The Mandalorian Camp

[SushiKnight]

The camp that the Mandalorians called home was sparse and functional, like most things Mandalorian. A few prefab shelters to live and work in, and a simple flattened slab of duracrete for a landing pad.

A'den smiled under his helmet as he brought his ship in for a landing. It wasn't much, but it was a start.

As the ship cycled through it's landing protocols he prepared to disembark.

The landing ramp was barely even deployed before the young clone claming leadership of all Mandalorians jumped out and trotted to the mess-hall.

There were currently two beings at the camp currently - X-J80, a droid who functioned both as armourer and cook, and the child he called Shev'la.

A'den had found Shev'la hiding in a cave on Rhen Vhar when he'd chosen the planet to serve as the base of Mandalorian resurgance. Though he had tried to engage the young boy in conversation, A'den had failed. Apparently, the boy was a mute.

That didn't stop him from tagging along with A'den wherever he went, except for A'dens more dangerous trips off-planet.

As the mando warrior stepped into the mess-hall he was greeted by a leg-tackling hug from the young child. Smiling, A'den ruffled the boy's hair and extracted himself from the grip.

[glow=orange,2,300]You behaved yourself while I was away, Shev? Didn't give Exjay too much trouble?[/glow]

There was an enthusiastic nod.

[glow=orange,2,300]Worked on your target practice?[/glow]

He'd given the boy a sporting blaster rifle to practice his marksmanship with, and the boy was taking to it well. Already the camp was well defended against the small, rodent-like creatures called massips. They didn't dare stray within fifty metres of the camp for fear of Shev'la's sniping.

[glow=orange,2,300]Exjay! Some kai'tome![/glow]

The droid made its way over to A'den with a bowl of gruel.

"I trust your trip to Nar Shadaa was successful, master?"

[glow=orange,2,300]Yes and no, Exjay. We'll see shortly if my trip had any success at all. You can't build a nation in a day.[/glow]

"No, sir. You can't."

[SushiKnight]

The next day, A'den prepped the Ramsir for launch.

[glow=orange,2,300]Exjay, I'm leaving for Coruscant. Test Shev on his stealth, will you?[/glow]

"Of course, Master. Any idea how long you'll be gone?"

[glow=orange,2,300]No more than a couple of days, I expect. Hold down the fort.[/glow]

*Move Mandalore to Coruscant*

[SushiKnight]

A'den's trip to Coruscant had been relatively successful. Even though he'd arrived right in the middle of a Sith assault, he was able to make contact with his vod'ika: the clone army of the Republic - his "little brothers".

He landed Ramsir on the crude landing pad and stepped out, pulling off his buy'ce as Shev tackled his legs.

[glow=orange,2,300]Su'cuy, Shev'ika![/glow]

A'den picked his adpoted son up and set him on his shoulders, the young Mando'ad setting his buir's helmet on his head as the two walked back into the camp to eat the evening meal, served by the versitile translator/repair droid Exjay.

[SushiKnight]

*From The Temple Ruins*

The Mand'alor led the way to his private tent. The few mando who were about watched the Jedi with obvious apprehension. Not so much because they were Jedi, but because they were aruetesii - not Mandalorian.

Of course, the word also meant "traitor", and the double-entendre, from the point of the Mandalorians, was not lost on them.

Dinner was already set inside the tent when they arrived, A'den having radioed ahead for the meal to be prepared. He took the head seat, with Shev, his adopted son beside him.

A'den gestured for the Jedi to be seated on the cusions surounding the low table.

Steaming bowls of clear broth were set for the first course, a deep brown stock, probably made from the herd animals - nerf and bantha - that the Mand'alor had mentioned on the ride over. Goblets of some pale liquid sat at each place, giving off a faint fruity smell.

[glow=orange,2,300]Watch out for the tihaar - the stuff's good for two things - degreasing engines and killing brain cells.[/glow]

After the Jedi had seated themselves, he removed his helmet, carefully watching their expressions as his short dreadlocks framed the face of every clone they had ever seen unhelmeted.

[glow=orange,2,300]I formally welcome you into my home, Jettiise, and offer for you to share my repast.[/glow]

As the Jedi watched him, they would note the differences between A'den and his clone brothers more than the obvious similarities. His hair was, of course, different, but his skin was darker too, indicating more time in the sun, perhaps. There were a multitude of small clues - mannerisims, ways of holding himself and figures of speach that differentiated him from the clone army of the Republic.

Yet that he was a clone was of no doubt at all. He spoke Basic with the same precise, computer-taught accent that the rest of the clones did.

Perhaps the most striking difference was the fire in his eyes. Not one of hatred, but of passion for a cause. This Mand'alor was definately passionate about rebuilding his people.

[Phoenix]

Kalo followed A'den through his camp, the bitter wind and snow almost reflecting the curious helmet expressions from the other mandalorians towards them. He ignored them although he could sense that their past hatred for them had long been buried and for that he was grateful. He pulled his hood over his head as to block the snow from freezing the top of his head for he was not used to these temperatures and he wished to stay dry.

Soon they had reached the warm confines of A'den's private hut where their dinner lay prepared upon the circular table around which they sat. Kalo taking a seat next to A'den and his son. He watched as A'den revealed his true face and he was suprised to see the difference in hair but nothing else shocked him, he was clone after all but he had traits that clones rarely developped. His attention was then drawn to the hot steaming smell of the nerf and bantha meat dish followed by the goblet of Tihaar. He was accustomed to different dishes from various missions and dinings in the Temple. But this was a real treat and he was sure that everyone else would also be famished since the battle on Coruscant, so he began to eat away starting with the meat. In the middle of masticating the suculent meat he said.

[glow=Green,2,300][shadow=black,left,300]I must say, your establishment here is quite impressive, it must have been hard to regroup so many from all over the galaxy.[/shadow][/glow]

[AG]

Riko and the other Jedi were led into the Mandalorian camp. He looked at his surroundings, watching as they worked together in perfect unison, as though he were standing in the middle of a play which had been rehearsed countless times before. From afar, it would seem these warriors were simply going about their daily routines, but this was more than that. Riko knew that they were trained for perfection in every aspect of life. This was one of the key aspects of the art of survival. Working together, the blistering cold winds of Rhen Var, or the burning glare of the twin suns of Tatooine wouldn't take them down, wouldn't falter their focus. Ther precision in their given tasks was mechanical.

[glow=white,2,000]They work together in unison, adapting to this place as though it were a planet of optimal weather conditions. This would serve as a good example to the Jedi. The Force binds us all. It is like water, and can fit into any container. It is perfectly adaptable to any situation. One who is trained to use it would be just like one of these warriors.[/glow]
Riko listened to the wisdom of Moroku, but decided not to speak or show any hint of his attention to the eternal Jedi in case anyone thought he was going mad. What Moroku just said was indeed true, and Riko would have to learn from that. The Force was indeed omnipresent and could fit anywhere. The way of the Jedi is a mere reflection of this, and these warriors, astoundingly, seemed to be one step ahead of them already. He smiled. They were indeed very similar.

They were taken across the camp and into A'den's abode, where dinner was already prepared for the guests. Riko allowed the others to take a seat first, and Kalo took a seat between the leader of these perfect warriors and his son. Riko decided to sit opposite his former Padawan, not even looking at his food. Moroku's lesson applied here as well. If it were poisonous, it was also a product of the Force, just as anything was, and it could easily be expelled. However, the Jedi had no reason not to trust these men. Riko trusted they meant no harm, and they were anything but cowardly. If they meant to kill the Jedi, they would have attacked them. They were trained to fight honoroubly, not to stab their enemies in the back. And so, Riko accepted the food and ate, taking a bite off the meat, not caring about its taste and feel.

It was then that he noted, to his surprise, that the other warriors were actually clones of the mandalore. This, he did not expect, but it was a pleasant surprise. Perhaps there was a reason to this. A'den spoke of how his clans had broken and spread across the galaxy. His face, which would be recognized by the clans, would need to be in several places at once if he were to hope to reform his band of warriors quickly. Riko might be wrong, but he allowed Kalo to ask his question. It looked as though the Nautolan Jedi had read his own thoughts and spoke for him. Riko waited patiently for the Mandalorian to reply rather than thinking about it any further, knowing his answer would come shortly.

[Jenno]

After recieving his minor trainning from the teachers at, what remained of, the Jedi Temple on Coruscant. It seemed as though the masters were in a rush to pair masters with apprentices. Yuthur was one of those apprentices. However, it had been his lucky day. He had been asigned to Master Darken, one of the strongest, braves and wisest masters to date. How had been missing, but was fortunately found in time. Yuthur thanked the force that he'd have a great master from which to learn. One of the best.

Yuthur had managed to obtain a speeder from the jedi at the ruins. When he got asked what he was doing he just had to tell them it was 'an important mission'. He sped up as he neared the Mandalorian camp. He'd just missed Master Darken, but Yuthur didn't know his soon to be Master was going to meet with Mandalorians, he didn't even think there would be a single madalorian on Rhen Var.

After a bit longer, Yuthur slowed down as he approached the camp. The mandalorians moved around him and aimed their weapons at this unknown man.

What are you doing here?

One of the mandalorians asked, a mean look on his face.

I need to deliver an important message to Jedi Master Kalo Darken, I'm not here to cause any trouble.

Yuthur showed the mandalorians his saber to show that he truly was a jedi. The mandalorian grunted, allowing Yuthur entrance to the camp, the guard had also pointed him to the transport the jedi had arrived in. Yuthur stopped his speeder next to the transport, amd entered the ship, after a few minutes, he was back outside the transport ship, a puzzled look on his face, he could see or sense Master Darken or any of the other Jedi Masters. Yuthur just sighed, pulled out his commlink and turned it on. Sucsessfully contacting Master Darken, Yuthur smiled slightly before relaying the information he had.

Master Darken, I'm sorry to interupt your meeting, but I've been sent by the Jedi order to tell you that you have a special message from Taris.

[Phoenix]

Kalo sipped away at the soup that he had been provided with and chewed away at the delicious meat, this truly had been a warm welcome by the most unexpected people on the most freezing planet possible. Once he had finished his food, his comm alerted him, he activated it and brought it to his attention to reply.

[glow=Green,2,300][shadow=black,left,300]That is quite alright, I'm on my way. Excuse me A'den but duty calls, once again it has been a pleasure meeting with you and I thank you once again for your hospitality.[/shadow][/glow]

With that Kalo bowed and left abruptly passing the droid in the corner. Outside he spotted the jedi by the speeder and approached hastily, whatever the jedi had recieved it must have been important if it had reached them before a temple had even been considered being set up. He greeted the jedi.

[glow=Green,2,300][shadow=black,left,300]Ahh, you must be Yuthur my new padawan, it is a pleasure to meet you. Now let us make haste, I sense that the message is of great importance.[/shadow][/glow]

Kalo hopped into the passenger seat of the speeder and soon they were off. Dashing across the icy snow plains, it became increasingly harder to see what was in front but through the force they sighted everything in sight, allowing the force to fill them as they maximised speed.

Finally they reached the temple and the transport ship that had brought them here. Kalo jumped out and made his way to the jedi ship and indicated to Yuthur to follow suit. Kalo entered the bridge and occupied one of the seats, followed by activating the message. A blue image appeared on the holo cron and Kalo listened and viewed it with interest to what seemed to be a Corellian police chief.

The holo cron stated that there had been a robbery of two unregistered heavy combat ships which had been used as a means to transport a large amount of unknown cargo. He then explained how the police had been able in tracking the two ships destination as they jumped into hyperspace. The message finished and Kalo mapped out in his brain what exactly the jedi needed to do before they left for Taris.

A council meeting would have to be held and soon, but in reality it would turn out to be a short discussion between him and his former master Riko.

[AG]

Riko only had time to eat barely half of the meal, but he hadn't felt particularly hungry at the moment, given he had a short meal on the trip from Coruscant. He had accepted their offerings as a sign of respect for their hospitality and the hard work they put in to simply survive in this harsh weather as well as under normal circumstances and under fire. Watching them, Riko had come to somewhat understand how the clone army of the Republic lived their lives as warriors. They were not much different from this group of warriors, which was nothing out of the ordinary seeing how their template had been a Mandalorian himself, possibly the Mandalore of his age if he had bothered to bring the clans back together, just as A'den was hoping to do now.

His meat was only half eaten when Kalo's comm signal rang out, and Kalo stood to give his apologies and his farewells. Riko stood up with him and regarded the Mandalore.

[glow=blue,2,000]I wish we could have stayed longer, but I have a feeling that the duty which has called my former student is important. Perhaps we will meet another time, when we have settled down. Goodbye, A'den, and thanks.[/glow]
Riko then followed Kalo out to find a young Jedi near a compact speedercar. Judging by the conversation between him and the Nautolan Master, Riko guessed that this new young Jedi was his Padawan. Riko hadn't met him, possibly because he had been brought in by someone else. That did not matter. Kalo was responsible, and Riko trusted he would train the boy well. They climbed into the car and sped off back to the temple.

They had stopped in front of the transport which had brought them here, still sitting idly in front of the stairs leading up to the ruins of the Jedi Temple. Riko had learned that the boy's name was Yuthur during the short trip, and that it had been Jenno to introduce him to the ways of the Jedi. Albeit, it was good to know that Riko was not the only one training the younglings. They left the car and entered the transport ship where the trio listened to the message, which sounded closer to a distress call to Riko. The news was indeed troubling, and the Jedi would need to group together. Somehow, te Jedi knew his former student was thinking the same thing. They needed to gather in a Council meeting quickly. It looked as though the galaxy needed the help of the Jedi fast, even though they hadn't had the time to rebuild as of yet. Only a few Council members were here, not uncluding Kento. A new master would have to be elected, and the discussion would be between himself and the Nautolan.

[glow=blue,2,000]Kalo, we can host the Council meeting. There are a few of us around, and we need to move the temple to Yavin IV. I will explain during the meeting. Let's go.[/glow]

**Move Riko and Kalo to the Temple Ruins**

[SushiKnight]

A'den nodded his farewell to the Jedi... though he wondered how the one... Riko... had learned his name. He certainly hadn't said it. And he knew Shev hadn't.

[glow=orange,2,300]Re'turcye mhi, jettiise.[/glow]

[Sana <X> Vaerok]

Sana scarfed down the hot meal and still managed to hold to his manners. The Jedi Master knew many things lie ahead for the Order. The ironic thing about Galactic peace was how it was generally more difficult and troublesome than War. People are especially adept at killing each other but are poor students of the path of peace.

Sana saw his fellow Masters, Kalo and Riko; now the two eldest Jedi in the Order, rise and leave. Sana was swift to follow suit; the Jedi rose and bowed thoughtfully to his Mando hosts.

[shadow=yellow,left,300][glow=blue,2,300]Thank you,Al'verde, We must take our leave of your most generous hospitality. Re'turcye mhi, alor.[/glow][/shadow]

**** MOVE SANA AS WELL ****

[SushiKnight]

A'den Kad - Sabre of Wrath in Mandalorian - wondered where the Jedi had learned Mando'a, but considering that Sanariel Blueskies was the Archivist of the Jedi Order, it wasn't too surprising.

Before he left, the Mand'alor spoke up.

[glow=orange,2,300]I have heard much of your exploits, Master Blueskies. You are a formidible warrior. I would not like to face you on the field of battle. Were the Force not with you, I would be proud to offer you a place amongst my people. Oya Manda, Jettise.[/glow]

[Ruthless Gravity]

A twinkle that appeared to be a star flashed below of Rhen Var, the night sky was full of stars but this one continued to twinkle and capturing many viewers below.

---

The LAAT flew over the clouds, the snow also dropped above the LAAT as there were more clouds into the atmosphere of Rhen Var.

"2 Minutes sir." The pilot replied.
Dataraska gave a thumbs up back to the pilot as he checked his gear, he was already in 'civilian' clothing that matched most of the peasents in the camp.

Dataraska understood what would happen if he would fail this mission, death or imprisonment for life. He understood very well that there would be no real communications with outside life until he was ordered to extract from the mission.

"30 seconds sir. Get ready and good luck!" the pilot yelled through the mic as Tace felt underneath his feet the LAAT began to slow down. As the LAAT hovered 3 feet off the ground, Dataraska got off and quickly ran for cover for the fear that he might have been spotted by scouts.

The LAAT silently lifted off back to meet with the Repulic Cruiser. Dataraska looked both ways and grabbed mud from the ground and placed some on his face to look as if he was a lost civilian and had found his home. A great story for a couple but could be false for many believers who seen the LAAT land.

Tace began to walk towards the camp which was 2 miles away, the snow was dreadfully cold but luckly the Republic Technology is great, the skin tight suit underneath his thick clothing protected his body from over exposure. The blizzard was thick and he could only see two feet infront of him, the GPA was picking up the camp just one more mile up ahead over the hill.

By the time he got there, he had wrapped his head with a thick wool made from a beast of Rhen Var. He looekd around and saw nobody.

"Could they all be down below?" he told himself. The truth was revealed as soon as a 6.8 foot Mandalorian walked towards him holding a vibro blade.

"Name, and business." the Mandalorian spoke with a cold tone.

"Keeno....Keeno Akse. I got lost in the field when the blizzard came.

"Alright, Keeno. Enter but I need to see you in our databanks. Come with me." The Mandalorian said as he motioned Tace to follow.
----

They entered the main part of the camp, a research/govermental building run by Mandalorains.
The Mandalorian was named Warsha, he checked the databanks for a Keeno.

Oh great, I just hope the name they gave me was good. Dataraska thought.

"Alright, it checks out. Welcome back Keeno." The Mandalorian said.
Dataraska nodded and walked out. Seeing more snow than before in his life, though amazingly there were people around walking about.

His mission began now.

[Ruthless Gravity]

Of course, and luckly Keeno was killed 3 days ago in the wilderness of Rhen Var, he was a farmer who had links to the Conferderation and was giving info to them. The Republic saw this as a threat and needed to be killed.

Taking the identity of Keeno, everyone in the camp thought he was still alive. Dataraska looked around the camp, it appeared to be a small colony. Run by most mandalorians, there was different species here most likely for mining.

"To bad...Keeno wasn't part of the inner-circle of the Protector's." he whispered to himself as he covered himself with rough wool.

The blizzard stop but snow fell pretty hard still, by now he could see five feet infront of him.

He touched himself on the left side of his neck which made his muscles contract to place pressure on the small commlink device implanted in his neck before the mission.

"This is Dataraska Tace, I have made it through the camp and checkpoint. Beginning Operation First Strike." then he let go two fingers from his neck and began to walk again...searching for food and shelter before the blizzard was awaken once more.

[SushiKnight]

A young boy with a shock of blonde hair sticking out of his parka hood appears out of the blowing snow in front of Tace, followed closely by a mandalorian male dressed in beskar'gam painted red and black.

The young boy, a blaster rifle slung over his shoulder, looks at Tace oddly for a moment before turning silently to the Mando chasing after him.

The Mandalorian speaks to the boy in mando'a:

<Shev! Your father told you not to wander without an escort. There are wampas about.>

The boy just looks at the warrior, then nods and heads out into the blowing snow past Tace.

The Mando sighs and follows, his own blaster rifle at the ready.

When he passes Tace he laughs and says, again in Mando'a, <Children. Never can get them under control, and boy, does his father spoil this one.>

[Ruthless Gravity]

Tace raised his eyebrow towards the child, then looking up towards the man who was speaking to him.

In Mando'a he replied.

<Aye, I know what it means. They always dont listen even when they become adolescence.>

He remember when he was a child, he would tease everyone in his clan and sometimes they would go after him and punish him because he would always go so far.

He smiled back at the man then to the child.

[SushiKnight]

The mando nodded and followed Shev out into the snow.

====

Later that evening, the Mando of the camp gathered around a large central fire, the flames seeming to lick the treetops.

They wore their armour, sans-helmet.

Standing in lines, each an arms-breadth apart, the warriors started to perform Dha Werda Verda - the Warriors of Shadow, an ancient Mandalorian poem, song and chant of solidarity.

With each sylable, the mando'ade turned, striking the shoulderplate of the mando'ad next to them, turning to strike the one on the other side of them in time with the next sylable.

TAUNG! SA! RANG! BROKA! MANDO! KA'RTA!
DHA! WERDA! VERDA! A'DEN! TRATU!
MANDO! 'ADE KAN! DOSII! ADU!
DUUM! MOTIR! CA'TRA NAU! TRAC! INYA!
GRA'TUA! CUUN! HETT! SU! DRAL! SHY'A!

KOM'RK! TSAD! DRO! TEN! TROCH! NYN! URES! ADENN!
DHA! WERDA! VERDA! A'DEN! TRATU!
MANDO! 'ADE! KAN! DOSII! ADU!
DUUM! MOTIR! CA'TRA NAU! TRAC! INYA!
GRA'TUA! CUUN! HETT! SU! DRAL! SHY'A!

[Ruthless Gravity]

Dataraska nodded back in response then headed off his way.
---
After eating a small meal of a creature from Rhen Var, he notice that everyone was gathering around a fire which appeared to rich atop of treelines.

He came out from Keeno's tent to watch this event, he remembered back on his home planet and clan that they would do this every holiday,event,and victory.

They would usually sing Vode An a song sung by most Mandalorian warriors during war time.

He came near the camp resting upon a small patch of dirt, the blizzard stop that evening and it was snowing some. Dataraska looked in amazement, his military instinct's kicked in and then switched from being a spectator to a observer.

[SushiKnight]

(Dev, is Tace in beskar'gam? I wasn't able to figure that out from previous posts)

The next day, the same Mando in red armour that Tace had talked to while chasing after Shev appeared, tossing a blaster carbine at the new recruit while plopping down on the ground beside him.

<Suit up, rookie. There's a battle shaping up over Kiffiex and we've been tapped to help out. Pays good and the glory's better. We leave in two hours.>

[SushiKnight]

The Mandalorians were piling into the assault craft in preperation for battle. Shev, the Mand'alor's son, was perched on Karn's red-armoured shoulders while the brusk Mando sergeant encouraged all the warriors on board.

"C'mon you miserly di'kute! I don't wanna see any hutuun'yc layabouts here! Suit up and pile on! It's a quick jump to Kiffex! GO! GO! GO!"

Once all the mando'ade were aboard, they headed for the RV point above Kiffex, where A'den Kal, their Mand'alor would meet them.