Faction Cross and Banner | Refuge (Farworlds Alliance) [DIPLOMACY|TRADE}

[Jasper Kai'el]

Cross and Banner
Refuge
Tags: Tekton Artez , OPEN (FARWORLDS ALLIANCE AND FRIENDS)

Lightsaber, Refuge, Respite, Jedi Outcasts, Grafted into Stone
​

Looking for allies was something that Jasper did a lot of these days. It was important to know who was who out in the far reaches of the galaxy, and he had grown rather fond of what had been accomplished thus far in their new alliance. Given the growing need for civilian transportation, though, Jasper knew what was going to be necessary going forward was more engineers. He wanted to create a vessel that could take a beating and carry refugees back to their space unharmed, and not a small number either. This next project was going to be big. Shuklaar Kyrdol and Breshig would be invaluable for such a project, but the Jedi Master wanted to gather the brightest minds in the galaxy to help as well. The more heads, he reasoned, the better.

So, when he caught wind of a wayward band of Mandalorians with a keen interest in the defense of refugees, he saw an opportunity for aligned goals. Lander Stalwart , Refuge's primary representative, would make contact with Clan Artez and formally invite them to visit. He would also bring with him the means of navigating the system's black hole so they would safely arrive at Refuge. It had been a twist of fate that the man they followed was himself an engineer, so Jasper saw the opportunity in facilitating another alliance. If not bring them into the fold they could at least find mutual benefit in a contract between parties.

The lobby of the Respite Jedi Temple was open, prepared with tables for the meeting to come. It was an open meeting, so those with a mind for such could come and make of the new arrivals what they saw fit. If they had their own projects it would be a way to open other doors that would surely be profitable, so Jasper was certain that more would be merrier. The Jedi Master, while waiting at the head of the table, poured himself a glass of Corellian Whiskey over a chilled stone.

The floor was open. Now it was simply a matter of when they arrived.

 

[Tekton Artez]

Tekton was feeling saddened. The Mandalorians, his people were once again turning to conquest. Tekton and Clan Artez as a whole prided itself on acts of service towards others. They specialised in refugee projects, relocation, reconstruction, training and security. Tekton found once the predators who preyed on such communities found out there was a Mandalorian clan protecting them they often forewent the bother of fighting them, but on the rare occasion they were needed Clan Artez provided the force that kept refugees safe.

Now he was expected to serve in an empire that created refugees in its ceaseless senseless conquest? Perhaps it should have been an easier decision abondaning ones people, ones Mandalore, but for Tekton and the rest of Clan Artez it had been shockingly simple. Regretful but simple.

Just when Clan Artez was looking like they would turn into the refugees themselves, in self exile from their home, Tekton got an intriguing offer. A Jedi wanted to discuss the construction of a refugee ship, with an implied potential for more. It seemed a fortuitous shift in circumstances for Tekton and the clan.

Tekton like most of his clan believed in developing a skill, a trade to apply themselves so that they had some form of employment to fall back on in times of peace. For Tekton that had been becoming an engineer. He was looking forward to applying his skills towards something other than war and it's refuse for a change.

Refuge seemed like an interesting planet, Respite a nice little community. Tekton didn't mind Jedi so long as they kept the sophistry to a minimum preferably none, but then short of working for Sith he couldn't afford to be too picky in any case. Plus it seemed like the ideal employment contract, so Tekton would be on his best behaviour, he'll even tolerate the occasional deep philosophical speech on the nature of the Force.

Tekton landed his ship, exited and approached the Jedi in question.

" Jasper Kai'el ? Tekton Artez. Hear you might have a job for us?" Tekton greeted, for him cordially.

 

[Jasper Kai'el]

Refuge
Tags: Tekton Artez

Lightsaber, Refuge, Respite, Jedi Outcasts, Grafted into Stone
​

Tekton Artez. Hear you might have a job for us?

Jasper glanced up from the end of the long table and offered a smile through his beard.

"That I do, friend," he affirmed. "You're in the right place. Though I suppose going through the effort of getting your folks past the black hole would be rather silly to do just to send you to the wrong spot. Care for a drink? Had some Corellian in reserve I figured I'd break out today."

It might be a while before he went back to Corellia, so the few bottles of whiskey he had saved were important to make last. This seemed a good enough occasion.

"From my understanding, you and your lot have a focus on refugee aid," Jasper continued. "Suppose the name probably gave it away, but Refuge has been a place where the dregs of societies have crawled away to for a few thousand years. Guess we decided to set up shop here at a pretty wild time, cause the movement out of the Core right now has never been higher. That's sort of left me with a conundrum. I need vessels that can make the journey and keep kicking, something with the capacity to carry lots of people too. Got some good engineers out here, but I figured more couldn't hurt, yeah?"

Jasper finally sat himself down, taking a sip of his own whiskey before setting it aside.

"Been starting to appreciate Mandalorian craftsmanship a lot these days," the Jedi Master explained. "Have some tech from another one of our allies out here that's saved my ass in a pinch. When I heard some more of you were out there looking to do relief work, I figured I couldn't not reach out."

 

[Tekton Artez]

Tekton despite his recent despondency and his misgivings about working with a Jedi found himself warming to Jasper. The Jedi was friendly, cheerful and it didn't hurt that he had offered Tekton a fine vintage of drink. Tekton considered himself a connesiur of drinks, particularly ones from notable regions, Zeltros, Naboo, Hapan, Corellia. They were all on his list of fine beverages. Hell one of the greatest regrets of his divorcing his ex wife was no longer having access to her cellar of delicious liquids.

Tekton's expression could best be described by two words.

"Fair enough." Tekton acknowledged to Jaspers candor of needing engineers for a refugee fleet.

"I recently worked with a fleet that gave safe harbor to former slaves after liberating them, so I have some experience in the area. At least by proxy."

Tekton nodded and grimaced at what he was about to say. Tekton could be a proud man, what Mandalorian wasn't? It wasn't easy to admitting a place of vulnerability, Tekton refused to think of it as a weakness. Fact was though, Clan Artez needed safe harbor themselves after leaving the Mandalorian Empire. For Tekton it would be an ideal solution for the Farworlds to accept them, but it was still a delicate proposition.

"I'll admit I also have… a request for the terms of our employment. Clan Artez is currently without a home, it would be beneficial for both of us were we to as part of our contract, to find a place within your borders. I understand if you have reluctance letting a heavily armed Mando clan within your local regions, but we keep our word. It would also provide a trained construction and security force for your ships."

Tekton waited to see how his proposal would be received.

Jasper Kai'el

 

[Jasper Kai'el]

Refuge
Tags: Tekton Artez

Lightsaber, Refuge, Respite, Jedi Outcasts, Grafted into Stone
​

"Consider it done."

A more playful smile would appear on the face of the Jedi Master now.

"A bit of armor and heavy ordinance is a dime a dozen out here, friend," he stated in a casual tone. "We've been accruing defenses for some time. You're hardly an off-putting presence. Besides, given your track record I think the extra security is a net positive. Respite has an open door policy, and we've just built a lot more housing for incoming folks. Your people will have a place to stay."

He wasn't off-put by Mandalorians, which may have been odd for a Jedi. Perhaps it was natural given that he had both fought their kind and stood alongside them in the heat of battle. He knew where to give respect when it was necessary.

And to build bridges where he could.

Jasper would stand and open a small chilled container, retrieving a stone that had been whittled into a sphere. He placed it in a glass and poured a healthy amount of whiskey in before he handed it to his guest.

"I can sympathize with needing a place in any case," the man added. "Me and my people came from Sacorria, Corellian sector. Just so happens to be the dividing line between the Sith Covenant and the High Republic, but I suppose the Galactic Empire drew that boundary first. Now we're all just trying to make something out of all of this. Maybe that comes with a healthy dose of stubbornness."

Then again, who made it this far without being stubborn?

 

[Matthew of Valendale]

Tags: Jasper Kai'el Tekton Artez ​

Matthew had been undertaking quite a bit in terms of political ventures as of late, though he had also taken interest in many efforts to assist the infrastructure of the Alliance.

"How large is your clan?" Matthew asked curiously. "Forgive my ignorance. I am a little behind on my studies of Mandalorians. Your culture is foreign to me and my kin, and it is difficult for me to fully understand the depth of such things at a glance. I seem to understand that a Mandalorian clan can be few or many…?"

He asked with some uncertainty, clearly aware that his understanding of their creed was incomplete. They did not seem to be any one race of people, but rather a culture of warriors, bound together by oath, armor, and tradition alike. This particular clan seemed a little different from the ones he was becoming more familiar with, and that difference had caught his curiosity.

"Centerra is vast and beautiful, though our world hosts many environments. I would welcome your kin to settle there as well if you see fit. We have much untamed beauty that could support your housing needs, and I would not mind allocating and trading you land of your own in exchange for your services."

Matthew paused thoughtfully.

"Though our planet is uniquely situated within a nebula, which can sometimes create trouble with travel when the nebula is more active," he explained simply. "I think having an idea of how much space you are looking for, where you might like to set up, and what needs your people may have would help us determine a fair offer for you."

 

[Tekton Artez]

Tekton breathed a deep breath of relief. Clan Artez had taken a heavy blow with his advocation for leaving the Mandalorian Empire, but Tekton could no longer abide their service to a nation bent on conquest. Creating the very refugee's he, the clan served and protected. It had been enough to make Tekton put aside his reluctance to claiming the mantle of Alor of his clan.

"Thank You." Tekton said simply.

It was an inadequate reply, for what was being offered, but then Tekton was a man of action and intended to show his gratitude through his efforts, both in reconstruction and defence. Clan Artez would pull the weight in Beskar in repayment of the favor.

Before the situation could grow to being too awkward they were interrupted by another man. Evidently a man of some authority and power in this burgeoning region of the galaxy. Tekton nodded at the questions they were sensible given what was being discussed. Knowing your prospective contractors full numbers being brought to bare was crucial information after all.

"I can muster about five hundred easily we managed to salvage on old Shaadlar-type troopship. If I'm being honest however our Clan tends to pride itself on our individuality, we travel the galaxy in our own personal vessels taking contracts of either defence or trade as they come. When I put the call out for the clan to gather they tend to gather at the location of the contract itself."

Tekton considered the matter of the world being offered carefully. While he was indeed desperate, providing his clan, his people a new home was not something to be rushed, rash or taken lightly.

"The rest of the clan tends to live on the move. As long as we have some place we can gather and fall back to should it become necessary. A nebula should provide no obstacle, we have many skilled pilots. If anything it sounds like an advantage of defence should some of our more conquering brethren come looking for us."

Matthew of Valendale Jasper Kai'el

 

[Jasper Kai'el]

Refuge
Tags: Tekton Artez , Matthew of Valendale

Lightsaber, Refuge, Respite, Jedi Outcasts, Grafted into Stone
​

"The rest of the clan tends to live on the move. As long as we have some place we can gather and fall back to should it become necessary. A nebula should provide no obstacle, we have many skilled pilots. If anything it sounds like an advantage of defence should some of our more conquering brethren come looking for us."

"Then you'll find our space to be a suitable maze to vanish into," Jasper stated. "Between the nebula and the black hole there are lots to navigate around. You'll want to share with your kin the means to properly navigate them. We can supply the instruments."

Jasper would wordlessly gesture to Matthew and then towards one of the many glasses he had laid out to see if the large winged man had interest in drink. Then he would continue.

"As for your... conquering kin, we're quite far out of the way," he continued. "I doubt they have any interest in coming out here, and they seem preoccupied with growing tensions with the Republic. I'm unsure if such a thing will lead to war or not, but refugees will come here regardless, be it a result of war or conquest. All states of the sort forget the dregs that they displace, and so we collect them and bring them to safety here. Somewhere they are not forgotten. There will be lots of work that your clan can fuel their passions into, Alor."

The Jedi let out an exhale as he took a sip of his whiskey, his gaze shifting to the open door of the temple as it caught the glow of the afternoon sun.

"It all seems to still, doesn't it?" the man muttered. "All these superpowers staring each other down, all the boarder skirmishes and deflections to unafiliation... And yet, no first strike. It's only those Iron Covenant folk that have started to engage in proper conflict, remnants of the Enclave I believe. Everyone else has simply... stood in silence. That sort of silence I find to be uneasy."

Jasper knew, however, that he was done waging wars. Let those around the Core fight each other. He would focus his energy on evacuating people from the chaos and defending their corner of the galaxy. He was done with that life. Walking that path was what had lead the Galactic Alliance to ruin.

He would not live that again.

 

[Shuklaar Kyrdol]

​

Friendly Units: None at the moment.
Units in Reserve:

• SB-01 Darasuum Morut-class Super-heavy Battlecarrier Darasuum Morut (in orbit)
• Vornskr Mirshir-Jurkad Rammikade company Kyramud (waiting with the gunship, on stand by)
• Strill Securities Jurkad Verde Netra b' Oya'karur Battalion Command Company
  • 'Mirshir'verd'jurkad'gam'-M and Ysalamiri Birikad have been issued force wide. They have access to the latest Strill Securities armor and weapon accessories.

The force has been augmented with the following:

• R/S-01MR 'Nuhaatyc' Reconnaissance/Support Droid
• NS/SD-02 'Gar Gayi'kartay Verd' Network Security/Slicer Droid
• SD-01R 'Gar Ram'ser' Siege Droid
• ID-01MR 'Gar Verd' Infantry Droid
• CMD-02 'Gar Sol'akaan Baar'ur' Combat Medical Droid
• RS-01M Haran'calyr Recon Speeder
• IFV-01M Trataab'morut Infantry Fighting Vehicle
• SIFV-01 Trataab'bral Super-heavy Infantry Fighting Vehicle

Tag(s): Matthew of Valendale | Jasper Kai'el | Tekton Artez

Equipment

Armor Implant(s) Equipment Melee Sidearm(s) Rifle(s) Explosives

• 
  
  • Jurkad'gam
  • Equipment Mount: Ysalamiri Birikad.
  • Back Weapon Mount:
    • Left:
      • A-03S Verpine Shatter Autocannon
        • GVSR-SA Guided APFSDS Magazine (1)
        • GVSR-HEIAPA Guided HEIAP Magazine (1 loaded)
        • GVSR-FA Guided Flechette Magazine (1)
    • Right:
      • MML-02SM Miniaturized Missile Launcher
        • Tracyn'vhipir-class Brilliant Plasma Missile (8)
        • Striilir'ika-M-class Brilliant Micro-missile (Baradium) (0)
  • Right Gauntlet and Vambrace: 'Verd b' Marev' Gauntlet and Vambrace
    
    • Weapon Mounts:
      
      • Left:
        
        • CP-03V CryoBan Projector
      • Top:
        
        • PC-05V Plasma Caster
          • Plasma Gas Medium Cannister (1)
      • Right:
        
        • TBP-01V Tractor-Pressor Beam Projector
  • Left Gauntlet and Vambrace: 'Verd b' Surhaai' Gauntlet and Vambrace
    
    • Weapon Mounts:
      • Left:
        • NML-02VTB Nano missile Launcher
      • Top:
        • METL-02V Micro Energy Torpedo Launcher
      • Right:
        
        • MML-01V Miniaturized Missile Launcher
          • Tracyn'vhipir-class Brilliant Plasma Missile (4)
          • Striilir'ika-M-class Brilliant Micro-missile (Baradium) (0)
  • Utility Belt Loadout:
    
    • Hardcase Spring-loaded Ammunition Pouches
    • Hardcase Spring-loaded Grenade Pouches
    • Hardcase Large Satchel
    • Softcase Large Storage Pouches (dump pouch)
    • Magnetic Clamp
  • Load-bearing Rig Loadout:
    
    • Hardcase Spring-loaded Ammunition Pouches
    • Hardcase Spring-loaded Grenade Pouches
    • Central Secondary High Capacity Rylith Power Cell
    • Medium and Large Gription Panels
  • Holster and Scabbard Setup:
    
    • 1x chest-rig mounted knife scabbard
    • 2x belt-mounted knife scabbard
    • 1x thigh mounted (dominant hand side) holster
• 
  
  • 'Agol'ja'had'-R Medical Implant System
  • 'Ori'aal'briik' Nervous System Enhancer
  • 'Nejah Oya'karur' Full-spectrum Immunity Booster
  • 'Agol'gam' Muscle and Bone Enhancement
  • 'Gar Tkiriyr' Neural Interface
• 
  
  • 'Shushai Rugam' Sensor Sphere (2)
• 
  
  • K-04 Skirata Ehn-ky'kal Kal (2)
  • Kot'hokaan
• 
  
  • DP-02 Class-D Heavy Disruptor Pistol
    
    • 'Kyrayc Sur'haai'-M 1-4x Short Range Optic
    • 'Drala Sur'haai' Targeting Laser/Illuminator
    • Ammunition:
      
      • 10-round gas cartridge-power cell combined unit (1 loaded, 2 spare)
• 
  
  • FL-01 Verpine Shatter Flechette Launcher
    
    • 'Kyrayc Sur'haai'-M 1-12x Medium Range Optic
    • 'Drala Sur'haai' Targeting Laser/Illuminator
    • UPC-06 Underbarrel Plasma Caster
    • Ammunition:
      
      • Anti-Personnel Pellet Canister Drum (1 loaded, 2 spare)
      • Anti-Personnel Flechette Canister Drum (3)
      • Anti-Armor Sabot Drum (3)
• 
  
  • BG-02 Baradium Grenade (6)​
  • SJG-02 Signal Jammer Grenade (2)​
  • NGG-02 Nagnol Gas Grenade (2)​
  • AWCGG-02 Anti-Energy Weapon Countermeasure Gas Grenade (2)​

[/slide]

Refuge — Respite

There were always matters that needed Shuklaar's attention. It was not everyday, however that you got a clan from his former employer's son's part of the galazy that felt...differently about what it was that they were doing. Sure, from what little Shuklaar knew he was not exactly a proponent of the SuperCommando codex, but he was curious about what the man did believe in. It certainly heled that he was already on the planet to begin with.

Getting to this meeting was only a matter of taking his usual gunship over to one of the public landing pads near the location and making a quick jog over. Certainly not what he'd remotely consider too much to attend any meeting, let alone this meeting. Of course, he'd long given up trying to ditch his protective detail for Mirshir-Jurkad Rammikade. Thankfully, Ragar Nihut'tyr and his men had agreed to stay with the gunship this time, though he very much doubted that they'd stay there over the course of the meeting. In case another monster popped out of the foundations of this place again.

Shuklaar walked in, thankfully, no one else's details tried to search him or confiscate his weapons. Not something any of them were di'kutlaenough to try, even if they were brave enough. Brave and di'kutla were an unfortunate combination that was not in short supply in the galaxy in so far as he had the misfortune of sharing it with those people. Shuklaar entered the meeting inhindered, removing his buy'ce and clipping it to his belt.

Matthew of Valendale and Jasper Kai'el were familiar faces, but the newcomer ( Tekton Artez ) was faurly unmistakably the man he'd come to receive. Shuklaar waited until there was a natural pause in the onnversation before he spoke, "Olarom, vod. I had heard that you had arrived. I had to meet the man with the gett'se to tell the man that would be Mand'alor to usen'ye, himself." He caught Jasper and Matthew's gaze and added as a mild apology for being late, "A lot to get done around here, isn't there?"

 

[Matthew of Valendale]

Tags: Tekton Artez Shuklaar Kyrdol Jasper Kai'el ​

Matthew politely declined any drink offered to him. He was not one to drink over business, seemingly preferring a clear mind and an unaltered state. He did not appear to judge any of them for partaking, however, nor did he choose now, of all times, to express the intricacies of his own oaths regarding drink and abstinence.

Instead, he paid close attention to all that was being said, perhaps thinking he might need to invest in a proper translator… or brush up on his studies of foreign languages.

"Perhaps it may be rude of me to ask," Matthew began, his tone measured, "However, I am curious to know what led you and your people to be without a place to call home?"

He was not fully aware of all that went on in the greater galaxy, after all. Perhaps something had driven them out this way. If it had, he figured it would behoove him to understand his allies' struggles a little more clearly. It would seem there was some context Matthew was missing that Shuklaar Kyrdol may have known more about.

 

[Tekton Artez]

Matthew of Valendale Jasper Kai'el Shuklaar Kyrdol

Tekton nodded amicably at the further knowledge of nebula navigation routes. It sounded ideal for a clan that didn't want to be disturbed regardless of whether or not they were deemed important enough by the Mandalore to track down on the far end of space. Tekton didn't think they were, and he hoped not, but he also anticipated that this burgeoning power at the dead end of space would have it's fair share of enemies soon enough. It would be best if Clan Artez were prepared for that scenario as best they could. A secure location with its own natural defences would go a long way to reassuring his clan that they would be able to defend themselves.

As for the mission it sounded ideally suited to his Clan. They prided themselves on acts of service towards others, refugee reconstruction, relocation, training and defence were all specialties of the Clan. Ideally with some sort of profit involved, but it was far from the priority. People who lost everything often didn't have the means to pay expensive mercenaries for protection. Mostly Artez hired out their services to planetary governments. In this case however Tekton was prepared to accept the refuge provided as payment for their services.

Tekton shrugged as the Jedi began philosophising about the state of the galaxy.

"The galaxy will always be in turmoil. I and my clan help who we can, where we can, when we can. We don't much make a pretence of grand crusades to save the galaxy. We leave that to the Jedi." Tekton said with a small wry smile and an incline of his head. "Meaning no offense."

"Oya." Tekton greeted with a nod, then he shrugged. "Never met the man to tell him anything, was just tired of following a despot who thought nothing of conquering planets."

Tekton shrugged at the other lightsider in the room.

"We pride ourselves on acts of service, refugees are a specialty of ours. We were sick of serving a Mandalore and an empire that was creating refugees rather than saving them. That about sums it up."

 

[Jasper Kai'el]

Refuge
Tags: Matthew of Valendale , Tekton Artez , Shuklaar Kyrdol

Lightsaber, Refuge, Respite, Jedi Outcasts, Grafted into Stone
​

"The galaxy will always be in turmoil. I and my clan help who we can, where we can, when we can. We don't much make a pretence of grand crusades to save the galaxy. We leave that to the Jedi."

"No offense taken," Jasper chuckled.

Although, he had noted a distinct lack of crusading these days. The Sith reigned unchecked, and yet... It wasn't really any of his concern anymore though. That life was behind him now. The Jedi code he followed now was what he knew to be true. Not what was clouded by dogma and tradition.

He caught Jasper and Matthew's gaze and added as a mild apology for being late, "A lot to get done around here, isn't there?"

"Don't sweat it, Warmaster," the Jedi Master shrugged, gesturing to a glass. "Care for a drink?"

Matthew politely declined, so he could accept a drink in the winged man's stead if he chose to.

"Never met the man to tell him anything, was just tired of following a despot who thought nothing of conquering planets."

"We pride ourselves on acts of service, refugees are a specialty of ours. We were sick of serving a Mandalore and an empire that was creating refugees rather than saving them. That about sums it up."

"I suppose that is the inevitability of things that call themselves Empire," Jasper noted. "Eventually someone bleeds. Most times it's the folks who don't ask for it. What perplexes me is how quickly they seemed to dive into bed with the Sith. I can't imagine they forgot who broke Mandalore last."

An exhale would escape his chest.

"But I guess such a matter isn't an issue until it has to be," he decided. "They've not come up in our various excursions into Sith space... not that we're in a position to go back on the offensive any time soon. There is a lot to get done around here, as has been stated. Which reminds me, Shuklaar. I have plans to create a vessel for the exclusive purposes of ferrying refugees back here. I called Clan Artez here for such a task, figured more engineers on the project wouldn't hurt. Of course, I wouldn't go to anyone else for the primary defense systems but yourself. Naturally I'll want your suggestions."

 

[Matthew of Valendale]

TAGS: Tekton Artez Jasper Kai'el Shuklaar Kyrdol ​

"Then I would welcome you to settle where you may pursue those goals, and build up the community you choose to call home," Matthew offered gently.

His gaze settled on Tekton with silent consideration, not prying now, but weighing what had been shared in the back of his thoughts. A despot, then. Matthew understood how such men came to power; more than that, he understood how often they kept it... more often than not, through fear, hunger, wounded pride, and the careful teaching of abject obedience. He filed that information away for safekeeping.

"Assisting others through acts of service to the community is among the most honorable things one can do where I am from," he continued. "To shelter the displaced, to raise walls where homes have fallen, to stand watch while others sleep… those duties are indispensable to any society that hopes to endure. They are the bones upon which lasting nations are built."

Matthew allowed a brief pause, before continuing,

"If your people require a place to gather rather than a full city of their own, that can be arranged. Centerra has unsettled reaches enough to allow privacy, training grounds, workshops, hangars, and housing without crowding your clan into someone else's streets. A formal land grant may be drafted, depending on what arrangement best suits your customs."

He folded his hands neatly before him.

"I ask not that your people surrender their identity to live among us. I would ask only that they respect the laws of the world that shelters them, and that any martial presence be clearly understood by our citizens as protection, and not occupation. If your clan is to stand beside us, I would rather begin with clarity than allow suspicion to take root in silence."

His expression softened by a degree.

"Is there anything we can do to help accommodate your people in the immediate sense? Docking space, temporary housing, medical provisions, access to fabrication yards, agricultural land, schools for children, or a place to store arms and equipment securely? I would prefer to know such needs now, so that your arrival feels less like exile… and more like the first stone of something worth building."

He offered a faint sigh looking to Jasper. "It is an unfortunate truth that people from all walks of life often do not trouble themselves over a wound until they are the ones made to bleed from it."