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

[Dominique Vexx]

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).

Aether Verd | Mandalorian Empire​

 

[Aether Verd]

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

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?”​

Dominique Vexx , Siv Kryze + Open

 

[Dominique Vexx]

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.

Aether Verd | Siv Kryze | OPEN​

 

[Siv Kryze]

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ANVIL OF CONCORDIA​

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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.

Tag: Aether Verd Dominique Vexx + Open​

 

[Dominique Vexx]

"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.

Aether Verd | Siv Kryze | OPEN​

 

[Siv Kryze]

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ANVIL OF CONCORDIA​

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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.

Tag: Aether Verd Dominique Vexx

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[Dominique Vexx]

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.

Aether Verd | Siv Kryze | Open​

 

[Siv Kryze]

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ANVIL OF CONCORDIA​

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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.

Tag: Aether Verd Dominique Vexx
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