A week later...
"So who's next on the list today?" Paz Vizsla asked.
The former Clone ARC Trooper sat in his tent at the Protector Camp, surrounded by many of his closest friends and allies. They were training, sparring, and mentoring the Outcasts as usual, while keeping tabs on resources and troop numbers.
In the wake of their recent victories and increased visibility, they had experienced a surge in recruitment, and planets within the Mandalore system had openly and proudly declared their allegiance to the Protector of Mandalore—the true Mandalore.
It could be said that due to their growing presence, they now had a stronger voice in the Outer Rim Territories through their work and activities. They'd received multiple requests and meeting proposals from high-ranking individuals from all over the galaxy. This had been going on for some time, doubling in frequency over the past week alone.
Honestly, Paz had been exhausted lately with the deluge of messages from factions and individuals across the galaxy looking to curry favor with the Protector.
"Another guild, Mandalore," Tobi said, giving their leader a sympathetic look.
"Who is it this time?" Paz asked, rubbing his temples slightly.
"The Bounty Hunters' Guild," Fennec Shysa said, looking slightly puzzled.
Paz blinked in surprise. "Them again? How many times have they contacted us?"
"Including this time, that's fifteen attempts in total," Ursa Wren said. "Although this time they seem to have chosen to change their strategy."
The Mandalorian looked at Wren with slight wariness.
"What do you mean?" Saxon asked the group.
"The guild agent and his organizer came themselves, along with another agent," Ursa said.
Paz rubbed his chin, pondering this development, then nodded. "Alright, let them through."
"They've been waiting on the outskirts of the camp for some time," Ursa said.
"Wait, what?" Fennec said. "How do they know where to find us?"
Although they had publicly established themselves in the Mandalore sector, little was known about their specific camp location. The only people who knew about their camp were either New Mandalorians, Death Watch remnants, whoever they'd commissioned work from, or...
...other Mandalorians.
Standing in the doorway of the tent was a man in his twenties with a confident smile, and beside him stood a burly Mandalorian. The warrior was dressed primarily in blue armor with the traditional Mythosaur skull emblem on his right shoulder. His gauntlets were a rusty brown color, and he wore a cape over his large heavy repeating blaster.
"Paz?" Saxon exclaimed in surprise, standing up from his chair and walking over to greet the Mandalorian, whom he obviously knew.
"It's good to see you again, Saxon." The armored warrior removed his helmet, revealing a mess of black hair and a black mustache and goatee with a distinctive white streak.
"Well, I'm glad we can start with something more familiar, Mandalore." The Guild agent accompanying the warrior announced cheerfully. "Pleasure to meet you all—I'm Greef Karga."
"What brings you here, Karga?" Tobbi asked, sounding suspicious.
"Well, I suppose that should be obvious, shouldn't it?" Greef chuckled. "I wish to establish a working relationship with your Mandalorian faction. Paz here is vouching that you're preferable to others."
"Really?" Paz Vizsla stared at the other warrior with an analytical look. "What's your clan?"
"Vizsla," the armored man answered immediately, and many people tensed in surprise.
"Paz Vizsla," Fennec said the full name slowly. "The same clan the True Mandalorians fought against all those years ago. The ones who led Death Watch, and who we'll no doubt come into conflict with again."
Paz simply nodded. "The very same."
"Approach," Paz Vizsla stood up from his seat. "Speak before our camp. We are well aware of our current standing among the clans." He positioned himself directly in front of the visiting Vizsla clan member. "Know that we may strike you down where you stand."
Paz stared firmly at the clone of Jango Fett and nodded silently.
"Then tell me," Paz Vizsla stared at the tall Mandalorian, searching for any ulterior motives. "Why did you come to us? Why should we believe anything you have to say or offer?"
"Because it wasn't him, you know?" Greef smoothly inserted himself between the two warriors, raising his hands in a peaceful gesture.
"Paz is one of my best partners and, honestly, the finest bounty hunter in the guild," Greef said, stepping back and patting the aforementioned Mandalorian on the shoulder. "There are only a few who truly surpass Paz in skill, and they are rare exceptions."
"Then why us?" Fennec asked, confused.
Greef scoffed good-naturedly. "Are you kidding me? Why wouldn't I choose you? At the end of the day, no one beats a Mandalorian bounty hunter. You've been the best for centuries. I mean, Jango Fett's name is still legendary throughout the Outer Rim. I'm certain it would benefit us both to work together."
Paz Vizsla stepped back—a silent gesture for Greef to continue.
"I know there's a good chance you can make it on your own and keep your heads above water, but it's going to be an uphill battle, isn't it? I know you're all skilled and have access to the resources you need to sustain yourselves, and Paz here is more than proof of that." Greef patted the visiting warrior's chest plate. "Working with us will provide you with a steady stream of work and credits, which will help you in the long run. Hell, you can even recruit others to your cause if you feel they're worth your time."
The Protector studied both the agent and the other Mandalorian carefully. Greef had some valid points. And say what you would about the opposing clan member—he had come here alongside another Mandalorian.
"Say we accept your offer," Ursa said slowly. "What exactly are we agreeing to? The work and bounties are one thing, but if we decide to sever ties, we'd rather not be bound indefinitely by guild contracts."
Greef spoke up, "With a large group of Mandalorian operatives tied to us, our numbers will swell considerably, and when you eventually sever your ties, I'm sure those who stay behind will continue to boost our guild's reputation."
The Protectors fell silent and exchanged glances with one another.
"Let us at least consider your proposal before we make a decision. You'll have a response by tomorrow at the latest," Paz Vizsla said.
"That's completely understandable. I'll be waiting for your call tomorrow," Greef said with a smile. "Have a good day."
The guild representative quickly left the tent, followed closely by Paz, who exchanged one last meaningful glance with Paz Vizsla. As both guild members departed, the remaining Mandalorians looked at each other.
"What do you think?" Fennec asked. "Should we take him up on his offer?"
"It would be greatly beneficial if we could secure more steady income," Alrich Wren said in a pragmatic tone. "It would contribute to resource accumulation and help us build more ships."
At this point, most had to agree there were valid arguments about the necessity of credits.
"Not to mention those droid schematics you recently acquired. We'll need far more materials for them than for the ships we'd originally planned," Saxon pointed out.
"If we all agree to this, it must be unanimous," Paz Vizsla spoke up. "I may be Mandalore, but let's not forget the Codex and the reasons why we choose to adhere to the old ways. Are we to ally with the Bounty Hunters' Guild?"
"I agree."
"We could use the work to help train the foundlings," Saxon added, and many murmured their agreement.
"Then we've made our decision," Paz Vizsla said.