MATTEO: Life and Death

Chapter 33

The Mandalorians were walking through the forest to the camp. Four warriors surrounded Matteo Shepard - for Mandalorians B'arin Apma - a Mandalorian belonging to a group that belonged to the Deatch Watch and fought for both Pre Vizsly and Maul. After the war, the group left Mandalore and found a planet where they made their own camp. B'arin was a refugee and was accepted into the ranks of a small clan. Over time, he was promoted and became the most trusted person in the clan.

What was the official version? B'arin Apma was a Mandalorian, one of the Cuy'val Gifts that Jango Fett recruited in 30 BBY to serve 8 years on Kamino and train commandos there for the Grand Army of the Republic. Years later, he left Kamino and became a bounty hunter. He died in 18 BBY. All information about him disappeared - this gave Matteo an advantage. One of the soldiers decided to ask him a question.

"Ey , B'arin. What is life like in your clan?"

Matt looked at him "Like in any other clan - We eat , we train , we fight against the Empire , we celebrate victory. We live. It's a peaceful life.

"I wouldn't say that being a Mandalorian is a peaceful life. "Denied the soldier "Now once again in the history of our culture we are at war with each other. Once again Mandalorian blood is being shed."

"But , this time is different " Another Mando interjected into the conversation "The rest of the clans versus the Saxon Clan. We will win no matter what."

"You forgot my dear friend that the Saxon Clan has the support of the Empire and that they rule Mandalor. Our spies say that Saxon has a wife. He recently had children."

And here he was right. Gar Saxon had children born to him. Tarro , Shae , Damian and Adrien. His wife Arla almost died in childbirth. Now Saxon not only had to take care of his children , but also had to take care of his planet. Poor bastard.

"I there , that I heard that Saxon is working on some kind of weapon. Apparently, some talented student created a project , which interested Saxon himself. You feel? The power of Mandalore has taken an interest in a little girl's project. Cute!" Another interjected into the conversation. All looked at him.

"Oi Venku if I smack you in your empty head right now you'll see! This weapon can be used against us. You don't know what this weapon looks like and how much firepower it has. You don't think about anything you dullard!"

"You are a dullard yourself Bardan. You always think you are smart , all knowing and what and the bullshit is that you are a selfish coward. No wonder your parents got rid of you. And as for that gun - it's just a joke. I'm afraid , that hey!" Venku winked. Bardan turned around and holstered his blaster. He approached him with clenched fists.

"Do you have a problem Venku? Why are you picking on me and meddling in my past. If you have a problem, solve it."

"Okay , okay take it easy. Relax. If you beat me up you'll be Madreth to explain." Venku raised his hands in the air. Then the captain came up to them and separated the two.

"I don't have time for a lady's tussle. Let's go to camp. March!" He shouted. Then they all marched to the camp.

An hour later

Matteo was at the Mandalorian camp. The camp looked well developed - it had a mass of tents and other places. In the middle stood First Light's yacht - the ship of the Crimson Dawn. Walking around the camp were not only Mandalorians , but also soldiers of the dawn - fearsome aliens in black armor with golden decorations. Their weapons were the same colors as the armor. It instilled fear towards the little found. Why are they here?

The captain approached Matteo. "The tent in the middle. That's where I find the leader" He pointed with his finger. Shepard nodded and went to the tent.