Rana Shulo

Human

Female

33

Beneath the green and grey armor of the Mandalorians lies Rana Shulo, a lithe, pale human from the planet of Mandalore. Short, black hair falls from her head, cut rough and choppily, the uneven strands lying limp from the time spent beneath a helmet. Cold grey eyes peer from beneath the black visor, glaring out at any who dare to look her way. A brown kama is hooked her belt, the cloth protecting her legs from debris. While not imposing, many know to stay out of her way, as her name has become enough to make many mercs quit the job before it even began.

Mercenary

-DC-15x sniper rifle
-DLT-20A blaster rifle
-DL-18 blaster pistol
-Wrist Laser on right gauntlet
-Wrist Flamethrower on left gauntlet
-Beskad
-Four concussion grenades strapped within her kama.

United Clans of Mandalore: Reem, Fett, Ordo, Kelborn, Bralor, Esok, Xarga

(Story P1)

Location: Coruscant

As he did so, in an apartment in another quadrant of Coruscant, was the mercenary, Neran. He was at a holo net terminal and was busy at work. As he worked, he kept watch of his bank records. Credits were flooding in by the hundreds of thousands. I love working for the Sith. They pay well and on time , thought Neron too himself. He pressed a final button and packed his equipment. As he left, a breaking news report interrupted every channel. A bomb exploded in Coruscant's market district, causing thousands of casualties. According to official statements, who the terrorist is still unknown. Upon hearing the news on his way out of the apartment complex, Neron just smiled and walked away.

The Galactic City was in chaos. Republic troopers were everywhere. Police and Military ships and speeders were everywhere. The crowds were rushing to get away. Policemen and crowd control pushed them back.

Reem stayed away from the large crowds. He hid in the apartment buildings. He was among the shadows from larger building blocks. His target was rounding the corner by his position.

Reem: "Oya!"

Reem called out through his helmet comlink on a completely secure link. Outside, no one could hear a word he was saying. It was silent.

Reem's partner was close by. She was his backup. His gray armor was covered by a dark cloak, he timed his prey's movements perfectly. He leaped off the edge tackling his target before hitting the ground.

His target took from the back and his helmeted head smacked the street. Reem carefully landed into a roll without injuring himself. His target was already back up on his feet, but Reem was too quick by advancing on his target. His opponent started to attack but Choruk met his every move with a counter-move.

Reem was skilled in over a dozen martial arts. His attacker's moves were flawless and would have taken out a normal warrior, but Reem was no normal warrior. He was a Mandalorian.

...so was his opponent, but Reem had him outmatched. Reem grabbed the arms of his of his attacked and Keldabe kissed him. The head-butt knocked his attacker to the floor, but Reem was on the other mando, ex-mando. Reem kicked the helmet off his opponent, revealing a crazed, battle-hardened, scarred face not much younger than Choruk himself. Reem had him in a Juzzian armlock.

Reem: "Gotcha! C'mon, Wyrry, we got him, son-of-a-di'kut. Bring the binders, will ya?"

The wookiee growled a response. Neran did not look happy at all. He looked like an upset animal.

Reem: "What do you mean, am I going to subdue him? I've got'm in a nervelock. He's as good as done, aren't you, Neran?"

Neran spat.

Reem: "On second thought, set your blaster on stun and put this Sith scum of a traitor out of his misery."

The wookiee obliged by shooting Neran in the face with a non-lethal stun bolt.

Reeem: "Goodnight, mir'osik. All right, enough playing around. Help me get this armor off him."

Reem walked over and picked up Neran's helmet. He stared at it. Very interesting design....Reem had never seen anything like it before...

Reem: "Make sure you grab his equipment pack too."

He reminded her. Reem looked over at the swords and pair of rippers with the gear. Shame this di'kutla piece of osik had rebelled against his own people. He could have been a good man in a fight... maybe he was.... I don't know what happened to him or why....

Getting back to the situation.

Reem: "Alright, I got sleepy here, grab the stuff. Let's get our reward and find ourselves another job, but first let's stop at the bank..."

(later)

After returning from the bank, Reem walked a little quicker to put some distance between them and anyone who could possibly have anything against him. He was happy, so was the wookiee.

Reem: "Kandosii! Three million credits, from that chakaar, and we haven't even turned him in to the Republic! What a damn good day!"

The two were walking back to the Ryyk.

_____________________________________________________________ __

Later.

Reem stood with his armored arms crossed over his chest. He was arguing with a CSF chief, a Republic Admiral, and a Jedi master.

Reem: "Look we found your infiltrator! You owe us, we took on this job snuffing out spies for you. Without us, you don't even have a name.... Look we did our job better than you're cops, armies, and wizards could do in three months... our price is five million. We want our reward now. We even threw in our recon on the Sith for free. Plus you now know who was behind the bombing... We did our part, (pointing his gloved finger at them) you do yours!"

The Jedi Master stepped forward before the others could speak in protest.

Jedi Master: "All right, Mandalorian, you will get what you so desire. Now go in peace, but make sure you don't violate the law or it is you who will owe us."

He signaled for some droids to bring the reward, five million credits.

Reem: "Pleasure doing business with you, now if you'll excuse me. I will be off to find another job. You know how to contact me. Remember that my price is expensive, but my work is unbeatable. I get the job done. Haat, Ijaa, Haa'it."

Reem walked out with the droids as Wyrry handed Neran, in common fatigues, over to the Republic soldiers. Wyrry walked back with Reem.

After Reem finished loading everything aboard, he practiced with his new Sith and Krath war swords. After he was satisfied with his new prizes he glanced over at the strange armor... He couldn't figure it out. Where had it come from? Reem shrugged.

He went back to the cockpit where Wyrry was setting coordinates. Reem removed his helmet and smiled.

Reem: "Eight million creds in one day, we are making a name for ourselves... Did you set the coordinates?"

Wyrry gruffed an acknowledgment.

Reem: "Okay, make the jump to lightspeed."

Stars became streaks as they were in hyperspace.

Reem watched the holonet news as the Republic announced that CSF had found the terrorist, an rouge, psychotic Mandalorian; and the Republic Intelligence reported that it was a plot by the Sith. The Jedi were making announcements of their involvement in the war. More war news and Sith advancements on Republic fronts came... Great, the Republic didn't even care to give credit to a couple of Mandalorian mercenaries...aw, who cares. We got our creds that's all that matters. Reem switched it off.

He wanted to make a call to his wife. He hadn't talked with her in three days....

(later [Neran’s perspective])

It hadn't taken much to ditch the soldier squad the republic sent after Neran.

You weakling you couldn't tackle them?!
Nerans other personality was talking to him. A twisted high pitched voice,one that rarely spoke unless it wanted to be in command.
SILENCE!
Never... You should go after them. If you won't I will.
The voice faded always reminding Neran of how he had failed himself and his tribe.
Hence his exile.
He decided to contact an ally of sorts. Neran opened the helmets built in map system to locate his ship a stolen prototype assault shuttle.

20 minutes later

Neran approached the comm station and sent a message to his sith contact since he'd left Mandalore.

Cassus.
I have run into some old enemies I wondered if you would like to go hunting with me?
I placed a tracker on one of their equipment pouches.I'm sending you its frequency code. Hope to see you there.
-Sincerely,Neran

Without waiting for a reply Neran put the shuttle into flight and lifted off.
Run Mando's run. You have only delayed the inevitable. I will find you and make you bleed.

(later [choruk’s perspective])

Location: Hyperspace, the Ryyk

"Choruk!" Keena screamed in agony. She was being taken. Blood ran from a wound on her head it mixed with the streaming tears on her cheek. A holocaust of flames surrounded her. Two armored figures were among her in the flames... both wearing the strange armor. One was human the other was an unfamiliar tall, four-armed alien... Then a wizard appeared and fought off the two others. Light glowed around him; he had brown hair and brown eyes...

Reem immediately woke up and rushed to the cockpit. He saw Wyrry and she noticed the desperation and shock in his eyes.

Reem: "Bring us out of hyperspace! *pause* It's important we need to go back to Coruscant. (Wyrry looked at him in question) Trust me, I need to find someone. (He glanced at the strange helmet) I have a bad feeling about this..."

Wyrry had the ship out of hyperspace and she quickly set new coordinates.

Reem messaged his wife via his HUD link. He gave her some instructions she agreed. He asked if she was alright. She was fine. He explained that he was delayed in his return because he was traveling to Coruscant. He told her that he loved her and he would contact her soon. He made her promise to keep him updated. She did. They exchanged "goodbyes." He ended the message link.

They were already traveling in hyperspace again...

Reem was deep in thought and concern. He could feel something strange...

Jedi

(later)

Location: Coruscant

The Ryyk flew in orbit around the Jedi Temple. A dozen Republic fighters served as escort, more like security. A couple jedi starships flew around. The Republic wouldn't let a freighter just land in the Jedi Temple.

Reem was arguing with the traffic controller.

Temple Traffic Controller: "We don't allow visitors to the Temple. There is a war going on."

Reem: "I'm no visitor; I need to contact a Jedi Master! Its highly important. I thought you, jedi were the keepers of peace."

TTC: "The Temple is closed during wartime."

Reem: "I've served the Republic and you, jedi. All I need to to look through your list of masters. I need to find someone, or someone who can help me. I wouldn't care if a Jawa came up to me and offered me some assistance. You know, I've seen Hutt Lords with better assistance..."

TTC: "Msters list? We don't have one."

Reem: "You must have some profiling in your Jedi Archives."

TTC: "I'm afraid we can't help you."

Reem: "Listen to me, I've been having some weird dreams... and I know that you wizards are known for your 'visions of future' and prophecy whatever... Look I may be a Mandalorian, but my clan has had a history of good relations with you Jedi... okay, some of us aren't perfect. We had our differences, but we've helped each other out. I just need to see someone, any Jedi master at this point."

*silence*

TTC: "All right bounty hunter, you've got permission to land. We have someone waiting for you in the hangar."

*over comm*

Reem: "Thank you."

*end comm*

Reem: "All right Wyrry, take her down."

He saw jedi and temple custodians attending their tasks and jobs.

Reem turned to Wyrry.

Reem: "Stay here."

He ordered his partner. She let out an understanding howl.

Reem headed for the boarding ramp to talk with his 'jedi master'.....

Finally, its about bloody time...

(later [vanna’s perspective])

Vanna's head went crashing into the glass window of her ship as turbolasers fired all around her. She slid down the wall, and felt the taste of blood in her mouth.

"Dammit" she muttered, spitting out blood.

The assassin looked at her situation. Hyperdrive was blown, boarding craft closing in fast. She really needed to get better at covering her tracks. If she lived through this, that is.

She realized that if they wanted to board then they'd want to take her captive, otherwise they just would have vaporized her ship. She then came to the conclusion that surrendering was her best bet at the moment, so she slowed the ship to a halt and waited. Eventually, after a few minutes of waiting, a dull thud shook the ship, and she held her hands up. Not exactly cowardice, she reasoned, if it would help her get away from this mess and escape.

A squad of Republic troops broke through the door and stormed into the control room. Despite her peaceful surrender gesture, the butt of a blaster rifle connected with her jaw, and everything went black.

(later choruk’s perspective)

Location: The Ryyk, Jedi Temple Hangar, Coruscant

Walking back to Wyrry, Reem was angry. Wyrry somehow knew it wasn't going to go well.

Reem wanted to grab something and throw it at the nearest Jedi he saw....

Reem: "Copaani mirshmure'cye, Jetiise?"

He said rhetorically.

Wyrry growled a question.

Reem: "No, they took it as evidence. We can't even sell that anymore. They kriffing sent me a shabla padawan! I asked for a Master!!!!"

He yelled.

Reem: "They wouldn't even let me in to see their library... I know they have a list... I just want to find him."

Wyrry looked at Reem.

Reem: "Yes, the one from my dream. It was a Jedi Master. I hate these jedi. They won't even help a guy out when he needs them."

Wyrry gruffed a suggestion.

Reem: "Haha! Yeah we could sneak in the Temple.... just take a look to find our Jedi... or I could ask one of my contacts in the Order... Check out the updates for new jobs or bounties will ya? I need to make that call..."

Wyrry looked up newly posted wanted fugitives, as Reem was talking to his contact from Ithor. She was an Ithorian Jedi Master, a long time friend of Clan Reem.

Wyrry saw a new reward for a Mandalorian assassin....Vanna Ordo, 1 million credits... posted by Republic Authorities... She had to tell Reem, and she would wait.

She waited.

Wyrry looked to see Reem look very satisfied after he finished his conversation with his Ithorian friend.

Ree: "I've found him, Jedi Master Valyn Arterius. He is out leading Republic forces... we can find him. I have coordinates. What?"

Wyrry told Reem about Vanna Ordo.

Reem: "What has she gotten herself into now?"

Wyrry growled at the holonews report. Apparently Vanna Ordo had been detained by Republic troops and rotting in a prison on Kiffex in the Azurbani system.

Reem: "Damn, well I guess we need to make a side-trip to the Azurbani system. Take us to Kiffex, we will find Arterius later... I'm going to call Keena.

Wyrry started up the engine systems as Reem called his wife...

_____________________________________________________________ _

Later

Location: Republic Prison, Kiffex, Azurbani system

Reem stowed away on a Prison transport returning with supplies. He and Wyrry hid with some nerfs. They waited before sneaking out unnoticed by anyone.

It was simple for mandalorian mercenaries like Choruk and Wyrry to get past Republic Prison security. Wyrry took aim with her bowcaster and covered Reem's back as he sliced through terminals. He planted a recorder-interference device. He entered a hallway guarded by four Republic soldiers.

A flash-bang and four non-traceable sedative darts made quick work of them.

Reem found the cell he was looking for. Wyrry continued to cover Reem. He hot-wired the panel and opened the door. Vanna was lying unconscious on an uncomfortable prison bed.

Reem: "Give her a sedative so she doesn't give us away as we escape."

Wyrry stuck her with a sedative then picked her up.

Reem: "All right now to re-wire the panel and 'clean up.' Hey, I saw a patrol cruiser we could 'borrow.'"

Reem smiled behind his helmet as he could hear Wyrry laugh through their helmet links. Choruk finished planting some 'evidence' and cleaning up the hallway. He wiped the computers and removed the interference device. Reem made sure to pick up Vanna's belongings. He knew the location from slicing the terminal. He grabbed her stuff, and the two and their "package" made their way toward the quite hangar. They hid behind crates in the corner. The prison transport was still their. They could see droids moving boxes and nerf cages.

Reem pointed at the patrol cruiser. He turned to watch the droids; they went inside the prison transport to unload more cargo.

Reem: "Now is our chance!"

The two silently darted for the patrol cruiser. Reem sliced the lock and they went inside. Wyrry placed Vanna's body safely in a seat and strapped her in. She was out still but she was making some noises, sings that she was regaining consciousness.

Reem: "Let's get out of here!"

The duo started activating systems and checking fuel level in the cockpit.

The patrol ship lifted up and moved out the hangar as shouting Republic troops rushed into the hangar looking for them. They were too late.

*Over the comm*

Republic Officer: Attention, unidentified fugitives in stolen Republic patrol cruiser, Starwatch. Stand down, or we will..."

Wryyr ended the comm transmission by slamming her fist into the unit leaving a large crater.

Reem: "We've got fighters on our tail! Vanna! Wake up, ori'vod!"

Vanna was still passed out in her seat.

Reem: "Hang on then vod'ika! Wyrry take the laser cannons."

The fighters started firing on them. The ship rocked with each blast.

Reem: "Take us to lightspeed! I don't care just punch it!"

Another hit lurched the ship as Wyrry roared.

Reem: "Alright, do it."

She punched it, and stars became streaks again.

Reem: "Haha, just like our escape from Onderon!"

Wyrry cried a response.

Reem: "What do you mean it was 'your flying?' It was my shooting."

Reem laughed as Wyrry noted something and pointed back.

Reem: "Hey, nuhoyir, how are you?"

Reem turned to look at Vanna who was staring at him...

(later [vanna’s perspective])

Vanna stared at them, her eyes half open. The images of the two danced in front of her. At first she felt dull panic, but then realized who they were. Mandalorians. Super.

She yawned and sat up in her chair. The assassin was slowly waking up, and began to acknowledge that these two, had, in fact, rescued her from prison.

"Thanks," she started, "You saved me the trouble of breaking out myself."

Reem grinned and turned to his controls.

"We grabbed your stuff on our way out." He said, nudging his head to a pile of armor, guns, and a pack.

"Appreciated, Reem" She replied, stretching her arms. She then added, "Don't worry, I'm sure I'll get more talkative once I get some food."

"Storage is down the hall on the left."

"Thanks, and fill me in on where we're headed once I get back."

She started down the hall and took a left, and came into the storage room. She found a refrigerator and got a basic meal: A sandwich with a bottle of water. Good enough. While eating, she pondered her situation. She needed to get back to the Sith to collect her pay, but she figured she could help Reem out with his current issue, whatever that was. And hopefully in the end he could give her a ride to the Sith Republic. Better than spending a few months in prison trying to escape.

She finished her meal and returned to the cockpit, where Reem and the wookie were sitting, space flying by in the windows.

"So," she said, "Where are you guys headed?"

(later choruk’s persp.)

Location: The Starwatch, Polith system

Ordo: "So, where are you guys headed?"

Choruk looked at his guest, he held his helmet resting on his lap.

Reem: "Well our ship is waiting in docking bay 72 in Zalxuc City on Thyferra. Wyrry and I are going to sell this piece of osik. Right now, I'm looking for a Jedi Master named Valyn Arterius. After I find him, we are headed for Manda'yaim, to return to my wife to look for work."

Wyrry told Reem that they were here, so he looked out the veiwport to see them in orbit around a green mass.

Reem: "Well here we are, Thyferra. First stop, the cantina, drinks on me!"

Reem laughed as Wryyr let out a roar.

_____________________________________________________________ __

Later

Location: small cantina, Zalxuc City, Thyferra

Reem took a long swig of Corellian spiced ale. Not as good as tihaar, Reem thought. Wyrry had her drinks and was out selling the Starwatch. Vanna had her drink that she ordered and was talking about her latest jobs with the Sith.

Reem: "A Republic Admiral.... Hell, I almost killed one myself after I turned in Neran. He had his shebs covered by a jedi. Eventually, he agreed to pay us. But, I mean look at the mess it caused you. You're lucky Wyrry and I showed up. Haha, but we'd do anything for a vod in need."

Reem ordered another drink as he looked at Vanna.

Reem: "So what are your plans? You could stick with us, or we could drop you off somewhere? Wryyr and I seem to always find ourselves in hot spots, but what is that to a mando'ad?"

(later [Mortarious’s perspective])

Mortarious received word from his field spies that Balthnazaar had reached Khyrador, and that Angron did not plan to move the relics, at least until the last moment. Mortarious was frustrated. Angron, though aggressive and powerful, was too brash and hard-headed to be an effective leader. As a result, Balthnazaar and himself always had to provide for backup plans should Angron's nature cause unforeseen circumstances.

Mortarious reached for his holo-net communicator. He typed in a number, and an image of a female bounty hunter appeared. From what he could tell, the bounty hunter, Vanna, was in a bar, talking to another bounty hunter.

"Excuse me, Vanna, am I interrupting something intimate?" he asked, hoping to embarrass the other bounty hunter. "I have something for you."

Vanna spoke to Mortarious's image, "No, not really. Hold on." She turned to Reem and said, "Excuse me, I got to take this. I'll be right back." Heading to a back alley, Vanna resumed chat with Mortarious. "What is it, Dark Lord?"

"I have a bounty for you. Are you interested?" said the Sith.

"Possibly, explain more," answered Vanna.

"I need a crystal, a Jedi crystal, in particular. One that can only be found in the Jedi sanctuary on Illum. If you are interested, I can pay you twice the usual rate, as I understand the difficulty of this task. If you accept, I will provide you with information where to drop off the crystal." Mortarious waited for his words to sink in, as he could tell Vanna was pondering the situation. Then, he added, leading with his voice, "You know it will be worth your while. The rewards will be great. Price is not an issue." Mortarious waited a little more. "What do you say?"

(later [vanna’s perspective])

Vanna pondered for a short moment, but then replied, "Deal, but first I want my pay for the last job."

"2,500,000 million credits have already been transferred to your account." He replied coolly.

"Alright then, I'll get straight to it. But first I need to get myself a new ship, after that I'll head out."

"Good. Once you collect the crystal, drop them off at the Sith Temple on Korriban. Once you do that the fee-5 million credits-will be transferred to your account."

"Understood. I'll have that crystal in 24 hours, Dark Lord," She replied and made a slight bow, but then added, "And 'am I interrupting something intimate?' Seriously? He's married, you know, I really doubt you'll embarrass him too much."

"Oh really?" The Dark Lord said with a chuckle, "What's her name?"

"Kihnaast Fett" she said, shifting uncomfortably, "what's it to you?"

"Just curious" he said with a grin, and she cut the com. If there was anyone in the galaxy who could give her the creeps....

She headed back into the bar where Reem was waiting.

"Looks like I have a new job," she said, sitting down next to him, "I have to infiltrate a Jedi Sanctuary on Illum and retrieve an important crystal."

"Think you could use any help?" Reem asked

She chuckled slightly, "No thanks, it's any infiltration mission, if I brought you guys along, you'd give me away. No offense" She added quickly.

"Fair enough. But if I have to bust you out of another Republic prison...."

"I'll be fine," She said, "Although a ride back to Telos so I can buy a new ship would be nice."

"No problem." Reem said.

(later choruk’s persp.)

Location: Citadel Station, Telos IV

Reem stood outside the Ryyk in the orbital station's hangar. Reem handed Vanna her pack.

Reem: "Take care, vod'ika, and good luck. You know how to contact me if your shebs needs to be saved again. Tion'ad hukaat'kama? K'oyacyi!"

Vanna: "Re'turcye mhi, Reem."

She turned and walked away. Reem walked back into the Ryyk. Wyrry looked at him. Reem was furious. Wyrry was alert to hold Reem back if she needed to...

Wyrry had been the best tracker in the galaxy. She was an incredible agent and spy. She informed Reem of the Sith...

Reem: "That di'kut! I wanted to beat the osik out of her!!! I can't believe she gave out my personal information to that kriffing Siit!!!!!!!"

Reem's hands were clenched iron fists. Wyrry expected Reem to gut Vanna with his blade, but he kept himself reserved to respect a mando'ad female. That's what Wyrry admired most about Choruk. He knew how to control himself.

Reem: "'If I brought you guys along, you'd give me away..' She knows nothing about dha'werd! You're a two and a half meter tall wookiee and you're one of the best at espionage and infiltration tactics. No Republic or Sith spy could beat your fathers reputation, and he taught you everything he knew. We've both done numerous infiltrations that Vanna hasn't the skill to have done. If anything, she would be holding us back. She couldn't even kill a Republic Admiral without making a scene. We busted our shebs to get her out of a Republic prison to set her free, we left without even giving ourselves away. No, she said that to piss us off, to brag about her new job. She is free now and she gives me nothing but a slap in the face!"

Wyrry knew she could do nothing to stop Reem's ranting. She understood. She was upset herself, but she had an idea...

Reem: "If she was male, I would have beaten the osik out of her!"

Wyrry growled.

Reem: "I know, she's young and stupid, but she isn't that much younger than Keena, and she wouldn't have done something as 'bright' as that..."

Wyrry growled another response.

Reem: "Mandalorians, Love 'em, hate 'em! Sometimes both!"

Still staring at Reem, Wyrry gave him a nod towards the navicomputer and roared a statement.

Reem: "Sure, let's go home."

Then a message coming from somewhere in the Sith Empire came....

It read in Mando'a:

Gar kar'taylir darasuum morut'yc, Haat, Ijaa, Haa'it

Reem has contacts and Mandalorian friends everywhere... Republic, Sith, criminal, Jedi, it didn't matter...

Reem had made a life doing work as mercenary, but he had morals. Morals even the Jedi don't have....

Reem smiled. N'jurkad, Siit

Reem: "Take us to The Cerar."

Wyrry let out an acknowledgement.

Reem smiled as he made a call to his wife...

No one can mess with my cyar'ika...

Wyrry had the Ryyk out of Citadel Station and in hyperspace in moments.

(later vanna’s persp.)

Vanna, the well-organized person she was, was busy managing her new 2.5 million credits. She sent 1 million to Reem's account, in a sort of thanks for saving her. She felt she hadn't shown her gratitude, and plus she thought he was notably disappointed that she had not chosen him to tag along.

She sent another million to her mother, who would use it to finance the clan. She kept the remaining 500,000 for herself. She'd already used her other money to buy a new ship. It was fairly small, but had a good FTL drive and even had stealth systems. Priced at around 1.4.

She assembled her supplies and boarded her new ship. All she had was her armor, her weapons, and a few Slayer albums. She piloted the ship out of Telos, and set a course.

__________________

The ship dropped out of lightspeed above Illum, the world glowing white. She decided to try out the stealth systems, flicking a few switches. It allowed her to land just a mile away from the Sanctuary, with the frigates in orbit not noticing her. The assassin exited the ship, the extreme temperature subdued by her armor. She trekked through the snow, until she could see the Sanctuary nice and clear. Zooming in, she spotted a soldier in winter clothing at a small entrance. Enabling silencer mode, she took aim, grinned underneath her visor, and fired.

Blood splattered against the wall behind the guard and he quickly fell over. She then slung her rifle over her shoulder and sprinted for the door. She arrived, took a second to catch her breath, and entered the Sanctuary. She heard footsteps off in the distance, fading away, and she quickly grabbed her pistol.

She crept onward, until she heard footsteps coming straight for her. Looking around quickly, she jumped in the air and grabbed a pipe on the ceiling, and hoisted herself up. The guard walked right under her and away, and she lowered her body so she could aim her pistol at him, her legs wrapped around the pipe.

"Don't move." She ordered.

The soldier jumped in surprise and whipped around to face the barrel of her pistol.

"Where do they keep any important crystals they mine here?" She interrogated, keeping the barrel steady.

"T-they k-k-keep the-m in a room c-called Studies I t-think." He stuttered, shaking like mad.

"Alright, thanks. Run along now."

She sprinted off, and she jumped off the pipe, heading towards her target.

(later choruk’s persp.)

Location: The Ryyk, Hyperspace

The two mandalorian mercenaries had just returned from the Cerar. It was an old location few knew about. Reem needed to pick up some special "cargo."

Reem had plotted a course for the two's next destination.

Reem was talking to his wife, Keena, through the holoprojector device on his gauntlet.

Keena: "Don't worry baby, I've done everything to keep us safe. I've replaced the sensors with better technology, your buir, helped me set the yustarud. Shewy won't leave my side. I have three Bes'uliik guarding our place. Ever since you told your strill to protect me when you left, the thing won't leave me alone. The Defense keeps checking in with me. I've done everything that you've asked and everyone is protecting me. Your ad'ika is sleeping with Shewy protecting him. I misses you, baby. He calls your name when he sees holograms of you. I miss you baby. Come home please, I love you."

She started to cry...so did Reem.

Reem: "I love you too baby. I'm coming yaim."

Keena: "Ni kar'tayl gar darasuum."

Reem: "Ni kar'tayl gar darasuum. I will be home. I will be back. Re'turcye mhi, cyar'ika."

Keena: "Re'turcye mhi, kar'taylir darasuum."

The transmission ended.

Reem sang the "Gra'tua Cuun" as he walked back the cockpit. Wyrry looked at him as he took a seat. Reem sat with his boots resting on the control. Wyrry was cleaning her bowcaster.

Reem stared out the viewport as he thought about finally returning home again. He smiled.

(Story P2)

Source walked out into the shadows unnoticed and sent a message to his master. He sent the encrypted message in a burst of short messages in an ancient Sith language.

Lord Tyko, the Jedi know of your gathering, and are organizing a strike team. -Source

Source walked through the Temple halls, heading for the hangar...

Master Kuff would get the job done.

(Later)

Master Kuff overheard the entire coversation and smiled. Everything was going as predicted. He finished his maintenance project.

Kuff continued to find the Jedi Archives. He searched until he found the exact location of the temple he was looking for, then he left the Temple itself.

Source changed his appearance and found a local dive. His comlink chirped. He listened to the voice message:

Ib'tuur jatne tuur ash'ad kyr'amur. Siit aruetii, bora.

It was from a contact on Ithor, a Mandalorian contact. Interesting, Source thought. He would respond soon, but he had some work to finish...

(Later)

Working long and hard, Master Kuff successfully cracked the Jedi Temple Archives. He even bypassed councilmember, even Grand Master access.

Source found everything, artifact locations, temple layouts, secret classified master information, Republic/Jedi strategies, troop and fleet movements, lost planets... he found everything.

Source quickly transferred many files that he needed for his employer. Strangely this time, he was not working for the Sith. An independent party was paying him far more than the Sith would besides, Source witnessed how the Sith rewarded their own--deception, betrayal, and execution.

Source wasn't paid well enough for Exchange Intelligence, that's why he was doing work for others who paid far more for his work...

He was being paid for information--information, only the Jedi had access to. Although Source had vast valuable information at hand--that the Exchange would go to great lengths to aquire--He was still working.

All the data he needed was found. He found temple data on Illum, Dantooine, and other locations. Another part of his job was to locate a certain prisoner in Jedi custody, a Mandalorian mercenary/terrorist. He found him in a Jedi prison in a cell deep in the Temple. The last thing he could accomplish now was to erase data. He erased data on certain artifacts, planets, species, races, and even cultures--of course he transferred all this data into storage before deleting the information. He only erased minor information that would keep the business of his employer very secret.

Source could definitely see a pattern in the data being erased, but what was troubling Source was the words of his last contact... a clue to his mystery, maybe.

His work in the Archives was complete. He made sure his trails were untraceable as they always were, and replaced security recording feed with previous recordings.

Maybe he would return, but right now he was needed in cell 104 on level 29.

Fifteen minutes later, Master Kuff reached the cell he was looking for. He put in the security codes and opened the door. Inside was a man in plain red prison fatigues suspended in the middle of the cell by force restraints. The hairy, battle scarred man looked up at the intruder.

"What do you want jedi scum? I will kill you!" the man screamed. "You couldn't kill an ewok with a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system, now shut up and listen to me. I'm no jedi and I'm breaking you out of this cell whether you want to or not," Source deactivated the restraint system and the criminal fell from the air. "Who are you? A Sith or bounty hunter?" the man asked.

"You need to know nothing about me. I am you ticket off this world you'll do as I say, now put these on," Source handed him some robes. The scarred man put the robes on and looked like another ordinary knight.

Leading the man out of the Temple, Source made his way to the entrance where they took an aircab to another district.

Source said nothing, neither did the now free criminal. The cab dropped them off at a ship docking bay where Source had left his ship--a modified freighter.

Once inside Source's ship, Source changed into the form of a human pilot.

The man looked at Source. "So you're a shape-shifter, that explains a lot. Now where are you taking me?" he asked.

Source prepped the ship and piloted the freighter into Coruscant's atmosphere.

"I am taking you to see the ones responsible for your freedom. My employer wants you out of jedi custody, but if he finds that you are still as insane as you once were, you might as well shoot yourself," Source replied.

Plotting a course for Mandalore, Source made the jump into hyperspace.

"Ah so, a Mandalorian hired you. No worries I have changed, I will never be as stupid as I once was, besides I have vowed to regain my honor," the man told Source. "There is no honor on murdering thousands of innocents," Source shot back. "War is brutal, besides, no one is truly innocent," the man said.

"I am not here to judge you, just return you," Source reminded.

"Who sent you?" the man asked.

"Your friends in Clan Reem."

The man froze and his face turned to rage--his muscles visible

"They are no friends of mine," he said.

"Pity," Source dropped the subject.

Silence continued on the journey to Mandalore.

(Later)

Source docked his freighter in docking bay 17 in the spaceport of the walled fortress-city of Dral.

Mandalore felt like a place Source could call home. It was the kind of place Source could really fit in... a place where no one asked questions about your past. No one stared at you because you look different. No one looked the same. There were all sorts of races, mostly humanoid.

Source walked down to the hold of the freighter as Neran--the Mandalorian convict--followed him. Neran was beginning to act strange, Source thought as he wondered about the past life of the mad-Mando who had once tried to assassinate Mandalore, exhiled from Mandalore, and was responsible for planting bombs in Coruscant's market district which resulted in the death of thousands... Source noticed that Neran would talk to himself in strange muttering sounds, as if he were having multiple conversations with himself. Choruk said Neran was mad, but Source never thought he was serious. Source couldn't understand why Reem would want to free a monster like Neran, but he trusted the man with his life--after all Reem saved his life on Vjun, for that Source owed the Mandalorian everything. But not only did her have a life debt, but he respected the man, because never had Source seen such a man of high honor and a true heart. From the outside Reem might have been the toughest hardcore warriors, but inside he was a wise and noble man--a true leader.

Source shaped into a Mandalorian in full armor so he didn't feel out of place. Neran still wore the prison fatigues.

"I'm finally home," Neran spoke as they both exited the ship.

Outside was what looked like what Source would call a "welcoming committee," but really was a small army.

Source saw over 70 armored Mandalorian warriors in full armor lined up in parade rest in 6 rows of twelve soldiers. All bore the black and gold sigil of some Mandalrian military unit. Overhead pairs of Mandalorians mounted on Basilisk war droids flew patrol. The unit of warriors were divided in the center with three rows on each side facing each other--making a pathway to walk down the ranks. In front of the path were two Mandalorians, one female Wookiee wearing a large yellow helmet with the familiar T-shaped visor; the other was a muscular male in gray full supercommando armor who looked more like a bounty hunter decorated with all sorts of trophies and more weapons than he could imagine--the man was a walking Sith-militay combat knife, but he wore a bright gold pauldron and blue cape that probably gave his rank away as some sort of commander. Behind him was a young muscular, shirtless dark haired child--who was wrestling a strill in the mud. The boy seemed very young and had multiple wounds on his arms, but didn't seem to be affected by them as he battled the creature.

Source continued to walk with Neran up to the two mandos in the front. Neran looked blood red with rage. He raised his fist at the gray armored leader.

"You sent me to rot in hell within the Jedi Order, just so you could free me and what? Execute me you bastard!" Neran yelled .

"No, I sent you to rot to teach you a lesson for betraying your own people! And I freed you because it is right for you to be free to make your own choice, and because I offer you a second chance for you to regain your honor," the Mandalorian commander said.

Neran clenched his fists. "I swore that I would kill you and your family!" But without warning, Reem punched Neran in the face--his gauntlet broke Neran's nose with a shuddering crack.

Neran staggered backward as blood flowed from his nose. He immediately rose to his feet, the fire in his eyes glared as he stared down his enemy.

"You will never touch my family! If you even say such a thing again, I will kill you with my bare hands. As Commander of the Mandalorian Military, I restore your honor as a warrior and Mandalorian. If you accept this you will be no longer exiled, and allowed to return, but you must swear an oath to defend and protect your clan--as well as clan Reem-- with your life. I hate what you have done, but I know that you can become a stronger man. If you reject, you will never be allowed to set foot in Mandalorian territory again. What do you say, Neran?" the Mandalore stretched his hand out to Neran.

Neran stared long and hard--thinking--debating on what to do. He looked at all the Mandalorian soldiers--probably reckognizing a few from the past--then he looked at the boy who played with the strill. The child man-handled the strill and turned to meet Neran's gaze...

Neran broke into tears. He shook Mandalore's hand. "I'm so sorry ner vod. Please forgive me. I am ashamed of my betrayal. I have become the very aruetii I swore to fight and protect against. I am in your debt my lord, thank you."

Mandalore and Neran embraced in a Mandalorian truce shake. "You are forgiven of your past. From now on you shall be known as the warrior, Dralshy'naak. Haat, Ijaa, Haa'it. Welcome home, ner vod."

Dralshy'naak, kneeled before him, and Mandalore gave the command--"K'oyacyi, buy'ce off!"--and the rest of the soldiers removed their helmets and shouted in roar of cheers and celebration.

"Now let's feast!"

Source smiled, one thing he loved about Mandalorian celebrations was the endless amounts of food and ale.

Reem nodded at Source--who took the nod as an acknowledgement--and returned it back. He knew Choruk well enough to know something was up, something big... but whatever it was would probably wait until after the feast.

After all, Source was surprised, but not shocked, to find out that Choruk Reem had become the next Mandalore. He more than deserved that title, he won it--hands down, no doubt.

Source knew Choruk was one of the greatest warriors in the galaxy, that in itself was definition of the title of Mandalore. Source had seen Choruk back when he and Wyrryshrook--his Wookiee companion--were famous bounty hunters and mercenaries.

The Mandalorians headed off to the Great Hall--a large cantina--to continue celebrating. Source looked around and was astonished at how heavily defended the place was. Dral was most likely the most fortified city in the galaxy. After his tough mission, Source was ready for that feast... He hurried to reserve a close seat at the bar.

Name: RC-0042 "Doc"

Appearance:

Bio: Doc began his life on Kamino, like every other clone in the Grand Army of the Republic, and spent his early years training under the Mandalorian instructor (Cuy'val Dar), Naur Reem.

His first deployment was to Geonosis, during the first battle of the Clone Wars. Due to Jedi incompetence, all three of Fi's squadmates were killed during the battle, which led to his being reassigned to Omega Squad with RC-1309, RC-1136, and RC-3222, three other commandos who were also the sole surviving members of their squads. Fi was the first of the newly formed Omega Squad to report for duty, although he and his new sergeant, Niner, would have a tense first meeting. Fi would go on to become an integral and valued part of Omega Squad. His sense of humor and generally sunny outlook would help to ease tensions in the squad through difficult times, a trait which greatly helped the squad in their first mission together.

___________________________________________________________

Name: Aaray Reem
Nickname: Ray
Species/Race: Human
Gender: Female
Place of Birth: Basilisk
Age: 24
Height: 5'4"
Weight: 130
Hair Color/Style: Light Brown/straight and in a ponytail
Facial Appearance: plain but naturally beautiful
Eye Color: Brown
Body Appearance: muscular and slender
Home Planet: Basilisk
Current Residence: Unknown
Ship: Unknown
Allegiance: Mandalorian/Neutral
Profession: Mercenary
Armor: custom made Mandalorian Shock Trooper Armor/complete with an assortment of weapons and attachments--Maroon with Black and Gray markings--black Clan Reem Emblem with white mythosaur skull
Primary Weapon(s): Mandalorian Ripper, Vibro-cutlass, vibro-whip
Secondary Weapon(s): heavy blaster pistols, gauntlets, power-glove/crushgaunts
Miscellaneous Item(s): assortment of tools, gear, weapons

Personality: Ray is definitely the stereotypical femando tomboy, though through the tough shell there is a sweet sensitive lady underneath the armor. Ray pretty much believes she can overcome any challenge and doesn't fear any being in the galaxy. Her humor is sarcastic and witty, and she isn't afraid to speak her mind. She can be very blunt at times. Like most true and honorable Mandalorians she values family, honor, and duty above everything else. She is one of the most loyal individuals. Ray has a passion for the hunt and mission. She loves adventure and seeing new worlds and cultures. She doesn't like to fool around and idiots tend to piss her off, like most femandos... you don't want to be around her when she's pissed--all mando hell breaks loose.

Biography: Bright, energetic, attractive, but tough as nails—Aaray was born and raised on Basilisk by her Mandalorian parents. Aaray was trained as a Mandalorian warrior. Her father taught her to be one of quickest fighters. She never let her gender hinder her (often outmatching males). She is a skilled marksmen and great gunslinger. A veteran of many Mandalorian strikes/battles, she served in the Mandalorian Cavalry for 8 years. After the war, she became a mercenary doing business for the Black Sun--mostly as an agent and assassin. She has entered several fight clubs and shooting matches in the Outer Rim, and has won many. She is the reigning gunslinger on Nar Shaddaa. Recently she took on bounty hunting, she has done work for the Sith, Republic, and several criminal and private organizations. She is engaged to a Journeyman Protector and famed Bounty Hunter—Aran Fett.

Aran's long dangerous hunts inspired her to take on deadly contracts. Aran's skill at killing the legendary Jedi Knights reached the ears of Imperial Intelligence who offered him triple his usual price. With an offer that big, Aran began his career as an Imperial Special Agent.

It was Aran's career which caused the Sith to look into more Mandalorian recruits. Aaray accepted the offer as soon as the Imperials contacted her, but to her disappointment, Intelligence Command separated the two because of their intimate relationship.

Aran was posted as an Imperial asset on Coruscant. She was assigned with a mission to track and kill missing, rouge Sith Lord.

Aaray—under a mercenary alias—robbed a Republic bank and was captured by Mygeeten and Republic authorities, although her loot was never found. She was sentenced to life in a maximum prison for over two dozen crimes--piracy, theft, murder. She escaped her flight to prison--and took on jobs for the Sith—but was shortly captured by sector authorities after assassinating a Republic Judge for a Hutt lord.

Ray ended up rotting in a solitary confinement cell on a Neutral Sector Authority Prison ship...but all to her plans of finding her target: the rouge Sith Lord--who also was imprisoned on the ship.

While on the ship, weird things began to happen. Creatures, monsters, and zombies began to run rampant on the ship. She found and killed her target, but she found herself surrounded by unknown deathly forces of evil...

Finding a group of survivors, she began to help search for a way out...even if it meant ditching her new "friends."

One of the survivors, a Gand bounty hunter named Osgyl, befriended Ray and grew close to her--which developed into a infatuation. She withheld her Imperial agenda from him, and once the truth was revealed the Gand felt betrayed.

Ray left the group not wanting anything to do with them, only to find the source of all the evil chaos--a cult of Darksiders who were using mind tricks to create "monsters." Ray fought the Darksiders but she was no match alone, so she fled for her life.

Wounded and left for dead by the Darksiders, Ray was found by Osgyl who cared for her, and eventually helped her face the Darksiders with the rest of the survivors which turned into a dramatic firefight. Ray managed to ensure the deaths of the Darksiders by opening an hangar airlock, but she injured herself in the process which led her into a serious coma.

Osgyl tended Ray while the rest of the group found a ship which they could escape.

After leaving a heartbroken but glad Gand to see Ray resign from the Imperial Intelligence, she went back to bounty hunting and search for Aran—who apparently vanished after refusing an order to kill innocent people.

Ray's current whereabouts are unknown, but she isn't someone to mess with...especially if you're a Sith.

(Collab between Rune_Alchemist and Reem)

It was the beginning of a new day on the first of September. Luke was excited this new chapter in his life, school was about to start! Not just ordinary school, but Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Luke had been waiting a very long time for this day. All his dreams were becoming a reality as he walked with Karen, his mother, and John, his younger brother. Mother was holding his youngest brother Nathan who had somehow managed to be sleeping on such a joyous occasion. Dad was still at work, but he wrote Luke a letter of encouragement to stay focused on his studies, like he needed to be reminded. John, was oddly quiet. Luke suspected he was jealous of his older brother. He knew how much he yearned to go to Hogwarts even though he was only nine years old. Mother was dressed in a very expensive dress and had all her boys dressed in their finest clothes, all matching to mother's preference, of course.

After many photo's of "Luke's first day" the family exchanged hugs and good-byes as Luke gathered his belongings on a cart and headed between the wall-post of platforms nine and ten. It was now that Luke could feel the butterflies in his stomach. He was a bit nervous. Closing his eyes and taking in a deep breath as he heard mother's encouragement, Luke darted straight into the wall through the magically concealed entrance of platform nine and three-quarters. He took a look around seeing many students both old and new heading to the train to Hogwarts.

Luke made sure his pet Rosie was safe. He knew snakes were very mischievous, and masters of strategy. If Rosie felt she had the chance of escape, she would. Luke knew that, and always kept a sharp eye on his pet. It wasn't that Rosie didn't like Luke, snakes were solitary creatures. He understood that. Snakes would rather be alone than be bothered by humans. Luke thought he heard Rosie whisper something about hating children. Luke could communicate with snakes, it was a natural gift he had. Only his mother knew of his secret ability and encouraged him not to share it with others. "Snakes are very powerful, they have wisdom of anctient knowledge, it would be to your advantage to use your gift of Parseltongue," mother had told him. She had to learn the ability, while Luke was apparantly born with it. He noticed the other kids that were watching him. It was time to make friends, he thought to himself.

Finally! Finally, it was the start of the school year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizadry. Acacia was a little more than excited. She would finally be able to do magic herself and be able to show her two idiot brothers a thing or two about how it's really done. She was tired of listening to them how 'great' Hogwarts was and listen to them talk about their accomplishments. All she had to do was ditch them and find some...eh, friends of her own so she could start actually learning magic. That...might be a bit troublesome, however. They insisted on sitting in the same compartment, and Acacia was not at all going to even attempt to do that. She wanted to get some much needed time away from them, and she was going to get it. All she had to do, was first go through the brick collumn between platforms nine and ten. It would be easy enough. If her two brothers weren't arguing loud enough to be heard across the entire station.

"Ugh. Would you just shut up already Alex?" The brown haired boy said as he leaned on his cart full of belongings, obviously more than a little tired of whatever argument they were having. The cart was rather unassuming, save for the cat cage sitting on top of it. The resident of which, was sleeping soundly with one of its paws handing out of the cage door.

"I'm telling you, you should have bought everything on the list!" The older looking boy stated. On his cart sat a smaller cage, probably home to a rat or maybe frog. She hadn't bothered asking what pet Alexander, her brother had. She hadn't really cared that much. "That book-"

"Oh blah blah blah," Jackson interrupted. "Nag nag nag, is that all you ever do? I swear, you're like my wife or something." He replied, giving Alexander a glare, eliciting a sigh from Acacia. The two brothers used to be best friends until a little incident over the sumer break had distanced them. Acacia smiled a bit at the thought of that. The little incident had been her doing, actually. She had gotten tired of them finally and had framed Alexander for messing up something Jackson and their dad was working on. She wasn't entirely sure what it was, but apparently Jackson was going to try again this summer break.

"I'm just trying to help. Look, if you don't buy everything you'll just hurt your grades and..." Acacia started to tune the both of them out, giving the Owl sitting in the cage on her cart a friendly petting and a small smile.

"Let's say we ditch them while they're busy arguing?" Thatch, her owl simply gave her an unintersted blink in response. "Right then. Less talking, more doing, huh?" With that, she brought her cart inline with the pillar and rushed forward confidently. Success! In an instand, she had made it to platform nine and three quarters. Now she just had to get away from the entrance before her brothers followed her through. Shouldn't be hard to get lost in this crowd.

Absolutely humiliating! If there was anything Luke hated more it was being the "new kid." Overhearing a conversation with an older student who was making fun of a group of new kids, Luke walked away hoping no one would detect his presence. "I bet you wont even make it back next year," the large blond haired student laughed as he pointed at the young students. "You won't make it back, you won't make it back, and you... definitely won't make it back," he finished pointing and mocking at his fresh victims. This guy must be a bully around here. He wore the colors green and silver the markings of House Slytherin.

"Looks like they are going to enjoy their first year," Luke whispered to Rosie as he turned his cart around. He would much rather be making fun of the fat student, but he didn't want to put his own reputation at stake let alone his future house, well at least he was sure of it.

The only friend he had around here was Rosie, and it was definitely time to change that, but who would he choose? Many people were dressed in street urchin clothing as mother would call it, and Luke wore his best suit, making eleven year old boy stand out, above most the crowd. It was a bit annoying, and not Luke's intentions to make himself look better than others.

It was Rosie's sharp gaze that caught Luke's eye. The snake surprisingly was not fixed on a rat or way of escape as per usual snake activity. No, this snake was people watching, and staring at a young, red-headed female student pushing her cart on the platform. It appeared the girl was in a hurry, as if she was getting away from something, or someone. Rosie wasn't simply observing, she was peering into the girl's soul. The snake paused as his forked tongue flickered out of his mouth."Find the girl." She said. "Ugh, of all the people, you want me to talk to a girl!" Luke had no sisters, and no female friends other than mother in his life.

"Do it!" Rosie hissed back. "Alright, I'm going." He said as he made his way to the girl. Rosie was acting particularly persistent, usually keeping to herself, as if the old serpent had an agenda of her own; but he knew, the relationship was symbiotic. Whatever was in Luke's best interest was her own, and Luke knew she was more than excited to be at Hogwarts. She was beautiful for a girl, and Luke couldn't help but feel a bit nervous. It was time for him to break out of his shell. Following the girl into the crowd, Luke casually waited for an opportunity to talk with her. "Hey, is it your first time on the platform?" He smiled as he couldn't help but notice her bluish-grey eyes.

Well. Someone was having a good time mocking the new students. How troublesome. Hopefully he was smart enough to not try that with her. Acacia's patience was wearing a bit thin after spending all morning with her quarreling brothers, and she had half a mind to get some practice on some spells before even getting to Hogwarts. Not a very good idea, but it might make her feel all warm and fuzzy inside. She shook her head with a sigh. She needed to find a seat on the trian. Preferably an empty one so she could get all of her things put away before some troublesome kid barged in. Might be fun to crash someone elses' compartment though.

It was Thatch's low hoot that caught her attention, the Horned Owl's gaze falling on a boy that seemed to be approaching her. He was dressed in a very expensive looking suit, which was the only real notable thing she could really say about him. Her parents weren't ones for such clothing, though her mother had made her put on a lavender colored dress before leaving. She didn't like dresses that much herself, and as soon as she got her robes it was coming off. She had to admit though, the boy looked rather important with his suit. It made him stand out a bit anyways. Now, just one thing. What did he want?

"Depends," She started. So he wanted to know if she was a first year. No reason not to answer, he looked to be one as well. "If you're going to annoy me, then I'm a dwarf whose a seventh year and I know some really fun curses. If not, then yeah, I'm a first year and this is my first time here. You?" Thatch continued to eye the boy until the owl spotted Rosie. Acacia had no doubt that if he wasn't in that cage, the snake would have been owl kibble.

"Oh no, I didn't come to bother you. Yes, this is my first time on the platform, my name is Luke. You looked like someone I could talk to without having to deal with these idiots." He said indicating with his eyes to the group of students who seemed like trouble. On the girls cart was an owl in a cage. His eyes brightened with his smile as he looked at the creature."That's a North American Great Horned Owl, I have never seen one before." He was so fascinated he almost forgot Rosie, who had coiled herself in her cage in the presence of her enemy. "Rosie is also from the Americas, but I don't think she is as excited as I am." Glancing at his watch, he figured it was almost time to store his gear and secure a seat on the train.

"Well, looks like you're not as silly as you look." She giggled. He certainly knew how to get on her good side at least. "Acacia Coronet," She continued, turning to give him a warm smile. "Third child of the Coronet family, who really doesn't want to be in the same house as her idiot brothers." She hadn't meant to add that last bit. Acacia had no real inention of being overly friendly, but perhaps it might come in handy later so she simply went with it and gave him an enthsastic reply when he mentioned Thatch.

"Mhm! my mom bought him for me. She runs a potions shop in Diagon Alley. A sort of 'Happy first year' thing. His name's Thatch," She noticed the owl eyeing Lukes snake and gave a small sigh. "I suggest you keep your pet in that cage. He can be a bit of a glutton." Acacia was obviously none to happy about her pets eating habits. He would probably demand a three course meal on their way to Hogwarts. "I suppose that's for later though. Want to sit together? We should probably find a compartment before they all fill up."

"Don't worry about Rosie, she isn't going anywhere with Thatch around. I think you read my mind, though, I was hoping to get a head start on choosing compartments. Let's sit closer to the front of the train. They are the better compartments." He said grabbing his stuff as he began to load onto the train. He helped Acacia with her things. Once the two had settled their luggage. Luke found the best compartment he could find to his liking, empty and window seats, far removed from the other rowdy students. As they settled in their seats, Luke couldn't help but ponder what Miss Coronet had said about her brothers. "Pardon me for asking, but you mentioned wanting a different house than your brothers... What house would that be?"

"Gryffindor." Acacia replied, taking a seat next to the window. "My family has been part of the Gryffindor house since my great-great-great grandparents or something. I stopped listening after the third great. That would include my parents and brothers." She sighed, taking a look out the window and watching a various people walk by. "Personally, I'd rather be part of a house with more...ambitious people. For example...Slytherin." Of coruse, she knew that if she was put into Slytherin, her brothers would probably have a heart attack and pass out. Especially Alex. She heard Jackson mention something about him constantly getting into trouble with them for some reason or antoher. "What about you?" She continued, giving him a curious look. "What house do you want to be in?"

Ahh, Slytherin, that must be the reason Rosie had such an interest in this girl. "My mother was Slytherin, and I also want to represent Slytherin. I don't have any doubts that is the house I will be in, I can feel it." A moment passed as Luke looked out the window of the train, it would be leaving at any moment. "Well Acacia, I'm glad we can be friends, I'm sure you'll make it into Slytherin. I don't think Gryffindor suits you." He wasn't trying to give any false hope, he meant what he said.

"Flatterer" She replied giving him a small smile. "But thanks. Since you have family ties, I doubt you'll have much trouble getting in. I'd honestly be fine with any house as long as I don't have to constantly put up with those two. Slytherin still feels like the best fit for me though after doing some research." She wondered if all siblings were annoying as hers. She didn't have many friends because she didn't get out much back home. She always had her nose stuck in a book, so that wasn't something she had much experience with. "What about you? Any annoying brothers?"

"I have two younger brothers, one of them is the most annoying little brother ever. He is always riding my coattails and trying to one-up me whenever he can. He is very smart for his age, but too cocky. Whenever anything happens he lies to my parents and I get blamed for everything. He never gets punished. He is arrogant and selfish." Luke stopped himself from his little rant. He loved his brother, just usually found that brotherly love was more full of irritation, fights, and anger than typical kindness type of love. "I'm just glad to be away from home, and starting a new life on my own."

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