Announcement

**Jac Drae** · 09-20-2014, 01:48 AM

*Jac sat in the Mirror's Edge cantina and poked away at the datapad sitting on the table. Next to the datapad was a plate of food and beyond that, a beer. The food here wasn't great by any means, but it was better than what he made for himself when he cooking for others. Besides which, there was always an open table for him - hardly anyone sat at the Wraith table anymore. The datapad's screen contained lists of numbers, quantities of items to request from the quartermasters. Mind-numbing work, but essential for the running of the squad. The general noise helped keep him awake enough to finish it. In fact, he was just about done when Tam, one of the most veteran bartenders in the place, spoke up loud enough for the entire building to hear.*

"Meteor! Never thought I'd see you in this place again!"

*That got Jac's attention well and good. "Meteor" was an old commander of his, one who had disappeared soon after promoting him and Maddox to XO and CO of Wraith squadron, the fighter group that was no longer around. Maybe it was a newcomer who'd taken the name, not knowing its auspicious history. The Mirialan turned to look...and lo and behold, it was Isaacs himself. He was on his way over in a heartbeat, and got there soon after Ewan responded to the tender. He offered his hand as he spoke.*

"Life's just full of surprises."

"Since when does a Wraith not surprise others? Welcome back, sir."

**Grayson Drake** · 09-20-2014, 11:44 AM

While he expected to find someone he knew from his past soon enough, Ewan didn't expect it to be pretty much right away, which was cool. Turning around and shaking the hand of his former Wraith compatriot with a genuine smile he sized of the Rogue XO. Well I don't really know that I'm back, just glad to be out and about.

He didn't bring it up but he was sure that Drae would know how he was presumed dead because of an assassination attempt by an Imperial Spook, his older brother. Taking a sip of the drink and looking around he figured where Drae was sitting and started nudging them back that way. Check you out "Captain", I knew you had an "it" factor!

**Tal Kote** · 09-23-2014, 02:21 AM

-Exhausted.... worn out.... tired... depleted....-

-How else would one describe the work that he did. Kote had decided not to sit at the bar this time, instead he sat at a table with his head sunken on top, both arms crossed in front of his face, a half a glass of mandalorian whiskey. Granted he was to young to drink, but whiskey from Manda'yaim was the only thing that bypassed the law here. So it was the only thing he could chug down and get a good buzz going. This would be the FIRST time anyone would take notice of the High General looking the way he did. Aside from the basic attire he was wearing on thing certainly stood out and that was how messy the blonds hair was. Normally, it was neatly combed and pushed off to the side. But now! Wow, was the only word... it was a mess.-

-The mandalorian payed little attention to the locals around the cantina; he was just happy enough to end all the work he had gained. Every morning was the same routine... sign paper work, go to meetings, etc. etc. etc.-

-In the longest time ever; this was the first Tal was able to come into Mirror's Edge and relax for a bit. Hardly ever what was the mandalorian High General relaxing. There were already four empty glasses on his table, and who knows what he had laid back in the hour he had been here. Only thing the bartender saw was a waving hand for another drink, and that was it... but his [fifth] drink was only at the halfway mark and the man was hunched over a table feeling even more "relaxed" then ever...-

**Jac Drae** · 09-23-2014, 03:31 AM

"Well I don't really know that I'm back, just glad to be out and about."

*Jac was slightly disappointed at that, as the man would be an asset in any position he ended up in. Especially a military and/or flying one. He supposed that the lack of surety was based on Ewan's own choice rather than indecision by the military, or maybe it was. One of the rumors was that the man was dead after all, so if he was officially recorded as such there could be some problems resurrecting him. So to speak.*

"You're alive and on Telos, sir. That's close enough."

*The Mirialan's skin flushed a little deeper green at Isaac's comment about the "it" factor. He was proud that he was a Captain, proud of being Rogue Leader, but at the same time it almost felt like he didn't deserve it. It was very much a spotlight position at times, which meant it wasn't a very Wraith kind of action. The fact that he'd incorporated some of the advances - tactics and technology both - they'd discovered with the Wraiths into the Rogues didn't mean much. He responded as he sat back at the table.*

"Right place, wrong time. Honestly almost seems like they couldn't get anyone else to stay with the position, though I'm honored to be considered qualified for it."

*Off to one side he saw a face he wasn't expecting, General Tal Kote. Well, maybe not so much that he wasn't expecting the face as he wasn't expecting how the face was presented. The general's hair was messy, his face in his arms in an expression of weariness. There were several empty glasses in front of him, and he was nursing another. He was looking to be well on his way to drunk, and if the Captain remembered correctly he was too young to drink, but he was Jac's superior's superior. He would ignore the general for now, since he was so obviously relaxed, but if things started to turn for the worse he'd step in.*

**Grayson Drake** · 09-23-2014, 02:11 PM

While he wasn't sure if he should be here or not, he was glad to be back. It was a good feeling to see so many soldiers, sailors, flyboys... fourteen year olds... wait what? Since when did they start letting teenagers in here? Let alone start letting them drink... one...tw... five times over? That was something that he wasn't expecting but it was a private establishment on base and they had different rules around here. The "Right place... wrong time..." comment sort of irked him though.

Not because he thought Jac was second guessing himself, but Ewan was in that position once, when he was offered the Wraiths to begin with. He felt the same way Jac does, but he learned something. Jac, even if you were the last person on their list of "candidates" you were on the list. You do indeed deserve to be there. Good pilots are high credit assets that are hard to find, harder to keep. I miss it.

Then he pointed to the teenager who Jac was clearly paying some mind to. Since when did they start letting teenagers get drunk in here? He the owner's kid or something?

**Tal Kote** · 09-23-2014, 03:50 PM

There's no arguing that logic. -Tal thought to himself overhearing the conversation between Jac and Ewan.-

-In retrospect; Tal had never met or seen that other character before. Jac was the exception, and yet he barley talked to the man. Unless it was something to do with his squadron of fighter pilots. And from there he trusted Commander Kelly enough to get everything done pertaining to the Naval forces. Tal wasn't good at strategics with the NR navy; he was happy enough to jump into a cockpit of an X-Wing Starfighter and shoot down some Imperial TIE Fighters. The High General was a hands-on kind of guy and knew what he was doing whether it was with his navy or the units of the army.-

-Tal wasn't disappointed with the choices that the previous military commanders had made. Even if some were on the list and weren't chosen; at least they were still on that list. Good or bad. Problem was it seemed like no matter what fighter squadron you were in there was always a chance of losing a good pilot. Tal was never in the skies to see how many birds got shot down, but the numbers were never pretty when reading the reports. You only hopped that you were a good enough pilot to compete with that of the Imperial Navy. That seemed like the number one thing to count on was ones ability in piloting. Kote didn't doubt his skills or abilities, but was often nervous if he actually went up in an X-Wing and was shot down by an Imperial TIE fighter. Just what would happen from those stories being told?-

-Adjusting himself in the seat; Tal wanted to stand at that last remark that Ewan made. Teenager? Was he really going that far.... it wasn't anything less of his body wouldn't let him. More of not wanting to start a fight with some nobody who showed up out of no where. Tal's yellow eyes flickered beneath his bangs -- his face still hidden because of his arms. The man was asking to be slugged in the face and thrown out, bust just how much further would this continue?-

**Jac Drae** · 09-24-2014, 04:10 AM

*Jac acknowledged the point with a nod. He might not agree all the way, but he knew a good point when he heard it. That it came with a compliment didn't change his opinion any. He did make mental note that Ewan missed piloting, but restrained the urge to ask why Isaacs didn't know if he was back yet or not. A bit of a grin accompanied his intentionally arrogant words as he played into the pilot stereotype a bit. He left unsaid the bit about a good pilot not necessarily being a good leader.*

"Oh, I'm definitely a good pilot, one of the best. Wraith and Rogue, not many others can claim that."

*Carefully, the Captain withheld his snicker at the other man's description of Tal. If word got back to the general that a captain was laughing at his age, things could go badly. Teenager was a true description though, Kote hadn't yet reached the age of twenty. Jac was just glad that the cantina was on-base; having grown up the way he did, he was well-aware of how media could affect public opinion with a few words and pictures. If a member of the media happened to catch the New Republic's High General stumbling out of a bar drunk, especially underage as he was, things could go badly. Not that they couldn't here, but it was a lot less likely. He kept his words - and tone - relatively neutral as well as his expression, if anyone else had heard that comment, they'd be listening in without looking like they were. It was a trait of military beings everywhere.*

"He would be the current High General, Ares' replacement. Previously of the Army Special Forces. Mandalorian, I think. Eighteen or nineteen, somewhere around there."

*High General. A silly addition in Jac's mind, not that he'd verbalize such a thing. Either a General or not, Admiral or not. Even the Imperials' Supreme Commander or Grand Admiral were ridiculous. Sure, they might preside over others of the General, Admiral, or Commander rank, but the titles were simply ostentatious. Pick something simple, place it above the others, and go. Ares' or even the old Ackbar's choice of "Admiral" quite sufficed, in the Mirialan's opinion.*

**Grayson Drake** · 09-24-2014, 12:11 PM

High General? His tone was of genuine surprise, his eyes screamed "This base is being run by a 19 year old kid?" It's not that he had anything against Kote, he didn't know the bo... guy... but the situation just seemed like the kid was only there through attrition, like Jac obviously felt was his plight and that wasn't fair. Then he saw the General giving them, probably him, the hairy eyeball...

Guess he heard me...

Then he looked back at his longtime compatriot. Well I can't say I'm not surprised, but he must be where he is for a reason. The sentiment was genuine, after all the Echani believe one's true self only comes out in battle, maybe this kid was something, maybe a prodigy. Is there anything else that I should know about this place before I go to the recruitment office?

He wasn't sure that this was the right decision, or even if he would but he was a problem fixer in Corsec so long ago, why not here?

**Tal Kote** · 09-24-2014, 05:40 PM

-Pushing himself up; Tal glanced at the glass he had ordered. It was still at the halfway mark, but he wasn't feeling good enough to finish it. He had a buzz going but didn't even feel drunk. So this is what it felt like? At least he limited himself to this many... never again though. Stretching his arms out it felt like he woke up from a two hour nap when in reality he had only been here for about an hour and a half. Yellow eyes glanced over to the pair that were talking about him. Jac seemed to have it covered -- at least to a point that a bar fight wouldn't start. That was good enough in the mandalorian's eyes. Lowering his arms down -- placing his hands on the top of his head -- he fixed his messy hair to the best of his ability. At least to put it back in the semi-normal appearance that it had... though it was still messy.-

-After a while; the blond mandalorian pushed the glass he had been working on away from himself. He was done, for now.... Standing up; now even more interested in the conversation Jac and Ewan were having he walked over to the two. How he walked showed that he wasn't even on the verge of drunk. That was good at least. Because if the press found out that the military high general was drinking underage; many would probably call for a change in the leadership. Leaning in on Jack and Ewan; Kote placed both of his hands on the back of their chairs that they sat at.-

"Yeah," -Tal began keeping his words correct and firm as to not slur them.- "High General Tal Kote; previously the Special Forces CO, mandalorian, and will be twenty years old in a few months."

-He just had to correct at least some of what Jac had said.-

"Don't act to surprised," -His accented mandalorian voice now directed over to Ewan.- "Believe it or not my military record speaks for itself. Though I can say this... having a high rank doesn't mean you can't be a leader. But if you are looking for returning to the NR then I hope you are prepared."

He'll be in for a surprise...

-There had been a few who had left the NR and then wished to return. It was hard to ensure a spot, but it also depended on who was willing to take it easy.-

**Jac Drae** · 09-25-2014, 11:43 PM

*Amused, Jac let Meteor work through the facts on his own. In the end, it came down to a similar logic - that Tal had to be capable to be considered. The tone sounded genuine too, marking the words as more than just publicly agreeing. Considering his initial surprise, the Mirialan wasn't at all surprised at the follow-up question. He would have wanted a heads up too.

Before he could answer, he felt weight on the back of his char and a matching hand on the back of Ewan's. Tal. The general started talking immediately. Rank and name, fact that he was the former CO of Special Forces, Mandalorian, and "twenty years old in a few months". That emphasis suggested to the Captain that age was a lingering sore spot with the General. No doubt he'd deny it, but people didn't put emphasis on age like that unless they were a child or it was an issue for them. The General went on to say that his record spoke for itself - that's what records were there for - and something about having a high rank not meaning one couldn't be a leader. That, more than anything else, confused Jac and led him to believe that the alcohol had affected Tal despite the lack of slurring. Once the Mandalorian stopped speaking, Jac deemed it the right time to make formal introductions.*

"General Kote, this is Lieutenant Commander Ewan Isaacs, former Wraith Leader. Lieutenant Commander, this is High General Tal Kote, as stated."

*There was more that he'd be telling Isaacs, such as the current Army and Navy Chiefs, as well as the political and intelligence leaders, and the status of various other groups, but it would be rude to do so while the General was here. He had to assume that Isaacs had kept some information coming in since he'd named Jac as a Captain, but it was better to not assume what information the man had or didn't have.*

**Grayson Drake** · 09-26-2014, 01:26 AM

He wasn't caught off guard by Kote...

He wasn't intimidated by Kote...

He was insulted by Kote...

Not that he was a kid in a position of leadership, if he earned it , he earned it, simple as that. The problem was if he replaced Angellus, who apparently replaced Redeker, then he wasn't properly groomed for the position by way of protocols or respect. The guy didn't have respect for the stars he wore which was a shame. Ewan was retired, he didn't report to Kote or anyone so he could say what he wanted to, if he wanted to, but who or what would that help? All of would do was exacerbate a precarious situation already. Pleasure. Let me know when you leave, General, sir. Your cab is on me. Sure it would come off as patronizing, maybe even rude but it wasn't meant to be. He didn't want the guy to get hurt. By the sound of your last comment, General, sir, I'd like to know what I, whose record speaks for itself as well would need to be prepared for? Taking a sip of his ale and ordering some food, he wanted something heavy that would break down the alcohol and make it easier to digest. Some mynock wings would be great. I was about to order some wings, would you like some?

The alcohol on the Mandalorian's breath was becoming nauseating but he held it in well enough.

**Tal Kote** · 09-26-2014, 01:48 AM

Last time I drink....

-Yeah it wasn't the best way to present himself, and it seemed like the alcohol had already gotten to him. But it wasn't his fault -- well it was. He just needed a way of relaxing and to get away from the hustle and bustle of High General workload. Yellow eyes glanced over to Jac who had introduced him to a former Lieutenant Commander who seemed interested in coming back into New Republic ranks. Smiling Tal glanced over to the Lieutenant Commander.-

"A pleasure," -He responded before the next question came up.- "What I mean to say is that since you left; there has been change in the New Republic military. Ranks have been changed, standards have been changed, and tougher training regiments. Since the previous military leader resigned I've had to learn about my role through my fellow leaders and officers within the New Republic. I only understood as much as planing attack patterns and missions for the Special Forces; instead I am taking charge of an entire military force."

-Not that it's a problem.-

"Sure, I could go for something to eat." -A good means of getting rid of the alcohol on his breath as well. Lifting his eyes; Kote glanced to the bartender.- "Nothing alcoholic, just whip up some mandalorian tea for me with honey and cinnamon please." -Pushing his hands from the two chairs Tal turned and took a seat at the empty bar-stool next to Ewan.-

**Jac Drae** · 09-27-2014, 06:48 PM

*Unlike Intelligence agents, pilots were not required to have good sabacc faces as part of the job. The further they progressed, however, the better they tended to be. It was simple necessity: sabacc was one of the time-killing games they played with other pilots and support staff. Furthermore, the higher in rank they became the better their faces had to be. Jac's was nowhere near perfect, but certainly sufficed for holding back his reaction to Isaacs' reaction. As much as was possible, the man had seemingly bristled and had offered to pay for Kote's cab ride home before offering him some food. Tal agreed and took a seat at the table, ordering a tea to go with the food.

Jac, who already had his own food and drink untouched but present, didn't say anything. He didn't necessarily agree with Tal's assessment of the situation, unless it was for Army only. Training could only be changed so much, though it could be augmented and new technology brought into play. Ranks hadn't really changed, only the roles assigned to them, but that wasn't really anything new. Anyone who had been in the service previously could, maybe with a bit of effort, merge back into the ranks with little difficulty. Slang might have changed, common choice of alcoholic beverages, but it was the military they were talking about. Change moved slowly unless it needed to move quickly.*

**Grayson Drake** · 09-27-2014, 07:52 PM

Okay, so he wasn't expecting Tal to take a seat, or accept any offer of food but that was fine, he was a man of his word. Waving at the server for another order of wings in an old hand gesture she would recognize, Ewan turned his attention back to the kiGeneral. He was trying, but really sounded like he was reinventing the wheel, good in theory, but not always necessary.

I'm not discounting things have changed since I've been gone, I would hope so, but from what you say these sound more like "additions" really. Nothing against what you're saying at all, but it's more of a matter really review at this point, is it not? This isn't arrogance speaking on my part because tech has changed, but in the case of starfighters, you either can, or can't "fly".

Knowing his answer was vague, he took a sip of his ale and let them both stew for a moment. Jac, Jac here can "fly", I can "fly", the guy over there wearing his flightsuit in a place he clearly shouldn't can "pilot a ship", he hasn't learned to "fly" yet, not that you really can you either have it or you don't. Grabbing a wing from the first plate that was put down and laying it on two fingers then flipping it over and again on them as if some ritual, he had one last response.

One thing I learned about "Leadership", and I had to learn it the hard way is if you have to remind others that you're the leader, than you're not one. He clearly wasn't trying to come off like he was saying that Tal did this, he didn't believe that Mandalorian did, it was just an interesting tidbit to a conversation is all.

Announcement

Oh my word they kept the tables.

Oh my word they kept the tables.

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