Kraval Ordo
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My armor is my life. I take it off only when I feel it is safe to do so.
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Affiliation: The Exchange/Bloodrage Pirates
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Post by Kraval Ordo on Jun 16, 2013 19:21:03 GMT -8
Only thing I'm concern with is The Admiral getting that datachip and reading whatever the hell is on it. Since that is in progress, I'm off this rust bucket.
Kraval spoke what he said and turned around making a V-line towards his vessel. Once abroad, he made it towards the cockpit and quickly prep the Tal'din for takeoff. The Tal'din slowly rose off the metal hull of the hanger bay and turned itself upright before blasting itself out of the hanger bay into the darkness of space. After passing thru the asteroid field, the Tal'din disappeared into the darkness of space as it made the jump into hyperspace.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 17, 2013 7:23:32 GMT -8
The Admiral quickly checked the message. He hadn't heard from these people in a while, but they could prove very useful again. Aya would be more than capable of dealing with them. A moment later & the information had been sent to Aya in a way that literally would not be able to be traced or hacked.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 19, 2013 13:15:30 GMT -8
The LAAT from the surface rose up along side the Radiant Watcher, before extending a cofferdam to allow its passengers to cross over into the command vessel. Once the air lock had opened, the two red-clad Praetorian Fire Teams led the way into the ship. As they approached, one of the doors slid open, & the Fire Teams waved the other beings from the surface into the room. It was a rather nice, if understated, board room. Inside, the admiral sat at the head of the table, apparently waiting for his guests.
-Admiral Z'har Thank you, Non-Com. You may continue on your way, if there was nothing else. Marcos, sit down, we will talk shortly.
& yes, the 'visitor' from Clan Vhett, how may I help you today?
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Post by Marcos, LE-9615 on Jun 19, 2013 13:20:07 GMT -8
Ignoring the old man's order to take a seat, I step over to the small bar against one wall & grab a drink. The old man probably wanted to chew me out about some minor thing or other again. The runt had apparently been dismissed to go amuse himself. The one from Vhett was the real mystery of the bunch, though he looked like he would be fun to fight if nothing else.
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Corr
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You can lead a fool to knowledge but you can't make him think.
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Post by Corr on Jun 19, 2013 14:17:57 GMT -8
The had all trooped across the cofferdam from the shuttle and onto the Admirals ship. The journey had been uneventful and Maraak had spent most of the trip staring at the sullen-looking youth that had sat opposite him. Even with the guys helmet in place Maraak was such an adept at bdy language that he'd worked out that the armoured figure was ale, young and pissed off. There was also the impression that he fund the Clan Vhett Mandalorian interesting, in a pull-your-leg-off-and-see-what-happens kind of way...
While his two companions maintained complete silence on the journey, not even talking over the secure comms he could tell they were watching everything carefully. Even though they were supposedly in safe hands a true survivor never relaxed his guard. Still the silence was a bit unnerving. He supposed that they had their own channel set up and were gossiping like fishwives about stockings and suspenders or some shi. He smiled beneth his buy'ce. That though amused hima nd made him feel better.
They were led to a boardroom, severe and imperialistic. Exactly what Maraak had expected from the Admirals reputation. Austere came to mind. Good word. Spot on in describing the room and the man sat at the head of the table.
Ni ne kar'taylir kaysh gota! {I didn't know he was a machine!}
Freya's words, coming abruptly out of the silence made him start slightly, casting a withering look, hidden by his helm, at her. He hadn't got the knack Corr possessed of transmitting facial expressions onto his buy'ce, nobody had. Perhaps like the legends say, it really IS his face...
He recovered from the sudden exclamation from Freya, realising with relief it had been stated over their private comm only, and bent forward in a short bow of respect to the venerable fleet commander, deigning not to correct her. He straightened he reached up to remove his helmet, tugging it off with his right hand to reveal his nondescript features, smudged and soot streaked, dark hair plastered to his head with sweat. Not the best image to present, he thought ruefully. He considered asking the other two to remove their helms as a sign of respect but thought better of it. These two were not the politician types and a conversation or argument as to why they should abide by fleet etiquette wouldn't go down too well.
Tucking his helmet under his right arm he again dipped his head as the Admiral greeted them. He eyes tracked the other man, now known as Marcos, to the drinks cabinet, envious that the guy could skip protocol and help himself. Perhaps he could maneuver the conversation so that...
His eyes went back to the Admiral and met the freaky black eyes that sat in the sunken, age-lined sockets. Far from lifeless they possessed intelligence and wit that Maraak had only seen a few times on his extensive travels. He sighed inside as he realised there would be very little maneuvering room in this discussion.
"Su cuy'gar, ner vod." I greet you on behalf of Corr Vhett and the rest of my Clan..."
He hesitated then flashed a charming smile.
"Is that enough in the way of pleasantries?"
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 21, 2013 9:16:21 GMT -8
The hulking armour that completely concealed the admiral's form shifted forward slightly in what could easily be considered a nod, or at least what could be considered a nod when there is no neck to speak of. As he begins to speak, his voice filtered through the external speakers on his armour, he motions toward the young Zabrak already at the bar.
-Admiral (in Mando'a) My son, Marcos, has never really been one to listen to others, even myself. It would seem, or so I would guess, that you already know me, or at least know of me. You must forgive me for not removing my armour at this time, as I have found myself in poor health in these later years of my life. As for the pleasantries, I have never had much patience for them, & have found them even more annoying as I age. Feel free to help yourself to anything stocked in the bar, it is there to be consumed after all. Once you have a drink please have a seat.
Once the guests had grabbed a drink & sat down, if they were going to do so, the armoured man continues.
-Admiral (in Mando'a) Might I inquire why you were on the planet? & why you desired to speak with me? If it is merely compensation for lost time, it will not be an issue to provide you with an appropriate reward. However, I feel that is not the only reason you are here.
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Corr
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You can lead a fool to knowledge but you can't make him think.
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Post by Corr on Jun 21, 2013 14:13:35 GMT -8
Maraak did indeed make his way over to the drinks cabinet, pouring himself a healthy measure of scotch before taking a seat at the table, to the left of the admiral at the head. The other two remained standing on either side of the door, blank visors seeming to stare straight ahead but no doubt seeing all. Maraak spared them a slight glance, sighed, and returned his attention to the Admiral. He had told them to be at ease here but it seemed that some habits could not be overridden.
He took his time in responding to the Admiral, taking a sip of the expensive vintage while gathering his thoughts. Finally he spoke in a slow and measured tone, his politics voice if you will...
"I have a task to perform and I require your aid in accomplishing it..."
His face grew thoughtful as he toyed with the crystal glass in front of him. He didn't really want to disclose much of what he was up to but had little choice. He berated himself for not finding a way to make sure the other two Vhetts were not present, or perhaps insisting on a private audience, but things had happened so fast as they had moved from the last beacon. He wasn't about to insult the legendary mans hospitality by setting conditions on their meeting, and he certainly wasn't going to attempt deception.
His gave a mental shrug and looked sideways at the metal behemoth, sat at the table as if it was the most natural place for a machine of war.
"Corr is looking at backup plans for the eventuality that the Jedi counter-attack."
His eyes narrowed as he turned his head to face the Admiral fully.
"You know the Jedi won't take this lying down and are likely to retaliate. They may spout pacifistic views and a non-aggressive policy but they are as pro-active in waging war as any other martial outfit..."
He paused as he took another sip of his drink, a slow smile spreading as he removed the rim of the glass from his lips.
"When they strike Corr wants to meet them with something just as deadly."
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 22, 2013 5:47:00 GMT -8
There was a pause as the admiral seemed to absorb the younger man's words. In truth, he was quickly checking with a number of sources that he trusted. Apparently the younger man trusted the other two in the room not to speak about any of this. That or he had access to mind wipe tech & they wouldn't remember any of it in a day or two.
-Admiral (in mando'a) I will help within reason. Did Corr have any specific ideas about his retaliatory attack, or did he decide to leave that to me?
While I will help in minor ways, I warn you that I have no plans of getting dragged into the wars of young people.
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Corr
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You can lead a fool to knowledge but you can't make him think.
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Post by Corr on Jun 23, 2013 12:52:24 GMT -8
Maraak smiled slightly as he realised that the Admiral had misinterpreted his words. Tipping his head in respect he placed his glass back on the table, only a small amount of the fiery liquor drunk, and steepled his fingers in front of his face as he leaned forward. Tapping the joined index fingers on his lower lip he hesitated for a moment, as if embarrassed with correcting his senior.
"Actually sir... its not you with which Corr wants to meet the Jetii threat, as deadly and proficient as you are."
He dipped his head again, firming up his words with the gesture.
"It would be much more prudent for you to watch over your on assets and..."
A knowing smile flashed across the ruggedly handsome features.
"maintain the illusion of neutrality in this endeavor."
He knew as well as the Admiral likely did that the old mans neutrality was a sham. A staunch supporter of the helm and resolute follower of the Resol'nare there as no doubt in Maraaks mind that the Admiral would support the vode in their war against the Force sorcerers. The wily espionage agent was also sure that the man had a very good reason for this stance of indifference towards Ashrah's quest so he let it lie for now.
"My goal is something more insidious and only requires a little effort on your part..."
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 23, 2013 19:07:07 GMT -8
The Admiral watched as the younger man continued to beat around the bush. The fact that the younger man also thought his neutrality was just for show also annoyed him slightly. True, the admiral would follow the letter of any direct commands from the helm, but he would much rather stay out of the problems the younger people seem to keep causing for themselves. His only true loyalty was to his family. The only person who could really order the admiral around was Plu.
-The Admiral (in mando'a) Yes, yes. This is all very interesting. Get to the point.
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Corr
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You can lead a fool to knowledge but you can't make him think.
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Post by Corr on Jun 24, 2013 1:13:14 GMT -8
There was a method behind Maraak's procrastination. He now had the Admiral interested he was sure. The conversation had gone from him asking a favour to the Admiral asking what he could do for the cause, irrelevant as to how little that thing was. Maraak also smiled at the though of his two comrades only getting half a conversation. See, the reason he was speaking in basic was that his two clan-mates did not, seeing it as a filthy aruetiise language that Kad would not have soiling their tongues. A noble but impractical ideal in this day and age. It was amusing to him to think that they were struggling to keep up with what was going on, a view only slightly marred by the faact that they likely did not give a shit.
He nodded his head and waved a hand in supplication, diffidently apologising for his candor, and indicating that his true meaning would soon become clear. He had to tread carefully with this as he had no idea whether Corr had broached the plan to Ashrah or not. Knowing the Mand'alor he would likely be unhappy with the prospect though perhaps he'd be sold on the idea of their enemies doing their jobs for them. That was, after all, how he would broach it to the Admiral and no doubt that was how Corr would put it across to Ashrah.... If at all. Corr wasn't beyond keeping things from their esteemed leader, having an agenda of his own to see through.
He turned his gaze fully on the beskar behemoth that was Admiral Z'har and spoke.
"I seek comm codes for one Kel Sentriss of the Second Imperium..."
He watched the faceless metal titan carefully though he had no idea how to read reactions from such a visage. Would surprise show in such a contraption? Perhaps with some mechanical spasm? If the thing was controlled by a neural implant then it seemed possible but, and this he thought with an inward scowl, how could one tell whether such a thing was the result of his words or rather the result of some facial twitch. He HATED not being able to see a face.
Strange for a Mando perhaps...
"It is thought that the Sith may be inclined to further their own cause by aiding us in ours."
He said the last diffidently. Nonchalantly even. As if just throwing it out there for the Admiral to mull over. He picked up the glass once again and swallowed the fiery drink, savouring the woody taste as he awaited the Admirals reply. Would the Admiral question how he knew to seek the codes here, or would he be too busy mulling over the implications of the request...?
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 24, 2013 9:08:19 GMT -8
The metal shell went completely still for a long moment, before 'settling' somewhat. Anyone looking at the armour would probably describe the position as tense, if nothing else. Several more long moments passed as the armoured figure worked through several likely lines of thought before apparently deciding on something. A small datachip was procured from somewhere out of sight & slid across the table to the younger man. Clinking to a stop against the man's glass.
-The Admiral (in basic) The less I know about this, the happier I will be. You didn't get this from me. If you claim that you did, I will deny it & you will 'mysteriously vanish' as quickly as is physically possible. Do we understand each other?
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Corr
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You can lead a fool to knowledge but you can't make him think.
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Post by Corr on Jun 24, 2013 14:21:47 GMT -8
It didn't quite get to clink of the glass as Maraaks hand slapped down on top of it before the crystal vessel could halt its progression. With very little movement whatsoever the spy made the tiny chip disappear into his apparel before flashing a winning smile at the Admiral. He glibly ignored the threat, even though he took it seriously, for once noting that such a move against him from one such as Admiral Z'har had a very real chance of ending his career. He was black ops and, no matter how much Corr valued his skills, the leader of Clan Vhett would likely disown him to avoid a conflict with another clan, especially at a time like this. Some may have lamented such an attitude from their boss friend and brother. Not Maraak. He welcomed the distance he held from the command structure. It enabled him to achieve his ends without having to wade through the red tape that tied the hands of the status-quo. That was part of the reason he was so despised by the troops of the line. He could achieve ends and go places that they could only howl and eat their fists about, making them resentful of the freedom he exhibited.
He sighed slightly, the expression escaping him despite him trying to keep a neutral demeanor in front of the Admiral, as he thougth of how little those haters knew the prices he paid in service to Kad and the vode. Realising his outburst, however slight, must surely have been noticed he glanced apologetically to the armoured figure.
"I'm sorry sir. Just lamenting on how I must always operate in the shadows..."
He smiled mockingly.
"Even when operating in the shadows..."
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 26, 2013 9:43:14 GMT -8
The armoured titan gives another of the full body nods. He knew full well that annoyance, though he found it less of a burden than some he knew. It was also the reason that he had structured the Security Brigade the way he had. It was less a standing army than a large collection of more-or-less freely operating commando cells. When they weren't being used as security personnel anyway.
-The Admiral (In Mando'a) Was there anything else you needed?
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Non-Com Or'dinii
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Post by Non-Com Or'dinii on Jun 26, 2013 10:09:55 GMT -8
I nod to the admiral as having heard his order, and turn and walk back out the door I'd come in. Boss wanted to deal with this privately, that meant I could go have some fun again. Since I was in orbit, I checked on Algara II again, and sigh. That planet had been a quiet one when I found it, and worked with Alor Vhett to acquire it, now it seemed to attract raiders left and right. This time it had even dragged a few old friends along. I head back towards my own ship and begin making preparations to leave for Algara II.
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Corr
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You can lead a fool to knowledge but you can't make him think.
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Post by Corr on Jun 26, 2013 10:19:12 GMT -8
"Well..."
With a diffident smile Maraak rose and walked over to the bar, setting the glass down on the enamled surface and picking up the bottle of expensive scotch. He opened it and, with the bottles top hovering over his glass, cast a surreptitious look at the robotic behemoth at the head of the table.
"There is my fee for services rendered on the planet below."
He said it with a straight face and turned his attention to pouring his drink. The room was silent, the impudent sentence having dropped like a bombshell into the room, and all that could be heard was the "glug glug glug" of Maraak pouring himself a full glass of the dark amber liquor. He screwed the lid back on and returned the bottle, nearly half its contents now gone from the excessive measures he had taken, and turned to lean on the bar, glass in hand, hint of a cheeky smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.
The Admiral would either be pissed off, amused, or resigned... He may even shoot the nonchalant Maraak in the face for his arrogance. Still, nothing was free in this galaxy. Maraak, despite his honour and duty to his clan, was still a mercenary. And mercs got paid!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 26, 2013 10:57:44 GMT -8
There was a moment of silence as the drink was poured. If for no other reason than the Admiral was slightly surprised by the sheer size of the man's moons. Of course, the admiral had been expecting him to ask for something. He had not, however, expect the younger man to immediately ask for another thing after his first request was filled. As soon as the young man turned around he would have his answer as the Admiral let out a good solid laugh.
-Admiral (in Mando'a) Credits (Mandalorian, Republic, or Imperial) CSA Voucher, Peggats, Nova Crystals, Fire Nodes, Aurodium, Crystalline Vertices, or Supplies?
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Corr
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You can lead a fool to knowledge but you can't make him think.
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Post by Corr on Jun 26, 2013 12:18:58 GMT -8
Maraak smiled and sipped his drink, secretly relieved that the Admiral hadn't blown a hydraulic with the audaciousness of the demand. His eyebrow arched a little at the varied form of payments, head tilting to the side slightly as he lowered the glass from his lips.
"The agony of choice eh, ner tat."
He straightened from his idle lean and returned to the table, casting a quick glance at the two impassive figures at the door. He then moved his gaze to the other Zabrak, a little curious as to the mans silence but not enough to comment on it. He had judged Marcos the ind of man to object to his father acceding to the demands of a knave such as Maraak but perhaps he had misjudged him. Or maybe he had misjudged Z'hars control of the situation. He scowled inwardly. He NEVER misjudged things...
"I'm sure credits will do fine. It may be embarrassing to see my colleagues try and shove a peggat into a vedning machine..."
He remained standing behind his chair and raised his glass to the Admiral.
"Good doing business with you. Ko'yacyi!"
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 26, 2013 12:40:54 GMT -8
The Admiral spend a moment trying to decide which of the three types of credits the young man wanted. However they were easily converted between each other. It would be easiest to pay him in Mandalorian Credits due to most of MMC's holdings being kept in that form. It would also give the younger man the best exchange rates as the Republic credit had dropped somewhat at the start of the war & the Imperial credits had been stable but low compared to both since the Warlord Empires broke up. The credit chip that got tossed to the younger man held two hundred thousand MC on it. It wasn't much by Z'har's standards, but it was a small fortune to most.
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Corr
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You can lead a fool to knowledge but you can't make him think.
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Affiliation: Clan Vhett
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Post by Corr on Jun 26, 2013 13:59:58 GMT -8
With a deft movement Maraak snatched the cred coin out of the air and downed his drink in one smooth motion, both actions done simultaneously and with the barest of adjustments on his part. Perhaps it had been the accuracy of the Admirals throw or some weird knack the spy had of arranging his body so that economy was at its best, who could say? It was just too damn cool to both with prosaic explanations so we'll just leave it at that I think.
Not bothering to look at what the chit donated he set his empty glass down on the massive conference table, resting his eyes on it and lamenting the loneliness it surely felt at being the only item on that massive plateau, before turning and heading to the door. Just before he reached the portal, waving the two silent Mando's on ahead of him, he turned and looked back at the huge construct that was Admiral Z'har one last time, thinking that, as the Admiral was nearing the end of his career it actually COULD be the last time.
He paused for a moment then spoke, choosing both his words and his tone carefully.
"It may be prudent to look to your defenses in the coming weeks. The Jedi will not take this lying down and we may see repercussions of Corr and Ashrha's actions against them."
His face was serious now for the first time during this entire encounter, eyes heavy with the stress of what he was saying.
"Neutrality aside, you still represent a major power among our people and the Jedi may seek to neutralise you as soon as they can."
His face brightened suddenly and the smile he flashed was positively ravishing.
"But aside from that have a good day! Perhaps our paths will cross again, Kad willing."
With a jaunty wave the spy-come-warrior-come-diplomat-come-charlatan turned and stepped out the door, wondering belatedly how he'd get back to his ship on the surface...
>_<
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