[DOMINION MISSION] Government Shutdown

[Mirdala Priest]

THEME
Mirdala Priest
Roth, Rothana
Time: 0650

Having arrived two hours and twenty two minutes prior, I had been familiarizing myself with the outdoor loading docks. Dominion Intelligence picked me up post operation from Laressa, Phindar, and immediately set route for the capital of Rothana. The Shadebelly Skimmer's rear loading ramp remained lowered, Mandalorian private military contractors (PMC) conducting post flight maintenance.

I was enjoying a hot coffee, my helmet under my left arm and my shield resting beside me. An outdoor cafe kept dock personnel as well as newly arrived pilots warm and content with an assortment of hot beverages and deli sandwiches. Having been out in this cold for as long as I had, the vacuum seal of my Recon armor had allowed the chill into my bones some time ago. The coffee was a delight and I savored every sip today.

The last forty minutes had been spent walking the perimeter of the docks, it's outdoor setup making me uneasy. After a frigid trek through the surrounding forest, I had calmed my tactical paranoia, and returned to where my principal would be arriving. Principal. The irony did not escape me in the slightest.

Evelyn Yara Priest. Six years past I had hunted her down, captured her, interrogated her, and turned her over as a house servant bound to Priest Homestead. A month afterward I had been captured, also on Nar Shaddaa, and made a prisoner of the Empire. And here we are now. Evelyn had earned first the respect, then the love of my family, and had somehow managed to involve herself in Clan politics. Today, I would protect Evelyn, and she would represent my people along with Duke Ordo, here in the capital city of Roth.

Taking another sip of my quickly cooling coffee, and content that the landing dock was free of threat, I awaited the diplomatic representatives of Priest and Ordo. Honestly I wasn't sure how Evelyn Priest would react upon seeing me, but I knew one thing for certain: times had changed. I'd be a liar if I said I wasn't a little curious how my family had changed the defiant, high society, rogue I had waterboarded so many years back.

Watching a Mandalorian vessel break atmosphere and prepare to land, I took another sip to hide my smile. "Rock n Roll."

@Evelyn Yara @Prudence

 

[Mary Bothans]

The pilot's intercom broke the silence, "We've broken atmosphere and started our descent. Still no signs of hostilities on this side of the planet. Resistance not expected. Mirdala Priest is already docked and waiting."

Evelyn rose from her seat and entered the cockpit of the shuttle. She leaned against the back of the pilot's chair and peered out at the landscape. Frozen, barren. The city's capital - one of the few clusters of civilization on this mining world - lay directly before them. As they approached, she could just make out the Shadebelly Skimmer on the deck of the most prominent building. Mirdala Priest was there. He had been the one who originally captured her, brought her under Clan Priest. She now understood, in a cruel, strange way, it had been a gift. But Mirdala had been gone for a long time. The galaxy, the Dominion, even herself had changed much during his absence. She took a long, slow breath. "Thank you, pilot. We are ready to land."

At that very moment, other Mandalorians were assaulting and blockading the planet of Rothana. This mission, here at the capital, would allow the Rothana government the most graceful pathway to Dominion control. Her job was to make the Rothana leadership see that the planet was already lost to them, even before the day began. Surrendering now would not only save lives but help to ensure future stability an productivity; a prospect that was beneficial to both parties.

Evelyn strapped a belt across her waist that discreetly held a standard B-8R blaster pistol and a versistaff collapsed horizontally across the back. While violence was not expected it was important to enter into these hostile negotiations not only with the appearance of being able to defend yourself but also showing a willingness to communicate peacefully; a trait that the Dominion were known to lack. It was for this reason, she would enter the government building wearing no armor or helmet. Her hair was pulled back behind her ears and she wore only a simple, formfitting jumpsuit. It was appropriately austere for the occasion, dark and almost intimidating in its lack of regal pomp. A silver arm band with the crest of the Dominion was the lone feature signifying her status as a diplomat. Over this all, she pulled on a dark, hooded cloak to subtly hide her features.

The shuttle landed as she looked over at Kalan Ordo, Duke of Clan Ordo, who remained mostly silent on the trip to the planet's surface. She nodded to him and they descended the shuttle's ramp.

@Mirdala Priest @Prudence

 

[Prudence]

Duke Kalan Ordo spent the majority of the trip from the atmosphere to the surface in one of the back compartments of the shuttle, away from Priest girl and the pilot. Within the compartment he had two of his most trusted guards from Clan Ordo with him, their gray battle armor reflection of his own, though not quite as extravagant, with his red accents and pauldron. He had taken this mission on for himself, as he was technically the 'diplomatic envoy' sent from the Dominion to speak with the government of Rothana. In truth he and Mand'alor Vizsla knew that he had the moral degradation to accomplish what was needed, should it come to it. The two representatives of Priest were honorable soldiers, one of them even serving as one of the Mand'alor's protectors, and may object at how this may need to be handled. Kalan's armor was complete, save for his A-140 rifle which he had elected to leave on the ship. While typically he would bring his favorite weapon along with him, he was in the presence of two Mandalorian warriors, and even if that wasn't the case, he was quite certain he could take the whole building with his two pistols and his armor.

He stared out one of the viewports at the desolate ice planet that they grew ever closer to. It was a wonder that such amazing instruments of war could come from such a.... shithole of a planet. Nevertheless, the origin of awe inspiring things often blew one's mind - and the truth of this matter was that the weapons and vehicles that Rothana would supply to the Dominion would afford them even greater superiority in the coming war. Kalan laughed at those amongst their ranks who didn't realize that war was coming, or who refused to accept that it couldn't be "negotiated" away. The empire blew up a mother kriffing planet, and as far as anyone was aware, retained the ability to continue to do so. Kalan stop at nothing, and would go to any length, to ensure that the Empire was brought to heel... to his heel.

The pilot's voice over the intercomm broke his moment of thought, and he looked up at the two guards. "It's time to rock n roll boys." With that Kalan stood from his seat and moved towards the loading ramp of the shuttle, finding his female companion already there. The two created a stark contrast, Evelyn standing a bit shorter than him, and looking quite petite without any armor on, as opposed to Kalan's towering armored self. As the shuttle grew closer to the ground he turned his head to her, his lips twisting to a smile behind his visor. He needed to set her off balance a bit, leave her reeling, and luckily his immense paranoia left him with quite the knowledge on those he associated with, "Quite interesting reunion between the two of you. Last time you two met you were in chains, if I recall. Though I guess some girls like it like that, I'll give you two a bit of privacy once we're done if you'd like to reenact old times." Evelyn was left with hardly any time to reply, as once Kalan was finished talking the ramp lowered, letting a howling wind into the compartment. He strode down the ramp with prestige, his boots thudding against the durasteel with each step. Once they reached the bottom he jerked his head in the direction of Mirdala, "Priest, a pleasure meeting you... I'm not really expecting much armed opposition waiting on us, but do try to stay uncaptured. I've had to do enough morally questionable things without adding turning you loose in the free galaxy a second time to that list."

 

[Mirdala Priest]

Mirdala Priest

Tossing my coffee in the bin as the exit ramp lowered, I lifted my shield and approached, stopping a respectful distance from the ship. Duke Ordo exited first, armored and moving with a steady, confident, gait. Stopping, he cocked his head my way arrogantly before speaking.
"Priest, a pleasure meeting you... I'm not really expecting much armed opposition waiting on us, but do try to stay uncaptured. I've had to do enough morally questionable things without adding turning you loose in the free galaxy a second time to that list."

We were fast approaching the greatest war in a thousand years, every House and Clan plotting personal alliances while the Dominion War Machine slowly roused itself to life. It wasn't his words that twisted my lips in a contained snarl, it was the intelligence lurking behind the moody persona; the violent paranoia of the Ordo family, mixed with the ambition of his title. As Duke, and therefore Admiral within the Fleet, his clearance afforded him great privilege.

As a former CounterIntelligence operator, I knew a Spook when I saw one: Kalan Ordo carried secrets. I smell the stink on his soul.

Turning my head , I watched my second principal exit the vessel. She wore a jumpsuit, spartan and devoid of the unnecessary. She carried herself with a poise I had not witnessed in her before. Like all Priest women, any passion she felt was like the ocean currents of of our homeland, subtle, and hidden. I had underestimated the woman's drive for survival; she had adapted to the Clan ways so gracefully, I was half shocked as I beheld her. As she approached, I studied the cold, severe, stoicism of a Priest woman, both pride and guilt stirring inside. Pride for the Mandalorian she had become, and guilt for my underestimation of her unyielding determination.
@Evelyn Yara
@Prudence

 

[Mary Bothans]

Evelyn could do little more than look away and subtly roll her eyes at the Duke's comment. This type of interaction with the Mandalorians wasn't anything new. Even now, years later, she was still under Mirdala's shadow and still considered an 'Other' by many in the clans. Yet, she also understood that everyday was an opportunity to prove her value to the Dominion. Though the teasing and ridicule may sting her pride at times, being continually underestimated did have it's benefits. For Kalan's part, Evelyn sensed his intention to gauge her reaction, a small test of emotional fortitude. Or maybe he was just seeing if I had a sense of humor, she thought.

She walked behind Kalan Ordo as they descended from the shuttle, casting quick glances at their frozen surroundings and pulling her will together to keep from shivering in the cold. As the wind blew, her cloak clung to her frame and she pulled it closer around her shoulders. Ordo addressed Priest first, but she struggled to hear the exchange as she approached. Without his helmet, Evelyn could see into Mirdala's eyes. She addressed him formally, "Count Mirdala Priest. It is an honor to see you in action again. I take it you have not encountered much in the way of hostilities in this sector of the planet? Seems still peaceful here..."

Evelyn turned her gaze to Ordo standing beside her, "Duke Ordo, we'll move forward on your command."

As she spoke, a trio of droids approached them on the loading dock. Two were lightly armed, security droids and the third a standard protocol droid. All three were bare of any accessories or augments, utilitarian in their design. "Greetings to the honorable delegates of the Mandalorian Dominion," the protocol droid spoke in basic, "On behalf of the Rothana government, your presence is insisted upon at this present time in the capitol building. If you would allow us to escort you."

 

[Prudence]

Priest's reaction to Kalan's entrance was pretty much what the spook had expected - measured but readable. A barely contained scowl marked the Protector's lips, and Kalan knew he had hit home - but not with his remarks. No he had read up on Mirdala Priest when he'd heard of the expedition to free him from Sith prison. Priest was a counter-intel agent, and he had been trained to hunt the kind of shadowy figures like Kalan. In fact, Kalan was very aware of the fact that Priest had hunted down Death Watch cells after the rise of the Dominion, searching for Kalan and his compatriots. While he may have found limited success in tracking down individual agents, the agents of Death Watch had been trained well, and nothing concrete had ever been found to nail those agents who had integrated themselves into the Dominion. Ironic, Kalan thought, the Dominion, this whole movement and crusade, we made it possible, and now they hunt us down like dogs. That is how they repay their gratitude for freedom, by burning us at the proverbial stake. If only they knew... if only they knew...

Despite any inkling that Priest had as to a depth beyond Kalan's official activities, he was confident that Priest didn't know the full extent of what Kalan had been up to, and what he had been organizing. He witnessed the stiff interaction between Evelyn and Mirdala, his eyes flickering between two from behind his visor, keen to see how they reacted to one another. For now they seemed to be friendly... only time would show if that was a facade, or a new outlook on life. Yara indicated that he should lead the way, and just as he was about to a trio of droids approached. Kalan's right hand dropped to his sunspear, but he held himself back from blowing the droids apart. "No doubt they want to talk to us about that lovely blockade above.... Get ready boys and girls, I'm expecting some angry bureaucrats, and those are so much fun." Sarcasm dripped from the Duke's voice as he followed the trio of droids towards their waiting speeder. It was an older diplomatic model, all black with tinted windows - though the paint was dinged and peeling in some places. A fourth droid awaited them at the back of the speeder, and opened the door for the three Mandalorians. Without checking with Priest or Yara, he ducked his head and shimmied into the back seat, "Well shall we take bets on whether or not there are refreshments? I'm thinking small hotdogs on toothpicks. Those are always my favorite to eat as I'm being scolded."

 

[Mirdala Priest]

Mirdala's Theme

As Evelyn greeted me as a Priest, I nodded silently, aware of her transitioning attention towards the approaching droids. Although the two security droids appreared to be a standard procedural escort for the protocol droid, Kalan, paranoid Ordo he was, reached for his sidearms. Without thinking, his reaction caused me to instinctually step closer towards Evelyn, right hand drifting towards holstered Parallax grip, left arm beginning to raise my shield hip level. Just as quickly as Kalan's hands moved towards his grips, they relaxed again, allowing me to inhale and resume a 3 step distance behind my principals, close enough to protect, far enough to not intrude on the diplomatic aim of our mission.

Helmet on, Heart off.

As it sealed over the neckline of my bodyglove, I felt calm wash over me for the first time since arriving. There had been no hot meal or time to process my experiences and emotions since completing the Phindar operation, I had immediately been picked up and escorted to Rothana for protective detail assignment. Ral (@Kori Buor) always kept me moving...and I loved him for it. If I stopped...I would drown....Death was Rest...now was not the time for Rest. Now was time for war. I was born for this; now was my time.

As the droids led my escort from the frigid wilds of the outer landing dock, I followed attentively, my mind empty, my eyes scanning the stimuli around us. Ahead was a large, singular structure, isolated from the massive manufacturing plants, and situated only 100 meters from the landing dock. This would be the diplomatic facility; no bureaucrat would be willing to walk far in this weather.

Arms relaxed, eyes active, I followed Kalan and Evelyn, knowing full well my place here. This was a protective detail, not an assault. Mouth stays shut, shield stays ready.

No problem.
@Evelyn Yara @Prudence

 

[Mary Bothans]

The shuttle ride was short and silent. The trio remained flanked by the security droids, although their presence was merely ceremonial. The droids posed little threat to two armed and armored Mandalorian warriors. Upon exiting, they were swiftly escorted up an elevator and down a long, mostly unfurnished corridor. It screamed of bureaucratic efficiency, barren walls. Depressing as it was, the corridor led to a single doorway. The protocol droid stepped forward and entered in some code causing the large, durasteel door to open from the sides.

Inside was a large chamber, with impressive floor to ceiling windows that overlooked the vast, frozen landscape surrounding the city. Large mountain ranges interrupted the horizon line. Snow swept along the ridges and the roofs of other buildings below. Inside the room was a desk in the shape of a crescent moon, behind which stood three middle-aged, human men. None were physically imposing but they were well, if not simply, dressed. Each held themselves with an air of importance. Businessmen and politicians, although on Rothana the two were mixed so as to be indistinguishable. They rose and squared their soldiers as the Mandalorians approached, but their eyes darted across the room exposing their fears. Four armed, human security guards stood at corners of the room. The man in the middle of the leaders, seemed to be the most prominent of the trio. He was also the oldest and the fattest.

"Greetings, leaders of Rothana. I am Evelyn Yara of House Priest, emissary from the Mandalorian Dominion. May I present-" she was cut off.

"Yes, yes. We know who you are," the middle-one snarled in a deep, guttural voice that almost sounded non-human. "You, Mandalorians, are currently invading our world. I don't think the pleasantries of diplomatic speech is warranted here, Ms. Yara."

"Nevertheless," she cut back evenly, "we've come to offer, and to help ensure, a smooth transition as Rothana is welcomed into the folds of Dominion protection."

"Ha!" he snorted, "never did we need or request protection from the Dominion. This is a sorely obvious power grab, the Dominion forces trying to bully us into submission. I suggest-"

"These are difficult times, Mr..."

"Mr. Cecoro Corinex, elected minister of Roth."

"These are difficult times, Minister Corinex." Evelyn pulled back her hood and cloak to reveal her full face and frame, "The galaxy is a tempest. Even now, violent winds are being felt in every corner of every system. But these are merely the early birth-pains. One day, there will emerge a unified galactic order, galactic peace. We are the harbingers of that peace, Minister Corinex. Yet, tonight - at this very hour - we offer Rothana a steady hand which will pull you free from the worst of the storm," Evelyn paused, "To speak plainly, your cooperation now will ensure the future prosperity of your world, and specifically, the personal prosperity of the men in this room."

The trio of men looked to one another, consulting each other with glances.

"May I continue to introduce the esteemed Kalaan Ordo, Duke of House Ordo and Admiral of the Dominion Fleet. As well, Protector Mirdala Priest of Clan Priest, and my own commander." she bowed from her hips and stepped back to give Kalaan Ordo the floor to speak.

@Prudence @Mirdala Priest

(sorry for the long delay in posting. But I'm back now! :) )

 

[Prudence]

theme

The ride to the bureaucratic facility was painfully silent, his partners choosing not to engage in snarky banter with him about the state of refreshments. Instead he sat quietly between the two Priests, preparing himself for what he was going to have to do. This wouldn't be a pleasant day, nor would it be one that he was particularly proud of. The events of this day wouldn't go down in the history books, hell, the invasion of Rothana wouldn't go down in the history books. It would simply be noted that one day Rothana was independent, and the next it belonged to the Dominion. The speeder arrived at the the building and they were ushered out, and towards a small turbolift. The three of them and their droid escort hardly fit, but the doors still managed to shut.

When the doors opened at the top they were in a bleak hallway, one that reminded Kalan of hundreds like it that he'd found himself in across his life. The looming sealed doors at the end certainly spelled diplomatic chambers which they were to be ushered into. As he'd predicted the protocol droid opened the door, and they were ushered into a chamber occupied by three older human men, overweight and balding. Ahh bureaucracy rears its middle-aged head once again.

Evelyn attempted to negotiate with the leaders, appealing to their sense of fear, and their sense of security. Kalan simply chewed on his lower lip, knowing that what she was trying wouldn't work. They weren't here to broker a partnership between Rothana and the Dominion, they were here to secure a takeover. Kalan hadn't personally accompanied the mission for his charming demeanor or his winning smile. Kalan was here because the Mand'alor, and he himself, knew that he was able to do what needed to be done.

"Priest." Kalan said calmly, his voice speaking volumes more than his words did. He was telling Mirdala to prepare himself, to spring into action when it was needed, because Manda knew it would be. They were outnumbered by guards, and Evelyn would need to hit the ground quickly. He was certain she'd begin screaming at him, but she was fresh.

"For bloody Mandalore." he muttered under his breath, as he took a step forward towards the circular desk. "Unfortunately, Miss Yara here is more or less... misinformed. Gentlemen, your service to the Rothana government has been stellar," he said, voice dripping with sarcasm, "but unfortunately you find yourself in control of something that we need desperately. Desperate men commit horrendous sins." He had reached the edge of the desk now and was standing feet away from each of the three men.

With that his hand drew his sunspear and snapped off three quick rounds into each of their chests, burning a hole clean through each of them. As the men cried out in alarm and pain, the last of them even managing to stumble partly out of his chair - though not enough - he dropped into a roll to avoid what would surely be a string of fire towards him.

 

[Mirdala Priest]

"Priest," my name, uttered calmly, voiced from a mind solidified in resolve. The hairs rose underneath my bodyglove, my head lowered slightly, my eyes unfocusing on the floor as the inevitable rushed to greet me. I didn't hear Ordo's following words, my mind had checked out. Blood rushed to my extremities as my two principals blurred in my peripheral, my shield low, body refusing to betray the intentions of my heart.

Three hollow raps as a Sunspear adjourned the meeting. Left shield hand reaching upwards, palm behind neck, right hand drawing the right thigh Parallax, my right arm extended outwards, iron sights falling nose level with NorthEast, squeeze, snap, plasma kiss bridge of the nose. Shifting left, shield guarding my back as I followed the head-chain to NorthWest, iron sights resting chin level, squeeze, snap, plasma kiss centered upper lip.

Impact to the upper right end of my shield, spun me around, focus on head chain, iron sites following eyes, right arm still extended, SouthWest, chin, squeeze, snap, plasma kiss just under right orbital. Shoving the Parallax back into it's thigh holster, I braced both arms behind my shield as SouthEast thudded two bolts home, the kinetic impact throwing my body into the crescent desk behind me. Allowing my shield to magnetically seal to my backplate, I pulled my arm free and grabbed my nearest principal, Evelyn, under arm and waist, and dove for the desk, flip/falling across, my left arm snagging the corner and upending the furniture for added cover.

@Evelyn Yara
@Prudence

 

[Mary Bothans]

Evelyn, of course, was the last to react to Ordo's dramatics. Before she was really sure what was happening she was being pulled to the ground. She managed to get a hand on her blaster on the way down, but before she could roll and get find a target the guards were already falling back with a smoking hole through their chests. It all happened so fast. 7 dead men. No alarms. Much of the planet's security forces were focused upon the ongoing blockade.

She scrambled away from Priest's protective grasp and moved out from behind the flipped table. Blaster at her side, she slowly walked up to Ordo, staring at into his visor. "So much for diplomacy then..." she paused, why do I even bother. "What now then, my Duke?"