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the things that you might like don't grow inside of me
Arms folded and his white armor gleaming with the reflections of neon holographics despite the darkened stands overlooking the arena, Rau stood in stoic silence as he observed the organized chaos below, towering over the assorted Krogan, Asari and Turians nearby - all keeping a respectful distance and leaving the Sangheili with a liberal degree of personal space.
When he had been informed that his ship had been selected as part of the fleet to escort the Galaxy Railways expedition beyond the boundaries of his home galaxy, Rau hadn't been entirely sure what to expect. Within the five or six millennia since his people had taken to the stars it had become abundantly clear that the existence of other life within that boundless expanse was not as uncommon as many civilizations, his own included, had once believed. While the existence of habitable worlds was a statistical rarity, the sheer number of them ensured that every galaxy was teeming with life, some advanced, some not, and it was not an unreasonable possibility to prepare for when embarking on a survey mission of any sort - especially when there was every possibility that the life you found wasn't friendly.
If nothing else the long and bloody history of both his home galaxy and that of the Andromedan incursions upon it served as proof that caution was often warranted.
That said, the Andromeda galaxy was defined by the presence of a single, isolationist superpower and then dozens if not hundreds of underdeveloped civilizations scattered across its reach, many of whom hadn't even developed the ability to leave their planets, nevermind true interstellar travel. To find another galaxy that was remarkably similar to their own, complete with established empires and galactic governments, had been something of a shock, and relatively unprecedented. Even more surprising was how reasonable - one might even say civilized - the initial first contact had been, although after learning something of their recent history Rau certainly understood why such caution and courtesy might have been extended. An even bigger surprise, however, had been that the other first contact scenario that had barely avoided blossoming into a full scale war had involved not only the local Turian empire but humans.
Seemingly native, but oh so very far away from home. No less ferocious for it, though, as several of them huddled behind cover in the holographic combat arena below him, a few blind firing at the approaching simulated enemies while the one who looked to be the leader of the bunch gestured and spoke, evidently trying to formulate a plan as they were pressured.
Rau had heard the stories as a hatchling on Sanghelios, and he knew the history of his species and the dohmoh quite well - or nishum as the more abrasive of his kind might have called them, an insult that had yet to entirely fade from the Sangheili lexicon even centuries later, in part due to their long lived nature. Their military history alone had made them worthy of a degree of respect, having survived far longer than expected despite a complete military disadvantage for the better part of thirty of their years through a mix of sheer tenacity and gifted commanders. It had been a common thread through much of their history, it would seem... even within this galaxy, as the Turians had quickly found. The key difference, however, would be of experience.
The Systems Alliance was a relatively new player. Barely three decades had passed since they had extended their reach beyond their home system, and within that time they had spread like a plague across this galaxy, inciting both the first contact incident with the Turians and numerous other political and military skirmishes with another race called the Batarians that had culminated in a Batarian funded pirate assault on the world of Elysium - which had then ended in failure and seen the fringe species driven into a political exile for their subversive actions. While their temperament had served them quite well within Sol-Daiban, out here it had earned them a reputation for violence and... well, frankly everything that the Galactic Federation founding species within Sol-Daiban claimed of the Confederation.
Here, however, what little history there was implied it to be rather deserved, although Rau would hold his judgement in the short term. Outside of the isolated interactions involving Kromus raids on human held colonies and one very specific infiltration mission that he'd hardly regard as typical Rau's experience with the species was extremely limited, and to judge by second hand accounts was tantamount to willing ignorance.
Within a handful of very short minutes and following a brief but "bloody" final stand the team below would soon be overrun, trapped on the low ground and unwilling to risk a more aggressive stance as the simulated mechs overwhelmed their position. Following the blare of a siren and a sudden shift in lighting as the simulated environment was reverted to a blank tiled room, Rau would turn one gold reptilian eye to the leaderboards as scores were posted and combatants told to vacate the room for the next squad - one whose performance Rau was quite looking forward to.
He might not have been participating himself, but the performance of the younger Sangheili under his mentorship would hopefully serve both to make a statement and prove quite illuminating with regards to this galaxy's military standards.
Post by Janice Shepard on Oct 20, 2019 23:05:27 GMT
I'M JUST A SOLDIER
The lift came to a gentle halt, a hiss, and then the door panel slip upward to allow her exit. A sigh as she ran a hand through her burnished red hair, green eyes shifting around while she stepped out onto the floor decks of the Wards district.
Her kit bag was slung over one shoulder as she walked down the corridor, watching carefully to the indicator signs for where she needed to go. A meeting with her new assignment would be in just a few days, but why she was supposed to meet this new ship here at the Citadel and not at Arcturus Station was beyond her. She'd never even been to the Citadel before, so knowing her way around for three days was going to be a tall order.
She had quarters set aside in the Wards, which seemed to be the primary residential sectors of the Citadel according to the map information. There was supposed to be a fast transit system, though for the life of her, she couldn't find where that was located on the map terminal.
"Bloody hell...how do you find your damn way around this place?"
There was a cheer from nearby. A screen was projecting what looked like some kind of combat simulation or competition arena. There was a small crowd watching, and after a moment, she gave a huff and walked over to see what the commotion was. "Let me guess, System Alliance and the Turians with long odds in favor of the latter."
"Nah, it's those outer galactic guys, the four jawed ones that have been negotiating with the Council for a trade colony."
Wait...trade colony? Four Jawed? That brought back a memory of the news post just three months ago about the envoy flee from outside the galaxy. The main species had looked human, though some have clearly been cybernetically enhanced, and then there had been the very large and towering race. Sanhell or something like that.
They were negotiating for a trade colony? With the Citadel Council?
And yet, her curiosity was piqued. "How do I get to that arena?"
"Automated transport, there's a relay console just over there."
A nod of thanks before hefting her duffle and hurrying to the indicated console. She had needed that information anyway, and since she had three days, minimum, she was waiting here, may as well see the sights and get a better look at these extra-galactic visitors.
the things that you might like don't grow inside of me
Entering the arena roughly a minute after the previous team had left, there would be an immediate and marked difference between the Sangheili and those that had fought earlier. While every species tended to exhibit such emotions differently, the previous teams had generally been there for enjoyment. A sport. Glory, in the case of those competent enough at this mock warfare to make a living of it, but... while Rau would never call them pretenders as he had no clue what the battlefields of this galaxy were like, it was clear that most of the ones he'd seen had never fought for stakes beyond their reputation. There were a handful that were different. Many of those called Krogan did not try to play up the crowds as the Turians, humans and the few Asari and Salarians did, and among the latter there were maybe a handful that Rau may have set apart as professionals, whether out of choice and the desire to perfect themselves and their craft as he himself did or those simply trying to survive and earn a living.
None of those individuals, however, had entered the arena yet today, and the tall, blue armored saurians with a single individual sporting a dark crimson and white color palette would be the first so far to utterly ignore the crowd as the exited the waiting hall. Instead, they would converse among themselves and - as the arena's holographic terrain shifted into something resembling an urban settings - immediately begin to grow more animated as they began checking their weapons. A few would instead begin animatedly conversing with the squad's apparent leader, subtly pointing out locations that Rau immediately recognized as points to be controlled for superior lines of sight and kill boxes to be avoided.
Good. They weren't taking this lightly, and seemed fully committed to pushing the simulation as far as it would go. Their job was to make a statement, not merely compete.
The crowd's reaction, however, would vary greatly, and as murmurs began to make themselves known Rau's reptilian gaze would shift away from the arena and to those in the spectator stands. Many within his on gallery would begin to throw subtle glances his own way as more of his kind entered the arena, some curious, some nervous. The volume of those murmurs would grow as the next minute or two passed, and while some seemed to be anticipatory and growing with favor as it was an as yet unseen species or team within the combat arena others were of growing discontent, displeased with the lack of showmanship or flourish.
They were ignored. Their opinions would soon either change or become irrelevant.
Another siren would wail as the main screen used to provide better angles and highlights during the competition would once again come alive, with pregame information scrolling across it identifying both the team at play and the simulated enemy they would be fighting. "Random Enemy", followed by numerous game modifiers - Elites, Super Elites, Enhanced Enemy Shields, Enemy Damage Boost, No Placed Ammo, No Medigel. The crowd's reactions were telling - initially growing anticipation into outright cheering, but petering off into uncertainty as the point modifiers continued to stack on top of each other. Rau himself would remain as he was, arms folded and umoving as he watched the team below - the only reaction given as the crimson armored Obedientiary looked up and gave a single confident nod to the white armored veteran, a gesture Rau would return as another siren went off and a series of short tones would begin the countdown to the match's start.
Post by Valerian Al'Aetherum on Oct 30, 2019 0:24:33 GMT
The day's fights had been of great interest to the Obsidian and Emerald clad mercenary standing in the back of the crowd near the facility's entrance. Observing the common tactics in this galaxy would do wonders for his plans to establish a positive reputation as a blade for hire, know thy enemy. Studying military tactics and history was a favorite pastime for the Crimson man, as there were always lessons to be taken and applied in his chosen career, and this simulation here, whilst imperfect, provided excellent opportunities to evaluate potential allies and enemies.
Judging from the information flowing over the screens right now, the Sangheili were looking to dazzle the locals, and the Mandalorian leaned forward a bit as he looked forward to a most interesting match, amber eyes flickering across the screens as he attempted to take in as much information as possible. This was a chance to see SDG forces up against Triangulum, a chance to observe a brand new match-up, without habitual interactions or assumptions to get in the way.
"Oh My, looks like we shall be having a rather splendid show before us. Pay close attention, friends, for there will be much to learn, and even more to be entertained by. It looks like the coming times will be most interesting indeed, with change comes turmoil which in turn brings opportunity."
Speaking to no one in particular, Valerian then leaned back against the wall, waiting for the fireworks to begin.
She arrived just in time, it had seemed, as the arena displays were making a countdown to the start of the match. As she had seen on the monitors before catching the transport here, a number of the extra-galactic newcomers were entering and readying themselves. A number of scenario modifiers were announced, and for a moment, the young lieutenant-commander found herself blinking in surprise; it was an ever increasing checklist of handicaps that gave a very sure of themselves impression of the outsiders. She paid close attention, however. They were a wildcard presence in the galaxy, and there had been some gossip at Arcturus that these "Sangheels" were familiar, intimately so, with humanity.
From over two million and a half light years away.
The group in the arena were taking positioned, actions of highly trained and experienced soldiers. One of them gave a glance to a particular member of their species who was clad in white armor and watched from a special section of the arena. Their superior, she assumed. She was learning already if her guess was correct.
The countdown continued until it elapsed, and the match began. If nothing else, she was going to get quite a show.
the things that you might like don't grow inside of me
Another siren off, and the game would start. Having already identified key tactical locations the nine Sangheili would immediately break into two squads - four and four of the blue armored individuals with the crimson squad leader following the second group - and move to take the two rectangular elevated structures on opposite corners of the room. Lined with what would've been chest high walls for most of the species present in the spectators' stands, the cover was minimal at best for the oversized saurians... but more than adequate protection against the hostiles that would begin flickering into existence in the lower sections of the arena. Within less than ten seconds since the alarm had sounded the start of the match the confined space would be populated by sixteen humanoid figures, their holographic textures taking a moment to stabilize and solidify - bone white, skeletal and clearly robotic in nature with a black faceplate and red lights behind it, Rau would glance to the status board.
"LOKI Mechs"? They reminded him more of the civil service frames he'd seen utilized in construction roles back in the Spur than anything of military use, but there was no mistaking the weapons they were carrying. Nothing more than pistols by the look of it, but a threat all the same.
They were quick to the trigger if nothing else, though. Gangly and stiff in their motions, the mechs were nevertheless far more accurate than their movements would've suggested as they started firing. One, two, three bright blue flashes as the shields flared below, although nothing that looked like a direct hit as the Sangheili took full advantage of the elevation difference and hunkered behind cover. More importantly, none of their shielding collapsed which was more than could be said of earlier teams that had utilized the same tactic. One small consolation in this new galaxy - almost everyone still used kinetic weaponry, technology that their by now ancient energy shields had always proven quite effective against. And as the mechs continued to blindly fire at his squads' cover while slowly advancing towards the stairways up the first series of clicks and hissing would become audible as their weapons began to overheat and become unusable, even if only for a handful of seconds.
That was all the opening that the Sangheili would need.
Operating off the audio cue both squads would pop up over their cover, storm rifles spraying plasma at the simulated mechs below and prioritizing those closest to the stairways opposite their positions. Creating a devastating crossfire, the action would immediately eliminate five of the mechanized infantry and heavily damage another, sawing it in half at the waist and leaving it to crawl towards the stairs without a weapon - a piercing electric chirp and a flash would see yet another mech eliminated as a beam rifle shot from one of the Minors cored a LOKI mech's torso.
The return volley from the remaining mechs would be even less disorganized as the first, the awkward upward angle as they neared the elevator platforms ensuring that the only two bursts to find targets would result from a deliberate trade of fire on the Sangheili side, the soldiers choosing to remain exposed over their cover as they continued to fire off automated plasma fire in short controlled bursts. Trigger discipline would be well rewarded, melting through most of the remaining mechs - another heavily damaged one losing power as it fell, leaving only three after the second exchange of plasma fire. At least until the beam rifle fired again, the lance of energy piercing through a LOKI mech's head and causing it to detonate, taking the remaining two mechs with it as it exploded.
An admirable shot, and Rau could appreciate the bit of showsmanship on the part of the sharpshooter who had taken it. He would need to remember which warrior that had been for later.
Fifteen seconds in, and the alarm would sound again to mark the end of the first wave of opponents. Shields below flaring as the five individuals who had taken hits recharged their protective barriers, the two squads would hunker down and cool their weapons in preparation for the next set of enemies.
There was a shift in the crowd around her as Shepard herself was unable to comprehend what she had just witnessed. The sheer snap and precision that the Sangheili, as she was finally understanding they were called, had executed the combat wave was military, disciplined, and honed by real combat. The difference between some paradise inner systems stationed overglorified rich kid who had his assigned stationing paid for, and a veteran who had seen how uncaring the universe really was.
And she had already been the latter.
The speed at which they had literally melted the simulated mech units, the use of something that was far more advanced in scope than the kinetic field barriers she was familiar with. It made her appreciate that they were here to negotiate with the Citadel for a place to set up trade and a local stop for their people. She was curious as it was regarding them, and initiation, as she observed the visual cues and by play between those in the arena floor and those watching, the one clad in white armor was clearly in charge.
Another buzzer. Another countdown. The next wave was coming. Better get ready to watch if she expected to learn something.
Post by Valerian Al'Aetherum on Feb 3, 2020 2:56:21 GMT
The battle-droids seemed to be more properly geared towards domestic security than war, but they looked easily mass produced, and quantity could be a quality of it's own, a potential tool to be added to his kit. But it seemed that they'd be of little use except as a distraction against his fellow foreigners in the possibility of conflict. He would need to get his hands on some proper fighters if he would become anything more than a lone gun for hire. The Mercenary wade his way forward through the crowd to get a direct look at the arena, desiring a more personal view of the scene to dissect. It was clean, quick, and professional, and the enemy had quite literally walked right into the killboxes. There wasn't a whole lot to glean that could be used against an intelligent foe though, simply noting usage of good cover and firing lines. Glancing over to a red-haired individual wearing local armour, he'd prep a query.
"So, friend, how would you go about combating a foe such as they? It seems that Battle-droids aren't the solution, too little usage of cover. Their arms are formidable, as is their armour, well trained are they, and disciplined too. When sport it is not, what occurs?"
More intel, more knowledge, he'd need this to ensure his success. He knew himself, but not the enemy, and he wasn't willing to risk losing as much as he won.
Post by Janice Shepard on Feb 19, 2020 4:06:38 GMT
I'M JUST A SOLDIER
The being was unfamiliar. They didn't look like any species she was familiar with, but considering the Sangheili down in the arena, to see more extra-galactic visitors was probably not to be assumed surprising anymore. It was an odd question that they posed. And what was a 'droid'? Was that some lingo from their native region for an automaton?
"Truthfully, these guys know enough of what they're doing, that I wouldn't want to be on the other end of anything they throw out." Batarians were one thing; disorganized, decentralized, and little more than pirates. The Skylian Blitz had been a stranger occurrence of that magnitude, but not totally unheard of. It was still sloppy as hell by comparison. "I've been in a few really crazy spots, but these 'Sangheelee' are top notch, their commander probably has a bar tab ready for the once they finish." Truthfully, she wouldn't have minded having a team like these extra-galactics back on Elysium.
Post by Valerian Al'Aetherum on Feb 19, 2020 4:49:40 GMT
The answer was short, vague but still an answer, he'd need to work a bit harder, be more blunt, or both.
" Madam, you are a madam yes, hypothetically what would you say when giving directions to a mercenary under your command when dealing with these soldiers, assuming that said mercenary is a bit more competent than the common thug? Also, how might such a mercenary be directed to deal with some of the threats from the local neighborhood? I am, for various reasons, quite interested in such things. Jedi, Sith, Imperial Operative, Republic Shocktrooper, those are familiar things and easy to neutralize with proper preparation... well, not the Jedi or Sith, they're always tricky."
That brought something up, he hadn't encountered any force users that were native to Soul-Die-Ban during his admittedly short time there, but that didn't rule out their existence here.
"Please do tell though, have you people any amongst you who twist reality with your will? Any who move matter and/or energy with thought? In my experience, those are the most troublesome to deal with... I do have some spare assets for drink if that may help, talking shop over a small bit of mental lubrication oft makes things go smoother."
He'd absolutely have to see if he could recruit some when he established a clan here. Sometimes fighting fire is easier with fire. Either way, knowing would provide an advantage. Getting a few gigs going would be in order as soon as possible, a workless mercenary was a rather sad thing. Contemplatively fiddling with his jaw, Valerian would resume observation of the arena, still listening to the red-headed local for whatever further conversation there may be.
Post by Janice Shepard on Mar 21, 2020 4:25:09 GMT
I'M JUST A SOLDIER
Those were some...oddly specific questions, again. And what was a...jed-eye, or a seeth? And twisting reality to their will? It almost sounded like they were talking about biotics, in a gross oversimplification of what biotics did, but…
They were all but certainly some kind of extra-galactic newcomer from the way they talked...and their very stilted fashion of speech was odd to say the least. It sounded like they were offering her a drink, but Shepard wasn't quite sure what their aim was anyway. They were asking a lot of questions regarding the visiting Sangheili group, particularly about how to combat them. Something she had no idea of even where to start, even if she had been inclined to consider the idea.
"Appreciate the offer, but truthfully, not sure I could help you much." With a sigh, the young lieutenant commander would gesture to the Sangheili clad in white armor, the one she had pegged as their commanding officer. "Now, I figure that's their senior. He hasn't said anything, far as I can tell, but he's watching them very intently, like he's evaluating them. Far as tactics go, these guys have weaponry I've never seen before. Looks to be all energy based, maybe even raw plasma, and kinetic barriers do squat when there isn't a physical object like a bullet to react against."
And then the more telling thing. "Truthfully, we still don't know much about them or the galaxy they came from. They showed up with those Galaxy Railway people about three months ago, and seem to be trying to set up some kind of trade arrangement with the Citadel from the scuttlebutt I've heard. Getting into a fight with them is the last thing I want to think about."
the things that you might like don't grow inside of me
As the clock counted down to the next wave of simulated enemies, Rau would find his vision wandering again. The teams below knew not to spend their time idly, and there was little point in evaluating each and every single little move they made. The board likewise was already displaying their next opponents - another wave of mechs, same as the ones they'd just dealt with. Only nearly double the number. Perhaps a few might make it as far as the stairs this time that led up from the ground level and onto the platforms that his warriors were taking cover on, but not nearly enough to pose any more of a threat than they had so far. They'd used no explosives, nothing that could arc up and over cover, no advanced tactics beyond moving forward to try and flush their targets out of cover. And while it wasn't quite the same as the kill box between the two platforms the stairs would function as additional choke points, funneling the fragile mechs into places where they could not fire without exposing themselves to multiple weapons at once.
It would still be another wave or two yet before they saw the challenge Rau had been hoping to pit them against. Something a bit more substantial, but likely also pushing the limits of this arena's ability to properly simulate. As far as Rau understood this was something new, and while he suspected this galaxy's militaries had more robust and capable versions... well, obviously they were not available for public use and that would've defeated the point of this little exercise.
As Rau's gaze wandered, however, the reptilian eyes would pause as they caught sight of something across the empty expanse above the arena, in the viewing gallery opposite his. As with the one he stood in it was host to a number of observers, almost entirely Triangulum natives - human, asari, turian, salarian, the occasional krogan and half a dozen others Rau could not properly remember. But one of them did not belong. Speaking to another human that Rau could only assume to be one of the galaxy's natives was a red skinned individual, and while the Sangheili could not readily identify the species the armor that it wore did speak to him. It wasn't something that the Evocatus could immediately place, but after a few moments spent pondering the familiarity Rau found himself blinking slightly in surprise. He was correct in that he did know the armor, its design and craftsmanship, but...
Why, of all places, here? Rau had only ever encountered their kind a handful of times both during their resettlement on a world within Sangheili space and later the expatriates that had settled on Daiban and other worlds as part of a rather expansive mercenary and bounty hunting guild, but the armor's style was unmistakable. What was one of their kind doing so far away from the Spur, and in a galaxy such as Triang who'd yet to explore beyond their own galactic borders?
Mandibles working in thought as Rau pondered the revelation, the white armored Sangheili would only pause to glance down as the next wave's buzzer sounded. As before a number of the spindly mechs would flash into existence as the arena's holographic projectors flared, popping into reality in groups of five - and emboldened by their earlier success the Sangheili taking cover would mount their rifles over said cover to begin burning and melting their opponents as their appeared in a much more aggressive fashion than before. There was little to watch or evaluate here, his men knew what they were dealing with and there was no longer any pause or hesitation. The occasional blue flash of a flaring energy shield as a lucky shot from a mech found its target before it was obliterated by focused plasma fire, but nothing more. Gaze now fixed on the Mandalorian across the way, Rau's arms would unfold themselves and drop to his sides as the massive saurian began to walk, circling around the edge of the spectators' gallery to make his way towards the other extragalactic visitor.
Post by Valerian Al'Aetherum on May 11, 2020 1:08:15 GMT
Ah, well, it'd seem that he'd need to wait a bit to get any actionable information. There were always others to speak with, others to speculate with, others to scour for information. Perhaps he ought to simply take a few jobs and get his hands on some local equipment, experience is the best teacher afterall.
"Ah, well, I suppose that a merc ought to simply find employment if he wishes to get a feel for the field. I do apologize for the impromptu interrogation, and whilst you didn't have what information I hoped to obtain, I did learn quite a few things; if you need assistance of the martial sort some time in the future, I'll give you a good deal as recompense."
Some conspicuous movement would catch his eye, it appeared that the Sangheili Commodore was approaching and was looking in his direction. A quick scan of his surroundings would reveal that he was likely the most conspicuous individual there. He'd wait till the White-clad Saurian got a bit closer before greeting him.
"The Humble Mercenary greets the Generous One, how can I help those who've done much for my Kin? Any skulls need cracking, secrets need trading, or recruits need training?"
For all his asking about methods of fighting them, that being only business, the Sangheili weren't a folk he'd fight lightly or without good reason.
Post by Janice Shepard on Jun 7, 2020 23:45:33 GMT
I'M JUST A SOLDIER
The mass of white armor had approached them, and as she got a good close up look for the first time of the Sangheili, and of their apparent leader in particular. To say they were big was a gross understatement. Even with what looked to be a hunched posture, the figure in white armor easily cleared two and a half meters tall, imposing and broad built.
Shepard had seen holos of the krogan, met a few turians...but this was different. They were known. The Sangheili were an enigma to the Citadel Systems. Yet if there was a need, somehow, Shepard felt she would not regret having one by her side. "I'm assuming those troops down there are yours...commander, captain, general?"
the things that you might like don't grow inside of me
Despite the bright blue flashes of plasma and energy discharge in the arena below Rau would keep his attention focused on the object of his curiosity as he moved - and while he would take the occasional moment to slow or slightly alter his pace to avoid bowling over the spectator or pedestrian that failed to notice his approach or clear a path they were few and far between. The Mandalorian likewise seemed to notice Rau's approach well in advance, although as the red skinned humanoid looked around him it seemed as though they were initially unsure as to the reason. It was difficult to read the individual's expression as Rau found it to be so for most built like him, but the words spoken as the Sangheili finally got close were easy enough to understand.
Polite enough as was the intent behind them, but-
"No, nothing of the sort. You appear to be a long way from home." Rau said, pausing a moment as he came to a stop a respectable distance from the Mandalorian before actually speaking. While his voice was a deep bass as it was for most of his kind, the Sangheili's voice lacked the distinctive gravel tone that came with those who went much of their lives speaking only their own tongue. While it had been there during his younger years the sheer amount of time spent working aside the other races (humans in particular) during the Kromus War had ironed it out, even if he still struggled with sometimes speaking foreign words that ill fit how his jaws were intended to work. As he allowed the statement to hang between them in the hopes that the Mandalorian's own apparent desire to please would fill the gaps, however, the human beside him would speak in turn, causing the Sangheili to tilt his head slightly to focus the single slit pupil of the eye on that side of his head upon her in consideration.
Human terms, but not ones dissimilar from those used by their kind in the Spur. Or most other species in that region of space, for that matter. There was no direct translation between their tongue and his own, but where there was the words and meanings behind them somewhat differed. Captains in their tongue were Shipmasters in his, generals Fieldmasters, commanders not simply a title of station but denotation of their exact skills and mastery rather than a mere rank.
"... Evocatus, to simplify it. Although I don't believe your kind use the same words to describe my position." Rau started, again pausing as he considered the wording. Sangheili military traditions and cultural explanations were often a long and drawn out affair as they were for any species trying to explain their ways to another, and if he could just as soon avoid such a conversation he would. Leave that to the diplomats and commanders, if they ever chose to reveal as much once relations warranted it. While he might have known and understood them all as was expected of his station it wasn't a topic that Rau often felt like discussing, even when demanded of him by circumstance.
"But yes, they are. 'Minors' in your tongue, lacking in field experience. Your combat arenas are quite useful in that regard."
