Rain Rain Go Away

[Atsushi Ono]

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The rain poured heavily over the hull of the Mandalorian transports as they descended precariously onto the storm ridden world of Eadu. He stood at the front of the ship, gazing out into the dense darkness attempting to see any trace of their hosts. The floodlights from the Mandalorian transports would have been blinding on any other world, but here they were just like dull candle light.

Beside him stood the man this faction would likely deal with the most, Vi'ral Saxon. He was a seasoned explorer and someone that was trusted enough to work on their own this far from home.

"Sirs, structure ahead...And it looks like there's people down there."

"Take us in."

 

[Varik Ice]

Varik Ice​

Equipment: Lightsaber - Armour​

Location: Eadu​

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Varik, for once on what could be considered a business meeting, had his helmet covering his head. Then again, it was the first time that such a visit had been with warriors - it was usually stuffy businessmen or meandering bureaucrats, so it was a nice change. He stood outside, flanked by two Guardians that glanced between each other as they saw the lights from the Mandalorian transport shine through the rain.

Drops plinked onto Varik's helmet, his hands behind his back with one gripping the other's wrist, his stance quite stiff and unmoving despite how the wind tried to batter him and fluttered parts of his robe that covered much of the armour. Ice glanced back, nodding at one of the Guardians, who walked off to get accommodations prepared for any of their guests. He hadn't met many Mandalorians, but he knew they appreciated being up-front, and they didn't require a lot of luxuries.

As one of his Guardians disappeared into what must have seemed an unusual building structure to most, Varik stared up the transport and waited, curious how many would eventually emerge from within.

[member="Dorn Skirata"]

 

[Atsushi Ono]

Hood over his helmet the warrior clad in white and red beskar'gam exited the shuttle. The boarding ramp was already slick with rain. He did not envy the men and women that would be here for the long term.

"Oh right. I forgot about the storms," Vi'ral muttered sarcastically behind his helmet. Dorn was not a man for humor and the joke fell flat. "Place like this would suit you perfectly Dorn..." Vi'ral's boots squished into the earth below, Dorn followed closely behind him, the rain splattering off of the bantha leather hood.

"Varik Ice?" Dorn spoke, extending his hand. "Let's get out of this rain eh?"

[member="Varik Ice"]

 

[Varik Ice]

Varik Ice​

Equipment: Lightsaber - Armour​

Location: Eadu​

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​

Varik brought his hand up to meet Dorn's, taking it to give a firm handshake; it had been an odd custom for him to get used to at first, but he was pretty sure he'd gotten the hang of it. Firm and assertive, but don't go trying to break anyone's fingers. It didn't give a good impression, after all. "That's me, and you must be Dorn Skirata. This way." Varik cocked his head to indicate behind him, turning around to begin walking that way. He was actually having to remind himself that others wouldn't be used to the rain, or even like it. He preferred it, by now.

"I trust this place wasn't too hard to find." He wasn't sure if he'd entirely meant it as a joke, though he supposed towards experienced explorers it probably did. The Guardian left with him stepped ahead and opened the door to a decently-sized building, intended at first to be a smaller residential building for Senators - the Senatoral Hall had taken that role instead, so this functioned better for state guests.

Once they reached a sitting room, decent in size and not overly opulent or showy, Varik turned around, motioning to the seats. "Get comfortable, if you want. I did try to get our cooks to make Tihaar, but...that didn't go so well." He almost twitched at remembering the incessant complaints he got at their attempts. "So if you want something to eat or drink, it'll be more local."

[member="Dorn Skirata"]

 

[Atsushi Ono]

Before he could respond Vi'Ral had already taken a seat and spoken up.

"You guys tried to make Tihaar? Would have loved to see that," he laughed, "I'll take a caf, the rain's soaked me to the bones." Dorn scowled at the man from behind his visor before taking his hood and short cape off and draping it over his chair.

"I'm fine thank you." He sat. The smell of caf filled the room. "You have a lot of courage, taking up the responsibility of a government out of this," he paused trying to figure out how to best put what he wanted to say, "this planet of storm."

[member="Varik Ice"]

 

[Varik Ice]

Varik Ice​

Equipment: Lightsaber - Armour​

Location: Eadu​

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Varik overheard Vi'Ral's request, motioning to one of the attendants nearby once he heard Dorn was fine. The attendant quickly went over to a table with machines and refreshments while Varik sat down, facing the two. "This ball of rain and jagged rocks, yes. It isn't very pleasant to look at, but my people are proud of it. It's their home." The attendant set down the caf in front of Vi'Ral on the small table as Varik continued.

"If everything goes according to plan, it won't just be Eadu soon enough, though." He paused, tapping his fingers together as he considered what to say next, and how to say it. "That's why I wanted you here. We won't be just in need of trainers and soldiers, but explorers will be essential. I don't know how much you've been in Wild Space. There are things out here like nothing in the rest of the galaxy, and plenty of it's dangerous."

Varik paused again, curiously watching the two out of curiosity as to how they'd react, if they'd offer anything or explain any more about what they did. He already had faith they could do the job - they had experts for that sort of work, and Mandalorians weren't known for coming up short on what they were paid to do.

[member="Dorn Skirata"]

 

[Atsushi Ono]

Vi'Ral lifted his helmet from his head revealing a much older face than his mannerisms would suggest. Weathered face and strong jawed the man looked across the table before taking a sip of his caf.

"The Unknown Region is what I call home," he started, "Starwierd, Duinuogwuin, I've seen enough that not much absolutely surprises me but I know there's always more to see and I need more."

Dorn cleared his throat.

"This is Vi'Ral Saxon. He's one of Shriek-Hawk Company's lieutenants and he runs ops and manages our small fleet throughout the Unknown Regions, WIld Space, and the Outer Rim." Vi'Ral nodded in approval.

"Aye. Survival is my middle name."
[member="Varik Ice"]

 

[Varik Ice]

Varik Ice​

Equipment: Lightsaber - Armour​

Location: Eadu​

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​

Varik figured if the other man would remove his helmet, he'd do the same. Placing his on the table in front, he almost seemed the opposite to the aged Mandalorian. From his physical features, he was exceptionally young for his position and power - he almost looked like he was barely out of being a teenager, which he was. He nodded along with Vi'Ral, at his quip about his middle name.

"Excellent." It was only when his face was showing that it was clear how much older his voice was than it should be; the mannerisms of someone who'd seen too much for his age already. "Although we have Hutt Space to the cardinal west, and we've already been in talks with them, of more interest is the Galactic arm we're sitting on the cusp of. You and your fleet will be highly useful to us making headway there." He kept eye-contact with Saxon, not taking his eyes away or attempting to mince his words; he was never much good at it, anyway.

As he finished speak, Varik's gaze darted to Dorn. "We're also looking into further advanced training for our soldiers, and instructors for advanced teams and operatives. Of course, we are also a relatively small cause at the moment, so anything to supplement our numbers is also welcome." Perhaps Skirata preferred only offering one thing at a time, or multiple cards could be on the table, he wasn't sure. More than anything, Varik was testing the waters, trying to figure out what he could about the other two men; Vi'Ral was more obvious, extroverted, but Skirata was a curiosity.

[member="Dorn Skirata"]

 

[Atsushi Ono]

The pair of Mandalorians nodded intently, listening as Varik spoke.

"Training is no problem, our primary concern is that you get what you pay for. We could have a Task Force and accompanying ground forces here before the next cycle." Dorn finally took off his helmet, revealing a very pale face with equally white hair. He was young, younger than Vi'ral for certain. "Once you've obtained a foothold here and your government has solidified we can talk about commando ops and special forces training, but for now it seems it would be more manageable for you to house a Task Force and a portion of the Mar'eyce Rangers." Dorn spoke steadily but firmly. It seemed from the way he spoke he was less worried about the cost and more worried about whether or not his men would be comfortable and if it was worth the risk sending the same amount of support to such a small faction that he would to a larger one like the Outer Rim Coalition.

[member="Varik Ice"]

 

[Varik Ice]

Varik Ice​

Equipment: Lightsaber - Armour​

Location: Eadu​

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​

Varik stared at Dorn, taking a while before he said anything, trying to read the expressions across the pale face after he finished talking. The Mandalorian was being pragmatic; he could understand that, after all. The Sovereignty was a risk to someone like him; governments came and went, how could he know if they were truly stable, if it would last long enough for them to receive their full payment?

"I agree." It didn't seem like much, but the small phrase had a lot of purpose behind it - he was willing to work with them long term, so they knew that it was a sound business decision before they got more invested. "If you can have them here before the next cycle, do so. I think we'll be needing them very soon." He never took his eyes off the younger of the two, almost as though staring a hole through him. It wasn't a hostile or aggressive one, but he obviously wasn't the usual type of diplomat or charismatic leader. He was still unsure whether that was better for his people, or worse. He would find out with time.

[member="Dorn Skirata"]

 

[Atsushi Ono]

"Good. Vi'Ral will stay here and help you prepare for their arrival."

Vi'ral nodded and stood, reaching out to grasp Varik's hand again.

[member="Varik Ice"]

 

[Varik Ice]

Varik Ice​

Equipment: Lightsaber - Armour​

Location: Eadu​

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Varik gave a nod back, standing up in front of Dorn as he shook his hand like he had before, his face almost seeming a bit softer than before, even if it still had the same flat expression.

"Thank you. I'm looking forward to working together. We have accommodations set up for him, and any others who turn up early. If you wish to discuss anything more, I won't be going anywhere."