Ask We know the way (Endor)

[Tapli Madreck]

Theme​

Tapli Madreck sat on top of a fallen log covered with moss, looking out at the lake before him. Scattered mist hung over the water and surrounded the nearby fishing outpost. A swarm of bugs flew slightly above the edge of the lake but in the blink of an eye a fish jumped out of the water, swallowing several with its gaping mouth. High in the sky Tapli heard the call of the greejaws and glanced over to the left and saw a flight of them heading toward the forest from the south.

One hand holding his spear the Ewok proceeded to devour the rest of the red nuts he had in the other. Not bad, not bad at all. Behind him some footsteps but Tapli didn’t turn around, knowing who it was. He was about to speak when interrupted.

“Don’t talk with your mouth full. You’ve choke otherwise.”

Seda Redwall warned, causing the scout to roll his eyes nonetheless complied. The dark skinned human sat next to him subsequently examining her young partner as he finished the last nut. Then she added.

“Are you nervous Tapli?”

Shaking his head, he replied. “No, just a little impatient. When is the other ranger coming?”

“Trust me he’ll be here soon, the signal from my ship will guide him to this spot. Now boy I know despite your antics you mean well but we need you at your best. Remember first impressions are key so try to be as professional as possible.”

Sighing in mild frustration, Tapli nodded. It’s not like I want to cause trouble...just a bit of fun that’s all.

@Darasuum

 

[Roland Rook]

From what Roland had heard, Endor was a dangerous backwater planet, or rather a forest moon. Everybody in the galaxy had heard about the second death star's destruction which was the main reason the moon had become known. Plus they had a peculiar indigenous species from what the Mandalorian had heard though he had never seen an Ewok in person.

To those on the ground, they would hear the sound of the approaching Ranger's ship, the Cobalt Viper. Roland followed the beacon Seda Redwall had left for him and could tell based on his scans and flyby where to best land. Shortly after, the Mandalorian would set the vessel down. The survelance droid that had been charging came to life and was set to security parameters so that it could alert him should any dangerous wildlife try to start nawing on his ship or anything else strange.

With his ship locked and secure he would make his way towards the lake where he was meeting the duo. A small child sized being sat there along with a dark skinned woman though Roland did not try to hide his presence. Even with the information he learned about the forest moon he had to admit it was still a beautiful place. He had his Sector Ranger Badge on the front portion of his belt as he approached. "...I'm Sector Ranger Rook. " He paused not sure what the local time was since he had only just arrived. "Good afternoon...I think."

@Minuteman75

 

[Tapli Madreck]

Hearing the unnatural roar, Tapli twisted his head to the right to see the ship coming in. Watching across the huge lake the scout exclaimed in his native tongue with wide eyes. “Ee chee wa maa!” Clearly he was impressed.

Sure Tapli had seen a few ships like the one Redwall piloted however, he hasn’t seen this type before. Realizing that he had his mouth open wide, the Ewok closed it, trying to be ‘professional’ whatever that meant. “Told ya kid.” Redwall commented with mild amusement in her voice.

The vessel descended close by, causing wind like force to blow on both the human and her Ewok scout. Straightening his hood in the aftermath Tapli jumped off the log with spear in right hand, standing by his mentor’s side. Soon enough the ship’s ramp opened up, revealing the new arrival.

Upon examination Tapli titled his head in open curiosity. Cool helmet. Roland approached the pair, displaying the badge and introduced himself. Nodding, the other ranger showed her badge saying.

“Welcome to Endor. My name is Seda Redwall and this is my scout.”

She gestured one arm toward Tapli who was still staring up at the armored man before them. There was a moment of awkward silence before the young warrior shook his head, slightly embarrassed with himself. Gripping the spear more firmly he declared in Basic.

“I am Tapli Madreck of the Sharp Stone Tribe and it is actually the afternoon by the way.”

Once the introductions were done Seda turned toward Roland and commented.

“HQ gave some basics about your mission to catch a fugitive that fled here. Care to share more details about it?”

@Darasuum

 

[Roland Rook]

He seemed to be well received and gave a nod to his fellow Ranger. An audible musing came from behind the cross shaped visor at Tapli's matter-of fact confirmation of the time. Seda was to the point though and Roland could understand. Pulling a small photo-caster from a pouch he activated it. The face of an aged man came to light on the blue projection. The palm of the Ranger held it low so that the Ewok could see it without straining himself. "The main guy we're after on this beautiful day goes by the name Merik Zand. He's a fan boy of everything and anything First Order and Galactic Empire. Based off of our info he first got into it as a hobby of collecting old memorabilia before getting involved with some pretty nasty people. That was five years ago."

Roland would adjust the device and it would show a projection that showed trooper armor though with some non-standard alterations. "With the Sith Order making its announcement and also the profile on Mr Zand we think he might be involved with a terrorist cell or be well on his way to adding any resources he's collected to someone else's group." The Mandalorian would let either of them take the projection since it would be best for them to recognize his face or the armor.

"We caught some chatter that he was heading to Endor to recover something of value. Can't be sure what it is but we know it can't be good. My guess is it has something to do with any remnants of the base the Galactic Empire had here or maybe something involving the second Death Star's construction." The helmet of the ranger looked more towards Tapli to see if he had any input of obvious possibilities since this was his home turf. "Any ideas?"

@Minuteman75

 

[Tapli Madreck]

Shown the image of the fugitive Tapli gagged. “Ugly like the Duloks. He is related to them by any chance?” The young warrior asked cheekily before he noticed Seda’s disappointed expression silently rebuking him. Straightening his shoulders, Tapli remained silent for the rest of the briefing.

Of course when Roland showed Merik Zand’s armor the Ewok paused. The color was different but the face plate looked rather familiar. Instant realization came with widened eyes. Skull warriors! The shock of the reveal transformed into silent anger.

It had been generations ago but the memory of the skull warriors and their brutality toward the inhabitants and their home was not forgotten...nor forgiven. Squeezing his spear tightly, Tapli took the offered projector with the other hand. His eyes narrowed in examination.

“Ehda Graks!” The diminutive scout remarked in scorn before spitting to the side away from the others. Concerned for her companion, Redwall nevertheless translated the words to Roland. “He said evil monster.”

As for the Mandalorian‘s question Redwall thought for a moment before answering.

“There is old wreckage of the Death Star but it is all scattered across the moon. The shield generator and its base are destroyed. Though there are ruined bunkers and small outposts scattered he could look into or hide.”

Paused and swapped a fly that flew in her direction. Looking at back Roland she added. “It’s going to be hard to narrow down all those possibilities.”

Tapli scowled, hating the idea that the skull warrior could get away. Suddenly an idea came to him and he spoke up.

“We could ask Queen Zafrina of the Firefolk for aid.”

Hearing the scout’s suggestion Seda Redwall sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. ”Yea we could.” She admitted reluctantly.

@Darasuum

 

[Roland Rook]

"That's a nice way of putting it." He said knowing the man was a criminal and general piece of trash person. Some of the writings and opinions the man's radical mind had left as a trail made Roland less likely to display any sense of empathy he would have had for some criminals. "Terrorist is another one." He said toward Tapli, not sure if the ewok understood him.

As Redwall began to explain how vast the search area was Roland raised a hand to the chin jawline of his helmet and ran a thumb along it out of habit. Narrowing down a person's location from an entire galaxy to one system was usually pretty good but that still left an entire forest moon for them to search. The Mandalorian wondered if he would need to configure some sort of search pattern but that would also alert their target that someone was looking for him. The smaller being out of the three piped in. "Queen...." he repeated the title, being unfamiliar with the individual that Tapli mentioned. Roland's cross visored helmet looked back at Redwall expecting some explanation since he was the only one out of the loop.

@Minuteman75

 

[Tapli Madreck]

Noticing Roland's puzzlement, Redwall scratched the side of her neck before explaining who Tapli just mentioned.

”Ewoks are not the only inhabitants of this moon. The Firefolk or Wisties are tiny beings that look like moving flames and Zafrina is their Queen. Despite their appearance they’re fast as speeders and can burn enemies just by touching them.”

Subsequently Redwall gestured to Tapli take over. The latter complied, looking up at Roland once more.

“My people and the firefolk didn’t always get along with each other in the past. That started to change when the great battle happened long ago. When the skull warriors came and violated the forest the Wisties allied with us and eventually the rebels to fight the invaders. After the battle the tribes formed a pact of friendship and defense with the Firefolk that has been upheld ever since.”

Letting her scout finish with the history lesson, Redwall took over.

“If anyone knows of outsiders on the moon it would be the Wisties since they can travel far and wide at high speed. However, I've been having a hard time convincing them, especially their queen, not to kill offworld criminals on sight that intrude in their territories. Zafrina is...quite stubborn on matter.”

Nodding Tapli in acknowledgement of the fact he nonetheless, replied.

“Boss, we need to find this fugitive soon. Queen Zafrina is proud yet she loves her people and home. We may have to give or do, something for her in return but her cooperation can help us catch the skull warrior.”

Seda Redwall paused before she grinned, obviously pleased that Tapli was thinking of the bigger picture. Back to her fellow ranger she said. “It’s your call Roland.”

@Darasuum

 

[Roland Rook]

After hearing the explination the Mandalorian looked between the Ewok and the Ranger half expecting a 'just kidding' or other sort of explination tacked on to it. Thankfully Tapli continued to explain, at least in his own way. Extrapolating based on what the two said, Roland was able to understand more or less what the two people were trying to say. But at least Redwall indicated she had contact with these Wisties. For a moment the Mandalorian had been worried he would be involved in the first contact with a tribal group since the days of the Empire.

To be fair, if these wisties killed these off-worlders it wouldn't be the worst thing in the galaxy. But Roland kept that opinion to himself. If he were to go by the book all the time, the Ranger was supposed to make every effort to bring criminals in for the system to serve out justice. But the Outer Rim had a justice of its own. Roland had learned that long before he had ever even considered joining the Sector Rangers.

"He isn't a stormtro-...skull warrior" The Mandalorian corrected. There weren't any real stormtroopers left. Then again, people thought the same of his own people. "Merik Zand and his band of wayward fools are pretenders. False warriors, if you will." The age of the Galactic Empire had long past and the galaxy was better off without it in Roland's opinion.

"I'd like to make every effort to cooperate with the local authority." His answer was mostly towards Redwall since she was the only other person he imagined making a reputable report on his own actions. Tapli on the other hand seemed like he was more Outer Rim justice than maybe even Roland was. But denying the assistance of available resources was a mistake given their current situation. "Let's go meet with this fairy queen." The armored pauldron's of the Mandalorian raised with his shrug and then dropped again knowing that either of the two before him would have to lead the way since he had only just learned about this so-called queen of fire warriors.

@Minuteman75

 

[Tapli Madreck]

Wiping some her long curly hair back Seda remarked. “It is then settled.” She then nodded a silent gesture to Tapli. At the young Ewok eager for the coming hunt ran off away from the lake toward the nearby forest. Watching him go and make sure he was out of earshot Redwall remarked.

“I couldn’t ask for a better scout than Tapli. He is brave, creative and loyal but still has much to learn about life.”

Roland would be able to note for a brief moment a mother-like concern for the Ewok in his fellow ranger’s eyes. There was no sound but the water behind them and the birds chirping in the woods. Clearing her throat she asked the Mandalorian.

“So how bad is the situation with these new Sith? I had been reading the reports and saw that damned broadcast of theirs.”

@Darasuum

 

[Roland Rook]

Roland watched Tapli scamper off. He wondered if they were all going to meet this queen or if there was some meeting that was going to be prepared. But nothing was said but judging by Redwall's stationary stance and confidence it seemed the Ewok would be gone and return most likely.

Redwall had clearly worked closely with Tapli for an extended period of time. There was a familiarity between them so far that he had seen that at least said they trusted one another. Roland knew that it was not often for him to have felt that kind of closeness with his civilian contacts in the field.

She asked about the Sith and for a minute the Mandalorian wondered if she was asking specifically because he had killed one during the Coruscant prison break. "It's not good. Magic psycho-paths running around trying to take over the galaxy, going about as good as you'd expect." He wasn't happy with his own headway, or lack there of in pursuing the terrorist organization. "But...they can be stopped." His index finger hooked over the edge of a holster he had on his hip. The finger tapped in thought, remembering that death was still a resort that worked. That didn't mean he had to like it.

"SO! What do you tend to run into around here?" His tone perked up, trying to clear some of the negativity in the air that tended to follow any discussion of the Sith. "Lots of bandit hold outs in these sectors. Think I heard about even some separatist hideouts a couple parsecs outside of this one. That was maybe a year ago though. Never had to fight a super battle droid before."

@Minuteman75

 

[Tapli Madreck]

Redwall shrugged her shoulders.

“Scavengers are the most outworld frequent trouble we get around here. They keep trying to pick off the remains of the Death Star and the other Imperial ruins. Then there are the poachers wanting to try their luck with the wildlife. Occasionally pirates and even slave hunters come upon the moon too.

She glanced at the lake for a moment and commented.

“Let’s just say most criminals are never seen alive again after the Ewok tribes and the Firefolk catch them. I don’t feel sorry for the scum but I have been trying to convince most of the chieftains to at least spare a few for questioning.”

Subsequently the two rangers heard a horn blown yards away in the forest. Not long after Tapli ran out from the forest toward them. “They’re coming!” Shouted the scout who was eager for what’s to come.

Sure enough more than a dozen little balls of moving flames fly out from the trees. The swarm of Wisps came upon Redwall and Roland at high speed. Like bugs the Firefolk flew back and forth the two humans in a circle. Most of the Wisties focused on Roland, obviously curious about the newcomer in armor. One landed on his left shoulder not stinging him.

Roland upon examination would note beneath an orange skinned little figure with wings who was observing him closely. The Wistie crossed her arms over the chest and spoke in the squeaky tongue of her people. Tapli stood next to Roland on the right hand side and translated.

“This is Queen Zafrina of the Firefolk. She welcomes you to the sacred moon and asks for your name and your business here.”

@Darasuum

 

[Roland Rook]

The visor turned and watched as the dancing lights came closer. His body tensed and he leaned slightly away at first as one came close. He wasn't sure what he was expecting. Some sort of burning sensation or heating of his shoulder plate perhaps but none came. His head turned to look at Tapli and then back at the apparent Queen of the Firefolk. The Ranger was glad he had not reflexivly tried to wave or swat at any of the Firefolk. Personal space was probably a bit different for them.

"Uh, thank you, Queen Zafrina. I'm Sector Ranger Roland Rook." He had not expected he would be talking to royalty earlier today. "I'm here tracking a bad man and those that he travels with." He would once again produce the holoprojector showing the three dimensional portrait of the man and also the picture of his armor. "He and his fellow..." He looked at Tapli again. "...skullwarriors...are dangerous."

@Minuteman75

 

[Tapli Madreck]

The small queen flew closer toward the holoprojector to get a better look at the image. Once Roland mention the word skillwarriors Zafrina’s flames burned brighter than before. Both Redwall and Tapli knew that the queen was livid. All around the Firefolks went crazy speeding back and forth around them.

Immediately Zafrina twisted around back in view of Roland’s visor and spoke in her native tongue. Tapli titled his head and answered.

“The queen says she knows of them. Her brother discovered the skull warriors while patrolling. They are holed in one of the ruined outposts east of here. It will take us by nightfall to reach the place on foot.”

Pausing for a moment he added. “Queen Zafrina demands to accompany us with her warriors. In return they will lead us to the enemy.”

Scratching the side of her neck Seda Redwall then nodded. “Very well then. We’re going to need all the help we can get.”

At the word Queen Zafrina bowed her tiny head in respect. Subsequently she lifted her tiny hands and made a proclamation to her subjects that surrounded her. Tapli awed by the speech quickly translated.

“The queen is sounding the call to arms and sending some scouts ahead to mark the location for us.”

Many of the Wisties scattered no doubt to carry out their ruler’s will. They are on the warpath now.

OOC: The End​

@Darasuum