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Post by Deleted on Mar 14, 2016 18:15:47 GMT -8
Faelan listens with open interest to what B13S in answer to his query; his pupil fascinating to him for the obvious reasons, as well as because he is finding that it affords him the relatively rare, in his experience, opportunity to ponder intellectual and philosophical questions that, to his surprise, are proving to interest him more than he once would have thought given that his life has not been one that has required or even encouraged a great deal of such discussion about or solitary exploration of such questions as those that speaking with B13S gives rise to. Intellectual and philosophical curiosity do not prevent Faelan from noting that there are some possible worrisome undertones to some of the points B13S visits, however briefly, as it answers the question of what led it to seek training from him; such as the revelations that B13S was designed to destroy, and that training was not its sole motivation when selecting a form of hand-to-hand combat to add to its repertoire.
B13S' reasoning that it might find acceptance among the Mando'ade as more than a mere machine is, unsurprisingly, sound; for there are few cultures to whom appearance is as relatively meaningless as it is to the Mando'ade when it comes to certain social and intellectual conventions, and also few cultures that are as accepting of others as the Mando'ade, who have historically welcomed those of any species into their ranks provided certain conditions are fulfilled, and therefore few that might look beyond B13S outward appearance to see that it is more than what it appears to be at first glance. While Faelan cannot guarantee that other Mando'ade will come to believe, as he has, that B13S has transcended his origins and become sentient, he can at least be assured that his people will not discount the possibility as swiftly as those of other cultures might.
Faelan is less certain of how he feels about the idea of B13S' dual agenda of learning of Marev'akaa and forging an alliance with the Mando'ade to increase its chances of surviving in the event it is hunted by those who might seek to destroy it for whatever reason, though he can respect B13S frank admission of having such a goal in mind, just as he can admire its choice of potential allies and its reasons for so choosing, for who better to have in one's corner than the Mando'ade?
Grunting when he recognizes that he has been silent for longer than might be polite while considering all that B13S has spoken of, Faelan then rubs his stubbled jaw as, pragmatic as one might expect a Mandalorian mercenary to be, he asks, "Are there already those that might seek to destroy you, or do you speak of only of the possibility that such foes might one day hunt you?"
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B13S
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Post by B13S on Mar 14, 2016 18:59:14 GMT -8
B13S supposed its phrasing was a bit ..misleading. It examined the words over and over again before Faelan ever responded. It sounded like its contacting of Faelan, and its interest in Marev'akaa was purely based upon its own paranoia, which wasn't the case. It merely wanted to find a place where it was more secure. Worry wasn't quite the same for B13S as it might have been for organics...it was all based on probabilities...and the numbers pointed to the majority of planets finding more value in the words and accusations of any organic over the life of a droid, such as himself.
It lifted its hand, waving it back and forth, trying to denote a misunderstanding.
"No, no, nothing so direct as that. Were my enemies people with names and bodies, who I could seek out, then I would not impose them upon anyother. These people are hypothetical, as far as I know. I am very fastidious in my security, however, and such a person will have a great deal of hardships if it wishes to -kill- me.
My choosing to be around those that may be able to speak on my behalf is an attempt at peaceful resolutions, rather than the end of lives. Again, all hypothetical."
It was born into the philosophical, by the very nature of its creation...such things were always interesting to it. Morality was an interesting concept to the droid, and it attempted to stay moral, but who can really say what is and isn't moral...culture and context defines morality, and it felt like its attempt to integrate into Mandalorian culture was akin to a genesis, as an immigrant sought out a new...better life for itself.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 15, 2016 5:25:05 GMT -8
Nodding with an apologetic shrug of his shoulder in lieu of a verbalized one for his part in the mild misunderstanding, Faelan, as he is wont to do when afforded the opportunity to reflect upon what another says without the usual social imperative to all but immediately respond in one way or another so that no silence, reflective or otherwise, is allowed to intrude for long upon an interaction, mulls over what B13S has said in an effort to better understand it, so that he might, in turn, know it better in the way one would want to better know another that intrigues them or who exhibits characteristics they admire.
Faelan, upon reflection, supposes that he should not be surprised that B13S would think in terms of securing safeguards against threats that are mere possibilities; having already experienced first hand how B13S thinks many steps ahead in a simple hand-to-hand exercise, why would it be surprising that it approaches its existence with a similar attention to strategy? Such pragmatism as he imagines the thinking to reveal is a quality Faelan can both understand and admire, just as he can understand as well as admire B13S' determination to, despite its ability to meet violence with sleek, efficient force, first seek non-violent resolutions; for Faelan has always personally believed that a true warrior holds loyalty, courage, veracity, compassion, and honor as important, above nearly all else, and that an appreciation and respect for life is also imperative given that it adds balance to the warrior character.
Recalling something B13S has spoken of earlier, and wanting to avoid confusing its meaning as he had with its statement about its potential enemies, Faelan asks, "And when you spoke of completing tasks on behalf of others, were those others, too, hypothetical? Or are there those you owe, or willing give you allegiance to?"
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B13S
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Post by B13S on Mar 15, 2016 11:55:02 GMT -8
B13S had never discussed its thoughts with another being before, it was quite taken with the process of such a thing. Until now it had only spoken to what it were capable of doing, not the stream of consciousness that it based its actions upon. It was rewarding in some way, allowing access in the horribly inefficient way that organics shared information. The most confounding part was the realization that this was what all communication was based upon, vibrations and waves that had slowly become more efficient over millennium.
"Employers. Like you, I too will require resources to live. Unlike you, my body is an appendage that I can be inside of, or not. Likewise, I can inhabit multiple bodies at once. There are four of my bodies operational, all of them dedicated to some task I found prudent to undertake. At a given time, these bodies network information to one another, so that they all retain identical minds...my mind.
My creator was a man of many obligations, and I've taken it on myself to perform a number of his duties, and spend a reasonable amount of the credits accrued from my actions to allow myself access to places, such as the docking fees for landing here on Mandalore, etcetera."
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Post by Deleted on Mar 15, 2016 17:18:34 GMT -8
While B13S' simple answer of 'employers' seems mildly evasive to Faelan, he sees no reason to press for additional details for the time being given that, judging from its earlier responses, B13S would more likely than not make Faelan aware of any potential dangers to the Mando'ade inherent in its associations with other groups or individuals. Though Faelan recognizes that the usual social cues and nuances exhibited by individuals that allow others to gain a feel for how honest or trustworthy they are will not necessarily be present in B13S' mannerisms and tones, at least not always in a conventional or familiar sense, he believes that its word can be trusted even though he is unable to say why it is that come to that conclusion.
Intrigued by the idea of B13S having multiple bodies it is able to inhabit almost simultaneously, Faelan needs to shake his head to keep from falling into yet another silence as he considers whether he agrees that an ability to access multiple sets of experiences could result in a singular, unified consciousness in the sense that he understands the concept, and he smiles as he tells B13S in commingled amusement and wonder, "I am not sure whether to be more amazed that you have four bodies at your disposal, or that you still seem so sane even though you need to routinely incorporate what amounts to four other lives into a single sense of being."
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B13S
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Post by B13S on Mar 15, 2016 17:25:46 GMT -8
B13S is amused by the sense of wonder Faelan displayed in response to its admission of its multi-presence.
"I do not believe it is very difficult. Though, I suppose, technically speaking, we are separate entities after our initial update each day. It is only in the moment we all share the same information where we truly are one and the same. Its like remembering what I did yesterday, but I happened to do it today, whilst I was doing something else. Time is not as pressing a concern for me, but the events are still linear, lest I network the bodies to share memories on a real time basis, and that would require being near to one another...As long as I know that I am me, then we all shall be me, if that makes sense..."
The droid moved to stand, and turn to look out around them, again finding some amusement in his current location. Mandalore, for all the tales of it, seemed quite the peaceful place, though it was easier to be at peace when one knew that they were protected, if that peace was ever disturbed.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 15, 2016 22:03:14 GMT -8
Laughing with an amused shake of his head, no sense of frustration or intent to alienate B13S evident in his tone, Faelan admits, "No, I must confess, my friend, I am sadly unable to make sense of what you say, though I have little doubt it is true that all of the yous are indeed you when all is said and done. Picking up his buy'ce and standing, interpreting B13S actions as denoting it is ready to continue with their training, Faelan rolls his neck and shoulders as he says, We have some daylight left yet, and I may have a thing or two yet to show you that you may not have picked up elsewhere."
Waving for B13S to follow, Faelan puts on his buy'ce as he returns to the clearing where they had begun their practice earlier, explaining, I'll show you some of my personal favorite moves, ones I have no doubt you, with the strength, timing, and speed at your disposal could use to end a fight before it has a chance to truly begin. Once B13S has reached the clearing, Faelan says, First up, the knee strike. Reaching out and grabbing both sides of B13S' neck, Faelan pulls it down while miming launching his right knee towards where a humanoid's solar plexus would be, The idea, he explains, is simple really, and that is to knee your opponent repeatedly to subdue him . . . After demonstrating the simple but effective knee which can be aimed for an opponent's ribs or other convenient, debilitating targets, Faelan steps back, moving on to demonstrate elbow strikes, palm strikes, and knife hand strikes; all of which are not likely to be entirely new concepts to B13S given several martial arts have their own variants on the techniques due to their utility, though Faelan believes that Marev'akaa's emphasis on relentless aggressive attack while simultaneously countering an opponent's attacks makes it worthwhile to demonstrate them after their earlier discussion of the guiding theories and principles of the style of combat B13S has come to learn.
The fact that B13S needs no repetition to acquire the techniques Faelan demonstrates allows the Mandalorian to teach far more quickly than he imagined even after having been informed of how swiftly his student can take in instruction, and at times he feels that he is being overpaid for his services given how little constructive criticism B13S requires when giving return demonstrations to ensure it has correctly assimilated the techniques it has been shown. Pressing on despite his own aching muscles and mounting exhaustion as the sun begins to set, Faelan adds breakfalls and then ground fighting techniques useful for when one has been knocked from their feet in the course of a fight to the list of what he will try and teach his tireless pupil before the day reaches its end.
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B13S
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Post by B13S on Mar 16, 2016 17:33:37 GMT -8
B13S had not been interested in rushing its teacher, but it would not refuse to do more. It followed each movement time and time again, noting the tiring condition of Faelan. Each move would add a small amount of sophistication to the machine's innate assumptions of Marev'akaa, and, more importantly, what to expect if it ever found itself at the business end of a blaster wielded by a Mando'ade. After the extensive workout, Faelan looked utterly exhausted.
"We may brake until tomorrow, if you wish. I have no pressing business...in fact...I was considering exploring Mandalore some before I say my good bye to the planet, and move onto some future business."
The droid wished for Faelan to not drive himself too hard. Though it had paid a handsome sum for the training which it was recieving, it did not, necessarily, wish for that training to be completed in one day. B13S had thousands of future endeavors planned, but none of them were pressing, all of them hypothetical ways to improve its own station in the galaxy.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 19, 2016 7:30:32 GMT -8
Nodding his head in agreement with B13S' proposal that they call a halt to their training for the evening, Faelan says, Until tomorrow then. With a chuckle, he jokes, I would offer to act as your tour guide for the evening, but would be better served, and serve as a better instructor to you I think by resting up for tomorrow.
Removing his buy'ce, Faelan wonders absently what a being like B13S does to occupy itself when not engaged in pursuing the acquisition of whatever skill of knowledge has captured its attention, or if such pursuits are all it desires to do; and he wonders more absently still what it would be like to have no need to rest, or to have what must essentially amount to eternity to pursue whatever desires one might wish to fulfill. Pushing what he feels are such idle, fruitless musings aside, Faelan asks B13S despite his suspicion that it will have no need of what he offers, "Do you have any questions I might answer before we part for now to help you with your exploration, or have you already planned that as thoroughly as I imagine you might have?"
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Non-Com Or'dinii
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Post by Non-Com Or'dinii on Mar 19, 2016 11:57:19 GMT -8
NCO brought his charges to the reserve, and bought them three hours in the reserve, and A'den the hunting rifle of his choice, though given his stature a sporting carbine might be easier for him to use, still whatever he chose to use, NCO could easily afford, so he would get it. The rest of his kit was functional, and fit him, but wasn't anything special. It was a durable, but relatively light weight plasteel cuirass and belt-spat, plus a basic helm, with a clear visor over the face. It didn't offer much protection for the boy's arms, but it also didn't restrict their movement any. It would serve for the day's hunt, they would be in the small predators area of the reserve for this hunt. Asharl Panthers, Borra, Duneclaws, juvenile Gundarks, and Manka cats were the most populous beings in the area they would start i;, though there were no containment fields in the reserve so anything could be stumbled upon, or inversely, stumble upon the hunting party.
NCO picked up a slug rifle that had become popular in recent years, due to it's lack chemical propellant and silencer, making hunts much easier against prey with keen noses and ears. He'd never used one before himself and took a few moments to familiarize himself with the weapon while his two guests sorted thier own kit and prepared themselves for the coming hunt. When he was finished he looked his two young companions over, a study in contrast to be sure. One an Aliit'alor already, the other an orphan, well not anymore, but he still had the uncertainty and desperation of an orphan. One a symbol of the mando'ade, young, intelligent, and resilient. The other a boy who should have been a man, but lacked the buire to teach him the craft of manhood or even how to be a mando'ade. Well, he had that now, and perhaps, by the end of the day, he'd have a solid friend in Ka'ra too. it would certainly do the lad some good, and her too perhaps, though in a different way and for different reasons. "Are you two ready?"
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A'den'ade
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Post by A'den'ade on Mar 20, 2016 19:55:48 GMT -8
A'den was nervous. He had never worn armor, or used a firearm of any kind. He had a knife, but rarely had to use it. He mostly relied on his speed and agility to outrun the merchants he stole from. This was all new, but felt right. A'deen looked at the Rifle in his hands. It felt alien, but also familiar. He looked at NCO.Ni cuy tsikala.
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B13S
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Post by B13S on Mar 21, 2016 9:22:21 GMT -8
"I have a general outline of where I will wander. Though, nothing is terribly close that would be a grand point of interest."
The droid had accessed historical documents, maps, reports, etc and had plotted a course with barely any time for deviation from the path to arrive back at this home just after sun up, when most moved to get out of their beds.
"I shall arrive back here in thirteen hours...I will see you then, and sleep well."
With that, it did not dottle, it simply turned towards the exit of the city's fortifications, and began to walk. It was going to explore the Farm once owned by Rav Bralor, from there it would move out towards the Kelita valley, and then it would circle back, the journey was far more than walking speed could accomplish, but B13S could move a bit faster than humans might.
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It wandered, taking in the sights. It was verifying that all these places truly existed, it was the crux of its existence. So much information on which it relied on could be easily fabricated, and it took physical inspection to verify those things and accounts first hand. It knew that several of the scenic views were aesthetically appealing, though it could not appreciate that in a way like organics could. Organics often felt a since of affirmation in their lives upon taking in an awe inspiring sight, but the droid simply saw, and knew why each thing was the way it was, and continued on towards its next destination.
Like clockwork, thirteen hours had passed, and the droid stood outside of the shack once more, awaiting Faelan's exit from his home.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 22, 2016 20:05:12 GMT -8
When he steps from his vheh'yaim not a moment after B13S arrives, Faelan is not alone, but accompanied by two other Mandalorians. While making introductions all around, Faelan introduces the Mando, taller and more heavily muscled than Faelan himself, in blue beskar'gam as his brother, Lorcan; and the female Mando in grey beskar'gam as their clanswoman, Raicheal. Where Raicheal says little beyond what basic politeness requires, her bearing and demeanor reserved as opposed rude or withdrawn, Lorcan is heartily gregarious and a vibrant contrast to his more stoic sibling and aloof clanswoman.
After explaining that he has asked his brother and clanswoman to join them in order to give B13S an opportunity to observe more than a single practitioner's use of Marev'akaa, as well as to aid in demonstrating techniques for handling hand to hand combat with multiple opponents, Faelan wastes no time in getting the day's instruction underway as he gathers from their previous interactions that B13S is, unsurprisingly, task oriented and more likely than not views conversation without a clearly defined agenda, such as leaning of facts or theories, as unnecessary or something to be endured. Having his brother and Raicheal as additional instructors also enables Faelan to avoid exerting himself to the degree he had the previous day in order to accommodate B13S' tirelessness, and he often has one or the other demonstrate moves or techniques while he speaks of theory or strategy.
When it comes time to spar, having the three Mandalorians enables B13S to observe first hand how different approaches to Marev'akaa can be employed; Faelan a more strategic fighter than his brother, who relies on his strength and brutality in addition to being willing to take one or more blows in order to land a devastating one of his own, with Raichel being an example of a fighter with no single defining attribute, as capable of employing speed, grace and strategy as she is of employing strength.
"Your friend is a kyramud, Lorcan cheerfully tells Faelan as he works the kinks from his shoulder after being thrown by B13S in the spar they have just completed prior to breaking for a while to allow the organics in the group a moment to catch their breath and rest their weary bones and muscles, but I think I would have had him in a moment if you hadn't . . ."
You wouldn't have, Raicheal opines as she walks towards the shade offered by a nearby tree, The fight was Bee's from start to finish.
"Well, we've taught him well then, haven't we," Lorcan says just as cheerily.
"We've taught him anyway, Faelan says, chuckling as he rubs at a dent in his buy'ce shaped like B13S' fist, and quips, Whether or not we've done well is for him to say."
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Ka'ra Ordo
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Post by Ka'ra Ordo on Mar 27, 2016 12:45:03 GMT -8
NCO brought his charges to the reserve, and bought them three hours in the reserve, and A'den the hunting rifle of his choice, though given his stature a sporting carbine might be easier for him to use, still whatever he chose to use, NCO could easily afford, so he would get it. The rest of his kit was functional, and fit him, but wasn't anything special. It was a durable, but relatively light weight plasteel cuirass and belt-spat, plus a basic helm, with a clear visor over the face. It didn't offer much protection for the boy's arms, but it also didn't restrict their movement any. It would serve for the day's hunt, they would be in the small predators area of the reserve for this hunt. Asharl Panthers, Borra, Duneclaws, juvenile Gundarks, and Manka cats were the most populous beings in the area they would start i;, though there were no containment fields in the reserve so anything could be stumbled upon, or inversely, stumble upon the hunting party.
NCO picked up a slug rifle that had become popular in recent years, due to it's lack chemical propellant and silencer, making hunts much easier against prey with keen noses and ears. He'd never used one before himself and took a few moments to familiarize himself with the weapon while his two guests sorted thier own kit and prepared themselves for the coming hunt. When he was finished he looked his two young companions over, a study in contrast to be sure. One an Aliit'alor already, the other an orphan, well not anymore, but he still had the uncertainty and desperation of an orphan. One a symbol of the mando'ade, young, intelligent, and resilient. The other a boy who should have been a man, but lacked the buire to teach him the craft of manhood or even how to be a mando'ade. Well, he had that now, and perhaps, by the end of the day, he'd have a solid friend in Ka'ra too. it would certainly do the lad some good, and her too perhaps, though in a different way and for different reasons. "Are you two ready?" A'den was nervous. He had never worn armor, or used a firearm of any kind. He had a knife, but rarely had to use it. He mostly relied on his speed and agility to outrun the merchants he stole from. This was all new, but felt right. A'deen looked at the Rifle in his hands. It felt alien, but also familiar. He looked at NCO.Ni cuy tsikala. "You're already looking like more of a vod, verd'ika," *Ka'ra encouraged the boy through her helmet's speakers. She wasn't very fond of these things, but to set an example for the young charge, she begrudgingly donned the final piece of armor. She held her DC-17m, configured to blaster rifle setting, prepared for the upcoming hunt. It was a weapon Cathaoir Ordo had granted her many years ago, a weapon she had taken care of and studied and mastered... and the only memento she had of her buir.
Turning her gaze toward Non-Com, she answered,* "The Mando'ade are always ready, vod," *prepared for whatever this hunt entailed. Granted, this was more for A'den's sake than it was hers, but she had found herself in the sudden position of being a mentor to the young charge, and she wasn't going to fail that job.* |
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Post by Non-Com Or'dinii on Mar 27, 2016 22:16:41 GMT -8
Excellent, then let's get going. A'den keep your eyes and ears open, but try to stay relaxed. Your body knows more than you realize at first, most call it instincts or your sub-conscious, or the force. No matter what you call it, when it talks, you'd better be listening. Let's see who can grab the first prize. Oya!
NCO moved through the large airlock that was more for containing the wildlife than sealing air in or out. He stepped into the light woods that stood immediately outside the doors, and moved cautiously through trees, scanning for signs of life. He'd turned his HUD off, it was a tad to efficient to make this any fun for him otherwise. He kept a visual tab on each of his charges, making sure neither got jumped by anything too nasty. Though that wasn't to say he'd warn them of any impending ambush. They had functional helms though A'den's HUD was a tad simplistic, since he was new to the HUD system, it was enough to keep him aware of his surroundings if used properly.
A few hundred meters in, NCO noticed a silhouette darting into cover, and smiled, it looked like first contact would be relatively early in the hunt. NCO didn't visibly react to the shadow, and continued moving at a steady pace, through the reserve, the forest growing a little denser here, with thicker undergrowth. A thick bed of decaying leaves and piles of moss, dampened the sound of their steps, and the steps of their prey. The shadow moved closer, it was to the groups left, and a little forward, on NCO's 10 o'clock, about fifty to sixty meters out, or so it seemed to him. NCO slowed his pace, but kept moving, and searching... there, the first shadow wasn't alone, but were they working together or competing?
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A'den'ade
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Post by A'den'ade on Mar 28, 2016 19:01:02 GMT -8
A'den followed NCO. He had never been on a hunt before. He mimicked his movements. It was weird to look at the world through his buy'ce and the HUD within. It was like looking through brand new eyes. A'den had never left Keldabe, so this preserve was indeed, a whole new world. He felt, nervously excited. He certainly didn't want to disappoint NCO or Kara. As NCO's pace slowed A'den began to feel more relaxed and confident. He also began to noticed things around him. The trees, the leaves and moss on the ground, and the unshakeable feeling that they were being watched. A'den couldn't see anything overtly watching them, but he could feel it. He brought his rifle up to his shoulder and looked down the sights, scanning the trees around him...
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Ka'ra Ordo
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Post by Ka'ra Ordo on Apr 19, 2016 19:49:22 GMT -8
*As far as Ka'ra was concerned, this was their hunt; she was merely here to observe, to teach in any way she could... and to learn herself. Adult and aliit'alor though she was, she knew she was far from done learning. Most of her exposure to Mando culture was from her home world of Ordo; she'd visited Manda'yaim a couple times, but not nearly enough to truly study the culture of the home of the Mando'ade. This was her opportunity, and she'd take it heartily.
Perhaps her advisers had the right idea after all.
And yet, as she watched the two ahead of her, she couldn't help but liken it to her own training under her buir, even before they'd realized their connection. It was... bittersweet, to say the least. But she had to dwell on the present, and prepare for the future; the past was behind her and there was little she could do about that now.*
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Non-Com Or'dinii
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Post by Non-Com Or'dinii on May 1, 2016 16:39:15 GMT -8
NCO's keen eyes had found signs of two creatures, though he couldn't identify either of them yet. He stayed alert, moving at a steady pace. In fact there were five beings in total, Manka cats, out to find a bit supper. One kept pace ahead of them, pausing to look back from time to time. The other four ranged where they pleased to either side and behind, eying the trailing member of the trio, Ka'ra, hoping to be able peel her away from the others. NCO saw from time to time a shadow moving to either side, but mostly he caught glimpses of the lead cat and tried to keep a bead on it. He guess that at least three animals were closing on them, but suspected more. As they came to a low ridge he lost track of the lead cat, and guessed that the attack was coming soon, so he began to keep an eye pointed past A'den to help make sure he didn't get overwhelmed in the ambush that was coming.
The four, slowly closed the distance between them and their prey, closing to 80 meters, holding for a time, then closing to about 20 meters, using the thickening undergrowth for cover. As they closed the cat farthest forward hunkered down in a shallow hallow, watching and waiting. The four sprang in unison, one charging in from the left at A'den, one pouncing on NCO from the right, and two converging on Ka'ra, one from the left, one from behind and to the right.
NCO saw the cat charging A'den, and waited to see how the ad'ika would react, which meant that the first he noticed of his own opponent was it crashing into his upper back, claws sliding over his armor plates, jaws clamping down on his gorget. NCO stumbled forward and turned his shoulder to body slam his opponent into the ground as he turned the forward momentum into a somersault, with his weapon held tightly to his chest. The maneuver allowed hi to rise, to his feet as his opponent did, and with three instinctive shots from the hip, dispatch the snarling creature. He glanced up to see how his two charges were doing. raising the rifle to his shoulder for better stability.
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A'den'ade
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Post by A'den'ade on May 2, 2016 6:33:55 GMT -8
A'den had to walk a little faster than he liked to try and keep up with NCO. A brief flash of movement to his left was all the warning he had to the ambush. As he brought his rifle to bear on the threat, the Manka Cat closed on him. It leaped toward him in a pounce. A'den pressed the trigger as the Manka descended on him. A'den was unsure if he struck the big cat. The cat hit its target. It knocked A'den to the ground. ending up on top of A'den. The weight of the beast pinned A'den to the gound. The cat was still, apparently dead. A'den's shot had struck its target as well. Unfortunately, he couldn't get the cat off of him.
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Ka'ra Ordo
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Post by Ka'ra Ordo on May 21, 2016 23:18:53 GMT -8
*With her mind now on the present, Ka'ra almost immediately picked up on the encroaching movement. Their first targets then, though she was sure they foolishly thought it was the other way around. Nevertheless, she kept her weapon held close, finger beside the trigger but ready to shift and pull should something jump out at her, and only her. The boy would only get her aid if whatever it was proved to be too much for him to handle, but then again, this being his first assignment...
The motion sensors in her HUD picked up slow movement on either side, stalking predators, preparing to pick their targets. Her finger twitched but she waited, preferring to have a target in sight before coming close to the trigger.
And then they burst forth from the brush. The closest and most visible target was to her left, so she spun, planted her feet, took aim, and fired a short burst of energy in an impressive span of time. As the creature fell, she checked her motion sensor just in time to see the blip just behind her. She turned and raised her weapon, but the beast was already upon her. As it drove her to the ground and she lost her rifle, she fumbled for her thigh with her right hand while her left attempted to keep the beast's jaws at bay.
The hand found her knife. She'd hoped for her ripper, but in the heat of the moment anything would do. She unsheathed it and drove it into the beast's neck, causing it to yowl in pain and retreat temporarily; apparently she hadn't aimed properly. She somersaulted backward, landing on her feet, this time unholstering the ripper and taking aim at the beast's skull. One, two shots, and it fell.
That taken care of, she turned towards her comrades, left hand going for the other ripper but pausing when it seemed they had already taken care of their own. With A'den unable to move under the one he'd slain. She exhaled, then grinned under her helmet as she lowered the ripper and holstered it. Good on him, then. She first retrieved her blaster, then went to the corpse of the second cat in order to retrieve her knife; that couldn't have been the end of it.*
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