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Tales of the Mandalorians - Malexa - 05-11-2009
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The hardest thing to learn in life is which bridge to cross and which to burn.
~David Russell~
~David Russell~
3 Days before - New Londond System, Planet New London. A normal looking apartement, somewhere in the inner district.
Diana opened the water tab of the shower. She put off her clothes, sorted them and stepped into the bathtub.
The door to her bathroom was always closed, when she took her shower.
"Hmmm, are you here to kill me my brother?"
Dha Piruna smiled and replied: "You know......"
"....that I would be already dead." Diana interrupted him, already knowing what Dha Piruna wanted to say.
"You are not here to kill me, then there are only 2 options left my brother."
"And what are they Diana? Tell me?" Dha Piruna asked.
"Either you are a voyeur or you want to talk to me in a place without wiretaps around."
"What makes you so sure that there are no bugs in here?"Dha asked again.
"The only person who is interested in things I do in the bathroom, is maybe standing in front of me." Diana laughed.
"Stay in the shower Diana, keep the water flowing. They cant hear us in here."
"I will. Now talk my friend, the water is already getting cold."
"Since you are still alive, I can assume that you already know that the Consuls and the Warriors are standing behind your decision."
"This decision....."Diana tried to talk, but Dha Piruna answered fast.
"....is irreversible. They are already on their way."
"Assassinating the Assassins. Its kind of ironic, is it? Are we doing the right thing? Tell me Al'orad Dha Piruna, tell me. You are the oldest one, you have seen lots of Mandalores since the great John Cabot. You had the signet on your finger as well. So tell me, is this right?"
"Its for the greater good. The future of the Mandalorians."
"That was not my question. Good is not the same as right."
"Its the only answer my dear. Everybody is standing behind you and your decision to cut our bonds to the Dha'Wherd. To cut off Ranov'la of his power. Nobody liked the decision of having the Dha'Wherd around."
" I hope you ae right my friend. Will you inform me, when the last Assasin hits the ground?"
"I will, Diana, I will. This new chapter was nessecary, beeing so brave to start writing it, was the best step you could make."
"Thank you Dha Piruna, I owe you a lot. I owe all Mandalorians a lot."
"We will see Diana, we will see. That was everything I am here for. Just to inform you, that it started."
"When you leave, will you hand me a towel first?" Diana asked Dha Piruna, who already opened the door.
He handed her a towel and closed the door again.
"And Diana?"
"Yes my brother?"
"Get some sleep Diana, Cuun Mandalore."
Dha Piruna left enough food for thought behind. And that was exactly what Diana did. She thought of the future.
Not her future. The future of the Mandalorian Mercenaries.
Tales of the Mandalorians - Malexa - 05-17-2009
It is a blessing to die for a cause, because you can so easily die for nothing.
~Andrew Young~
~Andrew Young~
Present day. Coronado System. Barrier Gate Station. Somewhere hidden inside the Barrier Rim.
"KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK" The sound pierced Dianas ears.
"Come in."
Consul William Bishop entered the Mandalores office.
"Greetings honoured Mand....."
Diana interrupted William Bishop while making a sad face. "Skip that William, will you? It is not the time for formality. We had to stab one of our friends. It does not feel right, that we talk about him, like we would not know who he is. But more important, is it done William?"
"Yes Diana, the last Dha'Wherd exhaled his life on Puertollano Observation Post."
"Thats up in Omicron 81, isnt it?
"He must have been warned. But seeking shelter by the Outcasts could not help him. Our bonds are strong. And so is their poision."
William Bishop smiled.
"And....."
"The signet ring?" William pulled a ring out of his pocket. "I have it with me."
Dianas eyes twinkled when seeing the insignia of the Mandalorian Mercenaries on it.
"William, we managed to step into a new chapter of our history. I assume Ranov'la Aran is still alive and healthy? Ravon'la choosed to show mercy with Alor'ad Dha Piruna, when he took over. We will do the same. There is no need to shed more blood inside our own ranks. It is already enough. Time to sacrifice the blood of our enemies again."
"Wise words Diana, you may be young, but not a fool. It was right to support you and I have the feeling we won't regret it."
William stepped over to Diana and attached the Mandalorian insignia ring to her finger.
Diana nearly giggled like a little girl because of the funny scene. It almost looked like a marriage.
Without the people and a priest around, but it was still a marriage.
A serious one.
A marriage with the Mandalorians.
A promise to not disappoint her Warriors and their Clients.
Tales of the Mandalorians - Dieter Schprokets - 05-19-2009
A prince is also respected when he is either a true friend or a downright enemy, that is to say, when, without any reservation, he declares himself in favour of one party against the other; which course will always be more advantageous than standing neutral; because if two of your powerful neighbours come to blows, they are of such a character that, if one of them conquers, you have either to fear him or not. Because he who conquers does not want doubtful friends who will not aid him in the time of trial; and he who loses will not harbour you because you did not willingly, sword in hand, court his fate.
Niccolo Machiavelli : The Prince
Niccolo Machiavelli : The Prince
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The young woman smiled at her dinner companion. But it was not a romantic occasion. She was, in fact, in battle garb.
The man across the table from her was no warrior. But he was certainly not soft. His eyes were like flint, and they narrowed as he sipped at his tea.
So, he asked, You intend to see their offer through?
Yes., said the woman. She wished this gentleman was less inscrutable.
I see. He paused.
You realize, this complicates things. Officially, we should ignore this, but if it becomes necessary, we may have to condemn it.
Additionally, he looked at his watch. He had somewhere else to be. You must use, um, appropriate equipment. Not ours..
The woman smiled. Of course.
He looked at her, frowning, then suddenly smiled without warning.
Well then. We would prefer that you had stayed out of it, but I suppose you follow the money. And of course, if we ourselves had to pick a dog in this fight, you know which way we would lean. Unofficially, of course. He stood to leave.
He made one last appeal to the low risk course of action. You wont reconsider, I assume?
The woman smiled again at her departing guest. A disarming smile. The Mandalorians, have had, on occasion, to ask for forgiveness.
She stood up, and placed her arms on the table.
We have never, however, asked for permission.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Council of the Mandalorians consisted of all those of Alorad or higher rank. It met in the newly refurbished Council Chambers on Barrier Gate Station, in Coronado.
There were good reasons why this conference was not occurring in Bretonia.
The new Mandalore, Diane Blane, sat beside Consuls William Bishop and Kal Vergebuir. Consul Kandosii was on assignment elsewhere.
The senior Alorad was clearly Dha Piruna. He had the respect of everyone in the room. The Mandalore was also keenly aware that he would not approve of what was going to be announced here. But it had to be done.
She rose.
Gentlemen. (She was the only woman.)
She went right for the throat.
We have been retained by the Liberty Navy to hunt the Rheinland Military.
The gasps were many, and the shocked murmuring began. Dha Piruna was, in fact, speechless.
The din increased. Mandalorians began yelling at each other. The tones were getting harsher, in English, and Mandalorian. Blades would soon be drawn.
William Bishop beat them to it. He drew his blade and slammed it into the table.
STOP! He had their attention. He gave it to Diane with a sideways look.
She stood up slowly, and spoke firmly. She looked around the room and met every mans gaze.
Are you Mandalorians, or sentimental nursemaids? She asked.
We find our opportunities in war. We always have. Two of our oldest clients have now come to blows. Did you really think we could continue to work for them both? How soon would it have been before one of you had to pick between two clients in a fight? And having done that, just once, how do you continue to service them both, having killed or injured one of their pilots?
She shook her head. Better for us to declare ourselves now, and fight for the client with the deepest pockets; the one we have made the most money from historically. Liberty.
She began to pace around the table. Her words were now for Dha Piruna, and those who felt like he did.
Some of you may find it difficult to fight the Rheinland Military. That is your prerogative. We have other contracts. Fight elsewhere, if you must.
BUT, understand this. I have not called this meeting to ask for council. I called it to inform you of this new contract. The terms have already been negotiated.
That is all.
She nodded to dismiss those present.
Before many had began to leave, Consul Bishop spoke up.
Gentlemen, for stunningly obvious reasons, leave your Bretonian ships at home for this one. Use your other vessels.
Life promised to be interesting enough without someone making that particular boneheaded mistake.
Tales of the Mandalorians - Dieter Schprokets - 05-22-2009
The Comm Unit on Diane's desk blinked, and rang for attention. She answered, and recognised the face.
"Billy!"
"Hello Diane." His voice was forlorn.
She looked puzzled, "What's wrong?"
"Well, good news is I had an opportunity to bag an RM Admiral. A Viktor Zirzow. Bad news is my targetting comm locked up. These Sabres fly well, but sometimes the avionics and electronics are on Cardi too, I swear."
He paused, then said, wincing, "I'll also need $700,000 for repairs.."
She closed her eyes and sighed. "That'll kill your bonus this month, y'know."
"Yeah.", Billy replied. "Better luck next time. Stupid thing is, that guy would have been better off if I'd got him. You ever seen a Liberty Officer's prison? Bloody luxury hotels. Better than my penthouse, that's for sure. He could have awaited the war's end in luxury."
Diane smiled. "Just get a couple for the books, hmm?"
"Roger, Mi'lady Mandalore." Diane grimaced at that.
"Bishop out."
Tales of the Mandalorians - Dieter Schprokets - 06-01-2009
Billy Bishop waved back at the Zoner pilot in the transport that had returned him to Coronado. Diane Blane was waiting in the hanger.
"Well?" Billy had left in a "Roc" bomber. He didn't return in one. She thought there was some 'splainin to do.
"I got my kill. A Bounty Hunter Battleboat that the Zoners had some trouble with."
"And lost your ship." Diane fell in beside Billy, and they walked quickly.
"Yeah, funny story that."
Diane doubted that. Her expression was not happy. Billy stopped to try to explain.
"Omicron Delta is a nuthouse.", he started, "And I went in on my quarry after the Zoners did their best to get him to leave. The Zoners do fight well enough, but it certainly isn't their focus in life."
"Anyway," he continued, "The zoners brought two capital ships to the party. The stayed in as long as they could, but eventually one had to withdraw, and the other was destroyed."
"I thought I was done for. I kept shooting the Battleboat, but figured it was hopeless. Then I thought I was really cooked, because a Benitez came along."
Billy laughed aloud.
"But he was dropping Supernovas on the Battleboat! And I wasn't about to turn down a free wingman!"
Diane chuckled and shook her head. "This business can result In some strange bedfellows."
Billy laughed again. "Yeah, he must not have realized who I was in the confusion."
"What did you do?"
"What COULD I do? I let the Corsair keep the boat's shields down, and I chewed up its hull. It was hard work, but it got done. Then after we got him, I tried to nonchalantly make my way back to the Freeport."
"That's when he realized who his wingman was, and my ship was in no shape to fight. Suffice to say my pod made it to the Freeport, but the ship didn't. Then one of the Zoner boys gave me a lift here. That was riskier than the fight, I think; guy was high six ways from Sunday."
Diane grimaced. "So scratch one Roc. Means we don't even break even on the job."
Billy shrugged. "Promotional expense for the Zoners? Means we can drop it on the expenses side of the ledger in two places. Technically, it means we still make money on it, if the Auditors don't notice. If they do, we say it was a mistake."
Diane, realizing he was right, nodded slowly. The Mandalorians were still incorporated in Bretonia, and the perversity of their tax laws did make such oddities possible.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After making his deliveries, the Zoner transport lifted off from Crete. The pilot was sobering up. It was not his natural state, and once on autopilot he sought substances in the cargo hold to alleviate the unwelcome condition.
Several hours later, on the surface of Crete, a certain Aurelio Benitez received a small package, with no return address. Puzzled, and curious, he opened it quickly.
It was a bottle of excellent single malt scotch.
Aurelio laughed aloud as he read the inscription, then poured himself a glass, with an ironic shake of his head. It was good.
"Nice shooting. And thanks for leaving my pod be.
Consul William Bishop."
Tales of the Mandalorians - Dieter Schprokets - 06-20-2009
Console William Bishop was unloading several crates from his Templar onto the tarmac, and humming a strange tune.
"Sur le Pont d'Avignon, l'on y danse..."
Mandalore Blaine approached warily...
"What is that?"
Billy stood up, pointed at one crate, then another; "That's a Cabernet Sauvignon, that's a Pinot Noir, and over there is a Mer.."
"No..", interrupted Diane. "I mean, that noise you're making."
"Oh!", exclaimed Billy. "Its French, the language of Gallia. It's not too hard to pick up, actually."
The Mandalore sat down on a crate. "Is wine ALL you brought back?"
Billy grinned, and handed Diane a piece of parchment in French, with the seal of the Council on it. She handed it back. "I have no idea what that says." It might as well have been in Latin.
"Licence to defend traders in Orkney. Some restrictions apply, but it's a contract. We just can't kill Brigands. Seem the Council is soft on 'em. Dunno what we do when a Brigand threatens a trader. Whistle and walk away? I love how our clients just want us to duck and weave that sort of thing. Easy to do, unless YOU'RE the one up there in a bomber.."
Diane looked at the numbers. They were understandable, at least. "Not bad payments." She drifted off in thought, then asked, "Who should we send?"
Billy shrugged. "How about Atiniir Cuir and Trach Taraych? One fighter jock, and one bomber driver. Should do. They've made a good team before."
Diane nodded. "Sounds good. I'll draft the orders this afternoon. Are they likely to spend their entire time drinking that Gallian stuff on Reunion station?"
Billy laughed, "I hope so, they both fly better drunk!" He handed her a case of Merlot to carry, and beckoned to the waiting taxi.
Tales of the Mandalorians - Dieter Schprokets - 07-11-2009
Diane Blane had returned from her absence, or so Consul William Bishop had heard, and he made his way to his office to gather some information she had requested before her journey. It had to do with the Council, and whether the terms of the contract allowed the Mandalorians to invoice them separately for fuel expended travelling to Gallia, as a "mob/demob" expense.
Also the invoicing was late, and most of the project managers were drunk, or wounded.
And marketing had provided some new golf shirt designs for review..
William stopped in the hallway, and reflected that being a mercenary wasn't what it used to be.
He kept going down the hall, shaking his head. He entered his office, took several paces into the room, then saw a small, shiny object on his desk. As his mind was trying to find some word to connect to it, he heard a woman's voice speak gently behind him.
"Hello, Billy."
He responded instantly with a shoulder roll, and took cover behind his desk. He peered out cautiously, when his mind finally connected words to the object on his desk.
The words were "Mandalore's Signet Ring"
As he raised his head and stared at the ring, Diana Blaine came out from the shadows, with a smile on her face.
"You should drink decaf."
William just mouthed 'what?', noiselessly.
Diane stepped forward more, and put her hands on the table.
"The men want you. And I am now in a special position with a specific client. I cannot reveal more, but it will be very lucrative. We will trade rings, since I do wish to remain a consul."
Billy slowly took off his ring, and passed it to Diane. He looked down at the Mandalore's signet ring. Forged a very long time ago. Very, very far away.
He opened his mouth to protest. Diane cut him off.
"The best leader is he who does not seek leadership. Since you obviously loathe the idea, you are perfect. I've decided."
Diane turned with a wink and walked swiftly out of the room, as she left she spoke quickly.
"There has to be a ritual, of course. You get to wear a very uncomfortable outfit."
She was gone, leaving William to look at the ring in his hand.
He put it on slowly, then stared at it in the dim light. He was now Mandalore.
And he hadn't got a word in edgewise.
Tales of the Mandalorians - Dieter Schprokets - 08-17-2009
Mandalore William Bishop stood at the dias, more than a bit nervous. He could kill a man in a ship; had obviously done so, and often. But he was scared witless of speaking in public. John Cabot had been a natural, though usually drunk.
He cleared his throat and began to speak to the black-tuniced audience.
"Warriors, Alor'ads, and honoured Consuls, Sa Jors'ta Kanunca"
I have an announcement, translated from something that sounded Mandalorian. Ish. John Cabot, it was recalled by many in the audience, had had an even worse accent.
"There are three here today who are being granted the rank of Alor'ad."
He paused for effect.
"Daikiin Vaar, Lena Goodmen, and Gavin Owens!"
Daikiin Vaar, son of parents who had survived the Mandalorian Exodus, but never told their son his true heritage. A chance encounter with the Mandalore and Consuls in New York resulted in his entry to the fold.
Lena Goodmen, sister of a decorated Bretonian Armed Forces pilot, and a hell of a good one herself.
Gavin Owens, ex-IMG, rescued by Mandalorians from a brutal ambush, he joined his rescuers, having lost all his wingmen and coworkers.
They came to the dias one by one, and received the simple insignia that designated "Alor'ad"; leader of men.
"I have a further promotion."
The crowd was still murmuring.
"To the rank of Consul, Dha Piruna."
The crowd went deathly still.
Duraanir Solus spoke first, after an uncomfortable pause.
"Honoured Mandalore, there are already three Consuls. Will one be challenged by Dha Piruna?"
A very concerned looking Dha Piruna was looking intently at the Mandalore, his expression communicating 'William, what the HELL are you doing?'
There were only ever three Consuls, to balance the power of the Mandalore. What William was doing was an unprecedented break with tradition. He'd have been better off suggesting fucia uniforms.
The Mandalore looked over the crowd, then spoke firmly.
"There have only ever been three Consuls, because deep in the past, very far away, another Mandalore decided that there would be three."
He took a breath. You could hear a pin drop.
"I am now Mandalore, and I have decided I want four. I want Dha Piruna, most senior of the Alor'ad. He was Consul before, and he shall be again."
There was a great deal of tension in the room as William continued.
"Mandalorians, look around you! Those of the original bloodline fly beside Bretonians, Libertonians, and others born in Sirius. I myself am Bretonian! Change is upon us, and we are not what we once were."
"We are better!"
Dha Piruna stood slowly, smiled, and began to applaud slowly, then louder, and faster.
The rest followed suit, till the walls shook.
Tales of the Mandalorians - Dieter Schprokets - 09-22-2009
The bar at the Mhi Mhotir was beyond noisy.
William Bishop and his pilots were beyond drunk.
Diane Blane walked in and looked around in disbelief. She had no problem understanding drunken pilots; that was their natural state when off duty. But some of these men were so far gone their livers would go on strike.
She walked up to Billy and cleared her throat.
"Minor?" It was kinda a question.
Billy grinned. "Yup. We did well. We specialize in customer service."
Diane sat and smiled. "The ink was barely dry on the contract."
Billy was still grinning. Hadn't stopped for 4 hours. "Yup." Monosyllabic seemed to work at the moment.
Sagitarii was semiconcious on a bar stool. "Hi Mom!", he offered in mock greeting to Diane. She smacked him. He fell off the barstool. He did not care. He would, however, feel it in the morning.
Daiikin Var appeared to be holding his liquor the best; he was standing upright, at least. But appearances could be deceiving. He kept repeating something about marrying his Switchblade.
Alor'ad Anila Tor spoke up. Rather he slurred.
"Two Fightersh, a gunboat, and a carrier... It was beautiful." He slammed his fist on the table. "Like the good old daysshh..." He threw up quickly and kept talking, like it was a routine event.
Billy didn't hear. He was too busy passing out. Diane drank, having decided to try to catch up, but she knew it was quite hopeless. Dha Piruna came in and did his best as well.
That was a rapid return on investment for that particular client, she mused.
Tales of the Mandalorians - Malexa - 09-24-2009
"GOOD MORNING MY PRINCESS!"
It was like the beat of the drum. The Lights in Diana Blanes room were tuned up to the maximum.
"Oh good lord, my HEAD!" Diana opened her eyes again and she could see Dha Piruna beeing bend over her, looking down.
"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING IN MY ......." she shouted and suddenly stopped, thinking it to an end.
Her eyes widened.
Diana spun around to have a look at her right side of the bed.
It was still untouched.
She fell back, backwards on her pillow again, beeing at ease due to this relief.
"God, what unhuman time is it Dha?" Diana asked.
Dha Piruna answered while having a look at a tiny Kusarian ivory figure in his hands."Time to get you a strong Coffee my dear."
Diana stood up, shooing Dha out of her way. She suddenly realized she was sleeping upside down in her bed.
"Its more like the time, where I should admit that I get wasted way too quickly."
Dha laughed while putting the figure back at the shelf and it took him a while to realize, what Diana meant with her funny gesture to get him turned around.
"How in gods name can you be drunk all day long, pass out and even be total fit the next day?
I could sleep a week to sober up."
Dha smiled while peeking to the side. "It is all about the training you sissy."
He was trying to get the Mirror into his sight, but Diana was dressed up way too fast.
"You are too slow for it Dha, deal with it."
Diana was sticking out her tounge towards Dha, while passing him to get to the door.