Chapter 10
Chapter 10
713 FNM (25BBY)
Month 10
Mandalore, Sundari,
Vai-Viktis Vizla
"Tanya, I don't think this is the greatest idea." I said as I followed along behind her, shaking my head.
"Nonsense, this is a perfectly reasonable idea." Tanya said, waving her hand to dismiss and toss away the idea.
"I mean, maybe, but exploring the city without guards seems tempting fate if you ask me." I pointed out keeping my eyes open in case any trouble happened.
"There are going to be opportunities and events that will require me to have a minimal security presence, mainly just opportunities and events that will be just the two of us. If I cannot trust you to keep me safe then why are you even here?" She said with a smile looking at me, causing me to sigh and acknowledge that there was a point to this madness.
"Besides, what was the point of all that training we've gone through under Bo if I couldn't handle myself in the literal safest city for my existence?"
"I don't know about that." I said looking over at a wall while we were passing by. The wall in question had a black outline of the symbol of Death Watch. A little bit of vandalism, but still it was something I had never seen sprayed on a wall in my lifetime. Death Watch had been thoroughly destroyed after the Clan Wars and the new Death Watch that my mother was a part of tended to be a lot more careful and quiet about their plans so who was posting images like this was a bit confusing to me.
Tanya looked over there as well and then shrugged. "I figured Death Watch two would come out sooner or later." She said as she started walking on, observing the neighborhood we were in.
Tanya had decided that she needed to see the people she would be serving without a large number of guards following her around to distinguish that she was some form of royalty. But instead of going to one of the wealthier districts like I assume she would plan when we snuck out. Instead, we ended up in a more lower-middle income area with lots of apartment buildings. More closer to the edges of the city, where manual labor jobs were located.
Turning to catch up to her I asked, "Death Watch two?" Wondering why she referred to it in such a way.
"Yes, Death Watch two. Well, I bet someone refers to it just as a continuation of Death Watch. I doubt direct continuation. All research I've done on their little paramilitary indicates that their leadership was completely wiped out, so any organization that pops up spouting that it is the same thing is most likely just an organization trying to use the name for brand recognizability. 'Your forefathers fought for Death Watch come join us' and all that shimmery." Tanya said without a hint of worry as we continued our walk.
"I theorize something like this would happen," she said. As we turned a corner, we saw another one of the Death Watch vandalizations on the wall, this time with a silver X through it. "As time goes on and the Clan Wars get further away, people are going to become a little bit disgruntled with the current status quo and wonder if the old status quo is better in some way, happens in every society. Once an ideology exists, it will grow in a society until it is either destroyed or fully asserts itself."
She stopped talking as a group of teenagers walked by, most of them wearing regular New Mandalorian clothes. However, a few of them were wearing noticeable knee and elbow pads meant for Mandalorian armor as they dribbled a ball between them.
"Hmm, it seems the idea of turning armor into a fashion statement is working."
"So what do you make of this?" I said, pointing to the silver X through the Death Watch symbol.
"An unfortunate but not unwelcome development. I theorized that an organization would take root with the groups who are displeased with the direction of the New Mandalorians. And I'd hoped that the document would help alleviate some of that pressure.
It would seem that considering how it's been referred to as the Silver Codex online, some people have taken it as a rallying mark.
As long as it stays as simple vandalism and childish gang stuff, it is not a big concern."
"And if it moves beyond that?" I asked, curious about her opinion.
"Thankfully the ideology of Silver is, let's call it, very defensive, so I don't think they will cause any trouble. I'm more concerned about their interactions with Death Watch in the future. Gang violence is not conducive to a stable economy, and if they end up going at each other, that could be a problem that could set back progress."
Continuing on her way, she looked at one of these storefronts at the lower parts of the building. It appeared to be selling some sort of designer Mandalorian vambraces, belts, and vests. Non-lethal items, designed for beauty, and finally the little bits of technology that were a glowing convenience. However, I would probably need to actually own one to know what it could do.
"Hmm, remind me to talk to Zum Muduuc when we go to Bo's training area again. I might have a business opportunity for him to consider."
I nodded, taking out a notebook to mark that down.
When I first met Tanya, I had trouble nailing down her eccentricities, even misunderstanding her at first. But over the years, I started to get to know how her mind worked. She was goal-driven, usually centered on peace like her aunt, but she was not a slave to peace like the New Mandalorians.
Instead, she was always looking for opportunities to push her agenda and keeping a strong sense of what could go wrong in mind. There were, of course, moments where she was more daring, but she usually had some sort of backup plan when she was implementing one of those daring ideas.
I wondered how that would serve her once we got to Coruscant. Theoretically, she would just be a regular diplomat, but with the way her mind worked, I would not be surprised if she could pull some fast ones and get Mandalore some trade deals that most people would not have considered.
Really only time would tell, but I trusted her a lot more now than when I first met her. Back then, she had just been a useful way to get away from mother. But considering she was willing to put herself through training to make sure she was in Tip-Top shape, explore areas of the city she was not usually going to go to see what it was like, and actually get an understanding of how Mandalore worked. I don't know. I just feel like she was going to go a lot further than a mere senator and do ten times more good than any senator could ever accomplish.
(Play: Tipsy)
My musings are interrupted when Tanya enters a local tapcafe in a fairly quiet side street. Called the Sleepy Strill, it is a tapcafe that is squeezed between an apartment and a laundromat with a logo of a sleeping strill above the door to the cantina. I followed her inside to see a fairly busy interior with most of the tables being occupied by teens our age, a bar counter with a bartender on the right side of the room with a door that you assume leads into the kitchen behind the counter, and a jukebox at the far end of the room. This is to be expected since it is after school has ended for the day and there is a local public school near here.
Tanya takes a seat at the counter and starts to look at the flimsiplas menu while the bartender watches. I followed her lead and took a seat next to her so I could lean in to take a look at the menu too. As expected it is filled with a variety of snacks, meals, and beverages with a few specialties here and there.
Before you can decide what to order you see Tanya wave the bartender over. "I'll have a glass of Black Caf, my friend will have some Cassus Tea, and a bowl of red gourd soup with grilled cheese Haarshun bread please."
The bartender raised an eyebrow, "Aren't you a little young to be drinking caf?"
"Yes, yes I am." came her immediate and deadpan reply.
The bartender shrugged before getting started on our orders. I knew Tanya wanted to drink caf for a long time, so this might be the true reason we are exploring the lower income areas of Sundari. Getting to know the population could just be an excuse or a secondary objective. People are less likely to recognise her here than in the upper districts where she is more often seen and the people are more likely to talk to Satine's staff about Tanya's activities.
"So, is the reason that we are here is so that you can satisfy your caf addiction?" I had to ask.
"Partially, no reason we can't gather information and have a break from walking at a nice tapcaf." Ah, so it is just a side benefit to exploring the city. "Additionally, tapcafs are an excellent place to gather information, as it's a location where many people gather and converse with one another. An excellent place to overhear information."
Tanya motions with her head to a group sitting at a table right behind them talking fairly loudly. "Man school is a pain, what I wouldn't give to go back to the old ways. At least my parents wouldn't give me homework. At most they'll give me chores around the house and then combat lessons on weekend with a bit of lessons from their life in the form of stories from their youth. Reading dry history books is torture."
Another teen in the group decides to chime in. "Come on, school is not that bad. If we didn't have school we wouldn't have met each other and learned stuff that our parents didn't know. Ms. Frizle's chemistry class is usually fun with her experiments."
"Yeah, but Mr. Rezla's Math and Ms. Kriz's New Mando philosophy lesson is a bore. Like when am I going to use them? Sure, learning how to count my money and how to not offend New Mandos is fine. But when the kriff am I going to use calculus?"
One of the girls in the group decided to chime in, "Well, you would need to know calculus for an office job as well as learning how to calculate hyperspace jumps."
"Yeah, I know I am not smart enough for an office job or being a trader, I'd just have the Astromech calculate my jumps. Anyway enough about school, so you guys ready for the Ambience Concert next week?"
My eavesdropping was interrupted when the bartender came back with our order. I got my tea, Tanya got her caf, and a plate of grilled cheese toast and red gourd soup was put in-between us. "Here you go, ladies. If you need anything let me know." As the bartender returns to serving the other customers you see Tanya pick up her caf and take a big sip from her foam cup.
I had to hide my laugh as a cough as I see Tanya's eyes go wide and her face becomes a grimace as she forces herself to swallow the drink that I assume would have the taste of waste water from an industrial plant. "What is this swill?"
The bartender who was also watching chimed in apologetically. "Insta-Caf, if you want real caf, you would need to go to those high class tapcafs in the upper districts. They are the only ones that have the money to import real freeze dried caf from off-world. All of the local government greenhouses are used to plant staple crops or fruits and vegetables."
"What about private greenhouses?"
"Nope, not enough space to plant entire fields of caf that can be sold commercially, and even if they did, it would be so pricey that only the rich could afford it for personal consumption. Of course that is just in Sundari."
"Oh?" I can hear the genuine interest in her tone.
"Oya'baat in Keldabe is an ancient hotel and tapcaf that is still in business since the Old Republic era. Their Spiced Caf is their most famous beverage in Mandalore because they are the only ones who made it. If you want the best caf on Mandalore, that's where you'll find it."
Tanya visibly deflates from the news. "Alright, do you have any recommendations to make this at least palatable?"
"I have just the thing. I'll be right back." As the bartender took back Tanya's drink, I took a sip of my tea after swallowing a bite of my grilled cheese bread that I dipped into the soup.
"So how was your first taste of being an adult?" I jest.
"It was… bracing, to put it mildly." she looked genuinely offended that such a thing is allowed to be sold commercially.
The bartender returned with Tanya's caf, except now it is much lighter in color. "Here you go, our Special Strill Caf. Guaranteed to turn even the worst insta-caf into something drinkable."
I watched as Tanya took a cautionary sip of the improved caf. It did not take long before it looked like she was in bliss. "Amazing, what did you do? It's like an entirely new drink?"
"Well, I added some nerf butter, a bit of cream, and a sprinkle of Correllian Cinnamon powder. The butter helps kill the bitterness and acidity whilst giving a smooth texture. The cream adds flavor as well as making it smoother. Finally the cinnamon powder gives the drink a healthy spicy yet sweet flavor." The bartender explained.
"I'll have to try that myself sometime, thank you sir." Tanya thanked the man before taking another sip.
"No problem, let me know if you need anything."
"Actually there is something you could help us with." Tanya pulled out a datapad. "Could you tell us what you think about the new Silver Codex that has been going around lately? It is for our school social studies project."
"Sure, as an apology for having you drink straight insta-caf, I'll answer some questions."
714 FNM (24BBY)
Month 1
Mandalore, Sundari, Royal Palaces
Engiz Ordo
Carefully I finished strapping the armored boot onto my leg. The silver beskar was a little gaudy for my personal taste but it was something I was just going to have to accept. I'd come a long way from just saying orphaned Ordo to a member of the royal guard and I was proud to have done it.
Most of my cousins were more interested in local affairs. Rusak who was like a brother to me, was currently studying to become a doctor. Bark my slightly younger brother, who is about my own age, and is planning to go into politics directly, maybe even taking over for the old man when the time comes. Hell even my adopted sister Ikudtovu, was going into security because she wanted to be part of the local self-defense force.
Until I was 10, I had planned to become a historian. I had always enjoyed the histories of our worlds, always enjoyed learning about all the cultures and my life had pretty much been set for a teaching gig. And then I met her, the monster, and I just knew I needed to be part of the royal guard.
"Hey, if you keep admiring yourself in the reflection of your knee guards, people are going to think you're vain. Which is totally unfair, that's my job." Came the voice of possibly the strangest personality I'd ever come across. Tabi Kregg a Mandalorian from Harswee, they were a strange group of Mandalorians to say the least. And Tabi was a wondrous example of how strange they were. Harswee had a slightly higher gravity which had resulted in even their weakest candidates for military work hitting the minimum requirements for the Royal Guard.
Why was that important? Well that's why Tabi, who looked lithe, compared to the rest of the Royal Guards currently preparing for their first meeting with their soon-to-be target of protection duties. Add in Harswee's long history of fabric work and high fashion results in a very flamboyant personality.
Shaking my head I said "Not vain, just thinking, Tabi."
"Good, I don't want someone trying to compete for my position as the most beautiful Royal Guard." He said as he did a little twirl to show off his blue uniform.
"And when did you acquire this position?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Oh, when I took that maid to…" you see them stop and think better of themself before saying. "A gentleman never tells about his conquest."
"Right, just going to pretend I didn't hear that." I said standing up and kicking my boots against the ground to make sure they were well and truly on. Reaching down I picked up my helmet and carefully slid it on the massive wing that went off the top. It was a little bit unbalancing but I have been training to deal with this for a couple years now. Ever since I made my interest in a position as a Royal Guard known to the patriarch, he'd been more than willing to make sure I got the training needed.
The only real thing I hate about this helmet was the missing T of a visor. Instead of using the old method they had gone with some open eye design, sure I could slide the part of the helmet down and use it as sort of a sun blocker but if I just had a full helmet I would have access to a lot more tech than this piece of metal and not get dust or smoke in my eyes.
I was reaching over for the force staff when Tabi spoke up. "So what battlefield are you planning to go to?"
"Battlefield?" I asked, a little bit confused.
"Every Mandalorian has their own personal battlefield. At least that's what my family believes. That's how Mandalore the Binder took control of our system so many generations ago."
"Mandalore the Binder." I muttered. He was a Mandalore about 2,000 years ago, I think. It was hard to tell because there might have been another Mandalore the Binder but you are probably talking about the one that had come from your home world of Harswee. Man was considered one of the greatest Mandalores that ever existed and showed that it was possible for anyone to take on that rank as he had been a son of a rug maker. Harswee still produced rugs to this day even though they were all diversifying with other fabric products.
"I hate to say this but I don't have a battlefield I am angling for, because I'm exactly where I want to be."
"So your battlefield was to become a Royal Guard? Intriguing." Tabi said as he looked at me with an uncomfortable stare. Ignoring the pinkish blonde lock that was trying to come loose of his wild hair and block his view.
"Alright then, what battlefield are you trying to conquer?" I said, trying to get him to stop staring at me.
"Well fashion of course," he said matter of factly before continuing, "and maybe a few young lasses' hearts along the way."
"Really? that's it?" came a female voice from a few spots over. "All that build up and your answer is 'I want to get laid?'" Thisish Skota stepped into the locker area not seeming to care this was the men's locker room and pointed directly at Tabi. "If you're going to be a filthy degenerate do me a favor and make sure you do it safely. We only have a limited supply of STD medication and I'm not going to give it all out to you if you're going to abuse it." She didn't have her helmet on so you could see that she was a few years older than the rest of the people in the room. One of the old hands that is meant to keep an eye on the newer Royal Guards for this assignment. She brushed her dark black hair back before she crossed her arms waiting for a response.
"Madam you wound me I would never abuse the stockpile." Tabi said acting overly hurt by the comments.
"So the stockpiles will abuse you?" Came the voice of the fourth member of their little group, Kor Kastel. Causing Thisish to chuckle and Tabi to look indignant. Didn't seem to care though as he was too busy trying to figure out how to get the shoulders to poof out right on the uniform. Kor was a dark-haired man from Vorpa'ya. I wasn't too familiar with the culture of that planet beyond being in the same system as Concord Dawn. All I knew was that it didn't have many notable features and was mostly used as an agri-world.
Only thing I can really identify about him was that he had a thing for tattoos as I've seen many ancient Mandalorian symbols tattooed on his upper body. Must have meant for standard good luck from what I understood. Though it was interesting that he had the iron heart directly tattooed over his heart.
"Oh you think you're a real comedian don't you? Well answer me this, what is your battlefield then?" Tabby said pointing at Kor.
"Wherever the guard sends me is my battlefield." Kol answered nonchalantly.
"By the Binder, I do want to hear goals more loftier than fighting for the Royal Guard, Royal Guard is what we do not who we are." Tabi proclaimed.
"Well if you put it like that my goal is to make sure young idiots like you don't get themselves dead by prolonged idiotic stupid disease ridden stunts. So please do not waste my medical supplies." Thisish was giving him the death glare.
Whatever thoughts I was going to have were sideswiped as the Second in command of this detachment of Royal Guards opened the door. Kuth Mok stepped in and immediately looked around."I see everyone has not finished putting on their armor, except Ordack, of course." He said mentioning to the last member of the guard unit, who was leaning back against a corner, having already gotten himself prepared.
Struc Ordack nodded his head to his second in command. Ordack was sticking to his 'no unnecessary comment' shtick the entire time I'd known him, which was about a month at this point. He was the team's commander, but he only spoke up when necessary, preferring to let Mok and Thisish keep the majority in line.
"In the next 20 minutes, we will be meeting with codename Pixie for our introduction." Ordack said looking at his vambrace sounding displeased to use the codename that apparently had been used for there charge for longe while now, "We'll be part of her personal Royal Guard detachment to make sure she doesn't get into any trouble, you have made good time but it might be wise to speed up."
Thisish nodded her agrement, "We are the Mandalorian Royal Guard. We must maintain our professional status at all times while looking disciplined and gallant whilst doing it. Looking like a hodgepodge of parts is an insult to our position"
"Plus," Mok added, "as soon as we get this meeting over with, the sooner we can go back to off duty and I can go watch the latest episode of the Protectors.
"Yes Sir." came the voices of the 3 newbies guards before we quickly gathered on the rest of our stuff.
"So," Tabi Sais looking at Kuth, "what your personal Battlefield?"
Kuth, who was busy attaching his vambrace to his cybernetic arm, gave him a looked that said he had no idea what Tabi was talking about. "My battlefield? It's whenever a person screws up and need me to fix their tech issues?"
"That 's not what I mean?" Tabi said looking annoyed.
"Too bad, that the answer your getting, now get your helmet on." Kuth responded before his hand glitched and gave a rude gesture, at least I think glitched out. He began working on trying to fix it from that position.
After the 20-minute time span, we have been given to get fully dressed. We were told to be waiting outside our barracks area, standing next to each other in formation. I was a bundle of nerves. I will admit it, today was the day I've been working a long time to get to ever since I was 13 and I confirmed something.
The day I met a monster. And as if my thoughts of her was a summoning spell, said monster appeared.
Walking down the hallway with her handmaiden close by her side, in a comfortable looking dress with her fully auburn hair almost down to the small of her back now, came Tanya Kryze or as the Royal Guard apparently had codenamed her the Pixie. Why is she named that way? I didn't know but it apparently has been around for a long time.
"Good afternoon Lady Kryze." Commander Ordack said bowing his head to the royal family member. "I've assembled your guard detail for your coming trip to Coruscant for inspection."
"Thank you Commander Ordack, my protective detail looks well and truly put together." She said looking us over, from my distance of a few feet away, with a practiced eye it felt like.
"If you wish ma'am, I could introduce each of them to you."
"I believe I can introduce myself, thank you very much." Tanya said, nodding for the royal guard before stepping forward looking at the first person in line.
"You're a little short for a Royal Guard." she commented, looking at Tabi.
"On Harswee I'm actually fairly tall." came his chipper reply before he gave a bow, "Tabi Kregg at your service ma'am."
"Harswee, higher gravity am I correct?" Tabby nodded, "Are you genetically divergent from the regular human genome? Well in any case,I accept your service Tabi and I hope we have a wonderful good real working relationship." She said with a smile before stepping on and looking up at the next guard who happened to be me.
Considering she had initiated the conversation with Tabby I decided to remain quiet assuming this was the proper formalities.
"Engiz?" Tanya said, looking up at me, completely stalling my brain for a second. I hadn't told her I was coming in my last letter to her. Hell, I kept the whole Royal Guard plan a surprise so how did she know it was me. "Engiz Ordo?" She asked again.
"Yes, Tanya, it's me. Surprise?" I tried to say, though my surprise was totally and completely destroyed at this point.
"Good to see you, Engiz," she said, reaching up to pat me on the shoulder, "it'll be good to have conversations with someone else I know on Coruscant and we won't have to wait on mail delay, finally."
I smiled beneath my helmet and nodded "Yes, we won't." Smiling, she moved on and I could do nothing much other than watch her go. She was a monster alright, an intelligent monster with good instincts on how to fight. And I simply wanted to be near her when something happened. I didn't know how far she would go but people like her went far and the people who were close to them when they did, rose in status and fame. She had the potential to become the next Mandalor and I wanted to be by her side the whole way.
Smiling, I turned my head back to look straight ahead, to look more professional. Then I noticed that Tabi was looking at me, turning a bit I looked at him before he elbowed me in the side. "Liar, no battles my ass." he said in a hushed and teasing tone as I stifled a groan.
I think he might have popped something out of place, couldn't exactly blame him, he's from a planet where people had a lot more tolerance for strength but it still hurt like hell. Maintaining full control I tried not to show the pain until Tanya had left and all the other guards were filing back into the barracks.
Thankfully, Thisish noticed me standing awkwardly and came over to ask what was wrong or I might have stood there for a couple hours more trying to keep the pain in.
Mandalore, Sundari, Royal Palaces
Tanya Kryze
On the job training is not a subject I had to entertain very often. I worked my entire life to get to the position I was in my first life and in my second life I'd at least had training before war took over the continent.
Well I guess going from an artillery spotter to Ace over the course of 30 minutes was a bit of on-the-job training that I had not prepared for. That being said, this on the job training was not as dangerous.
Today was my 16th birthday party as well as my going away party. Next week I'd be packed off to the Senate and be far far away from the troubles of Mandalore. I just hoped my little attempts to stem the potential rebellions that were brewing would pay off while I was gone.
As for the party itself, it was fairly similar to my 13th birthday party. A lot of people talking and exchanging pleasantries, a few people asking to dance with other people, it was all so formal and not exactly my forte. Frankly I was still somewhat getting used to the idea of being Royalty. First life had not had such privileges and second life so I had achieved a noble status through hard work and dedication. I've been a little busy dodging bullets most of the time to enjoy all the benefits of that.
If it wasn't a party in my favor I might have looked at ways to duck out but as it was I just simply smiled and waved at the people who smiled and waved at me and acted as princessly as I could. Just had to make it through this day wearing this updated version of the dress I'd worn when I was 13 and I'd be done with this for at least a couple weeks. It's something that I had to work on, most of the time there are going to be too many opportunities for this kind of socialization on Coruscant.
"Good evening Miss Kryze." A voice came from my side causing me to look up. Standing before me was a blonde haired man I kind of recognized but I couldn't place. It was definitely one of the people who worked with Satine higher up in the government but I just don't think we'd ever had a proper meeting before.
"Good evening," I said, doing a little curtsy as I've been trained to do over the years. I now spent twice as many decades as a woman or a girl than I had ever spent as a man so I was no longer feeling a bit of my pride dying every time I had to do something like this. It was simply a requirement of my position in order to maintain my social status, so I could either get worried about that and have nothing I can do about it or ignore it and go on with my life. Best option is to ignore it as I had but better things to do.
Smiling, the man held out his right hand as his left held a goblet of some kind. "Pre Vizsla Governor of Concordia, I don't believe you've ever had the chance to meet before."
Taking the hand for the offered shake I nodded. "Yes I don't believe we've ever actually had the opportunity, well I must say I've been to your world quite often. Your work in rebuilding it is quite lovely."
"Why thank you, the people of Concordia have worked hard to turn that ball of dirt into a green world once again, always good to receive praise for our work." He said, swirling the liquid in his glass before sipping. "It was actually because of your trips to Concordia that I wanted to talk to you."
"Oh?" I asked in an inquiring way, wondering where this was going.
"Well, although Concordia is doing a lot in it's rebuilding process it still has some time to go before it is truly restored. The process could be sped up of course but we would need the Republic to lessen its restrictions on what we could do. Staying true to the letter prevents us from importing animals from other Mandalorian planets that would thrive on Concordia."
"Intriguing, what's the exact restriction?" I asked and I raised my brow, kind of curious about what this is actually about. Was this some sort of long play? Had he allowed the use of the moon for my training in hopes of having me help him deal with some Republic restrictions? If so, my hats off to him as I saw no reason not to at least look into the matter. If I could help him out with making Concordia complete it's terraforming process to a livable moon faster. I saw no reason not to try and help as any resources that would be saved in the long run could be diverted to rebuilding the other planets of the Mandalorian system.
"The Endangered Animals act to be exact, Concordia used to have a large diverse array of carnivorous predators even before Mandalorians brought in packs of animals from other planets to hunt. That was several thousand years ago and the Excision did not help those populations. As far as anyone's aware those carnivorous predators are now all extinct but we are still labeled as a planet that needs its environment protected due to its history. This of course prevents us from bringing in new animals that could threaten the environment of the ones that are now dead.
If you could look into getting us off that list it would help greatly in the rebuilding efforts, as I could bring in resources not just from Mandalorian systems.
"Just from Mandalorian systems?" I asked, confused.
"Right, part of the restrictions prevents us from trading Mandalorian plants that may have had contact before the restrictions were in place, as a way of preventing species from other planets from accidentally being transplanted."
Ah, so this environmental protection was not only preventing the terraforming, it was also clamping down on the trade of the planet as anything would have to basically go through another Mandalorian planet before going to Concordia.
Nodding my head I said "Well I'm unaware if I will have any way to help with this situation but I will definitely look into it. That's the best I can offer."
Pre smiled, "At least someone will be looking into it. I've been trying to get Tal Merrik to look into it for some time now but he's always been busy trying to get trade deals for Kalevala."
That raised my eyebrow, interplanetary rivalry and was not a good look and could cause problems down the line. I need to keep an eye on Senator Merrik if he was abusing his position to favor Kalevala over the other planets of the Mandalorian system, let alone the sector.
Of course this might be a biased opinion so I would give Senator Merrik the benefit of the doubt to prove it wrong with his deeds.
Smiling, I simply nodded and said "Well I'm sure he's got a good reason but I will keep this matter on the table in our conversations. Getting this wildlife reserve status removed from Concordia seems like a reasonable stance to take if the planet has already had all of the original species population wiped out."
"Thank you Miss Tanya, looks like there's a bit of a line forming behind me so I'll be seeing you around." He said with a nod before taking a few steps away clearing the way for another man who was waiting in the wings.
Said man was in his early 50s by my guess, balding and carrying a box. As soon as Governor Vizsla cleared the way he stepped forward, "Drioz Shuur of Mandel Technologies, at your service Miss Kryze."
"Tanya Kryze, pleasure to meet you." I said, in greeting.
"Miss Tanya, would you be willing to help a Mandalorian Corporation out?"
That raised my eyebrow with a smile, nothing like honesty to improve my mood. "Well as a nobleI I'm a servant of the people, if the corporation's goals align with improving the people's lives I would not be against helping out a corporation. Assuming your proposition is beneficial to the people?
"Oh yes, this will be beneficial to everyone involved. As a soon-to-be representative of our people, you will be invited to plenty of events while you are away. Not only that you will be seen on cameras across the sector, you will be a representation of our people, a trendsetter."
'Oh this could go badly.' I thought, my eyebrow thoroughly reaching the top of my hairline at this point. "You are not wrong, though I don't see how this will-." He cut me off and held up the box to me.
"Why this gift will be how you help our corporation, as we plan to help many others." Curious, I took the box and opened it with my left hand only to see two mandalorian bracers laying inside, elegantly designed for style if I had to guess with several screens currently off.
I was actually in a market for Mandalorian vambraces but I was planning to go through Zum for that. He was working on getting the materials together so I was intrigued at what I was seeing. An opportunity is here but I thought I better ask more questions about what I was dealing with.
"Mandalorian vambraces, aren't these a bit too militaristic for a gift?" I asked carefully.
"Oh heavens no, this is a new model we have created based on the ever growing popularity of the Silver Codex. It only have defensive systems such as a small energy shield, in case of assassination attempts, a communicator with a powerful enough transmitter to reach orbit on some of the lesser atmospheric worlds, and the most popular feature that we have been working on a small computer allowing you to access the galactic net. All well designed and hidden inside these elegantly built plasteel casing."
It was a smartphone, he was giving me a smartphone in the form of a vambrace that also has an energy shield, this is a very useful item. No, I did not miss the last thing, "Did you say plasteel?
"Yes, these are designed exclusively for export and we're hoping that when you are seen outside of the Mandalore sector the people will see you as a trendsetter amongst the youth and will put in orders for as many of these vambraces as we can sell."
I nodded my head and I said, "I appreciate your honesty," as I closed the box, "and I will do my best to set a trend as it were but I will make no guarantees that it will take off."
"Nothing's ever guaranteed in the galaxy except war and taxes." that got to chuckle out of me. I have not expected to hear a version of death and taxes but there was and it wasn't exactly wrong for their culture.
"Isn't that the truth, hopefully though the war part will become less guaranteed. Peace is always preferable in a good economy."
"Agreed my lady, thank you for hearing me out and enjoy the vambraces."
"Will do and if you have anything else like this, don't be afraid to ring me up. As far as I'm aware trend setting is not illegal behavior for the Senate."
"Noted." the man said with a smile, before walking away.
Well then this party was turning out to be more exciting then I had expected. Well I'd officially made a contact in an industry that could always come in handy in the future. Plus, I could always let Zum upgrade the vambraces with beskar plating in the future.
Coronet
Tanya Kryze
I looked out the window of the Coronet and smiled at the space outside as it zoomed by. This is probably the fastest I had ever traveled and it was in comfort and style. The Coronet was the personal yacht of Duchess Satine, though it served mainly as the transport for those of upper class from Mandalore to the one Core World Mandalore cared about, Coruscant. The economic and diplomatic capital of the Republic.
A massive city that encrusted an entire planet. I was fairly curious to finally see the planet I've been told about for most of this life. What I managed to find didn't exactly give me the most glorious picture. It sounded like a cyberpunk dystopia in a few places but I was going towards the better parts of the city so I would at least be safe, I assumed.
"Mistress, please stop staring out the window, you'll get hyper space sickness." came the mechanical voice of my Droid.
"Apologies X4, I will keep my eyes on the internals of the ship." I said turning to face the silver and green Droid.
I had many options to choose from when it came to droids, more than I really expected, really. Which shows that there is a healthy free market going on when it comes to droids and their technology. The expected choice, the one that I think most diplomats would have gone with, was the 3PO model. They were the industry standard for a century when it came to dealing with multiple species translations and etiquette. They are also fairly expensive yet are the cheapest option on the market, while also being capable enough that in some ways could replace me.
When a droid could function as a diplomat for you, there was really no reason for you to exist. Thus I searched the Droid market for something that would not be a danger to my position and would instead improve my capabilities. My quest for such a droid resulted in the 3D-4X Administration Droid. It had many of the same abilities as a 3PO model and instead of a lifeless human-like head, it had a silver one too, but coming out of the neck with one eye at the top. What was more interesting to me about this Droid than having something that could replace me was its abilities for administration. Not only was it good at translating, albeit with a fraction of the language library available to 3PO models, it could also handle my finances. While I am no slouch when it comes to administration, I was a member of an HR department, thus my specialties lie in managing the workers and smoothing relations with other companies or suppliers than managing spreadsheets filled with numbers and timetables.
Having a mechanical underling who could quickly figure out the most financially beneficial way to do something was far more appealing than a droid that could just speak a lot of languages.It was a bit more expensive but having the capabilities of someone who could handle all financial situations I would find myself in, would pay for itself quickly. And since droids could live up to 100 or more years no doubt my next of Kin would be thanking me for my forethought.
X4 for his part is rather professional and diligent. Didn't talk much unless prompted and was rather cool about everything he said. "I brought your tea, mistress."
"Didn't I ask for caf?" I questioned.
"Duchess Satine has ordered me to not offer you caf until your 18th birthday, as it would stunt your growth."
I collapsed a bit into my chair with a groan. While I had managed to sneak one final cup of caf from the Sleepy Strill last week, some cups of caf a month is not enough caf in your honest opinion. The moment I thought I had the freedom to have as much caf as I want, two more years have been added to it.
"I've already reached my maximum height of 5'6 last year. I don't think I'm going to get any taller than that."
"Satine's orders are the administration's orders, if you have a problem with the administration please contact your Duchess Satine."
I tried not to let my annoyance show, who would have thought droids had parental controls. Then again what is a Droid but a computer? Why wouldn't you give a kid control over a computer without putting some sort of parental locks on it?
"Alright, alright no need to get snippy." I said, reaching out to grab the glass of tea and sipped it. I took a moment to relax as X4 came to stand next to my seat waiting for whatever my next order would be. This really was The Life™ , a proper retirement when you really thought about it. Yes, there was the threat of rebellion and chaos but this little moment of peace of being an aristocrat was almost worth ticking off Being X and all of the crap I had to deal with in my 2nd life.
Before I could get too sentimental though, someone opened the door to Coronet's lounge of Coronet.
"Oh, there you are." came the voice of my generous host as he walked into the room with his own 3PO model Droid following behind him. Another reason I had sprung for the more business minded option, my employer already has a 3PO model.
"Senator Tal Merrik," I said, straightening up, "or is it Prince? I'm not sure which title comes first in this situation." I have tried to look it up in my current understanding with the senator but it was always best to ask.
"Senator," he said with an offhanded look before taking a seat across from me signaling his 3PO model to get a drink from a nearby locked bar, "only when I'm on Kalevala does the prince title take precedence."
I nodded my understanding and made note of it in case I ever came up. "In any case, I thought I should have a little meeting with you before we reach Coruscant, I wanted to make sure you understand the political situation that's been brewing that we are under strict orders to not get involved in."
I don't think I could raise my eyebrow any higher after that statement but I took it in with the calmness a princess was supposed to have. "And what is this situation we must remain diligent to not step in?"
"To put it simply, a former Jedi is dropping the non-political stance they've been playing at for the last thousand years. He is gathering several systems unsatisfied with the Republic under his banner. Personally I believe he's simply trying to use the systems to get himself elected as Chancellor, like the Jedi Chancellors of old but I haven't had a chance to talk to him yet."
I felt the cold grip of fear tug at my heart. A former military leader was gathering planets to position himself into politics. That could go badly and why was he gathering discontents? I was going to need to do research on this just to make sure I understood the situation but I would honor the prince's request.
"Understood, I will stay far away from this situation. Frankly I'm more interested in trade deals and ways of improving the Mandalore system over any petty politics of 'who should be the leader in the Senate'."
"Good," he said as his Droid brought him his drink he smiled before sipping it then continued. "Also, stay far away from the Jedi. On a good day they're the Chancellor's dogs. On a bad day, well what happened to Mandalore during the Excision was a bad day."
"Not a fan of the space wizards?" I mused as I listened to him.
"Nope, I've seen enough of their so-called peacekeeping to know that when a situation goes south they usually make it worse."
I nodded my head but I would withhold my judgment for now on that one that sounded like ancient bias to me. Mandalorians and Jedi have been going at it for nearly 4,000 years, maybe more so I could see why bad blood existed between them. How bad the blood was I wasn't sure yet though that was not my problem. It wasn't like I was trying to integrate Jedi into Mandalorian society, that sounded like a recipe for disaster.
But I just simply said "I'll keep my distance from them if I see their brown robes." I've seen one or two holo videos with supposed Jedi actors and they always wore brown robes so I assumed that was some sort of sign of their cult.
"Exactly, if you see brown robes walk the other way." He said matter of factly before sipping his drink.
Kamino
Jango Fett
I chuckled as I read the last few lines on the document before me. I just returned from a hunt, a simple and easy job too. Get in, bash a head, drop off the unfortunate soul that the person who wanted him, and get out. Most of my bills were paid by my contract with the cloners but I still enjoyed the hunt every once in a while. Plus being cooped up in the city for too long can get a bit too much for me sometimes.
And as I always did when I went on a trip out, I picked up a few things on my way home. I had swung by the edges of the Mandalorian sector and picked up a rather unique little trinket, the Silver Codex, what a bunch of malarkey.
"What's so funny?" came the voice of one of the members of my Cuy'val Dar, Kal Skirata. Not to be surprised I hadn't made it all the way back to my room before opening this particular document, things like this I usually left in the common area for them just so they could keep aware of what the Galaxy was up to.
Shrugging I tossed him the datapad, "Someone's decided they like the SuperCommando Codex enough to use it in their own document. Hell, not a big fan of their redefining of what a mandalorian should be."
"Really now?" Skirata said, sounding like he was already suspicious of the document before he opened it, taking the seat across from me at the lunch table. "Anything I should know ahead of reading this?"
"Author is unknown and White Silver sounds like a goddamn holo star name." I said relaxing a bit.
Skirata did a quick read of the document nodding his head along. "I've already said hogwash, but hey at least this is better than the New Mand doctrine of hiding in your holes and hope no one comes knocking, at least they'd fight in this."
"That's a point, can't see it being very successful though. In the long run, New Mandos are always a bit of a stickler for their whole pacifism stick and the Traditionalists aren't exactly going to jump for joy just because they are allowed to wear their armor again. They lost political power the moment the New Mandalorians took it so if they see a chance to take it back they will, that's how the Mandalorian sector works." I said thinking about, well a lot of things, there wasn't a good code of honor left in the Mandalorian sector in my opinion.
"True, but then again this Silver Codex does offer a continuation of the main idea of what it means to be a Mandalorian but I can see it sticking around for a while, at least as well as the SuperCommando Codex is doing. Who knows when this army finally goes into action and does its duty? Maybe it'll go back to Mandalore and be welcomed there because of something like this."
"You think the cloners are going to let the army go?" I asked, not really thinking this army has a chance at freedom. They do their duty and whatever happens after that, I wasn't sure.
"Don't know, but I'd like to think that they have a chance in Mandalore. If they ever do build this self defense force, well these boys would more than willing sign up for that. Which is a bit of a better future prospect than becoming a mercenary or a bounty hunter."
"On that, I can agree." I said with a smile.
Writers note: ahh and thus her journey has begun and we move on from her training and learning arc, to her political actions arc. Which could be as long or shorter not sure yet, depending on what I can come up with, I think I have enough for 3 or 4 chapters so it might be a short ark. Also would like to thank Maryon from space battles who created some wonderful fan art that I have permission to uses as the cover image. If you are on FF, SV, or Ao3 and are wondering why should you visit the Spacebattles thread, images like this as well omakes made by readers are the reason.
Edited by: Warmach1ne32
Community edited by:
Community editable doc (Chapter 10) No story suggestions in the community editing document, Keep all story suggestions and comments in the thread
Supporters: Markus
713 FNM (25BBY)
Month 10
Mandalore, Sundari,
Vai-Viktis Vizla
"Tanya, I don't think this is the greatest idea." I said as I followed along behind her, shaking my head.
"Nonsense, this is a perfectly reasonable idea." Tanya said, waving her hand to dismiss and toss away the idea.
"I mean, maybe, but exploring the city without guards seems tempting fate if you ask me." I pointed out keeping my eyes open in case any trouble happened.
"There are going to be opportunities and events that will require me to have a minimal security presence, mainly just opportunities and events that will be just the two of us. If I cannot trust you to keep me safe then why are you even here?" She said with a smile looking at me, causing me to sigh and acknowledge that there was a point to this madness.
"Besides, what was the point of all that training we've gone through under Bo if I couldn't handle myself in the literal safest city for my existence?"
"I don't know about that." I said looking over at a wall while we were passing by. The wall in question had a black outline of the symbol of Death Watch. A little bit of vandalism, but still it was something I had never seen sprayed on a wall in my lifetime. Death Watch had been thoroughly destroyed after the Clan Wars and the new Death Watch that my mother was a part of tended to be a lot more careful and quiet about their plans so who was posting images like this was a bit confusing to me.
Tanya looked over there as well and then shrugged. "I figured Death Watch two would come out sooner or later." She said as she started walking on, observing the neighborhood we were in.
Tanya had decided that she needed to see the people she would be serving without a large number of guards following her around to distinguish that she was some form of royalty. But instead of going to one of the wealthier districts like I assume she would plan when we snuck out. Instead, we ended up in a more lower-middle income area with lots of apartment buildings. More closer to the edges of the city, where manual labor jobs were located.
Turning to catch up to her I asked, "Death Watch two?" Wondering why she referred to it in such a way.
"Yes, Death Watch two. Well, I bet someone refers to it just as a continuation of Death Watch. I doubt direct continuation. All research I've done on their little paramilitary indicates that their leadership was completely wiped out, so any organization that pops up spouting that it is the same thing is most likely just an organization trying to use the name for brand recognizability. 'Your forefathers fought for Death Watch come join us' and all that shimmery." Tanya said without a hint of worry as we continued our walk.
"I theorize something like this would happen," she said. As we turned a corner, we saw another one of the Death Watch vandalizations on the wall, this time with a silver X through it. "As time goes on and the Clan Wars get further away, people are going to become a little bit disgruntled with the current status quo and wonder if the old status quo is better in some way, happens in every society. Once an ideology exists, it will grow in a society until it is either destroyed or fully asserts itself."
She stopped talking as a group of teenagers walked by, most of them wearing regular New Mandalorian clothes. However, a few of them were wearing noticeable knee and elbow pads meant for Mandalorian armor as they dribbled a ball between them.
"Hmm, it seems the idea of turning armor into a fashion statement is working."
"So what do you make of this?" I said, pointing to the silver X through the Death Watch symbol.
"An unfortunate but not unwelcome development. I theorized that an organization would take root with the groups who are displeased with the direction of the New Mandalorians. And I'd hoped that the document would help alleviate some of that pressure.
It would seem that considering how it's been referred to as the Silver Codex online, some people have taken it as a rallying mark.
As long as it stays as simple vandalism and childish gang stuff, it is not a big concern."
"And if it moves beyond that?" I asked, curious about her opinion.
"Thankfully the ideology of Silver is, let's call it, very defensive, so I don't think they will cause any trouble. I'm more concerned about their interactions with Death Watch in the future. Gang violence is not conducive to a stable economy, and if they end up going at each other, that could be a problem that could set back progress."
Continuing on her way, she looked at one of these storefronts at the lower parts of the building. It appeared to be selling some sort of designer Mandalorian vambraces, belts, and vests. Non-lethal items, designed for beauty, and finally the little bits of technology that were a glowing convenience. However, I would probably need to actually own one to know what it could do.
"Hmm, remind me to talk to Zum Muduuc when we go to Bo's training area again. I might have a business opportunity for him to consider."
I nodded, taking out a notebook to mark that down.
When I first met Tanya, I had trouble nailing down her eccentricities, even misunderstanding her at first. But over the years, I started to get to know how her mind worked. She was goal-driven, usually centered on peace like her aunt, but she was not a slave to peace like the New Mandalorians.
Instead, she was always looking for opportunities to push her agenda and keeping a strong sense of what could go wrong in mind. There were, of course, moments where she was more daring, but she usually had some sort of backup plan when she was implementing one of those daring ideas.
I wondered how that would serve her once we got to Coruscant. Theoretically, she would just be a regular diplomat, but with the way her mind worked, I would not be surprised if she could pull some fast ones and get Mandalore some trade deals that most people would not have considered.
Really only time would tell, but I trusted her a lot more now than when I first met her. Back then, she had just been a useful way to get away from mother. But considering she was willing to put herself through training to make sure she was in Tip-Top shape, explore areas of the city she was not usually going to go to see what it was like, and actually get an understanding of how Mandalore worked. I don't know. I just feel like she was going to go a lot further than a mere senator and do ten times more good than any senator could ever accomplish.
(Play: Tipsy)
My musings are interrupted when Tanya enters a local tapcafe in a fairly quiet side street. Called the Sleepy Strill, it is a tapcafe that is squeezed between an apartment and a laundromat with a logo of a sleeping strill above the door to the cantina. I followed her inside to see a fairly busy interior with most of the tables being occupied by teens our age, a bar counter with a bartender on the right side of the room with a door that you assume leads into the kitchen behind the counter, and a jukebox at the far end of the room. This is to be expected since it is after school has ended for the day and there is a local public school near here.
Tanya takes a seat at the counter and starts to look at the flimsiplas menu while the bartender watches. I followed her lead and took a seat next to her so I could lean in to take a look at the menu too. As expected it is filled with a variety of snacks, meals, and beverages with a few specialties here and there.
Before you can decide what to order you see Tanya wave the bartender over. "I'll have a glass of Black Caf, my friend will have some Cassus Tea, and a bowl of red gourd soup with grilled cheese Haarshun bread please."
The bartender raised an eyebrow, "Aren't you a little young to be drinking caf?"
"Yes, yes I am." came her immediate and deadpan reply.
The bartender shrugged before getting started on our orders. I knew Tanya wanted to drink caf for a long time, so this might be the true reason we are exploring the lower income areas of Sundari. Getting to know the population could just be an excuse or a secondary objective. People are less likely to recognise her here than in the upper districts where she is more often seen and the people are more likely to talk to Satine's staff about Tanya's activities.
"So, is the reason that we are here is so that you can satisfy your caf addiction?" I had to ask.
"Partially, no reason we can't gather information and have a break from walking at a nice tapcaf." Ah, so it is just a side benefit to exploring the city. "Additionally, tapcafs are an excellent place to gather information, as it's a location where many people gather and converse with one another. An excellent place to overhear information."
Tanya motions with her head to a group sitting at a table right behind them talking fairly loudly. "Man school is a pain, what I wouldn't give to go back to the old ways. At least my parents wouldn't give me homework. At most they'll give me chores around the house and then combat lessons on weekend with a bit of lessons from their life in the form of stories from their youth. Reading dry history books is torture."
Another teen in the group decides to chime in. "Come on, school is not that bad. If we didn't have school we wouldn't have met each other and learned stuff that our parents didn't know. Ms. Frizle's chemistry class is usually fun with her experiments."
"Yeah, but Mr. Rezla's Math and Ms. Kriz's New Mando philosophy lesson is a bore. Like when am I going to use them? Sure, learning how to count my money and how to not offend New Mandos is fine. But when the kriff am I going to use calculus?"
One of the girls in the group decided to chime in, "Well, you would need to know calculus for an office job as well as learning how to calculate hyperspace jumps."
"Yeah, I know I am not smart enough for an office job or being a trader, I'd just have the Astromech calculate my jumps. Anyway enough about school, so you guys ready for the Ambience Concert next week?"
My eavesdropping was interrupted when the bartender came back with our order. I got my tea, Tanya got her caf, and a plate of grilled cheese toast and red gourd soup was put in-between us. "Here you go, ladies. If you need anything let me know." As the bartender returns to serving the other customers you see Tanya pick up her caf and take a big sip from her foam cup.
I had to hide my laugh as a cough as I see Tanya's eyes go wide and her face becomes a grimace as she forces herself to swallow the drink that I assume would have the taste of waste water from an industrial plant. "What is this swill?"
The bartender who was also watching chimed in apologetically. "Insta-Caf, if you want real caf, you would need to go to those high class tapcafs in the upper districts. They are the only ones that have the money to import real freeze dried caf from off-world. All of the local government greenhouses are used to plant staple crops or fruits and vegetables."
"What about private greenhouses?"
"Nope, not enough space to plant entire fields of caf that can be sold commercially, and even if they did, it would be so pricey that only the rich could afford it for personal consumption. Of course that is just in Sundari."
"Oh?" I can hear the genuine interest in her tone.
"Oya'baat in Keldabe is an ancient hotel and tapcaf that is still in business since the Old Republic era. Their Spiced Caf is their most famous beverage in Mandalore because they are the only ones who made it. If you want the best caf on Mandalore, that's where you'll find it."
Tanya visibly deflates from the news. "Alright, do you have any recommendations to make this at least palatable?"
"I have just the thing. I'll be right back." As the bartender took back Tanya's drink, I took a sip of my tea after swallowing a bite of my grilled cheese bread that I dipped into the soup.
"So how was your first taste of being an adult?" I jest.
"It was… bracing, to put it mildly." she looked genuinely offended that such a thing is allowed to be sold commercially.
The bartender returned with Tanya's caf, except now it is much lighter in color. "Here you go, our Special Strill Caf. Guaranteed to turn even the worst insta-caf into something drinkable."
I watched as Tanya took a cautionary sip of the improved caf. It did not take long before it looked like she was in bliss. "Amazing, what did you do? It's like an entirely new drink?"
"Well, I added some nerf butter, a bit of cream, and a sprinkle of Correllian Cinnamon powder. The butter helps kill the bitterness and acidity whilst giving a smooth texture. The cream adds flavor as well as making it smoother. Finally the cinnamon powder gives the drink a healthy spicy yet sweet flavor." The bartender explained.
"I'll have to try that myself sometime, thank you sir." Tanya thanked the man before taking another sip.
"No problem, let me know if you need anything."
"Actually there is something you could help us with." Tanya pulled out a datapad. "Could you tell us what you think about the new Silver Codex that has been going around lately? It is for our school social studies project."
"Sure, as an apology for having you drink straight insta-caf, I'll answer some questions."
714 FNM (24BBY)
Month 1
Mandalore, Sundari, Royal Palaces
Engiz Ordo
Carefully I finished strapping the armored boot onto my leg. The silver beskar was a little gaudy for my personal taste but it was something I was just going to have to accept. I'd come a long way from just saying orphaned Ordo to a member of the royal guard and I was proud to have done it.
Most of my cousins were more interested in local affairs. Rusak who was like a brother to me, was currently studying to become a doctor. Bark my slightly younger brother, who is about my own age, and is planning to go into politics directly, maybe even taking over for the old man when the time comes. Hell even my adopted sister Ikudtovu, was going into security because she wanted to be part of the local self-defense force.
Until I was 10, I had planned to become a historian. I had always enjoyed the histories of our worlds, always enjoyed learning about all the cultures and my life had pretty much been set for a teaching gig. And then I met her, the monster, and I just knew I needed to be part of the royal guard.
"Hey, if you keep admiring yourself in the reflection of your knee guards, people are going to think you're vain. Which is totally unfair, that's my job." Came the voice of possibly the strangest personality I'd ever come across. Tabi Kregg a Mandalorian from Harswee, they were a strange group of Mandalorians to say the least. And Tabi was a wondrous example of how strange they were. Harswee had a slightly higher gravity which had resulted in even their weakest candidates for military work hitting the minimum requirements for the Royal Guard.
Why was that important? Well that's why Tabi, who looked lithe, compared to the rest of the Royal Guards currently preparing for their first meeting with their soon-to-be target of protection duties. Add in Harswee's long history of fabric work and high fashion results in a very flamboyant personality.
Shaking my head I said "Not vain, just thinking, Tabi."
"Good, I don't want someone trying to compete for my position as the most beautiful Royal Guard." He said as he did a little twirl to show off his blue uniform.
"And when did you acquire this position?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Oh, when I took that maid to…" you see them stop and think better of themself before saying. "A gentleman never tells about his conquest."
"Right, just going to pretend I didn't hear that." I said standing up and kicking my boots against the ground to make sure they were well and truly on. Reaching down I picked up my helmet and carefully slid it on the massive wing that went off the top. It was a little bit unbalancing but I have been training to deal with this for a couple years now. Ever since I made my interest in a position as a Royal Guard known to the patriarch, he'd been more than willing to make sure I got the training needed.
The only real thing I hate about this helmet was the missing T of a visor. Instead of using the old method they had gone with some open eye design, sure I could slide the part of the helmet down and use it as sort of a sun blocker but if I just had a full helmet I would have access to a lot more tech than this piece of metal and not get dust or smoke in my eyes.
I was reaching over for the force staff when Tabi spoke up. "So what battlefield are you planning to go to?"
"Battlefield?" I asked, a little bit confused.
"Every Mandalorian has their own personal battlefield. At least that's what my family believes. That's how Mandalore the Binder took control of our system so many generations ago."
"Mandalore the Binder." I muttered. He was a Mandalore about 2,000 years ago, I think. It was hard to tell because there might have been another Mandalore the Binder but you are probably talking about the one that had come from your home world of Harswee. Man was considered one of the greatest Mandalores that ever existed and showed that it was possible for anyone to take on that rank as he had been a son of a rug maker. Harswee still produced rugs to this day even though they were all diversifying with other fabric products.
"I hate to say this but I don't have a battlefield I am angling for, because I'm exactly where I want to be."
"So your battlefield was to become a Royal Guard? Intriguing." Tabi said as he looked at me with an uncomfortable stare. Ignoring the pinkish blonde lock that was trying to come loose of his wild hair and block his view.
"Alright then, what battlefield are you trying to conquer?" I said, trying to get him to stop staring at me.
"Well fashion of course," he said matter of factly before continuing, "and maybe a few young lasses' hearts along the way."
"Really? that's it?" came a female voice from a few spots over. "All that build up and your answer is 'I want to get laid?'" Thisish Skota stepped into the locker area not seeming to care this was the men's locker room and pointed directly at Tabi. "If you're going to be a filthy degenerate do me a favor and make sure you do it safely. We only have a limited supply of STD medication and I'm not going to give it all out to you if you're going to abuse it." She didn't have her helmet on so you could see that she was a few years older than the rest of the people in the room. One of the old hands that is meant to keep an eye on the newer Royal Guards for this assignment. She brushed her dark black hair back before she crossed her arms waiting for a response.
"Madam you wound me I would never abuse the stockpile." Tabi said acting overly hurt by the comments.
"So the stockpiles will abuse you?" Came the voice of the fourth member of their little group, Kor Kastel. Causing Thisish to chuckle and Tabi to look indignant. Didn't seem to care though as he was too busy trying to figure out how to get the shoulders to poof out right on the uniform. Kor was a dark-haired man from Vorpa'ya. I wasn't too familiar with the culture of that planet beyond being in the same system as Concord Dawn. All I knew was that it didn't have many notable features and was mostly used as an agri-world.
Only thing I can really identify about him was that he had a thing for tattoos as I've seen many ancient Mandalorian symbols tattooed on his upper body. Must have meant for standard good luck from what I understood. Though it was interesting that he had the iron heart directly tattooed over his heart.
"Oh you think you're a real comedian don't you? Well answer me this, what is your battlefield then?" Tabby said pointing at Kor.
"Wherever the guard sends me is my battlefield." Kol answered nonchalantly.
"By the Binder, I do want to hear goals more loftier than fighting for the Royal Guard, Royal Guard is what we do not who we are." Tabi proclaimed.
"Well if you put it like that my goal is to make sure young idiots like you don't get themselves dead by prolonged idiotic stupid disease ridden stunts. So please do not waste my medical supplies." Thisish was giving him the death glare.
Whatever thoughts I was going to have were sideswiped as the Second in command of this detachment of Royal Guards opened the door. Kuth Mok stepped in and immediately looked around."I see everyone has not finished putting on their armor, except Ordack, of course." He said mentioning to the last member of the guard unit, who was leaning back against a corner, having already gotten himself prepared.
Struc Ordack nodded his head to his second in command. Ordack was sticking to his 'no unnecessary comment' shtick the entire time I'd known him, which was about a month at this point. He was the team's commander, but he only spoke up when necessary, preferring to let Mok and Thisish keep the majority in line.
"In the next 20 minutes, we will be meeting with codename Pixie for our introduction." Ordack said looking at his vambrace sounding displeased to use the codename that apparently had been used for there charge for longe while now, "We'll be part of her personal Royal Guard detachment to make sure she doesn't get into any trouble, you have made good time but it might be wise to speed up."
Thisish nodded her agrement, "We are the Mandalorian Royal Guard. We must maintain our professional status at all times while looking disciplined and gallant whilst doing it. Looking like a hodgepodge of parts is an insult to our position"
"Plus," Mok added, "as soon as we get this meeting over with, the sooner we can go back to off duty and I can go watch the latest episode of the Protectors.
"Yes Sir." came the voices of the 3 newbies guards before we quickly gathered on the rest of our stuff.
"So," Tabi Sais looking at Kuth, "what your personal Battlefield?"
Kuth, who was busy attaching his vambrace to his cybernetic arm, gave him a looked that said he had no idea what Tabi was talking about. "My battlefield? It's whenever a person screws up and need me to fix their tech issues?"
"That 's not what I mean?" Tabi said looking annoyed.
"Too bad, that the answer your getting, now get your helmet on." Kuth responded before his hand glitched and gave a rude gesture, at least I think glitched out. He began working on trying to fix it from that position.
After the 20-minute time span, we have been given to get fully dressed. We were told to be waiting outside our barracks area, standing next to each other in formation. I was a bundle of nerves. I will admit it, today was the day I've been working a long time to get to ever since I was 13 and I confirmed something.
The day I met a monster. And as if my thoughts of her was a summoning spell, said monster appeared.
Walking down the hallway with her handmaiden close by her side, in a comfortable looking dress with her fully auburn hair almost down to the small of her back now, came Tanya Kryze or as the Royal Guard apparently had codenamed her the Pixie. Why is she named that way? I didn't know but it apparently has been around for a long time.
"Good afternoon Lady Kryze." Commander Ordack said bowing his head to the royal family member. "I've assembled your guard detail for your coming trip to Coruscant for inspection."
"Thank you Commander Ordack, my protective detail looks well and truly put together." She said looking us over, from my distance of a few feet away, with a practiced eye it felt like.
"If you wish ma'am, I could introduce each of them to you."
"I believe I can introduce myself, thank you very much." Tanya said, nodding for the royal guard before stepping forward looking at the first person in line.
"You're a little short for a Royal Guard." she commented, looking at Tabi.
"On Harswee I'm actually fairly tall." came his chipper reply before he gave a bow, "Tabi Kregg at your service ma'am."
"Harswee, higher gravity am I correct?" Tabby nodded, "Are you genetically divergent from the regular human genome? Well in any case,I accept your service Tabi and I hope we have a wonderful good real working relationship." She said with a smile before stepping on and looking up at the next guard who happened to be me.
Considering she had initiated the conversation with Tabby I decided to remain quiet assuming this was the proper formalities.
"Engiz?" Tanya said, looking up at me, completely stalling my brain for a second. I hadn't told her I was coming in my last letter to her. Hell, I kept the whole Royal Guard plan a surprise so how did she know it was me. "Engiz Ordo?" She asked again.
"Yes, Tanya, it's me. Surprise?" I tried to say, though my surprise was totally and completely destroyed at this point.
"Good to see you, Engiz," she said, reaching up to pat me on the shoulder, "it'll be good to have conversations with someone else I know on Coruscant and we won't have to wait on mail delay, finally."
I smiled beneath my helmet and nodded "Yes, we won't." Smiling, she moved on and I could do nothing much other than watch her go. She was a monster alright, an intelligent monster with good instincts on how to fight. And I simply wanted to be near her when something happened. I didn't know how far she would go but people like her went far and the people who were close to them when they did, rose in status and fame. She had the potential to become the next Mandalor and I wanted to be by her side the whole way.
Smiling, I turned my head back to look straight ahead, to look more professional. Then I noticed that Tabi was looking at me, turning a bit I looked at him before he elbowed me in the side. "Liar, no battles my ass." he said in a hushed and teasing tone as I stifled a groan.
I think he might have popped something out of place, couldn't exactly blame him, he's from a planet where people had a lot more tolerance for strength but it still hurt like hell. Maintaining full control I tried not to show the pain until Tanya had left and all the other guards were filing back into the barracks.
Thankfully, Thisish noticed me standing awkwardly and came over to ask what was wrong or I might have stood there for a couple hours more trying to keep the pain in.
Mandalore, Sundari, Royal Palaces
Tanya Kryze
On the job training is not a subject I had to entertain very often. I worked my entire life to get to the position I was in my first life and in my second life I'd at least had training before war took over the continent.
Well I guess going from an artillery spotter to Ace over the course of 30 minutes was a bit of on-the-job training that I had not prepared for. That being said, this on the job training was not as dangerous.
Today was my 16th birthday party as well as my going away party. Next week I'd be packed off to the Senate and be far far away from the troubles of Mandalore. I just hoped my little attempts to stem the potential rebellions that were brewing would pay off while I was gone.
As for the party itself, it was fairly similar to my 13th birthday party. A lot of people talking and exchanging pleasantries, a few people asking to dance with other people, it was all so formal and not exactly my forte. Frankly I was still somewhat getting used to the idea of being Royalty. First life had not had such privileges and second life so I had achieved a noble status through hard work and dedication. I've been a little busy dodging bullets most of the time to enjoy all the benefits of that.
If it wasn't a party in my favor I might have looked at ways to duck out but as it was I just simply smiled and waved at the people who smiled and waved at me and acted as princessly as I could. Just had to make it through this day wearing this updated version of the dress I'd worn when I was 13 and I'd be done with this for at least a couple weeks. It's something that I had to work on, most of the time there are going to be too many opportunities for this kind of socialization on Coruscant.
"Good evening Miss Kryze." A voice came from my side causing me to look up. Standing before me was a blonde haired man I kind of recognized but I couldn't place. It was definitely one of the people who worked with Satine higher up in the government but I just don't think we'd ever had a proper meeting before.
"Good evening," I said, doing a little curtsy as I've been trained to do over the years. I now spent twice as many decades as a woman or a girl than I had ever spent as a man so I was no longer feeling a bit of my pride dying every time I had to do something like this. It was simply a requirement of my position in order to maintain my social status, so I could either get worried about that and have nothing I can do about it or ignore it and go on with my life. Best option is to ignore it as I had but better things to do.
Smiling, the man held out his right hand as his left held a goblet of some kind. "Pre Vizsla Governor of Concordia, I don't believe you've ever had the chance to meet before."
Taking the hand for the offered shake I nodded. "Yes I don't believe we've ever actually had the opportunity, well I must say I've been to your world quite often. Your work in rebuilding it is quite lovely."
"Why thank you, the people of Concordia have worked hard to turn that ball of dirt into a green world once again, always good to receive praise for our work." He said, swirling the liquid in his glass before sipping. "It was actually because of your trips to Concordia that I wanted to talk to you."
"Oh?" I asked in an inquiring way, wondering where this was going.
"Well, although Concordia is doing a lot in it's rebuilding process it still has some time to go before it is truly restored. The process could be sped up of course but we would need the Republic to lessen its restrictions on what we could do. Staying true to the letter prevents us from importing animals from other Mandalorian planets that would thrive on Concordia."
"Intriguing, what's the exact restriction?" I asked and I raised my brow, kind of curious about what this is actually about. Was this some sort of long play? Had he allowed the use of the moon for my training in hopes of having me help him deal with some Republic restrictions? If so, my hats off to him as I saw no reason not to at least look into the matter. If I could help him out with making Concordia complete it's terraforming process to a livable moon faster. I saw no reason not to try and help as any resources that would be saved in the long run could be diverted to rebuilding the other planets of the Mandalorian system.
"The Endangered Animals act to be exact, Concordia used to have a large diverse array of carnivorous predators even before Mandalorians brought in packs of animals from other planets to hunt. That was several thousand years ago and the Excision did not help those populations. As far as anyone's aware those carnivorous predators are now all extinct but we are still labeled as a planet that needs its environment protected due to its history. This of course prevents us from bringing in new animals that could threaten the environment of the ones that are now dead.
If you could look into getting us off that list it would help greatly in the rebuilding efforts, as I could bring in resources not just from Mandalorian systems.
"Just from Mandalorian systems?" I asked, confused.
"Right, part of the restrictions prevents us from trading Mandalorian plants that may have had contact before the restrictions were in place, as a way of preventing species from other planets from accidentally being transplanted."
Ah, so this environmental protection was not only preventing the terraforming, it was also clamping down on the trade of the planet as anything would have to basically go through another Mandalorian planet before going to Concordia.
Nodding my head I said "Well I'm unaware if I will have any way to help with this situation but I will definitely look into it. That's the best I can offer."
Pre smiled, "At least someone will be looking into it. I've been trying to get Tal Merrik to look into it for some time now but he's always been busy trying to get trade deals for Kalevala."
That raised my eyebrow, interplanetary rivalry and was not a good look and could cause problems down the line. I need to keep an eye on Senator Merrik if he was abusing his position to favor Kalevala over the other planets of the Mandalorian system, let alone the sector.
Of course this might be a biased opinion so I would give Senator Merrik the benefit of the doubt to prove it wrong with his deeds.
Smiling, I simply nodded and said "Well I'm sure he's got a good reason but I will keep this matter on the table in our conversations. Getting this wildlife reserve status removed from Concordia seems like a reasonable stance to take if the planet has already had all of the original species population wiped out."
"Thank you Miss Tanya, looks like there's a bit of a line forming behind me so I'll be seeing you around." He said with a nod before taking a few steps away clearing the way for another man who was waiting in the wings.
Said man was in his early 50s by my guess, balding and carrying a box. As soon as Governor Vizsla cleared the way he stepped forward, "Drioz Shuur of Mandel Technologies, at your service Miss Kryze."
"Tanya Kryze, pleasure to meet you." I said, in greeting.
"Miss Tanya, would you be willing to help a Mandalorian Corporation out?"
That raised my eyebrow with a smile, nothing like honesty to improve my mood. "Well as a nobleI I'm a servant of the people, if the corporation's goals align with improving the people's lives I would not be against helping out a corporation. Assuming your proposition is beneficial to the people?
"Oh yes, this will be beneficial to everyone involved. As a soon-to-be representative of our people, you will be invited to plenty of events while you are away. Not only that you will be seen on cameras across the sector, you will be a representation of our people, a trendsetter."
'Oh this could go badly.' I thought, my eyebrow thoroughly reaching the top of my hairline at this point. "You are not wrong, though I don't see how this will-." He cut me off and held up the box to me.
"Why this gift will be how you help our corporation, as we plan to help many others." Curious, I took the box and opened it with my left hand only to see two mandalorian bracers laying inside, elegantly designed for style if I had to guess with several screens currently off.
I was actually in a market for Mandalorian vambraces but I was planning to go through Zum for that. He was working on getting the materials together so I was intrigued at what I was seeing. An opportunity is here but I thought I better ask more questions about what I was dealing with.
"Mandalorian vambraces, aren't these a bit too militaristic for a gift?" I asked carefully.
"Oh heavens no, this is a new model we have created based on the ever growing popularity of the Silver Codex. It only have defensive systems such as a small energy shield, in case of assassination attempts, a communicator with a powerful enough transmitter to reach orbit on some of the lesser atmospheric worlds, and the most popular feature that we have been working on a small computer allowing you to access the galactic net. All well designed and hidden inside these elegantly built plasteel casing."
It was a smartphone, he was giving me a smartphone in the form of a vambrace that also has an energy shield, this is a very useful item. No, I did not miss the last thing, "Did you say plasteel?
"Yes, these are designed exclusively for export and we're hoping that when you are seen outside of the Mandalore sector the people will see you as a trendsetter amongst the youth and will put in orders for as many of these vambraces as we can sell."
I nodded my head and I said, "I appreciate your honesty," as I closed the box, "and I will do my best to set a trend as it were but I will make no guarantees that it will take off."
"Nothing's ever guaranteed in the galaxy except war and taxes." that got to chuckle out of me. I have not expected to hear a version of death and taxes but there was and it wasn't exactly wrong for their culture.
"Isn't that the truth, hopefully though the war part will become less guaranteed. Peace is always preferable in a good economy."
"Agreed my lady, thank you for hearing me out and enjoy the vambraces."
"Will do and if you have anything else like this, don't be afraid to ring me up. As far as I'm aware trend setting is not illegal behavior for the Senate."
"Noted." the man said with a smile, before walking away.
Well then this party was turning out to be more exciting then I had expected. Well I'd officially made a contact in an industry that could always come in handy in the future. Plus, I could always let Zum upgrade the vambraces with beskar plating in the future.
Coronet
Tanya Kryze
I looked out the window of the Coronet and smiled at the space outside as it zoomed by. This is probably the fastest I had ever traveled and it was in comfort and style. The Coronet was the personal yacht of Duchess Satine, though it served mainly as the transport for those of upper class from Mandalore to the one Core World Mandalore cared about, Coruscant. The economic and diplomatic capital of the Republic.
A massive city that encrusted an entire planet. I was fairly curious to finally see the planet I've been told about for most of this life. What I managed to find didn't exactly give me the most glorious picture. It sounded like a cyberpunk dystopia in a few places but I was going towards the better parts of the city so I would at least be safe, I assumed.
"Mistress, please stop staring out the window, you'll get hyper space sickness." came the mechanical voice of my Droid.
"Apologies X4, I will keep my eyes on the internals of the ship." I said turning to face the silver and green Droid.
I had many options to choose from when it came to droids, more than I really expected, really. Which shows that there is a healthy free market going on when it comes to droids and their technology. The expected choice, the one that I think most diplomats would have gone with, was the 3PO model. They were the industry standard for a century when it came to dealing with multiple species translations and etiquette. They are also fairly expensive yet are the cheapest option on the market, while also being capable enough that in some ways could replace me.
When a droid could function as a diplomat for you, there was really no reason for you to exist. Thus I searched the Droid market for something that would not be a danger to my position and would instead improve my capabilities. My quest for such a droid resulted in the 3D-4X Administration Droid. It had many of the same abilities as a 3PO model and instead of a lifeless human-like head, it had a silver one too, but coming out of the neck with one eye at the top. What was more interesting to me about this Droid than having something that could replace me was its abilities for administration. Not only was it good at translating, albeit with a fraction of the language library available to 3PO models, it could also handle my finances. While I am no slouch when it comes to administration, I was a member of an HR department, thus my specialties lie in managing the workers and smoothing relations with other companies or suppliers than managing spreadsheets filled with numbers and timetables.
Having a mechanical underling who could quickly figure out the most financially beneficial way to do something was far more appealing than a droid that could just speak a lot of languages.It was a bit more expensive but having the capabilities of someone who could handle all financial situations I would find myself in, would pay for itself quickly. And since droids could live up to 100 or more years no doubt my next of Kin would be thanking me for my forethought.
X4 for his part is rather professional and diligent. Didn't talk much unless prompted and was rather cool about everything he said. "I brought your tea, mistress."
"Didn't I ask for caf?" I questioned.
"Duchess Satine has ordered me to not offer you caf until your 18th birthday, as it would stunt your growth."
I collapsed a bit into my chair with a groan. While I had managed to sneak one final cup of caf from the Sleepy Strill last week, some cups of caf a month is not enough caf in your honest opinion. The moment I thought I had the freedom to have as much caf as I want, two more years have been added to it.
"I've already reached my maximum height of 5'6 last year. I don't think I'm going to get any taller than that."
"Satine's orders are the administration's orders, if you have a problem with the administration please contact your Duchess Satine."
I tried not to let my annoyance show, who would have thought droids had parental controls. Then again what is a Droid but a computer? Why wouldn't you give a kid control over a computer without putting some sort of parental locks on it?
"Alright, alright no need to get snippy." I said, reaching out to grab the glass of tea and sipped it. I took a moment to relax as X4 came to stand next to my seat waiting for whatever my next order would be. This really was The Life™ , a proper retirement when you really thought about it. Yes, there was the threat of rebellion and chaos but this little moment of peace of being an aristocrat was almost worth ticking off Being X and all of the crap I had to deal with in my 2nd life.
Before I could get too sentimental though, someone opened the door to Coronet's lounge of Coronet.
"Oh, there you are." came the voice of my generous host as he walked into the room with his own 3PO model Droid following behind him. Another reason I had sprung for the more business minded option, my employer already has a 3PO model.
"Senator Tal Merrik," I said, straightening up, "or is it Prince? I'm not sure which title comes first in this situation." I have tried to look it up in my current understanding with the senator but it was always best to ask.
"Senator," he said with an offhanded look before taking a seat across from me signaling his 3PO model to get a drink from a nearby locked bar, "only when I'm on Kalevala does the prince title take precedence."
I nodded my understanding and made note of it in case I ever came up. "In any case, I thought I should have a little meeting with you before we reach Coruscant, I wanted to make sure you understand the political situation that's been brewing that we are under strict orders to not get involved in."
I don't think I could raise my eyebrow any higher after that statement but I took it in with the calmness a princess was supposed to have. "And what is this situation we must remain diligent to not step in?"
"To put it simply, a former Jedi is dropping the non-political stance they've been playing at for the last thousand years. He is gathering several systems unsatisfied with the Republic under his banner. Personally I believe he's simply trying to use the systems to get himself elected as Chancellor, like the Jedi Chancellors of old but I haven't had a chance to talk to him yet."
I felt the cold grip of fear tug at my heart. A former military leader was gathering planets to position himself into politics. That could go badly and why was he gathering discontents? I was going to need to do research on this just to make sure I understood the situation but I would honor the prince's request.
"Understood, I will stay far away from this situation. Frankly I'm more interested in trade deals and ways of improving the Mandalore system over any petty politics of 'who should be the leader in the Senate'."
"Good," he said as his Droid brought him his drink he smiled before sipping it then continued. "Also, stay far away from the Jedi. On a good day they're the Chancellor's dogs. On a bad day, well what happened to Mandalore during the Excision was a bad day."
"Not a fan of the space wizards?" I mused as I listened to him.
"Nope, I've seen enough of their so-called peacekeeping to know that when a situation goes south they usually make it worse."
I nodded my head but I would withhold my judgment for now on that one that sounded like ancient bias to me. Mandalorians and Jedi have been going at it for nearly 4,000 years, maybe more so I could see why bad blood existed between them. How bad the blood was I wasn't sure yet though that was not my problem. It wasn't like I was trying to integrate Jedi into Mandalorian society, that sounded like a recipe for disaster.
But I just simply said "I'll keep my distance from them if I see their brown robes." I've seen one or two holo videos with supposed Jedi actors and they always wore brown robes so I assumed that was some sort of sign of their cult.
"Exactly, if you see brown robes walk the other way." He said matter of factly before sipping his drink.
Kamino
Jango Fett
I chuckled as I read the last few lines on the document before me. I just returned from a hunt, a simple and easy job too. Get in, bash a head, drop off the unfortunate soul that the person who wanted him, and get out. Most of my bills were paid by my contract with the cloners but I still enjoyed the hunt every once in a while. Plus being cooped up in the city for too long can get a bit too much for me sometimes.
And as I always did when I went on a trip out, I picked up a few things on my way home. I had swung by the edges of the Mandalorian sector and picked up a rather unique little trinket, the Silver Codex, what a bunch of malarkey.
"What's so funny?" came the voice of one of the members of my Cuy'val Dar, Kal Skirata. Not to be surprised I hadn't made it all the way back to my room before opening this particular document, things like this I usually left in the common area for them just so they could keep aware of what the Galaxy was up to.
Shrugging I tossed him the datapad, "Someone's decided they like the SuperCommando Codex enough to use it in their own document. Hell, not a big fan of their redefining of what a mandalorian should be."
"Really now?" Skirata said, sounding like he was already suspicious of the document before he opened it, taking the seat across from me at the lunch table. "Anything I should know ahead of reading this?"
"Author is unknown and White Silver sounds like a goddamn holo star name." I said relaxing a bit.
Skirata did a quick read of the document nodding his head along. "I've already said hogwash, but hey at least this is better than the New Mand doctrine of hiding in your holes and hope no one comes knocking, at least they'd fight in this."
"That's a point, can't see it being very successful though. In the long run, New Mandos are always a bit of a stickler for their whole pacifism stick and the Traditionalists aren't exactly going to jump for joy just because they are allowed to wear their armor again. They lost political power the moment the New Mandalorians took it so if they see a chance to take it back they will, that's how the Mandalorian sector works." I said thinking about, well a lot of things, there wasn't a good code of honor left in the Mandalorian sector in my opinion.
"True, but then again this Silver Codex does offer a continuation of the main idea of what it means to be a Mandalorian but I can see it sticking around for a while, at least as well as the SuperCommando Codex is doing. Who knows when this army finally goes into action and does its duty? Maybe it'll go back to Mandalore and be welcomed there because of something like this."
"You think the cloners are going to let the army go?" I asked, not really thinking this army has a chance at freedom. They do their duty and whatever happens after that, I wasn't sure.
"Don't know, but I'd like to think that they have a chance in Mandalore. If they ever do build this self defense force, well these boys would more than willing sign up for that. Which is a bit of a better future prospect than becoming a mercenary or a bounty hunter."
"On that, I can agree." I said with a smile.
Writers note: ahh and thus her journey has begun and we move on from her training and learning arc, to her political actions arc. Which could be as long or shorter not sure yet, depending on what I can come up with, I think I have enough for 3 or 4 chapters so it might be a short ark. Also would like to thank Maryon from space battles who created some wonderful fan art that I have permission to uses as the cover image. If you are on FF, SV, or Ao3 and are wondering why should you visit the Spacebattles thread, images like this as well omakes made by readers are the reason.
Edited by: Warmach1ne32
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