The cantina was bustling like most drinking establishments across the galaxy.
The booths, stools, and tables were packed with customers, and drinks flowed freely throughout the establishment.
However...
One particular booth inside the cantina was given a wide berth by other patrons as its occupants drank in relative peace. The group consisted of three heavily armed individuals seated at a round table with drinks in hand, their distinctive T-visored helmets resting nearby.
Two of them wore armor painted in traditional Mandalorian green, while their companion sported mostly black and gray plates.
The three warriors appeared to be roughly the same age, with the one in black and gray armor being perhaps two years younger than his companions.
He had dark hair and a small scar on the right side of his chin. His most distinctive feature was his steel-gray eyes, which held a cold intensity that spoke of a warrior who had seen countless battles.
The man to his right sat in the center of their group—blonde-haired and blue-eyed, with his helmet resting casually in his lap.
To his right was their final companion, who exhaled a satisfied breath after taking a long sip of his drink. His eyes were also blue, similar to the blonde man, but noticeably darker in shade.
Besides the matching Mandalorian armor these three warriors wore, there was another aspect that bound them together as comrades, allies, and brothers-in-arms.
"So what did Spar tell you, Fennec?" the steel-eyed warrior asked.
"Nothing concrete yet," Fennec replied, polishing his helmet methodically.
"Why do you ask, Dax?" the third man asked, leaning back comfortably in his seat. "I thought you'd appreciate the chance to relax for once."
"Come on, Tobi, I'm still a Mandalorian," Dax said with a dismissive wave. "I can only sit idle for so long. Besides, we already rested during the flight here."
"Why do you sleep so much anyway, Dax?" Fennec asked curiously. "You sleep more than both of us combined. How do you manage it?"
Dax simply shrugged. "Trade secret."
Fennec muttered something under his breath before patting Tobi on the shoulder. "Come on, you two. Spar will want a report on our latest operation."
Nodding in agreement, the other two picked up their helmets and the trio departed the establishment, heading toward the ship they affectionately called "Pursuit." It was a sleek black Kom'rk-class fighter/transport provided by MandalMotors—the primary starship used by many modern Mandalorians.
The vessel measured 68.1 meters in length and featured broad, angular wings that could rotate around the ship's main body. Currently parked in landing configuration with wings extended upward, the ship could reconfigure for optimal maneuverability during flight.
While they could have chosen a smaller vessel, they operated as a cohesive team.
Climbing aboard their ship, they were airborne within minutes, with Tobi at the controls and Dax serving as co-pilot. Flying into the vastness of space, Tobi input their destination coordinates and engaged the hyperdrive.
The journey was relatively brief, bringing them back to the skies above the Mandalorian-controlled world of Concord Dawn. The planet had become the primary base of operations for the Protectors of Mandalore—warriors dedicated to the true Mandalorian way. Not the pretenders who controlled Mandalore itself, nor the extremist Death Watch faction that operated from Concordia's moon.
Descending toward the planet's surface, Tobi guided their ship to the main encampment that served as the Protectors' operational headquarters.
Landing near the other stationed vessels, the three Mandalorians disembarked and were warmly greeted by several fellow Mandos who welcomed them back enthusiastically.
Once inside the camp perimeter, all three warriors paused respectfully as they spotted Spar waiting for their return.
"Mand'alor," the three said in unison, bowing their heads in traditional respect.
"Should I assume the mission was successful?" Spar asked, approaching them with measured steps.
"Would we be standing here if it wasn't?" Dax replied with characteristic confidence.
Spar smiled and gestured toward the largest command tent in the camp, with the trio following respectfully behind.
"Good to hear," Spar said quietly as they walked. "I trust there were no significant complications."
"Other than Dax falling asleep next to explosive charges again, not really," Fennec commented dryly.
Dax quickly elbowed his teammate in response before composing himself in front of their leader.
"Understood. Now then..." Spar approached a nearby holo-table and input several commands. An image soon materialized above the projector. "I have a new assignment for you and your squad."
Fennec removed his helmet, as did his two companions, and all three studied the holo-table displaying a familiar world.
"Ordo?" Fennec identified.
"The Ordo clan has been suffering under constant raids from pirates and mercenaries," Spar explained grimly. "As you're all aware, the Mandalorians have become vulnerable due to our current divisions."
They were painfully aware that their people were now fractured into competing factions scattered across the galaxy.
"What do you need us to accomplish?"
"Isn't it obvious? Liberation operations," Dax said matter-of-factly.
"You're correct, but there's additional complexity involved," Spar informed them.
"Such as?"
"One individual in particular."
Fennec's eyes narrowed with understanding. "Could it be... him?"
Spar sighed heavily. "Possibly. Though I shouldn't get my hopes up. This represents only a single lead, and the first credible one I've received recently."
The three Mandalorians knew exactly who their leader was referencing. Spar had been searching for this person for years, and as three of his most trusted friends and allies, they understood both the man's identity and his significance.
"We will locate him, Mand'alor," Fennec promised solemnly.
"Don't raise expectations, but I would appreciate the effort," Spar replied. "Visit the forge before your departure," he instructed the trio. "Besides restocking your armaments, I believe she has something special prepared for you three."
"New equipment?" Tobi asked with obvious interest.
"You'll discover soon enough."
Spar then returned to his command duties as the three warriors departed.
Exiting the main command tent, Fennec led Tobi and Dax toward the workshop of the Protectors' chief armorer.
The facility itself stood apart from other structures—a solid, single-story building designed and constructed by the forge master herself according to her exact specifications.
Acknowledging the two other Mandalorians conversing outside the forge, they proceeded inside.
Even through their protective armor, they were immediately challenged by the intense heat radiating from the forge chamber. Not merely from the actual furnace temperatures, but from the passionate intensity of the forge master herself.
The armorer worked with absolute focus, ensuring no flaws or weaknesses existed in her craftsmanship. The dedication and discipline invested in her work could be felt by anyone who entered her domain.
"I assume you three understand what needs to be accomplished?" the forge master said without lifting her eyes from her current project.
"Yes, Forge Master," they responded respectfully.
Becoming a Mandalorian forge master represented both commitment and understanding—requiring the ability to combine traditional knowledge with innovation to create equipment that would advance whatever clan they primarily served.
After completing her hammering sequence, she carefully quenched the heated metal in a nearby oil bath. Flames erupted upon contact, and the forge master finally turned her attention to the newcomers.
"If you would follow me."
Not far from the central furnace, she opened a wall compartment revealing an impressive array of Mandalorian weaponry—vibroblades, blaster rifles, and much more. She moved to a lower storage unit, opened it, and retrieved several small containers. Opening the first case, she presented the contents to the three warriors.
"I believe it's time you three possessed these," she announced. "Whistling Birds provide excellent defense against multiple targets. Use them wisely, considering what challenges may arise."
"Understood," the three replied in unison.
She handed them the case containing the Whistling Bird micro-missiles, then listened to their requests for additional equipment to supplement their personal arsenals.
"Where is your destination?" the Forge Master inquired while approving most of their requisitions.
"Ordo, Forge Master," Dax replied immediately.
"Ordo," she repeated in a low, reverent tone. "That world holds great significance for our people. I pray for your success, Protectors."
"Failure means death," Fennec stated simply.
"I understand. For our culture and our heritage," the Forge Master declared solemnly. "This is the Way."
"This is the Way," another voice echoed from behind them.
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