A Meeting Across the Stars (Iron Covenant)

[Sophelia Ardemark]

Thread for: Iron Covenant members Romul Saxon

It had taken a considerable amount of time to come out this way. With some risky skirting a little too close to Sith Covenant space. Sophelia hated flying. Countless wrappers of ginger chews and anti-airsick patch wrappers filled up the trashbins on board the Ardemark Family's small transport ship. Capable crew were piloting. Soph spent most of her time feeling...awful. She'd taken to walking the length of the ship's corridors, trying to stay out of her quarters as much as possible. She only felt too confined there. Trapped.

A quiet relief settled over her weary bones as the call came from the cockpit that they'd arrived at the Mythos Fleet. Credentials and ship tags exchanged as they were directed where to dock. Sophelia slowly made her way to the cockpit, so she could get an idea of what this fleet looked like. She'd only heard stories. That was one thing. It was another seeing it in-person.

Blues widened.

Fingers smoothed down the stylish navy formal pants she wore. Fidgeting with the belt with rose-gold accents cinched around her waist. Silk-buttoned cream blouse tucked in. Golden hair pinned upward in a slightly more formal style. Feathered strands framing her high cheekbones. Soft, leather boots. Shop rocked beneath their feet, lighting changing as they went from the darkness of space into a brightly lit hangar.

"Captain, I know what my family said but I would like to meet them alone."

"Lady Ardemark. We were given orders to..."

"I understand. I think it more important to give the appearance of trust rather than have guards walk out with me."

"We follow your mother's orders."

"Please Captain. You won't be too far behind. Please trust me?"

"Very well. You will be closely watched."

Sophelia nodded her thanks and turned to head toward the lowering ramp to greet whoever was awaiting her.

 

[Iris Beroya]

At the bottom of the ramp amidst the cluster of Mandalorians stood a figure in tarnished blue and gold armor that had seen better days. Battles against the Sith had left the armor weathered by blaster pockmarks and lightsaber scores and even dented in one spot. The paint was chipped and probably needed to be redone, but Iris Beroya usually had better things to do.

She was still grounded after getting shot down on Abregado Rae, injuries healing up. Getting back into the skies was her number one priority. Second was... well... whatever her Alors needed from her here.

Iris crossed her arms in front of her chest, pale gold eyes narrowing behind her T-visor, and waited to see who this noble envoy was and why she'd come here.

Romul Saxon Sophelia Ardemark

 

[Careena Fett]

C a r e e n a .F e t t

| Location | Mythos Fleet, Space​

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As the envoy's shuttle arrived a loud, metallic screech was heard, followed by a shimmer in the air next to the vessel. A basilisk war droid de-cloaked as it revealed itself alongside its rider, having been silently following and escorting the transport unbeknownst to the crew and passengers, its optics staring into the cockpit before moving away. Mounted atop the droid was a Mandalorian clad in gray and white, gripping onto the saddle as the ramp lowered, remaining ever vigilant as the envoy disembarked.​

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The Sith were beginning to mobilize as evidenced with their recent attacks, and the resulting fallout was a growing need for aid. It was the only logical reason as to why anyone would reach out to the Mandalorians for aid. With the Sith having struck at Thyferra, bacta supplies were going to be tight and the Alor for Clan Fett wasn't too particularly keen on sharing resources with anyone outside of the Mythos Fleet. However, it was not her call to make.​

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In a single graceful motion, she dismounted her droid, sliding down to the floor with a thud before standing straight. One hand held her rifle in front of her while the other was clasped over her forearm, finger resting lightly on the trigger.​

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Careena looked over at Iris Beroya , speaking in Mando'a, <"Braver than she looks, coming out this far with no escort. Or foolish.">​

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She turned her gaze back to the envoy before speaking in Basic to address Sophelia Ardemark ,​

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"Alor Saxon is expecting you."​

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Sophelia Ardemark | Iris Beroya | Romul Saxon​

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[Romul Saxon]

W A R M A S T E R
After the ruin of Abregado-Rae

TRANQUILITY​

Tag: Sophelia Ardemark | Iris Beroya | Careena Fett

Operations pushing deep into the Sith-controlled Core were underway. The loss of Abregado-Rae had not cowed the Mandalorians; it had merely stoked the fire of determination within them. Laying waste to Abregado-Rae had only reminded them of the destruction of their own homeworld, and the urgency of countering the expanding Sith threat was apparent to the whole galaxy.

Few moved to help, though. Romul had settled into the position of envoy between other galactic states, though he was no politician. Arms and armor were his ambassadorial language, and only those willing to commit to the fight were given audience with the Mythos Fleet. As much as they didn't like it, the Mandalorians were realizing that once more the galaxy had to unite if they were to defeat the Sith.

They couldn't do this alone.

Envoys and recruiters were spread across the galaxy, Mandalorian wanderers who served as eyes and ears of the Mythos fleet. Make the right kind of noise, and they would notice you. Those who wanted to fight the Sith were quietly tapped, assessed, and reached out to. In this manner, the Mythos Fleet and the Padawan Ardemark had come into contact. And now a Jedi had been invited aboard the Gra'tua Dral, Romul's flagship. What a prescient change of the times, indeed!

Romul awaited the Jedi and her escorts within the bowels of the warship, in a war conference room that was sparsely decorated except for the insignia of Clan Saxon and the mythosaur skull, the classic Mandalorian symbol. It reflected Romul's status as a commander, not head of state or warlord. Everything served a function; what didn't was useless to the Mandalorian.

"Alor Fett," Romul nodded towards his peer as the group entered the room, acknowledging her. At his side stood Gallius Saxon, the Alor'an second-in-command of Clan Saxon. Behind them in the shadows of the room stood two Saxon commandos at attention. "Padawan Ardemark. Welcome aboard the Mythos Fleet. I'm sure you have come a long way."

 

[Sophelia Ardemark]

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Sophelia's soft-padded boots walked down the ramp with much more confidence than she felt. She felt the weight of humility and uncertainty in her posture. Hands deliberately remained at her sides. To keep from fidgeting. For the umpteenth time, she wished her older brother was here. But he wasn't. And here she was. Stepping in for the leader of House Pelagia. A burden she would not take lightly.

She tried not to stare at those faceless visors looking at her. Calculating. Probably judging as they rightly should.

She was an outsider.

Azure eyes lingered on those gathered. Shifting from the tarnished blue and gold armor. Snapping to that basilisk war droid and its rider as it de-cloaked. Well, well, well. Color Soph impressed. Silent respect lingered in her gaze even as she waited patiently for the two to finish talking. If she understood, she didn't show it. Soph had to wonder if these were the religious types she's heard about. Not removing their armor unless alone.

"Alor Saxon is expecting you."

"I'll follow you." She fell in line with the mandalorian woman. Curiosity weaving through her mind at the different armor and colors she saw. For now, she kept her mouth shut. Perhaps questions for another time. But not all questions could keep from bubbling from her lips before she entered the conference room.

"How did you come to be with this group...this movement?"

If the Mando-woman deemed to give her an answer, she'd wait before entering the conference room.

"Alor Fett," Romul nodded towards his peer as the group entered the room, acknowledging her. At his side stood Gallius Saxon, the Alor'an second-in-command of Clan Saxon. Behind them in the shadows of the room stood two Saxon commandos at attention. "Padawan Ardemark. Welcome aboard the Mythos Fleet. I'm sure you have come a long way."

"Hello," a dip of her chin in respect to the one who'd lead her into the ship's depths. "Please, call me Sophelia." Eyes shifted to the others gathered around the sparse room. "Alor Fett. Alor Saxon." The one she assumed was Romul Saxon . "Thank you for agreeing to meet with me. The journey was...fine."

A small lie.

She still felt a little...ill.

"I represent House Pelagia. Well, what's left of it after the Tapani massacre." She grimaced and pulled out a seat that seemed like it wouldn't cause a massive political dispute and sunk down into it. Hands clasped together in front of her on the table. Facing all those visored helmets. Trying not to stare too hard at her own, broken reflection.

"I would like to discuss more about our mutual interests with the Pelagia Province and Pelagon. What remains. What are your goals with that area? Perhaps we can help each other out?"

A pause. Her voice lowered. A haunted look briefly crossed her pale face. "Have you seen or been there recently? I haven't been able to return since...," she swallowed. Not needing to finish that sentence. Or unable to.

Iris Beroya Careena Fett Romul Saxon

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[Romul Saxon]

W A R M A S T E R
After the ruin of Abregado-Rae

TRANQUILITY​

Tag: Sophelia Ardemark | Iris Beroya | Careena Fett

"I represent House Pelagia. Well, what's left of it after the Tapani massacre." She grimaced and pulled out a seat that seemed like it wouldn't cause a massive political dispute and sunk down into it. Hands clasped together in front of her on the table. Facing all those visored helmets. Trying not to stare too hard at her own, broken reflection.

"I would like to discuss more about our mutual interests with the Pelagia Province and Pelagon. What remains. What are your goals with that area? Perhaps we can help each other out?"

A pause. Her voice lowered. A haunted look briefly crossed her pale face. "Have you seen or been there recently? I haven't been able to return since...," she swallowed. Not needing to finish that sentence. Or unable to.

Romul studied the girl as she spoke. The heartbreak in her voice reminded him of too many Mando'ade after the loss of their homeworld. The grief she bore would not fade with time, only with vindication. "The Iron Covenant exists to put an end to the Sith," Romul rumbled. "That includes their hold over your homeworld. Pelagon is currently under siege by our forces." The fighting over Pelagon was as fierce as it was throughout the entire Core. The Sith were a deeply entrenched foe, and the Conference of Bilbringi highlighted their need for allies.

"Beyond that, we have no interest in Pelagon. We are not here to conquer." An image of the system burst to life on the holotable that separated them. "I have not been there personally. But if you choose to fight alongside us, I can promise you will set foot on your home again."

 

[Sophelia Ardemark]

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Soph's eyes snapped to the giant holo that popped to life. Filling up the small space between them. Chest tightened. She hadn't allowed herself to look at an image of her homeworld since fleeing that day. She'd known it would've been too much. Dredge up too many memories. Opening too many wounds that were far away from healing.

She wondered at what point a place just became that. Just a place. She knew if they ever got it back, it would never be how it used to be. How it used to be was just a memory. And memories were fossils, the bones left by dead versions of oneself.

With great effort, she composed herself, looking beyond the image back to Romul Saxon . She couldn't believe she was about to say this. Reference that jedi criminal organization. "You sound like another group that recently splintered from the High Republic's Jedi Order. Have you heard of the Vanguard or ever met with its leaders Lorn Reingard or Briana Sal-Soren ? If not, I could probably," she paused wondering if she'd be able to do this and remain above the law. Above the decree passed from Ala Quin . "Set-up a meeting. They also wish to eliminate the sith."

A breath.

"As for my own desires. I wish to provide safe passage to any people left on Pelagia to get out. To get off. While I would like to see it 'freed.' I am not sure the interest of its people to return. It will take a long time to build stability back. And I doubt the ability to maintain control of the planet, let alone the sector, if it is ever freed. To eliminate the sith is a lofty goal. Now more than ever. We gain one inch and lose thousands only to have them step forward a yard."

Bright blues flickered back to the rotating holo.

"You're right, though. I would like to see it. One more time." A small frown. Not sure of the timing. Or if what she said was really true. Would she be able to survive the horrors of seeing the husks of things left behind. No longer there. "Let's talk resources. You have the meeting with the Vanguard on the table. I want a safety network set-up for my people. A Shadowway. Escape for those left in the sector who wish to leave and I believe you can provide this. I believe I can also supply some weapons for your cause and agree to work as a healer for a battle or skirmish."

Thoughts drifted to Isar du Vain . She'd have a discussion with him about weapons soon.

Palms spread upon the surface of the table.

"And remember, this is all under my name, Sophelia Ardemark. This is not tied to the High Republic."

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[Careena Fett]

C a r e e n a .F e t t

| Location | Mythos Fleet, Space​

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Careena said nothing in response to the young noble's question. Few outside the Mandalorian clans were privy to conversation with the matriarch - and even still, she wasn't much for casual conversation. Sophelia had sought an audience with the Mythos Fleet, and the one who spoke for it was not Careena. It was neither the time nor place for her to say anything unless it was warranted. She merely acknowledged the question with a brief sideways glance to look back at the Padawan. Perhaps another time and under different circumstances.​

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Her gaze shifted as Romul Saxon arrived, offering a silent nod before stepping off to the side, keeping her rifle in her arms, finger relaxed off the trigger now as the Padawan and Romul began their meeting. It was strange having Mandalorians treating with the rest of the Galaxy, but she herself had been just as complicit in such arrangements. Back then the Sons of Mandalore and the New Imperial Order both had an understanding that to defeat the Sith Empire, they would need to work with one another.​

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Now the ugly hydra began to rear its many heads once more as Abregado-Rae and Thyferra demonstrated. Her own scouts and spies had been keeping tabs on the Sith as well as the Mandalorian Empire - Ever since the Iron had dishonored himself by seizing the title without trial by combat, she had been weary of them. Her doubts and suspicions were only confirmed by the budding engagement between the aruetti and the Sith. She silently cursed their name and the shame that they brought upon all those slain by the Sith.​

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Clan Fett would never forgive nor forget such transgression.​

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Careena's ire subsided as she blinked from beneath her helm, gaze shifting back to the young Padawan. A part of her did empathize with the sorrow in the young woman's voice, as aspects of it mirrored much of her own past. Careena could only hope that such sorrow would serve as a foundation to liberating their home from the Sith. In that regard, she had little doubt that the Padawan would grow to be something greater than just a mere individual. No matter the place or the culture, people needed a symbol to look up to.​

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Even if the High Republic did not endorse her actions, the desire to look after one's own people was still something Careena understood all too well. There was a small, near imperceptible nod of her head, a subtle gesture to acknowledge the Padawan for making a noble effort.​

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Sophelia Ardemark | Romul Saxon​

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[Iris Beroya]

"And remember, this is all under my name, Sophelia Ardemark. This is not tied to the High Republic."

"Relax, jetii," the Pantoran woman beneath the weathered blue and gold armor chuckled wickedly.

"Unlike our cousins, we aren't in the business of nailing your kind to wooden posts on sight."

The faceless helmet told nothing of Iris' wan half-smile hidden behind the visor. Gold eyes reflected a pain that she saw in this Sophelia's eyes. The dar'jetii were rabid beasts who needed to be put down. If only all the clans were unified...

The Beroya bit the inside of her cheek and sighed.

Sophelia Ardemark Romul Saxon Careena Fett

 

[Romul Saxon]

W A R M A S T E R
After the ruin of Abregado-Rae

TRANQUILITY​

Tag: Sophelia Ardemark | Iris Beroya | Careena Fett

Romul considered what the Padawan requested as one of the warriors, Beroya, chimed in. If the reports of what the Pretender did to the Jedi were true, then misguided would be an understatement. The Jedi were clearly not the enemy; yet many were misguided. The few Clans who did not rally to the Iron Covenant's cause were an absence more pronounced than numerics would suggest.

"If you only run from the Sith but never fight them, soon there will be nowhere left to hide," Romul growled at last. He could see a fighting spirit in this young Jedi, but also fear. Good. Courage was not the absence of fear, but what one did in the face of it.

He shifted his weight, the heavy beskar plates of his armor creaking against each other. "If you wish to ferry refugees out of the sector, that is your prerogative. Your resources are welcome. But," his voice grew lower, "I wish to see Jedi dying alongside Mando'ade if you wish for this to be a true partnership. An alliance only runs as deep as blood spilt for it."