A slightly smaller Mess

*Jax snorts in contempt, and fires the needle pistol a few times, getting a feeling for it.* "Underestimate the old man why don't you."

Caiber: I'd say you look like you can more than handle yourself.

"It was not a jab at your sterling military prowess Jax, Inquisitorial immunity has its benefit, even if the immunity only extends to being tolerated." The Tau continues to grin, rounding on the hybrid.

"Just so you are aware, Tau of the Shas... the fire caste are bred for war and I get jittery, so if you turn on me I'd be genuinely happy, I am not asking you to but at least give me a fight before you bring the entire ship down... Assuming you turn, you can now accuse me of sabotage if you like, unlike me you are at least partially human and humans are supposed to accuse Tau of being converters of faith and heretical xenos."

Jax: "Come on man, if you want to spar just ask."

Caiber:.... would you look at that. Common ground. War is the reason for my birth too.

*Mac and mute sit in a companionway opposite an external window, a bottle of something suspicious between them. An occasional word is exchanged, verbal from mac, signed from mute.*

*clearly booted footsteps approaching*

"With age. Comes wisdom Jax. Growing old as a Tau teaches you that fighting Gue'la with bionics... Is not wise." He jerked his thumb to the hybrid.

"And he has three arms, I think It'd be wise for me not to engage in sparring... I fought my second and he decked me far too many times." He turns back to Caiber

"I am Shas'O N'Dras Ar'Kais Sora'Myr Korst'La'Shi."

"I am known as Caiber."

Jax: "You're probably right. Could get my daughter to kick your arse if you like."

*Mute turns towards the sound*

"Out of power armour... A fair fight, if you have practice swords." Ar'Kais nodded, already knowing the perfect place.
He began to depart and shouted over his shoulder.
"Send her down to my cargo bay. You can come watch."

Jax: "She's swinging a force sword around these days. Ain't sharp unless she wants it to be. she'll come."

Ar'Kais threw his arm over his shoulder as if to wave.
"And if someone can pull some strings to look for a very specific S.O.S signal that may belong to a certain races ships, I'd appreciate the company if I can't get fight something in the next few months, Good evening Jax, Caiber."

Caiber: well then.

Jax: *sniff* "Guy needs a hobby."

Caiber: don't we all....

*ship arrival montage*

*Hera is standing on the bridge, hands loosely held behind her back, looking out upon the world spread before them*

Charles is stood beside her. The planet below is clearly a typical polution-choked industrial world. Moments later, charles' usual grin becomes a frown.

Hera: "Fuckin ugly aint it"

"Not that.... Something's not right."

OOC: Holy fucking shit, you actually arrived at the planet!

Hera: "And you can tell that from orbit how?"

OOC: Combaaaat!

*someone walks into the tau's hangar. It isn't hera. A man in old and battered guard fatigues, mismatched flack and carapace armour, and more knives than a person could possibly need. As well as a pair of practice sabres, held by the straps of their scabbards in his left hand.*

Charles: Telepathy, remember?

Hera: "I do forget you're that insanely powerful sometimes."

The Tau had the top of his mechanics overalls off, tying the sleeves around his waist to reveal a warriors build, muscled and scarred.
He seemed to be going through some exercise as he regarded the individual stepping into his bay.

He turned his head, regarding them silently. He had been expecting a woman, not a weathered man.

*he walks towards the tau with an air of assured superiority.* "Lady Immalia has prior engagements." *he smirks, as if he just made a rather good, albeit, private, joke.*

*The man before him appears slight, not the wide shoulders and brute strength the tau has seen in many of the guardsmen aboard. He's not overly tall, still an inch or two taller than the tau, but thats to be expected. he has a full head of wavy blonde hair, pulled back into a ponytail at present.*

"I see. Shas'O Ar'Kais Sora'Myr Korst'La'Shi." He held a hand out towards their free hand, showing no emotion, but interest.
"You must be my sparing partner."

he grins a little at that

"Jack, And that i am." *he takes the tau's hand, with a surprisingly vice like grip*

Hera: "Showoff."

The Tau grins in challenge, he had played this game before with McIlwraith, it was a game of will and endurance, to show your strength to another.
He returned the grip, though not as strong as Jack did.

"Tell me Jack, how do you feel about sparring with a Former commander of the Tau?" He opened his palm to receive one of the swords.

Jack: "It could be fun." *he hands over a sword.*

"Anyway...something's wrong"

Hera: "Something, or can you tell what?"

"I cannot.... too muddled, too much interference.... the fact there's interference at all is troubling"

The commander gave a genuine smile. "A good answer Gue'la." He broke their hold before taking a few steps back, testing the swords weight.

With a small flair he struck the air with his blade, before attacking the scabbard to his waist and sheathing the blade.
He bowed to his opponent.

"Honour and glory, Gue'la."

Jack: "hmn." *he smirks, and throws the sheath to one side* "Can't fight with the thing sheathed."

Hera: "I suggest we take a task force down."

"It is a technique Gue'la." The Tau stood his ground, awaiting the mans approach.
"Why not come here and tell me I can't fight with it."

*he walks forwards, sword held low*

"To do... what exactly?"

Hera: "Just as insurance."

"A bad idea methinks"

Hera: "You said it yourself theres something going on down there."

"And if we show up in force, what happens?"

Hera: "We don't get murdered?"

"No, we don't. But whatever's going on, whoever's doing it, they see us, instantly. They go underground, they hide. We never find them. We leave, they emerge again."

Hera: "So, we go down incognito?"

"Indeed"

Hera: "How many of us?"

"How many do you think?"