Private The Iron Accords: Haat, Ijaa, Haa'it

[Aether Verd]

Wearing:
Beskar'gam - Darksaber​

THE ROOM WHERE IT HAPPENS

The Mand’alor did not nod as the High Chancellor spoke. He listened with the same deliberate stillness he afforded generals and warlords, weighing tone as much as content. Her acceptance of his terms was measured, and her additions were not without merit. Formal ambassadors. Embassies. Open borders. Each suggestion carried implications that would ripple beyond this hall.

When she finished, Aether inclined his helm slightly.

“For formal ambassadors...” he said, voice steady and unhurried, “Renn Vizsla will remain envoy of the Mandalorian Empire to the High Republic. He understands your government, and he understands our own. He carries both iron and patience.”

His visor shifted briefly toward his Warden before returning to Dominique.

“However, I do acknowledge that your cultures are diverse and your politics...complex. Renn serves many roles within our Empire as well, namely as Warden and Warmaster both. To ease the noise that often accompanies such realities, I now also formally appoint Adelle Bastiel as envoy to the High Republic.”

He allowed that declaration to settle before continuing.

“Her experience in the realm of the Jedi gives her a perspective few Mandalorians possess. Her temprament and standing within the Empire allow both of my envoys to fully represent our culture within the High Republic. Renn Vizsla is Death Watch, Adelle Bastiel is True Mandalorian - if you understand these ancient references, that is."

On the matter of embassies, his response came without hesitation.

“An embassy may be established on Scarif. Its proximity to our southern borders makes it a prudent location. Structure breeds clarity.”

Then his tone shifted, not harsher, but firmer.

“Open borders, however, are not a step Mandalore is prepared to accept. Unrestricted transit between our nations invites vulnerabilities neither of us has fully mapped. That trust is not yet forged.”

He paused only briefly.

“Military access may be granted with prior notice. If your forces must transit our space for reasons aligned with our shared interests, and we are informed in advance, Mandalore will not obstruct you. The same courtesy will be expected in return.”

Aether’s gauntleted hand rose to his chin, tapping lightly against the beskar as he considered whether anything remained unspoken. Renn’s blood struck the bowl with solemn intent. Sibylla answered with sincerity. The moment did not fracture. It deepened.

“Renn speaks truth...” Aether said at last, voice carrying quiet conviction. “Mandalore is willing to bleed for its word. That has never been in question.”

His visor turned toward Sibylla.

“And I thank you, Ambassador, for sharing Naboo’s perspective with clarity rather than defensiveness."

He leaned back slightly, not in relaxation, but in measured assessment.

“Our willingness to stand together against existential threats will send a clear message to the galaxy. If another democracy rises and seeks to crush you, for example, Mandalorian iron will answer. The same shall go for successors to the Galactic Empire, spiritual or literal. The same shall go for schisms of Mandalore. This is unity and strength."

There was a deliberate shift in cadence as he continued.

“But the retainer must remain the foundation. At home, this cannot be perceived as a standard alliance. Traditional alliances are among the causes of death of previous Mandalorian nations. I made a promise to my people that I would not lead them down that road again.”

His tone did not waver.

“Thus, the renewed contract will include the standard conflict of interest clause present in our dealings with the Galactic Alliance. It ensures that while trust between the High Republic and the Mandalorian Empire is stronger than before, our people will not be exploited. The message will be clear. The past will not repeat itself and trust has grown.”

At that, Aether rose from his seat, the scorched crimson of his cloak settling behind him as he extended his hand across the table toward Dominique Vexx.

“While I would prefer to sign this in blood as my Warden has demonstrated...” he said, a faint edge of dry humor threading through iron restraint, “I understand that the way of Mandalore is not your way.”

His hand remained steady, offered without flourish.

“This will suffice. For now.”

Dominique Vexx , Aurelian Veruna , Sibylla Abrantes , Renn Vizsla , Adelle Bastiel

 

[Dominique Vexx]

Ambassador Renn Vizsla would remain, but Adelle Bastiel would join him as Envoy. Dominique had no complaint to Aether's choice in representative. Though she hoped the assertive woman would refrain from troubling the King of Naboo going forward. Of that she would need to have a discussion with Aurelian in private as well. "The High Republic will retain the services of Sibylla Abrantes as Ambassador to the Mandalorian Empire." Perhaps they too would assign an envoy to support her efforts. It would alleviate the burden of her being ever available to the Mand'alor, and allow her opportunity to deal with matters on Naboo if they become pressing. A matter they can brooch later as the 'Contract' would not need to commit a name to the agreement.

As for the Embassy's location, Scarif was hardly her first choice. The necessary the Hypergates exist, and precarious locations of those Hypergates weren't ideal. That said it was a step in the right direction. Locations of Embassies could always be changed, and the extra language used had yet to be cast in stone.

It was the matter of Open Borders that was the most disappointing. Not unexpected, but disappointing all the same. Dominique hoped the Mand'alor appreciated just how one-sided a open borders solely for coordinated armed forces mobility was between them. Not that Aether likely had any designs on the Sith Order at the moment. One might argue the same could be said of the High Republic and Diarchy. Nevertheless, it too was a step in the right direction.

Dominique's gaze remain with Aether as Renn set a bowl in the center of the table. The movement itself didn't matter. What it was intended to be used for or represent would undoubtedly be made clear, and was presently. When Renn spoke of it being of personal importance then her eyes shifted slightly to regard the man himself as he spoke. She watched as Renn removed a gauntlet and drew a knife in full view of the High Republic delegation. Despite already having an inkling of what was about to follow, the Chancellor's expression remain as iron-clad now as it was a moment ago.

An interesting move for one that understood the ways of the High Republic. Not the first test either.

Sibylla then stressed the commitment by the High Republic to the deal struck in the very chamber they occupied.

The Chancellor gave a single, deliberate nod in the wake of Aether declaring their unit and strength came from taking action together against existential threats. One couldn't help but hear such included... civil strife as well. Fair enough. The intent was to go beyond mere convenience, after all.

No, indeed, more disturbing by far was the 'standard conflict of interest clause.' Dominique knew what language of which the Mand'alor spoke. She'd seen the Galactic Alliance's copy of the agreement. Discretionary participation in the event two or more conflicting parties had an agreement with the Mandalorian Empire. Legally prudent, but did the Mandalorians appreciate what it would mean to invoke it? Only time would tell. it was, however, a blemish on an otherwise amicable renewal of their understanding. One added to contracts only after the Royal Naboo Republic's first foray with a new Empire. Opposing it would not promote closer relations between them. There was trust needed to accept its inclusion.

The Chancellor rose half a second behind the Mand'alor.

At his prompting, her cream hand was extended in order to clasp the hand of the Mand'alor. "It is not our way," she acknowledged, "but I am prepared to bleed for this pact." Her golden eyes met the Mand'alor's visor lidless and unblinking. All he had to do was ask. Not that Dominique wanted to cut her hand to sign a deal, but she was the Chancellor... what she personally wanted didn't always matter. "Any time. Any where."

Aether Verd | Renn Vizsla | Adelle Bastiel
Sibylla Abrantes | Aurelian Veruna​

 

[Aurelian Veruna]

Tags: Dominique Vexx | Aether Verd | Sibylla Abrantes | Adelle Bastiel | Renn Vizsla

Aurelian's gaze dropped to the bowl. Then to the knife. Then to Dominique offering her hand like they were about to christen a warship. His nose wrinkled. "I am not bleeding here. No, thank you," he blurted out before he could stop himself.

Silence followed. Again. He could practically feel Adelle's stare trying to set his chair on fire. He adjusted in his seat, suddenly very aware of gravity and the structural integrity of furniture in Mandalorian company.

Right. Focus.

He leaned forward. "Before we bleed for anything or send you back to your fighting, there is one thing we need to discuss." He looked around the table, waiting for someone on his side to pick up the thread. No one did. "Your new Warden of Eshan," he said plainly. "Currently an enemy of the High Republic."

His eyes returned to Aether. "How are we to go about that? She did attempt to take my life, you know."

He gave a thin smile. "I'm all for unity and strength. I just prefer not being assassinated by our retainers senior staff."

​

 

[Aether Verd]

Wearing:
Beskar'gam - Darksaber​

THE ROOM WHERE IT HAPPENS

The Mand'alor's gaze shifted to Aurelian.

He regarded the man's words with a solemn nod. While the former Chancellor was indeed enjoying his retirement from the role, he did have moments where he "clocked in" it seemed. Moments where the man who had earned Aether's respect shone through. This was one such. The Mand'alor was silent as he contemplated, fingers tenting momentarily before he spoke.

"I can see how this poses a concern." he began, "The Warden of Eshan has many roles - and many adversaries. However, it was Eshan's choice to appoint the next-in-line to the throne. Mandalore has honored that choice." Aether then motioned towards the Republic delegation, inviting their thoughts.

"What is the Republic's preference in matters such as these? This is new ground for Mandalore. I will state that we have no intention of surrendering any of our Wardens into Republic custody. However, I believe that an understanding can be reached."

Dominique Vexx , Renn Vizsla , Sibylla Abrantes , Adelle Bastiel , Aurelian Veruna

 

[Aurelian Veruna]

Tags: Aether Verd | Dominique Vexx | Sibylla Abrantes | Adelle Bastiel | Renn Vizsla | Quinn Varanin

Aurelian held Aether's gaze for a long moment. He glanced around the table, measuring reactions. Fine. If no one else wanted to say it cleanly, he would. He nodded once. "Very well," he said. "For the sake of this agreement and our future, I'll let it go."

The words tasted expensive. He forced a small smile. He could be generous when it suited him even if he still held a personal vendetta against the woman. "Call it diplomatic immunity," he continued. "A gesture of good faith."

Internally, he added: and because escalating this would be spectacularly inconvenient.

His expression sharpened slightly. "But please make it known... it is not total immunity."

He leaned forward just enough to underline it. "If she acts against the Republic again through Black Sun, through the Sith, or through any convenient proxy, we will come to you directly seeking retribution."

His eyes stayed on Aether. "I trust you'll handle it."

​

 

[Aether Verd]

Wearing:
Beskar'gam - Darksaber​

THE ROOM WHERE IT HAPPENS

The false smile was not lost upon Aether.

T'was the perks of getting to know the man even a little bit. Nonetheless, the Mand'alor offered a slow nod in response. Quinn was, to put it succinctly, a wild card. She was the monarch of Eshan as recognized by her people, yes. But she was also the princess of the Sith Order, daughter to Srina Talon.

Moreover, she was family.

Aether carefully considered his words before answering. "Mandalore appreciates this gesture." he said. "To ensure our thoughts are aligned, should our Warden be acting in her capacity as monarch of Eshan or representative therein, her actions will be covered by diplomatic immunity. Her wellbeing will be enforced by the full weight of Mandalore. However, should she be acting in the capacity of her other responsibilities, then those bonds will be what answers."

The Mand'alor was more than happy to bear the weight of Quinn's actions, should she be doing so as the Red Crown of Eshan. But as the Sith Princess? Well. She didn't need Mandalore for that - she had the Dread Queen on speed dial after all.

"Let this be the foundation for all of our political figures moving forward. If acting in an official capacity, diplomatic immunity. If they are not? Accountability. If this is agreeable to you, then I believe we have a new Accord."

Renn Vizsla , Adelle Bastiel , Aurelian Veruna , Dominique Vexx , Sibylla Abrantes

 

[Renn Vizsla]

R E S P E C T

Aether Verd | Adelle Bastiel | Dominique Vexx | Sibylla Abrantes | Aurelian Veruna​

Renn's visor glanced between the faces of those gathered there, his eyes measuring their responses as his blood spilt into the bowl he had placed before them. His visor continued to hide the emotion the Warden wore on his face.

"I am not bleeding here. No, thank you,"

The Warden's gaze lingered on Aurelian for a moment before giving a curt nod. His fingers moved up as he flagged one of the attendants, gesturing towards the bowl he had displayed. The man grabbed it with a bow before departing as quickly as he had come.

Sliding the blade's spine in his elbow crease, the blood came off the ancient blade before the Mandalorian returned it to its scabbard.

His words came somberly as they escaped his lips, "It saddens me to see this is the reaction I receive from this pact. I had believed I warranted a grain more respect from you, your grace."

Shifting his gaze towards the Voice of Naboo, "You honor me with what you have learned, but it is clear that I have not imparted the right teachings of my people."

Finally, his eyes came upon the man he knew as Mand'alor, "I beg forgiveness for this display I have caused, my intentions were pure, but I believe I have fallen short of my intended goal."

A gentle sigh escaped his lips as his eyes gazed over the table once more, his hand returning the gauntlet to his now wounded hand as he spoke, his fingers working like autopilot, the task something he had done countless times before.

"My liege, I must ask to recuse myself of my position as Ambassador, I believe the Lady Adelle Bastiel of Clan Skirata would do better in such a position than I."

The last latch of the gauntlet secured as his visor directed towards the Mand'alor, his vision no longer directed across from him.

Every word and phrase was uttered without emotion, his visor holding back any betrayal his face might give away.

He had decided.​

 

[Dominique Vexx]

Dominique remain standing as Aurelian sought to bring up a personal matter. One that would affect the Republic and no doubt come again some day between factions, yes, but altogether personal. While she could appreciate the desire to discuss it openly, however, she did not appreciate a card being removed from her hand so unceremoniously. It had been a matter Sibylla and the Chancellor had discussed before coming to Nessantico. A relatively minor matter between interstellar governments -- as would become so apparent in the manner in which it was swiftly resolved -- but one that plied with others or the right time could still be useful.

Now, it was not.

Aurelian did, however, do them all the benefit of being his well-manner and suave self in his dealing of this matter. He swallowed his pride and washed his hands of it publicly to give face to the Mandalorian Empire. That was no small thing for an individual to do. Even if he did, arguably, instigate it; but as it had happened in a corridor amidst a growing frenzy culminating in CorpSec breaching said hallway... everyone only had the words of Quinn and Aurelian to go on.

Aether, for his part, was agreeable to settling such matters. To separating out the many faces of Queen Quinn Varanin . Yet even as the Mand'alor sought to add this to their accord and mutual understanding, another matter intruded.

Those in the room were swept up in their discussion, and Dominique had made no movement to visually distract them from it. The Chancellor stood and listened to the discussions, and now the request for the current Ambassador to the Republic to be discharged from their duty.

"Is it your intention, Field Marshal of the Death Watch, Warden of Roon, House of Vizsla, to spit on my honor before those assemble here, in this room?" She slowly reached up to retrieve the glareshades from the bridge of her nose in order that her eyes stare pointedly at Renn. "Should I take your actions and your words as a challenge not as High Chancellor of the High Republic, but as Dominique Vexx of Denon?"

"I came here in friendship. To make amends for our failings. To swear to a future of mutual prosperity and peace among our people. And even as I stretch out my hand, and offer my blood, I am told it is not enough?" Dominique hissed the last word. "That I bring such shame by merely being in your presence you retire from the field?"

The glareshades clattered atop the table before her, tossed from her grasp. "So, I'll ask, again. Are you challenging me?"

Aether Verd | Renn Vizsla | Adelle Bastiel | Aurelian Veruna | Sibylla Abrantes​

 

[Renn Vizsla]

H O N O R

Aether Verd | Adelle Bastiel | Dominique Vexx | Sibylla Abrantes | Aurelian Veruna​

Renn let his visor sway to the eyes of the High Chancellor, "Narir va beraoa at tionas ni bat ijaa"

He turned towards the Chancellor now, his arms crossed in front of him as he let out a soft exhale, the mirrored tint of his visor only reflecting faces back at themselves. A soft exhale of composure before he chose to speak once more.

"High Chancellor, your honor has never once come into question from those seated here today; in every discussion, you have been the figurehead of grace and mindfulness. I am the one whose honor diminishes today, and for the slight, I sincerely apologize."

The Warden glanced towards the Mandalorians beside him, his eyes landed on the Lady Bastiel as he spoke,"The Lady Bastiel has more than proven herself a worthy Ambassador to your government, and has formed close ties to important members of the Republic. I have done my best as I can in my station, but I am afraid I have failed in my station."

His head sank as he spoke, his shoulders weighing slightly by the pauldrons he wore, and the armor he held up.

"I pray forgiveness, Chancellor, that this is how your first perception of me is, but I can no longer do my duties if someone that me and mine have spent many a time with, who we had trained to defend themselves so that what happened to your predecessor did not happen to him, cannot even gleam our ways, what the symbolic nature of an action is. Then I cannot stay as I am now, I wish to respect your time and your duty to your people, as I know you and the Lady Abrantes respect ours."

Renn's fingers moved towards his helm as he slid it off, holding it towards his side as he looked at the party in front of him, no longer hiding his face behind the mirrored visor that only seemed to separate those there.

"It was not my intention to slight you in any way, and the fact that I have wounded you in this way brings me great sorrow. I have only shown you and yours all the kindness and courtesy of my station, and have tried to go above and beyond in aiding those with any knowledge I may hold. Do not take this out on the Mandalore or Lady Bastiel, it is me who has failed in my station."

He had Failed.​

 

[Adelle Bastiel]

Tags: Aether Verd | Aurelian Veruna | Dominique Vexx | Renn Vizsla | Sibylla Abrantes

Adelle had listened in silence, stifling the voice clamoring that this was a waste of her time while the battle still raged. While people under her command as Rally Master still fought on Yaga Minor. But the Mand’alor had requested her presence. So she had shifted the chain of command, popped painkillers for her own injuries, and showed up as his advisor.

Except for when Aurelian decided that now was a good time to be a slacker, her advice had not been needed.

She had almost completely tuned out, wondering if her people were okay, wondering how overwhelmed Eenia Vahn in her med-station might be, wondering if Aselia was making worse questionable life decisions than she had, when Renn placed a bowl upon the table and cut open his palm, saying something about a pact.

What in the Nine Hells was going on?

Firstly, slicing his hand open like that had to have hurt. Adelle had bled herself for something less official than this but she knew better than to cut her palm. The amount of use a hand was in addition to the amount of healing made cutting the palm only feasible in holodramas. Warden Vizsla seemed unaffected. The man was made of sterner stuff than most, it seemed.

Sibylla reacted like most in the galaxy would—better than, actually. She gave the moment grace and respect but stayed true to her culture.

The Mand’alor spoke again, this time of formal ambassadors. Reaffirming the Warden Vizsla was the Mandalorian ambassador to the High Republic. Adelle stayed silent. It made sense. He was known to them and he knew their policies well. There was nothing for her to advise.

"To ease the noise that often accompanies such realities, I now also formally appoint Adelle Bastiel as envoy to the High Republic.”

. . .

What.

“Her experience in the realm of the Jedi gives her a perspective few Mandalorians possess. Her temperament and standing within the Empire allow both of my envoys to fully represent our culture within the High Republic. Renn Vizsla is Death Watch, Adelle Bastiel is True Mandalorian - if you understand these ancient references, that is."

What.

Adelle slowly turned her head toward Aether, the t-visor hiding the absolutely dumbfounded look she had. She understood neither of those ancient references. Something to ask her alor later. Corellia’s fething nine hells. Adelle took a steadying breath, feeling sharpness return to the ache in her side. The painkillers were wearing off.

The Chancellor agreed to the terms—seriously, where did Aether get off naming her an envoy?—and Aurelian brought up the bantha in the room: the Mandalorian Warden and Queen of Eshan, Quinn. The matter was quickly settled, Aurelian actually deciding to behave himself and surprisingly let the warrant go. Adelle gave a subtle nod of respect in his direction. The Mand’alor offered his hand and the acceptance of the accords again. Adelle shifted Phantom off her lap, getting ready to stand as the spukami hopped up onto her shoulders.

And Renn Vizsla, Warden of Roon, had to go and try to remove himself from ambassadorship.

What.

Adelle sat firmly back in her seat. Renn’s declaration prompted a rather dramatic challenge from the High Chancellor herself. As their conversation continued, Adelle looked over at Aether then at Sibylla, helm moving in slow confusion.

What in the nine hells was even happening?

Adelle reached up and removed her helm, calmly setting it on the table. She felt a flash of awareness of Sibylla’s fresh facial scars, nearly an exact match for her own.

“If we could perhaps reach a decision on the accords first?” Adelle asked evenly, if a little pointedly. “The matter of who is to be envoy can be done through appropriate channels, if the current arrangement is unsatisfactory to both parties. However, I have people on Yaga Minor still fighting. People I command. There are those that need my assistance getting a med-evac. The Diarchy’s fleets still aren’t broken. Their forces aren’t routed. I need to return to the field.”

She stood, slowly, her body having grown stiff from being at rest. Her calf ached, a dull pain reaching to her ankle. Adelle ignored it. She'd lived with worse.

“Sib’ika,” she said, a small smile on her face, “I wish you had told me how dramatic politics could be. I thought Aurelian was the only one.”

 

[Dominique Vexx]

Dominique held her gaze on Renn Vizsla as he turned to address her. So she had conveyed her purpose enough that Renn hadn't mentioned her before in the same breath he'd remarked on Sibylla and Aurelian's conduct? That was good to know. It was difficult to get a genuine read on a Mandalorian's assessment of those they interacted with. None of the usual cues were present to read. Despite what some thought, no news was not always good news, and bad news from a Mandalorian Empire would be... well, Naboo had already witnessed it first hand, and that'd been a single, isolated instance.

Ultimately, it seemed to come back around to what was likely Aurelian's conduct. Renn had not taken his demeanor well. Neither had the Mand'alor in that private meeting the two had held some time before this gathering; a fact evident by interactions this day. It was far from irreconcilable, but it had left an impression.

Dominique let the moment breathe after the man had removed his helmet and sought to bear the burden of failure alone.

"Field Marshal, you have conducted yourself honorably in my presence. I see you as a man determined his people be respected for who they are, and not whom people believe them to be."

"You speak of failure, but when two are involved the failure is shared. There is no shame in recognizing when something has not worked, and to approach matters from a different direction. I leave the matter of station between you and the Mand'alor, but," Dominique glanced over to Aether once more, "I would have no objections should your Ambassador to the High Republic retain their position." If they wished to discuss this further behind closed doors, she wouldn't balk at whatever decision was reached. It was, after all, their Ambassador they were discussing. Dominique's only say in it came if she felt compelled to expell them.

"If the Warden of Roon would be willing," she looked to Renn meaningfully, "I would like to speak more another time. Perhaps we could converse regularly concerning the culture, belief, and expectations of the Mandalorian people." The concerns of the masses were not always those of the State. A government was not a culture though it was influenced by it. Whether he remain Ambassador, Dominque hoped to convey to the man the door remain open even if the way had been rocky leading to it.

Adelle seemed flumoxed by the exchange, which Dominique understood. The Chancellor had, after all, deliberately provoked a reaction. To reassert her authority and to discuss a matter that was simmering unsaid until that point. There was still much to learn, and many... understandings to be found between their people.

"Mand'alor," the Chancellor nodded her head slightly, "I thank you for your patience, and look forward to conversing further about matters of mutual concern, and the future for both our people."

Renn Vizsla | Aether Verd | Adelle Bastiel | Sibylla Abrantes | Aurelian Veruna​