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Faction Space Traders II: The Search for More Beskar [ME]



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ANVIL OF CONCORDIA

Mandalorians weren't known for amassing credits or stock markets, but they were known for monopolizing resources. Namely, beskar. The Mandalorian Empire, in particular, had a hunger for the metal. For its utility, naturally, but also as a matter of cultural heritage. Any faction leader could describe the zeal the armor-wearing smiths had for the metal whenever the matter came up in conversation. The way they'd tense or start issuing demands for its return. Describing it as entitlement would be underselling their demand for its return.

Dominique had anticipated that during the High Republic's introduction to the Empire. She hadn't even suggested they barter for the metal; though the Mandalorians had thought to preempt any effort to acquire it, regardless. It was a deplorable state of affairs, but what could a humble commerce mogul do?

Bide her time, naturally, and wait for shifting winds to turn in her favor.

They were all still waiting.

Not about to let a little thing like the number one commodity being out of reach deter her from other opportunities, however, Dominique continued her efforts to garner the Mandalorian Empire's involvement in other ways. The Mandalore himself had seemed... guarded against those efforts, but not outright opposed. No matter how ruggedly individualistic and self-sustaining a people chose to be, materials, resources, and even luxury goods were always at a premium. You could never have enough. Oh, they could live without, but why willingly live without when they were within reach and at a relative bargain?

And so, an armored transport swept in toward the Anvil of Concordia with Dominique Vexx and her analysts on board. As before, she wouldn't even bring up the idea of beskar -- that would have to be left to the Mandalorians to make the first overture, if it ever came -- but pursue the litany of products and resources they could exchange. For the Republic, sure, but especially for Denon. What was good for Denon was good for the Republic; after all, trade to the deeper reaches had to pass through the Denon system.

Well, there was that unfortunate Hypergate to Roon, but while some trade might slip through it and to Tattooine or some other far South system, the majority would be along the well-established hyperspace lanes that passed through the Core as well. What concerns would there be? Imperial entanglements? What entanglements? With all the appropriate forms and agreements in place, and nothing of contraband to concern themselves over, even the Galactic Empire could benefit from a thriving trade. After all, it wasn't as though a Mandalorian would engage in spice trade or any other criminal pursuit (no matter how lucrative it might be).

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Aether Verd Aether Verd | Mandalorian Empire​

 

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ANVIL OF CONCORDIA

The Anvil of Concordia was a stark contrast to the solemn grandeur of the Court of Iron. Where the throne room was a place of ceremony and judgment, the station was alive with the hum of industry, the bustle of merchants, and the steady rhythm of ships coming and going. It stood as a physical representation of Mandalore’s desire to become a pillar within the modern Galaxy, a hub where commerce, trade, and transit converged to shape the future of the Empire’s reach.

This vision had been brought to life by Siv Kryze, the Warden of Concordia, whose tireless efforts had transformed the once quiet moon into a vital artery of Mandalorian strength. Aether could not help but feel a measure of pride in his comrade’s accomplishments, for Siv had taken the seed of an idea and grown it into something that bore the mark of both heritage and ambition. In the months since the Empire’s rise, Concordia had become more than a place on the map. It was a living testament to what Mandalorians could achieve when purpose was matched with will.

Today, Aether waited within one of the station’s many conference rooms. The chamber was circular, designed with conversation in mind rather than ceremony. At its center, a holoprojector glowed, displaying the mythosaur that served as the symbol of all Mandalorians. He sat at the head of the round table, helm resting upon the polished surface, and let the silence of the room steady his thoughts. Should the need arise, the projector could conjure maps, figures, or any number of details to further their discussion, but for the moment the ancient sigil was enough.

When word of Dominique Vexx’s arrival reached him, Aether rose. He recalled the woman’s presence when the Galactic Alliance and High Republic had stood before the Court of Iron, her name carried in the introductions of that day. Now she came on behalf of her own world, bringing with her the intentions of Denon and the Republic alike. He turned toward the entry as the doors opened, his smile measured yet genuine. “Dominique Vexx,” he said, his voice steady as he inclined his head. “Welcome to the Anvil of Concordia. You honor us with your presence. Tell me, what do you bring before me today?”

 


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Dominique entered with a smile beneath her translucent glareshades. Her golden eyes locked on the man instantly as it became clear the room wasn't full of Mandalorians meant to dominate the atmosphere. "Mandalore, the honor is mine. I am but a humble merchant whose exploits and accomplishments pale before your own." Though if Aether knew of the clandestine actions Dominique had directed the Mandalorian might not see her as a mere merchant. Such things weren't the sort she crowed out openly, however. With that, she afforded the man a respectful bow, but not without breaking eye contact.

"I came in the interests of both our people. Yours is a thriving Empire with able bodied and minded people, and plentiful resources, capable of sustaining itself and its aims," the Denonite acknowledged, as she had once before. "But even the self-sufficient can benefit from trade with outside parties. It can free up people or industry to other pressing matters best suited for your own to handle." Forging beskar, for instance. "Or provide resources at an accelerated rate to meet sudden demands." As a warrior culture they no doubt prepared for war, but battle could chew through resources faster than foreseen; or there could be one battle after another preventing restocking much needed supplies.

"I mention that to tout the benefits of humoring someone like myself, of course. Equitable trade. Honest trade." Dominique paused to a smile at the Aether. "I'm certain you've had your share of self-interested parties promising much and delivering little, or being odious and tolerated at best only so long as they were useful. I hope our partnership might go beyond the short sightedness of those that came before -- of people that didn't appreciate the strength and ability of the Mandalorian people."

That might be as many words as they'd expect of an outsider, but Dominique wanted to convey a sense of understanding of the Mandalorian side of these negotiations. A few words about being on their side would hardly be persuasive nor convincing. Everyone asked to be trusted. And, yes, she was as well with a great many more words, but there was asking out of ignorance, and asking out of awareness. She hoped to have demonstrated the latter.


 

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ANVIL OF CONCORDIA
When Dominique Vexx entered the chamber with her smile and carefully chosen words, Siv Kryze did not move. The Mand'alor sat at the head of the round table beneath the glow of the mythosaur, and Siv stood at his flank, helm fixed upon the Denonite. The Warden of Concordia remained silent as her voice filled the chamber—smooth, respectful, confident.

He let her speak. Let her bow. Let her promises of honest trade and partnership reach their full measure without interruption. All the while, the Anvil hummed beyond the walls—ships docking, engines thrumming, hammers striking metal. It was a reminder that Mandalore's strength did not rest on words but on the will to endure.

Only when Dominique's speech came to a close did Siv move, the subtle weight of beskar shifting as he stepped forward. His voice broke the silence, even and deliberate, carrying the tempered clarity of iron shaped by fire.

"You are not wrong—trade can ease burdens, and Mandalore has never turned from a tool that makes us stronger. But we do not trade for convenience, nor for promises alone. Every agreement here must serve our people, or it has no meaning."

He rested a gloved hand lightly against the table's edge, helm tilted toward her.

"You speak of equitable exchange, Dominique Vexx. Then let us speak plainly. What resources does Denon place on the table that others cannot? What do you bring that proves this partnership would endure—that it would leave Mandalore stronger tomorrow than it is today?"

With that, Siv inclined his helm slightly, ceding the silence back to her.




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"Warden," Dominique paused with a smile and a nod. "Denon has endured for thousands of years as an economic powerhouse. Denon can acquire resources, construct products, and distribute those products anywhere in the galaxy. We furnish any order our customers require, and even have construction facilities located outside our own system; which enables us to withstand unforeseen disasters such as the Planeshift."

"What we can do others cannot?"
Dominique paused to let the smile wane. "Accomplish everything I've said without needing to inevitably stab you in the back. Our contracts are iron-clad, not subject to customer favoritism." She spread her hands out to either side. "I admit, not every company headquartered on my planet might agree, but that is why I -- and those I represent -- am here, gentlemen. I can find the right partners and make sure they understand the importance of good, long-term relations with the Mandalorian Empire."

"Why?"
Her eyes slid between the two. "Because good relations is its own reward. I have no illusions you'll ship any beskar outside of the Empire, but you and yours have far more than that to offer the galaxy -- a service we can help market. Unlike some, I find that is enough to justify the investment." It also helped ensure competitors didn't somehow manage to monopolize or acquire a majority of influence with the Mandalorians. Dominique felt it would be foolish to ignore such a resilient and prolific people as the Mandalorians.


 

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ANVIL OF CONCORDIA
Siv stood silent through Dominique's words, helm unyielding, posture steady. Only when her voice fell quiet did he move, the faint rasp of gauntlet against the table cutting through the hum of the Anvil.

"Denon endures by trade. Mandalore endures by steel and fire. There is truth in what you say—our strengths are different, but not opposed."

He inclined his helm slightly, voice calm but edged with the discipline of command.

"You speak of long-term partnership, iron contracts, and resources spread across the stars. All well. But Mandalore does not deal in promises alone. If Denon wishes to stand as an ally, then tell us plainly—what can you place in Mandalorian hands tomorrow that makes us stronger than we are today?"

Siv turned his helm toward the head of the table, giving space for his words to breathe.

"It is for the Mand'alor to decide what shape such strength should take. But every partnership begins with proof."

The mythosaur sigil glowed between them, and Siv's silence returned, inviting both merchant and Mand'alor to speak.

 


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A fine brow rose nearly imperceptibly at Siv's words. Yet her smile never wavered. Tomorrow? If she didn't know better that'd almost sound like an invitation for a bribe. For such a militant people they certainly were a demanding bunch. Somehow, despite their simplicity in interaction, they required so much work ahead of time to anticipate what they'd do next.

She'd have to save her rant about supply lines, logistics, and unreasonable expectations for behind closed doors with her analysts. The Mandalorians wouldn't appreciate it. Not for a lack of manners -- they weren't exactly Kings of etiquette themselves -- but for a lack of interest. They didn't care how something got done, just that it got done on time (and on budget). The mindset of the militant.

Fortunately, as before, Dominique had come prepared. "Taris. Mandalore. Or choose any other system a day's jump in their orbit. I have a convoy protected by Denon's Self Defense Fleet ready to provide material aid to your worlds. Medical supplies. Agricultural tools and consumables. Technology able to restore Wastes into arable fields. Bio-domes. City builders."

There was a pause for them to take in the list. "That, gentlemen, is only the beginning. I could have weapons, armor, or ships ferried to you if you allowed more than a single day. Once we establish a trade route between us we can build or lease space -- such as on the Anvil of Concordia -- to help expedite the shipment of certain goods." There were nearby manufacturing and allied companies to call upon, but there they came back to the banal topic of distribution. The very thing Dominique was trying to establish with the Mandalorian Empire.


 

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ANVIL OF CONCORDIA
Siv Kryze did not let her smile unsettle him. His visor caught its reflection, cold and steady, the mythosaur sigil burning between them like an ember stoked by her words.

"You speak well, Dominique Vexx," he said at last, his voice low, even. "But Mandalorians do not measure worth in speeches. We measure it in what survives the forge."

His gauntlet pressed against the obsidian edge of the table, beskar ringing faintly as if to punctuate the thought.

"You offer us medicine, tools, domes to tame the soil. All things useful, yes. And yet, Mandalore has learned that the galaxy is eager to sell what it thinks we lack. Too eager. Too often, it is chains they dress as gifts."

Siv leaned forward slightly, helm tilting as if weighing her beneath its gaze.

"Understand this—our people are not waiting for saviors with plows and seed. Mandalore stands. We always stand. If Denon wishes to endure beside us, then prove it not with what you think we need, but with what strengthens our hand against those who would see us broken."

He let the silence stretch, the hum of the Anvil filling the chamber. Ships docking. Engines burning. Hammers striking.

Then, deliberate:
"Show us Denon can move more than words. Show us you understand why Mandalore trades at all—not for survival, but for power."

He stepped back into silence, ceding the weight of the moment to the Mand'alor's judgment.
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ANVIL OF CONCORDIA

For a time, Aether said nothing. The mythosaur burned between them, casting its golden light across the table while the words of both parties hung in the air. Dominique spoke with a merchant’s polish, seasoned by years of negotiation and the quiet conviction of one accustomed to getting her way. Siv, as ever, spoke with iron. Between them, the hum of the Anvil persisted, the forge and the docks alive with the sound of Mandalore’s progress.

The Mand’alor listened, and he remembered.

The proposition laid forth by Dominique was not a new one. He had heard it before, long ago, in another chamber filled with another kind of fire. He could still see his sire seated upon the great throne, Mand’alor the Reclaimer, his voice like thunder in Aether’s memory. If a nation cannot sustain itself, it has no right to exist. the man would say. It was an old creed, and one that had shaped the first Empire in its earliest years. Self-sufficiency was not only a virtue but a matter of survival. Yet the Galaxy had changed since those days. Isolation was no longer armor. Even beskar could not hold back the tide of an evolving Galaxy forever.

When the silence stretched, Aether inclined his head toward Siv. “You have spoken as a Warden should,” he said, his tone low but steady. “With clarity and conviction. Mandalore could not ask for better counsel.” His gaze then shifted to Dominique, eyes meeting hers with an even measure of respect. “And you, Dominique Vexx, have represented Denon’s capabilities with poise and purpose. You speak well of your world’s reach, and I do not dismiss the value of your offer.”

He stepped forward slightly, hands resting against the edge of the table as he continued.

“In the interest of ensuring this conversation bears fruit for both our peoples, allow me to speak plainly of what the Mandalorian Empire seeks most in this season.” His voice filled the chamber, not raised, but commanding in its calm certainty. “The first is the cutting edge of technology. Weapons. Armor. The fusion of industry and warfare. The Galaxy drifts ever deeper into chaos, and to endure it, Mandalore must remain several steps ahead of those who would contest us. If Denon has the means to advance that aim, then you have my attention.”

He paused only long enough for his words to settle before continuing.

“The second is the quality of life for our people. Mandalore can feed its own, heal its own, and shelter its own, but I want more than survival. I want to see a Galaxy where worlds choose to join us because their lives are better for it. Where the child of a farmer, the craftsman, the miner, the scholar, all wake to a reality that improves each day under the Empire’s banner. That is the strength I seek to forge next.”

Aether straightened, his gaze never leaving Dominique. “So tell me, Dominique Vexx of Denon. Are these the fields in which your world excels? If so, paint me a picture of what that future could look like, for Mandalore, and for those who stand beside us.”

The mythosaur glowed brighter between them, its shadow stretching long across the table.​

 


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Dominique stared at the faceless helm of Siv Kryze Siv Kryze as he demanded more. Well, they were hardly the first customer to make unreasonable demands. First it was what she could give them in a day. Now it was a cry for arms. Could she humor such a request? Yes. Was it in her interest to do so? That was the question. Perhaps the Mandalorians thought they held the advantage because she had come to them. Perhaps they simply believed Denon and the Corporate Sector had no other obligations to fulfill on a deadline. Whatever the cause, she wouldn't let it shake her composure. Her golden eyes would watch, as she listened with a small smile on her lips.

They weren't the only ones wearing masks.

Curious. What Siv and then Aether said was most curious to the Denonite that stood before them. Weapons, armor, and warfare? Dominique had alluded to the fact the Empire might not have sufficient factories to produce as much as they'd like, but it was quite striking to hear them say it. They had all the means to see to the homefront, but not enough for war? Dominique had imagined their industry -- their blessed forges -- would have received the lion's share of resources. Was it that pursuit of self-sufficiency that had them able to provide food and housing? Medical and emergency supplies? But how could a militant Empire be self-sufficient without the able to meet its war quotas? Quite the interesting turn in philosophy by these Mandalorians.

As to the second, Dominique had thoughts on how to meet it. Hardly something possible in a day. Not if they expected any real effort. So it had been a test. A deliberate effort to throw a negotiator off their game. Perhaps see if they lost their composure and walked out. A waste of time, really, but if they felt like testing her quality so be it.

"Gentlemen," Dominique produced a small holoprojector with a repulsor built into it, a wall of schematics blossomed into being low over the table, "Denon is the source of those cutting edge technologies merchants throughout the galaxy will bring to your Empire. We have more research and development laboratories than almost any other world in the galaxy." There was sure to be one planet out there filled with nothing but, so Dominique wouldn't claim to be the sole repository. "On top of that we have the means to produce and distribute those technologies. It would be possible to dedicate entire facilities toward exclusively improving your capabilities before any other. We could even negotiated a timed-exclusivity of new technologies or the right of first bid. With our contracts throughout the galaxy acquiring the resources needed for construction will not be a problem." Of course, exclusivity involved a King's Ransom in credits, but Aether wanted to know what options were available -- not which options were available for a specific budget.

"As for quality of life," with a touch, the display changed to that of the architectural diagram of a facility, "we should begin by bolstering your educational institutions. Ensure your instructors are compensated, trained, and operating out of cutting edge facilities. We'll also need to ensure affordability. Discuss ways of offsetting the cost. Not everyone can afford to attend one of the most prestigious institutes in the galaxy, but I'm certain we'll find a way to overcome that problem -- if you are determined to see it happen." They were warriors so this might be a harder sell, but Aether had mentioned farmers, miners, scholars, and craftsmen... hardly jobs involving people training in weapons every day. So there were plenty of people the Mandalor wanted to ensure could elevate themselves through hard work, and in doing elevate their society. Education was an obvious way to do that. Not the fastest way, but the surest.

"Denon is known for industry, but that means we have exceptionally smart people that could train others in their craft, and established educational programmes." Not everyone on Denon benefited from either, but that's where credits came in. If Aether was committed to this path then they'd prioritize funding it over other -- admittedly more selfish -- things. It wasn't financially unfeasible so long as there was a political will to see it done.

Another tap and the display changed again. "Otherwise, my recommendation would be to keep an eye on Kenari." Projected before them was the outline of what looked to be some sort of generator. "Because an Empire's quality of life so often comes down to having enough room to grow and food to feed its people. You might have all the farmers you need, but do you have enough arable ground for them to do it? This," Dominique gestured to the display, "is the solution. An accelerated terraforming engine. Something that might restore life to worlds so often laid barren in the wake of unbridled efforts of conquest or domination."

Dominique paused for a moment. Then her smile grew. "But, perhaps others have said as much before." She doubted that. If terraforming a planet was passe to them then there truly was nothing that would excite. Perhaps if they managed to invent a time machine!


 



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ANVIL OF CONCORDIA
Siv stood motionless as Dominique finished, the faint hum of the holoprojector washing over the polished surface of his helmet. For a long moment, he said nothing—just studied the holographic schematics dancing between them, the blue light catching in the edges of his beskar. When he finally spoke, his tone was level and deliberate, the weight of Mandalore behind every word.

"Then we shift the foundation of this agreement," he began, his voice calm but edged with certainty. "Denon funds the science—research, infrastructure, education, and innovation. You build the laboratories, the terraforming rigs, and the future. In return, Mandalore manufactures and defends those assets. The forges of Concordia will shape what your minds create, and our fleets will safeguard your investments across the stars."


He moved closer to the table, folding his arms as the holo shifted to reflect the glint of the Anvil's structure in orbit. "Your scientists will have a place among our engineers, and our smiths among your researchers. Knowledge will flow both ways—your designs hardened by our trials, our craft refined by your insight. It will not be charity or dependency. It will be alliance through creation."


His gaze flicked briefly to Veyla, who stood a step behind him, her stance unreadable yet grounded, like a sentinel who understood the gravity of every word. Her presence alone seemed to anchor his tone—measured, diplomatic, but carrying that quiet Mandalorian resolve.

"Denon's wealth will birth progress," he continued, "and Mandalore will make sure that progress survives the storms of war. Your facilities will be protected, your shipments escorted, your work safeguarded as if it were our own. In return, our forges and warriors gain the chance to temper your brilliance into something real—tested, proven, and unbreakable."


He let the words settle, the faint hiss of the projector filling the silence between them.


"This is what I offer, Dominique," Siv said finally. "You bring the means to build. We bring the means to endure. You will find no better partner in this galaxy for a venture that dares to make new worlds breathe again. We will not only stand guard over your investments—we will make sure they are worth guarding."
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"I admit," Dominique replied calmly, "you surprise me. Few would lead with the demand for hard power only to then ask for the means of soft power. Well," she smiled for a moment, "how can I turn down such a proposition? A mutually beneficial partnership of development and exchange." A one-sided deal was more lucrative, but less enduring. The Mandalorians were a people worth establishing a lasting relation even if it meant sacrificing a portion of the profit to do so.

As for Siv Kryze's ambition that they near, met, or even exceed Denon's ability to contribute... No, she wasn't concerned. Something to monitor, but Denon was not a world built in a day, or a decade, or even a century. The Mandalorians would get their dramatic rise in education and capability to manufacture all manner of things just as they would agree. But able to cut ties entirely? There'd always be the soft cost with that. They'd just have to make sure their partnership remain healthy so the desire to do so didn't gain traction.

In fact, if the Mandalorians were as committed, Dominique could see them being quite useful. Politics. Backbiting. Betrayal. They had a reputation for eschewing what so much of the galaxy basked in. That could be quite useful. Not everything certain companies wish to develop would be safe on Denon. Perhaps the Mandalorian Forges then? Yes. Yes, it was an opportunity. Somewhere such technologies could be developed and protected by forces few would dare cross.

"Time will alleviate lingering concerns. Action, gentlemen, after all, is the great communicator. We here will make a monumental contribution to the elevation and protection of our people, and our way of life. And I will make certain those contributing to our efforts will be satisfied with their compensation."

A beat. "And, gentlemen, I hope you don't take our agreement as being the full extent of what is possible. If you have need of anything else, there are many companies on Denon and within the Corporate Sector Authority that can provide. This 'exchange' of ours is merely a grand -- and hopefully first -- such arrangement." What could she say? It was important they know this needn't be a one-and-done meeting. They had a catalogue of countless products that a people could make use of so long as they had the credits -- or services -- to pay for it.


 



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ANVIL OF CONCORDIA
The Warden of Concordia inclined his head slightly as Dominique's words drew to a close, the cold sheen of his visor reflecting the soft blue of the holoprojection. Around them, the rhythmic pulse of the Anvil continued—engines, forges, hammers—all a steady reminder that Mandalorian progress was never still, never silent.

"Then we understand each other," Siv said at last, voice steady, low, and deliberate. "Partnership built not on promises, but on proof. On what endures after the fire."

He stepped closer to the table, folding his hands behind his back.
"Concord Dawn was once a shattered world," he continued, tone tempered by something older—memory, perhaps. "I have seen what it is to rise from ruin. I've seen how our people take dust and ash and forge something that lasts. Mandalore does not trade for comfort. We do not seek ease or indulgence. Every alliance we make must carry the same weight as beskar—strong enough to shape a future worthy of our ancestors."

Siv's helm tilted toward her, the mythosaur's golden reflection burning faintly across the metal.
"You speak of mutual development, of building worlds and refining knowledge. Good. That is the kind of strength we can share. But understand this, Dominique Vexx—our duty is not just to survive, or to profit. It is to take what was once an enclave, a scattered people, and raise it into an Empire that will outlast us all. There is no greater duty than that."

He paused, letting the thought settle, his voice softening just enough to carry conviction rather than threat.
"Mandalorians build so our culture never bends. We protect so our creed never fades. If your partnership aids that purpose, then you will find no truer ally in this galaxy. If it strays from that, then the Anvil will remember what it was made for—to test what is real and burn away what is not."

The Warden turned slightly toward the Mand'alor's seat, offering a brief nod before returning his attention to the merchant.
"You will have our cooperation. Let Denon's ingenuity meet Mandalore's endurance. Let both prove their worth in deed, not word."

Then, with the faintest echo of beskar shifting, Siv added quietly—almost to himself, but loud enough to carry across the chamber:
"There is no better duty than this—turning our people from survivors into sovereigns. From enclave to empire. And if Denon stands beside us in that, then let the forge burn bright."

He stepped back into silence, the mythosaur's light flaring briefly between them before fading once more to steady gold.

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