Winner Take All (Open)

[Zilfer]

Bermfad's hunt had lead him across the galaxy one space port after another hunting and being hunted. He was back out in Mandalorian space or close to it. The hutts still ruled this part of space but the Mandalorians came and went as they pleased. Wisely the hutts allowed them to just 'pass on through' so he would have to keep his wits about him.

The new Mandalore had organized kill squads to come after him specifically. She had realized just what he intended to do, what he was searching for. Bermfad had also come to realize that the new mandalore was probably the reason he had lost the mask in the first place. Pirates usually don't work together in those numbers, and luckily for him the pirate that had obtained his mask during the battle had been too selfish to hand it over to the original employers when the time came. No they saw a bigger and brighter market.

So it was a race, would Ex or New Mandalore get the mask? Collector's had been hit as well, searching for anyone that might have potentially bought Mandalorian culture was suspect. Bermfad's trail had lead him to Nar Shaddaa.... He'd been here before, with a highly intelligent robot named Cele. Short for Celestial, supposibly she was from a time before anyone they could remember.

Despite her robotic nature, Bermfad had come to like her presence though he admitted that might have had to do something with her chosen form was very human like to the point of not even being able to tell it was a synthetic. How much he wished HK or Cele was here now, he could use the back up.

He had traveled a good distance to reach his destination, and his prey was walking down an allyway heading to a meeting point. He wasn't sure it was a smart idea to hit the exchange so soon upon landing but time was running out. He had assurances that it was somewhere on this planet, and the Exchange and Hutts always knew what came through their territory....

A grenade flashed as adhesive exploded everywhere tying up five figures as Bermfad's body mass slammed knees down into the back of a rodian knocking him clean out. His holsters came free of their weapons as heavy blaster bolts fired from his blasters. On many worlds his blasters would have been illegal due to their power, but Mandalorians usually didn't see it that way.

Two bolts later, the chest of the other individuals had a hole the size of a baseball in their chest while another third one was trying to pull his heavy repeater to bear. Bermfad didn't have time for dodging in close quarters so he did what he did best.... the unexpected. His blaster collided with the man's face throwing his head and aim off. The last man was trying to pull free of the adhesive, and he was the real target. Bermfad ignored him for the moment as he came forward with a vibrodagger slipping forward from a spring sheath and brought it straight up into the fourth man's chest. He then repeated the motion again on the otherside hitting the man's lunges but more importantly.... his second heart. Bermfad had learned the hard way that Iridonians had two hearts when he had once thought he killed one that was bent on hunting him and his squad back then. One of his squad had died for hi to learn that lesson.... well lesson learned.

He looked as the Exchange officer began to run, obviously intimidated by the sudden audacity of the attack. Bermfad reasoned it probably was the best thing he could do in the situation. Breaking into a sprint through crowds he gained ground rapidly on his fifth and final target. He grabbed the Gand and hauled him up against a wall.

"Ah! Qui knows nothing! Qui knows nothing!!!"

"Shut up you stupid bug, I haven't even asked anything yet," said Bermfad threateningly. They were in a public area so there would  be eyes but he didn't have time. "You know what I'm after, I'd wager you've seen my face before."

"Qui knows you yes! Qui has seen your face.... face of the Exile! Clanless! Ex-King of the Brutes of the galaxy! Qui knows all too well what brutes do to bugs like Qui!" said the Gand still struggling against him.

"Then you know if you don't tell me what I want to know what will happen to you in the next few moments, no one's going to help you," said Bermfad his grip tightening firmly to make it clear he should stop struggling.

"Qui knows you seek the mask! A mask that passed by recently but Qui does not know it's location! Qui swears by Qui's life that Qui doesn't know! Please don't kill Qui!"

"Then you must know who does know..." said Bermfad trying to sound iritated at the Gand's excuses.

"No, Qui cannot tell you. Qui would be killed or worse!"

At this Bermfad reached and yanked the Gand's breather off the front of his face and it squeeled and began to cough and hack up a fit. Bermfad waited for a good five seconds before stuffing it back in his face so he could breath again.

"What do you think I'm going to do?"

"Ok, Qui tell you. Then Qui will run, faster this time so Brutes like you don't catch Qui! Qui heard Qui's boss say that Gamba the Hutt has Brute Mask. Gamba wants to ransom mask back to Brute Queen. Qui heard this yes, but Qui wasn't told."

"You were spying... like a bug...." said Bermfad finding a bit of dry humor in that.

"No! Qui never spy, Qui just have better hearing that others think. Qui can hear very well."

"Well then listen closely Qui... I don't ever want to see you again? Got it? If I see you again I'll take that mask off until you stop breathing. You should really find a better place to work," said Bermfad before dropping the Gand.

"Yes Qui will seek new employement. Qui take new job, one much more peaceful. Qui leave now, and never see Brute again. Goodbye, Qui hope Brute stays faaaaar away," said the Gand as he rushed away as quick as he could. The display had drawn quiet a bit of looks and he knew someone would get the idea to sell the information or rumors would get around. They would know he was coming.....

[Zilfer]

"He's roughing up people on MY TURF, I don't care if he's the Ex-Ex-Mandalore's Grandson and that he is the Ex-Mandalore! People that come into my sectors and throw their weight around get squashed!" said a booming voice in native huttenese.

109K looked at the Hutt. He failed to mention the irony of having anyone "squashed" when many others thought that Hutts were just overgrown slugs. In truth he didn't care, he was here for a girl but not a girl that was liable to forgive him for what he had done. He was working for a company called Darkhand, one that his mother had worked for before.... He looked over to the head of the company, a man known amongst the criminal underground by the ghost name "Mr. Dark". A horrible name, one that made him roll his eyes almost every time he ever heard it. Who in their right mind would want to be called "Mr Dark?" It was like one of those bad holovid movie villians just waiting to happen. The problem was unlike the Holo-vid movie this guy was sinister on a level that made him shiver to think of what those eyes had seen.

"Do you hear me?!?" bellowed the Hutt. Mr. Dark just stared calmly at the hutt as if weighting his decisions. What he couldn't understand was that Mr. Dark almost never hesitated, he was cold and calculating but.... he almost always had an answer ready.

"Yes, it will be done I'll give you 109K and one of my test subjects. Think of it as a..... trial run shall we say?" asked Mr. Dark his gaze gaining determination again. 109K thought at that for a moment and then looked back to the video of the mandalorian assaulting a Gand.

"Good, kill this man and we'll have a deal on buying more of your..... 'soldiers'" said the Hutt laughing as he shut the display down. "Well now you Iridonian dog, you go fetch this man, I want to put a frag grenade down his throat so I can watch his pained expression before he dies. Am I understood?"

"Perfectly," said 109K his will shifting to the cold iron that he placed on his mind when he had to do things that he felt required a darker side. He'd been going there more and more recently and he knew this would scar him from who he really was but damnit! That Mr Dark was trying to do EXACTLY that. He had to get her back, and one thing he had seen with this Mr Dark was that he always kept his word.... this was the last job. He had never gone back on his word though he had a feeling there'd be one last twist before they parted ways.... Perhaps a memory wipe of him, as he did with some of his other clients. Damn the force! If only he knew more about it than his rudimentary understanding of it!

"Oh and 109K.... make sure you follow Mr. Vanderrung's order to the letter. We wouldn't want one of our business partner's getting the wrong idea...." said Mr. Dark as he turned his robes flowing. "Your partner will be waiting outside, I'll leave you the one you seem to like so much."

109k's face didn't falter, but he knew which person he was talking about. The silent bastard he had sparred with more than a few times, and they butted heads during a few missions past. This wasn't going to be fun....

[Zilfer]

Mr. Dark or Scar as was his personal name, set out amongst the streets of Nar Shaddaa watching civilization go by, as it tried to kick, claw, and scratch its way to a new day. The city moon was bursting with activity no matter if it was day or night, and the ugly stain in the sky that was Nal'Hutta showed signs of Eclipsing into a dark brown crescent. He called to his ship knowing it was hanging out somewhere near the planet out there, the tendrils of his mind brushed against a large yet intimately familiar presence.

'I am done here,' he thought mentally. The Kosh ship named Gaia brushed back against his mind. 'I was starting to get lonely with all that time you spent on that metal sphere... perhaps we could take a trip to a more appeasing locale.'

'Perhaps, I haven't visited a few out lying planets in awhile perhaps I should revisit some of my labs. Korriban, Zoist, or even the current Sith hide out on Dromund Kaas sound appealing,' thought Scar noting the ship's reaction. In truth any emotion displayed by Gaia was a pleasant reminder of what life had been before his current 'unfeeling' statis. Their force connection allowed him to.... 'Feel Alive' once more. He had attached a personal connection to the ship, and it went deeper than anyone living knew. There were moments when he wondered at the 'affections' of the ship. Did it feel this way no matter who bonded to it?

'While none of those locations sound remotely appealing, it would be a... how do you small creatures say.... 'a breath of fresh air,'' came the response back to him. He had felt the small stirring within his mind to find the right phrase. The ship had learned much from him about the world of small creatures it had previously no understanding of. Being a rather large ship it could not interact at the level that he could but sometimes he allow glimpses to pass through to the ship.

Scar ran his hand along the railing he had stopped at as a star ship passed. Things were proceeding smoothly as of recently, with his compound CZ-11 finally becoming completed he had begun a training regiment of putting agents imbued with the substance through intensive drilling. The compound still had a 20% death rate, but it was much better than the initial tests that had driven all test subjects made but awakening within them force powers.

'Perhaps we could explore some uncharted space afterword, I'm sure your wanderings must have turned up some unique.... 'Locales.'' said Scar before looking down at the city. It was now that something caught his eye that hadn't before. That star ship had the a Mandalorian symbol on it, and even more interesting a squad stepped out onto the surface of the moon landing pad. A woman in armor he clearly recognized as the current Mandalore stepped out looking around at the city.

"Things are about to get interesting on this moon...." said Scar expanding his senses to encompass the nearby moon where he felt all kinds of individual activies going on. Even a force sensitive, a powerful one at that. It was enough to perk his interests further. "Very interesting. Gaia I'm not done here yet, hold off on picking me up."

'You continue to confound,'

Scar smiled at that.

'I'll make it up to you, promise,' said Scar walking towards the Mandalore, he had some information she might be interested in and thus perhaps he could make a deal....

[Zilfer]

The task was supposed to be an easy one but apparently when she had gotten rid of most of those Mandalorians still loyal to Bermfad she had been left with incompetent louts, that couldn't find a stupid mask if the war depended on it. Meanwhile they also couldn't kill just one man, the Ex-mandalore before her, and she knew she should have killed him that night when she had told him to run and find that mask. She could take over as Mandalore for the time being, convincing him that the Mandalorians would be at his throat, some hot shot trying to steal the position out from under him, and that there would be a day were he failed or another of his competition got lucky. She was starting to doubt that would have happened if he had stayed, but she scolded herself for letting feelings get in the way. A long way back when they had played War games on Dxun's moon he had been the one to come back to her when she had gotten trapped in the old sith tombs on Dxun.

Well lesson learned, Mercy should never be given to ones enemies. The Sith were right in their brutality, and despite them being bashed back to the far reaches of known space they still had a hand in galactic matters. They had trained her for a long time now, and she had hidden her... sensitivity. She had thought to train Bermfad because he had a gift but he just didn't know how much of a gift he had. He had been trained to ignore the signals the force gave him, but when his life demanded it sometimes it shown through. He was just off enough for that bolt to miss, or came around a corner just in time to avoid an explosion... Yes the force watched out for him, and that's why she had decided to find the mask herself. Once she had the mask she would invite Bermfad back to his position as Mandalore... there she'd give him a choice. One last chance to be of use to her... if not then he would die as a traitor.

"Mandalore, a man would like to see you..." said one of her Death Commando's. She turned to ready to fling an insult about even bothering her when she was deep in thought about a trivial matter but then she noticed who was standing next to him, and that man's eyes were distance as if he wasn't looking at the scene before him.

"Let his mind go." she stated firmly knowing full well this cloaked figure out matched her skill, but he was a fringer. Never liked getting involved in affairs past the point of learning just a small amount of what was going on. He never met with the Sith or offered support from his vast network. As far as she was concerned he was a coward even by Sith Standards.

"As you wish," said Scar letting the tendrils recede from the man's mind. He instantly realized were he was and started to apologize but Mandalore held up her hand.

"Enough we will speak of your weakness later, secure the area. I want to start hunting very soon," said Mandalore and the commando headed off scratching his head as if trying to get rid of some sort of headache. She turned her attention back to Scar her long blonde hair trailing in the slight wind behind her. "What do you want."

"hmpf, well not exactly the greeting I was expecting when I supply most of your weapons and ship repairs but I digress, I have some information that might interest you," said Scar calmly his dark brown eyes staring steadily at Mandalore.

"Then you'd best make it quick, I'm a little busy here and my presence being gone from the fleets will be noticed before long," said Mandalore putting a dark blue gauntleted hand on her hip. Scar admired the craftsmen ship of the Mandalore's sleek armor, he noted that it looked like it might have had shielding as well to protect with very little hint of the green beskar material it was made out of.

"The Ex-Mandalore is here... Bermfad I believe his name was. I had a brief run in with him a number of years back, while he was doing some fighting on the Moons of Onderon. He was with one of the last Drakains if I recall correctly," said Scar going on as if it was just light conversation.

"Bermad is here? On Nar Shaddaa? How do you know...?" asked Mandalore, her eyes narrowing with a glare that would make almost anyone uneasy.

"I have my sources, Serah. The Question you should be asking yourself isn't why I'm here, or what I gain from telling you. Instead you should be asking yourself why he is here.... and while I was asking myself that same question you show up.... two mandalorian forces on the planet.... now there can't be a coincidence, there's no such thing. I came to the conclusion that your here for the same reason he is... looking for an illusive mask that has escaped everyone's grasp from obtaining it," said Scar his grin looking wider with the scar running up the side of his face.

"You don't do anything without a reason," said Serah simply. Once Scar let the silence drag out for a few moments he shrugged.

"I guess you have a point, well if I recall correctly Bermfad is a force sensitive and being a hardened combatent I would be interested in some experiments on him. So I ask you let my people do their work, and don't kill Bermfad, trust me once my hands are on him, he won't bother you and your little rebellion again." said Scar reaching out a hand. "Do we have a deal? His life for my cooperation?"

"And if I choose to decline?"

"Well, my agents are trained to try and obtain the objective at all costs.... if you should interfere with apprehending Bermfad you would of course be seen as expendable," said Scar his hand still extended.

"Fine but the prize is mine. Do you hear me Scar? If Bermfad gets in the way of that I'll deal with him my own way, and your people better not interfere." said Serah grabbing Scar's hand and squeezing with a crush gaunt. If SCar had a normal living hand he would have felt a few bones break, but his smile didn't flinch.

"I can already tell this day is just going to get more interesting as it progresses... you'd better get started hunting... Bermfad's already got a few hour lead on you," said Scar as he turned to walk away. After reaching a fair distance he pulled out his communicator.

"Get me Drakain, I want him to try and steal this 'prize' out from under the Mandalorians. Whatever it is... I want it."

[MikDaTv]

"Frank, stand watch and keep the home fires burning. See if you can't adjust the plasma flow through the impulse engines. We were burning a little hot when we came in for the landing." McCloud shouted as he swaggered down the ramp of his ship Jessica. His holsters were strapped tight and the scatter blaster he normally carried was tied to the inside of his duster. Likewise, his mask was tied in there as well. He didn't expect to need any of them but trouble had a knack for finding him.

"hopefully when i get back i'll have a job." He yelled up the ramp before he closed it.

Frank was a good companion but he couldn't speak and had a limited intelligence. Sometimes it was like talking to a rock. McCloud needed some time away from his companion and he was in desperate need for a job. Not for money, he had oodles and oodles of money because he hardly spent it, but he was growing increasingly bored. If he didn't find a job soon he was going to start scorching his name into the cargo bay bulkhead with his blasters again. Nar Shadda was always good for a job and no one batted an eye at hodge podge junker like Jessica parked on a landing pad.

McCloud gave the ship one last look and then got himself lost in the foot traffic of probably the most crime ridden planets in the galaxy.

[Zilfer]

Jedi weren’t often welcome in this part of the galaxy though most didn’t particularly seek out that kind of attention, most avoided his attention for fear of coming into view of some sort of Paladin of light that wiped out all darkness and corruption it touched. Truth was there wasn’t enough Jedi in the galaxy to over see that kind of battle, either physical or spiritual but they tried where they could.

Truthfully, he was here on reconnaissance for the Jedi order, and to keep him busy he suspected. After Kaleesh’s battle he took place in he was beginning to see more and more Jedi joining in on the core worlds as the mandalorians pushed more and more into civilized space. Well they sent him out to see how Hutt Space was doing and as far as he could tell the Mandalorians were bypassing them for now which meant it wasn’t a vague find battles were glory is like the Last Mandalorian War. It was actually tactical, and they weren’t trying for victory through just straight brutal strength… and that meant the Republic might be in trouble of the war continued to escalate while the senator’s bickered whether the Mandalorians would ever make it to Core Space.

Here on Nar Shaddaa however, he could feel small vibrations of movement, like an internal struggle seeking a place to vent. He felt panic mixed with urgency, and unrest amongst the force. Something was going to happen on this planet and he was determined to find the source. This didn’t take long as he found signs of violence breaking as far out onto the streets, which was the fact that almost no one was walking around in the sector he had begun to walk into. Most people started to run for cover, when blaster fire started to erupt.

He had registered the figures starting to surround him before they had even revealed themselves holding weapons at their sides and dressed for what looked like street war. Zilfer came to a stop a good ten paces away giving a cursory glance at the men surrounding him. A multitude of races, from Gamorean to Trandosian.

“You came to the wrong sector soft skin, but we can’t afford any witnesses.” Said the man as he started to pull his gun. He had hoped for a chance to speak but it looked like they weren’t going to afford him a chance. In about a second Zilfer had closed the distance his lightsaber blade simulantously activating and slicing through the man’s weapon followed by another slash at his armor.

The Trandosian’s breeches fell down to the floor as Zilfer continued to walk on hoping it was enough to discourage them. Of course the humiliation prompted a small metal object to come siding by him. Grenade! His reaction was more reflex than thought as the force scooped the grenade and sent it sailing as fast as he could away from him. It blew up taking out a speeder nearby, but luckily only damaging it enough to prompt an immediate landing. ‘Sorry,’ Zilfer thought as he looked back to the thugs. He smiled as he saw their backsides turning and running. He turned back forward and started to sprint, he heard blaster fire up ahead…

[Zilfer]

“Never thought we’d be back here Ghost,” said Coin as he pounded twice on the old battered ship that had given them passage to Nar Shaddaa. He was a young humanoid dressed in light combat armor decorated in a combination of Kalee war symbols from the battle of Kaleesh were the Republic had just barely managed to hold out long enough against the Mandalorians to have reinforcements arrive. Older symbols on the armor counted amongst Mando symbols, though they were gradually fading as the years wore on.

Ghost a tall native Kaleesh wore similar armor and he looked down at his dark complexion friend. His skull mask had two red lines drawn down it as well as two horizontal lines drawn in Kaleesh fashion. Coin could never tell if he was grinning beneath that thing, but it was rare to see him without it.

“She’s here,” said Ghost walking forward towards the streets. Coin followed soon after, watching the ship disappear into the horizon.

“Yeah but what sort of stat is she in? She’s using her Echani fightning style of twin swords for money? That’s not like her Ghost… our Captian must have a plan of some sort. Maybe to fund a war against the Mandalorians?” said Coin fiddling with his lightsaber. He wasn’t taught traditionally, he had some skill in the force but mostly it came from emotions he let flow through him. Not the blinding rage of the Sith but rather controlled fury. He had been briefly taught by a man in the Drakain Clan named Elifain.

“She’s walking the a path that the wind follows,” said Ghost who still seemed to be walking forward with purpose. His height towered over most of the people passing them on the street.

“Your saying she’s lost right? Wind flowing whichever way it wants without so much more than a whim?” asked Coin scratching his head. “If she is then we need to save her from herself. An Assassin? Come on, our captain believed in purpose and direction. A goal to see the Mandalorians and Republic get along because if they could get along then perhaps her people would too.”

“It’s good to see wisdom in someone so young, but we know nothing until we find her,” stated Ghost at last coming to a stop.

“Damnit Ghost we don’t have time to fight with every group of thugs on this moon,” said Coin already knowing that they were beginning to be sought out by numbers greater than their own, he more sensed it than saw it like Ghost.

“They could prove useful,”

“Useful for what? Wasting time?”

“The game Sword plays now is the game of hunting, and so we must play the game too if we are to find her. I suggest we force these guys to show us to the person with bigger fangs than them,” said Ghost now crossing his arms. A few men at windows leveled their guns at Coin and Ghost, as well as some men walking along, two behind and three in front.

“and what do we do then eh Ghost?”

Ghost didn’t respond immediately as he pulled out his BTC-30 modified to his size, and leveled it at the approaching figures. “Simple, we ask them…. Where’s the bigger fish?”

Coin smiled, and knew explosives were going to be involved. Him and Ghost loved explosives, and on a plus side they didn’t have to worry too much about collateral, almost everyone they were going to be going at were bad people on some level or another.

[Elifain]

Walking through town center didn't exactly bring the best of the world out. Merchants shouting thier wares, trying to outvoice their competition, and the occasional bump of a pickpocket was enough to show what the town had their mind on. The former didn't pay anyone in particular any mind, while the latter only picked out targets who didn't seem to be able to do anything to retaliate quickly enough. As a result, Jay'ce was able to pass through without much difficulty. The way he carried himself, tied with his physique made it clear that he would be able to handle himself in most situations, and the calm smile on his face made him seem more likely to be walking in the park, rather than a potential battlefield.

As he passed by one merchant selling a large assortment of droid parts, another figure fell into step behind him, and said in a low tone, Calls been made. Shade requests for us to retrieve a prize. Says your families not going to like you for this one. he shrugged a little, as he continued walking. Jay'ces smile, if anything became a bit more feral, as he looked to the sky.

After a moment, Jay'ce rolled his shoulders, making audible popping sounds, before saying, Well, can't say I didn't look forward to this one. Tell shade, I'm on it. He proceeded to turn into a large crowd, before dispersing, almost as if in shadows, to those around. In truth, he had done just that. The old tricks were coming back to him.

He stepped out a couple of blocks later, easily outdistancing his comrade, as well as the crowd he had stepped into itself. He knew his first target would be to find a member of the local crime group, the exchange, or to call upon Morith, and his spies that he had seeded into the planets underworld. Stepping into another crowd, this one strangely not moving, jay'ce found himself hearing whispers, and a screeching voice of a gand running from an armed man. It took Jay'ce a moment to recognize the old mandalore, Bermfad. Memories of their more recent meetings crossed jay'ces mind, as he stepped from the crowd, his hands held into his jackets pockets, as he called out, Well, well, well. If it wasn't ber'ika. Ner Vod! Su cuy'gar!" He dropped into mandalorian as he continued to approach, ready in case the man still held a grudge.

---

Not for the first time that day, Artemus sighed to show his boredom. Waiting was one of the most boring parts of this job... The only saving grace this assignment had was that the drinks were free, and the bartender seemed to always be sending company his way, while marking targets. The Lordiian male just watched for the proper queue, and would slip out to trail, or down the marked targets, making the proper excuses based on who he was talking to.

He had been running as a muscle, as well as info broker, for kuru's bar for the past couple of weeks, since the last of his back-pay ran out upon arriving on the planet, and his ship being confiscated by what ran as authorities. His job, pass along info to men that Kuru deemed worthy, so that the bar keeper didn't have to put his face to the tags for those who no doubt wanted to pin anything possible to the slippery hutt.

Suddenly, a figure dropped themselves at his table, placing a shot glass before him, and a familiar smiling face met his.

Long time artemus. It was liz. She hadn't seemed to change at all.

What do you want... He grumbled, looking around, not wanting to make eye contact with his squads old sniper.

You wound me... She said, the smirk still there. And after i bring come to bring you word. The old gang is meeting up. Says words come down through old channels. An old alias of an old friend just got pinged in the systems. The tone hinted at who had been the friend, and that brought Artemus' gaze to the woman and it held there.

When, and where He said, through a dry mouth, to which Liz meerly grabbed hold of his arm, and started dragging him towards the door, before yelling to the hutt, I'm stealing him from you, slime ball! and rushing out the door, the old hutt cursing her as they left.

[Zilfer]

Bermfad looked over at who was approaching and for a moment he searched his memory, and a man long lost crawled out from the Abyss. The old Third Fleet Commander, and one of the trainers of the Mandalorian Force Sensitives. Elifain Drakain.... why was he here? And more importantly the in the hutt crevice did he want? He turned to the man who had worked as a man for hire and that he had called a Dar'manda. Now he too shared that title in order to accomplish what couldn't be done other wise. He had chosen to live and recover the mask of his people instead of face the mandalorian people. Some would see that as cowardice, no he wanted them united. They had gathered in more force than they had for over fifty years and his grandfather's legacy was on the line.

"Heh, you look like you've gotten uglier," said Bermfad shrugging in his Mandalorian armor. Half lifting an arm, he involved his own mandalorian. "Ni dinu ner gaan naakyc, jorcu ni nu copaani kyr'amur ner vod."

A common truce amongst enemy tribes of Mandalorians, or Mandalorian's unsure of the other's intent. He wasn't sure he was happy to see a 'familiar' face right now. A force sensitive at that.... and on top of that last time he had encountered the man, he had seemingly been hired by the front company of what seemed like a Triple A corporation pulling the strings of smaller organizations. To this day, Bermfad still hadn't figured out to just what extent the Corps influence had gone. The singular he had learned is a Mr. Dark was behind the company they had uncovered named "Darkhand" to which he had ran into once before. Drakain had been there before it was were he had lost his arm. Onderon system, with a force user he had blasted with his basilisk war droid. Why did the Drakain's keep showing up when this company was involved and more importantly was it involved here on this moon?

---

Ghost and Coin approached with two men forced forward at the end of rifles with explosives strapped around the gang members. They walked into the Hutt's palace not hindered but drawing more and more attention.

"So... what were we thinking again? I mean besides the whole, their not brave to shoot us because we could level this own place with the amount of explosives on these guys," said Coin. To that Ghost remained quiet and seemingly unconcerned. "Wait.... what if these pigs don't know how much explosives are on these guys?"

"Then we'll get to throw one hell of a going away party," said Ghost ushering the men forward still. It was then that a movement caught their eye. Coin nearly dropped the lightsaber hilt that was inactive in his other hand.

"Wait.... am I seeing what I think I'm seeing or did you hit that Detonator already?" asked Coin half disbelieving he would recognize anyone on this planet. "Is that-"

"Talon Squad.... Old bridgeburners in the flesh. They walked through their own pyre's and those who emerge will know the spark," said Ghost jabbing one of the goon's in the back to move forward.

"What are you doing in a hutt's palace?!?!" asked Coin slightly exasperated, and did they know were Sword was? No doubt she wouldn't be going by her old 'nickname' anymore.

---

Zilfer stopped just a cm's short of having two blades coming down to slit the side of his head in two. He had to spin to avoid the follow through and came up with his lightsaber's black core shooting out of the hilt. It hissed to life almost as if it was angered by someone attempting to kill its master.

"Who are you, and why are you trying to kill me?" asked Zilfer to the figure cloaked in black seamless armor. The figure was feminine in nature though beyond that he couldn't tell if it was exactly human. It tilted its head almost as if curious of something but that was just a momentary distraction.

Two blades sliced in and Zilfer deflected the blade into an X formation to block both with on blade. His form slipping into Makashi's one on one dueling form. He noted the blades were superbly made as they withdrew, and hammered in again. This time he parried deflecting away and spinning out of range his robes flowing almost as if in a dance. His opponent shifted stances flipping a blade up and a dagger flew out at him the figure rushing forward in a fluid motion as if it had been practiced many times before.

He deflected the blade with his lightsaber and realized it was just a feint for the real attack. The first blade came in and he sent it wide, but the second landed in the figures back hand extended behind and came  in for an over head swing. It met with the second lightsaber that Zilfer had activated and held up to catch. So much for sticking to forms.... To hell with the teachings. He was beginning to enjoy this, something the Jedi Council would not approve of him admitting to them. So he wouldn't just like always.

With a kick he sent the assassin flying back a few feet and with a twirl of blades he dropped into a personal stance. He made a motion for them to come forward and try to get that close again. He was going to make sure they didn't.

"Your the most worthy opponent I've fought in months," said the figure with a voice that was half modulated and half feminine.

"Well if you hadn't killed half of them with your initial strike than maybe it wouldn't have taken so long," said Zilfer half grinning letting out a long drawn breath and stilling his heart rate.

"If they can't survive an ambush then they aren't a worthy opponent," said the figure standing up straight for a moment and starting to track around Zilfer. He tracked her back circling calmly. "Who are you Jedi? Why are you here?"

"ah ah.... I never kiss on the first date, must less tell my name. Your going to have to show me a bit more skill with your blades before i divulge any more information," said Zilfer his lightsabers hissing with excitement.

"You'll divulge something alright," said the figure lifting their blades again. "Your the fourth one to see my blade dance. You should feel honored.... no one still alive has seen it."

That was it! The swords were Echani! In the presence of the a fallen warrior from one of the most graceful warriors in the galaxy was before him, and Zilfer knew only excitement in this moment. Their clash would be furious, and even the slightest mistake would end this battle. His opponent rushed forward and his lightsabers twirled to meet plasteel....

[Elifain]

Bermfads response had him raising an eyebrow. He didn't know what to expect after their previous meetings, but a truce was not one of them. With a hint of amusement in his voice, Jay'ce replied,So formal. We shall see. He turned towards the crowd that had remained, hoping a show would kick up. With a disgusted look, he said, Begone. There is nothing for you here. Adding a spike of force power to it, he was able to force the crowd to without question.

Turning back to Bermfad, his calm look returning, Jay'ce asked, What is it that brings the old mandalore to Nar Shadaa? looking for Cin vhetin His left hand left the pocket it had sat in until then, and now hung down low to his side as he awaited his answer.

---

Before they could depart, the crowd pushing at the door surged back and to the sides, some going for weapons, others just staring dumbfounded at the door, and then two figures pushed through, that had Artemus groaning.

The two had burst through with explosives, threatening a hutt and his crew, as well as all the figures in the establishment. The worst part was, he recognized both of them...

Coin, this had better not be what it looks like... Either my timing here totally sucks, your your trying to get yourself killed in an awful fast way... He shot out when the younger of the two started talking to them, blowing any chance of them not being seen as accomplices. Liz just put her hand to her forhead, for a moment, as the crowd glanced away from the two psychopaths to take their measure. Artemus quickly unclipped his blaster pistol strapped to his leg, but left it in its holster for a moment, before saying, What Can I do for the claws? Picker had dropped two daggers into her hands, and waited for any response at all from their ex comrades. If this was their way of cleaning house, the Talons wouldn't go down so easy.

[Zilfer]

"That's what my armor has always said," said Bermfad knocking a fist against his chest piece that showed Mandalorian character's for the words Cin Vhetin written in red as if they were bleeding over his white armor. As he looked at the people walking away he knew one of them would eventually be pressured for information or sell information a info broker. He had gotten a ‘wiff’ of something else in the air besides the stern look Elifain had given the crowd, but he couldn’t be sure if the Force was used in what Elifain had done.

“I’m here due to politics, and partially due to the new Mandalore. The War is getting close to causing the core worlds to falter under another Mandalorian War. New Mando War some are already calling it, while the Mandalorians are beginning to call it “Mando’ade adenn akaan’ (Lit: Sons/Daughters of Mandalore’s Merciless War) I intend to stop it before our people wipe themselves off the face of the galaxy or we wipe the galaxy clean.”

Bermfad shrugged he was all alone, out maneuvered and out gunned. Stakes were against him at every turn, even the republic that had promised support in fiding the mask were starting to falter. His access to their contacts for tracking the mask had almost gone dry over a week as they prepared for real war. Some republic senator’s thought him finding the mask would enpower the Mandalorian spirit to wage even more aggressive war and that he would fuel the fires instead of what he claimed which was the proclamation of peace, and negoshiations on repairing the outlying worlds that had been done already.

‘Damnit Bermfad, just ask for his name help already,’ he chided himself before relaxing and rolling his shoulders once to loosen up his tenseness. “I’ve never been sure of the Drakain Clan’s history, not something as an Ordo I was ever taught. Kids in my clan grew up hearing about your clan as if you were all ghosts, or lost a long time ago. I also know from the pieces I’ve put together you’ve gone through many changes in your life, and to be fair I have as well. I’m not sure where you’ve ended up and quite frankly I have no right to judge at the moment, but I know you were once a commander of the Third Fleet, but then upon seeing the truth of the Empire you turned from the Third and drew them to your side through what I can only count as undying loyalty. Any Mandalorian would be proud of this fact, and you returned to your Mandalorian roots for a time. I’m not sure what drew you away again, but if you care anything for your people I think you need to help me recover the Mask of Mandalore. And I’m asking for your help. If you knew me than you know how much just admitting that means.”

He waited trying to judge the response of the enigma that stood before him….

---

“A large alcoholic dispensed drink with the holo image of a Twi’lek dancing on it,” said Ghost calmly as if they weren’t having anything more than a calming chat. The Kalee’s demeanor was hard to judge through his skull mask.

“Yeah, what Ghost said, and we are looking for one of our sqaud. Captain Sword, was said to be here, but we haven’t seen her since we lost Dice in a routine mission. It’s said someone who’s awfully skilled with two echani blades has shown up here hiring themselves out to whoever will pay for an assassin. That doesn’t sound like her style, but then again me and ghost haven’t seen her in almost a year or two…” said Coin. As it left his mouth he realized just… how long it had been. It was like someone had jammed a hydrospanner into his side, and he had woken up to the fact. Before the Claw could ask what the hell that had to do with this Ghost spoke up again.

“Figured the fastest way through the scum would be to burn out way straight to the foulist, stickiest, and over grown evil gangster here and put his life in danger to get us information,” said Ghost.

There was a grumble somewhere taking offence to Ghost’s comment but Coin wasn’t paying attention to that fact.

“I’m more worried about what you guys are doing here? Working for a hutt? Me and ghost have managed to slide by on odd jobs, but we never imagined the Claw were…”

Coin slammed his mouth shut as he suddenly felt a large disturbance in the force. He couldn’t track it down he just knew it was coming this way….

“Brace yourselves! Something big is coming this way!”

[MikDaTv]

McCloud placed one of his pistols on the bar, his hand still holding the handle and finger on the trigger.

Zaz put both hands up and shook his head. "There is no need for hostility." The insectoid alien said through the electronic voice box on his throat. "I have represented my people on matters like this before and been burned. I have learned to be shrewd with their money. That was merely the opening bid."

"Very prudent." McCloud said, leaving the blaster right where it was. "But such a small sum can be considered an insult given the danger of the job."

McCloud generally didn't trust insectoid species like Zaz because they tended to be all about the greater good with no sense of individuality. They would refer to themselves as "We" all the time and do whatever it took to make sure their hive or nest or whatever they called it came out on top with no regard for personal consequences. Zaz was different though. He referred to himself as "I" and considered himself a representative for his people and said it was "their" money instead of "our" money. All that told McCloud that Zaz was an individual which is why he made the exemption.

"I will keep that in mind for future reference." Zaz said. "Back on topic, my people are in desperate need of resin. There is a ship in dock here on Nar Shadda with packed cargo containers full of Banfra Resin from Tantra. My people sent another hunter to Tantra to work out a deal with them for more Resin but i was sent to acquire as much of the stuff as possible thats already been shipped out into the galaxy."

"So the job is for the Resin." McCloud summed up. "I get you you every container of Resin this ship is holding and you pay me 50,000 credits for my trouble."

Zaz's face shifted in what McCloud found to be a most disgusting way but in what he figured was the aliens best approximation of a smile. "I'm willing to spend 100,000 if you can acquire the ship as well."

"150,000." McCloud said in counter offer. Zaz had already given him a short handed deal once. McCloud hadn't fallen for it then and he wouldn't fall for it now.

Zaz nodded his head. "You learn quickly Mr. McCloud. 150,000 credits it is, however, there is one caveat however. I must go with you."

McCloud shook his head. "I work alone or with a team of my choosing. When the buyer starts going along on these things the chances of me getting shot in the back start going up."

Zaz shrugged his shoulders. "If i am going to pay you 150,000 credits I must ensure that the resin you provide is indeed the correct resin and is not tampered with in any way. As i have mentioned before, i have been burned in the past."

McCloud hated bringing unknowns into his jobs but it would cost him 150,000 credits if he stuck to that rule. It took him less than a second to decide. "Fine, but if so much as smell treachery in the air, your getting a bolt between the eyes. Lets go."

McCloud holstered his blaster and got up. The bar they were in was practically empty and dark. the kind of place were illicit deals were made. He walked out and Zaz followed.

Out in the empty street McCloud and Zaz were greeted by quite a sight. A guy with lightsabers squared off with a guy with vibroblades. Not something you saw every day. "Well, well, well. what do we have here." McCloud said drawing both his heavy blaster pistols. "Opportunity knocks. Which one of you has the most money?"

[Elifain]

Bermfads speech didn't stir much in Jay'ce. Listing things that probably should matter to him but seemed to fly past him as if from a missed target. As the speech wound down, Jay'ce crossed his arms before his chest, and put on a serious face before asking, Finding the mask grants leadership of the people, but the question is, what is it that we are gifting them? What do you intend to do with the mask that makes you the rightful wearer of it? Leadership is not carried in the blood, it is earned by the deed. Also being titled dar'manda doesn't really bode well for your chances.

Stepping back to lean against a wall nearby, Jay'ce's eyes locked on bermfad, and said,If the mask falls into your hands, and you claim leadership, what will you do with what is granted you? His features fell into a glare.

---

Put the det down, boys. The hutts don't really answer questions truthfully when it comes to living or dying from the answers... Artemus said calmly. He turned back to the hutt behind the bar, and said, Call off your boys, kuru. These idiots might look dangerous, but their family... He was cut off by coins shout of warning, that had Artemus dropping down near a table, while Lis sprinted for the bar, about to lob herself over with the hutt. They knew well enough that coins feelings were usually correct, and if he said it was big, it was big.

Sorry slug, but I'm borrowing this place. She said with a wink.

[Zilfer]

A large hulking shape of a species Coin had never seen before came smashing through the front door, sending people flying that were in their way. It stood about as tall as Ghost, maybe even a little taller and was outfitted in armor. Two energy blades were extended from the wrists of the beast, that Coin thought looked almost too much like a lightsaber to be coincidence. Or at least he would have thought if a mental wave hadn't just catapulted into the room.

Most people were down on the floor almost instantly when the massive mental presence hit the room. Coin had never felt anything like it, not even during his mental and mind training to had received. This conscious felt so.... alien and strong. It was the best he could do to just stand and block out the sheer volume, let alone analyze just how outclassed he was.

'I have come for the slug of this establishment, stand aside or I'll consider you an enemy,' came a forceful voice. Coin realized it wasn't a voice though, it had been a pounding in his head.

'Great, the first time I run into a telepath it has to be connected to an alien the size of a body builder!' thought Coin finally able to take his hand off his head.

'I am Skirran, human. You have The Way in you, but I will not hesitate to end you. I seek a mask of a race of warrior people long dead. I have come to repay a debt to the Taung Warrior who once wore the mask. Should his people fall to disgrace I was to take the mask as my own until one who was worthy came along,' came the head pounding voice.

"He's over there," said Ghost motioning with his weapon. Coin hadn't noticed he had fallen to his knees from the mental assault. If recovery hadn't been taxing Coin would have laughed at the sight of a Hutt 'running' to the back exist as this huge thing beared down with large steps towards him. "No! No! Get away you freak!"

'This will only take a moment...' said the voice as the hutt froze in place almost ten paces.... large paces away from the Alien. The Hutt then fell over unconscious and the Alien turned back to them. 'It seems I was destined to meet you warriors, our paths cross because fate wills it. What we all seek will soon reside nearly in the same location.... The Tower of Black.'

"The what?" asked Coin aloud and looked over to the Claws to see if they had any idea what this meant.


OOC your turn to add! I picture some sort of fortress or trading black market of a wealthy buyer/collecter.... I've already used GoTo once to i'm meh to use him so we might just need to make another NPC or something. Needless to say i leave details up to you..... Next post update will be over with Zilfer and John's Wing of things... sometimes tells me he's about to be outnumbered....

[Elifain]

The retreating slug forced lis deeper into the little alcove behind the bar, but its run was short lived, as the monstrous creature caught up to it and dropped it by looking at it. Her weapon was trained on it, in case the creature became hostile. Artemus had also drawn a holdout, and had it leveled. The creatures thoughts reached out to them, which un-nerved him enough, but the reference it made had his blood running cold. He looked over towards the claws, before saying, hey, coin. any reason your going after a cartels hiding place? He had sent a people to the "Tower" before, but very few had made their way back out in one piece.

As he spoke up, lis moved to rejoin him, keeping her weapon trained on the giant creature. She didn't recognize the name, but then, Artemus had become an info broker since his departure from the hellbound, and when it came to information and people, he was one who had always been able to acquire both...