From Ashes to New [Mandalorian Crusaders]

[Keira Priest]

It had been a long, long while since the Crusaders had known any sort of unity. The last time any of them convened properly it had been to discuss a proposed change of direction and altering of their goals, but even that had been some time ago. Everything had been stagnant since then, all of them seeming to have gone their own ways and forgotten the notion of the Crusade as a whole. Everything they had fought, bled and died for had since then grown quiet, and it seemed as if the fire that had once burned inside all their hearts was now extinguished. A shame, truly, that the lot of them were seemingly content with this. It wasn't their way to surrender so easily, and she hated that it felt like it had come to that point. They were Mandalorians, that wasn't in their blood.

There was no single event that could be attributed to the eventual near-complete silence among their ranks, but the fall of the Republic and Sith were up there on the list. With the two largest galactic powers out of the picture the ultimate Crusade that Mand'alor had called for was at its end. For once the vode had no immediate, common enemy to rally against, and so were left to much of their own business. The incident on Korriban had drawn them together more successfully than anything else of late, raising the question of just what was to be done about their distant neighbors to the southeast. It had been awhile since anyone had seen Isley around, and someone needed to take charge and given them direction.

That was why Keira had called them all to Echoy'la. It was high time they all got off their shebs and accomplished something noteworthy. But first came the matter of just who to put at the helm, and while she wasn't entirely too enthused about the idea of leading a galactic nation after telling her older brother that she was semi-retired from this war business, she would take charge of the Crusaders if she had to. Before all of that, however, everyone had to show up. They had twenty or so minutes before the designated time came about, and if she knew one thing it was that Mandalorians weren't notorious for being on time to events like these. If it wasn't a battlefield, chances were it didn't fit within the small realm of their primary interests.

While she awaited the arrival of whomever decided to show their face she sat in one of the lounge areas down the hall from the proper meeting chambers, cleaning her armor and clad in the bodysuit typically worn beneath. It was a process that had become nearly meditative over the years, which explained why she didn't immediately recognize the all too familiar presence that brushed across the fringes of her senses. Slowly and methodically she began assembling the plates on her form, eventually faced down with just the helmet and deigning to clip that accessory at her waist instead. In the next second that shock of simple knowing came again, and this time she looked up, a familiar figure passing by in the hall. Instantaneously she reached out through the Force to halt their progress, stepping out to take in the form of her elder brother, one [member="Isley Verd"]. "It's been awhile, ori'vod."

Spoiler

[member="Miss Blonde"], [member="Commander Lusk"], [member="Alkor Centaris"], [member="Deneve Verd"], [member="Zef Halo"], [member="Aedan Miles"], [member="Solan Charr"], [member="Zephyr Carrick"], @Maya Whitelight-Carrick, @Mandalorian Crusaders

 

[Michael Shado]

Boots clanked on the floor, making the Mandalorian conscious of his gait and composure. Meetings like these normally didn't phase Michael, but the fact that at one point the Crusaders, and the Clans were at odds with one another make the man weary as to whether this would continue to make clan Shado seem like it had not removed itself from it's Death Watch roots. Being in Crusader space was like entering a whole new galaxy to him, thought yes, he was apart of them, he had never directly interacted with them. He took in a breath, told his aliit to wait for him on Concord Dawn, and went straight to where he had been requested.

Michael could not help but wonder why the Crusaders would want him, or his clan involved with politics of the Mando'ade. In the long run, aliit Shado had no real power, and were significantly small compared to some of the other clans that would be here. Not to mention the need to keep going back to trying to save face, and not look like dar'manda than what they already did. Still, maybe this was a good thing, maybe he had to be optimistic about this whole request.

If one were observing the Mando as he walked down the hall way, his armor looked much lighter than others, that was just how he was. He preferred lighter armor, something Jin had taught him.

The faster you can move, the more mobility you have, the better.

The mercenary's words echoed in Michael's skull. Further observation revealed his lack of a real arm, and the place holder of cybernetics for his left appendage. This metal arm cradled his helmet showing his blue eyes that some said complimented the black hair, and beard. The random tattoos that crawled up his neck found company with the small round holes that were placed in his ears. A few scars showed his battle weathered to be true if the arm did not.

Finally, the man was at the meeting place where two were already conversing, neither were people he knew. Instead of interrupting them, Michael nodded in respect to them, and entered the lounge area, opting to stand instead of sit.

[member="Keira Ticon"] [member="Alkor Centaris"] [member="Miss Blonde"] [member="Zef Halo"] [member="Aedan Miles"] @The many other Crusaders

 

[Commander Lusk]

Since the crusade between the Republic and Clans were called the Clones made by spaarti were not about to have a civil war with one another, brothers and sisters would not kill one another over the collective ego of a single man's thirst for destruction. So they did what any sensible group of people would do, they left. They had a mass exodus of the core worlds and most had settled on largely unpopulated worlds in the outer rim to form their own little societies and homes. But a good chunk of clones still needed that military life style.

So they left for the crusaders, a mercenary group of Mandalorians who seemed to be a bit more relaxed as of late. Keira was in charge but most of the clones had moved on from the grudge they harbored against the woman. But of course Lusk was not most clones, and as Keira knows A Mandalorian Never Forgets. Keira had abandoned them in their time of need and just because they both wound up in the same place didn't change that one bit for Lusk.

So he'd just sit there and wait, observe, and speak if he was needed to. While he didn't like being in the same room as the woman he had to admit it was nice being back in familiar settings where he could feel comfortable in his own skin. No crusade against the enemy, no massive amounts of death and watching his brothers and sisters die by the thousands. It was just him enjoying the time he had despite her presence and command through it all.

[member="Isley Verd"] [member="Alkor Centaris"] [member="Aedan Miles"] [member="Zef Halo"] [member="Keira Ticon"] [member="Michael Shado"]

 

[Darth Metus]

A whirlwind of emerald fire had been his home.

Had it been days? Months? It was difficult to tell whilst immersed in that realm. When walking among spirits, perception of corporeal time is often skewed horrifically. What's more, a wandering soul could easily become lost among the Deep. With every step, the burning skies and scorched earth would beckon one further. Deeper. For this cause, many who took such journeys into the realm of spirits made their trips brief...or were never heard from again.

In the case of the Warmaster, his voyage was warranted. Although its length was unintentional, Isley had matters of family to set straight. Now that the Crusade of Mandalore had come to an end, there was ample time to set straight his House. And the first step in doing so was a much-needed talk with Mother.

His communion with the Deep...His reunion with the woman who had given him refuge and kin...had left him altered upon return. With eyes aglow with glimmering light, Isley stepped forth into the world of the living. Echoy'la. Home.

"Warmaster! You've returned!" Exclaimed the vod adjacent to Isley's sudden appearance. Given by his expression...and current position of cowering...one could assume that this soldier had not seen fire appear out of nowhere. Isley chuckled. "That I have." His words were uttered with an extended hand. "Is it safe to assume that we haven't burnt the Galaxy down in my absence?"

"Yessir." The man took his hand and was hoisted to his feet. "There hasn't been much burning at all lately. Being honest...since the Crusade ended, we've all went our own ways in a sense."

"Oh? What of the Warmarshals?"

"Warmarshal Halo hasn't been seen in awhile. Said something about getting back to his roots. Warmarshal Verd...we all thought she was with you in truth. And Warmarshal Ticon has called a meeting, it's set to begin soon."

Interesting.

"Many thanks." Isley said, before moving with a haste in his step. His eager pace quickly bore him across the Station, until he reached where his sibling stood donning her beskar'gam. She noticed him. Acknowledged him with a nudge of the Force. And Isley grinned.

"That is has. My voyage took...much longer than anticipated." he said, before stepping over to embrace his sibling. "But. I trust that the Crusaders are well? And, more importantly, that you and the little ones are well?"

[member="Keira Ticon"]

 

[Keira Priest]

Very rarely did Keira let anyone past a certain bubble of personal space, and when she did one could almost guarantee that individual had earned a special place in her life and family. When he moved to embrace her she returned it, hugging him tightly for a few seconds. Although the two had maintained a somewhat distant relationship through the years, she still felt a strong pull and bond to the man before her. He was her brother, her family, regardless of whether he was related by blood or not. Wordlessly she extended her ethereal senses outwards so that her aura melded with his own, rekindling that bond and remembering what it meant to have a family nearby and always at her side.

"The Crusaders have been stagnant lately. Ever since the Republic and Sith have fallen, the Crusade that Mand'alor called has been silent. The vode no longer have a common enemy to unite against. We need to expand, reignite that fire, but no one seems to be around to do it. What we need is action, but there doesn't seem to be any beyond expansion, and that doesn't seem to capture the interest of many of our people. They want blood." Truth be told a return to the battlefield with the Crusaders at her side didn't sound like a bad idea per se, but none of them had a reason to instigate a conflict with any power. They needed to turn their focus inward, but even that was proving a difficulty.

When he asked after his niece and nephew a genuine smile turned up the corners of her mouth. "They've grown since last you saw them. It's quite the experience, watching your children grow into their ethereal talents on their own. I don't think they quite understand it yet, but they're getting there." She nodded for him to walk along with her, down the hall towards the meeting chambers. "I've been busy. Between cleaning up remnants of the Sith and dealing with the splinter cells that have sprung up, it's been chaotic. I returned and called the meeting because all of us need to find a center again in the Crusaders." Without a centralized goal of some kind Mandalorians tended to drift, and they could no longer be a divided, fractured people.

Once they entered the chambers she separated herself slightly from her brother, stepping forward to address the two others assembled. "Vode. It's nice to see the both of you gathered here." She nodded to the both of them, dark gaze lingering on Lusk for just a few seconds longer. "We're here to discuss the current leadership of the Crusaders and what will become of our hierarchy in the future. Lately we've grown silent, and that's something we can't afford. I don't claim to know the best course of action, but I know that we need to be something more than this." She looked to Isley, nodding, "I'll let it fall to Isley to speak first, as he's the long-standing leader of our Crusade."

[member="Isley Verd"], [member="Commander Lusk"], [member="Michael Shado"], [member="Alkor Centaris"]

 

[Darth Metus]

It was good to be home.

Among family. Among friends. Among his people. Despite the necessity of his journey, Isley was like any man in this regard. No matter how far away from Echoy'la he traveled, there would never be any place quite as fitting as Home. Suffice it to say, Keira's embrace meant quite a bit – especially after the trip he had taken. What he had seen...what his Mother had shown him...well, there was work to be done. Upon stepping back from the embrace, the Warmaster folded his arms; raising his offhand to stroke the unkempt goatee speckled with gray.

Her words were leagues from encouraging, at least in the context of the Crusaders. In the wake of the Sole Ruler's mandate, the standing army of Echoy'la had been left bereft of a cause. The same could be said for the Clans as a whole, in fact. So many warriors now waited, hungrily, for the next challenge to greet them. If only they knew... Isley thought, gingerly shaking his head as Keira spoke of his followers. He did not comment on this, not yet, but instead remarked on his little niece and nephew.

In truth, Isley envied this crucial part of Keira's world. Time after time, the Mandalorian had been robbed of the ability to watch his children grow...for no other reason than his own shortcomings. A lifetime ago, if he had been any semblance of responsible perhaps his children would have been left on his doorstep...as opposed to that of an orphanage. Despite this, lamenting the past would do nothing; especially not to the benefit of his offspring. All he could do now was attempt to be a decent father to his children...and pray to the gods that he could get it right this time.

"They've one of the best guiding hands in the Galaxy. In time, they'll master the Force and life itself."

With that said, Isley followed after his sibling until they arrived at the appointed chambers. There were a number of faces there, some familiar and some foreign. To them, a nod of acknowledgment was given. Taking a moment, Isley organized his thoughts. He took into consideration what he now knew: Zef was gone for now, Deneve as well. Keira was here picking up the pieces. And the movement as a whole was itching for action. A centering breath was drawn.

"To put it bluntly, we must not confuse the Crusade of Mandalore with our own. When we gathered on Echoy'la, it was to reclaim our lost. It was to put down those who would ignore the Resol'nare and become Demons, lording over our own. That was what kept us going. That was our righteous fire. But. We...I...allowed this cause to become secondary. I did what was required to prevent the shedding of Mandalorian blood by Mandalorian hands, yes, but I also steered this ship off course."

"It's time to correct that."

"So, in regards to how things will be ran moving forward...there will now only be one. Keira has proven herself time and time again, and thus she will be the sole holder of the mantle Warmarshal. She will be unto the Crusaders what I am unto the Clans: a supreme voice, second only to one."

A change of the guard was needed, and here it was. The Crusaders would still hearken to his voice, but now Keira would be his second. "The Warmaster of the Crusaders" in essence. Now, as far as what to do.

"Now then, brothers. Sisters. It did not take long for the Sith Empire of old to reform into the One Sith that had recently fallen. Make no mistake, while a major enemy fell into ruin...its people are still out there in the shadows. Thus far, Keira has been doing an excellent job of cleaning up the remnants she has found, but we must do more. We must keep this enemy down, lest a new Darkness rise."

[member="Keira Ticon"], [member="Commander Lusk"], [member="Alkor Centaris"], [member="Michael Shado"]

 

[Michael Shado]

[member="Isley Verd"] [member="Keira Ticon"] [member="Commander Lusk"] [member="Alkor Centaris"]

The two outside seemed to have known each for a while, and if Michael was correct, their names were Keira and Isely. Though, the alor of Clan Shado wasn't sure why he should be here. He never had anything to do with the Crusaders of the Mandalorians, much less the Clans of the Mando'ade. Hell, they just back into the full swing of being a clan, and renewing their own honor.

Finally the two head honchos walked into the lounge area, addressing the two members inside it now, he and the other man. It wasn't so much as a speech, but as a quick: "This is what's going on, this is what we need to do, questions, comments, etc.", and Michael had no idea what it was they were expecting of him.

Michael leaned forward, resting his arms on his thighs as he looked at the large man before him.

"So....you're asking us to find these remnants of darjetti, and kyr'amur them?"

Rubbing his beard now, Michael was thinking about how best to do this. There was no way that would be as successful of a campaign as this man was expecting. A order that has existed for more than a millennia, well they just didn't simply die by genocide. Simply was not a thing in Michael's eyes. But, he wasn't a man of usually doing the more logical thing.

"I doubt the expectations you are probably putting up will be met, but...I'll do what I can."