."

Virgo leaned back in her chair and placed her feet upon the table, relaxing as she drank from her cup, swirling it before each draw of it's tantalizing liquor. Her gaze was welcoming and her words meant no disrespect, but she had never been one to dance around the heart's truth. If Nathan wanted her aid, he would have to be truthful with himself as much as her.

 

[Nathan Braxon]

They were an interesting bunch, and smart. Nathan didn’t mind that, to an extent. Yes men could be the most dangerous of all.

He turned first to the woman Virgo. “I did try to be clear” he said pensively “but let me try again. I want the droid factory, and I need to take it by force”.

”The plant can produce a variety of models, security types in particular” he answered “It is currently in mercenary hands“. He steepled his hands. “Stamper is my head of security“ he explained, glancing at Xim “he is not a soldier anymore and cannot be a one man expeditionary force. That is why I need you“. He was very open about that need.

He glanced down at the table, where he had programmed a data pad to steadily translate Mando’a into print. “You are right” he acknowledged, nodding to Xim “it is generally frowned on for Senators to go taking assets by force, whatever their motives. The takeover cannot be connected to me”. They would no doubt understand the nuances. “Once you rout the mercs and take control, I will send a team to run the plant in your name but for my benefit”.

“In return” he repeated “I am indeed offering land“ he looked to Atuu “not on my world, but on one much better. A Core World with open plains to lay down roots, opportunities for work and advancement, and travel connections with the heart of the galaxy”.

He held up his hands, genuinely believing it was a win win for both he and the Watch. “I get the plant, you the land, plus credits. There are no strings. I like to think we might build a bond of trust, help each other again in the future. But you don’t commit yourselves to that today my friends”.

@Rimrald @The Mad Hammer @Mythos

 

[Atuu Skirata]

"Forgive me Senator, but what are we to gain by being offered land on a world in which you will not have the same sway... such as you do over your own?" Atuu asked with a hint of genuine confusion.

Continuing after a quick pause "Because if we take this asset, it remains in our hands on paper but is staffed by your people. Does it not make sense for whatever other holding you are offering as payment - to be on your own planet... that would benefit both parties right? You get tax revenue or something probably, and we get some insulation from the scrutiny of the planet's authorities and governing bodies, probably."

He concluded his mix of statement and question, hoping now that the group was speaking in black and white there would be no more need for shades of grey. Shooting a look to his partners hoping he was not stepping on the negotiations.

@Alhon @Mythos @The Mad Hammer

 

[Xim Zhan]

Xim smiled beneath his helmet. This man wanted more than an asset, he wanted a reputation, he wanted power but did not want to pay the going rate, he wanted the Mandalorians to do his dirty work; and if anything went south, the Endless Watch would take the fall and he could condemn it from his marbled perch on high.

Outwardly, the man shrugged his shoulders as he regarded the Senator’s Chief of security.

“Once a soldier,”

he said with a nod of respect to Stamper, acknowledging the sly insult that had been directed at the man by the one person that could not hope to even try to gut him where he stood,

“Always a soldier.”

He concluded before turning back to face @Nathan Braxon and nod in agreement with @Atuu Skirata.

“We go and take the station, no questions asked. The station will remain in Watch possession on paper then? Your people will operate it, but,”

He paused, letting the thought hang unspoken in the air,

“from time, perhaps the Watch would have need of a production run, no questions asked? That seems a better deal than a tract of undeveloped land on an unnamed world. We would already own the station, by law anyway.”

Xim knew this put the Senator in a precarious position, to consort with mercenaries and experts in the unorthodox could be a crimson stain on his record if things did go south and he was linked to it.

@Alhon @Rimrald @Mythos

 

[Virgo Armegedon-Lok]

"Indeed." Virgo finally chirped in after letting a moment of thought rest upon the air as she gazed upon both of her compatriots before turning back to @Nathan Braxon. "What need of land do we, the Eternal Watch, have? I agree with ner'vod. As much as battle thrills me, it is fruitless to fight for another's ambition unless it suites our own."

Letting another gulp pass her lips and down her throat, she smacked her tongue with a refreshing "Ahhh."

"It's not to say that we can't reach an agreement. But if we are to give you a pound of flesh, we expect a pound of flesh in return." Virgo's eyes close for a moment before opening again, then she concludes. "If we are to build this bond you speak of, together, then your hands must carry some of the load as much as ours."

 

[Nathan Braxon]

Nathan sat silently for a long moment, his face impassive. He had offered land and money. Tangible, real rewards. He had not expected Mandalorians to turn them down so readily.

”I had expected you would rely on yourselves to hold what you take, not my sway” he said, raising an eyebrow at Atuu “but in any case, politics is not that simple”. He cast his eyes around the table. If they had done any research at all, they would know he must know something of that at least.

“A foothold on my world would not serve you, I have rivals who would see it as provocation and any sway I have now would be jeopardised”. It was true and yet it was not even the main issue. Had he not made it clear he needed a degree of separation, not an obvious public partnership.

Nathan realised he would have to share more detail. Information was valuable and he did not offer it up readily, but he was prepared to if necessary. “The land I offer is on Gatalenta. Green, fertile land on a world where the people know little of battle or intrigue. I have sovereign rights over it, you would not be threatened from within or without”. His treaty with the Gatalentans had carried no strings.

The Senator focused now on Xim and Virgo. “Returning to your true home may be your long term goal, but what of the short term? Does the Watch not need a base of operations? You would pass up that opportunity for the occasional droid order?”. He tried to read each of them. “Would you all?”.

A large part of his frown was genuine. There were three of them and yet they almost seemed stuck in the same group think, determined not to trust him for no other reason than their distrustful nature.

@Rimrald @The Mad Hammer @Mythos

 

[Atuu Skirata]

"So you and the good Senator Maryenne Vennen are acquainted then... It seems we have a mutual business partner at the very least. This could prove to be something of a win-win after all." Atuu said back to the senator with a nod before turning to his partners present and continuing to speak "We can always find another factory for production... While this would be convenient, there are sure to be other opportunities."

Atuu would then turn his attention back to his drink. Taking a sip while admiring how fortuitous this negotiation had come to be. With the Mandalorians of both Rancor Squadron and the Endless Watch being contracted by the Gatalentans to train their military and potentially have a standing presence on the world. The addition of land on which they could expand any sort of venture, base, stock pile or the like - was intriguing indeed.

"I do not believe my compatriots and I meant to seem combative in this conversation - we only wish to know what we are getting ourselves into -" He paused, turning back to his fellow Mandalorians before continuing "- so unless either of you have anything else for the Senator, I think we can put a bow on this deal here and get to work, no?" He concluded, fingers crossed they wouldn't prod the man for too much longer.
@Alhon @Mythos @The Mad Hammer

 

[Xim Zhan]

Xim bit his tongue. The Watch did not need land to settle like peasant serfs; but this was an operation Atuu had procured for them and he would abide by the agreement. There remained one thing that burned in his mind however; “Senator, please explain who will maintain public ownership of the factory once it is liberated? Are we but paid mercenaries to liberate a facility for you to take ownership?” If that was the case, why would this man hire Mandalorians instead of cheaper-obtained disposable mercenaries? If he wanted to insure success, Mandalorians were the obvious choice; however public perception could get sticky hiring the descendents of the brutal Death Watch. Masters of asymmetrical warfare and guerrilla tactics, even the effective actions employed by the Endless Watch might be considered outside the lines by some more politically savvy types. If they were to take and maintain the visage of ownership of this factory, what did that mean for the lands they were promised? Were they too owned on paper by another?

“Regardless, what you have promised can easily be sold if we desire the funds more than land.” The statement was a test as much as a matter of fact. Xim held out an expectant hand. “Coordinates to the factory?”

@Rimrald @Alhon @Mythos

 

[Virgo Armegedon-Lok]

Virgo erupted from a near silent chuckle into a bombardment of laughter. This Senator, was bold indeed. A little misinformed, perhaps misconstrued, but bold nonetheless. Leaning forward and placing both arms upon the table, her drink in one hand, she gazed at him from behind blinded eyes.

"You misunderstand me." She spoke, swirling the bottom of her drink before tossing it back and laying the cup in front of her upside down. "We are Mandalorians. If we have need of something, we take it. Whether it be land or droids, armor or blades, all is ours for the taking. Possessions mean little to us. Just as titles and politics. Still...."

Her blinded gaze shifted from the Senator to Atuu and Xim before falling back upon the Senator, a grin encapsulating her face.

"...Your voice in the Senate could prove useful, so an Alliance isn't unwanted. We will do this for you, so a favor may be expected in the future in return." She took a breath, exhaling a combination of CO2 and liquor. "Do not fret. It won't hinder your aspirations in any way, but it will be a favor needed in return for this agreement."

Her gaze shifted to @Atuu Skirata and @Xim Zhan once more. "Are these terms agreeable for all? Senator?" She questioned all as she turned back to the Senator. She had already made her mind up to aid him. But perhaps he would entitle himself a boon toward their future together.