The Hanging Tree | The Trial of Gray Raxis

[Ra Vizsla]

K E L D A B E​

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The valley where Ra had called for the Crusades.​

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The air was deathly silent. It did not sizzle with the same energy that Ra had brought that fateful night.​

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No.​

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The air was still. Men and women bowed their heads.​

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Anger burned like a fire through the ranks of the thousands of Mando'ade that stood gathered.​

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Eyes glared.​

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Tears fell.​

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Tears fell against the earth of Manda'yaim.​

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A man was to be tried and sentenced, today.​

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The ceremonies were about to begin.​

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The thousands of encamped Mandalorians gathered began to hum.​

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJISG67FjeM​

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A score of red armored Protectors wearing wolf cloaks escorted Gray Raxis, the Alor of Clan Raxis. They were led by [member="Aryn Spar"]. One of the Protectors leaned over to Gray and whispered "Stay Close." They had been charged by Mand'alor with keeping the Alor safe until his trial. There were several Ysalamir throughout the valley, even the Bral was parked nearby. There were hundreds of angry Mandalorians in the crowd, thousands more of Mandalorians confused. It was easy to be angry... Mand'alor was accusing the Alor of betraying his heritage, of betraying the Clans on Kashyyyk. They didn't have much more information than that. Why wouldn't they be angry?

But Ra, as a man, wanted to portray himself as fair. Transparent. Honorable.

There would be a trial.

Gray would not just be sentenced without a chance to defend himself.

But the men and women of the Clans would have a voice, too. It was to be a public spectacle, one to remind every Mandalorian, every vod how seriously they took betrayal. The Clans wasn't just another faction among the stars. They were a family. They were blood. Bound by spirit to each other in the great Manda, the great sky and earth of Manda'yaim, the mother of all Mando'ade. Ra believed in tradition, in ancestry. He promised a return to the old ways.

This was not only the old way.

This was the right way.

"Brothers," Ra could be bellowing in the distance as the nameless Protector stood close to Raxis, looking at the emotional faces in the crowd. They still had a far way to walk. "I stand here before you, a weight in my chest like no other before it. My blood, my kin, my vod... has placed their beskad to my back, poised to strike. Betrayal of the highest order, cowardice of the greatest magnitude was displayed on Kashyyyk. Observe," the Iron Wolf sounded commanding, calm. Though many had seen him display fury and irrationality on the field of battle on Kashyyyk, here on Mandalore he composed himself as he had during the announcement of the Crusades. Calm. Direct.

A blue light illuminated further down the path as Gray and the Red Protector continued towards the crest of the valley. Sounds of battle. The Queen's Rangers ambushing Mandalorian forces. Jack Raxis's voice. "Clan Raxis will defy you until their extinction! This is only the beginning!"

The words repeated.

"Clan Raxis will defy you!​

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This is only the beginning!"​

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The Mandalorians continued to hum. One particularly angry man, armed with a molotov, charged the Protectors surrounding Gray Raxis.

"TRAITOR!"

"GET BACK," the Protector yelled, pushing the man back with his shield as the molotov crashed against it, fire pouring to the ground. Several other men grappled the man to the ground, arresting him and taking him off into the crowd. The Protectors formed up around Gray and continued to march him up the hill towards the crest of the Valley.

"Clan Raxis will defy you!​

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This is only the beginning!"​

Ra's voice was getting louder as they edged closer. The top of the pyre in the middle of the meeting of the Mandalorian leaders was now visible.

"Every Clan is sovereign.​

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Every Mandalorian is free.​

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But my brothers,​

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we are at war​

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and this cowardly act,​

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this TREASON​

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this terrorist's act of thrusting a knife in the back of the Clans'​

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must be answered for.​

How far does this treachery go? Are we at war with Clan Raxis? Is Alor Raxis the leader of a traitorous movement, or simply losing control of his people?"​

They crested the hill. Mand'alor was wearing his furs again, standing before the Alor Council, the Cuir Rekr, and many other Mandalorians. He was lifting a torch above his head, his face slowly showing it's fury.

He slammed the torch in the dirt, his green eyes emblazoned at his stared at Gray Raxis who was fast approaching.

"They came to me, wishing not to join in the Crusades. I declared every Clan sovereign. I declared every Mandalorian free.​

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How are we repaid?​

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Dead Mandalorians, killed by a Dar'manda coward who bursts forth from the sand,​

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who depends on his magic more than his honor,​

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whose pockets are lined with Republic credits.​

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I charge you, Alor Gray Raxis of Clan Raxis, with incompetence, treachery, conspiracy, and protecting a traitor of the Clans during war."​

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Ra pointed his sword at the Alor.​

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"The Clans will decide your guilt.​

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My sword will decide your fate."​

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Mand'alor Ra Vizsla stepped back, making room for Gray to defend himself and for the others to debate this very serious issue. If [member="Gray Raxis"] was found guilty, he was to be challenged to a Blood Duel and face the Mand'alor in single combat - to the death.




OOC ------------

1. Each Clan has one vote. Anyone can put it forward. The Alor must confirm it. Gulity, not guilty, or abstain.
2. Each member may speak their opinion.
3. Each *writer* can only post three times a day to allow for others to also be heard.
4. Gray Raxis is not affected by #3's restriction.
5. Violators of these rules will be asked to leave this thread and will not be invited to future votes.
6. Exemptions to this rule may be granted by Mandalorian Clans Admins.
7. Non-Faction Members Are Not Allowed. *cough*JackRaxis*cough*

 

[Kay-Larr]

Minutes behind [member="Gray Raxis"] being led through the grounds was Kay. She wasn't going to allow her brother to face this alone, despite his arguments that he may have made to disrupt her from going. So, she didn't tell him. She just arrived. And just as Gray was surrounded by Protectors, so was she.

Kay carried no weapons with her, not even her satchel was on her. She only had herself. She kept her eyes forward, her features showing her concern and worry about the trial ahead.

Hearing the words and accusations of [member="Ra Vizsla"] , she clenched her jaw. What he was saying wasn't true, what he was accusing Gray of was not true. Surely reason would be heard here? Surely all minds were not closed?

As she crested the hill, she approached her Alor; her brother; her friend and stood beside him, yet slightly behind. She whispered to him. "I'm sorry, but I had to come....You need at least one that can speak on your side." Her eyes then went to meet Ra's. This was the first time that she had ever been face to face with him and many others in the Clans. She hoped that herself and Gray would be able leave in the same manner that they had arrived; in peace. But with the current atmosphere, she wasn't so sure.

 

[Gray Raxis]

Gray walked with the Protectorate towards the stage. Thousands of people were around it all having different reactions to the event that was taking place. Many were angry, many confused. They did not know any more about what truly happened than the ones hosting the event. He was already being hailed a traitor, yet none of them had even heard a single word he had to say yet. They were just looking for something to direct their hatred towards, and Gray was the only thing they really had. One of them even tried to use a molotov but was stopped by the guards. The man was arrested and showed the only real sign he had seen so far of any kind of fairness to this event.

Gray walked up on stage after [member="Ra Vizsla"] had finished speaking. He was whipping a sense of anger amongst the crowd, which would only make things harder when it was time for him to speak. He was just glad he wasn't in cuffs right now, because they would be a death sentence for sure otherwise. He had been accused of many things and Ra's words at the end showed his feelings on the matter. Gray just looked Ra in the eyes and said to him in response, " Careful Man'alor Ra. A man who draws his blade before its needed only ends up cutting himself."

Gray went so he could face the crowd. He gave it a moment so the booing and curses being thrown his way could be died down by a guard calling for silence. After they had barely managed to satisfy the guard, Gray nodded a thanks to the armored individual and then said aloud so all or as many could hear as possible, " This is only the beginning. Those words are very true. This is the beginning of a trial were too many have already judged me guilty before they have even heard my words. This is the beginning of a trial were the people of Mandalore are asked to weigh the guilt or innocence of one of their own going off of just what is brought to them. This is the beginning of a trial that is more of a show of justice than a true example of what that really is. I stand before you today accused of crimes that the only evidence given to prove its truth is a video of someone who isn't me making a declaration that is meant to represent an entire clan. He declared that clan Raxis would defy our Mand'alor Ra Vizsla, and yet here I stand before all of you to defend myself in a trial ordered by the very person we were accused of defying. Does coming here show defiance towards the words of our sole ruler? Or does it prove that I am adhering to the Resol'Nare by following my Mand'alor?"

Gray gave them a moment to let his words sink in. He had no way of judging what the crowd thought because of his force connection being cut currently, but it likely was mostly the same. He went on after he judged it was long enough of a pause, " My cousin, my own blood, Jack Raxis attacked Ra on Kashyyk. There is no doubt of that nor of the crime he committed in doing so. But just because he attacked and spoke those words does not prove that it was sanctioned or supported by myself or my clan. Jack had come to us telling us we were going to war with the clans and our Mand'alor. He spoke as if he had the authority of an alor, but he is not the alor of clan Raxis. I am. Every member of the clan rejected his proposal adamantly before I even had time to speak. It was a proud moment for me, and my own opinion is theirs. I told Jack that we would not and never would do such a thing. It goes against the Resol'Nare to harm and kill our brothers and sisters of Mandalore. He then told us he would be defecting to the Republic and fled before we had time to stop him. This meeting it seems happened after he had attacked Ra on Kashyyk. It was an attack we were not even aware of at the time. He defied the wishes and opinions of his clan. He fled to safety and left his fellow clan members to clean up his mess. He betrayed every Mandalorian that day. He betrayed Ra. He betrayed Mandalore. He betrayed Clan Raxis. He betrayed me, his own blood."

Gray had to pause here. He was getting upset remembering what Jack had done to everyone he was suppose to care about that day. Jack had crossed every line held sacred by the Mandalorian people, and yet here was Gray being the one on trial for it. Jack believed himself still the voice of his clan, yet he was the main cause of its near destruction. Gray had managed to calm down enough to go on after and continue with his point, " Jack had done all of that, so I came to met Ra and discuss the betrayal. I could still half not believe Jack had actually done something so terrible until I heard it from our Mand'alor himself. I spoke only the truth to him, as I do to you now. I do not know if any of you will believe me or not, but not believing something doesn't make it any less true. I believe in the Mandalorian way. I live by the Resol'Nare. I would never betray my own blood, yet I am still accused of it. You see a video of a man declaring his clan will defy everything it means to be a Mandalorian. What I see is a man who believes he speaks for a clan he has never truly been a part of and has abandoned for the second time. I see my own cousin betraying not just his people but his own blood. I see a man who death is too good for and needs to spend the rest of his life atoning for the gravest of sins he has committed. Believe me if you will, and I hope you do, because everything I have told you so far is true." He then got quiet to let the crowd respond to his last statement. They would have things to say to him for sure, and a few might even have questions for him. He just needed to wait and see how things progressed from here.

 

[Laira Darkhold]

"And what is it you do about the dissension in your ranks, the groups of warriors that aided and abetted Jack in his endeavors? How many of your warriors have abandoned you, and how can you trust the ones that are left seeing as how they so quickly sided with the Dar'manda in his ambush without your words of approval. How have they been dealt with?" Assuming they were not at the time backed by Clan Raxis. Jack had spoken for the clan as a whole, and as far as Draco, or anyone outside the accused knew for certain, he had meant it that way.

It was easy to believe that the young Alor had backed his more experienced, more powerful cousin in his attack in the hopes Jack would win, and now that he had lost Gray was backpedaling to save himself and his clansmen. But, if there was evidence that the Clan was ensuring loyalties, attempting to capture and hand over the traitors, then they may be as Gray says. Oblivious.

So far in the Crusade, Clan Raxis hadn't been very supportive, and as far as Draco could remember, the only actions attributed to Clan Raxis in the Crusade were those of Jack on the beach. If they weren't helping the Clans, and they were actively fighting the Clans, even if only one, and the rest did nothing. They might as well be against the Clans.

[member="Gray Raxis"] [member="Ra Vizsla"]

 

[Stardust Solus Skirae]

She had come in behind [member="Lady Kay"]....no armor no weapons nothing but normal clothing she'd wear any other day, she knew gray didn't want her here and despite it at all She came...she needed to be here with gray

Protectorate surrounded her as well...she was about ten minutes behind kay....as she walked she heard [member="Ra Vizsla"] speak, she had mediated before hand to gather all the calm she could need...she listned as he read what gray was accused of and closed her eyes..

As she moved she heard gray start speaking and it got louder as she was led and stood beside kay, standing straight up as she listned to gray speak...it was all true she had warned jack...she warned him about what would happen if he did what he did and now look...she'd find him after this and she would make him pay...yes...make him pay through blood...

She looked to gray and gave a nod to his words then forward again ..she'd wait to speak...she hoped for the best

 

[Matreya]

Ignore

 

[Julius Sedaire]

Stiffening at seeing [member="Lady Kay"], but he said nothing. Truth be told, after the debacle at Ilum, and now this, his opinion of Clan Raxis was only slightly better than the Death Watch. And if someone addressed the Alor of Clan Mereel and was ignorant of that opinion... Well.... They likely didn't know water was wet. He had no armor, at this moment, and stood with his bionics bared to sight, a battered bevii'ragir still being used to help him along. The leg was mostly healed, and the replaced knee was doing its' job, but still the medics spoke of replacing the entire leg. Mainly so the Alor would not be out from the Crusade too long. Even if he disagreed with some of it, he was needed.

And the reason stood right before him, blustering and blundering. Sanctioned or not, anyone with a shred of decency as a leader would have taken the failure as their own to show a backbone. The man prattled about honor. And then lacked the decency to actually show a shred of it in his command. Twice now, in his estimation. If pups like this were to be about prattling about honor and the Codex and such, and act like this... Well... Then the ideals he prized needed an actual worthwhile example to point to. Not this Raxis and his disgrace of a brood.

Now was [member="Draco Vereen"] who spoke, and his first salvo had the other Alor nodding in agreement with the Cuir Rekr, and he drew in a breath. Even in the plain clothes he wore, he stood a warrior. Injuries or not, the knowledge of decades carried in his bearing, in the look in his eyes, and even without the Force... Even without that he could stand to any here and acquit himself well. And even without the Force, any could see the rage twitching in the set of his jaw. What he friend said need be addressed before any voting or grandstanding.

Small and bereft of numbers, he waited as was proper. He would speak his vote if it was needed... But for now it was best not to dogpile the accused. Let him dig his own grave with the words he loved so.

[member="Ra Vizsla"] | [member="Gray Raxis"]

 

[Zaiden Dean]

Vérmôn. The name of the Clan he had recently begun, one in which only bare members were counted. The numbers hardly more than double digits. But it was a legitimate Clan, one that he had called family after choosing to abstain from his paternal clan, Daemon, and maternal, Verd. He was Aliit to the Clan, as well as Alor to these people, and that meant he had absolute vote in this situation.

Unlike his father whom nearby stood alone, he was amongst his people, speaking with them to take their opinions. It was a mixed vote; some wanted leniancy, protection for the man, others wanted absolution, utter death for the potential treachery. There was evidence provided that the clan was doing evil, betraying the people of the Manda. But there was the lasting confusion - was he responsible for this? Did he five command? Should a leader be held responsible for those he commands?

"Vérmôn vote neutral. Let the man fight for his honor, should he handle his own, the gods have deemed him innocent. Otherwise, death to the betrayer."

 

[Gray Raxis]

Gray heard the words of [member="Draco Vereen"] and turned his attention to the man. The question was about how Gray handled the situation. He made it sound a if people were fleeing the clan to aid Jack, but it was not how things had played out. He said in response to the question, " Raxian soldiers did not aid Jack in his ambush. Those who helped Jack are those only loyal to Jack himself, not the clan. The Queen's Rangers have never fought along side those who serve clan Raxis. They have never taken or followed an order given by any Raxis member. Their loyalty is to the traitor and the traitor alone. So to answer your question, nothing has been done because none have abandoned the will of their clan. I have made sure that everyone has been told what Jack has done and ordered every member of the clan to capture him to face punishment for his betrayal."

Gray paused for a moment then added on, " Does that answer your question Alor Draco Vereen? Or would you rather I tell you what I would do if our own had ignored the words of their alor and will of their clan?" He was not trying to sound rude or polite. He had stated the facts of how things had gone so far. The order to capture Jack had been sent out without any encryption or attempt to hide it. It was open for all to see and hear if they wished to, and would support his claim he was making right now. All anyone had to do was just spend a little time looking for it.

OOC: The order was given via Raxian Empire discussion page. If anyone wants to see it feel free to join, check it out, then leave.

 

[Rekali the Hutt]

Rekali the Hutt, dressed in full Rekali'Gam, called out the Clan Raxis Alor.

"You say that the clan split in two, those who followed you and those who followed Jack. What did you think Jack would do? Did you alert any other clan besides your own as to what he might have been doing? And if not, Why not?" His basic was heavily accented in Huttese, but passable galactic basic. The Hutt suspected he knew the answer to the question, but he still needed to hear the man's answer. If Jack had enough time to gather his forces and head to Kashyyyk in time to meet and fight the Mand'alor then by his measure Gray had enough time to send a holomail warning them the traitors were coming, or at the very least that their had been a split of the clan. Why hadn't he sent word, why hadn't he implied.

The Clans were sovereign yes, but knowing a traitor might be coming for the Mand'alor and not telling anyone, not doing anything about it? Treason by association, as far as the Hutt was concerned.

[member="Gray Raxis"]

 

[Gray Raxis]

Gray was next addressed by a hutt. The questions were understandable if heavily accented, and so Gray could answer it. He turned his attention to the hutt and said, " The clan did not split in two. The only ones who joined Jack were those who were a part of his personal forces. They were not members of the clan. And as I said he came to us after he had attacked Ra Vizsla on Kashyyk. He told us nothing about the action at the time and then after I heard some rumors of what he had done. So I went to Ra to confirm it personally. Very little time has transpired between events, so I have had little time to take any actions. My first action was to meet with our Mand'alor, and all I have had time to do between then and this trial is order every Raxis member to capture Jack. I can not do anything about the fact Jack had attacked Ra before he ever hinted to us that he was even going to do something to him. If I could go back in time and warn Ra then I would, but I do not possess that ability."

Gray left his reply to [member="Rekali the Hutt"] at that. He was beginning to feel like he was in the middle of a witch hunt where he was determined guilty before he could attempt to prove his innocence. If they all had determined already he was guilty then there was no justice to this trial. Hopefully though the clans had more sense than an angry mob and would see the truth of things. They had better things to do than to try and convict an innocent man of a crime he never committed.

 

[Rekali the Hutt]

[member="Gray Raxis"]

"It seems I have misheard" Or misread rather, though the Hutt didn't make the distinction. "It was after the battle of Kashyyyk that you saw Jack Raxis, and after you met with Jack Raxis that you heard of his betrayal. And not trusting the word of your fellow clans you would only believe that your brother left if the Mand'alor himself told you he was guilty."


A pause.


"How little weight is our word to Clan Raxis?"



"How little weight are our lives that Clan Raxis would not join us in battle?"



"How little does family mean to you that Jack Raxis would schism with a troupe of warriors and you not think a brother has been lost?"


"How little of a man are you, to come to us as an Alor and not shoulder the blame for what your Clan has done under your watch?"


"How long will we call Clan Raxis Vod while they stab at our backs or turn their heads away at sound of our voice?"

The Hutt's accented basic grew louder and louder as he grew more and more vehement. He understood having your own priorities, as a man and as a clan, but he also understood that family came first.

 

[Gilamar Skirata]

The old Mandalorian sighed. It was times like this that he wished his old friend, Strider, was still around if only for his comedic relief. Traitors were traitors. He had learned this the hard way and was only reminded of this fact mere months ago when some of his most trusted elders had decided to strike against the crusade and his younger brother left Mandalorian space behind. The sting of that particular betrayal was still fresh and so the old Mandalorian was not so sympathetic to blatant traitors like this Raxis boy.

Not only was he a traitor, but he lead traitorous men and women into battle against fellow Mandalorians. He had wielded the Force against vode. This alone in Gil's eyes was enough to punish, though GIl had a hard time saying he deserved death, he had no doubt his brothers and sisters had other plans.

He stood, watching and waiting with his arms folded in front of him clad in his menacing black beskar'gam.

 

[Darth Seraphic]

Nothing Sin did here would matter, all he could do was stand back and watch, that's all he wanted to do. [member="Tiberius Rex"] had adopted Sin has brother, as vod, and this made Sin apart of Clan Rex, thus he had his rights to be if not to tell his brother one day when he saw him next what was going on in the Clans. So as he stood there, among many armored men, and women, Sin wore simple robes that clung to his form with his Phrik mask over his face of pure white. He watched [member="Lady Kay"] stand next to whom she called brother, [member="Gray Raxis"] and even saw a familiar face, [member="Stardust Raxis"]. Indeed, he had many reasons to be here then. He could not vote for Clan Rex, he was not alor of it. If anything, Sin wasnt even Aliit Alor of it. Sin was a brother, a comrade in arms, a loyalist to the Clan. It had went both ways though, Clan Rex was now apart of the Sin legacy, and thus they were both Rex and Sin now.

Each Mandalorian voiced their opinion, each coming forward with their own pieces of questions. Funny, though, the stupid lizards that [member="Ra Vizsla"] had placed everywhere made Sin feel....ordinary. He was a man among men here. Nothing more, nothing less. The words of Jack continued to echo across his mind, did Gray truly lose control over Clan Raxis? They had went has far as to make it an empire. Sure, even if Ra declared each clan sovereign, was an empire necessary for the clan? The Vahla shrugged, and moved on to listening more. [member="Rekali the Hutt"] then came with a point Sin could not help but agree with. A slight nod of approval was all that was shown in this, but even then, Sin stood in the far back, hidden from all eyes.

Would Clan Raxis make it through this?

 

[Julius Sedaire]

The Hutt spoke, and then spoke again, and Ijaat felt a stirring. Rekali, despite some of their leanings, was always a Clan he had respected. Ember had sheltered him after the raid on Coruscant had fused his mind and that of his A.I.... Had always been there for him whenever he had a need. And now this man dressed in the skin of that Clan spoke. And the words burned in him, and he nodded. As the words grew in volume, he shouldered forward, out of his guards, and banged the spear haft to the floor. He stretched, the bionics whirring a bit and raised his voice. There was no need for the Force, this body seemed to have a natural gift for oration, unlike his last one.

"Mando'ade! Before this pup opens his yap to speak more wind, let me interject! Most of you know me, or at the least know my name and that of my Clan. I'm normally a balanced man! I give options. But this child proves he cannot understand the basis of command, that those in charge are responsible for those under their banner, intended slight or ordered command or not. Rather than do he stand and whines and hand-wrings... And then asks what to do..."

Here the fiery alor drew to full height and spit directly towards Raxis, his opinion of him clear now.

"WHAT SHOULD YOU DO? YOU CAN ACT LIKE A MAN! Turn over your rank, dissolve your clan. So that your ineptitude does not further harm those sworn to you or those beside you. The intent is worthless. Words are worthless. All you spout is wind, so stand and do. Fight to prove your innocence, if innocent you are. And if you prove such, begin again at lowest ranks, to show you understand even a modicum of this culture you disgrace"

Turning, he spat to the ground again, and banged his spear, signaling an end to his rant.

"Mereel votes Guilty, with an Option to a Combat Deed for Innocence."

 

[Ardgal Raxis]

Ardgal moved through the angry crowd frankly unaffected. His usually calm and noble face was contorted with a slightly irritated look. Seriously? A lynching? They called this a trial? Where was the evidence? Where were the witnesses? Where was the defense? There was only prosecution. It was arguably the most pathetic excuse for a trial he had ever seen. Yes, he was well aware of the bias against the last name Raxis. And for some reason there were many here who were already letting their opinion of Gray from prior experience cloud their judgement.

For a man who had a thing for order.... This was far from right. In fact, he was grated by it. The general stood atop a rock so his voice could be heard and he could be seen. Ardgal straitened his armor, adjusting his gauntlets briefly before speaking. His voice was controlled, calm, soothing, and highly methodical. He was very acustomed to speaking before large groups of--well battle lusting men and women. This was nothing new.

"My Brothers, my sisters, hear me," he said, his voice ringing across the land around him, "Hear me. I feel the anger, I know the pain. I am just as angered about this as you are. All of Clan Raxis is greatly upset about this. However, we must not let rage cloud our judgement and bring death on a man whom is not guilty. Let us all consider facts for a moment. Facts, the very things that make us above the animals. Just as we consider the data before making an attack, let us do so now. Do not prove the aurutiisii right, give them no real reason to call us savages."

Ardgal reached into his pocket and retrieved a datachip. It had been attached to his helmet during a meeting that Jack had tried to recruit the Clan to attack the Mandalore. He pressed the chip into his gauntlet and let it play, the audio ringing across the field,

JACK: "I'm calling Clan Raxis back together, and we are going to war with this Vizsla character. So if you're in, you're in if not.... You might not want to use the name Raxis openly. This a Major move, one that will definitely brand us as traitors in their eyes. But the truth of the matter is that the Clans are using Roche as an excuse for wanton slaughter and conquest. They claim it's vengeance and whatnot, but reparations were made, and an agreement was reached. I won't stand by while some Di'kut drags the whole Mandalorian culture back into the Dark Ages of the Deathwatch."

Kay: "No. No, I can't. I have Commenor to look out for, which flies the Raxis banner. I had already sent word about it to Ra Vizsla in order to keep us put of his crosshairs. My defences aren't fully set up yet, our military haven't been strengthened yet and our fleets are just getting built. And with the Embassies being built there from various governments, I can't support any action that would endanger them."

ARDGAL: "I agree with this I don't think that there--I am sure you are aware of my specialty, land warfare. No one is doubting that this is a battle that must be one, what they are doubting is the method. When a fortress stands in our way, a direct assault is rarely the answer. There are many other ways to victory; siege, stealthy incursion, or unconventional warfare, to name a few options. We have to do something but declaring war will be the end of not only us but the chance to make a difference. We must do something, but we must do something different than all out war. That would only make things worse. There are other ways to establish order."

GRAY: "Jack, you should listen to our clansman. Going to war is not the answer, and will only destroy the clan. I have already voiced my opinion on this war with Ra when I met the man. He is a soldier, a warrior. I don't think he even realizes that there is another option for our people other than war. We need to show him otherwise. I broke the clan away from Mandalorian territory to spread our people's proud culture and to get us back to the Resol'Nare. I want us to be a shining beacon to guide our brothers and sisters back on Mandalore the true way to live up to our people's heritage..... But making them the enemy, any of them, and starting a conflict will just make them cling harder to their false ideals."

JACK: "Then it's settled then. Do what you will but Jack Raxis is goin' to war."

Ardgal stopped the recording at that, "It goes on--every member in power in the clan warned Jack. Gray did not sanction this act any more than Ra sanctioned the massacre on Ilum. As Ilum, it would be wrong to hold the innocent for the actions of the guilt. I propose a different option. Give our clan a week to bring Jack. One week. If we cannot bring him to you, then deal with him as you see fit in light of the fact that he continually told Jack otherwise.

"Keep this in mind as well; since the Founding of the Raxian Empire, Jack has not once been present for our works. He has not once been a member of our clan. He has not once assisted in our relief efforts, our attempts to build into the future. He is no more Raxis than he is Mandalorian. If you doubt me, here is a full record of the prior activities of the Raxis Empire from several independent sources. He is not once seen, mentioned or a part of our work. I give this to you, Mandalore to do as you see fit. Have any of you ever had total control of thse who claim to be a member of your own, yet are not? Are you omnipresent? Are you Omnipotent? Do you control ever shifting wind and every sand on the shore? Do you control every wayward child? Do you control the Gen'Dai wrecking terrorism on the galaxy without abandon? No? Then why do you expect Clan Raxis to control all minds? Is this obession with control what it means to be Mando or is it the freedom to act as you see right? Do we expect you to hold to our ideals outside of the Resol'nare? Then why do you expect it of us?"

Ardgal handed his evidence, all of it, the total recorded conversation, and the records to Ra. As long as order and Justice were served he would abide by it.

Spoiler

Zion ((More Ardgal than Raxis but, whatevs))
Heeding the Call ((Actually the only "faction" thread we have))
A good Title
Jackal in a Cage
Phriking Seltos

These are the records presented and its every thread of the RE and every thread that could even be considered the RE. Consider these documents extensive, including local security forces, news casts, etc etc as well as RE's private logs of the event. The meeting in question is in the post. Feel free to check it out too, Tef. Cheers!

[member="Ra Vizsla"]
[member="Rekali the Hutt"]
[member="Gilamar Skirata"]
[member="Rekali the Hutt"]
[member="Gray Raxis"]
[member="Axel"]
[member="Ijaat Mereel"]
[member="Damien Daemon"]
[member="Draco Vereen"]
[member="Lady Kay"]
@Anyone I missed.

 

[Rekali the Hutt]

To say Rekali the Hutt was steaming wouldn't have done it justice.


It was as if someone had merged Hoth and Mustafar together.


They knew. They all knew. And they did nothing.


"Here you have it. 'We are going war with this Vizsla Character'. To which Clan Raxis replies 'No I can't. Commenor can't defend itself from Vizsla's crosshairs.' 'We must do something but we must not declare war.' 'Going to war is not the answer, and will only destroy the clan.' "


"Do any of these sound like Clan Raxis has the interest of Mandalore at heart?"


"He told them he was going to war without them and they let him do it."


"None of them even disagreed with him, they only disagreed with his methods. If any were a True Son of Mandalore they would have Blood Dueled him on the Spot!"


"Jack Raxis is not an out-lier, he is just the only one with the gett'se to challenge the Mand'alor openly. I call for Clan Rekali to vote not for the innocence of their Alor, but for Their Entire Clan!"


"And I Vote GUILTY!!!!!!!"

Spoiler

[member="Alec Rekali"] [member="Samael Rekali"] [member="Caspian Rekali"] [member="Mira Rekali"] @Whoever Else Rekali

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay looked to each one of them as they spoke, as they expressed their anger at [member="Gray Raxis"] for something that someone else did. It was wrong. Gray was a scapegoat. They would rather take the easy route than go after the one that they were truly mad at. Only one so far seemed to see the truth and give an innocent verdict, [member="Damien Daemon"] .

She was not born into their lifestyle, not raised into it like most in attendance. But she was adopted into it by Gray and others that wanted to keep her safe among the increased turmoil and cleansing that was now facing the Galaxy. And Kay did not let her Clan down in any way. She did what was asked of her and more. Gray did not forbid her to speak, not even with a look. And so, when there was a pause between monologues, she voiced hers.

"With all due respect, have you not heard anything that Gray has said? Jack had disappeared, abandoned Clan Raxis a long time ago, only to recently reappear. Jack came to us after his unjustly attack on Ra. He summoned us to try to gain his support, of which ALL of us declined to give him. Neither of us knew that this attack had already taken place until recently. So the order was given to locate him and bring him to our Alor to face justice, to face your justice. All of this happened in a matter of two days. TWO days! And you speak as though we are just letting Jack walk away, as though we agreed with his actions and his motivations. But you are wrong in that.

I can understand you all being hurt and feeling betrayed. Well you can bet that our Clan is going through those feelings as well. I know how devastating this is, how it cuts into the core of your being. I went through this myself in my former position of which...I know that at least one of you can't separate me from.

Gray is innocent, just as you all are. He was betrayed just as you all were. You should not be fighting amongst yourselves. You are brothers and sisters. Doing so would only be helping the enemies that you fight. You would be helping your enemies cut down your numbers without them having to break a sweat.

Now I ask you all to allow us to get custody of Jack so that he may face punishment as we were mobilizing to do before this trial was called. I already know where he is. Jack summoned me again to join him at a specific location, to which I declined once more, still unaware of his unsanctioned attack. Star and I were about to inform Gray of our plans to bring him in, but this...This came far too quickly than it should.

You need to understand that we were already mobilizing to fix this, but we were not given appropriate time. Two days is not nearly enough. It takes more time than that to cross the vastness of the Galaxy. Each of you would ask for the same thing if you were in our position. We need to bring in Jack for he is the only guilty one."

Her eyes fell last on [member="Ra Vizsla"] . It was afterall, up to him.

 

[Ordo]

Ordo stood apart from the clan chiefs, the aliit'alor had their business and he didn't envy them one bit. His heavy armor looked like it had been through hell and that wasn't far from the truth. His buy'ce was clipped to his belt as usual and his C-M fragstorm hung over a broad left shoulder as he watched the proceedings. The boy was lucky, back in the old days he would have been locked in a box for a few days then dropped out of an airlock when it was most convenient. This whole trial business was more due process than he was used to seeing.

The crowd went through rises and falls of noise as they responded to the people they managed to hear. Ordo bit a piece of thick nerf jerky and chewed it slowly as he thought of all the things he'd like to say. This man chose to stand up for another's crimes. He chose to take the blame for another's treachery. Now he is claiming innocence. It was all starting to sound like the only standing up he planned to do was so he could talk his way out and buy his people time. If everyone was here playing due process, who was watching the clan's collective asses? What better way to win a war than to get all the enemies generals together away from the front lines and then strike. Ordo didn't like this one bit. Guilty or not if he was the enemy a kark ton of dead Mandos would be smoldering in the valley right now. Good thing republic leaders tend toward stupidity.

Ordo shoved a rock off to one side away from his boot as he thought about his life filled with screw ups and if he deserved a trial as much as anyone else. He prayed to the Manda that if he ever acted like either Raxis they would kill him quick and save him the trouble of doing it himself.

[member="Ra Vizsla"] [member="Grey"] Raxis [member="Rekali the Hutt"] [member="Draco Vereen"] [member="Lady Kay"] [member="Ardgal Raxis"] [member="Ijaat Mereel"] [member="Gilamar Skirata"]

 

[Ardgal Raxis]

Ardgal gave the frog--er--slug a look of disbelief. It was akin to if the Hutt had told him that the center of the galaxy was made out of cheese and--the other man had believed it with all his being. Ardgal calmly smoothed the expression from his face and placed his hands behind his back. His face--and tone--assumed that tone that one used of dealing with a being of lesser intelligence, a young child, or one who claimed to be a poached egg.

"Have you ever fully agreed with anything anyone ever did? Or had an original thought?" he asked, his tone totally smooth and cool, "Do you always follow blindly without question, or do you hold the wealth of the person higher than that? Do you have so little spine that you cannot respectfully object to your leader and offer a better path? Tell me, if the Mand'alor were going to crash his ship into the side of a planet would you still be such a quint yes-man? Or would you rather do your Mand'alor a favor and tell him to look out?

"You may not know this," he said turning slightly, "but its been proven, scientifically that it is impossible to think logically when your angry. The brain centers for rage, your limbic system of fury and strong emotion override the frontal cortex, the centers for all logic and reason. The frontal cortex is what makes us different from animals. From our enemies. We are evolved beings because we logic. We must be above our enemies. Above animals." Ardgal paused, letting the words sink in, "Now, I don't know about you, but its rather apparent to me that rage is highly present here. Strong emotions. Furry. Its rather noninclusive to justice," the facts could stand where they were.

He took a few steps forward, towards Ra, "No, I do not agree with the way the Crusades have been carried out, Mand'alor. I feel that murdering innocents, children is wrong, like Mimban and Illum. Do you blame us for holding an opinion? I was confident that being a Mandalorian was about choosing your own path, independence and free thought. Isn't that what made us great in the first place? Are the Old Ways not good enough anymore? If not, call me Dar'manda and be welcome. I will find a people who embrace their own and their own creativity."

He turned once more to [member="Rekali the Hutt"], "Do you treat a child as an adult? When you tell them to stay clear of putting a fork in the outlet do you go into adult detail or do you give them a child's reason? Yes, we dealt with Jack on a level he could understand. That is the only way to do so. He didn't buy that logic, so he made his wrong choice. We opposed the treason, if you want to find a reason to kill someone, you always will. Why don't you grow gett'se and just do it yourself? Or are you really that cowardly?"