EliteCommander

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Ri'vashi seemed to be perpetually agitated, though she was at least not becoming even more outwardly angry. Compared to her conversation with Sabine the previous day, she was willing to speak more calmly. "You want him to help us against Vile? Ri'vashi can respect the...idea of what you are suggesting. But do we really need his help? Can we even trust his help?"

Among the more pragmatic of the council members, Saras naturally had a quick response to Ri'vashi. "The debate about what he deserves aside, I do not think it controversial to say that Do'rhajul's knowledge alone could be quite valuable to us. Even if they were lying to him, he would still have to be privy to a great deal of truthful information about our enemy to fill the role he served for them. Not only their secrets, but their strategy, tactics, and procedures as well. There is little question that we could gain some advantage from that."

"And do not forget that he is still a lycan." Meesei added. "His soul is still bound to Hircine in death. If there is still punishment deserved for him, then he will never be able to escape it, no matter how far he flees on Nirn. If our lord does not judge his redemption sufficient, then we will only have delayed his punishment a few mortal years."

There was silence from Ri'vashi. Her gaze still held the intensity of her emotions, but also confusion. She seemed possibly close to relenting, but perhaps needed another push.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

There were no more interruptions through Sabine's recollection of events. Saras was taking detailed notes, while many of the others listened on, showing varied reactions. It would be hard to get past Ri'vashi's obvious anger, but there was some sympathy that could be gleaned from her expression. Ri'vashi and Sabine had been friends for quite a long time, after all, and it was no easier for her to hear what Sabine had been through.

There was a brief silence after Sabine finished speaking before one of the council, Tola, spoke up. "I am...not sure what to say. I think we have all heard the rumors that have been spreading since your return. About how you singlehandedly killed our enemy leaders, and a Dragon along with them. They are obviously exaggerated...but not by a great deal. I cannot even begin to imagine what you went through, but even weakened as you were, you still disabled an enemy that outnumbered you, and then went on to claim the Axe after that. No matter what is decided here, I think it should be said that we are all in your debt. There is no way of knowing how much suffering you prevented through your actions. Whatever you need to recover after your ordeal, I believe we should provide for you."

There was no argument from the other members of the council, so Saras spoke up next. "It goes without saying that you will have any support you need, Sabine. As for the matter of these two..." He began, motioning to Do'rhajul and Yerig. "It is still more complicated. At least for one of them. The original scope of your mission was to plant evidence that would convince the Nord, Yerig, that he was fighting on the wrong side of the war. Based on your account, that effort was successful. I believe Yerig should be forgiven for any past crimes against us, and allowed to continue to aid us if he so chooses. I do not believe there is any argument to the contrary from this council."

Again, there was no argument from the council. Not even Ri'vashi had any qualms about forgiving Yerig. However, that was the easy part of the debate. Ri'vashi was still obviously angry, but one could see that she was trying to be more calm and rational as she spoke. "Ri'vashi thinks that she...understands why you have forgiven Do'rhajul, Sabine. He helped you escape a terrible situation; Ri'vashi understand that. Ri'vashi cannot blame you for that, but likewise, can you understand why she wants him to see justice as well?"

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

The continuation of Sabine's story was no easier to hear than when it began. Still, it did provide the context that the council had been desiring, and explained why Sabine had brought Do'rhajul back to the clan not in chains. The evidence they had planted had its intended effect, though few in the council had actually expected Do'rhajul himself to be converted. Even so, the explanation alone was not sufficient to convince everyone.

Ri'vashi's claws scratched across the stone table in front of her. "How does that excuse him, or anything he did? Do'rhajul may not have tortured you himself, but from how you described it, he just stood by and watched for, what? Hours? Just let them do all of those things to you for the 'greater good?' He was complicit in your torture. Why should he be forgiven for it, and for all the lives he has taken over the years? Why should he get to live, while the people who raised and cared for Ri'vashi her whole life had their souls harvested by this monster's minions? Where is the justice in that?"

Ri'vashi was obviously the most deeply affected by the actions of Do'rhajul, but that did not mean her plea for retribution could not resonate with anyone else.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Saras held up a hand, showing a grim expression. Sabine's experiences were now clear, to him and everyone else that was present. Apart from Meesei most of the pack had not heard what happened in such detail, so most of them were even more heavily affected by the words. Ahnasha in particular was having a hard time listening to it all, given the memories it brought back for her. Her ears lowered against her head, and she wished it would not have been impolite to cover them.

"You need not share any more detail on that if you do not wish. We understand your...situation. From what I was told, you managed to free yourself, yes? You can pick up there if you wish. Explain how you escaped, and how this man, the 'General', played a role, if you please." Saras requested.

Meesei could not say much at the moment, nor even show much in the way of outward emotional support, but she was at least looking for some opportunity to help Sabine as they listened.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Meesei nodded and gave Sabine a quick hug. "Good luck. I suppose we should not keep everyone waiting." She replied, walking with Sabine towards their meeting chamber. Everyone else was already gathered, so they would be able to begin right away.

The subjects they would be discussing were sensitive, so Lorag and Janius had been the ones to escort Do'rhajul and Yerig to the chamber. They were both standing beside the table, about as far away as they could be from Ri'vashi. Neither of them were armed or armored any longer, though both were still wearing the same clothes they had the day before. Do'rhajul's mere presence had created a silent tension in the air, punctuated with suspicious glances from many of those present.

Ri'vashi had safeguarded the Rueful Axe, which was now placed on the table between everyone. It was a great victory to have claimed it, but there was also an undeniable sense of dread surrounding the weapon. Having it in their possession meant they were one step closer to what would be the final, and most critical battle of the war.

Usually, it was Ri'vashi that was quick to get their meetings started, but this time it was Saras who had spoke up as Meesei and Sabine were taking their seats. "Sabine, it is good to see you alive and in good health. We were all terribly concerned for your safety. It is not often that I am the one surprised by developments, but you have surprised me on all accounts. I think we will all require the best explanation you can give to understand what happened."

Star Wars - Lawless Galaxy

Paradise

Koren, Sirka, and Delni

Koren rarely made it into the regular hangar, which is possibly why it drew looks for him to be entering such an area. His wound still pained him, however he gritted his way through it. His two droids following him loyally, as well as his ever present bodyguard. He nodded at the Togruta and her… sister? He still wasn’t sure what species she was and to be honest it kind of had him on edge. So, straight up.

He raised his hands as he approached, in a gesture that basically said this is not meant as an insult, but a genuine question “Sirka, before we get started. What species are you?”

There was a slight grin from Delni, given how frequently that question came up. Meanwhile, Sirka simply gave a quick shrug as she answered him. “Don’t know, honestly. As long as I’ve been alive, I’ve been one-of-a-kind. I was rescued from Trandoshan slavers by Jedi as a newborn. No idea where they took me from. They were close to the Unknown Regions, so maybe they were adventurous? I’m not about to go exploring unknown space over it, so I gave up on figuring it out a long time ago. I can say that I’m reptilian, obviously, but I’m warm-blooded.”

Koren shrugged. “Works for me, I’ll put out some feelers if you want. See if we can dig anything up on anyone else throwing around Hutt Space or the Outer Rim that matches your body type. However-” He clapped his hands together. “-That isn’t why you’re here. This is the exciting part, jobs, money changing hands-” He waved his finger between the two sisters “Bad news though, for these jobs I’m going to split you two up and send you different directions-” He raised a finger towards Sirka as if to shush her before she could make any objections.

“-My own personal bodyguard will be going with you Delni, while your sister comes with me while I run some errands. I’ll be perfectly safe, you’ll be perfectly safe. Everyone will be safe, and well paid.” He smiled to himself. “Any questions?”

There was hardly a hint of hesitation from Sirka before she responded in her usual protective form. “How safe? She’s not a fighter by any means, unlike me.”

Delni reached up and placed a hand on her sister’s shoulder. “It’s okay, sis.” She said softly before turning her attention back to Koren. “But I do have to ask what it is exactly you are expecting me to do on these errands? What, um, specific kind of skills are you looking for from me? I certainly don’t mind making extra credits, but, um, I want to be sure I’m the right person for your job.”

“Safe enough that I’d send my own daughter, if she had been available.” Koren turned to Delni.

“I hear you have computer skills, a good slicer is always something that is useful in my profession, and I’m trusting you have the same honesty and integrity instilled in your sister here-” he indicated towards Sirka.”-Afterall you were raised in the same household.” He looked between the two sisters. “You Delni, will be heading to Nar Shadda. There’s a rather troublesome leader to a mercenary band. Real wildcards in Hutt Space, the entire galaxy really. I need you to hack into their systems from somewhere where I know they are going to be meeting. Get the information on their base, get it back to me. In and out, real simple.”

“Are you expecting a fight to break out?” Sirka replied, prompting Delni to roll her eyes and nudge Sirka with her elbow again.

“It’s okay. I’m sure he wouldn’t want to send his own daughter if there was going to be a fight. And I doubt a Nar Shaddaa merc band is going to have Imperial-level security. I believe I can do that, yeah. I’ve done that sort of thing before for less...intrusive reasons. I accept.” Delni replied.

As much as Sirka wanted to argue with Delni on the matter, she did not want to do so in front of Koren. So, she gave a sigh of resignation. “Okay, so...what do you want me to do?”

Koren shook his head. “There shouldn’t be a fight-” and Koren screwed his face up slightly. “-the mercenary group started out as an Imperial strike group, there will be someone on site in order to assist you with the hacking. In terms of you-” he turned back to Sirka. “My bodyguard is going with your sister, so you’re going to take his place. We’re going to see if you’ve got what it takes to enter the big leagues. Anything else?”

Sirka gave a single, affirmative nod to Koren. “Taking over for your bodyguard? I can do that; no problem.” She replied, her tone bearing no hint of uncertainty. “One of the most common types of job that I take, for obvious reasons. And less obvious reasons. If we do run into trouble, you can feel free to hide behind me. Literally. My hide is blaster resistant.”

Koren nodded as a Star Courier landed in the hangar, of course there was no pilot he trusted more for this job than Boqo. “This ship will take you to Nar Shadda, Delni. I’m sure you recognise the vessel Sirka.” He then turned to Aurrie, whispering to the droid who then flew off out of the hangar. “As for us Sirka, you have five minutes to move any gear you need to my personal hangar. I’ll meet you there when you’re ready.” With a billow of his coat, he turned and left.

“Understood.” Sirka replied tersely. Since she could not bring her weapons outside the hanger herself, she had some of the B1 droids move her E-Web and other weapons to Koren’s private hanger, apart from one. Before Delni could board the Star Courier, Sirka stopped her, taking Delni’s hands in hers as she pulled something out of one of her pouches. “Delni, I...look, sis, I’m sure you already know how I feel about this. I do appreciate you wanting to help bring in credits, but don’t feel like you are obligated to. You already help me out plenty, even without going out and doing things yourself.”

Delni placed one of her hands on top of Sirka’s, smiling. “I know, sis. Don’t worry, I don’t feel any kind of pressure from you. I just...I don’t know, I feel like this is the right thing for me to do. Things have been kind of stagnant for me the past few years, in terms of my goals, and I think taking a more ‘active’ role in things might help that. At the very least, it will mix things up.”

“Well, here, take this.” Sirka responded as she slid the object into Delni’s hand. It was the hold-out blaster that she had taken from the Devaronian back on Circumtore. In Sirka’s hand, it was almost comically small, but it fit quite snugly into Delni’s. “I know you’re not expecting to get into a fight, but you should be prepared for anything. Still, only get into a fight as a last resort, and let that bodyguard do his job, okay?”

“Okay. You just take care of yourself.” Delni affirmed before lifting herself up on her toes and hugging Sirka around her neck.

After giving their goodbyes, the pair parted ways, with Delni boarding the Star Courier, and Sirka having a droid guide her to Koren’s private hanger.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

"Truthfully, I was going to give you the staff for this meeting regardless." Meesei replied. She had kept the staff with her for the night, since she did not yet have a properly secure place to store it. She felt that an item of such magical power would warrant some additional magical protections than their normal vaults. With the staff in hand, Meesei paused a moment to charge a restoration spell through it, and amplify it with some of the power that remained. It was a stamina fortifying spell, about twice as strong as usual, which she cast upon Sabine. It would not be healthy for her if she could not start getting sleep soon, but magic could at least keep her alert for now.

"I believe holding open that portal yesterday drained most of what was stored in the staff. It was an exceptionally draining spell, something that would require the assistance of an entire team of mages normally. We will need to experiment with charging the staff later. But, for now, I believe holding the staff will give you at least some more...legitimacy for the council. They are going to require some convincing. We both know what Ri'vashi's opinion is, but I know some of the others will have their concerns. Vera is still the alpha of this clan, and is still ultimately responsible for the security of its people. Having a former enemy general among us will raise concerns that she will have to deal with. But, I trust you, Sabine. I trust you more than enough to believe what you say about Do'rhajul, and I trust that you will be able make them see it your way as well. I would just say that you should not be afraid to be a bit...assertive. Do not be afraid to make a forceful argument. Our council will not take kindly to simply being ordered around, of course, but you can appeal to all you have accomplished. They are going to have some emotionally-charged opinions, but try to avoid letting yourself get intimidated." Meesei advised.

Before giving Sabine a chance to respond, Meesei held out the staff in one hand, and placed the other on Sabine's shoulder. "But after this is over, whatever we decide, I want you to take all the time you need to get the help you need, okay? I will take care of any business that needs to be dealt with."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

If I see a post, I do have a hard time not replying before going to sleep.

I think now, we can skip ahead to the meeting the next morning, if you like. All of the leadership would be there, likely along with the rest of the pack, Yerig, and Do'rhajul.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Meesei was quick to follow Sabine's answer with a supporting explanation of her own. "Yes, suffice to say that a great deal of importance has happened recently. Important enough that there will be an announcement to the whole of the clan as soon as we are able. I want to be sure that everyone receives the same message at the same time, so there are no misunderstandings, but I can say that it is good news. A defining moment for all of our clans, really."

The Bosmer seemed confused briefly, but there was some clear excitement at Meesei's encouraging words. "I...understand, Champion. If what I have seen here is any indication, I am sure everyone will be as amazed as I am."

"Indeed, I look forward to sharing it with everyone." Meesei replied. "As for right now, I would be appreciative if you could watch over the Dragon's body until Pierette returns with the others to move it. I expect there are some that may want to claim their own trophies, and while I can scarcely blame them, I would prefer that all of its parts remain accounted for."

The Bosmer straightened up. "Of course, ma'am."

Meesei placed a gentle hand onto Sabine's back. "Come, I think you should get some rest."

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

"It is the Staff of Magnus. Sabine claimed it when she escaped from her captors. It is said to have belonged to Magnus, the et'Ada who was the architect of Mundus. It is capable of containing an immense amount of magical power. I cannot say precisely how much, but it was able to contain Magnus' power, so at the very least, it can contain the power of one god. I am keeping it for now so we can study it." Meesei answer, again with a quite matter-of-fact demeanor. She did not wish to bring up the mental dependence that Sabine had formed to the staff.

The commander of Rhazii's scouting party, a Bosmer woman, finally overcame her shock enough to approach the three. She still glanced occasionally to the Dragon, but the story that Meesei had told was equally as amazing. Her eyes went not to Meesei or the staff, but to Sabine. "You freed yourself? I am so glad to hear, and see, that. We were going to be joining in the search in High Rock starting tomorrow. But...we were told that you were captured by Vile's General himself. The one who captured Elsweyr from us, and has been giving us so many problems the past decade. That means you killed both him and the Dragon yourself, or with just a little help? That's just...amazing, incredible. I'd have a hard time believing it if I didn't see, well, this myself. The Nords around here are going to start writing songs about you. Divines, I'd probably join them."