“One People Again: An Interview with Aristocra Mechna Yerikov”
Nereth’ali’norr (Thalin):
“Good evening, citizens of the Ascendancy. Tonight, the Syndicure is privileged to welcome a distinguished guest whose presence has already stirred much interest and discussion across our worlds. Aristocra Mechna Yerikov, Matriarch of House Csohn, has for many years lived and worked beyond the borders of the Ascendancy. Now, she has returned to stand among the Council of Families, bringing with her a wealth of experience gained from her time away from our people.
House Csohn was founded in the wake of the Seventh Ascendancy Revolution, when Emperor Seele and Grand Syndic Thresk guided our people away from tyranny and into a new age of governance. In that pivotal moment, Cong’liddo Nollaig rose to leadership through the first election of its kind, uniting like-minded citizens into what would become House Csohn. Since then, Csohn has stood as a living testament to renewal, accountability, and the strength of unity forged in difficult times.
Now, under the leadership of Aristocra Yerikov, House Csohn takes its place once again within the Council of Families. Citizens throughout the Ascendancy look to this return with both hope and curiosity, eager to hear how her experiences beyond our borders might shape the legacy of her House and the direction of our people.
Aristocra Yerikov, many citizens know your name, but fewer understand the path you have walked beyond the Ascendancy. Could you share with us what first drew you outside our borders, and what lessons you carried back with you?”
Early Conversation
Aristocra Mechna Yerikov:
Good evening and thank you for having me.
I originally left Csilla to seek my older brother. He had left to begin his Time of Wandering but stopped sending messages home. I had a sense he was in great peril and despite my father’s advice, I left to find him.
I had not intended to be gone so long, but after learning of his death, I investigated his murder. During this time I sought employment and became Leader of Kathol Mining Corporation. Revenge was complex and took me into the politics of the Anzatan Commonwealth. Both roles provided insights and experiences far from my beginnings as a pilot.
When the Commonwealth collapsed I traveled the galaxy, exploring alien cultures and developing trade contacts, until I was approached by Flar Gar and invited into the Empire of the Hand. By then I had become more aware of the restrictions we Chiss had in the governance of Csilla. With the death of my father I had little to return to. The Empire of the Hand was devoted to providing opportunities for displaced Chiss and was inclusive to other species. Many of our supporters were from somewhat radically different peoples, which was as challenging as it was rewarding. I eventually led the Empire of the Hand and oversaw its three systems.
Upon its collapse I again traveled the galaxy, doing contract work until I was invited to run Rim Commercial Mining (now Dukha Mining). I have been based on Dubrillion ever since.
The lessons of my travels have been extensive and I am unrecognisable from the young Chiss woman who left all those years ago.
On Return to the Ascendancy
Thalin:
You’ve seen governments rise and fall, and you’ve led both communities and corporations far from home. How have these experiences shaped the perspective you now bring to the Council of Families?
Aristocra Mechna Yerikov:
There are always some with something to say, but I appraise one on what they do. In my case, I spent years serving displaced Chiss, involved in the Chiss Society, and even visited Csilla to serve. During the NR days I returned to develop Csorb, for instance.
As far as the Council of Families goes, well—it is my second time here. This time there is no corruption or tyranny to oppose, so I shall focus on developing our people. There are many like me, who found themselves forced away from their home, and I am dedicated to ensuring they all feel included in our Golden Time.
On Service Through Deeds
Thalin:
You’ve spoken of service through deeds. Could you share an example of what that looks like in practice?
Aristocra Mechna Yerikov:
“Service through deeds” is best described by an example. During the last Tenasas Karci several of us traveled far to attend. In between celebrations and events the Houses reached out to the Chiss Ascendancy and asked if we might be of service.
Houses Prard, Pursodal, and Csohn coordinated our efforts to do several things: re-prospect Csilla, empty mines across the system, resupply production facilities, and address smugglers in deep space.
On Chiss Abroad
Thalin:
Some citizens worry that distance leads to detachment. What would you say to reassure them that the Chiss abroad remain connected to the heart of the Ascendancy?
Aristocra Mechna Yerikov:
I would ask them to look upon all those who serve them now—the majority of whom have returned from afar. There is no distance great enough to sever the links of blood. Some may not agree with the politics of the Ascendancy, but their passion for their people is as strong as ever, and easily witnessed.
On Unity and Belonging
Thalin:
Your words suggest a vision of unity, one that includes both those who remained and those who left. How do you see House Csohn’s role in shaping that vision?
Aristocra Mechna Yerikov:
As many citizens remember, our modern history has been complex and distressing. As a people we reacted in different ways. Some stayed and did all they could in the background; others left and sought experience elsewhere. Most intended to prepare for their return, able to assist when they felt they could.
Unfortunately, our Golden Time took many years to happen, and those who left made commitments elsewhere. Indeed, you have but to look upon the galaxy to see that the Chiss are everywhere. Most governments or large organisations boast a Chiss or two in high office, and they now represent the Chiss as glorious examples of our people—loyal, dedicated, and exceptionally talented.
House Csohn’s role now is to ensure they all know that there is a home to return to, whilst honouring their choices.
Closing Statement
Thalin:
Before we conclude, Aristocra Yerikov, if you could speak directly to every citizen of the Ascendancy—here at home and across the stars—what message would you wish to leave them with tonight?
Aristocra Mechna Yerikov:
To you all, I say this: we endured our past, in the hope of this day. Your faith has been rewarded. It is now our time. No matter your story or where you find yourself, know we are finally one people again.
Outro
Thalin
Aristocra Mechna Yerikov of House Csohn, thank you for sharing your journey, your vision, and your message with us this evening. Citizens of the Ascendancy, you have heard her call: that after all we have endured, we stand together in this Golden Time as one people.
On behalf of the Syndicure, I thank you for watching, and I thank our guest for reminding us of the strength found in unity and in service. Good night.