19. Anyone? I'm back... <NR hangers>
Jan 13, 2016 3:30:24 GMT
Post by Admin on Jan 13, 2016 3:30:24 GMT
Ari
Old 02-17-2015, 03:33 AM
<<<PM me for permission. Open to almost anyone NR who would have reason to be where she landed... Meaning I doubt someone in the Cantina or Barracks would suddenly come across her...Thanks>>>
Arianna repeated herself for the fourth time through the comlink to the one asking questions. “I REPEAT… I am Cadet Arianna Talien, formerly Air Boss aboard Republic One. Requesting permission to land before I fall out of the sky!”
The com went dead for the umpteenth time and she growled and kicked the under panel. A loud squelch made her cringe but she managed to hear clearance for a hanger landing way out on the end of the field. She didn’t care. At least it was on the ground. She had made it this far, but entering atmosphere took the last of the bonding goo from the joints and she bet there was no way it was air tight, much less pressurizable, anymore.
“Thank you…” she managed before maneuvering the small shuttle to its designated site.
The landing was rough, and she thought she heard a panel fall off somewhere in the back. But again, taking a deep breath, she reminded herself that it didn’t matter.
She was home.
She unstrapped her harness and moved to the exit door. Several bangs and kicks later, it lifted enough for her to get out. She stepped out on the plascrete and looked around. She took a big breath and stretched… then had a coughing fit that left her doubled over with hands on her knees for balance as her brain screamed at her. *You idiot, for as long as you were in less than reasonable conditions, barely able to breathe, and you take a big one… good one, jawa-head.* When the fit subsided, she decided gravity really was more than she had planned for. She sat back down on the half open ramp and waited to see who would come investigate the bucket of bolts.
There was a ship name on its side, but none known to anyone who was recent addition to the Republic. "Last Chance" had been painted under it. The ship had been cast as ‘lost’ in the Drunkenwell incursion. She heard that much on the dieing com as all hell broke loose and their drives failed, sending them spiraling away from a nearby exploding ship. She assumed since they weren’t in their original location when things settled, they were assumed blown up as well. With no way to send communications out, she had watched the fleet depart as she slowly spun in the debris field left in the silence of the aftermath. Turns out that waving out the window of a derelict ship didn’t have the same effect as waving from a speeder.
She and a handful of others had survived, barely. And after all this time, she was all that was left. Back inside, in a small trunk, were dog tags and recording discs from everyone and everything she could gather. Intel, personal files, and Hutts knew what else… but she wasn’t going to sort it out. That was someone else’s job. She got here, that’s all that mattered.
She was home… She bent over and rested her elbows on her knees, her head in her hands and wept in relief.
**
Tal
Old 02-17-2015, 03:18 PM
-The attack on Telos had given the New Republic more to think about. Many thought it was fool hardy to allow several ships to leave from Telos to Druckenwell, and they definitely paid the price. It had taken a good year and a half for the NR to re-establish a foothold on the planet. And several months to repair and bring security back to normal. The Chief of Stat, the Director, and the High General all had problems that dealt with the protection of their home-planet. Improvements were needed and stronger alliances were formed. These alliances came in the form of the Jedi and a small one with the hutt Vaago. But that didn't mean that the NR was open for attack. In fact, they were still very well defenseless on Telos... with several ships still on or near Druckenwell. But after a year of rebuilding and reconstruction; everything seemed to be back to normal.... for now.-
-Security now was tighter then ever. This included around within the planet and it's capitol; and around the space of the planet. Nearly every ship whether it was the Republic One or the Azrael had to gain clearance to dock planet-side or leave into space. Flight control handled this whereas military police moved everywhere if a strange anomaly managed to find it's way through Telos' defenses.-
"It's just one person; but the name of the ship is of older class." -Spoke one of the MP (Military Police) lieutenants.-
-The captain in charge looked over the reports that were coming in. An older class republic vessel had managed to find it's way home. The last time a report came from this ship was during the Druckenwell incident. That was way back when the attack on Telos was occurring. It seemed strange enough that this ship was still moving around in space for two years. It just didn't make sense to the MP's. But the reports never lied.... unless they were written wrong.-
"How old of a ship are we talking, Captain?" -The voice was none to familiar to those in the room. Back then his hair was long down to his waist; this time he was taller and with shorter hair but still longer (look at avatar). Everyone in the room was wearing the attire meant for Military Police. Whereas the man was in civilian attire. Clearing his throat the MP captain handed him the datapad containing the information on the ship.-
"Sir, it's the ship "Last Chance"; a vessel that went missing during the Druckenwell incident."
-The man remembered the name to the ship, and just was as surprised. Tossing the datapad to the table; he turned motioning for the captain to gather his officers together and follow him. Quickly living the room; all jogged their way to the hanger where the ship had landed. Many held weapons in hand while the man in civilian attire wasn't even armed. In the distance they could make out and see the ship with someone on the loading ramp. Their pace seemed to slow upon approach; the MP's taking up position around the ship mounting up and aiming weapons. The captain was the first out into the fray announcing their arrival.-
"We are the military police of the New Republic," -His voice boomed.- "Don't move. Identify yourself... refuse and we will be forced to take extreme measures."
***
Ari
Old 02-17-2015, 03:31 PM
As the pounding staccato of boots could be heard, Ari wiped her face and smiled. *About time.* she mused to herself.
She swiftly wiped her eyes but didn't rise. No point scaring everyone half to death... or getting unnecessarily shot.
As the encircled her they would see a woman with hair half braided, loosed some from her helmet's consistent on and off practice these last few days, and a pair of coveralls with stains on them of grease and oil. Her name and rank were barely visible anymore, patches filthy and thread bare. It was obvious that though cleaned occasionally, it wasn't done well. She slowly stood up, hands out to show no weapons.
"I am Arianna Talien, Cadet for the New Republic. Formally of Republic One... currently," here she faltered and found herself shrugging somewhat. Relaxing a bit she shook her head and looked around. "To be honest, I don't think I can do the formality thing, Sir. Officer Darksands of Rogue Squadron should be able to vouch for me as well as Officer Drac. I fear I have been gone quite a while." She looked around and decided now was probably not the best time for the whole story.
"I am ready to be debriefed, Sir, but first, there is a cargo box inside with personal affects, dog tags and recordings we... I was able to salvage before coming home." She looked back towards the edge of the box she could see then looked back at the man before her. While she vaguely recognized him, his demeanor and look had changed just enough to leave her doubting. She tried to straighten her jumper knowing if he had shown up with the armed escort, he wasn't a cadet like herself.
Some things changed... some things didn't.
***
Tal
Old 02-18-2015, 12:46 AM
"You realize that your ship has been MIA and out of commission for almost two years?" -Questioned the captain; almost everyone in the NR knew that the vessel Last Chance had disappeared during Druckenwell. But when and how was the question?- "You could very much be leading us into a trap just to attain information about the NR."
-Although the MP captain's words were true; however, intel was just another way to obtain solid information. Blond hair had decided to step forward this time. It seemed as though as these armed soldiers were acting as a security escort. And as much as he hated guards... that would never happen. The captain took a glance over to the blond haired man. The thought process of this MP was just the same as any other politician and military cadet. "How did he make it to High General?" His bright yellow eyes focused in a little more on the 'cadet' that stood before him. For some reason, in the back of his head, he thought she was with the government.-
"Druckenwell was the only planet Last Chance was assigned to; what was your assignment on Druckenwell?" -It was a solid enough question to get an understanding. Not to mention it showed that this blond haired man was a little different then that time on Druckenwell. His voice showing off that hint of a mandalorian accent with each different word he spoke.-
***
Ari
Old 02-18-2015, 01:11 AM
Why was it always the one you least expected that seemed to carry the most weight?
"By accident, Sir." She didn't know rank or name, but that didn't mean he didn't deserve respect. Even another enlisted deserved sir or ma'am if the situation warranted it.
"I was originally the Chief Mechanic for Rogue Squadron under the command of Romon Darksands. There is more than one of my monikers of a dagger hilt engraved on the insides of those birds they flew." She smiled remembering training the pilots to find them during their preflight inspections. Seeing what had changed was as important as seeing what had remained the same.
"After a rather heated verbal banter with Mr Angellus I was then assigned as Senior Air Boss on Republic One." She shook her head and relaxed. Reliving that battle pained her. But what happened afterwards, to her and to the others, was worse. She could tell this story a million times if it helped at all.
Squaring her shoulders she continued. "During the battle, Last Chance was hit pretty badly, Sir. She lost one of her hangers and half her air crew. Angellus sent me there to see if we could salvage anything and get the birds back in the air to defend the crippled ship. But something happened. An explosion of the ship beside us sent us spiralling into the already growing debris field." She shook her head and sighed. "Coms were down for sending, but we heard the call for us. We heard the hail. But we couldn't respond. They wrote us off as destroyed because we were not where we were supposed to be."
"Sir, there were ten of us left. And only the one shuttle craft in the damaged section of the ship once we managed to wrap our heads around the fact that rescue was not coming, our survival was to be of our own making."
She went on to quickly detail shuffling life support around to get the shuttle to a workable area and then killing everything non essential on the ship as the ten who were left tried to repair the shuttle and collect all the intel they could from personal links, comps, rooms and every work station they could download from. Bodies were left and all dog tags or ids were confiscated and their 'headstone' was inscribed on the wall of the flight deck.
After almost a year, only three of them were left. One was sacrificed to see to the take off of her and another because of manual override being necessary on the broken bay door they had had to nearly weld shut to maintain. On the three month trip home, the shuttle had lost pressure. Marcus had been the only of the two with space suit time. He had gone outside the shuttle and welded the compromised seam. But the shuttle door had been warped in the pressure breach and return was impossible. His tags were the only ones missing from the case inside.
As she finished she looked at the men around her. "When I left, RETRIBUTION* was the name of the Drunkenwell incursion. Other than that and I can show you were my barracks room used to be, Sir. I have no other proof." She finally silenced herself and somehow felt lighter for having passed on everything to someone who could see to the tags, ids and intel she carried. It had been a heavier burden than she had realized.
***
Tal
Old 02-18-2015, 11:17 PM
-He really wasn't expecting a full blown story to be told; he was simply asking what her initial assignment was during the whole Druckenwell ordeal. Well what was done, was done. And through some miracle; he had that sinking suspicion of believing her. In moments time staff members would search for her records and the intel within the ship will be reviewed over by the correct people. But it wasn't enough to say what would happen to her.-
-The MP Captain looked over at the blond haired man.- "Sir, I suggest we take her into custody. Have the Intel department...."
"There is no need for that." -The man cut him off before he could finish his sentence.-
"But..."
"Like I said; there's no need. She told her story of what had happened. I should know I was there after all when we tried to call Last Chance." -His bright yellow eyes looked over to her; there was a small understanding between the two of them. But overall the MP captain had to follow orders of his superior -- the high general.- "For now let's unload the ship of everything of value and I'll take her back to the barracks for a shower and some grub."
"Yes sir."
-The officers lowered their weapons; while the blond haired man moved forward offering his right hand down to her.- 'Shall we?"
***
Ari
Old 02-19-2015, 12:18 AM
She had half resigned herself to cuffs and debriefings for days when the MP spoke up. But as the blond interjected, her eyebrows rose. He believed. Better still, he had been there. She had wondered what had happened after they were left behind. How the outcome had been. Now wasn't the time, but at least she had someone to ask... someone to fill in the gaps.
As she saw his hand, she nodded and took it. "Thank you, Sir... I can't think of anything better at this point. And perhaps you can fill me in this time. What happened after everyone departed. I mean," she looked around the flight line area she had grown to love yrs ago. "I mean, it's changed some. I see new command names, and new ships. But some things haven't. It's hard to explain. Like coming out of a deep sleep to find everything moved on without you." She half growled as he led her away from the ship.
"But I wasn't asleep... was I?" She knew she wasn't, but somehow, feeling almost alien in her own suit, on her own planet, she doubted herself. "Sorry I rambled on. Didn't mean to, Sir."
Realizing she was doing it again, she bit her lip and let him lead the way to whatever destination he had in mind.
***
Tal
Old 02-19-2015, 10:11 PM
-The blond mandalorian offered a smile to Arianna; it had been some time since he had seen Mandalore. So he kind of felt what she was going through. Over the years everything had changed. Technology moved forward rather quickly and so did military command. Come to think of it; every department within the NR had gone through change. It wasn't just the military aspect. Leading her through the workings of the hanger; his yellow eyes moved over to her.-
"I'm sure you knew of the news of the Imperial's attacking Telos, correct?" -He questioned calmly.- "Well, now we are at war with the Galactic Empire."
And boy it hasn't been any easy.
-Eventually, they made it to the outside world. The barracks wasn't to far of a treck from here. Upon first sight; one who first came here to Telos would notice a significant change. Well one who hadn't been here in several years. The skies were blue and busy with traffic. Clouds formed over the area with the sun shining brightly. It nearly looked to be noon outside. Maybe a temperature of 80 degrees out. This was the kind of weather he enjoyed. Leading her down the side walk to the barracks.-
***
Ari
Old 02-19-2015, 10:40 PM
"Honestly, Sir... I don't have news of anything since Drunkenwell. We were only able to receive and not broadcast but once the fleet moved away, even the receiving ended." She looked around. A year in space without fresh air. It seemed a small thing, but she would never regret it again.
As they walked on, she looked at him. "Forgive me, Sir. But when I mentioned Admiral Angellus and Lt Drae, several of those men looked confused. Are they dead, Sir? And what of Lt Darksands? I don't mean to ask where I shouldn't, but something tells me things changed more than a little since my disappearance." Which brought up another question. If she was thought dead, then she guessed her small apt and belongings were gone. She had had no next of kin to pass them to. And her personal items from Republic One were gone as well. She truly didn't have anything to miss. But the thought of trying to reestablish being alive and starting over suddenly seemed very daunting indeed.
***
Tal
Old 02-19-2015, 10:52 PM
-He only guessed as much; she had been away for so long that any news of the past was new to her. It was hard not to know that the New Republic was now at war with the Galactic Empire. The holocast was all over the galaxy during the announcement. Everyone was well aware of the war going on between the two factions. Heck, even the NR had found an alliance with the Students of the Light (Jedi). Even that was new news to be told. But as soon as she brought up Admiral Angellus, Lieutenant Drae, and Lieutenant Darksands; his step suddenly stopped and head seemed to lower somewhat.-
"High Admiral Angellus resigned his position as military leader, and later retired out to the suburbs with his family." -He responded clearing his throat.- "Lieutenant Drae is now Captain and the commanding officer of Rogue Squadron, but as for Lieutenant Darksands.... he was the CO for the Rogues. But he went missing about a year after you did. We aren't really sure whether he is dead or alive."
-What the blond had failed to mention was whether the position of military leader had been filled. He was responding to the questions asked, but decided to not go that extra mile in explaining who took Admiral Angellus' seat as military leader.-
***
Ari
Old 02-19-2015, 11:00 PM
She paused as he spoke of the loses and promotions. "Captain Drae, huh? And leader of the Rogues. Now that's something I will definitely have to tease him about, provided I can get anywhere near him now." She laughed remembering sitting on the wing of a fighter in the hangers drinking water with Jac. They had been talking about new cooling units for the X-Wings. It pained her she hadn't been around for the promotion he had assumed would never come.
At the mention of Admiral Angellus retiring, she nodded and continued walking. "Good. He deserves a break." She doubted he would want to see her, given their heated past together. Her stubbornness had only been matched by his strong hand of guidance. Sadly, she would miss their arguments. He had guided her farther along her career path than anyone else had.
A thought suddenly occurred to her. Stopping she absently touched Tal's arm for him to halt, and dropped her hand not realizing what she had done. "Wait... so the entire Chain of Command for me has changed?" She bit her lip and stifled a giggle. "Oh dear... so who is in charge now that Admiral Angellus has retired? I am probably going to need to back to basics at this point because I won't recognize anyone by face or name at this rate." The other thought that occurred to her was where she would be assigned. Angellus had asked for her for his ship specifically. She knew whatever Admiral manned the Republic One now would have their own crew in place at this point. She would have been shuffled on anyway.
***
Tal
Old 02-19-2015, 11:15 PM
"That shouldn't be a big problem," -He responded calmly.- "Usually the people who are hard to get a hold of at NR leaders and their higher ranked officers."
-He was actually referring to the Chief of Army Operations and the Chief of Starfighter Corps. Even the people who held those positions had also changed. It was a long two years for her, but hopefully she would get use to the new structure. As they continued on; she had suddenly stopped touching his bare skinned arm. Pausing for a moment the blond haired man looked back at her. His gaze was firm and precise.-
"Yes the military chain of command has changed. There are new officers in the position of CoAO and CoSC." -If he remembered correctly; Mazen was the CoSC during that time, and Excapus Leonida was the CoAO before he went off somewhere and a new person was chosen to fill his seat.- "The government and intel departments decided that Tal Kote would be the best fit for High General and offered him the position.. along with it's rank and duties of course."
-It seemed only funny that the man who spoke was actually Tal himself, and he was referring to himself in the third person. However, he felt that revealing himself to be Tal would be a little nerve racking to anyone of lower rank. It was kind of a good thing that his appearance had changed some since Druckenwell. Well appearance and rank at least a good three times already. At that point his bright yellow eyes remained focused on her... only to see the reaction. Standing firm in the middle of the sidewalk about halfway between the barracks and the hanger now.-
***
Ari
Old 02-19-2015, 11:26 PM
Smiling and nodding as if in approval, she started to walk again. "I have heard of General Kote..." She looked at him with a curious look, "though I had thought he was only a soldier back then. Something to do with the kidnapping of an intel agent before the incursion. I remember she was rescued and returned but that he was part of her entourage. I can't imagine that would have been easy on him." She smiled and nodded again. "I can see him rising quickly. I had heard talks in the hangers and barracks of him. Good soldier and excellent combat trainer and had a quick strategic mind."
As they started walking again, it dawned on her she had never asked his name. "I suppose I have been remiss. You know me, but I either don't remember your name, for which I sincerely apologize for, or I didn't hear it to begin with." She laughed then and looked sideways at him. "And since a drink and shower are in your orders, the least I can do is ask you to join me for the drink."
As she waited for his response, she guessed maybe he was a Lt or Capt at the most. No one lower could have commanded the squad of soldiers as he had a few moments ago on the tarmac.
***
Tal
Old 02-19-2015, 11:37 PM
"Well he is a mandalorian after all," -He responded.- "So I can see why he was chosen to be High General."
Okay... enough is enough you di'kut.
-It just seemed a little unnecessary to be talking about himself in the third person. However, words like those were never a lie. Kote had a thick head on his shoulders to get where he was now. A young age of 19-years said a lot. As they continued to the barracks; the mandalorian glanced over to her as soon as she asked him of his name. Would it be hard enough to say that he was in fact the High General for the NR. Maybe not. But it was an interesting way to see the reactions of those around him. With a small smile he nodded.-
"Of course I'll join you for a drink," -Kote responded.- "As for who I am.... well you can call me Tal Kote."
***
Ari
Old 02-19-2015, 11:46 PM
His name caught her off guard, but then she laughed out loud and punched his arm. "Sorry," she laughed and brushed off where she had punched as if wiping it away. "It's not often that someone gets something over on me. Though I admit that my absence made it easier than it will be next time, I promise you."
As he said to just call him by his name and not his rank, she nodded. "Well, then, Tal Kote... or perhaps I will just call you Tal," she winked and laughed again, "though only when no one will chastise me for it afterwards." As they neared the barracks, she did manage to regain her composure a bit. "So, then you are the one I should ask... what will you have of me, Sir? I mean, I am sure Republic One is sufficiently staffed and I have no doubt Captain Drae hasn't gone all this time without a Chief Mechanic." Then something else dawned on her.
This time when she touched his arm, it lingered a moment as she tried to put on a straight face. She failed miserably as her eyes shone still with myrth. "And are you the one I talk to about back pay?" She winked as he looked at her and let her hand drop as they approached the road in front of the barracks. Teasing on the streets was easy. But she paused as she realized that being around people was going to be a chore. Much less the fact the High General was on her hip, she was listed still as technically dead/missing, and ...
... suddenly she wasn't sure coming back was going to be as easy as she thought.
***
Tal
Old 02-19-2015, 11:56 PM
Definitely wasn't expecting that kind of response.
-It did kind of surprise the mandalorian High General, but he was still able to keep his composure. After all the whole rank notation wasn't his thing. Being called High General was a formal type of thing. Something he really didn't enjoy all to much. But when it came to meetings with the Chief of State and the Intel Director.... NOW that couldn't be helped. Usually the responses he got out of people where more then surprising. Not many really burst into laughter at this point. What was done... was done.-
"It's alright," -Rubbing his arm slightly; he smiled. Though the punching really didn't hurt him.- "We will get to reinstatement into the NR later. As well as your tasked assignments. For now let's get you showered and fed. I am pretty sure you are itching for some good old Telos food right about now."
***
Ari
Old 02-20-2015, 12:04 AM
Arianna stood on the edge of the causeway and sighed. "I think you have the right idea. But curious, any chance there is someplace besides the cantina or barracks to do those things? I don't mean to sound ungrateful, but I don't think I am ready for crowds yet."
When he mentioned food, her stomach growled. "Telos food would be fine. But as a Mandalorian, I am also open to being introduced to something new." She smiled and this time it was genuine. This was who she was, comfortable around brass, sassy with the enlisted, and able to draw the line when it was needed.
She smiled as he wiped at his arm though she knew it hadn't been hard enough to hurt him. "Sorry, but at least our introduction was smoother than mine with Admiral Angellus. That, honestly, was a yelling match that made his mother cringe at us both." She smiled remembering the dinner debacle that ended in her promotion to Republic One. The two of them had been so much alike that their head butting was almost comical in retrospect, but had thought it was about to land her in the brig at the time.
***
Tal
Old 02-20-2015, 12:24 AM
"That is fine," -Tal responded trying to think of a better place. She then hinted towards the traditional, if any, mandalorian style of cooking. He was a good cook when it came to certain things. However, the one who knew the most about mandalorian food would have to be his own mother. Who was also living with him at the moment.- "Well I can't say I know of any place that is quiet, but I do know someone who can fix up a nice dish of mandalorian stew."
Really now.
-She had struck him again in the arm. Although it didn't hurt; it was almost every two or three minutes. Her mention of his predecessor had reminded him of the discussions that he and Angellus gotten into. The two practically didn't agree on anything and always had heated arguments. Although it was Angellus who had made Tal himself a good military leader... not great. At least he was able to carry over at least some of what the predecessor wanted that is.-
"It's fine," -He responded.- "In fact me and the High Admiral never really saw eye-to-eye to begin with. So I know what you mean by that."
-Yellow eyes moved over the city line. From their current location; Tal's home was about three miles away from here. That seemed like the best place to go for some food and a nice hot shower. Turning he lead her down past the barracks onto the main road of Thani.-
***
Ari
Old 02-20-2015, 12:48 AM
"Mandalorian stew sounds perfect." She smiled and was grateful as he turned from the barracks and headed for town. She wasn't sure if she could stomach anything heavier than that. They hadn't exactly been on packaged rations when she finally got the shuttle running. But they hadn't had full facility use either. Meals were healthy, but hardly anything to fill you up with.
She didn't realize how worried she had been about being in the barracks again till they were a couple blocks away and she felt herself physically begin to relax. As they walked in silence a few moments, her eyes darting here and there to notice a store's name change, or the growth of some small garden or tree she hadn't seen since leaving, she finally turned to him.
"So I had no doubt that the Drunkenwell incursion would lead to war with the Empire. And I am glad the Jedi are on our side. Though I am sure others are on the Imperial side keeping the balance." She kept walking, following as he lead into the town away from the military buildings. "But how are we fairing... honestly. I don't want the propaganda the news is spouting to the masses. What is the truth, Tal?"
***
Tal
Old 02-20-2015, 01:48 AM
"It wasn't Druckenwell that lead the NR into a war with the Empire," -Tal responded suddenly. The news was out there after Telos began repairs; the holocast was everywhere to be heard about the declaration of war between the two factions.- "The Imperial's saw an opportunity to attack Telos when a large fleet of the NR had left to go to Druckenwell. They took the opportunity at a weak point to attack our homeworld. Something that ended in chaos and destruction."
-Of course; Tal had only read reports and seen the memorial that was laid out for those who lost their lives during the fight. Upon return to Telos it wasn't a great sight either. Several building lay in ruin. In fact, before they were given leave time; orders had come in to assist in clean-up. They had to clear rubble, debris, and search for survivors. It was a long four days before Kote saw the softness of a bed.-
-Yellow eyes lowered hearing the holo-transmission of war being declared.-
***
Ari
Old 02-20-2015, 01:55 AM
She didn't need Force Sense to see her question had affected him. "I'm sorry... I didn't mean to upset you." She sighed. "Apparently I need to do some catching up before I open my mouth again." She smiled and hoped he would too. He had such charm she hated to see him lost in whatever thought he was in.
"I'm also sorry Telos was touched by that. I know we had hoped to keep the trouble away from home when we left..." her voice dropped as she thought of all that had been lost, "and not drag it to our wake as we departed." Thinking they needed cheering up, she looked back towards where they were headed. "So where are you taking me? I want to be sure to memorize the location of this amazing restaurant in case this stew makes me convert from Telos fare completely." She laughed hoping it would be as contagious as her frown had been.
***
Tal
Old 02-21-2015, 05:25 PM
"It's alright," -Kote responded.- "At the time of the attack I was still a cadet working under the Ranger unit for Druckenwell. I doubt I could do anything with what orders I was given."
-The fight was long and hard. Lasting day and night for many soldiers... some didn't even make it home to Telos. But even after returning he gained new orders to assist in cleanup. So his job would never be done! Then he found himself transferring over to the Devil Dogs and then the second-in-command to them before finally becoming the Commanding Officer. Boy the years had passed.-
"Well actually, the place is about half a mile where I live. Just on the corner of the street."
***
Ari
Old 02-21-2015, 05:50 PM
Ari smiled. “Well at least it’s close. May have to make it a habit.” She laughed, still unaware of the true destination. “So tell me other things. Like… ummm.” She realized there was so much, she didn’t even know where to start. “Well let’s start with, any idea who I go to to request a new apartment?” She laughed again and was relaxing more.
“I am sure my old apartment after all this time, given my ummmm, missing or dead or whatever status, has surely been given up. And also, will need to see about loan, or back pay or something to get new uniforms and maybe an outfit or two more fit for wandering around in besides coveralls.”
It was like starting all over as a new cadet, to her. Though last time she was being assigned a bunk, it was in the barracks with a duffel bag of gear and only what she had on her body. Odd this time, that the roles were the same, only the outfit and belongings had changed. She looked around and made mental notes of landmarks as they went.
***
Tal
Old 03-11-2015, 11:28 PM
ooc- sorry for the wait on this thread.
-The mandalorian understood how long she had been gone. In fact, something similar probably would happen to him if he went missing. Of course, he was the military leader. Almost anything could happen. Either "A" they find a new person to take up the role or "B" they go out searching for their leader. Yeah anything.... Yellow eyes adjusted over to her.-
"Not to worry; we will get everything figured out. For now let's just get that bite to eat you've been wanting."
-After a while of walking; the two had arrived at a small little restaurant. The name was written in a different language, but Kote knew it was good food. So he wasn't about to skimp out here. Stepping into the establishment; it was rather small then the typical cantina on NR HQ but bigger then most other bars around town. Yellow eyes glanced over to Arianna. Walking over Kote found an empty table and took a seat waiting on her. Two menu's were already positioned on the table. The place seemed a little vacant, but it seemed to attract a crowd every now and then.-
***
Ari
Old 03-12-2015, 08:34 PM
Ari smiled as she walked in. It wasn't so crowded that she felt awkward, and it wasn't so empty as to feel weird. As Tal took a seat, she settled next to him and smiled. "Aye, aye... food first. Sounds like a good thing to me. Have to take it easy for a while, but I am looking forward to more than ship rations." She laughed and glanced at the menu. She would definitely have to come back again.
"So, now that we are settled. How are things going since Drunkenwell? I mean, I didn't see a lot of activity at the hangers. So that can only mean a couple things... either things are quiet and everyone is taking a break, or we're fighting someplace else and everyone is gone." She laughed hoping to take the sting out of the request for information. Either choice was viable, but she hoped it was the previous and not the latter. The thought of having once more missed out on something vital made her already ambiguous feelings about being gone grow just a touch. She had signed up to help the Republic, not disappear in space for a year and come back after all the hubbub was over again.
***
Ari
Old 05-27-2015, 05:41 PM
After several moments of silence, Arianna set her menu down and smiled. "You were right, this place is great. What would you recommend?" She hoped that maybe changing the subject would catch his attention once more and get him talking.
Perhaps it was curiosity, or maybe just the long isolation, but silence was beginning to be an unnerving thing instead of a comforting and wanted thing.
***
Tal
Old 06-02-2015, 03:58 PM
"Turn to the second page; everything from the third row down is really good." -Tal responded while looking at the menu himself. A waiter soon passed by setting down two cups of water.- "Can I get two glass of mandalorian tea with honey please."
"Of course, sir."
-Setting the menu down; Kote looked over to Arianna.-
"A lot has happened; a little to much to explain. Would probably take me a week to really tell you what happened since Druckenwell."
***
Ari
Old 06-02-2015, 04:38 PM
She smiled and turned her menu to where he directed. Everything looked so good. "Ok, I am completely overwhelmed." She laughed. Closing her menu, she shook her short hair framed head and looked at him. "The tea sounds like a perfect choice. I will defer to you for food, too, if you don't object."
When he mentioned a lot had happened, she nodded once more. "I would figure as much. So how about I narrow it down a little?" She thought about what would be most important. Finding a room, getting her cred clearances back, even getting back pay wasn't a serious concern for her. Oddly enough her most important question was, "When can I get back to work, and who do I need to see about doing that? I don't want anymore relaxing down time. I know I was gone, but I really want to get back to work. I am sure someone has replaced me on Republic One, but I will be happy anywhere I can use a wrench." She laughed and leaned back watching him. "I just hope I can get clearance soon enough."
***
Old 02-17-2015, 03:33 AM
<<<PM me for permission. Open to almost anyone NR who would have reason to be where she landed... Meaning I doubt someone in the Cantina or Barracks would suddenly come across her...Thanks>>>
Arianna repeated herself for the fourth time through the comlink to the one asking questions. “I REPEAT… I am Cadet Arianna Talien, formerly Air Boss aboard Republic One. Requesting permission to land before I fall out of the sky!”
The com went dead for the umpteenth time and she growled and kicked the under panel. A loud squelch made her cringe but she managed to hear clearance for a hanger landing way out on the end of the field. She didn’t care. At least it was on the ground. She had made it this far, but entering atmosphere took the last of the bonding goo from the joints and she bet there was no way it was air tight, much less pressurizable, anymore.
“Thank you…” she managed before maneuvering the small shuttle to its designated site.
The landing was rough, and she thought she heard a panel fall off somewhere in the back. But again, taking a deep breath, she reminded herself that it didn’t matter.
She was home.
She unstrapped her harness and moved to the exit door. Several bangs and kicks later, it lifted enough for her to get out. She stepped out on the plascrete and looked around. She took a big breath and stretched… then had a coughing fit that left her doubled over with hands on her knees for balance as her brain screamed at her. *You idiot, for as long as you were in less than reasonable conditions, barely able to breathe, and you take a big one… good one, jawa-head.* When the fit subsided, she decided gravity really was more than she had planned for. She sat back down on the half open ramp and waited to see who would come investigate the bucket of bolts.
There was a ship name on its side, but none known to anyone who was recent addition to the Republic. "Last Chance" had been painted under it. The ship had been cast as ‘lost’ in the Drunkenwell incursion. She heard that much on the dieing com as all hell broke loose and their drives failed, sending them spiraling away from a nearby exploding ship. She assumed since they weren’t in their original location when things settled, they were assumed blown up as well. With no way to send communications out, she had watched the fleet depart as she slowly spun in the debris field left in the silence of the aftermath. Turns out that waving out the window of a derelict ship didn’t have the same effect as waving from a speeder.
She and a handful of others had survived, barely. And after all this time, she was all that was left. Back inside, in a small trunk, were dog tags and recording discs from everyone and everything she could gather. Intel, personal files, and Hutts knew what else… but she wasn’t going to sort it out. That was someone else’s job. She got here, that’s all that mattered.
She was home… She bent over and rested her elbows on her knees, her head in her hands and wept in relief.
**
Tal
Old 02-17-2015, 03:18 PM
-The attack on Telos had given the New Republic more to think about. Many thought it was fool hardy to allow several ships to leave from Telos to Druckenwell, and they definitely paid the price. It had taken a good year and a half for the NR to re-establish a foothold on the planet. And several months to repair and bring security back to normal. The Chief of Stat, the Director, and the High General all had problems that dealt with the protection of their home-planet. Improvements were needed and stronger alliances were formed. These alliances came in the form of the Jedi and a small one with the hutt Vaago. But that didn't mean that the NR was open for attack. In fact, they were still very well defenseless on Telos... with several ships still on or near Druckenwell. But after a year of rebuilding and reconstruction; everything seemed to be back to normal.... for now.-
-Security now was tighter then ever. This included around within the planet and it's capitol; and around the space of the planet. Nearly every ship whether it was the Republic One or the Azrael had to gain clearance to dock planet-side or leave into space. Flight control handled this whereas military police moved everywhere if a strange anomaly managed to find it's way through Telos' defenses.-
"It's just one person; but the name of the ship is of older class." -Spoke one of the MP (Military Police) lieutenants.-
-The captain in charge looked over the reports that were coming in. An older class republic vessel had managed to find it's way home. The last time a report came from this ship was during the Druckenwell incident. That was way back when the attack on Telos was occurring. It seemed strange enough that this ship was still moving around in space for two years. It just didn't make sense to the MP's. But the reports never lied.... unless they were written wrong.-
"How old of a ship are we talking, Captain?" -The voice was none to familiar to those in the room. Back then his hair was long down to his waist; this time he was taller and with shorter hair but still longer (look at avatar). Everyone in the room was wearing the attire meant for Military Police. Whereas the man was in civilian attire. Clearing his throat the MP captain handed him the datapad containing the information on the ship.-
"Sir, it's the ship "Last Chance"; a vessel that went missing during the Druckenwell incident."
-The man remembered the name to the ship, and just was as surprised. Tossing the datapad to the table; he turned motioning for the captain to gather his officers together and follow him. Quickly living the room; all jogged their way to the hanger where the ship had landed. Many held weapons in hand while the man in civilian attire wasn't even armed. In the distance they could make out and see the ship with someone on the loading ramp. Their pace seemed to slow upon approach; the MP's taking up position around the ship mounting up and aiming weapons. The captain was the first out into the fray announcing their arrival.-
"We are the military police of the New Republic," -His voice boomed.- "Don't move. Identify yourself... refuse and we will be forced to take extreme measures."
***
Ari
Old 02-17-2015, 03:31 PM
As the pounding staccato of boots could be heard, Ari wiped her face and smiled. *About time.* she mused to herself.
She swiftly wiped her eyes but didn't rise. No point scaring everyone half to death... or getting unnecessarily shot.
As the encircled her they would see a woman with hair half braided, loosed some from her helmet's consistent on and off practice these last few days, and a pair of coveralls with stains on them of grease and oil. Her name and rank were barely visible anymore, patches filthy and thread bare. It was obvious that though cleaned occasionally, it wasn't done well. She slowly stood up, hands out to show no weapons.
"I am Arianna Talien, Cadet for the New Republic. Formally of Republic One... currently," here she faltered and found herself shrugging somewhat. Relaxing a bit she shook her head and looked around. "To be honest, I don't think I can do the formality thing, Sir. Officer Darksands of Rogue Squadron should be able to vouch for me as well as Officer Drac. I fear I have been gone quite a while." She looked around and decided now was probably not the best time for the whole story.
"I am ready to be debriefed, Sir, but first, there is a cargo box inside with personal affects, dog tags and recordings we... I was able to salvage before coming home." She looked back towards the edge of the box she could see then looked back at the man before her. While she vaguely recognized him, his demeanor and look had changed just enough to leave her doubting. She tried to straighten her jumper knowing if he had shown up with the armed escort, he wasn't a cadet like herself.
Some things changed... some things didn't.
***
Tal
Old 02-18-2015, 12:46 AM
"You realize that your ship has been MIA and out of commission for almost two years?" -Questioned the captain; almost everyone in the NR knew that the vessel Last Chance had disappeared during Druckenwell. But when and how was the question?- "You could very much be leading us into a trap just to attain information about the NR."
-Although the MP captain's words were true; however, intel was just another way to obtain solid information. Blond hair had decided to step forward this time. It seemed as though as these armed soldiers were acting as a security escort. And as much as he hated guards... that would never happen. The captain took a glance over to the blond haired man. The thought process of this MP was just the same as any other politician and military cadet. "How did he make it to High General?" His bright yellow eyes focused in a little more on the 'cadet' that stood before him. For some reason, in the back of his head, he thought she was with the government.-
"Druckenwell was the only planet Last Chance was assigned to; what was your assignment on Druckenwell?" -It was a solid enough question to get an understanding. Not to mention it showed that this blond haired man was a little different then that time on Druckenwell. His voice showing off that hint of a mandalorian accent with each different word he spoke.-
***
Ari
Old 02-18-2015, 01:11 AM
Why was it always the one you least expected that seemed to carry the most weight?
"By accident, Sir." She didn't know rank or name, but that didn't mean he didn't deserve respect. Even another enlisted deserved sir or ma'am if the situation warranted it.
"I was originally the Chief Mechanic for Rogue Squadron under the command of Romon Darksands. There is more than one of my monikers of a dagger hilt engraved on the insides of those birds they flew." She smiled remembering training the pilots to find them during their preflight inspections. Seeing what had changed was as important as seeing what had remained the same.
"After a rather heated verbal banter with Mr Angellus I was then assigned as Senior Air Boss on Republic One." She shook her head and relaxed. Reliving that battle pained her. But what happened afterwards, to her and to the others, was worse. She could tell this story a million times if it helped at all.
Squaring her shoulders she continued. "During the battle, Last Chance was hit pretty badly, Sir. She lost one of her hangers and half her air crew. Angellus sent me there to see if we could salvage anything and get the birds back in the air to defend the crippled ship. But something happened. An explosion of the ship beside us sent us spiralling into the already growing debris field." She shook her head and sighed. "Coms were down for sending, but we heard the call for us. We heard the hail. But we couldn't respond. They wrote us off as destroyed because we were not where we were supposed to be."
"Sir, there were ten of us left. And only the one shuttle craft in the damaged section of the ship once we managed to wrap our heads around the fact that rescue was not coming, our survival was to be of our own making."
She went on to quickly detail shuffling life support around to get the shuttle to a workable area and then killing everything non essential on the ship as the ten who were left tried to repair the shuttle and collect all the intel they could from personal links, comps, rooms and every work station they could download from. Bodies were left and all dog tags or ids were confiscated and their 'headstone' was inscribed on the wall of the flight deck.
After almost a year, only three of them were left. One was sacrificed to see to the take off of her and another because of manual override being necessary on the broken bay door they had had to nearly weld shut to maintain. On the three month trip home, the shuttle had lost pressure. Marcus had been the only of the two with space suit time. He had gone outside the shuttle and welded the compromised seam. But the shuttle door had been warped in the pressure breach and return was impossible. His tags were the only ones missing from the case inside.
As she finished she looked at the men around her. "When I left, RETRIBUTION* was the name of the Drunkenwell incursion. Other than that and I can show you were my barracks room used to be, Sir. I have no other proof." She finally silenced herself and somehow felt lighter for having passed on everything to someone who could see to the tags, ids and intel she carried. It had been a heavier burden than she had realized.
***
Tal
Old 02-18-2015, 11:17 PM
-He really wasn't expecting a full blown story to be told; he was simply asking what her initial assignment was during the whole Druckenwell ordeal. Well what was done, was done. And through some miracle; he had that sinking suspicion of believing her. In moments time staff members would search for her records and the intel within the ship will be reviewed over by the correct people. But it wasn't enough to say what would happen to her.-
-The MP Captain looked over at the blond haired man.- "Sir, I suggest we take her into custody. Have the Intel department...."
"There is no need for that." -The man cut him off before he could finish his sentence.-
"But..."
"Like I said; there's no need. She told her story of what had happened. I should know I was there after all when we tried to call Last Chance." -His bright yellow eyes looked over to her; there was a small understanding between the two of them. But overall the MP captain had to follow orders of his superior -- the high general.- "For now let's unload the ship of everything of value and I'll take her back to the barracks for a shower and some grub."
"Yes sir."
-The officers lowered their weapons; while the blond haired man moved forward offering his right hand down to her.- 'Shall we?"
***
Ari
Old 02-19-2015, 12:18 AM
She had half resigned herself to cuffs and debriefings for days when the MP spoke up. But as the blond interjected, her eyebrows rose. He believed. Better still, he had been there. She had wondered what had happened after they were left behind. How the outcome had been. Now wasn't the time, but at least she had someone to ask... someone to fill in the gaps.
As she saw his hand, she nodded and took it. "Thank you, Sir... I can't think of anything better at this point. And perhaps you can fill me in this time. What happened after everyone departed. I mean," she looked around the flight line area she had grown to love yrs ago. "I mean, it's changed some. I see new command names, and new ships. But some things haven't. It's hard to explain. Like coming out of a deep sleep to find everything moved on without you." She half growled as he led her away from the ship.
"But I wasn't asleep... was I?" She knew she wasn't, but somehow, feeling almost alien in her own suit, on her own planet, she doubted herself. "Sorry I rambled on. Didn't mean to, Sir."
Realizing she was doing it again, she bit her lip and let him lead the way to whatever destination he had in mind.
***
Tal
Old 02-19-2015, 10:11 PM
-The blond mandalorian offered a smile to Arianna; it had been some time since he had seen Mandalore. So he kind of felt what she was going through. Over the years everything had changed. Technology moved forward rather quickly and so did military command. Come to think of it; every department within the NR had gone through change. It wasn't just the military aspect. Leading her through the workings of the hanger; his yellow eyes moved over to her.-
"I'm sure you knew of the news of the Imperial's attacking Telos, correct?" -He questioned calmly.- "Well, now we are at war with the Galactic Empire."
And boy it hasn't been any easy.
-Eventually, they made it to the outside world. The barracks wasn't to far of a treck from here. Upon first sight; one who first came here to Telos would notice a significant change. Well one who hadn't been here in several years. The skies were blue and busy with traffic. Clouds formed over the area with the sun shining brightly. It nearly looked to be noon outside. Maybe a temperature of 80 degrees out. This was the kind of weather he enjoyed. Leading her down the side walk to the barracks.-
***
Ari
Old 02-19-2015, 10:40 PM
"Honestly, Sir... I don't have news of anything since Drunkenwell. We were only able to receive and not broadcast but once the fleet moved away, even the receiving ended." She looked around. A year in space without fresh air. It seemed a small thing, but she would never regret it again.
As they walked on, she looked at him. "Forgive me, Sir. But when I mentioned Admiral Angellus and Lt Drae, several of those men looked confused. Are they dead, Sir? And what of Lt Darksands? I don't mean to ask where I shouldn't, but something tells me things changed more than a little since my disappearance." Which brought up another question. If she was thought dead, then she guessed her small apt and belongings were gone. She had had no next of kin to pass them to. And her personal items from Republic One were gone as well. She truly didn't have anything to miss. But the thought of trying to reestablish being alive and starting over suddenly seemed very daunting indeed.
***
Tal
Old 02-19-2015, 10:52 PM
-He only guessed as much; she had been away for so long that any news of the past was new to her. It was hard not to know that the New Republic was now at war with the Galactic Empire. The holocast was all over the galaxy during the announcement. Everyone was well aware of the war going on between the two factions. Heck, even the NR had found an alliance with the Students of the Light (Jedi). Even that was new news to be told. But as soon as she brought up Admiral Angellus, Lieutenant Drae, and Lieutenant Darksands; his step suddenly stopped and head seemed to lower somewhat.-
"High Admiral Angellus resigned his position as military leader, and later retired out to the suburbs with his family." -He responded clearing his throat.- "Lieutenant Drae is now Captain and the commanding officer of Rogue Squadron, but as for Lieutenant Darksands.... he was the CO for the Rogues. But he went missing about a year after you did. We aren't really sure whether he is dead or alive."
-What the blond had failed to mention was whether the position of military leader had been filled. He was responding to the questions asked, but decided to not go that extra mile in explaining who took Admiral Angellus' seat as military leader.-
***
Ari
Old 02-19-2015, 11:00 PM
She paused as he spoke of the loses and promotions. "Captain Drae, huh? And leader of the Rogues. Now that's something I will definitely have to tease him about, provided I can get anywhere near him now." She laughed remembering sitting on the wing of a fighter in the hangers drinking water with Jac. They had been talking about new cooling units for the X-Wings. It pained her she hadn't been around for the promotion he had assumed would never come.
At the mention of Admiral Angellus retiring, she nodded and continued walking. "Good. He deserves a break." She doubted he would want to see her, given their heated past together. Her stubbornness had only been matched by his strong hand of guidance. Sadly, she would miss their arguments. He had guided her farther along her career path than anyone else had.
A thought suddenly occurred to her. Stopping she absently touched Tal's arm for him to halt, and dropped her hand not realizing what she had done. "Wait... so the entire Chain of Command for me has changed?" She bit her lip and stifled a giggle. "Oh dear... so who is in charge now that Admiral Angellus has retired? I am probably going to need to back to basics at this point because I won't recognize anyone by face or name at this rate." The other thought that occurred to her was where she would be assigned. Angellus had asked for her for his ship specifically. She knew whatever Admiral manned the Republic One now would have their own crew in place at this point. She would have been shuffled on anyway.
***
Tal
Old 02-19-2015, 11:15 PM
"That shouldn't be a big problem," -He responded calmly.- "Usually the people who are hard to get a hold of at NR leaders and their higher ranked officers."
-He was actually referring to the Chief of Army Operations and the Chief of Starfighter Corps. Even the people who held those positions had also changed. It was a long two years for her, but hopefully she would get use to the new structure. As they continued on; she had suddenly stopped touching his bare skinned arm. Pausing for a moment the blond haired man looked back at her. His gaze was firm and precise.-
"Yes the military chain of command has changed. There are new officers in the position of CoAO and CoSC." -If he remembered correctly; Mazen was the CoSC during that time, and Excapus Leonida was the CoAO before he went off somewhere and a new person was chosen to fill his seat.- "The government and intel departments decided that Tal Kote would be the best fit for High General and offered him the position.. along with it's rank and duties of course."
-It seemed only funny that the man who spoke was actually Tal himself, and he was referring to himself in the third person. However, he felt that revealing himself to be Tal would be a little nerve racking to anyone of lower rank. It was kind of a good thing that his appearance had changed some since Druckenwell. Well appearance and rank at least a good three times already. At that point his bright yellow eyes remained focused on her... only to see the reaction. Standing firm in the middle of the sidewalk about halfway between the barracks and the hanger now.-
***
Ari
Old 02-19-2015, 11:26 PM
Smiling and nodding as if in approval, she started to walk again. "I have heard of General Kote..." She looked at him with a curious look, "though I had thought he was only a soldier back then. Something to do with the kidnapping of an intel agent before the incursion. I remember she was rescued and returned but that he was part of her entourage. I can't imagine that would have been easy on him." She smiled and nodded again. "I can see him rising quickly. I had heard talks in the hangers and barracks of him. Good soldier and excellent combat trainer and had a quick strategic mind."
As they started walking again, it dawned on her she had never asked his name. "I suppose I have been remiss. You know me, but I either don't remember your name, for which I sincerely apologize for, or I didn't hear it to begin with." She laughed then and looked sideways at him. "And since a drink and shower are in your orders, the least I can do is ask you to join me for the drink."
As she waited for his response, she guessed maybe he was a Lt or Capt at the most. No one lower could have commanded the squad of soldiers as he had a few moments ago on the tarmac.
***
Tal
Old 02-19-2015, 11:37 PM
"Well he is a mandalorian after all," -He responded.- "So I can see why he was chosen to be High General."
Okay... enough is enough you di'kut.
-It just seemed a little unnecessary to be talking about himself in the third person. However, words like those were never a lie. Kote had a thick head on his shoulders to get where he was now. A young age of 19-years said a lot. As they continued to the barracks; the mandalorian glanced over to her as soon as she asked him of his name. Would it be hard enough to say that he was in fact the High General for the NR. Maybe not. But it was an interesting way to see the reactions of those around him. With a small smile he nodded.-
"Of course I'll join you for a drink," -Kote responded.- "As for who I am.... well you can call me Tal Kote."
***
Ari
Old 02-19-2015, 11:46 PM
His name caught her off guard, but then she laughed out loud and punched his arm. "Sorry," she laughed and brushed off where she had punched as if wiping it away. "It's not often that someone gets something over on me. Though I admit that my absence made it easier than it will be next time, I promise you."
As he said to just call him by his name and not his rank, she nodded. "Well, then, Tal Kote... or perhaps I will just call you Tal," she winked and laughed again, "though only when no one will chastise me for it afterwards." As they neared the barracks, she did manage to regain her composure a bit. "So, then you are the one I should ask... what will you have of me, Sir? I mean, I am sure Republic One is sufficiently staffed and I have no doubt Captain Drae hasn't gone all this time without a Chief Mechanic." Then something else dawned on her.
This time when she touched his arm, it lingered a moment as she tried to put on a straight face. She failed miserably as her eyes shone still with myrth. "And are you the one I talk to about back pay?" She winked as he looked at her and let her hand drop as they approached the road in front of the barracks. Teasing on the streets was easy. But she paused as she realized that being around people was going to be a chore. Much less the fact the High General was on her hip, she was listed still as technically dead/missing, and ...
... suddenly she wasn't sure coming back was going to be as easy as she thought.
***
Tal
Old 02-19-2015, 11:56 PM
Definitely wasn't expecting that kind of response.
-It did kind of surprise the mandalorian High General, but he was still able to keep his composure. After all the whole rank notation wasn't his thing. Being called High General was a formal type of thing. Something he really didn't enjoy all to much. But when it came to meetings with the Chief of State and the Intel Director.... NOW that couldn't be helped. Usually the responses he got out of people where more then surprising. Not many really burst into laughter at this point. What was done... was done.-
"It's alright," -Rubbing his arm slightly; he smiled. Though the punching really didn't hurt him.- "We will get to reinstatement into the NR later. As well as your tasked assignments. For now let's get you showered and fed. I am pretty sure you are itching for some good old Telos food right about now."
***
Ari
Old 02-20-2015, 12:04 AM
Arianna stood on the edge of the causeway and sighed. "I think you have the right idea. But curious, any chance there is someplace besides the cantina or barracks to do those things? I don't mean to sound ungrateful, but I don't think I am ready for crowds yet."
When he mentioned food, her stomach growled. "Telos food would be fine. But as a Mandalorian, I am also open to being introduced to something new." She smiled and this time it was genuine. This was who she was, comfortable around brass, sassy with the enlisted, and able to draw the line when it was needed.
She smiled as he wiped at his arm though she knew it hadn't been hard enough to hurt him. "Sorry, but at least our introduction was smoother than mine with Admiral Angellus. That, honestly, was a yelling match that made his mother cringe at us both." She smiled remembering the dinner debacle that ended in her promotion to Republic One. The two of them had been so much alike that their head butting was almost comical in retrospect, but had thought it was about to land her in the brig at the time.
***
Tal
Old 02-20-2015, 12:24 AM
"That is fine," -Tal responded trying to think of a better place. She then hinted towards the traditional, if any, mandalorian style of cooking. He was a good cook when it came to certain things. However, the one who knew the most about mandalorian food would have to be his own mother. Who was also living with him at the moment.- "Well I can't say I know of any place that is quiet, but I do know someone who can fix up a nice dish of mandalorian stew."
Really now.
-She had struck him again in the arm. Although it didn't hurt; it was almost every two or three minutes. Her mention of his predecessor had reminded him of the discussions that he and Angellus gotten into. The two practically didn't agree on anything and always had heated arguments. Although it was Angellus who had made Tal himself a good military leader... not great. At least he was able to carry over at least some of what the predecessor wanted that is.-
"It's fine," -He responded.- "In fact me and the High Admiral never really saw eye-to-eye to begin with. So I know what you mean by that."
-Yellow eyes moved over the city line. From their current location; Tal's home was about three miles away from here. That seemed like the best place to go for some food and a nice hot shower. Turning he lead her down past the barracks onto the main road of Thani.-
***
Ari
Old 02-20-2015, 12:48 AM
"Mandalorian stew sounds perfect." She smiled and was grateful as he turned from the barracks and headed for town. She wasn't sure if she could stomach anything heavier than that. They hadn't exactly been on packaged rations when she finally got the shuttle running. But they hadn't had full facility use either. Meals were healthy, but hardly anything to fill you up with.
She didn't realize how worried she had been about being in the barracks again till they were a couple blocks away and she felt herself physically begin to relax. As they walked in silence a few moments, her eyes darting here and there to notice a store's name change, or the growth of some small garden or tree she hadn't seen since leaving, she finally turned to him.
"So I had no doubt that the Drunkenwell incursion would lead to war with the Empire. And I am glad the Jedi are on our side. Though I am sure others are on the Imperial side keeping the balance." She kept walking, following as he lead into the town away from the military buildings. "But how are we fairing... honestly. I don't want the propaganda the news is spouting to the masses. What is the truth, Tal?"
***
Tal
Old 02-20-2015, 01:48 AM
"It wasn't Druckenwell that lead the NR into a war with the Empire," -Tal responded suddenly. The news was out there after Telos began repairs; the holocast was everywhere to be heard about the declaration of war between the two factions.- "The Imperial's saw an opportunity to attack Telos when a large fleet of the NR had left to go to Druckenwell. They took the opportunity at a weak point to attack our homeworld. Something that ended in chaos and destruction."
-Of course; Tal had only read reports and seen the memorial that was laid out for those who lost their lives during the fight. Upon return to Telos it wasn't a great sight either. Several building lay in ruin. In fact, before they were given leave time; orders had come in to assist in clean-up. They had to clear rubble, debris, and search for survivors. It was a long four days before Kote saw the softness of a bed.-
-Yellow eyes lowered hearing the holo-transmission of war being declared.-
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Ari
Old 02-20-2015, 01:55 AM
She didn't need Force Sense to see her question had affected him. "I'm sorry... I didn't mean to upset you." She sighed. "Apparently I need to do some catching up before I open my mouth again." She smiled and hoped he would too. He had such charm she hated to see him lost in whatever thought he was in.
"I'm also sorry Telos was touched by that. I know we had hoped to keep the trouble away from home when we left..." her voice dropped as she thought of all that had been lost, "and not drag it to our wake as we departed." Thinking they needed cheering up, she looked back towards where they were headed. "So where are you taking me? I want to be sure to memorize the location of this amazing restaurant in case this stew makes me convert from Telos fare completely." She laughed hoping it would be as contagious as her frown had been.
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Tal
Old 02-21-2015, 05:25 PM
"It's alright," -Kote responded.- "At the time of the attack I was still a cadet working under the Ranger unit for Druckenwell. I doubt I could do anything with what orders I was given."
-The fight was long and hard. Lasting day and night for many soldiers... some didn't even make it home to Telos. But even after returning he gained new orders to assist in cleanup. So his job would never be done! Then he found himself transferring over to the Devil Dogs and then the second-in-command to them before finally becoming the Commanding Officer. Boy the years had passed.-
"Well actually, the place is about half a mile where I live. Just on the corner of the street."
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Ari
Old 02-21-2015, 05:50 PM
Ari smiled. “Well at least it’s close. May have to make it a habit.” She laughed, still unaware of the true destination. “So tell me other things. Like… ummm.” She realized there was so much, she didn’t even know where to start. “Well let’s start with, any idea who I go to to request a new apartment?” She laughed again and was relaxing more.
“I am sure my old apartment after all this time, given my ummmm, missing or dead or whatever status, has surely been given up. And also, will need to see about loan, or back pay or something to get new uniforms and maybe an outfit or two more fit for wandering around in besides coveralls.”
It was like starting all over as a new cadet, to her. Though last time she was being assigned a bunk, it was in the barracks with a duffel bag of gear and only what she had on her body. Odd this time, that the roles were the same, only the outfit and belongings had changed. She looked around and made mental notes of landmarks as they went.
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Tal
Old 03-11-2015, 11:28 PM
ooc- sorry for the wait on this thread.
-The mandalorian understood how long she had been gone. In fact, something similar probably would happen to him if he went missing. Of course, he was the military leader. Almost anything could happen. Either "A" they find a new person to take up the role or "B" they go out searching for their leader. Yeah anything.... Yellow eyes adjusted over to her.-
"Not to worry; we will get everything figured out. For now let's just get that bite to eat you've been wanting."
-After a while of walking; the two had arrived at a small little restaurant. The name was written in a different language, but Kote knew it was good food. So he wasn't about to skimp out here. Stepping into the establishment; it was rather small then the typical cantina on NR HQ but bigger then most other bars around town. Yellow eyes glanced over to Arianna. Walking over Kote found an empty table and took a seat waiting on her. Two menu's were already positioned on the table. The place seemed a little vacant, but it seemed to attract a crowd every now and then.-
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Ari
Old 03-12-2015, 08:34 PM
Ari smiled as she walked in. It wasn't so crowded that she felt awkward, and it wasn't so empty as to feel weird. As Tal took a seat, she settled next to him and smiled. "Aye, aye... food first. Sounds like a good thing to me. Have to take it easy for a while, but I am looking forward to more than ship rations." She laughed and glanced at the menu. She would definitely have to come back again.
"So, now that we are settled. How are things going since Drunkenwell? I mean, I didn't see a lot of activity at the hangers. So that can only mean a couple things... either things are quiet and everyone is taking a break, or we're fighting someplace else and everyone is gone." She laughed hoping to take the sting out of the request for information. Either choice was viable, but she hoped it was the previous and not the latter. The thought of having once more missed out on something vital made her already ambiguous feelings about being gone grow just a touch. She had signed up to help the Republic, not disappear in space for a year and come back after all the hubbub was over again.
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Ari
Old 05-27-2015, 05:41 PM
After several moments of silence, Arianna set her menu down and smiled. "You were right, this place is great. What would you recommend?" She hoped that maybe changing the subject would catch his attention once more and get him talking.
Perhaps it was curiosity, or maybe just the long isolation, but silence was beginning to be an unnerving thing instead of a comforting and wanted thing.
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Tal
Old 06-02-2015, 03:58 PM
"Turn to the second page; everything from the third row down is really good." -Tal responded while looking at the menu himself. A waiter soon passed by setting down two cups of water.- "Can I get two glass of mandalorian tea with honey please."
"Of course, sir."
-Setting the menu down; Kote looked over to Arianna.-
"A lot has happened; a little to much to explain. Would probably take me a week to really tell you what happened since Druckenwell."
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Ari
Old 06-02-2015, 04:38 PM
She smiled and turned her menu to where he directed. Everything looked so good. "Ok, I am completely overwhelmed." She laughed. Closing her menu, she shook her short hair framed head and looked at him. "The tea sounds like a perfect choice. I will defer to you for food, too, if you don't object."
When he mentioned a lot had happened, she nodded once more. "I would figure as much. So how about I narrow it down a little?" She thought about what would be most important. Finding a room, getting her cred clearances back, even getting back pay wasn't a serious concern for her. Oddly enough her most important question was, "When can I get back to work, and who do I need to see about doing that? I don't want anymore relaxing down time. I know I was gone, but I really want to get back to work. I am sure someone has replaced me on Republic One, but I will be happy anywhere I can use a wrench." She laughed and leaned back watching him. "I just hope I can get clearance soon enough."
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