Private Guns of Patriots

[Noah Corek]

Noah Corek considered himself an authority on a great many things such as galactic military history, good liquor and food, women and slugthrower weaponry. Many who knew him agreed with his assessment about history and weapons, owing to his doctorate in Galactic Military History from Coruscant Central University and his over three decades of running a weapons manufacturing company that specialized in slugthrowers respectively.

It had been with his authority on slugthrowers that he assumed he was called up by his old friend Valery Noble . He had been proven correct when the Jedi Investigator sent to retrieve him had presented them with the dossier they had assembled so far. A group of mercenaries had been running rampant in Alliance territory for a few months now. They had started off with rather minor offenses, minor being relative, of armed robbery and assault but had quickly elevated.

In the last two months they had attacked two Alliance Army depots, a Navy storage yard and a SIA safehouse. Noah had heard about the first three attacks, having been reported in the news as possible Sith Order or Dark Empire saboteurs, but the SIA attack had been new information to him, though not surprising since he doubted the SIA would want to announce that to the public.

The Alliance had determined that three things were evident about these attackers. First was that they were obviously former military or military trained from looking at security footage and observing their movements and tactics. Second was that they eschewed the use of blasters, using slugthrowers only to conduct their attacks. Lastly was that while their personal gear was all different, each one of them wore an identical protective face mask.

While the dossier explained everything there were not images for Noah to look at, he assumed this was for operational security so he didn’t push the investigator who was escorting him for any further information also because he got the distinct impression from the mannerisms exhibited by him that he was either displeased from being essentially a chauffeur to him or didn’t particularly like him. According to the dossier however they had captured some of the gear from a dead mercenary that had been left behind.

Thankfully the trip from Alderaan to Coruscant was quick and once the shuttle landed Noah was quickly ushered into what he assumed was a meeting room designed for Jedi to Non-Jedi meetings. Finding a rather comfy chair he took a seat and waited for some to arrive.

 

[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Factory Link | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Double-Bladed Lightsaber

Valery walked briskly through the corridors of the building, her mind focused on the task at hand. She had called in a favor from Noah Corek , a trusted friend and expert in military matters, to assist in a critical investigation. The recent mercenary attacks within Alliance territory had escalated beyond the capabilities of the standard response teams, and Valery knew they could use Noah's expertise in these types of matters.

He had helped her before with similar situations.

As she approached the meeting room, Valery took a deep breath, centering herself for what she knew would be a complex and potentially dangerous mission. She had always appreciated Noah's straightforward approach, and she was confident that his insights would be invaluable in tracking down these elusive mercenaries.

Pushing open the door, she found Noah already seated, his usual air of calm readiness evident. "Noah," she greeted with a warm smile, "Thank you for coming on such short notice. We have a lot to go over." She crossed the room to join him, ready to dive into the details of the mission that lay ahead.

Noah Corek ​

 

[Noah Corek]

Valery Noble

When Valery entered the room she’d find her friend at the table, idly scrolling through a datapad, head not looking up at her as she greeted him. Anyone who didn’t know him might misinterpret this as apathy or not caring that they had entered, Valery however knowing the man very well would know that he was engrossed in his current project.

Eyes looking away from the datapad for a minute he returned Valery’s warm smile with one of his own before standing to greet her. “Val, good to see ya. Looking great as always.” His smile turned into a grin before sitting back down and gesturing to the chair in front of him for her to sit in. “You’re right, we do have a lot to go over…but how’s the family doing? The triplets a handful yet?” His grin was teasing but genuine at the same time.

“As for the matter of me getting here on short notice it’s fine, I just expect a higher degree of compensation…” Valery of course would know that was a joke but it didn’t stop the Mandalorian from trying. “As for what I’ve read on the files you’ve given me so far…I’ll admit these mercenaries are impressive.” He brought up some of the info on the datapad. “They’ve hit four high value targets and have only left one of their own bodies behind? I’ll need to see that body and the equipment they recovered from them too.”

He leaned back in the chair. “Another impressive detail is that I’ve reached out to my vast connections about them…” While Noah had never exactly elaborated on his connections on previously similar missions Valery would know they were wide and varied and both legitimate and not-so-legitimate. “And none of them have any clue who they are…”

 

[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Factory Link | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Double-Bladed Lightsaber

Valery offered Noah a warm smile in return, appreciating his usual mix of professionalism and friendly banter. It was part of why she trusted him in situations like this — he could balance the weight of the mission with just enough levity to keep things grounded.

"Thanks, Noah. The triplets are keeping me on my toes, as always. Every day is an adventure with them," she replied with a chuckle, her eyes softening at the mention of her children. "But they're doing well, growing fast."

Taking the seat he gestured to, Valery leaned forward slightly, her expression turning more serious as the conversation shifted to the task at hand. "I'm glad to hear you're already digging into the details. These mercenaries... they're not just skilled; they're organized and dangerous. If none of your contacts have heard of them, it means they're either new or they're operating under the radar of even the most well-connected networks."

She glanced at the datapad, her mind already working through the information they had. "We have access to the body and the gear that was left behind. That might be a good start?" Valery's gaze met Noah's, her determination clear. "Whatever they're planning next, we need to stop it before it escalates further."

Noah Corek ​

 

[Noah Corek]

Noah had learned very quickly during his time in the army that if one could inject humor into even the bleakest situations then they weren’t going to last long in the army, this had been even truer in the Commandos and so he had developed his special branded mix of humor and professionalism that he was known for.

He chuckled along with her when she mentioned the triplets keeping her on her toes. “Oh trust me I get that. When my first set of twins, Junior and Morgan, were born and growing up they were terrors. Always had to be together, always had to get the same things and Manda help whoever got between them.” He nodded his head when the mention of the triplets growing fast was uttered. “Savor these days while they last, they’ll be grown and outta the house before you know it.” His wisdom was delivered with a far off and wistful look before focusing back onto the present.

The Mandalorian leaned forward to match his friend's posture and listened to her words, processing them and thinking before he spoke. “Well I had more than enough time on the flight here. By the way, might wanna give that Investigator you sent over some leave time, seems a little wound up or just miffed.” He winked and snickered at his own joke before continuing. “I’m leaning more towards operating under the radar. If they were new you’d expect more mistakes and a bit of sloppiness from a team learning each other. They’ve probably pulled a few jobs that have flown below the radar to get used to each other before hitting the bigger stuff.”

He nodded in assent to her idea of a good start. “You can learn a lot from a group of soldiers by them and the weapons they carry. Where is the body and gear being stored?” When she spoke of a need to stop them Noah smiled his trademark wide smile and reached to gently pat her hand. “No need to worry Val, we’ve got one of the best Jedi and one of the best Mandalorian’s in the galaxy on the case…nothing we can’t do together.”

Valery Noble ​

 

[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Factory Link | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Double-Bladed Lightsaber

Valery’s gaze softened at Noah’s recollection of raising twins, and she nodded thoughtfully, knowing exactly what he meant. “I know… I’m trying to enjoy every moment,” she said with a small smile. “It just feels like time is slipping through my fingers.”

The more serious topic quickly took over, and Valery leaned in. “I’ll make sure the investigator gets a break,” she said with a smirk, appreciating Noah’s insight. “If they’re this careful and coordinated, then they could be trouble for more than just us.”

When he asked about the gear, she tapped her datapad and displayed a map. “The body and equipment are at the secured facilities on Coruscant. Only SIA and Jedi with the right clearance have access. We can head over whenever you’re ready.”

At his reassuring words, Valery’s smile widened, “You’re right. Between the two of us, we’ll figure this out.” There was a note of determination in her voice, her fiery gaze locked onto his. “Let’s go take a closer look.”

Noah Corek ​

 

[Noah Corek]

He sighed wistfully and shook his head. “As the old Jedi adage says Val, ‘There is no try, only do’. Whenever you are with them just let everything else fade into the background and spend the time with them. Before you know it, they’ll be on their own and traveling the galaxy…maybe even signing up to fight in a war if you’re unlucky enough.” The statement was laced with a bitterness only someone going through it had. When the concept of time was brought up he chuckled. “Time’s a finite thing Val, it’s meant to slip through our fingers, doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the moments while they’re happening.”

He decided to let the Investigator off the proverbial hook and began to formulate thoughts. “You’re right about that. Their pattern shows an escalation that’s concerning. The armories and storage yard aren’t that hard to hit if you’ve got the balls and the gear but an SIA safehouse? That’s more than just a tactical move, that’s a status move. They’re growing bolder. My prediction? They hit the military army of the Alliance, then the intelligence arm…the next logical step is the political arm.”

When he asked about the body and equipment and was explained to where they were and who had access he nodded. “Good, the less people know about them the better. Less leaks, both unintentional and intentional.” He grinned as he noticed her widened smile, determination and gaze. Chuckling he pushed himself to his feet, grabbing the duffle bag he had laid at his feet he gestured toward the door. “Well then lead the way Grandmaster.” Did he have to accentuate her title? No but what was a little teasing between friends?

Valery Noble ​

 

[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Factory Link | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Double-Bladed Lightsaber

Valery chuckled, rolling her eyes at the way Noah emphasized her title, though the playful smirk tugging at her lips betrayed her amusement. "Oh, so it's Grandmaster now, huh?" she teased, letting her voice take on an exaggerated formality. "If I'd known you'd be pulling rank, I'd have made you carry this datapad all the way." She tapped the device lightly, feigning exasperation, but her grin was unmistakable.

Shaking her head with a soft chuckle, she gestured toward the door, shifting into a more serious tone. "Alright, let's get to it. We've got a mystery to solve, and the sooner we dig into the gear, the quicker we'll figure out their next move."

Valery led the way, but as they moved toward the exit, she couldn't help but glance back at Noah, her expression thoughtful. His earlier words about time, especially about how quickly it could slip through her fingers, echoed in her mind. They had hit close to home, a quiet reminder of how fleeting the moments with her kids could feel. She wanted to savor them all, but with the galaxy constantly pulling her in different directions, it was a balance she was still trying to figure out.

As they walked, Valery shot Noah a quick sideways glance, her lips curling into a more genuine smile, "Thank you for working with me again, Noah."

Noah Corek ​

 

[Noah Corek]

Noah snickered to himself like a man that was much younger than he truly was, shaking his head when he saw the eyeroll that Val exhibited due to his exaggerated teasing. “Well it’s been Grandmaster for a while but I think I’ve been a little disrespectful not giving you the proper deference you deserve, your royalness.” He snickered to himself again as he swung his duffel over his shoulder and made his way to the door, opening it and giving an exaggerated bow to allow Val to walk through.

When the mention of carrying her datapad was spoken Noah let out a snort and raised an eyebrow at her. “That would require paying me more credits than you'd be willing to Val…your head would spin and you’d puke if you heard the rates I used to charge when I was a freelance merc. Besides, I only carry datapads for a select few women nowadays.”

He caught her look at him, thoughtful and almost wistful before he reached over and patted her on the shoulder. “Like I said ner vod. Just be with them when you can and don’t sweat the little things…they work themselves out eventually.”

Finally making their way to the exit Noah once again held the door, less sarcastic and more gentlemanly caring in his actions this time, before they stepped out onto the streets of Coruscant. Taking in a deep breath and letting it out just as quickly he let a smile come over his face. His eyes shifted towards Val when she spoke and he chuckled and shook his head. “No need for thanks. I get to visit a friend, come back to my homeworld, sharpen my skills and get away from home…it’s almost like a vacation.”

Valery Noble ​

 

[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Factory Link | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Double-Bladed Lightsaber

Valery let out a laugh at Noah's exaggerated bow and playful jabs, her smile lingering as they stepped out onto the bustling Coruscant streets. The man had a way of blending light-hearted teasing with solid advice that reminded her why she appreciated his company so much.

"Careful, Noah," she replied, a glint of amusement in her eyes, "At this rate, I'll start expecting royal treatment every time we meet."

But his words about her kids stayed with her, grounding her. She took a breath, nodding as she glanced over at him with gratitude. "You're right — focusing on what matters most is the real challenge." She paused, watching the Coruscant skyline with a touch of nostalgia. "But having friends like you makes it easier."

With that, she gave him a warm, sincere smile. "Alright, let's turn this 'vacation' into a mission. I'm ready to keep this going."

Noah Corek ​

 

[Noah Corek]

Stepping onto the streets of Coruscant Noah took a sharp inhale through his nostrils to smell the air. Looking up he saw the skyscrapers of the ecumenopolis and the speeder traffic that winded and twisted between the towers of durasteel and permacrete. Many would describe the world as dirty but to him it would always have a place in his heart as home, no matter how much it stank in some places.

Another snort escaped from Noah when royal treatment was mentioned and he shook his again. “I refer you to my previous statement. I only give the royal treatment to a select few.” Stopping on the walkway he indicated for Valery to lead the way, she of course knew where this facility was in which the body and equipment was.

When she spoke about what mattered most he shrugged slightly. “What matters most is different for each parent. For me it was making sure that my kids had a fully functioning family when they were growing up, and may have overcompensated in that regard.” He again shrugged, his two wives a well known fact about him. “Once they were mostly grown? A good education, a good career path and keeping them away from most of the mistakes I made at their ages.”

He smiled and pressed a hand over his heart and grinned. “Why Val, you’re gonna make this old man tear up.” His teasing aside he was happy to be considered a good friend. When the talk turned toward their mission Noah grunted and nodded. “Yeeeeah you’re probably right about that. Let's get a move on, the faster we get this done the faster we can both get back.” His duffle bag jostled a little as they walked, metallic clanking being faintly heard from it.

Valery Noble ​

 

[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Factory Link | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Double-Bladed Lightsaber

Valery chuckled softly as Noah pressed a hand over his heart, his teasing as much a part of his charm as his wisdom. "Oh, don't start tearing up on me now," she said with a grin, her tone playful. "I'm not sure I could handle that kind of emotional display, especially from you."

Her smile lingered as she gestured for him to follow her through the bustling crowd. The city hummed with life — speeder engines whirring overhead, vendors calling out their goods, and the distant chatter of countless conversations blending into a steady rhythm. Despite it all, Valery's focus remained on their destination and the mission ahead.

She gave him a quick smile before shifting her attention forward again, her expression growing more serious as they neared the facility. "This place shouldn't be too far now," she said, her voice steady but carrying an edge of caution. "Once we're inside, we'll move quickly. If there's anything or anyone left here, I'd rather not give them time to react."

Noah Corek ​