Chapter 2

Next on Nasheth's series of stops was to report in with Kumus. Kumus was just a few years older than Nasheth, but, despite his age, had showed enough potential as a warrior to be allowed to train some of the youngest and greenest recruits. While Nasheth would normally report to Xarga, Kumus's only immediate superior, Xarga had left Kumus in charge while he and Kelborn were on a scouting trip by the old sith ruins to the north of the camp. Mandalore himself had gone on his monthly trip to Onderon to secure any supplies that the Mandalorians couldn't either find or produce themselves and had taken Bralor with him. That left young Kumus in charge, which left Nasheth with one of the most amiable supervisors in recent history.

Nasheth found him showing a group of eight year olds how to disarm an opponent. He waited until Kumus was done and the children left before approaching him.

"You take care of that boma problem, soldier?" Kumus questioned as Nasheth approached.

"Of course." Nasheth grunted. "Any word from ner buir?"

"No, last I heard, the Hutts had him headed for Aradian. I believe it's in the Lianna system. But, that was two weeks ago, and he said he would be back last week. And you know your father, he's never late."

"I know. I'm pretty worried. You think you can run this outfit without me for a couple of weeks?"

"Oh, I think we can manage. Just make sure to let your mother know you're going off gallivanting around the outer rim." Kumus opined.

"All right. I'll report in when I get back." Nasheth said with some relief. He'd hate to admit it to Kumus, but he was seriously worried about his father. Being a bounty hunter wasn't always the safest job, but Dral had always contacted his family or someone in the camp every day.

Nasheth stopped by Zuka's office to let him know he would be off planet for a few weeks and to expect some air traffic. He also stopped by the supply depot and spoke to Kex about a new rifle. Kex was able to outfit him with a beat up Mandalorian light repeater. Nasheth, in turn, gave his Aratech rifle to HK. He also bought quite a few fragmentation and concussion grenades in preparation for his trip. With all his combat basics covered, he made his way home

Nasheth's family hut was just behind the main hanger. Built like a barracks, only much smaller, the hut was a little friendlier on the inside than its rough outer appearance. It was low to the ground, with thick walls and sturdy doors. It wasn't much to look at from the outside, but it was home for Nasheth and he loved it.

Opening the front door, he was greeted with a familiar sight of his mother yelling at Nasheth's younger brother. She was in her late forties, and had weathered face and a soldier's build. Her dark hair was disheveled and her face expressed the same displeasure that her raised voice conveyed.

"Sylas, if I ever catch you messing around with maalraas again, I will kick your shebs from here to Iziz." Ka'leiah said. "Those things will tear you apart. They don't care if you have armor on or not. And don't give me that 'all the other kids killed one with a vibroblade' osik."

"Yes ma'am." Sylas said begrudgingly. The boy turned and headed for his room.

"He's going to be a great warrior some day," Nasheth said, motioning towards the boy.

"He's going to get himself killed before then if he keeps on with this reckless behavior." Ka'leiah commented. "I honestly don't understand how twelve year old boys can do such stupid things."

"What do you expect from him mom? His father is a Mandalorian; his older brother is a Mandalorian. He just wants to continue the tradition."

"I know, and I want him to. It's just, he's growing up so fast." Ka'leiah murmured.

"I need to talk to you about dad." Nasheth said, finally working up the courage to tell his mother that he was intending on going after him.

"Yes, I figure you'll want to go find him."

Nasheth nodded his head. "He's been gone for far too long and it's unlike him to go dark for extended periods of time."

"Who are you taking with you?" Ka'leiah sighed.

"No one. Just me and the droid are going."

"You're going to go track down your father with just a droid when for all we know he could be in dar'yaim! That could be the most idiotic thing you've ever done." Ka'leiah exclaimed.

"Udesiir, mom. The droid has some serious combat programming. I'll be fine, I promise."

"Fine. When are you planning on leaving?"

"I was hoping I could leave tomorrow," Nasheth said. "I just got to load a few supplies into the freighter, and then I'll take off."

"Alright then, just make sure you make it back in one piece." Ka'leiah said, a touch of sadness in her voice.

With a nod, Nasheth headed off to bed.