Maritime Mediation

[Leah Reach]

The uprising on Mon Calamari was a stunning, rousing success. Thanks to the efforts of rebel and Jedi alike, thanks to the people of Mon Cala, the world was liberated from the rule of the Empire. The chains of the Sith could be cast aside and the natives could at last know a freedom unseen for hundreds of years. The ships would likewise fall under the authority and influence of the Galactic Alliance, providing them much needed support in the cause against the Sith. However, they were not done yet. With the Mandalorians now aligned with the Rebellion, they deserved access to those same yards. It was the least the Alliance could do since their efforts against other installations in the Empire.

To finalize that agreement, Leah Reach and General Greybok would be meeting with none other than Raz Solus. While it was perhaps not the first time Greybok met the Mandalorian woman, it would be for the Jedi Master. Unnerved and uncertain, she was curious to see what Raz would be like. From reports out of Corellia and elsewhere, she heard many stories. Some she struggled to even believe.

Over the span of several years, she turned Clan Solus into House Solus, and into the driving force that made up Mandalore today. Even the last Emperor had personally moved to place a bounty on every member of the House, and to no avail. Since it was posted, not a single Solus was captured. On the other hand, the Sith continued to suffer loss after loss. The Galactic Alliance understood how important it was to maintain the fragile coalition with the Mandalorian people. Only together could they defeat the Empire and restore the galaxy to its former glory.

Dressed in her usual armor, if only to show respect for the warrior culture, Leah watched as Raz’ personal shuttle landed on the narrow island they were stationed. It was the same island she and Valentine first met with Nystullum Lazar, a Mon Cala strategist, who later became one of the leaders of the liberated planet and the newest member of the Rebel Council. Almost ironic. It was on that island the journey across Mon Cala began, and it was there it finally end.

“Manda’lor. It is an honor to meet you at last.”

@Sreeya @Malon

 

[Greybok]

Greybok hated this planet. There was water everywhere and it all reminded him of how much he despised taking a bath. But Leah had insisted he accompany her back to Mon Cala to meet with Raz Solus. The Wookiee had met with the Manda'lor on Kashyyyk and found her to his liking. She was strong and she didn't take any karking shit from anyone... rather like Leah, actually, now that he thought about it. Perhaps that was why he got along with both women, even if Leah did scold him for being obtuse from time to time.

He swatted a fly that was buzzing around him as they waited and, when he caught sight of Raz, he yodeled in that deep Wookiee voice. No one needed a translation from Shyriiwook to know that it was his way of greeting her. He didn't wave, though, for fear of seeming too familiar with her. She was a leader of an ally faction, after all. It was best to treat her with some respect and save the familiarity for non-work settings. He also decided he would let Leah do most of the talking, unless his input was required, and he suspected it might.

Greybok knew precious little of Mandalorians as a culture, but he knew they had a troubled history with the Jedi Order. Questions about Valentine aside, he wasn't sure how Leah and Raz would get along, and having a non-Force-sensitive voice to speak for the Alliance might come in handy should that tension manifest itself. All-in-all, though, Greybok wasn't worried. Leah was a capable enough diplomat, and he imagined Raz very much needed shipyards. What could possibly go wrong? @Deviant @Sreeya

 

[Raz Solus]

Raz was more than a little surprised to be invited to Mon Cala to meet with a Jedi. In fact, it was the thought of Greybok being there that made her more open to the idea. Despite what she may have felt towards Valentine, Raz largely didn’t trust Jedi. One of her other few encounters with a Jedi involved watching him act like a Sith, the thought causing a spark of rage to course through her. She wasn’t a patient woman by nature, and it was already a fight to respect these people and their voodoo magic that could sway towards evil at any given notice. However, she trusted that Greybok was a fair judge of character, so if he trusted this Jedi, she would at least give her the benefit of doubt.

She couldn’t deny she felt uneasy about a planet that was largely covered in water. Seeing the oceans that stretched out for miles made her uncomfortable, and she wasn’t a fan of endless and deep seas. She kept the thoughts to herself as the shuttle slowly descended, keeping from looking out at the views. Raz was decked out in full armor, her badger sigil prominent as ever on her right bicep instead of left this time. Her left arm was cybernetic, and she didn’t bother to put on the armor plating for that. She wore the cybernetic as a reminder of her battles, and she wasn’t ashamed of it. There was a gauntlet fastened on the forearm and below, her flamethrowers and wrist rockets always ready to go. She was a dangerous tank at all times, this visit would be no different.

Raz actually didn’t bring her droid this time, and this made her entrance less dramatic than normal. She strolled down the exit ramp, her trademark black and red armor prominent under the sun. The traditional T-visor helmet came into view, as she was always the faceless warrior anyone other than her people came to know her as. Raz had no doubt that this Jedi woman probably heard rumors and gossip about her and Valentine, and she quite frankly gave no kriffs. The Mandalorian carried herself proudly, always with her weapons and gear.

She came to a stop before both the Jedi and Greybok. Raz stepped forth and greeted him with the same grip that she had done when they agreed to work together on Kashyyyk. She stepped back and turned to look at the Jedi, nodding her head, “Jedi Reach,” She muttered slightly coolly. Raz had only been told that the woman was a ‘Jedi Master’ and she scoffed at the idea of calling anyone Master, “Thank you for inviting me here,” Raz looked around, “Never been before,” She remarked quietly with accented Basic.

@Malon @Deviant

 

[Leah Reach]

There she was. Raz Solus, Manda’lor the Chosen, the woman supposedly tangled with Master Rayth. Leah had a lot of questions for the other woman, almost confrontational, but her stomach churned as she eyed her up and down. Raz was a two-legged tank. Decked in armor thicker than Master Luy’s skull. Retrofitted with advanced functions from a flamethrower to wrist rockets. Strapped with blasters and all manner of weapons. Proudly flaunting her mechanical arm, which Leah no doubt could rip the balls off a man without delay. If Valentine was really hitting her up, the Jedi had no idea how he could have survived. Raz looked like she would sooner eat him before he ever ‘ate’ her.

Still, Leah was a little unsure by how the Mandalorian referred to her. She was every bit right to call her Jedi, but she had invited the woman to Mon Cala as an ambassador of the Alliance, not of the Order. Not that the ambassador was going to be stingy and correct her about titles. The very thought made her imagine Raz clocking her across the head. Of course, there was no telling what the other woman was really like. She might have come dressed to kill, but the real purpose of the meeting was to open the new shipyards with their Mandalorian allies. And if Valentine had found something endearing about her, maybe Leah would too. She just needed to open herself to the idea.

“Please, call me Leah.” She flashed a thin smile, hoping to warm the air between them, humid as it already was. “And of course, we are allies against the Empire. Wherever the Alliance goes, you are welcome.” Her eyes followed after Raz and examined their surroundings one more time. Oceans stretched as far as she could see. Waves ebbed and flow against the narrow shoreline. After a brief pause, gaze looking out to the horizon, she continued, “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” She placed a hand on her hip. “But I imagine you didn’t come here to admire the sights.” Leah glanced back to the other woman, who was taller especially in her armor.

“I’m sure you know Mon Cala houses shipyards that could benefit both the Alliance and Mandalore in our efforts against the Sith. Their navy stretches from the Core to the Outer-Rim, so it only makes sense we construct a fleet that could challenge their own. Together.” Her implications were clear. For Leah, she believed in the hope that they could further intertwine their makeshift coalition. Certainly no merger, but she trusted they could stand a little closer despite being on the opposite ends of the galaxy.

@Malon

 

[Greybok]

Leah was diplomatic. That was to her credit. But Greybok had spent time with the Mandalorians, both instances on Kashyyyk during Life Day and the evacuations, and knew they preferred a more straightforward approach—especially these Mandalorians, the rivals of House Kryze. They wanted to know what they were getting out of this deal and how it affected their war-effort against the Sith Empire, and the more direct you were about that, the more respect you commanded from them.

«MandalMotors already produces ships that are more to your peoples' liking,» the Wookiee added, «but the shipyards underneath Mon Cala's surface develop submersible technology that can be applied at the capital ship level. In other words, capital ships that can function in space, but also hide and function underwater. I imagine it could even be applied to those war droids you lot love to ride into battle.»

The thought of an aquatic Basilisk war droid was truly a terrifying one. But the exportation and spread of such aquatic technology to rebel and Mandalorian shipyards would mean the Empire would lose the advantage on yet another front, opening up worlds like Manaan, Ojom, and other water worlds to subversion and rebellion. Being the shrewd military mind that she was, Greybok had no doubt Raz would see how vital the shipyards of Mon Cala were to her people and would agree to share them with the rebellion. @Sreeya @Deviant

 

[Raz Solus]

Raz said nothing as the woman mentioned her name or the scenery. For a moment it almost seemed as if she weren’t listening. It was difficult to gauge Raz when she was constantly in armor, and a lot of times she came across as aloof. It was on purpose that she addressed the woman as a Jedi, her distrust in their kind always apparent. It had taken her years to accept Valentine, and she had been disgusted by his Jedi nature at first. The topic of shipyards piqued her curiosity and she turned to look at Leah again, her body language suggesting the woman finally had her attention.

“The locals here welcome Mandalorians?” While the Alliance may have done its job on Mon Cala, that didn’t guarantee the planet would be welcome to its allies. Mandalorians were generally an acquired taste for most, and they had the reputation of being quite rowdy and associated with the Sith in the past. Raz was about to skip past pleasantries when Greybok cut right to the chase. She had to grin beneath her helmet, thankful for the blunt jump to the topics she cared about.

“I can’t imagine our people doing anything underwater, but the technology sounds...intriguing,” She paused for a moment, imagining her basilisk underwater. It went far beyond that - she had heard of Mon Cala specialty designed ships that had an edge over the traditional concepts that the Empire had used for years. Raz had been wary of the alliance, but an effort like this on their behalf was promising. It showed that they took this alliance seriously and were willing to share assets and truly help in the fight against the Sith.

She looked back at Greybok, once again skipping directly over Leah and treating him as the authority figure to address, “I’d like an introduction to the local liaison you’re working with here. I want to know for myself that the people here will be open to working with my people. As you understand, we come from a long history of broken promises and diving into situations without thinking them through,” She smirked beneath the helmet, not ashamed to take a jab at the stubborn nature of her own people.

@Deviant @Malon

 

[Leah Reach]

“The locals welcome anyone who stands against the Empire.” She tilted a head, indicating Raz was among those very people. “Centuries of Sith oppression have made sure of that.” She gave a light shrug. “The enemy of my enemy is my friend.” A classic proverb. However, Mand’alor still had a point. The Mandalorians were aligned with the Sith Empire centuries ago, nothing the people of Mon Cala might take kindly as they were never so quick to forgive or forget. Still, House Solus left an impact against the Sith far greater than that of the Alliance since the war began. Leah was certain Mon Cala would see it and come to respect them, albeit begrudgingly, but enough.

“But I understand if you have doubts. Our Mon Cala contact will be arriving shortly.” She offered a reassuring smile but glanced over to Greybok, some hesitation flashing through her eyes. Nystullum Lazar should have already been in attendance. Especially with the significance of the meeting. Leah figured the Mand’alor would not be so welcome to waiting. Not all Mandalorians were as patient as the Jedi Master. Little did she know that Lazar had just arrived. A silhouette emerging from the surface of the water. A figure stepping onto the shoreline. The rebel ambassador turned to face them, caught by surprise once again. Had the Mon Cala always been there, wallowing in the sea, waiting to make a dramatic entrance?

She wouldn’t hold it against him if that was true. At least he was there.

@Malon

 

[The Storyteller]

The Mon Cala had arrived late to the meeting, but there was much to keep them busy now that their world was no longer occupied by the Imperials. Only one of the faces on shore was familiar to him: that of Leah Reach. It was bizarre to behold a Mandalorian and a Wookiee also standing there on the shore, but Nystullum Lazar was not in the least bit unnerved by this; it was just a sign that Mon Cala was continuing to make friends in the fight against the Empire. That was always a welcome sight to him.

"No need to explain yourself, ambassador," Lazar said first to Leah. He had heard everything as he was stepping from his craft onto the shore. "And apologies for being late to this meeting. There is much work to do. The Empire could come back at any moment and try to retake our world." The fishlike alien turned to Raz next. "The ambassador speaks truth. My people were subsumed into the Empire around the same time yours were, Manda'lor. Our culture has been suppressed, our monarchy replaced by a sham, and our ships scrapped in favor of Imperial designs. Our very way of life has been taken from us. If the Mandalorians will stand alongside us in ridding this galaxy of the Empire who perpetrated those crimes, then their presence is always welcome here on Mon Cala — above or below."

OOC - Go ahead and skip Grey this round. A post from him would break the narrative flow. @Sreeya @Deviant

 

[Raz Solus]

Raz gazed ahead as the contact in question arrived. As soon as he stepped out, Raz visibly cringed a little, though perhaps only Leah would notice. Despite all the time she spent getting over her old prejudices, it was still difficult to immediately accept most alien species. The Mon Calamari looked more like a sushi ingredient than a diplomat, and she had to remind herself to take him seriously. She was surprised he didn’t have the stench of fish on him as he arrived closer, and she was glad he couldn’t see the disgust on her face. Why the kriff was this fish talking?

She looked at Leah again as she was addressed as ambassador, the woman commanding quite a bit of respect. It didn’t mean Raz would trust the woman anytime soon, but it certainly helped make it clear that she was someone to pay attention to. After the Mon Calamari spoke, Raz gave him a curt nod, “Understood,” She said firmly, “Then we will stand alongside you. It is critical that the planets once subjugated to the Sith never fall into their hands again. We will aid you in this just as we aid the Alliance,” She tilted her head to look at Leah again.

“I will station some of my people here to oversee the construction of ships for the Mandalorians to utilize,” Raz looked back over at the others, “If there is nothing else to discuss, I will take my leave,” She grinned beneath the helmet, “There’s an important Sith planet I intend to pluck out of their hands," With a military salute, she strode past the group and back towards her ship, not giving them a second look unless she was addressed.

@Deviant @Malon

 

[Greybok]

Greybok didn't have anything further to add. He was pleased that things had turned out alright, yet again. However, the Wookiee was slightly curious as to which planet the Mandalorians planned to pluck from the Empire. He was almost tempted to offer Raz his sword (or his ryyk blade, as it were) as restitution for her helping him on Kashyyyk but thought better of it. If the Mandalorians had left the Alliance out of that operation, there was a reason for it. Best not to insult them by attempting to butt in.

He was still slightly creeped out by how conveniently the Mon Cala representative had arrived (and the fashion in which he had done so), and was curious as to whether not Leah had planned for that to happen, but, yet again, decided against vocalizing any of this. The sooner this meeting was over, the sooner he could leave Mon Cala behind; and the sooner that he was off of this water world, as far as he was concerned, the better.

The Wookiee nudged Leah and added, «If the ambassador, here, has nothing more to add, then I don't.» Regardless of whether Leah added something herself or said nothing, the Wookiee would then head back towards the Starbird to begin all of the necessary pre-flight checks. It was time to get back to base and back to work. And, hopefully, it would be a long time before he had to see this much water ever again. @Deviant @Sreeya

 

[Leah Reach]

“Nope. There's nothing more.” She answered and smiled. Not a moment too soon, the Mandalorian woman saluted the surrounding rebels and marched back to her ship without so much of a glance. The rebel ambassador was shocked by how quick the meeting went. She half-expected there to be a lengthy discussion about where her people might be stationed, what they had planned, whether she was willing to help defend the world in exchange for access to the shipyards. Many details were left hanging in the air, although for the Jedi Master, that was among the least of her problems. There were other issues floating in her head. Thoughts she was tempted to reveal to Raz before she left. To bring light to rumors of her relationship with Valentine Rayth.

The other Jedi had caused a chain reaction that led to the fracture of the Alliance. Who might have known waving one lightsaber could cause such a reaction, leave such an impact, across the galaxy? He should have known better. But for some reason, Leah felt the Mand’alor was the root cause of it. They were together, and if the media was right, they were married. Although Valentine vehemently denied the notion, he did not deny the extent of their relationship. Whatever they shared, it was something beyond mere alliance. It left Master Reach with a hundred questions, bottled up and ready to burst. But did Leah say anything? No. She was too unnerved, and mildly stunned, by Raz’ sudden arrival, appearance and departure. In and out. The ambassador wasn’t used to it.

As the Mandalorian shuttle lifted from the island, leaving her alone with General Greybok and newly-instated Admiral Lazar, she was grunted. “I’m honestly not sure if that went well or not.” The Mon Cala shrugged. “Good enough for me.” With a respectful nod, Lazar awkwardly stepped back into the water, slowly but surely, before disappearing beneath the surface. Leah turned to the remaining Wookiee with visible confusion. She shook it away a second later. “All right, then.” She said, essentially speaking to herself at that point, before marching back to her own transport. It was about high time to return home. Mon Cala was finally part of the Alliance, as well as their allies, and ready to take on the threat of the Sith Empire.

Exit Thread.​