Open Corellia The Thin Green Line

[Akalenedat]

(OOC Note: Open to all Sector Rangers and Indies.)

Akalenedat loved the history behind the famed planet of Corellia. It was said that General Han Solo was born here and grew up as a bit of a scoundrel. History was important to the Mando- not just the really cool stuff like Han Solo and Chewbacca but even small stuff like the guy that first discovered that Krayt Dragons could spit acid. Was he really the first guy to discover it? Or was he the first guy to survive and claim to have discovered it? Kell laughed at himself; maybe that wasn't a good example of something that isn't "really cool".

Kell's family had important history- His father of Clan Rook and his mother of Clan Vizsla. Both born and raised on Ord Mantell, like Kell, and both fought for the love of their family. Percius Rook ended up dying to protect the ones he loved, namely Mara Vizsla and baby Kell. Mara, too, died fighting for Kell's life, killing Vallen Rook who wanted Kell's parents, along with Kell himself, dead. Kell never disliked Clan Rook because his father was Rook and he was a hero- so that meant that Clan Rook could breed heroes too, and not psychotic megalomaniacs like his grandfather.

Now Akalenedat was doing what his parents did for him, that being protecting others. Though his loyalties would always be to Clan Vizsla and wouldn't hesitate to drop everything to aid his Clan, he joined the Sector Rangers because he knew it was the best way to serve others and fight the good fight.

Akalenedat was on patrol, wandering the streets to look out for trouble or so trouble looked out for him- either way was fine with Kell. His badge on his left shoulder plate of beskar was a symbol of protection, hope, and revenge for some, and he wanted to help maintain what was left of the peace in the galaxy. The Sector Rangers were a thin green line between chaos and destruction and peace and prosperity.

He was awaiting company to do join him on his patrol, but so far it was just Akalenedat, as everyone would know him.

@Kestrel

 

[Bast Emblai]

It had been a long day. Bast couldn’t help but feel that progress with the Sector Rangers had been stalled, even with the hearing she had taken part in to determine the agency’s allegiance. The Sith were off… somewhere doing… something, and she and many others had been assigned back to patrol duty. Low crime rates in the district should have been a blessing, but the woman couldn’t help but feel as if each day she spend walking the same route was one wasted. She would simply go back to her apartment, switch on the the holonet news, then immediately switch it off because the reality shows that aired after gave her a headache. Everything seemed more out of habit, out of form, than with true purpose.

After taking a moment in her speeder to redo her bun and roll up her sleeves, Bast stepped out of the car, smile plastered to her face. She had a new patrol partner, and it would be best if she made a good first impression. Perhaps her partner would be a rookie, too young to know Outpost Blue as anything but a training station, too young to know and miss Darmus, Captain Rook. The smile faltered. They needed new blood, or at the very least blood that was not growing tired of the galaxy and wondering if bureaucracy was meant to stall rather than promote justice. She had used to laugh at Darmus’s cynicism, but the Corellian found herself beginning to think the same way. Only two things were certain to increase as time passed: grey hair and existential philosophizing.

A man dressed in light armor, a helmet covering his head waited a half a block away. A Mandalorian, by the looks of it. Again, she though of the late Cpt. Rook. Naturally, all mandalorians were different, some strictly abiding to the rules of their clans while other seemed to hold their culture more loosely. At the very least, perhaps there would be something interesting to talk about— his family and upbringing. Approaching her new partner, she offered a hand. “I’m Lt. Emblai, but please call me Bast.“

 

[Akalenedat]

"It is my pleasure, Lt. Bast!" Akalenedat exclaimed as he greeted his new patrol companion and proudly shook her hand with a powerful grip. "I am Akalenedat." He gave her a nod of approval before turning back to continue his patrol. Bast looked distraught and Kell did not heed to much about it. There was a lot to keep one at dismay right now in the galaxy. The Sith Empire had begun another raid on Dantooine after claiming to want peace after the Republic's raid on Felucia.

Kell hated politics. Everyone pointing fingers at everyone so nothing but digression of economy and social moral because of the wars created by the idiots pointing fingers. The Republic says they want peace and raid a planet loyal to the Sith Empire- which they have repeatedly complained about the Sith doing, when the Sith later do the same thing.

Why doesn't everyone just hug it out or kriff off already?!? Kell had wanted to say to many political figures. Growing up on Ord Mantell had taught him that it was always better to make a new friend than a new enemy, but that the key to maintaining those relationships was tolerance and respect. It had to go both ways too, or else one party would suffer at the hands of another instead of both parties working together.

Kell was never really fond of either Sith or Jedi because Sith brought war and Jedi brought war and they both sucked. They both talked a great deal about a great deal of things when all they ever do is swing their death-glowsticks around until there's too many dismembered appendages of the "enemy" forces they faced and had to quite either out of disgust of all the rotting flesh or because they had no more room to fight because of all the rotting flesh.

Never had Akalenedat been one to not partake in fights- the Mando loved them! But there was something that Kell had realized in his time as a Sector Ranger and as a Mandalorian; Most wars were fought by men and women on each side who would rather be somewhere else. Once Kell understood that, it gave him the ability to stop bad things from happening with words rather than his fists. But, alas, sometimes he still resulted in battering someone to death with his bare hands because some people just wanted to see the galaxy burn.

"You're face is aged with valor from combat and grief from the aftermath," Kell had said to his fellow Sector Ranger. "Thank you for your service, comrade." It was the least he could do cheer up the valiant woman before him.

@Kestrel

 

[Bast Emblai]

“Like I said, just Bast. For some, my title grants me respect, but all too often those are the very same people who do not see past the title. It seems you are the type to trust my judgement without the words ‘I order you to’ preceding a command.“

The pair walked for a bit in silence. The quiet was not painful, but uncomfortable, much like breaking in a new pair of work boots. Trust was slow to build for the woman, and while she enjoyed the presence of another, she seemed unable to come up with a topic for conversation. “Have you seen the Barettii murders?”, although relevant to their line of work, seemed a bit morbid. “The weather is nice” was simply a false statement, and “How do you feel about Corellian Hound mutts?” would likely only be an important question, if ever, at a later date. Therefore, she offered a polite smile to the tall man and walked along side him as they started their route.

He broke the silence first with a kind comment clearly intended to cheer the Corellian up. Poor kid. He likely had not signed up to be with a tired veteran walking the dirty streets of her home. She smiled wryly, rewarding him for his efforts. “Is that a gentle way of telling me I have wrinkles? I simply can’t bring myself to spend a hundred credits on one of those skin creams the pretty twi’leks advertise, though I have my suspicions many of them active their young looks through more surgical means. If I ever have to autopsy one, I suppose I will find out.“ Bast paused. She really had lost her capacity for normal conversation since she had begun working overtime. The woman would either talk incessantly or fall into spells of quiet, not talking to anyone but Blue for days at a time. She was just tired.

“Er… my apologies. My background is detective work, and while I did not used to use humor to process the things I saw, times have changed. But please, tell me about yourself.”



@Charles

 

[Akalenedat]

"HA HAAAA! YES!" Kell went to wipe a tear from how hard he had laughed but forgot he was wearing his helmet and probably looked stupid, wiping under the T-visor as if a tear were really there. That's how you knew he didn't take off his helmet much- and not because he was a cultist of The Way. Kell thought it was stupid, but the only reason why he had his helmet on for long was because he preferred keeping his identity safe, which also kept sources and others that he had worked with safe as well. You can change the way your armor looks but it's not so easy or cheap with a face of flesh.

After Akalenedat finished laughing at the Lieutenant's joke, he placed his hands on his hips and straightened himself up, now towering over the woman like a statue carved into regal stature of that of a king or lord. "As I said before, I am Akalenedat! Sector Ranger and Mandalorian hailing from Ord Mantell." He said in his grand booming voice. He didn't feel comfortable about telling Bast everything about his past, so maybe he'd share something less personal but still entertaining and interesting.

"I once knocked the lights out of a gundark with a single blow and I've raided and left my mark upon almost every pirate gang that I've come across. I am a man hunter in every sense of the word, lass, and so far I have yet to lose my prey. I prefer my fights up close and personal, but if the situation calls for a ranged assault then I have no problem with the latter. I will not ever yield and will never give up my honor. My word is my oath, and I promised to serve this galaxy the best way I could to be man as respectable as you someday. In every fight, I fight like it will be my last and I do not heed to complacency.
I am a warrior- a Mandalorian."

@Kestrel

 

[Gram Van Alasdaire]

Corellia. The Green Jewel of the Galaxy.

Gram had been here before, and he would be here again in the future. It was a pinnacle of what society could achieve if it only worked together. Even the strange Jedi Convent here was something to be watchful over. The "Green Jedi" were a specific faction of Jedi in times past known for being enigmatically involved in the day to day life of the citizenry. Though no news of this faction resurging had made it to his ears, he did know of the positive influence they left behind. He, however, was now a part of something similar to.

The Church of the Force.

"O' Ashla, Star-Mistress, from the heavens gazing afar... To thee we now cry in the shadows of Death! O, look towards me, evershining star..."

He and a few of the local Ministers had gathered outside the city, regardless of the AMS threat, to channel the Force and chant to it's benevolent nature. That eventually, the three of them would ask a barrier to appear about the walls. That no aberration might cross the line between the mortal veil and the living beyond it. Quite the spiritual battleground, but for those who saw only the physical so too was it an intense war-torn landscape marred with death, and the reclusion of life. So reclusive was it indeed that two beings, otherwise unknown to him, now pranced about the direction of the entourage. For what reason, the Vahla could not tell. But a simple sideways glance from one of the Ministers informed him that it was his responsibility to attend to them.

"In every fight, I fight like it will be my last and I do not heed to complacency. I am a warrior- a Mandalorian."

"Is that so? Tell me, Oh Brave Warrior, what are you and your lovely companion doing here, so far from the settlements in need of your stalwart defense?

I mean to say - uhm... The guards behind us could probably use your guns on the walls, not in front of them?"

Gram kicked the dirt at his feet behind himself, and walked to join the pair. Slowly. He had dealt with Mandalorians before, they were a willy sort with all manner of confrontational practices. Though thankfully, this one seemed rather direct. To that end, the mystic's memory did spur on the image of a complex exploding in verdant flames due to a certain eager warrior. Could this be that very same one? The armor was very familiar in make, but so was all beskar these days.

"...You, girl. I have never met. You, Mandalorian... We have met before, I should think..."

@Charles @Kestrel

 

[Bast Emblai]

Bast’s eyes widened in surprise at her partner’s rather strong reaction to her joke. Truly, she hadn’t intended to be terribly funny, but either her wry humor appealed to him, he was anxious, or some combination. In reality, her face was still relatively young and smooth, but the occasional grey hair streaked her brunette, much to her chagrin. Perhaps Falynn was onto something by covering the physical manifestations of stress with red streaks, though it was doubtful that woman had a single grey hair. There were some days Bast wondered if she was really meant to be a Ranger, what with all the times the galaxy had crushed her spirits or her back.

The man’s booming voice shifted her focus back to the moment. She couldn’t help but smile at his over-the-top presentation, reciting his name and title with as much pride as it he were a king. Despite being slightly taken aback at being called “lass”, Bast found some amusement in his theatrics.

“Well then. Consider me impressed. I appreciate that you do not tolerate complacency, but I hope you grow to be more respectable than myself. The flattery is unnecessary, though sweet. There is also the unfortunate fact that I am not beloved among my fellow Rangers. There was a failed mission, years ago.” She paused, swallowing. This ground must be tread carefully.

”I was young, inexperienced, and frankly foolhardy. I was also the only survivor for no particular reason at all. Word spread while I was recovering. You have to be careful about your reputation, Akalenedat. The word ‘coward’ will remain a part of my title longer than Lieutenant. Some people do not care about my rank, only my reputation. And you can never fully recover from a tainted reputation.”

Only then becoming aware of the man that had joined them, Bast blushed. “Uh. Sir. We are patrolling. The guards are unaffiliated with the Sector Rangers. May I help you?”

@Charles
@Aurius

 

[Draco Salem Virtus]

The sound of booming laughter could be heard across the street as there sat Draco Salem Virtus. The cowboy ranger sitting at a small bar by the window just off the drag. Through it all, troubles, trials, crime, Lt Virtus still withheld his nature of a good drink and solemn attitude of it all. It was rare to catch him off Tatooine as the planet was up to the brim in crime and he was kept much busy. Regardless he would get a call from HQ every now and again to head to some planet and make his presence known that at least officers were just as active in different sectors. AMS, gangs, there never seemed to be much of a break. Wearing his usual Mako 03 armor with his helmet clipped off to the side, Draco would have his typical duster cowboy hat placed a little slanted forward among his head. His lips pushing against a glass of whiskey as he let the burning liquid shoot down the back of his throat. Letting his hand push the glass on the bar top. The laughter slowly made the Lieutenant look over his shoulder and spot a familiar face. "If it ain't Lt Emblai.." Draco spoke quietly to himself. Swinging himself around the seat of the chair. His eyes focusing on the trio as it almost looked like a novel. 3 interesting characters banding together for some sort of grand adventure or story telling. Draco would turn his head slightly back to the bar keep as at least through a pandemic the one thing they made sure not to be short of was whiskey.

"Ain't this somethin'.."


Letting his hand grip the small glass with the brown fluid he would turn his head back around to watch the group quietly. One armed folded and tucked beneath his drinking arm as his hazel eyes took it all in. Draco wasn't much of a boasting, loud chest puffing ranger but he sure liked to take it all in. A small sip would be taken from the glass as the ranger felt an ache come from his legs. The shrapnel he took during that Sith prison breakout left its mark. "Is it gun' rain soon?" he thought for a moment as he scanned the sky and back down to his glass. Merely shrugging at his own thought as he heard the older looking individual remark about how the settlements need aid and how the guards could use them. Draco almost damn near spat out his drink from a stifled laugh. He liked this one. Smart ass and upfront. For now, The Lt would observe through the open bar window with his arms folded and drink in hand. The Rangers sure needed everyone they could get, good, solid, honest and hard working rangers. Virtus managed to stay away from the bullshit and politics. Tatooine had its own issues and things to be dealt with and the lieutenant would be content just staying there but AMS had and HQ dragged his ass all across the galaxy. Rescuing settlements or chasing trails of criminals.

@Kestrel @Charles @Aurius

 

[Akalenedat]

Speaking of reputation, Mister Gram, as Kell remembered him, interjected a comment that was probably meant to prickle the hairs on the back of the warrior's neck with rage. Instead, Kell was delighted to see the old friend and tempered his joy with solace.
"I could ask you the same very thing, Mister Gram- But instead, I'd like to note that our superiors have not sent us to the front lines and had us go on patrol to act as a symbol. To let these people know that there's still something fighting for them- to show that we are still actively working to remain the thin wall that separates law from chaos. Asking petty moral and ethical questions is not the best way to introduce yourself to potentially new friends and allies." Akalenedat spoke softly this time, not choosing to be as expressive as he once was.

"But with that out of the way..." Kell turned to face Gram, inhaling sharply. "HOW HAVE YOU BEEN, LAD?!?" Kell wrapped his big arms around the older man in a tight embrace and managed to pick Gram off the ground when he hugged him and then set him down. "I haven't seen you since that crazy explosion in that AMS infested hospital on Nar Shaddaa! It's so good to see you, man! How have you been? You look great!" Kell exclaimed excitedly.

The warrior laughed another hearty laugh and playfully elbowed Bast, "This guy was one of the first force wielders I've had the pleasure of working with that I haven't wanted to break their nose! Brilliant, he is. Absolutely brilliant!" Not only did he turn to talk to Bast to brag about the skill of the older fellow who joined him, but side eye through his T-visor at the man his Lucky-Gut-Instinct told him about. Another Ranger, but this one was different somehow and Akalenedat hated being followed by shady little bastards- it was cowardly and suspicious. Especially when it was a fellow comrade.

@Kestrel @Aurius @Exhilian

 

[Gram Van Alasdaire]

-Music-​

"I'm sorry. I was only half certain of who you were. Boisterousness near this rite would likely cause the infected to swarm."

Gram was moderately surprised he actually recognized the warrior correctly. His armor had changed somewhat since last they had met, but the Vahla remembered well the explosion, and most of the next day attempting to clear out the infested huddled around his ship. Time consuming, and grating on the nerves. The way the Mandalorian introduced the Vahla to his female companion was... unexpected. He rarely stayed in one place long enough to consider anyone closer than an acquaintance. And being that his past was likewise marred with the Dark Side, some denizens would rather distrust him - no matter what his actions or intentions. The mystic couldn't help but start to chuckle as Gram was lifted off his feet (an comical sight, given the size of them both).

"It's good to see you too, Arbalest!"

The Vahla's sides began to feel the pressure as he was placed back onto the floor, jokingly shaking his head at the alacrity of his ally. His hand went out to clap the Mando across the shoulder-plate with a wry grin and closed eyes. Turning slightly to the woman as her cheeks flushed. He was about to say something charming...

When his senses began to warn him of someone incoming. He gently lowered his right hand, angling it towards the location of the fourth presence even as he started to reply to this new Ranger. His reply still came, but after a moment of hesitancy. The singsong words were clearly meant to tease, though in truth Gram rarely flirted. This was mainly to make her laugh, melt the ice if at all possible.

"We'll have to think about that over some caf, I think?"

He stroked the base of his chin as he gently summoned the silver case containing his caf and supplies, looking to either of them with intention to offer. They would be able to tell fairly quickly that the other ministers were finishing the rite, and would begin to pack up. He was primarily there on the off-chance a horde appeared, as he was the only one among the clergy that was armed. The other two were conscientious objectors, individuals who refused to use a weapon no matter how dire the situation became. The mention of the explosion caused his gaze to widen slightly.

"Was worried that I'd never get to properly thank you for the assist... He's too modest...", The Vahla's smirk widened, "He's the one that blew the place up! To be fair, we were beset on all sides by Sith alchemical nightmares. Didn't expect to make it out of that one, but his grenade gave me the juice I needed to keep the fire going..."

The mystic did not want to get too far into the gory details, as gory they had been. They had nearly died in that place, buried and otherwise forgotten. Or worse - transformed into a creature that could be used by their enemies. But The Force did not yet allow that to be their time. And so, he and the Mandalorian warrior could most certainly now be considered friends. One among his small group of trusted allies. In truth, the Van Alasdaire had not expected to be greeted so warmly. It was as shocking to him as it was pleasant.

@Kestrel @Exhilian @Charles

 

[Akalenedat]

"HA HA HA HAAAA!" Bellowed Kell after Gram had explained how Akalenedat sent the whole building to sunder. "Let the infected come! I'll let up! They'll know a swift defeat like no other." Kell challenged, and of course he didn't really want them to come crawling into this homely establishment of a town, but it was a way of Kell reassuring the common people that were staring that he would be their to protect and defend them.

Then Kell heard it, his old callsign before he spoke with Srucayr. "I haven't heard that name...in a long, long time. You and I really do go way back! I am now Akalenedat!! Which means 'Hard-Contact' in my native language- basically just Arbalest but better. A lot better!" Chuckled the Mando as he patted the older fellow on the back. Bast had told Kell to watch his reputation, but he disagreed to an extent. He would always remain true to himself as he believed himself to be a lawful and good hearted soul who would fight to the bitter end for the people that surrounded him.

If anything, Kell's reputation was a big man, with a big laugh, with guns that make a big boom. He liked the sound of that! After hearing the Lieutenant's sad story about her slight mistake in combat, he remembered that the explosion he caused was an accident that could have very well gotten everyone there killed. Luckily, they didn't and Kell would always be gratefully for the other three people he fought with, especially Gram.

"I swear, if you didn't use the Force like you did- we would've all been finished! You fought that day like it was going to be your last- and believe it or not, I thought it was going to be my last!" And that was the truth. Kell really did think that after the explosion, he was going to meet his parents, but Gram and...Nara, was it? Had both used their abilities in the Force to save themselves along with Kell and Tressener. That day, Akalenedat's perspective on Force Users had changed a little.

"I am proud and honored to call you a friend and colleague, Mister Gram!"

@Kestrel @Exhilian @Aurius

 

[Bast Emblai]

Despite the tense introduction, Akalenedat and the other man, who her partner referred to as Gram, seemed to get on quite well. Bast tolerated the elbow prod and raised her eyebrows in a mixture of genuine curiosity and performative politeness. Considering most of her reactions were the latter, it was indeed quite the surprise that a stranger had piqued her interest so quickly. Then again, if said stranger was a force guru, perhaps the odds were slightly more in his favor.

Listening to the two reminisce about days long past was pleasant. Memory was a fickle thing, but in some ways, its malleability was a blessing. If the unlikely pair could look back through rose-tinted glasses, she was not about to ruin it for them. The way they described the battle was laced with a subtle nostalgia, one the woman understood all too well. Fighting did not give her joy, but it was much of what she knew and had adapted to. Within the familiarity, gazing back with pride at successes, there was comfort.

Bast nodded in response to the offer for caf, ignoring the flirtation. She knew he was only joking, but she was on the job and needed to set an example for the rookies.

“Thank you, Gram. The offer was very kind.“ Typically, she did not take drinks on the job either, but she felt it was safe enough to watch him brew the caf. Not to mention, she was among friends... and not just the two men nearby. The Corellian had caught Akalenedat watching something, and a quick glance had revealed another Ranger she knew. Bast attempted to make eye contact with him, raising her eyebrows in an implied question: Is there something going on? Would he like to join them?

@Charles
@Exhilian
@Aurius

 

[Draco Salem Virtus]

Draco Virtus would continue watching the trio. He seen the loud mouth one turn towards him with his head swiveling and than back to the group. Draco just sat there sippin' his drink and just enjoying the time off as he noticed Lt. Emblai also look his way. His eyes matching hers as she looked confused or seemingly disgusted. Perking an eyebrow back himself in confusion as he thought to himself. "The fuck is everyone so shocked I'm here? I hear a laugh...I turn to see where the laugh came from." Though through his amusement he would set his drink down on the bar and let his hand slip into his suit removing a metal tray of home made rolled cigarras. Letting one come out and plop it in his lips as he lit the end of it and took a long drag before tapping the excess ash off to the side. Sighing to himself as it seemed the poor Lieutenant looked like an intruder to the group by sitting in the bar by the window having a drink.

Draco would look at Lt Emblai with a calm almost glaze over his face as he shook his head and mouthed slowly to her. "HQ Sent me to keep up Ranger presence in the area." with that he would hear the armored fellow begin bellowing another mighty laugh over something. Virtus couldn't hear the conversation or much care. Generally the loud alpha types were the first to die in combat or go crazy from the trauma they see. For what it was worth, it was only speculation. Much like the old phrase of a book by its cover and whatever the hell it was, Draco could be entirely wrong but he generally had a good read on most folks. That being said by his outfit looking like an armored cowboy he sure as hell gave off the Tatooine hick vibes. Quickly snapping back to his thoughts with a slight smirk.

Taking a drag of his cigarra as he tapped the ash and turned back around to enjoy his drink. Letting the trio continue their conversation without them thinking the Lt was some sort of super slooth. Before hacing the chance to turn he would notice the interesting one raise a finger in Draco's direction. His eye catching the figure before shifting his head back to his table and taking a long drag. "Another round Ma'am." Draco politely asked the female Twi'lek who was bartending and making her way around the tables as she smiled and nodded to go get him a whiskey. Draco tapped his cigarra again before taking a long and relaxed sigh of pleasure.

@Charles @Kestrel @Aurius

 

[Akalenedat]

"My apologies, Ranger!" Akalenedat chuckled after the lurker exposed himself to the others. "I thought you were simply a creep. I meant no harm by it! Sometimes my Lucky-Gut-Instinct goes berserk and I have no choice but to listen." He explained with another hearty laugh following those remarks. Because of Kell's disconnect with the Rangers, he was as likely to recognize any and that included important ones such as Lt. Virtus. Kell hadn't even heard of Bast before today- he had spending too much time away on solo missions hunting down pirates that had been hired to kill Kell by a man he thought was long dead...

It was troubling, but Kell was smart and brave when it came down to it. He was half expecting someone to start shooting at the white and orange armored Mandalorian on his patrol. But nothing bothered him- or at least nothing wanted to bother him. Especially with the two Lieutenants around along with Mister Gram. Anyone would be foolish to take on this motely squad they had going for them.

When Bast had said about reputations kept coming back to his train of thought. But it wasn't him he worried about, it was Bast. He turned to her and said softly so only she could hear, "Bast, the past is in the past. Move on and repaint your armor- so to speak. That's what I did when I wanted a change. Maybe I can show you how one day." Kell never broke his word. If he made a promise to kill someone, he'd kill them. As such, he was no obliged to help Lt. Bast, whether that was just having a friend around or just backup. "You could shoot me in the foot and I'd still have your back till my last breath- or toe, heheh."

@Kestrel @Aurius @Exhilian

 

[Bast Emblai]

Nodding in response to the other Lieutenant, Bast turned back to Gram. “I’ll take you up on that caf right now, actually.” The woman gestured towards the bar with her colleague. They ought to all have a team catch-up if they were to be working in the same area. It would be a waste of time and resources, not to mention an annoyance, if there was any stepping-on of toes. The there also was the fact that she wanted to see Draco.

She had only worked with him previously for a brief period of time, but his presence was reassuring. Akalenedat would certainly not back down from any danger they might face, but he was cocky. Like Darmus. Bast felt a deep pang. The boldness of the younger Rangers was refreshing. Still, she needed some cynicism to balance it out. Cynicism and caf.

It seemed her companion had picked up on her agitation.

"Bast, the past is in the past. Move on and repaint your armor- so to speak. That's what I did when I wanted a change. Maybe I can show you how one day." The woman sneered, then feeling slightly guilty, softened her expression. He wanted to help. She wanted to hide him behind her and protect him from anything that would ever come his way. No need to be so patronizing. You’ve grown bitter. The man had surely been through quite a bit. If he hadn’t lost his optimism, he was surely strong rather than naive.

“Blood stains dark” She said simply. The mandalorian seemed sincere, but nothing could cover up what she had done, what she felt. “Thank you for having my back, though. Loyalty is a rare and precious gift.”


@Charles
@Exhilian
@Aurius

 

[Akalenedat]

This gorgeous woman was about to put Kell in tears- how her past had shook her to her core! How she dared to live with it and strike on as a true and most noble warrior! What a protector Kell stood next to today!

"I understand." Kell said solemnly to the Lt. after her brief statement about the staining of blood. The blood, no doubt, she felt was on her hands. Well, there was just a remedy for something like that- water and soap! She just needed to find a meta-physical water and soap she could use to ease her burdened mind.

"There's a band of pirates out on a mountain range on Ord Mantell that I've been exterminating for a time. All that's left is the captain and her remaining crew of about eight of nine. I would like to ask for you to attend this ass-wooping of there's with me, if that's alright." Akalenedat asked regally. It was the Mandalorians' way of asking someone out on a date and if Bast was aware of his culture, she should catch on no problem.

"I'd love to fight by your side." He added, a big warm grin spreading behind his helmet.

@Kestrel

 

[Gram Van Alasdaire]

"N... Now?"

That caught the Vahla offguard. For a moment, it looked as though the 'Red Baron' had been dazed into some distant memory. But in reality he was merely shocked the invitation, so forthcoming, was replied in kind. His mind snapped back to the present as the seconds ticked on and reality set in - there was another here. One that had been eyeing them all for some time - a feeling that Gram had learned to ignore. Until now.

Until danger presented itself, it's sly head peaking from the confines of a shadowed fortress.

"...of course, ma'am. After you?"

The man's cybernetic palm began to rotate clockwise, then counter-clockwise, separating the left hand from it's center. The hand clacked open as a cylindrical weapon fell - snapping shut just as quickly to catch the lightsaber. Clandestinely, as his arm was still covered by his robes. The eyes were cold as glass as he openly clipped it to his belt, now a clear warning. He didn't expect an attack - nobody was showing outward hostility. Nevertheless, how quickly her tune changed concerned him greatly. And all this speak of repainting armor, of stained blood... it reminded him a small bit of himself, and the wounds he carried within.

Lifting the pot, the Vahla simply smiled off his previous concerns and poured a cup for the Lieutenant, almost beaming. It was a happy day indeed where one was in the presence of guardians. In their own way, the Rangers represented true freedom and prosperity in this corner of the Galaxy. Gram was no fool - many had attempted to twist his mind against his fellow man, with only the Sith succeeding. But like his ancestors, the Van Alasdaire possessed a unique gift. A "spark". A spark that could ignite in another the desire to do good. It was not a power, nor a manipulation of the Force. It just was how they seemed to be.

The Rangers held a similar spark, and for that, they had his respect. He would follow them, and make an attempt to sit near the woman. Not in a means of interest, but mainly for conversation - something was clearly troubling them. If they were out in the field, and such a haunting drove them under, it could be fatal.

"There will be time to hunt later. I am willing to assist. I have a feeling I am going to want to hear this... this talk of blood. What is this that stains your heart?"

@Kestrel @Exhilian @Charles