Too Farr to Fall

[Janeth Farr]

FARR COMPOUND, PLANET AGAMAR

Although beautiful, Agamar is a world renowned for its ruthless wilderness and often hazardous landscape.

It is also the home of Clan Farr, a Mandalorian clan who gained their fame in the waning days of the Neo-Crusaders. Their ancestors battled the Jedi Revan and his followers, gaining glory in great victories and epic defeats alike. Millennia have passed since those days, but the history of Mandalorians is not so easily forgotten. Clan Farr has grown tired of stagnation. Tired of watching the clans squabble amongst themselves and deliver ruination to everything that is Mandalorian.

Even an idea--an idea born from an extinct race--is fragile when there are too few hearts to carry it.

The clan awaits the arrival of the only warrior in the galaxy who can bring fervor to a broken people...

Yet the first ship to arrive isn't the one they are waiting for. Janeth returned early from a routine smuggling run, and she set her freighter down within the compound. The engines roared as they rotated carefully to provide subtle descent. Once touched down they hummed into silence. She stepped off the ramp and took a breath of fresh, Agamarian air.

"Good to be home," she nodded to the mechanic as he went to inspect the ship.

"Welcome back, Janeth--though I was half hoping you died somewhere stupid." A clan warrior joked.

Janeth waved him off. "Go to hell." The woman walked past the sparring pits and training yard, watching her clanfolk practice the styles their ancestors used to duel Jedi Knights. She entered the hall of her family. Her father second to the Clan's leader, her uncle Maloc. That is when she noticed everyone important gathered in one place. Something she had only seen on sacred days or at funerals. "What is going on?" She asked.

Her father looked over to her with a determined gaze. "Take a seat, Janeth. You'll know soon enough." She didn't argue with her father. Not at a time like this when things seemed so serious, she walked over to the edge of the room and found herself a seat at one of the long tables.

She glanced to and from the faces of her elders, waiting for whatever came next.

 

[Vilaz Munin]

There were, in Vilaz's eyes, many of Mandalorians that wanted to fight. In his eyes a majority were metaphorically fat, lazy, pacifistic, and apathetic. They refused to fight without a cause much like their later predecessors. Instead of becoming stronger than failures of the Clans they only followed that path and became weaker.

All because of their weak will to fight. A weakness in the Mand'alor's eyes. Something that needed to be desperately corrected.

While there were many warriors that were greedy in the luxury of peace there were few that burned that flaming passion of fighting and conquering. These warriors would spark that yearning propaganda on straying the Mandalorians from that path to damnation into a prosperous age. And Clan Farr would be of many hands to turn that into reality.

The warrior walked to the main compound of Clan Farr and entered the building where he was greeted by the elders and esteemed warriors of the clan. "Su'cuy," the Munin said to those gathered at this meeting.

[member="Janeth Farr"]

 

[Janeth Farr]

"Mand'alor--the greatest warrior in the galaxy." The clan leader announced.

He nodded his head in respect, and others offered their salutes to the esteemed ruler of the Mandalorian people. Even in times like these they would not forget tradition. Their loyalty was not owed to one man, but what that man represents. In time Vilaz Munin would die, or perhaps retire from the fight as some Mand'alors did, maybe even usurped by a challenger and a new leader would be chosen. The best warrior amongst them.

The path didn't matter. The path was a means to an end, and that end is glory. This is what it means to be Mandalorian, or so many thought until recently. Now Mandalorian meant nothing. It was a simple title used by those who sought glory but avoided working for it. Glory wasn't just in battle, though. Mandalorians were astute engineers of empire and technology. They aspired to be the best they could, not just the best fighters. Simply the best. War simply being their method to achieve this. In conflict one is forced to adapt quickly if they wish to survive. They must abandon hopeless idealism and arrogant codes to rise above death and defeat.

Failure is the greatest teacher one can ask for. As long as you lived, you learned. As long as you learned you mastered. A master can win many victories.

The Elders took seats in a semi-circle, offering Mand'alor the center. Janeth stood from her far corner, watching and waiting.

"We all know why we're here, so I will not mince words. We need to restore honour to our people, give the clans a choice. Join us in the moment of glory or give up status as Mandalorians. There is no other way." The clan leader spoke, then looked to Mand'alor for a response.

 

[Vilaz Munin]

The dialogue was short and quick just exactly how Vilaz likes it. He was a man that didn't like to spend his time in arguing with stubborn people. He liked to end problems via force and suppression. Very uncivilized and ruthless, but it was an efficient mean to end things if it required.

And by the way the clan leader spoke, the Munin knew he wouldn't be wasting his time even if they exchanged dialogue between each other.

So he sat down in front of the elders in the chair that was offered to him and adjusted himself before responding back to those gathered here today at this moment that would spark future historical events.

"This is a dream of mine even before winning the mantle; restoring honor to the name Mandalorian. But what weight does this mantle carry when those pledged themselves to me wish to live in harmony."

"I like you all wish for a crusade to prove to all that we are the apex predators of this Galaxy. Starting with the Jedi; but what leader am I without more than my own hands?"

What was a king, a warlord, or a general if they had no army?

[member="Janeth Farr"]

 

[Janeth Farr]

Clan Farr understood.

In the days of the Old Republic they stood stalwart against the might of the Jedi-led armies under the infamous knight, Revan. Though the Jedi have grown less numerous and powerful since those days, and no Galactic Republic stood to fuel them with vast fleets of starships or grand armies. Of course neither did the Mandalorians muster an inch of the might they once had. Though if Clan Farr had anything to say about it, they would in time.

The clan leader looked sidelong to his elders, inspecting each face amongst the half-circle. His lips parted but before he spoke he was interrupted.

"Nothing." Janeth spoke up. "There is no Mandalorian army. No Mandalorian fleet. No warriors testing the systems that neighbour those of the Mandalorian."

"Janeth!" Her uncle hissed. She continued to speak.

"Those who cast their lot in with cowards are not Mandalorian. Nor are those who jump blindly into battle, awaiting certain death." The Elders looked to each other and then back to her. Some were quite angry, others curious, and perhaps one or two sharing sympathetic thoughts. Janeth stood from her corner of the room and walked closer to the center. "We need to find new warriors. Call those who seek to know what it means to be Mandalorian, and bring them into the fold." She clenched her upright fist upon these words.

Embers burned into her heart, ready to consume as fire. Her uncle rose from his chair in fury with flaring nostrils. "Disrespecting me is one thing, but you dare disrespect our leader!"

 

[Vilaz Munin]

"She's right," he calmly said to reassure the honesty of Janeth's words. When one spoke the truth to him it may upset him to a small degree, but it was the truth. When one lied to him, however, Vilaz would be furious and teach those that lied to him an important life lesson.

The only thing that made the Munin upset was the fact that there was no army or navy behind him. He was angry, not at Janeth, but to that awful reality.

"There is no need to punish this warrior when she has said honest, insightful words," the Sole Ruler continued backing up Janeth's statements.

The woman was passionate, and with that passion she was angry. Angry at the state of the Mandalorians and fat they've become.

"So tell me, Janeth. What do you propose to fabricate that vision to reality?"

He did not have the answers to everything and felt no shame in asking another warrior for an answer or resolution. Especially when it was about the present of the Mandalorians and the damning road they were trekking on.

[member="Janeth Farr"]

 

[Janeth Farr]

Whether or not he liked it, the clan leader backed down when Mand'alor spoke up. He would not interrupt their leader, though by being interrupted himself--first by his niece and second by his leader--he felt his pride sullied. He slunk back down into his seat with a heavy fall, biting his tongue so he did not make a fool of himself.

Unfortunately, Janeth spoke in a moment of passion and when she was asked for a solution she hadn't one in mind. One came from necessity, her thoughts processed quickly to formulate an answer. She would rather give him something than nothing. All that fervor only to end up clueless? She would be no more Mandalorian in his eyes than those she just criticized. At least that's how she saw it.

"You bear the mantle of the greatest warrior in the galaxy. That has to count for something, even now. Use your voice... Call the people to you, hold a tournament or hunt. Something to show them you desire blood paid in battle." It wasn't her best idea, nor was it original, but it was something. In times past the Mandalorians held galactic tournaments and great hunts to pit warrior against warrior in competition. A way to weed out the weak and reveal the strong; to pluck the warriors from the sea of souls and place them at Mand'alor's side in war.

Her father offered his approval with a simple nod. He had remained silent throughout the whole ordeal, preferring to instead observe the scene as he often did. Deciphering its meaning and calculating its results. A great mind that proved invaluable to Clan Farr, a mind that Janeth herself wished for but lacked.

 

[Vilaz Munin]

The Mand'alor was expecting something insightful sent by the heavens through Janeth. Some oracle prophecy coming from her; but he received a plain answer. The look of disappointment was hidden beneath his helmet after hearing Janeth's answer. What would he do for a tournament? How would that remedy this curse upon the stagnant Mandalorians? There were other options besides Janeth's, but they were no good either. Not with this type of new Mandalorian breed.

"Yet you forget that this generation of so called Mandalorians don't desire to see blood spilled, Janeth," the warrior remarked at the young Farr. "This new breed are something else. Even more damned than the disgraceful New Mandalorians of our past. They feel self entitled and the moment you bring them together, one warrior is challenging for the mantle which I have to put down. They also need a valid reason to even draw out a pocket knife."

He took a breath and took a moment of hesitation before speaking again.

"Does this Clan know of any other Clans that are still true to our old ways of life," which was a general question for all that anyone could answer.

[member="Janeth Farr"]

 

[Janeth Farr]

Janeth said nothing. She was angry, but said nothing.

Then her uncle spoke. "Clan Farr follows you, Mand'alor. We of Agamar stand alone otherwise... The other clans have not reached out to us." He admitted. Though it wasn't uncommon for the clans to not speak to each other, many parted ways and disregarded the rise of the new Mando'ade. They would have nothing to do with another failed attempt at rallying their people. Clan Farr was among them, though they remained loyal to their sole ruler nonetheless.

With nothing more to say herself, Janeth slunk back a bit and found herself another seat. She saw her father's eyes leave her, and felt ashamed that she hadn't said more. Though she supposed it was for the best. She had no great ideas, and so the change in subject offered her a momentary escape. Perhaps her mind would allow her the opportunity of a sound idea, or perhaps she wouldn't be spared an answer.

 

[Vilaz Munin]

At least Clan Farr aligned themselves with Vilaz. So did his clan too, but the rest were unknown. Rekali, Vereen, Betna, Vizsla, Skirata, and the rest of them. It was better than nothing, but it was not enough. A good ten to hundred thousands of warriors when both clans summed up, but they were going to need more than that.

"Then we'll have to expand ourselves," the Mand'alor said to the elders and officers of Clan Farr.

"Let me get one thing out to y'all. I do not support insubordination or warriors failing to adhere the sixth tenet of our code of life. From now on we are going to be crude and violent to those that fail to follow us. That means either maiming or killing those that pretend to follow our creed. I don't mind advice or opinions, but I won't stutter making decisions or giving orders. Is that clear? Or do one of y'all want to challenge like the other contestants I had to embarrass?"

It was time to get things right and that meant being harsh and radical. For too long they had been soft. No more of that. Not a single ounce of it.

[member="Janeth Farr"]

 

[Janeth Farr]

The clan leader went to speak again, but was interrupted once more by Janeth.

"Then we must start with our own clan. Those found to be dar'manda should be given a choice: Admittance of their status and self-exile, or face execution. This ought to be public as well, so that others in the clan are well aware of the consequences for not adhering to our way of life." This sent a chill through many of the Elders.

The mere thought of witch hunts bothered them. Though none would deny Mand'alor's call now, they did little to uplift themselves in these turbulent times. Showing a lack of faith, perhaps. If any of them were personally held responsible, they would have to choose between giving up their status or a humiliating death. They looked to the clan leader to say something... anything to ease their minds.

He looked to Janeth, his eyes filled with rage. Yet his words were soft. "We will discuss this at a more appropriate time, young warrior. For now I believe we should honour our great guest." He turned his attention to Vilaz. "We would not see you come all this way to talk then leave with nothing but words. If you would honour us, we have prepared a small tournament amongst our youngest warriors. The winner we offer you to add to your retinue."

 

[Vilaz Munin]

The young Farr's suggestions were radical and irrational. Just to Vilaz's taste. He had been too lenient and soft with the so called Mandalorians he led. However, a clan like Clan Farr seemed unlikely to host these treacherous Mandalorians "I doubt a proud and old clan such as this one would have none of these phonies, but for precautions sake if that is how your leader wishes to see to it," the Sole Ruled commented on Janeth's dialogue.

"Sure, I wouldn't mind staying for this," the warrior said and accepted the man's invitation to this tournament. Clan Farr took pride in killing and combating the Jedi which was another thing Vilaz held in common with.

"Free for all kind of tournament?" Thise were absolutely his favorites and kept him entertained.

[member="Janeth Farr"]

 

[Janeth Farr]

It was time for her father to speak.

"Since my daughter has been so outspoken during this meeting, perhaps she should show Mand'alor around as we prepare the tournament. It would be an opportunity to grow as a young warrior; to shape the next generation of Mandalorian. To learn what it truly means to be Vod." He suggested. The brother of the clan leader appeared older in age, and less physically able. Signs of old battle wounds that gotten the better of him. Now he served in a more mental role. As a strategist and thinker, no doubt.

Her uncle looked unsure at the suggestion, and may have even wished to protest. In the end he nodded. "Very well. If you would not oppose the idea." He looked to Vilaz for a reaction and response.The mention of comradery, referring to Janeth as Vod would've struck him furious after all her interrupting. Yet if Mand'alor did not appear angry, then neither would he. Not when they needed to stand united.

Janeth on the other hand perked up in surprise at the suggestion. It came out of the left field and she had no idea what any of it meant. Was it as simple as it sounded? Or were there ulterior motives as well? Furthermore, why did her uncle allow such a thing? These questions flooded her young and hot-headed mind. An opportunity to be one-on-one with Mand'alor himself was both exhilarating and terrifying at the same time.

It meant she could study him for a time being. Maybe even speak on the more controversial subjects that plagued the Clans. It all rested on his answer.

 

[Vilaz Munin]

"I don't mind at all," Vilaz simply said to both men of the clan. He hated formalities and such, but it was also a tradition he followed suit when other clansmens outside of his own visited him. It was a symbol of respect and honor which he admired yet was frustrated by it.

Having approved this suggestion, the two Farr men departed and left both Vilaz and Janeth standing there.

"I'll follow where you take me," the Sole Ruler simply said to the woman as they walked about the Clan Farr compound. The compound of his clan, publicly opened to all of his clan as he had his own private estate, was similar in design to this of Clan Farr. Some different aspects, but almost alike. Agamar reminded him a bit of Concord Dawn.

"Tell me, Janeth. Do you have extreme methods in weeding out those that pretend to share the name Mandalorian?"

[member="Janeth Farr"]

 

[Janeth Farr]

Janeth did as she was expected, and with Vilaz following she departed the great hall and back onto the compound grounds.

His question hit her unexpectedly. "I am not sure what defines extreme in your eyes..."

She did her best to hide any surprise in her words. Janeth saw little point in answering right away without first gauging his own opinion on the matter. Not that she was a cheerleader ready to echo his every word, but she understood the value of tact in a conversation. Especially when the one she was talking with happened to be the most powerful man standing on the planet. Their stroll took them past the pits once more, though the sparring had stopped and all that remained were the youth placing the weapons back where they belonged.

Their destination was the tournament ground, a special arena--not too large nor too small--dedicated to the glory of the fight rather than practice. From time-to-time they'd battle beasts or slaves, but rarely did they fight each other in such a fashion. The risk of death is one all Mandalorians accept, but in their clan's philosophy there is no reason to seek death as long as you breathe. The chance to win another day, to survive to beat your enemy later, was a lesson they learned after their costly defeat against the Jedi.

 

[Vilaz Munin]

He found it...odd when Janeth answered his question. It really wasn't an answer but it was hard to describe. The only thing Vilaz could do was explain more in depth of his question.

"You know exactly what I mean, Janeth," he began with seriousness in his voice. Everyone knew what he meant to that question. Or at least most people. "Killing false Mandalorians that only bring disgrace and dishonor to our name and culture. Them and any of their clansmen that follow their irrational methods and philosophies."

It was funny when he said irrational methods because his views were arguably the same. Irrational or not the Munin persevered to right and to bring glory to the Mandalorians. That was his goal Sole Ruler or not.

The two then arrived at the tournament grounds were people of Clan Farr attended in a circle, sitting down conversing with one another until the champions would come out to present themselves before the tourney started. No doubt this many people came because of Vilaz and no doubt would the participants of the tournament would perform well as if being on the fields of battle.

[member="Janeth Farr"]

 

[Janeth Farr]

"Death is the cost of betrayal, I agree..." She said first. "I also believe exile should be our first response. Death is a certainty, but exile is carried with you. False or not there is not a single Mandalorian in our presence that fears death. What they fear is disgrace. If you kill them they'll only believe they died falsely. If you exile them then it will eat their mind as the years go on. Being cast out alive is a far greater punishment than death."

Janeth believed in her words, and spoke them naturally without delay in her voice. When they approached the tournament, she gestured for Vliaz to take his place where the clan leader would normally sit. Whether or not he took the seat, she stood off at its side as if she were a bodyguard.

"When my ancestors fought Revan they did so because he stood against Mandalorian expansion, and they reveled in the glory of killing Jedi. Now as the Jedi fall back there are still those among the Mandalorians who consider them allies." She spoke freely. It was a topic that had been bothering her for some time, she never understood why the Mandalorians of her time always aligned themselves with the weak and defeated.

The Dominion, for example, was a short lived union between losers and exiles alike. The shattered remnants of defeated nations coming together. Just like in their shared past, the Dominion too fell. They lost as they always have. Putting the weak together in one place doesn't make them stronger, it only makes them easier to eradicate.