Private Stoking the fire with Iron

[Connel Vanagor]

Unofficially Official
Open
Space

Michael, Gabriel, Azrael, Sariel, Raphael, Jeremiel, Connel, Raguel
[Any text in brackets signifies comm-link usage and not face to face conversation]

Encrypted Transmission

Subject: Request for Diplomatic Entry

To: Mandalore the Iron

Message Body:

To the Most Honored Mandalore,

In accordance with previous protocols and the spirit of mutual respect between our peoples, we humbly request permission to enter Mandalorian space. Our mission is one of peaceful intent, not warfare, and we seek an audience with you to discuss matters of significant importance to both our forces.

We are fully aware of the sovereignty and honor of Mandalorian space and will comply with all customs and procedures as expected. Our arrival will be discreet and in alignment with Mandalorian traditions of courtesy. We seek no conflict but wish to explore an audience.

Please advise us on the necessary steps to proceed. Our request is for entry into Mandalorian airspace, with full acknowledgment of your command and authority.

Transmission Ends

---

S.E.R.A.P.H.I.M. Encryption Mode: Standardized (Mandalorian-compliant), Imperium Inaccessible

Aether Verd • Everest Vale​

 

[Aether Verd]

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

ENCRYPTED TRANSMISSION
RE: Request for Diplomatic Entry

Greetings,

Your considerate words have been noted. Your request for an audience has been Approved.

You and your cohorts may visit Sundari - coordinates have been attached to this message.

You will receive a formal escort for the duration of your stay on Mandalore and accommodations will be provided if you choose to tarry beyond our meeting.​

TRANSMISSION ENDS​

Connel Vanagor + Everest Vale

 

[Connel Vanagor]

TITLE
LOCATION
LOCATION

Michael, Gabriel, Azrael, Sariel, Raphael, Jeremiel, Connel, Raguel
S.E.R.A.P.H.I.M.[Any text in brackets signifies comm-link usage and not face to face conversation]

The message came through, and it was approved, before they could get going, “The Annunaki” was met on either side by escorts. It didn’t matter if either side could outrun or outfight the other. Neither were here for that, and it would defeat the purpose of why they were here to begin with. Michael was there, in the cockpit, or bridge or whatever they called it on this ship, where the pilots were. Just get us there, no aggression, follow their path and instructions to the letter. We’re not here to fight.

Meanwhile, in another section of the ship, there was a small “conversation”.

This sucks. Sariel was cleaning his main sniper rifle. Might as well, he wasn’t going to need it today, just the “S.M.R.,” Raphael was checking his own.

You want to complain why we’re doing this?

I get where you’re coming from, but we’re not looking for a fight. Are we?

We should be. I mean, even if not with them, with someone!

YOU tell the Jedi riding with us how you feel.

Connel knows…

Wasn’t talking about him.

Yeah, fair enough. He trusted her enough to bring her on, I can too.

Das’ a good boyyyy Everyone laughed at this as Sariel just looked at her, then laughed himself.

I am never going to live that down..

Connel was sitting in an open room, with a holocron in front of him. It was of his father, Caltin. The one of his recorded knowledge and history. Trying to get some leg up on how to be diplomatic. Connel was no diplomat, he was a “soldier” by all intents and purposes at this point. Of course he did not stop to think about how that would help him on this trip.

Jeremiel was busy giving Eve the “two credit tour” of the ship, even fitting her for gear so that she did not stick out when they were there. That is not to say that this would cause a problem, but you never know.

Master Jedi, sir. We are approaching the pre-designated coordinates.

Uh… thanks… Seraphim… He still felt weird about talking to an AI, this wasn’t normally his thing.[/COLOR]

Aether Verd • Everest Vale​

 

[Everest Vale]

Outfit: Personal Armour
Equipment: Lightsaber, Bracelet, Earrings, Seer Stone, Wayfinder's Flare, Engagement Ring
Tag: Connel Vanagor Aether Verd

Jeremiel's tour wound to a close in the living quarters.

"Thank you," she said with a small bow of her head, the words carrying the sincerity she felt. "You've been a gracious guide."

He returned the gesture with an easy smile before being called away, leaving her to her own devices.

Eve lingered a moment, fingertips brushing the edge of a bulkhead, before setting off down the narrow passageways at an unhurried pace. The hum of the ship wrapped around her thoughts. She was a Jedi Knight now — the words still felt new, almost fragile — and with them came a weight she'd only begun to understand. This mission was no simple escort or training exercise. It was a test of her worthiness for the title she now bore, and perhaps a chance to strengthen the Hidden Path's standing with the Mandalorians.

The thought of meeting them brought a flicker of excitement, tempered by a faint edge of intimidation. She'd heard the stories — fierce warriors, unyielding honour — and she couldn't help but wonder what they would see when they looked at her.

Somewhere ahead, voices rose in a burst of laughter. Connel's squad. Their banter carried down the corridor, easy and unguarded, and she found herself smiling faintly. Colourful was one word for them. Unapologetically alive was another.

Rounding a corner, she found Connel seated in an open room, a holocron casting its flickering blue light over his features. Even without looking closely, she could feel the focus in him, the way his thoughts were drawn inward toward the figure held in the projection.

She hesitated on the threshold, wanting to say something about Caltin but finding no words that felt right. In the end, she simply stepped forward.

"Connel," she greeted softly. "I hope I'm not disturbing." Her eye shot briefly again to the holocron, glimpsing the image of Master Vanagor. Her heart ached a moment. "Thanks for bringing me along to this. I'm excited to see Mandalore." Her tone was quiet, but there was no mistaking the sincerity in it. A moment passed, and she spoke again. "Have you... ever met this Mand'alor?"

 

[Aether Verd]

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

SUNDARI, MANDALORE

The vessel bearing foreign souls to the beating heart of Mandalorian society crossed the void without hindrance. Its escorts bracketed it close, crimson and coal cutting through the stars as if to remind the travelers that the skies above Mandalore were not theirs to wander freely. Yet no challenge was raised. No weapon locked them in a predator’s gaze. The only words exchanged were clipped over the comms: clearance granted, flight path relayed, and a landing pad designated within Sundari itself. Their contact with Mandalore had been light, measured, but that distance was always intentional.

It was only when the ship’s repulsors exhaled against stone and the ramp lowered with its mechanical sigh that the nature of their welcome revealed itself. The travelers would step into a corridor of iron and tradition. Along the path stood Mandalorian warriors in gleaming armor, their grips firm upon ceremonial spears, their shields raised as walls of light. They did not speak, but their very presence spoke louder than words. Discipline, unity, might. This was the image of Mandalore that visitors were permitted to see, a glimpse of the nation’s spine made flesh and steel.

At the helm of the reception stood Mand'alor the Iron.

Aether Verd waited with helm tucked beneath his left arm, the crimson of his cape stirred faintly by the breeze funneled into the dome. His armor caught the sun in muted gleams of void-black and silver, but it was his eyes that told the truth of his station. Brown and steady, they tracked the vessel’s ramp with patient interest. What cause had brought these souls across the stars to stand in Sundari? And most of all, how would Mandalore be enriched by their coming?

He did not speak at once. He did not need to. His silence was its own measure, a test to see who would step forward and what they would offer when they did.​

Connel Vanagor + Everest Vale

 

[Connel Vanagor]

TITLE
LOCATION
LOCATION

Michael, Gabriel, Azrael, Sariel, Raphael, Jeremiel, Connel, Raguel
S.E.R.A.P.H.I.M.[Any text in brackets signifies comm-link usage and not face to face conversation]

You’re not interrupting at all. Come. However be prepared, we are about to land. He would have offered her to sit and meditating, but Connel got up and grabbed his mask. He would not be wearing it, but carrying it with him, as well as an odd looking bag. I’ve never met him, but I know someone who did. He seems more “pragmatic” than some who bore the title in the past.

As the ship set down, and they were escorted into what appeared to be a throne room. It was clearly something that was of pomp and circumstance, but there was a certain “pageantry” to it all. There was no shame in this.

The team walked as one, they all bore their weapons, though slung, none of them were hidden, a sign of respect, showing what they have… holding no secrets.They carried themselves with a quiet confidence, their weapons a testament to their readiness and discipline. The atmosphere was charged with an unspoken understanding, a mutual respect that transcended words. Each step forward seemed to echo their shared purpose, as they prepared to face what lay ahead.

The one to step forward was Connel. He was the reason they were here after all. Thank you for granting us an audience, Mandalore. My father made a point of telling me that you are respectful when you are shown it proper.

He was not trying to namedrop, but… full disclosure.[/COLOR]

Aether Verd • Everest Vale ​

 

[Everest Vale]

Outfit: Personal Armour
Equipment: Lightsaber, Bracelet, Earrings, Seer Stone, Wayfinder's Flare, Engagement Ring
Tag: Connel Vanagor Aether Verd

Eve moved in step beside Connel, her boots striking the polished floor with quiet precision. The line of armoured warriors that flanked their path drew her silver eye as they passed, the weight of their silent discipline heavy in the air. For a heartbeat she felt small beneath the unblinking visors and iron presence, a faint prickle of intimidation stirring at the back of her mind.

She drew in a long, steady breath through her nose, exhaled softly, and let the feeling pass. Her shoulders eased back, chin lifted, the quiet confidence of a Jedi replacing the flicker of unease.

When Connel stepped forward and spoke, she stood at his side in poised silence, letting his words carry. The moment he finished, she took one step forward. Bowing low at the waist, she inclined her head with measured grace.

"Great Mand'alor the Iron," she said, her voice clear though respectful as she finally delivered the words she had been practicing all journey. "Thank you for your hospitality. It is an honour to stand here. I am Everest Vale, Jedi Knight. We come with respect and gratitude for the welcome you have shown us today."

Her words hung briefly in the space, her posture remaining composed as she lifted her gaze to meet the figure before them.

 

[Aether Verd]

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

COURT OF IRON, MANDALORE

The Mandalorian escort moved without utterance, their armored tread falling into harmony with those who had crossed the stars to stand upon Mandalore. Step for step they kept to one another, a unity of motion that drew both parties inward from the pad of stone to the Court of Iron itself. Within those vaulted walls, history was carved into permanence. Along the length of the chamber rose statues hewn in the likeness of every Mand’alor who had claimed the mantle, their silent stares fixed upon the present as if to remind all who entered that the future would always be weighed against what had come before.

It was beneath their watchful gaze that Aether descended into his throne. The Iron Seat, wrought of beskar and stone, accepted his presence with the ease of ritual long repeated. Helm tucked once more beneath his arm, he inclined his head as the first voice rose from the visitors. The words were measured and respectful, gratitude for an audience freely granted. When the lead warrior had spoken his piece, another came forward. The Jedi moved with grace, her tone steady as she offered both name and thanks, bowing with humility before rising to meet his gaze. Both had spoken with care. Both had chosen respect as their opening gift.

Aether let the silence linger but not overlong, for such words deserved an answer. “Then be welcome,” he said, his voice carrying easily across the chamber, not in thunder but in certainty. “Honor is given where it is received, and it is no burden but a pleasure to host those who grant Mandalore the respect that it is due.” His words did not rise in pomp nor falter into softness, but rather settled upon the hall with the steadiness of stone.

He raised his hand in a motion that drew them both into his regard, the warrior and the Jedi alike. “You have come far to stand in this place, and now you stand before me. Tell me, then, what it is that you seek.”​

Connel Vanagor , Everest Vale

 

[Connel Vanagor]

DISCUSSING BUSINESS
SUNDARI
THRONE ROOM

Michael, Gabriel, Azrael, Sariel, Raphael, Jeremiel, Connel, Raguel
S.E.R.A.P.H.I.M.[Any text in brackets signifies comm-link usage and not face to face conversation]

Yes, forgive my impudence. I am Connel Vanagor, Jedi Knight and son to the late Caltin Vanagor. He told me many a story of his time, having fought the Deathwatch, under the rule of a disgraced Sith in an effort to restore Mandalore to her own people. Giving the magnate his moment to speak, Connel pulled a bag, even if symbolic, out of his gear bag, and placed it on the ground. I don’t pretend to have the resources others do, but this is my entire personal bank account and is yours. Seven hundred-fity thousands (UCs) credits. I know that you have spoken to others of Vale and my like, as well as my friends here from Omega Squad.

He did not acknowledge the Hidden Path. Who knew what loose lips might be in there, Mandalorian or not.

That being said, what I have to offer here, is yours. I can procure more if needed. Good faith for passage when necessary, for anything myself or my friends might want to hear… and if hands are thrown… you’re there to throw them as well?

We do not currently have the resources like we did with the Galactic Alliance, but any favors can and would gladly be returned, of course. Simple, straight forward, and to the point. No sense in wasting the gracious host’s time, or disrespect him.

Aether Verd • Everest Vale​

 

[Everest Vale]

Outfit: Personal Armour
Equipment: Lightsaber, Bracelet, Earrings, Seer Stone, Wayfinder's Flare, Engagement Ring
Tag: Aether Verd Connel Vanagor

Eve stood quietly beside Connel, her hands folded at her front, head inclined just enough to show respect without diminishing her poise. The words between them carried weight, but it was the gesture of the pouch — seven hundred and fifty thousand credits, everything Connel had — that struck her most deeply. It was no small thing to place one's livelihood at another's feet, especially here, before a man who bore the title of Mand'alor. Brave. Risky. Yet Connel had not hesitated.

Her silver gaze shifted once to him, then back to the Iron Seat. She held her silence, letting her fellow Jedi Knight speak for them both, content to listen. There was strength in quietude, in giving nothing but presence, and she intended to carry it with her as she watched and learned.

The throne room itself pressed in on her awareness, statues carved from ages past, every Mand'alor fixed in eternal judgment upon those who now stood in their hall. The air was heavy with memory and steel, and for all her calm she could feel the echo of history in her chest. Her gaze lingered on the vaulted ceiling, then swept slowly across the chamber, watching the Mandalorians who stood like shadows along its edges. Confidence, humility, composure, she wrapped them around herself like a cloak, giving nothing more than her silent attentiveness as she awaited the Mand'alor's reply.

 

[Aether Verd]

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

COURT OF IRON, MANDALORE

Aether’s brow arched as the warrior named himself, and more still when the name of his father was spoken. Caltin Vanagor. That name was not one forgotten in this hall. He had stood upon Taris in a time when tempers flared like wildfires, when a single wrong word might have plunged the Mandalorians and the Alliance into bitter conflict. Yet Caltin had been among the few who chose the steadier path, the kind of voice that could temper fury without diminishing resolve. It had been Jonah who bore the brunt of that encounter, and even now his brother spoke of the Jedi with respect that was not easily earned.

The Mand’alor’s gaze shifted back to Connel, following the draw of his hand as the bag was revealed and laid at his feet. The gesture was not ignored, though Aether did not allow himself to linger long upon it. He listened until the younger Vanagor’s words fell still, and then the silence returned to the chamber as he sat unmoving in his throne. He had heard enough to know who stood before him, and more still to know what entity they served. His brother Acier had pledged himself to that same cause, and though Aether had not walked that path, he could not deny the conviction he had seen in him.

At length, his voice carried again. “A mercenary contract can be entertained, but there are matters that cannot be set aside. Every Mandalorian contract carries with it certain truths, and they will not be altered to suit convenience. The first is a non-compete clause. Should Omega Squad, or its handler, find itself across the field from one of Mandalore’s clients, the Mandalorians are bound to abstain. There will be no betrayal of obligation, no hand raised against a partner for another’s favor. The second is recognition of the mercenary’s path. There may come a day when you stand against us in battle, and that will not dissolve what has been agreed. Mandalorians fight where the contract demands, nothing more and nothing less.”

His helm rested against the arm of the throne as he leaned ever so slightly, the beskar and stone framing him as he regarded the pair. “Passage through our space is not difficult to arrange, though let it be understood clearly. Mandalorian systems will not serve as sanctuary. To grant one client shelter would be to deny it to another, and that will not be permitted. Our word is honor, and honor lies in fairness.”

His gaze moved from Connel to Everest, and back again, settling upon them with a patience that did not waver. “Knowing this, knowing the limits and the liberties alike, do you wish to proceed in shaping a contract that will serve your cause and ours?”​

Connel Vanagor , Everest Vale

 

[Connel Vanagor]

DISCUSSING BUSINESS
SUNDARI
THRONE ROOM

Michael, Gabriel, Azrael, Sariel, Raphael, Jeremiel, Connel, Raguel
S.E.R.A.P.H.I.M.[Any text in brackets signifies comm-link usage and not face to face conversation]

Connel did not need the Force to notice Verd’s reaction, nor did anyone, after all it’s not every day that one walks into the middle of a throne room and drops a bag full of money in it. His assertion was necessary for his people in order to keep a face of strength and authority. It was more than acceptable as it went without saying. Connel just stood there, took it all in and nodded respectfully.

I would not ask you to impute on your sense of honor. If myself, or my friends were engaged in “operations” against anyone else you or your people would be aligned with, that has no bearing or concern to you, unless you are drawn into it by their actions. I would not ask otherwise of you even if you did not make the assertion, I assure you. Letting the words hang there, he took in the next, and the next. He let the “combat” assertion go as that did not need to be addressed in his eyes. The issue of passage needed clarification. I only request passage for myself, my friends, and my colleagues. I offer you my so that my colleagues do not need to be implicated should something happen. You know whom I speak. I do ask for them, but am here in and of my own accord so that if something happens, I am the one this all comes back on… after all “passage” does not mean or need to be “shelter”. In short, he was making himself the proverbial “paper trail” and no one else.

I am simply “asking permission to look in your refrigerator” so to speak. An old military term for requesting permission to enter into another’s territory.

Aether Verd • Everest Vale​

 

[Everest Vale]

Outfit: Personal Armour
Equipment: Lightsaber, Bracelet, Earrings, Seer Stone, Wayfinder's Flare, Atrisian Dancer, Engagement Ring
Tag: Aether Verd Connel Vanagor

Eve listened in silence, her hands still folded neatly at her front. She felt the weight of the Mand'alor's words as they rolled through the chamber, sharp and measured, steeped in Mandalorian principle. Non-compete, mercenary path, no sanctuary — lines drawn out of fairness rather than hostility. They were boundaries of iron, set plain and clear.

Her eye flicked briefly to Connel as he answered. There was no tremor in his voice, only a careful steadiness as he shouldered the responsibility alone. Eve thought of the bag of credits again, of what it meant to offer not just his wealth but his name, his accountability and his reputation. To stand in this hall and draw the weight of it all to himself — it was as bold as it was dangerous.

She held her poise, chin slightly lifted, every breath measured. To speak now would only complicate, and Connel had chosen his path with clarity. So she remained the quiet sentinel, her silver gaze attentive as she followed the play of power between throne and visitor. The statues looming overhead seemed to press closer, the silent Mandalorians at the edges of the room waiting without stir. She shifted her weight barely, a subtle glance taking in the hall once more before settling back on the Iron Seat.

She maintained the same composure she had brought with her into this chamber, offering presence as she observed, learned and awaited.

 

[Aether Verd]

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

COURT OF IRON, MANDALORE

After the warrior had spoken, Aether sat in measured silence, his fingers rolling in quiet rhythm upon the arm of the throne. His helm shifted from Connel to Everest and back again, the steady cadence of his gaze taking measure of the pair who had come before him. The stillness of the chamber seemed to sharpen in that span, until at last his voice rose once more.

“I understand where you are coming from,” he began, his tone even, carrying the resonance of iron and authority. “Yet the nature of such things is rarely so simple. Should the unthinkable occur, it may not fall upon your shoulders alone. You may speak admirably in bearing the burden yourself, but if you stand in this hall on behalf of them, then their voices flow through you as surely as your own. To formalize an agreement, I must hear not only the words of a warrior, but the will of the one you represent.”

His dominant hand shifted slightly, gesturing toward the bag of credits resting at his feet. “And as for this, it is not needed to seal what you seek. If currency must be drawn, I will simply take it from the allowance of one who already collaborates with you...one who shares my flesh and blood.” A low chuckle rumbled from behind the helm, the sound easing what might otherwise have been a stern dismissal.

He wondered if, somewhere, somehow, Acier Moonbound would feel Aether docking his funds.

“Transit is certainly agreeable, provided it is kept to the letter of what you have described. Nothing more, nothing less.”

The Mand’alor leaned back, the beskar of his armor catching the light as he regarded them both. “Now tell me,” he said with patience that carried no haste, “is there anything more Mandalore can do for you?”​

Connel Vanagor , Everest Vale

 

[Connel Vanagor]

DISCUSSING BUSINESS
SUNDARI
THRONE ROOM

Michael, Gabriel, Azrael, Sariel, Raphael, Jeremiel, Connel, Raguel
S.E.R.A.P.H.I.M.[Any text in brackets signifies comm-link usage and not face to face conversation]

One thing he was not expecting was the assertion that Mand’alor wanted to hear the assertion from the others. It made sense though as it could be an underhanded ploy on Connel’s part, or someone could abuse the privilege. Connel had no underhanded notions of course, but still, it was understandable.

Fair enough, I just want to be as transparent as possible about this. Letting the words hang there, raised an eyebrow at the refusal of the credits. While the Shadow would not argue, or comment, it was surprising. Maybe it was not enough.

Again, just trying to do this right, and show you and your people respect. If I offended, I apologize. Connel would not pick up the bag until it was time to leave, or go somewhere else. He respected their decision but couldn’t help feeling a slight unease about the situation. Transparency was crucial, and he hoped his intentions wouldn’t be misconstrued. For now, he would let the matter rest and focus on the task at hand, ensuring everything proceeded smoothly.

When everything seemed to be put at ease, and Mand’alor asked if there was anything else… Unless you or your men are wishing to swap war stories…. It was an offer of camaraderie, something soldiers always do in a respectful tone. Though Connel did look towards Eve with a meaningful look that asked if she wanted to speak or ask of anything.

Aether Verd • Everest Vale​

 

[Everest Vale]

Outfit: Personal Armour
Equipment: Lightsaber, Bracelet, Earrings, Seer Stone, Wayfinder's Flare, Atrisian Dancer, Engagement Ring
Tag: Aether Verd Connel Vanagor

Eve had been silent long, content to observe and weigh each word as if testing the strength of iron for herself. The chamber had felt tense, balanced on a knife's edge of diplomacy and tradition, but as Aether's low chuckle rolled through the hall and Connel's reply carried no heat, she felt that tension ease. The air shifted, calmer and steadier.

She felt Connel's gaze on her, a small tug that pulled against her silence. For a heartbeat she remained still, then she cleared her throat softly, and stepped forward once from her place at his side. When she spoke, her voice was steady and respectful, carrying the formal cadence this hall demanded.

"Lord Mand'alor," she began, bowing her head in acknowledgement before raising her eye to meet his regard. "I would only say that I have come to know your brother Ace well. We have trained together often, and I have come to regard him as a good friend. He is a man of strength, and integrity, and I have always seen him honour both his word and his people. For what it may be worth, I wished you to know that I hold him in the highest respect."

She offered no more, letting her words stand on their own. Then she inclined her head, smiling gently and humbly, and stepped back, folding again into her quiet poise.