OH to be Older than Dirt (Mandalorians, Dominion of the Wheel)

[Kay-Larr]

She watched [member="Daren Silvari"] as he approached. Had she seen him before somewhere? Her mind scrambled as she searched for the name to go with his face. This is where an assistant would come in handy. But so far she had refused one, until the Minister of Intelligence politely requested that she accept one. But as it was, Kay wasn't here on Republic business, so there was no need for her to be tailed by anyone.

After a sip of her tea, Kay bowed her head and returned the greeting. "Evening." Nope. She just couldn't think of his name or where she had seen him. But oh well. If he kept on drinking like he had started, he wouldn't remember half the night anyways. Oh she was really starting to feel out of place as things started to get louder and rowdier. Here's hoping that she won't end up as some drunken soul's babysitter for the evening.


[member="Anita Willamina"] [member="Arla Balor"] [member="Alexis Ravensclaw"] [member="Veino Garn"] [member="Eliza Steele"] [member="Werdla Dardalab"] [member="Kad Tor"] [member="Strider Garon"]

 

[Mantic Dorn]

The Wheel.​

​

Post 1/20​

This was most certainly an impressive structure. Mantic had never been aboard such a massive space station before, it felt like a planet on its own. With less plants and animals, and no wind...

Mantic had walked through the corridor from the shuttle bay to the party room and swept the nearby locations in preparations for the arrival of [member="Faith Balor-Organa"]
Having reassured himself that things looked pretty normal he took a step inside the general party area. there were a ton of people inside, gambling, dancing talking, singing, cheering and flirting.

Right... he thought to himself. A crowded area with hundreds of veteran killers. What a splendid situation. Officially [member="Faith Balor-Organa"] was here to congratulate the aging field marshal on his birth day. But she was the minister of intelligence, responsible for the entire republic secret service and what else. she had an agenda to be here for sure and Mantic had his instructions to consider this an escort job for a diplomatic mission.
But his role was not to figure out reasons or aspects of the ministers appearance. He was merely here as part of her security. after the assassination attempt on [member="Cecily de Demici"] the jedi order had lent their knights to escort senators on many occasions. This being one of several such missions that Mantic had undertaken.

He was about to turn to go and meet the minister as he caught glimpses of other familiar faces. At the bar, both [member="Lady Kay"] and [member="Daren Silvari"] were ... well hanging. Mantic raised an eyebrow. He did not know the Mandalorians had so many senatorial friends. But then again, just like the minister of intelligence there might be a reason not obvious for them to be here. for a moment he considered if he should alert the order and ask for a reinforced escort because of them. But he did recall how some of the senators were uneased by their jedi escort and there must not have been an official request so he let that thought die rather quickly.

Instead he turned and went back to the shuttle bay to stand prepared for recieving and then as discreetley as possible escort the minister, [member="Faith Balor-Organa"] to the party once she arrived.

 

[Kairon Rees]

[member="Eliza Steele"]

This party was not the Mandalorian party he had been expecting. On the whole, he liked them. They were proud people, honest people, they revered traits he could respect. When his nephew had seen the notices about an open party, he’d nagged until Rees had grudgingly agreed to stay docked another night.

Leaning back against the bar, Rees turned to his side and shared a look with his second as the rambolorian emerged from and the song began. Perhaps pride was something they put aside for birthdays. Kairon raised his eyebrows. On the other side of the veteran soldier was someone he hadn’t seen in a few years.

What in the Force is she doing dressed as a Mandalorian? He thought to himself as he pushed past Jarrick. Unfortunately by this point Kairon had already had a few drinks, tempted by the open bar to break out of his typical sullen shell. He was also not the most subtle individual to start with and so his opening words were not the most appropriate. Nonetheless the old rivalry he’d shared with the Defiance’s crew was long past and he was happy to recognise a face. Besides, if that was her decked out in mando armour, at least the story of the petite corellian breaking his nose would seem less embarrassing.

“Eliza!” he called over the music. “How are you? How’s Jace?”

 

[Popo]

The Wheel. To most, it was a paradise. An oasis of pure enjoyment in the middle of nowhere, surrounded on all sides by empty void and endless lightyears of space in all directions. It was a place of entertainment, of gambling, of drinking, and of merriment. From booze to games to Spice could be found here, for a price. For Popo the Hutt, this was the capital of his enterprise. The glittering gem of his economic empire. Many dared to attempt to own the Wheel, but only Popo had his name on the deed.

And yet once again the Mandalorians had come to take the place.

It was no matter to Popo who claimed the system, all that mattered was the station within it. That was his and only his. He'd cater to the Mandos or the Republic or the Jedi - anyone who wanted to take and hold the system itself. But the station within, that remained independent. Always had, always will.

Not that he'd turn away visitors, of course.

The Mandalorians had come to celebrate, but then again who didn't come to the Wheel for that purpose? They'd arrived to celebrate the birthday of one of their aging warriors, which in and of itself was interesting. The elderly were few in a warrior culture. They came to drink and eat and gamble and be merry, which was fine by Popo. In fact, it made him more money in the long run.

After a long moment of thinking on it, he decided to see if he couldn't capitalize on this occasion more than he had already. After a quick comm call, he was certain his little scheme was coming together nicely and he knew, without a doubt, that the Mandos would most likely jump at the chance.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------​

​

As the Mandalorian contingent drank and partied, they would find all holo displays changed over throughout the Wheel to a single entity.

"Good evening residents, guests, and visitors!" boomed the voice of Popo from his image on the holo. The Hutt wore his beskar battle armor, glinting dully in the light.

"Today I have an offer for anyone brave enough, skilled enough, and manly enough to take up the gauntlet!" below the holo displays a small disclaimer made it's way across the base of the image citing that terms such as 'manly' did not entail a gender restriction and encouraged viewers that it was simply terms for flair and should not be taken as an insult for future lawsuits.

"For tonight only I offer a challenge! Tonight in the Wheel Arena and tonight only! The title of Grand Champion of the Wheel Arena is up for grabs! Who can defeat the Champion? Who can claim the title? Who will win... The Prize? Sign up at the Tenloss Kiosk found in each section of the station now to take up the gauntlet and challenge the Arena Champion!"

And just like that, the image vanished. In its place the Tenloss symbol spun silently for a few minutes, listing the Tenloss kiosks where sign ups were taking place. Soon enough, though, the regular programming returned and the holos returned to normal.

[member="Strider Garon"] @Karion Rees [member="Mantic Dorn"] [member="Lady Kay"] [member="Alexis Ravensclaw"] [member="Daren Silvari"] [member="Preliat Mantis"] [member="Arla Balor"] [member="Anita Willamina"] [member="Veino Garn"] [member="Eliza Steele"] [member="Werdla Dardalab"] [member="Kad Tor"]

 

[Nolan Detta]

[member="Strider Garon"] made it another year, lucky bastard. He'd found a way to survive another countless number of battles, women and his fellow Vod to make it to the ripe OLD age of 61. The Wheel, old territory for Nolan and Strider. They'd been here years ago when Nolan was just a pup. Now a full fledged warrior, husband and father, Nolan walked in with his wife and babies. Yes the Wheel may not be the place for children, but they are Nolan's and that counts for plenty.

Seeing his mentor/father-in-law drinking like always and approached.

"Strider you old coot, made it another year, you lucky bastard!" He ushered his children forward to see their ba'buir.

[member="Satine D'ulin"]

 

[Ka-Aver]

Objective: fight club
Post 2/20

Ka-Aver seldom smiled but he felt lucky today. Having delivered and distributed a package of spice he knew he would also bring joy to plenty of junkies, or snobs slumming for that matter. He actually prefered the later because of the irony. Those who had too much always went bored and ruined their perfect lives. A story he had seen so many times.

Ka-Aver was not aware of the mandalorian party going on, he was in another bar with totaly different customers. But as [member="Popo"] s message sounded through the speakers he got off his chair and tossed a few credits to cover for his food and ale.

Champ of the wheel... nice ring to it. I think I'll take it. he mused and started for the walk to the arena.

 

[Eliza Steele]

3/20
Bar/Casino

The petite smuggler had downed a shot of Corellian whiskey like water, then followed the rich flavored amber liquid she favored with a hearty sip of ale. That's when a familiar voice boomed over the loud casino.

“Eliza!” A man dressed in spacer clothes with long dark hair and blue eyes called over the music to the brunette. “How are you? How’s Jace?” he asked, obviously having already partaken heavily in the free bar. Gods this was going to be an awfully expensive birthday party for whomever was picking up the tab.

The Corellisi switched her mug of ale from her right hand to the left, then offered a smuggler's handshake to an old friend/rival.

"Karion... I'm well thank you! Sadly though, Jace didn't make it back from the rapture. His presence in the smuggling world will be missed," Lizzy said, pausing a moment before continuing. Even though she was over the rugged Corellian, he still had a place in her heart after all they went through together.

"[member="Kairon Rees"]… This is [member="Kad Tor"], my partner," she smiled making introductions between the two men. "Rees here was one of the founding members of the Smugglers' Alliance back in the day. So you still flying the Quintessence.?"

 

[Garrus Garon]

The Wheel; Bar/Casino
1/20

​

...like so many others Garrus Garon had come to celebrate the birthday of his brother [member="Strider Garon"] here on the Wheel. Lingering in the background Garrus enjoyed listening to his brothers atrocious singing voice while remaining largely quiet and taking a drink from the cup in his hand. Eventually he emerged to mingle moving up alongside his wife [member="Anita Willamina"] who stood well beyond his meager height causing him to crane his neck to look up at her while he said..."If this wasn't his birthday I'd throw a knife at him for trying to sing."...then he chuckled briefly and took another drink. The Warrior loved his brother but regardless of the bond they both shared Garrus had no love for any attempt at singing that Strider made, another drink might help though...

...the change in the holofeeds drew Garrus attention before he could take another drink. Listening to [member="Popo"] speak he'd lift a hand to his chin and rub it quietly before musing to himself..."Champion of the Wheel eh?"...it had been a long time since he'd fought in the arenas but tonight his blood seemed to be up just a tad. Delivering a hefty smack that would clap against Anita's backside he'd have told his wife..."Let my Brother know I might need to go entertain myself, he'll understand."...then Garrus would back away into the crowds again noting many familiar faces in the crowds from [member="Arla Balor"] to [member="Kad Tor"]...

...unless someone intended on stopping him Garrus would make a quiet exit towards the nearest Kiosk where, if nothing else, he could at least get more information...​

 

[Kairon Rees]

[member="Eliza Steele"]

"Nice to meet you How do you do?" Kairon said to [member="Kad Tor"] after a moment of reflection. He'd never been overly fond of Trent back in the day. They'd traded blows a few times when the relationship between the two crews had been at the lowest ebb, before the Alliance. Then it struck him: she was Corellian. She couldn't have just lost Jace. Her entire world had been torn asunder, her people scattered.

In one smooth motion he signalled the barman and slide a credit chit across the bar, much to his confusion. The shot passed across was immediately poured to the floor. It seemed the smugglers were ever a dying breed these days.

He smiled a small, apologetic smile before continuing. "She still flies - just about! So... Has she ever told you how she once broke an honest smuggler's nose over the most mundane affair?" he asked, tapping the side of his nose. There was still a visible bend below the bridge where it hadn't set properly.

 

[Arla Ordo]

3/5

[SIZE=12pt]Arla looked around once more and knew that she couldn’t stay in there, yeah she wished Strider a Happy Birthday and on a good day she’d wish him 61 more years.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]She saw [member="Garrus Garon"] with his wife, [member="Anita Willamina"] confirming that indeed that was who she thought. A strange pairing, but love knew no boundaries, least so she had read here and there. At least he married her unlike Strider who seem to collect women.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]She saw [member="Nolan Detta"] with his wife, and children approaching [member="Strider Garon"] even he collected Grandchildren to. Arla smiled, she still wasn't sure about having her own children, but she could appreciate someone else having their own.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Couples.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]And look even some dignitary...what a crowd.[/SIZE]

Popo came on promoting a fight, might be interesting they'll probably give updates. Maybe she'd find a comfy chair drink herself to numbness, and watch. Maybe pick up a few tips on defending herself. She wasn't really in a party and cake mood lately. Her family was scattered around the galaxy, and Naimes who had made her his little sister was rarely seen anymore.

Yep time to find something more to do.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY STRIDER​

 

[Satine Detta]

Satine came in with [member="Nolan Detta"] and their children, Corvus and Kaylanna . The birth of their children had sealed their bond to one another again, giving them purpose, and showing that their love had not diminished.

The time apart was past them and now they would celebrate with her father.

Her Father.

Strange, she still knew very little about him.

“Happy Birthday, Buir “ Satine smiled at him, she held no ill will. Why should she, she didn’t know enough to be angry about anything.

Satine moved and stood beside Nolan allowing the children access to their Grandfather.

1/5

[member="Nolan Detta"] [member="Strider Garon"]

 

[Faith Organa]

Faith came off the transport dressed in something appropriate for a party., Her family insignia pinned to her dress. She carried a small box to give to the birthday boy, well man. Anyhow she was here for a few reasons, some were personal.

Her Aunt Rianna was married to a Mandalorian named Ordo in times past they had spoken of the Field Marshall [member="Strider Garon"] and he was an ally of the Republic often showing up to help, or train troops.

Her brother Garith and sister Arabella lived among the mandalorians with their spouses.

It was also a show of good faith and spirits that members of the Republic show up at such places. She wondered about the military for a moment, should she have asked [member="Gir Quee"] to come as well, did he know Strider.

She also wondered if she would have a moment to speak with the Field Marshall alone.

[member="Mantic Dorn"] had checked the route to the party and stood at the ready to make sure she arrived unharmed. The word also came that [member="Lady Kay"] was present, how very interesting she definitely got around.

“Jedi Dorn “ Faith began walking, “So tell me your impressions of Mandalorians”

[member="Strider Garon"]
1/5

 

[Kad Tor]

3/20

"I think that is Strider..."

Kad was going to make some witty remark about it all when they were interuppted by a drunk stranger. Kad let it go, because [member="Eliza Steele"] seemed to know him. He was curious as to how, but the man mentioned something about Jace, and then Eliza mentioned the Smuggler's Alliance. The pieces put themselves together. He quickly took a shot of the Corellian Whiskey, and turned to say hello. Kad nodded with a smile.

"Su'cuy, ner vod."

His eyes looked over to Lizzy. The eyebrows suggested there was more of a story there, some reason why this guy was acting a little skiddish around him. Kad had to ask.

"So you really broke his nose huh," Kad said without a hint of surprise. He slid another shot down his throat. "Vod, I know Liz'ika well enough to know that if she breaks a man's nose they deserved it..."

Kad grinned and patted the man on the shoulder.

"Liz'ika, what do you say we find this vod a nice lady to go home with... a good mando one?"

[member="Kairon Rees"]

 

[Tysk Willamina]

[member="Strider Garon"]
3/20

"Happy birthday to you.... happy birthday to you." Tysk was there and seeing the feed from Anita had planned accordingly as she stood in a dress while she let it cling and moved around. "Happy birthday to Strider... Happy birthday to you." The clan mother and well Basaba's leader even though the one sister was the more active... she usually just was around with her kids and letting Strider's big day draw her out while she stood there. "You're getting to old for this you know." She said it with a smirk on her face before she was getting some drinks and hurrying off to sit down.

 

[Gir Quee]

[ 1 / 20 ]

Shuttle Remember Hast, approaching the Wheel

"It's been a while..." murmured the blonde man, gently shifting the yoke of the shuttle to the left.

His aide-de-camp, Lieutenant Vries, snorted, "Is that a good thing or a bad thing?"

"Yes."

"Have you ever met the Mandalorians?"

"Only a couple of times," recalled Gir, "once during a training mission, and another when they invaded Toprawa. Quite the experiences. They are few like them in the galaxy."

"Except during the Clone Wars...well...the clones, anyways..."

"I'm not sure if I'd call the clone troopers true mandalorians," mused Gir, guiding the shuttle to arrive in one of the Wheel's hangar bays, "but that was certainly an interesting fusion of our two cultures. Being Mandalorian isn't always just in the blood, it's a way of life. Though I'll admit, I've never been to a Mandalorian party before."

Vries bobbed his head up and down, "And that is where I might have you beat..."

Gir ruefully shook his head. I wonder if she will be here...

[member="Faith Balor-Organa"]

 

[Daren Silvari]

----
2/20
----

With the downing of another shot of whiskey, his head increased in tingles, but he still managed to retain his coherency. It was as he looked to [member="Lady Kay"] in expectation of her knowing his name, that his smile faltered only briefly at the delay of her response to him. It was clear that she did not recognize him, or at least she was pretending to not recognize him. Either way, it shouldn't have come as a surprise to him - there were quite a few Senators, and not all of them kept in contact with one another.

"Forgive me, I had assumed that you knew who I was. I am Daren Silvari, Senator of Chandrila." he bowed again, before turning his attention back to the boisterous noise of the party. He had to admit, that Mandalorian culture sure did know how to throw a party. Alcohol seemed to be quite popular among them, and judging from the influx of families, it appeared as though families were paramount to them as well. He'd like to deny it, but he knew very little of the culture, but there was a certain draw to it - the general revelry and camaraderie that they exhibited was something that many people could only hope to achieve.

It made his miss his own family, and reflecting back on it, he wondered if they would be proud of all that he has done so far. He had noticed the large man, [member="Strider Garon"], as the others had called him. He seemed to have garnered the respect of all that were gathered under the guise of this party, and that was something to be commended. Oddly enough, Daren found himself smiling softly as he watched the going ons around him. It was good to be around such revelry, if even for a little while.

Only then did he noticed that a message indicating a tournament was playing through the various channels on The Wheel. It was a bid for those brave enough to claim the title of Grand Champion of the Wheel, or some other such thing. And, Daren had half a mind to join the tournament itself. His thoughts delved on this for quite the span of minutes before the boisterousness of the party continued around him. His head clearing slightly from the lack of alcohol ingestion.

 

[Kay-Larr]

She wasn't faking it, she just had his name on the tip of her tongue and couldn't recall it. So of course she figured that she could have met him just about anywhere in her recent travels. Kay bowed her head. "Please forgive me, Senator Silvari, but I am not very good at this. I should have everyone's names and faces memorized by now, but I have been....very preoccupied. And I'm not here for any Senate matter. Tonight I am just simply, Kay."

More were arriving, even a couple that she did recognise, [member="Faith Balor-Organa"] and [member="Mantic Dorn"] . And boy did she feel overdressed, leaving her to feel even less as though she should be there. It wasn't as though she was a drinker or anything and she didn't know the guest of honour at all, didn't even think of bringing a gift. That will have to be rectified later.

She sipped her tea as the announcement came over the screens. If her late husband was alive he would have jumped at the chance to be in that competition and win. Oh yes. He would have beaten them all. "I wonder what the prize is?..."


[member="Anita Willamina"] [member="Arla Balor"] [member="Alexis Ravensclaw"] [member="Veino Garn"] [member="Eliza Steele"] [member="Werdla Dardalab"] [member="Kad Tor"] [member="Strider Garon"]

 

[Mantic Dorn]

Post 3/20

As [member="Faith Balor-Organa"] left her shuttle and stepped down greeting Mantic he offered a bow.


"Minister," he formally replied.

As for her question. He was probably as curious as anyone about this famous but also infamous culture. While not a specialist he had of coursed tried to gather some intel on the people before this mission. They were going to be walking around in one of their parties after all.

"I am afraid I am not the most educated about these people minister, but from what I gather they are born into a very strict society, groomed to become warriors from birth. War is a central point of their culture and they consider battle and dules something of an honorable duty. Following a strict hierarchy on the surface they d have the inherit flaw of having the possibility to challenge leaders for their positions. That does mean that Mandalore politics can change over a night depending on who is the better warrior, not always who is the best leader." Mantic wet his lips as they started to walk.

"This culture builds powerful military empires in times of war and then disappears into history as peace has lowered itself over the galaxy. But despite this they seem to alway reemerge when times are more war like. Like our present time." he did not pretend to know more then he had read.

"I would however say that a mandalorians word can be trusted because of this strong honor culture." he finished trying to have given both sides of the coin, as he saw it.

Mantic was focused on the minister but did try to keep an extra eye on [member="Lady Kay"] and [member="Daren Silvari"] if there was an opportunity for it.

 

[Faith Organa]

[SIZE=12pt]2/5[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Faith nodded, “I agree with all you have said. I find that people tend to focus on the warrior portion more than the strong family, and honor portions” She moved along the corridors, they were empty of celebrators.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]“I have read and learned quite a bit about them” She almost tripped but quickly righted herself, her mind had drifted for a moment, “You see my Aunt Rianna is married to a Field Marshall” She didn’t mention anything else, only that one family tie.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]They were approaching the bar Faith peered inside with [member="Mantic Dorn"] at her elbow, she immediately spotted [member="Lady Kay"] and someone else ([member="Daren Silvari"]) he looked like one of the new Senators whose face had just been placed on the boards.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]She then gazed about for [member="Strider Garon"] she could see him surrounded as always and what was he wearing. That. Was. Not. Armor. Wow.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]She kept her calm though and slowly approached , “Excuse me, Field Marshall Garon?” She hoped she had the right person, his face looked like the holo she had seen.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]“I’m Faith Balor-Organa of the planet Alderaan, I'm Rianna and Ordo's niece” She smiled.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Oh wouldn’t [member="Gir Quee"] just find this the most humorous thing she knew she was finding it a memory she would not forget soon.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]She held onto the ornate box ready to give it when she knew that this was Strider Garon.[/SIZE]

 

[Daren Silvari]

----
3/20
----
[member="Faith Balor-Organa"]
[member="Ka-Aver"]
[member=Strider Garon]
----

"Well, judging from the fact that there are a measurable number of Mandalorian warriors on this station, I'd presume to think that it will be something rather rare. That, and the honor and prestige, of knowing that you hold a title created to boost your ego." So, it was clear by his words that he didn't exactly approve of the tournament, but that wasn't to say that he wouldn't be participating in it himself. Being the hypocrite that he was at the moment, he looked once more to [member="Lady Kay"] , "If you will excuse me for a moment."

He bowed before he departed from her presence, taking a stiff nod towards [member="Mantic Dorn"], as he passed by him, and left the party room. He turned to his left and headed towards the closest tenloss kiosk that he had seen on his way in, and once there he signed up for the tournament himself, effectively placing his honor on a scale - either he'd win, or he'd lose. If he won, great, if not -- well he'd have to regain his honor somehow, but he planned on trying his best to win.

Having signed up for the tournament, he made his way back to the party and to his place near the Senator Kay, and smiled kindly in her direction, "I apologize for the untimely departure, but I have returned and I beg your forgiveness if I have caused you any offense." he believed that was how the formal return would occur, but he didn't know. Formalities changed with the times, and he could never really keep up with them.