.
Truth be told, Raya was more-than-a-little relieved to find herself back on the front lines of the Crusades. While the Kryze had recently taken some domestic assignments across settled Mandalorian territory, it didn’t take her more than a week-or-two to become restless - that familiar need for thrill, and a desire to be in the thick of things itching at the back of her mind every second of day. There was something unmistakably cathartic to be on the front - to tone out the rest of the Galaxy and devote herself to that singular objective - and it drew Raya right back to leading this latest campaign.
While the FWA collapsed upon itself and nearby systems fell under the Mandalorian banner, Raya turned her sights to Lantilies. The city-planet a jewel of the Perlemian - renown throughout the Mid-Rim for its shipping and shipbuilding industries. Industries that Raya had every intention of seizing and utilizing for her people, by whatever means necessary. Initial attempts at diplomacy had collapsed within no time at all, and it wasn’t long after that a fleet had been deployed to initiate the assault.
It had only been hours since the vanguard had broken through orbit and made landfall on the Lantillies - staging themselves within a commercial district of the capital from which to branch outwards, having long-since established ground and air superiority over their corner. Expansion, however, had thus-far proved to be bitterly difficult. The Lantillies were well-equip and ferocious when it came to defending their home, and it meant that the Mandalorian’s had to bleed for every inch of ground they seized. For the moment, a tense stand-off had occurred - both sides digging their heels in and establishing trenches and barricades along their respective sides. A change in approach was in order, and Raya had long since begun to strategize their next moves - delayed only by the anticipated arrival of Nox.
By the time Nox arrived, the Mand’alore would be greeted by the site of an established war-camp from which the vanguard operated. The majority of the warriors consisted of men and women of Clan Kryze, and as a result, banners in their colors hung proudly from balconies and decorated the front of office buildings that had been converted for use. Men and women turned to greet their Mand’alore with respect as he passed - though he would undoubtedly feel the tension from some - century-old Clan rivalries not quite so easily forgotten. Nevertheless, it wouldn’t long for him to be guided towards the office building where Raya had established herself.
As per usual, the Kryze was adorned in her signature bronze beskar’gam - the unique color having gradually become her trademark amongst the crusading Mandalorians. She carried a pair of blaster pistols on her hip, and the helmet of her armor was neatly placed on the edge of the HoloTable she stood before. A holographic projection of the city was displayed - an aerial view of each district, alleyway and street visible to be reviewed.
Upon spotting Nox, Raya stepped past the table - flashing the Solus a faint smile while extending a hand to clasp his forearm to shake. “Mand’alore.” She nodded. Even if the man was a Solus, countless battles and campaigns together had earned her respect in full. “Glad to see you’re still kicking.”
@Orbit