Faction From Grave to Metal's Home

[Edward Ashcard]

Location: Ark of Ha'rangir — Loading Bays
Equipment:

• 1x Dragon 1R SMG
• 1x Lucius-pattern Bayonet
• 4x C-22 fragmentation grenade
• 2x Class-A thermal detonator
• 1x Imperial "Hellhound" Combat Armour Mk. I
• 1x Comlink

Ship: Dragon LF1 TR 'Wyvern' Technical Research Freighter
Tags: Mandalorian Empire

​

Edward felt the intense pull of Ha'rangir's Hook as he guided his Dragon LF1 TR to land among the many loading bays of the Ark of Ha'rangir. He had seen his fair share of grand constructions and impressive fortresses, but normally those were bound to a planet's surface. Yet again, Edward found himself impressed by the Mandalorians and their attention to their crafts, and his thoughts drifted to what had brought him to such a grand place.

The Eternal Empire was secure, yes, but it had become so by passing out of notice of the Galaxy and while it was Edward's place to accept this fact and take comfort in his duties becoming routine again, his exile and journey home had imbued him with a sense of adventure, and he questioned if his skills were wasted raiding the homes of those who had torn down government approved posters.

And so soon after his promotion and he had taken command of his "research ship" and headed back into the galaxy. Not wanting to endanger his home by causing conflict with major powers, Edward practiced his skills on small criminal networks and gangs as he "collected" goods and luxuries to send back to the Eternal Empire. It was nothing of great importance, but at least it helped his home with its inward focus, even if he disliked the approach to stability.

His last target was a small band of smugglers hiding among the ruins and graves on Boz Pity, who scattered to the wind in response to continued coilgun fire and the controlled detonation of their food and water storage. Sorting through their cache instead of finding the usual spice, blasters, or cybernetics, Edward opened a crate to the shine of beskar ingots. The smugglers had given themselves away when a large transaction was sent to a linked DarkNet bank account, but Edward assumed he had come across a deal of quantity rather than quality, as with such a valuable good of beskar. He knew it was valuable and that perhaps the Eternal Empire would have liked it, but he respected the Mandalorians and knew it was not wise to make yourself an enemy of them, and so he would return the beskar and hopefully expand where he was welcomed in the Galaxy.

Edward had asked to return the beskar in person both as a sign of respect but also to ensure that his story would not be altered by a third party, and as his ship touched down and the rear ramp lowered he wondered who and what would await him at such a grand place.

​

 

[Alora Vizsla]

"Hey! You can't put that there!"

A disgruntled serious of grunts accompanied a brutish fellow's indignant stare.

"Pick that crate back up and put it over there," Alora pointed to the stack, "with the rest of them."

Another series of grunts followed as it staredat the colorfully maned woman with her hands on her hips.

"I don't care if your back hurts. If you'd put it in the right place the first time, you wouldn't have to pick it up a second time." Alora squinted. "And bend with the knees! The knees!" With a huff, she shook her head as the crate was slowly hefted away. "You'd think everyone would know basic safety training in a galaxy this big."

Gam sent word the ship she was standing there waiting on was nearing the pad. Alora tilted her head up to look for it. It wasn't even the beskar that had her there; it was the whole where-it-came-from aspect. Alora knew a thing or two about smuggling so who better to ask questions and snoop around, right? Besides, she was a very friendly person! Unless she was angry.

Edward Ashcard​

 

[Korda Veydran]

The ramp hissed as it descended, and Korda stepped onto the landing bay, his boots striking the metal floor with a muted, purposeful rhythm. His matte-gray beskar was worn but solid, each plate telling of past service. The Ashen Maw rested heavily on his right shoulder holster, its heat-blued metal catching the bay's light. He moved with deliberate calm, ignoring the grumbling crew and Alora's sharp instructions; nothing here mattered except the task at hand.

Stopping just short of the crates, Korda's helmet tilted slightly as his visor swept over the cargo, finally settling on the ingots Edward had brought forward. When he spoke, his voice was low, steady, carrying the weight of someone accustomed to command without the need for ceremony.

"I am Korda Veydran," he said, voice measured. "Thank you for bringing this beskar back personally. It is… appreciated." He paused, letting the words sink in, then gestured briefly toward the crate. "I will need a sample, though. Just one ingot. I must ensure its purity before it is returned to its proper place."

He crouched slightly, hands near the Ashen Maw, watching the crate and Edward's movements with quiet scrutiny. There was no pretense of friendliness, but neither was there hostility—just a pragmatic focus on the task. The rest of the crew instinctively gave him space, and even Alora's voice faded slightly as Korda's presence and purpose drew the attention of the bay.


The moment hung for a heartbeat, leaving room for Edward or anyone else to respond while Korda waited patiently, his stance radiating the simple, unwavering message: present the sample, and do not waste time.

Alora Vizsla Edward Ashcard

 

[Siv Kryze]

.​

BOZ PITY​

​

The hiss of hydraulics filled the bay as the Wyvern's ramp touched down, and Siv Kryze stepped in beside Korda Veydran, his armor catching the harsh light of Ha'rangir's Hook. The Warden of Concordia's presence drew a hush from the crew — not by command, but by gravity. His helm turned slightly toward the Eternal officer disembarking, visor reflecting the stranger and the beskar crates behind him.


"Boz Pity," Siv began, his voice low and deliberate, carrying through the steel and echo of the hangar. "A graveyard world, fitting for smugglers who think themselves clever. You found our metal there… and instead of lining your vaults, you brought it home."


He took a step closer, the sound of beskar boots meeting deck plating in rhythm with Korda's steady stance. "That choice earns respect among our kind, Ashcard. Most see Mandalorian iron as a trophy or a trade piece. You saw it as something that belonged to someone else. That tells me more about you than any rank or uniform ever could."


Siv's helmet tilted toward Korda briefly. "Veydran will test it. If it's pure, the ingots will be sent to the Anvil. They'll be reforged into armor, blades, maybe hull plating for the Ark itself. The metal returns to its people, as it always should."


His gaze returned to Edward. "I am Siv Kryze — Warden of Concordia, and by extension, one who sees to the Empire's interests beyond Mandalore's soil. You've walked into a place most outsiders never stand in without a rifle at their back. That alone speaks well of your intent."


There was no hostility in his stance, but neither softness. Only measured weight — the kind born from leadership under fire. "We remember gestures like this, just as we remember every hand that's ever tried to steal from us. Consider this a start, Ashcard. A clean ledger between our peoples — one you've written in honesty rather than blood."


Then, to Korda, "Run the purity test. If the results hold, have it logged under the Warden's return registry. Let the record show the Eternal Empire acted with honor."


Siv turned slightly, the hum of forges deeper in the Ark reverberating through the air. "Mandalore does not forget, Edward Ashcard. You've earned your welcome here. Let's see if you can keep it."

Tags: Alora Vizsla Korda Veydran Edward Ashcard ​

 

[Korda Veydran]

Korda inclined his head slightly as Siv spoke, visor angling toward the Warden in silent acknowledgment. No words of reverence left him—only the faint mechanical whine of his armor's servos as he stepped closer to the crate. The crew instinctively made space, their idle chatter fading to the hum of distant forges.

He traced the crate's edge with a gloved hand, the gesture almost ceremonial before he pried it open. Inside, the beskar ingots rested in neat, silvery rows, their dull sheen broken only by the light glinting across them. Korda paused, studying them in silence. The moment stretched—an unspoken reverence between a warrior and the metal his god had forged through fire and ruin.

"This," he murmured, the vocoder roughening his tone, "is what endures when all else burns."

He reached down, lifting an ingot free with deliberate care. Its weight was familiar, solid, grounding. Turning it over in his hands, he examined its surface, the faint smelting lines and edges of the casting mold. Satisfied, he drew the knife from his belt—a blade of simple make, worn from years of use but sharp enough to whisper as it cut.

With practiced ease, he carved a small fragment from the ingot's edge. The metal flaked reluctantly, resisting until the final snap. He caught the shard between his gauntleted fingers and retrieved a compact handheld device from his belt—a field tester, scorched and dented from use. He placed the shard into its open compartment and flicked the activation stud. The screen pulsed dimly, lines of text scrolling in Mando'a.

"Composition scan," Korda muttered, more to himself than anyone. A moment later, the readout steadied. He nodded once. "Density and resonance match. Trace impurities—negligible."

He returned the shard to his pouch and set the larger ingot on the deck. "The Ashen Maw would be… excessive," he said, glancing toward Siv. "It burns too hot. Risks scarring what should remain pure."

He drew his sidearm instead, a compact, scarred blaster that hummed with quiet menace as he charged it. With one steady motion, he aimed at the ingot's center and fired. The bolt struck with a sharp crack, light flaring bright against beskar's surface before ricocheting harmlessly away. The bolt's path seared a mark into Korda's own chestplate, smoking faintly where it hit.

He looked down at it briefly, brushed the soot away with the back of his hand. "My armor carries the same purity," he said evenly. "Alloy in the joints for movement—but the heart and bones are beskar. The test speaks true."

Korda reholstered his pistol, then held the ingot up for Siv and Edward to see. "Pure," he confirmed, tone flat but final. "Unmixed. It will serve again."

He set the ingot back into the crate, sealing it with care before looking toward Edward. "You could have hoarded this," Korda said. "Sold it. Melted it down for your own ends. Instead, you returned what was never yours to claim." His voice softened slightly, a deep, quiet gravity beneath the mechanical rasp. "Ha'rangir remembers such choices. You've earned our regard, Ashcard."


He nodded once to Siv, awaiting the Warden's confirmation to log the return into the registry, then stood at silent attention beside the crate—still, vigilant, and waiting for the others to speak.

Siv Kryze Edward Ashcard Alora Vizsla

 

[Edward Ashcard]

Location: Ark of Ha'rangir — Loading Bays
Equipment:

• 1x Dragon 1R SMG
• 1x Lucius-pattern Bayonet
• 4x C-22 fragmentation grenade
• 2x Class-A thermal detonator
• 1x Imperial "Hellhound" Combat Armour Mk. I
• 1x Comlink

Ship: Dragon LF1 TR 'Wyvern' Technical Research Freighter
Tags: Alora Vizsla Korda Veydran Siv Kryze

​

Edward of course knew of the cultural and strategic significance of beskar to the Mandalorians, as it was the reason he made the trip in the first place, but he was surprised by their direct show of interest in what he had found. As he carefully handed over the crates, he watched with interest as a sample was chosen for testing. It was a smart decision Edward thought to himself, as surely there must be a stream of people meaning to defraud the Mandalorians, even if such a scheme was shortsighted.

"Greetings Korda Veydran, the ingots are beskar as far as my analysis concludes, but it is more than sensible to inspect them yourself." His voice was firm and professional, as followed Korda's movements with the red eyes of his helmet.

Edward turned to face the new figure that stood next to Korda and carefully absorbed his words as the sound of productive industry filled the air. He matched the speaker's movement and took a step towards Siv Kryze and offered him his hand to shake.

"Thank you Warden Kryze, and through your insistence on testing I can see your dedication. While myself like many others I assume approve of the Mandalorians's martial might, my own thoughts on the matter were only improved by the assistance of a Mandalorian in ridding one of the Eternal Empire's worlds of an unusual beast, although I am unaware of her affiliations. Regardless, I am glad that my intentions in coming here have not been misunderstood. While I will always be grateful to the Eternal Empire and what they taught me, my actions have become more independent over time, and it is pleasant when I can see somebody benefit from my work."

Edward watched the inspection process with interest and did not flinch as Korda fired his blaster. The glancing shot to the chest reminded him of his early days training with Blackwatch operatives to build trust and discipline.

"It would have been unwise for me to have used the beskar for my own ends, but I am glad that you will be able to make good use of it. Of course, I am happy to discuss further how it came into my possession and if you would offer your hospitality I would not think of refusing it."

​

 

[Korda Veydran]

Korda listened in silence as Edward spoke, his visor fixed on the man with the unwavering stillness of a hunter studying prey — not with suspicion, but with quiet measure. The faint whir of servos accompanied the slight tilt of his head as he regarded Edward's professionalism and composure.


When the Eternal officer finished, Korda gave a low sound that might have been approval. He holstered his blaster and brushed a gloved hand across the chestplate where the bolt had struck earlier, the soot still faintly visible against the gray beskar.


"You speak as one who understands the weight of what he carries," Korda said, his tone steady and gravelly beneath the vocoder. "Few outside our people do. Fewer still return it."


He reached to his belt, unclipping a small leather pouch — worn, but meticulously cared for. From within, he produced a modest token: a coin-sized plate of tempered iron, etched with the image of a cracked flame encircling a stylized skull — the sigil of Clan Veydran. The metal was cool, dark, and faintly scorched at its edges.


the knife sliding home into its sheath with a soft snk. His attention shifted fully to Edward now. The flickering light caught the faint crimson etching on his shoulder plate — the sigil of a dragon's skull split down the center, the mark of a clan that no longer existed.



He held it out to Edward, the coin balanced in the center of his armored palm.


"If you ever find yourself in need," he said, voice quieter now, "call on me. I answer few, but you've earned that right."


A faint hiss of breath escaped his helmet's vox before he continued, almost an afterthought, though the heaviness of the words betrayed their importance.


"I am the last of Clan Veydran. Because I made it so."


The forge's glow painted him in harsh light and shadow, the reflection of molten metal dancing over his armor. He didn't elaborate, didn't justify — only let the words hang in the air like embers.


He stepped back a pace, hands returning to rest at his sides, giving space for Siv Kryze to speak if he wished. The faint hum of the purity tester faded, replaced once more by the rhythmic sound of the forge and the low, distant beat of hammers.

Siv Kryze Alora Vizsla Edward Ashcard

 

[Siv Kryze]

.​

BOZ PITY​

​

The faint tremor of the forges deeper within the Ark rolled beneath Siv's boots as he regarded the exchange between Korda and the Eternal officer. Sparks flared from a nearby smelter, scattering light over the dark metal of his armor as he approached, every movement deliberate — like a hammer striking in rhythm with the heartbeat of Mandalore itself.

He came to a halt beside the sealed crate, the sigil of Clan Kryze faintly gleaming against his pauldron. His voice cut through the ambient noise of engines and machinery, low and resonant.

"Honor, it seems, is not lost beyond the Empire's reach," he said, his visor trained on Edward. "Few who stumble upon beskar see it for what it truly is — not just metal, but history, shaped by fire and blood. You understood that."

Siv's head inclined slightly toward Korda Veydran , a quiet acknowledgment of the purity test's conclusion. "You've given back what was ours. For that, Mandalore sees you not as a thief, but as a man who knows the worth of what others would desecrate."

He extended a hand — gloved in iron-gray beskar, the motion slow and deliberate. "Siv Kryze, Warden of Concordia. The Ark stands as both forge and fortress, and it welcomes those who come with clear purpose." His tone remained even, but there was a weight to it, the gravity of a commander used to measuring allies in action rather than words.

"If you wish hospitality, you shall have it," Siv continued. "The guest decks along the upper promenade are open to you until the registry clears your ship and cargo. Alora Vizsla will see to it that you're given access to the forges — a rare sight for any outsider. Consider it a gesture of trust."

The Warden turned slightly, his visor catching the glow of molten light from the smelting pits beyond. "In time, perhaps, we'll speak of the Eternal Empire and of this beast you mentioned. Mandalore keeps long memory, Ashcard — of enemies, yes, but also of those who treat with us in good faith."

He paused, then added quietly, a note of steel threaded through the calm:

"Do not mistake respect for weakness. You've returned beskar to its people; that's an act of strength. Keep walking in that same manner, and you'll find no closed doors on Mandalore."

He gestured briefly toward the bay's far end, where a group of armored figures were beginning to unload new shipments for the forges. " Edward Ashcard , go with Alora. Let her show you what becomes of your return — how Mandalorians breathe new life into what was once lost."

With that, Siv stepped back beside Korda, his attention sweeping once more across the hangar — vigilant, unyielding, and watchful as the Ark's hum deepened around them like a living heart of iron.

 

[Edward Ashcard]

Location: Ark of Ha'rangir — Loading Bays
Equipment:

• 1x Dragon 1R SMG
• 1x Lucius-pattern Bayonet
• 4x C-22 fragmentation grenade
• 2x Class-A thermal detonator
• 1x Imperial "Hellhound" Combat Armour Mk. I
• 1x Comlink

Ship: Dragon LF1 TR 'Wyvern' Technical Research Freighter
Tags: Alora Vizsla Korda Veydran Siv Kryze

​

Edward carefully took the coin, marked with the sigil of Clan Veydran, and inspected the detail work under the practical lighting of the loading bay. To others the industrial environment may have been anticlimactic but to Edward Korda's action were meaningful and suggested sincerity which Edward highly valued even if he did clash with his service as an agent.

"Thank you. If I ever need to call upon you, you can be assured it will be for no trivial matter. I hope that you can direct Clan Veydran towards the fate you desire for it." Edward said as he carefully opened one of the pouches on his belt and slowly slid the coin inside before closing it and making sure it was secure.

Edward turned once again to Warden Kryze and approved of his words. Thoughts of building upon this new connection to the Mandalorians crossed his mind. He had come to the aid of those across the political divides that defined the Galaxy, but most were quick to move him on. They were happy to accept the results, but not the focus and dedication required to achieve them. While the Mandalorians may have had their own traditions, they clearly appreciated similar aspects of life as himself, and perhaps it would do no harm to learn from them.

"I have sent over the information regarding my ship, and I hope its classification is not a cause for concern. Apart from the ship itself, My cargo hold does contain a range of explosives, but I doubt they would be a threat to this grand place, and regardless they are well secured. If you feel the need for it, I would be happy to allow an inspection of my ship." Edward was not concerned about such an inspection as while the databanks of his ship held many secrets they were well protected and the Mandalorians had given him no signs that a team of slicers were about to descend upon his ship.

"I would be honoured to see your forges and how you fight against your beskar falling to decay and entropy. Lead on at your discretion Alora Vizsla "

​

 

[Alora Vizsla]

Alora turned to regard everyone as they bantered about the return of beskar. The Empire had a real thing about the traditionally Mandalorian processed ore. She was just lucky enough to be one of them otherwise they'd al be getting upset at her less than traditional armor. Some of them were already a bit snobbish about the lack of a proper 'T' shape. Not that she cared. Now, if someone else had survived the decimation of their homeworld all those years ago and had something to say about it... well, she'd at least listen.

Honey brown eyes blinked as Siv suddenly declared her the official tour guide. Uh... 'kay? Well, it'd give her time to talk 'shop' with their visitor. Maybe without people going all gun-ho about pirates and smugglers being evil? Woman, the number of times the Enclave annihilated perfectly good smuggling ports where she made bank... Why did no one appreciate how much cutting-edge cybernetics cost? She was offsetting that price with odd-jobs!

With a soft, unnecessary clearing of the throat, Alora straightened to her full five foot nine height with a broad smile. "Right." She turned slightly and gestured away from his ship. "If you'll follow me..." it also afforded her a moment to gauge if Siv or Korda looked posed to accompany them or had any follow-up concerns about the, uh, explosives in the man's ship.

"I'm Alora Vizsla, as I was not so formally introduced. I'm a cyberneticist and machinist. My ship's the Gambit, and I have one of the best cyber-labs in the galaxy for anyone in need." Alora was happy to talk as they walked, of course. "I also happen to pursue commercial opportunities to offset those expenses. Something I take we have in common."

"Speaking of things in common, I don't think I got your name earlier either. What should I call you? And your ship? Anything remarkable about it? I could talk for days all about the Gambit."

Siv Kryze | Korda Veydran | Edward Ashcard​

 

[Edward Ashcard]

Location: Ark of Ha'rangir — Alora's Tour
Equipment:

• 1x Dragon 1R SMG
• 1x Lucius-pattern Bayonet
• 4x C-22 fragmentation grenade
• 2x Class-A thermal detonator
• 1x Imperial "Hellhound" Combat Armour Mk. I
• 1x Comlink

Ship: Dragon LF1 TR 'Wyvern' Technical Research Freighter
Tags: Alora Vizsla Korda Veydran Siv Kryze

​

Edward happily followed Alora beyond the loading bays. It had been a considerable amount of time since he had talked to somebody else about topics of common interest or thinking about it, talking about anything beyond a purely utilitarian level. Cyberneticist and machinist? It seemed like Edward's desire for an interesting conversation were going to be fulfilled. Edward liked to be focused on his mission, but his mission for now had mostly been completed. The beskar had been handed over, so there was not such a great need to carefully consider every move.

"Edward Ashcard is my name. Recently I have found myself needing to take part in independent action or 'commercial opportunities' as you call them. I pick my targets to avoid diplomatic repercussions as much as possible. You should never underestimate your opponent, but I find that most common criminals flee once the first couple of blaster bolts fail to get past an energy shield or when they reflect off armour." He walked beside Alora so they could continue their conversation.

"I am glad to talk about my ship since I was the technical advisor for the project and practically lead the design of it, but of course the engineers and shipwrights made it possible. The Dragon LF1 TR 'Wyvern' is the enlarged military variant of the civilian Dragon LF1 'Drake' and while it might be unoriginal, I simply call my ship the Wyvern since I have the first of its class. The ship has what I would hope are an impressive array of sensors and scanners for a range of purposes. The ship contains a fully integrated communications and relay satellite which keeps the ship connected to the various galactic networks almost anywhere in the Galaxy. It has multiple AI systems for the purpose of redundancy and so technically it has a crew requirement of zero, although it's not much of a mobile command centre without a commander. I don't know if you find weapons overly interesting, but the ship is armed with coilguns of my own design. Perhaps I should have asked what you wanted to hear about first? I would be happy to hear about the Gambit or your cyber-labs."

​

 

[Alora Vizsla]

Alora laughed. "I don't call them that. Prudence calls them that, and who am I to argue with her?" She made sure to adjust her pace to bring them along side one another rather than her being in the lead. "I'm sure you know all about how... particular Mandalorians can be." The man had just finished an engagement with some of the more fastidious of their people for matters of decorum and law. Real upstanding people. Must be nice, but Alora had been doing her thing way too long to start thinking about being a good little Mando. "So when it comes to 'opportunities' we do everything by the book and only engage in perfectly above board activities." She leaned in a little closer and lowered her voice, "That's the official story." The unofficial one was... well, neither of them needed to say it aloud. Edward understood, she was certain.

"And 'officially' I wouldn't mind hearing about some choice venues you visit. I wouldn't mind sharing a few ports and services in return. Can never have too many safe havens and exchange markets." Well you had to fence things somewhere, right? When things didn't have proper owners or political strings attached.

Edward launched in to describing his ship, and Alora found what he had to say similar and also radically different to her own story. She knew she'd like him. How? Her own special kind of magic -- belief it would be so.

"Don't worry about firsts with me. I got time, and I love a good story," Alora chuckled. "So, yeah, the Gam's a modified VT-88. I'd say I built him myself, but I didn't design the actual framework, so I guess a shipwright somewhere gets a sliver of credit. Otherwise, I've added so much to him that he's a class of his own. Though I didn't bother naming a class after him. He's the first and only of his kind." The brilliant smile remained, but there was a brief pause as Alora felt a pang of sadness at Gam being alone. "He's the best stealth ship in the galaxy, you know? Gam and I get into some crazy places together. He can even pilot himself when I'm not around; though that doesn't keep him from complaining about drawing attention in war zones."

Alora looked back over at Edward again. "So, besides beholding the majesty of the Forges -- and don't worry, they're a sight to behold -- is there something you're looking for while you're here? You got through the front door, so a place to bunk wouldn't be difficult. Anything else?"

Edward Ashcard​

 

[Edward Ashcard]

Location: Ark of Ha'rangir — Alora's Tour
Equipment:

• 1x Dragon 1R SMG
• 1x Lucius-pattern Bayonet
• 4x C-22 fragmentation grenade
• 2x Class-A thermal detonator
• 1x Imperial "Hellhound" Combat Armour Mk. I
• 1x Comlink

Ship: Dragon LF1 TR 'Wyvern' Technical Research Freighter
Tags: Alora Vizsla

​

Edward knew what Alora was talking about, of course. Dealing with the Black Sun cartels within the Eternal Empire had been one of his main duties as an operative. The work was always very inwardly focused so it was never seen as important to determine if the Black Sun cartels were the 'legitimate' Black Sun or not, which perhaps hindered their ability to shut down smuggling routes. But a lot had changed since then. He was no longer an operative, but an agent with a ship and command of a mission of his own, even if it was a one-man mission. He held no ill will towards Alora, since his dislike for criminals was due to their impact on his home rather than any idealistic personal crusade against crime. Edward enjoyed engaging in causal conversation, even if the job of being causal was solely the task of who he was talking to.

"While I dislike the place on account of being stuck there for several years, Mijos is worth considering if you need to lie low or have need for discrete landing pads. The planet is dotted by a great number of spaceports but many of them have sunk into the swamps and sit abandoned but some of those abandoned spaceports are in fairly good condition, to the point that some still have functional reactors." Edward had disabled most of the filters in his helmet as they walked to allow him to talk with a more natural voice. It seemed highly improbable that he was going to be subjected to a surprise gas attack. "Gambit sounds like a very capable vessel, and while my ship has a good range of sensors, it's not really a stealth ship in of itself. In fact, the Wyern could easily detect another ship of the same class, which I imagine some might find funny."

Edward liked to be honest, despite his profession, and it was a good time to demonstrate, mostly to himself, that he had not drifted away from whom he thought he was. "On the matter of why I am here? It would be easy to say that I'm just here for work or to a place to repair my ship, but in truth I'm looking for more than that. I have always found purpose in doing my duty but, and I say this in confidence, when I returned to the Eternal Empire it paradoxically was both too similar and too different to how it was when I had last seen it. Politically it had become stagnated, but operationally they started pushing for operatives to have biochips installed with an advanced AI directly connected to command. I believe in discipline through control of yourself, not circuits and chemicals. It's clear that you are not the most … ceremonial of Mandalorians, and it would be interesting to hear what it actually takes, since outsiders tend to focus on the wrong aspects. I know that from experience when it comes to the Eternal Empire. I doubt the story I was told by a drunk on Coruscant about how a Mandalorian must be able to carry their starship on their back was true." Perhaps Edward smiled as he said that, but it was impossible to tell through his helmet.

​

 

[Alora Vizsla]

"A discrete place to exchange material can help. I know most Mandalorians believe in just kicking every door down, but Gam and I are better at the whole reconnaissance part of good operational planning. And you have to get that intel back discretely." Yeah, totally nothing to do with having slipped through a blockade to steal something or offload someone from a planet. Nope, all perfectly sanctioned jobs here.

With a lift of her chin. Alora preened at Edward recognizing Gambit's quality. She'd sunk a lot of credits into his design to make that quality. That wasn't as much of a finance draw as it used to be, but they still had to keep up with new sensor technologies. "Maybe we could play hide and seek sometime." Edward seemed pretty taken on the detecting bit, and she was totally against being detected, so it'd be interesting to butt heads.

Ego stroking aside, it was interesting to hear what Edward claimed as personal motivation. The Eternal Empire had wanted to chip their operatives? And not just in the 'track everywhere you go' angle either. An AI connected to command? "Sounded like they intended to own their operatives." Not a single moment in private. Every state, really, expected to own their spies -- every action was under review, and deviations resulted in uncomfortable investigations. That alone wasn't much in favor with Alora; but this next level would have had her shooting her way out of such a facility.

Ah, if it mattered. Arguably? Didn't. Arguably? She already was tied to a centralized AI. Yes, well, only room for one of those in her life.

"Me? No, not much on ceremony," Alora agreed in good spirits. "What it takes? To be Mandalorian?" Like he'd said, was he thinking of more than just work? Maybe something stable and long-term? "Brutal, but well-timed honesty. Constant self-improvement. Dedication to your comrades. And never breaking your word... unless you find out what you agreed to will violate the Creed. If you can carry a starship on your back that's a plus too, but we don't have enough ships for that or space planet-side to store them all."

"If you're seriously interested, learning our culture is the hardest part. Anyone can fire a blaster accurately enough to qualify for training in other weaponry. Not just anyone can be bothered to remember where we came from, what we hold dear, and why any of it matters. Not that any of that is a state secret, but it's not exactly riveting stuff either."

They were coming up on a massive doorway beyond which loud bangs and clangs could be heard of industrial sized machinery and metalsmiths alike hard at work. Alora stopped and turned to face Edward before things got loud in the next chamber. "What qualities do you look for in a people, Edward?"

Edward Ashcard​

 

[Edward Ashcard]

Location: Ark of Ha'rangir — Alora's Tour
Equipment:

• 1x Dragon 1R SMG
• 1x Lucius-pattern Bayonet
• 4x C-22 fragmentation grenade
• 2x Class-A thermal detonator
• 1x Imperial "Hellhound" Combat Armour Mk. I
• 1x Comlink

Ship: Dragon LF1 TR 'Wyvern' Technical Research Freighter
Tags: Alora Vizsla

​

Edward stopped and pondered Alora's question. When she stopped, he expected to be told how to avoid some unknown Mandalorian faux pas or even just told to not touch anything depending on how free-form the forges were, but regardless, he was happy to answer the question.

"The ability to struggle for their place in the Galaxy regardless of victory or defeat, and the ability to find meaning in that struggle. Dedication towards duty, discipline, and self-sacrifice along with placing the well-being of the community over personal satisfaction. People who can show restraint and demonstrate control over their own minds and bodies. Please do not misunderstand me, I still seek joy in life and have even been to a few dances where there was music." Edward's voice was friendly but firm even as he said something that many may have found ridiculous to boast about.

"Happiness is important, but I don't consider it the primary goal of culture. If a people live only for comfort or joy, they lose the will to reach beyond themselves. To struggle, to question, to doubt. It is the struggle that defines us, not what we are struggling for."

"Still, I value honesty. Patience. Loyalty to something, even if it's just to your own volition. I also value a willingness to listen, especially when you think you are working towards a 'perfect' future which is a comment I mostly direct towards the Jedi and the Sith."

​

 

[Alora Vizsla]

Alora laughed. "Well I understand. Some Mandalorians can be far too stiff. Well meaning, but ri-gid. You'll find enough around appealing to that to not lose your mind, but just brace yourself for the paladin-types. They know how to unwind a little at a cantina though, so you can always frequent one of those for stress relief."

"So, the Empire isn't working toward perfection like those Force Scholars. Even before they burned Mandalore we were never interested in that kind of thing. Not our style. If anything, our people like to claim to be the strongest. The best warriors in the galaxy. That's how you end up with some governments like the Neo-Crusaders." Alora shrugged. "This time around, Mandalor's trying to focus all that skill and experience on bounties, hunts, securing our homeworlds... Long as we can get people to engage on that front everything'll work out just fine. Even those not on the front lines'll reap a harvest. But I'm just a Cyber-Doc and Mechanic." With a quick wink, she turned to resume leading him into the forge area.

"Oh, don't put your hand any where you aren't certain is safe by the way. Don't pick up the Smith's hammers." Alora rolled her head upward for a moment. "Otherwise," she looked back down at Edward with a smile, "enjoy the sights. I'll point out some of the cool machinery they use to crank out the gear without sacrificing quality. Sometimes, it makes the final product better. Even an extremely strong Human can't measure up to a ten ton sledge." And Alora would do exactly as she'd said too. It'd be more than a penny tour so long as Edward seemed interested.

Wasn't like there were state secrets in a Forge. Well, not ones you could steal by looking anyway. Took a lifetime for some Smiths to master their trade.

Edward Ashcard​

 

[Edward Ashcard]

Location: Ark of Ha'rangir — Alora's Tour
Equipment:

• 1x Dragon 1R SMG
• 1x Lucius-pattern Bayonet
• 4x C-22 fragmentation grenade
• 2x Class-A thermal detonator
• 1x Imperial "Hellhound" Combat Armour Mk. I
• 1x Comlink

Ship: Dragon LF1 TR 'Wyvern' Technical Research Freighter
Tags: Alora Vizsla

​

Edward was pleased to hear Alora's words. It was good to hear that the Mandalorians were focused on securing what they controlled, while also working on improving their skills and building up experience. In Edward's mind, there really was no substitute for it. Training could be very effective indeed, but it was experience, personal or cultural, that made soldiers do more than hold the line.

"Don't underestimate your role as a cyber-doc and mechanic. Neither of us would be here if the most advanced weapon in the galaxy was a club."

Edward was truly interested in the tour of the forges and absorbed the sights before him and Alora's words. He had a very limited understanding of metallurgy, but he found it interesting all the same. It was somewhat strange for Edward to be in such a place. He had always valued the craftsmanship that had gone into his armour and equipment, he was never privy to how it was forged or by whom apart from his ship and slugthrower. Despite his interest, he had no desire to drag Alora around longer than her enthusiasm lasted.

"How are repairs handled? It's one thing to bang a plate back into place, but what about armour piercing slugs or even disruptors? The majority of my armour is able to regenerate, so most of my maintenance is limited to systems and electronics repair."

​