Who Let the Dogs Out?

[Vora Kaar]

THE GARDENER - NAR SHADDAA ESTATE

This would be quite the meeting. Jade, a lady who has been showing quite the interest in hunting with the Family, was sent my way. The file I had on her was not much. New to the family, wanting to build a foundation for herself. Specifically a Zoo, or an enclosure in which the Family could safekeep creatures and animals. Considering the Donna loved animals and other creatures, specifically Lupine ones. Knowing that, Jade was handed to me since I tend to deal with the people who were bounty hunters, and mercenaries. Considering I worked on Nar Shaddaa, the planet of Sins, as some called it, It worked fairly well.

I am sure that Jade would have no opposition to hunting more than just animals, but that was her goal as far as I knew. Ahtemis gave me the go ahead to use her however I see fit, and when proven, make her a Soldier of the Family. Give her some power within our little group so then she could do as she wanted within the limits.

My steps carried me to the table. Pulling the hair tie onto my wrist and pulling back my growing hair into a small ponytail on the back of my head. Grabbing the marble white mask, and placing it upon my face, I could feel and see everything evolve and shape into whatever I desired to see. The rush of senses was like a drug to me. Being able to see in almost every aspect given by the force, as well as Tactical gear could. While I did wear my shard upon my side, I didn't carry much else with me. Other than putting on a leather jacket and some gloves to hide my hands and arms.

Turning to my right, I could feel the ever present presence of my Loth-wolf companion. The dark grey fur upon Kin was a soothing sight to me. Knowing how soft he could be, yet also knowing that he may one day have the rumored skills of his brethren... It made me wonder so much more about the wolf. Secondary too that, I wanted Jade to see the wolf. She may or may not know the species, but it would show that I did take an interest into her endeavors. To show that I was more than willing to aid her.

"Be nice to the woman today. I don't need you scaring more of my people away."
"Your people sicken me Auberon."
"I know they do, but this lady is attempting to aid creatures that cannot survive on their own."
"The Laws of the Jungle is all you need."
"Give me that line again, and you won't like my bite."
"Like your mouth could even get close to my neck."
"Its a figure of speech asshat."
"Words are meaningless unless you can back them up. Even then, Actions speak louder than words."
"Says the wolf that doesn't speak to anyone, even the Donna."

He didn't respond to me after that. Shaking my head with a smile, I heard the speaker erupt in a femanime voice.

"Lady Jade is here to see you Auberon."
"Send her up."

​

​

[member="Jade Isara"],​

 

[Jade Solus Skirae]

When she was called she had to admit she was a little nervous meeting someone with as much power next to the Donna herself but this was a business opportunity for her, She only wore her armor pieces and wrist device leaving her weapons at the door as this was a simple meeting nothing bad should happen but you can never be too careful now a days.She was quite pleased that her zoo was doing well as she made her way up to [member="Shaun Castanic"]'s table, She saw the rather large loth wolf next to him and was quite impressed as shes never seen such a large beast before till now. She found them already beautiful yet no doubt deadly creatures but for now she looked over to see the masked man no doubt the person she was told to meet maybe and spoke in a calm tone.

It's a pleasure to meet you sir, I aim to try and impress.

Was a short and simple thing she still kept the respectful tone but didn't want to sound like she was sucking up to the higher up.


[member="Shaun Castanic"]

 

[Vora Kaar]

THE GARDENER - NAR SHADDAA ESTATE

Moving to the room that I would be meeting her in, it was very simple. Only a portion of my accommodations were shown. As this room was slightly separated from the rest of the suite to bottleneck anyone attempting to get into the main rooms. Upon opening the door with a flick of my wrist when the knock came, In walked Jade. While dressed in some armor, it wasn't overtly war-like in appearance, and more so the everyday wear. Showed she wanted to be ready in a moment's notice. A very good idea and tool for her to use.

Kin on the other hand voiced his doubts to me very quickly.

"She is too eager to work with you, and armored while you are not. Did she expect you to fight her?"
"Jade is a hunter. She will likely hunt people, and thus needs to be ready for any situation. Just as I always carry my sword and mask with me, you have your claws and teeth."
"I am stuck with claws and teeth, you carry a made weapon. A tool of war."
"It is only a tool. While it can be used to give death, there is much more it can do."
"Remember, I have lived far longer than you, and will continue to do so."
"So you remind me."

Indicating the seat at the table, she could sit if she so chooses. I know some hated the idea of being too still for a long period of time. Either way, I sat down myself at this table. While small and "homey" it allowed for me to be close enough that if I wanted to reach out with my hand and shake hers, I could.

"Aiming to please, does not mean you will always hit."

I had a smirk at her retort. Daring her to respond. I often found those who could match my wits, could often work well with me. As we were a family, there were times that I did doubt the Donna. In fact, she wanted me to doubt her and play devil's advocate when I could. A sort of checks and balances if you will. Same goes here. Between myself and Jade, I wanted to see how well she played. What she could bring to the table with the cards she had been dealt.

​

​

[member="Jade Isara"], ​

 

[Jade Solus Skirae]

She took a seat when she was offered it her golden skin glistened a little in the light she kept an eye for a moment on the wolf that was with him, She was certain there was a feeling at least that the wolf didn't fully approve of her but she paid it no mind as she brushed her hair away from her eyes. She knew a test when she was presented and there was little doubt in her mind that everything she would say or do here will be evaluated for the long haul so she had to be careful, She listened to his remark to what she said and simply smirked abit before speaking again.

Yet it doesn't always hurt to try.

It was a short and simple answer that she hoped wasn't too blunt for his liking but she was playing it by ear and will continue to play it by ear for the rest of this conversation, She kept her composure and did her best not to show it as that is a sign of weakness and that was something she never wants to show in any situation.

[member="Shaun Castanic"]

 

[Vora Kaar]

THE GARDENER - NAR SHADDAA ESTATE

The response of my question only seemed to make the girl on edge. Not enough to break, but enough to know that everything was a test of her skills and capabilities. Good. Just how I like people around me. Keep them guessing on everything. With Auberon, nothing is real. Nothing is ever true, and only when you physically see it, is it real. It is how I kept my name as the fabled King. Auberon. Such a rift on his name that went well with my persona as the Underboss, the Left hand of the Donna.

Seeing it take root in her only made me smile behind the mask as I nodded my head to her.

"Very good. The Donna speaks highly of you and your skills with the enclosure you have created on Dohmus Prime thus far. I commend you for your activities."

The Donna was a woman who was hard pleased. Auberon was never please, but knew when people did their best and expected it of them. Utilizing my mask, I looked into her. Force sensitive, but not awoken. Firrereo from the teeth she had, as well as the multiple layered eyes. Secondary to her slightly golden skin. Some light Grey marks on her as scarring. My mask gave me many sights in which I can learn all of a person without them ever speaking. It was always nice to have an advantage over those who came my way. As was why I wore the mask. Hiding my true identity, as well as allowing me to use the mask to its fullest extent.

"What brought you to the family in the first place, and why did you stay? Considering you are not of the human species, you do stick out a little. Not that I care what or who you are."

Truth. I cared not who she was. I did not have any ill will towards any species or beings in particular. Even my natural counterparts of the Thyrsian. However, I desired someone who knew what to do, and could get the job done without needing me to constantly look over their shoulder, nor require my approval, or need to find approval from me. My approval was their allowance to work with me, and possibly, their promotion if they proved themselves worthy.

​

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[member="Jade Isara"], ​

 

[Jade Solus Skirae]

She was glad to see that the Donna approve of her and her work and gave a small bow when he commended her efforts, She listened to him as she and no doubt he was sizing eachother up by body posture and language. From what she could tell this person wanted people he can depend on without hand holding too much but she will only go as far as her boundaries of the family allow her when he asked her the question of what brought her here and why she stayed considering what she was it earned her fingers digging into the table only a little indent but she controlled and calmed herself before speaking again.

I merely heard about the Family during one of my adventures and I wanted to join to ...spread my wings so to speak rather then being a the whim of some hutt somewhere. When I joined for abit I felt right at home and decided to stay and do what I can to help the Family in their endeavors, As for the color of my skin I can change it if its too...out in the open.

As she said that her skin turned form the golden color to a light gray for only a moment before it went back to gold to prove her point, She wanted to ensure this man that she was useful and not simply be another burden.

[member="Shaun Castanic"]

 

[Vora Kaar]

THE GARDENER - NAR SHADDAA ESTATE

A digging of the fingers. The faint hint of anger in her aura. Oh I could easily make her more angry. To see how far she would go. Push her buttons and find out if she really was worth it. However, I would rather keep a good relation with those working with me. Shaking my head slowly after she answered. Pointing to my own hair, which she could clearly see, was a stark white against any other kind of hair color out there. While her skin was slightly different, that made no difference to me. I cared not where she came from, or why, but I did want to know her motivation, and how strong her resolve was.

"You perform a disservice to me by stating you would change for me."

I looked over to the Loth-Wolf and nodded my head. Within a moment, Kin began to speak to both myself, and Jade at the same time.

"If you stick out Jade, then try being a sentient lupine that are larger than the biggest of Nexu."
"Your species, your skin, or where you came from matter not to me Jade. I want a job done. When I ask for something to be done, I want a yes or no answer. If you can't get it done, then I will get someone else. No. It will not look poorly on you. You have your strengths and weaknesses. Your wants and desires. If you can get it done, then I expect you to do so."
"Auberon acts in secret with his work. He cannot show his face every waking moment. Should he need you to act on his behalf, he wants to know that you can perform the job to the fullest extent without him having to intervene."

In all truths, The Lupine was not wrong. However, if I did need to stick my neck on the line for Jade, I would. However, after if she had proven her worth to me, and provided me a set of talents that would be beneficial to not just myself, but to the Family first, and foremost. If my people did their job, if they did it right, and even challenged me in how the job should be done, then I would hold more respect for them, and stick my neck out for them. The one stipulation? They needed to do their job. That is all that mattered to me at the moment.

[member="Jade Isara"],

 

[Jade Solus Skirae]

She noted that her choice of words was poor that standing out was of little consequence aslong as the job could be done, She nodded to the wolf when he spoke to her before looking to [member="Shaun Castanic"] listening to what he was saying this time she had to choose her words more carefully especially if she is going to be asked to act on his behalf without his intervention being required. While she might not be the best diplomat in any case if combat is involved she will do her best to excel in her work.

I will complete any task given to me to the best of my abilities.

For the first time in a while she was fishing for words that wont make her seem like a complete idiot and help her in this meeting rather then work against her.

 

[Vora Kaar]

THE GARDENER - NAR SHADDAA ESTATE

"That is all I ask of you."

Nodding my head to her with my response of doing her best. In truth, I wanted her to do her best in everything she did. Because anything less, would not suffice. Kin stood up from where he was laying down and moved over to the table. Sitting much like how any other dog or lupine creature would on their hind legs. Now that Jade knew he could speak, no point in being away from the conversation. I on the other hand, stood up and walked over to the kitchen. Beginning to make a simple glass of water while the Loth-wolf spoke.

"I do not know of your uses for these creatures you catch. Secondary, if you were to catch sentient beings such as humans, what would you do with them?"

Moving back into the room with a glass of water, I placed it down in front of her and would indicate that she was free to drink from it if she wished. I would not drink since the mask would have to stay. Despite this, I looked to Jade in a very serious manner. Waiting for her answer from the wolf to determine what my last question would be.

[member="Jade Isara"],

 

[Jade Solus Skirae]

She watched for a moment [member="Shaun Castanic"] getting up to get some water before she turned her attention to the wolf who asked her a question about what would happen if she caught humans or other sentient beings, Truth be told it would depend on the person and if the family had need for them or a bounty on their heads she saw him put down the glass of water and was given permission to drink. She took a small sip before responding to the wolfs question.

It depends on the sentient truth be told, If the family wishes for certain people that I catch alive? then thats how I will deliver them there fate is at the hands of the Family before i move any further even if theres a bounty on their head I will ask the high ranking members of the Family first before i choose there fate.

its a truthful fact she will obey only the Family no matter the target their fate ultimatly is up to the family.

 

[Vora Kaar]

THE GARDENER - NAR SHADDAA ESTATE

Hearing her answer the question, Her words were that of seeking an answer from the higher ups. I nodded my head. She would seek out all the information she could before the fate of the person would be determined. A very noble idea. Most of the time though, If the family wanted someone in a specific condition, then it would be shared right away with those hunting said person in question. While she did not know that at this time, It mattered not in the grand scheme of things.

She understood that she worked for the family. At this time, she was considered expendable. However, with how she had answered these questions and dealt with all that had been given to her, I nodded my head and stood up. Kin already standing up as well and moved into the other room.

"You see Jade, You were not answering questions for myself alone. Crocell, you may enter the room."

Upon calling out Ivory's name, I also pulled out from my pocket a holocommunicator. One that had been active the entire time. Setting it down on the table, I turned on the interface to reveal the other two major members of the Hierarchy. Vork, The right hand, and the Donna herself. However, all you could see of the donna was from her shoulders up, and her face hiding behind a wide brim hat with quite a bit of lace on it.

Kin returned from the other room with a bowl in his mouth. Setting it down onto the table, he then took a step back. A snap of my fingers and within the bowl, was now lit a flame. I also produced a knife from my jacket and sat it down on the table, followed quickly by a special datapad.

"Jade Isara, please stand."

​

[member="Jade Isara"], [member="Ivory Stroud"], [member="Ahtemis"], [member="Vorkaliin Barass"], ​

 

[Crocell]

A door opened, and through it stepped the Underboss of the Family, Ivory herself. Her face was serious; set in stone, but Jade would have been able to catch the barest glimmer of mirth behind Ivory's eyes. She shared a nod toward her fellow Caporegime & The Donna, visible through the small communicator.

The tattooed Femme-Fatale approached, standing beside the table and beside [member="Shaun Castanic"], silent, merely bearing witness to the events as they unfolded.

She'd been impressed by [member="Jade Isara"]'s answers, and her performance... for there were no secrets amongst the highest members of The Family.

 

[Corran Conner]

Vork stood in front of his holopad listening in and waiting for [member="Shaun Castanic"] to finish up his questions. While he waited he looked over some more data on new events among the galaxy and the family. He growled silently at the numbers. A lot of his forces were beginning to find resistance on Noverskaa from the new rebels from the refugees from ME space. Tom shouldn't have taken them in but he had and now Vork had to deal with it.

He put his pad away as he was summoned to full size for Jade's ceremony. He nodded back to the underboss [member="Ivory Stroud"]. She had made great strides for the family and now it was their job as a group to continue them. Vork stood stoically waiting for [member="Jade Isara"] to react to what was soon to happen. Another member coming up in the family.

 

[Jade Solus Skirae]

She saw the hound walk into the other room and listened as [member="Shaun Castanic"] revealed that there was others listening to the questions that where presented to her, She should be surprised but for something like this shed suspected something like this to happen and saw the holocommunicator that showed the other two major members of the family one of them being the Donna herself she watched the hound return with a bowl that was now set on fire inside the bowl as he produced a knife and a datapad. She stood up when she was told too and looked to see [member="Ivory Stroud"] enter the room, She kept her composure trying not to show that she was a little nervous but was ready for what was coming.

[member="Ahtemis"] [member="Vorkaliin Barass"]

 

[Vora Kaar]

The others joined the room we were in. Jade seemed nervous. However, she held true. Seeing all of the unknowns become a reality, I would no doubt how she felt. Considering that Ahtemis had performed my own ritual to become her Hand. Sliding over the datapad to her, I began to speak after everyone was introduced.

"Donna, Crocell, War. We as the heads of state within the Family have decided to perform a ritual for you. This will be the easiest job from you. However, every job we ask for you to complete, will not be so easily done, or even spoken. Jade Isara, As I am the one hiring you to work with me, You and I will perform these rites."

I started to remove my jacket. Exposing my nearly albino skin, and even removing my gloves. The one rare chance I have ever done so in front of anyone other than Vorkaliin, Ivory, and Ahtemis. Picking up the knife, I flipped it around my fingers as I continued to speak.

"Crocell is here to be a second set of eyes during these rites. I will be handing you the knife in a second. You will cut open your hand. While shaking hands over the flame, I will have you repeat everything after me. Understood?"

As soon as confirmation was given, I looked over to Ivory and nodded to her. My attention came back to my own hand. Taking the knife, I cut deeply into the skin. Enough to allow the crimson blood to spill out from my grasp. I quickly wiped the blade down upon my shirt, and then handed it over to Jade. Once she had done so, I extended my hand to her. Once grasped, I spoke one sentence at a time and did not continue until she repeated it.

"I, State your name, As a member of the Family."
"Do so take upon the responsibilities of Made."
"I pledge myself to the Family."
"I am the Family, The Family is as I."
"May our lives"
"be intertwined as the roots of the Tree."
"I, State your name, Am Made Anew."

​

​

[member="Jade Isara"], [member="Vorkaliin Barass"], [member="Ivory Stroud"], [member="Ahtemis"], ​

 

[Jade Solus Skirae]

She looked at each member as they where introduced she understood why each of them earned the positions they had and she watched as he picked up the knife and explained the process, A oath by blood? Now they where talking rituals she was all too familiar with as it was apart of her culture or at least to her to make such sacred oaths by blood she watched as he cut into his hand and held it out after wiping the knife clean he handed it to her so she could do the same. Without hesitation she did the same thing he did and shook his hand over the flame and listened to every sentence that he spoke to her an oath that she was to repeat , She memorized every word that was spoken twice over so she wont forget repeating them in her mind as he spoke them until he was done and it became her turn to repeat. She spoke with clarity and confidence when she repeated the words.

I,Jade Isara, As a member of the Family.

Do so take upon the responsibilities of Made.

I pledge myself to the Family.

I am the Family, The Family is as I.

May our lives.

Be intertwined as the roots of the Tree.

I,Jade Isara,Am Made Anew.

[member="Shaun Castanic"] [member="Vorkaliin Barass"] [member="Ivory Stroud"] @Ahtemis.

 

[Crocell]

The brightly burning fire hissed as a few drops of blood fell from [member="Jade Isara"] & [member="Shaun Castanic"]'s sealing handshake. The Ritual was a powerful act of magic - a wholly binding one, as to become a member of The Family was for life. A coppery tang would reach the nostrils, as the blood quickly burned... sealing the pact in a symbolic vision of what would befall they that broke the oath, or betrayed The Family.​

​

Jade would now be considered one of the trusted few.​

​

Ivory grinned in the dim lighting, saying nothing.. but with a nod.​

 

[Vora Kaar]

Once Jade had done so, I smiled behind my mask, Removing my hand from her, I quickly reached to my back pocket to pull out a handkerchief. Wiping my hand of the blood where I had cut myself and reached over to the side quickly to see a first aid box fly over to the table. I then took the bowl of fire and turned it upside down, and placed it onto the table. Smothering the flame of oxygen. Handing the handkerchief to Jade so she could remove the blood, I wrapped my hand in some gauze and tied it off so it wouldn't continue to bleed everywhere.

"Now that you have spoken the rites, You are Made. Most of the time, you will be working with me. However, if another one of the Capos, or even the Donna herself asks for a job from you, you are more than able to take on whatever job you wish."

Looking over to Ivory, I could clearly see the smile she had on her face. The Family was growing ever more.

Just then, The Donna spoke from the Holorecording. Surprising me with her voice.

"Jade, You will do well with the Family. See to it that you do your duty to the Capo you work with, and lead those under your own wings to reach. Auberon, Cut the Feed."
"Yes."

Reaching down, I cut the feed for both the Donna, and the Right hand. Ending communication to where I turned to Jade.

"Now, since you work for me, I will make something special for you."

FIN ​

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[member="Ivory Stroud"], [member="Jade Isara"], [member="Vorkaliin Barass"], [member="Ahtemis"], ​