Good Morning Mandalore: Every Day Is An Open Door

[Gray Raxis]

The hangar of the Gossamer was busy as Gray's shuttle landed. No action other than coming to land had been taken or even hinted at along the way. Trickery and conflict was not what this whole meeting was about for him. He did expect some of the former though going off of what little he had heard of [member="Jorus Merrill"] rep. The man was infamous in the galaxy after all. The main problem came when Key got the shuttle docked and Gray was heading to the ramp to leave. A message came over the entire ship announcing they were about to jump into hyperspace. That was exactly what you wanted to hear in the middle of potentially hostile territory. Key beeped at Gray in a panic. He just said as he made sure his armor was ready for any surprises, " Stop worrying. If anything happens we can just take the ship. Now are you coming or would you rather be left alone?" The droid didn't need to be asked twice and quickly caught up with it's master.

Gray was blind, but thanks to the force he was able to perceive his surroundings as he left the shuttle. He could see [member="Tryp West"] fluttering around like a little bird as [member="Itash Mecetti"] commanded his crew. Gray didn't know either of them, but he had enough experience on ships to tell what their roles were immediately. What the crew of the ship thought of him stepping out wearing his dark blue and gray colored Mandalorian styled armor with the Raxis wolf on it was beyond him, but he imagined it might be a little surprising given the situation. All he had on him was a single WESTAR 35 pistol on his right hip and the hilt containing Whisper next to it. The strangest part of his appearance was probably the fact a Mandalorian was carrying a lightsaber on him. More nervous beeps came from Key not far behind him.

" Don't worry Key. No one here wants to take you apart for scrap. Well accept maybe those jawas eyeing you from over there." Gray replied as he pointed in a random direction. The little droid began to panic as it furiously scanned the area he had suggested. This got a laugh out of him which was soon followed by, " I'm joking. This is a peaceful chat.... Hopefully." Now he just needed to find this Jorus. He had a mission on his hands and he was determined to see it through to the end.

[member="Kaia Starchaser"] [member="Kaden Mantis"] [member="Shia Kryze"] [member="Kresh Danner"] [member="Yasha Mantis"]

 

[Jorus Merrill]

[member="Amaya Cardei"]

"Thanks very much, Lady Cardei. Stay safe down there, and say hi to your Dad for me."

As the Gossamer and its flotilla entered hyperspace, tension drained from Jorus' shoulders. This right here was home.

"Adurak, you have the bridge. I'm going to go chat with our guest."

Instinctive navigation wasn't just for hyperspace tricks. He met [member="Gray Raxis"] in the ship's narrow midsection, near a ventral docking port. A broad window filled the room with blue light.

"What brings you, Raxis?"

 

[Julius Sedaire]

He wasn't the strong and silent type usually, but Jorus was the better for this. His in-laws, as he thought of Keira's people, were straight up showing their ass an looking a gift horse in the mouth. While in his estimation only half a mandalorian, he knew enough of the culture to know that was hardly proper polite behavior to threaten someone bringing you aid. There just wasn't any justification that he knew of other than being exceedingly grumpy. Or maybe constipation. But he shook his head from under the blue green helmet with t-visor, and made sure his jed-cred hung square on the diamond of his breastplate. His wife had insisted he know how to be as one of them, and it felt symbolically pertinent to wear it. But he stilled displayed the 'cred and twin lightsabers proudly.

As Jorus peeled off to meet someone, Julius followed him, hand hovering near the hilts on his hip, looking every inch the guardian he was for once. Not quite ready to lose his friend again.

[member="Gray Raxis"] | [member="Jorus Merrill"]

 

[Gray Raxis]

No directions were asked as Gray walked through the ship. Bad idea? Yes, but only if you weren't Gray. No what he did was follow the feelings through the force guiding him. It was something he found himself doing since he had lost the use of his eyes. The force could let him perceive much and helped to make up for his blindness, but it wasn't perfect. There was still many things beyond him without natural sight. So he let his instincts guide his steps. It had become second nature for him by now to do so, and it seemed it had led him to [member="Jorus Merrill"] this time around. Odd how they met each other like this. It was not a coincident.

Key began to beep at Gray about where they found themselves. A narrow midsection near a ventral docking port. Not a good spot to be. He just said, " I know Key. It will be alright." The little astromech did to a degree but continued to look around nervously and scan things. It feared for it's master more than itself. Gray knew he was in a bad spot already, but he planned to make it worse. He took off his helmet and held it on his right side. If he wanted to use either of the weapons there he would need to drop the helmet or reach across his entire torso to use his left hand. It was a clear disadvantage for him, but that was the point. His head now free revealed the gray scarf covered in Mandalorian symbol across his eyes. It should be obvious how blind he was now to the other man. He put himself in the worst possible position if the other decided to vent him out into space or attack. Hopefully it wouldn't have to come down to either of those things and this was his way of showing he didn't.

Facing Jorus, Gray said, " The Manda brings me. I wanted to have a chat with you and work out a deal. Something you might be interested in?" It was now in the other man's court again. If Jorus didn't want to talk then Gray planned to just leave as soon as they left hyperspace. No foul play. No trickery. But if that was true then this would end up being a wasted trip. He was betting that the other side might be curious enough to hear him out though. Course being suddenly vented into space or shot through the head was also an option.

[member="Julius Sedaire"]

 

[Jorus Merrill]

[member="Julius Sedaire"] [member="Gray Raxis"]

Jorus glanced back at Julius as Raxis revealed his blindness. Between that and the lightsaber and the armor, Raxis was certainly a trained Forcer - a rarity among Mandos these days. Not someone Jorus could fight, not with all these bandages and the half-healed injuries underneath. If things got rough, Julius would need to take point. Corellian solidarity.

"Speak your piece. Can't imagine a man like you has his pick of friends in Mandoland these days, so I'm not about to cut you loose on general principle."

 

[Julius Sedaire]

Here he stepped forward at sighting Gray, and took an obviously protective stance, eyeing the other closely. Making obvious and grand gestures to assure he showed he meant no harm. This one wasn't blustering. Not at the moment. Julius had a danger sense that could out o almot everyone, and he felt no threat. So he merely waited, his only movement to be to step into an obviously protective stance just behind and to the left of Jorus, and then clasp both hands behind his back and rest. The movement was slow, and obvious. For the moment, he would returned the gesture the other made. He was more than fast enough to respond adequately if need be. A quick folding of space could put him between Jorus and anything, and the armor meant he could live through most things. Trust it, his wife had said. And so he was.

[member="Jorus Merrill"] | [member="Gray Raxis"]

 

[Gray Raxis]

Another man had shown up and so far not said a thing. Well that was interesting. Gray mostly ignored it outside of turning his attention to the newcomer for a moment to let them know he was acknowledging him. The main point of this was to speak with [member="Jorus Merrill"] though so his attention was focused on him. Seemed too that the ship captain was willing to hear him out. Good sign for now. Hopefully there wouldn't be some kind of over the top battle with plasma being slung and shot all over the place today.

Gray said to Jorus in a calm tone of voice, " Regardless of what my people think of me, I'm Mandalorian. Means I will do what is best for Mandalore even if it doesn't make me popular. And right now I'm here about this [member="Malika Mantis"] that young [member="Yasha Mantis"] wanted returned. Do you have her?" Time to find out where things went from here. He had no idea what had gone on between the Outer Rim Coalition and the Mandalorians but a young woman wanted her aunt returned to her. That was what he would worry about right now and from there just deal with what came. He didn't know if they had her or not, but it never hurt to ask.

[member="Julius Sedaire"]

 

[Jorus Merrill]

Jorus offered [member="Gray Raxis"] a flat stare.

"I only lie to Sith and customs inspectors. What I said was true: that name's new to me. I don't know if we have her. We've got a few Mando prisoners and not all of'em gave their names. Might be she's one of'em, might be she's dead. Those prisoners attacked a city and they're going away for a whack of crimes, up to and including murder. If she's in cuffs, like feth does she get special treatment for being related to someone shiny and pissed. A murderer's a murderer. A dick is a dick."

 

[Julius Sedaire]

Watching the interplay, Julius reached up and pulled his helmet off, clipping it to his belt. Most would know the face by now, if they knew much of Corellia. He had made a nuisance of himself when the One Sith collapsed. And during the revival after. He nodded to Gray and Jorus. Then cleared his throat to speak.

"If I may... The tenets and traditions even allow for such holding and treatment, vod. I am new to the culture, through my wife... Trying to learn of her people. But this woman committed possible atrocities. If the people wish her return, they have the burden of proof on them for her innocence. It is that, or to demand a trial by combat or scorch every chance of diplomacy and wage open war. Which they are frankly not in the shape for the first strike they made. And less so after. I know Jorus here, you do as well it seems. There is no doubt in my mind she will be treated humanely and fairly, and given a just trial and sentence in line with any convicted crimes... He will see to it, I am sure."

Here he nodded again, practically biting his tongue to keep the snark in check. He had been this way once, calm and measured. He must be so again. Corellia, and his family, needed him to.

[member="Gray Raxis"] | [member="Jorus Merrill"]

 

[Yasha Cadera]

[member="Shia Kryze"] responded in typical Mando fashion and all in all, the Mandalorians were receiving the gifts in a fairly docile and near peaceful fashion. No one was shooting at the shuttles, no one had called anyone a coward, and the Sherriff and his people hadn’t been tossed aside.

A better result would not have been achievable.

When [member="Gray Raxis"] used the opportunity to bring supplies to the Mando’ade, Yasha knew the people would, by the end of today, know that Ra Vizsla was gone. How could they not, if Mand’alor the Undying didn’t show his face at such an outrageously visceral event, he must have truly been gone. She stared at the throne… was this going to force her moment?

[member="Jorus Merrill"] must have had intel from… whom, precisely? [member="Malika Mantis"]? This could very well be the moment where Yasha would have to expedite her own plans. If only she could be like the Rekali’s and play with time. That was all forgotten the moment she got the comm from Gray.

“Gray, what are you doing?” Yasha transmitted to the Alor of Clan Raxis. “Don’t push me, Gray… what are you on about? Gray… Gray do not get off that shuttle! Turn around!”

When he didn’t answer right away, Yasha looked to [member="Kaden Mantis"]. “Gray!? Gray! Gray!! Track that Raxis shuttle!”

“I’m sorry, Ma’am… he’s on board Captain Merrill’s ship. We’ve lost him.”

“No… no, no, no!” Deflating and pacing in place, Yasha re-opened a private channel to [member="Jorus Merrill"]. “Captain Merrill… it has come to my attention that Alor Raxis has approached you. Gray Raxis is a man on a mission of mercy, much like yourself. Let him go. Let him walk off that ship.”

A Cuir Rekr speaking to a Force Using Mandalorian with kindness? Yasha shut her eyes, an action which could not be seen through her buy’ce, and prayed that the Manda would let Gray get off Merrill’s ship unharmed. With her aunt and father gone, as confusing as it was Gray was the last wise influence the girl had. If she lost Gray, Yasha lost not only her voice of reason, but the pulse of Mandalore itself.

The young woman had no knowledge of anyone with such faith and strength in the Resol’nare than Gray Raxis. At this point, Yasha had so few humanizing influences left she couldn’t afford to lose Malika, Ra, Preliat and Gray. Her voice remained level as she spoke, the same tone as a commander speaking to an equal.

“You made your point, Merrill, you gave us aide, my people have supplies, you win the best enemy ever prize, this Mando’ad has done nothing to you. He wasn’t on Utapau… release him.”

 

[Jorus Merrill]

[member="Yasha Mantis"]

On the bridge of the Gossamer, in hyperspace, a scarred Arcona leaned toward the comm pickup.

"This is Comms Officer Adurak," he gronked. "Captain Merrill's not here. Meeting with Raxis in good faith. You live in strange world, human. Not how things work on a good ship. Raxis came free. He'll leave free if he starts nothing. Simple simple." The Arcona snorted and reached for the comms toggle. "Barbarians."

 

[Gray Raxis]

" You are about that, and you sure made a good showing of being one yourself there Jorus." Gray replied to the other man's words. It was definitely going to be one of those situations after listening to the two of them speak. Everyone wanted the high ground, but they were in space right now. It was meaningless to try to claim any direction since everyone's was different. He turned and listened to what [member="Julius Sedaire"] had to say then turned his attention right back to [member="Jorus Merrill"] . " The problem here is that they are all prisoners of war. You saw you want justice? Done. Hand them over to us and we will punish them. If the situation was the other way around I am sure you would want the same thing, so why don't we show each other a little respect here instead of blasting a message over every channel showing how generous you are after showing up without a single word of warning? That is unless you want to start a full on war but don't want to appear to be the one in the wrong. You have seen battle so you know as well as I do that the moment we start bickering about it that it won't be who is right but rather who is less wrong. And that argument will last until the first one dies."

These two felt pretty secure in their position. Gray could tell that and he would admit they should. But just because that was how they felt didn't mean any of this was right or that they were less wrong. Perspectives were tricky things after all and he would rather avoid that blackhole before they all got sucked into it. He went on, " You are related to a young woman named Mara right? I met her on Ilum once before. We both know what happened there and can agree it was pointless slaughter. I tried to work out a deal with her and had one that benefited both sides at great personal expense. The one in charge of the Mandalorians felt pretty secure in his position sort of like how I'm sure you feel now. He felt he had the upperhand and completely declined. I walked away after that and the tragedy occurred. Is that what you want to do here as well Jorus? Will you allow your ego to lead to a worse situation for the both of us or are you willing to swallow some of that pride to make a deal that will benefit both of us? I am and that is why I'm here right now. How about you?" With that it was back on him. Sure Gray had gotten a little preachy there but it was only fair after all the grandstanding this man had been doing since showing up.

[member="Yasha Mantis"]

 

[Jorus Merrill]

[member="Gray Raxis"] [member="Julius Sedaire"]

"You didn't seriously just compare me to the commander of the Ilum Enclave massacre because I won't give criminals back to the people who sent them. I'm not here to play fun little games with moral relativism. Get off my ship, Raxis."

Jorus turned and limped away. He pulled out a comlink.

"Adurak, drop out of hyperspace. Captain Raxis is leaving us. It won't take long."

 

[Shia Kryze]

Shia listened to the comm traffic with cold, detached interest.

It seemed, the Outer Rim wasn't going to be a happening place these days. Or rather, it would be exceptionally happening.

"Guns? Bring all batteries off line and stow for transit, shield generators to hyperspace. Navigation, get me a direct course for..." Shia called up a map, scrolling across it idly. "... oh, hold that thought and give me a route down to ORC space. Plot it and load it."

She settled back to continue her logistics work. People were still playing games with one another, but if they got out of hand, Shia was willing to make the point that her patience only went so far with non-Mandalorian ideals of 'justice', which were ridiculous as they were contrived. But she very much suspected she wouldn't need to today.

"Ooooh. Auto-formers. Tell those folks on Concord Dawn we've got something we don't need they do for all that food. Redirect those three shuttles to a high orbit dock for security checks and decontamination, then... what do I look like, a logistics officer?" She did, actually, at the moment. "... load it aboard the... Uh. Golden Dawn. Tell the captain we'll pay double for a rapid turn around."

She rubbed her eyes.

"And someone remind me to thank everyone who ever said I should lead this chit."

 

[Gray Raxis]

As [member="Jorus Merrill"] began to limp away, Gray said, " Right now you look exactly like him to me. You choose to walk away instead of speak out of a sense of pride. Call me what you will. Say what you want about me. But at the end which one of us sent a message ahead and walked straight into less than friendly territory to make a deal? It is easy to play the bigger man when you are sitting in your ship talking over coms. Or is this all you are? A coward who likes to play games of being the bigger man when it suits him?" Insulting? Definitely, but that was the point. This man had insulted Gray's people with such disrespect and then continued to play his little game even when Gray had come to him in good faith. Was this all there was to a man who supposedly had honor? If so then he didn't deserve a single word of it if he couldn't even take a chance for some peace when his people needed it most.

Gray just stood there as he waited for Jorus to give him an answer. Silence, words, action. It didn't matter what the man did it would be a response. This whole thing was designed to make the Mandalorians look bad and insight unrest. The only one though looking bad right now to Gray was Jorus and Jorus alone. Say what you would about the Mandalorians or those aboard this vessel at least they were doing their parts. Jorus was acting out of self interest and pride.

 

[Jorus Merrill]

[member="Gray Raxis"] received no answer; Jorus didn't particularly care about getting the last word, not with so many other things to do. He didn't even stop walking, just let Raxis' voice follow him through the Gossamer's corridors. [member="Julius Sedaire"] would see to it that Raxis got to his ship safely and promptly.

"Talk to me, Adurak."

His comlink futzed. "Cuir Rekr begging for Raxis' release. Told them the usual."

"Yeah, that pretty much covers it. He hasn't started anything. Told him to leave, Sedaire's on it." Jorus got into a turbolift and sagged against the wall. Feth, how long had it been since he took the painkillers? "Anything on long-range?"

The Gossamer had a Silkworm package and a lot of other specialized hyperspace gear. Pursuit would get logged.

"No consequences in the rearview, Captain."

"Thanks. I'll be up in a bit."

 

[Gray Raxis]

Seemed that [member="Jorus Merrill"] had given his answer and it was disappointing. You might expect more from someone who would bring relief aid, but in the end he was just playing a game. Gray fitted his helmet back onto his head and said to [member="Julius Sedaire"] , " I found my way here. I can find my way back. You have my word I won't do more than I did showing up. I suggest you go make sure he is okay. Not good to be this active right after being injured in battle." With that, Gray motioned for his little droid to follow him. He just did much as he had before and followed the force back to his shuttle. A rather disappointing trip but it could have been worse. At least no one had started shooting at someone else.

Back in the hangar, Gray stopped. His head didn't move but he was getting a sense of the place. Anxious. These people were nervous. His own people no doubt were the same. This was the kind of situation were you found two people holding guns at each other while they talked. That was not right. The two sides should always be able to speak with one another with some level of respect and free of fear of immediate retaliation. Too bad that didn't happen here today. He sighed under his helmet then continued back onto his shuttle. All he could do now was wait for them to leave hyperspace so he could leave.

 

[Jorus Merrill]

Coalition fighters kept [member="Gray Raxis"] in sight throughout his exit from the ship. Sedaire offered no reply but a snort. A few minutes later, the Gossamer dropped out of hyperspace for the thirty seconds necessary to jettison Gray's ship. The huge freighter returned to hyperspace and continued on its way.

Exeunt.

 

[Talia]

[member="Jorus Merrill"]

Somewhere else~

Talia choked on her mouthful of tihaar as the holonews report played back Merrill's speech. Eyes watered and her throat burned as she coughed violently, before rewinding it to listen again. Shock become amusement as her laughter filled the empty cockpit of her shuttle.

She deactivated the hyperdrive, lines returning to stars before composing a message.

​

From someone who has friends on Manda'yaim, thank you for your relief effort.​

​

From someone who has enemies on Manda'yaim, thank you for highlighting the leaderships true colours.​

​

Lets talk.​

​

T. Fett​

 

[Gray Raxis]

Seemed they really didn't want Gray on their ship all that long because they had Key getting the ship lifted up and ready to exit before hyperspace was even left. The moment they were clear the droid got the shuttle out and a safe distance away before the Gossamer took off again into hyperspace. He had no idea where it was headed and didn't care to find out. It was not his business and he was no spy trying to squeeze out information from every nut and pebble in the galaxy. With them now clear, Key had to sort out exactly where they were at to make sure they could make it back to Mandalore. He might not be welcome there currently but it was still his sacred home world and needed help. He would play his part even if it meant risking the "cure" or worse.

As the little astromech sorted things out, Gray got on the com system. He should probably say something to [member="Yasha Mantis"] just to keep her informed. " This is Gray. Left Jorus' ship and heading back to Mandalore now." With that he ended the message. He needed to think through what he needed to do next. His mission wasn't over yet as far as he was concerned. The folk back home were already too busy dealing with other matters so it was really up to him to see to the prisoners. Such a standard thing to exchange prisoners or let people return home, but he got a feeling this was just going to get more messy. That was a problem for tomorrow though. Today's problem was how Yasha was going to react if she reacted at all.