Nar Shaddaa

Hala returned to the Viper the next morning, quickly becoming a regular. She walked through the doors, seemingly unconcerned by the events of the previous night. Once she stepped inside she said hello to those she knew and made her way to where the Ordo tended to gather within the Viper's den.

Alongside her strode a Sith man clad in armored robes and a mask. He followed his associate into the room, and watched as she led him to the spot where the Mandalorians they were to talk to were gathered.

Part of the cantina's prior occupancy was void. Still, a certain Ordo woman still sat among the area. She looked to the two Imperials and got to her feet. "You, um, came back. That's, well, interesting."

She looked back to the empty chairs at empty tables. When she turned back, her expression was more serious and not amused in the slightest. "Kyr'ad Kelborn was seen boarding his personal shuttle early in the morning with his personal retainers and several prominent members of Clan Ordo. They went quite hastily and are presumably forming ranks with Jicoln Cadera." She shrugged. "The ones remaining here are either ambivalent or loyal to Corso Fett, what with Clan Nodd taken care of."

The Mandalorian crossed her arms. "Congratulations. Those aligned to the incumbent Mandalore far outnumber those who would oppose him."

"I'm not sure how much in the way of congratulations is in order.... I had hoped that Kyr'ad would be more receptive, or that the situation could have been dealt with if he was not last night before things spiraled out of control.... Do you think that they would still be willing to discuss matters and come to a resolution before this escalates any further? And what of your sister? Is she still here, or has she too gone?" Hala asked, her voice laced with concern.

Thera shrugged. "This is a problem long standing that was ignited. It would have happened sooner or later. Their terms are not for you anyways, aruetii. They're for Corso Fett.

"As for my sister, she hasn't reported anything to me. I believe her unit has gone silent." She shrugged again. "So if there is anyone you should negotiate with, it's me."

"Their terms are not for me," Hala nodded in agreement, "They are for Corso Fett. However, I was asked to assist if possible and I've already done a fair amount. I don't just do it out of the kindness of my heart, and that lie would be transparent if I ever uttered it. I do think it would be a boon for both our peoples though, and I am always open to finding an even better solution."

She stiffly massaged her right elbow and glanced at Sylvain before continuing.

"If I negotiating is what we are doing, then I would be glad to do it with you. I should think my objectives clear, consolidate the clans around Corso and preferably with minimal bloodshed since in-fighting and bloodletting is counterproductive and just hardens people against each other. What can be done - or what do you need - to bring your sister's unit and the rest of your clan back out of the shadows and for them to support Corso?"

"That's stellar," she said with a smirk, "Corso Fett is already relying on Imperial help. And I'm assuming it isn't out of the goodness of your hearts."

Thera then shrugged. "My sister might listen to me but she's also stubborn. As for the rest of my Clan, asking me of all people is like asking a Jedi to convince the Dark Council to stand down."

She took a breath. "I've worked more than hard to secure my position as a lead bounty contractor. I direct them." The Mandalorian then pulled up her datapad and presented it to both of the Imperials. "Countless highly trained killers." A small laugh escaped her lips. "And some not-so-well-trained, but there's a use to them too."

"I wouldn't say relying, but he notes that we have a mutual interest and reached out," Hala answered with a similar smirk.

"My goal is in a united Mando'ade, not the shattered shell of one if one side needs to be decimated. I also wish her no ill will, and have no reason to bring harm to her door. So what would it take to help convince your sister? What does she want, and how can we help get it or reassure her or whatever else she needs to bring her and her's into the fold?"

Hala took the datapad and scrolled it patiently, scanning and trying to isolate any names she might be familiar with.

"Is there anything the Empire can do to help support you in your position? Surely you have heard of our offer to provide credits and materiel support for any who well help our joint interests. Would something like that help you as well?"

"Call it what you want, you won't sway me." Thera shrugged. "And I can't say I very much care if Corso needs help or not."

She shook her head. "My sister is more complicated than what you are suggesting. What she cares most about is glory." Her smile grew wider. "She prefers to help out the underdog. Me, not so much."

The datapad contains anyone who had turned in a bounty before, a few tidbits about them, including Hala herself.

The Ordo woman chuckled. "I've seen your offer and it doesn't impress me. It's pathetic, really." She leaned forward in her seat. "I need more than that. Especially since what I'm offering is much better than just me serving on some battlefield."

"Perhaps I misspoke. I wasn't suggesting that you take up that offer. Perhaps that it could be used to supplement whatever retainer you offer your highly trained killers. For you, I agree, something far more commensurate would be in order."

"As for your sister, what glory does she want? Fighting in a struggle against all odds to become Mandalore? I'm sure that is appealing. How receptive do you think she would be, considering Kyr'ad is against it, if a Crusade did come about. The Mandalorians could strike back at those who once laid them low and claim vengeance for centuries of defeat and concession."

"Far more commensurate," she emphasized on that point.

Thera smiled. "Exactly that. 'Fighting against all odds.'" She shook her head. "I think she'd join the Empire if Corso Fett was planning on invading you."

"She could just as easily invade the Republic. If a truce is made, then it would be just her and her's against half the galaxy. What if you could sell her on that?" Hala offered, nodding again to Thera's reiteration.

"You're missing the point, aruetii. She isn't afraid of those odds. To tell her she should back down because of them would be calling her a coward." Thera shook her head. "She's stubborn."

"Then how should I phrase it to her, because in my head I didn't at all imply that she should back down. Just that there was a greater fight to be had, a greater glory, if she let go of the lesser one.... isn't there anything else she cares about, that could be used to soften that blow?"

"What greater fight is there than to fight against the other united Clans?" She let out a small chuckle. "Republic soldiers, Imperial soldiers. They're nothing compared to the Mandalorians she wants to fight."

"The Jedi, maybe," Hala offered, "The Republic is bound to send them in to react to a Mandalorian expedition."

Thera's grin grew. "Are you saying the Jedi are better warriors than the Mandalorians?"

"I'd never say that," Hala smiled back and paused before slyly adding, "But they did win last time.... And beat Mandalore the Ultimate...."

"Well, you're lucky I'm not the sort of person to get offended over that. Try not to tell that to the rest of the patrons here." She leaned back and sighed. "Ah the story of Revan. But I don't need to recount that to you."

"It's an inconvenient matter at the moment, considering it relates to the sword that Kyr'ad seems determined to fall on...." Hala mused.

"Nor do I intend on repeating it. It was only intended as an attempt to create the thread of conversation to catch your sister's hunger for glory."

For his part Sylvain just sat there, listening carefully.

"300 years can include a lot of embellishment." She smirked. "Different accounts refer to Revan as a man or a woman."

Thera shrugged. "She's probably destroyed her primary means of communication by now. However, I know her backup holocommunicator. If I gave you mine to call her, she might not be so pleased about the deception."

"Probably not. Perhaps a joint call, or if you would simply make the case for her return for me so there is no suggestion of deception? As I have said, she is not someone who I wish to cause upset or engender mistrust with," she suggested.

"I could try. My instincts tell me it won't go well." The Ordo woman shrugged. "My sister never really listens to me."

"Then what does she listen to? It can't always be the promise of glory? And yet she isn't so cash obsessed as Kyr'ad," Hala said, mildly frustrated.