And You Are?

[Rhen Ordo]

Belasco wasn’t a planet the Mandalorian had imagined he’d find himself on anytime soon. Nor did he ever think that the cause for doing so would be going on a blind date with a man he’d met over the HoloNet nonetheless. It wasn’t as if he was particularly new to the dating scene; at twenty-seven he’d had his fair share of both failed and successful relationships, but perhaps this would be the one to last. One never knew, after all.

If Belasco wasn’t a planet he imagined himself on, then the meeting place they’d chosen definitely was something uncharacteristic for him. It was an upscale restaurant to say the least, and just by looking you could tell that the only way anyone would ever manage to get inside was by making a reservation, and that such didn’t come cheap. Once he entered the establishment he was immediately escorted to a table, something he assumed had been prearranged by the one he was to meet, one [member="Doctor Zendu"]

For the agreed date, he supposed it was, the mercenary and bounty hunter both had cleaned up well, wearing a collared, white dress shirt under a grey suit jacket with black dress slacks and a matching pair of black dress shoes. It was more than he ever dressed up for any other situation, and he’d even shown up clean-shaven, something unusual for him but not uncommon.

The only thing about the entirety of it that struck him as odd was the fact that he would, figuratively at least, not have anything to concern himself with in the way of a battle situation, for once. It was a unique feeling, but one he decided he didn’t mind.

 

[Doctor Zendu]

Galactic mating rituals were fascinating, thought Robert Zendu as he crossed the room to meet his companion for the evening. The Cathar mated for life and generally never took another lover even if that mate happened to meet a fateful end. The Barabel had devised a system in which the nest eggs of two females were fertilized by two males, thereby ensuring that, the four individuals protected their offspring. Then there were the Hapan, whose females treated their male companions as little more than breeding instruments.

In an effort to cure his growing isolation from spending too much time in his office, the hard-working psychiatrist had arranged a blind date through the C.U.P.I.D. dating service. After spending an entire night carefully cross-referencing profiles, the Doctor found what he believed to be a sufficient match for him, minus the man's penchant for weapons, of course. However this was a facet the Doctor could forgive, especially with a profile picture that handsome. A few friendly messages of witty repartee later, Robert arranged a meeting for the two at his favorite restaurant a few blocks away from the glittering skytower in which he resided.

The closer he got to their table, the more out of the game Robert felt, and the lanky doctor approached the strapping younger man with less confidence than he would have liked. He hastily wiped his sweaty palms on his herringbone tweed suit with multiple pens in the front pocket, and with a toothy smile, held out a hand for Rhen to shake.

"Rhen, I presume? Nice to meet you. I'm Robert."

[member="Rhen Ordo"]

 

[Rhen Ordo]

His first instinct was to search for any weapons that may have been on his person, regardless of how likely that fact was. The second was to study him for any perceived or perceived weaknesses, the two coming more as habit from his line of work than anything. His last was to, finally, shake the man's hand in return after he stood, with a smile of his own. "It's nice to meet you as well." It was faintly odd for him to not greet him in Mando'a, but his accented Basic was certainly fluent.

With that he sat down once more, not so much self-conscious as to curious of what exactly Robert thought of him. Rhen knew the reputation of the Mandalorians varied greatly from who it was you asked, and what sector of the galaxy you happened to be in at the time. To some they were a highly skilled warrior people to be revered with the highest respect, to others no better than the dirt under their boots. But if it was the second opinion this man held, he did a good job of hiding it.

In an effort to make Robert feel more in his element he decided to pose a few questions about something he would have the answer to, not wanting to cause him to feel uneasy the entire night. "I understand you work in psychology. That must be a fascinating profession." He punctuated the statement with another smile, deciding that he wouldn't speak of his own jobs, if they could be called that, unless the man asked. Something told him that would only make him more nervous about how things would progress.

[member="Doctor Zendu"]

 

[Doctor Zendu]

Adjusting his jacket, Robert seated himself at their table. No weapons were obvious on the surface, although a bodily search would turn up the protection Robert often carried in the form of a syringe filled with strong animal tranquilizers and some light-weight, concealable stun cuffs.

As their Sullustan waiter appeared, the psychiatrist, in the flowing staccato language of Sullustese, ordered braised nerf with aged Cambrian wine. He lifted his eyes to Rhen with a wide smile, eager to talk about his passion. “I absolutely love my job. xenopsychiatry is such a satisfying career. I believe there are two kinds of people in this world, the diagnosed and the undiagnosed,” He chuckled at his own joke. “With so many species in the galaxy and such a wide variety of ways they intermingle with one another, there’s so much to learn. It never gets boring.”

A frown momentarily crossed Robert’s face. “Of course, xenopsychiatry as a medical study, isn’t widely accepted everywhere around the galaxy. There are some naysayers that call me a charlatan. But they’re probably just under-medicated." While he talked, the Doctor played with his napkin, absently folding it and refolding it in his lap.

Robert lifted his eyes to Rhen’s, searching them curiously. “So what is it that you do?”

[member="Rhen Ordo"]

 

[Rhen Ordo]

Ah, so he wouldn’t be able to completely dodge the question of what it was that he did for a living. It was something he’d expected to come up, but Rhen wouldn’t elaborate much in the way of specifics. His line of work wasn’t taken kindly to by many in the galaxy, save for those who took it up as well, along with his family among the other Mandalorians. Something told him that his speaking of it would be met with a sort of guarded curiosity on the other end.

But in light of leaving that particular question unanswered until they were more or less alone he ordered his own meal, roast shatual with a simple water, though in Basic. The only other language in his repertoire was Mando’a. Perhaps he’d have to test Robert’s knowledge of the language before the night was done. After all, he seemed the sort that would at the very least dabble in a number of alien tongues.

“That depends on who you’re asking. Among my people the proper words would be beroya and ver'verd, but to most of the galaxy I’m a bounty hunter and a mercenary. Like your xenopsychiatry, they aren’t all that widely accepted in certain parts of the galaxy, but most see it as a sort of necessary evil. Without those willing to take the decidedly more dangerous jobs, whether for credits or some other gain, life would be much more difficult for the other inhabitants of the galaxy.” He spoke of his work lightly, as if it were as ordinary a profession as psychiatry.

There was a momentary silence as Rhen paused to gauge his reaction before continuing. “There will always be the naysayers, certainly. But without them, I don’t believe that either of our professions would be quite as interesting.”

[member="Doctor Zendu"]

 

[Doctor Zendu]

Ah, so Rhen was a child of Mandalore. Doctor Zendu's Mando’a was rusty but, eager to impress his handsome date, he thought he'd give it a try. "Ni ganar cuyir at gar me'suum a kisol ca'nara bal bic b a mesh'la naritir." He raised his wine glass and put it against Rhen's water glass with a clink.

"I treat quite a few bounty hunters in my practice. That's all I'm really allowed to say about them, of course. My patients and I both sign very strict confidentiality agreements before they start treatment with me. I agree not to divulge any sensitive information, and they agree not to take any legal action against me if their treatment isn't satisfactory. It works very well for both parties." He took a sip of his wine, smiling almost giddily. "You must have some very interesting stories to tell."

The Doctor eyed Rhen's water glass and the thought crossed his mind that maybe he should pace himself with the alcohol, especially since his date wasn't drinking. "No wine tonight?"

[member="Rhen Ordo"]

 

[Rhen Ordo]

A small smile found its way to his lips both at the Mando'a that Robert spoke and his last question. It was odd for him to hear the language spoken by one who didn't belong to the Mandalorians, but he decided he didn't mind at all. If anything it was refreshing, to be able to speak and hear his words repeated in the same language. "Ibic cuyir ner sol'yc ca'nara olar, a teh meg Ni ganar haa'taylir bic b a mesh'la naritir." Pausing for a moment, he smiled again, though this one was decidedly more teasing in nature, almost coy. "Bal adate cuyir va dul dush ebin." It intrigued him that someone outside of his people had even a basic grasp of the language, though he supposed it wasn't entirely unusual, especially considering the variety of people he worked with on a daily basis.

"That depends entirely on your definition of interesting. There are certainly some that raise a few eyebrows, while others might be more engaging. It's a job not without surprises. But something tells me that you have a few tales of your own that could be just as intriguing as a typical day for me. Psychology isn't without its own merit." He took a drink of his water. "And if you're going to claim that it isn't, then I'm afraid I'll have to call your bluff."

He shrugged at the final question posed to him. "I don't really drink much, unless the ocassion calls for it. It's never really something that's ever appealed to me." Another smile. "And if I choose to, it's most certainly not wine. If I happen to be on Mandalore at the time, either tihaar or kri'gee. Should I find myself at any other locale, ne'tra gal. Otherwise, it's water for me." He paused for a moment, deciding to ask the question that had been on his mind since he first spoke Mandalorian. "If you don't mind my asking, how is it that you came to speak fluent Mando'a?"

[member="Doctor Zendu"]

 

[Doctor Zendu]

A slight blush came to Robert's cheeks as Rhen flirted with him in his native tongue. The man spoke his people's language beautifully, and quite frankly, the sound of it made the doctor's heartbeat quicken.

"I learned many languages here at the University in the capital of Belasco. Admittedly I had a private language tutor for the trickier tongues, like Cheunh. Many people consider language implants these days and while I have nothing against them, you learn much more about the culture if you learn the language the traditional way. Fluency in different tongues has widened my pool of patients considerably, too, and well, the extra income doesn't hurt."

Robert finished off his glass and promptly ordered another. The man liked his wine. He titled his head at the Mando inquisitively. "So tell me, Rhen. What made you create a profile on C.U.P.I.D?"

[member="Rhen Ordo"]

 

[Rhen Ordo]

Years of mercenary work had garnered the ability to detect even subtle changes in another's demeanor, and it was something Rhen put into use almost subconsciously. So at Robert's reaction to his speaking Mando'a he only smiled secretly but remained silent about it, deeming to answer his other question. "Curiosity, really. That's all there is to it. But, all in all, I'd say things worked out quite well. Especially considering I was able to meet someone who happens to speak Mando'a, as well. It was a nice surprise."

"Forgive me for thinking ahead perhaps too far, but I think that, if you're willing, you might have a chance to return to Manda'yaim sometime soon. And you did say you were interested in other cultures, so it would be a start. I've been told there's no other people quite like the Mandalorians anywhere in the galaxy, but I could be overstepping my bounds, as someone who doesn't have much of an insight into how too many other cultures function as a whole. I think you'd be surprised in regard to some things, but perhaps I'm wrong. Have you heard of the Bes'uliik?" There was a slim chance he hadn't heard of the war droid infamous for its use among the Mandalorians, but he thought he'd ask regardless.

It was nice for him to feel relaxed around someone who wasn't one of the Mandalorians for a change, and it was a feeling he decided he didn't mind, however odd it was.

[member="Doctor Zendu"]

 

[Doctor Zendu]

Robert's finger played lightly around the rim of his wine glass as he listened to Rhen talk of them taking a trip to Mandalore. Rhen's emotions were unreadable, but the doctor thought it was safe to take the man's hint as a good sign that the date was going well.

Rhen was quite different than most of the people Robert had dated at University. His past lovers were pale, thin, pendantic types, much like himself, who spent their free time with their noses in books. Not tanned, athletic bounty hunters. Dangerously handsome ones. But perhaps the Mandalorian wasn't as out of his league as he thought. He wasn't one to try and rush things though, especially with being out of practice in the game of romance.

"The Bes'uliik? Isn't that a type of ship? I'm afraid I haven't cultivated much knowledge of space crafts." Robert interlaced his fingers in front of him on the table and made a mental note to consult some Holos on the subject later on.

"Why do you ask?" Robert inquired with a big toothy grin.

[member="Rhen Ordo"]

 

[Rhen Ordo]

"The Bes'uliik is a ship, yes, but the one I'm referring to is the war droid of the same name. It's gained its own place among the ranks of the Mandalorians, and is as much a symbol of our people as the mythosaur skull. The Mandalorians used to ride them into battle, and continue to do so today. I'm not privy to that knowledge, but I think you would find it informative at the very least." Rhen was curious as to how far Robert's knowledge of his people extended, but he knew there was most likely more he wished to talk about than just his own people.

As for his own dating past, he hadn't ventured much past the realms of his own people, whether they were human or alien in nature. It was for want of trying just as much as it was the fact that he wasn't a person to do many things, if any, casually. That was as much due to his upbringing as it was the fact that he'd learned throughout the years that if one was going to go to the trouble to accomplish any task, then it should be something worthwhile. And this attitude carried over into his personal life just as much as it did in his military career. But despite all of this, he'd never quite imagined that he'd end up in a restaurant on Belasco. But, all things considered, he couldn't complain much.

"And, should we wind up on Mandalore anytime soon, you'll have to meet the aliit." He paused for a moment, studying the other man with a small smile. "I apologize, I feel as if I'm not doing well in the way of giving you a chance to speak."

He made a note to inquire after his aliit once he returned to Mandalore, if he was going to have Robert visit. It wasn't as if he was concerned about their reaction to the relationship, but he knew that they would be curious about the other man, to say the least. Things such as this were rarely private among the Mandalorians for very long, if at all.

[member="Doctor Zendu"]

 

[Doctor Zendu]

Folding his hands on his laps so he could pace out his liquor, Robert carefully listened to his date talk of his war droids. "Ah yes, the war basiliks. Right, right. I have to admit I'm not well-versed in the subject of military equipment. My knowledge of most cultures is more sociological, you see. I'm sure they are beautiful specimens of Mandalorian engineering, though. I hope that's a subject that doesn't bore you."

When Rhen expressed how he felt about doing all the talking, Robert shook his head and put his thin hands out in front of him, almost knocking over his glass of wine and then steadying the glass meticulously. "Oh, I love listening to people and their stories. That's why I make such a good psychiatrist." As he spoke, he unconsciously rearranged his silverware so that each piece was perfectly parallel to the other.

"I would be fascinated to meet your clan, Rhen. If we find ourselves on Mandalore, that is." Robert felt an awkward silence hanging in the air, so he generously filled it with another question.

"So what made you decide to become a bounty hunter?"

[member="Rhen Ordo"]

 

[Rhen Ordo]

That was a question that gave Rhen pause for two reasons. One, because he never really talked about that part of his life even among the other Mandalorians, and two, because it wasn't something he devoted much time to thinking about himself. But it would be rude to leave it unanswered, so after another moment of deliberation he finally spoke. "That's a bit of a loaded question. It was more so because my buir began teaching me in the art than anything, but I was and am a mercenary first and a bounty hunter second. The two have close ties, but I've always preferred working as a mercenary rather than a beroya."

Now it was his turn to ask a question in return, one he was sure would have an interesting story behind it, whether Robert believed it himself or not. "To ask you a question along the same vein, what prompted you to begin studying psychiatry? There are plenty of interesting medical fields, so it can't have been a spur of the moment decision."

Once more a smile turned up the corners of his mouth, something he found he'd been in lack of lately. "I think they'll be just as interested in meeting you, should they get the chance. If sociology interests you, then it would definitely be worth your while."

It was then that their food was delivered, and he quietly thanked their waiter with another smile and a polite nod, slightly surprised that they'd had shatual in the first place. It wasn't that it was a meal to be found strictly on Mandalore per se, but it was something typically specific to their culture, and he'd ordered it out of nostalgia for his home planet more than anything else.

[member="Doctor Zendu"]

 

[Doctor Zendu]

Robert really liked the sound of Rhen speaking Mando'a and the distracting way it rolled off the man's tongue. When the wait staff finally brought their food, he realized he was too flustered to eat. He pushed his food around on his plate, hoping Rhen wouldn't notice his lack of appetite. Then Robert's mouth tightened. "You have a very dangerous profession, Rhen. In my experience your profession usually attracts sociopaths. Impulsive. Controlling. Lacking remorse." The doctor levelled his large brown eyes at Rhen.

"But I have to say, you seem nothing like that. From my first impression anyway." Robert grinned and finally took a bite of his braised nerf.

"As for my own studies, I'm simply fascinated by the human condition. And the near-human and alien condition, of course. As a child, I was intensely curious about what made people tick. My mother is a doctor and my father is lawyer so both were supportive of my career choice. There is so much we don't know about the field and so many new experimental treatments being explored. I pride myself on being on the very bleeding edge of the field."

"So back to meeting your clan members. Am I safe to assume then there's a trip to Mandalore in our futures?" He raised his eyebrow and gently laid his hand on Rhen's arm.

[member="Rhen Ordo"]

 

[Rhen Ordo]

Although Rhen had no doubt that both of his professions attracted people in a variety of mental states, he was certain that those of his and his fellow vode were plenty sound. "I'm certain that my line of work does attract people of questionable frames of mind, but I can assure you that those of the Mando'ade are sound enough. Because along with attracting sociopaths as you said, mercenary work also garners the interest of another, completely different type of people: the Mandalorians." He wasn't trying to boast; far from it. But pride in his people was something he took to heart.

At Robert's touch he only smiled and gently laid his hand on top of that of the other man. "If you'd like, that is. I'm certain they'll be plenty hospitable, and even more curious. It probably won't be just the aliit you'll be meeting either. Everyone, more or less, will be there, perhaps even the Mand'alor." He was surprised at how quickly Robert had jumped on board with the idea. Many were more reluctant, if only due to fear of the unknown. But, with the man's study of other cultures, he supposed that was nothing to be too astonished about.

Finally he took a bite of roast shatual. "I suppose, to elaborate on my reasons for taking up bounty hunting, you could say my interests were more focused to the military while yours were to psychiatry. Though a certain degree of knowledge into how others think is necessary, it isn't anything like the information you've gained over the years, I'm sure. More of the rudimentary basics, if that."

[member="Doctor Zendu"]

 

[Doctor Zendu]

"Ah yes, aren't you trained with weapons at a very young age? I can't imagine what playing hide and seek with Mandalorian children was like." Robert grinned and let out a low chuckle. "And if you are a sociopath, Rhen, that would mean that I attract sociopaths. So what would that say about me?" He suddenly realized that he was being too presumptuous and bit his lip, glancing nonchalantly down at his food.

Or maybe not. When Rhen's hand covered his, he felt his pulse quicken. Relieved that the feelings were mutual, he grinned and slowly turned his hand over so that he could lightly caress the Mandalorian's palm. Not so much as to be too forward though.

The prospect of meeting the Manda'lor was a bit intimidating, but Robert's curiosity was piqued. If they continued down this road, it would be interesting to get a peek behind the curtain of their culture. Plus, it would give him an excuse to spend more time with Rhen.

"I would very much like to hear more about your military interests. Believe me I do find it interesting. Especially since I'm currently treating a patient with post traumatic stress syndrome." He figured if he didn't tell Rhen the man's name or faction, he'd still be upholding patient confidentiality.

"If you're curious, my home office is right down the street. I live in that sky tower over there." Robert pointed a thin finger out the window of the restaurant, where a glittering luxury high-rise could be seen. "Would you like to come my place after dinner. For drinks? Or tea?"

[member="Rhen Ordo"]

 

[Rhen Ordo]

Maybe he knew more of the Mandalorian culture than Rhen had thought, but it was certainly a pleasant surprise. "The verd'goten begins at eight years old, yes. It's a rite of passage, to put it in the simplest terms, and once it ends at thirteen you're considered a legal adult and are treated as such by the vode. But it only serves to make hide-and-seek, as you put it, all the more interesting. Without that we wouldn't be the warrior people many in the galaxy seem to either fear or revere, sometimes both at once."

Post-traumatic stress wasn't something he'd experienced personally, but it was something he could empathize with, having known many who had to deal with such on a daily basis. "If you have any questions in regards to the more militaristic side of things, feel free to ask them. I'll do my best to answer anything within my knowledge base."

As he pointed Rhen followed the line of his hand to the sky tower, studying the high-rising building for a moment before looking to Robert with a smile. "If you'd like to, I'd be comfortable with the prospect. Especially considering I'll be dragging you off to Manda'yaim eventually, so it's only fair. Although I'm sure your sky tower is far more quiet and relaxing than a typical day spent among the Mandalorians."

[member="Doctor Zendu"]

 

[Doctor Zendu]

When Rhen agreed to come back to his place, Robert had to stop himself from signaling the waiter with a "check, please." But the two men weren't even finished with dinner. Instead the doctor finished off his glass of wine in the hopes that it might help him mellow out. He didn't want to seem too eager.

"I'm looking very forward to that trip to Mandalor now." He chuckled coyly and then switched the subject to his residence.

"Yes, my duplex is outfitted with special lighting and furniture which as been proven to put people at ease. I find that when my patients are comfortable, they are more candid. My apartment itself also has its fair share of relaxing decor, like a massage chair. Among other things."

Robert shook his head in affirmation. "I'm glad you're comfortable with the idea of accompanying me there tonight. Especially since we just met. I promise that I'm not a homicidal maniac. Although I'm sure if I were..." He gave Rhen's body the once-over. "You'd be able to handle me."

Robert had hardly touched his food, but at this point eating more was out of the question. He raised his brown eyes to Rhen's, with a tight-lipped smile.

"Would you like some desert?"

[member="Rhen Ordo"]

 

[Rhen Ordo]

A crooked grin was all that Rhen could manage as Robert’s eyes traveled over his body, though he remained silent as he listened to the description of his office and apartment. Though no stranger to a permanent place of residence, he found himself living a more nomadic lifestyle than anything, which was in part due to the nature of his professions. They simply didn’t allow one time to establish a concrete home on more than one planet, and said planet was more often than not the one they were born on. Which was, for him, Mandalore.

“I’m no stranger to people trying to kill me, I must admit. But, unfortunately so, most of them aren’t kind enough to buy me dinner first. So that would be a start, and a nice change.” He smiled. “Though I would do my best to disarm you without injury to either of us. One of the benefits of early military training is that, figuratively, we’re always prepared for such situations. In the perfect world, at least.”

In answer to his final question the Mandalorian paused for a moment before speaking, choosing each word carefully. “Gar cuyir katagine luubid par ni.” Sure, he may have been overstepping his bounds, but he wasn’t one to be overly covert about things when it made more sense to just come out and say them.

And a part of it was the simple feeling of being able to speak his native language with trust that he would be understood by the other individual, if not have his words reciprocated in the same tongue.

[member="Doctor Zendu"]

 

[Doctor Zendu]

"I think you'd disarm me alright," Robert declared, nodding his head knowingly. Then he laughed." Seriously though, it's comforting to know that I'm in your strong, capable hands should someone try to cause us any trouble tonight. Not likely in a well-heeled neighborhood such as this, but you never know. The only attackers I've ever had to fight off were deranged patients with a bone to pick, but those are few and far between. I occasionally have patients who become inappropriately attached to me as well. That's a hazard in my field. I generally keep strong sedatives on my person in case someone crosses a line."

At Rhen's playful comment in his native tongue, the doctor grinned from ear to ear and blushed again, casting a glance down at his plate. He gave the Mandalorian's hand a gentle squeeze. Inhaling deeply, he absently ran his fingers through his hair, his eyes looking squarely into Rhen's. "Don't let my full plate fool you. I eat like a bird, so this is probably it for me. But don't rush on my account. Plus..." He paused, searching his brain for the correct phrasing.

"Ni kapr cuyir bruk yamika par er atiu bat ka'ouharyr." With another grin he added. "Shall we get the check?"

[member="Rhen Ordo"]