We Have Burned

[Arisalin]

Darkness. It consumed. Two weeks since it had happened. Their ship drifted on the edge of Hutt Space. No one spoke. Younger men cried, silently letting their tears stain their upturned faces. The tired Protector felt a wave of inexplicable loss overpower him as his thoughts fell to his wife and son. They were gone. His fists clenched as he leaned against the wall, hands holding him against it back to everyone else. They were gone. They would not come back to be with him.

He would never hold his son in his arms again. He would never lift him to the sky with joy while the room filled with laughter. He would never lean into his wife after a long day. He would never smell her hair as it brushed across his face. He would never see their glowing faces as they mocked him from across the room. Elias would have traded anything to have been with them. Yet he hadn't. Across the sector, on a mission that had gotten nowhere. Someone choked and let out a long moan of sorrow behind him.

No one could cope with such a great loss.

Yet they would. Elias let the first tear fall, then another, slipping down his face from terribly dead eyes.

Sisk was gone. They were alone. One of the Shukula had made it away from the combat. The others had gone down in brilliant glory. Yet the taste of such a glory was dulled to those who had witnessed it. It could have been avoided. It should have been avoided.

"Sir."

The voice was so far away.

"Sir."

Why did it call?

"Sir."

A hand landed on his shoulder. It tugged at his armor plate. The warrior, on the brink of giving up, pulled away, moving from the wall and turning about. It was his pilot. The young man who had saved them all. The young man who had lost everything. His face was a mask of a wall. Emotionless and uncaring. Eyes were hard as he stared into Elias own dark eyes. Their posture was quiet different. The other stood, back straight, arms at his sides, and jaw set. He looked ready for something, ready for a fight. He looked as if he thirsted for one. Something primal rose within Elias chest as he stared into a mirror that showed him his past. Something that thirsted for blood and brutality. In that second his tears were forgotten. His feelings that incapacitated him were cast off.

In that moment his want for vengeance was renewed ten fold.

The Leader of the Netra Gaan straightened, looking about at his crew, all sitting quietly, barely paying attention to the world around them. He understood their plight. He felt it within himself. Yet something was quickly taking it's place a his shoulders shook one last time. One last time a tear fell. One last time he took a shaky breath. Then the beast was upon him. The beast called for fire. The beast called for murder. He would obey his new self. Rage built within the Protector and he let it. He let himself be consumed by the will to have his revenge.

"Get up." He murmured, loud enough for everyone to hear in the silence, and dangerously quiet. Elias let his eyes stroke across each and every person as they ignored him, barely glancing in his direction. His anger trembled in his voice as he repeated himself. No reactions. They weren't ready. But they had to be. They had to be and he would make them. He gathered himself up, and set his face into the mask that he had worn for so many years, then discarded for so many more. The mask he had worn as his Father had left him to die.

The mask he would show the Sith.

The time for the 'play' at war Sisk Renelo had brought such a great people to was over. For a game was what it was compared to the Hell that would be raised.

"Signal all our ships. We've been mourning long enough." He hissed to his pilot, eyes bright with bloodlust.

'If we must burn, let us burn bright.'



​

 

[Mistress]

Xotomi was brought to the outer rim of Hutt space by the smuggler who saved her life. She was with him the moment all Hell unleashed upon Mandallia. Her shield ten with her, she had no other option but to flee.

Again and again, Xotomi had attempted to reach out to her stability. Having not felt any stir from Sisk during the past two weeks, Xotomi mourned her loss. It would not be one she would be able to mentally recover from. The old sleeping rage of her training long ago, had begun to boil renewed within her veins, as she nursed an anger from which she had no willpower to recover. The loss of her twin to an unknown Force user was also crippling, as her mind was suddenly left to a silence after so long Lutomi had impeded upon her solitude which for most others was a sacred thing. And even when Xotomi had shut out Lutomi, she learned, never had her conscience been so silent as it suffers today. The Universe echoed the cries of the slaughtered. And the burning Stars of the Manda displayed their ghosts as accusation against the Sith.

But by her side through it all were her reasons to carry on. There is Parja nearing twenty. Haron, his father's pride. Nakshi, twin sister. And there was for a short time, a lost little lamb, equal in the young age of Haron and Nakshi, recovered during Lutomi's loss named T'Sadae. This child was so dead set on joining the Jedi, Xotomi let her move on, as she is aware, she is in no state of mind to teach any youngling to control the power of the Force.

Xotomi, knelt low in the forest underbrush, prepared to slay their daily meal, when all of a sudden the beast skittered away. Xotomi immediately lost interest, upon hearing Parja cry out to her in earnest as the young woman approached her location in a full out run. Turning as she rose, Xotomi's closeness stopped Parja in her tracks. The girl had been following Xotomi on her tracking device. "An encoded message!" Xotomi's face enlightened immediately. Not wasting time to hear any specifics, the two retreated back to their Vheh'yaim as fast as they could manage.

Within the little open room, Haron and Nakshi perched before the crudely assembled radio transmitter. Xotomi's mouth fell at hearing the message. "It can't be!" It was no doubt though. The Sith don't waste time playing around with Mando'a and codes to lure out their target. They just storm down and destroy everything in sight. "That is one ship signaling another." Xotomi raised a hand to stifle the young ones' outbursts of excitement. "We wait and see what the replies are. If I believe it's truly them, then I shall reply with our coordinates." The thought almost took her breath away, "And we could go home!" Her eyes sobered for a moment, of course hoping, maybe someone knew what had befallen Sisk.

And then they heard a response to the initial call, and others followed! Xotomi generated a new message with her coordinates. "It isn't much to come to. But we are here!" she exclaimed aloud.

 

[Pureblood-Sin]

Misery was wherever Tudao touched, it clung to the metal of the smuggler's ship like a veil placed over a corpse. It was here that the Kiffar had found himself alongside the Alor's wife, Xotomi and her offspring, whilst puffing on his wroshyr pipe. The Netra gaan knew not why he had done so; perhaps a throwback to his earlier years as a Nightbrother, where the young were the lifeblood of a clan; in this case its the same, be they Mandalorian or Nightsister. Tudao could tell they were afraid, but thankfully not of him...they possibly feared a future that is most uncertain. Having divested himself of his sweat-logged helmet and revealed his face to give them the look that he was at ease. Gods only knew this was far from the truth; the warriors of Renelo had lost much that day...Tudao could even sense the pain of those who burned on Mandallia. Sometimes being gifted with the Force ain't always a blessing.

The Kiffar chuckled, perhaps a bit too loudly at the thought, chugging much sweet-smelling smoke; as a child back on Dathomir, he had been taught that the Force was a cold and empty name the Jedi and Sith used to refer to the spirits that gave them power. Never had Tudao thought he would be using such terms. Several days when the ship came to this planet, he had asked the pilot to drop him off elsewhere, next to a river. The Kiffar only had with him what he brought from Mandallia, namely his weapons and armour, as well as recently having acquired an old radio. A day into this sojourn into the wilderness, the Hunter had found himself a cave behind a waterfall and had made it his place of rest while he meditated. Through all those days, the Former Nightbrother had contemplated three things; to live out the rest of his days in this jungle or perhaps find other Mandalorians of the Renelo clan. The last idea however, was one he hadn't thought of for a very long time; to return to Dathomir once more and reclaim his position as a Nightbrother of the Stormstride. He chuckled dryly at the thought; his family and Clanmates probably thought he was dead...or close to it lying in a back alley overdosing on Spice. All of these actions, whether he would take them or not, would well and truly depend on what he heard on the radio; assuming anything would come through. Until then, the Kiffar would let the crashing of the waterfall lull him to sleep, something he sorely needed.

 

[Grimlock]

Sitting within a purchased safehouse on Nar Shaddaa, Dex was surrounded by 6 of his warriors who all wore civilian clothing though they still carried a normal weapons loadout. Sidearms, Primaries, and close quarters weapons. Though the primary weapons were in canvas bags while the CQB weapons were concealed on their persons. They looked more like a special ops team undercover in hostile territory than Mandalorians in a legally purchased apartment. The Alor of the Skirata warriors sat in a chair facing the door as their comm specialist who went by the name "Glitch" patched them into Mando comm channels using Protector overrides while encrypting their signal multiple times to conceal their location. Using his vibroknife to clean dirt from under his fingernails, he waited until he finally heard a small sigh of relief. "Alor. I've done it. You won't believe what I picked up though." reported Glitch as the older Mando leaned forward.

The young comms tech needed no further motivation as he hit some buttons on his array and let the sound of a man's voice speaking to all Brotherhood and Renelo ships within range to join up in Hutt space. Dex almost rocketed out of his chair as he leaned forward to listen. "Open a channel to that signal. Get the recorder ready. ordered Dex as Glitch pushed a few buttons and nodded at the Skirata Alor.

"This is Dex Skirata to all Brotherhood and Renelo survivors. You are not alone. You are not the last of our people. There are others. The injustices that have been heaped upon us shall be returned a thousandfold. The Hutts are providing sanctuary to any Mando'ade that find their way into the territories of the Cartel. You have the condolences and support of the Skirata Commandos, ner vode. If you are incapable of joining us, send coordinates and we will dispatch an exfil ship to retrieve you and provide sanctuary within the ranks of your vode. This is not a trick of the Imperium to lure you into the open. We are here and we will provide what aid we can. Skirata, out."

Nodding to Glitch who triple encoded the message with a prerecorded message about a grain transport to a border planet that would warrant no suspicion, the Alor received a thumbs up from the young man to indicate the encoded transmission. He even rigged the broadcast to automatically open when it hit a Mandalorian ship or signal throughout the galaxy. The boy was a genius with tech as he piggybacked across unimportant channels to boost the signal range. What now, Alor?" asked the young man as the other 5 warriors gathered around to hear Dex speak. "Now we wait. Then we help our vode get back on their feet. Then with the Hutts, we take the fight to the Imperium." replied Dex as he sat back in his chair again and watched the array with almost unblinking eyes.

All throughout the effective range, an image of Dex Skirata's scarred face surrounded by his verde popped up on Mandalorian holo projectors.

 

[Grim]

James and Neri had safely arrived on Nar Shadaa without too much major having happened on the trip here thankfully. The two had found a hanger that, while beat up and had seen better days, was big enough for her ship and had space for them to live besides on the ship itself. The two lovers had decided that they would wait for some time before heading off planet. It was the eve of the night they had planned to leave and James who by now had almost completely given up hope that any of his clan had survived almost fell out of the chair he was relaxing on when his comm went off on a channel that he found dead for so long. He heard the message and seen the man, the man who he had met once or twice but had earned his respect. James called Neri up to the loft in the hanger and the two listened to the message before setting up a rather complex but untraceable encrypted comm back stating who they were and where they were located.

"Alor, James Temar here and reporting in with Neri Ty'ark" James sent their coordinates in an ancient Mandalorian code that he knew only a few would know if they cracked the encryption. James looked into Neri's eyes and for once his face showed relief instead of focus and concern.

 

[Spacer]

Shev’la Naast Renelo. A few weeks ago she was a promising youngling. She’d only just completed her Ver’goten when they attacked. Now, with the attacks, she didn’t even know if she was worthy of the name Renelo. So many had given their lives for the clan. For their world. But she had run. Run like a small child. She’d seen entire families blown out of the sky. It was only by the grace of the Force that she found her way back to Elias. The man had saved her twice already, it was becoming a bit of a habit. She was eternally grateful and yet she couldn’t get near the man. He’d lost everything, his wife, his son, his life. She didn’t want to be overbearing. A burden. Another thing Elias would have to think about during this trying time.

There were so many on the vessel that had lost everything. Yet, Shev’la was already alone. These people had given her a second life, but floating through space, she still had no one. Her family was all dead, many of those who had taken her in on Mandallia were gone. All she had were the tattered clothes from her verd’goten. A primitive bow and blowgun. She yearned for more. She yearned to be a part of this people, but didn’t know how. She followed the shadow of Elias as he walked through the vessel. As he broke down. And as he regained control. Shev’la looked down at her hands, there were still blisters from the bow, from forming spears, from fighting beasts. Dirt was still lodged under her fingernails from clawing her way to the escape vessel. Her skin flushed red as her thoughts rushed toward anger. She’d ripped a Strill from its cave. Now she’d rip Sith from their home if it was the last thing she’d do. The anger boiled up inside her. She wanted to scream, the most beautiful place in the world to her was now gone.

To destroy a lush beautiful world, beautiful jungle. There was no greater crime. Men could be corrupted but worlds were beautiful. To annihilate a world was unforgivable. Shev’la would have her revenge. She could feel that same anger rising within Elias, she would stick by his side until she got her chance. She wouldn’t be a burden. She would lead, from the darkness she would strike, like a poison she would spread through the galaxy destroying the Sith flesh. Her skin flushed a deep maroon and her kampo flared out. She let out a low hiss in an attempt to relax. Nothing could free her from this anger. Nothing but blood. Sith Blood.

 

[huntressofworlds]

The two weeks since Neri and James had arrived on Nar Shaddaa were not spent sitting idly by and waiting. It was all she could do to keep working, keep her hands busy so not to think about what had befallen the Mandalore Sector. Concord Dawn, her friends, what was left of her home. She supposed the dreams of raising a family there had died out, at least she'd gotten to show James what the place looked like before.. before everything had been consumed in the monstrous waves of fire. There was no going back there, not now, not for her. What had once been her home was gone in the blink of an eye and with it, all desire to return to Concord Dawn. Neri didn't talk about it much with James, she just tried to be strong, he was no doubt equally feeling a similar loss. In two weeks he'd checked that comms channel what had to be hundreds of times. She'd even had to check the holocomm array for him several times just to make sure it was functioning properly.

The last few days though had seen the most work for Neri. She'd stripped the transponder right out of her engine core, having to practically tear the engines apart just to get to it. It had been days worth of aggravating work, and honestly she wasn't certain she'd ever get the thing back together if it weren't for her astromech showing her the order to put it all back together, with the new transponder installed. A purchase from the black market that would alleviate any chance of her ship getting pegged for a vessel from the Mandalore Sector, at least sensor wise. While the craft was an indigenous MandalMotors design, it wasn't so uncommon that there weren't hundreds of them in the galaxy at large, though most had fallen by the wayside in the last thousand years or so.

The only thing that remained was what she'd been working on the entire day doing, repainting the exterior hull of her ship. She hated to see it's blue and white scheme disappear under those dull grey strokes of her rolling brush. Each hour that passed had erased a bit more of something she'd once taken pride in till she finally neared at the very end of her task at hand. Somehow painting the ship an Imperial Gray color seemed like a travesty or a sin, certainly the gray abomination wasn't particularly appealing to it's owner. She saved the Mythosaur skull that was painted on the forward part of the hull, just in front of the cockpit ports, a symbol she'd seen there for the last few years since she'd acquired the vessel. It was perhaps the hardest part of the entire job, painting over that sigil. The galaxy was no longer save for her to declare her nationality of sorts. Perhaps one day the Mandalorians would cease to be a hunted species by the Imperium, but for now, for now she played it safe.

Perhaps it was a godsend that James called down to her right as she took the last swipe of that gray paint and was climbing down the ladder. She needed some good news, something to be happy about. Climbing up the stairs that led towards the loft she was busy trying to wipe the smears of gray paint that were on her forearms. Some of it was dried, some not, either way she looked like she'd possibly been in a fight with the paint brush and the brush had won. Stepping in behind James she listened to the transmission, her eyes focused on James as he seemed to relax a bit in his seat, that heavy weight that had been on his face the last two weeks seemed to lift, a look she'd not seen since the first day they'd met. She'd been more than willing to help him take the necessary precautions in returning a message back, letting him do the talking - it was his Clan after all. She touched his cheek, inadvertently getting a dab of paint that was on her fingers on his cheek as she leaned forward and placed a quiet kiss to his forehead.

"Ship is ready to go, whenever you want."

 

[Arisalin]

Elias listened to the chimes of messages being received. Each noise from the console signifying this brought a small light of hope to the crew of the Darasuum Cabur. Eyes lit up, and tension left shoulders. They now knew they weren't totally alone. Several moved forward, sliding into their seats and taking deep breaths before pulling on their headsets. There were a lot more incoming message responses then expected, and Elias could not talk to everyone at once. He slid on his helmet and hooked his HUD to one of the control computers, flipping through the coms lists. Several caught his eye. One was the coordinates from a planet not to far away.

Opening his own message recorder, he selected audio with a few blinks. His helmet set up the standard encryption that he had programmed it for, linking through several false ports and ships before going directly to the source. With that he started to record. "This is Elias Kane Renelo. We have your coordinates. Stand by for further instruction, there's a lot of chatter on this end." The message loaded, and sent, bouncing throughout the system before heading straight to Toydaria.

His eyes flipped through channels fast, checking up on what his men were saying and asking others. The amount of survivors was more then he had expected. Well over a hundred, though most grouped together. Some were being linked up through ship routes to pick up others on various planets, while others were given rendezvous coordinates. Through the screen on his helmet he noticed Shev'la watching the goings on. She was strong, just as he had known she would be. Maybe the events that had happened weren't as consuming to her, still being slightly apart, but he knew that would soon change. She would be one of them soon enough. Giving her a nod, he continued talking into the transmitter for several more minutes. The Protector went from one message to the next reassuring those who needed it, and lining up several rendezvous points between ships.

"Sir."

The voice was close, he whipped around, telling the man he spoke to to hold.

"It's Dex Skirata. I'll patch you through." Elias nodded, opening the channel that flashed in his HUD with the message transfer. He was surprised at the amount of encryption that layered it, all shown by his custom equipment. As the other spoke he felt the anger and urgency subside that he had been feeling for almost half an hour now. He had never personally met the man, just in passing while with Sisk Renelo on missions. Now here he was listening to the communication, and feeling relieved. The assistance of Clan Skirata would be more then welcome, and it was a good reminder that though Clan Renelo was hit hard, they weren't alone just yet.

He prepared his response then, choosing his words carefully. All business as usual, quiet unlike his predecessor.

"This is Elias Kane Renelo. Our situation though strained is not out of hand. Once we have swept the board for our people, i'll get back in contact with you. What is your location if you don't mind me asking? I encourage the use of a slightly heavier encryption if you deign to answer that question Dex." Elias' voice lost a little bit of it's steel as he added, "It's good to hear your voice." With that he sent the message.

_________________________________

Elias continued to go from communication to communication, all the while keeping track of the amount of people he talked to, and the equipment they had with them. Over all, just so far, they knew the locations of over eighty warriors. There were more out there, he was sure of it. A new voice crackled over his channel, one he hadn't heard in a long time.

"Alor, James Temar here and reporting in with Neri Ty'ark"

"Good to hear from you James. We'll be sending you our location shortly, unless it's you who needs the ride. I must ask however, how many people are with you, or is it just the one?" The line of questioning following the statements was not pointless. He didn't know what was going on with the people on the other end.

It was the same as the other calls. Living people, survivors. All doing their best to pitch in or get help for the ones around them.

Hope stirred for Renelo. Hope that would not easily be lost.
​

 

[Mistress]

Her husband the Alor instilled within her as a second nature Prudii Kal, and so Xotomi, regardless of tiring or mental instability, was not truly blind to her surroundings of the planet upon which she was deposited. There was another presence with them. In her unstable mindset, Xotomi first sensed him as one existing among shadow, to be more of an ethereal presence than another Mandalorian survivor. But she witnessed that he did not vanish with the arrival of the daylight. Tudao was actually a godsend, a more rational being who could grasp reality better than she was able in her moment of grief. It would take some days before Xotomi was fully present in the moment, enough that she could adequately provide physical and emotional care for her children. Food just seemed to miraculously appear before them, at first. The children tried to catch a glimpse of who left it for them, but to no avail. And Xotomi too, returned the favor of her meal, to grace this phantom being. She was convinced that she will come upon a point in time when she shall make his acquaintance. But her main concern was more with that of the dark of night, which always brought around a greater shadow.

"I had a dream about Papa last night," Nakshi began every morning, the instant she awoke; and Haron would chime in along with her, about how their Father is somewhere out there calling out a message for them to tell her. It broke Xotomi over and over, every morning. Even poor Parja would step away and cry alone, for she did not wish to destroy their young innocence. Not knowing his fate is the only remaining blessing of hope they still have.

Spotting Tudao come out into the open once or twice, she saw in his weathered visage the reality she tried so vehemently to deny. The recent developments weren't all just a dream. And the arrival of the Starship truly hit the truth home with her. Terror stirred within that she will have her answer in regards to the fate of her husband. The Clan, her Father and Mother, the village of her youth, all torn apart by the very same darkness which enveloped her. The value of her loss tore at the Soul...and there was no voice of reason from her twin to tell her sorrows to. Lutomi remained lost.

"This is Elias Kane Renelo. We have your coordinates. Stand by for further instruction, there's a lot of chatter on this end."

Xotomi's heart leapt at the sound of Elias' voice as he replied to her personally. "Message received!" she returned. She wanted to say and ask so much more, but understood his desire to hold off! The children screamed with excitement, expecting their Father to be with Uncle Elias.

"Parja! Go and inform our good neighbor by the waterfall of our fortunate news!" Certainly Xotomi had eventually discovered Tudao's dwelling place, as it reeked of smoked herbs!

 

[Pureblood-Sin]

Deciding it would be a good idea to render aid to the Alor's family, Tudao had picked something up with his psychometry as he laid the cooked beasts and fruits at their dwelling. The Kiffar sensed what was expected, for he felt the same grief and sadness; yet theirs radiated with much intensity. For the former Nightbrother it meant one thing; that their sorrow was strong...strong enough to nearly overpower him. Believing that he may complicate things, Tudao had slipped away with the Force wrapped around him. Plus the fact that he was still wrestling with his plans for the future played a factor of its own. He would hate to disappoint the grieving family with the possible resolution of him returning to Dathomir.

For the next several days, the Kiffar would give his phantom-esque service, leaving them food everyday before vanishing. In between he would scout the wilderness for any Dar'Jetii or hostile Aruetiise that followed the smuggler's ship or would brood in his cave; smoking the local plant-life with his wroshyr pipe, noticing swiftly that they had a strong spicy smell when they burned. Once more his mind wondered many things; how Xotomi and her family emotionally fared, what his reception would be if he ever returned to Dathomir as well as wondering about the fate of the rest of the clan. Now and then he would check the radio for any news on the clan, as well as for any possible gleans on whether or not the Imperials were pursuing them. Unfortunately, those das would deny the Kiffar to claim new heads for his belt.

It was one day however that would sway the former Nightbrother's mind. Whilst listening to the static laced radio, Xotomi's eldest daughter had found his cave; no doubt probably following the strong spicy smell of whatever plant he smoked. Eyes watering slightly from the smoke, the lass came bearing news that they had picked up a transmission from Elias and were expecting a transport. "Eh? This di'kut radio has told me nothing." He said calmly before making his decision to help rebuild the clan. Tudao told her to go on ahead before turning to the radio. Drawing his Hunter's sword, combined with much profuse swearing in Mando'a, Paecian and Dathomiri, the Kiffar had proceeded to hack apart the radio before throwing the remains telekinetically into the pool in front of the cave. After that bit of satisfying destruction, the Bounty Hunter finally caught up with Parja with something of a grin of pleasure.

 

[Tunnel Rat]

It hadn't been as hard as Kito thought it would have been to steal a small starship with a hyperdrive. Now that he waited for his ship to exit hyperspace, Kito couldn't think of anything he'd done that was easier. The man had left it with only a utility droid to guard it. He ended up telling Kito all about how awesome and fast the ship was at a cantina on Tatooine. Kito saw his chance and had taken it, with the utility droid. The droid, designated V-8-01, or as Kito had already nicknamed it, Virus, had been a push over of a security guard for the former Jedi. V-8 didn't believe a word Kito had said to try and trick the droid, but as soon as Kito spilled his heart and soul into explaining to the droid what his intentions were, V-8 let him pass and even tagged along. Poor spacer at the cantina, Kito thought, frowning at his ability to just go against the Jedi teachings. Then again, he had been doing it for most of his life now anyway, so it shouldn't surprise him that his first "go to" option would be the one least likely to be used by the Jedi Order.

Finally, the console beeped. V-8 squawked from its harness behind the cockpit. Kito looked up just in time to see the streaks of light turn into dots as his ship exited hyperspace just outside of Hutt space. The ship coasted to a halt as Kito began scanning the area. Finding nothing in the immediate vicinity, he broadened the search. Communication signals were coming in from almost every direction. Kito listened carefully to them, trying to pick out anything that deemed itself a leader of some sort. He wanted to help those who were stranded on planets here and there, but even Kito knew that it would be more beneficial to talk to a leader and find out exactly where they needed, if they even wanted his presence at all. Kito hoped that they would take him; he hoped they would see his proposal for what it was meant to be and accept him. The Sith slaughtered their people, and for what? A patch of land? Kito had no interest in revenge, only bringing justice to those that had wronged these people.

"Virus, can you triangulate this channel?" Kito asked, pulling up a signal coming from a certain ship that seemed to be receiving messages and signals from all across the sector. V-8 beeped and squeeled, acknowledging the task and getting to work. Within seconds, Kito had the position that signal was originating from and a channel in which to contact to the vessel. Kito smiled and nodded. "Thanks, I can handle it from here." V-8 beeped and booped, getting back to work on diagnostic scans and proximity scans in and around their own ship. Kito typed furiously at the consoles keyboard, eventually sending a secured channel to the Darasuum Cabur. "Unidentified Mandalorian vessel, this is Kito Masaru. I want to help." It was overly simple, Kito thought as he waited for a return transmission. He winced, thinking he may have already laid his cards out for the Mandalorians. It was the truth, though; all he wanted was to help.

 

[Grimlock]

Sitting back in his chair, his eyes never leaving the comm array as he watched it light up and ping with incoming and outgoing messages from other Mandos throughout the area contacting Elias and the rest of the Renelo fleet. "Sir. We've received a reply from the fleet." spoke Glitch, not waiting for Dex to give the go ahead as he hit a button flooding the room with the sound of a voice that was not Sisk's. Listening to the message carefully as the voice introduced itself. Elias Renelo. The hero of Hill 420. Dex knew of the man, having seen him on occasion while running ops with Sisk. "Encrypt the transmission appropriately." ordered Dex as the young tech went to work though not before activating the recorder.

"Good to hear yours, ner vod. We acknowledge your situation and will stand by in case exfil is needed. Any injured you have can be taken a secure Skirata location to receive medical treatment. As to my location... the man glanced down at Glitch who had miraculously traced the Mando signal to within Hutt Space which he signaled by thrusting at the ground multiple times. "We're closer than you think. Location will be provided through Protector channels. Stand by for transfer."

Glitch who had joined the protectors later before the dissolution of the Cabur and their mighty forces knew the code by heart as he quickly threw some coordinates into the array only for them to be burst into the message as the static and high pitched noises of the Protectors still unbroken coded communication. The only thing the coordinates would show were Nar Shaddaa. The young tech had encrypted even the Cabur code at least four times with useless comm traffic plastered on top of it. Police radio from Hapes. Construction signals from Naboo. Even a commercial from Coruscant's holovid stations. Finally after sifting through the different bogus signals at the bottom lay the coordinates from Dex. The man was never too careful.

"Traffic incoming. Good to hear you're still around. To those rough men and women on the bridge with you. Ko'yacyi. Skirata, out."

Glitch finished the encryption for the message and sent it out using the same technique as before.

 

[Grim]

James much like his lover had been busy himself, helping repaint the ship as well as changing the paint on his armor something he was loathed to do but for his and her safety sometimes you had to blend in. His armor would draw enough attention but there was no need to make it worse. It toke longer than he had expected to get his reply, that meant good things in his mind it meant there were still plenty about. He gave Neri a quick kiss, relief welling up inside him, glad that they were not going to be all alone in their future. It toke all he had in his silence not to just let out a cheer and crack open a bottle while he waited for his reply.

The Alor's reply came back and James let out a short sigh they had made it with many people but they all had gone their own ways. It was unfortunate but that was how the Mandalorians had survived like so many times before. "Just us two here, we have transport though I think it is safe to assume that I am down my personal ship." James paused and readjusted a bit, "Many survivors made it out with us, but for security purposes we haven't stayed in touch. I would guess they have all spread out since then." He felt like he should offer that they could pick up any on the way if they needed, he didn't think Neri would mind and if she did he knew how to make her changer her mind. "If need be we have space for a few others if we need to pick any up for you." James finished and sent sent the message using the same encryption though using a different but just as anonymous route.

 

[Spacer]

Shev’la saw Elias notice her. She wasn’t sure what he would do, she half expected the Mandalorian to ignore her, to just pretend she wasn’t even there. Elias nodded towards Shev’la, she was pleasantly surprised. She decided that given their past, given her situation it would be okay to approach him. She took a few steps towards him and realized he was speaking through his helmet’s comm. With all the buzz on the vessel she hadn’t been able to tell he was speaking. Just as she reached him so did another man. She vaguely overheard the name Dex Skirata, but missed the rest of the exchange. She knew there was a clan by the Skirata but didn’t know anyone by the name of Dex. Maybe their clan had been hit as well…just how much destruction had there been?

Shev’la realized that it might be rude, being so close and eavesdropping, but she didn’t want to fall by the wayside. She wanted to rise up and join her brothers and sisters. She wouldn’t be forgotten. Not today.


"This is Elias Kane Renelo. Our situation though strained is not out of hand. Once we have swept the board for our people, i'll get back in contact with you. What is your location if you don't mind me asking? I encourage the use of a slightly heavier encryption if you deign to answer that question Dex. It's good to hear your voice. Good to hear from you James. We'll be sending you our location shortly, unless it's you who needs the ride. I must ask however, how many people are with you, or is it just the one?" All she could hear was Elias’ portion of the conversation but by the sheer number of people calling in it spelled hope. Hope for the Mandalorians as a whole, and hope for the clan. Shev’la was still debating in her mind what to do when her body took over. She laid a hand on Elias’ armor clad shoulder.

“I’m here to help. Give me something to do.” In all honest she knew that if she didn’t start doing something soon she would just blend in with the shadows and disappear from everyone’s mind. She didn’t want that. When the Mandalorians heard she was going to war she wanted them to cheer; when the Sith heard her name she wanted them to run; when children heard the wind at night she wanted to wet the bed at the thought it might be her; and she couldn’t do that from the shadows.

 

[Arisalin]

Elias received the message from the, 'Kito Masaru,' with suprise. He had not known a ship was close enough to pick up their signals. A moment of disapointment in himself came at him for but a moment. He should have been more careful.

"Try to arrange for James and Neri to pick up the people we have on Toydaria ad'ika. If they can't then we'll go on from there." Elias handed Shev'la the headset that rested on the empty seat to his right. He trusted her to figure it out and do what he asked. Her eyes had hungered for something to do, to prove herself. Even if this wasn't something major in her eyes, she would learn to view it as so. It was survival. Survival wasn't always fun, actually, it rarely was.

Taking the response upon himself towards the man who had sent them the message moments before, he spoke:

"This Mandalorian vessel shall remain unidentified until you tell me a little about yourself, and what you're plans are with this 'helping' you speak of."

The message was short and simple. The Protector didn't know who the man was outside of name, and even that could be a lie.

Elias may have been caught unawares, but he wasn't going to stay unprepared.​

 

[Tunnel Rat]

Kito waited for what seemed like an eternity for a reply, but alas, he finally received one. The speakers crackled back to life, and Kito sighed heavily with relief. That relief was short lived. "This Mandalorian vessel shall remain unidentified until you tell me a little about yourself, and what your plans are with this 'helping' you speak of." It was a simple request really, as Kito thought more into it. He remembered when the Jedi had been attacked by the cultists years prior; they didn't trust too many people in helping, deciding that it should be a 'Jedi only' matter. Kito nodded, sighing again as he regain his composure. He click open the signal again, leaning forward to speak into a transmitter that could have heard him just the same if he had been leaning back. Kito didn't know much of anything about ships, which he thanked the stars everyday since stealing the ship that it came with a droid to help him.

"As I stated before, my name is Kito Masaru. I was once a Jedi," Kito said calmly. He winced at his own words, wondering if he had just sold himself into the land of mistrust by saying he had been a Jedi. Shaking the feeling off, he continued. "I saw what happened to your Clan, Mandalorian. I'm not okay with it. I can offer help with caring for refugees, and in fighting." Kito released the transmitter, letting the message send completely. He kept his ship at a distance though, knowing that it would be a bad idea to approach. He hoped the Mandalorian could feel his sincerity, though Kito had decided to keep the Force to himself.

 

[Spacer]

Shev’la beamed when Elias handed her the comm unit. Her skin quickly went from the flush red it had been to her normal dark green and then to a pale blue. She became slightly embarrassed to be happy to be given an assignment given the circumstances. She quickly donned the headset and listened to her instructions.

"Try to arrange for James and Neri to pick up the people we have on Toydaria ad'ika. If they can't then we'll go on from there." Elias said. Shev’la nodded and pressed the button on the side of the headset. It patched her through to the comms offier.

“Go.” Was all the Mandalorian on the other end of the mic said.

“Patch me through to Jame and Neri. I believe they’ve already contacted us.” Shev’la said. She’d never really used this type of equipment before and was sure to those around her she looked uncomfortable and clumsy. There was a brief pause and then the comms officer spoke once more.

“Secure and Open.” There was an audible click and Shev’la assumed she was now patched in to the two people she’d been tasked with hailing.

“Uh…hello?” She began questioningly. It wasn’t until she heard some background noise that she was confident there was indeed someone on the other end.

“This is Shev’la Na- Renelo for James and Neri.” It was the first time she’d said the name out loud since her verd’goten. She still wasn’t sure if she deserved the name. “We have people on Toydaria that need extraction, instructions to follow, how copy?” She said doing her best to mimic what she’d seen in holovids before. She did her best to keep from giving away too much information just in case the people on the other end of the comm weren’t this James and Neri people she’d been tasked to reach.

 

[Grim]

James and Neri had been listening as best as they could each sharing in the others joy. He was a bit disturbed when he had herd the communication stop. He wasn't sure what was going on but he hoped everything was all right. The silence dragged on for what felt like ages before he received his communication to pick up those on Toydaria.

He herd the unsure voice and listened. He was sure they had never met but was glad nonetheless to hear a friendly voice.

"Aye, heavily encyrpt you're location and send it over. We will head out as soon as we can Vod." He paused then continued, "How many are there with you? We have space but it will be cramped if there are a lot of you."

 

[Mistress]

There was a lot of jumbled radio conversation to decipher. Her crudely fashioned receiver grew staticky on her end. Xotomi got frustrated. All she wanted was to scream a question about the whereabouts of her husband. But in reality, she feared hearing the answer. Whatever it is will be a finality.

Parja quickly returned from Tudoa's place of residence. "He's coming, Mama," she announced with a broad smile. She started gathering their things. She divided the last of the little bit of jerky they had stored, saving a piece for Tudao.

Xotomi heard the radioed message sent from the Jedi. She pondered if he might have known her sister, or heard of what had happened to her. She knew she would have to hear it sometime. She didn't want to hear it, not just now; maybe not ever. If she could just stop time and never discover anyone to ask...

Xotomi made out a ship hailing her. "This is odd. It's no...it's no longer Elias." She didn't know to trust the message. Until finally she recognized the voice, "Is this James?" she requested over the airways. Xotomi refrained from asking if Neri was there with him. At least she knew one other who had made it away alive.

The rage which stormed inside her, generated a Force most unnatural. She did not even consciously recognize it. It had been a long time since Xotomi practiced Sorcery. When Tudao arrived and Xotomi got another good look at him, she recognized him by his signature. He was a welcomed familiar.

All at once the radio hummed and the channel had cleared. Xotomi relayed the requested information. There are five here. Five in one place sounds like a very big number right now.

 

[Pureblood-Sin]

As Tudao drew nearer to where Xotomi and her family dwelled, the Kiffar could not help but feel power swarm forth from the cave's direction. Indeed, he had not felt such a level of power in a long time, the Clan Mother of his old Clan was a powerful witch; for a moment Tudao pondered whether or not she still lived. Of course she still lives, he thought to himself, old Vyrzhal is clever old she-devil. Before long that aura of dark power ceased suddenly, perhaps it was an unconscious emission caused by extreme emotion. As he came by the way he always took ever since he arrived here, the former Nightbrother finally came across the cave once more. This time, the Netra gaan didn't cloak himself with the Spell of Shrouding, he didn't need to since he would be among them. As Tudao entered the cave, he heard a voice call.

"Is this James?"; it was female, Tudao immediately knew who it was. It was Xotomi and Tudao chuckled.

"It is good to finally speak with this spirit business ner Vod."

As she finished relaying the information of their whereabouts, the former Nightbrother then decided to pack his wroshyr pipe before wryly adding.

"Better put this away, Twin Gods only know what smell it would make onboard a ship..."