Log:Mandalorians: Running Down A Dream
Running Down A Dream
Location: Mandalore
Participants: Hadrix Kora, Sumi Kora, Hahtavi, Jarret Sur, Tara Sur, Riwa Sur, Bindi Sur, Narsai Ordo, Arcael
[Jarret Sur]-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
MANDALORE - NOON
Beneath the glare of the sun's furious eye, the barren landscape of Manda'yaim bakes eternal. Long since scrubbed of most of its indigenous life, the planet is locked in an endless struggle not to be burnt out, to vanish - as is its people. The Reviver faction beneath the banner of Clan Ordo has long sought to give those people another chance; they, and their friends among the Kora, have since early in the morning departed Vroxx City and made a long but blessedly uneventful trip across the wastes to the fortified (and well named) village of Morut'mirshko. There, in that so-called haven of courage, a number of men, women and children have gathered from points across the wasteland, seeling a better life. It matters not where. It need only be /better/.
One cannot become a warrior with a yoke across one's back.
Having loaded the refugees and refueled within the settlement's high walls, the caravan departs its relative safety for the long road back toward Vroxx's waiting canyon the Reviver ships ready to take its precious cargo to the stars. The caravan consists of two large cargo speeders: an A-A5, in whose armored shell the women and children are housed, and a Z-12 military truck whose open top has been covered over with ventilated plastoid plates to protect the men riding within and not roast them alive in the heat. An armored passenger speeder and a pair of stealthy (if ancient) speeder bikes, both retrofits from the Rebellion's armories, serve as outriders in the Sur complement. Warriors of the clan are stationed on both trucks, either within or sitting on drop seats welded to the sides for the purposes of transport. They hurtle on, an armored cavalcade, fully aware that the horrors of the homeworld's ravaged landscape await them at any time. And now that it's noon, they shall all be visible.
<< Communications check. >> In the overhead cupola of the A-A5, Jarret surveys the landscape with a pair of electrobinoculars in hand. << Warriors, call in. >> The engineer in him is obsessed with proper function, and the warrior seeks to ensure they are not caught unawares. Especially not in front of his commander, who rides with them this day. His own clansmen begin reporting as requested, leaving the rest to do so on their own time. The trip begins...
[Arcael]-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Arcael is on the turret in the Z-12, for once, not using one of her cracking slugthrowers as she peers down the sigh <<"Arcael Distayre calling in!">> she offers, happy to keep the proper function up, as a gearhead herself <<"Turret is working, nothing to be seen yet, Alor Sur.">>
[Tara Sur]-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
<<"Tara copies. Horizon's clear so far.">> The hunter has taken a knee on top of the A-A5, maglocks keeping her anchored while windblown grit slowly wears away at her paintjob. Fortunately, weatherproofing her rifle was easy enough, as was syncing it to her helmet's rangefinding optic.
[Bindi Sur]-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
"<Bindi Sur, check.>" says the quiet warrior riding on the Z-23's main bed, her rifle in her lap as she checks over it idly, a pair of swords slung low on her back.
[Narsai Ordo]-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
This sort of thing was what the leader of the Revivers lived for, and what her brother had died for. Narsai was here, armed and armored for the ride along. She wasn't manning an mounted weapon, but that probably wasn't suprising. She preferred the option to take take to the air if ambush should occur.
Keying her comlink from where she rests maglocked to one of the A-A5's herself, the Ordo woman signals her answer. <<"Narsai Ordo, I am here.">>
[Hadrix Kora]-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Open air transport, functional form and a wide area to move. The mounted blaster cannon ignored in favor of standing at watch, weapon in hand with limbs extended, the Plan Besh of Kora watches while Gripper floated near and Gofor was plugged into a control panel to steer the speeder truck.
<<"Al'Verde'Kora olar.">> grumbling into comms while he quivers a quartet of arrows in palm to prepare himself. No maglocks on his suit, so the guard around the outside the truck will be needed.
[Sumi Kora]-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Sumi is on the Z-12, making use of the welded seating, as was its design, and rocking with little care in the world. Her modified rifle, a slugthrower with shortened barrel, custom bore and re-rifled to enhance its maximum effective range. She's stained the wooden stock to be dark, if not decorative, a memento of the late warrior who once carried it, but now marches on without it: Raul Wo Ryder. Sumi flicks up the lens cap on the optics, out of idle boredom, and looks out the stern of the vehicle with a dull look and glazed eyes. <<"Sumi copies.">> She mutters, then makes a sniffing noise while unwinding the sling from her shoulder.
[Hahtavi]-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
A passanger on one of the speeder bikes, Hahtavi isn't driving. But he's sitting behind the driver in the b*tch seat with his gear in order, ready to be positioned to use his sniper rifle if they see any trouble brewing in the distance. Manda'yaim, his home world, full of memories and ghosts of his past and Hahtavi's first return to this world since he'd left it.
<" Hahtavi copies, over. "> His legs to grip, one hand holding to the driver, Haht keeps his head on a swival like any decent pilot, trying to keep eyes out for potential hazzards. His helmet helps with the sun's glare but it still makes shadows sharp and dark where the land isn't flat.
[Riwa Sur]-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Riwa is riding along it seems, focusing on her axe as she checks it out. Oh yes she's healed up from the last foray and ready to go. As she hears Jarret she looks up then speaks over the comms. <<"Al'Verde'Sur reporting....">> That's all her voice says as she continues ot wait.
[Jarret Sur]-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Time passes without issue, the enemy of alertness. Sumi isn't the only one to be affected by the sapping heat and endless boredom of travel; at least inside the A-A5, the refugees there get air conditioning. As the landscape trundles by, there is nothing that strikes out at the senses. Just endless dust and distant rocks. Boredom rules the day.
Until...
As bored a sentinel that Sumi may be, her eyes are laser sharp - and there, in the distance behind the caravan, the faintest plume of dust can be seen on the horizon. Growing, slowly, but growing nonetheless. Someone's coming. And fast.
[Sumi Kora]-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
<<"Warriors, prepare your weapons. Unknown riders approach our stern.">> Sumi unfastens her seating restraints and reorients herself to face the direction she called out. Raising her weapon, she levels the optics before her mirror like visor and peers. Grumbling more to herself, she determines this may be difficult to pull off with so many factors to take into account when shooting. Nevertheless, the century old soldier wraps the sling around her forearm, drawing the stock of the rifle firm with her shoulder, and the cheek of her helm presses flush, establishing that stockweld. "Anytime now.." She says, looking through the bouncy optics!
[Arcael]-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Arcael turns her head <<"Riders? I don't see them.">> she begins. Stupid sand getting into her sights, making it impossible to see anything
[Tara Sur]-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Tara spins around, careful not to disngage the maglocks that would let her topple off the speeder, and presses her eyeslit to the rifle's scope. <<"Confirm visual. Five or six speeders looks like. Can't make out the model, but they're coming up on us fast. Few klicks back at least, will tell you when my rangefinder gets a decent ping.">>
[Bindi Sur]-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
At the alarm from Sumi Bindi is up and moving, heading towards the back at a jog as she skids to a halt, planting a hand as she swings up gracefully to the chassis besides the pilot's tower, then begins climbing up the ladder on the side until she can reach the top. There, she lies flat and sights down her rifle towards the oncoming plume coming up behind the caravan.
[Narsai Ordo]-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Narsai's own eyes narrow behind the visor of her helmet, the enhanced hud scanning over toward the plume, but her moment of regarding is quickly confirmed by Sumi's quicker eye. <<"Confirmed,">> she speaks, drawing her blaster pistol from her thigh as her rocket pack begins its priming. <<"Flagging them on our HUDs">>
[Hadrix Kora]-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
<<"Copy, Sumi. Following your marks.">> Hadrix looks up and over to center what Sumi has noted, checking the arrows in one hand and his bow in the other. <<"Narsai - on your left?">> his own jets beginning the heavy thrum of pre-flight as Gripper moves over to latch on in preparation.
There is a jocularity to his tone now as things begin to build to that brief few moments of intense terror and violence. The prelude to the quiet and often anti-climatic finale. At least as long as things don't go wrong.
'Don't'
The big man shakes his head and sighs some, eyes closing and lips moving in old mnemonics meant to center him.
[Hahtavi]-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
There isn't a lot Hahtavi can do with a sniper rifle on the back of a speeder without asking the driver to swoop around or stop. He uses his coms to inquire how much faster the driver thinks she can go, when needed, while he preps his rifle. The strap is wrapped around his right arm and Hahtavi turns as far as he can to try and use the scope to have a look. It's a pretty bumpy ride for a good look but he's got to work with what he's got. <" Those are strange looking speeders, over.">
[Jarret Sur]-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
The call is given, and the HUDs of all the warriors synched are alight with target indicators. They are fast, these speeders, Hurtling at top speed, the craft move over the blasted land without trouble, their profiles growing more and more distorted as they draw near; their engines are Frankenstein's monsters of machines, hulls dotted with superchargers and cooler coils and fuel pumps stolen from starfighters and Force knows what else. Boarding poles, hulls festooned with beastial skulls, trophies, sigils of the vaunted Mythosaur - these are Mandalorians coming, but they're more like the so-called 'brothers' of Gryph than followers of the Resol'nare. Jarret turns to see them, lifting his electrobinocs to see what is coming - and after a moment's scan swiftly tosses the binocs inside to draw up his rifle.
<< Confirmed, raiders on the way. Those speeders will catch up to us within thirty seconds. Be prepared! >> Even as he says this, he prepares his own rifle, slotting a powercell into the repeater and setting it to charge. And then...
The sky flashes dark, momentarily, as a wave of motion surges from the speeders on the way. Hurtling in a towering arc, what look like tiny arrows from afar hurtle skyward driven by some mechanism among the speeders - forty, fifty, more, their indicators flash as they come down in a tide; clattering off the hull of the A-A5 and landing amongst the outriders, the baked earth suddenly is festooned with a carpet of steel shafts as long as a man's leg sticking out of the earth and swiftly disappearing behind them. The roar of collective thunder sounds as the speeders are now actively on approach, the glow of thrusters never meant for speeder frames yet welded to them giving the raiders an almost monstrous aura. And over that, a beastly chant, voices projected from speakers welded to the coming speeders, filling the air even over the drives of all the vehicles assembled.:
"Oya! Oya! Oya! Oya!"
[Tara Sur]-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
<<"Taking a shot.">> Tara's scope view jitters a bit as the image stabilization tries to keep up with the motion of both speeders, targeting reticle wavering before she settles it onto a particularly vulnerable looking exposed bit of machinery. The bolt strikes home, but the hunter's only reward is a momentary shower of sparks that quickly cease as the driver reroutes power systems.
[Bindi Sur]-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Sighting down the barrel of her rifle, Bindi takes careful aim, trying to track the rapidly juking speeders as they close, then fires, a red bolt screaming downrange to smash into the top of one of the speeder cockpits, shooting high. Lots of sparks and melted metal but no penetration to the driver beyond.
[Narsai Ordo]-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
A rush of thrusters, Narsai is in the air, a bolt of light blasting from her W-35. One flies high, but the second blasts into the chest of one raider before she drops downwards. Giving chase!
[Hadrix Kora]-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
No matter how hard they try, they keep pushing them aside, and they can't break through. There's no talking to them. It's so sad that they're not flying, it takes time to get in position. But after all is said and done, his quarrel is a lonely one.
Do you believe Hadrix is shooting arrows on the fly? Some of the raiders likely feel that he really isn't close enough. They can't believe he's performing archery from the air.
The first arrow is loosed, aimed for the narrows of the control sections of the rag-tag speeders, though the charged bolt skitters across the angled metal before exploding to one side and Hadrix continues his approach - a quick flick of his thumb to twist another of the palm-quivered arrows into place to nock as he approaches.
[Sumi Kora]-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Sumi fires a single shot after getting some sight alignment and picture, but the bouncing about and inability to square up a good shot results in the round WHIP-CRACKING by, pocking up terrafirma unseen in the clouds of dust. "Rekk me," grumbles Sumi, whose hand comes up to rack the bolt back and eject the spent casing with an audible 'PIIING'. She shoves the bolt forward again and attempts to line up another shot.
[Hahtavi]-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
He is probably going to die here today. Hahtavi can feel his heart rate picking up, the all too familiar forms of cannabalized speeders and a beastal clan of raiding Mandalorians. Just the sort of people he used to run with himself. It makes his blood sing! A sudden exilleration, a fire in his veins as he thrusts his rifle up into the air, <" OYA! OYA! OYA! "> Kriff /yes/, it's on! <" Bring it, chaavla! ">
Holy drek, it's been years! Adreline rush. Hahtavi has to draw a deep breath and shake himself, stay rooted in the here and now with Clan Sur and Clan Kora. He bares his teeth behind the visor of his helmet and prepares his soul for bloody battle, rifle as ready as he can make it as their pursuers close. He knows damn well it will be a difficult shot to make.
All around him javalin-like steel shafts fall all about them in a deadline rain to kick it off! With a boot toe snagged firmly into the speeder's frame, Hahtavi centers himself as he leans and is twisted back on the seat. He aiming for one of the drivers ... patience. Patience. The stock kicks against his left shoulder and the red blaster beam arcs out behind them to /HIT/ the driver! That speeder suddenly veers off, out of control and eats dust.
<" OYA! One speeder down and out!"> OK, Hahtavi's coms discpline slipped a bit.
[Jarret Sur]-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
The sudden eruption of fire is joined by the other Sur warriors in the bed of the Z-12, who seated on the battle-seats bracketing it respond to whatever speeders they can see with a hail of blaster fire. These largely expend themselves upon the hulls of the incoming cars, but one lucky Sur actually manages to drill another of the raiders through a chink in the plating. With one of their number down, two remain in the back while three come revving up to either side of the speeders; the armored one has one buzzing it, while the other two come alongside the Z-12 with mag-clamps ready to be projected and tether themselves. Already the warriors inside their cabs are boiling over the top to begin firing at those lashed to the sides. Those three in the back unfold a battery of tubes from their rear ends, loosing another, smaller hail of durasteel lances; they scatter across the sands and bounce off the armored hulls of the trucks, and two even near Hadrix in flight and Tara in position, but nothing hits meat.
<< Get them off of us! >> Jarret lifts his rifle and fires squarely into one of the tailing speeders; a fusilade of bolts strafes through the drivers' cab, perforating everything inside and sending the speeder spinning away into the dust beyond. Two remain, and now /they/ begin to accelerate...
[Arcael]-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
There! Speeder! Time to open up fire with everything she's got! PEW-PEW-PEW-PEW goes the blaster, sending the poor driver slamming onto his brakes, terrified of the impact, sadly also leading the the tall Mandalorian behind the turret missing. Sadly, the bolts also don't allow for too accurate shooting. But that is what massive firepower is for, if you manage to hit, which she on this occasion didn't.
[Tara Sur]-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
<<"How the shab are these things built so well?">> Grumbling under her breath Tara lines up another shot, but it goes wide when she's forced to duck to avoid an incoming spear. <<"...Okay, Time to cook some Aruetiise.">> Slinging the sniper rifle, the hunter bringsout the flamethrower from its spot beside her jetpack. They want to get close to board? She's fine with that.
[Bindi Sur]-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
As the oncoming raider draws closer, the assassin in Skyripper armor takes careful aim, zooming in her sight until a driver's helmeted head is right under the little red dot...then breaths out as she pulls the trigger, sending a second bolt right through the windshield of the vehicle as the raider's head pops, the speeder falling out of the pursuit without a driver. Following that, Bindi rolls to the edge of the pilot tower and jumps down to land in a crouch, shouldering her rifle as her hand goes instead to the blade at her back as she draws it, preparing to repel any boarders.
[Narsai Ordo]-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Defending like a beskar-wrapped Angel of death, Narsai's blaster is holstered after her kill and she lands atop the speeding vehicle.
Her weapon snaps up, a challenge issued wordlessly as she brandishes the glowing plasma weapon to at the vehicle full of raiders planning on attacking non-combatants.
[Hadrix Kora]-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Jets cutting thrust momentarily to come under short spear being aimed for him before he tilts and re-engages. Twin plumes of argent fire to carry him towards one of those craft coming to boarding range of the motorcade in a near thing that nearly sees his leg being clipped by speeder frame and is landing not a tumbling one because of the grav-belt worn - just in case.
None the less the big man is down and... of all things the Warlord draws, feathered aluminum fletching at his cheek guard before electricity crackles along the bolt and he looses. Arrowhead slamming through the body of the raider at the controls before it detonates in a fantastic display of sparks.
<<"Driver down, displacing.">> jets of Hadrix's pack blasting fire around him once more.
[Sumi Kora]-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Sumi is calm despite the impending danger and encroaching warriors. This is not her first venture into the 'wilds' of Mandalore. When she finally is granted a moment of clarity, a single shot is discharged and cuts through the dust, grime, and through the visor of one driver. The shot is so impactful that a brief spray of pulverized red mist spits out post connection and Sumi lowers her weapon from her follow-thru to rack the bolt back and eject the casing. <<"Splash one driver. Be mindful, warriors. They soon will lose control of their vehicles.">> Sumi brings her weapon back up and trains it to the stern once again, waiting for the next shot!
[Hahtavi]-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
They are closing! Does he try another difficult shot with the sniper rifle to try and pick off the trailing speeders still behind them, or pay mind to the more immediate threat of those closing in on their convoy with refugees? Elated by his fantastic shot, Hahtavi decides not to get cocky. It's not a shot he's likely to be able to repeat on the back of a bumpy high velocity speeder chase. So he takes advantage of the fact that no one is leaping onto his speeder or shot his driver yet and secures his sniper rifle. The flamer comes into his gloved hands and Hahtavi reaches forward to slap his driver's shoulder, pointing to get closer to one of the enemy speeders so he can try to fry their shebs! The tip of his flamer torch pops, plasma ready to stream fiery death.
If anybody shoots his driver, Hahtavi's going to just /love/ hitting the dirt at high speed.
[Riwa Sur]-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Oh gods above finally. Riwa was silent but internally she was starting get impatient with the no good attackers. Yes she stands up from her spot, her right hand holding that axe move it to her left. <<"Finally.">> That's all she says as she jumps, her jetpack firing off as she shoots toward the oncoming raiders. With her right hand now joining the left, she brings that axe down across the hood and into the drivers head. With a grunt she yanks it out of his skull as she glances to the vehicle and simply wiggles her finger at the 'occupants' and prepares to take off again.
[Jarret Sur]-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Heads cleaved, drivers killed - it seems almost as if the battle as been won, as the speeders spin away into a vast cloud of red-orange dust. And for a moment, there is enough space between dangers for the warriors to return to their caravan. But let us not forget that these are Mandalorians, and their tenacity is beyond measure.
<< They're still coming, >> Jarret barks, raising his rifle skyward as from the dust of all that impact armored bodies come hurtling after them, carried through the air on boiling black plumes of smoke. They are savages, but they are the blood of many Mandalores past, and they hurtle swiftly like harpies of durasteel to turn their blasters upon them all.
[Tara Sur]-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Raising the snout of the flamer, Tara sweeps it right to left with the trigger held. The raiders are forced into evasive action, some of them crashing into eachother but generally managing to avoid the gout of flame. On the upside, they didn't land. On the downside, they're coming around for antoher pass...
[Bindi Sur]-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
As the incoming raiders come soaring through the air, Bindi steps where where she can clear an area to fight in, her crystal blade ringing as she pulls it free of its scabbard as she sets herself, smoothing falling into a Teras Kasi stance and patiently awaiting her opponents.
[Hadrix Kora]-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Hello fliers, nice to see you. It's been a long time - you're just as lovely a target, as you'll always be! How's your jetpack? Is it serviced? Hope you're in practice! When arrows come flyin' from Had! Just as quickly as he takes to the air.
What's that, the shot flies true? And the head explodes BRIIIIIIGHT - and Hadrix lands again on the Z-12 <<"Airborne down.">> head turning with the balor glow of his bionic through the T-visor focused on the figure blasted apart by the detonation of the energy-missile. Pity. That one had grit. The trick with his thumb and the arrows in hand goes again, another flipping up to be held and nocked for his next shot.
And the bolts will blaze all day and night to dawn. What we're trying to say is he loves arrows, he misses them, and he's sorry that using them has been so long.
[Sumi Kora]-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Sumi wraps her sling another rotation about her forearm, tightening the tension between the shoulder stock and the meat of her shoulder. A professional marksman by trade with a century of experience is the only reason why Sumi manages a bit of Tatooine windage and connects a shot with a flying foeman. The round finds purchase against their shoulder, emerging out the back in a small cloud of red. The pain is paralyzing and distracting enough that the warrior fell from the sky and smacked the surface of the world. <"Hahaha, gravity is great.">
She racks the bolt back, ejecting another casing and looking for her next target.
To prepare for close quarters, Sumi unclips the optics off the rifle, and slides it into a protective pouch hanging from her belt. She stays off the comms, decidedly dealing with things as they progress.
[Hahtavi]-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Here come the rocketeering raiders, a dozen of them swooping in to take up the chase and attack now the speeders have been taken out. Hahtavi has managed to stay on the back of the outrider speeder while he changed weapons. He hefts the plasma rifle and as if it were a flaming guitar, he fires off a jet of brilliant plasma dripping fire. It arcs up into the sky at the incoming fliers, trying to light them up with a massive swath of intense heat! One can almost /imagine/ electric guitars riffing as the plasma flames roar out ... but alas Hahtavi doesn't manage to bring any of their assailants down in an inferno. Try, try again as the arid landscape around them rips past at high speed.
It may or may not keep them off of attacking his speeder or driver - maybe!
[Riwa Sur]-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Riwa had flown off of the soon careening vehicle land back on theirs. Rolling her shoulders she tightens her grip on her axe, moving it to her shoulder until she hears Jarret's voice. That helmeted head looks skyward, a tilt before she hits her jetpack then...nothing. Frowning to herself she glances to the blasted thing before she looks back to those heading to her, both hands gripping the grip then getting into a stance.
[Narsai Ordo]-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Narsai's challenging blade lifts, but behind her helmet she smirks. It's not the raiders she aims for, but instead a backward slash through driver and console both. A wink is given, unseen by the likely startled bandits as the vehicle swerves out of control before Narsai takes to the air with a beeline for the rocketeering raiders...only the vehicle rocks just a little harder when she moves, throwing the Ordo dangerously out of control for a moment and forcing her to right herself rather than go on the offensive. Either that, or headbutt the earth at rocket speeds.
[Jarret Sur]-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
A rain of fire follows, exchanged between the mounted Surs, their clansmen and allies, and the descending raiders. A few go down in the fire, but ultimately eight of the bastards land amid the trucks to do battle. T-visored, yes, their armor patched and built from various metals - they are fierce, howling strangers, and though their weapons are ungainly they are lethal as they pour fire into their fellows. << You! >> One of them, his Mando'a degraded and his helmet decorated with a swept-back crest of barbed metal like a sawblade, points at Hadrix, assuming apparently the enormous warrior is the leader of them. << These slaves our Rako'aan's, big man! Give them up or we wear your bones! >>
Meanwhile Jarret is getting out of the A-A5, blasting one of the raiders off the truck and ready to jump back onto the other to join the fight!
[Bindi Sur]-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
As the raiders land Bindi is in motion, slashing out ruthlessly with her blade, but the lead raider on her truck manages to get their vambrace up in time, the crystal blade sparking off the metal but failing to penetrate as she shifts to the side, already preparing for her next attack.
[Hadrix Kora]-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
sssSSSPINK SHOOOOMM
Lucky one.
Hadrix's loosed bolt flies true but his quarry was wily - the energized missile streaking through the air and skimming off of a shoulder pauldron when the warrior pointing and hollaring at him. Bracing his footing and flipping up the next arrow before he shakes his head.
<<"Repelling crew - artillery spacing, let them move between, center lanes clear, encircle by letting them breach the line...">> something occurs to him from the old days, the days when he would deploy in trenches if he had to - the type of war he was built for, when they actually would, <<"Fix bayonets.">> there is a distinct relish to the growling stone on stone rumble of his voice.
[Sumi Kora]-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Sumi shoulders and shoots a Mando warrior at close quarters with an ear-ringing blast.
P-KOOOW.
The hole blown through that poor sod splashes the contents of their belly and insides out all over the truck bed. Sumi racks back the bolt and up nods the warriors. <"He has bones. Wear them. Ours stay where they are.">
The ejected casing, still steaming, bounces around at her feet as she raises her weapon and orients its smoking barrel/compensator toward another, her head tilting slightly.
[Hahtavi]-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
<" Dar'manda ge'hutuun! "> That's right, Hahtavi, piss them off while the are attacking you! He shouts insults as one of the rocketeering raiders tries to attack him or the driver of his speeder. Luckily his flamer made the attack hasty because the blow misses him easily. Hahtavi laughs, <" Eat this! "> Not as quiet as he usually is in a fight, his blood is up.
The plasma rifle gouts a line of fire, trying to engulf the enemy in a toasty embrace. This time it succeeds and Hahtavi does his best to lead and follow the dar'manda, burning him up! The foe screams in agonizing pain, contorts and falls to the ground, impacting with a crunch. There's too much noise to even hear it as he is left behind.
What the hell is Hadrix saying?
[Riwa Sur]-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Riwa is on the ready but that raider is far too fast. As they move in and hit her, she gasps now as she takes the hit. Stumbling back she swings wide only to miss her assailant. The blue woman is not pleased.
[Jarret Sur]-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
It's interesting, really, how a maelstrom can erupt within a ten meter space. Though their fellows go down to blaster and roaring flame, the raiders fight on - and are reduced to but three, the saw-helmed man and two compatriots. Death is coming; this they know, and they are hateful in what they know to be their final moments of life. Having wounded Riwa and Bindi they turn their guns on the Sur warriors trying to get out of their harnesses; one takes a shot in the head, causing them to slump over in their seat with smoke pouring out of the back of their helmet. With Riwa blooding on the deck, Jarret spews a hail of fire at her assailant, but ends up missing his shot. And still the saw-helmet man laughs, long and loud as he makes to fire at the wounded Bindi, only to miss as Hadrix steps into the way and deflecting the bolt with an armored shoulder. << Damn you, big man, >> he roars, charging down the bed at the mighty Kora, << I'll have your blood! >>
[Bindi Sur]-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
The shot from the raider staggers Bindi as it slams into her arm, her fingers going nerveless for a second as the crystal sword drops from her hand, clattering to the ground. Almost immediately she spins, building up momentum as she aims her foot at the helmet of her opponent, even as he ducks to the side to avoid it.
[Hadrix Kora]-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
The lurching step with a short leap aided by a spurt from his jetpack that put Hadrix between Bindi and her aggressor to allows the Massive Mandalorian to turn his bow once more on the approaching foeman. The bolt loosed and detonating well behind as the buzz-saw crested warrior proves a dodgy sort of target for the big man. Perhaps time to go to close quarters?
Maybe.
[Sumi Kora]-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
The Mandalorians wise up just as she shoots and the round WHIP-CRACKs by them. No curse or frustration from Sumi who just stands her ground and racks the bolt back again. Raising the weapon up once more, she prepares for a counter attack at close quarters, or hopes for another opportunity to spill the guts of some poor soul all over the truck bed again. She steps into her warrior stance, looking ready for battle!
[Hahtavi]-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
This is not the return to Manda'yaim he had invisioned. In some ways it's better, yet also bitter sweet. Hahtavi himself could have been one of these refugees trying to get off this wasteland, if only someone had come to help him when he was younger. No, he had to find his own way out. Now he helps his people, instead.
The flame rifle flares once more, trying to lick out and spill plasma over a raiding dar'manda. The range is a bit too far and Hahtavi misses. He motions for the driver of his speeder to close in. It is a moment he can take in the condition of their convoy, his team mates, and how they fair in the fray.
[Riwa Sur]-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Riwa is simply dizzy now from the wound on her. That grip on the HAFT tightens as she huffs a bit. Being a distraction seems to at least work with this one. Might as well serve a purpose. Shaking her head a bit to shake away the blurry vision she swings again...and a miss. Perhaps her wound has gotten to her.
[Tara Sur]-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
With the sole target left on top of the larger barge and totally distracted, Tara hops over with a quick boost from her jetpack. Landing behind the raider leader she spins the baton and deals one punishing blow to to the shoulder and another to the knee, before winding up and flipping the field to full strength for the final blow. The stun charge sinks in, and the raider leader flies off in a nice arc to smash into a rocky ridge. Grinning inside her helmet, the hunter deactivates the baton and wobbles her sore arm. <<"You know, that thing has a hell of a knockback on full power.">>
[Jarret Sur]-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
The storm of blaster fire, fists and blades grows wilder; the Sur claim two of the warriors as revenge for their wounded and possibly dead comrade. Charging Hadrix, the saw-headed Mandalorian swings out with a blade that snaps out from his vambrace, getting in between the plates of his arm with it and leaving a deep slash in flesh and muscle on the way out. << Bones, >> he roars, << I'll have your bones! >>
Until Tara clocks him with the baton, of course. Smashing him twice with the sizzling vanes of the First Order-issue club, his voice trails away to a strangled gurgle as he's lifted bodily off the lip of the truck and into the dust, left lying there as the convoy makes it clear away.
Hours later, returning to Vroxx Canyon, the damage is inspected - and miraculously, aside from the wounds their defenders suffered, none of the refugees were harmed. Mandalorian strength, that's what that is, and those who depart this blasted world for a better life can now call the clans of their deliverers friends and allies in the future. Thus are the people saved, and the future of the Mandalorians extended just that much more.
Oya Manda.
