Private Of Orchids and Iron

[Aether Verd]

Assets: Beskar'gam | Basilisk
Darksaber | Resolute Dawn​

EVAA'LA YAIM

The stars stretched long as the escort peeled away.

Crimson streaks marked the sky in his wake, trailing behind the black-winged basilisk war droid that bore him across the frozen veil of Evaar’la Yaim. The cold light of the planet crept in through his visor, soft and silver, touching the edges of his beskar like frost clinging to flame.

Below him sprawled a city born of iron and bloom: A’lakua Ta’hyapr, the Orchid Sanctuary. Neither fortress nor flower. Something between.

He knew the name.

House Orchid. Clan Cadera. Remnants of a line once fire-forged in the crucible of Mand'alor the Infernal's reign. They had not knelt in his throne room. They had not been summoned. But they remained. Mandalorian still. And that was enough.

Aether had not come as Mand’alor to command. He came as kin.

The people of Clan Gred had welcomed him with open arms, not out of fear, not for favor, but because they believed in the idea that Mandalorians, scattered as they were, might still find their way home. It was a hope he carried here. Across stars and scars.

His basilisk dipped lower, engines cycling into descent. Towers and factories gave way to green belts and public sanctuaries, all threaded between war foundries and shipyards that pulsed with quiet life.

Here, steel was softened by flowers.

He brought no warband. No banners. No pageantry. Only the weight of his name, and the quiet hope that someone still wore the violet of Cadera beneath this frozen sky.

With a hiss of steam and a hum of stabilizers, the basilisk touched down at the nearest landing platform.

And Aether Verd stepped out into the cold, not as Mand’alor the Iron, but as a son of Mandalore. Here to meet his cousins across the stars.​

Silhana Cadera

 

[Silhana Cadera]

Information

Alor of Clan Cadera, Headmistress of the House Orchid and Bounty Hunters' Guild​

"Galactic Basic" | <"Mandalorian"> | ~"Telepathic" communication ~ | << comm. channel >>​

Objective: Talking to the stranger
Location: A'lakua Ta'hyapr, Evaar'la Yaim
Equipment: 2x PV-16 "Sunfury" Pulse Pistol | 2x Simple short sword | Beskar'gam | Mandalorian vambrace || Stealth field generator || OPBC-01m
Writing With: Aether Verd

I returned from my current patrol not so long ago. Everything was fine, as fine as it can be on a planet that is home to a super volcano that erupted not too long ago. I hadn't seen this place before, only after the volcano had pretty much destroyed everything on it, but when we got it from the Eternal Empire, it seemed like a great place to start over and rebuild our culture. That's why there are several cities and fortresses on the planet, all under the jurisdiction of one clan or another. I lived here, in this one, which was built for my bounty hunter clan and Clan Cadera by the HPI Consortium when we moved to the planet.

And since then we have lived and thrived here. I was not Alor then, just a simple verd'ika, but so much has happened since then. It was as if I was no longer the same person; at least I thought so at times. Although quite a long time had passed, the things Kralmus Orr used to say during our battles were still vivid in my memory. It still hurts to admit that he was able to break me. But at least I didn't give that worm the pleasure of seeing it, because it wasn't until after his death that I crumbled. It took me a long time to get over those times. But here we were, blooming and a new hope, a new dawn for Clan Cadera. And of course, my family was here, my children and Arturo Braga , my husband.

Over the years, A'lakua Ta'hyapr has also changed. At first, I founded it partly for my clan and my bounty hunters, but over the years asylum seekers have moved here, other Mandalorians have moved here, and the city has grown into a fortress city. Sure, it had gardens and parks and such, but it was now a military city. It was needed in this world. And as for the changing of the ages, what happened to so many others in 902 happened to our planet, shifting in space without any explanation. It was on the edge of the galaxy, far from the boundaries of the Galactic Alliance. Terraris and Kalidan became quite close to us, which I didn't regret, nor that we were so far away from everything.

So we have stayed out of any Mandalorian infighting, Mandalorian empires have risen and fallen in recent years, Mand'alors have changed like an ordinary man changes his clothes. To tell you the truth, I gave up following this, I didn't really care. I cared about the welfare of my clan and the other clans on the planet. We were better off here than in the middle of the galaxy where Mandalorians killed Mandalorians. We lived here in peace and did not shed the blood of our brothers.

But back to the present, after the patrol, I was at one of the training grounds, where the younger children were being taught. And, of course, those who joined the clan later. I loved working with them and teaching them. It always reminded me of how the clan took me in shortly after I was freed from slavery and became a bounty hunter. While practicing, a young one ran up to me that an unknown warrior was on his way this way. I looked in the direction the child pointed and soon I noticed the approaching one. I started towards him, and when we were a few meters apart, I stopped to greet him.

<"Su cuy'gar, vod!"> I greeted the unknown man and held out my arm to the traditional greeting. <"Welcome to Clan Cadera's home. What is your reason for visiting us? It's always a pleasure to see new people here.">

 

[Aether Verd]

Assets: Beskar'gam | Basilisk
Darksaber | Resolute Dawn​

EVAA'LA YAIM

Aether stepped forward to meet her, his movements steady, deliberate. When Silhana offered the traditional greeting, he accepted without hesitation, clasping her forearm with a brief, firm grip. His voice, when it came, held the warmth of kinship, not command.

"Su cuy’gar, Alor Cadera. It’s good to see your Clan standing strong!"

He released her arm and let his eyes take in the surroundings: the training grounds behind her, the resilient towers in the distance, and the distant curl of steam where warfoundries met greenbelt.

"I’ve heard stories, but I wasn’t prepared for all this. What you’ve built here is no small thing. I’m glad to see you faring well, especially after the Planeshift threw half the stars into shadow. It speaks volumes of your people’s resolve."

Aether unclipped his helmet, holding it casually under one arm. There was no need for masks here, not with family.

"My name is Aether Verd. The Clans have seen fit to name me their Mand’alor."

His tone did not swell with pride, only responsibility.

"I’ve been traveling...to sit with our people, one hearth at a time. To listen. To remember what binds us. I didn’t come to demand fealty or see your banner flown beside the Empire’s. I only came to share space, break bread, and speak as kin do, when the stars are quiet and the cold bites less."

He glanced toward the nearby foundlings at the training ground, then back to her with a small nod.

"If you’d humor me, I’d like to share what’s happened on Mandalore. The shape of things. What’s stirring in the dark, and what we’re building in its wake."

A faint smile touched his lips, not out of politics, but out of hope.

"Only if you’ve time to spare, of course. I’m in no rush. The company here seems worth lingering for."​

Silhana Cadera

 

[Silhana Cadera]

Information

Alor of Clan Cadera, Headmistress of the House Orchid and Bounty Hunters' Guild
"Galactic Basic" | <"Mandalorian"> | ~"Telepathic" communication ~ | << comm. channel >>

Objective: Talking to the stranger
Location: A'lakua Ta'hyapr, Evaar'la Yaim
Equipment: 2x PV-16 "Sunfury" Pulse Pistol | 2x Simple short sword | Beskar'gam | Mandalorian vambrace || Stealth field generator || OPBC-01m
Writing With: Aether Verd

For a few moments, I almost felt that panic coming over me again, as it had done before. I didn't know whether the man would accept my greeting or not. But in the end he did, and here I felt a little relieved. I guess that's the one thing that never changed, that I was still able to panic in any situation, or just came to be embarrassed. At the man's words, I finally smiled girlishly and maybe even my pink skin turned a slightly darker shade as I blushed.

<"I was… I'm just trying and trying to give back to them what I got from them when they took me in."> I said honestly and maybe a little modestly, but it was the truth.

If they hadn't accepted me at the time, I would probably be dead, but they gave me not just my life, but a family, a big family. Something I hadn't had for a very long time before. I nodded at the man's words, Planeshift had affected us, we had moved from the edge of the Unknown Region to the interior, as had several other planets from the former Eternal Empire. But there were still people nearby we could count on and perhaps even call allies. As for this place...

<"What was built here is not only my merit, but everyone's. Back then, many of us were Mandalorians in the Eternal Empire... the Empress offered us a home. We chose this planet, together with the other clans, so that we would never forget that our people are scattered among the stars, divided... but we adapt and survive, even in the most difficult circumstances. These cities, these fortresses, symbolise our dedication and our people's ability to survive and thrive even in the harshest of conditions."> I told him.

I tilted my head slightly to the side as the man took off his helmet. I didn't recognize who he was, but after all, there were so many clans, I probably didn't know anything about half of them. When he introduced himself and what his rank was, I rolled my eyes for a moment and uttered the following words completely involuntarily...

<"Another one?!"> came out of my mouth in a desperate rush, and then I blushed with embarrassment and closed my eyes in confusion. <"Forgive my disrespect... it's just that... your predecessors didn't exactly hold that title for long and there was a time when there were several Mand'alor at once. If the rumours are true, there's still on this planet the former Mand'alor the Ruthless, who bore that title for thousands of years earlier, Dodhorn Harert ... who is the lover of Khamul Kryze another Manda'lor... and then that's just this planet and not the Galaxy itself."> there was hopelessness in my voice, then I dropped my hands, I think… I had been pointing too much between my words.

Calm down Sil, calm down… I told myself in my mind. I forced myself to take a deep breath, I would have continued my words. A little calmer now.

<"Forgive me again, we don't have the best experience with our own people. We were "reborn" at a time when our people were split into at least eight to ten, Mandalorians killed Mandalorians and looked with contempt on the majority for trying to get along elsewhere. That is why we have decided to try our luck far away, wherever we can be strengthened and perhaps not fear that our own people, our own brothers and sisters, will attack us again. People who have no respect for anything and for whom everyone else is just disposable trash... people who have turned cities into glass because they stood between them and their targets, or people who have kidnapped you and broken you, transformed you to be like them..."> my voice was all sorrow and sadness, often feeling like I had seen too much.

I nodded at the next one, listening for a few more moments, not until there was an awkward silence between us, but just until my voice was normal.

<"I'll be most happy to listen to what you want to say."> I told him honestly. <"Can I invite you to my home, or would you prefer to see the city while we talk?"> I asked him.

 

[Aether Verd]

Assets: Beskar'gam | Basilisk
Darksaber | Resolute Dawn​

EVAA'LA YAIM

Aether let his gaze linger on the foundlings behind her once more before returning his attention to Silhana. His smile was quiet, thoughtful, the kind one gave when they saw something truly worth preserving.

"From where I’m standing," he said, voice low with conviction, "you’ve given them back all that and more. What you’ve done here speaks for itself."

As she spoke of how this place came to be, of fortresses raised by once-scattered clans, of cities born from the desire to endure, Aether nodded with genuine interest. He had heard whispers of Mandalorians who had served the Eternal Empire, but little beyond passing mention. That branch of their people, their journey, was unfamiliar to him, and he was the lesser for it.

"I’ll admit," he said, adjusting the helmet under his arm, "I don’t know much about what brought your clans into the Eternal Empire’s embrace. The history that scattered our people that far from home is something I’ve only ever seen in fragments. If you’re willing to share it, I’d be grateful to listen. It’s time I knew more of my extended kin."

And then she rolled her eyes. The shift in expression, so sudden and so sincere, drew a sharp laugh from him: open, full, and genuine. A wide grin formed across his face, amused not at her expense, but in shared understanding.

"None taken," he said, lifting his free hand in good humor. "It has been a cursed thing, that title. I don’t blame you for reacting like that. The mantle of Sole Ruler has changed hands more than a blaster in a back alley. But I do hope... I hope I can be the start of something different."

He let the words settle, and when he spoke again, the levity gave way to something firmer. His voice remained steady, but there was a weight behind it, the kind that came from long nights and hard decisions.

"So long as that mantle rests on my shoulders, your people have nothing to fear from me. Or from Mandalore. I don’t want to conquer our kin. I want to see them stand. Mandalore belongs to the Mandalorians, all of them, no matter where they call home. I want a future where they know they can return to the soil of their ancestors, whenever they choose, and never wonder if they’ll be welcomed. You’ll never see my hand raised against your people for choosing a different path, or for not flying the same banner. So long as they’re safe, free, and healthy... that’s enough for me."

He let the quiet truth of those words settle, then tilted his head toward her with a renewed warmth in his expression.

"If you’ll have me, I’d be honored to join you at your home. Lead the way."​

Silhana Cadera

 

[Silhana Cadera]

Information

Alor of Clan Cadera, Headmistress of the House Orchid and Bounty Hunters' Guild​

"Galactic Basic" | <"Mandalorian"> | ~"Telepathic" communication ~ | << comm. channel >>​

Objective: Talking to the stranger
Location: A'lakua Ta'hyapr, Evaar'la Yaim
Equipment: 2x PV-16 "Sunfury" Pulse Pistol | 2x Simple short sword | Beskar'gam | Mandalorian vambrace || Stealth field generator || OPBC-01m
Writing With: Aether Verd

<"Thank you for seeing it that way."> I mumbled to the man.

I tried not to blush even more at his words, but I think I failed – my pink skin turned an even darker, almost reddish shade. So, the man hadn’t heard much about the clans that had come here. I figured Taozi wouldn’t be too happy about that, especially since, if I remembered correctly, their original home was on Manaan and they were famous for their healing technology. Yeah, I guess the most eccentric clans had gathered under the banner of the Eternal Empire and moved to this planet.

<"Most of the clans used to be under the CIS, living under their protection. From what I know, there was a terrible battle at Kuat and maybe Manaan too, and even they… Well, they broke somewhat after that. At first, only Clan Tal and Clan Gred joined the Eternal Empire after leaving the CIS. Though both kept their original homes on the other side of the Galaxy, they were present here too. Later, because of the Alor of Clan Tal, Clan Mortui also joined the Empire. I came here later, first because of my bounty hunting license, and then as a member of Clan Cadera. Technically, we weren’t part of the Empire in the strictest sense. It was more of an agreement - we were given this planet, and if the Empress calls, we help as 'mercenaries.' On the condition that we’re allowed to say no. It sounded like a fair deal in exchange for a home, so we accepted. And we've been here ever since."> I explained the story briefly.

When I spoke about Clan Mortui, there was a hint of sadness in my voice - after all, Adenn Kyramud had become like a surrogate father to me. He ultimately sacrificed himself for our people, dying like a true warrior and hero. I wasn’t really sure what I expected when I blurted out that the man also saw himself as our people's leader, but it definitely wasn’t the reaction I got. I looked at him in surprise when he started laughing. That reaction actually made him seem quite likeable, so in the end, I shyly smiled back and nodded.

<"I hope this really can be the beginning of something new. We’ve been scattered across the Galaxy for too long. Though I also know we’re too different, with completely different ideologies… only the core of our culture remains the same."> I said thoughtfully. <"But I don’t know much about you. How did you manage to gather the clans? And how did you become the Mand’alor?">

The man’s next words sounded somewhat reassuring, though I had been deceived and let down so many times that I received them with some skepticism. I didn’t know if he could actually keep that promise - but I hoped he would.

<"I genuinely appreciate the offer. I hope it truly comes to pass. And I promise that we too will not act with any hostile intent toward you or the clans you lead."> I vowed.

I nodded at his words and gestured with my hand to show him the way. Our home wasn’t anything extravagant, despite me being the leader of my clan and Arturo being an influential figure as well. The house was on the edge of a park - single-story, mostly rectangular in shape. It had a somewhat military, bunker-like design, but still showed signs of being a real home.

When we reached the door, it opened, and I stepped aside to let him in. The interior was cosy, but with a slightly military edge. Since I hadn’t expected guests, children’s toys were scattered everywhere. Arturo and Lynne weren’t home at the moment.

<"Sorry for the mess, I wasn’t expecting company. Can I offer you something? Maybe some food or a drink?"> I asked him.

 

[Aether Verd]

Assets: Beskar'gam | Basilisk
Darksaber | Resolute Dawn​

EVAALA YAIM

Aether noted the deepening hue of Silhana’s skin with a quiet glance, recognizing the telltale sign of Mandalorian physiology betraying emotion. He did not mention it. Instead, he offered a simple nod to her thanks, his expression warm with understanding.

He listened intently as she spoke, saying nothing until she finished. The picture she painted was one he had never seen in full, only in fragments handed down by rumor or buried reports. His father's Confederacy had harbored Mandalorian clans, that much he knew, but he had never truly understood the scope of what they endured or the path they walked after.

"You’ve honored me with that history," he said at last, adjusting the helmet beneath his arm. "Most rulers would never offer a people an entire world in exchange for the chance of future help. That kind of trust is rare. Whoever your Empress was, it sounds like she had a good heart. I’m glad she gave your people this home."

He let that truth hang in the air for a breath, then gently shook his head.

"As for being too different," he said with a soft smile, "I don’t believe that’s possible. We could all wake up tomorrow with two heads and three hearts, and as long as we follow the Resol’nare, we’re kin. We come from different systems, different stories... but so long as that foundation is honored, then Mandalorian is not just a title. It’s a bond. I hope my visit here makes that clear. All of Mandalore’s children are family. No matter the flag they raise, or the path they walk."

Her question drew a thoughtful breath, and Aether’s voice shifted with the weight of memory.

"After the Planeshift Calamity, everything changed. The territory we held fractured. Entire systems lost contact with one another. Trade collapsed. Families couldn’t reach families. And the people suffered. The Neo-Crusaders were offworld at the time, honoring the old ways in battle. When the storms came, they chose to ride it out on Dxun. That was their right."

He looked at her, steady and sure.

"I came to Mandalore during the worst of it and helped lead the recovery. Not because I was seeking the title, but because someone had to. Our people needed healing. The Clans that weathered the Calamity chose me to wear the mantle. And since then, I’ve focused on unity. I’ve wiped the slate clean for anyone called Dar’manda. I’ve ended our old grudges. I honor all who came before me, all who once wore this title, because they are part of who we are. My mission now is simple. I bring our worlds back into the fold, one by one, and ensure our kin are never used, never forgotten, never forced to serve foreign thrones."

He offered a small, sheepish smile.

"Forgive the long answer. I don’t often get the chance to tell that story in full."

Following her through the quiet streets, Aether’s stride was unhurried, measured. When they arrived at her home, his smile grew. It wasn’t extravagant, but it didn’t need to be. The air carried warmth. Family. As the door opened and the mess of toys came into view, he laughed softly under his breath.

"You don’t owe me an apology," he said, his voice light with amusement. "This is what peace looks like. The signs of a happy home. I hope one day I’ll be blessed as you have."

To her offer, he gave a small incline of the head.

"Your hospitality is more than enough. You’ve given it freely, and that’s all I could ever ask."​

Silhana Cadera

 

[Silhana Cadera]

Information

Alor of Clan Cadera, Headmistress of the House Orchid and Bounty Hunters' Guild​

"Galactic Basic" | <"Mandalorian"> | ~"Telepathic" communication ~ | << comm. channel >>​

Objective: Talking to the stranger
Location: A'lakua Ta'hyapr, Evaar'la Yaim
Equipment: 2x PV-16 "Sunfury" Pulse Pistol | 2x Simple short sword | Beskar'gam | Mandalorian vambrace || Stealth field generator || OPBC-01m
Writing With: Aether Verd

<"It truly is nothing, hardly a secret, really. It's just that most events tend to revolve around the Core Worlds, and people often forget what happens out here, in the Outer Rim or the Unknown Regions."> I explained.

That was only partially true, of course. While Panatha still existed, the region did draw plenty of attention — mostly because of the Zambrano bloodline, who had played a significant role in galactic history for generations. Because of that, the world had been attacked countless times; by the Mandalorian Enclave, the Ashlan Crusade, and the Maw. From our perspective, the Enclave’s assault was perhaps the most heart-breaking: we had to fight our own people, who glassed the capital and killed countless innocents who had no ties to our enemies. And they still stood against us.

<"Back then, the Maw was the greatest threat. Everyone had to stand together. Still, I agree, it’s good to have a home. It’s better to have a solid foundation than to be forever wandering the galaxy, relying on the goodwill of others."> I said, though I had to admit; such situations could also be deeply humiliating.

I let out a quiet chuckle at the mention of two heads and three hearts, especially as I imagined what we’d look like that way. I couldn’t help myself, I suppose I’ve always been a very visual person. But just as the thought crossed my mind, the image of Kralmus Orr cut through my memories again. He still haunted my nights and often my days as well. I don’t think I’ll ever truly forget him, nor the trauma he caused during our many battles in the Second Great Hyperspace War. I’m still ashamed to admit that he did manage to break me in the end. Though that wretch never got to see it; he died before it happened.

I shook my head slightly, trying to tear myself from the past and return my focus to the present to my guest. I nodded slowly in response to his words, and yes, I truly hoped that things would unfold as he claimed. But… even with my often naïve outlook, I had to admit: trust had to be earned. We had suffered too much. In the end, time would reveal the answer.

<"Thank you for your words. I hope that, in time, your actions will reflect them just as well. For our part, we’ll act in accordance with what you’ve shared here, and welcome others the same way, but..."> I said carefully. <"I mentioned Clan Harert and a few members of Clan Kryze who supposedly live somewhere on this world. They once served the Maw and the Dark Empire. They don’t follow the Resol’nare. We’ve found old records, but according to historians, our people tried to erase all memory of them because of how terrible they were...">

I wasn’t sure whether the man knew of them, but I felt it was important to mention regardless. I then turned my full attention to him as he shared his own tale of how he came to lead our people. Yes, the Planeshift had disrupted much of the galaxy; in many ways, we were lucky, even if trade had become more difficult. Regardless, what he had accomplished was truly remarkable. I nodded to him with genuine admiration and said:

<"Thank you for sharing your story. I don’t believe many could have achieved what you did. Based on what you’ve told me, I’d say you’ve earned the mantle and the title."> I told him.

I laughed again softly when he called the "battlefield" at home peaceful; I’d call it chaos, personally. On most days even my daughter’s cat left her toys scattered everywhere. At least that wasn’t the case today. I was a little surprised to learn from his words that he had no family of his own yet. I didn’t know much about Clan Verd, but I knew they were vast and widespread. I offered a warm, encouraging smile.

<"You’re still young, I’m sure you’ll find someone to build a family with."> I said kindly. <"That almost made me sound like an old lady…"> I laughed, a little embarrassed.

But I shook my head as he refused any refreshments. I wasn’t about to be a poor hostess. I moved to the fridge and took out a few drinks and some sweets, my daughter adored them, so we always had plenty on hand. Perhaps not the most proper offering for a ruler or war leader, but I hadn’t exactly expected guests. I gestured toward the living room, where he could sit down comfortably. After placing my helmet aside, I brought the drinks, glasses, plates, and pastries into the room.

<"Please, have a seat and make yourself at home."> I said with a kind smile. <"If it’s not too forward to ask… what are your plans for our people going forward?"> I asked him.

 

[Aether Verd]

Aether gave a low chuckle, though there was no mirth behind it. The sound came from somewhere deep in his chest, weathered by long hours and tired patterns.

"You’re right, of course." he said, setting his helmet aside on the nearby table. "The Core tends to pull all the light to itself, like gravity that never quite loosens its grip. But real change? Real culture? That’s born out here, where survival isn't inherited but earned."

His eyes wandered for a breath, tracing the modest lines of the home around him. It was clean in its purpose and grounded in its design. There were no ornaments of status, no gilded symbols of authority. Just the presence of life and the echo of resilience.

"Having a place like this... a place to call your own, not given by decree or held at the whim of someone else's mercy, but shaped by your hands and your people’s work... that's a treasure. There's a kind of peace that comes with it, the kind you can’t buy and no one can give you."

When Silhana spoke of those who had once served the Maw and the Dark Empire, Aether grew thoughtful. His gaze softened, not with sympathy, but with consideration. He nodded once, slow and deliberate.

"If they’ve chosen not to follow the Resol’nare, then it’s likely our paths won’t cross..." he said, not as dismissal but as fact. "I’ve no quarrel with those who keep to themselves. If they don’t threaten our people or stand in the way of the future we’re building, then I’m content to leave them in peace."

The Alor’s praise of his journey struck something deeper than pride. Aether’s shoulders rose slightly as if to bear the weight of her words with care. He inclined his head, humbled.

"I’ll do everything I can to live up to that." he said quietly. "I won’t pretend I have all the answers, but I can promise this much. Every step I take will be with the hope of helping our people prosper, whether they stand beneath my banner or not."

Her laugh, light and genuine, stirred his own. He leaned back slightly and joined in, the kind of laughter that didn’t need to be loud to carry warmth. When she offered her hopeful remark about finding someone to build a family with, he smiled in earnest, touched by the simplicity of it.

"That’s kind of you to say. Thank you." His eyes shone with just a flicker of amusement as he added, "Though if I may, you don’t look a day older than me. I wouldn’t worry about sounding old just yet."

Following her gesture, Aether settled into a seat near the low table. He accepted a glass with one hand, a pastry with the other, and offered a nod of gratitude. After a sip, he let the quiet linger for a moment, using it to collect his thoughts before speaking again.

"My plans for our people are simple in shape, even if not in execution. First, to unify us: not by conquest, but through kinship and shared purpose. Second, to reclaim the worlds that belong to our heritage. Places like Roon, or Onderon or Dxun. To give the next generation more than just stories of where we came from."

He paused, the glass turning gently in his hand.

"And third... to ensure we never again serve Jedi or Sith. That cycle has cost us everything too many times. We are Mandalorians. Not pawns. Not weapons. Never again will we fight another war for someone else's throne and benefit nothing from it."

He set the glass back down with care, then looked across to her.

"What do you think of that vision, Alor Cadera?"

Silhana Cadera​

 

[Silhana Cadera]

Information

Alor of Clan Cadera, Headmistress of the House Orchid and Bounty Hunters' Guild​

"Galactic Basic" | <"Mandalorian"> | ~"Telepathic" communication ~ | << comm. channel >>​

Objective: Talking to the stranger
Location: A'lakua Ta'hyapr, Evaar'la Yaim
Equipment: 2x PV-16 "Sunfury" Pulse Pistol | 2x Simple short sword | Beskar'gam | Mandalorian vambrace || Stealth field generator || OPBC-01m
Writing With: Aether Verd

As the man spoke, I couldn’t help but smile at his words. The truth was, I didn’t mind that we lived so far out on the "fringe" of the Galaxy, in a place that rarely drew much attention or scrutiny. It allowed us to build far more freely. Perhaps that was the very reason Clan Harert had once chosen this world as their capital? I didn’t want to dwell on them too much, though, nor learn more than I needed to. In the end, I simply nodded.

<"Yes, I completely agree with that. And to be honest, I am somewhat glad of the fact that we could grow and build here undisturbed, without having to live every single day in the shadow of the past. A new beginning was necessary."> I told him.

I hadn’t wanted to phrase it as fear of what might happen, because that would not have been in keeping with who we were. But for those we had taken in - the refugees, the Chiss who were not Mandalorians - their fear would have been very real, and very justified. Many had fled the threat of the Maw, seeking shelter in the Eternal Empire or here. We had to protect so many… and some of them had joined us, becoming one with us.

<"The world itself is harsh and unforgiving. A supervolcano eruption shaped it into what it is now, not long before we settled here. Its effects are still felt, and eruptions still occur, reshaping the planet even now. But yes, I think I agree with you that it is a treasure. So many of us came here from so many different places, and now this is a place we can call home. And I believe that is the most important thing, that we have a home."> I explained, sharing my thoughts and feelings.

It was reassuring to hear that they would not stand in our way, so long as we did not follow their path. I think that was precisely the answer I had hoped for. Because those who did not walk with us; those who were not fair, could never be truly trusted. They knew exactly where our weaknesses lay, and could wound us most deeply. Yet that same weakness was also our greatest strength: our family, our clan, our society. I nodded once again, sipping from my cup of drink.

<"That is truly good to hear. I only hope that those who no longer walk our path will not exploit our weaknesses for their own gain."> I said, my voice carrying the conviction that what makes us vulnerable is also what makes us strong.

I nodded in gratitude when he said he would try to help everyone, whether they joined him or not. There was, however, an important truth - something both I and my clan held to - that I knew I would soon, very soon, have to tell him. For now, I held back and let him speak. The reclaiming of ancient worlds was a fine idea, even from a purely historical perspective, but for me the third point was the most important: We do not serve the Sith or the Jedi. Yet I also knew, "unfortunately", that not all Force Users belonged to either of those groups.

<"Your words are truly compelling, and they sound sincere. These are values that I, and my clan, could very much identify with. But there is something you must know before you decide whether to welcome us as well…">

My voice faltered for just a moment; not from fear, nor hesitation, but simply because I struggled with how to phrase it. Come on, Sil, come on. I drew in a deep breath.

<"You must know that Clan Cadera has changed a lot, Mand’alor. My clan despises and detests all forms of Force Users. Most of them have suffered, we have suffered, because of them, and we strive to stay as far from them as we possibly can. From all of them."> I said, my tone filled with firm conviction.