Tales of the Mandalorians

[Dieter Schprokets]

The tarmac of the New London spaceport was hot, and Dha Piruna was storming across it to the Goju Ryu like his feet were on fire. He had a very proper looking document in his hand, with seals and everything.

John Cabot was helping his Kusari crewmen load up the Goju Ryu with provisions. He turned and came down the gangplank to meet his incensed, recently-promoted Consul.

"Greetings, Mandalore Dha Piruna." said John, grinning like someone who had just farted in a crowded room, and gotten away with it.

"Mandalore my ass!" yelled Dha. He didn't lose his temper often, but when he did, he could get loud. "John, there is a ceremony for this, a very specific ritual. You don't just leave the role of Mandalore to someone via a bloody memo in his inbox!"

"Well, Dha, its not just a memo. I mean its got my, sorry, YOUR, seal on it, right there, and.." He stopped. Dha was not impressed.

John Cabot paused, then looked down at his boots, then looked back up again at his friend. His expression spoke volumes. Good thing too, since warriors were poor with words at times like this.

Dha Piruna looked at the Mandalore with new concern. "There is more going on here than just a transfer of power, isn't there?"

His eyes passed over the provisions being loaded, then asked, "Where are you going with the Goju? What gives, John?"

John sat on a barrel near the entrance to the gangplank. And started to speak, softly and deliberately.

"The Kusari are descended from the Japanese of Old Earth. This you know. What you may not have heard of is a ritual, called Hara-Kiri, which used to occasionally be performed by members of their military, once defeated. It was a suicide ritual, Dha. Nasty business, involving self disembowelment. But considered preferable to the dishonour of defeat."

Dha Piruna sat heavily on a crate across from John. He knew where this was going, and could not say a thing. John continued.

"Dha, the Bretonians are losing this war. It is only a matter of time. When that happens, what do you suppose the Kusari will do with the Goju's crewmen?"

"I'll tell you Dha. They will be captured, put to a humilating show trial, then executed as traitors."

John looked at his crewmen, who were now standing waiting at the gangplank, then looked back at Dha.

"I've been with this crew longer than I've been with the Mandalorians. They have told me that they have no desire to be humiliated, and would prefer an honourable death in combat to what awaits them when that defeat comes. In one year, maybe longer, who knows, the Bretonians will have to come to terms with the Kusari, and when that happens, it will be the Kusari setting the terms."

Dha Piruna looked angrily at John. "So you throw your life away too? I know you owe them, but do you really owe them that much?"

John smiled gently. "Dha, that's not really a problem for me. See, I've recently been told the reason for my recent weight loss. Seems that the love of the bottle can do quite a number on one's liver. First cirrosis, then cancer. And I'm well past the cirrosis stage."

Dha's shock was apparent. John continued.

"You'd have been Mandalore within a month anyway, my friend." John extended his hand. Dha took it and grasped it.

"Let's not overdo this, 'Mandalore'. Doesn't really suit Mandalorians, nor Bretonians." The handshake ended, then John spoke again.

"My last bit of advice to you. You will need a new consul. For political reasons, I suggest a Bretonian. That young pilot, William Bishop, will do nicely."

Dha nodded. He was a good choice.

John winked at the newly-minted Mandalore, turned and strode up the gangplank, and gestured to his crewmen to follow.

"Come on lads, we have a date with Admiral Sulu's boys!" The crew gave a cheer in Kusari, then ran up into the aged ship. Cabot gave another wink at Dha as the gangplank closed.

Mandalore Dha Piruna moved to a location behind the blast line, and watched as the Goju Ryu left New London spaceport for the last time. As the ship rose slowly into the sky, Ranov'la Aran approached him.

"Where's he taking that bucket of bolts?" asked Ranov'la. Dha nonchalantly showed Ranov'la the sealed document, and the Mandalore's signet ring on his finger. Ranov'la's eyes widened, and he exclaimed:

"Sweet Merciless Cay'lith. They're going to Kusari, aren't they?"

Dha nodded, then said softly. "One way trip."

Both men quietly watched the Goju Ryu disappear into the sky.

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