Red_Faux
私を終わらせる
- Location
- 'Straya M8
Keep telling yourself that Tanya. I'm sure it'll stick eventually. Maybe try to stop avoiding thinking about Visha first though
Princess of Mandalore (Youjo Senki/Star Wars)
- Thread starter L4oftheWEST
- Start date
-
- Tags
- star wars youjo senki
Hexcalibur
Not So Ordinary Sword
- Location
- Somewhere
- Pronouns
- It
Idols of Gargon? I can just see Hutt slavers trying to capture one and the idols respond with heavy concentrated fire.
H341ZP1Z
3-20 Op-L337_T4NK boi
- Location
- Right behind you, I got your back bud.
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Now I'm imagining X4 thinking super hard about this whole Idol thing and someone happens by only to whisper to the next person to come by and catch X4 staring at the wall blankly, "He's just standing there... staring."
So like... Idol Sabaton? That is such a weird image, can't wait to see what comes of it
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Sometimes it feels like X4 is even worse than Tanya. A developing mind must not spend too long in the proximity of the Tanya Miscommunication Field or this happens.
Fellow Human
Verified Roado Rolla
Don't like Sabaton, I'm picturing Iron Maiden/Baby Metal.
what can I say... I's a known thing that Tanya as the salaryman played the idol master games, considering that it is very likely they familiar with the concept of baby metal, and considering they were a history nerd they very likely heard sabaton once in there life, and Mandalorian culture has a rich history of songs and poetry to draw upon. pluse... I like warrior girls who wear battle armor and sing as they kick bad guy ass,
- Pronouns
- male
If this is about the dark saber I thought that was stolen during the sacking of coruscant?
- Pronouns
- male
Pyramids are Sith holocrons showing that the Mandalor fought both Sith and Jedi
Warmach1ne32
Machine of War and Quests
- Location
- Indonesia
No according to lore, Clan Vizsla raided the Jedi Temple and stole it.
- Pronouns
- male
Thanks, but my comment was more about that the saber was stolen over 1000 years prior rather that 100 years
Maryon's Tanya and Vai Judging the core nobles
some art of Maryon that they made on the discord
OOF screwed that up
Chapter 24
Chapter 24
714 FNM (24 BBY)
Month 10
Mandalore, Sundari Palace, Council Chambers
Satine Kryze
'Today will not be a fun day.' I mused as I looked out at the gathered heads of state that worked underneath me to keep Mandalore running as a safe society. Events that happened had pushed me to take stances that I was just going to have to accept.
Sending my newest proposal to the Ruling Council was going to be a headache by itself and I could feel it growing already. But there was not much I could do on the matter, political realities had changed, granted it was technically my fault they had changed. I had encouraged Tanya to create the Silver Codex after all and helped propagate it as well. In my defense, when I did those things I never thought it would lead to someone attempting to overthrow the government I established.
But it happened, someone had attempted to overthrow my government. And due to the position of Gargon in the Mandalore sector, we had been practically powerless to do anything about it.
An argument I would probably have to face again while explaining the situation. Shaking my head I put those thoughts aside for now as the final member of the council entered the Council Chamber.
Pre Vizsla stepped into the room and nodded in my general direction before saying, "Apologies for my tardiness, Duchess. I was unprepared for this meeting and was attending to various matters on Concordia when I received the notice."
Smiling, I tilted my head in his direction before saying "No worries Governor, I had started planning this meeting yesterday and I knew it would be a bit of a hassle on such short notice, so I was more than willing to wait for your arrival. Please take a seat, this meeting will probably take a while."
Pre nodded and walked over to one of the prepared seats. Looking at the gathered ministers I took a breath before beginning. "It is time to discuss the recent trouble inGargon and how we are going to best deal with the aftermath. I have some thoughts on the matter but I would like to hear what the Council's thoughts are first before I give my own. Please feel free to speak candidly."
Prime Minister Almec looked up from where he had been sitting looking over various reports having already been given some leeway to do something about the matter.
Standing up he said, "I could speak to what I have already initiated. Officially we have condemned White Silver's actions as political terrorism and rampant vigilantism. However we're not taking any direct action against their followers at the moment, if they are honest about going into seclusion then it would be best not to give them a reason to come out of it. I've ordered the Mandalorian Secret Service to keep an eye on the followers of White Silver as they do with any Martial Traditionalists that still hang around on Mandalore."
Droxun, the Minister of Finance spoke up, "Why the Mandalorian Secret Service? Isn't that a job that can be handled by the Mandalorian Guard or even the Royal Guard?"
"The Royal Guard is for protecting the Duchess and can pursue anything she deems necessary for the continuation of Mandalore's survival. The Mandalorian Guard are used solely to keep the peace and are a police force. Due to the scale and sensitivity of the intelligence gathering activities we're expecting related to White Silver, the Secret Service is best suited for this task." Prime Minister Almec answered.
I noted to myself that I would need to warn Tanya to be a bit more careful with revealing her identity. As far as I knew, the Secret Service reported directly to Almec and while I trusted him to a great extent, he seemed to have gotten himself a new chew toy for his annoyance. There was a reason I was considered too harsh after the Clan Wars, half of it was because I had needed to prevent the wars from restarting, the other half was the result of Almec having a hardline approach to the matter of dealing with the Traditionalists after the war.
Deputy Minister Jarek, also the Governor of Kalevala, spoke up after Almec's statement, "Really now Almec don't you think that's a bit much? This White Silver has saved us from having to deal with Gargon and saved who knows how many lives from an interplanetary war by taking it into her personal hands. Not to mention she's made it quite clear she is no threat to the government, if she goes back on her word that would cause a severe hit to her reputation as someone who won't keep her word."
"A faceless warrior, most likely from Concordia, has declared herself Mandalore in all but name. For now they are saying that they are not interested in overthrowing Satine, how do we know that won't change in the future? I won't leave anything to chance." Almec said as he folded his arms across his chest.
Jerek shrugged before saying, "Fair enough, so you are doing the best you can to try and figure out what's going on, anything else you're doing that we should know about?"
Almec shook his head before taking his seat, "I've set things in motion that will protect Mandalore, that's all that matters."
Jarek shook his head before standing up and clearing his throat, "Though many on Kalevala are of a preference for no violence, the footage of White Silver has inspired a little bit more, what's the term I'm looking for… sympathy towards her. The fact that she handed over a criminal to the proper authorities, did the best she could to minimize deaths, to the point that she put her own life at a risk protecting people who were going to be wrongfully executed, and stopped the executioners while using the stun function on her blasters has given the Kalevalans a bit of a favorable opinion of White Silver.
There was a bit of a joke going around the local holonets that Kalevala Spacework's next star yachts will beat a discount price for customers who would promise to be as respectful of life as an Ithorian. Although, I know we must show a strong face and appear to be in full control of the situation. We have to at least admit she's saved us a bunch of trouble and might deserve a bit of leeway."
I did my best to prevent the smile from showing on my face at that statement. It's good to see that my homeworld saw the good in Tanya's alter ego though Almec looked rather annoyed by this statement if his narrowed eyes were any indication.
He simply shook his head and said, "We should not take anyone who could be a threat to the security of the Mandalorian sector lightly. In fact we should probably warn the Mandalorian Patrol to at least keep an eye out for them. See if they can persuade her to make good on her seclusion at the very least."
Governor Pre coughed to get our attention before saying, "The Mandalorian Patrol has contacted me about that in fact. Apparently a large number of the ships that were seized after the fall of False Silver were taken by the local clans and since they don't have a need for those ships have sold them at good prices to the Mandalorian Patrol. Some of the ships that were apparently given to White Silver were also sold directly to the Patrol."
"Their official statement on White Silver is that 'They are simply another faction of Mandalorians. As such also have the protection of the Mandalorian Patrol, as any other.' end quote"
"Damn them" Almec said, sounding fairly annoyed with this information, "We should have disbanded the Patrol the moment the Clan Wars were over. They were too close to Death Watch during the Civil War for my liking."
I shook my head and said, "Calm, Prime Minister, the Mandalorian Patrol has existed for almost a thousand years. It is one of the few safeguards in keeping the sector pirate-free. Just because they decided to stay out of politics does not mean we should view them as unfaithful.. Besides, every Mandalorian planet contributed something to the Patrol and if we had attempted to try and disband them they would have simply shrugged, tightened their belts, and continued to give the benefits of their protection to Ordo, Concord Dawn, and any Mandalorian planet that deemed them helpful. Not to mention that it would have removed us from having a seat at the table when they are having discussions about the defense of the sector."
It did amaze me sometimes that the Mandalorian Patrol was probably the oldest institution in the sector. With a collection of warships and various other assets that had been gathered over the thousand years they had somehow maintained political neutrality through almost all the conflicts that had assaulted the systems of the sector. While they had taken some great losses after the Siege of Mandalore as some of their more powerful warships had come to the call of Governor of Vrox; most had stayed out of the conflict and deemed it a situation where an internal conflict had spilled over to the point it called in external forces.
The Minister of the Interior, Armatan, spoke up then. He had been listening to the conversation with his eyes closed up to this point and if I didn't know him I might have thought he actually had fallen asleep. But I did know him and he was not as close an ally as Almec and Jerek. Though we shared many beliefs we'd have had several arguments regarding policy over the years as well.
"Now that we've completely covered the obvious points about this matter, let's go over the not so obvious points. It doesn't matter if this White Silver is real or that they took out False Silver. We got lucky, yes, but that doesn't change the fact that someone funded and armed Gerr to attempt this as well as gave him the impression that this was a reasonable act. He's been out on Gargon for nearly 20 years running a business and then all of a sudden he decides now is the time to strike as the Galaxy seems to be spinning out of control. No, this might be a taste of what's to come, factions within the Mandalorian sector turned against the government in order to divide us and start another civil war. So the matter is simple, how do we prepare for this next potential Civil War? Can the Mandalorian Guard, the Secret Service, or the Royal Guard deal with this?"
Almec shook his head, "There will be no civil war. My Secret Service will make sure of that and the Mandalorian Guard can and will defend the planet."
Armatan shook his head before he said, "That's not the question, I'm not talking about the planet, I'm talking about the sector. We can protect Mandalore all day long, but if the sector falls or blockaded we have no food coming in, we have no equipment coming in, no secure supply of resources, and then it won't matter that we protected the planet because the populace will rip us apart. So what are we doing to prevent that outcome, Prime Minister Almec?" Almec himself seemed a bit flustered as he tried to think of a response but I decided to speak up then.
"That's actually where my plan may come in handy." Armatan looked at me and nodded, wanting to hear what I had to say so I continued, "Last year a pirate invasion apparently took place on Vorpa'ya. The Journeyman Protectors were deployed by the Governor of Concord Dawn, and were able to settle the situation. During that time I also sent the Royal Guard to take part in the situation citing that the continued food coming out of Vorpa'ya for use on Mandalore was reason enough for the Royal Guard to be deployed in such a fashion.
This was in all respects a success. The Governor of Concord Dawn has been a little bit more lenient in the last few months about food supplies and all in all, the situation has improved diplomatically between our two worlds.
So what if we take that idea and expand on it? I have looked over White Silver's Codex a few times and one of their ideas which seemed rather relevant to our current situation was a Self-Defense Force. I brought it up once or twice to the Council before but never had an opportunity to really push for it. The idea would be a force on Mandalore whose sole purpose is to defend Mandalore and must be invited to help defend another planet within the Mandalorian sector."
Droxun, stood up in utter shock, "You want to build an army? Do you want to bring us back to the old days of offensive warfare?"
"Calm yourself Minister and please return to your seat so that I can finish." I waited until the Minister returned to his seat before I continued. "This will not be an army that can go out and conquer other planets, it is a purely defensive force to protect against invasive threats. They will not have access to any Hyperdrive capable ships so they can't even leave the star-system without outside support. Even if there are ships available to transport them, the SDF will start small with no more than four thousand combatants in total made up entirely of volunteers. They will be trained to the fullest extent possible so that they can be deployed to any combat environment in the Mandalorian sector that requested our aid."
Droxun sat there for a moment thinking before he finally said, "That is not too terrible, a four thousand man force with some of the best equipment we can get our hands on would be acceptable. The Royal Guard is only around five thousand souls in total. We shouldn't be sending them off world and to deal with situations that could turn bloody so having a force that is designed for that role and under a number of Royal Guards seems reasonable."
Jerek just sat there thinking for a bit before saying, "Does this Mandalorian Self-Defense Force have to be simply in Mandalore? If we're going for a small fighting force of say... one thousand or two thousand soldiers. Kalevala can afford a force like that and we could theoretically create our own version of the Mandalorian Patrol, an official Force that all members sign on to and supply a small portion of soldiers for. It would even make things clear as to what planets are meant to be defended or not. If a planet already has a Self-Defense Force that has signed on to this Sector SDF, we can deploy Planetary Self-Defense Forces to other planets from it.
Pre Vizsla shook his head at that, stating "It's an interesting idea but there are always going to be planets that can't meet an official standard for this Self-Defense Force and there will have to be a standard, you can't just have all things be equal. If there is a standard to have two thousand men, Kalevala and Mandalore are going to have a lot more heavily armored soldiers than someone from say, Concordia."
Almec nodded his agreement, "We don't need an SDF of that nature. We already have the Guard, every other planet and clan has their own warriors and sometimes full-on armies, they won't need or want to engage in this idea."
The Minister of the Interior shook his head before saying, "They have their own armies and militias sure, but having the ability to call upon some fully armored reinforcements in a bad situation is a desirable option to have in reserve. Not to mention, if we have a fighting force meant for fighting, they can be the center of a potential defensive army in case someone were ever to invade Mandalore. While it is as you said that every clan has their own militia tactics and styles of combat, are they going to be able to work together in an emergency? I think not. Having a standard that other clans can look to try and reach could be good for them. The Royal Guard is not that standard, they are well trained but they are not meant for a war zone. The Mandalorian Guard, as you've already stated, are a police force, so they aren't a proper standard either."
Almec did not look pleased as he muttered to himself before more openly grumbling, "I guess we should put it to a vote. We can make up our minds about what this Mandalorian Self-Defense Force will look like and what we'll do with it if we decide to even allow its existence."
Several ministers nodded before I spoke up, "Those in favor of creating a Self-Defense Force for the Mandalorian system with the possibility of expanding it to other willing Mandalorian planets, raise your hand."
I watched as people thought for a moment, Jarek was the first to put up his hand followed by Armatan. After a couple seconds Droxun put his hand up in agreement. Finally the last 3 ministers all also raised their hands leaving Prime Minister Almec to look annoyed and Governor Pre to shrug. As the hands went down Pre simply said, "I'm going to need a little extra funding to support such an organization. I'm afraid it's the only reason I'm voting against it."
I smiled and said, "No worries, I will see if we can't outline some sort of budget for expenditure in whatever contract we finally work out for this organization. Perhaps a small amount of money will be given to these organizations to help with formations on other planets to help them get to a standard that is acceptable with all the other members."
He nodded in agreement, "That might work."
Mandalore, Sundari Mall
Tanya Kryze
It had been a long time since I visited Soft Serve Mandalore 35, since I had left Mandalore, nearly a year before to be exact, and to my delight the quality had not degraded in the slightest.
After my return to the planet, I decided to visit this old shop to have a little frozen treat and I'd brought Vai and Ordo for my security, though it wasn't as if bodyguards were a requirement on Mandalore. I was pretty sure I'd seen Skota drive by in a speeder car, most likely keeping an eye on the situation.
Tabi and Kastel were currently with Struc on punishment duty for their screw up during the Harswee operation to give me an alibi. From what I had heard, they were being worked to the bone. Which was probably good for them considering Tabi really needed to work on his self-control. The only reason he wasn't fired was that, on further consideration, it resulted in people thinking I was out there dating instead of, well, freeing Gargon from an authoritarian madman which was a fine alibi as it were. I would just have to figure out some way to keep that alibi stable without making me look like some sort of socialite. Shouldn't be that hard to figure out given enough time.
Anyhow, I was enjoying a nice chocolate ice cream from Soft Serve Mandalore 35, which I had never had before but apparently was brought in with several other luxury goods thanks to some company called Mandal Logistics. That name has been popping up more often recently, they were doing good work trading products from Mandalore outside the sector and bringing in luxury goods to Mandalore. I wonder if they were an open company and I could invest in them? I'm sure that in the coming years they will do well. I'd have to ask X4 if there are enough credits in the budget to send a little investment their way the next time I talk to him.
Before I could continue with those thoughts though, two faces that looked very familiar entered the ice cream shop. Lagos Rook and Soniee Carid, Korkie's friends, were chatting amongst each other when they saw me and immediately started walking over.
"Tanya, long time no see." Lagos said sitting across from me not even bothering to ask if she had permission to do so. I mean for all she knew, there were other people with our group and those seats were taken; of course there weren't but still a bit thoughtless.
"Lagos, Soniee. Good to see you." I said with a smile, noting that the other girl sat down next to Vai without much noise, simply giving a nod to me and Vai.
"What are you two doing here?" I asked as I sat back in my seat, my spoon playing with the ice cream as I listened to whatever their story would be.
"We were just over at the arcade, catching up on old memories and such. We decided to get a bit of ice cream for ourselves, not much more to say." Soniee said with a shrug.
Looking next to me she finally said, "Oh sorry I'm Lagos and this is Soniee," holding out her hand to Ordo as she did.
"Nice to meet you," Ordo said, taking the hand and giving it a shake, saying "I'm Engiz Ordo." Before he went back to keeping an eye on the establishment, making sure we were safe.
Soniee turned to me and said, "So what are you guys doing here? I heard you were back in town from Korkie but he didn't say much about why you were back;though I have plenty of theories."
I raised an eyebrow at that, not sure what the theories could be, but I replied, "I'm simply back in town to rest and recuperate before going back to work for the Mandalore sector. Coruscant is a stressful place and I need to reconnect with my roots every once in a while.
Lagos raised a skeptical eyebrow before she showed a mischievous grin,"Uh-huh… and did those reconnecting roots involve a pink haired boy at least 2 years older than you? "
I heard Vai cough around the straw in her mouth, the comment having taken her by surprise as she was sipping on a milkshake. Alright, I hoped to avoid a conversation like this. I guess it's the law of all universes that girls talk. Well I would do my best to try and not to mess this up.
"Oh yes" I said, "it did for a time, it didn't work out." I said, stabbing my ice cream with my spoon to get a big scoop.
"Really? What happened?" Soniee said from across from Vai, looking surprised by the fact that I had apparently gone on a date with someone.
I shrugged before saying, "We decided we weren't each other's speeds, and he embarrassed the royal guard with his antics, which is a big no-no. It's in fact so bad that Ordo here had to beat Tabi and a public duel to win my honor back. Apparently it's some sort of tradition in the Royal Guard and I'm simply looking for a more reserved gentleman.
I didn't know if these two would believe it but that was the story I was planning to run with. Eventually if the truth got out then so be it; but if it didn't that worked too. Either way it would help me out with cleaning up the situation while also not implying we were on bad terms. If two people had dated and were on bad terms throwing them out of your official watch would be expected but if you'd parted on good terms then it was just a weekend fling that would be forgotten in time.
That and Ordo's status as the victor in that fight, which had been public for the Royal Guards, would serve as an obstacle against any who made attempts to date me which, I hoped, would discourage any future noble sons from trying to court me. If I ended up being in a situation where I was going to have to marry someone else, I was at least going to try and have some control over the speed of the relationship and the competence of my suitor and this would serve as a decent deterrent.
Also, in order to make sure that he was always in fighting shape to defend my honor, I was giving him extra training on the side, sparring and workouts together. He was getting the same treatment that I'd given Vai as he showed himself having a similar use. So far, he has room for improvement but I'll get him to my high standard eventually. At least that was my intent with the statement. Who knows what sordid fictions the imaginations of the two girls would come up with based on this story.
Lagos nodded, looked between me and Ordo before asking, "So how do you know Engiz?
I smiled and said, "We've known each other for roughly 6 years I think? We actually met over in the laser tag arena."
Lagos narrowed her eyes and looked at Ordo before she widened her eyes and said "You're the kid with the glasses, the one that was helping Tanya during the game all those years ago."
What Lagos said caused Soniee to look over at him for a moment before she too recognized him
Ordo took his left hand and rubbed the back of his head, letting out feigned chuckles as he said "Yeah that was me, that was the first time Tanya and I officially met. But we didn't really talk until a few years later."
I nodded saying, "We've been in contact for nearly 3 years. We share similar interests in history, research, and other things. Very good long time pen-pal."
"Ah," Lagos said, nodding her head before asking, "Pen-pal, where are you from Ordo?" As she said it, I saw the light go on behind her eyes as facepalmed herself as she realized she'd said the answer right there.
Ordo missed it though and simply said, "Where you would expect? I'm from Ordo."
"And what brings a member of Clan Ordo all the way to Mandalore?" Soniee asked probingly to continue the conversation as I simply enjoyed a bit more ice cream.
"I'm part of Tanya's Royal Guard detachment. It's my job to keep her safe."
"Does a good job of it too." I said affirming that, "He reliably follows orders and is good in a fight."
"Oh, was he in that fight video from a few months back." Soniee said, speaking up a little louder than she usually did.
I attempted to not show my displeasure at the mention of that video before saying, "Yes, he was there. I was trying to socialize with fellow Representatives that night and while returning home things just went wrong."
Soniee shrugged before saying, "Wouldn't count that as wrong, that video is one of the most watched videos on Mandalore right now. Second only to the whole White Silver anti-war speech video."
Again I tried to not show my displeasure about this information as I responded, "Yes, well I really did not want to get involved in a gang fight on my way home, it sort of just happened. I turned the corner and someone threw a punch at me. I was just lucky that I was able to block the first one. Ordo unfortunately got hit by some sort of prosthetic fist that sent him flying like 5 paces back up the stairway. I'm sure that's why he was not as prominent in the video."
"Uh-huh," Lagos made a noise that seemed to indicate she was putting something together in her head. I don't know what it was but I suspected I wouldn't like the implications of whatever she was thinking. If you had to think about something that usually meant you were coming up with your own understanding of a story. Which means whatever I was saying was being translated through some lens I didn't yet understand, which was annoying.
"Oh, would you look at that, I have a call." Ordo said, looking at his vambrace, looking like he was feeling a bit uncomfortable. "It's probably the commander wanting to check up on us. I'll be right outside." That was odd because I hadn't heard any calls. As he started to get up, I wondered why, before it finally clicked that this entire conversation had been about boys. I had basically been suffering through this entire time and he'd been suffering through it as well and he'd just figured out an excuse to get out of here.
I was of two minds on this one, one was calling him a traitor for leaving me behind because no doubt now that he was leaving that conversation would continue to be about boys and likely in more detail. On the other hand, I thought he was a genius for being able to create a way out as quickly as he had and I wished I had come up with one as well.
Since it wasn't possible for me to ask him to take me with him to get out of this situation, I simply said, "Alright, let him know everything's alright."
"Will do princess." He said before stepping away taking a few steps before he was outside. I watched him clearly to see what he would do and he did seem to press a few buttons on his vambrace and maybe started talking. He's facing away from us so I couldn't see for sure. Maybe there really was a call and I missed it or it was set to vibrate. If it's not, well he was a good actor at least, a good skill to grow in case we ever needed to go undercover again. Hopefully that would never happen though.
The moment he was outside Lagos looked directly at me and asked, "So who is your speed?"
I was mentally screaming wishing I had figured out some way to escape before I shook my head and said, "I don't have a speed worth talking about. Maybe we should talk about Vai. She has more interesting stories I'm sure."
"Sure," Soniee said, turning to Vai, "so who's Tanya's speed?" I smacked my forehead onto the table in utter annoyance of this. Is this really my life now? Am I always doomed to girl talks for as long as I live? The answer of course was yes since I was a girl…I was doomed to it. I just had to get used to this sort of stuff.
She rubbed her chin as she sat back before saying, "Well if I had to make a guess, someone who's intelligent, reliable, and follows orders."
"So she has a thing for someone like Ordo." Lagos said as she sat back in her chair, seeming very self assured in her determination. Oh how I wanted to escape this. Turning my head I looked out the window wondering if there was any way to get away, wishing I just went with Ordo. Yes, that might also imply exactly what they're thinking but at least I wouldn't have to hear about it.
Sighing, I simply said, "This is not really a conversation I will be answering any questions about."
"I think we hit a nerve," Soniee said before continuing, "well as options go it's not the worst one. At least he's got some broad shoulders on him."
The mention of shoulders reminded me of the Gargon incident with the Keldabe kiss and how they had blocked the view of our pursuer and how safe that it felt…
I shook my head and said, "I'm not talking about this, maybe we should talk about your relationship with Korkie instead?" Playing defensive was not working, time to go on the offense and Soniee had managed to stay out of this conversation up till now.
"What!? I don't have a relationship with Korkie." Soniee said, seeming a bit shocked by the statement.
"Really could have fooled me? You two are always hanging out together even when you're not part of the larger group, and you're always coming to his aid when he needs help with his studies" Soniee seemed to fall into deep thought as if trying to figure out if I was screwing with her or not. It didn't matter as that seemed to have done the job. I would have a few moments of peace to enjoy what was left of my ice cream before we could leave.
Mandalore, Sundari Palace
Bo Katan Kryze
"Well isn't that a pleasant view." I said looking out over the city of Sundari. I was leaning over a banister still wearing the rather plain civilian garb that Satine had got in for me, as much as I would love to wear my armor today, I could tell something was up. Things were changing and how they were going to change, I didn't yet know but I wasn't going to piss Satine off while she was in a more Mandalorian mindset. Okay well maybe I would but I would try not to make it about the Mandalorian stuff, sisters being sisters is as far as I would go today.
"Yes I quite love the view of the city at this time of day. It looks even more marvelous at night though I admit, so full of life and peace." Satine said standing next to me. She was leaning on the banister as well though not as heavily, she was wearing a fancy gown having just come from a meeting with the High Council.
"Anyways," Satine said, turning to face me, "I think we are due for a talk sister. We've been doing our own thing for the last 10 years or so and we need to have a conversation about, well..."
"The fact that your niece, or should we call her adopted daughter at this point, I saw that hug." Satine's face flushed a bit confirming my thoughts on the matter that at the very least Satine considers Tanya as her own daughter, even if she was just her niece. "The fact that she appears to be a political idealist who's willing to do whatever's necessary for her ideals."
"We can talk about that as well." Satine said, shaking her head, "It was something I had not expected to happen but yes I guess we should talk about that as well. And maybe you can explain why you were on Gargon? The report from the Royal GuardI sent specifically mentioned that you were there before they arrived."
I smiled and said "Oh that's easy, Tanya lied."
"Explain." Satine said with a raised eyebrow.
"She told me that you wanted me to check out Gargon and figured I had contacts that could get you that information that your Royal Guard's couldn't."
Satine shook her head at that before muttering, "I'm going to have a very long talk with that girl, if she's been implying that she's passing on royal decrees that is a capital offense even if she is a royal herself."
"Well, it was more like a favor from family but you're probably going to need to do that just to be safe," I agreed before continuing, "I'm not sure what she's been telling others. But I wouldn't really hold what she asked me to do against her. That speech she made, it was quite clear she detests the war aspect of Mandalorian culture but has no problem with some of the militaristic parts."
Satine paused to consider this, "I don't think I'll be too harsh on her although I do wonder if she would have put her life at risk like that if I had not let you change her. But then again if I had not let her train under you she probably would not have had the skills to survive the situations she's been in on Coruscant and Gargon. For that I have to thank you. I may have made a few mistakes over the years but I'm glad that I did not make a mistake on that."
I reached out and held her shoulder with my hand saying, "Are you alright? Do you have a fever?" I put the back of my palm to her forehead to check her temperature all while struggling to not grin. "Hmm, temperature is normal, are you light-headed? Maybe we should sit down."
Her deadpan stare was worth ruining the moment and finally my expression cracked to a grin before breaking into a laugh only siblings messing with one another could achieve.
While I laughed, Satine pouted, "I pour my heart out to thank my beloved sister and this is the thanks I get, repaid with the thought of being ill? What an ungrateful little sister, what would father say if he saw you like this?" Satine put the back of her hand to her forehead and leaned back like how those actors in those holo-dramas that we had liked to watch would over exaggerate despair, which got me cracking up even more.
She smiled and laughed along with me for a minute before we eventually calmed down. "When was the last time we laughed like this?" Satine asked rhetorically.
"We both know when that was, when the Clan Wars started and you were sent to Coruscant. When the sister that I admired changed into someone unrecognizable." My answer wiped the smiles off both of our faces. I know that before we could even repair the rift between us, this long talk was inevitable. Now might be the last chance to bury our differences and be sisters again.
Satine brought up her left hand to rest it on my own before she turned and said, "There's a couple benches over here. Thistalk is long overdue and we should probably have a seat for it."
Nodding, I followed her over to the benches where we sat. I took a moment to enjoy the excellent view of the city as we sat while Satine seemed to be figuring out how to start.
"It's been a while since we yelled politics at each other. Do we really want to settle things now and possibly ruin whatever is left of our relationship or should we ignore our differences on politics for another few years?"
I sat back giving it some thought, this was a hard question after all. The last time we had a conversation about politics, I'd been banished from the house. If it wasn't for Tanya's interest in the Old Ways, I would probably still be banished from the house, living out on the frontier or Concordia. Then again I had been more politically active in those days and may have given a speech that was rather unflattering about the New Mandalorians. I haven't done that in a while so this conversation wouldn't be too terrible and maybe confronting it head on would be beneficial. The family that fights together, lives together after all.
I leaned forward to rest my elbow on my knees before saying, "You know, when you returned from Coruscant, I was happy. The sister I admired was still alive and had returned home. But when I met her, I didn't even recognise who she was anymore. Someone who was wearing my sister's face but was doing everything she could to erase what made us Mandalorians. I'd learned to cope with it, that the sister I knew was dead and gone but I always hoped maybe I could get this stranger to at least not destroy the heritage that our ancestors and Father left us." All of this was said while I looked out over the city. I tried to shift my thoughts and remember the good times I had with my sister before the war, before she changed but those had been tinged for a long time.
"Is that why you reject it? Even though we both went through the Clan Wars and grew up in the Civil War? We lost our family during the conflict, is that why you never once considered trying the New Mandalorian way?" Satine placed her hand on my shoulder which I promptly ignored.
I stayed silent, not really sure how to go about saying this before finally settling on the most reasonable answer I could come up with. "Because I wasn't brainwashed by Coruscanti Osik, like the New Mandalorians did to you. They hit you with 'peace is the way' when you were at your most vulnerable, just after father died.
"My sister who went to Coruscant was a Mandalorian much like Tanya is, the girl who came back was a New Mandalorian both literally and metaphorically. And though you fought for your peaceful Mandalore, I'm just going to be honest here, a lot of the New Mandalorians were no better than the Traditionalists that used to run things, maybe even worse. They enforced their will on other Clans and destroyed generations worth of history. Do you realize how wealthy our family really is compared to most Mandalorians?"
"What does wealth have to do with this?" she said, sounding confused.
Shaking my head, I reached into my bag and pulled out my vambrace, pressing a few buttons I pulled up our family history on a holographic projector. "Our family goes back 30 generations, every single one is marked down, passing down the information of who the beskar came from and where. We have a computer core inside the old house that stores this information in case the armor is ever lost so that information itself is not lost. Most families don't have this sort of record keeping, some of them have little holographic cores like we have showing the information like this of where the armor came from. Those are the middle class, Mandalore doesn't have a big middle class. Giving up the beskar for some people is giving up their family history. That might be possible for some people, if they have places that they can store it. But most can't, because that armor is what they need to be able to find work or open doors. Their clans don't make enough money in peaceful works to let the beskar go unused and in some places asking them to do so is almost insulting. But in order for their families to live and work in this beautiful city they had to give it up.
That's the problem with a lot of New Mandalorians, they aren't aware of what exactly they're demanding of people. They tend to be from Kalevala which, compared to Mandalore and every other system, has done well for the last 700 years and has managed to stay out of the conflict. Now to be fair, some of this success was because they were developing the New Mandalorian way and because our family saw the benefits of working on the economy even 700 years ago. But Kalevala had more to begin with and having this wealth has blinded New Mandalorians to the realities of the average Mandalorian, many of whom live nomadic lifestyles and don't have technology to keep something like this working." I pointed to my vambrace hologram.
"So much effort is spent on survival and trying to secure access to the resources they know about that they can't afford the equipment needed to search for new resources or extract them in truly hostile areas. That's just one of the things I've learned after Dad died and I had to go out on my own and survive in the Clan Wars and wealth is only a part of the reason that beskar is important to the people."
Satine seemed to be deep in thought as she looked up at the dome before muttering, "Protecting history, it always comes back to that doesn't it…"
Finally she nodded before saying, "I know what you just said is right. I mean, I may have been a little bit overzealous trying to get the New Mandalorian way started when I successfully got myself installed as the ruler of Mandalore. I blame being 17 at the time, too young and stupid to think about the long-term consequences of my actions. I just wanted the war to be over, all war in fact and it looks like that was in vain."
"I wouldn't say that," I said, "Tanya might be onto something, she seems to take the best of your ideas and more traditional ideas to find a combination that would be best for Mandalore. As an adopted mother, I think you did a good job raising her."
Satine grabbed my free hand and squeezed, "I had help." She said with a smile before continuing, "Anyways, I think you're wrong in the whole brainwashing thing but I can see your points, points Tanya has made several times in fact. The New Mandalorian way is flawed, we looked down at all the fighting and deaths with a vision of a better world but we didn't actually look at the pressures that led to the fighting. We didn't see the need, or the need for identity. Not actually understanding, just seeing what we wanted to see."
I shrugged not going to push the brainwashing bit too much I thought before continuing, "That about sums it up. The New Mandalorians are too busy trying to abandon traditions to ask why those traditions are there in the first place. That's what upsets most people. Tanya's little ideal experiment does a good job of finding the middle ground that is needed. I think the question is, can both sides come to an agreement on it?"
Satine looked off in the city before saying, "We've already begun the process of ratifying a Mandalorian Self-Defense Force and the process of building a system to run this force is already underway. Most likely we'll be taking a few officers from the Royal Guard to run it."
"Wow, is the sky falling too?" that was really the only comment I could make on the matter. It was something I did not think was possible. Actually building up a military force, even one for self-defense, was something that was likely to make New Mandalorians scream their heads off.
"I think, given enough time, Tanya's idea can work. I kind of want to see the world that she'll create." Satine ignored what I said and continued on, "But I do worry that there could be a bit of backlash from the New Mandalorians on the matter. I've been championing a form of pacifism that promises no war will ever happen. Tanya's version simply promises that we will start no war. I wonder if that transition will be alright or if it will start some sort of conflict."
I shook my head saying, "You're overthinking it. They don't want a war. If they start a conflict over you wanting to have the ability to defend ourselves that just proves that they never really wanted to have no war, they just wanted to be the ones dictating the culture. They didn't want to be Mandalorian, they just wanted to be Coruscanti."
She smiled at that, "Like you believe they wanted to brainwash me?"
"I still think they did," I simply said, "I just think Tanya has done a great job on unbrainwashing you."
She chuckled at that, shaking her head before saying, "This is why you're not allowed at any of the parties."
"Didn't want to be at any of them anyways. They're too stuffy, formal, and very Coruscanti. I'd rather go to any of the other parties that my friends in the Nomadic Clans would throw."
Satine shook her head before finally saying, "So you stole my armor, let's talk about that for a moment."
"To be fair I stole my Mandalorian sister's armor who hasn't come back from Coruscant yet, I still miss her very much. Wonder if she'll ever come home." Satine elbowed my shoulder rather hard but I simply said, while feigning more pain than it really was, "It's like I can still feel the punches she used to give me."
Satine did not look entertained so I just continued, "Yeah I stole your armor, it was wasting away in the castle that we call home gathering dust and your adopted daughter seemed to need it. And I think it was a perfect choice considering what I've learned in the past week or so."
She rolled her eyes at me, I didn't think I had seen her do that in a decade. "While that may be true, I thought you would like to know that I am having new armor forged."
I immediately sat the shab up and looked at her. "Wh-what did you just say?"
"I said I'm having a set of armor forged to try and work on the idea of a defensive doctrine being right. The armor will have no weapons but it will have lots and lots of defenses."
This is a dream, it's too impossible for it to not be. I don't think I knew how to handle this at all but the idea that my sister was finally coming home was shocking in itself. The idea that she was getting a new suit of armor to come with her, that I really had no way of handling.
"I thought you would like to know that I used parts of Mother's and Father's armor, since I could actually find them. For this new set it'll be in my colors of course but that's the best I can do in the situation I'm in. I don't even know when I will debut this set, maybe when I'm sure that everyone is not going to call Tanya and the Silver Codex followers as terrorists."
"Someone's calling her a terrorist?" I asked.
"My Prime Minister is a little bit thorny on the whole Silver Mandalorian issue. I'm sure he'll come around to it eventually but it'll take time. However, that's not the important part of this conversation."
She seemed conflicted about continuing, unsure of what to say it seemed. So finally I asked, "What's the important part of this conversation?"
"It's been 18 years since I've worn armor. I can defend myself well enough, I have a stun blaster on me at all times but I don't think I'm as good in a fist fight as I once was."
My jaw was firmly dropped as I realized what she was asking. "Are- are you asking me to train you?"
Satine nodded before saying, "Yes that's exactly what I'm asking. I don't plan to get into any fights but if I'm going to be an example of a Mandalorian who is peaceful yet not seeking war, I need to be able to defend myself as effectively as everyone else, otherwise I'm no better than those who look on high at those below."
"Satine," I stopped myself unsure of what to say before finally just reaching out and grabbing her in a tight hug. "Welcome back sister."
She let out an annoyed side before saying, "I never left."
"Keep telling yourself that." as I squeezed her a bit tighter. "I'm just making sure this was real, and not some sort of dream." Finally, I let go and said, "I'm going to be busy with handling things on Gargon but I'm pretty sure I can see about helping to train you back up to fighting form."
"What exactly did you sign up for, on Gargon anyways? I don't think I've had an explanation for that."
I shrugged before saying, "Basically doing exactly what you want me to do for you. Tanya wanted me to help put together an organization to help keep the planet safe for people. Apparently the White Silver has plans for that world I guess." I joked
"She does?" Satine said, sounding very unamused at the comment.
"Not like that, no. Considering that's two members of our family that have unseated a government and put themselves in charge at age of 16, kind of feeling left out here." I joked before continuing, "She's trying to get the planet to minimize its criminal ways as a way to turn the planet into a test bed for some sort of cultural exchange thing. The planet's right on the main trade route running to Coruscant and the Corporate Sector so I think the idea is simply to attract less pirates and scum and more CEOs and rich families to bring in lots of clean money instead of, well you know, money from crime."
Satine paused and then said, "Huh, well that's a rather noble goal. I don't think it'll be very successful though, Gargon has been staunchly against any plans to peacefully unify the Mandalore sector for all of my reign."
"Probably because it's been under Gerr the whole time?" I pointed out
"True, I guess we'll see what happens. If she successfully brings Gargon into the fold, that would be a large step in convincing people that the Silver Mandalorians are not a major issue that people need to worry about."
"Let's hope that you're right on that. When do you want to start training and how far in the desert am I going to have to go to find a place for us to train?"
"Why not use your facilities on Concordia?" Satine asked which reminded me that she had actually got those facilities for me.
"Well you wanted to keep this a secret right? Best to do this on Mandalore. People will notice if you're leaving the planet often." I lied, I trusted Pre to some extent, but having the "False Mandalore" on his planet without guards was a step too far. I may not be willing to rise up and rebel now but he probably would immediately if he could have some criminals capture Satine.
Satine nodded before saying, "I'll do some research, there's plenty of empty space on this planet that we can find that no one would notice."
Mandalore, Sundari Palace Ballroom
Tanya Kryze
Diplomatic functions, no matter where in the Galaxy you are, they are all the same. At least they felt like they were all the same, getting dolled up, being forced to wear makeup, and having lovely chats about any subjects other than politics.
That was the reality I was in. I've come to understand it, I've come to even enjoy it, and sometimes I've even come to tolerate the dresses. I'm still not very fond of being forced to wear diplomatic dresses though. At least my hair was not at its normal length which is usually halfway down my back, which means I didn't have to worry about all the bows that seem to come with and be apparent in this style of clothing.
Anyways, I was inside the Royal Palace and we were holding some sort of political get together mainly focused on my return home and eventual return to Coruscant. It seems like every other clan had at least visited me and said "Hi how are you doing?" and such. Really they were all very inane conversations so much so that I almost felt like the gathering was a waste of time.
But I could not make that mistake, the reality of it was that this was a perfect opportunity to network with other powerful people and get a feeling for what people thought of the recent events. Maybe I would prefer to not know but I should probably learn what they're thinking and ingratiate myself with Clan Heads as much as possible.
They were the ones who had voted Satine into office 16 years ago, ultimately the power Satine wielded came from them. If they didn't feel like they were happy with the government, they might look elsewhere. That was something I preferred not to happen.
My thoughts were interrupted as the latest politician stepped my way. It's obvious they were coming in my direction considering I had taken up residence in a corner of the Hall that was rather empty. Satine was currently chatting with a few other politicians, likely the ministers of various fields and Korkie was talking with Soniee, they seemed to be deep in conversation.
As for the person coming to meet me, it was an old friend in a way. Stepping in front of me, Pre Vizsla said, "Princess Tanya or would you prefer representative Tanya? Either way it's good to see you."
"Either is fine," I said with a smile as I gave a bit of a curtsy before saying, "it's good to see you too. How are things on Concordia?"
He smiled and swished his glass a bit, whatever liquid inside seemed to catch his interest before saying, "Concordia is fine, the Jedi I have told me that they've almost completed the survey of the planet and they have agreed that the endangered species that put the planet on the list are not there. I have to say you've done good work, we'll be off that list and be able to finally start getting trade into the planet. Just thought I'd come over here and thank you for that, the people of Concordia will be able to prosper a little bit more from now on."
I shook my head and said, "No thanks is necessary, I'm supposed to work for the people of the Mandalore sector. If I can find some way to make their lives better I'm going to do it."
He smiled at that and nodded before saying, "Good outlook then. I've also recently heard from Satine that you were behind the initiative to get the Ithorians into our system to help rebuild the ecology on multiple worlds."
I smiled and said, "I wouldn't brag about that, I simply started the process. Most of the official paperwork has been filled out between Senator Merrik and the Ithorians."
"True true, but you started the process. How you managed that surprises me considering the bad blood we have between them and us over some of the conflicts during the Mandalorian Wars."
I simply smiled and said, "Politics is like military conflicts in a way, if you know your opponents you can find what you can use to get what you want out of them. The Ithorians have a deep connection to an idea of preserving life, they just dislike actions being taken that destroy life. Like how part of the Senate's money helped fund the ships that would later bombard Mandalore, it's little things like that you can use to get them to at least think of the idea of helping us."
"Hmm intriguing solution," Pre Vizsla said before sipping from his cup, "well then here's hoping that you continue to find little things like that for the betterment of Mandalore. The prospect of not only getting trade running through the sector again but green worlds will make people quite happy with the Duchess's reign, I think and keep that White Silver from trying to take over I suppose."
I know it was a bad idea to wonder if I should ask what he was talking about, though it seemed he was in the mood to talk anyways. "Tanya, what are your thoughts on this whole White Silver situation? How do you think it will be handled by the Republic if she continues to try and act as a vigilante within Mandalorian affairs?"
That lowered my eyebrow as I thought about it, it was a reasonable question after all. I know that Silver was at best a vigilante right now and just because I had promised not to reappear did not mean people would believe it. But I had to at least pretend that I didn't know that information and think about this for a moment.
"If a political faction were to attempt to take control of politics in the Mandalorian Sector with violence, the Republic for the most part would do what they always do, label it an internal affair and maybe drop a few blockade orders and embargoes. As long as that political faction isn't part of an external force that is." I said with a shrug
"External force?" Pre looking at me with interest.
I shrugged before explaining, "The whole secession crisis going on right now could very well end up going badly for the Galactic Republic as a whole. The Republic seems to be on its way towards a civil war. I don't know what's going to happen but I worry about the possibilities that we might be pulled into this war against our will."
"Huh are you worried that this White Silver might pull us into the war?" Pre asked.
I simply continued "No not necessarily her though. I wouldn't rule out the possibility but the concerning matter is just how easily they were able to assemble their force and that Gerr was able to raise a small army under everyone's noses. If they can do it, anyone can."
Pre nodded in understanding my point before saying, "Well worry not Representative Kryze, I'm sure the Council can make sure everything will run smoothly." He looked off towards the other end of the hall and seemed to notice something before saying, "Anyways I need to get going. It was nice talking to you Representative Kryze."
"It was nice talking to you too, Governor Vizsla." I said with a nod as he stepped away and started walking in the direction of whatever he'd seen.
Sighing, I went to take a drink from my glass someone had handed me nearly an hour ago and I'd been nursing the entire time. It's some sort of fruity drink, no alcohol though which was unfortunate but understandable. When someone said in a rather loud and boisterous voice, "Good evening Princess Kryze."
I avoided spilling my drink on me as I nearly jumped at the loud call. Looking up I saw a young man, no older than 17 I theorized. He was tan skinned and blonde, well those were minor things to note, the major thing was he was wearing a bright Mandalorian style purple suit with very sharp corners and such. Also it looks like he was wearing cowboy boots which was odd in the halls of the Royal Palace but not unheard of on Mandalore. Near some of the few good arable lands left, farmers built colossal structures to keep it from becoming toxic. The quality of his boots suggested he was one of their types.
"Good evening sir." I said unsure of who this was. He simply bowed and said, "Baltan Carid, heir of Clan Carid. It's an honor to meet you, your grace. My father was an avid supporter of the Duchess for many years and a friend to your mother."
I blinked at him a couple times unsure of where this was going before he said "Tanya Keldau?"
"I know who my mother is, yes I'm just trying to understand why you are here." I said.
"That's quite simple madam. I've been working hard for the last few years to revitalize local farmland in my area. Due to these efforts, that is how 10% of all food consumed on this planet is produced on Mandalore but I need more help with finances and support. Being that our families are so close with very ancient ties dating back to the Mandalorian Crusades, I come to you asking for your financial support."
I wanted to say something, I'm not even sure what to say because the moment my mouth opened he went down to one knee and pulled out a small box which he opened to reveal a regular ring.
"I also came to ask for your hand in marriage." This was not what I was expecting at all and I was very displeased to hear the audible gasps around us as people who had been having regular conversations happened to look over at the spectacle that this man was making this whole situation.
I tried to get a word in edgewise but he continued to talk.
"You see, your mother and my father had made a deal that we would unite our clans more closely if she ever had children. While my Father had already been married to Clan Nurr by then by his father, thus the two of them agreed for their children to be married. I simply wish to continue the tradition of my family and see that you are well taken care of as a proper Mandalorian wife."
How I wanted to ball up my fist and smash it into the eye of the boy in front of me, it's nothing personal but you don't just surprise someone with a marriage proposal in a public event without notifying the other party about it or at least give them time to build a bond first. The fact that he was a supporter of Satine told me that that was probably a bad idea and could result in Satine losing a powerful ally. If Satine had told me that there is an arranged marriage with Clan Carid and had arranged a meeting with him first I wouldn't have batted an eye and probably accepted the engagement. I am pissed and annoyed that this inconsiderate Jagyc didn't even give me the courtesy to tell me about it in private beforehand. "I'm sorry Baltan, but I'm afraid I don't even know you and I would never marry someone without even knowing them."
I hoped that would put an end to this. Instead he snapped the box closed, stood up, slid the box into an inner pocket before saying, "Of course, of course, you wish to be courted then that shall be what we will do. If you don't mind a trip to the southern hemisphere I would love to show you around the farmland. Let you see the land you could help grow and make Mandalore a better place."
'Well at least he wasn't proposing anymore, that was a step in the right direction. I'll try and let him down gently.' I thought. Heck all I needed to do was make sure that I didn't have a free schedule so that he wouldn't have the time to try this. Giving me the time to get off Mandalore and back to Coruscant. And the next time I go to a public event I'll make sure Ordo was around so he could keep this guy from trying this, it was his job now after all. He'd probably be doing it now if I didn't give him the night off for having to sit through Lagos's girl talk.
"I don't know, I'll have to see about my schedule." I tried to say, looking desperately for a way to get out of this situation. I did not need this kind of conversation going about in the political scene. Being the center of attention for something like this was rather disturbing on many levels.
"Okay then," the purple suited boy said, "I'm open to having these discussions whenever you are Miss Kryze." He held out his hand in front of me, "May I take your hand though to seal this agreement?"
Mandalore, Sundari Palace Ballroom, Several Minutes Earlier
Vai Viktis Vizla
"Hello mother." I said as my mother pushed her way through the crowd to me. I had not seen her in a few years. She seemed more than willing to let me act as her secret agent for her family but she had not even bothered to send a goodbye letter when I'd left nearly a year before, at least father had done that.
"Vai! Good to see you, let's catch up dear." she said, grabbing my arm and escorting me towards a quieter section of the hall by force. Her claw-like grip would not have let me go if I tried. I think if I really was in for a fight I might actually be able to win, at least I hope I would.
It didn't take too long before we were in a very quiet section of the hall in a small alcove that had an open window that was laying in cool air.
"How was your time on Coruscant with the princess?" She said, seeming annoyed.
"It's been fine," I said with a smile. "Life's never been better."
"Good, good... and she trusts you right?"
I bit my lip before saying "Yes, yes I think we've grown to trust each other quite a bit."
"That's good, that's very good." She tightened her hand on my wrist before saying, "So if I were to ask you if you knew anything about her that could be leaked to the public what would you say?"
Oh the day had finally come, the day she planned to try and use me to unseat Tanya in some way I guess. Well jokes on her I was done with this Osik before I was even forced into doing it.
"I would say I am a member of the Kryze household's staff and I know how to keep her secrets."
Mother shook her head before saying "Really dear? That New Mandalorian slut? Did you see the photos of her on Harswee fawning over that pink haired Sheb'urcyin? That girl is not a Mandalorian, she's a Coruscanti with Mandalorian makeup."
I don't know what hurts more at that moment, the fact that she couldn't tell her own daughter from Tanya or that she just called me a slut. Either way I wanted to punch the stuck-up bitch that I loathe to call a mother. Instead I bit my tongue and said "Mother, I know you don't care for people outside the house but Tanya is not like that, she's a good Mandalorian and my friend."
Mother laughed at that and said, "She's not your friend, she's a New Mandalorian who's using you because you look like her body double. Don't be taken in by a sweet face, whatever she's telling you about friendship or anything else is a lie to keep you from thinking about the fact that she's using you to take a blaster round for her if she ever gets in trouble."
"Like you're using me to spy on her." I said annoyed.
"I'm not using you dear, we are simply doing as a family must do to help the house." She said with an almost sickeningly sweet comment. "And right now the family needs you to tell me everything you know about Tanya's sordid affairs."
"Good evening." came the harsh voice of a man from behind us causing us to turn to look in his direction. Standing there with a rather annoyed glower was Governor Pre Vizsla, he finished his drink before laying it on a table next to him.
"Miss Vizla and Mrs. Vizla what have we got going on here?" Mother finally let go of my arm before giving a professional courtesy to Governor Vizsla.
"I'm sorry sir, simply have any conversation with my daughter that is all."
"Yes, how did you get in here Mrs. Vizla? I don't believe you were invited."
"My daughter's in here, as her mother I simply told the guards that and they let me in."
"Sounds like some guards need to be reminded of their duty.'' he muttered, taking me by surprise. I would have assumed he was behind this when in fact it was just mother being mother.
"Miss Vizla, I think it's time for you to go. We really do not need to have such meetings in a public location like this, do you understand?"
"Of course, I'm sorry my … house leader. I will simply say goodbye to my daughter and be on my way."
I had just about enough of this as I could take. I started walking through the crowd pushing my way towards Tanya. I hear mother call after me but I needed to make something extremely clear to her, something that would put an end to any more attempts to get her to try and make me betray Tanya. Mother was so set on me being a stooge of the False Mandalore that she was going to let him bully her around, just so she could bully me around. I would not be the end of this chain. I am cutting it off now.
Getting through the last of the crowd, I saw a rather strange sight as some boy in purple was talking to Tanya and she looked the most uncomfortable I think I'd ever seen her. Well maybe this would help both of us out, I thought as I walked up to her and said "Hey Tanya, I need your help."
Mandalore, Sundari Palace Ballroom
Tanya Kryze
He wanted my word that I would at least attempt to court him? Oh that's not happening and thankfully I saw my escape walking towards me. Vai pushed her way through the crowd, coming to stand by me and looking at the purple colored farm boy before turning to me and saying, "Hey Tanya. I need your help, do you mind?"
Looking for any excuse to get out of the situation I said, "I don't mind at all Vai. Whatever help you need, I'm there for you." As I said that last bit I noticed over her shoulder her mother pushing her way through the crowd. She seemed to be in a rush or something. I didn't even know we invited her and I'm sure it was-.
Whatever thought I was going to have was literally obliterated as Vai grabbed me and pulled me into a kiss. It was official, this is the weirdest day of this life. On one hand I wanted to push her away as this would not do well for my reputation, not well at all.
On the other hand my treacherous hormones and brain chemistry was telling me that this felt nice and the net benefit that this would most likely throw whatever plan the purple suited farm boy had out the window.
As the kiss broke I got another glance past me and saw Vai's mother on the edges of ripping her hair out. By looks of it telling me everything I needed to know. This was merely teenage rebellion. Why is a kiss the answer to teenage rebellion? I didn't know. I would have to question her later. There is no way I was not going to do that now.
Vai on the other hand, looks a little bit happier but also a bit worried most likely because what she just done could be considered sexual assault if I was in a bad mood. Frankly, I've been in a rather good mood by this whole thing, so I tried to smile and reassure her.
And on the last note, purple boy seems completely gobsmacked by the whole series of events which at least probably meant I wouldn't be getting many proposals in the future, which was probably the first of many to come. Sure I probably just took a hit in some form of reputation but it might have just saved me from the hassle of having to deal with more proposals so it might be worth it at the end of the day.
Writers note: kept you all waiting a bit? Let see what happen this chapter family time, lots of it, some good some back, somearwkaness from frenshisp a, some governmental meatins. All and all nothing to major i think happen here? Well may gotten to high on my own victory when i wrote this chapter i do admit, but i think it works out. Any ways writing chapter 27 right now, IT FUCKING GREAT. I can't wait for you all to see it.
Edited by: Warmach1ne32, FallQm, Michael Sauer, Lord Feunoyr, Luke theman
Community edited by:Ivanoich
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Month 10
Mandalore, Sundari Palace, Council Chambers
Satine Kryze
'Today will not be a fun day.' I mused as I looked out at the gathered heads of state that worked underneath me to keep Mandalore running as a safe society. Events that happened had pushed me to take stances that I was just going to have to accept.
Sending my newest proposal to the Ruling Council was going to be a headache by itself and I could feel it growing already. But there was not much I could do on the matter, political realities had changed, granted it was technically my fault they had changed. I had encouraged Tanya to create the Silver Codex after all and helped propagate it as well. In my defense, when I did those things I never thought it would lead to someone attempting to overthrow the government I established.
But it happened, someone had attempted to overthrow my government. And due to the position of Gargon in the Mandalore sector, we had been practically powerless to do anything about it.
An argument I would probably have to face again while explaining the situation. Shaking my head I put those thoughts aside for now as the final member of the council entered the Council Chamber.
Pre Vizsla stepped into the room and nodded in my general direction before saying, "Apologies for my tardiness, Duchess. I was unprepared for this meeting and was attending to various matters on Concordia when I received the notice."
Smiling, I tilted my head in his direction before saying "No worries Governor, I had started planning this meeting yesterday and I knew it would be a bit of a hassle on such short notice, so I was more than willing to wait for your arrival. Please take a seat, this meeting will probably take a while."
Pre nodded and walked over to one of the prepared seats. Looking at the gathered ministers I took a breath before beginning. "It is time to discuss the recent trouble inGargon and how we are going to best deal with the aftermath. I have some thoughts on the matter but I would like to hear what the Council's thoughts are first before I give my own. Please feel free to speak candidly."
Prime Minister Almec looked up from where he had been sitting looking over various reports having already been given some leeway to do something about the matter.
Standing up he said, "I could speak to what I have already initiated. Officially we have condemned White Silver's actions as political terrorism and rampant vigilantism. However we're not taking any direct action against their followers at the moment, if they are honest about going into seclusion then it would be best not to give them a reason to come out of it. I've ordered the Mandalorian Secret Service to keep an eye on the followers of White Silver as they do with any Martial Traditionalists that still hang around on Mandalore."
Droxun, the Minister of Finance spoke up, "Why the Mandalorian Secret Service? Isn't that a job that can be handled by the Mandalorian Guard or even the Royal Guard?"
"The Royal Guard is for protecting the Duchess and can pursue anything she deems necessary for the continuation of Mandalore's survival. The Mandalorian Guard are used solely to keep the peace and are a police force. Due to the scale and sensitivity of the intelligence gathering activities we're expecting related to White Silver, the Secret Service is best suited for this task." Prime Minister Almec answered.
I noted to myself that I would need to warn Tanya to be a bit more careful with revealing her identity. As far as I knew, the Secret Service reported directly to Almec and while I trusted him to a great extent, he seemed to have gotten himself a new chew toy for his annoyance. There was a reason I was considered too harsh after the Clan Wars, half of it was because I had needed to prevent the wars from restarting, the other half was the result of Almec having a hardline approach to the matter of dealing with the Traditionalists after the war.
Deputy Minister Jarek, also the Governor of Kalevala, spoke up after Almec's statement, "Really now Almec don't you think that's a bit much? This White Silver has saved us from having to deal with Gargon and saved who knows how many lives from an interplanetary war by taking it into her personal hands. Not to mention she's made it quite clear she is no threat to the government, if she goes back on her word that would cause a severe hit to her reputation as someone who won't keep her word."
"A faceless warrior, most likely from Concordia, has declared herself Mandalore in all but name. For now they are saying that they are not interested in overthrowing Satine, how do we know that won't change in the future? I won't leave anything to chance." Almec said as he folded his arms across his chest.
Jerek shrugged before saying, "Fair enough, so you are doing the best you can to try and figure out what's going on, anything else you're doing that we should know about?"
Almec shook his head before taking his seat, "I've set things in motion that will protect Mandalore, that's all that matters."
Jarek shook his head before standing up and clearing his throat, "Though many on Kalevala are of a preference for no violence, the footage of White Silver has inspired a little bit more, what's the term I'm looking for… sympathy towards her. The fact that she handed over a criminal to the proper authorities, did the best she could to minimize deaths, to the point that she put her own life at a risk protecting people who were going to be wrongfully executed, and stopped the executioners while using the stun function on her blasters has given the Kalevalans a bit of a favorable opinion of White Silver.
There was a bit of a joke going around the local holonets that Kalevala Spacework's next star yachts will beat a discount price for customers who would promise to be as respectful of life as an Ithorian. Although, I know we must show a strong face and appear to be in full control of the situation. We have to at least admit she's saved us a bunch of trouble and might deserve a bit of leeway."
I did my best to prevent the smile from showing on my face at that statement. It's good to see that my homeworld saw the good in Tanya's alter ego though Almec looked rather annoyed by this statement if his narrowed eyes were any indication.
He simply shook his head and said, "We should not take anyone who could be a threat to the security of the Mandalorian sector lightly. In fact we should probably warn the Mandalorian Patrol to at least keep an eye out for them. See if they can persuade her to make good on her seclusion at the very least."
Governor Pre coughed to get our attention before saying, "The Mandalorian Patrol has contacted me about that in fact. Apparently a large number of the ships that were seized after the fall of False Silver were taken by the local clans and since they don't have a need for those ships have sold them at good prices to the Mandalorian Patrol. Some of the ships that were apparently given to White Silver were also sold directly to the Patrol."
"Their official statement on White Silver is that 'They are simply another faction of Mandalorians. As such also have the protection of the Mandalorian Patrol, as any other.' end quote"
"Damn them" Almec said, sounding fairly annoyed with this information, "We should have disbanded the Patrol the moment the Clan Wars were over. They were too close to Death Watch during the Civil War for my liking."
I shook my head and said, "Calm, Prime Minister, the Mandalorian Patrol has existed for almost a thousand years. It is one of the few safeguards in keeping the sector pirate-free. Just because they decided to stay out of politics does not mean we should view them as unfaithful.. Besides, every Mandalorian planet contributed something to the Patrol and if we had attempted to try and disband them they would have simply shrugged, tightened their belts, and continued to give the benefits of their protection to Ordo, Concord Dawn, and any Mandalorian planet that deemed them helpful. Not to mention that it would have removed us from having a seat at the table when they are having discussions about the defense of the sector."
It did amaze me sometimes that the Mandalorian Patrol was probably the oldest institution in the sector. With a collection of warships and various other assets that had been gathered over the thousand years they had somehow maintained political neutrality through almost all the conflicts that had assaulted the systems of the sector. While they had taken some great losses after the Siege of Mandalore as some of their more powerful warships had come to the call of Governor of Vrox; most had stayed out of the conflict and deemed it a situation where an internal conflict had spilled over to the point it called in external forces.
The Minister of the Interior, Armatan, spoke up then. He had been listening to the conversation with his eyes closed up to this point and if I didn't know him I might have thought he actually had fallen asleep. But I did know him and he was not as close an ally as Almec and Jerek. Though we shared many beliefs we'd have had several arguments regarding policy over the years as well.
"Now that we've completely covered the obvious points about this matter, let's go over the not so obvious points. It doesn't matter if this White Silver is real or that they took out False Silver. We got lucky, yes, but that doesn't change the fact that someone funded and armed Gerr to attempt this as well as gave him the impression that this was a reasonable act. He's been out on Gargon for nearly 20 years running a business and then all of a sudden he decides now is the time to strike as the Galaxy seems to be spinning out of control. No, this might be a taste of what's to come, factions within the Mandalorian sector turned against the government in order to divide us and start another civil war. So the matter is simple, how do we prepare for this next potential Civil War? Can the Mandalorian Guard, the Secret Service, or the Royal Guard deal with this?"
Almec shook his head, "There will be no civil war. My Secret Service will make sure of that and the Mandalorian Guard can and will defend the planet."
Armatan shook his head before he said, "That's not the question, I'm not talking about the planet, I'm talking about the sector. We can protect Mandalore all day long, but if the sector falls or blockaded we have no food coming in, we have no equipment coming in, no secure supply of resources, and then it won't matter that we protected the planet because the populace will rip us apart. So what are we doing to prevent that outcome, Prime Minister Almec?" Almec himself seemed a bit flustered as he tried to think of a response but I decided to speak up then.
"That's actually where my plan may come in handy." Armatan looked at me and nodded, wanting to hear what I had to say so I continued, "Last year a pirate invasion apparently took place on Vorpa'ya. The Journeyman Protectors were deployed by the Governor of Concord Dawn, and were able to settle the situation. During that time I also sent the Royal Guard to take part in the situation citing that the continued food coming out of Vorpa'ya for use on Mandalore was reason enough for the Royal Guard to be deployed in such a fashion.
This was in all respects a success. The Governor of Concord Dawn has been a little bit more lenient in the last few months about food supplies and all in all, the situation has improved diplomatically between our two worlds.
So what if we take that idea and expand on it? I have looked over White Silver's Codex a few times and one of their ideas which seemed rather relevant to our current situation was a Self-Defense Force. I brought it up once or twice to the Council before but never had an opportunity to really push for it. The idea would be a force on Mandalore whose sole purpose is to defend Mandalore and must be invited to help defend another planet within the Mandalorian sector."
Droxun, stood up in utter shock, "You want to build an army? Do you want to bring us back to the old days of offensive warfare?"
"Calm yourself Minister and please return to your seat so that I can finish." I waited until the Minister returned to his seat before I continued. "This will not be an army that can go out and conquer other planets, it is a purely defensive force to protect against invasive threats. They will not have access to any Hyperdrive capable ships so they can't even leave the star-system without outside support. Even if there are ships available to transport them, the SDF will start small with no more than four thousand combatants in total made up entirely of volunteers. They will be trained to the fullest extent possible so that they can be deployed to any combat environment in the Mandalorian sector that requested our aid."
Droxun sat there for a moment thinking before he finally said, "That is not too terrible, a four thousand man force with some of the best equipment we can get our hands on would be acceptable. The Royal Guard is only around five thousand souls in total. We shouldn't be sending them off world and to deal with situations that could turn bloody so having a force that is designed for that role and under a number of Royal Guards seems reasonable."
Jerek just sat there thinking for a bit before saying, "Does this Mandalorian Self-Defense Force have to be simply in Mandalore? If we're going for a small fighting force of say... one thousand or two thousand soldiers. Kalevala can afford a force like that and we could theoretically create our own version of the Mandalorian Patrol, an official Force that all members sign on to and supply a small portion of soldiers for. It would even make things clear as to what planets are meant to be defended or not. If a planet already has a Self-Defense Force that has signed on to this Sector SDF, we can deploy Planetary Self-Defense Forces to other planets from it.
Pre Vizsla shook his head at that, stating "It's an interesting idea but there are always going to be planets that can't meet an official standard for this Self-Defense Force and there will have to be a standard, you can't just have all things be equal. If there is a standard to have two thousand men, Kalevala and Mandalore are going to have a lot more heavily armored soldiers than someone from say, Concordia."
Almec nodded his agreement, "We don't need an SDF of that nature. We already have the Guard, every other planet and clan has their own warriors and sometimes full-on armies, they won't need or want to engage in this idea."
The Minister of the Interior shook his head before saying, "They have their own armies and militias sure, but having the ability to call upon some fully armored reinforcements in a bad situation is a desirable option to have in reserve. Not to mention, if we have a fighting force meant for fighting, they can be the center of a potential defensive army in case someone were ever to invade Mandalore. While it is as you said that every clan has their own militia tactics and styles of combat, are they going to be able to work together in an emergency? I think not. Having a standard that other clans can look to try and reach could be good for them. The Royal Guard is not that standard, they are well trained but they are not meant for a war zone. The Mandalorian Guard, as you've already stated, are a police force, so they aren't a proper standard either."
Almec did not look pleased as he muttered to himself before more openly grumbling, "I guess we should put it to a vote. We can make up our minds about what this Mandalorian Self-Defense Force will look like and what we'll do with it if we decide to even allow its existence."
Several ministers nodded before I spoke up, "Those in favor of creating a Self-Defense Force for the Mandalorian system with the possibility of expanding it to other willing Mandalorian planets, raise your hand."
I watched as people thought for a moment, Jarek was the first to put up his hand followed by Armatan. After a couple seconds Droxun put his hand up in agreement. Finally the last 3 ministers all also raised their hands leaving Prime Minister Almec to look annoyed and Governor Pre to shrug. As the hands went down Pre simply said, "I'm going to need a little extra funding to support such an organization. I'm afraid it's the only reason I'm voting against it."
I smiled and said, "No worries, I will see if we can't outline some sort of budget for expenditure in whatever contract we finally work out for this organization. Perhaps a small amount of money will be given to these organizations to help with formations on other planets to help them get to a standard that is acceptable with all the other members."
He nodded in agreement, "That might work."
Mandalore, Sundari Mall
Tanya Kryze
It had been a long time since I visited Soft Serve Mandalore 35, since I had left Mandalore, nearly a year before to be exact, and to my delight the quality had not degraded in the slightest.
After my return to the planet, I decided to visit this old shop to have a little frozen treat and I'd brought Vai and Ordo for my security, though it wasn't as if bodyguards were a requirement on Mandalore. I was pretty sure I'd seen Skota drive by in a speeder car, most likely keeping an eye on the situation.
Tabi and Kastel were currently with Struc on punishment duty for their screw up during the Harswee operation to give me an alibi. From what I had heard, they were being worked to the bone. Which was probably good for them considering Tabi really needed to work on his self-control. The only reason he wasn't fired was that, on further consideration, it resulted in people thinking I was out there dating instead of, well, freeing Gargon from an authoritarian madman which was a fine alibi as it were. I would just have to figure out some way to keep that alibi stable without making me look like some sort of socialite. Shouldn't be that hard to figure out given enough time.
Anyhow, I was enjoying a nice chocolate ice cream from Soft Serve Mandalore 35, which I had never had before but apparently was brought in with several other luxury goods thanks to some company called Mandal Logistics. That name has been popping up more often recently, they were doing good work trading products from Mandalore outside the sector and bringing in luxury goods to Mandalore. I wonder if they were an open company and I could invest in them? I'm sure that in the coming years they will do well. I'd have to ask X4 if there are enough credits in the budget to send a little investment their way the next time I talk to him.
Before I could continue with those thoughts though, two faces that looked very familiar entered the ice cream shop. Lagos Rook and Soniee Carid, Korkie's friends, were chatting amongst each other when they saw me and immediately started walking over.
"Tanya, long time no see." Lagos said sitting across from me not even bothering to ask if she had permission to do so. I mean for all she knew, there were other people with our group and those seats were taken; of course there weren't but still a bit thoughtless.
"Lagos, Soniee. Good to see you." I said with a smile, noting that the other girl sat down next to Vai without much noise, simply giving a nod to me and Vai.
"What are you two doing here?" I asked as I sat back in my seat, my spoon playing with the ice cream as I listened to whatever their story would be.
"We were just over at the arcade, catching up on old memories and such. We decided to get a bit of ice cream for ourselves, not much more to say." Soniee said with a shrug.
Looking next to me she finally said, "Oh sorry I'm Lagos and this is Soniee," holding out her hand to Ordo as she did.
"Nice to meet you," Ordo said, taking the hand and giving it a shake, saying "I'm Engiz Ordo." Before he went back to keeping an eye on the establishment, making sure we were safe.
Soniee turned to me and said, "So what are you guys doing here? I heard you were back in town from Korkie but he didn't say much about why you were back;though I have plenty of theories."
I raised an eyebrow at that, not sure what the theories could be, but I replied, "I'm simply back in town to rest and recuperate before going back to work for the Mandalore sector. Coruscant is a stressful place and I need to reconnect with my roots every once in a while.
Lagos raised a skeptical eyebrow before she showed a mischievous grin,"Uh-huh… and did those reconnecting roots involve a pink haired boy at least 2 years older than you? "
I heard Vai cough around the straw in her mouth, the comment having taken her by surprise as she was sipping on a milkshake. Alright, I hoped to avoid a conversation like this. I guess it's the law of all universes that girls talk. Well I would do my best to try and not to mess this up.
"Oh yes" I said, "it did for a time, it didn't work out." I said, stabbing my ice cream with my spoon to get a big scoop.
"Really? What happened?" Soniee said from across from Vai, looking surprised by the fact that I had apparently gone on a date with someone.
I shrugged before saying, "We decided we weren't each other's speeds, and he embarrassed the royal guard with his antics, which is a big no-no. It's in fact so bad that Ordo here had to beat Tabi and a public duel to win my honor back. Apparently it's some sort of tradition in the Royal Guard and I'm simply looking for a more reserved gentleman.
I didn't know if these two would believe it but that was the story I was planning to run with. Eventually if the truth got out then so be it; but if it didn't that worked too. Either way it would help me out with cleaning up the situation while also not implying we were on bad terms. If two people had dated and were on bad terms throwing them out of your official watch would be expected but if you'd parted on good terms then it was just a weekend fling that would be forgotten in time.
That and Ordo's status as the victor in that fight, which had been public for the Royal Guards, would serve as an obstacle against any who made attempts to date me which, I hoped, would discourage any future noble sons from trying to court me. If I ended up being in a situation where I was going to have to marry someone else, I was at least going to try and have some control over the speed of the relationship and the competence of my suitor and this would serve as a decent deterrent.
Also, in order to make sure that he was always in fighting shape to defend my honor, I was giving him extra training on the side, sparring and workouts together. He was getting the same treatment that I'd given Vai as he showed himself having a similar use. So far, he has room for improvement but I'll get him to my high standard eventually. At least that was my intent with the statement. Who knows what sordid fictions the imaginations of the two girls would come up with based on this story.
Lagos nodded, looked between me and Ordo before asking, "So how do you know Engiz?
I smiled and said, "We've known each other for roughly 6 years I think? We actually met over in the laser tag arena."
Lagos narrowed her eyes and looked at Ordo before she widened her eyes and said "You're the kid with the glasses, the one that was helping Tanya during the game all those years ago."
What Lagos said caused Soniee to look over at him for a moment before she too recognized him
Ordo took his left hand and rubbed the back of his head, letting out feigned chuckles as he said "Yeah that was me, that was the first time Tanya and I officially met. But we didn't really talk until a few years later."
I nodded saying, "We've been in contact for nearly 3 years. We share similar interests in history, research, and other things. Very good long time pen-pal."
"Ah," Lagos said, nodding her head before asking, "Pen-pal, where are you from Ordo?" As she said it, I saw the light go on behind her eyes as facepalmed herself as she realized she'd said the answer right there.
Ordo missed it though and simply said, "Where you would expect? I'm from Ordo."
"And what brings a member of Clan Ordo all the way to Mandalore?" Soniee asked probingly to continue the conversation as I simply enjoyed a bit more ice cream.
"I'm part of Tanya's Royal Guard detachment. It's my job to keep her safe."
"Does a good job of it too." I said affirming that, "He reliably follows orders and is good in a fight."
"Oh, was he in that fight video from a few months back." Soniee said, speaking up a little louder than she usually did.
I attempted to not show my displeasure at the mention of that video before saying, "Yes, he was there. I was trying to socialize with fellow Representatives that night and while returning home things just went wrong."
Soniee shrugged before saying, "Wouldn't count that as wrong, that video is one of the most watched videos on Mandalore right now. Second only to the whole White Silver anti-war speech video."
Again I tried to not show my displeasure about this information as I responded, "Yes, well I really did not want to get involved in a gang fight on my way home, it sort of just happened. I turned the corner and someone threw a punch at me. I was just lucky that I was able to block the first one. Ordo unfortunately got hit by some sort of prosthetic fist that sent him flying like 5 paces back up the stairway. I'm sure that's why he was not as prominent in the video."
"Uh-huh," Lagos made a noise that seemed to indicate she was putting something together in her head. I don't know what it was but I suspected I wouldn't like the implications of whatever she was thinking. If you had to think about something that usually meant you were coming up with your own understanding of a story. Which means whatever I was saying was being translated through some lens I didn't yet understand, which was annoying.
"Oh, would you look at that, I have a call." Ordo said, looking at his vambrace, looking like he was feeling a bit uncomfortable. "It's probably the commander wanting to check up on us. I'll be right outside." That was odd because I hadn't heard any calls. As he started to get up, I wondered why, before it finally clicked that this entire conversation had been about boys. I had basically been suffering through this entire time and he'd been suffering through it as well and he'd just figured out an excuse to get out of here.
I was of two minds on this one, one was calling him a traitor for leaving me behind because no doubt now that he was leaving that conversation would continue to be about boys and likely in more detail. On the other hand, I thought he was a genius for being able to create a way out as quickly as he had and I wished I had come up with one as well.
Since it wasn't possible for me to ask him to take me with him to get out of this situation, I simply said, "Alright, let him know everything's alright."
"Will do princess." He said before stepping away taking a few steps before he was outside. I watched him clearly to see what he would do and he did seem to press a few buttons on his vambrace and maybe started talking. He's facing away from us so I couldn't see for sure. Maybe there really was a call and I missed it or it was set to vibrate. If it's not, well he was a good actor at least, a good skill to grow in case we ever needed to go undercover again. Hopefully that would never happen though.
The moment he was outside Lagos looked directly at me and asked, "So who is your speed?"
I was mentally screaming wishing I had figured out some way to escape before I shook my head and said, "I don't have a speed worth talking about. Maybe we should talk about Vai. She has more interesting stories I'm sure."
"Sure," Soniee said, turning to Vai, "so who's Tanya's speed?" I smacked my forehead onto the table in utter annoyance of this. Is this really my life now? Am I always doomed to girl talks for as long as I live? The answer of course was yes since I was a girl…I was doomed to it. I just had to get used to this sort of stuff.
She rubbed her chin as she sat back before saying, "Well if I had to make a guess, someone who's intelligent, reliable, and follows orders."
"So she has a thing for someone like Ordo." Lagos said as she sat back in her chair, seeming very self assured in her determination. Oh how I wanted to escape this. Turning my head I looked out the window wondering if there was any way to get away, wishing I just went with Ordo. Yes, that might also imply exactly what they're thinking but at least I wouldn't have to hear about it.
Sighing, I simply said, "This is not really a conversation I will be answering any questions about."
"I think we hit a nerve," Soniee said before continuing, "well as options go it's not the worst one. At least he's got some broad shoulders on him."
The mention of shoulders reminded me of the Gargon incident with the Keldabe kiss and how they had blocked the view of our pursuer and how safe that it felt…
I shook my head and said, "I'm not talking about this, maybe we should talk about your relationship with Korkie instead?" Playing defensive was not working, time to go on the offense and Soniee had managed to stay out of this conversation up till now.
"What!? I don't have a relationship with Korkie." Soniee said, seeming a bit shocked by the statement.
"Really could have fooled me? You two are always hanging out together even when you're not part of the larger group, and you're always coming to his aid when he needs help with his studies" Soniee seemed to fall into deep thought as if trying to figure out if I was screwing with her or not. It didn't matter as that seemed to have done the job. I would have a few moments of peace to enjoy what was left of my ice cream before we could leave.
Mandalore, Sundari Palace
Bo Katan Kryze
"Well isn't that a pleasant view." I said looking out over the city of Sundari. I was leaning over a banister still wearing the rather plain civilian garb that Satine had got in for me, as much as I would love to wear my armor today, I could tell something was up. Things were changing and how they were going to change, I didn't yet know but I wasn't going to piss Satine off while she was in a more Mandalorian mindset. Okay well maybe I would but I would try not to make it about the Mandalorian stuff, sisters being sisters is as far as I would go today.
"Yes I quite love the view of the city at this time of day. It looks even more marvelous at night though I admit, so full of life and peace." Satine said standing next to me. She was leaning on the banister as well though not as heavily, she was wearing a fancy gown having just come from a meeting with the High Council.
"Anyways," Satine said, turning to face me, "I think we are due for a talk sister. We've been doing our own thing for the last 10 years or so and we need to have a conversation about, well..."
"The fact that your niece, or should we call her adopted daughter at this point, I saw that hug." Satine's face flushed a bit confirming my thoughts on the matter that at the very least Satine considers Tanya as her own daughter, even if she was just her niece. "The fact that she appears to be a political idealist who's willing to do whatever's necessary for her ideals."
"We can talk about that as well." Satine said, shaking her head, "It was something I had not expected to happen but yes I guess we should talk about that as well. And maybe you can explain why you were on Gargon? The report from the Royal GuardI sent specifically mentioned that you were there before they arrived."
I smiled and said "Oh that's easy, Tanya lied."
"Explain." Satine said with a raised eyebrow.
"She told me that you wanted me to check out Gargon and figured I had contacts that could get you that information that your Royal Guard's couldn't."
Satine shook her head at that before muttering, "I'm going to have a very long talk with that girl, if she's been implying that she's passing on royal decrees that is a capital offense even if she is a royal herself."
"Well, it was more like a favor from family but you're probably going to need to do that just to be safe," I agreed before continuing, "I'm not sure what she's been telling others. But I wouldn't really hold what she asked me to do against her. That speech she made, it was quite clear she detests the war aspect of Mandalorian culture but has no problem with some of the militaristic parts."
Satine paused to consider this, "I don't think I'll be too harsh on her although I do wonder if she would have put her life at risk like that if I had not let you change her. But then again if I had not let her train under you she probably would not have had the skills to survive the situations she's been in on Coruscant and Gargon. For that I have to thank you. I may have made a few mistakes over the years but I'm glad that I did not make a mistake on that."
I reached out and held her shoulder with my hand saying, "Are you alright? Do you have a fever?" I put the back of my palm to her forehead to check her temperature all while struggling to not grin. "Hmm, temperature is normal, are you light-headed? Maybe we should sit down."
Her deadpan stare was worth ruining the moment and finally my expression cracked to a grin before breaking into a laugh only siblings messing with one another could achieve.
While I laughed, Satine pouted, "I pour my heart out to thank my beloved sister and this is the thanks I get, repaid with the thought of being ill? What an ungrateful little sister, what would father say if he saw you like this?" Satine put the back of her hand to her forehead and leaned back like how those actors in those holo-dramas that we had liked to watch would over exaggerate despair, which got me cracking up even more.
She smiled and laughed along with me for a minute before we eventually calmed down. "When was the last time we laughed like this?" Satine asked rhetorically.
"We both know when that was, when the Clan Wars started and you were sent to Coruscant. When the sister that I admired changed into someone unrecognizable." My answer wiped the smiles off both of our faces. I know that before we could even repair the rift between us, this long talk was inevitable. Now might be the last chance to bury our differences and be sisters again.
Satine brought up her left hand to rest it on my own before she turned and said, "There's a couple benches over here. Thistalk is long overdue and we should probably have a seat for it."
Nodding, I followed her over to the benches where we sat. I took a moment to enjoy the excellent view of the city as we sat while Satine seemed to be figuring out how to start.
"It's been a while since we yelled politics at each other. Do we really want to settle things now and possibly ruin whatever is left of our relationship or should we ignore our differences on politics for another few years?"
I sat back giving it some thought, this was a hard question after all. The last time we had a conversation about politics, I'd been banished from the house. If it wasn't for Tanya's interest in the Old Ways, I would probably still be banished from the house, living out on the frontier or Concordia. Then again I had been more politically active in those days and may have given a speech that was rather unflattering about the New Mandalorians. I haven't done that in a while so this conversation wouldn't be too terrible and maybe confronting it head on would be beneficial. The family that fights together, lives together after all.
I leaned forward to rest my elbow on my knees before saying, "You know, when you returned from Coruscant, I was happy. The sister I admired was still alive and had returned home. But when I met her, I didn't even recognise who she was anymore. Someone who was wearing my sister's face but was doing everything she could to erase what made us Mandalorians. I'd learned to cope with it, that the sister I knew was dead and gone but I always hoped maybe I could get this stranger to at least not destroy the heritage that our ancestors and Father left us." All of this was said while I looked out over the city. I tried to shift my thoughts and remember the good times I had with my sister before the war, before she changed but those had been tinged for a long time.
"Is that why you reject it? Even though we both went through the Clan Wars and grew up in the Civil War? We lost our family during the conflict, is that why you never once considered trying the New Mandalorian way?" Satine placed her hand on my shoulder which I promptly ignored.
I stayed silent, not really sure how to go about saying this before finally settling on the most reasonable answer I could come up with. "Because I wasn't brainwashed by Coruscanti Osik, like the New Mandalorians did to you. They hit you with 'peace is the way' when you were at your most vulnerable, just after father died.
"My sister who went to Coruscant was a Mandalorian much like Tanya is, the girl who came back was a New Mandalorian both literally and metaphorically. And though you fought for your peaceful Mandalore, I'm just going to be honest here, a lot of the New Mandalorians were no better than the Traditionalists that used to run things, maybe even worse. They enforced their will on other Clans and destroyed generations worth of history. Do you realize how wealthy our family really is compared to most Mandalorians?"
"What does wealth have to do with this?" she said, sounding confused.
Shaking my head, I reached into my bag and pulled out my vambrace, pressing a few buttons I pulled up our family history on a holographic projector. "Our family goes back 30 generations, every single one is marked down, passing down the information of who the beskar came from and where. We have a computer core inside the old house that stores this information in case the armor is ever lost so that information itself is not lost. Most families don't have this sort of record keeping, some of them have little holographic cores like we have showing the information like this of where the armor came from. Those are the middle class, Mandalore doesn't have a big middle class. Giving up the beskar for some people is giving up their family history. That might be possible for some people, if they have places that they can store it. But most can't, because that armor is what they need to be able to find work or open doors. Their clans don't make enough money in peaceful works to let the beskar go unused and in some places asking them to do so is almost insulting. But in order for their families to live and work in this beautiful city they had to give it up.
That's the problem with a lot of New Mandalorians, they aren't aware of what exactly they're demanding of people. They tend to be from Kalevala which, compared to Mandalore and every other system, has done well for the last 700 years and has managed to stay out of the conflict. Now to be fair, some of this success was because they were developing the New Mandalorian way and because our family saw the benefits of working on the economy even 700 years ago. But Kalevala had more to begin with and having this wealth has blinded New Mandalorians to the realities of the average Mandalorian, many of whom live nomadic lifestyles and don't have technology to keep something like this working." I pointed to my vambrace hologram.
"So much effort is spent on survival and trying to secure access to the resources they know about that they can't afford the equipment needed to search for new resources or extract them in truly hostile areas. That's just one of the things I've learned after Dad died and I had to go out on my own and survive in the Clan Wars and wealth is only a part of the reason that beskar is important to the people."
Satine seemed to be deep in thought as she looked up at the dome before muttering, "Protecting history, it always comes back to that doesn't it…"
Finally she nodded before saying, "I know what you just said is right. I mean, I may have been a little bit overzealous trying to get the New Mandalorian way started when I successfully got myself installed as the ruler of Mandalore. I blame being 17 at the time, too young and stupid to think about the long-term consequences of my actions. I just wanted the war to be over, all war in fact and it looks like that was in vain."
"I wouldn't say that," I said, "Tanya might be onto something, she seems to take the best of your ideas and more traditional ideas to find a combination that would be best for Mandalore. As an adopted mother, I think you did a good job raising her."
Satine grabbed my free hand and squeezed, "I had help." She said with a smile before continuing, "Anyways, I think you're wrong in the whole brainwashing thing but I can see your points, points Tanya has made several times in fact. The New Mandalorian way is flawed, we looked down at all the fighting and deaths with a vision of a better world but we didn't actually look at the pressures that led to the fighting. We didn't see the need, or the need for identity. Not actually understanding, just seeing what we wanted to see."
I shrugged not going to push the brainwashing bit too much I thought before continuing, "That about sums it up. The New Mandalorians are too busy trying to abandon traditions to ask why those traditions are there in the first place. That's what upsets most people. Tanya's little ideal experiment does a good job of finding the middle ground that is needed. I think the question is, can both sides come to an agreement on it?"
Satine looked off in the city before saying, "We've already begun the process of ratifying a Mandalorian Self-Defense Force and the process of building a system to run this force is already underway. Most likely we'll be taking a few officers from the Royal Guard to run it."
"Wow, is the sky falling too?" that was really the only comment I could make on the matter. It was something I did not think was possible. Actually building up a military force, even one for self-defense, was something that was likely to make New Mandalorians scream their heads off.
"I think, given enough time, Tanya's idea can work. I kind of want to see the world that she'll create." Satine ignored what I said and continued on, "But I do worry that there could be a bit of backlash from the New Mandalorians on the matter. I've been championing a form of pacifism that promises no war will ever happen. Tanya's version simply promises that we will start no war. I wonder if that transition will be alright or if it will start some sort of conflict."
I shook my head saying, "You're overthinking it. They don't want a war. If they start a conflict over you wanting to have the ability to defend ourselves that just proves that they never really wanted to have no war, they just wanted to be the ones dictating the culture. They didn't want to be Mandalorian, they just wanted to be Coruscanti."
She smiled at that, "Like you believe they wanted to brainwash me?"
"I still think they did," I simply said, "I just think Tanya has done a great job on unbrainwashing you."
She chuckled at that, shaking her head before saying, "This is why you're not allowed at any of the parties."
"Didn't want to be at any of them anyways. They're too stuffy, formal, and very Coruscanti. I'd rather go to any of the other parties that my friends in the Nomadic Clans would throw."
Satine shook her head before finally saying, "So you stole my armor, let's talk about that for a moment."
"To be fair I stole my Mandalorian sister's armor who hasn't come back from Coruscant yet, I still miss her very much. Wonder if she'll ever come home." Satine elbowed my shoulder rather hard but I simply said, while feigning more pain than it really was, "It's like I can still feel the punches she used to give me."
Satine did not look entertained so I just continued, "Yeah I stole your armor, it was wasting away in the castle that we call home gathering dust and your adopted daughter seemed to need it. And I think it was a perfect choice considering what I've learned in the past week or so."
She rolled her eyes at me, I didn't think I had seen her do that in a decade. "While that may be true, I thought you would like to know that I am having new armor forged."
I immediately sat the shab up and looked at her. "Wh-what did you just say?"
"I said I'm having a set of armor forged to try and work on the idea of a defensive doctrine being right. The armor will have no weapons but it will have lots and lots of defenses."
This is a dream, it's too impossible for it to not be. I don't think I knew how to handle this at all but the idea that my sister was finally coming home was shocking in itself. The idea that she was getting a new suit of armor to come with her, that I really had no way of handling.
"I thought you would like to know that I used parts of Mother's and Father's armor, since I could actually find them. For this new set it'll be in my colors of course but that's the best I can do in the situation I'm in. I don't even know when I will debut this set, maybe when I'm sure that everyone is not going to call Tanya and the Silver Codex followers as terrorists."
"Someone's calling her a terrorist?" I asked.
"My Prime Minister is a little bit thorny on the whole Silver Mandalorian issue. I'm sure he'll come around to it eventually but it'll take time. However, that's not the important part of this conversation."
She seemed conflicted about continuing, unsure of what to say it seemed. So finally I asked, "What's the important part of this conversation?"
"It's been 18 years since I've worn armor. I can defend myself well enough, I have a stun blaster on me at all times but I don't think I'm as good in a fist fight as I once was."
My jaw was firmly dropped as I realized what she was asking. "Are- are you asking me to train you?"
Satine nodded before saying, "Yes that's exactly what I'm asking. I don't plan to get into any fights but if I'm going to be an example of a Mandalorian who is peaceful yet not seeking war, I need to be able to defend myself as effectively as everyone else, otherwise I'm no better than those who look on high at those below."
"Satine," I stopped myself unsure of what to say before finally just reaching out and grabbing her in a tight hug. "Welcome back sister."
She let out an annoyed side before saying, "I never left."
"Keep telling yourself that." as I squeezed her a bit tighter. "I'm just making sure this was real, and not some sort of dream." Finally, I let go and said, "I'm going to be busy with handling things on Gargon but I'm pretty sure I can see about helping to train you back up to fighting form."
"What exactly did you sign up for, on Gargon anyways? I don't think I've had an explanation for that."
I shrugged before saying, "Basically doing exactly what you want me to do for you. Tanya wanted me to help put together an organization to help keep the planet safe for people. Apparently the White Silver has plans for that world I guess." I joked
"She does?" Satine said, sounding very unamused at the comment.
"Not like that, no. Considering that's two members of our family that have unseated a government and put themselves in charge at age of 16, kind of feeling left out here." I joked before continuing, "She's trying to get the planet to minimize its criminal ways as a way to turn the planet into a test bed for some sort of cultural exchange thing. The planet's right on the main trade route running to Coruscant and the Corporate Sector so I think the idea is simply to attract less pirates and scum and more CEOs and rich families to bring in lots of clean money instead of, well you know, money from crime."
Satine paused and then said, "Huh, well that's a rather noble goal. I don't think it'll be very successful though, Gargon has been staunchly against any plans to peacefully unify the Mandalore sector for all of my reign."
"Probably because it's been under Gerr the whole time?" I pointed out
"True, I guess we'll see what happens. If she successfully brings Gargon into the fold, that would be a large step in convincing people that the Silver Mandalorians are not a major issue that people need to worry about."
"Let's hope that you're right on that. When do you want to start training and how far in the desert am I going to have to go to find a place for us to train?"
"Why not use your facilities on Concordia?" Satine asked which reminded me that she had actually got those facilities for me.
"Well you wanted to keep this a secret right? Best to do this on Mandalore. People will notice if you're leaving the planet often." I lied, I trusted Pre to some extent, but having the "False Mandalore" on his planet without guards was a step too far. I may not be willing to rise up and rebel now but he probably would immediately if he could have some criminals capture Satine.
Satine nodded before saying, "I'll do some research, there's plenty of empty space on this planet that we can find that no one would notice."
Mandalore, Sundari Palace Ballroom
Tanya Kryze
Diplomatic functions, no matter where in the Galaxy you are, they are all the same. At least they felt like they were all the same, getting dolled up, being forced to wear makeup, and having lovely chats about any subjects other than politics.
That was the reality I was in. I've come to understand it, I've come to even enjoy it, and sometimes I've even come to tolerate the dresses. I'm still not very fond of being forced to wear diplomatic dresses though. At least my hair was not at its normal length which is usually halfway down my back, which means I didn't have to worry about all the bows that seem to come with and be apparent in this style of clothing.
Anyways, I was inside the Royal Palace and we were holding some sort of political get together mainly focused on my return home and eventual return to Coruscant. It seems like every other clan had at least visited me and said "Hi how are you doing?" and such. Really they were all very inane conversations so much so that I almost felt like the gathering was a waste of time.
But I could not make that mistake, the reality of it was that this was a perfect opportunity to network with other powerful people and get a feeling for what people thought of the recent events. Maybe I would prefer to not know but I should probably learn what they're thinking and ingratiate myself with Clan Heads as much as possible.
They were the ones who had voted Satine into office 16 years ago, ultimately the power Satine wielded came from them. If they didn't feel like they were happy with the government, they might look elsewhere. That was something I preferred not to happen.
My thoughts were interrupted as the latest politician stepped my way. It's obvious they were coming in my direction considering I had taken up residence in a corner of the Hall that was rather empty. Satine was currently chatting with a few other politicians, likely the ministers of various fields and Korkie was talking with Soniee, they seemed to be deep in conversation.
As for the person coming to meet me, it was an old friend in a way. Stepping in front of me, Pre Vizsla said, "Princess Tanya or would you prefer representative Tanya? Either way it's good to see you."
"Either is fine," I said with a smile as I gave a bit of a curtsy before saying, "it's good to see you too. How are things on Concordia?"
He smiled and swished his glass a bit, whatever liquid inside seemed to catch his interest before saying, "Concordia is fine, the Jedi I have told me that they've almost completed the survey of the planet and they have agreed that the endangered species that put the planet on the list are not there. I have to say you've done good work, we'll be off that list and be able to finally start getting trade into the planet. Just thought I'd come over here and thank you for that, the people of Concordia will be able to prosper a little bit more from now on."
I shook my head and said, "No thanks is necessary, I'm supposed to work for the people of the Mandalore sector. If I can find some way to make their lives better I'm going to do it."
He smiled at that and nodded before saying, "Good outlook then. I've also recently heard from Satine that you were behind the initiative to get the Ithorians into our system to help rebuild the ecology on multiple worlds."
I smiled and said, "I wouldn't brag about that, I simply started the process. Most of the official paperwork has been filled out between Senator Merrik and the Ithorians."
"True true, but you started the process. How you managed that surprises me considering the bad blood we have between them and us over some of the conflicts during the Mandalorian Wars."
I simply smiled and said, "Politics is like military conflicts in a way, if you know your opponents you can find what you can use to get what you want out of them. The Ithorians have a deep connection to an idea of preserving life, they just dislike actions being taken that destroy life. Like how part of the Senate's money helped fund the ships that would later bombard Mandalore, it's little things like that you can use to get them to at least think of the idea of helping us."
"Hmm intriguing solution," Pre Vizsla said before sipping from his cup, "well then here's hoping that you continue to find little things like that for the betterment of Mandalore. The prospect of not only getting trade running through the sector again but green worlds will make people quite happy with the Duchess's reign, I think and keep that White Silver from trying to take over I suppose."
I know it was a bad idea to wonder if I should ask what he was talking about, though it seemed he was in the mood to talk anyways. "Tanya, what are your thoughts on this whole White Silver situation? How do you think it will be handled by the Republic if she continues to try and act as a vigilante within Mandalorian affairs?"
That lowered my eyebrow as I thought about it, it was a reasonable question after all. I know that Silver was at best a vigilante right now and just because I had promised not to reappear did not mean people would believe it. But I had to at least pretend that I didn't know that information and think about this for a moment.
"If a political faction were to attempt to take control of politics in the Mandalorian Sector with violence, the Republic for the most part would do what they always do, label it an internal affair and maybe drop a few blockade orders and embargoes. As long as that political faction isn't part of an external force that is." I said with a shrug
"External force?" Pre looking at me with interest.
I shrugged before explaining, "The whole secession crisis going on right now could very well end up going badly for the Galactic Republic as a whole. The Republic seems to be on its way towards a civil war. I don't know what's going to happen but I worry about the possibilities that we might be pulled into this war against our will."
"Huh are you worried that this White Silver might pull us into the war?" Pre asked.
I simply continued "No not necessarily her though. I wouldn't rule out the possibility but the concerning matter is just how easily they were able to assemble their force and that Gerr was able to raise a small army under everyone's noses. If they can do it, anyone can."
Pre nodded in understanding my point before saying, "Well worry not Representative Kryze, I'm sure the Council can make sure everything will run smoothly." He looked off towards the other end of the hall and seemed to notice something before saying, "Anyways I need to get going. It was nice talking to you Representative Kryze."
"It was nice talking to you too, Governor Vizsla." I said with a nod as he stepped away and started walking in the direction of whatever he'd seen.
Sighing, I went to take a drink from my glass someone had handed me nearly an hour ago and I'd been nursing the entire time. It's some sort of fruity drink, no alcohol though which was unfortunate but understandable. When someone said in a rather loud and boisterous voice, "Good evening Princess Kryze."
I avoided spilling my drink on me as I nearly jumped at the loud call. Looking up I saw a young man, no older than 17 I theorized. He was tan skinned and blonde, well those were minor things to note, the major thing was he was wearing a bright Mandalorian style purple suit with very sharp corners and such. Also it looks like he was wearing cowboy boots which was odd in the halls of the Royal Palace but not unheard of on Mandalore. Near some of the few good arable lands left, farmers built colossal structures to keep it from becoming toxic. The quality of his boots suggested he was one of their types.
"Good evening sir." I said unsure of who this was. He simply bowed and said, "Baltan Carid, heir of Clan Carid. It's an honor to meet you, your grace. My father was an avid supporter of the Duchess for many years and a friend to your mother."
I blinked at him a couple times unsure of where this was going before he said "Tanya Keldau?"
"I know who my mother is, yes I'm just trying to understand why you are here." I said.
"That's quite simple madam. I've been working hard for the last few years to revitalize local farmland in my area. Due to these efforts, that is how 10% of all food consumed on this planet is produced on Mandalore but I need more help with finances and support. Being that our families are so close with very ancient ties dating back to the Mandalorian Crusades, I come to you asking for your financial support."
I wanted to say something, I'm not even sure what to say because the moment my mouth opened he went down to one knee and pulled out a small box which he opened to reveal a regular ring.
"I also came to ask for your hand in marriage." This was not what I was expecting at all and I was very displeased to hear the audible gasps around us as people who had been having regular conversations happened to look over at the spectacle that this man was making this whole situation.
I tried to get a word in edgewise but he continued to talk.
"You see, your mother and my father had made a deal that we would unite our clans more closely if she ever had children. While my Father had already been married to Clan Nurr by then by his father, thus the two of them agreed for their children to be married. I simply wish to continue the tradition of my family and see that you are well taken care of as a proper Mandalorian wife."
How I wanted to ball up my fist and smash it into the eye of the boy in front of me, it's nothing personal but you don't just surprise someone with a marriage proposal in a public event without notifying the other party about it or at least give them time to build a bond first. The fact that he was a supporter of Satine told me that that was probably a bad idea and could result in Satine losing a powerful ally. If Satine had told me that there is an arranged marriage with Clan Carid and had arranged a meeting with him first I wouldn't have batted an eye and probably accepted the engagement. I am pissed and annoyed that this inconsiderate Jagyc didn't even give me the courtesy to tell me about it in private beforehand. "I'm sorry Baltan, but I'm afraid I don't even know you and I would never marry someone without even knowing them."
I hoped that would put an end to this. Instead he snapped the box closed, stood up, slid the box into an inner pocket before saying, "Of course, of course, you wish to be courted then that shall be what we will do. If you don't mind a trip to the southern hemisphere I would love to show you around the farmland. Let you see the land you could help grow and make Mandalore a better place."
'Well at least he wasn't proposing anymore, that was a step in the right direction. I'll try and let him down gently.' I thought. Heck all I needed to do was make sure that I didn't have a free schedule so that he wouldn't have the time to try this. Giving me the time to get off Mandalore and back to Coruscant. And the next time I go to a public event I'll make sure Ordo was around so he could keep this guy from trying this, it was his job now after all. He'd probably be doing it now if I didn't give him the night off for having to sit through Lagos's girl talk.
"I don't know, I'll have to see about my schedule." I tried to say, looking desperately for a way to get out of this situation. I did not need this kind of conversation going about in the political scene. Being the center of attention for something like this was rather disturbing on many levels.
"Okay then," the purple suited boy said, "I'm open to having these discussions whenever you are Miss Kryze." He held out his hand in front of me, "May I take your hand though to seal this agreement?"
Mandalore, Sundari Palace Ballroom, Several Minutes Earlier
Vai Viktis Vizla
"Hello mother." I said as my mother pushed her way through the crowd to me. I had not seen her in a few years. She seemed more than willing to let me act as her secret agent for her family but she had not even bothered to send a goodbye letter when I'd left nearly a year before, at least father had done that.
"Vai! Good to see you, let's catch up dear." she said, grabbing my arm and escorting me towards a quieter section of the hall by force. Her claw-like grip would not have let me go if I tried. I think if I really was in for a fight I might actually be able to win, at least I hope I would.
It didn't take too long before we were in a very quiet section of the hall in a small alcove that had an open window that was laying in cool air.
"How was your time on Coruscant with the princess?" She said, seeming annoyed.
"It's been fine," I said with a smile. "Life's never been better."
"Good, good... and she trusts you right?"
I bit my lip before saying "Yes, yes I think we've grown to trust each other quite a bit."
"That's good, that's very good." She tightened her hand on my wrist before saying, "So if I were to ask you if you knew anything about her that could be leaked to the public what would you say?"
Oh the day had finally come, the day she planned to try and use me to unseat Tanya in some way I guess. Well jokes on her I was done with this Osik before I was even forced into doing it.
"I would say I am a member of the Kryze household's staff and I know how to keep her secrets."
Mother shook her head before saying "Really dear? That New Mandalorian slut? Did you see the photos of her on Harswee fawning over that pink haired Sheb'urcyin? That girl is not a Mandalorian, she's a Coruscanti with Mandalorian makeup."
I don't know what hurts more at that moment, the fact that she couldn't tell her own daughter from Tanya or that she just called me a slut. Either way I wanted to punch the stuck-up bitch that I loathe to call a mother. Instead I bit my tongue and said "Mother, I know you don't care for people outside the house but Tanya is not like that, she's a good Mandalorian and my friend."
Mother laughed at that and said, "She's not your friend, she's a New Mandalorian who's using you because you look like her body double. Don't be taken in by a sweet face, whatever she's telling you about friendship or anything else is a lie to keep you from thinking about the fact that she's using you to take a blaster round for her if she ever gets in trouble."
"Like you're using me to spy on her." I said annoyed.
"I'm not using you dear, we are simply doing as a family must do to help the house." She said with an almost sickeningly sweet comment. "And right now the family needs you to tell me everything you know about Tanya's sordid affairs."
"Good evening." came the harsh voice of a man from behind us causing us to turn to look in his direction. Standing there with a rather annoyed glower was Governor Pre Vizsla, he finished his drink before laying it on a table next to him.
"Miss Vizla and Mrs. Vizla what have we got going on here?" Mother finally let go of my arm before giving a professional courtesy to Governor Vizsla.
"I'm sorry sir, simply have any conversation with my daughter that is all."
"Yes, how did you get in here Mrs. Vizla? I don't believe you were invited."
"My daughter's in here, as her mother I simply told the guards that and they let me in."
"Sounds like some guards need to be reminded of their duty.'' he muttered, taking me by surprise. I would have assumed he was behind this when in fact it was just mother being mother.
"Miss Vizla, I think it's time for you to go. We really do not need to have such meetings in a public location like this, do you understand?"
"Of course, I'm sorry my … house leader. I will simply say goodbye to my daughter and be on my way."
I had just about enough of this as I could take. I started walking through the crowd pushing my way towards Tanya. I hear mother call after me but I needed to make something extremely clear to her, something that would put an end to any more attempts to get her to try and make me betray Tanya. Mother was so set on me being a stooge of the False Mandalore that she was going to let him bully her around, just so she could bully me around. I would not be the end of this chain. I am cutting it off now.
Getting through the last of the crowd, I saw a rather strange sight as some boy in purple was talking to Tanya and she looked the most uncomfortable I think I'd ever seen her. Well maybe this would help both of us out, I thought as I walked up to her and said "Hey Tanya, I need your help."
Mandalore, Sundari Palace Ballroom
Tanya Kryze
He wanted my word that I would at least attempt to court him? Oh that's not happening and thankfully I saw my escape walking towards me. Vai pushed her way through the crowd, coming to stand by me and looking at the purple colored farm boy before turning to me and saying, "Hey Tanya. I need your help, do you mind?"
Looking for any excuse to get out of the situation I said, "I don't mind at all Vai. Whatever help you need, I'm there for you." As I said that last bit I noticed over her shoulder her mother pushing her way through the crowd. She seemed to be in a rush or something. I didn't even know we invited her and I'm sure it was-.
Whatever thought I was going to have was literally obliterated as Vai grabbed me and pulled me into a kiss. It was official, this is the weirdest day of this life. On one hand I wanted to push her away as this would not do well for my reputation, not well at all.
On the other hand my treacherous hormones and brain chemistry was telling me that this felt nice and the net benefit that this would most likely throw whatever plan the purple suited farm boy had out the window.
As the kiss broke I got another glance past me and saw Vai's mother on the edges of ripping her hair out. By looks of it telling me everything I needed to know. This was merely teenage rebellion. Why is a kiss the answer to teenage rebellion? I didn't know. I would have to question her later. There is no way I was not going to do that now.
Vai on the other hand, looks a little bit happier but also a bit worried most likely because what she just done could be considered sexual assault if I was in a bad mood. Frankly, I've been in a rather good mood by this whole thing, so I tried to smile and reassure her.
And on the last note, purple boy seems completely gobsmacked by the whole series of events which at least probably meant I wouldn't be getting many proposals in the future, which was probably the first of many to come. Sure I probably just took a hit in some form of reputation but it might have just saved me from the hassle of having to deal with more proposals so it might be worth it at the end of the day.
Writers note: kept you all waiting a bit? Let see what happen this chapter family time, lots of it, some good some back, somearwkaness from frenshisp a, some governmental meatins. All and all nothing to major i think happen here? Well may gotten to high on my own victory when i wrote this chapter i do admit, but i think it works out. Any ways writing chapter 27 right now, IT FUCKING GREAT. I can't wait for you all to see it.
Edited by: Warmach1ne32, FallQm, Michael Sauer, Lord Feunoyr, Luke theman
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- Pronouns
- He/Him
Was going to make a comment about hoping she manages to communicate properly about this, but I was shocked beyond words to realize that Tanya was correct about where that kiss came from. This is exactly the kind of assumption she would make, anything except the possibility that a close friend is romantically attracted to her, and she does seem to be more or less correct. Was much more targeted than mere teenage rebellion, unbeknownst to Tanya she is declaring that she will never betray her as she was supposed to.
Very curious about the aftermath here. On the public side of things, Tanya might roll with this to fend off the dreaded courtship offers. On the private side, narrative tropes and precedent tell me that this is unlikely to remain mutually platonic. We'll see.
Very curious about the aftermath here. On the public side of things, Tanya might roll with this to fend off the dreaded courtship offers. On the private side, narrative tropes and precedent tell me that this is unlikely to remain mutually platonic. We'll see.
Warmach1ne32
Machine of War and Quests
- Location
- Indonesia
Well Tanya knew that Vai is in a relationship with Tabi already and we also knew that when the topic of Tanya having a harem from the Ordo news that Vai had no interest in Tanya romantically. So its not that hard for Tanya to dismiss it as a romantic kiss after all the time they had spent together.
I'm a bit surprised about the arrogance of the young buck; Assuming that Tanya will give up a future as Senator for Mandalore or perhaps the future Mandalorian in order to join a farming clan, as opposed to him joining her clan, as effectivly princess consort.
Perhaps it's assumed that her brother's going to be the future Mandalorian, and she's playing at politics as an Office Lady?
I would imagine a political marriage is likely, though with a large enough clan, it's likely to find someone she at least gets along with.
I rather expect that he's going to be staying for the after party where Tanya's clan are likely to verbally eviscerate him.
Perhaps it's assumed that her brother's going to be the future Mandalorian, and she's playing at politics as an Office Lady?
I would imagine a political marriage is likely, though with a large enough clan, it's likely to find someone she at least gets along with.
I rather expect that he's going to be staying for the after party where Tanya's clan are likely to verbally eviscerate him.
huh, well guess we know what mando idol will bases there song about
THAT THE STUFF! always good when you see the exact phases you used in background on discord argument as why it happen get used by the readers
as for what will happen only time will tell.
hmm well we stick to canon that be waiting while
the young buck is a legend charter who shows up in his 60-70s some time like 40ABY so he is around the right age. for this period and from what I read about him the man was arrogance personified, but he good guy and was heling to rebuild, Mandalore so no one mined, but yeah in this period things ait going to go well for him.
Chapter 25
Chapter 25
715 FNM (23BBY)
Month 1
Serenno, Planetary Palace
Count Dooku
Building this rebellion is likely to be one of the most tedious tasks I have ever done in my life. Finding leadership amongst the various corporations that were not going to act without my assent was the main goal of this whole project. Unfortunately, most of those who rose to become leaders of multi-trillion credit companies did not get to where they are by being passive and following orders. While some of them do, most took more… creative means to reach their position.
By my calculations, the army the Separatists are creating would far outstrip anything the Republic could create. Even with the Republic's access to the clones, the Droid army would still overwhelm them by sheer numbers as well. If I truly wanted to take over the Republic it would not be very hard to accomplish. The forces I would have under my command would be more than enough to take Coruscant in a month. Which of course meant the whole project needed to be conducted in a way that wouldn't reveal this overwhelming advantage to the Republic.
In a sense, I needed to win with one hand behind my back, which should be easy enough. Much of the contract negotiation allowed the various planets and corporations to maintain their own armies as part of the CIS army. This would make it so that though we would have a larger force, internal goals would be the ones that these forces went after.
No doubt the corporations would abuse the army for their own needs, seeding chaos here and there, while clearing the Outer Rim in the first year. Of course it's part of the plan to undermine the CIS and divide our forces. On paper, the CIS were the stronger party. However, the internal divisions and infighting should ensure our forces are frequently defeated and the more mercenary factions will undermine any unintended victories. I planned on ensuring that the blame was laid on the corporations and the aliens as the main reasons for why the CIS fell apart, after the war ended. This way I would appear to have been simply a leader of the enemy force who had been hamstrung by the machinations of his incompetent and corrupt underlings, a possibly unknowing puppet of the corporations. At least that was the story that I most likely would state when the war was over and I have my Fist of the Empire.
Putting such leadership into positions of power is not a difficult task as the corporations already have characters of ill repute leading them that reached their position by taking the initiative through underhanded means. Not much work was required to let them run free and cause trouble for the Republic. I could always declare them criminals and such as the war went on if they did anything too drastic to maintain my status.
Of course there will be forces that go too far, it will inevitably happen with the type of leaders that will be put in charge. However without my guiding hand, nor the support of local authorities, rogue commanders would be unable to muster the forces for any major pushes into the Republic. And the fact of the matter is, the main goal of the CIS is independence, not conquest, meant that most local commanders would be more interested in maintaining the independence of their worlds than leading foreign invasions.
This natural alignment of interests presented a small problem to my plans. In order for the coming war to ramp up, conflict - battles, invasions, plunder, and all, these events, would need to occur between the forces of the CIS and the Republic. This is easily solved thanks to the simple fact that some planets had populations that would choose independence over the Republic and request aid from the CIS.
The CIS was prepared to offer systems with independent inclinations new leadership and aid favorable elements within any systems with their independence. If their people resisted the new masters, then their worlds would devolve into a war zone, which would be in the Republic's interest to prevent, interfere, or reclaim. These conflicts would blood the Republic, and the repeated battles would be the cruel but necessary harsh instruction in warfare needed to build an Empire. The Republic was a corrupted, de-evolved state, crying out for new leadership. With the right push from an external foe, like the CIS, to clear out the decedance and waste, and the introduction of my new Jedi Order, it could be an Empire anew.
Afterwords, I would blood my new Jedi Order on the remains of the CIS and dispense with the charade. It is a simple plan, though there were issues I had a few problems with, I would deal with them as time went on. Since large sectors of my space were once controlled by the Ancient Sith, my master, Darth Sidious, was interested in having the CIS do a little exploration. Since the Republic, by law, could not do that, at least not yet, if I managed to find a few relics and if any of those relics could come in handy for the war, I was allowed to use them. Can't make the war too easy for the Republic as well as a way to weed out the weak.
It all served as the perfect fodder for the Jedi to deal with, they would be misled to believe that the Sith were only present on the CIS side of the conflict. It would be sad to see many of my old friends perish in the coming conflict, but if the Jedi Order is so easily misled, there really was no reason to save the institution. The Order had outlived its usefulness, stagnant in their single minded adherence in only the Light Side of the Force. There needed to be a reset, if my Fist of Empire had to be that reset, then so be it.
Standing up from my desk, I looked at the walls of my home office. Richly decorated with years of work, arranging assets, and determining threats throughout the entire operation. And soon, very soon everything would become clear. The Jedi Order would show itself to be the fools they have become and the war would begin.
I believe it would be within the year though it could be longer. No doubt the recent conflicts on Antar 4 and Ansion, where Separatists uprisings had forced a bit of a riot between Republic forces on the worlds, would be a major talking point for the next year in the Senate. Once their talks are over, there would be an attempt to vote on if they should create a military or not. No doubt tensions would be inflamed further if someone were to contact a bounty hunter or two to take out anti-war leaders. Even a failed assassinationor two would work. This war was already well and truly in motion; it's only a matter of time until the pressure reached its breaking point.
Cracking my neck, I turned to look out the window behind my desk, to get a view of the world. Possibly the last few moments of peace Serenno would have before the conflict finally began. However, I was interrupted with a knock on my door before it was opened.
"My Count, Bariss Zotho is here to see you." Standing in the doorway was my servant, Setti Rankind, an old hand of my family not as old as me of course but he served my brother and was relatively loyal.
"Excellent," I said, "Send her in; also bring in a glass of the best wine we have in the house. She's a guest of interest and should be greeted with pomp and circumstance."
He nodded and a few moments later Bariss Zotho entered the room. She is an Arkanian, a geneticist by trade and some would call her mad scientist, though considering their entire species were known for being mad scientists it was hard not to be.
"Count Dooku, a pleasure to meet you." she said, giving a bit of a bow showing all the due respect that was expected of my station.
"Miss Zotho, good to see you as well. Please take a seat." offering a chair that was sitting across from my desk.
"Thank you my Count." she said as she walked over and sat down across from me. Her three-handed fingers went into her pockets to pull out several data pads and other equipment that no doubt had the information I had hired her for.
A couple months ago, Senator Merrik had sent along information on a particular interest of mine, specifically the list of planets that a certain Mandalorian Representative will be visiting on her tour. She is obviously a girl that is strong with the Force yet did not have any training.
As far as I was concerned there was no other answer for why she had seen through my illusions but there was always a chance that she wasn't and I knew exactly why he had sent that information along. Operations to destabilize the sector were already in motion, and removing her from the game, since she seemed to be poised to take his position, was at the top of his goals.
Not mine though, killing her would do me no good, it would be a waste of a potential resource that I would like to have after the war was over. Which is where this geneticist comes in. She is an expert of genetics of various species across the Galaxy and reliable at keeping secrets. I even considered possibly using her world for the clone project at one point though I abandoned that rather quickly. Arkania is too much of a powder keg on the good days and any secret would have been broken too quickly.
Smiling at the white skinned woman, I asked, "So then I assume the operation I sent you on was successful? Did you get a sample?"
Miss Zotho nodded before saying, "I have the sample, it was a hell of a thing let me tell you but I was eventually able to pull it off, even if I ended up having to run from those barbarians for nearly a week until they gave up."
I smiled for who knows how long, as she complained about the Mandalorians. It is understandable that she would have issues with them considering their sector had been neighbors for the dawn of time. It took so long that Setti was able to serve our wine and I already finished half of my glass before Miss Zotho wind down her tirade to sample the wine to soothe her no doubt parched throat."While that's unfortunate, you survived so I assume you have some of the information I wanted correct?"
"Yes my Lord, I did the checks you wanted me to do and you were correct, she has a high midichlorian count." She handed over the tablet and I looked at it with interest.
Legally speaking the only ones allowed to have information on determining people's midichlorian count were the Jedi. Illegally speaking, the Arkanians were known to keep secrets and if I wanted a job done that only the Jedi are capable of, what with the restriction on technology for identifying midichlorians, you ask an Arkanian. It seems that is correct, this little program appeared to have several different ways of cataloging midichlorians and it is definitely showing that the girl is strong in the Force. If I had to estimate her power, she is as powerful as Qui-Gon Jinn. It is an incredible accomplishment, considering her age and lack of training.
At this particular point I would say even without receiving training, over the next 3 years her powers would not diminish and likely would not for the next 10 years. This means I have plenty of time to prosecute the war and still pick her up as a possible apprentice once the conflict is over.
Miss Zotho was looking over a tablet in her hands as she said, "I must say though, she is an interesting genetic sample even for a crossbreed, she seems to have a very stable sample".
That got my attention. Raising my eyebrow I said, "Crossbreed? Aren't all humans the same breed?"
Bariss shook her head before saying, "Not exactly," before pressing a few buttons and showing a whole graphic projection of what I guess was Tanya's DNA, highlighting several points. Miss Zotho went on to say, "these points here are standard Mandalorian phenotypes, hair color at birth, eye color, facial structure; everything that was to be expected. She does have some gene points that are not Mandalorian, not even from the sector."
For that reason I frown, "Strange, though, not any major concerns." I began, "What sector are those points more closely related to?"
Playing with the pad in front of her, she clicked through a few points before bringing up another DNA strand and saying, "These DNA points mostly match humans of the world of Stewjon."
I sat back in my seat on that one, that particular planet was well located in the mid-southern rim well away from Mandalore. Not an impossible journey but definitely not somewhere you would expect Mandalorian DNA to come from.
Speaking those thoughts out loud I asked, "Hmm, could this DNA have come from several generations back? I know there was a bit of a recalling of dysphoria a thousand years ago."
Miss Zotho shook her head. "Impossible, there is too much DNA for it to have been anything other than the father or mother. which usually, meaning one generation separation between this introduction of this DNA. Even with how many Mandalorian DNA types there is out there, the planets the live on have an affect, genetic will favor certain variants of human for the conditions of the world they live on, and some of this is definitely due to the grasslands of Stewjon and not to a world that's been on its way to a desert planet for the last thousand years."
"While an oddity it is still something that's not necessarily to worry about." I finally said. I haven't given it a few more thoughts. It didn't really matter to me who their father or mother was in the long term. Of those things I was more interested in is the girl herself and her potential as an apprentice.
"You do good work Miss Zotho and I will be more than happy to continue to do business with you in the future." I said standing and giving her my hand.
She stood up and took my hand, saying, "Always a pleasure, Count Dooku. Also, if you do need the girl cloned I'm willing to offer a discount on my prices. Her DNA is a bit of an interesting thing here and I wouldn't mind playing around with what I acquired."
I scoffed at that before saying, "As entertaining as that notion is, everyone knows that you cannot clone someone with high midichlorian counts. The Force abhors duplicates."
"That's what flash cloners and the Jedi say." Miss Zotho said, waving that off with her free hand. "They're just trying to cover up their failures and prevent the cloning of a Jedi army. There's some interesting research out there that implies that if you raise a clone at almost a human life scale 10 years at least to reach the age of 20 that enough deviations will be created between the clone and the original that the Force doesn't actually affect them and cause them to go insane with clone madness."
Taking my hand back from the shake, I pondered her idea. It is an interesting notion she presented but the risk of insanity seems a bit too much for my taste. Though, it is worth noting that anything could happen in the coming wars and my future apprentice may not survive it. If the original was destroyed, well then there was nothing to drive the clones insane, was there.
Nodding my head, I simply said, "Keep the samples in storage. Perhaps in a few years I will have a need for them and we can negotiate a potential deal later."
Coruscant, Mandalorian Tower
Tanya Kyrze
The trip from Mandalore back to Coruscant, only took a week or two this time. The speedy journey was thanks to Aunt Satine since she allowed me to use the space yacht Coronet again. I was always quite impressed with the vessel, its internals, and the way it worked.
It was called a Star Yacht but in reality it's probably closer to a classification of ship that was more at home with what the Titanic had been, that being a Cruise Liner. A fast-moving vessel that could travel the galaxy and bring people from one place to another along with supplies and storage with comfort and amenities for the rich and not so much for those not willing to pay.
I always found it a bit of a surprise that on some of the lower levels. Under several levels of rather mundane activities that most folks would lean towards, was a whole section devoted to gambling.
It reminded me quite a bit of pachinko machines and other Las Vegas games of chance. Whoever had created that particular section had obviously built it to take the people coming in and out of the sector for everything they were worth, although I still wondered why it had been constructed at all. Mandalorians on the whole weren't exactly suckers for gambling. Oh sure there were some who had it bad, throwing away rationality and everything else for their addiction. Yet this was uncommon, ironically, the deeply rooted spiritual beliefs of the average Mandalorian did much to discourage the vice. The strong vein of intellectualism in the sector also deserved some of the credit for dissauding others. Overall, it seemed odd that we would have something like this aboard what could best describe the face of Mandalore as this ship traveled the trade lanes between Mandalore and Coruscant often enough.
But then again, perhaps I was misjudging the Mandalorians' ability to take advantage of others' issues for their own benefit. If a rich benefactor lost a million credits playing games on the ship while traveling to Mandalore, well that wasn't exactly Mandalore's fault since they had done it in what could be best described as international space. Really, this made the prospect of making Gargon an actual casino resort more theoretically possible than I had originally thought of when I had discovered this section of the ship on my first voyage.
Either way, the trip had been rather uneventful and we arrived at Coruscant with minimal attention. Of course, there will always be something going on as more issues develop in the Senate between the systems leaving to form their rival government and the current government.
Technically, this was not my concern; it was the senator's job, but I still kept an eye on it. After all, who knows when it might become my concern. Prince Merrik could be recalled to Mandalore to explain his thoughts on what was happening at any moment. And if he was recalled that would then leave me in charge of the official stance of Mandalore which, as far as I could tell, was that we wanted no part of any war and that Mandalore would vote against any war. Arming ourselves was also on the agenda though I believe. But that topic was something I did not need to worry about. I guess my operations on Gargon did accidentally create a bit of an armed force that could be called upon in an emergency. Only time would tell how that would go, though at the moment Gargon Rangers seemed to be minor additives to the Mandalore Sector Self Defense Force or MSSDF that Satine is creating.
Besides those distant concerns, life is rather easy. After a few meetings with the Ithorian; they were finally planning to send one of their ships to the Mandalore Sector to begin regrowing efforts on two worlds that had been devastated. Both worlds had been ruined during the most recent conflict in history, the Excision. Fortunately, those worlds were both worthless, one was a planet no one cared about, and the other planet was only officially cared about, because it was a former shipyard world. The shipyard world that had served all of the Mandalorian sector was devastated by a bombardment that left the planet covered in swampy ground. Officially, there was no planetary government or larger authority, only scavenger groups of clans that managed to make a living off the ruins. It could even be considered a frontier world under the right circumstances. Though to my understanding, even frontier worlds had some form of government, even if it was just a formalized council of clans.
No doubt I would have to meet with some leadership representatives from that world in the future to discuss how we would go about restoring their world's biosphere to a healthier, functional state.
The swamp world may appear functional, but it was literally just massive flies and mud with reeds. Across the entire planet, that biome wasn't a product of a functioning biosphere, that was a fragile omnisphere. The world's fragility was widely understood and caused much concern, and these fears could easily be realized by taking out one of the few components that worked. Burn the reeds, and the planet dies. Kill the flies, the planet dies. A functional biosphere requires redundancies and other species as much as you needed the founder species. It'll be interesting to see what the result was with the planet once the Ithorians were done with it.
As for the troublemakers in my unit, Vai and Tabby, I had authorized the captain to push some additional work out sessions on the pair. Granted some of these lessons were because of the recent kissing incident. The events in the ballroom were impossible to keep quiet, and well, the tabloids had been inspired. One interesting and positive side effect I had noticed was that the kissing incident had completely obliterated the story of White Silver from the news. Vai had talked briefly after that and as much as I understood that her and mother didn't get along, I made it clear that any behaviors while not under strict orders from me would be met with a response on the level of a magazine smacking her forehead as a disobedient employee she was.
Fact of the matter was that while Vai was not a member of the Royal Guard, she was a component to Tabby's issues. Both of them needed to work off a lot of energy so that they didn't cause me more problems. So, that's where the captain came in. Over the last few weeks he had been working them to the bone and trying to instill in them enough fear so that they gave some forethought before they acted and more importantly would never, ever do anything that would give me cause for a headache again.
How well did the captain succeed? Only time would tell. At the very least, the pair were too tired to get up into any trouble. Although they had tried, when my 17th birthday came up, there had been a suggestion that we go to the club and have a bit of a party. After all, I was only a year away from the drinking age of the Republic. I had, of course, attempted to sidestep the topic at first, but only ended up agreeing only if we made sure that no mistakes happened this time.
And I do say it had been a rather simple but fun experience, the guards that had their wagon out front making sure nothing terrible would happen and could easily drive us back to the tower instead of us having to go looking for our car after we were done partying.
Vai and Tabby were not overly drunk, instead they had shown more moderation, which could be a sign that they'd learned their lesson from the last time. My expectations for the pair that night had been quite low. At the last party we attended, I was forced to assign remedial training for each individual infraction. So, the remedial training for every screw up they had been in so far seemed to be finally working. This is why I prefer to work with an employee on an improvement plan instead of just firing them. After all, if I had just cut that employee that had pushed me in front of a train, I probably would have been dead a few months earlier. That was an unusually morbid thought, so I distracted myself with Vai's latest fashion obsession.
I typically did my best to ignore fashion, so Vai's attempts to get me to "live a little", was by buying me clothing that normally I would never wear, often showing a lot more leg or torso than I was known to do. At the mention of the club, I found that all my "suitable" wardrobe was clothes Vai had "suggested" at one point or another.
Sensing protest was not going to work, I picked the most conversative dress I knew Vai would approve of and focused on the party. So far our conversations had been about rather mundane topics, the new season of Silver Rider had been proposed as a new movie. The movie set location had apparently been forced to move planets several times due to various controversies. As a result, a few of the minor actors had gotten into some tabloid drama of their own, which I sympathized with. It was nice to speculate about other non-planet-shattering events, simply enjoying the company and celebrating my birthday. Someone had even managed to get a chocolate cake, which we had enjoyed quite dearly and near the end. Vai and Tabby invited Ordo and I both to dance on the floor with them and it just sort of happened. Granted, neither one of us were very good at the whole individual dancing thing, but we both apparently knew a waltz that had been imported by the New Mandalorians.
Armed with that shared knowledge of the waltz, Ordo and I were able to at least appear functional on the dance floor, even if most displaying more modern styles of dance. I enjoyed the waltz too, although, I will note my damn hormones keep acting up. Apparently I've been keyed to enjoy being close to someone who appears physically stronger than me, that pesky sensation of feeling safe and content had reared its ugly head. Either way, though, we had a good time and my 17th birthday party was a resounding success. Out of the three I had, that probably was the best I'd had in all my lives.
My first one involved too much studying for school. The second one, had been in the trenches and mud of Russy land. So this life didn't have very strong competition for the title. But that didn't matter, what mattered was that there had been no explosion of information online the day after. The party had not resulted in another media storm and no news was good news. The fading scrutiny meant I could focus on building support with the various political parties, get approval for terraforming of Mandalorian worlds, and other projects for the improvement of Mandalore.
Coruscant, Jedi Temple
Tanya Kryze
Another day, another trip to the Jedi Temple. My continued efforts to get the Agricorp Council to sign off on Concordia's status change and remove its protected planet status, had borne fruit that I had not originally set out to pick.
The initial plan for Concordia had been straightforward. Notify Agricorp about the problem with the planet's protected status, namely, that it was not protecting anything and is in fact hurting the planet, and in doing so, start the slow bureaucratic process to update it. Concordia's protected status originally protected endangered native species, some time in the distant past. Native species that were long since extinct in the biosphere collapse. Now the protected status only served to hurt free trade, especially imports of live plants and animals, preventing the free hand of the market from acting in the planet's recovery. The importation of plants and animals was necessary to replace those destroyed in the original destruction, when the Republic's forces had bombarded the world nearly 700 years before. The unexpected fruit, the one that I was currently nurturing, was a bit of an interesting situation.
It would seem that the Jedi Order would use the Agricorp as a sort of dumping ground for initiates who couldn't attract the attention of a master, or were not up for the idea of fighting. Those individuals would instead leave for worlds that would give them basic farm work. They lived their life producing food for the masses, as well as earning a bit of income for the Jedi Order, I'm sure.
Oh and it also seemed that they wanted to build miniature temples. The plans they submitted included accompanying communal and residential complexes, as well as additional agriculture districts. I sensed a bit of politics in the designs, but these temples being overly large or possibly a Jedi boondoggle on those worlds where they set these things up was not a big issue for me. What was interesting was that this was a possible source of manpower for the Mandalorian sector.
The Agricorp was interested in possibly setting up a temple for this group of pacifists or failed Jedi on Concord Dawn, Vorpa'ya or Concordia. Now this was an interesting prospect, the Agricorp was made up of hundreds of individuals, maybe thousands who had experience with plant life throughout the Galaxy, had knowledge of various healing techniques, and for all intents and purposes were meant to help planets that were falling behind economically and technology to give them a leg up. One of the few organizations that had real effects outside the Jedi Order's warrior classes.
Allowing them to build a temple and start farming on one of our worlds could be beneficial in the long run, not only for deepening ties between the Republic and Mandalore, but continuing the process of getting Mandalorians and Jedi to no longer see each other as ancestral enemies. Granted, from my own knowledge most Mandalorians just saw Jedi as ancestral rivals to test their mettle against rather than enemies, but I was sure that this was a one-way street on that matter.
Either way, this was a rare opportunity to improve relations, improved relations meant that Mandalore was less likely to be bombarded by some Republic fleet in the next 20 to 40 years. The only real issues in making this come to be were two fold; 1) What world would be the best planet for such a temple? and 2) Would they accept such an institution? It was obvious why we might have problems getting such an institution created, being that the Jedi still had a stigma as child-stealers in the Mandalore Sector. The shift from Jedi Lords tactics of allowing adults, to a dependency on bringing in children did not sit right with Mandalorians, who, of course, saw family as one of the most important elements of our culture.
Knowing a few things about the Mandalorian Sector, I had managed to move the conversation away from Concordia without raising any suspicion. Yes, Concordia was on the verge of becoming a planet that would be a vast improvement to the agricultural abilities of the sector. However, the main population of Concordia were Mandalorians who either have been banished from the surface of Mandalore after the end of the Clan Wars. Or extreme traditionalists that even other Mandalorians gave the side eye to.
Understandable, considering some of them believed that taking their helmet off in the presence of others no longer made you a Mandalorian. A strange practice, but if that's what they wish to believe then that's what they wish to believe. I had taken some interest in the idea of that whole subculture for a bit, trying to figure out exactly where it came from. My best guess was it was related to the original Mandalores. History implies that 4,000 years ago for some time Mandalorian leaders, like the Mandalore, would never take their helmet off after taking the title, a way to show continuity of them being just the continuation of the Mandalore from before. As if the spirit of the last Mandalore simply inhabited the helmet and would take over the body of the new Mandalore. A weird cultural practice in some forms, but I guess it has some degree of superstitious sense to people who are very traditional and nomadic.
The issue, of course, was the potential possibility that this Agricorp Temple would find Mandalorians with Force ability. If they did, well, they could cause problems. A riot, for example. The imagined Senate hearing and paperwork following that imaginary disaster was already giving me the start of a headache. So Concordia was firmly off the agenda as far as I was concerned.
That left Concord Dawn and Vorpa'ya. I will admit my knowledge of both was minimal at best, but I knew more about Concord Dawn than I know about Vorpa'ya. Concord Dawn was a despotic governorship, often looked down upon by most of the sector for being corrupt. A world you didn't want to make first appearances with and let the foot in the door with the Jedi, if I were to be honest. The chaos and mayhem that could be observed everyday, well, would simply speak ill of Mandalore to any Jedi working on the planet.
The only redeeming factor for Concord Dawn was it was mainly populated by populations that had once been part of the True Mandalorians, who were not as known to hate the Jedi as much as the Traditionalists. But there was no reason to push for Concord Dawn when Vorpa'ya was actually the better option.
Vorpa'ya was the neighboring system to Concord Dawn. It shared many of the similar cultural practices, but had a smaller population, meaning there was less potential for trouble on the planet. Theoretically it was under the rule of Concord Dawn, though, the governor only deployed troops there sparingly; the most recent deployment was when pirates attacked, and the Royal Guard had to intervene to aid them. The recent conflict was another reason why the Agricorp setting up shop there would be more useful for the planet, as it was recently devastated during the small war against pirates.
In a sense, it was the perfect planet for this operation, even if its culture was a bit immature and undetermined to me. The people there wouldn't start problems with the Jedi, they were too spread out. I doubted they would even run into them that often and they wouldn't mind the help in rebuilding their world.
The planet was also a prime example of the nomadic lifestyle still being a major component of the Mandalorian way of life. Concord Dawn was an agri-world devoted to the production of grown food, Vorpa'ya was for the raising of cattle and other popular livestock. It was, as far as records went back, a planet known to be flat. Not a lot of mountains and few oceans, just enough to keep the planet relatively green with large rolling steppes of grass. This actually was a problem in some areas as there was a dust storm that apparently had been going for the last hundred years around the planet. It was primarily in the northern territories of the world which had rendered that area unusable for any agricultural needs, similar to the Unified States' Dust Bowl I read about in their history books from my 2nd life. And while I don't know for sure if the United States in my first life had something similar, it isn't that far-fetched that Being X would be too lazy to make changes before he copied the history prior to magic.
I hadn't actually done this research myself as most of the information about Vorpa'ya was not even in the records kept here on Coruscant. My guard Kor Kastel happened to be from that world and was quite informative on the subject. He had told some interesting tales of how some clans on the planet simply drove their version of space cattle around the world constantly circling it in 10 years never having to actually interact with other Clans because their own schedules would keep them on the entire other side of the world.
For such distance between even the local populations amongst themselves, putting a Jedi Temple there to basically keep some agricultural experts busy and help build up the local economy seemed rather simple. I'm sure I would have to work on negotiations with either whatever local Governor they had or the protector of Concord Dawn, but that was a minor issue in the long term. Negotiations always take time and if you put in the effort, things would work out.
That being said, today's negotiations with the Council had ended rather amicably with a general agreement that I would poke around to find out if the administration of Vorpa'ya would be interested in such an arrangement. And with my general duties completed I could now focus on one of the more interesting aspects of my trips to the Jedi Temple, a relaxing conversation with Master Yoda — it's still the most ridiculous title I think I'd ever heard of. Either way I was sitting in the old rooftop garden that I had had several meetings with the elder Jedi. I suspected he'd come along any moment now, considering he always seemed to find me whenever I entered the temple but what we were talking about today was up in the air. We usually had just a simple conversation about the cultural implications of the Jedi and the Mandalorians in the Galaxy at home.
Of course there was the possibility that Yoda would be interested in the goings on of the Mandalorian Sector. That would be understandable considering the chaos that had been unleashed by False Silver but I'm sure it would only be a passing interest. He tended to not bring politics too heavily into our conversations and was more interested in the cultural implication of politics.
I think I've done a lot to improve inter relationships between Mandalorians and Jedi considering the view I was getting at the moment. It was near the evening of this particular day and thus the sky was starting to turn orange with the onset of night. As I sat on the bench watching the sun slowly lower, I had a look over at one of the Temple guards who kept an eye on non Jedi in the temple and gave him a nod.
Considering he was just willing to allow me to go to this particular bench without a Jedi directly escorting me, I think I've proven myself a loyal friend to the Jedi, which was useful, either that or they were just at least somewhat comfortable with me being around.
Didn't have to say the Jedi Temple Guard was an impressive institution. Their masks would probably be the envy of many Mandalorians within the Royal Guard. And they were the first group I'd seen to wield lightsabers that were not just the single tube configuration. Granted, what they carried around is a double tube but still it was interesting to learn that there were other designs for those laser swords other than just a tube to beat a person over with like it was a bat. Though that wasn't exactly fair.
In my visits I had actually watched some of the younglings, as they called them, practice their bladework. Noting a lot of examples of style that reminded me of kendo and other homegrown styles from Japan. I even saw a few practitioners use styles that looked a bit more European in creation though perhaps that was just a coincidence. A lightsaber is just a sword and there are only so many different ways to wield a sword. Sooner or later the practices will be very similar in one way or another and the best will move to the top.
My thoughts were interrupted as I heard a familiar voice say, "Tanya, good to see you." Turning I saw Anakin Skywalker walking towards me from inside the temple. He was smiling and looked to be in a good mood so I returned the favor.
Smiling, I said, "Padawan Skywalker, good to see you as well. It's been a good long time since we've talked. How have you been? Did anything interesting happen?"
He chuckled at that before saying, "Not as long as you think, we actually just returned from Mandalore a couple weeks ago, during that whole White Silver controversy."
Oh that's interesting, I had mentally noted that Aunt Satine mentioned that some Jedi had been in town during that whole conflict but I simply dropped that little factoid in the back of my mind. Figuring that the chances that it would be someone I knew were near zero.
The fact that it was someone I knew was a bit interesting. Perhaps the Jedi were using me as some sort of tool to train themselves to deal with the Mandalorians. It would make some sense to foster a good relationship with a representative and make sure that one of your Jedi were skilled in dealing with the people of that Sector. A rather intelligent operational scheme really, I had to commend them if I ever got the chance to do so.
Smiling, I simply said, "Oh really? Well how was your time in Mandalore? Besides that bit of chaos that we had to go through."
"Everything was fine, it's kind of a fun experience. The planet was not in the middle of the chaos, unlike most planets we travel to when things go a little bit sideways. And Obi-Wan seems to have a nice time talking to Satine again. Really that was the most un-emergency trip we've taken in a long time. Had the real White Silver not shown up, I'm sure things would have been different but cuz she did it turned out to be more of a vacation."
I chuckled a little bit at the humorous notion that my attempts to prevent a civil war had given a Jedi a vacation. Well if the Mandalorian gods were real and like Being X somewhere in existence, I'm sure they would be chuckling with me at the notion that a Mandalorian had granted their greatest adversary a vacation on their homeworld.
Once that thought had ended though, I simply said, "Yes a lucky thing that White Silver turned out to be a lot more stable than Gerr."
"Stable doesn't seem to cover half of it. That's the kind of person that needs to be in leadership positions. In my mind they saw a problem, took control of the situation, and brought an end to the problem." Anakin said with a smile as he took a seat next to me. "I don't understand why they have to villainize their actions the way they've been doing in the Mandalore sector."
Smiling, I nodded before saying, "Although true I will note that White Silver worked out for the better in this situation, imagine what would have happened if White Silver had been just like Gerr? That's why they need to villainize for White Silver's actions, to dissuade other people from doing the same thing. We got lucky that's all there is to it, it could have easily gone bad and there could be a warlord trying to take over the sector as we speak."
Anakin nodded. I'm not sure though if he understood what I was saying as he then said, "Okay but if she's a strong leader in the sector and does good, why cast a possible villainous net in her direction when it could inspire people to be as good a leader as she is?"
Shaking my head I said, "As I said elements of what she do stands for may be good but, the idea that someone can, without proper representation of the people, gather a military force together to execute a decapitating action against a leadership they disagree with, is not something that any government will ever support simply because if you support it against your enemies your enemies will do the same against you. It's like in an honor duel, if you bring a blaster to a sword fight or just bring multiple people, that invites your enemies to do the same or escalate."
A lesson I had learned the hard way unfortunately. Russy had definitely learned from my own attempts at ending the war as quickly as possible by attacking places of leadership and command structure during the conflict that engulfed the Eastern Front in the last years of the Great War. That was something that I would not want to repeat again, because it'll be a bloody affair.
Thankfully, I think Anakin finally understood nodding his head in a way that I could only hope meant that he got it. "So the problem is that even though she's a good and strong leader, the fact that she went around or above the law to perpetrate this act makes her a problem for the Mandalorian government."
Nodding I said, "Exactly, if White Silver had used more legal means of unseating Gerr, I'm sure the whole situation would be different." Unfortunately, I doubt any legal means can hold up to an army of mercenaries and several dozens of ships pointing down at the planet. All Gerr needed to do to ruin a protest to dethrone him is to send his army to gun down the protesters
"Could White Silver have used some sort of legal means to unseat Gerr?" Anakin asked finding the one chink in the armor of the conversation that I was hoping he wouldn't notice.
I sighed before answering honestly, "No White Silver could not. Theoretically, the New Mandalorian government could not do anything against Gargon. While it may be in the sector, it's not actually a member of the sector. As in, the planet has not sworn fealty to the current ruling government and thus is merely an independent planet that is just inside the area of space called the Mandalore Sector. So if it's taken over by some warlord it's not really the sector's problem even if the warlord had made it quite clear that they plan to ramp up tensions in the sector by invading neighboring planets who have sworn fealty to the ruling government. In short, the Mandalorian government could not take a move unless Gerr actually stepped on a planet that was under our control."
"So basically those in charge of the Mandalorian government are being harsh on White Silver because she could do what they could not."
I sighed while rubbing my forehead before saying, "If you want to look at it that way, yes.," with a bit of pain. "The Mandalorian Government followed the law, so they are obligated to punish those that break them.
"Diplomatically though I think that won't happen in the future. There's been reports that the new leadership of Gargon are interested in deepening ties to the rest of the sector and prosecuting a local hero is not best way to start a working relationship." I hoped to bring that up within this conversation.
Thankfully that was not necessary as another familiar yet older and wiser voice spoke up. "Politics is a deep and complicated game, young one I think we'd all rather not play and much pain is gained from even attempting."
Looking up I saw Master Yoda walking into the courtyard at a steady pace for an old man by the looks of it. With a smile he said, "Welcome back, Representative Kryze. Good to see you too, young Skywalker. Having fun conversations I hope, and nothing too political."
Smiley and I stood up and gave a bit of a curtsy as I have been trained to do when greeting those of elderly status. "Fun conversations are what we usually have, Master Yoda. However, getting a little political is inevitable nowadays, so hopefully we can get off the subject of modern day politics." With that said I retook my seat again.
Nodding his approval Master Yoda sat down in a bench across from us before saying, "Inescapable the politics of this world are, but we must endeavor to try to escape it. Life is much more than politics."
Nodding my head at that statement I was reminded of a question I had meant to ask him the next time I saw him.
"Might be good to avoid politics but I do have something that might be of a political nature though it might be of a cultural nature as well, depending on your point of view, that I wish to discuss with you."
"A question from you is usually interesting, well then tell me."
After clearing my throat I begin, "While on tour in the Mandalorian sector I came across a museum that had certain artifacts that I believe belong to the Jedi Order several thousand years ago, mainly lightsabers and trinkets as it were. They were obviously taken as war booty by the clans from the Jedi of that era and I'm wondering if there is some sort of law or something about returning such items that they are stepping on."
"Hmm," the elder Jedi hummed whilst scratching at his chin in thought before saying, "Jedi trinkets not so much. 4,000 years ago, though interesting, these items would already be well beyond their usefulness. Lightsabers as well as anyone who knew them are long gone. Most lightsabers are burnt with their Jedi when they die and are returned to the Force. The fact that a few have survived this fate and now exist in some museum is nothing too terrible of a fate in the long term of things."
"We tend to focus on the here and now when it comes to relics like those. If those relics belong to Jedi from say 50 years ago, we have interest in recovering them and returning them to their owners in one way or another. However, as old as you're stating, I would tend to believe that no one would care as long as they are treated with respect, in this museum that is."
Nodding my head I said, "From what I saw they were treated with much respect, efforts appear to have been made to track down names of certain Jedi who may have wielded the weapons of the lightsabers. The trinkets tended to just be piled up as examples of Jedi equipment from that era but I think that's more of an opinion of the use of trinkets than desk ornaments for what they are."
Nodding his head the Jedi Master said, "Then I see no problem with this museum keeping these items. Though perhaps, we will establish some sort of meeting between Jedi who are specialized in the libraries and research first. Perhaps they will have issues with it or at least we'll be able to match some names to those lightsabers that have yet to have been found."
'Well that was rather successful.' I thought, not only had I ensured that these items were not some great insult that might upset the Jedi that we have them in our possession, but I also secured a bit of a research agreement between Mandalore and the Jedi on finding out the owners of these weapons. Smiling, I said, "That's good to hear, one of the most important aspects of Mandalorian culture is history, understanding where it came from, and such so being able to reunite an item with its history would be good for cultural as well as diplomatic reasons."
"Making friends is good for both Mandalore and the Jedi I would think, I think even some of your most roguish characters believe that as well considering what information has leaked out about White Silver. Quite impressed I was to hear they were able to unite an entire planet against the forces of corruption that would draw them into war."
That was an odd turn in the conversation. I shrugged it off as Anakin had asked similar questions already.
"They worked within the bounds of Mandalorian culture quite well as well, showing themselves to be a worthy warrior and someone who did not wish to cause war. It reminded me of a conversation I had not long ago, though I can't remember with whom."
Wait what no…
"Quite an intriguing name the White Silver came up with for her opponent. False Silver, calling him quite clearly a false redemption in their culture to dispute them as a potential path to a safe and peace-filled future. A good term, whoever came up with that is a master at understanding the culture of the Mandalorians, while also seeing themselves as part of that culture and how to use it to benefit otherMandalorians. If they didn't make themselves so apparent to be a force for good, I'd be worried that they were something more."
...I realized that someone else might have discovered my secret. I needed to be a lot more careful, if I ever pulled a stunt like that again. Hopefully, I would never have to do that.
Coughing, I just managed to agree and say "Yes, they do seem to have a fine understanding of Mandalorian culture and hopefully they'll stay far away from politics in the future."
Yoda didn't give me a look before nodding, "Quite agree, I do. Terrible thing to work in, politics is." He gave me the friendliest smile before continuing, "Wonder, I do, if White Silver has already accomplished her agenda now after her efforts to unseat False Silver succeeded. Good guidance, strong friendship, I sense as well. Whoever's they speak to must be giving them good advice and mentorship, I think as well."
Yep, Yoda knew. Or at least believed he knew, and was taking credit for pushing me in the right direction, at least that's what I think he was implying.
The fact that I was not being arrested was a good sign. Yoda most likely agreed with what I had done, which was something. Having your operation retroactively sanctioned by a Jedi Master tended to mean you were in the right. At least according to my own research, working with the Jedi tended to work out better for Mandalorians, so I'm going to call this a win…
Well that did bring up a bit of a concern. Would they ask me to do anything else in the future…
Coruscant, Senate Building
Bail Organa
Tonight was supposed to be a simple meeting, we had organized it as part of my new duties as the Chairman of the Loyalist Committee. The Loyalist party meant to try and keep the Republic together as this crisis developed.
Really, this was just one of the many things I've been up to over the last half year, as this crisis seemed to grow heavier and heavier. There was no doubt in my mind we were heading towards something disastrous and very well could see a conflict develop at the rate it was going. To try and get ahead of this coming issue, I have been pushing for Alderaan to build up its relief services, allowing more refugees on our world, as well as the creation of some armaments for the protection of Alderaan, in case the conflicts come uninvited to our doorstep.
Inside, I hoped there would be no war. War was a nasty business, our history proves that more than once, with whole houses being destroyed in them. But, realistically, the possibility that war would spring from these current conflicts was undeniable.
So I was trying to gather as many of the loyalist senators together to try and at least get them talking about the situation. Most senators believe that there could be peace between the two galactic powers. I would love to believe that as well, but history has taught me differently. If there were multiple powers in the Galaxy, that was more than sufficient for a fight to develop. The Hutt's being the exception, but that was only due to the fact that they weren't a proper galactic power; more a collection of cartels that maintain peace in their own space and refuse to actually engage in diplomacy with the Republic.
The Hutt's could get away with this because their particular part of space was off the main trade lanes. Trade lanes do run through their space, but not the major ones, so interacting with them could be avoided and the galaxy just ignores their existence.
The Confederacy was rapidly growing, as one of the more prominent senators and their allies, who collectively had represented a major trade lane, had been convinced to join the CIS. They had convinced the planetary governments, and were now in positions to cause issues in the future. Some of their colleagues were still in denial about the defection.
Parts of the Republic would be cut off from each other, as well as a lot of resources that came from the Outer Rim to the Mid and Core also being cut if a major trade lane joined the Confederacy. Resource allocation, trade lanes, these issues were fertile ground for conflict. These alone would be troubling issues, if they were not being repeated all across the Republic. So many hotspots, and inevitably in some of these places, conflict would spring forth and from conflict would come to war. It's only a matter of when.
It was my hope though that I could at the very least minimize the damage of the war. I have some diplomatic plans and a few goals that could be achieved, but it was better to be prepared for such a conflict than to pretend.
Which was why I, the head of the pro-military faction, was hosting this get-together this evening. We were the host to many senators and representatives to try and find out the prospects for the Republic's future, in addition to observing what factions may be formed in the coming conflict.
Not just the factions that would be leaving the Republic, of course. There would also be factions within the Republic that would see the conflict as an opportunity and would seek their own aims and outcomes.
There is, of course, the Loyalists, whose aims were to bring about a peaceful resolution to this whole crisis, but were prepared to defend the Republic with force in the extreme if necessary.
There were factions belonging to various border worlds and worlds that depend on those resources flowing as they should and any disruption would endanger their livelihood. Each of these border factions were calling for the creation of a military outright. However, none of these blocs were interested in self-defense, but in "correcting" past wrongs and highly dubious resource exploitation. Basically each wanted a private military for their conflict, to kick off a war, not prepare a defense against one. Thankfully most of those factions were minimal and weren't popular. My faction, the Loyalists, tended to actually have the more popular support.
Naboo and their senator lead another significant faction, who represented those seeking a peaceful resolution, without the creation of a military. That had been several interesting conversations, to say the least. Padme seemed to believe that the military itself and its creation would cause the war, even if it was done with a purely defensive mandate. Instead, she had been campaigning against any idea of forming a military.
On one hand, I wanted to disagree with her pacifistic stance as nothing more than idealistic naivete. While, on the other hand, her friend and current rhetorical opponents at today's meeting had made several key observations in the past, statements that explained the issue quite well and supported her logic.
Observations, like 'If you have a military, someone's going to want to use it, especially for their own needs.' In other words, the 'I bought the whole speedometer, I am going to use the whole speedometer.'attitude commonly found on young and rich speeder enthusiasts before they get into a crash. I should know, I was once one of those young speeder enthusiasts before I met Breha. As much as I was in favor of the creation of some sort of defense force for the Republic, I had to concede the point. I had to admit whoever we put in charge of the military would have their own biases, biases that could lead to more conflict.
Frankly, though, I was holding these meetings as a way to keep the party together. The talks often went nowhere and I was still trying to come to some sort of resolution for the Republic. I had started to note a pattern where the attention and focus would end up circling Padme and Tanya's arguments. Padme represents the faction in favor of the no military buildup while Tanya represents a compromise position, in favor of sector military forces. It was a plausible option, in my own opinion, a Republic Self-Defense Force, but often forgotten in the past Senate debates.
I still preferred the creation of a larger and centralized Republic Self-Defense Force, but I could see good ideas when they were presented in front of me. A lot of Tanya's arguments and solutions for the Self-Defense Force defending individual sectors could be applied to the larger, scaled up version of a centralized Self-Defense Force. Letting Padme and Tanya's arguments continue to run their course was still to my benefit so that I could fine-tune my argument for a Republican military when I present them to the senate when the time comes.
Not to mention, it was generally entertaining to watch those two argue. The senator from one of the most peaceful planets in the Mid Rim whose claim to fame was defeating an invading enemy army and capturing the enemy leadership at blaster point, having a theoretical conversation with a representative of one of the most warlike sector of planets in the Outer Rim, a green novice, who'd never seen combat. It was unfortunate that Padme was so firmly entrenched in her position, she would have been an ideal military strategist.
So today's general direction of the conversation took an odd turn. The two were sitting at a long table flanked by various senators and representatives. All of those in attendance were listening to the conversation with interest.
"So Tanya, I recently heard an interesting story. That the Mandalorian sector has started to put together a Self-Defense Force. Is there anything we should be worried about?" Padme said it with such mirth that it was obvious that this was a joke. Only, Tanya didn't join in. She looked a little bit peeved at the joke.
"I assure you, there's nothing to worry about that particular recent development. The government of Mandalore is simply taking a realistic stance on our position in the galaxy right off the Hydian Way, between several CIS strongholds and the Core of the Republic. It's better to have a secure position today than to feel sorry tomorrow, when the invasions begin." Tanya said matter of fact as she swirled a drink in the cup in front of her.
"True, but wasn't the demand for a Self-Defense Force one of the tenants published by that vigilante, White Silver, that stopped an attempt to take over your sector just a few months ago?"
Tanya seemed unfazed by the question and said, "Yes, that is true. Just because a person is a vigilante does not mean they are wrong about certain ideas. I would never hesitate to steal an idea from an adversary. Building a Self-Defense Force in this situation makes sense as it seems very likely that conflict is going to erupt within the next three to two years."
"Alright then, so do you agree with White Silver's statements on the matter of Mandalorians then?" That caused me to lean in, it was an intriguing question to ask and I wonder where Padme was going with this line of questioning.
"The idea of building a Self-Defense Force to protect the sector makes sense. Many of their ideas have made sense in the past, they are minor agents helping in the overall health of the sector. They are doing good in my opinion, so yes in a way I do agree with the general outline of their ideas. As long as it's in service to rebuilding Mandalore."
"Then, what are your thoughts on White Silver's statements about war and the title of Mand'alor? Maybe I misunderstood it, but from my reading of the document, White Silver suggested that the people of Mandalore could give the ability to declare war over to an officially elected Mand'alor, one that all the clans agree is the Mandalore correct?"
Tanya nodded her head in agreement. "Correct, White Silver also made it clear that she considers Duchess Satine as the true Leader of Mandalore. I don't think that's much of a worry when it comes to war, considering Satine is a well known supporter that pacifism is the correct path for Mandalore. Satine is also willing to admit that being able to defend ourselves is a legitimate use of violence as she herself had fought for the unification of our sector, just like you did for your people on Naboo."
Padme nodded her agreement before saying, "But what's to stop another Mandalorian from declaring themselves Mand'alor and having an election that for all intents and purposes is a legitimate election? Then the power to declare war is now in someone else's hands, correct? Doesn't that mean that your Mandalorian Self-Defense Force would have to follow the orders of this unknown person and go to war if they declare it?"
Tanya stopped for a moment before saying, "While yes, White Silver did not in fact do anything to restrict the matters of war beyond declaring that only the Mand'alor can declare it, besides implying that an official Mand'alor has to be elected. Granted, I would assume that most of the clan leaders would continue to support Satine's leadership, since she has done a wonderful job rebuilding the sector in recent years, raising standard of living to that of a Core-world, with public education, universal healthcare, and scholarship programs. So I don't think this is as big of an issue when Duchess Satine has the support of the general public."
"Back to the topic of the title of Mand'alor, the Mand'alor can declare war at any time depending on who's in control of the government? What's to stop this Self-Defense Force and whatever other military forces in the sector to be used in more than a defensive role? This Silver Codex that most of your people have fallen for depends on the good in the state actors in the government?"
'Oof, now that's a good point.' I mentally thought. "It's a well-known fact that most governments in the Galaxy are not immune to corruption in one form or another. If someone were to get into office and get themselves declared the official Mand'alor they could cause quite a bit of problems not to mention, Who declares the clans votes good? What if 25% voted for one Mand'alor, another 30% voted for another, while the rest voted on the other and they all decided the candidates that they didn't vote for are not real Mandalorians unless they had all the votes they needed. As much as that stance might limit the possibility of war with someone like Duchess Satine in office, if something were to happen to her or someone were to refuse to acknowledge her as the Mand'alor and hold their own election, well they could start up their own Mandalorian Civil War wouldn't they?"
Tanya seems to be giving that a lot of thought. Perhaps Padme had raised a legitimate concern that she was actually thinking it through. After some time, she nodded before saying, "These are legitimate concerns to be worried about, however restricting the ability to declare war more than already proposed in Silver Codex would probably infuriate Mandalorians more than actually solving the problem.
It's an obvious fact that a military that could not be deployed without the command of an officer or in this case the Mand'alor would be a slower apparatus. Sometimes you need a strong figure to control the force in question. If that power was to be relinquished to say the Royal Court, debating on what to do when we're being invaded would result in the invasion being successful, not to mention that it would weaken the pillars of Mandalorian culture. Our leader is who we stand by in a moment of conflict, without that our culture loses one of the six pillars that allows it to have existed for the last 5000 years while being in constant conflict with our neighbors."
"Still," Padme said, "the document relies too heavily on people being good State actors and not having their own goals behind it. It could result in a conflict if someone else was to take power."
Tanya simply shrugged and said, "There could be conflict tomorrow and Satine would still be in power. Your concerns are legitimate, I'll give you that, but the issue that seems to be forgotten here is that the culture being created by the proper use of that power can determine the future much more than simply putting down rules.
If someone has the power to declare war and does not use it unless absolutely necessary, that creates a standard. Something that's expected of the next leader and if the next one starts declaring wars willy-nilly, a lot of clans will simply look the other way and not follow.
It does not matter if a person has the power to declare war, it matters how that power is used. If a person never declares war but ensures that the people underneath them have better lives than they would have had if they'd gone to war, then people are going to be more likely to vote for a person who will continue that prospect. The person who declares war and shows that the result of war is the destruction of Mandalore, as it has shown well and truly in the past, was only ever focused on declaring that war. Then people will learn their lesson and never declare such a warmonger a Mand'alor again.
Maybe in the future they'll be some ratification of a constitution to prevent a Mand'alor from declaring war without the consent of the council or maybe stipulations on how much resources could be moved towards a violent conflict without the council's approval, while requiring that approval to move to full war footing. I'm sure Duchess Satine has already considered ways to do that. Duchess Satine is quite up to the challenge of proving that a peaceful Mandalorian is possible be that the system, the sector, or the person she just has issues using the term itself."
That seemed to end the debate as Padme let out a sigh before nodding saying, "Alright, I will let this be for now. Though I do think I'm going to need to schedule some sort of trip out to Mandalore to meet your aunt for myself."
"Interested in seeing how a civilization rebuilt itself after a total collapse of trust in its hierarchy?" Tanya poked with a smile
Padme simply shrugged, "No I'm interested in her opinions on all this going on with the secessionist."
"I'll tell you right now what her opinions are. Though I think you should meet her, I think you two would get along great, but her opinions are quite simple. The Republic is the dominant power in the Galaxy, being part of the Republic ensures that Mandalore will be able to return to a livable world again and watching the Seperatist and the Republic tear each other apart over a conflict as foolish as this is not in our best interests on Mandalore. If trade breaks down between the Outer Rim and the Core, it'll be worlds that are in the Mid Rim or close to it that'll be suffering the most as we will simply become a battleground for the Core and the Outer Rim to fight over."
"And if you become a battleground for this conflict?" I asked, finally having heard quite a bit about this and wanting to get a point of view on what the Mandalorians would do if something like this were to happen.
Tanya simply shrugged and said whilst looking at me with a sense of profound understanding that I didn't often see in her, "We won't let that happen, we'll simply not be a party to a war between the secessionist and the Core. Mandalore has seen enough conflict that it's better for us to not be involved at all at this point and work on bettering ourselves rather than to be drawn into another pointless war that would leave Mandalore more devastated and dead than it already is."
I nodded agreeing with the sentiment quite clearly before saying, "And let us hope that this conflict never arises then and cooler heads will finally prevail before things spin out of control."
Coruscant, Regal Star Caf and Chocolate Shop
Tanya Kryze
Smiling, I gave a curtsy and said, "Chancellor Palpatine, what an honor to meet you again." I was at the particular chocolate store where I'd run into him before. This time it had not been a planned operation but I was not going to waste the opportunity to build relations with the most powerful man in the Republic as I attempted to increase my social status by talking with the chancellor.
The chancellor in question turned with a smile on his face, "Ah young Representative Kryze I think, correct?"
I nodded before saying, "That is correct, Chancellor."
"Always such a delight to see such young faces in politics working to improve their sector. I've been hearing about Mandalore more often recently in the last few months and I think I've heard about the whole Governor Vrox affair years ago."
I try not to show the twinge of pain at that statement, the whole Vrox affair had been a black mark on Mandalore's more recent history. I think that being brought up in the discussion tended to mean we were creating a bit too much chaos out on the Outer Rim. Hopefully it will be forgotten in the ongoing secession crisis, at least that's what I hoped.
Well considering that level of problem, I better respond in the proper way. Smiling, I said, "Hopefully nothing as bad as that has been coming up about my little sector."
Palpatine chuckled and put his hand on my shoulder saying, "Don't worry my young representative, nothing that terrible. Just idle conversations about how things are going with, you know, the unfortunate business going on right now. These conversations will happen with many sectors."
"Yes it's a very unfortunate business, this whole situation is. Hopefully there can be some sort of legal way to end this conflict without a war." I said. Technically speaking, getting in good with Palpatine right now was not the general thing I would do normally.
By all laws in the Senate his two terms as the chancellor were going to be up in a few months, however this secession crisis had resulted in the governments that were still here in suspending the election until after it was handled. This technically meant he is the Chancellor for the foreseeable future in this coming conflict. In my mind, that was not exactly the best move on the Senate's part considering he had overseen the era preceding the secession buildup. It was kind of apparent to me that he's sort of at fault for it all like that one US President before the American Civil War. I don't remember his name as I didn't care that much, but he had an opportunity to deal with the issues that were going to lead to that war and simply refused to do anything because he didn't want to deal with it. He wanted to prove that he could be the president to people who were a thorn in his side during the Mexican American War, I believe.
That being said, if he is still the Chancellor, he is going to be overseeing the conflict that is going to happen. And getting in good with the Chancellor in such a tumultuous time is a nice trump card to have in case of emergency, a 'good to have' resource that could be used to swing things to my favor at an opportune time.
"Very unfortunate, business but I believe that democracy will see us through this era of troubles, give it enough time and they will work out."
I had to bite my tongue to say that it was a bold statement considering he had fully accepted the dissolution of democracy to keep his job. But that was a minor thing since that was the Senate's decision so I guess it's not really his fault in the matter.
"Yes, we can only hope." I did manage to say, nodding my agreement before Palpatine clapped his hands together and said, "Say, I have actually been working on a bit of an initiative to try and ease the tensions with the Outer Rim. A bit of an economic platform, I'm thinking of embracing help to improve the issues that the so-called Separatists have been declaring a major problem. Several meetings I have also scheduled to try and talk with members of the other room that are on the fence of this whole situation. Would you, as a representative, like to join me on several of these meetings? I'm sure that the presence of an Outer Rim power such as Mandalore at such meetings would at least get people to come talk to me. A lot of these separatists won't even bother that much."
A working dinner with the Chancellor, a chance to improve my standing in the government, and a chance to create some sort of friendship with the elder statesman? I would have to be a fool to turn this down. I said with a large bright smile, "I would love to help you with such an attempt to bring peace to the galaxy."
Writers note: And that the chapter for this week folks, we moved into the year of 23 BBY. I do not expect to spend a lot of time on this year, there will be events, and some fun stuff but this year will not be that heavy compared to how 24 BBY turned out. Also, starting with the next chapter I think I will start experimenting with LONG segments, some segments were 5000 words long, so I will see how well that pans out compared to short segments like this chapter.
Edited by: Warmach1ne32, Ralph Howard, Afforess, Elseud
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715 FNM (23BBY)
Month 1
Serenno, Planetary Palace
Count Dooku
Building this rebellion is likely to be one of the most tedious tasks I have ever done in my life. Finding leadership amongst the various corporations that were not going to act without my assent was the main goal of this whole project. Unfortunately, most of those who rose to become leaders of multi-trillion credit companies did not get to where they are by being passive and following orders. While some of them do, most took more… creative means to reach their position.
By my calculations, the army the Separatists are creating would far outstrip anything the Republic could create. Even with the Republic's access to the clones, the Droid army would still overwhelm them by sheer numbers as well. If I truly wanted to take over the Republic it would not be very hard to accomplish. The forces I would have under my command would be more than enough to take Coruscant in a month. Which of course meant the whole project needed to be conducted in a way that wouldn't reveal this overwhelming advantage to the Republic.
In a sense, I needed to win with one hand behind my back, which should be easy enough. Much of the contract negotiation allowed the various planets and corporations to maintain their own armies as part of the CIS army. This would make it so that though we would have a larger force, internal goals would be the ones that these forces went after.
No doubt the corporations would abuse the army for their own needs, seeding chaos here and there, while clearing the Outer Rim in the first year. Of course it's part of the plan to undermine the CIS and divide our forces. On paper, the CIS were the stronger party. However, the internal divisions and infighting should ensure our forces are frequently defeated and the more mercenary factions will undermine any unintended victories. I planned on ensuring that the blame was laid on the corporations and the aliens as the main reasons for why the CIS fell apart, after the war ended. This way I would appear to have been simply a leader of the enemy force who had been hamstrung by the machinations of his incompetent and corrupt underlings, a possibly unknowing puppet of the corporations. At least that was the story that I most likely would state when the war was over and I have my Fist of the Empire.
Putting such leadership into positions of power is not a difficult task as the corporations already have characters of ill repute leading them that reached their position by taking the initiative through underhanded means. Not much work was required to let them run free and cause trouble for the Republic. I could always declare them criminals and such as the war went on if they did anything too drastic to maintain my status.
Of course there will be forces that go too far, it will inevitably happen with the type of leaders that will be put in charge. However without my guiding hand, nor the support of local authorities, rogue commanders would be unable to muster the forces for any major pushes into the Republic. And the fact of the matter is, the main goal of the CIS is independence, not conquest, meant that most local commanders would be more interested in maintaining the independence of their worlds than leading foreign invasions.
This natural alignment of interests presented a small problem to my plans. In order for the coming war to ramp up, conflict - battles, invasions, plunder, and all, these events, would need to occur between the forces of the CIS and the Republic. This is easily solved thanks to the simple fact that some planets had populations that would choose independence over the Republic and request aid from the CIS.
The CIS was prepared to offer systems with independent inclinations new leadership and aid favorable elements within any systems with their independence. If their people resisted the new masters, then their worlds would devolve into a war zone, which would be in the Republic's interest to prevent, interfere, or reclaim. These conflicts would blood the Republic, and the repeated battles would be the cruel but necessary harsh instruction in warfare needed to build an Empire. The Republic was a corrupted, de-evolved state, crying out for new leadership. With the right push from an external foe, like the CIS, to clear out the decedance and waste, and the introduction of my new Jedi Order, it could be an Empire anew.
Afterwords, I would blood my new Jedi Order on the remains of the CIS and dispense with the charade. It is a simple plan, though there were issues I had a few problems with, I would deal with them as time went on. Since large sectors of my space were once controlled by the Ancient Sith, my master, Darth Sidious, was interested in having the CIS do a little exploration. Since the Republic, by law, could not do that, at least not yet, if I managed to find a few relics and if any of those relics could come in handy for the war, I was allowed to use them. Can't make the war too easy for the Republic as well as a way to weed out the weak.
It all served as the perfect fodder for the Jedi to deal with, they would be misled to believe that the Sith were only present on the CIS side of the conflict. It would be sad to see many of my old friends perish in the coming conflict, but if the Jedi Order is so easily misled, there really was no reason to save the institution. The Order had outlived its usefulness, stagnant in their single minded adherence in only the Light Side of the Force. There needed to be a reset, if my Fist of Empire had to be that reset, then so be it.
Standing up from my desk, I looked at the walls of my home office. Richly decorated with years of work, arranging assets, and determining threats throughout the entire operation. And soon, very soon everything would become clear. The Jedi Order would show itself to be the fools they have become and the war would begin.
I believe it would be within the year though it could be longer. No doubt the recent conflicts on Antar 4 and Ansion, where Separatists uprisings had forced a bit of a riot between Republic forces on the worlds, would be a major talking point for the next year in the Senate. Once their talks are over, there would be an attempt to vote on if they should create a military or not. No doubt tensions would be inflamed further if someone were to contact a bounty hunter or two to take out anti-war leaders. Even a failed assassinationor two would work. This war was already well and truly in motion; it's only a matter of time until the pressure reached its breaking point.
Cracking my neck, I turned to look out the window behind my desk, to get a view of the world. Possibly the last few moments of peace Serenno would have before the conflict finally began. However, I was interrupted with a knock on my door before it was opened.
"My Count, Bariss Zotho is here to see you." Standing in the doorway was my servant, Setti Rankind, an old hand of my family not as old as me of course but he served my brother and was relatively loyal.
"Excellent," I said, "Send her in; also bring in a glass of the best wine we have in the house. She's a guest of interest and should be greeted with pomp and circumstance."
He nodded and a few moments later Bariss Zotho entered the room. She is an Arkanian, a geneticist by trade and some would call her mad scientist, though considering their entire species were known for being mad scientists it was hard not to be.
"Count Dooku, a pleasure to meet you." she said, giving a bit of a bow showing all the due respect that was expected of my station.
"Miss Zotho, good to see you as well. Please take a seat." offering a chair that was sitting across from my desk.
"Thank you my Count." she said as she walked over and sat down across from me. Her three-handed fingers went into her pockets to pull out several data pads and other equipment that no doubt had the information I had hired her for.
A couple months ago, Senator Merrik had sent along information on a particular interest of mine, specifically the list of planets that a certain Mandalorian Representative will be visiting on her tour. She is obviously a girl that is strong with the Force yet did not have any training.
As far as I was concerned there was no other answer for why she had seen through my illusions but there was always a chance that she wasn't and I knew exactly why he had sent that information along. Operations to destabilize the sector were already in motion, and removing her from the game, since she seemed to be poised to take his position, was at the top of his goals.
Not mine though, killing her would do me no good, it would be a waste of a potential resource that I would like to have after the war was over. Which is where this geneticist comes in. She is an expert of genetics of various species across the Galaxy and reliable at keeping secrets. I even considered possibly using her world for the clone project at one point though I abandoned that rather quickly. Arkania is too much of a powder keg on the good days and any secret would have been broken too quickly.
Smiling at the white skinned woman, I asked, "So then I assume the operation I sent you on was successful? Did you get a sample?"
Miss Zotho nodded before saying, "I have the sample, it was a hell of a thing let me tell you but I was eventually able to pull it off, even if I ended up having to run from those barbarians for nearly a week until they gave up."
I smiled for who knows how long, as she complained about the Mandalorians. It is understandable that she would have issues with them considering their sector had been neighbors for the dawn of time. It took so long that Setti was able to serve our wine and I already finished half of my glass before Miss Zotho wind down her tirade to sample the wine to soothe her no doubt parched throat."While that's unfortunate, you survived so I assume you have some of the information I wanted correct?"
"Yes my Lord, I did the checks you wanted me to do and you were correct, she has a high midichlorian count." She handed over the tablet and I looked at it with interest.
Legally speaking the only ones allowed to have information on determining people's midichlorian count were the Jedi. Illegally speaking, the Arkanians were known to keep secrets and if I wanted a job done that only the Jedi are capable of, what with the restriction on technology for identifying midichlorians, you ask an Arkanian. It seems that is correct, this little program appeared to have several different ways of cataloging midichlorians and it is definitely showing that the girl is strong in the Force. If I had to estimate her power, she is as powerful as Qui-Gon Jinn. It is an incredible accomplishment, considering her age and lack of training.
At this particular point I would say even without receiving training, over the next 3 years her powers would not diminish and likely would not for the next 10 years. This means I have plenty of time to prosecute the war and still pick her up as a possible apprentice once the conflict is over.
Miss Zotho was looking over a tablet in her hands as she said, "I must say though, she is an interesting genetic sample even for a crossbreed, she seems to have a very stable sample".
That got my attention. Raising my eyebrow I said, "Crossbreed? Aren't all humans the same breed?"
Bariss shook her head before saying, "Not exactly," before pressing a few buttons and showing a whole graphic projection of what I guess was Tanya's DNA, highlighting several points. Miss Zotho went on to say, "these points here are standard Mandalorian phenotypes, hair color at birth, eye color, facial structure; everything that was to be expected. She does have some gene points that are not Mandalorian, not even from the sector."
For that reason I frown, "Strange, though, not any major concerns." I began, "What sector are those points more closely related to?"
Playing with the pad in front of her, she clicked through a few points before bringing up another DNA strand and saying, "These DNA points mostly match humans of the world of Stewjon."
I sat back in my seat on that one, that particular planet was well located in the mid-southern rim well away from Mandalore. Not an impossible journey but definitely not somewhere you would expect Mandalorian DNA to come from.
Speaking those thoughts out loud I asked, "Hmm, could this DNA have come from several generations back? I know there was a bit of a recalling of dysphoria a thousand years ago."
Miss Zotho shook her head. "Impossible, there is too much DNA for it to have been anything other than the father or mother. which usually, meaning one generation separation between this introduction of this DNA. Even with how many Mandalorian DNA types there is out there, the planets the live on have an affect, genetic will favor certain variants of human for the conditions of the world they live on, and some of this is definitely due to the grasslands of Stewjon and not to a world that's been on its way to a desert planet for the last thousand years."
"While an oddity it is still something that's not necessarily to worry about." I finally said. I haven't given it a few more thoughts. It didn't really matter to me who their father or mother was in the long term. Of those things I was more interested in is the girl herself and her potential as an apprentice.
"You do good work Miss Zotho and I will be more than happy to continue to do business with you in the future." I said standing and giving her my hand.
She stood up and took my hand, saying, "Always a pleasure, Count Dooku. Also, if you do need the girl cloned I'm willing to offer a discount on my prices. Her DNA is a bit of an interesting thing here and I wouldn't mind playing around with what I acquired."
I scoffed at that before saying, "As entertaining as that notion is, everyone knows that you cannot clone someone with high midichlorian counts. The Force abhors duplicates."
"That's what flash cloners and the Jedi say." Miss Zotho said, waving that off with her free hand. "They're just trying to cover up their failures and prevent the cloning of a Jedi army. There's some interesting research out there that implies that if you raise a clone at almost a human life scale 10 years at least to reach the age of 20 that enough deviations will be created between the clone and the original that the Force doesn't actually affect them and cause them to go insane with clone madness."
Taking my hand back from the shake, I pondered her idea. It is an interesting notion she presented but the risk of insanity seems a bit too much for my taste. Though, it is worth noting that anything could happen in the coming wars and my future apprentice may not survive it. If the original was destroyed, well then there was nothing to drive the clones insane, was there.
Nodding my head, I simply said, "Keep the samples in storage. Perhaps in a few years I will have a need for them and we can negotiate a potential deal later."
Coruscant, Mandalorian Tower
Tanya Kyrze
The trip from Mandalore back to Coruscant, only took a week or two this time. The speedy journey was thanks to Aunt Satine since she allowed me to use the space yacht Coronet again. I was always quite impressed with the vessel, its internals, and the way it worked.
It was called a Star Yacht but in reality it's probably closer to a classification of ship that was more at home with what the Titanic had been, that being a Cruise Liner. A fast-moving vessel that could travel the galaxy and bring people from one place to another along with supplies and storage with comfort and amenities for the rich and not so much for those not willing to pay.
I always found it a bit of a surprise that on some of the lower levels. Under several levels of rather mundane activities that most folks would lean towards, was a whole section devoted to gambling.
It reminded me quite a bit of pachinko machines and other Las Vegas games of chance. Whoever had created that particular section had obviously built it to take the people coming in and out of the sector for everything they were worth, although I still wondered why it had been constructed at all. Mandalorians on the whole weren't exactly suckers for gambling. Oh sure there were some who had it bad, throwing away rationality and everything else for their addiction. Yet this was uncommon, ironically, the deeply rooted spiritual beliefs of the average Mandalorian did much to discourage the vice. The strong vein of intellectualism in the sector also deserved some of the credit for dissauding others. Overall, it seemed odd that we would have something like this aboard what could best describe the face of Mandalore as this ship traveled the trade lanes between Mandalore and Coruscant often enough.
But then again, perhaps I was misjudging the Mandalorians' ability to take advantage of others' issues for their own benefit. If a rich benefactor lost a million credits playing games on the ship while traveling to Mandalore, well that wasn't exactly Mandalore's fault since they had done it in what could be best described as international space. Really, this made the prospect of making Gargon an actual casino resort more theoretically possible than I had originally thought of when I had discovered this section of the ship on my first voyage.
Either way, the trip had been rather uneventful and we arrived at Coruscant with minimal attention. Of course, there will always be something going on as more issues develop in the Senate between the systems leaving to form their rival government and the current government.
Technically, this was not my concern; it was the senator's job, but I still kept an eye on it. After all, who knows when it might become my concern. Prince Merrik could be recalled to Mandalore to explain his thoughts on what was happening at any moment. And if he was recalled that would then leave me in charge of the official stance of Mandalore which, as far as I could tell, was that we wanted no part of any war and that Mandalore would vote against any war. Arming ourselves was also on the agenda though I believe. But that topic was something I did not need to worry about. I guess my operations on Gargon did accidentally create a bit of an armed force that could be called upon in an emergency. Only time would tell how that would go, though at the moment Gargon Rangers seemed to be minor additives to the Mandalore Sector Self Defense Force or MSSDF that Satine is creating.
Besides those distant concerns, life is rather easy. After a few meetings with the Ithorian; they were finally planning to send one of their ships to the Mandalore Sector to begin regrowing efforts on two worlds that had been devastated. Both worlds had been ruined during the most recent conflict in history, the Excision. Fortunately, those worlds were both worthless, one was a planet no one cared about, and the other planet was only officially cared about, because it was a former shipyard world. The shipyard world that had served all of the Mandalorian sector was devastated by a bombardment that left the planet covered in swampy ground. Officially, there was no planetary government or larger authority, only scavenger groups of clans that managed to make a living off the ruins. It could even be considered a frontier world under the right circumstances. Though to my understanding, even frontier worlds had some form of government, even if it was just a formalized council of clans.
No doubt I would have to meet with some leadership representatives from that world in the future to discuss how we would go about restoring their world's biosphere to a healthier, functional state.
The swamp world may appear functional, but it was literally just massive flies and mud with reeds. Across the entire planet, that biome wasn't a product of a functioning biosphere, that was a fragile omnisphere. The world's fragility was widely understood and caused much concern, and these fears could easily be realized by taking out one of the few components that worked. Burn the reeds, and the planet dies. Kill the flies, the planet dies. A functional biosphere requires redundancies and other species as much as you needed the founder species. It'll be interesting to see what the result was with the planet once the Ithorians were done with it.
As for the troublemakers in my unit, Vai and Tabby, I had authorized the captain to push some additional work out sessions on the pair. Granted some of these lessons were because of the recent kissing incident. The events in the ballroom were impossible to keep quiet, and well, the tabloids had been inspired. One interesting and positive side effect I had noticed was that the kissing incident had completely obliterated the story of White Silver from the news. Vai had talked briefly after that and as much as I understood that her and mother didn't get along, I made it clear that any behaviors while not under strict orders from me would be met with a response on the level of a magazine smacking her forehead as a disobedient employee she was.
Fact of the matter was that while Vai was not a member of the Royal Guard, she was a component to Tabby's issues. Both of them needed to work off a lot of energy so that they didn't cause me more problems. So, that's where the captain came in. Over the last few weeks he had been working them to the bone and trying to instill in them enough fear so that they gave some forethought before they acted and more importantly would never, ever do anything that would give me cause for a headache again.
How well did the captain succeed? Only time would tell. At the very least, the pair were too tired to get up into any trouble. Although they had tried, when my 17th birthday came up, there had been a suggestion that we go to the club and have a bit of a party. After all, I was only a year away from the drinking age of the Republic. I had, of course, attempted to sidestep the topic at first, but only ended up agreeing only if we made sure that no mistakes happened this time.
And I do say it had been a rather simple but fun experience, the guards that had their wagon out front making sure nothing terrible would happen and could easily drive us back to the tower instead of us having to go looking for our car after we were done partying.
Vai and Tabby were not overly drunk, instead they had shown more moderation, which could be a sign that they'd learned their lesson from the last time. My expectations for the pair that night had been quite low. At the last party we attended, I was forced to assign remedial training for each individual infraction. So, the remedial training for every screw up they had been in so far seemed to be finally working. This is why I prefer to work with an employee on an improvement plan instead of just firing them. After all, if I had just cut that employee that had pushed me in front of a train, I probably would have been dead a few months earlier. That was an unusually morbid thought, so I distracted myself with Vai's latest fashion obsession.
I typically did my best to ignore fashion, so Vai's attempts to get me to "live a little", was by buying me clothing that normally I would never wear, often showing a lot more leg or torso than I was known to do. At the mention of the club, I found that all my "suitable" wardrobe was clothes Vai had "suggested" at one point or another.
Sensing protest was not going to work, I picked the most conversative dress I knew Vai would approve of and focused on the party. So far our conversations had been about rather mundane topics, the new season of Silver Rider had been proposed as a new movie. The movie set location had apparently been forced to move planets several times due to various controversies. As a result, a few of the minor actors had gotten into some tabloid drama of their own, which I sympathized with. It was nice to speculate about other non-planet-shattering events, simply enjoying the company and celebrating my birthday. Someone had even managed to get a chocolate cake, which we had enjoyed quite dearly and near the end. Vai and Tabby invited Ordo and I both to dance on the floor with them and it just sort of happened. Granted, neither one of us were very good at the whole individual dancing thing, but we both apparently knew a waltz that had been imported by the New Mandalorians.
Armed with that shared knowledge of the waltz, Ordo and I were able to at least appear functional on the dance floor, even if most displaying more modern styles of dance. I enjoyed the waltz too, although, I will note my damn hormones keep acting up. Apparently I've been keyed to enjoy being close to someone who appears physically stronger than me, that pesky sensation of feeling safe and content had reared its ugly head. Either way, though, we had a good time and my 17th birthday party was a resounding success. Out of the three I had, that probably was the best I'd had in all my lives.
My first one involved too much studying for school. The second one, had been in the trenches and mud of Russy land. So this life didn't have very strong competition for the title. But that didn't matter, what mattered was that there had been no explosion of information online the day after. The party had not resulted in another media storm and no news was good news. The fading scrutiny meant I could focus on building support with the various political parties, get approval for terraforming of Mandalorian worlds, and other projects for the improvement of Mandalore.
Coruscant, Jedi Temple
Tanya Kryze
Another day, another trip to the Jedi Temple. My continued efforts to get the Agricorp Council to sign off on Concordia's status change and remove its protected planet status, had borne fruit that I had not originally set out to pick.
The initial plan for Concordia had been straightforward. Notify Agricorp about the problem with the planet's protected status, namely, that it was not protecting anything and is in fact hurting the planet, and in doing so, start the slow bureaucratic process to update it. Concordia's protected status originally protected endangered native species, some time in the distant past. Native species that were long since extinct in the biosphere collapse. Now the protected status only served to hurt free trade, especially imports of live plants and animals, preventing the free hand of the market from acting in the planet's recovery. The importation of plants and animals was necessary to replace those destroyed in the original destruction, when the Republic's forces had bombarded the world nearly 700 years before. The unexpected fruit, the one that I was currently nurturing, was a bit of an interesting situation.
It would seem that the Jedi Order would use the Agricorp as a sort of dumping ground for initiates who couldn't attract the attention of a master, or were not up for the idea of fighting. Those individuals would instead leave for worlds that would give them basic farm work. They lived their life producing food for the masses, as well as earning a bit of income for the Jedi Order, I'm sure.
Oh and it also seemed that they wanted to build miniature temples. The plans they submitted included accompanying communal and residential complexes, as well as additional agriculture districts. I sensed a bit of politics in the designs, but these temples being overly large or possibly a Jedi boondoggle on those worlds where they set these things up was not a big issue for me. What was interesting was that this was a possible source of manpower for the Mandalorian sector.
The Agricorp was interested in possibly setting up a temple for this group of pacifists or failed Jedi on Concord Dawn, Vorpa'ya or Concordia. Now this was an interesting prospect, the Agricorp was made up of hundreds of individuals, maybe thousands who had experience with plant life throughout the Galaxy, had knowledge of various healing techniques, and for all intents and purposes were meant to help planets that were falling behind economically and technology to give them a leg up. One of the few organizations that had real effects outside the Jedi Order's warrior classes.
Allowing them to build a temple and start farming on one of our worlds could be beneficial in the long run, not only for deepening ties between the Republic and Mandalore, but continuing the process of getting Mandalorians and Jedi to no longer see each other as ancestral enemies. Granted, from my own knowledge most Mandalorians just saw Jedi as ancestral rivals to test their mettle against rather than enemies, but I was sure that this was a one-way street on that matter.
Either way, this was a rare opportunity to improve relations, improved relations meant that Mandalore was less likely to be bombarded by some Republic fleet in the next 20 to 40 years. The only real issues in making this come to be were two fold; 1) What world would be the best planet for such a temple? and 2) Would they accept such an institution? It was obvious why we might have problems getting such an institution created, being that the Jedi still had a stigma as child-stealers in the Mandalore Sector. The shift from Jedi Lords tactics of allowing adults, to a dependency on bringing in children did not sit right with Mandalorians, who, of course, saw family as one of the most important elements of our culture.
Knowing a few things about the Mandalorian Sector, I had managed to move the conversation away from Concordia without raising any suspicion. Yes, Concordia was on the verge of becoming a planet that would be a vast improvement to the agricultural abilities of the sector. However, the main population of Concordia were Mandalorians who either have been banished from the surface of Mandalore after the end of the Clan Wars. Or extreme traditionalists that even other Mandalorians gave the side eye to.
Understandable, considering some of them believed that taking their helmet off in the presence of others no longer made you a Mandalorian. A strange practice, but if that's what they wish to believe then that's what they wish to believe. I had taken some interest in the idea of that whole subculture for a bit, trying to figure out exactly where it came from. My best guess was it was related to the original Mandalores. History implies that 4,000 years ago for some time Mandalorian leaders, like the Mandalore, would never take their helmet off after taking the title, a way to show continuity of them being just the continuation of the Mandalore from before. As if the spirit of the last Mandalore simply inhabited the helmet and would take over the body of the new Mandalore. A weird cultural practice in some forms, but I guess it has some degree of superstitious sense to people who are very traditional and nomadic.
The issue, of course, was the potential possibility that this Agricorp Temple would find Mandalorians with Force ability. If they did, well, they could cause problems. A riot, for example. The imagined Senate hearing and paperwork following that imaginary disaster was already giving me the start of a headache. So Concordia was firmly off the agenda as far as I was concerned.
That left Concord Dawn and Vorpa'ya. I will admit my knowledge of both was minimal at best, but I knew more about Concord Dawn than I know about Vorpa'ya. Concord Dawn was a despotic governorship, often looked down upon by most of the sector for being corrupt. A world you didn't want to make first appearances with and let the foot in the door with the Jedi, if I were to be honest. The chaos and mayhem that could be observed everyday, well, would simply speak ill of Mandalore to any Jedi working on the planet.
The only redeeming factor for Concord Dawn was it was mainly populated by populations that had once been part of the True Mandalorians, who were not as known to hate the Jedi as much as the Traditionalists. But there was no reason to push for Concord Dawn when Vorpa'ya was actually the better option.
Vorpa'ya was the neighboring system to Concord Dawn. It shared many of the similar cultural practices, but had a smaller population, meaning there was less potential for trouble on the planet. Theoretically it was under the rule of Concord Dawn, though, the governor only deployed troops there sparingly; the most recent deployment was when pirates attacked, and the Royal Guard had to intervene to aid them. The recent conflict was another reason why the Agricorp setting up shop there would be more useful for the planet, as it was recently devastated during the small war against pirates.
In a sense, it was the perfect planet for this operation, even if its culture was a bit immature and undetermined to me. The people there wouldn't start problems with the Jedi, they were too spread out. I doubted they would even run into them that often and they wouldn't mind the help in rebuilding their world.
The planet was also a prime example of the nomadic lifestyle still being a major component of the Mandalorian way of life. Concord Dawn was an agri-world devoted to the production of grown food, Vorpa'ya was for the raising of cattle and other popular livestock. It was, as far as records went back, a planet known to be flat. Not a lot of mountains and few oceans, just enough to keep the planet relatively green with large rolling steppes of grass. This actually was a problem in some areas as there was a dust storm that apparently had been going for the last hundred years around the planet. It was primarily in the northern territories of the world which had rendered that area unusable for any agricultural needs, similar to the Unified States' Dust Bowl I read about in their history books from my 2nd life. And while I don't know for sure if the United States in my first life had something similar, it isn't that far-fetched that Being X would be too lazy to make changes before he copied the history prior to magic.
I hadn't actually done this research myself as most of the information about Vorpa'ya was not even in the records kept here on Coruscant. My guard Kor Kastel happened to be from that world and was quite informative on the subject. He had told some interesting tales of how some clans on the planet simply drove their version of space cattle around the world constantly circling it in 10 years never having to actually interact with other Clans because their own schedules would keep them on the entire other side of the world.
For such distance between even the local populations amongst themselves, putting a Jedi Temple there to basically keep some agricultural experts busy and help build up the local economy seemed rather simple. I'm sure I would have to work on negotiations with either whatever local Governor they had or the protector of Concord Dawn, but that was a minor issue in the long term. Negotiations always take time and if you put in the effort, things would work out.
That being said, today's negotiations with the Council had ended rather amicably with a general agreement that I would poke around to find out if the administration of Vorpa'ya would be interested in such an arrangement. And with my general duties completed I could now focus on one of the more interesting aspects of my trips to the Jedi Temple, a relaxing conversation with Master Yoda — it's still the most ridiculous title I think I'd ever heard of. Either way I was sitting in the old rooftop garden that I had had several meetings with the elder Jedi. I suspected he'd come along any moment now, considering he always seemed to find me whenever I entered the temple but what we were talking about today was up in the air. We usually had just a simple conversation about the cultural implications of the Jedi and the Mandalorians in the Galaxy at home.
Of course there was the possibility that Yoda would be interested in the goings on of the Mandalorian Sector. That would be understandable considering the chaos that had been unleashed by False Silver but I'm sure it would only be a passing interest. He tended to not bring politics too heavily into our conversations and was more interested in the cultural implication of politics.
I think I've done a lot to improve inter relationships between Mandalorians and Jedi considering the view I was getting at the moment. It was near the evening of this particular day and thus the sky was starting to turn orange with the onset of night. As I sat on the bench watching the sun slowly lower, I had a look over at one of the Temple guards who kept an eye on non Jedi in the temple and gave him a nod.
Considering he was just willing to allow me to go to this particular bench without a Jedi directly escorting me, I think I've proven myself a loyal friend to the Jedi, which was useful, either that or they were just at least somewhat comfortable with me being around.
Didn't have to say the Jedi Temple Guard was an impressive institution. Their masks would probably be the envy of many Mandalorians within the Royal Guard. And they were the first group I'd seen to wield lightsabers that were not just the single tube configuration. Granted, what they carried around is a double tube but still it was interesting to learn that there were other designs for those laser swords other than just a tube to beat a person over with like it was a bat. Though that wasn't exactly fair.
In my visits I had actually watched some of the younglings, as they called them, practice their bladework. Noting a lot of examples of style that reminded me of kendo and other homegrown styles from Japan. I even saw a few practitioners use styles that looked a bit more European in creation though perhaps that was just a coincidence. A lightsaber is just a sword and there are only so many different ways to wield a sword. Sooner or later the practices will be very similar in one way or another and the best will move to the top.
My thoughts were interrupted as I heard a familiar voice say, "Tanya, good to see you." Turning I saw Anakin Skywalker walking towards me from inside the temple. He was smiling and looked to be in a good mood so I returned the favor.
Smiling, I said, "Padawan Skywalker, good to see you as well. It's been a good long time since we've talked. How have you been? Did anything interesting happen?"
He chuckled at that before saying, "Not as long as you think, we actually just returned from Mandalore a couple weeks ago, during that whole White Silver controversy."
Oh that's interesting, I had mentally noted that Aunt Satine mentioned that some Jedi had been in town during that whole conflict but I simply dropped that little factoid in the back of my mind. Figuring that the chances that it would be someone I knew were near zero.
The fact that it was someone I knew was a bit interesting. Perhaps the Jedi were using me as some sort of tool to train themselves to deal with the Mandalorians. It would make some sense to foster a good relationship with a representative and make sure that one of your Jedi were skilled in dealing with the people of that Sector. A rather intelligent operational scheme really, I had to commend them if I ever got the chance to do so.
Smiling, I simply said, "Oh really? Well how was your time in Mandalore? Besides that bit of chaos that we had to go through."
"Everything was fine, it's kind of a fun experience. The planet was not in the middle of the chaos, unlike most planets we travel to when things go a little bit sideways. And Obi-Wan seems to have a nice time talking to Satine again. Really that was the most un-emergency trip we've taken in a long time. Had the real White Silver not shown up, I'm sure things would have been different but cuz she did it turned out to be more of a vacation."
I chuckled a little bit at the humorous notion that my attempts to prevent a civil war had given a Jedi a vacation. Well if the Mandalorian gods were real and like Being X somewhere in existence, I'm sure they would be chuckling with me at the notion that a Mandalorian had granted their greatest adversary a vacation on their homeworld.
Once that thought had ended though, I simply said, "Yes a lucky thing that White Silver turned out to be a lot more stable than Gerr."
"Stable doesn't seem to cover half of it. That's the kind of person that needs to be in leadership positions. In my mind they saw a problem, took control of the situation, and brought an end to the problem." Anakin said with a smile as he took a seat next to me. "I don't understand why they have to villainize their actions the way they've been doing in the Mandalore sector."
Smiling, I nodded before saying, "Although true I will note that White Silver worked out for the better in this situation, imagine what would have happened if White Silver had been just like Gerr? That's why they need to villainize for White Silver's actions, to dissuade other people from doing the same thing. We got lucky that's all there is to it, it could have easily gone bad and there could be a warlord trying to take over the sector as we speak."
Anakin nodded. I'm not sure though if he understood what I was saying as he then said, "Okay but if she's a strong leader in the sector and does good, why cast a possible villainous net in her direction when it could inspire people to be as good a leader as she is?"
Shaking my head I said, "As I said elements of what she do stands for may be good but, the idea that someone can, without proper representation of the people, gather a military force together to execute a decapitating action against a leadership they disagree with, is not something that any government will ever support simply because if you support it against your enemies your enemies will do the same against you. It's like in an honor duel, if you bring a blaster to a sword fight or just bring multiple people, that invites your enemies to do the same or escalate."
A lesson I had learned the hard way unfortunately. Russy had definitely learned from my own attempts at ending the war as quickly as possible by attacking places of leadership and command structure during the conflict that engulfed the Eastern Front in the last years of the Great War. That was something that I would not want to repeat again, because it'll be a bloody affair.
Thankfully, I think Anakin finally understood nodding his head in a way that I could only hope meant that he got it. "So the problem is that even though she's a good and strong leader, the fact that she went around or above the law to perpetrate this act makes her a problem for the Mandalorian government."
Nodding I said, "Exactly, if White Silver had used more legal means of unseating Gerr, I'm sure the whole situation would be different." Unfortunately, I doubt any legal means can hold up to an army of mercenaries and several dozens of ships pointing down at the planet. All Gerr needed to do to ruin a protest to dethrone him is to send his army to gun down the protesters
"Could White Silver have used some sort of legal means to unseat Gerr?" Anakin asked finding the one chink in the armor of the conversation that I was hoping he wouldn't notice.
I sighed before answering honestly, "No White Silver could not. Theoretically, the New Mandalorian government could not do anything against Gargon. While it may be in the sector, it's not actually a member of the sector. As in, the planet has not sworn fealty to the current ruling government and thus is merely an independent planet that is just inside the area of space called the Mandalore Sector. So if it's taken over by some warlord it's not really the sector's problem even if the warlord had made it quite clear that they plan to ramp up tensions in the sector by invading neighboring planets who have sworn fealty to the ruling government. In short, the Mandalorian government could not take a move unless Gerr actually stepped on a planet that was under our control."
"So basically those in charge of the Mandalorian government are being harsh on White Silver because she could do what they could not."
I sighed while rubbing my forehead before saying, "If you want to look at it that way, yes.," with a bit of pain. "The Mandalorian Government followed the law, so they are obligated to punish those that break them.
"Diplomatically though I think that won't happen in the future. There's been reports that the new leadership of Gargon are interested in deepening ties to the rest of the sector and prosecuting a local hero is not best way to start a working relationship." I hoped to bring that up within this conversation.
Thankfully that was not necessary as another familiar yet older and wiser voice spoke up. "Politics is a deep and complicated game, young one I think we'd all rather not play and much pain is gained from even attempting."
Looking up I saw Master Yoda walking into the courtyard at a steady pace for an old man by the looks of it. With a smile he said, "Welcome back, Representative Kryze. Good to see you too, young Skywalker. Having fun conversations I hope, and nothing too political."
Smiley and I stood up and gave a bit of a curtsy as I have been trained to do when greeting those of elderly status. "Fun conversations are what we usually have, Master Yoda. However, getting a little political is inevitable nowadays, so hopefully we can get off the subject of modern day politics." With that said I retook my seat again.
Nodding his approval Master Yoda sat down in a bench across from us before saying, "Inescapable the politics of this world are, but we must endeavor to try to escape it. Life is much more than politics."
Nodding my head at that statement I was reminded of a question I had meant to ask him the next time I saw him.
"Might be good to avoid politics but I do have something that might be of a political nature though it might be of a cultural nature as well, depending on your point of view, that I wish to discuss with you."
"A question from you is usually interesting, well then tell me."
After clearing my throat I begin, "While on tour in the Mandalorian sector I came across a museum that had certain artifacts that I believe belong to the Jedi Order several thousand years ago, mainly lightsabers and trinkets as it were. They were obviously taken as war booty by the clans from the Jedi of that era and I'm wondering if there is some sort of law or something about returning such items that they are stepping on."
"Hmm," the elder Jedi hummed whilst scratching at his chin in thought before saying, "Jedi trinkets not so much. 4,000 years ago, though interesting, these items would already be well beyond their usefulness. Lightsabers as well as anyone who knew them are long gone. Most lightsabers are burnt with their Jedi when they die and are returned to the Force. The fact that a few have survived this fate and now exist in some museum is nothing too terrible of a fate in the long term of things."
"We tend to focus on the here and now when it comes to relics like those. If those relics belong to Jedi from say 50 years ago, we have interest in recovering them and returning them to their owners in one way or another. However, as old as you're stating, I would tend to believe that no one would care as long as they are treated with respect, in this museum that is."
Nodding my head I said, "From what I saw they were treated with much respect, efforts appear to have been made to track down names of certain Jedi who may have wielded the weapons of the lightsabers. The trinkets tended to just be piled up as examples of Jedi equipment from that era but I think that's more of an opinion of the use of trinkets than desk ornaments for what they are."
Nodding his head the Jedi Master said, "Then I see no problem with this museum keeping these items. Though perhaps, we will establish some sort of meeting between Jedi who are specialized in the libraries and research first. Perhaps they will have issues with it or at least we'll be able to match some names to those lightsabers that have yet to have been found."
'Well that was rather successful.' I thought, not only had I ensured that these items were not some great insult that might upset the Jedi that we have them in our possession, but I also secured a bit of a research agreement between Mandalore and the Jedi on finding out the owners of these weapons. Smiling, I said, "That's good to hear, one of the most important aspects of Mandalorian culture is history, understanding where it came from, and such so being able to reunite an item with its history would be good for cultural as well as diplomatic reasons."
"Making friends is good for both Mandalore and the Jedi I would think, I think even some of your most roguish characters believe that as well considering what information has leaked out about White Silver. Quite impressed I was to hear they were able to unite an entire planet against the forces of corruption that would draw them into war."
That was an odd turn in the conversation. I shrugged it off as Anakin had asked similar questions already.
"They worked within the bounds of Mandalorian culture quite well as well, showing themselves to be a worthy warrior and someone who did not wish to cause war. It reminded me of a conversation I had not long ago, though I can't remember with whom."
Wait what no…
"Quite an intriguing name the White Silver came up with for her opponent. False Silver, calling him quite clearly a false redemption in their culture to dispute them as a potential path to a safe and peace-filled future. A good term, whoever came up with that is a master at understanding the culture of the Mandalorians, while also seeing themselves as part of that culture and how to use it to benefit otherMandalorians. If they didn't make themselves so apparent to be a force for good, I'd be worried that they were something more."
...I realized that someone else might have discovered my secret. I needed to be a lot more careful, if I ever pulled a stunt like that again. Hopefully, I would never have to do that.
Coughing, I just managed to agree and say "Yes, they do seem to have a fine understanding of Mandalorian culture and hopefully they'll stay far away from politics in the future."
Yoda didn't give me a look before nodding, "Quite agree, I do. Terrible thing to work in, politics is." He gave me the friendliest smile before continuing, "Wonder, I do, if White Silver has already accomplished her agenda now after her efforts to unseat False Silver succeeded. Good guidance, strong friendship, I sense as well. Whoever's they speak to must be giving them good advice and mentorship, I think as well."
Yep, Yoda knew. Or at least believed he knew, and was taking credit for pushing me in the right direction, at least that's what I think he was implying.
The fact that I was not being arrested was a good sign. Yoda most likely agreed with what I had done, which was something. Having your operation retroactively sanctioned by a Jedi Master tended to mean you were in the right. At least according to my own research, working with the Jedi tended to work out better for Mandalorians, so I'm going to call this a win…
Well that did bring up a bit of a concern. Would they ask me to do anything else in the future…
Coruscant, Senate Building
Bail Organa
Tonight was supposed to be a simple meeting, we had organized it as part of my new duties as the Chairman of the Loyalist Committee. The Loyalist party meant to try and keep the Republic together as this crisis developed.
Really, this was just one of the many things I've been up to over the last half year, as this crisis seemed to grow heavier and heavier. There was no doubt in my mind we were heading towards something disastrous and very well could see a conflict develop at the rate it was going. To try and get ahead of this coming issue, I have been pushing for Alderaan to build up its relief services, allowing more refugees on our world, as well as the creation of some armaments for the protection of Alderaan, in case the conflicts come uninvited to our doorstep.
Inside, I hoped there would be no war. War was a nasty business, our history proves that more than once, with whole houses being destroyed in them. But, realistically, the possibility that war would spring from these current conflicts was undeniable.
So I was trying to gather as many of the loyalist senators together to try and at least get them talking about the situation. Most senators believe that there could be peace between the two galactic powers. I would love to believe that as well, but history has taught me differently. If there were multiple powers in the Galaxy, that was more than sufficient for a fight to develop. The Hutt's being the exception, but that was only due to the fact that they weren't a proper galactic power; more a collection of cartels that maintain peace in their own space and refuse to actually engage in diplomacy with the Republic.
The Hutt's could get away with this because their particular part of space was off the main trade lanes. Trade lanes do run through their space, but not the major ones, so interacting with them could be avoided and the galaxy just ignores their existence.
The Confederacy was rapidly growing, as one of the more prominent senators and their allies, who collectively had represented a major trade lane, had been convinced to join the CIS. They had convinced the planetary governments, and were now in positions to cause issues in the future. Some of their colleagues were still in denial about the defection.
Parts of the Republic would be cut off from each other, as well as a lot of resources that came from the Outer Rim to the Mid and Core also being cut if a major trade lane joined the Confederacy. Resource allocation, trade lanes, these issues were fertile ground for conflict. These alone would be troubling issues, if they were not being repeated all across the Republic. So many hotspots, and inevitably in some of these places, conflict would spring forth and from conflict would come to war. It's only a matter of when.
It was my hope though that I could at the very least minimize the damage of the war. I have some diplomatic plans and a few goals that could be achieved, but it was better to be prepared for such a conflict than to pretend.
Which was why I, the head of the pro-military faction, was hosting this get-together this evening. We were the host to many senators and representatives to try and find out the prospects for the Republic's future, in addition to observing what factions may be formed in the coming conflict.
Not just the factions that would be leaving the Republic, of course. There would also be factions within the Republic that would see the conflict as an opportunity and would seek their own aims and outcomes.
There is, of course, the Loyalists, whose aims were to bring about a peaceful resolution to this whole crisis, but were prepared to defend the Republic with force in the extreme if necessary.
There were factions belonging to various border worlds and worlds that depend on those resources flowing as they should and any disruption would endanger their livelihood. Each of these border factions were calling for the creation of a military outright. However, none of these blocs were interested in self-defense, but in "correcting" past wrongs and highly dubious resource exploitation. Basically each wanted a private military for their conflict, to kick off a war, not prepare a defense against one. Thankfully most of those factions were minimal and weren't popular. My faction, the Loyalists, tended to actually have the more popular support.
Naboo and their senator lead another significant faction, who represented those seeking a peaceful resolution, without the creation of a military. That had been several interesting conversations, to say the least. Padme seemed to believe that the military itself and its creation would cause the war, even if it was done with a purely defensive mandate. Instead, she had been campaigning against any idea of forming a military.
On one hand, I wanted to disagree with her pacifistic stance as nothing more than idealistic naivete. While, on the other hand, her friend and current rhetorical opponents at today's meeting had made several key observations in the past, statements that explained the issue quite well and supported her logic.
Observations, like 'If you have a military, someone's going to want to use it, especially for their own needs.' In other words, the 'I bought the whole speedometer, I am going to use the whole speedometer.'attitude commonly found on young and rich speeder enthusiasts before they get into a crash. I should know, I was once one of those young speeder enthusiasts before I met Breha. As much as I was in favor of the creation of some sort of defense force for the Republic, I had to concede the point. I had to admit whoever we put in charge of the military would have their own biases, biases that could lead to more conflict.
Frankly, though, I was holding these meetings as a way to keep the party together. The talks often went nowhere and I was still trying to come to some sort of resolution for the Republic. I had started to note a pattern where the attention and focus would end up circling Padme and Tanya's arguments. Padme represents the faction in favor of the no military buildup while Tanya represents a compromise position, in favor of sector military forces. It was a plausible option, in my own opinion, a Republic Self-Defense Force, but often forgotten in the past Senate debates.
I still preferred the creation of a larger and centralized Republic Self-Defense Force, but I could see good ideas when they were presented in front of me. A lot of Tanya's arguments and solutions for the Self-Defense Force defending individual sectors could be applied to the larger, scaled up version of a centralized Self-Defense Force. Letting Padme and Tanya's arguments continue to run their course was still to my benefit so that I could fine-tune my argument for a Republican military when I present them to the senate when the time comes.
Not to mention, it was generally entertaining to watch those two argue. The senator from one of the most peaceful planets in the Mid Rim whose claim to fame was defeating an invading enemy army and capturing the enemy leadership at blaster point, having a theoretical conversation with a representative of one of the most warlike sector of planets in the Outer Rim, a green novice, who'd never seen combat. It was unfortunate that Padme was so firmly entrenched in her position, she would have been an ideal military strategist.
So today's general direction of the conversation took an odd turn. The two were sitting at a long table flanked by various senators and representatives. All of those in attendance were listening to the conversation with interest.
"So Tanya, I recently heard an interesting story. That the Mandalorian sector has started to put together a Self-Defense Force. Is there anything we should be worried about?" Padme said it with such mirth that it was obvious that this was a joke. Only, Tanya didn't join in. She looked a little bit peeved at the joke.
"I assure you, there's nothing to worry about that particular recent development. The government of Mandalore is simply taking a realistic stance on our position in the galaxy right off the Hydian Way, between several CIS strongholds and the Core of the Republic. It's better to have a secure position today than to feel sorry tomorrow, when the invasions begin." Tanya said matter of fact as she swirled a drink in the cup in front of her.
"True, but wasn't the demand for a Self-Defense Force one of the tenants published by that vigilante, White Silver, that stopped an attempt to take over your sector just a few months ago?"
Tanya seemed unfazed by the question and said, "Yes, that is true. Just because a person is a vigilante does not mean they are wrong about certain ideas. I would never hesitate to steal an idea from an adversary. Building a Self-Defense Force in this situation makes sense as it seems very likely that conflict is going to erupt within the next three to two years."
"Alright then, so do you agree with White Silver's statements on the matter of Mandalorians then?" That caused me to lean in, it was an intriguing question to ask and I wonder where Padme was going with this line of questioning.
"The idea of building a Self-Defense Force to protect the sector makes sense. Many of their ideas have made sense in the past, they are minor agents helping in the overall health of the sector. They are doing good in my opinion, so yes in a way I do agree with the general outline of their ideas. As long as it's in service to rebuilding Mandalore."
"Then, what are your thoughts on White Silver's statements about war and the title of Mand'alor? Maybe I misunderstood it, but from my reading of the document, White Silver suggested that the people of Mandalore could give the ability to declare war over to an officially elected Mand'alor, one that all the clans agree is the Mandalore correct?"
Tanya nodded her head in agreement. "Correct, White Silver also made it clear that she considers Duchess Satine as the true Leader of Mandalore. I don't think that's much of a worry when it comes to war, considering Satine is a well known supporter that pacifism is the correct path for Mandalore. Satine is also willing to admit that being able to defend ourselves is a legitimate use of violence as she herself had fought for the unification of our sector, just like you did for your people on Naboo."
Padme nodded her agreement before saying, "But what's to stop another Mandalorian from declaring themselves Mand'alor and having an election that for all intents and purposes is a legitimate election? Then the power to declare war is now in someone else's hands, correct? Doesn't that mean that your Mandalorian Self-Defense Force would have to follow the orders of this unknown person and go to war if they declare it?"
Tanya stopped for a moment before saying, "While yes, White Silver did not in fact do anything to restrict the matters of war beyond declaring that only the Mand'alor can declare it, besides implying that an official Mand'alor has to be elected. Granted, I would assume that most of the clan leaders would continue to support Satine's leadership, since she has done a wonderful job rebuilding the sector in recent years, raising standard of living to that of a Core-world, with public education, universal healthcare, and scholarship programs. So I don't think this is as big of an issue when Duchess Satine has the support of the general public."
"Back to the topic of the title of Mand'alor, the Mand'alor can declare war at any time depending on who's in control of the government? What's to stop this Self-Defense Force and whatever other military forces in the sector to be used in more than a defensive role? This Silver Codex that most of your people have fallen for depends on the good in the state actors in the government?"
'Oof, now that's a good point.' I mentally thought. "It's a well-known fact that most governments in the Galaxy are not immune to corruption in one form or another. If someone were to get into office and get themselves declared the official Mand'alor they could cause quite a bit of problems not to mention, Who declares the clans votes good? What if 25% voted for one Mand'alor, another 30% voted for another, while the rest voted on the other and they all decided the candidates that they didn't vote for are not real Mandalorians unless they had all the votes they needed. As much as that stance might limit the possibility of war with someone like Duchess Satine in office, if something were to happen to her or someone were to refuse to acknowledge her as the Mand'alor and hold their own election, well they could start up their own Mandalorian Civil War wouldn't they?"
Tanya seems to be giving that a lot of thought. Perhaps Padme had raised a legitimate concern that she was actually thinking it through. After some time, she nodded before saying, "These are legitimate concerns to be worried about, however restricting the ability to declare war more than already proposed in Silver Codex would probably infuriate Mandalorians more than actually solving the problem.
It's an obvious fact that a military that could not be deployed without the command of an officer or in this case the Mand'alor would be a slower apparatus. Sometimes you need a strong figure to control the force in question. If that power was to be relinquished to say the Royal Court, debating on what to do when we're being invaded would result in the invasion being successful, not to mention that it would weaken the pillars of Mandalorian culture. Our leader is who we stand by in a moment of conflict, without that our culture loses one of the six pillars that allows it to have existed for the last 5000 years while being in constant conflict with our neighbors."
"Still," Padme said, "the document relies too heavily on people being good State actors and not having their own goals behind it. It could result in a conflict if someone else was to take power."
Tanya simply shrugged and said, "There could be conflict tomorrow and Satine would still be in power. Your concerns are legitimate, I'll give you that, but the issue that seems to be forgotten here is that the culture being created by the proper use of that power can determine the future much more than simply putting down rules.
If someone has the power to declare war and does not use it unless absolutely necessary, that creates a standard. Something that's expected of the next leader and if the next one starts declaring wars willy-nilly, a lot of clans will simply look the other way and not follow.
It does not matter if a person has the power to declare war, it matters how that power is used. If a person never declares war but ensures that the people underneath them have better lives than they would have had if they'd gone to war, then people are going to be more likely to vote for a person who will continue that prospect. The person who declares war and shows that the result of war is the destruction of Mandalore, as it has shown well and truly in the past, was only ever focused on declaring that war. Then people will learn their lesson and never declare such a warmonger a Mand'alor again.
Maybe in the future they'll be some ratification of a constitution to prevent a Mand'alor from declaring war without the consent of the council or maybe stipulations on how much resources could be moved towards a violent conflict without the council's approval, while requiring that approval to move to full war footing. I'm sure Duchess Satine has already considered ways to do that. Duchess Satine is quite up to the challenge of proving that a peaceful Mandalorian is possible be that the system, the sector, or the person she just has issues using the term itself."
That seemed to end the debate as Padme let out a sigh before nodding saying, "Alright, I will let this be for now. Though I do think I'm going to need to schedule some sort of trip out to Mandalore to meet your aunt for myself."
"Interested in seeing how a civilization rebuilt itself after a total collapse of trust in its hierarchy?" Tanya poked with a smile
Padme simply shrugged, "No I'm interested in her opinions on all this going on with the secessionist."
"I'll tell you right now what her opinions are. Though I think you should meet her, I think you two would get along great, but her opinions are quite simple. The Republic is the dominant power in the Galaxy, being part of the Republic ensures that Mandalore will be able to return to a livable world again and watching the Seperatist and the Republic tear each other apart over a conflict as foolish as this is not in our best interests on Mandalore. If trade breaks down between the Outer Rim and the Core, it'll be worlds that are in the Mid Rim or close to it that'll be suffering the most as we will simply become a battleground for the Core and the Outer Rim to fight over."
"And if you become a battleground for this conflict?" I asked, finally having heard quite a bit about this and wanting to get a point of view on what the Mandalorians would do if something like this were to happen.
Tanya simply shrugged and said whilst looking at me with a sense of profound understanding that I didn't often see in her, "We won't let that happen, we'll simply not be a party to a war between the secessionist and the Core. Mandalore has seen enough conflict that it's better for us to not be involved at all at this point and work on bettering ourselves rather than to be drawn into another pointless war that would leave Mandalore more devastated and dead than it already is."
I nodded agreeing with the sentiment quite clearly before saying, "And let us hope that this conflict never arises then and cooler heads will finally prevail before things spin out of control."
Coruscant, Regal Star Caf and Chocolate Shop
Tanya Kryze
Smiling, I gave a curtsy and said, "Chancellor Palpatine, what an honor to meet you again." I was at the particular chocolate store where I'd run into him before. This time it had not been a planned operation but I was not going to waste the opportunity to build relations with the most powerful man in the Republic as I attempted to increase my social status by talking with the chancellor.
The chancellor in question turned with a smile on his face, "Ah young Representative Kryze I think, correct?"
I nodded before saying, "That is correct, Chancellor."
"Always such a delight to see such young faces in politics working to improve their sector. I've been hearing about Mandalore more often recently in the last few months and I think I've heard about the whole Governor Vrox affair years ago."
I try not to show the twinge of pain at that statement, the whole Vrox affair had been a black mark on Mandalore's more recent history. I think that being brought up in the discussion tended to mean we were creating a bit too much chaos out on the Outer Rim. Hopefully it will be forgotten in the ongoing secession crisis, at least that's what I hoped.
Well considering that level of problem, I better respond in the proper way. Smiling, I said, "Hopefully nothing as bad as that has been coming up about my little sector."
Palpatine chuckled and put his hand on my shoulder saying, "Don't worry my young representative, nothing that terrible. Just idle conversations about how things are going with, you know, the unfortunate business going on right now. These conversations will happen with many sectors."
"Yes it's a very unfortunate business, this whole situation is. Hopefully there can be some sort of legal way to end this conflict without a war." I said. Technically speaking, getting in good with Palpatine right now was not the general thing I would do normally.
By all laws in the Senate his two terms as the chancellor were going to be up in a few months, however this secession crisis had resulted in the governments that were still here in suspending the election until after it was handled. This technically meant he is the Chancellor for the foreseeable future in this coming conflict. In my mind, that was not exactly the best move on the Senate's part considering he had overseen the era preceding the secession buildup. It was kind of apparent to me that he's sort of at fault for it all like that one US President before the American Civil War. I don't remember his name as I didn't care that much, but he had an opportunity to deal with the issues that were going to lead to that war and simply refused to do anything because he didn't want to deal with it. He wanted to prove that he could be the president to people who were a thorn in his side during the Mexican American War, I believe.
That being said, if he is still the Chancellor, he is going to be overseeing the conflict that is going to happen. And getting in good with the Chancellor in such a tumultuous time is a nice trump card to have in case of emergency, a 'good to have' resource that could be used to swing things to my favor at an opportune time.
"Very unfortunate, business but I believe that democracy will see us through this era of troubles, give it enough time and they will work out."
I had to bite my tongue to say that it was a bold statement considering he had fully accepted the dissolution of democracy to keep his job. But that was a minor thing since that was the Senate's decision so I guess it's not really his fault in the matter.
"Yes, we can only hope." I did manage to say, nodding my agreement before Palpatine clapped his hands together and said, "Say, I have actually been working on a bit of an initiative to try and ease the tensions with the Outer Rim. A bit of an economic platform, I'm thinking of embracing help to improve the issues that the so-called Separatists have been declaring a major problem. Several meetings I have also scheduled to try and talk with members of the other room that are on the fence of this whole situation. Would you, as a representative, like to join me on several of these meetings? I'm sure that the presence of an Outer Rim power such as Mandalore at such meetings would at least get people to come talk to me. A lot of these separatists won't even bother that much."
A working dinner with the Chancellor, a chance to improve my standing in the government, and a chance to create some sort of friendship with the elder statesman? I would have to be a fool to turn this down. I said with a large bright smile, "I would love to help you with such an attempt to bring peace to the galaxy."
Writers note: And that the chapter for this week folks, we moved into the year of 23 BBY. I do not expect to spend a lot of time on this year, there will be events, and some fun stuff but this year will not be that heavy compared to how 24 BBY turned out. Also, starting with the next chapter I think I will start experimenting with LONG segments, some segments were 5000 words long, so I will see how well that pans out compared to short segments like this chapter.
Edited by: Warmach1ne32, Ralph Howard, Afforess, Elseud
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Stratagemini
Totally a Fire Ferret.
- Location
- Central Park
- Pronouns
- He/Him/They/Them
It's "For all intents and purposes".
Also, is this confirmation that Tanya is Satine and Obi-Wan's kid?
H341ZP1Z
3-20 Op-L337_T4NK boi
- Location
- Right behind you, I got your back bud.
- Pronouns
- He/Him
More than likely, unless Tanya's father just so happens to coincidentally also originate from the same home world of one Obi-Wan Kenobi.