- Vestige Herald - Knights Anointed; Order of High Manktas Established - April 29th 3305
29 Apr 2019Eardley
| Knights of High Manktas Annointed |
| April 29th 3305 |
| High Manktas, Soko Oh, Hiraeth |
Following the unification of High Manktas, the High Lord of the Vestige, Lyria I Eardley, has anointed two new Knights. The two individuals were asked to choose which system they would hold castellan over between themselves: Soko Oh, a mining system with a curious scene of ancient rock music; and Gliese 3876, host to a unique colony of Welsh and Cornish descendants. The Spearhead Charter Royal Guard released a recording of the private discussion, held in the hour before a public ceremony.
"Pilots of the SCRG. The success in High Manktas has granted us rulership over 6 systems. I sit on the throne of High Manktas and the Vestige as Lord Manktas. Knights Savoy and Cassandra Varr represent San Yulpa and Svantiochna respectively. This leaves me with Soko Oh, Gliese 3876, and Inovit. Inovit is not, truly, mine; by right it will belong to the throne of HIP 64861, once a Lord of the Vestige rules that system. As such, the right to bestow that Knighthood will belong to its future Lord, not I. This leaves me with the holdings of two Knighthoods.
Talon Robigo, August McKenna, rise. You have both been of great service to the Royal Guard, to your nation. In particular, you are both responsible for the formation and success of SCAR [Spearhead Charter Advanced Recon]. August McKenna, your efforts have been critical in the final stages of taking High Manktas. Talon, by taking your position within Spearhead Command as our SCARO [Advanced Recon Officer], you have raised the SCRG to new heights. It is my honour to offer the two of you Knighood over Gliese 3876 and Soko Oh. You will each be responsible for maintaining a watch over your system, and promoting its culture. It is now up to you to discuss between yourselves which system each of you will be named castellan of."
- Her Majesty Lyria I Eardley, High Lord of the Vestige, Lord Manktas, SCRG Specialist.
Talon Robigo, best known to his compatriots of the SCRG as Lieutenant RaptorMonkey, recently became leader of the SCRG's new Advanced Recon flight, SCAR. After short eye contact between the two nominees, he saluted the Fleet Admiral, Savoy, and was the first to speak.
"Lyria, Your Majesty, this is a huge honour. I must thank you, and Fleet Admiral Savoy, for this chance to become a Knight and help our faction move towards the future. I would like to request the Knighthood of Soko Oh. I would also like to congratulate August... you have been a vital member in the formation and operation of SCAR, and I look forward to seeing what we can achieve in the future!"
- Lieutenant Talon Robigo, Knight of Soko Oh, SCARO
The two nominees shook hands, and following a nod from the Fleet Admiral, Robigo took his seat. McKenna spoke, claiming Gliese 3876. He honoured the civilians, officially recognising the name the Brythonic inhabitants have long used for their system; Hiraeth.
"Having had the opportunity over these past months to assist, and indeed come to know these people, I must say I am impressed and have grown quite fond of them. They are descended from some of the first miners to be permanently deployed in space faring mining operations in the later 22nd century. Tough, gritty volunteers from Wales and Cornwall on Earth, Sol, who brought their culture, traditions and sense of community with them into the untamed expanse of the early bubble. These indomitable people are hard working and self-sufficient. They never ask for anything lest they provide it for themselves or through barter and trade for the goods their work can provide.
To honor this sense of self determination I will explore and open new markets for their trade goods throughout the region and beyond. Their culture is unique, kept and celebrated, instilling pride in their history and striving for a better future through education. It is in this vein that I plan to open an academy to educate and train selected youths in preparation for attending the Alliance pilot's academy in Alioth.
They are loyal to the Vestige and to one another, unerring and faithful in daily life and in their teachings to their progeny. They were devastated by the downfall of House Duront and later by the murder of Jakken Eardley, but they have never lost hope for the day the Vestige will be restored.
In recognition of this unwavering spirit and steadfast loyalty, henceforth the system will be known as Hiraeth. Those of Welsh and Cornish descent would tell you Hiraeth is a word which cannot be translated. To some, it implies the meaning of missing a time, an era, or a person. It is associated with the bittersweet sense of missing something or someone, while being grateful for the existence of the memory itself. It is with these words, by my belief and on my sacred Honor, I will be to Her Majesty Lyria I Eardley, High Lord of the Vestige, Lord Manktas, faithful and true. I will love all that she loves, and shun all that she shuns, according to law, and according to principle, and never, by will nor by force, by word nor by work, do ought of what is loathful to her; on condition that she keep me as I am willing to deserve, and all that fulfil that our agreement was, when I to her submitted and chose her will."
- Senior Pilot August McKenna, Knight of Hiraeth, SCAR
Following their acceptance, the compatriots of the two nominees cheered for their brothers. Fleet Admiral Savoy called for order, and moved the proceedings out of the SCRG barracks to the Royal Pavilion in Jiushao Depot. Awaiting them, crowds of High Manktas civilians were gathered, summoned to the Pavilion with no knowledge of what they would be witnessing. Tensions were high; the last mass gathering in that place had been a disaster, with Xeria's Wrath forces assaulting the High Lord's coronation, killing hundreds and taking over 200 civilians hostage. However, heightened security of the system resulted in flawless proceedings.
Flanked by the SCRG, the High Lord took to the stage, clad in immaculate plate combat armour over an elegant yet practical gown, her famed sword fastened to her waist. The proceedings saw the two new Knights anointed, to the joy of massed citizens of Soko Oh and Hiraeth. After the ceremony, Her Majesty made a further announcement, expected by none, not the gathered audience, not the event officials, not even the highest ranking officials within Spearhead Charter.
"I thank you both for accepting this offer. Your watch over, and governance of, these systems will be critical to maintaining peace in High Manktas. With the restoration of High Manktas, I also have another announcement to make. I have consulted legislature, ancient rights of the Throne, and it is with great pride that I now form the Knightly Order of High Manktas. Fleet Admiral Savoy, Lady Cassandra, Talon, August, my Knights, I welcome you into our new Order. You will watch over High Manktas, keep our people safe, and bring these societies to their full potential."
- Her Majesty Lyria I Eardley, High Lord of the Vestige, Lord Manktas, SCRG Specialist.
With that, applause and cheers erupted. The High Lord drew her sword, and the four Knights kneeled. She had attendants wheel in four tall objects, covered in golden cloth, from backstage. The four Knights as one stood in front of the offerings, and the covers were lifted. Four sleek, highly ornate suits of shining combat armour were revealed, closely resembling the High Lord's own, each with a unique blade at its hip. At the High Lord's bidding, they drew the blades, planted the swords' points in the ground, and bowed their heads. The stage was cleared, and the crowds dispersed.