Tales of the Mandalorians

[Dieter Schprokets]

A prince is also respected when he is either a true friend or a downright enemy, that is to say, when, without any reservation, he declares himself in favour of one party against the other; which course will always be more advantageous than standing neutral; because if two of your powerful neighbours come to blows, they are of such a character that, if one of them conquers, you have either to fear him or not. Because he who conquers does not want doubtful friends who will not aid him in the time of trial; and he who loses will not harbour you because you did not willingly, sword in hand, court his fate.

Niccolo Machiavelli : The Prince

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The young woman smiled at her dinner companion. But it was not a romantic occasion. She was, in fact, in battle garb.

The man across the table from her was no warrior. But he was certainly not soft. His eyes were like flint, and they narrowed as he sipped at his tea.

So, he asked, You intend to see their offer through?

Yes., said the woman. She wished this gentleman was less inscrutable.

I see. He paused.

You realize, this complicates things. Officially, we should ignore this, but if it becomes necessary, we may have to condemn it.

Additionally, he looked at his watch. He had somewhere else to be. You must use, um, appropriate equipment. Not ours..

The woman smiled. Of course.

He looked at her, frowning, then suddenly smiled without warning.

Well then. We would prefer that you had stayed out of it, but I suppose you follow the money. And of course, if we ourselves had to pick a dog in this fight, you know which way we would lean. Unofficially, of course. He stood to leave.

He made one last appeal to the low risk course of action. You wont reconsider, I assume?

The woman smiled again at her departing guest. A disarming smile. The Mandalorians, have had, on occasion, to ask for forgiveness.

She stood up, and placed her arms on the table.

We have never, however, asked for permission.

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The Council of the Mandalorians consisted of all those of Alorad or higher rank. It met in the newly refurbished Council Chambers on Barrier Gate Station, in Coronado.

There were good reasons why this conference was not occurring in Bretonia.

The new Mandalore, Diane Blane, sat beside Consuls William Bishop and Kal Vergebuir. Consul Kandosii was on assignment elsewhere.

The senior Alorad was clearly Dha Piruna. He had the respect of everyone in the room. The Mandalore was also keenly aware that he would not approve of what was going to be announced here. But it had to be done.

She rose.

Gentlemen. (She was the only woman.)

She went right for the throat.

We have been retained by the Liberty Navy to hunt the Rheinland Military.

The gasps were many, and the shocked murmuring began. Dha Piruna was, in fact, speechless.

The din increased. Mandalorians began yelling at each other. The tones were getting harsher, in English, and Mandalorian. Blades would soon be drawn.

William Bishop beat them to it. He drew his blade and slammed it into the table.

STOP! He had their attention. He gave it to Diane with a sideways look.

She stood up slowly, and spoke firmly. She looked around the room and met every mans gaze.

Are you Mandalorians, or sentimental nursemaids? She asked.

We find our opportunities in war. We always have. Two of our oldest clients have now come to blows. Did you really think we could continue to work for them both? How soon would it have been before one of you had to pick between two clients in a fight? And having done that, just once, how do you continue to service them both, having killed or injured one of their pilots?

She shook her head. Better for us to declare ourselves now, and fight for the client with the deepest pockets; the one we have made the most money from historically. Liberty.

She began to pace around the table. Her words were now for Dha Piruna, and those who felt like he did.

Some of you may find it difficult to fight the Rheinland Military. That is your prerogative. We have other contracts. Fight elsewhere, if you must.

BUT, understand this. I have not called this meeting to ask for council. I called it to inform you of this new contract. The terms have already been negotiated.

That is all.

She nodded to dismiss those present.

Before many had began to leave, Consul Bishop spoke up.

Gentlemen, for stunningly obvious reasons, leave your Bretonian ships at home for this one. Use your other vessels.

Life promised to be interesting enough without someone making that particular boneheaded mistake.

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