Sealing The Deal

[Raz Solus]

The other efforts on Onderon were a roaring success, and it was time to finally sweep in and finish things off. The people were disgruntled and frustrated with the empire, and everything was in flux since Lyanna’s death. She had asked Leandros to accompany her, the man having proven himself time and time again both on and off the battlefield. He was levelheaded and practical in many ways, and he applied more thought to things than even she did sometimes. Raz was adorned fully in her armor, the trademark badger symbol on her right bicep instead of left.

She was walking up the steps of the palace to greet the king of Onderon. He wasn’t fond of the Sith, and he had been unhappy with the blatant disregard they had shown his people. The Mandalorians had swept in to take care of several different problems, and it was clear that they weren’t afraid to stand up to the Empire. For the first time ever, there was someone willing to take the fight directly to them. From what she had gathered, he was more than thrilled at the prospect of not having the Sith continuing to lord over them and not being there to protect the civilians.

“This will cause ripples throughout the galaxy,” Raz said quietly as they reached the top of the steps. There was a large set of double doors that had guards poised in front of them. They mentioned needing to give up their weapons. Raz hesitated for a moment, grimacing beneath her helmet. In the end, she passed over her rifle, blaster and beskad. As they asked about her armor, she stood there and didn’t budge. In the end, they gave up and let them pass through.

This would be the first time anyone that wasn’t a Sith would attempt to shift a planet’s allegiance. Raz couldn’t deny she was a little nervous, but it didn’t come across in how she carried herself. She had her head held high, always proud in her steps and gazing ahead. They were walking down a long, carpeted corridor that would lead towards the king’s meeting quarters.

@Painus

 

[Leandros Solus]

It was as if the world held its breath for a moment as the two Mandalorians marched up the steps to the palace in Iziz, where they would be meeting the King of Onderon. He had met with government officials and military leaders before, but never royalty, let alone the king of an entire planet. His red-and-black armor was clean, though scuffed from many struggles, the sigil of his clan emblazoned on the left pauldron of his armor. He was here today with Raz, his Mand’alor, to officially extend an olive branch between the Mandalorians and Onderonians. This was a momentous occasion; should this go well, this would be the first time anyone not affiliated with the Empire had taken a planet from the Sith. It would, hopefully, set in motion a chain of events with other planets renouncing their allegiance and joining the Mandalorians.

”Not the first time,” Leandros said in response as they finished the climb. Raz always seemed to find herself in situations that would shape the galaxy, whether she intended to or not. From the revelation of the Jedi’s return to becoming the first Mand’alor in five hundred years, Raz Solus appeared to have a hand in events that the galaxy would not soon forget. Surely this was the will of the gods, Leandros surmised, for who else but the Chosen to be involved in matters of such importance?

The guards atop the stairs asserted that they remove their weapons prior to entering. Leandros cast a glance at Raz and, as she began to relinquish her weapons, he did the same. He handed over his beskad, rifle, and twin pistols. The one thing they would not surrender was their armor, but the guards seemed to give up on trying after the two simply stood there in silence.

They were granted entrance shortly thereafter, the great double doors slamming shut behind them once they had crossed the threshold. They walked side-by-side down the corridor towards the room where they would meet the king, and Leandros idly observed the décor of the palace. Opulent and imperial, it seemed every bit what one would expect an ancient and venerable palace to be. Paintings and sculptures of former monarchs lined the halls alongside various expensive-looking artifacts and other such decorations. The ceilings were vaulted and gilded, just as what one would expect of a place of such power and prestige. He scoffed at the gaudiness of it all, but he had to wonder just how many rulers Onderon had seen under the Sith and how each and every one of them failed to unshackle themselves. This king would be different.

”I have no idea how to talk to a king,” he admitted as they made their way down the corridor. He figured that he would figure it out as they went, but first impressions always mattered in these meetings. After some time, they arrived at another guarded door and were let in by the silent guards, who shut the door behind them. Inside, two more guards protected the other side of the door.

After a few minutes of waiting, an announcement rang out into the room from the other side, ”His Majesty King Mordan Dendup of Onderon.”

@Sreeya

 

[Raz Solus]

“Well if all else fails, we still have our rockets,” Raz muttered in response to not knowing how to speak to kings, snickering quietly. It was hard to tell whether she was serious or not, and that was part of her charm. She was unfazed by the opulence and the line of servants that they strode past. They all bowed in respect, and Raz made a point of not even looking at them. She wasn’t used to such gestures, her life one of living in camps or sleazy apartments as she tried to make a living as a bounty hunter. Raz could never get used to such luxuries, even now that she was Mand’alor.

She paused for the guards to open the doors to the inner chambers, the room within also over the top ornate. There were statues, vases and other artifacts from all over the galaxy. Paintings hung all over the walls, and it was clear they were the ancestors of the king, going back several hundred years. Raz shook her head, grinning. She barely knew who her grandparents were, let alone the exact lineage. She expected this kind of absurdity from Drasts.

They were gestured to sit down on some plush seats, and she made herself as comfortable as possible. A servant came by with a tray of drinks and Raz raised a hand to wave it away, leaving Leandros to make his own call on whether he wanted one or not. For a moment they were left to themselves and Raz took the time to look around.

“Kind of creepy… all those faces just looking at you at all times,” She remarked quietly, looking at the paintings, “I bet the bathrooms are like this. Can you imagine trying to do your business with Uncle Bartholomew the Third staring down at you?” Raz snickered to herself. Moments later, a man stepped in and read out the king’s title. Following that, a boy that looked no older than about 19 walked in. He was scrawny, pale and had a very punchable face. Raz was glad for her helmet concealing her expression as she rose to stand in respect.

“King Mordan,” She began, “It is an honor,” Raz said, stepping forth to greet him. He smiled widely.

“I’ve always wanted to meet real Mandalorians!” He said, his pimply face far too close to her helmet for her liking. He looked over eagerly at them both, grinning widely as he finally stepped back, “I’ve heard so many things about Solus. You are so brave and valiant! Mother says you are dangerous, but she’s old and senile,” He lifted his wrists and began making explosion noises, pretending they were rockets. Raz’s eyebrows were getting higher and higher, “Come on, please have a seat!”

Raz tilted her head to look at Leandros, and he could completely guess what expression she wore on her face as they sat down. After a moment, the King took a glass of alcohol she wasn’t sure he was old enough to have.

“Now then,” He muttered, his tone suddenly lower, “I know what you’re here for, but I must also tell you that we are in a precarious position. With Lyanna Drast dead, Emperor Vrael is making moves towards the Republica. There is rumors about a united Sith, and if that becomes a reality, it will be difficult to stand in its way. Onderon prides its sovereignty above all, but even we’re not naive enough to believe we can exist without support. What is your course of action and what do you have to offer? The wellbeing of my people is to be valued above all.”

@Painus

 

[Leandros Solus]

Leandros simply waved his hand dismissively as the drink servant came around. Was he incapable of getting his own drink? The audacity of these nobles to be doted on day in and day out bothered him; how could they be expected to lead their warriors in battle if they could not even be dressed without having a butler do it?

He idly studied the various portraits and sculptures lining the room, chuckling softly at Raz’s remarks. ”It’s even harder trying to imagine being with a woman while a painting of your mother and father watches,” he added, grimacing beneath his helmet for a moment before grinning. The gaudy opulence of nobility astounded him; who would want to see the cold faces of their dead ancestors watching them at all times? Things were much simpler with the Mandalorians, he concluded. No fancy memorials except for those most-deserving and just a big hole full of armored corpses. When he finally falls in battle, Leandros just wanted to be tossed in a big pit with his comrades so he could join the Manda. That was the ideal burial, not this weird mausoleum and statues nonsense.

And he definitely did not want to have a painting of himself in the same room people porked.

When the announcement went out of the King’s arrival, Leandros rose out of respect before he even looked at the King.

…

Where was the King?

A teenage boy stood there in a set of finely-crafted robes with a stupid expression on his face. Young, scrawny, and very, very punchable. This had to be the King’s son, he surmised. Probably coming along with his father to see how negotiations go. After a few moments, nobody else walked in, and Leandros realized that this absolute dork was the King. His mouth was agape in surprise, absolutely shocked that this was a planetary leader. He cast a glance at Raz as she spoke, his open mouth curling into a smile. Thank the gods for his helmet.

”Yes,” he added, ”A privilege to meet you, King Mordan.” The boy got a bit too close for comfort to Raz and Leandros’ hand instinctively drifted to his beskad, which was notably absent. He simply played it off by brushing his pant leg, sniffing as he looked at Raz, still completely incredulous. He knew, without a doubt, that she was absolutely loving this. Gods preserve them.

The two of them took a seat across from the King as the boy took a sip of the alcohol given to him. He contorted his face into a slight grimace as he drank it, then set it down on the table, clearly trying to appear far more mature than he was. It was honestly kind of cute, if he did not look like such a pimple-faced punching bag.

After King Mordan spoke, Leandros began, ”Rumors are just rumors; there will still be those who reject Vrael’s rule within the Republica to distract him. While they bicker, we’re busy securing the allegiance of their planets. We were trained by the Sith to kill Jedi, and now we turn their own training against them. An entire culture of people whose lives are constant, unremitting war against those who have been complacent for five hundred years. King Mordan, we are some of the most skilled fighters in the galaxy and we are offering the full support of our warriors and fleets to ensure the security of your planet in exchange for an alliance.”

He paused for a moment, studying the King’s face as he spoke. The boy was trying to play 4D chess in his mind to see whether or not the alliance would benefit him, it seemed like. After a few moments of thought, he turned his attention to Raz and said, ”Okay. What about you?”

@Sreeya

 

[Raz Solus]

Raz looked at Leandros as he mentioned what it would be like being with a woman with the portraits looking down. She grinned beneath the helmet, “But all right if Kad Ha’rangir watches?” She nudged him in the ribs with her elbow. Raz didn’t get much time to keep messing with him before the King arrived.

She let the two men exchange words, keeping silent during it. She observed the king the entire time as he listened to Leandros, picking up his body language and the way his eyes went wide at certain words. By the time they were finished, the king was trying not to show emotions, turning to look at Raz. She was quiet for a few moments, thinking through what she wanted to say.

“Beyond anything else, we offer your people hope,” She began, “Onderon has been the staging ground for merciless attacks whether it be from other third parties or the crude negligence that the Empire has displayed time and time again. It’s clear that the galaxy is entirely too huge for a single Emperor or even two Emperors to oversee. As a result, you see worlds fall to ruin and remain abandoned at their critical times of need. My people and I seek to change that and show that there is another path - a choice that doesn’t involve being subjugated by the Empire,” Raz paused there for a moment, “You saw what happened to that reporter that spoke out against the Empress. You’ve seen how vicious and cut-throat the regime is. It won’t be any better under Vrael. These are people that prey on the weak and prize only the strong. In our culture, we are only as strong as our weakest link,” Raz repeated words she had spoken to her very own House and also to the Wren Clan leader. They were words she truly believed in and the King would be able to see that.

The ‘boy’ was silent for a long moment, fidgeting uncomfortably in his seat. He looked down, staring at his feet for a moment, “I am afraid of taking this step… I am worried about the repercussions that may come if I do so,” He was right to be afraid. His fingers were curled into fists, his foot shaking, “If the Empire takes it out on my people...it’ll be all their blood on my hands.”

@Painus

 

[Leandros Solus]

Leandros switched roles with Raz now with him being the one to observe the body language of the boy-King and her being the one to convince him. She was quiet for a bit before she spoke up. Where Leandros extolled the virtues of the Mandalorian people’s ability in combat, she brought forth the issue of giving the Onderonians hope for a better future. The Empire was a lumbering creature laden with cancerous growth, unable to control its own territories due to the vast swathes of space it controlled. First, there was Elix, the Emperor who ignored the initial Mandalorian attacks. Next came Lyanna who went and got herself killed within months of her ascension to the throne. Now there was a third would-be monarch who would be just as powerless to reign in the planets under his new control.

The price the planets under their care would pay was evident from the lack of attention and security afforded to Onderon. Even when considered a key planet, the powers that be were unwilling to come to its defense, leading to rampant oppression by the officers overseeing it. Those Imperials were now dead by Leandros’ own hand, their garrison destroyed by his basilisk with the help of his comrades. Raz knew how poorly Vrael would treat these people. It was the way of the Sith, to be callous and uncaring for the weak. The Mandalorians were united where the Empire was fractured. This unity gave them strength; this King need only see that.

The King was silent for some time and appeared uncomfortable. He was new to this; he likely did not expect to be meeting with such powerful figures at such a young age. This was his trial by fire, and he was woefully unprepared. His nervous fidgeting and silence put that unpreparedness on full display for the two warriors before him. Eventually, however, he admitted his apprehensions. His fear was understandable, but unacceptable. When he was done, Leandros took the opportunity to speak to him, his voice stern and almost father-like towards the poor boy.

”You’re right to be afraid,” he said, breaking the silence, ”It means you’re considering the outcomes,” he continued, tilting his head back some to look at the boy as he focused his attention on the Mandalorian. ”But out there?” he asked, gesturing ambiguously towards the window, ”Your people do not want to see you afraid. They need a King who is strong. A King who sticks to his decisions and is unafraid of the consequences. This galaxy has been oppressed by the iron fist of the Sith for five centuries because its people were too afraid of the consequences; because they were too weak to make a stand. Your people have suffered for so long under the rule of the Republica. Who would you rather your people follow, King Mordan Dendup the Brave, or King Mordan Dendup the Frightened? This is your chance to cement your legacy in galactic history!”

King Mordan was silent for a bit, studying Leandros’ helmet for some time. His leg bounced nervously in place and he drummed his fingers along the table, chewing the inside of his cheek while thinking. His gaze panned between Raz and Leandros a few times as he gathered himself, then he promptly stood up and walked over to the window to look out of it.

”King Mordan Dendup the Brave…” he began, his voice trailing off, ”But why? Why does it have to be me? How can you protect us if you form your own empire? Isn’t it going to be the same as being under the Sith? Why is Onderon so important to you?” His hands were still balled up into fists, but he did not look back at the Mandalorians as he questioned them.

@Sreeya

 

[Raz Solus]

Raz had to grin beneath the helmet. Mordan the Brave. That was clever. She had to look at Leandros. Perhaps he was quite a lot more skilled at this than she had initially assumed. She could practically see the stars in the king’s eyes, and she had to keep herself from rolling her own. Raz patiently waited till the exchange was finished, the king still pressing on with important questions.

“It will never be like the Sith,” Raz said firmly, “Because we know first hand what it means to be subjugated by the Sith. We have no interest in forming an Empire. As Mand’alor, I have a council with representatives from various clans that speak to the interest of many people. I alone do not command or govern, not without the say and veto powers of a council. These are examples of how we will never be like the Sith. We need allies on our side, not people to subjugate. Your power will remain your own. All we ask is your support in this war we take on to finally take some power away from the Sith.”

Raz didn’t even realize when her voice became more passionate, but she was caught in the moment. These were things she believed in, and they were principles she began to live by, “This is as important to my people as it is to yours. Ultimately, as leaders, they are at the forefront of our worries and concerns,” She paused there for a bit, sighing, “Onderon is important to me just as any world that is relentlessly facing subjugation at the whims of a ruler that doesn’t care for its people. These worlds deserve better, and we need them to back and support us. It’s a mutual need to work together to finally see some changes in the galaxy. We will lean on you just as you will on us.”

There was a long moment of silence after that. The king took a few more sips from his drink, but he appeared calmer now. He looked down at the ground, and then slowly at the two Mandalorians in turn. He managed a faint smile, “Well… I can’t deny that you have followed up on your promises. There were talks that Solus wasn’t afraid of the Sith, and next I saw you fighting them and making them nervous.”

He looked at Leandros then, “What does this alliance entail then? Does this also involve….the Jedi?”

@Painus

 

[Leandros Solus]

Leandros rested his elbows on the table as Raz spoke to the King. He was skeptical of their ability to govern, which the Mandalorian could understand. For centuries, Onderon was ruled by another power with only the illusion of autonomy granted to its monarchs. An alliance with the Mandalorians was something wholly incomprehensible to him; the planet would be given a degree of autonomy that it had not experienced in quite some time and that frightened the young king, but his fear was not something that they could allow. Leandros’ spiel about not letting the Onderonian people see their king weak and frightened seemed to have taken hold in the boy’s mind, for his eyes held a spark that was previously not there. Mostly because of having the epithet ‘the Brave,’ but still, he seemed interested.

Raz did a good job advocating for their alliance by bringing in the idea of their council. The Sith ruled with an iron fist, taking nobody else’s counsel but their own. With the Mandalorians, Onderon would have a genuine chance of representing itself and its interests among the other planets. In the end, it would be the decision of the Mandalorians, but the interests of its vassals would be considered.

As she spoke, Raz became progressively more impassioned. She truly believed what she was saying to the very depths of her being, and that made Leandros smile beneath his helmet. He greatly enjoyed being in her presence, if not because she was chosen to be his Mand’alor, then because she was the leader they sought for so many generations. The weakness and shame of their past would be erased under her rule and they would reclaim their rightful place in the galaxy.

But first, they needed to convince this adolescent teen to align his entire planet with them.

After Raz finished, the King was silent for some time. At first, Leandros thought that he was going to change his mind and have them escorted out, but his smile dispersed that idea. He posed a question to Leandros of the Jedi’s involvement and the Mandalorian scowled for a moment before considering his next words. He wanted to tell him that the Jedi were not worth considering and were better off thought of as the enemy, but that was not what they needed here. Instead, he gave a side glance at Raz before turning his attention to the King.

”There will be a great number of people on your side, King Mordan,” he began, his words slow and deliberate, ”The Jedi are on our side in the fight against the Sith.” For now, he thought. ”An alliance with the Mandalorians is standing up in the face of oppression. It is Onderon telling the Sith that their reign of terror is at an end. We will support your planet, and your planet will support our efforts against the Sith. We would have a greater presence here but will not interfere with your people except in the case of defense. Your moon, Dxun, would serve as an excellent place of operations for our people to maintain in order to ensure the protection of Onderon. All we ask in return is your loyalty, trust, and assistance as we work to free the galaxy.”

King Mordan was quiet again as he considered Leandros’ words. After some time, he looked at Raz and Leandros in turn, nodding a few times. He furrowed his brows in an attempt to seem powerful and steadfast in his decision making before he spoke. ”Okay,” he began as he walked back to the table, placing his hands on it to steady his nerves, ”Okay. Onderon is tired of the Empire. I am tired of the Empire. Consider this our formal declaration of an alliance with the Mandalorians.”

Leandros was about to speak before the King plastered a stupid, wide grin on his face now that he made a decision. ”So! Does this mean I get some of your armor? Rockets? Ooh, will we get our own basilisks?” He seemed overeager.

Leandros looked at Raz, his eyebrows rising slowly as the King rattled off more things he thought were cool about the Mandalorians.

”Oh, you guys want to drink with me? The wine is kind of strong, but I’m sure you two can handle it! That’s what we do when we finish talks, right?”

@Sreeya

 

[Raz Solus]

Raz was happy that the deal was made, and that they had Onderon on their side. This was a huge win for the Mandalorians, and it was the first time an outsider faction had snatched up a Sith world. She knew it wouldn’t be the last. Raz grinned beneath her helmet, taken abruptly out of her thoughts as the King went right back to his immature antics. She simply stared at him for a moment before blinking, “We will present you with some traditional beskad that will be a fine addition to your collection,” She looked around the hall and all the artifacts there.

The king’s eyes went wide and he clapped his hands together eagerly. Before he could blurt out anything else, Raz rose to stand, “We have a lot of matters to attend to and unfortunately can’t stick around for drinks,” She saw the disappointment in his face. Raz chewed her lip nervously and clapped Leandros on the shoulder, “However, Leandros here would love to stay behind and keep you company!” The boy lit up and sprang to his feet.

“Wonderful!” He exclaimed, “I will show you all the paintings I have of ancient Mandalorians. You know my great uncle Barnabus the 5th actually once..” he launched into a story as he beckoned for Leandros to follow and give him a long, boring history lesson. Raz waved goodbye to Leandros as he went, calling after him as if it were a goodbye in Mando’a, "Ni ore gar solus!"

She was still chuckling softly beneath her helmet as she walked the opposite direction. This was a huge win, and she wouldn’t stop smiling about this for some time. The rebels could have their opinions about Corellia, but even they couldn’t deny what a great victory this was.

/End Thread
@Painus