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Chapter Text

Luminous [Star Wars SI]

The Prologue

A/N: So I lost a bet and had to write a Star Wars Self-Insert as a random Star Wars character. My friend rolled a die and I got saddled with the Space Nun. Let's see how I do. Keep in mind this is neither Legends or Canon. Just picking and choosing what I find cool, It is mostly Legends though as there is a lot more going in Legends at this time period. Anyhow, here is the story.

Reviews and Criticism are welcome.

Disclaimer: I don't own Star Wars.

Is this the part where I insert a monologue about how I died and was reborn in a new world?

Alright, so yeah, that happened. Don't know how I died, not that it really matters. Fine, I was struck by lightning. There you go. Anyway, I first awoke when I was four, or that's when the memories of my old life flooded back into my consciousness. That was a wild weekend let me tell you.

I had been reborn as a young girl in a wasteland of pink sand and green sky. I had yellow-green skin which was a surprise, but only mildly so. I mean the sky was green and the sand was pink. I lived in a desert winnebago that floated above the ground, and to top it off, I couldn’t reach the counter tops. I think the initial overlord ironically kept me from going insane via mental stunlock. Anyway, I also had blue eyes and dark gray hair. Not that you'd know that considering I was covered head to toe in robes all the time. The sand storms were vicious after all.

My name as my parents call me is Luminara Unduli. That name may sound familiar to you if you happen to be a Star Wars fan. It was a shock to me as well. I was more annoyed than anything at first. Of all the characters in this universe, I couldn't get someone more, well cool. Someone like Obi-Wan, Mace Windu, or even Ahsoka. I would eventually acquiesce in my internal bitching after realizing I could have been Shaak Ti (aka Star Wars Kenny.)

Still, Luminara, whose only real contribution is having her former padawan become the Star Wars Unabomber. I wonder if Offee even wrote a similar manifesto.

War and its consequences have been a disaster for the Jedi Order…

Wait, didn't she actually say something like that at Ahsoka's trial? Not like I can look it up on Wookieepedia anymore. I really miss the internet, and no, I don't use the Holonet. The Internet was the karked up and externalized thoughts of one species. I could only imagine what a Force-damned amount of that poodoo numbering close to a trillion species having access to that mess would look like. So no, just no.

After I got over the fact I was in the adolescent body of a Jedi Master from a universe far far away. A universe I had since fallen out of love due to corporate fuckery by a certain unnamed company. I realized I had more pressing concerns such as everything going to hell in a handbasket at or in a around… Lets see the current year is 946 ARR which makes it 54 BBY considering I was born in 58 BBY. So around thirty three years before the start of the Clone Wars. That is quite a bit of time to probably not accomplish much as all, or completely fuc- sorry kriff things up royally.

While I would have loved to stay with my new family, keeping my force sensitivity a secret by burying my head in the pink sand. It seemed the Force had other ideas. Simply put, I sneezed one day and levitated the table we were having dinner on. Well half the table. It was one of those tables that folded out of the wall. I remember it being a strange feeling. Connecting with the force for the first time. I tried to reach out and grab that feeling in the days after, but it always floated just out of reach. So yeah, after everyone, including myself, got over the shock. Word was sent to the Jedi and bam, I was sent to the Jedi Temple.

Apparently, in Mirialan Culture having a child be sent to the temple is a big status thing. The Mirialan Jedi acted as priests for the planetary religion. So my parents will most likely end up being those kinds of parents who constantly are bragging about their kids' achievements and constantly annoying the neighbors. Nah, I was doing them a disservice. They were rather distraught at the idea of giving me up. I was their firstborn after all. Leaving them was harder than I expected it to be. I had only been “awake” for a few months, but I found that I didn’t want to go. The very idea of learning to use the Force and waving around a lightsaber was too much of an opportunity to pass up in the end. Is it a bad thing that I don’t regret leaving them?

I remember the Jedi Temple itself was a peaceful and boring place. It was exciting to actually see the temple at first. With its mass and grandeur, I spent so much time exploring, seeing every nook and cranny I was allowed to and a few I wasn't. Like the top of that mountain that the temple sat on. I had always liked to run around this place when playing Battlefront 2 (the good one) just to see the place despite the small map area.

It was one thing to see in the movies, TV shows, and video games, it was another to stand and be dwarfed by the massive columns and statues that loomed over the place. To see the Coruscanti skyline from the windows and watch as scheduled rain showers fell on the city. Then in time the magic more off. Younglings aren't allowed to leave so it became less of a wonder as time went on and more of a boarding school. I had never been to a boarding school so I assumed it's what a boarding school was like.

I wasn't idle. I studied and practiced with zeal. I mean I was training to be a kriffing Jedi of all things. I wasn't going to halfass it. I would sneak out to practice all the time. Lightsaber training was a blast. Even now, years later, it has never gotten old for me. I lost count of how many times the Sentinels had to drag me back to my room. It got to the point where it was a regular thing and they just sort of gave up. Instead they would point out flaws in my form that you can't see when you train on your own while they were taking me back to my quarters of course.

Force training was a tish more difficult. It was harder somehow. My technique was good, but essentially unlike with saber training, it was a bit more nuanced. A part of me realized it could have been my Adult consciousness messing with the technique. That or the descriptions from the novels I read in my previous life gave me a preconception I had to banish before I could get the hang of it.

I did eventually get a handle on it. I had to really focus though. Problem was, that whole mind clearing stuff is very important. I had so many thoughts racing and rambling about in that little green noggin, that I was constantly felt overwhelmed by it all. At some point I nearly had a nervous breakdown. I remember waking up and thinking that I needed to go check cows. It was as I bent down to grab my boots, only to find myself in a different place, by a pond full of alien waterfowl staring at a different face in the reflection of said pond. It was then that reality smacked me in the face.

A giant kriffing to-do list of thoughts and avenues of possibilities for the timeline opened up in my mind and I remember slipping and falling in the water. It was I flailed about in the water, wrestling with this madness, that Master Yoda's teachings clicked. I was afraid. Afraid of losing my knowledge, memories of my old life, my very self to the ether. Sometimes you have to let go. To quote a great video game. Let Go, Begin Again.

The realization opened me up to a level I had only briefly held glances of initially. I wanted to do everything I could to explore this wonderful being called the Force. To let it in and be one with something greater. I will stop myself from getting too preachy there. Even though I am pretty much a monk.

I was so excited I ended up trying some techniques from the KOTOR/SWOTOR games. Somehow I forced myself to stop and just learn the basics and just be happy to have the ability at all. I could do all the fun stuff once I mastered lifting rocks and to be frank throwing rocks around with your mind is really awesome. Thinking back to those years, they really did just skeet on by. I miss them and their innocence. It felt good to be a kid again.

Some would no doubt wonder what I was doing about the Sith. Well what could I do? I couldn’t walk up to Master Yoda and tell to take a closer look at Damask Holdings. While their machinations were always at the back of mind, I couldn’t let that get in the way, and considering I wasn't allowed to leave the temple, there was really not much I could do about them at the moment. I wasn't even allowed to access the Holonet, and even much of the archives was limited to a child. So I filled my time in with more practice until it was time for selection.

As Mirialan I discovered that I had a unique advantage over the other Padawans. Seeing Master Tal'or, the Jedi who picked me up and took me to the temple, would one day take me on as a padawan. He was another Mirialan like myself. Apparently Mirialans have this tradition in the order. Mirialans training Mirialans. Made sense why Luminara took on Barriss now. Something about an agreement with the Mirialans four thousand years ago in exchange for joining the Mirialans joining the republic and the Order.

Tal’or was strict, but well traveled. I suppose our adventures weren't as exciting as some. He liked to take me to places the Jedi had abandoned. I got to see the ice temple of Telos, and Enclave Ruins of Dantooine.

The Dantooine ruins were worn away to the base structure. Despite that, it was still a very intriguing sight to see. Master Tal'or had us meditate there for three days. The Echoes in the Force there were rather bland. I think when Darth Traya sucked the life Force out the Jedi Masters she overreached and took a bit of the natural force in the area. Not surprising for a Sith. I remember asking if I could go see the crystal cave. He was hesitant, acquiescing I think due to his own curiosity.

We didn't find anything. I mean we did but none of the crystals were calling out to us. I already had one. It was still a beautiful sight though. The way the crystals refracted off the wall even with the low light was a spectacle which was ruined by the damn space spiders. We set off for various other places in the galaxy. Places like seedy underworlds and off the beaten path locations you wouldn’t find in travel brochures.

It was when I turned fourteen that my time with my master in the field would end. We were captured by a pirate warlord. They didn't know we were Jedi. Tal'or didn't have us dress so conspicuously during travel in the Outer Rim. The passenger transport we awas outright towed to their base. Apparently some big Trade Federation big shot was traveling incognito on board. They weren't sure who it was. So they grabbed all of us. Most likely to sell the rest of us into slavery once they got who they wanted.

We were taken to a space station that was off the beaten path of most normal hyperspace routes. It was called "Middle of Nowhere" because it was. We were herded aboard, and I saw the pirate leader. He was a Pantoran. Needless to say there was an escape attempt. We were successful in getting rid of the pirates and fleeing the station. You know how those things go. All around an exciting time.

I kept its coordinates. Considering no one else knew of it. Those that did, didn't have the coordinates or were dead. It would make a great hiding place one day if need be. The Warlord had a nice collection of artifacts. Mostly hunting trophies, but a couple of bizarre items. Including a crystal I would have to get verified, but I think it was Qixoni. I left it there. I didn't have the time to collect trophies as Master Tal’or collapsed. There was this strange beast that the Warlord kept as a pet. Took everything we had to bring it down. Tal'or took a hit for me and had a bad reaction to venom. Though I would make it a point to return one day.

I remember he insisted on checking to see if there were other sentients on board the station. Tal'or needed medical attention, but still insisted we look. I managed to get him to Nar Shaddaa. The Jedi healers had to meet us at the spaceport from the small outpost the Jedi had there. I was at a loss. He survived, but the venom had caused extensive nerve damage. He could no longer move without assistance. He wouldn't be able to leave the Temple anymore.

So I was put into an interesting position as a padawan. I had to get field expertise and Tal'or couldn't leave the temple. While I would still train under him at the temple for Force related things, I was to be sent with other Knights and Masters to get field work. I had become a Padawan temp. The first Master who had to put up with me tagging along was Dooku. Yes, that Dooku. Tal'or and him were apparently good friends. The year was 956 ARR or 44 BBY. Yep I was heading to the Battle Of Galidraan. My first real chance at altering the timeline. Could I save the True Mandolorians about to be framed for war crimes they did not commit? Is the fate of this universe set in stone? I guess we'll see.

A/N: This was supposed to be a brief prologue of SI Luminara's life up to the main story. Also Luminara won't remember every little thing. Don't be afraid to DM me regarding typos and strange sentences. This goes for cool events that I might not be aware of. I have a habit of forgetting words sometimes and it makes the sentences sound weird. It's annoying and I would get a beta reader if I had the time. I don't right now as it is harvest time and I had to publish the first chapter before a full week passed to appease the parameters of the bet.

Chapter Text

I was on my own for the first time in a long time. It was odd to be so far away from Master Tal’or. The old man was always a calming presence and had wisdom in spades. Still the real strange part was the Force Bond between Master and Padawan. I was lightyears away yet I could still feel his presence. A bizarre feeling sure, but if I focused enough, all I could sense was pain.

I don’t think he was as clear of the beast’s venom as he let on. The beast. Just thinking about that creature sent shivers through my being. I still had nightmares at times about the encounter. I remember it was like that of a hunchbacked humanoid with a massive tri-spiked head and maw full of jagged fangs. Ten feet tall and armored head to toe in natural plating. Which could resist lightsaber strikes. It was faster than it looked. So glad I had been learning Form III, and a little bit of Form V. The truly scary part was that it was resistant to the force. Resistant is the wrong word. More it felt like it was absorbing it. The force seemed to meld away from it, like wet tissue paper being broken and the sliminess of paper just hung from the beast’s aura. Clinging to it as it was being sucked in. I had some idea of what the creature could be, but I couldn’t be sure until I examined the corpse closer. Which I didn’t have time for.

The beast aside, the distance from my master was the true reason I was sent away. It had to be in order for me to not constantly sense the pain he felt in his very being right now. It wasn’t just a physical pain either, but one that eked into his very Force presence.

So Master Tal’or sent me to go with Master Dooku to Galidraan. Supposedly to stop a massacre of protesters. Only problem was that we were there to fight the wrong enemy. Well yes and no, as the True Mandos did kill them, but the protestors were actually armed insurgents rebelling against the Corrupt and Tyrannical Governor. The Governor who was colluding with the Deathwatch to trap the True Mandos in a storm of Jedi Lightsabers.

My Master’s condition aside, this outcome for the True Mandolorians was something I would like to change. I didn’t know how though. I wasn’t too sure how to go about it. Best I could come up with was a “Vision from the Force.” Which isn’t entirely inaccurate, from a certain point of view.

“You look nervous.” I looked over at the beautiful blonde human padawan sitting across from me in the bunk opposite to me. The cabin of the Jedi transport was roomy enough, but lacked any real decoration.

Komari was taller than me by half a foot, and a real bombshell. If she wasn’t a Jedi, I swear she could have been a model in another life. Compared to my slimmer build, I felt lacking in her presence. I mean I wasn’t lacking. This body wasn’t entirely curveless and wouldn’t be later on. Still, I had never really felt this way before. This jealousy? Envy? I mean I was still around fourteen and Vosa was around eighteen, of course I hadn’t fully developed yet. I had to stop myself from going down that avenue of thought. So pushing these awkward teenage thoughts out of my mind I answered her.

“Yes and no.” I admitted and Komari Vosa nodded. “I am far from my Master, yes, but I just believe the fight ahead is not the one we should be focusing on. Something about all this isn’t right.”

“Don’t worry about it.” Vosa said as she flopped back on her bed and stretched. I… wow… I quickly looked away when she reversed her back stretch and looked back at me. “We will get to take out some barbarians that to be honest our order should have really mopped up a long time ago. But we’ll at least get some action. It will be like in the old days of the order. Our own tiny little Mandalorian War.” Yeah because that worked out so well in the end.

She got up and sat next to me on the bed. She then looped an arm around me. I did my best not to blush at her being so close. Wait, did I smell perfume. When did Jedi wear perfume? “Don’t worry kid, I will be right beside you the whole time. Dooku told me to look after you. And what my Master wants out of me he gets.” She seemed to get a far off look in her eye, like she was thinking about Dooku in a way a student shouldn’t be thinking about her teacher. Ah poodoo, I remember part of the reason she left the order now.

Her infatuation with her master aside, Vosa had been excited about the trip since we met on the ship. We had sparred briefly earlier and she was a very talented duelist. How could one not be when being trained under Count- I am sorry Master Dooku. He wasn’t a Sith Lord yet. He was still a Count, but the Jedi was still at the forefront. He was just disillusioned with the order at this point in his life I believe. Galidraan was a stepping stone on the path he may one day walk.

Another of Vosa's issues was that she had a tendency to get too involved in her lust for battle. Something Dooku from the sound of it was trying to rein in. During our sparring sessions prior to leaving the temple, I often found myself overwhelmed by the quick and light attacks, but my training in Form III helped immensely. I loved that form so much. Maybe one day I will pick up all Seven Forms of Lightsaber combat. I would really have to work for that. Perhaps Form III and V could get me by. Form II would need to be added to that list after my duel with Vosa. Got my ass kicked. Considering what was to come, there will be a definite need to add that to my still growing repertoire.

I sighed, needing to get away from her a bit. Vosa could be a bit full of herself and it was a bit grating. “I need to talk with your Master. I have a feeling this mission is more than it appears.” I knew it wasn't fair considering I might have judged her on my meta knowledge. Though perhaps this was her attempt at a big sister routine. I was just too much of a Jedi introvert I guess.

I never really connected much with the other younglings up to becoming a padawan. I mean I still wouldn't mind seeing them again as Jedi. Master Tal’or had often forced me to interact with others early on. Once he pushed me into some Square dance on a farming moon. It was fun once I figured out the steps.

Vosa shrugged. “No matter, I am sure things will be straight forward enough for you when we touch down and the blaster bolts start flying.” She chuckled to herself as I left.

I got up and stalked through sterile white and bright lit halls of the Jedi Transport. I feared Vosa was right. How could one Padawan change things? It was a bit overwhelming. Short of sabotaging the ship to let the True Mandos get away, but they did kill those rebels even if they didn’t know the real situation. Kriff, I just hoped this worked.

I walked until I found Dooku talking with a couple knights in the briefing room, and standing around a holomap. They sensed my approach and all turned to me.

“Ah, Padawan Unduli. What can I do for you?” He smiled pleasantly though it felt like a facade to mask a sense of pity. Tal’or was in worse shape than I thought then. My Master being one of those people everyone knew, but yet not a specific member of any faction. A floater you could say. So everyone tended to like him.

“I have a question, Master Dooku.” I bowed and Dooku waved the other knights away. The door whispering shut behind me. Dooku was very patient when I was around. He knew Tal’or well it seemed. Especially to put up with flirting with the only one padawan rule.

“Yes, Padawan. I could feel it weighing on your mind since I mentioned we were going to Galidraan.” Damn those Force senses could be so annoying. He looked younger but had that Christopher Lee charm and pure charisma that was hard to ignore, but he was Dooku. The possible future apprentice of Sidious. So I would keep my distance. He wasn’t Tyrannus yet though. Still I could see why Komari became infatuated with him like she did.

“Master, I think I might have had a vision regarding the coming battle?” I blurted out, I was so damn nervous. I was actually trying to alter history.

“A vision you say? Might I ask what you saw in this vision?” His tone was skeptical and I don’t think he entirely bought my half truth. Hard to tell. He offered me a chair. I sat down, and smoothed out my battledress. The armor pads I wore on my legs sometimes caught in the fabric of the battledress. Would have to get some cortosis weave for my robes. It would slow me down. Even when weaved into clothing, the stuff still weighed a fair bit. The extra protection would be worth it.

I briefly collected myself. Here goes nothing. “I was fighting the enemy and noticed that their armor was bloody. Strange thing to notice I know. I could see a symbol of a strange animal skull on one of his shoulder pauldrons. Yet as I stuck the warrior down, I heard laughter in the distance. I could see another warrior dressed similarly, though his armor was clean it didn’t gleam. He had a different symbol on shoulder pauldron. Some sort of bird of prey. He laughed at the fallen warrior and flew away via jet pack.” I wrung my hands nervously as Dooku pondered my “vision.”

“Have you had similar visions?.”

“No, well, I have had it multiple times. I admit this was the first real vision I have ever had. It feels like the warrior I fought was duped and that I myself was also a pawn in a different game. It was not really all that clear. It has been getting stronger ever since the closer we got to Galidraan.” Damn, it took everything I had to focus on maintaining my nervousness to mask the half truth. He stood once again as paced thinking on this.

“I see.” He seemed to consider what I had said if only for a moment. “Something has felt off about this mission. The way the council blindly believed the Governor was a bit naive. However, I believe you may have misinterpreted the meaning. The warrior you stuck down still had blood on his hands, correct?” I nodded reluctantly. “The Future is always uncertain, young one. Such visions are never clear at first.”

“I understand,” I reluctantly agreed like a good student would. “Master, can we at least parlay with them? To hear their side of things?” I asked hopefully.

“That all depends on them. By law I do have to announce my intentions. Hopefully their leader sees reason. These are Mandalorians I should add and are more likely to shoot first than talk.”

“Thank you, Master Dooku. That is all I ask.” I felt hollow as I left the room. If Dooku merely called out like an old west Sheriff, the Mandos were likely to just shoot at any approaching force. No wonder this battle turned out so bad. That damn Deathwatch, their damn Governor, and the Damn Jedi and True Mandos in their stubbornness. Wait… that was it.

“Master, in your declaration to the Mandolorians. Can you mention that we are there at the behest of the Governor specifically? To test their reaction. I mean why would they go out of their way to kill random protesters. No, Mandolorians are Mercs, someone hired them. They also abhor easy fights like unarmed picket wielding protesters. It all boils down to what they were protesting against?”

Dooku rubbed his chin at the thought. “You make a valid point. Who stands to gain in the midst of this the most?” He stood connecting the dots. He went to a holotable pulling up news on the planet. After reading for a moment he said, “The Governor has been less than a saint it seems.”

I walked up beside him and briefly scanned the newsletter. “Could he have hired the Mandolorians to deal with the growing insurrection and then later contacted us in an effort to kill two mynocks with one stone in order to forgo payment?”


“I agree, but it doesn’t absolve the Mandolorians of their crimes either, but it does give us more of a broader picture. I find myself disappointed in the Council, blindly following the mere word of a Republic official is humiliating. We are not ones to be beckoned and called like an akk dog when it suits the Republic. Leave me. I require time to meditate on this development.” His voice held a tone of one who had realized they made an error and were kicking themselves for it. He dismissed me with a wave, and I left the room.

Holy shit, I think I did something? It may not change the battle, but I felt something had shifted. I hope.

I left the room with a pleasant vibe. It was only about halfway back to my bunk did I encounter a looming presence standing in contrast to the brightly lit hallway.

“Just what do you think you’re doing?!” Vosa stomped toward me.

“I…”

“Are you trying to spare those butchers?. I was looking forward to getting to take out some useless mercenary bantha fodder. Then you come along and try to put a stop to that? It's like you want the butcher’s to go free.” She stood taller than me and poked me in the chest.

I managed to reply coolly, “I want justice. Rolling up and swinging sabers with abandon is not the way Jedi do things. Also, who are you trying to impress? Your Master. He already thinks the world of you. We’re Jedi. That want for validation is supposed to be beyond us.” Did I drink communion wine recently? When did I get so preachy all of sudden? Right, space monk. Tal’or would be so proud.

“You wouldn’t understand. I need something to prove my worth to him.” Vosa growled with a tinge of desperation. I could sense the infatuation oozing out of her now.

“To him?” I raised an eyebrow. My tone was more accusatory than surprised. Amazing how the mere tone of one’s voice could change a meaning in a question or sentence. In this case though…

Vosa growled. “How dare you even suggest a thing?”

I held up my hands. Trying to bactrack. “Sorry, I am just stressed with the upcoming battle. I just had my own concerns. Think about it. Would your Master be impressed if you did well in the battle ahead? Slaughtering the enemy left and right only to find out later that we were just doing the Governor’s dirty work. It would stain such an action forever. The Mandolorians ought to be punished, but their recent history shows that they rarely take jobs like this. Well this faction at least.”

Vosa thought for a moment. After getting over her initial outburst. I felt relieved Vosa seemed to be thinking this through. It helped that I just remembered that other than her infatuation with Dooku, she was actually a decent Jedi. If a bit annoying. Shame I had to play on that infatuation if only in a small way.

“Since you obviously heard Your Master’s and my conversation. Then you know why during the battle, we ought to disarm and pacify. We need all the witnesses we can to prove the Governor’s hand in this. If we kill them all, we can’t unveil the true culprit’s crimes. Problem is it won’t be easy. The Mandos are likely to shoot as soon as they see us.” Vosa seemed to ponder this. Perhaps I could deny fate twice on this trip. I drove the nail home. I hated to play on this card. “It would be a true test of skill to defeat many Mandos yet not kill them. To give in to the bloodlust of battle like a mere common warrior is not the way of the Jedi.” Unless they practiced Form VII.

Wrapping an arm around Vosa’s shoulder, I walked her back to our shared room. Hoping my words had some impact. “I know my Master would be impressed.” I squeezed her shoulder, briefly feeling those beautifully toned muscles underneath. I wonder what training regimen she utilized. Then again Jedi training was rather intensive as is, but damn Vosa was a real Valkyrie. I released her shoulder and left Komari to mull over the battle ahead. Her initial excitement had dulled down, replaced by a focus and calm that impressed me more than her fighting skills. We didn’t talk for the rest of the journey.

It was only a half a day later, we arrived in system and boarded the shuttle down to the surface. I put all thoughts of Dooku and Komari aside and did my best to calm my mind and prepare. This wasn’t going to be a fight against some pirates or underworld losers that barely knew which end to hold a blaster. These were Mandolorians. The greatest non-force sensitive Jedi killers the galaxy had ever known and being led by the greatest non-force sensitive warrior in the galaxy at this point to boot. I had to focus a lot harder to even to clear my mind. By the time I reached that inner calm, the damn doors of the shuttle hissed open and jolted me from my meditation like a damn snooze button alarm.

Chapter Text

When we landed there was a flurry of snow howling in our faces. It made things difficult to see. I had to use the force to curb the wind and keep myself warm. My headdress still flapped about some, but not terribly so. Vosa trapped my shoulder and motioned for me to stay close. As we began to sprint toward the Mandolorian camp weaving through the green fir trees as we went. We barely made a sound despite the muffles of crunching snow. We arrived to see the Mando camp set down in a small ravine. Tactically not the best place, but it was out of the cold winds.

We quietly spread out and made ourselves ready for Dooku to make the first move. Then I saw Jango land and walk in amongst his forces. It was then we made our presence known. Dooku ignited his blade, Igniting my own green blade. I walked out beside Vosa, her twin blue blades at her side. She stood next to Dooku. I saw the various greens and blues of the rest of the Jedi Strike force as well. Quite an intimidating sight.

The Mandolorian answer to our intent was instant. There was no running about for weapons. They either had a rifle hanging on their person or pulled out a weapon from their already immense kit or grabbed one from a weapon stand. I was impressed and a bit nervous seeing the amount of slug throwers among them. Slug throwers weren't as big an issue for Jedi as many believed. Whatever allowed non-force sensitives to sleep at night was fine with me. Still, they were a far better option than blasters, that was for sure. I want to shoot one actually.

I looked at Dooku as he made his presence known. Standing proud, more like nobility, than a Jedi Master. Well, I guess he was a Count or soon to be Count. He had been in talks with the Governor all morning. I suspect he was trying to sus out the lies. I hoped anyway.

Dooku, using the force to enhance the volume of his voice, called out, “I am Master Dooku of the Jedi Order. I have been made aware of your crimes by the local Governor and am here to see you answer for them. I am giving you one chance to stand down and surrender peacefully to my custody until I can sort out what is true and what is false in these claims.” I felt my stomach drop as it wasn’t all that different from canon, at least not the last part. Dooku did listen, it seemed. Now would Jango?

I looked at Komari. She remained silent looking down at the Mandos in the camp with determination. Yet she kept her mouth shut. Her outburst in canon was one of the deciding factors in irritating Jango enough to call his troops to fire on her first. I felt a tension in the air as Jango’s reply seemed to take eons for an answer.

“Jet’ii, I can’t do that.” There was an undertone of pride in his voice. I willed with all my heart that they would stand down. One of his subordinates turned and said something to him. They must have had a brief chat through the coms in their helmets. The other Mandos were still wired up and looked like one hair trigger pull away from firing.

“Let me reiterate.” Dooku called once again. “While you will all be imprisoned for your crimes, you will be in my custody. The Governor will have no power to decide your fate, unless he can definitively prove you were acting on your own accord.”

Jango retorted with a hint of anger. “That spineless hut’uun promised us information for putting down that little rebellion of his.”

“So you were under the impression that the protesters were rebels?” Dooku stroked his beard, “That is a bold claim, however one I am inclined to agree with considering your profession. What information could you have gone through all this trouble for?.”

“That is our business Jet’ii!!!” Jango got very defensive. The Deathwatch was the True Mandolorians’ House cleaning in his eyes, so it was understandable he wouldn’t want the Jedi to take his quarry. Still not really helping matters.

I was concerned as well as relieved. The fact this was taking so long was a good sign that Dooku was trying to get more out of this mission than an embarrassing footnote in his tenure as a Jedi. It was also giving Jango time for his blood to cool. That was good.

“And you are our business, Mandolorian-” Dooku ceased his statement and looked in the direction of the colony the Galidraan Resistance had been based out of. Despite being located behind some hills in the distance, even with a small bit of focus I could feel the sensation of sentient life being extinguished. The cries and terror being unleashed through the force battered against my senses, before being snuffed out one at a time. I had never felt such death before. It was overwhelming.

“The settlement is under attack,” I whispered.

“I thought they were all accounted for. The butchers must have left some of their troops in the settlement to clean up!” Vosa hissed loudly. “I say we attack now.” Vosa looked like her earlier calmness was slipping. I will be fair in saying I was a bit ready to dive into the fray as well. The screams and cries were really messing with me. It took everything I had to just push them aside enough to think. I could sense the same struggle and tension in the other Jedi in the strike force.

Dooku held his presence better like the Jedi Master he was. He looked back to the Manda’lor. “Here I thought you were done with the killing?”

Jango didn’t have force senses, but his body posture indicated that he knew what was going on. I remembered that he knew Tor Vizsla was still out and about. “Deathwatch,” he growled. That or he heard our conversation with the enhanced hearing unit is his helmet. Impressive gear.

“And who are these Deathwatch?” Dooku inquired.

“The reason we came here. Rivals to our ways and the true butchers.” He gave Vosa a brief glance when he emphasized the word “butchers.”

“They must be making more “evidence” of our crimes. We didn’t kill any noncombatants when we attacked the insurgent staging area outside the city.”

Dooku turned to the Jedi Strike Force. “Knights, we have little time. The people need our aid.”

“HOLD!!! JET’II!!!” Dooku looked at Jango. “The Deathwatch is our quarry. We have traveled too far, and too long for someone else to kill Vizsla.” He turned to his Warriors. “Vode! Let's move! We got dar’manda to kill!!!”

There was loud, “OYA!!!” Heck, I almost cheered alongside them. I was a bit of a Republic commando fan in my old life. I was just glad I didn’t have to kill them.

Of course, Jango didn’t wait for Dooku to answer as he and his men launched into the air via jetpack and took off toward the settlement nearby where they put down the insurgents previously. Now home to a bloodbath of civilians.

Dooku shook his head, “Stubborn Fools.” he muttered. He turned to us. “Let the Mandolorians deal with this so-called Deathwatch! Focus on defending the civilians, and corralling the all Mandolorians. I want none to be able to leave the city.”

We took off sprinting with the Force pushing us along once again. Dooku was leading the charge again. Komari ran beside me. There was no sense of stealth this time and the entire strike force stirred up a white cloud of freshly fallen snow as we pushed faster and faster with the force.

“Not the “Little Mandalorian War” you were expecting, huh?” I remarked while dodging a tree.

Komari smirked and gave a light chuckle.

“Focus,” Dooku admonished the two of us. I immediately shut up and eventually the settlement came into view.

Houses were burning and smoke wafted out from the settlement. The Deathwatch were thorough, but going door to door takes a while even in a smaller settlement like this. Of course the True Mandos got there before us, and we arrived just in time to see the Deathwatch collectively shit their pants. See they left their asses hanging in the wind. Never a moment thinking that the Jedi and the True Mandos would stall long enough to figure out what was going on. I mean it worked for them once, but I was happy to see that wasn’t the case this time around.

The True Mandolorians hit them like a freight train. I saw two warriors collide in the air in a tangle of limbs. Then they exploded above a house, causing it to light on fire. Poodoo, there were people still caught in the crossfire. Kriff, I hated urban warfare.

We dashed into the city, dividing up into teams of two. Komari and I took a side street, seeing a pair of DeathWatch soldiers shooting a duresteel trash bin that had a screaming voice coming out of it. I realized in horror they were heating the garbage can up with blaster fire. It took everything I had to quell that desire to rush in hacking and slashing. Instead I focused and wrapped the individual inside the bin in a protective cone of the force.

I didn’t have to tell Komari what to do with the Deathwatch. Twin blue lightsaber blades danced out. The Deathwatch soldiers couldn’t even react as they were bisected twice over. I pulled a human boy from the bin. His hands, legs, and part of his face sported second degree burns. I quelled the furry in my chest seeing his sorry state. It took another force of will to do so.

I looked at Komari who was ready to charge out of the other end of the alley after seeing the boy’s burn marks. I could see she was damn near over the edge of falling into that bloodlust that could lead to the Dark Side. I had an idea.

“Komari.” She turned and I shoved the kid at her. She shut off her blades in a surprised rush and held the kid. “We need to find him somewhere safe. Remember to keep a level head. He needs you right now.”

She fumbled a bit and positioned the kid on her hip. “You're right.” I sensed her shame at letting herself almost slip into a rage fueled bum rush. Granted a deadly whirlwind of a bum rush. I took point after that, and ran around the corner reaching out with the force, lightsaber at the ready.

One Deathwatch soldier was shooting an old lady's corpse with casual indifference. I saw the corpse of another boy who looked remarkably like the kid we pulled from the trash bin. Most likely he was dead checking. I was about to use the Force to throw a broken piece of speeder plating at him, when he became alert, looking for an enemy. Word must have gotten out that the True Mandos and Jedi were both here.

I stepped out. He immediately launched off the ground. I held him in place with the Force, I strained and pulled the Deathwatch soldier back toward the ground. His jet pack screeched as it tried and failed to move. He sent a shot my way. One of Komari’s sabers deflected the bolt away. Then the jet pack seemed putter out as the fuel inside was expended trying to get away. He was yanked down with the same speed he had raced off with. My pull of Force smashed the bastard back down into the ground. Beskar metal clanked and bones were crushed. It was a bit of a rush, that feeling one I immediately quelled. Damn it was easy to let the power of the Force get to you.

I didn’t have time to check his body. Instead we saw a Deathwatch soldier fly overhead. I was going to grab and pull him down, but a True Mando was hot on his tail. With a precise flying shot to his jet pack, he exploded. The True Mando then landed by us and she looked at us. She looked at the kid, not needing further explanation.

“I saw some more noncoms in the building just down from here.” She pointed back the way she flew.

“Thanks” Komari said,

I just nodded and the Mando took off again. I noticed her armor was silver and purple. That was all I had time to really glean from her as we moved on.

We found the civilians. They seemed really happy to see us. An old man was taking pot shots at Mandos and Deathwatch alike while they fought.

He looked positively overjoyed. “Jedi,” he said. I remembered what the Jedi could be to the common folk then. Heroes. It was a strange sensation. Tal’or always took me to crime dens and various underworld goings on that it was hard to remember a time when that word “Jedi” was said without disgust or derision.

He saw the boy in Komari’s arms. “That’s one of the Carsold boys. Did you find his twi-?” Komari shook her head. He nodded. “Get him inside. My daughter is watching the other door.”

“You held off the Mandolorians for this long?” Komari said impressed.

“Not long, they started on the other end of the city. First my son-in-law died on the field of battle and the damn mercs decided to come back and finish us! That karking governor! If I ever get my hands on him…” I wanted to tell him about the two different groups of Mercs. I stopped, doubting he would give a kark.

“There a place you can hide more securely than this?” I asked instead.

“Used to be town Hall, but it's a crater now” I nodded and looked at Komari.

“Go on,” she interrupted me. “I will lock down this area and you can move on to the next.”

I launched out of the house and ran down the street, reaching out to sense more life as I rounded another corner only to nearly get blown apart by a rocket. I dodged the blast with a leap and deflected a blaster round in the air away from my person with my lightsaber. That handy precognition saved my life once again as it had on many many occasions. I twisted in the air and landed on my feet scanning the area. A Mandalorian in dark blue armor called out with zeal as he landed with flare.

“Jet’ii! I am Pre Vizsla of the DeathWatch and I challenge you to-” I gave a glance around his feet seeing the devastation he had wrought before my arrival. A group of dead bodies littered the small interaction. All looking like they were shot in the back.

-able combat.” he finished. I wanted to give into the rage and break his spine. Instead I held my lightsaber in a defensive Soresu stance. He pulled a vibroblade and charged, igniting his jet back. I held my ground and parried his strike like a matador weaving past a bull. My green blade quickly lashed out and slashed along his back. His armor deflected the blow, but the straps holding his pack were easily sliced through. His jet pack continued to fly into the air outside the town before falling out of sight.

Pre clattered to the ground, rolling to a stop. His vibroblade landed somewhere out of reach. Didn’t matter. The one day Deathwatch leader stood shakily. I didn’t give him much of a chance before I called out.

“Lost your jet pack I see.” he growled and sent razor discs my way before firing blaster bolts from his pistol. I dodged and reflected the bolts back. Vizsla also dodged the bolts and held up his gauntlet to fire a wrist rocket. He never got a chance to fire it.

I continued talking. “Allow me to help you find it. I’ll even give you a boost.” I reached out with the force and sent him launching into the air at least ten stories. He screamed as helpless as his victims did no doubt as he landed a few seconds later with an almost comedic clunk.

I kept going, pleased to rid the galaxy of a future headache and to see if anymore survivors were to be found.

I noticed the bodies piling up as I went, finding an empty park. It was a slaughterhouse with piles of corpses. The death echoes still carried in the Force. The overwhelming pressure returned. I was about to double back when I heard a voice on the other side of the park.

“Looks like you lost another one. Jango. Even with the element of surprise you and Mereel’s ilk are still weak.” I saw Tor Viszla standing over another Mando, the Darksaber ignited in his hand. Jango stood not twenty paces away, his posture looked tense and ready to strike.

“Tor,” His voice held an emotionless tone that made me, a karking Jedi, impressed. “Shut up and die.”

Both Tor and Jango charged. Tor thought he had the edge due to the Darksaber he carried. Oh how wrong he was. Tor’s stance was good I will admit. I would have picked him apart easily, but for a non-force sensitive it would do. I wish I could say it was a long drawn out beautifully choreographed fight, but Jango wasn’t playing around. Tor died as he lived, like a little bitch. Looking back, I still cringe at the creative ways Jango found to make Tor suffer. Glad I didn’t see most of it.

I looked away from the fight and reached out again. To my surprise I sensed life from the supposedly dead Mando Tor had killed. It was faint but there. I rushed over while the two Mandolorians fought, Well it was more like an operating table to showcase why Jango was Manda’lor. I kneeled beside the Warrior and surveyed the damage.

His left arm was gone. And another slash that ran across his chest was the major issue. The armor took a stronger blow than it could handle. One of his lungs sported a catharized burn so his breathing was ragged. His heart still beat and that is what I focused on. I was no healer, but the best I could do was provide energy with the Force until someone more qualified came along. I reached out and touched his person to make it easier for me to transfer my energy.

I sensed his aura was still fighting for life. It was a losing battle, but he fought on. A word rang in my mind.

Shereshoy

It wasn’t a word but a concept. It was the Mandalorian way of life. To fight on to the last possible moment, never once giving in. Even every breath was battle in its own way. Especially on the brink of death.

I focused my will on it. His mind reacted hesitantly and responded well to my boost. I learned a name. Myles of Clan Fett. Adopted son of Jango Fett. That explains much of Jango’s cold anger in the comics and the fight with Tor he was having now. I think I heard the Deathwatch leader screaming and begging to just end it in the distance.

Shereshoy

The world sounded in my mind again. This time it echoed out through me like a beacon connecting to all the True Mandolorians. I sensed them all gaining a second wind with the word. The battle which had turned into a stalemate after the initial surprise wore off, turned rapidly. The sensation spread to the Deathwatch as well but far different.

Dar’Manda

The Deathwatch seemed to reel back. Their fighting lost its coordination and they seemed to be on the verge of breaking. The word haunted their very core. Another word echoed into their being.

Hut’uun

This shot through the heart of their morale and the Deathwatch broke. The True Mandolroians pressed the advantage fighting like they never had before. Such clarity and grace. They hunted the Deathwatch. The scum ran and all died like their previous victims, in fear, their spirits’ broken and dishonored.

And like that the sensation faded away. I opened my eyes to see Dooku knelt down on one leg meeting my gaze at eye level. He looked at me with a professional interest. He seemed to know what I did. I couldn’t recall what it could be. An old memory twirled out of reach as to what it was, but then it flited away. When I tried to press it to return, all I got was a jumble of Mandolorian words buzzing in my brain.

Dooku stood and offered a hand like the Gentleman he was. I took it and he helped me up. “Come Padawan, let the healers tend the young warrior.”

I looked about. Komari and the other Jedi were there. All looked at me, wondering what Dooku saw that they didn’t. The older Jedi looked like they knew. Dooku gave them a sharp look. The unspoken word to not say anything yet.

Another Mirialan Jedi went to work stabilizing Myles. I could feel him helping Myles' natural processes heal faster. Slowly knitting and jump-starting his cell repair.

Jango appeared next to Dooku. I looked to see Tor Vizsla’s corpse. It was not a pretty sight. Best I could describe it was if a contortionist got hit by a truck and ragdolled into a trash compactor full of logging saws.

“He lives.” Jango said with a slight tinge of relief. I noticed the Darksaber hanging from his belt, but didn’t comment.

The Mirialan healer nodded briefly.

Jango looked back at Dooku. “I will turn myself in on the condition you allow my men to go.”

Dooku nodded. “I accept. However, I believe your testimony will be more than enough. He gestured to Vizla. After all, it seems we caught the culprits of the massacre in the act. I will overlook your people’s part in this. After all, Dead Mandolorians is an outcome many in power will be more than satisfied with.”

Jango again simply nodded. “Thank you Jet’ii,” Jango turned to the Mandolarions he had left. Many trickled in after the battle. He said something in his peoples tongue. They took off on jet packs to collect armor and the wounded. A couple stayed to put Myles on a lift stretcher.

We stayed another day. The healers kept many civilians alive until the proper authorities and medical aid was rendered. The Mandolorians focused on collecting and burying their dead then got the hell out of there. Other Mandos salvaged the armor of the Deathwatch, throwing it into bins and loaded it on their transport. The armor-less bodies of the Deathwatch were left where they lay to be thrown in ditches by the locals most likely. They were gone in a couple hours.

The Jedi mostly kept the peace as the city dwellers were not keen on the Mandos getting to take their dead away first. Dooku just wanted the Mandos to get out of there and they did.

Dooku would later confront the Governor and the slimy bastard was arrested using Jango’s testimony. Jango was given a reduced sentence, on Coruscant. By reduced, I meant that when he eventually escaped, they didn’t bother looking for him or putting out a bounty.

We did leave quickly. Dooku seemed in a hurry to get back for some reason. It could have something to do with what happened during the battle, but it could have been anything.

I sat in my room meditating. Remembering and focusing on that feeling when I reached out to the Mandolorians mid battle. Again I was at a loss for what exactly I did. All I could really recall was various memories of hunting wild beasts and bloody battles that I had gleaned from the Mandos in the colony.

I sensed a presence.

“Enter,” I said and heard the door hiss open. Jango himself entered. He was still armored head to toe in armor. He had given his word that he would not escape so he was allowed to still wear it for cultural reasons.

“You're the Jet’ii that saved Myles.” It was a statement.

I stood and gave a polite bow. “Yes, Manda’lor. But the healers did most of the work.” I used his proper title.

“No even they admitted, he would have been gone if you hadn’t found him.”

“Oh, may I ask what this visit is about then?”

“Aye, just dropping off a gift from Myles. He wanted me to give this to you. For saving his life.” He held out a case. I grasped it carefully and opened it. Inside the case was a Westar-34 model blaster like Jango’s pair, but it had blued steel finish and had a carved wooden grip with some sort of six-legged wolf engraved on them.

“Does he know I am not allowed to have many possessions?” I was truly honored. It was a nice piece.

Jango nodded. “He knew, and Dooku said that cultural gifts can be accepted.” Made sense as it was best not to offend various cultures and Mandos did worship weapons. Well more the weapon’s overall application, but semantics. The Jedi usually put these types of gifts in the archives. I didn’t want to do that with this though. This was awesome.

“Then I accept on those grounds.” I smiled and bowed.

Jango shrugged. “Do with it as you please. I have something to offer as well. You saved ner ad, my son, which means I owe one. You may call on it at any time.”

This was helluva boon to have up my sleeve down the line. “Yeah I might take you up on that one day.”

“Koor, It is done then. Ret'urcye mhi.” And with that Jango left.

I set the case down. I rifled through it, finding an instruction manual. Standard fare and an advertisement for more Westar products and accessories. Then I found a note in barely literate Galactic Basic.

Thanks for saving my shebs.
-Myles Fett.

I smiled and shut the case. Going back to my meditation. The feeling of my triumph felt good? I wanted to bask in it. Let that feeling wash over my senses, but again I squashed it away. No pride was a dangerous emotion. I wouldn't be taken in by it. I couldn't risk falling. I was already playing fast and loose with that line as it was. I focused instead on what will happen with the True Mandalorians running around now? Time will tell I guess.

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

I was sort of excited. I loved seeing new and exciting places, but traveling to those new and exciting places took a fair amount of time. Space is big. I am sure there is some fancy hyperdrive in the lore I am forgetting about. To be honest, I probably couldn’t build it anyway. Tal’or forced me to fix a broken speeder once, and perform basic maintenance, such as replacing parts. That was really it for my technical expertise. When something breaks, replace it. Oh, that and lightsaber construction. I was actually good at that.

Master Tyvokka called a briefing when we were about a few hours from arrival. He introduced us to Senator Valorum and his escort of senate guard. Valorum was a decent guy from the sound of it. I knew he would one day be Chancellor, and be ousted in the Naboo Crisis. Provided I didn’t fuck up the Sith’s plans so much I threw the timeline out of whack.

Valorum told us about how the negotiations were between the Trade Federation who had been having a jolly good time in the Free Trade Zone established in the Outer Rim. They were designed by the Republic to allow business to flourish and the region to become more civilized.
So Megacorps like the Trade Feds flocked to the region to harvest resources for dimes on the dollar, ship the raw materials to the Mid Rim for processing and sell those materials for hyperinflated prices back to the Outer Rim. Yadda yadda, short sighted business decisions, and Megacorps suck. Enough of the boring stuff. This would be the start of the rift that would snowball into the Clone Wars.

Enter our supposed Heroes, the Stark Combine. A group of pirates, smugglers, and ne'er do wells that rallied together to strike Trade Federation ships and steal the goods heading to the Outer Rim. They would then sell those goods to planets that desperately needed them at much lower prices undercutting the Trade Feds and still making a shabyaihi'l of creds.

It had gotten so bad the Trade Feds asked the Senate to intervene and they sent us. I hated this part of being a Jedi. I didn't like being the muscle for the Senate. However, I would at least have to pretend to be if I ever wanted to get on the Council and affect some sort of change in the order. Youngling steps for now though.

The Old Wookie then went on about the importance of the meeting and his suspicions at the true cause of the Bacta Crisis. Oh yeah, the Bacta Crisis was what the media had dubbed the whole affair. Apparently one of the major processing centers on Thyferra was where pretty much all bacta plants were grown and processed. They could only grow there apparently or something. So this caused the price of bacta to skyrocket and caused a massive shortage of the smelly miracle goo. This was the reason the Republic, and us Jedi were brought to the table at all. They didn’t want the Stark Combine to steal ships of the bacta that were heading toward the core. Priorities Right? Tyvokka cited that he had sent Knight Tholme and his padawan, Quinlan Vos, to investigate a factory on Thyferra for wrong doings.

Everyone could also sense the underlying ire he had for Master Qui-gon. Qui-gon’s ways were something that rankled the old Jedi’s values. He only brought Qui-Gon on this trip to attempt to change his views. I knew of course Qui-gon was on to something. I just wasn’t sure if he found the true path yet. So I would have to wait to question him on the matter a few years down the road. I could always look for it myself, but I needed to learn a lot more before I could even attempt something like that.

In the meantime I wanted to meet Qui-gon’s padawan. I slowly walked past the Jedi present including Adi Gallia. I had heard that Tholothian was good friends with the Senator and here at his personal request. And there Obi-wan stood patiently waiting for his master. He was one of the most famous fictional characters in my old life, standing there in the flesh. It was pretty surreal. After we were dismissed by the Old Wookie, I approached to introduce myself.

“Padawan Kenobi, correct?”

He turned to see me. “Oh, Knight Unduli.”

“Please, call me Luminara.”

“And you can call me Obi-wan.” He bowed slightly and I returned the gesture.

“Alright then Obi-wan. If I may ask, what do you make of this mission?”

“It feels like a fool’s errand if I am honest. If it was not something as crucial as bacta on the line, I doubt we would even be here.”

“Yeah, I figure about the same. Let us hope Master Tyvokka and Valorum can find a compromise.” I wish I remembered what went on at this event. It could be just a footnote and everything went well or it was another orchestration of the Enemy. Most likely the latter or a byproduct of.

“Knight Luminara,” I turned and bowed slightly to Master Qui-gon. He had a somber look on his face.

“My condolences for your Master’s passing. Tal’or was a good friend. If a bit strange. His obsession with the criminal underworld was something I found odd, but despite never getting along due our conflicting viewpoints, we were still good friends.”

“He often spoke of you. Though mostly as a cautionary tale for how not to act as a Jedi.” I admitted.

Qui-gon chuckled. “That sounds like him. I should also congratulate you on your recent Knighthood. Quite an achievement for one so young.”

“Thank you Master. I was wondering if you or Obi-Wan wouldn’t mind a bit of sparring. I haven’t been able to do much more than meditate while on the voyage.” Obi-Wan looked at Qui-Gon hopefully.

Qui-gon gave a nod to Obi-wan. “Perhaps on the trip back. Obi-wan with me.” Qui-gon gave me a look. I could sense him trying to figure me out. I did my best to give off an aura that I had no real qualms about his ways. If anything I agreed with them. He nodded and left. Obi-wan said his farewells as well before following his mentor.

“Knight Unduli.” I turned to see Knight Plo-Koon. I did my best to squash my excitement at seeing the tall Kel-Dor and gave a small bow to the more senior Knight.

“Knight Plo-koon.”

He returned the gesture. “I have been looking to meet you for some time. I was on a mission when I heard of Master Tal’or’s Death. I wanted to offer my condolences.” Jeez Tal’or really did know everyone.

“Thank you, Knight Plo-Koon. I appreciate it. Master Tal’or was a great Master and I was honored to have been his Padawan learner.”

Plo gave a solemn nod and asked. “Is this your first negotiation?” He asked.

“No, but I mostly let Tal’or do the talking. It was a minor dispute on Dantooine between farmers. Tal’or offered his services as an impartial voice.”

“He didn’t let you handle a small dispute.” Plo questioned.

I nodded. “Before a real decision could be made, he left to go talk with the governor in Koonda and left me holding the bag.”

Plo chuckled, “That certainly sounds like him. Did you solve the dispute?”

“I like to think so. I haven’t checked back there in a while though.” I elaborated. “It was over a big fancy rock that sat on the border of their property lines. Both wanted it for the front lawn of their individual estates. It was also known as a local landmark of sorts.”

“An interesting conundrum.” Plo thought and put his hand on his mask in thought. “I would have convinced them both to leave it and each find a decorative rock from elsewhere on the planet. Also they would have needed to seed the small patch of land upon which it stood to prevent future generations from having the same argument.”

“Uhhh,” That was a good and simple idea. Plo looked at me with the Kel-Dor approximation of a raised eyebrow.

“I may have sawed the rock in half with my lightsaber.” I admitted.

Plo was silent for a moment before chuckling, “Rash, but that is one way to solve the issue.”

I blushed, “Their bickering got to me. Tal’or was not amused either.”

Plo nodded and looked at the Chronometer on the wall, then over to Master Tyvokka. “Perhaps you should stay close to me during the negotiations. You might learn a thing or two.”

I nodded my head, accepting the invitation. “I would be honored.”

Plo returned the gesture and left to go speak with Master Tyvokka. I returned to my cabin to meditate briefly.

I had to clear my head. I ended the meditation a few minutes before we were due to dock to check my kit. All the tools and standard gear were up to date. I gave my lightsaber a quick glance. I lifted my hand palm up. The lightsaber floated up and pulled it apart with the Force. The parts floated up to my eyes for inspection. I checked for cracks or malformations in the construction. It was fine.

I quickly checked the activation switches. I had a separate on and off switch and a double phase knob allowing me to extend or shorten the blade. I had all the controls on the inside of the saber to prevent it from being used by non-force sensitives. I was going to install a hidden slide plate with an emergency switch in case I was weakened by force exhaustion or a non-force sensitive ally needed to use it. For now, I only could activate it internally with the Force.

The parts floated back together and locked effortlessly. I felt the weight in my hand. The durasteel was good, but I needed something better, something tougher. Just a feeling I had since Galidraan.

The Chronometer chimed and it wasn’t long before we docked and met the Trade Federation reps on the Space Station above the planet of Trioken. The place was fancy but looked like it was thrown together on short notice to appear all dressed up. That di’kut Senator Gunray was also there. However, the neimoidian aid with Gunray did look familiar. He was a bit more portly and wore one of those big disc shaped top hats. It appeared he had recognized me as well .

He looked over while speaking with Master Tyvokka. “Oh, it's you.” He brushed past the Jedi Master and his personal battle droid escort. I recognized him now. He was that big shot Trade Fed that Master Tal’or and I helped rescue from the pirates… and that karking Terantatek. Small Galaxy.

“You were on that pirate station.” I recalled.

“Ah, you remember me. Halg Chut is the name. I never got to thank you for saving my life. Here.” He placed a fancy looking credit chit in my hands.

“Jedi, do not accept gifts for aid rendered. Especially Credits.” Tyvokka growled at the Trade Federation Exec. The Wookie looked at me. I reluctantly attempted to hand them back.

The Nemioidan looked offended and rebuffed me as he spoke directly to the Old Wookie. “Then consider it part of the Trade Federation’s terms in the negotiations. Besides, these are better than credits. This is Trade Federation Stock.”

I was glad to see he had such confidence in the Trade Federation’s stock. I would pry sell it off, once I got back home. He seemed happy to return the favor for his rescue and had a more joyful presence for the rest of the day. He was actually quite amicable. Really Gunray’s opposite in many ways. I remember learning in the Temple that the Trade Federation started off rather noblely. Perhaps if even unknowingly Chut was keeping that spirit alive.

Nute Gunray scoffed, and muttered to himself. “Waste of good stock giving it to a Jedi.” he motioned for us to follow.

Plo-Koon moved to his former Master’s side and they sat down together at the negotiation table. Master Qui-Gon also sat while Obi-Wan stood behind him. Adi Gallia sat beside Valorum. They were chatting it up like the old friends they were to pass time. There wasn’t a seat for me as the Masters present all had their own so I stood. While we waited, Chut was talking quite animatedly with Tyvokka and Qui-gon. Plo was meditating so I decided to wonder about the room, gazing out the window. Just taking in the stars. Then the Pirates arrived. The Stark Combine. I moved back to stand behind Master Plo when I sensed the Stark Combine representatives about to enter.

Iaco Stark was a lean redhead, who wore some fancy yellow trench coat, with a black shirt and pants. He flashed a smile before sitting. He absolutely oozed charisma. He and his cronies sat down at the huge conference table. His cronies were a variety of species.

“Let’s skip pleasantries and get to the heart of matter.” Tyvokka said having little patience for small talk.

Do you ever have a feeling that you know things are about to go bad and then are still surprised when things go bad? Yeah well… I shouldn’t have been surprised by what happened next.

Iaco smirked. “Why not. After all, Gunray just sent a signal to Senator Tarkin and his fancy new Republic fleet.” We all looked at Gunray.

“I did not! I would never do such a thing.” he lied nervously and we didn’t even need the Force to sense it.

Iaco's entire retinue drew weapons. Iaco stood and began to monologue. “Seeing as the good faith of this meeting has been broken if there was any to begin with. I piggybacked a virus onto Senator Tarkin’s fleet. He sent that fleet of his here behind the Senate’s back it seems. This virus is quite nasty. It will miscalculate hyperspace coordinates sending many ships into stars and black holes. Only a mere fraction will arrive and be met with…”

He stopped next to the massive transparisteel windows, and with a flourish of his trench coat, he snapped his fingers. Scores of ships of various sizes and shapes seemed to jump in on command. I will admit I was tempted to clap, were it not for the fact he just sent many men and women of the Republic to their deaths.

Valorum's voice rang out, “You’ll never get away with this Stark. Capturing me will only bring on the Republic’s ire.”

“Oh, no, will they send another fleet so my virus can tear it apart all over again.?” He said in mock fear. “No, I got the Galactic Republic in the palm of my hands. Even so, taking a few important hostages never hurt, especially Jedi.”

Tyvokka roared, flipping the massive conference table on its side and hell broke loose.

Chapter Text

While Galidraan was hectic and certainly a mess, this was a different battleground altogether. We Jedi weren’t technically doing the heavy fighting in that battle.

The massive table Tyvokka flipped on its side was doing a good job of forcing the pirates to move around it to line up shots. It gave us a bit of cover. Then Tyvokka threw the entire table at the pirates, crushing at least two. By the Force, the Old Wookie didn’t even need his power to do that. I moved up, redirecting shots at the pirates to great effect. Plo-Koon moved in beside me and we found ourselves back to back as more pirates flowed in the room. Gotta to give Iaco some credit for being prepared.

“You know I think I learned something.” I said while deflecting more bolts.

Plo replied and we quickly switched sides. “That being?” He asked.

“Keep an eye on both sides of the negotiation table.” I summarized.

I could sense Plo’s amusement and he let out a force wave catching more pirates as they kept filing into the room, knocking them against the wall. “We’ll make a diplomat out of you yet.”

“Hah.”

I took an opening and used the force to chuck a chair at Stark. Who was taking pot shots at us. Little Shabtaab dodged out of the way. He was clearly shaken up and smartly got the hell out of there.

“No you don’t.” I shouted. “Cover me!” Before I could even make the Force Jump to cut him off, I was told to stand down.

“No, cut us a way out of here!” Tyvokka shouted as he moved in next to me. More pirates just kept rushing through the doors. I barely could keep from getting shot so it was probably for the best.
I saw Adi Gallia covering Valorum while Quigon and Obi-Wan were covering Gunray. Where was Chut? A brief scan revealed he was no longer with us. His head was shot cleanly through the skull. Shab, but I didn’t have the time to feel sorry right now.

“Kill them all,” Gunray shouted. There was no malice in his voice, just terror. Well maybe a little malice. The battle droids went berserk and started shooting at us Jedi too. A weequay man jumped me and I had to parry a vibroblade in that crucial moment. The bolts of the droids sailed toward Plo-koon’s back.

Growling in alarm, Tyvokka stepped over, putting himself in between the droid's bolts and his former Padawan. He used his lightsaber to save Obi-Wan as well. His large form became a shield for the two Jedi as his body soaked the bolts up. He fell.

“Master Tyvokka!” Plo shouted and rushed to his old Master’s side. I had just sliced through the pirate and stepped over to cover him. I sensed Valorum going to aid in helping the old wookie to get back up with Plo-Koon on the other arm. Swell guy.

Tyvokka was out of the fight, but still alive. We managed to fight our way through the halls back the way toward our ship. Obi-Wan fell in beside me and we both covered the group. Green and blue lightsabers whirling, we were a bulwark, flinging bolts back at the pirates who were moving up slowly but steadily, getting wary of return fire.

When we had just reached the airlock a warrior with a T-visor sauntered into view among the pirates. A Mandolorian woman in dark gray armor with blue accents. Deathwatch.

She didn’t wait long and fired her jet pack’s missile. I thought she was crazy firing that thing in an enclosed space like this. That was until I saw she was standing by a blast door. If the airlock was blown apart it threatened the entire Jedi vessel and all the pirates had to do was close off their section. Shab, I knew what I had to do.

“Watch out!” I called out. I used the Force and pushed Obi-wan through the airlock. He was caught unaware, not expecting his fellow to push him back. He flew back into the airlock and landed in the ship. I hit the button closing the doors.

“Lumin-” I heard him scream out as the airlock's sealed shut.

I couldn’t believe what I was doing. Regardless I stepped forward and pushed against the rocket. I wasn’t yet powerful enough to send it flying back the other way like Starkiller, but I put everything I had into it and managed to stall its progress enough so that it stopped midway down the corridor and exploded. I barely had time to cocoon myself with the Force as the fiery blast wave hit me, sending me flying back against the now shut airlock. The wind was knocked out of me as I impacted hard against the airlock door. I somehow managed to stay conscious as I crashed down to the ground. My back felt like a giant bruise as well. I didn’t think anything was broken. However, the oxygen must have been used up in the fireball. I gasped for air only to find none. Damn Deathwatch.

I looked around but my head rang. I heard voices. I opened my eyes, blurry as they were, I could see a weequay and a human man cautiously approaching. I managed to take a breath as the air returned.

“Kark, she is still alive.” They sounded far off but were only a few meters away from me. Must have been the tinnitus.

“Well, let's grab her and take her to Stark.”

I prepared a force push, but the Mandolorian woman brushed past them quickly. Practically sprinting.

“Di’kutese, she is Jet’ii! Only r’or’dinii like you would try to capture her while she is conscious!” She admonished the pirates. The Deathwatch Mando didn’t waste time and kicked me in the head, knocking me out before I could do a damn thing.

I awoke later in a darkly lit room. I could tell I wasn't on the space station anymore. The walls were bare durasteel and the only light was above me shining down leaving the rest of the room in shadow. I reached out with my senses, only to be shocked by the cuffs around my wrists. I screamed and dropped on the ground as my body spasmed. They were crudely made, but damn did they pack a punch. They were a pair of force cuffs.

I laid there panting after the shocks stopped. Damn that hurt. My head pounded and lolled like it was full of weights, lolling back and forth as I sat back up. This time I looked around the room. I resisted the urge to call upon the Force. It was not easy. Like trying to cover your eyes and find your way out of a maze.

I let my eyes focus naturally. I saw no one at the moment. Best I could do was sit up fully. I decided to meditate. Just as I was going to fall into a trance, the cuffs shocked me again. This time the shocks lasted a little bit longer than the last time.

The door to my cell hissed open. The Deathwatch Mando walked in.

“Now, now, no powers for you evaar'la Jet’ii.” She chuckled as she walked around me. “I wouldn’t try connecting to the Force. Those shackles are designed specifically for your kind.” She chuckled again.

I didn’t say anything. I focused on how to get out of this. I remembered Ahsoka grabbing Cad Bane while she herself was getting shocked. I didn’t want to risk using that trick too soon. I wasn’t sure if the Mandolorian’s beskar’gam was insulated from that kind of attack or not. Best to wait. So I decided to keep her talking.

“Well, they seem to work as intended. Where does one even get gear like this? Looks like a rushed custom job.” I said with a hint of derision. The Mandalorian backhanded me and I fell to the ground. She hit a button on her wrist guard. The shocks returned and I let out a small scream of pain.

“No talking. I would think you would at least respect your captors,” She said.

“I’ll give you ‘bout as much respect as a dar’manda deserves. I was there as Galidraan. I saw what your so-called Glorious Deathwatch did to those civilians and noncombatants.” I grit my teeth in preparation for another shock. Instead I found myself being lifted up and bashed into the wall. Both her hands squeezed around my neck. I could barely breathe. May have tugged the nexu’s tail a bit too hard.

“Mind what you say Jet’ii, I may just get angry enough to do something stupid. Especially when some Jet’ii starts talking like they are Mando’ade.” She let go with one hand and a vibroblade extended from her arm gauntlet and she ran the blade down the side of my face. The blade cut and tore flesh open from brow to jaw and getting a little too close to my right eye for comfort. I cried out, nearly falling unconscious again. “That is just a piece of what you deserve Jet’ii.”

“Enough!” A somewhat familiar voice rang out. I looked over to see Iaco Stark walking into the room. “I didn’t hire you to torture and multilate prisoners. Even if she is a Jedi. We are supposed to be the “good guys,” remember. Fighting Megacorporate Oppression and all that.” He shook his head.

A weequay pirate beside him threw a cargo box down, Stark sat on it and motioned to the Deathwatch bodyguard. She tossed me down and I landed on my hands and knees a few feet in front of him. A small but steady stream of blood dripped from my face as I looked at the floor briefly as the wound flared with pain. Damn head wounds, always over bleeding. I managed to look up and Stark continued.

“So,” Stark began, “It seems I have a Jedi prisoner. After that show on the station I thought you and your ilk were going to all get away. Luckily my brutish bodyguard was there to capture at least one of you Jedi scum. After her fellows got massacred at Galidraan, I found her wondering about the galaxy like a stray akk dog pup.” The Deathwatch Mando growled in annoyance at the reference, but said nothing. “I believe she has a fixation with Jedi.” He pointed, indicating my face.

He looked like he expected a response.

“I don’t know if hunting Jedi is exactly the wisest career move.” I said. “Or trying to mess with the Republic for that matter.”

Iaco rolled his eyes, “Everyone has to have a hobby.” The shocks returned once more. After my screams died out he resumed speaking. I was getting sick of this.

“I will admit if I had known you Jedi were going to be this much trouble I would have just blown up the station and your ship with you all on it. Alas I neglected to heed certain advice.” He cast a glance at the Deathwatch Mando. “Luckily she had those cuffs that were generously provided by a mysterious benefactor.” I glared, wanting to hiss at the pain in the side of my face. I also briefly wondered who the benefactor could be. Was it Plagueis looking for another force sensitive test subject? Or a hutt that wanted a Carbonite trophy of Jedi for prestige? Both were not an appealing prospect.

“I assume you want something considering I am not dead.” I asked.

“Yes, tell me about your fellows. I would like to know if there was a way I could get them to surrender.”

Surrender? Did they not get away? “You’ll have to elaborate.” Iaco briefly explained the events that had transpired. How the ship the Jedi was shot down. Tarkin's fleet getting blown apart and survivors in escape pods currently wholed up with the Jedi on Mt. Avos besieged by the Pirate army.

“Yeah, I am pretty sure that they’ll tell you to stuff it. Not to mention, I doubt they would want to experience your hospitality. One Star by the way.” I couldn’t help but state with sarcasm. It wasn’t the first time I wished I knew what the hell went on during this conflict and how it ended.

“Well then. Maybe I should have you killed like my bodyguard here keeps insisting.” I felt the Mandalorian approach and I could hear the faint humming of the damn vibroblade. The wound on my face seemed to pound even more as my heart sped up. “Or I could march you out and hold a blaster to your head instead.”

“Yeah, that would help things.” I said sarcastically. I received another shock. This time I tried using tutaminus. It was always so easy to overlook this ability being one of the first I learned as a youngling. I still screamed and felt the pain, managing to do kark all. Damn, it was so hard to focus.

Iaco shook his head. “I have to plan another attack. Those idiots will bicker until the Republic builds another fleet and arrives to drop rocks on us if I am not there. Just try not to kill her. We do need any insight she can offer if this siege is to end quickly. In the meantime go get her the medical droid.” Both walked away.

“Try not to go anywhere. I’ll be right back.” She laughed as she hit a switch on her gauntlet. She practically skipped down the hall.

I said nothing. I focused on the Force as soon as the doors were shut, not wasting any time. The shocks instantly returned. I kept trying to focus on the cuffs and redirecting the energy. Everytime I just felt more and more exhausted afterward. I had to get out.

After a while, I just decided to lay there, and just think on how to get out of this. I think I nodded off because the shocks returned. This happened every time I attempted sleep or meditation. Sleep deprivation. What lovely people.

The door opened and a medical droid lumbered in. It moved to work on my face.

“Forgive the lack of painkillers, I was deprived of them before I was allowed in.” Why, of course. I glared when I saw the Deathwatch Mando give me a friendly wave as the door to the cell shut.

I hissed when it sprayed antiseptic on the scar and then pressed the flesh together, carefully pulling and resetting the muscles in the process.

“I will now apply the staples. You may experience discomfort.” I hissed again with each staple that dug into my skin. I wanted so badly to use the force to dull the pain. I knew the damn cuffs would fry the droid as well as myself if I did. The droid finished and left the room. A pirate threw a ration bar in the room and a bottle of water a little later.

I crawled over and grabbed the bottle I squeezed, only drinking about half before turning my attention to the ration bar. I hadn’t drank or eaten since being stuck in this cell. I ate the ration bar. I took small bites in case the damn cuffs went off again. Didn’t want to karking choke and used the remaining water to wash it down.

I was left alone for I don’t know how long. I curled up in the corner, but I couldn’t sleep or the damn cuffs would wake me. So it could have been days or merely an hour for all I knew. Everytime I attempted to reach out to the Force, even intentionally, the shocks returned. It was maddening. I had the power to leave but these damn cuffs were like a chain that held me just below the water’s surface. I knew the Force was just on the nearest edge of my fingertips but I couldn’t reach it without the pain. All I had to do was break these cuffs.

I would occasionally try to use tuteminus and fail. It shouldn’t have been this hard. I did this as a youngling. What was I missing? Was it the cuffs? What if it was me? What if I was the problem? I had placed shackles on myself in some way. Like I did on the ship I realized. I could have sent that missile back, but no I thought only Starkiller could do something like that. I had placed a limit on myself like Luke thinking that lifting the X-wing out of the swamp was impossible. Dammit, that was a facepalm moment. Well live and learn.

The shocks returned, as they ravaged my body I focused. It was easier to do as I knew what to expect now. Do or Do Not. There is no karking try. I directed the current to flow away from me, placing my hands on the floor and grounding the electricity into it. The lights of the cell flickered and the cuffs eventually stopped. They must have had a cut off point to prevent my heart from giving out.

I smiled and proceeded to grimace as my face nearly tore open again. Better keep the facial expressions to a minimum. I didn't want to have that stitched up again.

Whoever made these damn cuffs, would, would… What would I do to them? Kill them? No, No, No, I couldn’t kill in cold blood. In that path lies madness, rage, and suffering.

I looked at the door to the room. I saw the control panel and had an idea. I was going to replicate the tutaminus again. The panel of course was powerless. The cuffs were not. I had to figure out how to power this panel. I slowly got up. My legs wobbled, but I managed to stand. I bent down and grabbed my veil. It had fallen off where the Mando had cut my face open. It was a little bloody. I threw it on haphazardly with my cuffed hands, and walked over to the panel. It was powered down as expected.

I knew the basics of how to hotwire these things. Tal’or’s time in the underworld saw him learn the ins and outs. Which means I knew a fair bit if not quite at his level. This panel was slide locked to my relief allowing me to simply slide the panel open and pull out the wiring. The cuffs made it a bit difficult forcing me to pull the wires I needed out at an awkward angle.

I took a breath and grabbed the dead power cable. I reached out, calling upon the shocks and redirected them into the panel. I waved my fingers awkwardly with my offhand, unlocking the door. It slid open.

I instantly leapt into the hallway, knocking a mon calla guard’s blaster aside and using the cuffs I redirected the shocks into him. Alarms were blaring and red warning lights were flashing. The surprise caused him to scream out. Ahh, Kark. I grabbed his blaster and slammed him into the wall, knocking him out. I briefly positioned the blaster and shot the cuff off my right hand. It shattered. Taking the blaster in my now free hand, I shot the other cuff off. I saw something shine for a moment on the floor. The ruined cuffs had a blue kyber crystal embedded in them. Crudely put together, but well designed. I thought it was a heartbeat monitor that was used in the construction, not this. It must have been programmed to sense the change in crystal’s harmonics whenever I used the force. Smart. The Combine’s Benefactor knew what they were doing.

I palmed the crystal and ran. With the guards blaster in my left hand. I was a southpaw by the way. Speaking of crystals, I reached out looking for mine. I sensed it down to the right. The ship was huge, and almost empty. Where was everyone? And why was there only one guard? Why were the warning alarms even on? What was going on around here?

I was wary of some kind of trick, but kept on going, eventually, finding an armory and noticed damn near all the weapons were gone. Were they busy with the siege Iaco had mentioned? That had to be it. There sitting on the workbench was my lightsaber. It had a note scrawled on a flimsy next to it that read:

Stark wants this fixed.
The blasted thing won't work.
It doesn’t even have buttons.
Good luck.

I smirked. I set the blaster down and called the blade to my left hand and ignited the blade. It felt good to have it back. I also found my belt of standard jedi gear. It was hanging on a rack in the back. I quickly threw it on. I checked to see if anything was missing. I found the fancy stock chit Chut had given me. I guess the pirates thought I wouldn’t have anything this valuable on me. Their loss.

I moved throughout the ship looking for the exit. Where were all the pirates? I found myself asking again. As I walked down the exit ramp I found out. There was a full fledged battle going on. It looked like Republic paramilitary forces in their blue uniforms had rallied and led a sorte. I saw Plo-koon’s blue blade among them. I looked around. There was a crate of thermal detonators nearby.

I looked at the crate and grabbed the remaining four and lifted them telekinetically. I sent them into the pirates' back ranks.

I didn’t wait around to see the explosions. I got out of there. As much as I wanted to wade in. I knew I wouldn’t last long once they figured out I had escaped. So I sprinted using the force around the pirate’s flank. I wasn’t seen and I was about to rejoin the republic troops when I was bodychecked by a living missile of beskar. I hit the ground hard, the breath exiting my lungs. I think a couple of staples popped out of my face. And my lightsaber clattered somewhere out of reach.

Ugh, way to keep your senses sharp Luminara. I admonished myself. Damn cuffs were still on in a way it seemed.

“Looks like someone got out of their cell. I knew Iaco wouldn’t take you Jet’ii seriously.” I could hear the Deathwatch Mando’s irritation.

“I seemed to have misplaced those fancy cuffs you gave me. Sorry about that.” I said as I rolled to my feet. I looked for my lightsaber. My search ended abruptly when Mando fired on me with her dual blasters. I backflipped and relied on my precognition to keep me from getting shot. She was smart, staying on the offense like this. I had to focus more on not getting hit then on finding my saber or even risking the use of a force power.

I recalled the direction it fell when I was attacked. It was off to my left somewhere, but the Mando’s shots were herding me right until she was between me and the lightsaber.

I risked using the force to knock off her aim ever so slightly. I took a graze to my right shoulder for my effort, but I had my opening. I jumped over her and rolled in the air with a burst of speed. Calling the blade to me. It flew to my hand as I landed next to her, the emerald blade ignited. I brought the saber down as she tried to turn and block it with that wretched vibroblade. I was faster, and my lightsaber’s blade found the space inbetween the shoulder pauldron chest plate. I took her arm off. The same arm she used to cut my face open. She shrieked in pain as she immediately flew away on her jetpack.

I knew I wouldn’t see her again anytime soon even if she didn’t die of shock. I stood there a moment, cooling off and regaining my senses. I looked at her arm. I saw the beskar shoulder pad then I looked at my lightsaber, remembering my thoughts about getting a better material to rebuild it while on the ship. I shrugged and yanked the shoulder plate off the arm. I clipped it to my belt via magnet clamps.

I proceeded to get my shebs out of there. The battle was winding down at least. I used what energy I had left and bolted around the enemy flank. I wasn’t even noticed. As I made my way toward the retreating Republic forces. I shadowed them, eventually finding the abandoned mine shaft. It was set up on the mountain cliffside which offered a great tactical edge. The republic forces were hunkered up there with some forces covering the Troopers filling back up the mountain side. Some Trooper on guard duty almost shot me when I approached.

“Who goes there?!” He said still wired from covering his fellows return. I reached out in the force and brushed Plo-Koon’s senses as I answered.

“Jedi Knight Luminara Unduli.” The trooper looked wired and ready to shoot.

“Stand Down!” Plo-Koon shouted.

I saw the tall Kel-dor appear above the ledge a moment later. I waved briefly as I climbed the steep hill. “It's good to be back.”

“It is good to have you back. We thought you were dead.” Plo nodded.

“I did too.” Then I felt the adrenaline begin to wear off. “Damn, I am tired.” I mentioned before I blacked out and collapsed from exhaustion.

Chapter Text

I awoke on a Trade Federation ship in a typical sterile white med bay. I could only see out of one eye as bacta infused bandages all but covered the right side of my face. I was in some sort of plastoid hospital gown, lying on a bed. I made to sit up but a light green hand pushed me back down. I turned my head to see another Mirialan. He was the same Jedi healer who helped Myles Fett during Galidraan.

“Now, Now,” his soft masciline voice commanded. “You are still recovering.”

I groaned. “Troiken.” I murmured. “We were-”

“Most of the soldiers led by Master Plo-Koon, were evacuated safely. It is over now.” Plo earned his Master rank. Cool.

“What happened?”

“I will let Master Plo-Koon tell you. He has been stopping by every so often to check up on you. Oh, I am Knight Gren by the way, in case you need assistance.” I managed a groggy nod before falling back to sleep.

I woke up later to see Plo-Koon sitting down next to me.

“Hey Master Plo.” I said with a hint of amusement.

“I see even you managed to hear the news.”

I nodded, feeling much better now so I sat up. “Yeah, Knight Gren called you by your new title earlier, but it is well earned. It seemed like I missed everything from the sound of it.”

“You had your own battle to fight.” Plo-Koon said.

“What exactly happened?” I asked.

Plo gave a brief recounting of events. How Tyvokka died on the ship of his blaster wounds after evacuating the station. It sounded like he got the Star Wars equivalent of a Viking funeral when the ship exploded. How Tarkin’s fleet was decimated after arriving in the system. Plo had managed to rally the survivors that landed on the ground to Mt. Avos. He briefly told me about each of the battles that took place. Apparently the Deathwatch Mando was quite a nuisance. She even blew up Senator Tarkin with a wrist rocket in the second battle before I took her out of the fight. Apparently the only thing people remember him doing was suggesting surrender. Not a good look. My escape was in the third battle during the sortie that served as a distraction to allow Senator Valorum and Gunray along with Master Gallia to escape. Overall, from the sound of it, Plo-Koon and Commander Jace Dallin were the real heroes of the war.

“May I ask what happened to you in the enemy base after you saved the ship?”

I sighed, recounting what happened. The reason I had my face cut open and how I used tutaminus to open the doors and knock out the guard. He perked up hearing how the cuffs, by using a kyber crystal, were able to sense the use of the force, and give the user a nasty shock. Plo-Koon touched his mask thinking. I finished the tale after the duel with the Deathwatch Mando.

“Quite an interesting design, I will admit. These cuffs seemed to play to a Jedi’s weaknesses as well. Reliance on the Force. I noticed you didn’t break your thumb to slip out of them more quickly.” I facepalmed.

It was so obvious. Why didn’t I just do that? I have been too reliant on the Force recently. It was just too easy to look to Force for every solution. What was that phrase, “You are not immune to propaganda,” slipped into my mind. Poor excuse, but I have been a bit too caught up in the whole Space Monk studies since I was brought to the temple. I needed to get out more.

“Ugh, now I feel like a dikut, apologies, idiot.” I admitted.

Plo chuckled, “It is good to be humbled, it is how we learn and grow.”

“It seems you are already living up to your new title.” I smirked.

“And you in yours.” He replied, “You saved everyone on the ship by preventing that missile from destroying the airlock.”

“A far cry from leading a besieged force for days with limited supplies and ammunition.” I said.

“Had the ship been compromised, things would have been far worse. Your part in events was small, but no less important.”

I nodded. Still feeling like an idiot about the ease in which I could have broken out of those damn cuffs. Well not easy, but easier. Breaking a thumb isn’t exactly an easy thing to do. Plo got up and left.

“Plo,” I called to him before he left, “I am sorry about Master Tyvokka.”

He paused before looking back as he sensed my own pain as losing Master Tal’or. “Thank you Luminara. Worry not for he has rejoined the Force.” I nodded and he left.

Knight Gren returned with my clothes and gear. He set them down and bid me to sit and hang my legs off the gurney. He removed the bandages from my face. He frowned.

“You are lucky. If you hadn’t had your muscles reattached, you would have lost the ability to use most of your face on the affected side. That being said, there will be a nasty scar. Bacta heals scars but only recent ones. Yours was left untreated for a few days.” He applied a new set of bandages. “I recommend you not take them off until we get back to the temple. Other than that, consider yourself fully discharged from the medbay.” With that he left to go focus on the wounded soldiers.

I took my time getting dressed. I couldn’t do my hair with the bandages in the way and settled for simply combing it. I looked in the mirror, adjusting my veil. The bandage covered half my face, making the damage look worse than it was. I hoped. When I was done, I exited the medbay.

I sensed Obi-wan and Quinlan Vos waiting for me. I hadn’t had a chance to meet Quinlan yet. They seemed to be chatting about something.

The door opened and they bowed, I bowed back. “Obi-wan, Padawan Vos. It is good to see you both.” I was surprised to see Vos’ had a top knot instead of the dreadlocks he would adopt later on. Still had the face tattoo though. Wasn’t sure on the origins of that. My own tattoos were to symbolize determination. Something Tal’or slapped on me after he took me on as a padawan.

“And you, Luminara.” Obi-wan smiled. “Thank you for saving my life. It was a surprise when Master Plo-Koon brought you back. We thought you had died on the station.”

“I managed to get out myself with the distraction that Master Plo-Koon’s and Commander Dallin’s sortie provided. It allowed me to get away a lot smoother. Got sidetracked with fighting that Deathwatch Merc. Last I remember is reaching Mt. Avos.”

“She was Deathwatch? I thought they all perished at Galidraan?” Obi-wan said.

“If only, the Deathwatch, for all their di’kutla faults, operate in a cell based structure. While the majority did indeed die at Galidraan, there are still a few scattered about.” I said.

“Couldn't have been easy, being trapped behind enemy lines like that.” Vos said. “Heard they took your eye.”

“Nah, just a wicked scar.” I highlighted the spot under the bandages where it was. The Mandolorian wasn’t far off from taking my eye from what I could remember.

“I thought Bacta healed scars.” Obi-wan inquired.

“Doc said that’s only if applied immediately.” I said pointing a thumb over my shoulder at the medbay.. Obi-wan nodded.

“We were going to get something to eat.” Vos said. “Master Plo-Koon said you were awake so we figured you would want to get something as well.”

The mention of food caused my stomach to rumble very loudly. When was the last time I ate? “Yeah, that sounds like a great idea.” I replied.

So we went to the mess hall. They served some Corealian dish. Some sort of stroganoff I think. I remembered that the Trade feds weren’t soldiers so they didn’t eat like soldiers. I didn’t really taste the dish as I was hungrier than I realized.

“How does someone so skinny eat so much?” Vos asked as I was wolfing down my food. I wanted to reply but my mouth was full of food.

“Vos, this is probably the first real meal she had in days.” Obi-wan gave Quinlin a disapproving look.

“Right. Still though.” I resisted the urge to flick food at him. Though I was scarfing things down a bit too fast. I slowed my pace a bit.

Then even though he was under guard by two big Nemoidians, Iaco Stark all but strutted into the room. I remembered Plo had mentioned how he was able to telepathically link with Stark during the war, and convinced him to betray his fellow pirates in exchange for amnesty. I had thought, however, he would be locked up. Not allowed to roam around the ship.

I stood up in my seat. I was livid just seeing the smug shabtaab. Quinlan tugged my robes, breaking me from my tunnel vision. I realized what I did and sat back down. I nearly went over the edge there. I did my best to not rush over and strangle the man with my bare hands.

“Thank you Quinlan,” I said almost robotically, focusing more on maintaining my emotions than on eating the dish. I did my best to bury the rage. Luckily Stark noticed the Jedi in the room and promptly decided to leave. He looked over and our eyes met briefly. I glared daggers at the man and he had the karking gall smile and wave. I clenched my fist. Again I wrestled with the urge to twist his head off with the force. I knew he wasn’t the one to torture me and actually helped me somewhat by not allowing my toreture to progress at that point in time during my interrogation. Which helped calm my nerves somewhat even though he had his own reasons.

“After all that trouble he caused, he gets to walk away scot free.” Quinlan scowled.

Obi-wan played the voice of reason. “Without his aid, we would have never gotten off Trioken with so little casualties.”

“I know, it just seems like a great injustice.” Quinlan said a bit dejectedly.

“Oh I am sure the Republic will keep an eye on him for the rest of his days. One slip and they will throw the datapad at him.” Obi-wan countered.

“Such is the life of a Jedi in service to the Republic.” I said, my voice only had just a teeny tiny ounce of venom in it.

“You sound like my Master.” Obi-wan noted with some disapproval..

“I am starting to think he is onto something.” That is where I left it. I continued eating.

No one said anything. The two Padawans allowed me to cool off. When I finished my plate I stood.

“Which way is our quarters?” Quinlan gave me some directions pointing out the specific room I was given. “Thank you both. I need to meditate.”

“We understand.” Obi-wan said.

“No problem.” said Quinlan with a small wave.

I left them both, allowing them to finish their own meals. A droid marched over and grabbed my plate from the table. I took note of the ship's layout as I walked. Munificent class ships would be something I would have to get used to navigating one day after all.

I found the quarters easily enough. Quinlan’s directions were right on the nose. Shutting the door behind me. I kneeled and meditated, banishing the feelings of anger and rage I had felt in the mess hall. It wasn’t long before the door chimed and I sensed the powerful presence of a Jedi Master.

“Enter,” I said.

The Jedi Master in question slithered in. His upper body was humanoid with four arms, but the rest was like that of a snake.

“Knight Luminara. I am sorry to disturb your meditation. Do you have a moment to speak?” Master Oppo Rancisis inquired.

“Yes,” I said while standing up to properly give him a formal bow. Rancisis was a hardliner even among traditionalists. I may have not been a fan of the Jedi and how they operated in this day and age, but being rude didn’t get a person very far in any profession, barring the DMV.

He nodded. “I will get down to business then. Have you activated the Holocron recently?”

“Yeah, though only just before the Troiken Negotiations. The Gatekeeper was very stubborn and I was doing my best to come to terms with Tal’or’s passing.” I rubbed the back of my neck nervously. “Mostly through more training.”

“I see. Under the circumstances, it can be forgiven. That Holocron is known for being obstinate.” He said with some annoyance in his voice like he knew from personal experience. “You should know that while I did not approve of your Knighthood, I understand you have been an exceptional padawan learner despite being knighted so early. It is clear you will only continue to expand your knowledge rather than rest upon your laurels like I myself feared. The reason I am here is that when we return to the Temple. I convinced Yarael Poof, and the Grandmaster for the three of us to train you in the art.”

Woah, that was big. “So the three of you will alternate between sessions then?” I wondered aloud.

I sensed amusement from Master Rancisis. “No, though that was my original intent. Master Poof, suggested another avenue for your training.” I wondered what he could be on about.

“Oh, what might that entail?” I said, curiosity peaked.

Rancisis snorted, “Master Poof didn’t want me to “spoil the surprise.” by telling you. Regardless, your training will begin the day after we arrive. I will add that you should bring the Holocron with you. That is all.” We bowed and he left, slithering out of my room.

My thoughts zeroed in on what sort of Training regimen Master Poof could have dreamed up. The Master was known for being a trickster. So I was somewhat nervous as to what he could have had in mind. Luckily we weren’t too far from Coruscant and I wouldn’t have to wait long for an answer.

Chapter Text

5 Years Later
39 BBY or 961 ARR

The courtyard of the Jedi Temple often had many Knights and Masters practicing when the weather permitted. Today it hosted various groups of older initiates sparring in what looked like a Jedi Battle Formation. Two groups specifically met with blue and green blades set to training mode as they engaged in a team battle.

Overall one group held the edge while the other faltered somewhat only barely keeping from being overrun. The losing group of Padawan hopefuls fought hard regardless of their seeming disadvantage. Sitting in meditation above the courtyard in a different training arena was the Grandmaster himself. He was not merely watching the initiates’ performance, instead guiding the group of padawans winning the battle through the art of battle meditation.

The other group however…

I dodged, leaping out of the way as the blue saber nearly cleaved me into two. My emerald blade lashing out and parrying it. I was forced to hop back for a breather and reinforce my link to the group of initiates down below. It wasn’t easy as Master Yarael Poof was a demon with a lightsaber and never let up. An insect buzzed toward my face, distracting my eyes briefly. I knew better than to make a swat at it. It wasn’t there. Damn Master Poof. The tall quermian jedi master was fond of doing that trick. I was forced to continue to hold the current connection and simply have my team in the other courtyard wait for an opening in Yoda’s lines.

“Your turn, Knight.” Master Rancisis called from the side lines.

I checked the readout of a headpiece given to me for training. It was a thin band with an eyepiece that covered one eye. The display held a dejarik board. Master Rancisis sat on the sidelines where he could take his time and plot out each move on the board. I, on the other hand, had to focus on the Lightsaber duel and prevent my “troops'' from being overrun by the Grandmaster’s. I parried and managed a saber lock briefly allowing me to move pieces on the board. The saber lock ended quickly. Master Poof resumed his relentless onslaught.

There were never any breaks. Each master had to only focus on a single task. I realized the connection to my team was faltering. I ended my turn on the holo Degarik board quicker than I would have liked. I blocked and attempted a riposte, which was really a feint. I was forced back as I barely dodged Master Poof’s own riposte. I reached out to the force, doing my best to partition my mind off a bit more.

“The Battle is swaying out of your favor Knight,” Bastilacron announced from her podium set in between the two training arenas where she could watch my failures in both arenas. I was well aware, but I didn’t have the time to be snarky. I could barely hold my concentration as it was. I parried and blocked. Still I worked on the connection to my team. I managed to send a plan I had in my head to them. I wanted them to pull a Battle of Cannae in order to circle Yoda’s team. I held the picture in my mind willing it to be so. I was making headway when-

“Niman,” Poof announced. We had both been using Makashi up till now, though we had started the battle with Ataru. I found I loved Makashi. It was a very fun form to practice, it didn’t waste energy either. Every move was precise and fluid. Compared to Ataru which wasted too much energy in the forms style with all the jumps and twirls. Ataru did have some advantages, such as the constant motion allowing it to build a rhythm to it. Still I had to learn Ataru. It was rare that Poof would call for Djem So/Shien or Soresu as he knew those were my core lightsaber forms.

I switched forms igniting my second lightsaber. Its blue crystal was the one I took from the force cuffs on Troiken. I encased the crystal in the beskar I took from the Deathwatch Mando’s shoulder pauldron. Seemed fitting and felt better in my hand than my first blade. I didn’t settle for a shoto. It was a full sized lightsaber with a diamond pattern grip. Though I currently had the two phase switch set to a shorter length like a shoto.

Master Poof only ever used a single blade, However the danger came from how he gripped it. Using both his right hands, using his smaller right arm for an extra stabilizing grip. Part of me was amazed he had ever lost a duel with that edge. His mastery of Form 6 was a nightmare. The Form was a mix of the previous forms, barring makashi for some reason, which allowed a user to switch tactics at the drop of a hat. It was hell to try and counter, yet found myself drawn to its versatility.

I sensed Yoda was making a push with his team of initiates. I kept projecting the image of my team encircling Yoda’s team as best I could for now.

Master Poof’s lightsaber zipped through the air and forced me to engage with both sabers and then in his offhand he sent me flying back using a force push, taking advantage of another aspect of Niman, allowing one to add force powers into the mix without breaking the flow of the lightsaber form. I slid back catching myself with the force, just barely managing to enforce my vision of the battle below to my team once again.

“Your turn once again, Knight Luminara.” Master Rancisis called out.

I checked the headpiece and I mentally shook my head to see he damn near had my side of the board wiped clean. I focused on the pieces I had left. I saw he was forcing me into a corner with his stronger pieces to try and overwhelm my remaining stronger pieces. He had even bypassed some of the weaker pieces I had left to end the fight a bit quicker today. I managed to move each piece a little quicker this time focusing on trying to flank Rancisis.

Then Master Poof’s lightsaber forced me back, both my sabers barely managing to keep his single blade at bay. This pattern went on for another ten minutes before my team of initiates was defeated. Yoda saw the trap I was setting and pulled his team back, before regrouping and overwhelming my team’s flanks. I did something remarkable for me anyway. I managed, after five karking years, to pull a fast one against Master Rancisis. Part of me still wasn’t sure I did beat him. He left an opening in his charge. It was a brief window, but I took the opening.

Despite the overall defeat, I didn’t break the connection to my team once, and I managed to hold off Master Poof despite him switching between forms, not to mention his little illusions. He didn’t use them much, but when he did it was usually at the worst time for me to be distracted.

I panted heavily deactivating and holstering my lightsabers. Master Poof deactivated his lightsaber. He didn’t look like he broke a sweat. Not sure his species could sweat, but he wasn’t even winded it seemed.

“It seems you have improved. Rancisis, it seems you’ll be working for those dejarik wins after a while.” Master Poof said in a playful tone.

“Don’t think I didn’t see you struggle to keep the pressure up.” Rancisis countered as he slithered over. “I dare say she is picking up those lightsaber forms like a Mon Cala Sea Sponge. It won’t be long until she is petitioning the Council to learn Juyo.”

“It is uhm, something I am working toward.” I admitted.

“You’d think the Sith were to suddenly jump out of the bushes with the tenacity she applies to her training.” Master Poof remarked.

I laughed nervously doing my best to brush the comment off, “I just have always found the training to be fun. What’s that old saying, “Love what you do and you’ll never work a day in your life?””

Yoda’s cane clacked on the stone as he walked over. “A way to go, you still have. An old trick you attempted in the arena, it was.” He said. He was right, but I was going to at least let myself be proud of holding my own a little bit.

“Sometimes, old tricks can be made new again.” I said uncertainty.

“Indeed, right you are. Studied Rancisis’ stratagems well, it seems.” Yoda admitted. “Hard, have you worked. Sense though, your time under us is coming to a close.”

“I still have yet to parjir a match.” I said.

Poof chuckled, “You hear that? She thinks she could beat the three of us.” I blushed, knowing I would probably never beat them all at the same time. Individually though… maybe. Okay maybe not. Then again you never know.

“Never about winning, the training was.” Yoda lectured. “Learning the extent of your ability, and how to keep your concentration, it was.”

“I have some more studies for you to read up on,” Rancisis said. A datapad floated up to me. I took it and clipped it to my belt. His tone started to shift, sounding more excited. “I finally got the latest naval sim from the Anaxes War College.” Rancisis had tried to introduce a war sim before, but his own perfectionism regarding how the game UI and various aspects of terrain management would distract him. He spent more time complaining to himself of the simulation's shortcomings than playing. I hoped this simulation would do the trick.

“Haat?”(Truly) I said a bit excitedly. While I wasn’t a big fan of RTS games in my old life. Didn’t have the patience for them. Something I had gotten a lot better at in this one. Not by much.

“Indeed, all though it is like pulling teeth out of rancor. They sent me three of the old copies before I threatened to actually make a visit and acquire the latest copy in person.” Never get between Oppo Rancisis and his war games- coughs- I mean simulations. “I had to tell them any improvements the Jedi techs made to the program will be sent back. They took an interest after that.”

“So we're dropping the Dejarik games in favor of the sim?” I didn’t hate the dejarik games, but they felt more like a stop gap. Master Rancisis shook his head.

“Not entirely. I rarely get a Dejarik partner these days. We might switch it up a bit now and then.” Rancisis said with an honest smile.

Poof couldn’t help but chuckle a little. “Alas the difficulties of becoming the best Dejarik player in the galaxy. You have to force your students to play against you.”

Yoda looked like he was ready to fall asleep. “Next week, we will meet. Much to do. Dismissed you all are.” It wasn’t force exhaustion. Yoda could use the force for days to lift the entire temple up if he had to. He was just old. Very old. It was getting late too. The sun was starting to set.

We all bowed and left the courtyard at the Grandmaster’s bidding. I called Bastilacron to my hand and pocketed the datacube. I walked back hearing the initiates on my team grumbling that they lost. I felt bad, but odds are they will be on Yoda’s team next week. I grabbed a quick bite from the Mess Hall, on the way to my room.

I thought briefly on the training as I walked to my room. Master Poof was one of the best duelists in the Order. His mastery of Form II, IV, VI, was a boon I didn’t know I needed. Considering my near Mastery of Form III and V. So I was able to improve in all aspects of Lightsaber combat, part of me felt I was still going too slow. If I didn’t kark up the timeline too much, Naboo would happen on schedule in about seven years. Seven years was all I had to prepare. I could go and mess with things in the background, but that would break the timeline, and let the Sith onto the facts someone was actively kriffing with their plans. It was frustrating to do nothing, but I was growing my skill set. Proving they existed would be harder. They covered their tracks well, and if they were somehow revealed, they would just go to ground and not come out of hiding for another thousand years. Even if it meant starting the Grand Plan from scratch again. They would do it too if they had too.

I shook my head. I returned to my room. I held out Bastilacron. Over the past five years I would consult the Gatekeeper regularly on each session for advice and throughout the week. I decided to have some fun summoning the Gatekeeper today.

“Cortana, I need a sitrep.” I said, waiting for a response.

“What in nine Corellian Hells are you on about Knight? I swear you can be more of a nuisance than that Thisspiasian and his constant nitpicking of my tactics against Revan in the Jedi Civil War.” That haughty tone again. It wasn’t the first time I had wondered why she acted like her KOTOR self. Shan was actually very wise and a lot more patient as the Grandmaster of the Order. It was befuddling. I would have to ask Master Nu when I found myself in the library.

“Nevermind that, I was going to ask for an appraisal of my performance today.” Bastilacron scrunched her nose up at the training method. A common occurrence. She didn’t approve of it. Believing it was too much for me to handle. I wasn’t sure either, but Master Poof seemed to think it was the best way to train me.

I mean I didn’t mind. As most often the case. Training was something I loved to do. The Dejarik games were a bit annoying, but the goal was to force me to concentrate on different things at different times. It would let me use battle meditation on the go and not have to sit around waiting to get shot. There were other applications too. I remembered how the Deathwatch Mando kept me on the backfoot by constantly applying pressure via an insane amount of blaster fire. I thought how fast that battle could have ended if I could block and use force techniques without breaking concentration. It was a scary thought.

“Well,” The holocron began, “Your win against Master Rancisis was well done. Even if you had simply found an opening, you exploited it well. Rancisis had grown overconfident or lazy and that is all it takes. Your battle meditation with the students still needs work, but your team managed to hold off the Grandmaster’s for the entirety of the battle. So you have improved much from your initial discovery of your natural ability.”

“Alright, there has to be a way I can improve? Maybe get the upper hand?”

“Not at the moment. You are nearing the end of what can be taught. I have taught you much of this holocrons knowledge.” her tone was flat and that frown told me much. The Holocron flickered out of existence and I set the cube on a shelf on the wall. My room was very sparse. Only furniture was a meditation pad and a bed indented into the wall. The rest of it was rather spartan, say for some drawers and a closet to hold my robes.

I looked at the datapad. It was another battlefield analysis. I groaned. Learning tactics was all well and good, but damn did it make for a boring read. I sighed until I read the subject. It was about a battle in the Sictis Wars against the Technobeasts. I shivered thinking about those monsters, but was still intrigued. They were an unnerving concept in my old universe and now, I was in their universe. I was glad they were all gone by now. Then I realized I was in the Star Wars verse and Sith abominations always turn up millennia after the Sith’s death. I could very well stumble upon these things one day. Lovely.

Still I read on, learning of how the Technobeasts themselves were actually rather easy to defeat for the Jedi. It was their stupid techno-organic nano-virus that was the real danger. The Sith would infect boarding pods and launch them at Republic ships. If there wasn’t a Jedi on board to repel the beasts, the sailors were all but screwed. The pods themselves didn’t need to even expel troops just release the damn nanovirus. It was one of the reasons the Jedi were so beloved in the Pre-Russan Reform days.

Now the particular power employed by the Jedi to destroy the technobeasts and the nanovirus was Ionize. I looked at the text dumbfounded. I tried to recall when this amazing droid disabling power was ever used in the Clone Wars. I drew a blank. This would be so useful even without a droid army to fight against. I couldn’t swing a dead nexu without hitting a droid anywhere in this galaxy. Mechu Macture was the official name. I would have to look into learning this for sure. I sighed, one more thing to add to the growing to do list.

I meditated after I finished reading the Datapad. Rancisis would no doubt grill me later on the battle specifics. It was during Meditation that a thought occurred to me.

One of the biggest contributors of the Jedi’s downfall in the Clone Wars was propaganda. The Media was in the Sith’s pocket. They would downplay the achievements of the Jedi at every possible angle barring Skywalker, even giving more credit to the ships the Jedi used in battles then the Jedi themselves. Hell, no one batted an eyelash at Order 66 because of it.

I would need to fix that, but how? My thoughts drifted to Media outlets like GNN. The Sith owned them. Could I not buy or build my own media network? I had some creds but I mostly let a broker handle my Trade Fed stock. He sold half and started investing in companies like Bactiod, Blastech, and Kuat. In essence Companies I knew were going to make bank during the wars to come. I wondered how to go about it. I would have to visit my stock broker.

I only met the Masters once a week ever since Troiken. They left me to train on my own for the time in between. Which I did, but I was going stir crazy. I think Galidraan and my time in the Stark dungeons scared the Jedi just a little bit. Battle Meditation wasn’t an ability the Jedi would want to piss away by having me die on some mission in the sticks. I feared I was going to get the Bastila treatment. Luckily there wasn’t a Galactic scale war on at the moment so they may let me out of sight at times provided I didn’t go offworld.

“How did the real Bastila deal with the Council’s interference in her life?” I asked the Holocron.

The Holocron didn't answer. It gave a noticeable flicker though. I should have known it wouldn’t answer. Some questions were beyond its programming.

I looked at the time. I frowned. Still had an hour before closing time at Ganorn’s office. I pulled out my communicator and rang him up.

“And here I thought, I’d get to go home early.” The Iridonian Zabrak said. His skin was a burned orange with the black face tattoos customary to his species.

It wasn’t a profession his kind was known for. He moved to Coruscant for unknown reasons, but worked his financial magic like a wizard. I stumbled upon him at the blaster range, where I saw him practicing in one of the Teras Kasi fighting rooms. He was good, I will admit. No one at the range knew I was a Jedi so I decided to learn a bit of the day to day of non-force sensitives. We got to talking and mentioned I acquired some Trade Fed stock at some point. He got bug eyed and told me that the worth of it nearly tripled after the Stark Hyperspace War. He offered to be my broker then and there. I was hesitant, but the Force gave me no warning signs so I let him work for me. Haven’t really regretted it since.

“I just wanted to check on my investments, that is all.” I said.

He shook his head. “Let me guess, more weapons and arms manufacturers?”

“Not this time, I was thinking of a media outlet of sorts. Maybe a smaller station. Not GNN big, but something smaller, though still galactic in scale.”

The Iridonian rubbed his chin. “I know just the one. I will let you know the details once I look into it further.”

I shrugged, “Thanks Gan,” I said. He gave a half salute and ended the call.

I looked at the time. Tomorrow I had training with the other Knights. If I got the chance I would take a speeder to a blaster range I often visited in the city. I wasn’t going to go down into the temple depths if I could help it. I would never hear the end of it. The Force Luddites that called themselves Gray Paladins skulked around down there. Maybe I was being too harsh, but they started it. Smug assholes the lot of them.

Their ideology wasn’t the problem. Okay maybe it was the issue. In a lot of ways they were closer to the true Jedi path then the Council. In other ways though… They were annoying and in my mind, were a waste ultimately. In essence they denied the Force by not using it to its full potential. The Force would not grant access to its many wonders only to have one squander it. However, I will admit they make up for it by being really good shots.

Damn good shots. They can shoot enemy blaster bolts out of the air. Guess that sort of takes the “Blaster are only Offensive Weapons,” argument off the table. At least they weren’t constantly trying to recruit me into their little splinter cult. Spending too much time in the basement might send the wrong idea to higher ups. Or have them breathe a sigh of relief that I was planning on living in the basement and not going around shaking things up. Heh, no chance of either.

I got ready for bed and shed my robes. I threw on a lighter set. Jedi didn’t meditate all the time after all. I looked down, appraising my body. I had finally “grown up” one could say. I filled out my robes a lot better now losing that awkward teenage gait and now sported a more feminine and toned frame. Which was good. I could finally get some actual custom gear, and not have to worry about outgrowing it. I just had to find some materials and construct some proper armor.

I walked over to a drawer near the lamp and pulled out my personal datapad. I was working on a design that I think would be suitable. I was inspired by armors from the New Sith Wars as well as the Ancient Republic. I added some Mirialan designs that would be engraved on the plating as well. I needed to get a hold of some cortosis. I wouldn’t mind some beskar’gam, if the Mandos weren’t so stingy with it. However beskar was heavy. I needed to actually acquire some materials without the Council knowing. Better to ask for forgiveness than permission.

The next morning is when I heard the news. The Jedi Strike Team sent to Baltizaar was ambushed by the Bando Gora. Only a few of the Knights and a couple padawans came back. Why did that ring a bell? It wasn’t until I questioned further that I found out that the newly anointed Knight Vosa was assigned to the strike team. Then it all clicked. The Bando Gora were a bunch of weird darkside worshippers that loaned their services to the underworld for money. In the OG timeline they captured Komari and tortured her until she wnet crazy, killed the leadership, and took over the Cult. They were also the biggest suppliers of Death Sticks in the Core. The Jedi had never taken them seriously though.

I knew I didn’t have much time. I volunteered to go with any team that was sent to investigate if the Jedi were still alive. However I was turned down. The Council didn’t want to let other Jedi get killed in a potential trap. I knew I had to get Vosa out of there. I didn’t want Dooku to fall or Komari to turn into a crazy cult leader for that matter. Damn, and here I thought I was sticking to the rails. Kark it.

If the Jedi were not going to do anything, then I knew it was up to me. I just had to make a few calls. Luckily I could skip Bathizaar and head straight for Kholma, home of the Bando Gora headquarters. I just needed some back up and I knew exactly where I could find some.

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

37 BBY or 963 ARR

My lightsaber whizzed around me while I practiced my footwork. A training remote buzzed around my head just out of reach as it floated around the training room. The emerald blade spun in the wide yet simple arcs of Form I. As it went whenever I started practice, it was best to always start with the basics and work your way into the advanced stuff. It wasn’t long before I switched to Forms III and V which I had fully mastered by now. Having put the finishing touches on in the Temple Guard. I then added Jar’Kai into the mix, igniting the blue blade. The two different colored blades complemented each other well. While I preferred one blade, implementing Jar’Kai was a new challenge at the time I constructed the second blade and I ended up loving it.

My thoughts shifted to the last two years as I fell into a moving meditation. Two years. Two long drawn out years of Temple Guard duty with the exception of Battle Mediation training. That is how long I had to serve for. I think the Council was trying to make a point. Something about not disobeying them I’d wager. Overall Temple Guard duty was boring. Boring was the wrong word. Monotonous feels a bit better description barring the intense practice. It was still a very involved position despite that. You’d be surprised how many solicitors the Jedi get at the temple entrance even at night.

You were also compelled to silence while in the Guard, even to your fellows, say for talking to younglings. Didn’t want to scare off the poor kids with the silent mask routine, especially at night. Even as a kid I even got Micheal Meyers vibes if the Temple Guard masks were cast in certain shadows. One thing I noted was that I had the night shift the entire time. Only seeing the sun during my training with the Masters. I don’t think that was the Council’s doing, just the Battlemaster giving me comeuppance for all those times I was staying out late as a kid. I was a bit more rambunctious than the others in my class.

I got to practice quite a bit with a double bladed lightsaber. To be honest I wasn’t impressed with the damn thing. It had more disadvantages than advantages. Could have been another old life personal bias. I don’t know, it just didn’t feel right. I was less than stellar with that technique. Okay I was down right bad at it. The saberstaff I was required to use didn’t help. Too long a hilt, too short of blades, and it felt more ceremonial than functional. I shook my head, excuses, excuses. I’d figure it out one day.

Again that was part of the anonymity of being in the temple guard. If they gave you the weapons you were comfortable with then someone could pick out your styles and your cover could be blown. Also you had to stay in the Guard barracks for the entirety of the service. It was almost like a cloister within a cloister.

One of the perks was the near constant practice when not on duty. Now I guess the double-bladed training was a boon in a way. If I ever met a certain Nightbrother I could counter many of his moves fairly easily. If you knew where one end of a double bladed lighter was, you knew damn well where the other was after all. It still wouldn’t be an easy fight but it was best to be prepared for a possible eventuality. .

Anyway, as far as tracking down wayward students goes, I knew most the tricks. So I was good at finding the curfew dodgers at least. I didn’t expect the amount of students that I did find. I recalled sending a young Aayla Secura back to her room at one point, but not before lecturing her on her lack of footwork. Would have to tell Quinlan to watch out for that when he took her on later.

Apparently I was carrying on a long standing tradition going back when the Temple Guard was founded after the Russan Reformation. They might have been around before that, but the Jedi order liked to pretend that the Jedi Knights leading up to the Seventh Battle of Russan were a myth. I wasn’t entirely sure with my research. The New Sith Wars were a mess and there was little that I gleaned from what was left regarding the Temple Guard other than they were the reformed Sentinel branch. I did learn some cool techniques regarding mixing a blaster into my form here and there if needed.

Speaking of footwork I stopped and called the remote over. I replayed the last section it had recorded. No issues in my form so far. It would be best to stop before I start making errors. Normally I would practice with any Knight in the practice halls. There was never a shortage of Knights or even Master’s practicing their swordsmanship. Today I just wanted to be alone however.

“When in doubt, you’ll find her in the training halls.” A familiar voice called out from the entrance to the training room. I turned to see Komari standing there. I cursed myself for not sensing her approach. Would have to work on that. Felt a false sense of security in the temple.

“Komari, what can I do for you?” I asked.

She shrugged. “Just thought that you could use a sparring partner. Not often we get to hang out anymore. Closest we got was when I would walk past you guarding a door during off hours.”

“Yeah, well, I was lucky I wasn’t kicked out for defying the Council.” I said with a snort. “I like your outfit by the way.” Komari wore a more tight fitting brown jumpsuit, black knee high boots, with a small red jacket that went down to her midriff. It evoked images of Aria T’loak from Mass effect only with no revealing windows for skin, say for a bit of cleavage on the chest. Still can’t believe I remember that game series after all these years. Then again the outfit was a good memory trigger. Still I wasn’t going to complain. She pulled it off well.

“Oh, this, I volunteered to track down the last of the Bando Goro a year ago when their remnants popped up on Nar Shadda. Couldn’t look like a Jedi on sight. I learned that from you actually. They might have killed me back on Kholma, if you’d gone in with a lightsaber drawn to prevent you from getting me out alive. I kept the style after they were dealt with. Speaking of the Banda Goro. You know I never got the chance to properly thank you before they shoved you off in the Temple Guard.” I could sense that she was a little bit nervous. More so than her confident demeanor often portrayed.

“You would have done the same.” I said dismissively, trying to relax her nerves somewhat. I noticed a look in her eye that spoke of guilt. She believed she might not have come for me were our positions reversed. I ignited both my blades, “Let’s talk and fight.”

It had the effect I wanted and Komari visibly relaxed. nodding. She ignited her own blue blades. We saluted and clashed, both using Makashi. It started off slow before our careful swings and parries reached a fast paced crescendo. Eventually we both forced a blade lock. Blade locks were a weakness of makashi which is why practitioners during duels would try to force them regardless, as a way to unbalance an opponent. Ironic.

“I was never allowed to learn what exactly happened on the mission to Baltizaar.” I said idly while hopping back. I would have lost the blade lock if I hadn't. Komari had mastered Form II since we met. Luckily I had gotten a lot better as well. Master Poof was a helluva teacher. It was still very apparent that I was but an adept to the master that was Komari Vosa. Dooku had taught her well.

Komari sighed almost casually blocking my attacks as I tried an offensive series of blows, “That is a short tale. Knight Cysh was in charge of that op. He was one of the knights under Dooku at Galidraan.”

I nodded. Remembering him. In the original timeline I was pretty sure that he was the Knight that Jango killed after Cysh cut Myles in half. The guy was kind of an asshole by Jedi standards.

“What did he do wrong?”

“I think it was a fault on all our parts. Cysh’s mentality was no help. He rushed in and we followed.” She said grimly.

“I am surprised you didn’t interject.” I said.

“I was just knighted and didn’t want to impose on a more experienced knight’s authority. That was on me. Still I should have. I had learned from a persuasive Padawan to look at all the angles before charging in after all.” I blushed at that and nearly got a burn on my shoulder by a precise saber strike by the brief distraction.

“Well, I… So Cysh just charged in?” I said continuing to stay on track.

“He knew it was a trap but thought we could handle anything they threw at us. He failed to take into account that the Bando Goro were crafty bastards. I believe he thought they were like the Pikes or Black Sun.” She sighed, “I should have said something. We should have divided into two squads and taken the warehouse from different angles. Alzarr might not have died, and Verras and I may not have been captured as well.

“They used stun blasts I assume?” I asked, ducking another strike and delivered a false cut. Komari didn’t fall for it and blocked my backstroke with ease and forced me to dodge her riposte.

“Yes, lots and lots of stun blasts. Part of the reason I found you. You wouldn’t mind helping me refine my Form III now that you are no longer in the temple guard?” She asked.

“No, I wouldn’t mind at all.” I had barely managed to answer before she caught me off guard and I tripped slightly as my boot brushed the wall. Komari pressed the advantage and locked our blades again and pinned me against the wall, our blades crackling as they were locked above our heads. She pressed forward until our bodies were nearly flush against each other.

“Good, I might be able to teach you some things as well, because your Makashi could use some work,” My breath hitched as I looked up at her and watched as she took a hand off her left saber. It remained stationary due to the force, still locked with my own blade. Her hand came down and traced the scar on the right side of my face. She had a look in her eye. She looked like she was going to say something, but being the nervous wreck I was, I broke up whatever was going on.

“You said that was only p-part of the reason.” I stuttered. She gave an amused smirk, as she reached up and grabbed her saber while stepping back. I let out a breath that I didn’t know I was still holding as our sabers deactivated.

“Oh, I almost forgot, seeing as your service in the Temple Guard was exemplary, The Council has granted you the right to learn Juyo.” All that nervous tension in me faded away near instantly, replaced by excitement and surprise. I never thought they would let me learn it. I nearly jumped for joy. An excited squeal escaped my lips as I hugged Komari. Komari tensed up but relaxed and reciprocated. I broke the hug with another girlish squeal.

“I need to go see the Battlemaster.” I practically dashed from the room. Before my communicator chirped right before I got to the door. Dammit, I forgot about my appointment. I stopped, my excitement drained as I remembered the prior obligation, “Ah, shab, I will have to hold off until tomorrow.”

“What's wrong?” Komari asked as she walked over.

“I got to go down to the lower levels for a bit. There is a Mirialan tattooist I set up an appointment with months ago.” Komari raised an eyebrow.

“You are getting more ink? I thought your people only got one set of tattoos and that was it?”

“I can add as many as I want. Though it is wise to keep some canvas bare out of modesty.” I shrugged.

“What are you getting? Out of curiosity?”

“Well, under each of my eyes will be three diamonds in an arrowhead formation pointing down. Going from right to left, the first one will be filled in, the second left hollow, and the third filled in as well. Continuing under my left eye, the fourth will be hollow, the fifth filled in, and the sixth left hollow.”

Komari took a moment to think about the design. “Ah, your saber forms. Ambitious. You’ll have to get a seventh now.”

“I guess you’re right,'' I said with a shab eating grin. My communicator beeped a second time. “Looks like my past self telling me to get my shebs in gear. You don’t ever want to make a Mirialan tattooist wait. Later.”

“Yeah, see ya.” Komari gave a quick wave as I dashed out the door. Though I did see her sigh and shake her head out of the corner of my eye as I left the training room.

“So I reviewed your portfolio and things are looking good. Better than good.” Ganorn closed the profile. “Well, Bell, I dare say you are looking pretty well off. You wouldn’t happen to be a Jedi would you?” He joked. I gave a small snort of false amusement. The facial expression made me want to scratch at my face where my new tattoos were, but the helmet was in the way. A mild irritation. Luckily I was a Jedi and such irritations could be ignored. Mostly.

I had used a mind trick on Ganorn a while back. Master Poof had given me some more pointers on mind tricks in battle meditation training over the years. So now if I showed up on the news due to Jedi-related shenanigans, he wouldn’t find the link between his client and the Jedi. Had to find a new blaster range to be on the safe side as well. As it was, I never visited his office in my Jedi attire. It had been two years since I left the temple proper, but did I manage to keep in touch. To any who saw me enter and exit, I would look like a bounty hunter or merc under the name “Bellicose.”

“Just tips my clients give me in exchange for various services,” I said seriously playing off the persona. I had painted the armor entirely black for now. I wanted to look like a new hunter overplaying the cool and edgy factor.

Gan shrugged, noting the blaster strapped to my thigh. “I won’t inquire any further.”

“That media company I mentioned a while back. Were you able to get stock for it?” I asked. He scratched at his horns.

“Oh, that.” He shook his head and rubbed his chin in thought. “I remember now. Strangest thing before I could even make an offer. Damask Holdings swooped in and bought it all up.” I cursed internally. Of course Sith would do that. They had become masters of this type of thing in the last thousand years. Ganorn continued. “However, I recently did manage to get you a majority stake in a much smaller outlet. More of a local news outlet, but it has an infrastructure to build off of. Heck, if you build it up enough you could sell it to Damask Holdings at a profit. They gave much more than what other company’s stock was worth last time after all.”

I nodded again. It was something. “I will have to find someone to run it.”

“That I can help with. I know a guy in the unemployment sector who could send talented people your way. Then all you really need is advertisers.” I simply nodded the go ahead and remembered something else. The real reason I came.

“Oh, I wanted to ask about the charity.” I mentioned. I had founded a small charity in the lower levels specifically around 1313 and 1312. I had more money than I needed due to knowing which companies whose stock would only be increasing over the years. Ganorn never questioned why a young hunter would go through the trouble. Again another mind trick. I hated having to do that.

“They are doing quite well. It looks like you might not be the sole donor anymore. As mentioned, even some other clients of mine have donated a little as well, when I mentioned the charity off hand.” Ganorn replied. The Unseen is what it was called. Basic stuff. It mostly gave out alms and food via soup kitchen. Though I was hoping to build an orphanage at some point. Look at me, the big softy. I just hoped the charity wouldn’t become a money laundering pit like most did. Part of the reason I kept association with the Jedi out of the charity’s marketing. Didn’t want it to become a target.

“That is good to hear. Hopefully it grows well. None of the gangs have run any protection extortion rackets have they?” I asked.

Ganorn frowned, “Not as of yet. So far they have stayed away. They will make an attempt at some point though.”

I nodded, “Let me know if they do. I will deal with it.”

Ganorn looked at my blaster again and nodded, getting my meaning.

“There was another thing,” I mentioned. “I wanted to invest in an obscure subsidiary of Kuat. Uhm, what was the name? Rothana Heavy Industries. That was it.”

“More tips from your employers?” He grinned.

“Something like that.” I said coyly. I lightly slapped my chair’s armrest and stood. “Well, I better be off. It was nice to finally get back planetside.” I lied. Ganorn thought I was out and about in the cosmos working various jobs. Which depending on the mission was true barring the Temple Guard duty.

We said our goodbyes and I left the office, getting on my speeder bike. I made my way to an apartment I owned on one of the upper levels of the massive city in the lower 4000’s. It wasn’t much not far from Ganorn’s office which resided in the upper 3000’s. It was a nice enough place to look like someone gave a damn, but not too expensive to give off a rich feel. Fairly average one might say. I turned on the news while I changed back into my Jedi robes.

“-cent news, The Clan wars in Mandalorian space have come to a close with the last of the Deathwatch Factions being wiped out. Clans Saxxon and Wren put up stiff resistance, but the True Mandalorians bolstered by both Deathwatch and New Mandalorian Defectors were able to put down the last Deathwatch holdouts sparing only younglings and non-combats. The remaining New Mandolorians under the former Duke of House, now Clan Kryze surrendered upon hearing the news. Jango Fett, leader of the united Mandalorians released a statement. The Screen panned to a recording of Jango casually sitting at the bar in the Oyu’baat bar in Keldabe. “Don’t worry, we’ll play nice.” He said in the usual deadpan. There were chuckles heard around the bar not far off from where the Mandalorian leader sat. The screen returned the anchor. Many in the Senate have voiced concern over the outcome of war, many stating more should have been done to support the New Mandalor-”

I shut the screen off with a wave of my hand as I adjusted my veil in the mirror, ensuring not a single strand of my dark gray hair had gone rogue. Didn’t want the other Mirialans giving me the stink eye. Satisfied I checked my chrono before reaching up and peeling the tattoo covers off. They looked well done as expected. Any who understood the tattoos meaning would know I was dedicated to mastering an art or craft.

I nodded in satisfaction. I looked at the seventh in the center of my brow added last minute per Komari’s recent observation. It was currently hollow but I was saving that one for once I learned Juyo. Speaking of Juyo, I remembered that I had to get back to the temple. As I went to lock up my apartment I sensed a bit too late a presence in the force. I heard a voice that made me start and turn around. Osik not again.

“So this is where you go when you aren’t at the temple?” Komari had her hands on her hips appraising the hallway and the overall look of the apartment exterior. “Not bad. Not overly fancy nor shabby enough to look like you are hiding something or from someone.” I didn’t sense any disappointment or a desire to report me so I asked.

“How long have you suspected?” I asked a bit cautiously.

“No more than the Council or anyone else in the Order. They know you go to the civilian blaster ranges. They allow it because the Grey Paladins are annoying. Yes, that is the right word for them. However, they don’t know about stockbroker though. What exactly are you doing?”

I did my best to not give off any nervousness. I was dangerously close to losing everything I had been working toward. I sighed. “I haven’t locked up yet, I'll show you around at least since the loth cat is out of the bag.”

“Please do,” Komari nodded her head at the door.

I shrugged, and opened it back up. Komari took her time looking at every angle and room. She didn’t look all that impressed.

“You haven’t done much with this place.” She said as she stopped in the kitchen area and walked back into the living room.

“Huh?” I said.

Komari let out an annoyed sigh, “You’re hopeless. Your furniture is basic and not to mention set in the most improper places. This place could use some work.” She sat on the couch and patted the seat next to her as she crossed her legs. “Now tell me what has been going on.”

Well I couldn't say no. She knew it. I knew It. So I sat and explained everything I had done with the stocks. She didn’t ask too many pointed questions. I didn’t go into great detail about what I was investing in, but she seemed to cock her head at the charity.

“Any reason you didn’t want to involve the Jedi in the… Unseen, was it?” She frowned at the name.

“I wanted it to look underground, off the books. Open Jedi and/or especially Senate support would drive people away. We have not been seen kindly by the lower levels in recent years. If it looks like a more grassroots organization it could gain trust naturally. Heck, it might even gain a sort of trust among the gangs, and the militias that formed against them if I can somehow make it neutral ground…” I sighed, “It is still just an experiment at this stage.”

Komari sat in thought for a moment and leaned back. She mulled it over for a bit.

She chuckled. “It makes sense. I mean I never really saw the lower rungs of society under Dooku. His background let him slide into the upper classes with ease. It is where I got my fashion sense. After all, we can’t all make barbarian chic work like you after all.”

I blushed. “So you aren’t going to tell the council then?” I asked.

“Nah, besides this place is rather cool. I will have to work on the interior though. Provided you have the funds.” She smirked.

I sighed, “Fine,” and dug a credit chit out of one of the pouches on my belt. “Just make sure not to go overboard.”

“Please, I am the definition of subtle.” She said with mock offense. She leaned close and wrapped an arm around me. I felt my body stiffen at the touch. “Besides, I feel I owe you for the whole rescue.” She looked a bit dejected. “I am not sure the council would have gotten there in time if they did their usual sit and debate.” They would have never come, I thought to myself. “You on the other hand, you didn’t wait. Why?”

Preparing a lie is a lot easier than telling one. Something I learned a long time ago and only gotten mildly better at.

“The council always sits around for ages to make a decision. It would be fine if they took more time to consider missions from the senate, but when are very own are possibly captured and held for torture, there is no time for any of that. I mean they debated whether or not to send a follow up investigation after all. I also knew some old contacts that owed Master Tal’or a favor, and they pointed me toward Kholma.” The way she looked at me told me, she didn’t believe me. Should I reveal my “vision” of how her not being tortured and driven mad was crucial to helping the fight against the Sith? To risk everything by divulging it to another was something that always gnawed at me and forced me to keep some manner of distance from others. I looked down a bit embarrassed, unsure if I was convincing.

Then I felt her finger under my chin as she lifted my head up. Our eyes met.

“I don’t entirely believe that.” She said with an amused grin. Then she leaned in and our lips met. I was confused, as my eyes widened in visible surprise, but I let myself relax leaning into the kiss. It lasted I don’t know how long before Komari eventually broke the kiss.

“I…” I tried to speak, but Komari put a finger on my lips.

“Don’t worry, take all the time you need. Now I better get going.” Komari stood up and sauntered toward the door. I couldn’t help but stare transfixed as she walked away. It opened and she stopped in the doorway and turned back. “By the way, the new ink looks great.” She winked and smiled as the door shut behind her.

I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding. That did not go as expected. Don’t know how long I sat there pondering what in the Nine Coreallian Hells just happened. That was a kiss. I… what was going on? I was confused, but it wasn’t a bad kiss. Shab. Just what I needed right now. I couldn’t think about anything other than that moment for I don’t know how long.

I wasn’t sure how long it was before I remembered I should go schedule my Juyo training. I had to wrestle with my emotions a bit to make it look like nothing was amiss before I got back. I thought about that moment as I locked down my apartment and took a transport back to the temple. I had much to think about, especially on whether or not I had just substituted one lie for another.

Chapter Text

Two Days Later

“The way they designed this ship was phenomenal. They put…” Hillan was at it again. Going on about starships, just like when they were younglings. Enna was almost impressed that he could keep such a passion for something so long. She had her niche, don't get her wrong, but Hillan’s obsession with ships was truly a thing to behold. The Corealian go on and on. Enna and the others at the table let him ramble on.

Enna cocked her head around the table. She looked to Donr, who sat across from Hillan, seeming to be the only one listening. The Bothan had always been a good listener. It wouldn’t be long before he spoke up.

“Wouldn’t that make it hard to turn with the maneuvering thrusters so underpowered?” Donr asked. Enna marveled at how Hillan switched gears due to Donr’s ability to throw a spanner in the works. His face turned sour and he started listing all the faults of the ship that he would fix. Enna looked to her left to see Blip and Veran having their own conversation. Blip, a yellow scaled rodian, and Veran, another human, were chatting quietly, about the latest Smashball game. Veran seemed to have something she wanted to say. Enna could sense an underlying excitement there.

She let them talk, not having any idea how the game works or what stats they were listing. She looked across from her, seeing Luminara. To be honest, she was less than thrilled to talk with Luminara. As younglings, the Mirialan had always kept her distance, say for when they were doing team battles. Other than that she was generally quiet. Many thought she was destined for the service core.

Then there was the fact that she was a vocal critic of the way the Council ran things and the Jedi’s role in Republic affairs. It made no sense to Enna, the Jedi were always protectors. It made sense for them to be peacekeepers. What else would they be?

Luminara sat eating some sort of Togrutan breakfast dish the cooks had prepared special for one of the older knights. Shaak Ti was her name. She turned it down as she had already eaten prior to arriving at the temple early this morning from a mission. Luminara said she would eat it. She remembered Mirialan leaning over to her while in line and saying, “The Togruta and the other carnivores get all the prime cuts mixed in.”

Enna found it strange, but she supposed it made sense the more carnivorous got the good stuff. Either way Luminara was eating what was especially steak and eggs slowly, clearly enjoying the meal. She made no attempt to hide that she was enjoying it. Taking slow bites and savoring the favor. Enna got a tish uncomfortable when she gazed upon the long scar. It seemed to have faded a little in the years, but was still prominent. She had heard what happened. The Mirialan seemed no worse for wear from the experience of being the Stark War’s only Republic POW.

“So Luminara, how have things been?” Enna said, smiling politely. Luminara didn’t speak until she finished her current bite.

“Well,” she thought for a moment. “Things have been alright.”

“Did they really stick you in the temple guard for two years for saving Vosa, Jesker, and… Alzarr?” Veran asked, almost she was waiting for this moment since Luminara sat down. Enna noticed Veran had a look in her eye that saw through the action as a petty punishment. Everyone was now staring at Luminara. The Mirialan looked around, choosing her words carefully.

“Yes, but to be fair, I was using info gleaned from old underworld favors taken in Master Tal’or’s name. Not exactly the best din'kartay to move on.” Luminara said. Enna had heard that Luminara had a habit of saying words in the Mandolorian tongue to the point where she wasn’t even aware or simply did not care of her lingual slips. A byproduct of her first time using battle meditation, the rumors said.

Regardless, Luminara's words sounded a bit hollow. Everyone seemed to know she was being diplomatic about the unauthorized mission’s aftermath. Cleary Luminara didn’t wish to tread on the Council's toes too much. Enna supposed that made sense as Luminara's gift for Battle Meditation had her rubbing shoulders with the many of its members. She no doubt didn’t wish to loop them all together as a single entity. Rumor was she and Master Plo-koon were actually good friends. A friendship that came from the Stark War.

Veran didn’t sound placated and simply snorted.

“I was thinking of joining the Temple guard after I was knighted,” Blip piped nervously. He was obviously trying to derail the subject. Everyone could sense the awkwardness he felt at the criticism of the Council. Spoken or unspoken

“It was fine. A bit monotonous, but I didn’t outright hate it. The silence is a bit grating. The standard issue saberstaff could be slimmed down a bit.” Luminara frowned. Her annoyance at the weapon was clearly evident. “However, I would recommend you try it for yourself. It is not a permanent position and you’ll get your mandatory service out of the way to boot. You might like it. It wasn’t for me though.” Blip nodded looking like it was an option he had considered for a while. It was also a reminder that they were all still padawans other than Luminara and Hillan. She still felt a bit awed at Luminara’s early Knighthood at times, even if the circumstances were grim. Enna hoped she would also be up for Knighthood soon.

“What kind of ship did the Mandolorians use?” Hillan asked with a clear excited edge.

“Some sort of modified freighter. It had a faded Mandalmotors logo on it.” Luminara held her hand up to cut him off before the obvious barrage. “That is all I know. If you really want I could send you a holo of its model later.” Hillan looked put down, but nodded all the same.

Enna decided to speak up, “How was working with Mandalorians anyway? I heard they can be pretty brutal.”

Luminara didn’t skip a beat. “They know their stuff. You wouldn’t know they were as organized as they are with how they individually customize their beskar’gam. Very precise, well trained, and know how to put down us Jedi. Which ironically, allowed me to integrate well in the squad that attacked the Bando Gora. I dare say that only the Enchani or the Kaleesh rival them for the best non force sensitive fighters in the galaxy. Hopefully we Jedi can rebuild relations with them like during the New Sith Wars. Though Dral’han left a long and bitter scar. It will be a munit urakto goyust at kemir, but I think that one day both our organizations could find a middle ground.”

“I hope they are never contracted to take out any Jedi. They are mercs after all.” Donr said with a sour look.

“Mand’alor Jango is not that foolish. However it would come down to the individual Mando. Jango has a lot of work to rebuild Mand’yaim after the wars that ravaged their territory…” Luminara proceeded to go into political and various aspects of the Mandalorian Culture that flew over Enna's head. That and sometimes using full phrases or even full sentences in the Mandalorian tongue. The Pantoran found it distracting.

Blip leaned over and whispered, “I have never seen her talk this much about anything. It’s scary.”

Enna nodded her head in agreement. “Luminara.” She cut the Knight off in her speculating on the intricacies of how the New Mandalorians would fit in under Jango.

“This is all very fascinating, but I think Veran had something she wanted us to know.” They all looked at Veran. The redhead looked like she suddenly forgot her good news while under scrutiny then remembered what she was wanting to tell everyone.

“Right, my master said I was ready for the trials.” There was some light cheering and Luminara gave a light clap and smiled.

“That is great news.” Hillan said.

Then Luminara’s chrono beeped. She looked at it. “I got to run. I have some training I need to get to. Congrats Veran. It was nice seeing you all again.” They all wished her and well and it was just the five.

“I should get going too.” Donr said standing. He walked around the table offering to take trays. Veran had barely touched her food. No doubt nervous of her impending knighthood.

This started a domino effect of them all leaving the table. Enna was glad to see them all again. Well those that made it as padawans at least. Still it was a good start to her day.

After the brief meeting with my old youngling clan, Clan Dragon is the best, fight me. I got to work finishing my morning routine, doing my best to not think about a certain… event in the past couple days. I knew I should not have dragged this along so much. To be frank, I thought I could get away without the whole romantic entanglement stuff in this life. But now, I don't know.

The Jedi made it pretty hard for anyone to keep such such a relationship. The celibacy stuff was reinforced more than I expected. Even if you did sneak out and have a tumble. You didn’t go around bragging about it like some sort of karking idiot even to friends. The Jedi had an image they wanted to maintain and even the mention of sex was Red Flag to some say for those in the Service Core, but they weren’t official Jedi Knights.

This image was something the Jedi cultivated from what I could gather historically in the archives was another instilled overreaction from the New Sith Wars where the Jedi Lords would have families and rule through bloodlines. The Jedi Lords had such power that it terrified the Jedi as much as the Republic. The Jedi were acting like they had something to be forgiven for or something. Personally I think the Jedi were beating themselves up too much about that era. I, myself, think that Jedi were too eager to integrate themselves into the Republic after the fact.

Regardless, I found it ironic that this is where I was hesitating of all places to defy the Council. Then again this was more personal too. I had been through all that already, even if the memories of that old life were scarce, the emotions were still there. I knew I shouldn’t have let them drag me down, but life rarely has a shut-off for this osik.

So I sat in my room and tried to meditate on the matter. Did I love Komari Vosa? I was definitely attracted to her. No doubt about that. After about an hour of getting nowhere I grabbed my pistol case. I needed some range time.

I took a transport to the new range I found after abandoning the old one. This one wasn’t too far from my apartment either. I walked in, showing the clerk my annual pass and marched to the desk.

“Nils, the usual today.” The human man nodded, and set a fresh tibanna gas cartridge and about five power packs. I took them and was about to go to my usual stall when Nils stopped me.

“Hey, Master Jedi, guess what I got in today.” I raised an eyebrow.

“Let me guess, a Mandolorian Ripper.” I said, clearly joking, but also not joking. Shame the Mandos didn’t make those anymore. Or if they did, they were “heirlooms” or “Ancient Cultural Artifacts” that may or may not have the look of being freshly machined.

Nils scoffed, “Nothing that shoots that hot. You said you wanted a good holdout blaster a few weeks ago. Well, I found one you might like.” Now I was interested. I walked over as he set a case on the counter.

He opened it. I nearly gasped at what I saw. Luckily I managed not to drool.

“It is a Blastech 1-9 of the E-series line aka the Swiftkick. Used by Santhe Security before they were folded into Sienar Systems. This is a specially made pistol. Simply put, a cut-down, more compact version of the 1-6 model.”

I was speechless. I knew many blasters had an earth-like look to them, the DL-44 being a modified Mauser C96 for example. This, though, looked a lot like a Sig Sauer P229, barring some minor differences. In other words I had to have it.

“How much?” Was all I said.

Nils smirked, “Seeing as this piece is no longer made anymore and the fact it was never fired. I’d say around 2000 creds.”

I was stunned and a bit surprised. “2000? This piece is a collector’s item. Why so low?” Why was I arguing for a price increase? “Granted 2k is nothing to sneeze at. It’s just-”

“Old.” He cut me off, “And that is the problem. The gas seals have probably rotted away, and it would require a new power port to match the ones used today.” Nils said this like he had already explained this three or four times today. “That’s just if you can find the parts as the E-series stopped production about sixteen years ago or you would need to have them made custom. However,” He said. His voice got conspiratorial. “Should someone manage to update and have some custom seals made? Maybe refurbish the internals a bit. This piece’s value would increase sixfold.”

“I see,” I said, a bit dejected before thinking about it. “Eh, why not, I could use the side project.”

So the transaction was made. I shot up the ammo for my Westar and left. My aim was a little off, but I chalked that up to the nervousness in the back of my mind. I kept at it trying to practice regardless of how I felt.

I left the range after turning the old cartridges and went to my apartment next to briefly to drop off the “new” pistol. When I walked in I noticed it was a much different sight than how I left it. By different. The walls had been shined up a bit. The furniture was entirely replaced with new fancier stuff with more rounded edges and in darker colors. It was some sort of fancy upper middle class styles made out of a sort of suede. Not to mention all the furniture was positioned quite differently. It felt that the living room was a bit more open than it had been.

The kitchen was also spiced up, but not as much. The cabinets were molded into the apartment and where there to stay. There was a Caf distiller and an assortment of paints next to it. I found a flimsy on the counter next to the machine. It read:

I kept things simple. Also got you some paints for that armor. Black is always trendy, but it could use a little touch up. I’d recommend adding gold or burnished bronze if not outright those for the base color.

-K

She found all of this in just two days. I did note that there was no mention of the credits for this cost. This coming from the woman who just spent 2k on a fixer upper of a blaster pistol, I thought to myself. It was a collectors item, I countered… to myself.

I sighed, looking at the paints on the table. I would store the paints for later. Right now the young arrogant hunter look was what I was going for. Not the experienced and regretful of their youthful eccentricities type just yet. Luckily this type of paint didn’t go bad. Perhaps I could add a few outlines here and there when I had time.

I couldn’t help but smile looking at and around the place. It did look a lot better. I stored the paints in the armory which was about the only thing Vosa left untouched. I stored the Swiftkick in the safe. I would have to look over it when I got time. It couldn’t be in as rough shape as Nils claimed it was. Would it?

I stopped and admired the apartment briefly again before leaving. It was nice. I would have to call Komari and thank her when I had time. I locked the place down and got back to the temple. I had to get her a discrete message somehow. I had started feeling better about this whole… whatever was going on. I guess I would have to set up a date. I suddenly felt a lot nervous. At least I had some experience from my old life to work off of. Mind you combined with my old life, I was about 40 to 50 years out of practice in that area. Now I just had to find a place to have lunch. It only took me a moment to come up with a decent yet out of the way spot.

“This place is nice,” Komari said politely, looking at the hustle and bustle of CoCo Street from the window of Didi’s Diner.

“I know right. Good food, good sights, good company,” I said while resting my chin on my hands and watching Komari look about all the various transients coming and going to and away from the city-planet that never sleeps. She looked rather cute when not in her comfort zone. Her eyes darted to and fro in awe and intrigue. She looked back at me.

“Not what I was expecting when you said you wanted to go for lunch. I will admit. It is humble.” She said with decorum.

I chuckled lightly. “Looks can be deceiving.” I said brushing a ponytail off my shoulder. My head felt exposed without my veil, but both of us had to blend in so to speak. Komari wore a different yet similar look. If we were both to commit to this, then we would have to be prudent. “Okay maybe entirely not that deceiving,” I admitted, “But the food here is far better than what you normally find at a spaceport. Not to mention these types of haunts are great places to find info.”

“You sound like Qui-gon. Are you sure he wasn’t your master?” Komari asked, “I don’t know how his apprentice turned so formal?”

“In the end we are all individuals I suppose. You’d never know that Master Tal’or was only a step away from Master Rancisis as far as traditionalists went looking at me now would you?” I said.

A waitress came over and set down two Jawa Juices. I took a sip of mine immediately. Komari opted to stare at it. We took a brief moment to order. Komari got a Nuna salad sandwich with a cup of soup and I got a Hot Nerfburger.

“Now that is surprising. Some whisper you may never be granted the rank of master for your disagreements with the council.” She said, while lifting her glass and taking a cautious sip of her drink. She recoiled and gave the drink a scowl.

“The price of being a reformer, some could say.” I sat up, and leaned back watching out the window.

“So I gather Dooku never took you to many places like these.” I asked. “Tal’or had a fondness for them. He called them the “Arteries of the Galaxy.’”

Komari nodded. “No, Dooku wasn’t the type to frequent these places. He preferred the haunts that mirrored his upbringing on Soreno. He shook hands with galactic movers and shakers wherever he went, unless a mission required more subtly.”

“Did you like it? The courtly intrigue, backstabbing and betrayal.” I asked.

“It is not nearly as romanticized as the novels make it out to be but yes. I will admit I found it to be oddly fun to decipher motives. It could be rather easy at times when you use the Force sense intent.” She said thinking back.

“That would be a leg up on any politician. Did some not have training to deal with Force Users?” I asked. I was a bit curious.

“In a way, whether they knew it or not, The many many lies I sensed in their minds buried the truth to a degree that the truth itself would be seen as a lie.” She shook her head and took a sip of her drink.

It wasn’t long before a waitress brought our orders. I dug in at a quick but reasonable pace into the gravy and potato covered nerfburger. Nerf meat was delicious. I think it was healthier than beef. It tasted more like bison than beef. Perhaps more like a space beefalo. It had been just over two decades and a reincarnation since I last tasted proper beef, so my memories were a little out of whack. Basically, Nerf was really good.

“So have you thought about the other day?” Komari asked. Her voice was a bit anxious. I nearly choked on the bite I had taken. Great timing.

I finished the bite, using that as an excuse to prepare what I was going to say. I swallowed and dabbed my cheeks with a napkin.

“Hard not to.” I admitted. That was an understatement and I didn’t feel like dancing around it. Komari seemed to regain herself and give me that cocky smirk.

“Oh, really.” she almost purred.

“Yes, and part of me wants to forget it ever happened.” Komari seemed to deflate. I continued with my own smirk. In for a penny, in for a pound. “Luckily that is only a very small and cautious part.”

Her eyebrows raised in response as I reached across and grasped her hand briefly. Anything Komari was going to say in response was interrupted by the Duros couple in the seat next to us bursting into a long and loud argument. We ate quietly. The Hot Nerfburger was excellent as usual. Komari seemed to like her meal as well.

“That was decent,” Komari admitted. “Though next time I'll pick where we go.”

“I don’t see why not.” I shrugged. “Now we better move on. A lot of people like to eat here.”

“Fear not, I will get you home safe and sound.” Komari said formally.

“With what exactly, a transport?” I said teasing.

“You’ll see.” Was all Komari said.

After I paid and left a tip, Komari’s ride turned out to be a speeder bike. A nice one too. An older model but a high class one nonetheless. It was silver with red streaks. Komari mounted it and I sat bitch, though hesitantly.

“Hold on,” Komari shouted. I barely managed to grab on to her waist and hugged close behind her. Komari gave a chuckle as I suddenly tightened my grip around her waist as she laid on the speed.

The Sly Vixen drove like a mad woman. I was amused, I had done this stunt in my old life once or twice. Shoe was on the other foot now it seemed. Even did it after I married- who again? I suddenly felt a guilty hollowness as I searched for the name. I had all this Star Wars crap in my head yet, this seemed more important right now than all of it. Damn it, now was not the time.

“Are you alright back there?” Komari asked with a bit of concern. I was jolted out of my little mind war, and managed to level out my feelings a little bit.

“Perfectly fine. Why are we going so slow?” I said, doing my best to sound unimpressed.

“Oh, you want speed? Well, hold on then.” I let myself get caught in the moment as Komari gunned it. Now wasn’t the time for the madness of sorting out a past life. The speeder speed all but maxed out. Barely dodging and narrowly avoiding obstacles. It was faster than I ever drove. The city sped past in a blurr. Yet I held on tight. We reached my apartment and she walked me up.

I stood at the door a moment and turned to her.

“I had fun.” I said.

“So did I.” Komari said. She looked at me, expectantly. I smiled and stood up and gave her a kiss, returning the one she gave me two days ago. Part of me still admonished myself for the risk.

I broke the kiss. “Then let’s do it again sometime.”

Komari smirked, “Until next time.”

I returned a smile and stepped back into the open door until it shut in front of me. I flopped down on the new couch as I sensed Komari leaving the building. I took a moment to enjoy that light and high on life feeling made me want to twirl about. I managed to contain that feeling before I left back for the temple best I could.

It was just as I entered the Temple that my communicator beeped. I opened it and the holographic projection Master Dooku appeared.

“Ah Luminara. A pleasure to see you again.” he said formally.

“Master Dooku, it is also good to hear from you.” I replied with a respectful bow. It had been awhile since we last spoke. I wondered what this was about.

“I would have contacted you sooner but your transfer to the Temple Guard made it forbidden.” His voice held a gruff disapproving tone. “I would like to thank you for your decisive action on Kholma. Also there is a very good friend of mine that I want you to meet.” I tried to recall who that was and my thoughts drifted to Master Sifo-Dyas. Cool, I had hoped to meet him at some point.

“I would be more than happy to.” I said.

Dooku nodded. “Good, I will send you the time for tonight’s dinner. Good day.”

I bowed and shut off the transmission. So today was certainly shaping up to be an interesting one. I doubted anything could really top a successful first date, but meeting Master Sifo-Days would be another interesting yet small highlight to this day. Oh, how wrong that assumption would prove to be.

Chapter Text

I felt uneasy as I walked along the crowded street. This seemed like an odd place to meet a Jedi Master other than say you know, the Jedi Temple. We were in the upper 4000’s and we weaved through the crowd. Dooku took a strange turn down a grungy alley. He stopped at a door that looked just as grimy. He looked about and sensed for anyone who might have followed.

I followed suit while Dooku took the time to dawn a leather glove before knocking on the door. A robotic eye flew out of a whole in the wall appraising us both. It sucked back in and the door opened.

Inside were two Echani Sun Guard guarding the door. Their golden helms no doubt masking their bright features. That was the first major red flag that I wasn’t here to meet Sifo-Dayas. The interior beheld a striking sight compared to the exterior. Carved wood tables and a bar with fancy crystal liquor bottles lining the wall behind it. A copious amount of red and white trim. It looked like the star wars version of a speakeasy.

“This way,” Dooku gestured as he took off the glove and stowed it. I followed him. There were more Sun Guards flanking a set of stairs that must have led to a VIP room of sorts. I was impressed and wondered briefly if the Republic had a Prohibition phase at one point in the last thousand years.

I sensed ahead of me as I climbed the stairs and found not a trace of a force presence. This began to worry me somewhat. Hiding force signatures was a Dark Side ability that Sidious flaunted in front of the Jedi for years.

So, the Sun Guard, and lack of force presence gave me almost a certain picture of who could be in the room at the top of the stairs. My curiosity saved me from the abject fear I should have felt wondering why he wasn’t in seclusion on Sojourn?

“Who was this friend you mentioned?” I spoke up for the first time since we arrived on this level. despite the answer being fairly clear.

“An old friend who I kept in contact with over the years. He does not often make trips away from his work.” I suddenly wished I was there to meet the politician, not the banker. I dared not even think of their true names in my head for fear of my thoughts lighting a bonfire in the Force. I was sure that was not how it worked, but better safe than sorry.

“What made him venture out of his bubble if he is such a recluse?” I asked.

“I don't know. This trip was entirely out of nowhere.” Dooku said more to himself. The door at the top of the stairs opened and it led into a beautiful dining room. It made the lower lounge almost look bland in comparison.

There was a short yet tall table for six in the middle of the room. Next to it stood a droid, an older medical model. 11-4D if I recall. That was the third and final clue, not that I didn't piece it together already.

Shit. I was in it so bad I was mentally cursing in English for a change.

“My master will be with us shortly,” It announced. “In the meantime take a seat.”

“Indeed.” Dooku pulled out a chair for me. I nodded and sat thanking him.

He then sat opposite of me while Ol’ Hego most likely would be sitting at the head of the table.

“This place is quite something.” I said looking around. “Such a strange place for a Lounge.”

“It is certainly that. I know little of the history of places like these. Our Host no doubt found this place in his dealings.” Dooku posited.

“It was bought from a retired gangster.” A low rumbling voice with a metallic edge to it announced. “He had little use of it as his days trying to court the rich and powerful were in the past.” I looked to see a tall and lanky Muun wrapped in green silks. He was hooded and wore a breathing apparatus. Despite this, he moved with an easy grace that belied his injuries.

I did my best not to show any fear or knowledge of who he was. I reached out and force probed aura or lack there of knowing I would find nothing. I had to act as a Jedi would when meeting someone new. Damask would suspect something amiss if I didn't try or worse, would think I was lazy. Neither was an option.

“Damask, it has been awhile.” Dooku said with a respectful nod.

The tall muun sat down.

“Indeed old friend.” the Sith Lord said. “I don’t often get out much these days.” He looked over at me. I did my best to not flinch or look away, and to hide my fear knowing what he could do.

“You must be Luminara… Unduli correct?” He asked.

I nodded, “Yup.” Was all I managed to say with a polite facade.

He continued. “Ah, Dooku has mentioned you. “I am Hego Damask of the IBC.”

“Always a pleasure to meet a friend of Dooku’s.” I said politely. The Muun inclined his head.

“I will admit, it piqued my curiosity to hear of another Jedi who seeks to pull their order out of stagnation as Dooku alluded.” The Muun said.

“Well I…” I said, trying not to allow a nervous blush. It was the way he said it. So straight forward and in a tone that suggested that he was impressed enough that I couldn’t really rebuff it or risk breaking an illusion Damask himself had created. “I am hoping that they will realize the error of being so closely tied to the Senate and perhaps go back to the older days of being more spread out and following the Force’s will.”

I could tell that Dooku didn’t quite approve of my stance. Again he was a reformer but not so in a way that would see him as a hermit in a mud hut handing out wisdom to any schmuck that crossed his path. I elaborated.

“What I mean is that we used to have enclaves all over the Galaxy. It allowed us to branch out and help those in the majority of Republic held space at our discretion. With so much uncertainty and chaos brewing in the Outer Rim. It is crucial we allow ourselves to actually be the Knights we claim to be.” I sensed that my elaboration seemed to appease Dooku, and Damask leaned back deep in thought.

I shifted focus briefly to 11-4D. Shame I didn’t bring a datapad and a spike. If I had managed to get alone with the Droid, I could stun the droid with ionize and copy his data. The Droid was the best witness one could ask for. Though there would be a window which would act as the perfect opportunity in the future. Again provided I didn’t kark things up timeline wise. I dared not think of it anymore with Damask present.

“Noble, but would that cause more trouble than not. Many in the Outer Rim are not used to such oversight. There would no doubt be pushback. Your way may cause a lot of conflict.” Damask stated.

He posed it as a mere statement of fact, but I sensed the underlying threat. I had a feeling if the Council did reestablish an enclave. It may be harassed and even have a rock dropped on it from orbit by “very well informed pirates”. Luckily I had no intention of broadcasting the location of such an enclave provided I got any say.

“Of course it wouldn’t be a walk in the park.” I continued. “One would have to take the time to feel out the players in the area and deal with them accordingly. Routing out pirates and smugglers would be a boon to many business ventures to have free and open trade routes.” I had tried to sound like I was throwing a bone to Damask. “There is no doubt a lot of work to be done before such an idea can be implemented.”

“Words are often where many stop. I am glad to see you are considering the matter beyond that.” Dooku said and took a drink of his wine. I took another sip as well. I had been thinking about it quite a bit actually. If my enclave reestablishment didn’t fall though, I would most likely hire Jango and the Protectors to at least patrol hyperspace lanes and root out pirates. That is if the Mandos were even going to be set up in such a way or Damask hired them first.

Damask raised his glass, “Here, here. I knew I was right in having Dooku bring you here. It has been enlightening to see that while I have many disagreements with the Jedi. That the Jedi themselves find the state of their involvement in the Republic to be a form of shackles from which the Jedi themselves must break.” Did he just insert the Sith Code in his little compliment? Of course he did. I didn’t react and simply nodded respectfully.

After that, Dooku and Damask spent a great deal of time chatting idly about many different happenings in the Galaxy. They brought up the beginnings of the Huk War. Something I had no idea how to prevent at this point. I couldn’t leave Coruscant without smuggling myself out and I didn’t want to antagonize the Council anymore unless it was really important. I wanted to go to check on that old space station. Something I should have done a while ago. Even with all the goodies the pirates had squirreled away, I needed to be certain that Terentatek was truly dead. I wanted to be sure. I needed to be sure.

There were so many easy things to overlook in the grand scheme of things. It is one thing to look at the timeline and plot out a course. Another to actually live our life in between those points while still trying to stay on track. Not to mention actually doing something about that event. I got lucky at Galidraan, and it nearly bit me in the ass at Troiken.

Speaking of Troiken, I heard “The Huntress,” was still out and about. Despite being Dar’manda and Deathwatch, she was still spitting the face of the True Mandos it seems. She got a new arm too. She was becoming some sort of Reverse Jango in this timeline. Next thing I know she’ll end up being the template for the Clones. I couldn’t help but laugh mentally.

Then Damask turned the conversation toward the force. Which I started to really pay more attention to.

“Though I am vastly ignorant of the Force’s mysterious nature, unlike the Jedi. I do find my curiosity has peaked.” He looked at me. “Dooku has mentioned that you have become proficient in an ancient technique. Some sort of Battle Focus?” There he was pretending to know jack shit about the Force. I mean if I didn’t know he was a Sith, then I might have believed him.

“Battle Meditation,” I corrected. “It allows me to link with many individuals and direct them as one coherent force.” I also saw that he purposely got the name wrong so I would have to correct him and explain further. Smart.

“A powerful ability indeed.” Damask nodded. “Though it seems like there is little use for this era.”

“Never say never,” I smirked, “Besides, that is no excuse to drop the art. Once a farmer has the crop harvested, do they not spend the following winter preparing to sow once again the moment the snows thaw?” I stated rhetorically.

“A wise course indeed.” Dooku agreed. I figured he would approve as his preferred fighting form, Makashi was all but extinct, say for a few practitioners in the order including myself. Many in the order thought it was dated and there was no need for it. Damask nodded wisely conceding my point. I should add that I think Damask purposely set himself up for that small loss to further test my outlook. Sneaky Sith Lord.

“May I ask what brings you back to Coruscant?” Dooku said.

Damask turned to him. “Some business I had to be physically present for. Truly a rarity these days. Even in my self-imposed exile my work is never done.”

“Such as things often are.” Dooku agreed. “Now if you’ll pardon me, I will be back momentarily, I have to take a call.”

What! My thoughts went crazy. Don’t leave me alone with the Sit- Banker! I smiled nervously at Hego when Dooku left the room.

He canted his head politely. I took a drink.

“So from what Dooku has told me you have a surprising grasp of the Force for one so young.” He said.

He seems to tell you a lot. I thought to myself while I considered an answer.

“I just…” I paused trying to come up with a good answer. “Found out the hard way that the Force is not finite unless you allow yourself to believe such. It has its own will to be sure but so long as we use our ability to direct it in the general direction it wants to go it will be your greatest ally.” That got the first true reaction out of him. Damask didn’t believe the Force had a will of its own. So I sensed a small amount of irritation from him. “There was a time I felt I could only do so much with it. It was after Troiken that after nearly dying that I figured things out. It was like a flood gate opening. When I accepted that I could do anything with the Force, things felt clearer.”

“This clarity gave you access to your Battle Meditation powers?” Damask asked.

“No, that was at Galidraan. It did allow me to expand my sphere of influence with that ability however.” I said.

“Galidraan, is where the Jedi were nearly duped if I recall.” Damask said changing the subject. What was he after? Also is that how the media portrayed that whole affair? Not The Jedi were able to parse out the lies of a corrupt Political leader and a terrorist group? Never thought I would feel such urgency to establish a small counter-media empire more than now.

“Yeah, Jango and the True Mandalorians would have nearly been wiped out were it not for cooler heads prevailing.” I said.

“This Jango. What is your appraisal? Surely this legendary warrior the Mandalorians call King or some sort of chieftain could not be so formidable.” Damask asked with a heavy curiosity.

“You want my honest opinion?” I asked. He nodded. “From what I’ve seen, Jango is the best non-sensitive warrior in the galaxy. He is dangerous and possibly able to kill even Jedi if he had the drop. Not one to underestimate. It also tells you a lot that the Deathwatch had to use guile to try and defeat the True Mandalorians by forcing them into conflict with the Jedi.”

“That is much of what I have heard about him as well.” Damask agreed.

“Are you planning on hiring him? I am pretty sure he is preoccupied with running the Mandalore Sector these days.” I asked.

“It is always wise to ascertain a possible future business associate. His people may be available for certain contracts for my clients.” He said.

Or to ferret out the best human candidate for a clone army. I nodded.

“Understandable,” I said. We sat in silence for some time.

I took a few small bites of the dish in front of me. Some sort of fish.

Dooku returned a little later.

“It seems we must cut this dinner short. My apologies.” Dooku waved me along. Oh, thank the Force.

I got up. “It was nice to meet a friend of Master Dooku’s.” I said.

“Indeed, may you find success in your ventures.” He said plainly. Though it felt like he was smirking under that respirator.

I simply nodded and gave a small bow. We departed soon. I didn’t dare speak until we were in the transport.

“Interesting fellow. Not the most moral, but his insights and attitude provide a surprising contrast.” I said while mulling over the conversation.

“I thought you would find this encounter interesting.” Dooku said. “He often has a knack for poking holes in Jedi dogma. Something you will see as time goes on. He restrained himself this time. What did you speak of while I was away?” he asked.

“Not much, he wanted to know about Mandalore’s new leader. I think he had some interest in looking for bodyguards for a client or something.” I said a bit dismissively.

“Yes, it is still unclear what the Mandalorians will do. Regardless, I was glad to have introduced you both. Damask has always been an enlightening individual to converse with and I suspect he may contact you in the future from time to time.” Dooku said easing the speeder into the Temple landing pad.

“You didn’t introduce me to him just so he doesn’t pester you as much did you?” Dooku got a smug expression on his face.

“Hardly,” he said with a mock offense. I rolled my eyes.

“Well, it was nice to see you again.” I said. He exited the vehicle. I did the same.

“Likewise. I would leave you with some advice.” he said. I listened. “It would be wise to appear to temper that fire a bit more. You are walking on thin ice as it is from what I can gather. There are a few on the council that think you should have your lightsaber taken and you shoved off into the service cores.”

“I take it that Master’s Rancisis and Windu aren’t the only ones in favor of this action.” I said.

“It is split down the middle. However, the Grandmaster is adamant you be trained.”

“Part of me thought he would be in agreement with the ones who wanted to kick me out.” I admitted. “He is always so grumpy around me.”

“He has always been grumpy.” Dooku said with a hint of amusement. Right, he was Yoda’s last padawan.

“Well take your word for it. Thanks for the heads up.” I said. I bowed and he returned the gesture.

We parted ways. The day was at a close. I decided to get some meditation in before going trying to get some sleep. I almost didn’t sleep. The day's events were truly a roller coaster of surprises.

Chapter Text

36 BBY or 964 ARR (3 years before Yinchor)

Spheres of various different shapes floated slowly about the training room. They didn’t move all that quickly, simply floating along. They weren’t the true focus of my day. I was practicing something Master Tal’or taught me extensively. Telekinetic control.

Any Jedi could float spheres of various weights and open locks all they want, but fine tuned TK could be even more deadly. Disassembly of a blaster in someone’s hand, holding in the atmosphere from hull breach, disallowing the molecules to individually escape an airlock, and in the case of dark siders, crush specific organs or close off blood vessels in an organism's body. Hence why my concentration was focused on the model I was building, not the floating spheres. They were more for practice for mind partitioning than anything. Wouldn't be long before I could do the floaty extra lightsaber thing like Revan or Kreia.

It was a model of the Ebon Hawk. I only had about 5% done within the interior of the frame. It was tedious. Building the ship in pieces and locking them together would have been easier. However, holding the entire frame together was part of the exercise as well. I had wanted to make a Halo from Combat Evolved, but alas, no one would get it.

I, myself, was floating too, because why stop there? I sensed a presence approaching. From what I could gather, it was Plo-Koon. He had someone else with him. It was Windu.

Oh, what now? I thought to myself. I couldn’t remember if I had done anything wrong in the last week or two,

I opened the door as they got close.

“Masters,” I said, standing up from my floating meditation. The spheres stopped and parted for them to walk past.

“Knight Luminara. Apologies for ending your mediation and the work on your… project.” Windu said, unsure whether or not to deride the idea.

“No, it’s fine. I was running low on crates and storage containers to place in the interior anyway.” I sent the spheres around the edges to the exit of the room where they slowly dropped to the floor, well out of the way.

Plo-Koon walked over to inspect the ship model. He seemed to look at it for a moment gauging its size. It wasn’t very big, only around half a meter in length.

“Yes, we are not here for a social call. The council has a mission for you.” Plo-koon was straight to the point.

“How can I help?” I asked.

Windu elaborated. “Have you heard of the Bloodtyde?”

I nodded, “They were a small Nikito based gang usually keeping to merc work and protection rackets in the Outer Rim.”

“They have increased the size of their operation in recent years since they started hiring non-nikito species. We believe they are in position of some items valuable to the Jedi.” Plo-koon said. “They were hired to protect an archaeological dig on a planet. We believe it was once home to an old Jedi Enclave. It was abandoned after Exar Kun’s forces overran it during the Old Sith Wars.”

“Hmm, this seems out of character for them. They almost never break contracts. So are they planning to sell the artifacts or hold an auction? Usually how it goes.” I said.

“From the sound of it they are going to sell it to a collector in the Outer Rim.” Windu said. That would make things harder. Such sales were harder to track. Auctions tended to allow for word to spread about the location and who was going to the event unless it was over holo. That was frowned upon due to lag however.

“Okay, then where was the location of the site?” I asked.

“We only know it was in the Auril Sector. Ancient Records show it was very important to the Jedi. In what way has been lost to history.” Windu answered. That is where Bal'demnic was located. There was a certain Sith Lord interested in that place for its vast array of Cortosis mines. This could give me a chance to expose that little operation. Bal’Demnic would make a poor trading point, but a well hidden one. It might not even be near there.

“I will leave immediately.” I bowed and began to leave. I was stopped by Plo-koon's voice.

“Luminara,” I turned and he gestured at my Model Ship. “Your project.”

“Right,” I said. I waved my hand and the ship broke apart into sections and landed neatly in the box I kept it in. I then called the box to my hands.

“I’ll drop this off by quarters, then leave immediately.” I said. Plo nodded and I bowed once more and left to go on the mission to the Auril Sector.

“Are you still mad?” Komari found herself asking Luminara while they sat in the small ship. The T-6’s fins rotated to a vertical position as it flew out of the Coruscant's atmosphere. Komari tapped her fingers impatiently on her knee while she waited.

Luminara said nothing, simply piloting the ship. Komari sighed seeing that Lumi had a false expression of serene calm on her face. Though Vosa could sense her girlfriend’s annoyance and irrational anger toward her, Komari made no attempt to say anything, simply letting the question hang in the air.

They sat in silence before Luminara put the ship on autopilot. Komari found herself irritated at the silence. Two days of this nonsense. She wasn’t going to apologize. It had to be done.

So Komari decided to play her own quiet game and began to meditate. If she knew the Mirialan well enough, which she was starting to. Eventually Lumi would get sick of her own game and-

“You shouldn’t have done that.” Komari opened one eye and raised an eyebrow. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Lumi frowning with her arms crossed. Komari couldn't help but smirk.

“Well, it had to be done.” Komari said, not giving ground. Lumi was used to having things go her way. Komari felt it was good to throw a spanner in the Mirialan’s day to day every once in a while.

“You could have given me a heads up. I could have-”

“Could have sat there obstinately while the complex's water reservoir drowned the apartment. You should be thankful for me having the foresight to get our stuff out of there. Or is it about my choice in new living arrangements?” It was Komari’s turn to go on the offensive.

Lumi looked a bit flustered. “No, of course not.” Komari rolled her eyes at the incoming “but”

“But doesn't it seem a bit much? I mean the lower 5000s seems a bit too conspicuous, doesn’t it.” Lumi asked.

“A little bit of style never hurts. More space, and storage. Not to mention the city gives more of a damn about maintaining the public works on the upper levels. You will grow to like it, I know it.”

Lumi sighed, conceding for now. “I was getting tired of the water dipping out of the ceiling. If I had known the level above had such poor maintenance. I would not have rented it out. It was still cozy.”

“Indeed, now let's discuss the mission. Where do you think they would make the trade?” she asked.

Lumi placed a hand on her tattooed chin and thought for a moment. Pulling up a star map on the sector she looked it over. “Well Murkhana would be too obvious. Chashima is out. Keead most certainly not worthwhile. Forscan is a maybe. Repea is too risky. Weytta is too close to Murkhana.” Lumi closed her eyes. Komari could sense her reaching out to the force for guidance. “Only one system that comes to mind. A backwater by the name of Bal’Demnic.”

“You are certain?” Komari asked.

“Well it checks all the boxes. Out of the way, a primitive populace, and most likely easily bribed officials as you find on many backwaters. There is also one spaceport on the planet. So the trade will be made in the wild.” Lumi said while combing over a good place for a trade on the planet's surface.

“You learned all this from Master Tal’or.” Komari asked. Lumi nodded.

“‘Criminals aren’t as complicated as you think’ He would always say. ‘Crafty to be sure. but ultimately they operate fairly simply.’ Now could you go over scans of recent seismic activity. It says the planet is known for unstable tectonic activity. They wouldn’t risk making the trade on unstable ground unless they are fools.” That was that. It took a day or two to get there. Hopefully they could make it before the swap.

Scan for any ship or shuttle signatures on the ground.” Luminara said as they entered the system. Komari took a brief moment to admire Lumi’s work ethic. Though it could be a bit grating at times getting her fellow knight to wind down every now and again. The last two days were proof of that. Lumi was doing that thing where she would start thinking to herself and getting a far off look as if running something past her eyes. Old Memories or something. Komari would sometimes try to break her out of it, but that would only annoy Luminara.

However, she did as asked. Not wanting to mess with her partner’s mood during a mission. Komari scanned the surface. It narrowed things down quite a bit. No doubt once Lumi finished her own scans. They would have a possible location for the trade.

“A lot of this all depends on timing.” Komari said, “If we even have the right planet.”

“It does, They could have beat feet out of the Auril Sector for all we know. The Bloodtyde no doubt would want to get rid of the cargo as fast as possible.” Lumi said before adding, “That and this feels like the place.”

Komari nodded as she piloted the ship into the space port. Choosing a landing pad enveloped the T-6 enough to not have it stick out. After landing, she was going to let Luminara take the lead here. Unless the trade was going to take place in some fancy mansion or some place of grand wealth or a sort of government office, she was out of her depth. Besides, it was fun watching Lumi work.

Much to my relief and a little bit of surprise. The Bloodtyde did show. It was then this sale that I knew was probably linked to Plagueis. I knew he would send agents to collect the artifacts at least.

We followed the Bloodtyde shuttle to the meeting point. It was an open cliff edge covered in green moss. There were two Nikito being led by a Rodian of all things. Strange for a formerly all Nikito gang. A third Nikito was hauling a large crate behind them out of the shuttle. The Rodian gestured around saying something about getting ready.

“I assume you want to see who they meet before jumping the sale.” Komari asked.

I nodded. We were hiding further up the cliff. The Shuttle we had was completely shut down to avoid detection. Both of us sat on a cliff not far from the exchange, using macronoculars. The exchange did happen. As a figure in brown smugglers get-up, hopped out of the shuttle. They were a kubaz. No doubt a third party intended to make the trade discreetly.

I sighed, “Damn, Third party. Buyer is smart enough not to show. Well we better get the artifacts at least.”

Komari nodded, and lept out Lightsabers ignited. “Drop your weapons and surrender. I am taking custody of the artifacts on authority of the Jedi Order. You will lay down your arms or I will have to take you in by force.”

I casually walked down the hill just out of sight, while Komari had their attention. Once I was in a flanking position I strolled out into the clearing. The box containing the artifacts was lifted and floated toward me.

“I’ll be taking that.” one of the big nikto guards tried to snatch it as it passed him. He grabbed and ended up desperately being dragged along with it. His feet dug into the rocky ground.

“No touchy.” I said. I pushed him off with a wave and he flew into the nearby shuttle. knocked out cold.

Letting the box float, I opened the box. I felt half the blasters being aimed at me. I rolled my eyes.

“None of that.” I snapped my fingers reaching out with the force. Everyone’s blasters immediately had their safeties click on and rip off, rendering it difficult to put them back into fire mode. This caused some blasters to outright fall apart in their hands. I could sense their shock while I finished opening the box.

Inside was nothing worthwhile, just rocks. I felt a sense of dread when I heard a familiar voice enter the clearing. I looked up to see a Mandalorian in deathwatch colors wave at me with an amused aura. Practically skipping into the clearing.

“I was expecting a Jedi to show up, but I am surprised and thrilled it was you. I know Mirialan’s love symmetry. Seems only fair when I finish my work.” She held up her new cybernetic arm. A vibroblade slid out. A memory of pain flashed behind my eyes. It was the same blade. I should've taken the whole arm back then, and her entire buckethead.

To say I was dancing close to the edge of the dark side was an understatement. My eyes narrowed and I reached out with the force to- grab at- at- nothing? I looked at the nikito gangers and other Bloodtyde members. I felt them just fine.

I looked back at the Deathwatch who was examining a tiny lizard clinging to her shoulder pad.

“Here I thought I was getting scammed. Well you turned out to be just what I needed, didn’t you?" she cooed at the little lizard.

My eyes widened as I realized what it was. A karking ysalamiri. A baby yes, but still a damn force muting lizard. Luckily it wasn’t full grown yet so the effect of the natural force dampening field they gave off wouldn’t be as great. I dare say the field would most likely be contained to the Bounty Hunter herself.

Well I considered how best to handle this. I looked up at Komari.

“I will handle Huntress. Take care of the Others.” I didn’t wait for a response. I reached out and tore off a section of a nearby shuttle. The small piece of debris hurled itself at Huntress. Specifically at the damn lizard. I felt my control on the debris slip away as it entered the field around two meters from Huntress.

The Bounty Hunter dodged with ease but realized quickly what I was doing. True to form, she pulled out her blasters in less than a blink and began firing. I deflected them with my lightsaber. I reflected all the bolts back at the damn lizard. Huntress quickly dodged her own shots. Her reflexes for a non-force sensitive were impressive.

This forced Huntress to change tactics and threw a charge of some sorts at me. I stopped it mid air. I was more than happy to throw it back when it exploded in a cloud of smoke, which filled up the immediate area. For safety’s sake I put up a bubble that kept it from getting near me. I still sensed life nearby so I partitioned my mind to check on the battle behind me. The Bloodtyde members were folding under Komari’s whirlwind of sabers. The ones that weren’t bunkered down due to lack of firearms. Or they were just smart.

I reached out sensing where the Bounty Hunter ran off to. There was no way she retreated so quickly. I did my best look beyond the smoke and chaos only for a damn jet pack rocket to fly out at me. It got closer than the smoke bomb did. I stopped the rocket mid-air and again it exploded. This time some of the meat of the explosion flew at me. I was confused as I knocked back a step. Was it some sort of a mid-air shaped charge? It had a sensor that trigger upon the halted motion and exploded forwards after the dead stop. Leave to the Mandolorians to come up with ways to annoy Jedi mid battle. Just glad there weren't ten of them.

I ignited my other saber as the attack I knew was coming nearly hit me. The Force died away, and with a sense of dread filling my stomach I rolled on instinct knowing she managed to close the gap with that little stunt. Some sort of screeching howl knocked me back, my sabers fell from my grasp. I fell back on my hand to hand training best I could. Losing access to the Force was skin to losing sight or hearing. My natural instincts were right and I was able to avoid that wretched blade, I fell back on my subspecies' natural agility and flexibility. It was best I could do to not be sliced up by that damn vibroblade. Huntress’ reputation was very well earned. She managed to kick me back with a feint.

I hopped up. Only to see the Mando lifting up a balster to point at my face.

“I only need one of you and you are far too much trouble.” Huntress fired. There was no way I could dodge this time. I tried to dodge in futility. There was something we both missed. That something was a shuttle. Not a piece, but the whole damn shuttle. Flung toward us and it hit Huntress as she fired. I felt the force return to my senses as the lizard was crushed first. Huntress shot still connected in my shoulder, her aim knocked off at the last second.

I grunted in pain as I was flung back. By the shot.

“Kark!” I growled as I immediately sat back up and called my lightsabers to me.

“Are you alright?” Komari’s voice was calm and professional, though with an undertone of fear for my safety.

“I can stand.” I said. I looked into her eyes seeing that she was indeed worried. She relaxed when I smiled. I slowly got up to my knees and surveyed the damage to my shoulder. It would heal.

“So did you get her?” As soon as I said the words we heard the sound of a starship taking off filled our ears.

A Mandalorian style fighter lifted into the air and burned into the atmosphere.

“How in the nine Corellian Hells did she survive that?” Komari asked.

I looked at the wreckage of the shuttle Komari threw at the Mando. I saw a crack in the mountainside.

“She got lucky.” I stood. “And she is smart enough to not test that luck any further it seems.”

“What’s that?” Komari pointed at something on the ground. I saw a gleam. Komari picked it up.

“They look like some sort of cuff. Very advanced.” She turned and when I saw them, I took a step back involuntarily. I had hoped to never see another pair of those wretched things again.

Komari saw my reaction. She seemed confused. I had to take a breath to calm my nerves and my emotions. The memories of the pain flooding back had to be squashed.

“You have seen this type of cuffs before.” She asked.

“I felt their sting at Troiken. They are designed for Force Users. They use a Kyber crystal to sense when a force user reaches out…” I had to tear my gaze away to finish and recover my composer. “They are hard to get off.”

“How did you manage it?” Komari asked as she moved to stand by my side. She placed a hand on my shoulder.

“I had to use tutaminus. Even that was hard. I didn’t know how much I relied on the force until they slapped a pair of those cuffs on. Of course I could have just broken my thumb and been out of them earlier.” I said.

“Good thing you did not. These cuffs have a compressed foam lock. They would auto-adjusted to the difference in space and tightened down harder. Breaking a thumb wouldn’t have done much.” Komari said, looking at the cuffs.

That made me feel a little better about shocking myself over and over all those years ago. I gave a light nod. “We better call the authorities to deal with the bloodtyde.”

It was while loading the criminals on the remaining shuttle that we found the ore. Corotosis, apparently capturing Jedi, wasn't the only thing this little meetup was about. Komari went to inform the council. When I was alone, I pulled out my burner communicator and made a call. It was a calculated move, but I couldn’t risk the Sith being outed too early. Who knows where they would hide. Damask Holdings owned the majority of the mines on this world.

I was connected to a secretary, “Is Hego Damask busy?”

The secretary, a female Muun secretary said. She almost scowled, “Yes, may I ask what this was about?”

“Tell him a friend of Master Dooku wants him to know that it might be best to divest of the Bal'demnic venture before the Jedi look into the matter. They have been notified of the planet's unique mineral makeup. Please send it along.” I said, crushing the Burner with the Force. Hanging up before Komari returned from her own call. It wasn’t much, and I wasn’t certain the Secretary would do so. Hopefully dropping Dooku’s name was enough to get Damask’s attention.

“The local authorities will be sending out a team to take custody. I’ll drive us back. We’ll throw on a bacta patch when we get to the capital.” Komari said. “I don’t think the speeder we took has a good medkit.”

I nodded, and we left Bal’demnic behind.

…

I sat in the T-6’s small medbay for about an hour while Komari flew the ship out of orbit. I told her to watch out in case our Mandalorian friend decided to stay and jump us in space. It was doubtful. She was most likely in rougher shape then I was.

My shoulder wound wasn’t as bad as it could have been. Still I didn’t want Komari to fuss and I applied the bacta patch myself after cleaning out the wound with antiseptic. .

She entered not a moment later.

“Oh I see you already dressed the wound.” Komari walked over. She sounded disappointed. I rolled my eyes and let her examine it. Her hands were rough from hard combat training yet they still softly swept over the bandaged area.

“Not as bad as it looks.” I said, trying to comfort her worries a bit.

“The physical ones.” She said, and those icy blues stared up at me. I found I couldn’t hold her gaze for long.

“It’s nothing.”

“If you say so,” Komari made no mention of it further and spoke no further. I hated when she did this.

“Troiken.” I finally muttered. “When I was captured, Huntress was the one to give me the scar. To be fair I was being a bit mouthy.”

Komari nodded as if that hadn’t changed much. I ignored that.

“She used that vibroblade to cut open my face. I should have grabbed the whole arm.” I growled. She was mildly confused for a moment at the last comment.

“She was the one to do that to you, If I had known, I would have-” I stopped her mid threat.

“What? Killed her in cold blood? Given into the darkness? Komari…” I grabbed her hands on my own. “Please don’t ever say that. Promise me no matter what, you will never cross that line even on my account.”

Komari smiled, but didn’t make that promise. I don’t think I could have done the same either as I held her gaze. I could see she knew that was well. She turned away, and pulled out the force cuffs, changing the subject.

“We will have to see what we can find out about these when we get back.” I looked at the damn cuffs. Komari continued. “Even if they are custom, they have to get those parts from somewhere.”

“If they are planning to capture Jedi, I think they might have covered that angle. Doesn’t hurt to check just in case.” I added.

“Precisely.” We heard the comm beep in the cockpit.

“I’ll get that.” Komari said. She left the cuff on the tray before she left.

I looked at the cuffs. I glared at it and pulled them over. They flew through the air and landed in my hand. I really looked them over. They were a newer design. Not as blocky as the older model. Whoever made these were improving their design. I did find a maker's mark of sorts. It looked like a Butterfly. If they had confidence enough to put that on there then it most likely was not a symbol that could be traced. I shook my head.

Who are you and what is your game? I wondered to myself.

Chapter Text

Here, have this.

Reviews and criticism are welcome.

Disclaimer: I don't own Star Wars.

35 BBY or 965 ARR (Two years before Yinchorr)

"Enjoying the party." Komari said in a quiet and comforting voice as she leaned over and wrapped her arm around my waist. Then she whispered, "If you have a glass then they won't notice your nervousness as much. So drink and relax. You look far too tense. Just not too much, you are quite the lightweight." She held out a glass of some fancy wine to me.

I rolled my eyes as I took it, mimicking the way Komari had held it. I took a drink. It had a very fruity jogan fruit flavor. The warm liquid did make me feel less nervous. I knew it would help, but I was never much of a drinker in both lives.

"Mmm," I took another. The music also seemed to add a comfortable ambiance. They had done mostly instrumentals to this point, but a zeltron lounge singer had taken to the stage and was singing a soft melody.

"Easy for you to say," I retorted. "Parties like these are your department."

Komari smirked and took a sip from her own drink. "Well, then stand there, look absolutely gorgeous, and let me do the talking." She held out an elbow and I snaked my arm through it. I couldn't have looked that good. Komari had me in a dark purple dress that showed way too much skin. You could see my ankles and neck, and I felt naked without my veil. My hair was done up in an asymmetrical style. It was embarrassing.

Of course I was a native born Mirialan so showing any amount of skin was a good way to get a sandburn. In contrast to my apparent awkwardness, Komari was a beacon of radiance. Her red dress was low cut, and hugged her frame in a way that drew many looks. I must have looked so plain in comparison.

"Okay got it. Now where is our target?" I covered my nervousness by getting down to business and trying to look over the crowd. I took another drink while I did so. Sometimes, I miss being 6'3" like in my old life. In this one I was barely 5'8" so the only way that I felt tall anymore was when the Grandmaster was in the room. Regardless, Komari nodded in a direction.

"Not as of yet, but it seems he is preparing for a speech." Komari indicated with a subtle sweep in the indicated direction. We passed an Enchani woman in a white dress, her insanely pale skin and white hair made her easy to pick out. She had an equally pale Enchani man holding her effects dressed in some sort of skintight bodysuit that showed off his physique. He had a choker that indicated he was all but enslaved much like many of their men were. She carried herself like a warrior and most likely was considering their culture. She eyed Komari's body devilishly as we passed. I glared, but she gave me a "What would you do about it?" look. Komari sensed my protective instinct.

"She has no idea what she would be in for if she tangled with you, my little Krayt Dragon." Komari's lip turned up into a smile.

"Little," I found myself scoffing.

"Don't worry, your height makes you… endearing." She winked, and I couldn't help but blush. Komari chuckled.

I decided to focus on the mission. The fact that I and even that enchani chick were allowed at this party was already strange.

"Is he going to address the aklay in the room?"

"I don't know. It seems to be what this party is about from what I could gather." Komari took another sip as she subtly scanned the room.

Our host, a Coruscant native went by the name of Den Al'thor. Other than being a quirky philanthropist, Den was not vocal about his views in public. He was an average sized human with a mop of brown hair lathered in pomade with a lighter skin tone, just shy of the pale most of the Coruscant elite boasted. He had a pencil thin mustache and dashing smile.

The band had just ended their song and the lead vocalist stepped back. Den took her hand and thanked her for coming. The Vocalist smiled and nodded before she exited stage. He stood before the mic. He cleared his throat and spoke.

"Hello again. I would like to thank you all for coming. I am sure that many of you have no doubt seen some new faces." Some looked around seeing the Zeltrons, Pantorans, and Mirialans like myself present. "I invited them here because they share the same outlook many of us do." He said slyly and continued. "So I will get straight to the point, I stumbled on an interesting paper the other day. He held up a datapad and read off the title. "The Human Race… I can already see the sneers, but I took the time to read it fully as even I was skeptical. The more I did so the more it revealed to me a truth. It revealed a disadvantage we have been blind to. Whoever authored this clearly saw it and wanted it to be discussed. That the idea of Near-Human, specifically regarding our species offshoots and sub-species should not apply. That we should embrace our distant brethren. For they highlight one of our species greatest strengths. Adaptability. They show us our species can conquer any obstacle and thrive."

He let his words sink in a moment. "Now for the real revelation. This paper points out that those who originally classified our offshoots in fact did so to divide our race. Not taking this paper at face value I did my own research. I did indeed find the authors of the nomenclature were setting to divide our species and its offshoots from the start. Because my friends, Human's make up more than half the population of the known galaxy." Again he paused for effect. "Now add in our subspecies." He said with a grin.

A voice called out from the crowd. It was an older dark-skinned man, with gray hair with some young tan-skinned human woman on his arm.

"Were not those distinctions made by some of the earlier supporters of our cause." The man said.

He seemed skeptical. I could see he was not purposely looking at the Near-humans present due to his own preconceptions. It felt like an act of sorts.

"Yes, Mister Hahgan," there seemed to be a hushed whisper at the name. "That is a good point, and I believe those distinctions were made in error. The text describes those that did make the distinction at the time and failed to recognize the origins of many. Considering various first contacts, much history of how they were transported to their worlds had transformed into myth and was intertwined in religion and folk tales. Whether it was Rakata interference or a colony ship of the pre-hyperspace Zhell." Den said, trying to assuage doubts.

The old man nodded, "Perhaps I am just too old and stubborn. However I would be remiss in dismissing the advantage this gives us." Den smiled. A look passed between them. I think this Hahgan fellow was a pre-planted doubter considering how easy he acquiesced. Komari's eyes widened in surprise, when she took a closer look at the old man. She leaned over and whispered.

"That is Torren Hahgan. One of the biggest hardliners of the Humanocentric movement. Not to mention a big name on his home planet of Eriadu." I looked at Torren again.

"Really, it did seem like he was playing the skeptic purposely." I gave Hahgen another look. He did seem pleased with himself. He could tell many in the room were taking his change of heart seriously.

"If he is on Den's side, this little change in humanocentric doctrine is all but a done deal. That or Den is on his side. It is possible he had Den throw this little party together," Komari seemed worried. I mean this was a big cause for concern. This small change could make the Empire stronger down the line. If it ever formed in the first place. The Empire could pretend it was still Alien friendly and not have to actually recruit true aliens. This wasn't good as near human recruits were the backbone of the Rebel Alliance.

"Do you know who wrote the paper Den mentioned?" I couldn't help but take another sip.

Komari shook her head and whispered. "It was published anonymously on the holonet, around ten years ago. Dooku thought the author had sought to divide the humanocentric community and it did… at first. It nearly fractured, but it held on barely. We thought it would be years before they bounced back."

"It does seem to have had the opposite effect… or possibly the intended." I took another sip. This stuff was good. Komari nodded.

"Ah, Ms. Alison Gunn was it?" A feminine voice drew our attention. I had picked the names for our aliases and couldn't help myself. The ol' Mass Effect fan I was. I was surprised I remembered anything at all outside Star Wars. I figured I might as well grasp at the memory while I could for the fun of it.

The woman in question was standing there with an amused, yet impatient expression on her face. I looked at Komari to see a dark-haired woman with piercing green eyes approach. She wore a bright blue dress that highlighted her dark skin. She was in her early thirties. She looked like a mere trophy wife, but her eyes were calculated.

"You have me at a disadvantage, Miss…" Komari said casually while offering a hand.

"Mrs. Al'thor," she said proudly as she lightly shook Komari's hand.

"Ah, a pleasure to meet you. Your husband's speech was very inspiring." Komari said.

"I see you have taken to my husband's point of view rather swiftly." She looked down at me with a forced smile. "Miss…"

I offered my own hand and responded. "G-Goto." I added a fake stutter. Well it wasn't really all that fake, but I rolled with it.

"Charmed, I hope you are enjoying the party." She smiled and took my hand as well. It felt like she didn't quite agree with her husband, but supported him nonetheless. That was the vibe I got. I couldn't gather which direction she didn't agree with him on was the issue. Still there was a hint of intrigue in her eyes. I took a drink in front of her. I hoped it would sell my cover and the drink was good. Really good. I should have another after this one.

"So what is it you wished to talk to me about. I am not one for discussing business at an event such as this." Komari said as she deftly grabbed another glass of wine from a passing waiter's tray and took a sip.

"For someone as young as you, that is a surprise. Most young associates of Den's like to get a foot in the door at these events. To be honest, I find it tiresome as well. However, I am told you are quite the procurer of various armaments." Mrs. Al'thor said.

"Nothing ruins the mood by discussing business while enjoying a good vintage." Komari said. The way she said implied she got the line for Dooku.

"Of course, but sometimes, allowances must be made." Komari led me as she followed behind the Party hostess. She stopped and offered various greetings to guests. Even that Haghan guy. Up close he wasn't as old as he looked, perhaps mid-fifties with graying hair. His Dark skin hadn't quite started to wrinkle yet. Then again, he seemed rich enough to afford the skin treatments in the Core Worlds.

We eventually ended up in a finely furnished back room. Mrs. Al'thor sat down primly at a table made of some wood that probably came from exotic locale in the outer rim.

"Your associate should go back to the party." There was an undertone of annoyance in her aura. Komari didn't react at all.

"She brokered much of the deal through the discrete channels we worked with. She stays." Komari pulled out a chair for me for effect and I sat down. Thanking her with a smile.

Miss Al'thor nodded, hiding her agitation rolling off her, but she hid it outwardly well enough. So she was more of a hardliner than her Husband then if my senses were anything to go by.

"Very good, now we have one more to wait on." It was then our target entered. She was a tanned skinned woman. She wore a black and red dress that had a large flower on the hip. She looked absolutely stunning with her hair tied back, with some sort of flower in her hair.

However it was her cybernetic eye that stood out. It was a very expensive one that just looked fake enough for someone to catch that it was fake despite mirroring her organic eye in its soft hazel color.

She was our target. She was wanted in connection to a murder of an official on Alderaan. We were sent to track down and bring her in.

"Ms. Loren, this is Ms. Gunn and her second, Ms. Goto." I sensed a faint recognition from Loren at the mention of our assumed names. This set me on edge and I took another sip. This stuff was getting to my head as I felt all sorts of fluttery vibes. Dammit, don't go overboard. I thought to my self.

"Pleasure," Loren said and sat down.

"Now Ms. Loren, I heard you and your little group were in need of weapons. Ms. Gunn here is an arms dealer. I wanted to introduce you both."

Loren nodded.

"Oh, you really can work miracles, Cal." I took another drink to cover any facial tells. I might give off. Damn, this wine was good.

"Just doing my part." Mrs. Al'thor said. "Now do you have the manifest of what you need?" Loren nodded and Miss Al'thor nodded. Our Hostess got up and left.
"I must tend to my guests."

Loren pulled out a datapad after Al'thor left. She slid it across the table to Komari. Komari deftly snatched it up and read it. She nodded before handing it over to me. I perused the list. It was your standard fair. Some Blastech rifles and pistols. Even a few Sorosuub force pikes. What really threw me off was the RPGs and explosives. It was enough for a small outfit. That and all of these particular models were some of the cheaper variants.

I handed it back to Komari. I gave her a nod. "Looks like you want to outfit an small army?" Komari said. I took the datapad again and looked through the list.

"A private security force." Loran corrected.

"B-bit on the cheapside." I commented with a fake stutter once again. I leaned into my nervousness, still looking at the pad. I looked at Komari nervously who nodded, and back to Loren quickly adding,

"W-what I mean is we could get you some b-better rifles if you wanted. P-Private Security generally likes to show off their professionalism through their armaments." These rifles were too basic for contractors.

Loran chuckled, "Well, we all gotta start somewhere. Especially after the minor shake up we just had in the outer rim." I wondered what the hell they could be talking about. The only thing I heard of any note going in the Outer Rim was the Techno union buying Salucimai. The Mandolorians were causing a ruckus, but that sounded like some sort of war game Jango was holding between clans in their space. That was about it, so this had to be a personal affair.

"Well, we can get these blasters rather easily. Question is? You have the creds?" Komari said.

"You deal in republic creds," Loran's voice was laced with skepticism.

"Of C-course we do." I said, "N-nothing-" Komari cut me off.

"What my second is trying to say is that dealing in hutt druggats is all well and great, but creds have their uses. Dealing in foreign currency is a fine way to draw attention. There's a time and place for Hutt money, but in the Core, do as the Core Worlders do." Komari smiled that infamous disarming smile.

Loran looked at Komari with a hint of recognition, and thought for a moment. I could sense that she knew Komari was right, but there was something else on the strange Merc's mind. Eventually, she nodded, "There is wisdom in that, we would want the weapons to be untraceable."

Komari rolled her eyes and shook her head in a matter that said "obviously." Loren blushed slightly in embarrassment. It was a stupid question.

Komari then threw her a bone. "It is always important to ensure such things are worked into the finer details. Now I am not one to pry, but why go through all the trouble to hire us. We are small. So why not go to the Core to buy weapons you could easily find in the outer rim?"

"Simply put, to avoid stings. And it never hurts to attend one of Cal's parties. Especially watching the Movement get its poodoo back together." Komari nodded. Loren was a believer or was she pretending to be in order to fit in at this party.

Komari shrugged, "This business is always a risk. We will get what you need. Now is there any other business you need."

"Nothing that can be discussed in future after we ensure you are not all talk." Loren said.

"Understandable," Komari chuckled dangerously. "Am I dealing with a group of idiots?" Loren looked taken aback.

"I-" Komari cut Loren off.

"You aren't after guns, you are after a patsy. I don't know why you need this shit, but damn are you going about this all wrong. Gun running is an art and all this" Komari gestured around her at the party and then held up the datapad. "is completely unnecessary. What are you really after? Are you some sort of cop? Because only they could be this obviously stupid. Don't get me started on the basic bantha fodder you want us to risk our lives for."

Loren grew a backbone. "I was taking an invitation from a friend and if I knew you were so insecure about running some cheap blasters then maybe you really are small time." Komari to her credit sputtered. Loren had given them an angle through an "insecurity" to play on. Komari relaxed a bit and played on Loren's preconception. She was good at this.

"Fine, We'll run your damn guns. Hardly worth the trouble." Komari took a drink. She leaned back. "To be fair, with all this pangantry, and flair, we expected a big job. I thought we were going to be getting paid to move disruptors or something just as exciting. So we just let go of that outburst and begin again properly." The false admission seemed to appease Loren and she relaxed until that last sentence was uttered and nearly spit out her drink. Komari said the last part so innocuously, but to Loren was a damn signal flare.

That clearly set off bells in the woman's mind, I could sense it. She looked at Komari with new eyes. Do doubt trying to see if Komari would give off any more hints as to whether we were as legit as we claimed.

Komari seemed too obvious to what she just said and how she said it. She hit a button calling for more drinks. Mine was getting rather low. I took another sip as Loran swept her gaze my way. I pretended to lose myself in the wine's flavor which wasn't hard to do. I wouldn't be able to stand if I kept this up.

"Well, I didn't expect to have the deal go down here of all places, but Cal tends to like finding the time to broker deals on the side when she can."

I decided to pry. "Sh- She p-part of your outfit?"

"No, just an acquaintance we met along the way." Loran continued to look at Komari with an odd sense. However, I refused to prod further. Loran seemed like she would have no doubt trained in force mind blocking technique and would pick up on the action.

"I know better than to prod in a client's affairs, but I can't help but assuage my curiosity somewhat. What exactly do you do?"

"Prepare for our war torn future of course." Loren took a drink of her own glass. That was cryptic. There was a knowing smile under her glass before she set it down. Komari being the phenomenal actress she was, smiled back mirroring Loren's.

"Sounds good for business." Komari held up her glass, "To our wartorn future then." I raised mine as well. Loren raised up hers.

"I will send you the drop location. Though perhaps we could meet to discuss more specific details later." Loren said with a knowing purr.

Komari smiled in kind, "I would like that." Though her smile was that of a predator knowing its quarry would come to them rather than the other way around. I would have been jealous if I hadn't known it was an act. Komari was almost too good at this. Loren picked up on my jealous look and gave me a smirk that made me want to reenact Plagueis' first kill where he choked some banker at a dinner table.

I noticed a shimmer in her eye. It was cybernetic. A well hidden one. She must be recording this for later. Hopefully our covers were solid enough to be maintained long enough for an arrest to go through. If the Murder in question hadn't been a senator's aid then the Jedi would never have been involved.

We arrived a day early for Komari and Loren's "unofficial meeting". We scouted out the location and decided to get a read on the location where we would meet. I was not in a good mood. Nothing was going to happen, I knew I was being overly concerned, but this irrational sensation was nagging at the back of my mind. Was I jealous? No, why would I be jealous of a murderer hitting on my girlfriend.

Well, possible murderer. Loren was wanted in connection to the murder. It didn't mean she had done it. Still, I am sure the authorities would find something to pin on her. Perhaps Solicitation. I was perched on a rooftop watching the whole as the Komari approached the door of what amounted to a spaceport motel. It was well maintained, but not so much to stand out really. I swear this was a setup. They had to know we were some kind of law enforcement.

If Loren was who I thought she was, then It had to be a given. I couldn't discount the possibility that I was just seeing what I wanted to see. If I were dropped into the body of a non-force sensitive, how likely would it really be that I would go out of my way to capture a Jedi and for what purpose?

I saw Loren casually walking along the sidewalk toward the door. Komari had walked back a bit and timed her arrival to coincide with Loren's arrival.

"Oh, fancy that," Komari moved in close to Loren. Loren for her part was not at all unnerved. I could sense her excitement from here. She was no longer in the fancy dress, instead wearing what looked like a some sort of smugglers get up. Not quite Han Solo but not far from.

"It seems our meeting here was fate." Loren moved in closer. Komari leaned down and kissed her. Komari was thoughtful enough to warn me that she might have to catch the target off guard. I expected something like this, but did she have to kiss Loren so hard? I shook my head.

The door of the motel hissed as it slid open and they practically fell inside. It slid shut and after a moment, I felt it, a hollow but brief void of life. The loss of life. What the hell. It had to be Loren, Komari's death would have been a whole lot more… loud. It wasn't long before I was commed.

"Ah, Kark! Lumi get in here." I raced to the back of the motel and Jumped through the bathroom window. I saw Komari standing over the bed. She was shaking her head. She looked at me. There was an annoyed look that masked a more concerned one as I entered.

"She just fell over after I started to question her." I walked over to the corpse. I noted the fake she sported seemed to have a blemish inside of it. I looked closer and sure enough, it was blackened on the inside.

"Some sort of ocular explosive. Did she say anything before… you know."

"She was going to. Her mind shields were all but down once I kissed her. She was going to answer me when." I looked at the woman once again. What kind of asshole would rig an eye of their fellow like this? One that didn't want the Jedi finding out what they were after.

I took a deep breath and dug my finders into the dead woman's eye socket.

"Woah, what are you doing?!" Komari shouted.

"I need to be sure." I ripped out what remained of the eye with a sickening crack. Its casing was still intact, but its small explosive didn't need to be a large one, especially inside the skull. I pulled it apart carefully. Sure enough. Inside was a blackened and fractured kyber crystal. I noticed a broken comm unlink. What really stuck out was the etched butterfly in the prosthetic eye's outer casing. Half of it was shaved off, but enough remained to identify it. They were watching and sacrificed their own when they found out the Jedi were on to them. Did Loren even know this was planted in her cybernetic eye?

I held up the bloody and blackened eye prosthetic for Komari to see.

She shook her head. "She was the only lead on the Alderaan case and now this. Just who are these karkers?"

I knew exactly what they were, and now I could confirm that there was more than one. My biggest fear was that they now assumed Komari was one of them as well. Then again they might reach out to her in the future if they didn't simply attempt to kill her. I had more than I started with, yet still not enough to find a lead. Loren couldn't be a ghost in the system. No, there had to be more trials to follow. They would go to ground again. They always did. Still, they would trip up at some point and I would be there to take them down.

Chapter Text

Late 33 BBY (Sometime after Yinchorri Rebellion.)

The heavy rays of Tatooine’s two suns beat down hard on Anakin’s neck as he worked in the junkyard behind the shop. Watto wanted him to check some of the junk he had just purchased for any possible gems. There were a few things. Personally Anakin wished he was there to see it first before the buy. Then again, Watto wouldn’t want Anakin there to upstage him, in knowing what to look for. A common occurrence his Master often feared from his own slave. So Anakin went alone if he ever had to make a purchase.

Despite being forced to work in the shop, Anakin liked working on machines. He was even building his own protocol droid for his mother. Still he hated the fact that he was here working for nothing. His lot in life couldn’t be any worse. Well it could be. His mother and him could still be owned by Gardula, he supposed. Watto was a better master than her at least from what he heard. He was still too young to remember the time under the Hutt. It was still a poor thing to hope for. That the next master was at least better than the last.

It wasn’t long before Watto closed the shop. It was earlier than usual today, but he didn’t question it.

“Hey Ani,” He turned to see both his friends approach. Both were slaves like him. Kitster and Wald. The human and rodian hailed him.

“Hey, I was just let off work.” Anakin said.

“Yeah we were too. I guess there is some impromptu Taras Kasi match tonight at the bar.” Kitster jerked his thumb over his head in the direction of the cantina. The Taras Kasi matches were relatively new. The Cantina owner was even thinking about building a proper ring for the fights. It also explained why Watto closed down the shop early. The flapping Troidarian had a bad gambling habit.

“I found some money, we could go bet on it.” Wald said in huttese. Anakin didn’t question how Wald found the money, but he didn’t feel like going to watch the fight.

“Maggy’s shop is still open. We could go get Ruby Bliels instead.” Wald also suggested.

Anakin shrugged, “If that is what you want to do with the money.” Wald thought for a moment and nodded.

They went to the shop. Luckily the owner was still there. He wasn’t going to the match but was getting one of his waitresses ready to try and sell some drinks to the Fight’s spectators.

Wald got their favorite drinks and brought them one each.

In the corner of the tavern was a black armored figure. Anakin and his friends had only just become acquainted with. She was a bounty hunter who based herself out of Mos Espa in the last month. Anakin didn’t know much more than that. She was willing to help folks who didn’t usually get the help they needed on the side at least. And no one messed with her. Some had tried and ended up eating sand from what he heard. Anakin was surprised that she wasn’t at the fight. Word was she suggested the idea to the barkeep in the Blue Brubb. Despite her severe nature, he felt a sadness radiating somewhere off her at times. It was difficult to explain how he knew.

She lived out of a house she rented for the most part. Anakin found her intriguing. He quickly looked away when her black helm looked directly to him. He wanted to shrink away when she stood and walked over to him and his friends. She leaned down and looked right at him.

She looked at the others quickly, dismissing their presence, before looking back to him.

“Are you that human kid that drives pod racers?” She asked.

Anakin nodded nervously. “Yeah, that’s me.”

“Hmm,” was all she said. She looked at Anakin. He seemed to feel her curiosity before it was suddenly snatched away. It was strange, no one had ever done that before.

“You should trust those instincts you got more. Especially in the heat of the moment and no one will beat you in a race again.” She said and looked back at the barkeep. “Get them another of whatever drink they’re having.” She threw enough money down next to them to equal another drink. If the Barkeep wanted the money he would have to bring the drinks. His friends didn’t question the weird encounter. They only seemed happy to get another bliel. After all, everyone knew he raced for Watto.

She left without a word. Anakin still had no idea what was going on, but he couldn’t help but feel shaken. How did she know about his instincts? It was unsettling. Other than that, what did she mean? He felt there was more he could learn. Anakin wanted to learn more, he felt he had to. He quickly drank the extra bliel she bought for them before telling his friends he had to go.

He decided to spy on her place after his friends went to go see the fighting match. It was a cheap little place. Made of the same white pueblo as every other building. It wasn’t all that remarkable of a building. He would have gotten closer but a shadow cast on him from behind. He looked back and the black armored figure was standing there.

“You know you have a knack for skulking. Though I guess I should have figured you would seek me out. That’s what I get for being all weird and cryptic.” Bellicose said.

“I-” he started but she cut him off with a casual wave of her hand.

“No need. You meant no harm. Don’t you have to go home. Your mother is most likely worried about you.”

“I guess,” Anakin knew she was right, his mother would be if he wasn’t home by the curfew. Something drove him to ask. “How did you know I was out here… and about the other thing you mentioned?”

The way the hunter tilted her helm he could tell she was raising an eyebrow.

“You aren’t the only one with good instincts, Kid.” She walked past him, entering her domain.

What did she mean by that? He wondered.

The hunter stopped just before her doorway and looked back.

“You know unless a job pops up, I usually don’t have much to do. If you have time I could show you a thing or two about refining that instinct.” She asked.

Anakin was intrigued. That feeling he got during races could be improved. How could he say anything but:

“Sure.”

A few months later.

It was about a few months into the training, Anakin suspected Bellicose of being more than a mere bounty hunter. On the surface she had the feel of one. To one without his instincts, that is all they would see. To him she had grown into a beacon of hope and a teacher. However she had to yet explain what she was hiding.

He had the desire to attempt a search of her little shack many times. He knew he could disable the basic security it had. Well basic for him anyway. He was good with machines. It was why a Junk Dealer like Watto valued him, no, his ability so highly. He didn’t want to risk her kicking him out.

She encouraged his tech expertise to a great degree. Even showing him he could connect with his instinct while he worked on things. It was something he could practice while at work. A great thing for him to utilize and it also seemed to improve his productivity.

It wouldn’t be long before everything changed. Before Qui-gon and Padme showed up. Before he won the Boonta Eve Classic with ease thanks to Bell’s training. It was on the ship going to Coruscant, that he learned all of what he had been taught had been Jedi teachings, shortly after the man in the black robe nearly ran him over.

He wanted to feel angry, but he couldn’t Bell- well Luminara had been very helpful. She even placed a bet on him in the race and won a huge pot. Enough to pay off Watto’s debts in exchange for freeing his mother.

He sensed her approach in the doorway. Padme, the most beautiful girl he had ever seen, just left. His mother was not far, mostly looking out the viewport on the other side of the room. She looked like she still couldn’t quite believe she was no longer on that dustball.

Luminara leaned in the doorway still clad head to toe in armor. The helmet hung at her waist now as well as two laser swords. She wore some kind of large wide veil on her head that hung down to her shoulders, outlining her slightly scarred yellow-green features. It looked like the scar had been much worse but healed over time.

“You mad?” She asked.

“No, but I feel like I should be.” Anakin huffed.

“It is perhaps a little warranted. I feared if you knew what I was teaching you, you would get a big head and get cocky.” She said as she walked over and sat down next to him. “Last thing you needed was to try and reach for power you weren’t ready to handle.”

Anakin nodded though still with a frown. “I wanted to thank you for not leaving my mother behind.” He said.

“Yeah, it was the least I could do for you helping out Qui-gon and the others.” Luminara said.

A thought occurred to him, “Why were you on Tatooine? It seems like an odd place for a Jedi to simply live.”

Luminara sighing, “Truth be told, I was following the Force’s direction. Actually practicing what I preached for once.” She chuckled to herself. “I just needed to get away from Coruscant for a bit after Yinchor.” She placed a hand on his shoulder. “You better stick close to your mother as long as you are able.”

“Why?”

“You won’t be allowed to see her much if at all when you start your official training. Something, Something, no attachments. Qui-gon will explain it better. However, I will ensure that she has all she needs, and visits in the future might be allowed..” Luminara said. She stood. “I better get going.”

She left the room and it wasn’t long before he got up still holding the blanket and went over to his mother on the other side of the room. She smiled and patted the seat next to him. He sat and readjusted the blanket Padme gave him. They didn’t speak, but stared out into space. Watching and knowing they would never have to go back to Tatooine again.

I found myself mulling over my time on Tatooine. I found it ironic that soon after I promised myself to not alter the timeline further, I still ended up on Tatooine of all karking places. Part of me wished that I kept going and got on a transport to the unknown regions. However I stayed and watched young Anakin from afar.

I still couldn’t quite grasp why I decided to start training the kid. Then again I think it was due to frustration. His presence in the force was mind bogglingly strong. I should have expected it, but it made it difficult to sense others in the area. I hadn’t been the most low profile of Mos Espa residents. There were a few enemies that I wanted to not get the jump on me. The kid also needed to learn some proper Force etiquette at the very least.

“The Hero of Yinchor returns to the order at last.” Looking up from my contemplation, I saw Obi-wan sit down across from me. That's what they called me now? “The Hero of Yinchor.” I mean I did point out it had a secret fourth moon and that made the battle the Jedi fought a lot quicker by taking out the Yinchorri commanders straight away.

“I never truly left.” I said, doing my best to carry the conversation forward.

“I could see that. It seems you found a padawan in your travels.” he said.

I sighed, “Temporary. I don’t think I would be the best teacher for the kid.”

Obi-wan nodded, uncertain of whether or not to agree with me. We were both quiet for a bit.

“I am sorry about Komari,” he said. “I heard you and her were good friends.” Obi-wan said. I stiffened, not wanting to remember details of Yinchor.

I managed a small nod. I didn’t want to talk about that day or really think about the last five years prior to my time on Tatooine in general. It hurt too much.

“How have you been these last few months?” I asked.

“It wasn’t the most straightforward mission. Master Qui-gon and I were sent to Mandalore. Nothing out of the ordinary happened. We were just there to oversee some things and make sure old treaties weren’t being broken. Apparently, a young Mandolorian woman accidentally activated an old basilisk war droid while on a hunting trip to one of their moons. The senate sent us in order to be sure that it truly was an accident. It was from what I could tell.”

“Who was this young woman?” I asked curiously. I was drawing a blank as to who it could be.

“Some ward of Jango Fett. A hostage is a more apt description. Satine Kryze was her name.” Obi-wan said. “She was very…uhm,,, forward.” He blushed when I raised an eyebrow.

While I felt some amusement at Obi-wan’s obvious attraction and uncomfortableness at the thought of the Mandolorian, I wondered if Satine herself changed due to the war ending early and being raised by Jango and the True Mandolorians as a ward. This Satine sure sounded a lot more fun. If she did embrace the SuperCommando codex, Obi-wan will surely not have seen the last of her.

“Well just be careful, Mandalorian women often have a hard time taking no for an answer.” I smirked, and got up to leave. My mood uplifted at seeing Obi-wan begin to worry about unjedilike things for a bit. In the meantime I had to have an overdue talk with Qui-gon.

I found him just outside the Queen's Throne room. “Master Qui-gon.”

“Knight Luminara,” Qui-gon said with a smile. “You show up in the oddest of places and with a new padawan.”

“It is not official yet, but yes, sort of. I wanted to talk to you about that.” I said.

“Is this the part where you suggest I take on the boy since I am a master and would be more appropriate due to my vast wealth of knowledge and experience.” I held up a finger and lowered it. This wasn’t exactly how I thought this would go.

“Not exactly like that. Well maybe. It is just that you do have had more experience with unconventional Jedi teachings. I spent most of the last decade cooped up on Coruscant. You have been out in the galaxy discovering or rediscovering aspects of the force the Jedi take for granted. So I guess yes, I do think you would be the better teacher, but not because I want to pawn him off. I want the boy to have the best teacher he could have.” I said, trying to make my case.

“The Force led you to him, did it not. The way I see things. You have already been chosen.” That is a good point on his end. Though I am still unsure if it was my subconscious former memory reekshit or the force guiding me to Tatooine after Yinchor. It was not my fault that the transport I grabbed sent me there. Should have checked the destination. However, looking back, caring about my destination was the last thing on my mind at the time.

Qui-gon continued, “I understand your reservations. He will be the first Padawan that you have taken on. It can be quite daunting the first time. Rest assured, I will be available for advice regarding matters the Jedi aren’t ready to accept. The boy is the most powerful force sensitive in the galaxy. I believe he may be the one the prophecy spoke of.”

I nodded. “I think you may be right.” I took on a more serious expression. “I don’t think we should tell a soul, say for Obi-Wan.”

“Why is that, the Council must see the boy.” He said, surprised at my suggestion.

“The Sith. He was following the Queen, no doubt. If they have finally made themselves known or restarted their cult under our noses. Would shouting to the whole galaxy that we found the Chosen One be a good idea? They would target him or worse, seek to corrupt him. Not to mention the pressure that would be placed on Anakin to fulfill such a role.” I watched Qui-gon think.

“I think you are wrong in this. As powerful as he is they would not dare harm him like they would you or me. They would do all they can to take him, but he would be safe from assassination.” He said.

“One could argue that to fall is a death of sorts.” I countered.

“One in which an individual’s soul may be resurrected from.” He said. “We all have our part to play, and even if no one outside us knows, the enemy may draw their own conclusions regardless.”

I sighed, conceding the issue. I had hoped to avoid the announcement of Anakin’s status. Qui-gon did make a good point. If we didn’t tell the Jedi and we both ended up dead, then he was as good as the Sith’s.

Qui-gon rested a hand on my shoulder and looked me square in the eye. “After Yinchor, I understand that losing a friend is hard, even for a Jedi. In a way her passing led you to the here and now. I sympathize, but perhaps it was a necessary step to your path. The Force is too vast an entity to express its thoughts to us at times.”

I nodded, “I understand. I will need to figure this out as I go then.”

Qui-gon smirked, “As we all had to at one point. Now I have business with the queen.”

We parted ways and I nearly ran into Jar Jar not far down the hall. I turned around not wanting to deal with the gungan. I managed to keep contact with that walking irritation to a minimum and I would rather it stayed that way. I found it was wise to avoid things that would end up driving me even more toward the road of insanity.

Chapter Text

“No.”

“No?”

“We are not playing this game.” Windu retorted, his voice laced with an undertone of annoyance. There seemed to be a sort of uneasy tension in the High Council Chambers as the four of us. Qui-gon, Obi-wan, Anakin, and myself stood there in the middle of the room. I had time to change out of my bounty hunter gear while I waited for Anakin to be tested by the Council.

“May I ask why then?” I said, resisting the urge to roll my eyes.

“Too old, the boy is.” Yoda said. I knew this was coming, yet I still found it frustrating.

“You must see he is the chosen one.” Qui-gon interjected as he put his hands on Anakin’s shoulder’s for emphasis. I had to take a moment to just stop and ponder the deja vu of this whole situation. I found the need to do a quick scan around the room for cameras all of a sudden. There were none, but I couldn’t help myself. I saw Plo-koon look at me quizzically so I stopped messing around. Then I saw Anakin looking at me with a question on his lips.

“Not now.” I mouthed quietly. Anakin looked like he had no idea what was going on. I wouldn't have either at that age.

“It doesn’t matter, the boy is not to be trained and we directly forbid Knight Luminara from taking him as a padawan.” Windu looked right at me when he said that. It was almost like he didn’t like me.

I restrained the urge due my usual snarky thing. Right now wasn’t the best time to be antagonistic. It wasn’t my own ass on the line here.

“Since when has the council been so particular about who a knight takes as a padawan.” Qui-gon said, coming to my defense again. “She was led to the boy by the Force. You must see that.”

“Never clear is the Force’s will.” Now Yoda sounded agitated at that. He wasn’t as strict as Rancisis or Windu, but he was no Plo-Koon or Yaddle either. Qui-gon claiming the Force’s will would no doubt make even him lean toward Windu’s position on this matter.

“Then I will take the boy as my padawan learner. As a fellow Master you cannot dictate who I take as a padawan learner like you can with Luminara.” He looked at me. I nodded slowly in approval showing I was okay with the decision. Something I had not wanted initially, but I had just gotten mentally prepared for the prospect of taking Anakin on. So it was kind of a let down.

“Already have padawan, you still do.” Yoda said.

“The code forbids a second.” Windu concurred.

“Then I would like to submit Obi-wan for the Jedi Trials.” Qui-gon said. “He is ready, and has been for some time.”

I nodded in agreement, but didn’t say anything. Windu and Yoda looked at eachother. They were powerless. I sensed an undercurrent of unease as many saw Qui-gon as pushing Obi-wan too early. Luckily. Obi-wan was practically a knight at this point and would pass the trials with ease.

We were dismissed and the Council adjourned their session. Qui-gon and Obi-wan went to speak on their own. Anakin stuck by my side. Masters Plo-Koon and Yaddle approached.

“It is good to see you return to the Temple.” Plo said.

I bowed my head slightly to the two masters. Anakin awkwardly followed suit. “It is good to be back, even though not much seemed to change.”

“You know how things are and have always been, we Jedi like to take our time in everything we do. Perhaps a bit too much at times.” Yaddle said with a chuckle. Part of me regretted not getting to know Yaddle more over the years. I hardly ever had time with my training and escapades around Coruscant.

I nodded and put a hand on Anakin’s shoulder introducing him to the two masters properly. “Anakin, this is Master Yaddle and Master Plo-koon.”

“Masters, this is Anakin Skywalker.” They inclined their heads. Anakin mimicked the gesture.

“Your story and skills are remarkable young Anakin. To accomplish so much while so young is a great achievement.” Plo mentioned.

“I just wanted to help.” Anakin stammered.

“Humble too,” Yaddle said with an amused smirk.

Qui-gon and Obi-wan returned.

“Anakin, we should be going. I would like to go over what Luminara already taught you.” Qui-gon said. Anakin looked a bit wary. He had been tested all day by the Council. Yaddle saw this.

“Master Qui-gon. Perhaps it would be best for your new padawan to rest a while. I can vouch that what Luminara had taught him was more than adequate while he tested with the Council. His feelings were in check and his senses were a lot more focused than they would have been if he hadn’t been found earlier.” Yaddle said.

“I concur with this assessment.” Plo-koon said.

Qui-gon nodded, “I see. Perhaps a break then. Come along.” He gestured for Anakin to follow.

Plo and Yaddle bowed and left. Yaddle gave the boy a small wave before doing so.

I followed Qui-gon. I looked at Obi-wan who was giving the boy a quizzical look.

“You know,” I said, slowing down and letting Anakin and Qui-gon get some distance as Obi-wan stopped to talk. “You are more than ready for the Trials. I wouldn’t be surprised if Qui-gon recommended it after Naboo whether or not Anakin was found.”

Obi-wan frowned and looked down the hall at Qui-gon. “I want to believe you.”

“Obi-wan, you are ready.” I said it like a statement of fact.

He looked at me and nodded. He left without a word. He had too much on his mind I gathered. I found myself alone in the temple halls. I decided to check on my room, which was unaltered. I checked my messages at the small terminal.

Typing in my password I found there were two. One from Damask and the other from Ganorn.

I opened the one from Damask.

“Luminara, I have sent you some more reading material. It was too robust for a simple comm transmission. More from my mysterious associate. Check the locker at the usual place.” It was dated a month ago.

I sighed. Damask and I had kept up some correspondence since our original meeting. While he no doubt could ask Dooku these questions. I mentioned something about a personal theory on the Midichlorians at our second meeting perhaps a bit purposefully. That sparked Damask’s urge to flex his own research. The conversation was over three years ago if I recall. He had sent me tidbits over the years to get my perspective on the matter. I think because I was a lot younger than Dooku and the fact that the Jedi kept Sith teachings reserved for only masters, he must have thought I wouldn’t recognize what he had sent me. If I ever did, it would have been too late for me anyway.

That didn’t mean what he sent wasn’t intriguing. I knew what to look out for, but the stuff in his “associate’s” research was very interesting. Even if I knew the mysterious “associate” was just his true self as Plagueis. Still I couldn’t help but devour the research he sent. It was like watching a natural disaster. It is horrific to see the damage and mayhem it caused, but you can’t help looking on at the unfolding destruction anyway. It didn’t help that I knew about the torture and mengala-esque shit Plagueis preformed to learn this knowledge.

Ganorn’s message was a lot more recent.

Bellicose, I may have messed up? I heard you were off-world again. Just stop by when you can.

I sighed. Seeing as there wasn’t much to do here. I left the temple. No one stopped me. I needed to check on the apartment anyway to store my gear. It was just that everything in that place was a reminder of the last four years, I didn’t want to go back. However I was afraid my gear may be confiscated by the temple guard or worse stolen by the Gray Paladins. They weren’t thieves but I didn’t want them borrowing my stuff either. They took care of their gear, but I suspected they did it to annoy me. I was pretty sure I was one of the few Jedi that ventured into the basement and they were annoyed I wouldn't join them. So they liked giving me excuses to go down into the basement, the weirdos.

I checked out the usual drop point for Damask’s correspondence at some storage office not too far from the temple. I kept my senses up, in case I had a shadow. A Datapad lay inside the locker. I took it and left. I would have to add to the other bits of research I had stored in my apartment.

I wasn’t going to risk leaving this in the temple of all places. It would just be a quick in and out. Assuming I didn’t misremember where I stored the other datapads. No they had to be there. I turned my speeder toward the lower 5000s to my new apartment. Well, a new old apartment. I had to change back into my Bellicose gear before visiting Ganorn as well.

I stopped by Ganorn’s office.

He had a full on firm now with assistants and actual clients. I simply waltzed in wearing my armor. One of the new assistants tried to stop me. I gave a helmeted stare to one who was going to. They backed down and I entered Ganorn’s office. Luckily Ganorn was alone in his office. I simply sat.

“You’re here,” he said nervously.

“Yeah, I am. What did you mean in your message.” He looked at the gun on my hip before mustering up his nerve.

“I… It is just. I think I am not sure how it…” He took a breath. “I invested your money in a company. A prison complex. State of the art carbon freezing. Located in the deep core. Good place for a prison. Hard to get to and even harder to escape. However they didn’t get the Republic contract. Not a single prisoner was stored there.”

“So you lost the money on a prison scam?” I said.

“Not exactly, it was no scam. Everyone sold what was left of their shares after the deal fell through. I may have bought those shares. I had heard that the Republic was going to reconsider, but they didn’t. So you may now be the private owner of a defunct Carbonite Prison.”

I was quiet enough that the Zabrak started tapping his feet. What would I do with a prison in the Deep Core?

“How big of a facility are we talking about?”

“Big. It was built to house prisoners for the Galactic Republic. So perhaps a few million units.” He said.

I was flabbergasted. “How did they get the money for that?”

“It started construction around thirty years ago. It drew in many investors for years. Then the Republic decided to renew their contract with Belsavis.” He ran his hand down his face in exasperation.

“Okay. How much is the upkeep?”

“Other than droid technicians and caretakers, not much. It was designed to run with little organic support. Other than raw materials you shouldn’t have to worry too much in that department.” He said.

“It sounds like a good prison design. Why wouldn’t the republic pull the trigger on this?” I asked.

“Politics. Chancellor Valorum’s Administration didn’t think it was best the PR move to open a new prison so they quietly renewed the contract with Belsavis.”

“Of course.” I was surprised that Valorum got elected. Though it was a close margin. I heard something about him making a deal with the Tarkin family to secure their voting block. Something about revising history for Ranulph Tarkin’s death. He did die on the battlefield but his last conversation did leave a bad taste with the Veterans who fought there.

“Well, I will think about what to do with the facility.” I left.

Ganorn looked relieved that I took it so well. I figured if the Facility was designed to be self-sufficient then it wouldn’t hurt to hold on to it. Perhaps it will come in handy down the road, but I just had no use for such a place.

The apartment was a lot nicer than the old one. Lots of fancy whites and blacks with a dash of blue. I still remember being unreasonably mad that Komari moved from my old apartment up here without me knowing. It was our first fight. Then I learned the level above my apartment had a reservoir leak and it would have flooded the apartment. The new place wasn’t much bigger, but it was a whole lot fancier. I was just glad I had automatic payments set up in case I had to go off-world for extended periods of time.

Komari had done her thing and made it into a four star hotel suite. She had sure loved spending my money. I was annoyed seeing how the place looked so fancy and now there was no way I could change any of it. I quickly went to my armory. The only room Komari didn’t do much with other than install fancy gun racks.

I hung up the suit. Looking at it. I frowned seeing it was still all black. Komari insisted for years that I at least touch it up with purple and gold coloring. I… wish had done so while she was alive. Dead blue eye flashed across my vision for a moment. They said nothing, they could no longer say anything. I shook the image away.

I looked for anything to distract me from that day. Down in the bottom of the locker, I saw the cans of paint she picked out all those years ago. My unreasonably obstinate self always put up a resistance to the idea of painting the armor plates. Still don’t know why.

I had been toying with the idea of incorporating the gear into my Jedi attire. Getting the materials together was the issue. I had some custom elements that needed to be made first, the cortosis battle skirt for example. Perhaps it was time to finally add it to my Jedi robes.

It felt so dumb and silly now. I looked at the armor stand, seeing the paints now, gave me an idea. I had time. I picked up the can. It was only then I noticed some stencils that were placed under the cans. Each one lined up with a different armor piece. They were symmetric shapes and outlines. They were Mirialian designs. No specific meaning behind them. I closed my eyes, resisting the urge to sit down and weep. If I did that, nothing would get done. So, throwing on a breathing mask, I began to paint. It was finally time for Bellicose to grow up a bit.

Chapter Text

Battle in the Back Alleys

Reviews and criticism are always welcome.

Disclaimer: I don't own Star Wars.

A/N: Might be late with the next chapter. Have a nasty head cold and sore throat.

After locking down the apartment, I took a cab to the upper levels. I figured I would stop by 500 Republica and check in Shmi and Padme while I waited for the paint to dry on the armor. There wasn’t much to do on the way except for looking out the window at the massive Skyscraper next to the speeder. Looking at buildings wasn’t all that exciting. The cabbie, a sullustan, had his radio on and was listening to the latest news.

"In a surprising turn of events, Queen Amidala of Naboo called for a vote of no confidence against Supreme Chancellor Valorum's Leadership. The Supreme Chancellor was said to be the greatest ally the Queen had in the growing crisis surrounding her homeworld. We will keep you updated on who will be nominated for the Chancellorship-" I tuned out the rest.

I guess Plagueis wouldn't be a problem for long. Sidious would most likely take care of that problem for me. After all this I would have to visit his lab on Sojourn and find what I could and release his surviving victims. There was no way I would get into his vault on Muunilinst. Since Sojourn hadn't been blown up by the Bando Goro in this timeline, it should still be there. Luckily after that, Sidious would be confined to Coruscant, and Maul would be dead. I'd make sure of the latter this time around.

Then the cab started sputtering and warning lights flared on the dash. The Cabbie screamed insults in both fear and anger while he punched at the controls of the dying speeder. We started to plunge down into the depths of the ancient city world like a stone. I took a breath as the speeder careened toward a skyscraper as the driver made to skim along a walkway. I focused on slowing its descent and landing using the Force. The speeder slowed down just before an outstretched pad and stopped mid air. I landed it gently on the parking pad. I released the hold on the vehicle and it clamored to the ground with a thud.

I sensed something. Danger. I grabbed the Cabbie and jumped out pulling him with me. I looked back seeing lightsaber burn scars where I had just been sitting, nearly bisecting the speeder in half..

I looked around as I stood. I reached out with the Force sensing the danger, my lightsaber already in my hand. I ignited the green blade and brought it to meet the red blade of Darth Maul as his blade attempted to make me share the speeder's fate.

"You," There was a clear tone of surprise in my voice as I stared into his piercing yellow eyes. A far cry from dead blue ones. I mentally shook those thoughts away before the dead weight could drown me again. What the hell was I thinking? This wasn't the time for that. This was Darth Maul I was currently in a blade lock with.

Maul said nothing. If he had followed me as Bellicose, then he knew my secret. We clashed, weaving our blades around each other as we moved off the landing pad. Maul's form was impeccable, and so was mine for the most part. I focused on Soresu for the time being before throwing a bit of Makashi into the mix and started my own offensive. Maul was good and had yet to reveal his second blade. He must have been trying to pull an Exar Kun on me.

I hoped our fight would go unnoticed for the time being. It wasn't. Though to their credit any citizens that were nearby scrambled to get the hell out when they saw lightsabers unsheathed. I didn't want onlookers cut down by Maul. So I maneuvered into an alley. Maul followed. He was quick to jump off walls and make the space required for his preferred form if he had to. I was almost impressed as an inspiring Juyo master myself. Again I found myself on the defense. Soresu was a lifesaver and I would throw some Shien/Djem So in when I could. I focused on finding a way to break Maul's rhythm. If I couldn't do so with my blade then perhaps my tongue.

"Not the talkative type, our we?" I said.

Maul glared but said nothing. I guess I didn't really expect him to say anything. Maul was all business around this time in his life.

I had to end this fight. It was better this way. At least if I killed him here Qui-gon would be safe.

I was forced out of the alley. I nearly fell off a ledge with a broken safety rail. Coruscant City Management at its finest. Then Maul used the Force to push me off the ledge and I was flung off into the city below. I managed to skid down a couple walls and used the force to slow my descent. I stabbed my lightsaber into the wall of the building next to me. I turned down the intensity of my lightsaber, slowing my descent as the durasteel melted slower.

I landed gracefully and barely had time to react as my lightsaber parried the blow of Maul's saber. I stepped back and scanned the area for an edge. Other than a couple of dumpsters and a few piles scap, Nothing much was here. This area was a lot larger. Any people who did meander in here would get the hell out seeing an ignited lightsaber or simply watched from the shadows in intrigue. This would do. Maul sauntered up. He activated both of his blades.

I called my second blade to my hand as well, activating the blue blade. I gave him an unimpressed look. A look that said I wasn’t all too impressed.

That had an effect. He growled and charged. His attacks were a lot more violent. Gone was the assassin and entered the warrior. Though I admit he was no less deadly. He focused his rage well.

I locked one of my blades and swiped with the other, taking advantage of the Double-bladed lightsabers greatest weakness. It allowed me to go on the offensive, employing a series of Niman attacks that mixed some Makashi and Ataru. Maul was on the proper back foot since the fight had begun.

Then I used the force to throw the dumpsters at him. Years of partitioning my mind with battle meditation practice allowed me to use my force abilities without having to halt my bladework. I sent the various scrap and rubble lying about the dirty alley directly at him for good measure. He was forced to dodge and weave and cut apart the various things that flew at him. I managed to keep close and get in a graze on his arm. He hissed and in his rage threw a dumpster I had tossed previously back at me. After a quick dodge I called out.

"I hope you don't have the gall to call yourself Darth." I said dodging the dumpster and watching Maul struggle while I pressed the attack. "A mere assassin like yourself couldn't possibly qualify."

Maul growled and lunged at me, starting his own offensive. I flowed back into Soresu, almost swatting his attacks with an arrogant disregard. This was almost getting too easy. I had come to realize. My blades seemed to move of their own volition. My years of practice honing my skills into instinct.

"Don't tell me Juyo is the only form you know. What kind of a Sith would limit himself in such a way?"

Maul growled as his rage was beginning to overcome him and I continued like that was his response.

I forced a blade lock and looked him dead in the eyes. "You're right, that fault lies with the Master." I said while nodding in agreement to my own statement like he wasn't even there.

Breaking the blade lock we engaged in a series of strikes and parries. Maul was creative with his use of the double blade. He clearly understood the weaknesses of his weapon, and the fact that I had proven that I knew those weaknesses very well. I threw in some Makashi, thanking Komari for the intense training sessions. I could almost hear her response. Something about how “she liked their intensity." I closed that avenue of thought down before I saw the mischievous gleam in her eyes fade, becoming that awful dead-

I ducked as I was nearly decapitated. I caught Maul's follow up strike with the second blade and he let go with his other hand. I received another force push.

I managed to control how I landed as I was tumbling back and barely missing hitting the wall skidding to a halt in front of it. I raised both my sabers and caught his leaping strike that followed his push.

"You talk too much." He growled out.

"You can speak?" I said in mock surprise. He growled again, and attempted to stab me in the chest. I dodged. I twirled away to keep distance and get away from the nearby wall, using the force to guide my lightsaber into the path of Maul's attempt at an opportunistic strike. He growled again.

"Where was I? Since your Master half-assed your training which it most likely means you are not his intended apprentice. A mere placeholder." He growled and we locked blades again.

I took the opportunity to twist the vibroblade. "Tell me, has he given you the title of Darth yet? No doubt to make you feel like you meant something to their Grand Plan. After all, you're more of a blunt instrument than a Sith apprentice." I smirked.

It was almost too easy. Other than a couple mishaps, my confidence was on the rise. I had dreaded meeting an actual Sith in battle, not that being across the dinner table from a Sith who’s first kill was force choking his victim to mimic choking on food was any less frightening.

Maul growled and we clashed again. His frustration at being unable to overwhelm my defenses was getting him riled up. I sensed the inner turmoil in my opponent and found myself reveling in the feeling. A pervasive influence had entered me and I wasn’t keen on letting it go. It seemed too cozy right up to me, leaning on me and caressing my cheek while tracing my face tattoos. It was a wonderful feeling.

The fight became rather one sided after I felt something build up within me. Rage. That was a bad thing, but I couldn’t remember why. That wonderful feeling seemed to lean in and whisper to me it wasn’t that important. This rage built up from so many things. Frustration at the Jedi for not really listening, My opponent not staying on the rails of the proper timeline and dying to Quigon and Obi-wan this time around. Above not being considered enough of a threat for Sidious or Plagueis to come themselves. No that wasn’t it. The feeling caressed me again. It seemed hurt as if I didn’t remember it. After all, we had worked so well together at Yinchorr.

I fell fully into Djem So and ensured that every strike sent Maul back. I was angry and in the rage I found my focus. I wanted Maul dead. I even mused about doing what Plagueis could not and bringing Maul back from the dead to kill him again. I smiled as the fight went on. I would switch styles on the fly and found I had Maul on the defensive. Any momentum he had was gone and I was in full control of the fight.

I found that smile becoming a grin. Oh, Plagueis would eat his hearts out for the knowledge of the Sith I could uncover. The notes he had been sending me in the guise of some rogue Jedi over the years were playing across my mind as the fight went on. It gave me an idea.

Maul was searching for a way to retreat. I had to keep him in the fight. It was time to cut down the number of the Sith. I began to reach out with my senses and poke at the midichlorians themselves. The ones in Maul’s body. They resisted while I attempted my intrusion into their business. There was no noticeable effect at first, but Maul’s moves seemed sluggish by force user standards. His precise movements were a tiny bit off. That growing lack of precision seemed to enrage Maul more than any mocking insult I could come up with. He started devolving into a raging animal. The disruption to his force connection, causing an animalistic primal instinct to take over. He knew I was doing something to him and he knew that I wasn’t a mere Jedi Knight like his master probably told him.

What was I? The Feeling told me I was Passion. It told me I was Strength, but above all Victory. It was different from the last time It pervaded my being. After Komari passed, it came to me and… I… I fell. Images of the bodies of the Yinchorri commander laying in pieces around me while I held her body. The realization that I had fallen caused my strikes to suffer. Maul sensed my indecision.

His ferocity made up for the lack of precision. I found myself on the defensive, wondering if this was the best place to toy with such knowledge. The beautiful voice that was whispering in my ear seemed to drift away at my epiphany. I wanted it to come back, but I was equally horrified that I wanted it to come back. I was too busy trying to avoid the onslaught of attacks from the enraged Son of Dathomir. They did not stop and they did not relent. After a time I cursed that sensual feeling that caused me to toy with Maul during the fight instead of ending it rightly.

I tossed one of the dented and misshapen dumpsters at Maul. He dodged it and it tumbled into another wall. I was forced into a blade lock again. I had nothing to say. Maul smiled sensing the hutball was in his court now. I mentally kicked myself again. I resorted to fending off his increasing attacks. The Soresu form saved my life again and again as I sought my center. Maul dashed behind me, and I managed to score a hit on his sleeves again as he passed. His enraged growl stopped him from completing his current objective and he whipped a force push at me. There was a crack of thunder as I was flung back into a wall. I didn’t have time to catch my breath as I was forced to roll away as the red blade of Maul’s saber nearly decapitated me.

Leaping away I managed to get some distance allowing me to catch my breath. We were both taking this battle seriously now. No more one liners on my part and he seemed to be reigning in his control again. We circled each other. After a brief moment we charged at each other again. I launched various pieces of debris at the zabrak. Anything to keep him on his toes. He returned the favor.

We met in a clash of sparks and lightning as we passed each other. My green lightsaber went up in a shower of sparks as maul’s blade bisected it just above my hand. I had scored some light damage to his robes but nothing more. I discarded the broken saber and quickly turned back to him. He glared at me. I sensed he had hoped to take off my arm. He wasn’t aiming to kill, but maim. I took up my blue saber. At least I knew he couldn’t cut this one in half.

Charging again, we didn’t pass each other. We stopped to fully engage, and I planned on finishing this. That beautiful feeling from Yinchorr still haunted me and I couldn’t help but miss its caress. I forced Maul on the back foot. Hoping to stall his momentum. It worked as my powerful Djem So strikes forced him to shift his bladework. On one such attack, I took my off hand and grabbed his blade, using Tutaminus as our eyes met briefly. He sensed my intent, but it was too late. I lifted his blade up past my head before he could move out of the way and I stepped past his guard, bringing my blade up across his waist, slicing him in two as I passed.

I took a step and turned to see my handiwork earning a restrained shriek of surprise and shock from the Sith. I didn’t have time to appreciate the victory. Maul in one last ditch act of spite and hatred whipped around his upper torso flying at me. With one last swipe of his saber, he swung and just missed me. I dodged that last ditch strike and impaled my lightsaber blade through his skull. Maul was dead. That should have been the end of it, but my aim was an inch off. I hadn’t severed his spinal cord. Before I could pull away, Maul's death throws caused him to jerk his arms and his blade swung up and sliced my arm off at the elbow.

I screamed and kicked the upper half of Maul’s corpse into the still standing lower half just only now beginning to fall over. The natural flow of time returning to my senses.

“You motherkarker!!!” The pain and shock of the injury had me on my knees as Maul’s corpse landed with a wet thud next to me. I hissed as I held my stump with my right hand.

It was as I began to fade into unconsciousness, that a vision swept past my eyes. I saw Naboo, and the massive chamber that held the plasma vents. Among them, Qui-gon and Obi-wan fought. They were not fighting Maul. No the black robed and hooded figure they fought was blurred, but tall and lanky.

Plagueis.

"No." I said in my hazy shock-ridden mind. He should be dead. The shadow should have killed him before that happened. But if Maul was here then that meant Plagueis would no doubt go to Naboo for one reason.

Anakin!

I reached out trying to warn them, Quigon and Obi-wan. I didn’t even know I had reached out with my arm stump, I was that out of it. There was a funny tingling sensation while I reached out, trying to warn them. The farther I reached, I almost felt like I could step through. I needed more power. So I reached out to the midichlorians fading from my severed arm tissue, calling them to return to me. It could feel them heading the call colessing back into the form they once inhabited. With this boost I attempted to step through the barrier. If I could just reach a bit more... Then a figure stepped into my vision and a wall of darkness sent me reeling back. I was too late.

I fell back as the shock sent me into unconsciousness.

Chapter Text

I awoke with a start and sat up instantly.

"Anakin!"

I looked around the room and found myself in the Temple Med Bay. Seeing no one at the moment, I hurried and climbed out of bed, feeling oddly refreshed and ready to go. I ditched the hospital gown for a new set of robes which rested on a shelf next to the bed. I was in a hurry adjusting and straightening them out as I went. It wasn't until I went to pull the sleeve down around my left arm and caught sight of the bacta glove. The fight with Maul reemerging in my mind.

I was a karking idiot. Playing with my life while the fate of galaxy was on the line. I could have ended the fight earlier. At least I think so. The feeling. The Darkness had got a hold of me again like at Yinchor. even if briefly. I shook the thoughts away in order to focus on the bacta glove on my arm. An arm that shouldn't be there if I recalled correctly.

I started to peel the glove back, getting a better look. It did indeed look like the arm was still there. It still had that bright translucent hue. I could even see the meat inside the stump. That was trippy. I could also see the muscles pull out and contract inward inside the stump when I moved the fingers and wrist. I prodded the translucent part. It was to my surprise, tangible. I even pinched the "skin". It hurt like a real arm. It was like the arm was replaced by a new one. One that just happened to be the Pepsi Clear version. I don't think I would be ripping people's hearts out with it, Fenris of Dragon Age II style. I looked at the stump again. It was kind of gruesome in a way. At least my sleeves will cover it up the top part for the time being. Perhaps I would have to start wearing a glove?

I tore the bacta glove off. They were one time use anyway.

"I see you have awoken." I turned to see Master Poof standing in the doorway.

"Master Poof!" I said as I hurried over, being broken from my observation. "Where is Anakin and Qui-gon?!"

"They left for Naboo a couple days ago." My heart sank, knowing even if I did set out. It was too late to get there in time. They were most likely just arriving on Naboo. Damask would have Anakin by the time I got there. Qui-gon and Kenobi, I didn't hold out much hope of surviving the encounter.

"We need to send them a message." I said.

"The Trade Federation is still blocking signals. What is so urgent?"

"I think another Sith is going to attack them. I had a vision before I passed out." I warned.

Poof's face grew serious. "Visions are not always clear and your fear for Anakin and Qui-gon along with your body's shock might have had you seeing what you wanted to see." I was going to argue the point, but he continued. "Or your precarious state allowed you to sense the future more clearly. The conditions for such things are often down to the individual."

"It felt real. I believe they are in danger."

"I believe you. There is nothing to be done other than hope Qui-gon and Obi-wan are up to the task." Poof said.

"But Anakin…"

"Anakin is in good hands. You yourself agreed to let Qui-gon train him. Trust your own judgment. Release your attachment to the child and move on." He said.

I nodded, listening but not hearing. Already planning my next move.

"Now that you have calmed down. I heard you were the first Jedi to take out a Sith Lord in close to a thousand years." Poof said, pulling me from my thoughts on Naboo. They were still there, but I had to deal with the here and now. I knew if I put up too much of a fuss, they might take extra steps to keep me from going after Anakin.

"I would have been mincemeat were it not for your training in bladework." I said. It's true, I did use a lot of what he taught me in that fight.

He chuckled. "I suppose so," He said in mock pride. His long spineless neck bent down to look at my arm. I suddenly felt my own neck start to cramp at the motion. I could never get used to that and I'd known him for years. But I lifted the arm up, pulling the sleeve back so he could get the full picture.

"What do we have here?" I could sense him reaching out to the Force to enhance his vision. "Hmm, interesting." He said. "Gren I assume you saw much of this. What is your approximation?"

Gren entered the room behind Poof. He had a disappointed expression on his face whenever he was in my presence. Not surprising.

"That the midichlorians are holding a physical form despite the lack of matter." He said tiredly.

"Yes, yes, but they do so by conducting a current of energy between them. That energy flows back into her body almost to replenish itself and flows back." His head twisted up. "May I" he asked.

"Go ahead." I said resigning myself being a test subject of sorts.

Poof poked the arm. "You felt that yes?"

"Yup, like it was still the old arm." I admitted.

"That is amazing." he put a hand to his chin. "How did you do this?"

I recounted the fight between Maul and myself. I may have left out the part where I was mouthing off. Poof and Gren seemed to think for a moment.

"It smacks of sacrilege, and selfishness." Gren said like he was certain I was in some sort of wrong. Perhaps I was?

"She wasn't thinking of herself, she was worried for her fellows and the boy she found." Poof countered. "While I don't really condone it, myself, it was an act of desperation in the heat of the moment."

"A real Jedi would have surrendered themselves to fate." Gren said.

"A real Jedi would do what they have to cut the aberration of the Dark Side from the Force once and for all." I countered, starting to not like being talked around and wanted to defend my actions. "If the Midichlorians were yet to fade, does that not mean they were still part of me? I took nothing from the Force that had already been given."

Poof nodded, "Well put. Your arm wasn't found at the scene, I assume it might have been transferred into energy and been reconstituted along with the midichlorians when you called them back. You were using tutaminus after all."

I stalled. I hadn't considered that element. Tutaminus is truly the most underrated of all the abilities granted by the Force. If that theory proved true anyway. I looked at Gren who seemed to not entirely agree, but reluctantly was entertaining the idea that it was within the bounds of possibility.

"I will admit, I thought it would have gone away by now." I said.

"They must be close enough to the whole in order to maintain their form. The constant stream of your body's energy is most likely tethering them as well" Poof considered.

"Then does that mean I will run out of energy at some point?" I asked.

"It shouldn't," Gren said. He seemed to think for a moment as I sensed him scanning my aura in the Force. "It does not seem to be. I sense no wounds in the Force or your aura draining. It is more of a conduit for energy to flow through and back."

"Well if it is not being harmful, I don't see the harm in having a new arm." I said. Gren gave me an annoyed look. Poof chuckled.

"I will notify the council. We will call on you momentarily." Poof said as he left the room to comm the Council briefly.

I would end up appearing before the council. I kept gardening looks from the other Jedi as I walked past. Word had spread apparently of my battle with the unknown Sith. I was the talk about the temple I guess. Many of those looks zeroed in on my arm. I started to feel a bit self conscious. Maybe I should wear a long glove to cover it up. If this was going to become a thing.

Regardless, the conversation in the medbay was a good microcosm of the meeting with the council. I tried not to tip my hand about my plans to go after Anakin. I had to try even if I died doing it. I had a good idea of where Plagueis would take Anakin and what he planned to do to him. There was one item in particular that would prove useful when I did. I still felt underprepared to handle such a fight. I had really hoped Plagueis would die by Sidious's hands.

Plo-koon did speak up, "Poof mentioned your vision of another dark robed figure who would attack Qui-gon and Obi-wan."

"Yes," I said without a shred of doubt. "While I don't doubt the abilities of Master Qui-gon and Padawan Kenobi, I sense that I was not fighting a full fledged Sith Lord. I believe I was fighting an apprentice."

"It would explain why you were able to overcome the assailant." Windu said. I wanted to glare, but took the mild insult even if it held a modicum of truth. He was no doubt testing me anyway. I wasn't planning on facing Plagueis directly if I could help it. I had an idea, but I pushed such thoughts deep for now.

"Perhaps," was all I said.

Yoda spoke up. "Much to discuss, we have, of this revelation. Dismissed you are." I bowed and left the room.

I didn't wait and made a beeline. The sooner I acted, the better. I made my way toward the archives. Then I stopped and reached out with my senses. I looked for the synthetic crystals of Darth Maul's Lightsaber through the force. While not natural, the crystals gave off no real difference in their Force aura to the untrained eye. I felt them. They were in the archives but not quite in the vault. Good, I just had to get past Master Jocasta.

I entered the archives heading for the Head Librarians office.

"Going somewhere." I turned to the aged Librarian standing not far from me.

"I was just coming to see you." I said hoping this would work. "The Council wanted me to bring the blade of the Sith I had slain to their Chambers. I made a show of pointing with my left arm. I think it worked. She was good at ferreting out lies of initiates and Padawans, but the arm drew her attention and distracted her just enough for the lie to seem to have some weight.

"It is in my office. I will retrieve it for you." She said.

I waited patiently while she returned. She held the weapon out carefully.

"A beautiful piece. Simplistic elegance, yet plagued with darkness." She remarked.

"I am well aware." I said, grasping the blade. My new arm seemed to twitch as if in remembrance of the blade's bite. I bowed, "Thank you, Master." She bowed back. I departed the chambers, taking care to leave at the exit in the most direct path of the Council Chambers. As soon as I was out of range of the Archives I diverted toward the ship hanger, clipping the double saber to my belt. I needed a ship. I had considered a fighter, but those held a lot more scrutiny than a shuttle would.

So I found a T-6 and got on the shuttle. I made my way to the cockpit. I released the clamps after a brief exchange with flight control. I plotted the course for the place he would most likely take Anakin for the Essence Transference Ritual. Sojourn. After all, it hadn't been blown up in this timeline. I knew its location in the Carrion Sector. Something I had mapped out ages ago, just in case.

There was still a window in which the Sith Lord had to prepare it as he didn't intend to run into Anakin on Coruscant or perhaps at all. In fact if I was lucky I would get there first. Of course I didn't have the benefit of "knowing the backroads" one could say. Would just have to hope I got there first.

I sent a message to Myles Fett too, hoping he would leave a little something at a dead drop for me to pick up on the way if he was able. I wired an advance payment for a bit of motivation. Just as I finished plotting a course. I sensed a presence behind me. I turned to see Plo-koon standing in the doorway to the cockpit.

"So where are we going?" he asked.

"How did you know?" I asked instead of answering. I kicked myself for my single minded focus, again.

"You were being too quiet at the meeting." He said as he sat in the Co-pilot's chair. I nodded my head in acknowledgment. Of course.

"Now where is our destination?" he asked again.

So I told Plo what I dared. Had nothing else to do as the ship barreled on toward the dead drop. I also sensed Plo would have turned the ship around if I didn't tell him something that resembled the truth. I just hope Myles got my message.

A/N:I decided to keep the Force Arm. Mostly because I found it funny that I came up with the idea while I hopped up on cold medicine. So I decided to let it be. I promise not to write while in such a state in the future. I also hope the arm's explanation is satisfactory.

Chapter Text

Reviews and criticism are always welcome.

Disclaimer: I don’t own Star Wars.

The Dark stone building that sat in the middle of forest held a dark presence which permeated throughout the land around it. A large two finned starship landed on the landing pad adjacent to a sleek and rounded ship on another pad. Two figures exited, clad in the robes of their order. The Enchani Sun Guard that moved to attack them found themselves stopped dead in their tracks as they were flung back into the wall with enough force to be knocked out. Despite this the warriors did not stop until everyone had been incapacitated in their attempt to do their employer’s bidding. One could see the robed figures were in a rush judging by the quick pace they kept.

When the darkness seemed to answer their challenge they stepped up their pace flying through the fortress sensing the ever growing power of this dark tide.

They all but zoomed throughout the fortress, running at speeds no mere mortal could match. Until they stopped before the reinforced door to the final chamber.

“Looks lightsaber proof.” I said. Looking at the door. I unshouldered my backpack. Myles had come through. I reached inside and armed the insurance policy he got for me and set it down just out of the way.

I stood back, gauging the door itself. I was going to reach out and tear the door off the hinges.

Plo calmly walked over and hit the button on the control panel and the door opened. He didn’t say anything as we walked inside. The Chamber was filled with artifacts that lined the walls.

A deep and reserved voice called out. “You have come. No doubt to see my ascension.”

Plagueis stood in the center of a large chamber filled with various curios and babbles that held significance to the Sith.

“We have come to put an end to your madness.” Plo stated.

“And you, Luminara?” He stepped out of the shadows, swathed in a set of black robes.
His hood was drawn back, revealing his now unscarred face. His work with the midichlorians had come to fruition. His face was perfectly restored at this point.

“More or less the same thing.” I said.

“A shame. You would have made a great acolyte.” he said.

I found myself chuckling, “I drive the Jedi crazy without the madness induced by the Darkness. I could only imagine the Hell I’d put you through.”

“So be it.” He said in a displeased tone. He raised his arms and unleashed a torrent of force lightning.

Lightsabers ignited. One blue and the double-bladed lightsaber of Darth Maul. I held up the blade in my left hand, stepping in front of Plo-koon. The four synthetic crystals in the now dead assassin’s blade held up well, absorbing the might of the Dark Lord of the Sith. Just as I hoped when I brought the damn thing. Synthetic Crystals were tougher and more powerful than the natural ones. It would save stress on Plo’s and my own saber in this battle.

Plagueis growled and activated his lightsaber. I deactivated one end of Maul’s blade and used that to block the quick strikes. He traded blows with us flawlessly. I was reminded briefly that Plagueis was the Quigley Down Under of Sith. Just because he found little use for a lightsaber didn’t mean he didn’t know how to use it and masterfully so. After a few strikes I attempted to force a blade lock. So Plo might be able to end the Sith.

Plagueis didn’t fall for it. I did see his gaze dart toward my arm, once or twice. He hit Plo with a hard Force Push, sending the Kel-Dor flying back. The Jedi Master recovered easily, but the distraction allowed for Plagueis to get in a statement.

“What an interesting use of my research.” He said looking at my arm while forcing a blade lock. “How was this done?”

I didn’t want to engage in conversation with him on the matter but I couldn’t help myself. “Oh, you know, A pinch of arrogance, a dash of desperation and dollop of none of your business!”

Plagueis let out a low growl of annoyance. “You guard your secrets well.” I felt his mental brush against my mind in a last desperate attempt to find out one last bit of knowledge. He broke the blade lock and hit me with a force push. It was a lighter one, enough to send me skidding back in order for the Dark Lord to engage with Plo as the Kel-dor jumped back in the fray.

The Lightsaber duel was a distraction. He no doubt had 11-4D setting up the ritual while he battled us. I was just glad to get here beforehand. Partitioning my mind, I reached out with the Force to find Anakin’s location. It wasn’t difficult. As I suspected he was farther in the complex. I sensed another presence as well though it was too faint to tell who it could be.

Another concerning factor was the strand of dark side energy tethering out from the Dark Lord toward where Anakins was. It had yet to fully connect, yet it seemed to coalesce and coiled as if it was waiting for the moment to strike. I looked in Plo-Koon’s direction. He nodded. In a fluid motion, we danced beside each other. I passed Maul's lightsaber to him as I activated my own blue blade. I broke off and proceeded to reach Anakin. I blocked a quick blow from Plaguies own blade as I passed.

Of course I would have dashed right in, if all the objects lining the walls hadn’t started flinging toward me.

“You will not go any further. Not until I finish my work.” Plagueis growled yet didn’t yell, maintaining a sense of control.

I decided to play the game as well and throw some fancy objects at him as well. I noted that many were artifacts, some no doubt dated back centuries or millennia. Plo stopped me.

“GO!!! Do not be distracted!!!” He was right and I continued on, dodging and leaping past the flying objects trying to dissuade me from my path. Then a very noticeable object was flung toward me. It was a Yinchorri blade. No, the last time I saw one of those was… Dead Blue eyes, I could feel the dead weight of her in my arms. It was nearly about to skewer me when I shook the thoughts of that day away. I quickly pushed it back and sent it into the wall. The Cortosis infused blade shattered on impact. That brief distraction would nearly do me in as something hard struck me and sent me flying.

As my vision cleared, I looked up to see a chunk of the Force damned wall flying toward me. I held out my hands just in time stopping the flying piece of stone work in the air. Then I felt the dark side wrap around me in a Force Crush. Dammit. I grunted in pain.

Plagueis was still dueling Plo-Koon, but I was mincemeat if I didn’t focus. I thought of what would happen if I didn’t succeed. If I didn’t stop him. Anakin would be lost and so would the Force as a whole.

Anakin.

The thought of never getting the chance to insure he wasn’t driven mad by the Order and the Sith was a good motivator. I had to try. For him and the galaxy at large. I managed to stand with that motivation and focus on the crushing forces around me. The wall that seemed so urgent cracked and crumbled into dust, yet the clamping force of the Plagueis’ hold on me remained.

“No!” Plagueis said only just starting to lose his cool and control for the first time since the battle started. Plagueis then let out an anguished scream as golden lightning enveloped him. He was forced to step back and use his lightsaber to block the golden arcs from enveloping him entirely as Plo-Koon used Force Judgement on him.

The Crushing force relaxed just enough for me to shatter it entirely with my own power. I poured all the speed I could into my dash toward the other chamber. I reached the heavy door of the inner chamber and I ripped it open, not having time for such an obstacle. Then an explosion of Dark Side energy rippled out in a blast wave, unlike anything I ever felt in a mental rush that almost left me giggling in madness. I then felt that dark wave in the force marching toward me. I didn’t dare look back, knowing that Plagueis had fallen to Plo.

I entered the room. 11-4D stood in front of Anakin, who was tied down and lying unconscious upon an onyx black stone slab. The Droid was holding a red pyramid shaped holocron. It was opened if the twisted corners and glowing red center was any indication. It must have been the focus for the ritual. My lightsaber quickly lashed out, slicing through the Holocron and Droid. The glowing red holocron exploded and the head of the droid sparked and rolled away.

There was a dark echo in the Force. A great rolling tide. All falling upon where Anakin lay unconscious upon the stone slab. I stopped and reached out holding it back with my own power best I could. It darted toward Anakin, It took everything I had to just to hold it back. The shield I erected began to crack under such an onslaught of darkness. I nearly fell to one knee.

“I am one with the Force, the Force is me.” I said, repeating the mantra to myself.
It was a losing battle. I could not stand alone against it all.

Alas, I wasn’t alone. I felt a great light next to me, opposite of the stone slab where I saw Plo-Koon standing. Also holding the darkness back. This galvanized me as I was rebounded and my shield seemed to expand with Plo’s. The Force is fire after all. It only adds to itself and grows with each being it touches.

“He is not for you,” I said. I called out to the Darkness, the being that was Plagueis. “He was created in opposition to your perversion of the Force’s will. An auto-immune response to your infection. Now BE GONE!!! For you are UNDONE!!!” I shouted the last bit, and the darkness reeled back as the very words Plagueis used to confess his worry to Sidious were used against it. This brief moment of confusion was I'll needed to for the final push. Plo-koon rallied as well in that moment, my Battle Mediation allowing us to sync our power briefly, just enough to banish the apparition into oblivion.

The darkness eventually dissipated as a helpless echo, losing more and more of itself back to the force as it faded into nothing. I nearly collapsed from the exhaustion. Laying a hand on the slab for balance. I looked down at the sleeping Anakin. I started unhooking the straps. Out of the corner of my eye I noticed Plo-Koon enter another chamber off to the side. He must have sensed the other presence.

“Bellicose,” I heard Anakin moan in dreary confusion. I let the use of my Alias slide. He had only just learned my true name a couple days ago. It was also a breath of relief knowing for certain that Plagueis’ essence got nowhere near the Kid.

“Where am I?” Anakin asked.

“Don’t worry kid,” I said, picking him up. “I am getting you out of here.”

“Plo I got him, where are you?” I called out.

“Anakin wasn’t the only one trapped here.” He called out as he exited the other chamber holding another body over his shoulders in a fireman’s carry. I looked, seeing it was Obi-wan.

“Obi-wan?” I said.

“He is unconscious, but alive.” Plo said. “Now we must hurry before the Sun Guard wakes from unconsciousness.” Plo said.

I nodded and we left the fortress, each carrying our separate burdens. Not before I called the head of 11-4D and clipped the Meddroids head to my belt. As we made our way to the landing pad I noticed Plagueis’ ship, The Scimitar, as we made our way toward our own ship. It would be a shame to leave it here, but I had more important things to worry about.

Of course that’s when a Sun Guard with a rocket launcher popped out and launched a rocket at the T-6’s primary engine. The ship was rocked off ground and the landing gear gave out collapsing as the shuttle buckled on itself.

“There,” I said pointing at the other ship. I reached out quickly and tripped the Sun Guard before he could shoot the other ship or at us. He fell back, launching the newly loaded rocket into the forest. I reached out, sensing no more surprises. This Sun Guard might have been missed or not as thoroughly knocked out like his compatriots.

As we boarded the Scimitar. It opened right up. I figured it would be fairly simple as why would Plagueis keep his own ship locked out in his own fortress?

I set Anakin down on a mediation pad and beelined for the lift that would take me to the cockpit. It felt painfully slow as it ascended. I reached the main console and started the ship up. I heard some sort of scuffle as the lift took me up. I sensed Plo had it handled, so I didn’t worry about it. I went over to the console controls and started the ship, skipping the pre-flight. Plo showed up not long after manning the copilot’s chair.

As we lifted off, I pulled out the detonator in my belt pouch. I looked at Plo for confirmation. He nodded. I hit the Detonator before gunning it toward the upper atmosphere. The Dark fortress exploded in a fireball as the powerful explosive turned the castle into a dust cloud. Myles came through and managed to get me what I needed to make the fortress a memory. Hopefully the dark secrets within were well and truly gone or at the very least buried deep. I would have preferred a nuke, but they were not something you got on short notice and without drawing attention. Not all of the secrets were buried there as I felt the weight of 11-4D’s head still on my belt. I unhooked it and set it down just out of sight as Plo was still busy setting the course for Coruscant. I wanted to get a look at it later. Hopefully, I didn’t damage it too much.

I didn’t relax until I saw the stars bolt past and the ship entered hyperspace. I couldn’t take a break just yet. I took the lift back down and went to check on Anakin. He was sitting up and staring in the corner. I expected to see Obi-wan awake as well, but he was still unconscious and laying on the floor. I went over and picked up the Knight and moved him into one of the sleeping compartments, setting him a bed. I reached out, sensing if his mind would wake soon. Nothing as of yet.

I took note of a Sun Guard on the floor near the air lock after taking care of Obi-wan. That must have been what the scuffle I heard on the lift was about. The Sun guard was cuffed. I used the Force to lift her up, and put her in the other living compartment. I locked the door from the outside in case she awoke.

I went and stood next to the wall by Anakin and slid down sitting next to him.

He leaned onto my shoulder. We didn’t say anything more, just kept silent for most of the trip. I don’t know when it happened, but I remembered leaning my head back and simply fell asleep.

Chapter Text

It was only a few hours before I had to get up and let Plo take a break as well. I should have slept longer, but Plo had taken on the brunt of the fight in my opinion. I could let him have some time to rest. When I walked through the doorway to the cockpit, Plo remained there, checking over the instruments for some time.

“I’ll take it from here.” I said.

Plo nodded, but didn’t move, and continued to monitor the screen. He turned the chair back to look at me directly.

“The Council will investigate Damask’s every move during his life. All of his associates. Associates which include you.”

I nodded in resignation while I leaned on the doorway to the cockpit.

“Your defense, while valid, isn't exactly airtight. Many will see you as corrupted.” Plo sounded disappointed. He stood up and moved to stand in front of me.

I sighed, nodding in affirmation. This was not going to end well.

“Until such an investigation has ended,” I reached down and unclipped my lightsaber. I handed it to Plo, the emitter pointed up in the air. “I surrender myself to your custody.”

Plo nodded and took the weapon.

“Just to satisfy my curiosity. How exactly did you bring down the Sith?” I waited for his response.

Plo looked to the side and seemed to play the moment back in his head before answering. “He allowed himself to be killed.”

“It was suicide?” I was surprised. I supposed it did make sense.

“Subtly so, but yes. He staged it. Had he not been in a hurry I would have believed that I did kill him of my own accord. Luckily preventing your interruption of the ritual was his primary focus.” Plo admitted.

“His spirit was connected to the holocron… It really was a close run thing.” I said. Had I not destroyed the holocron when I did. I mentally shivered at the thought.

“Now, I have a question for you.” he said.

“There was a point after I told you to focus on stopping the ritual, you were distracted. It takes much to offset a Jedi as well trained as you. May I ask what could have distracted you during such a crucial junction?”

I didn’t know what to say. Did I lie or tell the truth? Plo had gone through Hell and back with me. Did I repay that with a lie? Not really.

“It was a Yinchorri Blade.” I said with reluctance.

Plo nodded. He was there with the rest of the strike force that day. It was after Komari and I were separated from the main strike force in the Yinchorri base that she fell. I didn’t want to remember what happened, but I powered through the best I could.

“It was the same or similar to the one that killed Komari Vosa in the Yinchorri’s Secret Command Base.” I said, doing my best to not dreg up that awful day in its entirety.

“I see. She was the only Jedi to fall that day. Many more would have no doubt fallen had you not discovered the Fourth Moon.” Plo said.

“She saved my life.” I admitted. “One of the Yinchorri Elders was not as thoroughly knocked out as he could have been. I couldn’t sense his intent due to their unique abilities. I remember her seeing something and shouting. She grabbed me in an attempt to shield me from the primitive weapon he threw at me. It all happened so fast.” I don’t know how I kept from simply bursting in a tearful mess. Being a Jedi had its advantages I guess.

“You blame yourself.” Plo said.

“More or less.” I said.

“So that is why you wandered off after the battle. You were dealing with a loss under your command.” He said.

I simply nodded.

“There are those at the temple that could have helped.” Plo said.

I sighed, “I wasn’t in a state where I wanted help. After Komari was cremated I just needed to get away from the temple for sometime.” I admitted. “I didn’t even care about the destination, I just hopped on a transport and went where the Force took me.”

He nodded and stood to the side, allowing me to take the pilot seat. I went and began going over the controls. He went to meditate. However he stopped just before the lift’s threshold.

“I am sorry for your loss.” he said looking back over his shoulder. I closed my eyes as the tears welled up. I was glad my back was turned. A single tear fell down my left cheek. I just barely managed a nod. Plo left me to pilot the ship.

After the lift went down, I found I needed something to do while I monitored the ship. I picked up the Driod head and pulled out my datapad and unfolded it. It was smaller mobile design. The dinner with Plagueis taught me I should be more prepared for data retrieval. Linking the two I accessed the memory core. 11-4D had no back ups or firewalls. Had Plagueis really been so arrogant? I mean yes he was, he let himself be shocked and choked to death in the OG timeline after all. Still not even a basic password. It still felt too easy. Which meant that was by design.

Then again I wasn’t complaining, I was terrible with tech. I searched for specific events, mostly looking for mentions of Sidious. What I found wasn’t good. The records seemed to go out of their way to make Palpatine and Sidious look like different people. In fact some records were added to make Palpatine look like an unwitting pawn and a well meaning one to boot. I didn’t have the knowhow to tell if the records were forged despite knowing they were.

I looked up myself in the records and noted the only real mention was that Plagueis thought I was a decent convert should Dooku fall through. Dooku, would he leave the order still? Part of me hoped he would stay, but with Qui-gon dying the way he did, and Komari too. I failed or at least felt I had.

There was no mention of Bal’demnic which I found odd. That was a relief and what was there corroborated my half of the story. All in all, I was both annoyed and relieved with the information contained in the droid memory.

I unhooked the droid head, set it down again. After Plo’s rest I would give it to him. I was annoyed but perhaps if the Jedi began looking for Sidious, I believe it would connect back to Palpatine somehow. It had to. I wondered if I should announce my suspicions or keep it quiet. If Palp's thought he was in the clear he may let down his guard. Then again connecting him to the Sith, may even be easier than finding info on Damask. A lot of Damask’s dealings were through the Intergalactic Banking Clan. They would no doubt stall the Jedi for years, but Palpatine didn’t have that luxury. At least I think he didn’t did.

I sighed, leaning back and resisted the urge to throw the damn head against the wall. I watched the readouts as the window of hyperspace sailed past.

While I sat there meditating in my room back at the temple, I took stock of the general attitude the Jedi held through the Force. Other than being shook up a bit with the return of the Sith, the temple still felt like the temple. While there was an undertone of unease, the false sense of security the temple brought tended to dull such worries.

I knew Obi-wan still hadn’t awoken, and I was worried. I wanted to see what happened and had asked for any testimony or camera footage of the duel in the Palace at Thebes. I would later learn there was no footage other than Obi-wan and he wasn’t going to tell anyone in his current state.

Apparently Padme still managed to capture Gunray. I thought Damask would have stepped in and had things go the other way. The only explanation I could come up with was that the Muun was laser focused on acquiring Anakin. Once he had the boy, everything else be damned, he took off. It made a certain sort of sense. Or he let the Trade Fed’s be fucked over to give Palps a perceived win straight out the gate the moment he assumed the Chancelorship.

It wasn’t long before the temple guard took me to the trial chambers. One of the Temple Guards’ presence was familiar. I did my best to walk with a measure of ease yet concern. I couldn’t be sure what aura I gave off. I don’t know. Part of me feared that the Council were at the end of their rope. I wouldn’t be surprised.

It was a dark chamber with a dull light illuminating my form as I was brought to the center. The Sentinels that led me here stood just off to the side. I had given the droid head to Plo. I was confident it would show my innocence to a degree. It had been a month since I was confined to quarters. I had spent that meditating and mostly trying to level out. To feel like the Jedi I was as well as look the part.

My translucent arm was mostly covered except for the hand that poked out. I didn’t bother covering it up, because of how it would be perceived if I did attempt to hide it. That and it would no doubt be trotted out as evidence regardless.

I saw seven platforms ignite and the Council Members walk forward. Yoda was in the center, flanked by Windu and Master Micah Giiett. Masters Koth, Gallia, Tiin, and Rancisis made up the other seats.

Windu would open the proceedings.

“We are here to deliberate and pass a verdict on the actions of Knight Luminara Unduli. The charges include collusion with enemies of the order, and possible corruption of Jedi tenants.”

“Dispute these claims, the Defendant does?” Yoda asked.

“That is a very complicated answer Grandmaster.” I admitted.

“Explain, you must.” The Grandmaster insisted.

“It started after my trip to Bal-demnic. Damask contacted me with the intent of offering me knowledge from an associate of his. I played along taking the information in hopes of uncovering this associate. I had met Damask when Dooku introduced me a year prior.”

“And this knowledge involved commanding and experimenting on midichlorians.” Poof asked.

I nodded my head, “Yes for the most part, and it was what allowed me to… require my missing limb during my fight with the assassin.”

“You admit to using knowledge of a Sith Lord to aid in your battle.” Rancisis said. He was clearly in the “lock me up,” camp. If the tone of his voice was any indication.

“There is no Ignorance,..” I let the rest of the line hang, as I continued. “While I have know doubt the information was learned through less than humane research. I stated previously that I recalled no more than had already been granted by the Force in the restoration of my arm. I will admit my worry at the possibility that the assassin would strike at Anakin was my key motivation.”

“You're freely admitting to tampering with the midichlorians as they had begun to be rejoined into the force.” Koth said.

“I merely let them know that their job wasn’t quite finished yet.” I said. I did my best to rein in the snarky edge to my voice. This wasn’t the time.

There was a pause. “You still failed to enlighten the council of this threat, and ran off to confront the Sith Lord alone. Were it not for the intervention of Plo-Koon, you would have either perished or worse fallen to the dark side.”

I nodded, conceding his point. It was pretty stupid.

“There wasn’t time, and I feared I would have been incarcerated. I did everything with the concern of Anakin’s safety.” I stated.

I could tell no one liked hearing that, even those who weren’t hardcore traditionalists. Since no one was asking me questions I continued.

“My initial secrecy was necessary. Like the Shadows of I old, I understood that there was a possibility that the Sith had an insider in the order who could and would report to them even if unintentionally or unknowingly. The Sith have become more secretive over the years. I kept this information close in order to not tip my hand. Had I not been attacked by the assassin, I was going to disclose what I had learned to Qui-gon once I finished my visit to the Queen Of Naboo.”

“You invoke the name of an order long since disbanded.” Poof said. His tone was mildly disappointed, but I could tell he wasn’t feeling as heavy handed as Rancisis.

“Yes, which I believe was a mistake. Had they still been around, the Jedi would have never been blind to the machinations of the Sith while they hid in the dark.”

“Maybe’s and “Could have been”’s,” Windu said with a hint of annoyance. I simply shrugged.

“How did you connect Sojourn to Damask?” Gallia asked. I found the sudden switches in topic irritating, but I must have been a tactic to off balance me. I knew Gallia had taken over Tal’or’s job in underworld information. I recalled what I told Plo on the way to Sojourn.

“It was something Master Tal’or and I learned. We were going to begin digging into it when we got back to Coruscant. I kept looking into it after his death. It was listed as belonging to the IBC. However I gave up after discovering that the Gathering being held there stopped that very year. Even you must have heard the whispers of it. The IBC covers their tracks well. Not so much the guests in attendance. In the end I was acting on a hunch.”

Gallia nodded. I could tell she was not completely satisfied with my answer, but offered no more questions. It would take hours to dissect the underworld dealings and sources that I carefully constructed and uncovered over the years. I was beginning to sense that this trial was a formality. The only reason I could come up with was that I had killed one of the Sith Lords by myself and aided in the destruction of another. How would the Council look if they punished me for that?

“Talk enough, we have. Deliberate we will.” The light of the platforms died and I was left there alone. The sentinel’s didn’t come to take me back so I assumed that I was to stay here. That meant the deliberation time was going to be short.

It all still felt half-assed though. My curiosity made the seconds tick by all the slower. There was a voice in the back of my mind that told me I was going to the Citadel to rot. I found the prospect horrifying. The place would be a nightmare to try and escape from. They did return after about fifteen minutes.

Yoda had a neutral expression. I did my best to appear calm and poised.

“Found the verdict, this tribunal has.” Yoda announced. He turned to Mace who read the charges.

“On the charge of Collusion with the Sith, we find the defendant…” There was an annoyingly long pause. Almost as if he was dragging it out.

“Not Guilty.”

There was still one charge left. This was the one I felt the most worried about. It was so arbitrary.

“On the charge of the Corruption of the Jedi Tenants. We find the Defendant, not guilty.” That last part surprised me somewhat. I thought for sure they would find something to pin on me. I found that might have been Plo’s doing with his testimony.

Then Mace spoke again. “However the proceedings have yet to end.”

What now? I thought with annoyance.

“May I ask why?”

“Nothing to do with the tribunal. That has concluded. Since we have you here, we have a bit more to discuss.” Master Tiin said. He had an amused expression.

“What would that be?” I asked.

“Your promotion to Master.” A voice came from behind at the entrance. I turned to see Plo.

“You must really like dramatic entrances?” I said.

“What better way to make an impression?” He said with a hint of mirth. He unclipped my lightsaber from his belt and handed it to me.

I nodded, accepting the blade back and clipping to my own belt.

“There is one condition.” Mace said as the platforms descended.

“Which is?” Because of course there was.

Rancisis spoke up as he slithered off his pad. “Since you are a staunch advocate of the old ways, you must complete an ancient right, the ancient Jedi practiced millennia ago.” I could tell he was having fun with this. Hoping to see me waver at the prospect. I wouldn’t let him have it.

Mace spoke up seeing the building tension. “You must go to an ancient Jedi site and meditate there, and unravel mysteries buried within the force.”

“Just point me where to go and I will.” I said not giving them the satisfaction.

The Grandmaster hobbled up to me.

“Insistent, Master Katri was, you go to Mirial for this right.”

Any confidence or sense of combativeness faded. If I thought Gren was annoying, Katri was way worse. I met her once with Master Tal’or. No doubt Gren had convinced her to do this. Katri was a Mirialian traditionalist, but not so to go out of her way like this. I wanted to sigh or groan. I kept my cool. If they wanted to send me back to the ol’ dustball. It was a small price to pay for the rank of Master.

“Well. I will depart with haste then, I wouldn’t want to disappoint Katri or the Order.” I said coolly. I remembered something crucial.

“Will Anakin be folded in with some one of the other classes of younglings.” The council member’s looked at each other.

“Yes, he will.” Gallia said.

“Good, am I dismissed?” I asked. Yoda nodded.

I bowed and turned to walk out of the chambers. While I sort of admired the whole, “Oh, you want to return to old ways, here put your credits where your mouth is.” Just why did it have to be Mirial? I didn’t hate the place in particular. It was just so boring. I found myself grumbling as I made my way to my quarters. I would have to tell Anakin I would be gone for a while.

Then it was off to karking Mirial.

Chapter Text

Dooku found himself at a crossroads as he stared out into the Coruscant skyline. In the far distance the fancier parts of the city could be seen. The closer you got where he stood, the more industrial it became, connecting to great pipelines of sewage and clean water to be pumped and recycled for the billions upon billions that lived in Galactic City. Spires of great power plants keeping the day to day functions of the City from a second away disaster. The Works it was called. This place kept the city running and from falling to pieces. He looked out from the balcony of the secret lair of the last Sith Lord.

He sensed the dark robed figure of Sidious waiting patiently for his answer. Dooku thought of the times Damask had spoken to him. The Sith Lord knew just the right buttons to push. The Jedi Master found it rather amusing. Still There was wisdom in the old Muun’s words despite the fact he killed Dooku’s best padawan. Part of him wondered how Quigon acquitted himself in his final moments, and his padawan Obi-wan. Dooku had regretted not being able to see the young man in the medical bay before he left the order.

When it came down to it, Dooku found the loss of Qui-gon to be the Jedi’s fault. They had always involved themselves too heavily in the Republic’s affairs. Something Qui-gon spoke out against more than Dooku ever did. His thoughts drifted to Komari dying at Yinchorr due to a situation that the Jedi failed to see. Once again perpetrated by the Sith. She would have been another great Jedi like Qui-gon. Yet both his padawans were lost to the Republic’s bloated mass.

Luminara had never told him exactly how she died. In fact she had yet to speak to him for some time. Was it shame or the whims of the force keeping her from reaching out? He sensed she wanted to tell him in person. His desire for answers would have to wait. He would find out what happened. The Council had already sent her off to Mirial for some ancient rite of passage. He found himself impressed with her feats. Killing Sidious’ assassin and inventing a technique that was derived from the very information Damask shared with her over the years in an attempt to convert her.

He found the thought of Damask hedging his bets to be as infuriating as it was practical. It had caused Sidious enough concern in sending an assassin to kill Luminara. Something he found amusing. He supposed Damask’s death at Luminara’s and Plo-Koon’s hands would make Sidious wary. But Dooku, now that he was more open to the Dark side, could still sense the Sith Lord's relief at the news that he would not be found out. Not that the Jedi could do anything about it anyway. They couldn’t openly attack the Chancellor of the Republic they worshiped.

His anger swelled knowing the Sith had discovered the Jedi’s greatest weakness. Yet he couldn’t help reveling in the feeling. That very commitment to a broken Republic, and by extension the Sith. The Jedi had to change or fall with the Republic. His thoughts drifted back to Luminara. It wouldn’t be long until she left the order. The fact she remained so long with order despite her frustrations, was a miracle in itself. Dooku deep down secretly hoped she would before the firestorm that would one day engulf the Galaxy would drag the Jedi and the Republic down with it. Yet if she didn’t, even she would have to perish.

“It is done, Kamino is erased from the records.” Dooku said. “I cannot in good conscience stay with an order dead set on enforcing the whims of a corrupt senate.” The Former Jedi Master turned and walked over to the Sith and knelt to one knee. “Which is why I now fully submit myself to your teachings.”

“Good,” the hooded senator smiled. “Then forth you shall be known as Darth Tyrannus.”

Dooku stood, “What is the first order of business, my master.”

“A gift is in order. Someone would very much like to meet you. Enter.”

A masked man in dark blue robes and a strange horned mask limped in.

“Dark Lords,” he dropped to his feet and all but kissed the ground and were it not for the ugly horned mask he wore, he may have done so. “I am not worthy of your notice let alone being in your presence.”

Dooku found this groveling annoying, but Sidous seemed to find this amusing.

“Speak if you have something to say.” Dooku said.

“Of course, My Lord. I merely wish to deliver this to you.” He reached into his dirty robes and pulled out a small decorated box. He opened it and in it lay a vial of blood. It was sealed and blood inside was perfectly preserved. He held it up the box with wary arms.

“This belonged to our queen. She was stolen from us by the One-Eyed Dragon years ago. Rewrote her destiny. I was led here by the whims of the Darkness. It showed me you could bring her back. I beg-”

“Enough,” Dooku commanded, He used the force to call the vial into his hands. He recognized the man's attire now.

“I had thought your kind to be extinct.” Dooku inquired.

“I am the last. At great cost to my fellows they bought time for me to escape the Dragon’s wrath.” What little of the man’s sanity had expired long ago it seems. Yet, Dooku looked at the vial. He sensed a familiar echo. Could it be?

“You have done well in bringing this to me.” Dooku said. Your reward will be knowing you fulfilled your mission.

“But I must help-” the man grasped at his neck and grabbed at a constricting force that could not be phathomed by one such as he. There was a crack and the last Bando Goro Cultist’s body limply fell to the ground.

“An interesting turn of events, My Apprentice.” Sidious said with a smirk.

“Indeed it was. It seems I have much work to do.” Dooku looked at the vial. This gift from his new master was something he would not forget. After dealing with his former colleague and friend, Sifo-Dyas, it seemed he would have an addendum to the order on Kamino.

Chapter Text

Mirial, Present Day (32 BBY or 968 ARR) (After the Duel on Sojourn)

Wind howled and raked across my robes causing it to flutter in the heavy wind. I stood gazing out upon the desert that I briefly called home as a child. It flew past as I stood in the sand speeder, being driven toward a destination, the sand whispering across the ground alongside. I wore a face veil over my mouth and nose to protect from the biting sand. In the distance looming bigger and bigger was a massive stone structure poking out the dunes like a city on the plains, its three massive spires reaching toward the sky.

I knew this place. I remembered seeing the spires in the distance when I was a young girl. This area was always off limits to the Nomads I grew up with. More due to the predators than the area itself. I looked over at Katri who stood beside me. The Old Jedi Master looked stoic in her veil.

The speeder slowed down. The Driver was a local and wouldn’t go past a certain point apparently. I didn’t blame him. Venturing any further was suicidal. Golithorpians tended to call the area home. Massive worm/scorpion hybrids that could dig through the soil at an impressive speed. Reaching out with my senses, I could see why. The Dark Side pervaded the soil and air it seemed. The heart of this darkness almost radiated from the spires in the distance.

“We will continue ourselves. Thank you for taking us this far. Return in a week’s time or send someone else.” Katri announced. I frowned, but said nothing.

“Thanks,” I said before jumping off and landing in the sand with grace. I tripped slightly but I otherwise stuck the landing. It had been a while since I stood in the sand.

Katri contrasted me by merely stepping off the speeder. Using the Force to walk down an invisible set of stairs. I will admit it was subtle, but spoke of an excellent sense of control and mastery. I was definitely taking notes for later on that trick.

I moved in step with her. I was a bit out of practice walking through the sand. I nearly tripped multiple times and would slip every now and then. Been in the big city too long.

Katri seemed to have no issue. I tried to figure out what it was. That’s when I noticed Katri's footprints in the sand. They were sandy platforms made up of sand if briefly, they melted back into its original form around a few seconds after her passing. I decided to follow suit. It took a bit of practice but I managed to get the hang of it. This made things so much easier.

It took a half a day to reach the spires. I took a sip from my canteen. It wasn't until I stood at the base of the spires did I really capture the scale of them. They were massive. I hadn’t felt this small since seeing the columns of the Jedi temple as a kid.

“This is as far as I will take you.” Katri said.

I nodded though I was still taking in the tower’s size. I was going to walk in the equally massive entrance when Katri coughed.

I looked over at her.

“There will be no need for that.” She pointed at my lightsaber and utility belt.

I rolled my eyes and handed over my utility belt and lightsaber. Leaving only my waist cord and canteen.

“The danger you face will be very real, but remember that through the Force your path will be made open to you.” she said.

I didn’t feel like being snarky so I nodded. I was going to take another sip of my canteen when it flew from my hand just as the water was about to touch my lips. I looked over to see her holding the canteen and then she motioned for me to go inside.

I resisted the urge to grumble and took a breath. After calming my nerves and taking a steady breath before walking inside. The outside looked like sandstone and further in there was a certain point where the interior changed rapidly. It went from that weathered sandstone to grimy durasteel. There were symbols on the walls I was vaguely familiar with. Geometric shapes similar to what we carved on our faces. There was a faded ancient aurebesh script scrawled in places. It didn’t look like the script I was familiar with.

It was hard to explain, I had seen that script before. It eluded me for the moment. I realized I should focus on the trail ahead, other than getting caught up in ancient writings. I continued further into the structure.

It wasn’t until I found some sort of central chamber that I stopped. It looked like the weathered stone outside, but the crack in the wall was filled with sand and I noted part of this structure must have been exposed to the outside. The force was strongest here. Though I heard some sort of echo within it.

I found a good spot and kneeled among the small ancient obelisks poking from the floor. I closed my eyes. I reached out and connected everything around me. The darkness oozed out every crawl space. Then I stumbled on an enigma. The room held a note of light within. It was curious. The echoes seemed to inflate and my mind was drawn into them further.

I saw shapes and figures moving about. They looked like they were fighting. Over what, I didn’t know. Did this temple face some sort of rebellion? The words and writing seemed clear as if for a moment and I found myself falling into the vision as the outlines of people became much clearer. This place was once a… home to an advanced culture at some point.

I focused on what I could see. They were human, not mirialan. Some guarded the entrances to the room while the others worked at the control panels. What I assumed to be stunted obelisks earlier. I kept watching. While I didn’t truly understand the words, I understood the intent. The urgency in their motion showed that they were desperate. They did their damndest to… what were they doing?

There was a powerful shift in the air. I felt that it was like they had entered Hyperspace. This was once a ship. The starship they were on must have opened a hyperspace window. One of the people working on the counsel shouted in triumph and blasted the console they had worked at multiple times, ensuring that their work could not be easily undone. There was a sense of relief. They would die completing their mission. The vision ended.

I shook my head awake and stood. I walked over to the consoles. They were more or less frames. The wiring and any remaining electronics must have been stripped long ago. They made their last stand in this room. I wonder what would inspire them to sabotage this ship and throw it into the bowls of hyperspace. Just who were they fighting against?

I looked around and I walked over to the door one of their fellows were covering earlier. It was sealed, but without power, They had come from that way so I moved opposite to that entrance and found what must have been the direction they escaped in. I just waved my hand dismissively and it slid open with a creaking squeal. It was dark inside and the air was stale. I didn’t have a light or a lightsaber. I knew that I would need to focus my senses. I closed my eyes and stepped into the darkness.

I walked cautiously, stepping carefully. My foot caught on something heavy and I tripped. I managed to right myself, but in the process I opened my eyes to brightly lit corridors that weren’t there a moment ago. I watched as the ghosts of the saboteurs ran through me. I jumped back instinctively as several bolts were hurled toward my direction. Well the Saboteurs’ direction. One man was struck and a woman screamed out in shock and anger. Another woman grabbed her and said something in their familiar yet foreign tongue. The intent behind the action was clear. Get moving!

I followed them. I noticed the halls were again back to their original gleam. This time I even smelled the oils and sweat. I saw beautiful engravings on some of the panels as I passed by them. Catching glimpses of battles, one side being urged on by a beautifully carved goddess figure. I took note of the mostly human nature of the “heroes” in contrast to their more alien foes. This should have rang a bell in my head. It was on the tip of my tongue.

This was so trippy, yet I continued on. The five remaining saboteurs were stuck in a four way intersection. Instead of taking an empty hallway, they kept trying to push forward to break through the enemy barricade. One threw a grenade and they continued on, zeal and frenzy driving them forward. Two fell, the woman who cried out at her fallen comrade fell along with another man beside her. They were down to three now. A man and two women. The man was carrying one of the women in a fireman's carry.

As I followed them across the intersection looking to my right to see the path was empty. What was so important that they would charge the line ahead of them instead of taking a perfectly empty hallway. I turned my head to the left down the other empty hallway. I was about to resume following the vision until I saw a figure in the distance toward the very end of the hall.

A tall woman in a beautiful red dress, her blonde hair following past her shoulders. She faced away from me, but I knew that silhouette. Her head turned and her hair moved back enough to see a familiar smile.

I found myself ready to step off the path I had been on and wander toward the apparition, but an explosion rang down the corridor in the direction of the saboteurs’ charge. I looked to see them continuing on, another of their numbers fallen. There were only two left, a man and the woman he carried.

I turned my head back down the corridor and the woman in the red dress was gone. So I followed the charge. I was amazed that they made it this far.

He turned off into a room. I found myself in some sort of cathedral. The engravings were even more elaborate here. In the center behind the altar was a rendition of a beautiful human goddess with some sort of elaborate headdress and swathed in purple silks.

He laid the dying woman at the foot of the altar. She had passed on. The man was in no better shape, barely alive himself. He started chanting and it sounded like He were asking forgiveness. I didn’t understand much of what they said, but two words rang out. Pius Dea. What? The Spaceport? I would have to look into this. I knew the words were familiar, but I couldn’t place them at the moment.

After his prayer had ended, He both pulled out a vial. Several soldiers were pouring in and surrounding them. He didn’t stand and try to fight, instead he drank the vial. He died laying down and caressing the dead woman’s cheek. I got the sense they had succeeded in their mission. That this mad dash toward the temple was another act of defiance.

A man in a more elaborate soldier get-up, who I placed as an officer. A high ranking one if all the gold embroidery was any indication. The officer walked over and stood before the rebel bodies for a time. He looked up at the statue. It was then he ordered their bodies removed from the chambers. He then proceeded to stalk on through the halls. All the personnel were sure to divert around him as he walked.

He calmly walked through the ship. It took some time. This place is massive, and there must have held thousands of personnel, both male and female wandering aimlessly. Not to mention the crew themselves. I heard klaxons and saw red warning lights. The officer stopped at a viewport on the way. One of his soldiers beside him said something.

He seemed to dismiss it and shook his head. There was a resignation in his voice and he said something and gestured out the window.

I found myself looking out the window with the other soldier. A planet sat outside it. A pink and green dustball. One I knew well. A flicker of light on the man's chest caught my attention in the viewport reflection. It stood out on the man’s garb. An amulet with a flame orange gem in the center. It was a Kyber crystal. One I had seen before, a long time ago.

It was then I was torn from the vision and snapped my eyes open. I was back in the chamber. I stood back up and looked around, seeing the weathered place for what it was. The ruins of an ancient ship.

“Great, now I have more questions than answers.” I muttered to myself. “Typical fare for type of vision quest I guess.”

“What was I even supposed to learn here?” I said as I stood and went to head for the entrance. It wasn’t that I didn't pay attention in history class. To be fair the only thorough teaching they did was on the Galactic Republic’s history not the ancient and/or Neo Republic other than a few select things like the Old Sith Wars and later New Sith Wars. That being said, something was very familiar about this place.

In essence the only thing that came to mind was that either Mirialan history was wrong and/or probably revised meaning we didn’t descend from the colony ship or whoever flew this ship was intermingled into that history at some point. Something told me those answers weren’t to be found here. Either way I found myself irritated that I couldn’t quite remember the Pius Dea.

I growled as I left the temple.

Katri sat meditating on a stone block of sorts.

“Did the temple give you insight?” Katri said. Her face was impassive like the stone she sat upon.

I crossed my arms. “Well the temple wasn’t originally built as such was it?”

“It was not.”

“Does the Council know?” I asked.

“No, this is our people’s burden to bear.” Katri said calmly.

“The Pius Dea, that name should be more familiar.” I said.

“As should many things from before the Republic’s founding after Russan.” Katri said in an annoyed tone.

“So there is more to it than just a spaceport?” I said.

This got a reaction out of Katri in the form of a slight smile. “Very much so. Have you heard of the Pius Dea Crusades.” That rang the bell I had been needing to hear.

“Right, they were those Humanocentric Crazies that nearly took down the Hutts.” I said remembering. “They were led by the Chancellor with the funny name. “Contispex I think. So that was a Dea ship?”

“Indeed. Now I assume the vision showed you the story of its sabotage by the Reformationists and how it ended up here?” Katri said with little surprise. I wasn’t going to mention the woman in red.

“Yes. There was a Commander there too. All dressed in fancy armor.” I said.

“More than a mere commander. That was Gaul, the Bastard son of Contispex IX. An interesting man. Some say he was the favored child of the Chancellor, but he trained his Daughter to be his heir regardless. Gaul was respected by all in the Dea-Republic. Many would have supported his claim over his Sister. If he had made a move. Though it is said he was not ambitious enough.”

“I guess I will get to the bantha in the room then. There were a lot of people on that ship. Did our people descend from them?” I asked.

“That is still widely debated. The primary theory is that there were humans already on the world when they arrived and were interbred over the generations.” Katri broke her meditation and looked directly at me.

“There was something else you saw.” I did my best to look impassive, and was about to just admit seeing the woman, when I remembered the jeweled amulet.

“Yes, that amulet on his chest. It seemed familiar.” I said.

“The Amulet of Gaul. A gift from his father to his concubine mother, who gave it to him. The texts say it was quite the scandal. It was taken from our world during the Sith Empire’s Occupation. That was before we joined the Republic and by extension the order. It was a symbol of authority among the Priests of the Sky Goddess. Who is believed to be an affectation of the Dea Goddess. Though watered down over time and replaced with the more naturalist one we have today.” She looked back up at the temple almost reverently. “It is lost to us forever.”

“About that.” I said. She swung her head around so fast I thought her neck would snap. “I saw a crystal that was very similar to that one on the hidden pirate base Tal’or and I fought the Terentatek on.”

“And you still remember the location?” There was an urgent tone to her voice. “Why didn’t you take it?”

“Tal’or needed aid, and I figured I could come back later.” I admitted. “Never had the chance.”

Katri seemed to find the answer acceptable. “It seems this journey of yours is not done.”

Figures. “Does that mean you are not coming along?”

“It is your journey to undertake.” She said simply, “I was merely here to show you the beginning.” Katri floated up so when she set her legs down she was perfectly standing. Now that was something I did all the time. Glad to see I wasn’t just being lazy.

“I guess I will ride back to the spaceport with you then and…”

“You will make your own path from here on out. Good luck.” With that Katri casually walked into the sands. The dunes seemingly parted before her as she walked.

I sighed, “Looks like hitchhiking from here on out.” I stopped and listened to the wind for a moment, I let the Force flow through me. I took a breath and let it guide my first step. Might as well go all in.

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

Here, have this.

Harvest is full swing again so updates will be slow.

Reviews and criticism are welcome.

::News from the Mandalore sector has been limited as the Mandalorian people await news of their leader’s condition, following an assassination attempt by the infamous Bounty hunter Dirge. Dirge was driven off by their Leader in a remarkable show of martial prowess, but the Mandalorian suffered critical wounds during the battle. Dirge remains at large with many Mandalorians seeking to hunt the Gendai down. Mandalore Jango is slated to make a full recovery.
In related news, the Mandolorian Bounty Hunter known as Huntress is wanted for the murder of the Jedi Knight, Ki-di Mundi on Ord Mantell. Sources claim the Hunter successfully ambushed the Knight while he was investigating a local gang cell. The Bounty Hunter has gone to ground and hasn’t been seen sense.::

That really woke me the hell up. I sat up in my chair. I was really sleeping more like meditating, which was just as good in the short term. Perhaps not truly sleeping was getting to me, because I could only wonder how the kark Huntress managed to pull it off. I mean Jango sending Durge scurrying away, tail between his legs was bread on sandwich, but Huntress killing Mundi? Did she have another of those irritating little lizards with her? I doubted it. She would have acquired a mature one if she could have back on Bal’demnic. Just who the hell was she? I had yet to learn her identity after all this time. She wouldn’t show her face for a long time after this either. I wouldn’t. Then again, Huntress was a damn cyclone. She’d poke her head out again to sate her bloodlust in time. I thought she would have never taken a job involving Jedi again after Komari and I kicked her shebs the last time. She had gotten incredibly lucky last time. I wondered if her Mysterious employer’s put her up to this.

I don't think Mundi was a Master yet. Perhaps at most recently promoted. I remember in the original timeline he only got promoted because he was appointed to the council to fill Master Giiett’s seat after Yinchor. Ironic. I had never really come across Mundi, perhaps passing him in the hallway or did I see him while on Temple guard duty one time? It was probably for the best. All I knew was he had seven wives in order to keep his species going, and his master was an Edgelord who styled herself “The Dark Woman.” She also wore all black armor. If I ever met her, it would be a struggle to keep a straight face.

I would have to look into this when I got back. I was missing something here.

I leaned back in my chair, focusing on my quest for now. This was the second transport I boarded after I left the Illisurevimurasi sector. The ship that I was currently traveling on had some engine trouble. Because of course, Why wouldn’t I be able to go directly to my destination? Because that would be too easy. That’s why.

I sighed. They had called for another vessel for us to be transferred to in the meantime. There was a waver in the captain’s voice. That set me on edge. I immediately sensed around me, specifically into the cockpit of the transport. I sensed his co-pilot was being less than friendly. It felt like they were a plant. This had to be some sort of pirate raid. Great. I sighed and waited for eventual boarding.

It wasn’t long before this so-called other ship arrived and boarded us. Out of it to no surprise of mine stepped a not a concerned company man, but a messily dressed pirate in a rather fetching trench coat.Out of the entrance to the passenger cabin, stepped a human man in his thirties with a large scar across his face. I raised an eyebrow. It seemed my journey was being through. Scars usually marked a Stark War veteran of both sides in the conflict.

I reached out with the force once more to sense how many lifeforms were on that pirate ship. Around ten were on the ship itself. Another Two were heading into the Cargo Bay. No one seemed very eager to board our vessel, but was being held back.

I was about to stand when the co-pilot exited the cockpit. It was a woman, a female cathar to be exact. You didn’t see many of them in the outer rim. She was coated in red fur and had her long dark red hair tied in a bun making her cat-like ears and features more pronounced.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, We would like to thank you for your patience. In the meantime, while we get your fine little transport up and running again. Would you please put your valuables in the bag your lovely Co-Captain is holding out.” The man said from behind us. There were some murmurs and hesitation. For effect the pirate shot his blaster into one of the lights above him. It was set to stun. I was glad I wasn’t dealing with an amateur at least. That might make things easier. The light fizzled, but it made his point. Some men and women shouted in dismay, but there were no heroes yet. Any who planned on standing up to the pirates, I calmed using my Battle mediation. While stun was the less-lethal, it didn't mean it wasn’t lethal in some circumstances.

The pirates were really doing a space version of train hold up. I shouldn’t have been surprised. There must have been a safe full of some company's payroll or a passenger was hauling something to be worth the trouble. When the cathar got to me I looked at the co-pilot with a raised eyebrow.

“C’mon I don’t have all day Mirialan.” she pushed the bag toward my face. I decided I would comply and unhooked my lightsaber and dropped it in the bag. She looked down at the weapon with horror in her golden cat-like eyes while she stared at the weapon laying on top of the other valuables in the sack.

“Yully, hurry before a Marshall pops out of the woodwork.” The human man said.

“Lam, we need to get out of here now.” she said. I smiled at her. I didn’t want her to feel like she was backed into a corner.

“Now,” I told her. “You and your friends. Yes, even the ones in the cargo hold will get on your ship, barring the valuables you are attempting to steal, and I will let you go without a fight.”

She turned her head to look at the human man who walked over rather annoyed.

“Yully what is going on? We don’t have much time.” She showed him the lightsaber in the bag.

I saw his eyes bulge and he looked at me. I telekinetically lifted the lightsaber out of the bag for effect and it sailed into my hand into my raised hand. Yully leaned over and whispered into his ear. I used Battle meditation to reinforce the words upon his mind. They both ran after that, dropping the bag of valuables. Any other pirate on the transit ship also felt the sensation and ran. It wasn’t long before they retracted the boarding tube and were gone. They weren’t stupid.

I got up and picked up the bag, passing the valuables back to those they were taken from. After that I checked on the captain and found the man tied up. At least they weren’t the murdering kind of pirates. I untied him and we got the ship moving again. I sensed the pirates had already beat feet. I was wondering if I would see them again as we reentered hyperspace.

After that, I decided that I should purchase my own ship after the transit was hit. I figured if anything went wrong again it would be my own shebs on the line. I also needed one to venture to the old space station.

So I perused the local starship yards for a deal. I wasn’t looking for anything too fancy. Just something reliable enough to get me from point A to point B. There many ships that I found looked intriguing. All in various shapes and sizes. Mostly large freighters that were too big for my purposes. I could have got a single person fighter, but perhaps I should get a light freighter. Having a bedroom and a fresher to use on long trips wouldn’t be all that bad. I usually rented starfighters when I traveled under Bellicose’s name.

I was about to give up when I noted a particular large winged fighter sitting in the lot. No way. I walked up to pristine fresh off the assembly line Z-95 Headhunter. I remembered they were a remarkably new design at this time. I walked along it, running my hands along the chassis.

I sensed the salesman's intention of approaching me from the dealership. It wasn’t long before a quarren man stepped up beside me. He sighed.

“Shame I can’t sell her.” He said in a deflated tone. “This model was a custom order. Dual cockpit, and a suped up set of engines. I just haven’t had the heart to have a beautiful machine like this disassembled. However the Plantitary government put a lien on this model. Rumor was the governor’s daughter had it made to go running around with her boyfriend. Her dad didn’t like that too much.”

“That is a shame.” I agreed and found myself asking. “So if you sold it they would throw the book at you then.”

“Yes, so It is just a fancy showpiece at the moment. I have some more on order. Can’t seem to keep these new Headhunters on the lot very long.” He was fighting a losing battle in convincing me to wait around for weeks to buy a different one. I, however, wanted this ship as it was.

He looked down, noting my lightsaber for the first time. “Ah Master Jedi, I am honored. The name is Nuaz. I have some more specialist fighters. No doubt they don’t have anything on an aethersprite but-”

I cut him off, “I would like this one.”

“I can’t sell this one as I said. I would be taking a big loss in fines.” he repeated. I didn’t want to put the salesman in a shaky legal position, but I had a solution. There was one loophole I could use.

“How much would you sell this outfit for if you could?” I asked with a conspiratorial tone.
He lifted a hand and ran them along his face’s tentacles. I waited patiently.

“Considering the current market for this model and the hyperdrive… I’d say seventy thousand credits or 140 druggats.” he said with no room for negotiation.

“Seventy thousand! That’s robbery.” I said with mock outrage, before reaching into one of my belt pouches and pulling out a credit chit. “Here’s a hundred thousand.” I said handing him enough money to buy a freighter. Sometimes it was nice being stupidly rich. Bellicose wouldn’t have to rent a fighter anymore. “Now I am going to commandeer this vehicle for the purpose of completing my current mission.”

The Quarren gave me his version of a smirk. “It seems I have no choice as interfering in a Jedi's mission is considered obstruction.”

With that, he gave me the ownership papers and a full tank of fuel. I wasn’t going to complain. Luckily being a Jedi meant I could skip customs whenever I wanted too so having a fighter craft with a lien on it was no issue for me. So I left with haste. It wasn’t until I plotted a course for the abandoned pirate station that I felt the need to get over the excitement of a little Outer Rim lawskirting. Today was oddly a good one. Of course as soon as I exited hyperspace I found that I had some old friends waiting for me. I sensed them immediately as I exited hyperspace. I groaned.

They were the same pirates that tried to rob the transit I was on. I guess it was time to put the new fighter to the test. Unless I can talk my way out of this one. Then again I could just continue on toward my destination by going around them. These guys seemed like the plucky rogue type after all, and most likely wouldn’t accost one fighter. I sighed sensing their intent.

My comm beeped as they hailed me. It was the human man's voice. The one with the nice brown trench coat.

::Hold up there, friend. Just where do you think you're going? I heard there are a lot of dangerous pirates prowling about.:: For emphasis, several gunports opened and manned turrets all aimed in my direction. My warning lights went up. I hadn’t expected to need any weapons. My fighter’s triple blasters were ready to go, but I had no missiles. Hopefully I won't need them. He must have felt the need to get some sort of prize today in order to appease his crew.

I thought about how to handle this. Perhaps if I scared them off again they would keep their heads down and I could complete my mission. I decided to reach out and sense the lifeforms on the vessel. They were mostly in it for the profit. Some were certainly capable of murder, but this pirate had picked his crew well. Many on board saw murder the stupid option, as the law would be quick to hunt them down. They were moody over losing the transit payroll score, but they had all felt my presence and knew they got lucky despite the loss in booty. I decided to make myself known. My battle meditation flared out and engulfed them all as I approached.

::Ah, fancy meeting you here. I thought I told you to get out of here already.:: I said. I heard shouting over the comm as the captain did his best to calm his men down along with himself.

::It's her from the transit!:: I heard the cathar woman shout in the background. ::She already tracked us down.:: she whimpered.

::Quiet.:: The human man ordered and then addressed me. ::We don’t want any trouble from a Jedi. We’ll leave and part ways. You’ll never see us again.::

I thought about what to do. I didn’t have time for this. I hailed them back after a moment. ::I better not. I won’t turn you in because I am in the middle of somethi-'' There was another ship exiting hyperspace. Warning lights flared on my monitors signaling the ship had guns out.

::Lam it’s the Blood Reaver’s!!!:: I heard the Cathar, Yully if I remembered right, shout. There was a bit of hysteria in her voice. I looked upon the ship. It was a brutal old warship. It had been painted in red streaks and had corpses burned into the hull. This seemed very familiar.

::Kark! Jedi, I’ll do whatever the hell you want. Just help us survive this. They got some serious firepower on that frigate! It has been the scourge of this sector for some time. Those animals will flay us all alive.::

I believed him. It was hard to lie to a Jedi. I nodded. I didn’t have any concussion missiles loaded, but the triple blasters mounted on the edges of the wings were heavy enough to do some damage. Nauz didn’t sell the ship without some sort of armament at least.

::Affirmative. I will draw their anti-void fire. Just try to stay alive.:: I said and hoped I could do the same. I gunned it toward the Blood Reaver vessel. I opened a comm and hailed them. They didn’t seem like they would listen to reason, but Republic Law required the need to state my intention for the arrest.

::This is Knight Luminara Unduli of the Jedi Order. Stand Down and I will take you and your vessel into my custody for piracy and murder. I will escort your vessel to the nearest space port for processin-:: They fired on me. Did this ever work? I veered out of the way. Well, at least I could fire back now.

The Z-95 reacted beautifully. It seemed a tish slow, but that was due to my force enhanced reflexes, not the ship itself. I would have to get this machine tuned when I got back to Coruscant. It would be a nice side project for Anakin when he wasn’t in class. I knew the kid liked to use his hands to work on stuff. Only if he wanted to though. I would have to introduce him to Master Tiin. Then again, Tiin was a recluse. He even refused to take on a padawan, but they both liked ships and fighters. So maybe they would get along.

I dodged and weaved around the frigate. However I found that the runs with the Z-95’s triple blasters were not doing as much damage as I liked. I was a fly buzzing around a bull nerf. The blood reaver ship seemed to charge toward the pirate vessel. I commended them for not simply leaving me to die. Then again I searched my senses and realized I was using battle meditation on them. They were steadfast. I had done so without realizing it. Huh.

::I hope you got some sweet and perhaps not so legal firepower on that little freighter of yours.:: The freighter wasn’t little, but compared to a Military frigate, it seemed little. Mal didn’t argue the point.

::We have some goodies, but the targeting systems may be a bit wonky at the moment.:: I heard someone shouting in the background. Something about cheaping out.

I saw a faded logo on the hull of one of my runs. It read: Eriadu Regional Defense Force.

That was interesting. Thinking back I tried to remember the specifics of what happened during the Stark War. I was imprisoned for most of it and I didn’t quite know enough about the conflict in my first life. Then I remembered Stark bragging about his little hyperspace virus. Then was it Obi-wan or Quinlan who had to shut down? I shook my head at unimportant details. The virus messed with the hyperdrive computers of the Judiciary forces and sent them flying off into hyperspace at random coordinates. This must have been one of those vessels.

I reached out toward the barbaric vessel. Really focusing on the crew. All I sensed was madness. They were driven mad by the dark of space. Images flared across my mind. They were lost and alone in the void. I could see them running out of rations, and looking at their dead for- I jolted from the vision, able to infer how they survived well enough. They didn’t get back to civilization sane, that was for sure.

I remembered Lam’s words regarding them as a scourge of the sector. I went back to making runs on the vessel and drawing fire so that Captain Lam could use his big gun on something important. I managed to hit some important things judging by the small explosions here and there, but the frigate was built well.

The Raider ship fired, but Lam had one hell of a pilot and dodged the turbo laser almost effortlessly. I helped by focusing my battle meditation on the freighter’s crew more. Their shots were more accurate and through that connection I got a sense of their plan. They had something that could really put the hurt on the Blood Reaver frigate, not to mention was really illegal. Even with my battle meditation, the heavy fire was still a great hazard. I used my battle meditation trying to put primal fear into their hearts, but that did little.

I focused on my own job, partitioning my mind in order to focus, and I harried the frigate's guns. Which was too easy as their anti-void lasers were firing erratically. I think I had more issues with the shrap metal dug up from my previous attack runs due to the piss poor patch jobs on the frigate than the AV guns. Still without some heavier ordinance I wasn’t doing much. The freighter got closer, and swooped in. I sensed that one of the turrets was going to land a solid hit on the freighter. I did something noble but stupid. I swooped in and took the hit. My shields took the brunt of the laser’s strike, and it sent me spinning into the void. Warning lights blared as my shield's generators were down. I should have bought an astromech.

I didn’t see what happened as I spun out of control. I still had managed to keep up my battle meditation despite everything. This had nothing on distractions the other masters came up with back at the temple. Lam’s ship had struck true. I felt elation from the crew as the disruptor torpedo messed up the frigate good.

As I managed to stabilize the fighter, I turned back to the small battle. The frigate's bow was a burning mess, but the vessel still fired only much more wildly and erratically like a blinded reek lashing out at a pack of kath hounds. Secondary explosions erupted along the hull, and the ship lit up brightly in the void.

::We did it!:: There was cheering. After a moment. ::Jedi, did you make it out alright?::

::I did, but my shields may need repairs.:: I checked over the readouts. They were fluctuating a bit.

::How bad?:: Lam’s voice was hesitant.

::That’s about it.::

::Here,:: There were voices again flaring up in protest. ::It is my call. We’d be dead or have the Blood Reaver chasing us through hyperspace.:: I sensed a brief moment of hesitation on his part. He had considered leaving me behind. The captain’s honor won out and a message containing coordinates flashed on my view screen before they went into hyperspace.

::Thank you.:: I plugged them into my computer and followed them.

I couldn’t help but laugh as the coordinates contained the same destination I was intending on ending my journey with. It seemed someone found the hidden pirate base. I just hoped they didn't sell the qixoni crystal I was looking for.

Sure enough fate had a funny sense of humor. The old station hung there, looking no different on the outside since my last glimpse. Without maintenance, it might have been a different story altogether on the interior. They had managed to get the docking bay fixed, or it never stopped working.

Lam greeted me as I hopped out of the fighter.

“Nice Fighter. Jedi really do get all the best toys.” He looked over the machine. “If you like I can have our droid look over it.” Out from behind the Captain, rolled an R2 with red and black markings.

“An R2 unit. Nice. I should have got one of them before I left.” I was eager to grab the crystal and go, but it never hurt to be polite.

“Why didn’t you?” He asked.

“Believe it or not, I was in a hurry. I know we Jedi have a reputation for patience, but I didn’t want to linger on this part of my journey for long.” I remembered Tal’or pushing me out of the Terentatek‘s path and taking the blow. I was so reckless then. I mean I wasn’t exactly the model of caution now. I flexed my ghost arm at the thought.

“You have been here before?” Lam raised an eyebrow.

“I was here when the pirates who used to run this place were killed by a monster they captured and set loose. My Master and I barely managed to kill the beast and save the would-be slaves.” I walked toward the bay. “It is all so much bigger than I remember. Then again it has been over a decade.”

“We only have a quarter of the station running. Much has gone out of whack due to lack of care.” He seemed to relax. His crew was going over the freighter, checking for repairs, but giving me curious looks.

“They are still wondering if I am intent on your arrest.” I said.

“How do you know- right Jedi.” Lam shrugged. I smirked. “Of course they are. That seems to be all Jedi do when they are in the Rim.”

I snorted. “Not all of us. You aiding the destruction of the Blood Reaver told me you are not careless murders most in the core would have me believe you are.” A trace of anger swept quickly through him. It was gone in an instant.

“Good to see you have a flexible mind. We don’t rely on piracy and smuggling. We take legit jobs when we can find them.” I was surprised he admitted his crimes so easily.

I took a chance. “I imagine, being on the wrong side of the Stark War didn’t help your opinion of the Jedi much.” I said.

He looked at me. His eyes tracing the scar on my face. He snorted. “There was no right side of that conflict. I wish I had seen that earlier. After seeing that one Jedi, leading the Pubs, I could only feel pity as to why such a great warrior is attached to such a bloated beast like the Republic.” I felt that regret. I wish I could have read up more on that conflict in my past life. Still I couldn’t do anything about it now. His thoughts on Plo and the Jedi were hitting close to home too.

“We were all fooled.” I said.

Lam nodded. “You said this was part of your journey.” He looked at me again.

“I am on a quest of sorts. Vision’s led me back here to find a crystal. In the treasure room.”

“Treasure room?” Lam said with surprise.

“Yes, the former Pirate Lord who ran this place, had a vault of goodies. One of them was a kyber crystal. And other valuable items.” I saw the incredulous look on his face.

“How long have you been operating out of this station?” I asked.

“About a week. We found it abandoned.” He looked eager to see this treasure vault. “It has been a slow process to get it all in working order again. We resorted to taking risky jobs for our employers. Similar to the transit robbery.”

“I am only here for the crystal.” I said. “And any other artifacts that may be Jedi related.” Or Sith, I didn't mention that. “Just let me look it over first, to make sure.”

“Hey, I didn’t even know it was here. I am more than happy to see if this treasure room is legit. Might have stumbled on an electrum mine and didn’t even know it.” He said.

“Does all of this station have life support?” I asked.

“More or less, but I wouldn’t risk going in unprepared.” he said. I nodded and pulled a small item out of my belt. With a flick, the gas mask unfolded and I gave the Captain a thumbs up.

Lam shook his head. “Ladies first.” He bowed. I rolled my eyes and led Lam to the edge of what they safely explored. A mandalorian approached. He wore a mishmash of brown and tan plates. His helmet was the ugliest orange color I had ever seen. If he was willing to walk around with that get up, even in Keldabe, I doubt he was afraid of anything. “You need back up?” he said.

“I don’t think so.” He looked at me. “Do we?”

I shrugged. “Couldn’t hurt. The Pirate Lord had some exotic pets that maybe could hibernate for long periods of time. Doubtful, but it never hurts to have a good blaster along.” I wished I had my blaster, but Katri was looking over my shoulder when I packed. No doubt some other form of test. I also had the scene from Dagobah playing in my head at the time so, I just took my belt and lightsaber. I found I regretted that. That westar was a nice piece.

“Enjay, better to be safe than sorry.” Lam said.

Enjay lifted up a blaster carbine. “Good to go sir. I have been itching to explore this station since we got here.”

“I am well aware.” Lam said. “Hopefully everything works fine.” We placed our masks on and locked another door behind to prevent a loss of air. It was clear from the cold that the life support was barely working. There weren't any ice crystals built up so the place did have the barest amount of life support. The lights were on but were a flicker away from going out.

Enjay took point. Clearly taking his job as the ship's first line of defense seriously. Lam had a blaster drawn. It looked like a slim revolver of sorts.

“Aren’t you going to have that fancy lasersword of yours ready?” Lam asked. It was a simple question.

“If she needs to draw her lightsaber, then we really are in deep osik.” The Mandolorian said in my stead.

Lam nodded, trusting his subordinate’s word. The Station was fairly large, but we didn’t run into trouble. It wasn’t until we got to the pirate’s throne room that I stopped. In middle of the floor, lay the skeletal corpse of the terentatek, surrounded by other mummified corpses. I slowly approached the beast. Enjay went over and kicked it with a whistle.

“Looks like quite the fight. Never seen a creature like this before. Look at those armor plates. Are those lightsaber scores?” There were several. I recalled how the lightsabers glanced off the natural armor of the beast.

“Yes, it took everything I had to take it down. My master was later killed by its venom.” I said as I walked around the massive beast. Lam nearly tripped over something.

“What the hell?” He picked a familiar object. It was Ta’lor’s lightsaber. “This is a lasersword.” He held it out to me. I called it to my hand with the force. It hovered above my hand as I ignited it. An emerald colored blade flared out. I wiped away a tear that broke free. A brief memory of that hollowness after Master Ta’lor released the bond flashed through my memory. I quelled the emotion, but didn’t banish it. I turned off the blade and stuck it to my belt.

“Thank you, the treasure room is adjacent to this one.” I led them to the still open doors of the room. The stasis field holding the crystal must have had its own power because it still floated there. I approached it, ignoring the other items in the room. It was different from most Kyber crystals I had seen. Most were kept in their natural state but this one was cut like a diamond. I reached up and turned the field off and called the crystal to my hand. I half expected another vision, but all I felt was it hum in my hands.

A darkness radiated out from the crystal. It was indeed a qixoni-like crystal. I would have to purify before I forged into a weapon. What kind of weapon, I had no idea as of yet. I decided to look around the room. Enjay and Lam were trying to get a safe open. I saw all sorts of items in the room. None of it was Jedi related at first glance. I was more curious about the safe at the moment.

Enjay felt as if he was grinning while applying a small amount of det cord to the lock. Lam felt nervous about the affair.

“Mind if I try opening it first?” I asked.

“Be my guest.” Lam said. Relieved that a more sensible option appeared. Enjay groaned but stood back.

“I knelt down, feeling the locking mechanism. After a moment I was able to align the tumblers the right way and it hissed open. I felt their heads look in from alongside my own. Inside was a mound of credit chits, and some datapads. Enjay scooped up some of the chits.

“Oh, the amount of ordinance I can purchase with these puppies!” he exclaimed. Lam being the more sensible one picked up a couple datapad. He pursued through the contents. “This is a stock portfolio, and the other is a list of bank accounts.”

“Oya!” Enjay whooped.

There was another object in the safe that I reached in and grabbed it. It was a large ingot of sorts. The steel looked familiar. I heard the sound of credit chits falling on the floor. I looked to see a hand snatch it up. Enjay left the room, with not a word.

I turned to see Lam staring in shock at the credits that Enjay left lying on the floor. Enjay stopped at the door. He didn’t look back. He simply said. “This is my cut. I’ll be in my bunk.” Enjay’s emotions were all over the place. Anger at it being in aruetii hands, excitement at its discovery, but most of all, reverence.

“I have never seen him throw away credits like that before.” Lam said.

“It was an ingot of beskar.” I said.

“What now?” Lam asked.

“Mandalorian Iron. That bar is worth more to him than any amount of credits or riches in this vault.” I looked into the safe once again and grabbed another ingot of beskar. That was all that was left in the safe.

“Will you be taking that bar?” Lam asked.

“Only if Enjay doesn’t want it.” I said. I looked down at the pouch holding the crystal. “This stuff makes great lightsaber casing.”

Lam nodded. He bent to pick up the credit chits. I saved him the trouble and used the force to lift them up in the air and allow Lam to pocket them in his trench coat.

“Handy trick.” Lam held out a hand and they strafed over and landed in his palm.

“You have no idea.” I got up and looked around. The room was filled with various artifacts. Some were paintings and statues. Others were more like tablets and runes. I looked at each one for Jedi Markings and Sith writings. I didn’t see any holocrons either.

“Might want to return these artifacts to their homes, or a museum that specializes in their upkeep.” I looked over some sort of mask.

“Great, I assume you want me to do this out of the kindness of my heart?” The irritation in his voice was palpable.

“Never said you couldn’t take a reward if offered, but I figure it might build favors with those worlds and such gratitude might get you some legitimate contracts.” I stopped looking over a gaphi stick from Tatooine. I pointed at it.

“Okay that you can just sell. If only because returning it would be hazardous to your health, but overall, it couldn't hurt to build good will.”

Lam was quiet and thought about it. He nodded. “You make a good point.” I felt he wasn’t sure if he was going to take my advice or not. I really didn’t care one way or the other.

We locked down the vault. No sense in risking the objects disappearing again. When we got back to the bay, Tully approached.

“Captain, we heard about the treasure.” She seemed almost giddy.

“Settle down there, we found some nice tidbits and enough credits to get by for a while, but it will be a lot of work to get the full amount of what is in there sorted.”

“Enjay, seemed all sorts of distracted. He didn’t even stair at Niraccab’s tits as he walked past her.” Yully’s tone indicated that it was a rather odd event.

“Well, if your astromech fixed up my headhunter, then I should be on my way.” I walked over to my new fighter. The R2 unit called out to me, letting me know it just finished and the ship was good to go. Lam escorted me. I was about to hop in when an idea struck me. This station could be useful if I got the go ahead from the council.

“Captain, I have a proposal. This station seems a bit big for an outfit as small as yours to run. Perhaps an arrangement could be made?”

He cocked an eyebrow, “I’m listening.”

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

Here, have this, 

Reviews and criticism are welcome. 

Disclaimer: I don’t own Star Wars.

32 BBY or 968 ARR (Current Day)

It was the Temple night cycle when I arrived. With its bright billboards and light apartment buildings, you would never know the planet ever had a night cycle. The taxi ride had been uneventful.  No duels to death, and no more lost limbs, so I called that a win. Once I paid the cabby and turned to look upon the temple during the night cycle. I had stashed the new headhunter at a lot not far from my apartment. I didn’t want the Jedi asking questions of where I got it and how I paid for it. 

Not many souls were about as the majority of the species residing here weren’t nocturnal. Those that were often did adjust their sleep schedule to match the daytime. Jedi were weird about forcing discomfort on themselves. It was a “shed off all distractions'' type of deal. I still remember that itchy set of padawan robes Tal’or made me wear for a full year. Never again. I swear that they were weaved from fiberglass with how itchy they were. Luckily he wanted to get me in line with proper Mirialan dress code and out of Jedi attire rather quickly. He would have never desecrated Mirialan attire in such a way or worse tied poor memories of Mirialan attire to my childhood memories. A good technique to draw the padawan mentally away from the Jedi and more into the Mirialan school of thought. We are an interesting little sub-order.  

Other than the presence of the Temple Guard, the Jedi Temple was eerily quiet at night. I stopped in the main hall and looked at the massive pillars and the darkened halls. The place looked dead, but didn’t feel it yet at least. For a moment I had a glimpse of the place post Order 66. Shattered pillars and torn carpet and shadow troopers skulking about. Hopefully I could spare the Jedi of that fate, but my way would still lead to this temple being torn down. Well maybe not torn down, but reduced in use. I just needed to get the Jedi away from the heart of Galactic Politics. 

A memory entered my mind, There were places the Jedi could go. I wasn’t sure about Tython though. If I remembered right that place was steeped in darkness now. There was another place. Its name escaped me at the moment. Nothing that I couldn’t look up in the archives later. Speaking of the archives, I would have to visit the Holocron Vault now. I would have to return Bastilacron there at some point. I kept her around so long, mostly because I wanted to be thorough.  

I walked to my room, though the halls when I felt a presence. They were doing a poor job of hiding their presence. It moved gracefully and swiftly. Ah, they were most likely dodging patrols. Well unfortunately I was there to ruin what had to be a youngling’s plan to sneak out and practice. I smiled at the memories of my own little training sessions. 

I rolled my eyes and tracked the kid down. It was only as I got closer that I realized that they were really trying to be sneaky. They just had a massive amount of force power to hide. It was Anakin. Was there someone else with him? Anakin’s glow was ironically hiding another presence.  

I sensed the direction they were heading and of course it was the speeder bay. Hiding my own presence, I headed them off using my superior knowledge of the temple. I arrived so I saw the speeder bay was properly locked down. but I was able to use the force and open the door. One of the panels was designed with Jedi in mind. I slid in the darkened bay and waited, ready to switch the lights on. 

The door opened again and Anakin entered again, pocketing some sort of tool. I noted he now sported that annoying haircut and braid some of the padawans got saddled with. Luckily I never had to wear that, even if the hairstyle I wore under my veil was a mess to deal with on a daily basis. I don’t know why I put up with it these days. I could get by with a shorter haircut, or a ponytail, but I think putting the hair together every morning had become a form of meditation so I rolled with it. 

Anakin was quick to pick out a speeder. He knew how to pick’em. That model was Master Tiin’s. It was a viper of a speeder. Along with his ship Tiin never stopped tinkering on the thing. He threw a small pack into it and hopped in. He looked prepared to leave the temple entirely. This wasn’t just some overnight trip. I was about to do my dramatic reveal when the second presence entered the bay. 

“Anakin,” whispered a small voice as a girl entered the room, dressed similarly to Anakin. She was younger, but maybe only a couple years and very familiar. I could only wonder how the two had met. 

Anakin stopped his preflight check and stopped moving hoping to not be seen. 

“I followed you here so don’t hide.” Anakin sighed and I sensed him rolling his eyes. 

“I need to go see her.” Anakin quietly called back. 

“But they’ll kick you out of the temple if they catch you.” she said. 

“I just have to be sure. One last time. She needs to know I am alright.” He started up his pre-flight once again.

“The Jedi will let her know. Your friend Queen Padme will have her living well on Naboo won’t she? How will you get there?” the girl asked. 

“I just need to know she is alright.” Anakin was focused now. Just as he was about to hit the button to start up the speeder. I used my power to halt the button from being pushed. 

“It won’t budge.” After a few moments of frustration pushing Anakin growled. I used that moment to switch the lights on with a telekinetic flick from across the room.  

I heard a gasp from the girl and saw her and Anakin covering his eyes. As their vision adjusted, they noticed me standing there. 

“Bell- I mean Luminara?” He corrected himself. “Your back?!” Anakin was shocked. I noted the girl who looked afraid of what might happen to her. She was a mirialan. Of course it had to be her.  

I covered any annoyance I felt and smirked while leaning on a nearby speeder. “I had just walked in the temple entrance when I sensed a couple of younglings sneaking about. Anakin, you still need more practice covering your signature while sneaking about, but good effort.” I looked to Barriss to give her a small reprimand and a bit of praise, but Anakin cut me off.   

“Bariss was only trying to stop me. She shouldn’t be punished-” I cut him off, returning the favor. 

“And she won’t.” I took note of the girl. She looked frightened but her aura held more concern for Anakin’s fate than her own.” If I recall, she was only two years younger than Anakin. Just how did they cross paths I wonder. She stepped forward in spite of skeptical gaze. 

“Anakin just wants to check on his mom.” Her voice didn’t waver or crack. I was surprised at the sudden shift. Bariss stood taller and more fiercely than before.  

“Understandable, but still forbidden. Younglings do not leave the temple unless under strict supervision.” I rubbed my eyes. Damn I was tired. Starship lag. 

“They won’t tell me anything.” Anakin climbed out of the speeder. 

“Well letting go of your attachment to her is part of your training.” I kicked myself for repeating the Jedi mantra and felt hypocritical considering my recent trip so I continued, “But considering your circumstances, I understand your situation. Which is why in the morning I’ll start looking into setting up a visit.” This really was probably the wrong way of going about this.  

“Really?!” Anakin said excitedly. 

“I all but earned my Master rank so I am more than qualified to be a chaperone.” I stood up from where I was leaning. “Now we better get you both back to bed.” I motioned for them to go. Anakin smiled before noting Barriss and seemed to still look guilty. 

“Can Barriss go with us too?” He looked at me with a hopeful expression. One I saw many times back on that old dustball when he would ask what more I could show him.  

“Sure why not?” It seemed Anakin had found his first friend in the temple. I led them back to the dorms. We continued to avoid patrols of Temple Guards so this matter could stay off the record because I hate datapadwork 

Before we got to Anakin’s room, I stopped him. “Just so you know, I am not officially a Master yet. It may be a week or two before I can set this up. If Amidala has taken her to Naboo it will take some time to bring Shmi back here.” 

“I understand, and I won’t try sneaking out again until then,” he nodded. 

“Good,” I waved him back into his room. 

It was time to drop off Barriss. It also would sate my curiosity as to why she ended up as Anakin’s friend. 

“So how did you meet? You and Anakin.” I asked. Her eyes lit up. 

“No one wanted to spar with him. He is too good. Master Plo-Koon said that maybe we could spar together. No one ever wants to spar with me. They don’t think I offer enough of a challenge.” The way she said it sounded like she was repeating the words of the other students. I tried to recall what I knew about Barriss’ childhood. She was compassionate, but rather straightforward. She had proven she had a bit of backbone too. Overall I think Anakin and her would get along well enough. I knew Anakin could use a friend while he was training here. Especially when I was sent on missions away from the temple. It was nice to know Plo was keeping an eye on Anakin as well. 

“I hope you thank Master Plo for helping you find a good friend. He’s cool like that.” She nodded happily, “Now you better get off to bed as well.” I dropped Barriss off and went to my room. 

The light was acting a bit wonky, but despite my tiredness, I checked my room. Mostly to make sure the Gray Paladins hadn’t run off with my Westar. After I found it in its usual spot, I all but fell into bed. I would have to report tomorrow, but for now I could count bantha. 

It was on the way to the Council Chambers that I ran into Obi-Wan. 

“You’re awake.” Last heard he was still in a coma. 

“Just woke up a few days ago, shortly after you left. I heard they sent you on a mission to earn your Master rank.” There was a small hint of envy in his voice. 

“They did. Still feels a bit surreal.”

“You earned it. The first Jedi to kill a Sith in a thousand years, and aided in the fall of his master too. Perhaps ending their threat before it could ever be brought to light.” Obi-wan sounded genuinely impressed. 

“You survived your battle with him on Naboo. That’s no small feat.” Obi-wan nodded at the praise. It was then I realized that he wasn’t in jedi attire. I did not notice a limp until he leaned awkwardly and hobbled toward a window. I heard the whir of robotics. 

“Going somewhere?” 

Obi-wan nodded. “Stewjon and after that anywhere I like.” There was a note of relieved freedom in his voice. 

“You’re leaving the order.” I was stunned. Obi-wan leaving the order was anathema to me or really any Star Wars fan for that matter. I felt a dark pit welling in my stomach. This was my doing. 

“Indeed, after the fight with Sith on Naboo I felt out of my depth and with you taking on Anakin, I couldn’t help but feel there was nothing for me here.” 

“Have you talked to Quinlan yet?” Perhaps he could talk Obi-wan out of this decision. 

“Yes, he tried to convince me to stay, but I am set on this path. Enough about my leaving, where did your journey lead you to?” 

I sensed he wasn’t going to budge. If Quinlan couldn’t convince him, I had little hope.  

“Well it started on Mirial and after some various encounters there I ended up on Mandalore. Where I was able to forge this. The dagger slipped up out of the makeshift sheath and floated up on my left side. I grabbed it in my gloved hand and held it pommel first to Obi-wan. He took the dagger. 

“Mandalore you say?” I noted his lips quirk into a smile, no doubt remembering his own time on Mandalore prior to Naboo as he looked over the blade. He handed it back. I took the blade and sheathed it. “A marvel. Truly your promotion is well earned.” 

“I suppose so. Feels sour now that you’re leaving.” 

“No need to worry about me, Luminara. Enjoy your accomplishment.” I nodded, still feeling like osik , but let go of the feeling anyway.   

“I wish you luck, Obi-Wan Kenobi. May the Force be with you.” 

“And you as well, Luminara Unduli.” We both bowed and I watched him depart. He stopped briefly to look out on the city as the morning sun rose before he walked down the hall for the last time.             

I turned back to enter the Council Chambers. I banished any feelings of regret quickly before I was allowed entry. 

“I see you have returned.” Windu’s tone was the standard Jedi monotone, but I sensed a hint of disappointment. I don’t think he wanted me to fail, but I don’t think he would have lost much sleep over it if I had. 

“I did. Got back last night.” I shrugged. 

“Sense something you have to share, I do.” The Grandmaster was reclined back. 

I nodded and unsheathed the dagger from the makeshift sheathe. “With a bit of help I was able to make this.” The dagger floated up hovering above the palm of my hand. My connection to the blade felt right, like it was a part of me, even though it merely hung in the air with my connection to it via the Force. I found the ability to control it instinctive. That was something I would practice on developing later. 

“What a marvel.” Poof stood and walked over. He had a look of awe in his eyes. 

I floated the dagger his way until the long necked jedi reached out and took the hilt in one of his hands. His neck bent down to look at the blade in his hand. 

“Finely balanced, both edges are razor sharp and well honed, made of mandalorian iron. You must have found a Mandolorian Blacksmith. An impressive feat in its own right.” He handed it back, hilt first. I held it in my hand at my side, not needing to show off anymore. 

“Yeah, quite the story.” 

“Let’s hear it.” Plo Koon had his clawed hands steepled in interest. 

So I recounted the tale of my journey. I left out meeting my family for obvious reasons, and the Pius Dea stuff. I don’t think Katri or Gren would like me spilling those kinds of secrets of what I went through on Mirial. I knew the Council would most likely assume it was a Mirialan secret, which it was and didn’t pry. Other than the acquisition of my new headhunter. I told them about the station and Lam. Most of that was breezed over. I put all the detail I could into how Ida’s Gramps and I were able to create the blade. The Council seemed to perk up as I described the process. This was what they were truly interested in hearing about.  

There was a bit of silence in the room as I finished my account. 

Plo nodded and looked over to Yoda. The old Jedi nodded and scratched his chin with his tiny clawed hand. 

“A great rediscovery of our roots, this is.” The grandmaster sat up straighter in his seat before speaking again. “A promotion, well earned it seems.”

“She could have used a more natural material like wood. The greatest of the ancient Jedi preferred simpler weapons.” Rancisis grumbled. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. Master Piett came to my defense. 

“Don't the elements of steel occur naturally? It is a more involved process to forge, but no different to carving and shaping wood into a quarterstaff or club.”  The thought of a Force Shillelagh was both amusing and horrifying. Rancisis conceded the point while I wondered if there was a blackthorn substitute in the Star Wars verse. 

“I dare say this matter is settled. We have a lot more to discuss,” Master Poof said. “You are dismissed, Master Luminara.” He waved me off with a smirk. I guess it was official. I suppose the lack of pomp was to be expected for this rank. I wasn’t going to complain. As I left, I remembered something I had proposed in the past, but my new rank would help a lot more now. 

“Masters of the Council, I, Master Luminara, have a request.” Windu seemed to know I had something in mind but was official about it. 

“The Council will hear the proposal of the newly promoted Master.” His tone held an air of “what is it this time?” with heavy emphasis on the “newly promoted.”

“I request that the Jedi Order establish a new Enclave in the Outer Rim.”

There was a long silence with my proposal. 

“Why?” Master Tiin sat up, leaning forward to look at me seriously. He rarely spoke even at Council sessions. 

“The Outer Rim has been growing more and more lawless since the Stark War. Not to mention the tension we all feel building between the Core and Outer Rim worlds. I believe the Jedi would fulfill our mission statement more aptly if there was an enclave to both enforce Republic Law and have a presence in the Far Reaches of the Republic. There are still Slavers and heavy Pirate activity in those places. It would help the Jedi’s image as well.” I wanted to “say do what is right,” but that was ultimately an arbitrary statement and the Council wouldn’t take me seriously then. 

I waited a few tense seconds. The room was silent. 

Everyone looked to the Grandmaster when he lifted his hand to his chin. 

“Most interesting, your proposal is. Require Senate approval and funds, we would.” He frowned and I resisted the urge to frown. I wanted this off the books and moreover never even being hinted of in front of the Supreme Chancellor. 

“Are you truly considering this?” Windu looked even more annoyed than usual. 

The Grandmaster nodded. “Believe Luminara is sincere. I do. Perform a trail run, we should.”

“I volunteer to lead such a venture should it come to pass.” Plo leaned forward. “I assume you already have a well hidden base to operate from. This smuggler’s station you mentioned.” 

I nodded.

“Nothing is decided yet.” Windu said, and Rancisis nodded noticeably. 

“Indeed, much more we have to discuss today. A special session in future, Need to further discuss this matter, we will. Dismissed you are.” With that I couldn’t argue further. The Grandmaster had spoken.     

I had already pushed my luck. I bowed and left the room. Once the doors shut, I did a fist pump in celebration. 

I was drawn back to another matter. I pulled out my communicator and brought up the Office of the Queen of Naboo. I used my new title for the first time in an official capacity to get an audience.

Padme appeared dressed elaborately as usual. She looked tired. What time was it in Theed right now anyway? “Master Luminara? Congratulations on the promotion.” 

“Congrats on getting your world back from the Trade Feds, Queen Amidala.” I nodded. “I wish this was a social call, but I wanted to inquire about the status of Anakin’s Mother, Shmi.” 

I could feel the uneasiness radiate from her. Which was odd considering she was lightyears away. I dismissed my musings quickly.  

“We lost her.” Padme admitted. “She was left on Coruscant. I thought it wouldn't be safe to take her into a battle so I left her with the staff there. I even hired a counselor to help her adjust to life out of servitude.” Which wasn’t a bad idea from her perspective. 

A chill ran down my spine. This wasn’t a coincidence, I had a sneaking suspicion of who could be behind the abduction. Why would he care about Shmi now. He had only met Anakin briefly? Wasn’t Palpitne still high off his Master’s death? Or more than likely, he was in survival mode and looking into Anakin more thoroughly as to why Plagueis would be so obsessed with the boy. This wasn’t good. 

“How did she go missing?”

“We are still investigating. So far, it looks like Grela, the Counselor we hired, took her to a nearby market to see the sights. Shmi was getting stir crazy and needed something to do. When they were in the market, Shmi was snatched and their guard was knocked out. I am so sorry, we lost her. I can only think of Anakin’s reaction to all this. He would hate me.” Again I felt her dejection from here. I wasn’t sure about that, but I knew he would rush out to go find her if he did hear of this. The consequences wouldn’t even enter his mind.  

“Thank you for your honesty, Padme. I will look into this matter myself.” She nodded and I ended the call. 

First off I had a conundrum. Did I tell Anakin? He would insist on going to look for her. However, he couldn’t leave the tower, which wouldn’t stop him. I couldn’t take him along without getting us both into trouble. I could never get it approved to have a youngling on a kidnapping investigation.  

I would have to convince him to stay put. I rubbed my temples in thought as I made my way to the younglings quarters. I stopped. I could tell him after I investigated. The trail was going cold as I mulled this over.

I decided to investigate on my own. I sent a text message to Plo informing him what I was doing. As I made my way to the shuttle bay, I got a reply. 

Keep me apprised and take Quinlan Vos with you.

That’s what I liked about Plo. He didn’t try to stop me, he liked to let me make my own mistakes. He even offered an idea I almost overlooked. Now I just had to find Quinlan.  

“After all the commotion, She was gone. I was frantic, but it was like she vanished. I am so sorry Master Jedi.” The therapist or Life Adjuster Grela was a twi’lek. She was on the verge of tears. A former Slave who specialized in this type of work. I sensed no lie and believed her. She was more composed now.

“You are not at fault. I am told the market you took her to was considered safe. Many Senator’s aides and employees often shop there from what I hear.” 

“Who would take Shmi? She was too old for more…” Grela trialed off, unsure of how to say it in front of a Jedi. 

“I understand. I believe it may be a ploy to get the Jedi to pay a ransom. While we strive to ensure the families are well off and protected. Shmi was particularly vulnerable if only for a brief time.” Twi'lek nodded.

“They would be crazy to try that.” Quinlan who had been slowly meandering around the room said.  

“There was one thing. One of the Vendors was acting odd. He was selling fruit, but he wasn’t overcharging. Many of the merchants know the people who shop in that district cater to the Senate, so they over charge. This merchant wasn’t even haggling. It was odd. 

That sounded like a spy of sorts. For who though? Palpatine or could be them. That was an even worse case scenario. 

“Thank you Tisha. You have been very helpful.” I bowed. 

“Please find her. Shmi was a blessing to those I work with. She had a way with people, especially those who had been in bondage.” She looked so sad.  

“I will do my best to locate her. Coruscant is a maze, but she could be anywhere.” 

We both left the apartment. It was when we were about halfway down the hall when Quinlan spoke. 

“She didn’t have anything to do with the abduction. No signs of corrosion either.” I took him at his word. He had psychometry and I didn’t. He was in a dark mood though. I didn’t need the force to feel it. His long face tattoo was permanently scrunched up under his eyes in a scowl. 

As we got into the speeder. He gunned the engine toward the market where Shmi was abducted. 

“Something eating at you?” I think I knew the answer, but I wanted to be sure. 

“Obi-wan.” Just as I thought.

“You think he should have stayed?” 

“Well, I do. I didn’t expect him to give up especially when he was so close to making Knight.” Quinlan growled. 

“I don't know if he did. Just because he left the order, doesn’t mean the Force left him. I'm sure our paths will cross again. Perhaps he will even return to the fold. Let him find his own path for a bit.” I meant it. I knew the Force wasn’t done with Obi-wan.

Quinlan sighed. “When did you become all preachy? Is that something that happens when they slap Master Rank on you?”

“First I believe it and I know you do too. Second, I am not sure about the Master thing. I just hope that I can get the order out of the flat footed rut we had been stuck in since the Russan Reformation.” I sighed and leaned my head back.

“But I don’t want to talk about that. Anyway, what have you been up to?”

“Aayla and I were undercover on Tatooine.” 

“Right now I remember. You were keeping a low profile so I didn’t want to interfere. Then I got wrapped up with Qui-gon and Obi-wan’s mission.” 

“I didn’t sense you at all. Your cover must have been pretty solid.” 

I couldn’t help but smirk. “It was.” 

Quinlan tried to think back to who I could have been. I smirked and would let him try to figure it out. 

“So,” Quinlan seemed apprehensive about bringing up the next subject. “What was fighting the Sith like?”

“Which one.” 

Quinlan shook his head with a snort, “We’ll go with the assassin.” 

“He only used one form. Juyo to be specific. He had a double bladed saber. He used it really well. If I am honest. You know how in the texts they say that it is always possible to determine where both blades are?”

“Yeah,” 

“Well, just never underestimate the value of a good backstroke.” I held up my gloved ghost arm. 

“So it's true then? You found a way to restore limbs with the force. Your promotion makes a whole lot more sense now.” Quinlan chuckled. 

“I think it was a combination of factors, but yes.”

“Could you teach me that little trick?” I thought about it. If Quinlan turned like he did in Legends and even in Canon, that could make him dangerous. I was hesitant. There was one thing Quinlan could teach me that I normally would never have access to however. Vaapad. Mace would never teach me that. It was dangerous, Especially for someone like me. I looked at my arm. If I fell… The damage I could do was immeasurable. I suppose that is why having Master Windu teach me would be a good thing. He wouldn’t hesitate to put me down.  

“Would you be willing to teach me Vaapad in return?” I noted the slight nervous twitch on his cheek when I said it. “If you say no, that’s fine. If you want to learn Limb Restoration, then I will still teach you.” 

Quinlan was quiet for a long time. “How did you know I knew Vaapad?”

I shrugged, “It was a guess. Master Thame knows the form and I just assumed he taught it to you.” 

“I’ll think about it.” Quinlan pulled the speeder into the parking lot not far from the market where Shmi was abducted. 

We exited and walked throughout the place. I clasped my hands together and asked, “So is there any chance you’ll find something to lock on to with so much traffic?”

“It will be slim, but do or do not, as an old tiny green Jedi I know is fond of saying.” 

I chuckled. I zeroed on the stall Shmi was at before the attack. If the twi'lek’s description was any good. 

Quinlan got to work. If I had been alone I would have gone under Bellicose’s identity. People tended to clamp down around Jedi. So I used my Battle Meditation. I reached out and let out a soothing aura. It didn’t outright banish the fear, but it did help in reducing the tension in the market square. 

Quinlan hummed in approval. “I think I got something.”

“Shmi?”

“No, her captor. It is very strange. He knew… who she was and her future? Hard to make out.” I felt a familiar chill. Quinlan walked to a nearby alley. 

“He was waiting for her, posing as the merchant. He managed to knock her out and drag her back into a nearby alley.”

Quinlan moved quickly. I followed. He was enthralled in the hunt. I managed to keep up. 

We reached an elevator. Qunilan pushed a button and we descended into the lower levels. 

“I am not sure I will be able to pick the trail again.” Quinlan said. 

I understood. The fact he could pick up the trail at all was amazing. 

The elevator stopped a few times and Quinlan signaled aspiring occupants to take the next one.  

The Elevator went all the way down to 1313, because of course it had to. I could only feel sorry for Shmi having to be lost down in the dark. I knew she was a tough woman, but she was way out of her element on Coruscant. 

Quinlan seemed to approve. He smiled. 

“Couldn’t be that easy could it.” 

I snorted in amusement. We exited and went about looking for clues. I projected a field that felt out for any potential witnesses. Looking for beggars and locals that may aid us. What I sensed was hostility not curiosity. We were unwelcome. Quinlan must have felt it too, but was more focused on finding Shmi. 

“This way. He took off, jogging down an alley.” 

We went for a few blocks. He reached out and touched various objects as he went. 

We stopped at a large pile of refuse. Quinlan used the force to lift up the trash, revealing a body. It was a Mirialan man with dark green skin. He was lithe, despite the glowing puffiness of his corpse.   

“Kriff,” Quinlan muttered. He searched around for any trace of Shmi. “I can’t get a lock on her. Too much traffic down this alley. It is a shortcut to a local bar.” 

“We could ask around…” I trailed off. 

“I sense them too.” Quinlan drew a vibroknife. Lightsabers were a bit too flashy for this part of town. I drew my new dagger. 

I felt the intent of several individuals to approach. It looked like a local gang had taken an interest. 

“What do we have here?” A human man walked out of the shadows. He had pale skin and dark grey hair contrasted the red faux leather jacket he wore. His face held lines of age that placed him in his late forties. He stuck out compared to the individuals coming from the opposite direction. 

“Oh, we just got lost while searching for someone just as lost.” Quinlan quipped. 

The stranger noted the corpse. “Seems you found him.” 

“He abducted the woman we were looking for.” I sheathed the dagger. Careful to not cut the leather sheath. I really needed a better one.

“I see,” he said. I noted the other individuals inching closer. 

“Why would the Jedi care about such a woman? Is she a senator or a highborn welp?” There was a bit of venom in his voice. 

“The opposite in fact. A former slave.” I sensed his surprise. I didn’t mention her connection to the order yet.

“When did the order start caring about the little folk?” he said. 

“We always cared.” Quinlan growled out. 

The man barked out a raspy laugh. It was a harsh thing that told us what he thought of that statement without words. 

I brought up a datapad and flashed her picture to him. I sensed his recognition. 

“You have seen her.” Quinlan said. 

He waved his hand and the others in the opposite end of the hallway stopped their advance. 

“Yes, that asshole was leading her around. She caught the attention of the bartender. She sensed her distress and had her bouncers throw that asshole out of here. He tried to pull a blaster, but the bouncer is a big one and kicked him into the street. He broke his neck.” The man frowned. “They could have at least taken the body to the incinerator.”

“And the woman?” I asked with a bit of desperation. 

“She is fine. The owner of the bar hired her to wash dishes and keep the place clean. Place hasn’t been that clean since as far back as I could remember.” I sensed a growing fondness for Shmi from the man. 

“Could we take her back to the surface with us?” It was a simple question. 

“No, the way I see it she is one of us now, Jedi. You will not have her without a fight.”  I heard the clicks and ready blasters from hidden places around us.” I looked at Quinlan. He shook his head. It seemed we were of the same mind. No sense in causing a fight. 

“May we at least speak to her?” I asked. 

“And let you do your magic on her, oh no.” He chuckled. 

“I need to at least see if she is alright with my own eyes. You can go back to running your bar after that.” 

He thought for a moment. He was unsurprised that I guessed his connection to the bar. “No funny business. Desiree will sense if you are messing with her head.” He turned down the alleyway. “Des.” 

A beautiful young Zeltron stepped out with Shmi. Her outfit was nabooian in design, but she wore an apron. I sensed no distress from her. 

I walked up. I was stopped by the man. “That is far enough.” 

“Shmi, are you all right?” 

“Yes, Luminara. I am fine. Zane helped me escape that man.” Shmi wasn’t lying. The Zeltron gave off no sign of manipulation either. 

“See she is fine. Now get back up to your fancy tower Jedi.” Zane said. “We’ll take care of her. She is among the Unseen now.” At the mention of the Unseen, I relaxed a bit. They had grown in recent years from what I heard. They acted like a gang too much for my liking, but they still helped people down on their luck it seemed. I hoped they wouldn’t get worse in the future, but I couldn’t control the organization at this point.

“Luminara, we can’t just leave her here.” Quinlan was reaching for his lightsaber. I held up a hand to stop him. 

“Stop. I will let her stay, but I will stop by to check on her from time to time. Her son might come by too in the future.” I looked into Zane’s eyes, with an unyielding expression. 

He relented and nodded. “She told me her kid was at the temple, but I didn’t quite believe her until you showed up. You can go.” 

“Thank you for your hospitality.” As I turned to leave, my eyes drifted over the corpse of the dead abductor. He had a small tattoo on his wrist. I didn’t have time to notice it before. The image sat in my head for some time after we left level 1313. It was another butterfly. I shook my head. I was getting really tired of these assholes. I didn’t bother with the body. I knew it led nowhere as usual. It hurt to ask. 

“Did you happen to get his communicator by any chance?” Zane tossed it to me. I caught it by hand. 

“Damn thing fried. I was wondering who would bother stealing a nice woman like Shmi. Thing is Bith tech. Had a DNA scanner in it. Fried it when I tried to access it.” I was disappointed, but not surprised. 

“Can you do me a favor, Zane was it?” 

“That favor would be?” He raised an eyebrow. 

I walked up to him. He was on his guard. I held the communicator up and undid its seals and screws with the force. The Communicator blew out like a blow chart, the parts floating in the air. I picked out the one piece I was looking for in the thoroughly charred mess of parts. The one with the maker's mark. It was the only clue I had been able to gather on these assholes over the years. 

“If you or the others among the Unseen, find someone with this symbol anywhere on your person, please give me a call. Beware they may have some means of killing themselves to prevent capture. I held out my own comm and sent my contact info to his own device.

“I will want to check in Shmi from time to time so you might as well have my comm number.” 

“You are not what I expected Jedi,” Zane said. 

“Not all of us like being Senate attack kath hounds.” I replied with a shrug. I smiled and leaned around Zane to give Shmi a small wave. She gave one back if a bit awkwardly. I sensed that she would be fine despite being down in thee the most dangerous level on this planet.

I took my leave. Quinlan shook his head. 

“1313 is and always will be a world within a world won’t it?” he quipped. 

I found myself agreeing.

“You sure about leaving her down there?” 

“Yes,” I said, “It felt ironically enough like a safe place for her to be. I will have to investigate the area and this Zane to be sure, but I sensed no ill intent.” 

“Despite being anti-Jedi as well as most authority figures, the Unseen are known to look after their people.” Quinlan said. “Good people, but just a little misinformed. Make no mistake, if she is allowed to stay there, she is one of their people now.”

I felt amused at the irony, being snubbed by an organization/possible gang I created. Luckily Bellicose could move in circles Luminara couldn’t. I would be sure Zane was on the up and up, before leaving Shmi in his care. Now I had to tell Anakin, that visit may take a little longer to set up. I’ll be honest if the Council said no, I would probably have to go behind their backs. No way in the nine Corellian Hells I was breaking what was essentially a promise.

Chapter Text

“Wait so she was kidnapped and brought to the under levels, then some random bar owner saved her from the kidnapper and he took her in. Then you just left her there?!” Anakin was incredulous. He had a right to be. I told the truth.

“I got a good feeling from Zane. I plan on looking in on them in an unofficial capacity to be sure. Our mutual “friend” Bellicose will at least.” I winked. Anakin seemed to be satisfied with that.  

“You’re still taking me to visit her right? I want to see her myself.” A reasonable question.

“I will level with you.” I said in a serious tone. “Now that her place of residence is in 1313, it will be harder to set up a visit. Though perhaps Zane could take her somewhere less dangerous for the meet.” I said to myself. I did have a place in mind. I would have to purchase the location of course, I wonder if Demask’s little speakeasy was now for sale. “I will have set that up. That will take time. I will keep you posted.” 

Anakin nodded. He thought to himself for a moment. He didn’t seem all too happy about the situation. I wasn’t all that happy either, but it could have been so much worse. Perhaps it was a hidden boon, Those who would want to find her and do her harm would have to go look down in the depths of one of most dangerous places in the galaxy. 

“I should get back to class. We are learning how to deflect blaster bolts today. Well, I am learning. Many of the others already know how to.” Anakin muttered.

I waved my hand dismissively. “You’ll pick it up quick enough. From what I hear, you’re a quick learner. Wait until they add multiple remotes.” He gave me a look that said it wasn’t as fun as I thought it was. Then again as a reincarnate, in my childhood, I found the most mundane things Jedi did to be awesome and still do. I really needed to get back training myself. Hadn't the proper time for it ever since Maul attacked me. “I will see you around the temple, I am sure. Now I just got to get the council on board. Have fun.”

“I’ll try.” I heard him mutter as he departed for the training halls.

I felt Quinlan approach. He hadn’t been too far away when I told Anakin the details.

“I am surprised you haven’t taken him as a padawan already.” I heard Quinlan say from his spot, little ways down the hall.

“Still a bit too young for that. Besides, I would like to have him make some friends in the temple. He already made one.” I crossed my arms. 

Quinlan shrugged before leaning against the wall. “I hope you aren’t hoping the Council will grant that request. It steps on many tenets of the order.” Quinlan rolled his eyes.  

“They will.” 

“How are you so sure?” Quinlan raised an eyebrow. 

“Because they know I will just go and do it anyway.” I couldn’t help but smirk. 

Quinlan chuckled at that. “Careful not to push them too hard, Luminara. I heard rumors that they are concerned about you. Your association with the Dark Lord prior to you helping Plo defeat him has unsettled many.”

I couldn’t help but sigh, “I feared as much.” Even in death, Plagueis seemed to be a shadow I will never quite shake. “It is understandable, but in this, I would risk the Citadel.”

Quinlan raised an eyebrow. “Are you sure this is about Anakin and not you?” Okay, what was he getting at?

“What are you trying to say?” Quinlan shrugged. 

“So soon after Komari died-”

“And you think I latched on to Anakin as a coping mechanism.” I interrupted. 

“Did you?” I rolled my eyes, but I thought about it. Perhaps I did. Thinking about Komari’s death  still hurts. I remembered the hollow feeling in my gut as her dead weight rested- I pushed the feeling away. Even after all that had happened, it was still hard. 

“I should go meditate.” 

Quinlan gave me an understanding nod. “Just remember that you can’t help him, if you do get sent to the Citadel.”

I didn’t reply. Did the whole temple know about me and Komari or was it just people who knew us well enough? It gave me something to mull over. Had I truly dealt with what happened to Komari or was I just pushing the emotions away? I gave Quinlan a wave before departing myself. 

I found myself working on a new lightsaber. I preferred to use one, but it never hurt to have a secondary saber. The new crystal I used was from another set of those damn force cuffs. It saved me a trip to Illum. I had tried to track down the source of where they got the crystals over the years. It was no doubt some black market outlet. I had considered a place like Dantooine, but the Kinath tunnels were too dangerous and Korriban, sorry Moraband, as it was called these days, was heavily secured and monitored. I suspected it was a sneaky trick to keep folks from going there to loot it or something. No idea when the name change occurred. As far as I was concerned it was still Korriban. There were other places, but I suspected over the generations kyber crystals found their way around. Some Jedi went missing, others were assassinated. There was a private collector market for Lightsabers. 

I did lament the loss of my original saber, but at least I lost it in a duel. Mostly because I was running my mouth, but still it wasn’t like it fell out of a skycar or misplaced. 

The new lightsaber came together well. Only one piece was absent. I looked at the electrum block floating in the air next to the new saber. It was sent to my chambers while I was out. I decided not to add the fancy gold coloring until after I mastered Juyo which wouldn’t be too far off. I think… and another thing I think am mentally avoiding is the subject should have been meditating on.  

I literally ran from her death and my guilt. Had I just paid attention. I was so cocksure and arrogant. Oh, the Yinchorri are resistant to force powers, but not the air and walls around them, ha ha. They were also hard to predict in their movements. Their actions didn’t register very well to a force user's senses. Almost invisible. I paid that price with the life of a friend and lover who took a blade in the back for me. I felt tears sting my eyes. I cried for the first time since the accident. The denial being washed away in a tsunami of repressed guilt. I got Komari Vosa killed. 

After some time, I managed to pull my emotions back into check after a few minutes. I couldn’t allow myself to show a lack of control for now at least. She was gone, but she wouldn’t want me to wallow in her death. I could have a cryfest when I got out of the temple away from the sphere of Jedi Influence. 

In the meantime. I need something to do, so I decided to return Bastilacron. I dried my tears and went about looking for it. I set her on the shelf somewhere. I kept the holocron for too long. Considering there were yet to be any new Battle Meditation practitioners, there was never any real rush to return her. I was studying how to make my own too. It was an excuse to enter the Holocron vault. I activated the Holocron, but not before blowing the dust off. 

Bastila appeared. Her form looked a bit older. Heavy robes and the aged look of a master weary from pulling the order back together. 

“Ah, Student. I sense you are finally going to take me back to the vault. It is about time.” she scowled. 

“I made the rank of Master today. I won’t say that I don’t need you anymore. Your information and wisdom have been invaluable. I appreciate it and hope to add to the knowledge in my own way.” 

Bastilacron sighed, “Then go forth and use what you have learned for the betterment of the Jedi and the Republic.” Her avatar blinked out and the holocron shut itself down. 

I rolled my eyes, but left my quarters heading toward the library. I would have to move into the Jedi Master’s quarters later. 

Master Jocasta had an irritated look on her face when she saw me. Of course because I had pulled a fast one on her with Maul’s blade. I doubt she would ever let me let that down. She took her job seriously.  

“Ah, if it isn’t Master Unduli.” There was a hint of disapproval. I resisted the urge to bristle at the tone. 

“Master Librarian, I have come to return a holocron to the vault.” I held up the item in question. 

The old jedi made an attempt to grab it. “I will take it from here.”

“I wanted to see the vault myself, if you don’t mind.” She couldn’t deny me entrance, but she wasn’t happy about it. 

“Did the Holocron help in your studies?” she asked while leading me to the vault. 

“A bit abrasive at first, but once you get to know their quirks, you can learn something.” I could have sworn that the holocron flickered in disapproval.

“Every holocron is different. I told Master Poof that perhaps this one wasn’t a good fit, but he insisted. I think Master Vaas would have been better.” I did not miss the implication. Master Vaas was Exar Kun’s master after all. I suppose considering how I got my arm back this type of comparison and attitude was warranted. It worried me somewhat that was how I was seen.

The vault was bigger than I remembered it being. Of course it was. The place held not only Jedi secrets, but Sith holocrons and various artifacts. Speaking of Exar Kun, his lightsaber was on a pedestal to my left. It was wrapped in a special cloth to prevent it from messing with people's minds when handled. That also reminded me that the nerfhole’s spirit was still prowling around Yavin 4. There was a whole mess of other osik that was piled up in front of me. 

It was enough to drive me mad. More so than I was already. I shook my head and followed Jocosta to the slot in which Bastilacron was supposed to sit. After slotting it in, I turned to look around the place. My gaze settled on a row of Sith Holocrons. 

“Will you be checking out anything while you are here?” Jocasta said. There was a small bit of apprehension in her voice.  

I thought about it, “No.” I left the vault without a word. I didn’t think I was in the best mental state. The damn Sith holocrons looked too inviting and that set me on edge. What I needed was to find a training hall and practice my forms. It didn’t take long to find an empty training room. 

I took my time stretching and warming up. I started with Form 1 and worked my way through all of the basics and moved on through the forms in numerical order. As the blades sang through the air, it felt like my core being was leveling out a bit more. While I enjoyed static meditation, this was how I best connected with the Force. 

I had finished working through Form V when I sensed a presence. I turned, my blades deactivating. It turned out to be the Master of the Order. 

Windu stalked in. His expression was neutral per usual, but I sensed his usual disapproval, but there was something else. 

“Your form is impeccable,” he said. 

“Thanks?” There was confusion in my voice. Was that a compliment? 

“Whatever our differences, I can respect your dedication to mastering your bladework and even honing your other abilities despite reaching the rank of Knight so early. Your promotion was not without some merit.” There was a “but” coming. “However, I still am against your early promotion to the Rank of Master. Despite the aptitude you showed in combating the hidden Sith threat, your attitude is unfitting of such a rank. It also evokes the specter of the Jedi Order’s militant past.” There was an undertone in his voice. It was hard to decipher. It was obvious, he didn’t trust me. I didn’t want to play this game right now.  

“You want to spar?” I wasn’t sure what else to say. Windu was considered a moment before he nodded. I set my new saber aside, letting it float in the air of reach. 

“You are below my usual skill level, but you could no doubt learn something.” Oh it was on now. I knew I was probably in over my head, but damn was I not going to make it easy for him. 

I raised my lightsaber in a salute. The intensity was already turned down. Accidents happen even among the highly skilled.

Windu returned in kind. We circled for sometime, before I made the first move. It was a simple jab to get the ball rolling and roll it did. Mace was fast. Really fast. Not dissimilar to Plagueis, or Maul, He didn’t use Vaapad. Didn’t really need to and he might have feared I would learn the movements. 

I was mostly on the defensive at first, falling back on Soresu. It was hard to keep up, but I didn’t spend years training for nothing and managed to deflect just enough to perform a few slashes of Makashi, briefly putting Windu on the Defensive.

He dropped into Juyo, so I decided to switch it up and apply Djem So. I found that I was having fun. I will admit I was at the edge of my current skill level, and Mace was not above switching forms either. After a few more minutes, it was becoming clear Mace was going to come out on top. My competitive side was getting the best of me and I had an idea so I forced a blade lock, 

With my right organic hand, I used tutaminis to grab my own blade and half-sworded, extending the two-phase blade out and using the blade as a makeshift quarterstaff. Mace was not expecting this. As I managed to turn my blade around his blade on the fulcrum and managed to lightly score his robes as he skillfully dodged the blow. He was not amused and with a whirl, I found myself on the defense for good this time. I did my best, but Mace managed to turn my blade aside and point his Violet blade over my heart. I thought about swiping it away, but I doubt I would have changed the result and only ended up in this position again.

“I yield,” I said and deactivated my blade.  

Mace deactivated his after I mine. I clipped it to my belt and called my new saber to my side, clipping that one as well. 

“That was fun.” 

Mace looked down at his scorched arm. 

“As always, you brush up to the line.” He turned and left the room. Before the door shut, he said, “Take care not to trip over it.”

I couldn’t help but roll my eyes. I needed to visit Ganorn about the Speakeasy purchase anyway. I left the training hall and noted the sun was setting. It would have to wait until tomorrow.     

Chapter Text

Visitation

Here, have this.

Reviews and criticism are welcome.

Disclaimer: I don't own Star Wars. 

The next few weeks came and went. I didn't really do all too much other than the usual duties and coordinate with the Unseen to find a meeting spot for Shmi and Anakin. Mace sparred with me a few more times. I don't think he was after anything specific during those sessions. I think that I just made it into the rotation of his usual sparring partners. I was honored. I don't think he was going to ever teach me Vaapad, but I enjoyed being able to step up to the next level of saber mastery. Still had a bit of work to do, before I had Juyo mastered, but I was getting there. Mace was a hard teacher, but clear cut. I found I liked that a lot. Reminded me of Tal’or, when he wasn’t prancing around the underworld.   

On a related note, the battle Meditation Club started up again. Despite our ideological disagreements Rancisis and I got along alright. Any frustrations we had, would be taken up on the court so to speak. It had stopped being about just training just me. Instead, we began to rotate out. That was nice. I still lost against all three combined, but I never stopped trying. I needed to know firmly where my limits were in the battles to come. Only the Grandmaster could win against us all.

I found out my favorite range had shut down. The owner passed away and his kid turned it into a storage warehouse. The new owner had a decent reason at least. He couldn't run both his general store and his father's old range. Once things settled he would look into selling it to one of his father's friends so they could keep the place going in the future. It was annoying as I wearily had to use the range in the Temple basement for the time being. After I got over my annoyance at the Gray Paladins’ stubbornness, I decided I might ask them for tips. While I had experimented incorporating a blaster into my saber forms in the past, I had never fully focused on it nor did it mesh well. Perhaps it was time to build bridges instead of fording the river downstream to avoid said bridge.

It was just that once we really got to talking, it devolved into a theological mess regarding using the Force as intended or ignoring the abilities the Force itself has granted therefore ignoring the Force. In short they were trying to convert me into one of them and I was at least trying to turn them into Teepo Paladins or proper Sentinels. They were clearly wrong though.

The Gray Paladin's didn't bother me at least due to my new rank. That was nice. I knew they all but salivated over my Swiftkick. Apparently it had become even more of a collector's item in recent years. One that was still working anyway. The seals in blasters went to hell if you didn't shoot them regularly or vacuum seal them in a display case. Finding new seals involved having them custom made or tracking down factory seals which in some cases could be worth as much as the blaster they were designed for. 

Initially I lamented that they had discontinued production. It was a fine piece. Luckily I found I could do something about that. I reached out under a moniker. One of many. I purchased the rights for it from Blastech. The pistol had been out of general circulation for sometime and Blastech was going to let the patent expire anyway.

Why bother, right? Well, with the patent, I could have the base design upgraded and have a reliable and official clone on the market before the other blaster companies tried their hand at their own clones. There were some issues with the compact blaster that I had felt needed adjusting. It was thicker than it should be and I really wished that the grips could be swapped out for smaller or larger grips and the trigger could have a crisper break. Which is why my alternate persona partnered with Mandaltech to manufacture and improve on the design.

One of the conditions being they come up with an improved variant. Perhaps even a full size version. They agreed, reluctantly. Their small arms division was working on it now. It would take a few years as proper testing was required. I might have to renew the patent. We'll see as I wasn't really sure how that worked. While I had loads of money, I only kept around five percent which was still a substantial sum. The rest was invested or donated to various charities. Oh and upkeep for the damn prison world I had no idea what to do with. How do sell worlds? An Ad in the paper? 

FOR SALE!!! 

Fully functioning Deep Core carbonite prison.

Guaranteed Escape free with its hazardous location and frozen prisoners. 

Fully automated with amenities for onsite Organic Personal.   

Luckily that world just needed shipments of raw materials and the Droids there would fashion what they needed at foundry on site including parts for themselves if needed. I haven’t even been there. Considering how hard it was to travel in the deep galactic core, I decided to put it off for the time being. aa

In the meantime, I leaned my head back on the tram, taking me toward the old speakeasy where I met Plagueis for the first time. Thinking about Plagueis allowed my thoughts to drift to Maul's Scimitar. Which was still tucked in the Jedi Temple hangers. Luckily no one would bother it as I posted a note on the hatch that read:

Dibs

- Luminara

Foolproof. 

I entered the place. It was dusty and all the furniture was covered in duraplas wrap. I searched every nook and cranny for any clue the Old Muun might have left. There was none which was to be expected. I mostly bought this place because it was off the books. I would have to spruce up the place.Komari always said Red as a color is looks good when it's new, but if you don’t refresh it becomes stale or some osik like that. Komari could spruce the place-

I caught my thoughts and stood there for a time, before resolving to just turn it into a safehouse and spare armory. In its current state it would serve as a meeting place for Shmi and Anakin. 

Even though I had approval, the purpose of meeting here still made it look like I was going against the council in this matter. It would give off a sort of rebel legitimacy to the whole thing for the Unseen. 

After finishing up and making the place presentable, I went back to my apartment. I had only been here briefly to gather a few things and store my Bellicose armor before my duel with Maul. Thoughts of that fight made me cringe. So sloppy. I absently scratched at the ghost arm. It felt so real that I forgot I had even lost it. It was a bizarre feeling.

The armor itself had dried and it looked beautiful. Golden highlights along the edges stuck out, all geometrically shaped. Komari had done her research and nothing was culturally off. No misplaced diamonds or triangles. Nothing that screamed fake. She must have looked it up or had a second more reliable source. This will turn heads in bounty hunter circles. Might even get a mention in the Weekly update the Bounty Hunters’ Guild puts out. They liked to keep tabs on freelancers, especially notable ones.       

Even so, it was a very quick trip as I wanted to avoid going into the master bedroom. I found myself outside the door anyway. It had been sealed. I should have left it open to air out. My force enhanced senses instantly picked up her scent. I powered on through the familiar miasma, until I found myself sitting on the bed where it was still strongest.

I felt the covers under my hands and briefly a memory of a hand caressing my back and pulling me down into the covers entered my mind. I resisted that urge to lay down. I didn’t want to land in an empty bed.

Instead, I forced myself to stand. It took more effort than I thought and moved to the dresser. I reached in the top drawer and pulled out a fancy silk glove. Komari wore it at a party she attended a few months prior to Yinchor. I didn’t have to dress up for that one, I got to super sleuth my way around the ducts and hallways in order to find evidence instead. 

I smiled. I liked that mission. I hated those parties. Komari liked them, and that was why I put up with them. 

It felt good as I slipped it over the Force arm. Komari had slightly bigger hands than mine, but I could have sworn the glove fit perfectly. I shrugged. I left the room, Turning back to look at it one more time, before shutting the door. I will return, but right now, I had a meeting to plan.

Anakin

He hated it here. Meditation class would have been better if he was allowed to fix something while doing it. He didn’t like the eyes he felt watching him while his own eyes were closed. He could sense their stares and resentment. The other students weren’t the nicest nor were they outright mean. They resented him skipping over so much of what they trained years doing. Not to mention they envied how much he had learned in such a short span and how easy it was for him to do so. There was another big factor. There were only so many Jedi looking for padawans to go around. This led to a competition to see who was better and who would be left to join the Service Core. There was an often unspoken horror of being sent to the service core. 

Anakin’s ease at learning what was being taught only seemed to inflame that divide. He would admit it wasn't hard to see why they didn’t really like him. He was glad that Barriss didn’t seem to mind being around him. He liked being around her as well. She was quiet, but she wasn’t too proud to take advice from him on some techniques. She offered some tips on blocking out the negative feedback from the other students. Barriss had become good at that. That made him angry. She was so nice. The Others didn’t think much of her as she was youngest and often wondered why she wasn’t in a lower class. She was never hesitant to be his sparring partner when they practiced drills. That made him dislike the others even more.

She was the only reason that he could bear to stay in this place right now. Luminara also promised he would get to see his mom. He hoped she wasn’t lying. She had seemed determined to make it happen. The idea of his Mother living in the seedy underbelly of this vast city world. To say he was worried, was an understatement. Was she a slave to some crime lord or sitting in an alley begging? His mind was a wash with worry, despite the assurances of Luminara that Zane seemed on the level.  

His lessons in the fighting ring had just finished, when he sensed Luminara. He looked around the hallway that went back to his room. She was leaning on a pillar talking to another Master from the looks of it. She had clearly been waiting. The other master had a suave look about him and his dreadlocks gave him away. It was Master Vos. Vos was always fun to be around when he was here. Anakin smiled. 

“And then I had to blow it up.” Vos sighed. “Shame too, You don’t see many artifacts that old. I don’t care much about archeology, but that was something else.” 

“Well if anyone hasn’t said it already, thanks for saving Coruscant. I appreciate it since I live here. Also I am sure there are more stargates out there. They had to have more if there was a network. Who knows, maybe they connect to a secret mountain base on the human homeworld.” Luminara chuckled to herself before she noticed Quinlan confused look and changed the subject. “How is Aayla doing by the way?” Luminara briefly adjusted her veil after bumping it on the pillar she was leaning on. 

“She is doing great, It won't be long until she takes the trials.” 

“That’s good to hear. It seems like it was just yesterday I was herding back into her room while on temple guard duty.” 

Quinlon chuckled, “She mentioned a temple guard that seemed more angry about her lightsaber forms than her being out after curfew. Should have known that was you.” He nodded toward Anakin as he exited the classroom. “Speaking of Padawans…” Luminara turned. She smiled. 

“Hey kid. How’d class go?” 

“Alright. We worked on our meditation.” he said. 

“Oh, how long did you manage before you fell asleep?” Luminara said. Master Vos smirked at that. Anakin blushed. 

“I managed not to fall asleep today.” It was true. Normally he did nod off somewhat, but today he managed to get into the flow if only toward the end. 

“That’s good. I had a hard time getting the hang of meditation back in the day.” Luminara admitted. 

“Only for you to find that it was a crucial part of your skill set.” Master Quinlan jested. 

“Yes, the Irony writes itself.” Luminara changed the subject. “Anyway, I thought I’d check in.” 

Anakin wasn’t sure he should ask. He didn’t want to pester Luminara.  She raised an eyebrow, already knowing what he wanted to ask. Perhaps even without reading his emotions or sensing his thoughts.

“Tomorrow.” 

“Really?”

“Yeah, I managed to get a place lined up for the meet the Unseen would be okay with.” Luminara started scratching her gloved hand. 

“Has the Council cleared that?” Quinlon asked and Luminara shrugged. 

“Better to ask for forgiveness than permission. Besides, Master Plo made it sound like it was a yes.”

“They probably know you would just do it anyway. Is it wise to push them so much after they greenlit your new enclave idea?” Luminara simply gave him a look that said “yeah.” Anakin smiled. 

“I suppose if they hadn't kicked you out by now…” Quinlon shook his head. 

Luminara grinned. “Well they do need pushing every once in a while. I am still rather tame compared to Qui-gon. Now he pushed things.” It looked like she was going to go on a long rant before she looked at Anakin. “Anyway, that conversation can wait. Anakin, be ready to go when I stop by later.” She nodded to Quinlan who gave his own nod and left to return to his own duties.

“Okay,” Anakin said excitedly. Luminara gave him a quick wave before departing He couldn’t wait to tell Barriss later. Wait, Barriss-

“Wait!” he nearly shouted. Luminara turned back to look at him. 

“Is Barriss still coming with us?” Anakin asked with a hint of trepidation. 

Luminara just smiled and nodded. “Of course.”

Before Anakin realized what he was doing he hugged her. Luminara’s body stiffened at the contact, but relaxed and he felt her arms on his shoulders. 

He pulled back. “Sorry I…” 

“It’s fine,” Luminara brushed it off. “You better get to your next class.” Anakin did his best but he could tell that he was too impatient and received more shocks from the remotes in blaster deflection class than his usual none. Even despite the snickers of the other students, he was just too excited to care. Bariss perked up when he told her. She had been excited to meet his mother as well.

I could sense the tension in the Unseen guards as they shifted nervously on their feet. It wasn’t their fault. I don't think they actually knew a lot about body guarding at all. They had never even seen the sun, much less the level above 1313.

These men were clearly the only ones. Desiree and Zane had both accompanied Shmi and hadn’t come off as uneasy. I wondered who was watching their little bar down below. Zane probably had people for that. Desiree was annoying me with her prods at my emotions. None of them got through. I didn’t comment on it. One, I was sure it was instinctual zeltron behavior and two, I didn’t want to ruin the moment. The only other Zeltron I knew was Ida and she was weird. Not weird per say, just that the Mandalorian was overwriting the Zeltron. Maybe more like melded together. Zeltron’s had a vicious warrior culture overshadowed by their “other” cultural aspects.   

Anakin was telling Shmi about life in the temple. He clearly was leaving something out. I remembered that the other students were jealous of Anakin, but kept their distance. Barriss sat quietly next to him. Shmi looked relieved to see her child again and was more than happy to simply listen to him ramble on about his training. However, she did notice Barriss, and would ask her questions. Barriss was clearly warming up to Shmi. I wondered briefly about Barriss’ parents. 

“How about you Mom? Have you been doing alright…? Down there?” He gave a look to Zane. 

“More than fine. Zane has been a great host.” Shmi wasn’t lying and showed no signs of being forced into saying that. I looked at Desiree. She sensed my skepticism. She signaled me to follow. I saw Zane nod to her, saying it was okay.

We went over to the back of the storeroom behind the bar. I shut the door behind me. 

“So, everything above board?” She knew better than to lie. (If there was a lie to tell.)

“Shmi is fine. Better than fine, insisted on working to at least cover the room and board. Zane was hesitant, but when the next morning we woke up to find the kitchen the cleanest it had ever been, he relented.” 

I nodded. Damn, she was pretty. Her skin tone was just the right shade of pink and- I shook my head. What was going on?

“I was worried you put her to work, though I sense you aren’t lying.” I looked up and she had moved closer. Her long blue hair was combed over to one side. Before she stepped closer, I found myself stepping back. “Uhm,” I said as I stared into her eyes. Those dark purple eyes. Purple? Shouldn’t they be blue? I woke as if from a trance, and realized to my annoyance that I allowed myself to go into a small enclosed space with poor airflow while with a zeltron. I put my hand up and stopped her. 

“No, please.” It was too soon, way too soon for such a thing. “I’m flattered, but no.” I must have let some emotion slip through the net. Her face softened in understanding. Damn empath. 

Then the Zeltron smirked, but nodded. Her hand brushed my waist briefly, feeling my abs under my robes and sliding her hand down to my waist. I would have stopped her if I sensed her intent to pursue. Instead, I heard a click of her inserting a chip into my comm link. 

“Apologies,” She smiled wanly, “I understand you have Zane’s contact info, but he isn’t always available. Just in case.” Did she just give me her number?

I coughed, “Of course. Thank you for your honesty.” I quickly left the room doing my best to get the pheromones out of my system. 

Shmi was still talking with Barriss, and Anakin was sizing up Zane. I looked at Zane and he was clearly concerned for Shmi. I looked at Desiree who still seemed a bit let down about my stalling of her advances.

“My parents were killed in a speeder accident. They found me cocooned in a little force bubble.” Barriss said. She sounded sad, understandably so. “I was sent off to the temple soon after.” 

“I am sure they would be proud and happy to know you lived and are going to be Jedi.” Shmi said in a motherly tone. She had taken with Barriss and it was apparent that the feeling was mutual. 

“She is like that with the street kids too. Easy going and willing to listen.” I turned to see Zane lean on the wall next to me. There was admiration in his voice. 

“She had a lot of practice on Tatooine.” I remarked. 

“Yeah, she told me a bit about that.” Zane was quiet, before speaking again, “I am surprised you kept your word. Jedi aren’t known for much down in 1313 other than causing trouble. Well meaning I grant, but trouble all the same.” 

I nodded, “We do tend to womp rat our way through things and then tend not to stick around for the consequences. Of course some could argue that we do the heavy lifting.”

Zane nodded. We were quiet for a time. I found myself asking a question, but Zane beat me to it. 

“Why did a Jedi decide to break tradition?” 

I chuckled. I didn’t want to get into that right now. I simply said. “I just want us to be heroes again.”

After about two more hours, it was time to go. 

“Bye, Mom,” 

“By Ms. Skywalker.” 

Shmi smiled and bid them farewell. I told Zane to send me updates.

“Don’t worry, we know how to watch our backs.” He said. Shmi approached as Anakin and Barriss went to the door to get ready. 

“Thank you for this.” Shmi said. “He needed it.” She looked at her son. Anakin waved from the doorway. 

I nodded “Yeah, I could tell he wanted to ask, but refused to look like he was pestering me.” 

Shmi smiled. “Take care of him.” She looked into my eyes and I matched her gaze. 

“I will,” I turned and called out to Anakin and Barriss. “TIme to go.”

Anakin didn’t complain, nor did Barriss. While I would have liked to spend some more time, there was only so much time one could spend visiting before things got too awkward, and it was better to keep things short and sweet. I would have to be clear to Anakin that this couldn’t become a regular thing, but I felt that things went well. Anakin wouldn’t have to be stuck in class for very long as my new Enclave proposal was going through. I would take Anakin with me to the station, Barriss too. 

Chapter Text

Here, have this.

Reviews and criticism are welcome.

A/N: Sorry for the long update.

“Are you and the Council all sure this is a good idea?” There was a hint of uncertainty in my voice. I had a right to be a little nervous. I just had a lot more responsibility thrust upon me. It wasn’t that I was unprepared, it was just surreal. Finally having something come to fruition.

“Yes, I believe so.” Cin Drallig put a hand to his chin. “The Council made a good choice picking you.” He turned his head and called out to a knight about my age. “Footwork, Lya.” He looked back at me. “Apologies.”

“Don’t worry about it,” I said quickly, “So… Battlemaster?”

“You spar with the Master of the Order and Myself on the regular. I dare say that's as good as any resume. The Council felt that putting you on the Hidden Enclave's council would be too extreme, but as the Hidden Enclave’s Battlemaster you will still have some authority on the station. A good compromise.”

“So I will be training students as well.” This was unexpected but not the worst thing in the world. I sensed it was a test to see how well I would take not being in charge of the station after all this work to put things in motion. I could play their game.

“Alright then, who is on the Nowhere’s Council Enclave? I still haven’t been told.”

“Masters Shaak Ti, Quinlon Vos, and Adi Gallia. Gallia will still fulfill her role on the High Council, but her knowledge of the Underworld will be of great use in aiding the Enclave’s mission while the enclave gets started.” While I was glad for Qunilon and Shaak Ti, I hoped Gallia didn’t get too much in the way of the training I had in mind for the padawans that would be trained there. Then she and Qui-gon were friends so perhaps she would be more agreeable than most of the council. Shame Plo wasn’t going to be on the Council, but I rather he be on the High Council.

Shaak Ti and I were friends of a sort. Mostly lunch buddies. We were never assigned to work together on missions in the past. Mostly because Komari and I were tied at the hip.

“Good choices, this will help Shaak Ti cut her teeth on Council work.”

I looked around the training hall at the many flashes of light as Jedi of all ages practiced around us. I noted some minor problems with forms here and there, but I could tell the practitioners in question were working on eliminating those already which was why they were here. There was the whirring of several lightsaber blades as Pong Krell of all people was training with another Jedi Knight. I was impressed. Honestly the fluidity of his moments made me respect the Clones all the more for taking him down in the show. I wondered how I should neutralize him before the Clone Wars. He does a lot of damage to the Clone army with his Chenkov tactics. Drallig’s answer to my previous question broke my brief thought.

“Yes it will. Strange turn of phrase. I wonder where you heard that-” Drallig looked over at the doors of the training hall. I sensed who it was. Master Plo.

“I figured I’d find you here.” He gave a quick nod to Drallig. “How has your new post been treating you Battlemaster? Or should I say Battlemasters?”

“Very well, Master Plo-koon.” Master Drallig returned the nod as did I

“Good to hear. I just came here to find Luminara. Didn’t have to go far.” He looked at me. “You are generally either training or arguing with the Gray Paladins.”

“Grey Force Luddites more like,” I muttered under my breath.

“Indeed,” Drallig cut me off before I went on a rant. He gave us a quick bow which we returned and went back to helping the other knights train.

Plo gestured for me to walk and followed.

“I see you heard the news. Congratulations Battlemaster Luminara.” I could hear the smile under his mask.

I smiled but shook my head. “Title won’t hold much weight until the Enclave is fully operational.” I shrugged, “But thank you all the same.” There was one question burning in my mind. “Will Anakin be in the group of Younglings sent to train there?”

“Why yes,” Plo said.

“Barris too?”

Plo nodded, “It was a matter of debate, but the Council decided that you would constantly be making excuses to come back to Coruscant to see one, the other, or both. The fuel budget can only be pushed so far. There was also the possibility that young Skywalker might hijack his own starfighter in order to come back here to get her.”

“I gathered that it was an interesting conversation.”

“It was. You are not allowed to have two padawans, but Barriss’ improvement has caught the eye of some of the other Mirialan Jedi Knights. Many thought it prudent to keep her in the same atmosphere that she has been improving in so far. I suspect you may have a few of your little suborder prowling about the station.” Just great. Hopefully they weren’t like Gren. Plo looked down the hall seeing Rancisis slithering along down a crossroad as we continued our walk.

“I am surprised Quinlan was appointed to the The Enclave Council on Nowhere Station.” I admitted.

“Master Quinlans’ recent actions on Dathomir saved Coruscant. The council felt it was fitting reward along with his new title.” Plo waved a door open and we entered a large meditation chamber. It had running water and a pond. Not unlike the one outside in the garden.

“It’s well deserved. I assume you led me off to an empty room to talk about something important?” I wondered what this was about. I leaned on the side of the water tank and started idly using the force to make little whirlpools. Nothing that would disrupt the tank. I reigned myself in and turned to meet Plo’s gaze.

“I felt I should elaborate that the station will be under much scrutiny. There are many who want this venture to fail. I don’t believe that any of those on the Council who disapproved will act against it, but there are many in the Senate that feel this is an unnecessary action.”

“No doubt they have a lot of fingers in many pies out in the Mid and Outer Rim. Of course they do, but they wouldn’t want us looking too closely.” I noted. I was angry that the Station was on the Senate’s radar. I suppose if it used tax dollars, it would have to be on some sort of committee’s docket. Luckily, not its location at the moment. Spacestions could be moved and that is part of the reason I chose it over some abandoned enclave like Telos or Dantooine. You can’t move a whole planet. “I am simply glad I have the chance to try. I just know some sort of sabotage will be attempted, but I have plans to deal with that. Thanks for the heads up.”

“You are welcome. I will stop by from time to time. I find this venture rather exciting. Some have even called for reopening some of the other old Enclaves. Your words haven’t just been an annoyance in the Council’s ears but everyone in the Order whether they agree or not has taken notice of your outspokenness.”

I couldn’t even pretend to not act bashful. It was both good and bad. There were some who probably feared I was turning into another Revan. It was what I wanted after all for the Jedi to get off their semi-apathetic asses. I, myself, needed to go on a real mission again. Hopefully I wasn’t bound to the station too much with my new duties as Battlemaster, and I did like the sound of that title if I was being honest.

“I am glad we are heading this direction,” For better or worse.

Plo was quiet for a time. “Hopefully the station won’t be on fire within the week.” He got up and left. “I have things to do. Good luck in this endeavor.”

I nodded and before he got to the door I called out. “I am aiming to make it two weeks before any fires start up just do you know.” We were both wrong. It was a week and half.

Just before he got to the entrance, he turned back.

“It seems the ship we took from Damask disappeared in transit.” I crossed my arms still mad at the council for sending it off to be stolen by Sidious.

“You don’t say.” It was all an act of course highlighted by what Plo was going to say next. I felt a bit of amusement creep in.

“Apparently, a bounty hunter stole it. Bell-something.” I didn’t correct him. Plo gave no indication of my amused aura.

“Hopefully, she puts it to better use than Damask.” I smirked.

“Indeed, regardless, the Jedi aren’t at fault. It happened after we handed it off to the Senate Guard.”

“Well, it's their problem then. I am sure the illustrious Senate Guard can handle one solo bounty hunter.” It was my turn to sense a sliver of amusement from Plo. He nodded and went about his business.

Waking to the sounds of a blaring alarm was both terrifying and annoying. It had to be the one night this week I chose to sleep instead of meditate. So I was cranky and groggy. I quickly slipped into my robes. I didn’t bother with the veil and just tied my hair back. After clipping my lightsabers and dagger to my belt.

When I opened the door of my modest room on the recently dubbed Nowhere Station, it was to a shooting gallery. Blaster bolts fired from turrets that were installed along the walls. I had a saber in hand and was already deflecting bolts back at the shielded machine. I was just glad the younglings weren’t on station yet to hear me curse the resident Mandolorian on the station. Enjay was odd even by his peoples’ standards, even if he was a talented weaponsmith. Unfortunately, that meant whatever happened to set the turrets off, would make them really hard to shut off.

I ducked behind cover as I drew my dagger. I floated it in the air and launched toward the machine. I slowed the blade down to pass the shield barrier at the last moment, allowing the blade to slip past and slice the wires connecting the turret's power supply. With it disabled it for now, I took note of a couple of Jedi Service Corp members huddled under a hallway bench. One was clutching a wounded leg.

The other had seen my entrance standing helping his friend. He was human and his friend was Mon Cal. She still favored her injured leg.

“Thank you Master Luminara. We were sent to look for you by Master Quinlan.” The human man said.

“Any idea what is happening?”

“It is believed the Pirates who had this base prior still had security features that connected to the security systems.”

“Understood. Now get your friend to a medic. What are your names?” I scanned for more possible turret locations as he answered. Whoever designed the station stored the turrets out of sight. It was a good design choice. I wondered how old this place was and realised that these turrets matched the station, meaning I had cursed Enjay unfairly. I frowned.

“My name is Hatch, and this is Lyu.”

The Mon Cal nodded her head, focusing best she could through the pain.

I nodded back, “I will disable as many as I can and get into contact with Captain Lam. His Slicer might know more of the systems here. Unless Comms are down, that is usually how things go.”

Hatch couldn’t help but let out a quick chuckle. “No, they were up last we heard.”

Grateful for the news, I pulled out my comm and pulled up Lam’s number. He answered before I could speak.

“No, we haven’t figured out what was going on. Creek thinks that this wasn’t something the pirates installed. The station's original owners did that. The system is really old. Says she is having a hard time cracking it.”

“Shouldn’t it be easy,” I threw my dagger at another turret slicing the power cord. It sank down disabled, drooping like a willow branch. I had only possessed the dagger for a few months and I felt like I trained my whole life in how to use it. It was phenomenal.

“I don’t know a blasted thing about this tech stuff, but she said code changes over time like languages or something. It’s old!” The frustration in his voice was clear. He must have asked the same question.

“Alright, I will do my best to disable any turrets. Have there been any casualties?” I sounded cool and collected, but I was worried.

“No deaths, but one of them nosy Non-Jedi took a bad hit to his gut after everything went haywire. Your Jedi Master Friend is helping our Doc patch him up.”

Damn. I hoped he pulled through? He must have been talking about Quinlan. I thought to myself as I walked. I was constantly looking around corners. I carefully dodged and disabled turrets, ensuring minimal damage would be done and they could be repaired easily. It took about two hours to clear the west quarter as I had dubbed it. Lams part of the station being the Northern quarter.

It was as I entered the center conflux that I sensed Shaak Ti nearby. She was making her way toward my area.

“Luminara, I see you are alright.” She looked prim and proper, compared to my haphazard look. I could sense her disapproval at my disheveled appearance.

“What, I was taking a nap,” I was a bit defensive. To her credit she didn’t make it an issue so i got right to heart of the matter. “How many turrets do we have left to disable?”

“I took care of the ones in the east quarter on my way here.” All the Enclave Council members had their rooms spread out in certain parts of the station. That way if the Station failed in one part, it wouldn’t accidentally wipe out all the station's leadership. Did it say something that her room was on the complete opposite of mine? I mentally shrugged and I was brought out of my thoughts as I looked around her shoulder at a severely damaged turret. It was my turn to let a slip of disapproval into my force aura. She could have caused a lot less damage. Couldn’t be helped now.

“Well, I got a good chunk of the west. Lam’s Slicer is looking into it.” I pointed toward the “North” of the station. “We should probably get moving.”

“Of all the days to have the younglings brought to the station. Thank goodness, they have yet to arrive.” Shaak Ti said. I stopped and turned around. “Where are you going?”

I pulled out a comm. “Lam, is this an internal alarm or are there defenses outside the station set to blow anything that comes near it?” There was the sound of a blaster and a small feminine voice answered in his stead.

“The Captain is busy. Creek here. The Outer defenses run on a different system. I see no indication they are active at the moment. However the turrets in the hangar are going haywire like the rest on the station. We'll be fine. Yully stabilized the Jedi who got hit in the stomach.” I nodded and cut the connection and zoomed to the Hanger. Shaak Ti was right behind me. We encountered a few more turrets. I managed to not wreck them like Shaak Ti had. However, that is when my comm chirped. I rolled my eyes and noted it was Master Adi who was bringing in the younglings today. Great, just what I needed.

“Master Adi,” I said with a forced smile.

“Master Luminara, Master Quinlan appraised me of what was happening. We will not set down until we hear the all clear.” That was a relief, I was worried they would have engine trouble that would force them to land, or some other inconvenient contrivance to get them on the station.

“Good, Have the outer defenses reacted to your presence.” I asked hoping they wouldn’t also be a problem. I did not feel like going outside today. I hated working in a vacuum.

“Yes, but the station shut them down when we gave them the proper access codes.” That was a relief to hear.

“Alright then, we’ll get the internal defenses sorted. Captain Lam’s slicer found that the Turrets were conn- Shaak! Try not to damage those turrets so badly! Anyway, that can wait, I got work to do.” I shut the comm off and went to work ensuring Shaak Ti didn’t make future repairs a nightmare.

“So…” I said mid-fight, “So do you want to make a bet?”

“Pardon,” Shaak Ti deflected a burst of blaster fire before ripping the turret out of its cupula. She sent a quick glance my way with an eyebrow raised.

“On how old this station really is. My money is on around… 500 years old.” I sent my dagger slashing at another turret expertly disabling it.

To my surprise Shaak decided to play along.

“It seems like this station is no more than 400 years old but its style dates back to Mandalorian Excision. I shall say around that time is what I wish to bet on. Now back to securing the station.”

I gave her a brief nod and went back to work. This had to be a secret CIA-esque blacksite once upon time with security like this. Would have to look into it when I wasn't being shot at.

We reached the hanger to see a few Jedi Service Corps personal shooting, ineffectually, at the shielded turrets. The shields blocked the accurate shots with barely a flicker. One of the Corps members in a mechanics jumpsuit turned. He was an old human. He looked like he still worked out regularly.

“Keep your heads down, the big guns are here!” He shoved another younger twi’lek girl down. She also wore a mechanic jumpsuit. “Let’em work.”

I did my best to not show off. I used my stiletto to the best of my ability. I kept it simple. I managed to disable more turrets than Shaak Ti, so there would be less work to fix the turrets later. Shaak Ti seemed to really not like the turrets. I was going to ask about that later.

I looked over at the elderly technician. “Any more emergencies? We got a ship looking to dock.”

“Unless the outer turbo lasers turn on, then no. Give us a bit to clean up the debris.” He gave a pointed look to Shaak Ti. Shaak Ti for her part looked unrepentant in her actions. Nothing could be done about it now. Hopefully she had a good reason.

“We’ll stay and help. It is best to get the younglings on station ASAP.” I began moving to pick pieces up by hand. I used the Force to start lifting the heavier stuff out of the way.

“Luminara, I will help here. You should go make yourself presentable.” Shaak Ti for her part did look concerned. I thought about it. Gallia was a council member. Best not to look like I just got out of bed which I did. It was always best to look presentable despite the situation. It gave off a measure of self-control.

“Fine, let me know when you’re ready for them to dock. I won't be long.”

I wasn't long. I got my robes and hair done. I had just pulled my veil on when my comm chirped.

It was Lam, “So Creek got the system the turrets were running on disabled. Creek had a heck of a time. Enjay is having a mental breakdown seeing what your Jedi friend did to half the turrets.”

“Can Creek tell me something about who built this station?” I asked hoping it was close enough to four hundred to win my bet with Shaak Ti. The projection changed to another member of Lam’s crew.

“I can’t say for certain, but I think this station was built as a staging area for the Mandalorian Excision.” Creek said. She was a small woman with brown hair and big eyes that made her look innocent. I shook my head thinking about what Shaak Ti would want for winning the bet.

“Well explains the massive amount of firepower.” I looked up at the hanging turret.

“The turrets themselves are relatively new. The station claims that they were installed about a hundred years ago. This station has changed hands many times since it was built. It might be older than 700 years.” Creek adjusted her goggles again.

“I see.” I still had to welcome the younglings on the station. “Let me know what else you find. I should go.” Before I disconnected the call Creek interjected.

“Wait!” I turned back. “I don’t think I or any of the Jedi techs here tripped an alarm. I think the command came from outside the station.”

That put me on edge. “It can’t happen again can it?”

“Of course not, but I managed to isolate where the command came from.”

“Good, Quinlan and I will look into it immediately.” Creek nodded. I closed the connection.

The ship had been called in and landed. It was one of the counselor class ships. Adi Gallia existed the ship followed by Anakin, Barriss, and the rest of the Younglings.

“It seems that we missed a great deal.” Adi’s words were emphasized by one of the turrets that were barely dangling from the wall snapping and falling to the ground, making a loud clang in the hanger. I did my best not to finch, merely closing my eyes and taking a deep breath.

“Welcome to Nowhere Station.”

A/N: Again sorry for the long wait. I think I will try to knock out another chapter before New Years to make up for the long wait. If it takes so long again, feel free to badger me for an explanation via PMs or DMs.

Merry Christmas.

Chapter Text

Practice, Practice, Practice.

Here, have this.

Reviews and criticism are always welcome.

Anakin lept from one wall to another as he ran, doing his best to run along the sidewall that had placed itself in front of him an exact moment before he jumped from the previous floating square pad, until he leapt off and grabbed a series of handle bars. Then he leapt up from a pad on the ground. At first he resented the way the course always changed around him. But he grew to love the challenge after a while and in a way he thrived on it. He charged up a wall panel that floated into view, and ran across the next platform, leaping from one to the next. It wasn’t long until he had leapt up on the edge of the training arena. 

“Well done,” Master Quinlan said. “Vast improvement over the last run.” Anakin smiled. He found he liked Quinlan. He didn’t like having to call him “Master” though. Anakin knew it was just a title, but it somehow still rubbed him the wrong way. It reminded him too much of Watto. Despite that, the Jedi Master seemed laid back, but like Luminara was a stickler for properly training his charges. “You can go wait and watch the others make their attempts.”

Barriss called him over with a wave. They stood by each other as they watched Tara. Tara was one of two other humans in the group of padawans that were sent over. She had reddish blonde hair and pale skin. She was from Mandalore, which was rare. Anakin didn’t entirely understand why that was. Master Adi might mention it in history class one of these days. Tara often used terms in her people’s language to describe things and Anakin found himself getting lost along with anyone else talking to her. For some reason that annoyed Luminara when they were in class. She never said anything about it, but Anakin had grown to know her well enough to see on her face a mix of annoyance, but mostly a bit of embarrassment.

The other human was Sha’a Gi. He was sort of a scaredy nexu. But he was still a year younger than Anakin and he knew his fellow student would get past that fear in time. 

Anakin found he only worried most of the time about his mother. She had sent him a message prior to leaving Coruscant saying Padme sent Threepio down to her, and got the droid a new chassis as well. That didn’t sit well with him. Padme returning Threepio was good, but the fact someone else finished Threepio and not him. That is what didn’t sit well with Anakin. Did they install the panels correctly? Did they mess anything else up?  

Padme, he started thinking of her smile and the way she treated him after they left Tatooine. His thoughts drifted too much into those eyes for him to notice what was coming. 

“Think fast!” In an instant a ball hit him on the side of the face. He looked to see Luminara smirking and some of the other students hiding smirks and chuckles. 

“Got to keep focused Anakin.” Quinlan had an amused look on his face, but he continued. “Remember to guard your mind and always be aware of your surroundings. Especially when one of us is throwing around cheap shots.” Quinlan shook his head in Luminara’s general direction. 

“Hey, he’ll thank me when he visits some place like Nar Shadda.” Luminara called back from a different location in the training hall. Her voice was unapologetic. 

Quinlan smirked, “We’ll find a way to get her back, but first we have to finish class.” 

Anakin ran in the pit three more times that day. Luminara didn’t throw the ball at him again. She was merely reminding the others and himself to keep alert. Anakin was used to keeping alert, especially to see if Watto came to work hungover or for customers who attempted a five, four, or even a three fingered discount.

He took some solace that he wasn’t the only one to get hit with the ball, even Barriss got hit once, and Gendi, another Mirialan kid. Molr, the class's only Zabrak, would duck the shot Luminara threw at him, but Koff and Tara wouldn’t get hit at all. Koff was a Duros and was tall for his age. When everyone was done with the course. Skii got hit. She was a Twi’lek with an orange hue to her skin. Anakin saw that Luminara was merely training them to keep their senses open and alert at all times. 

Overall Anakin found he liked this group of Padawans he was placed with. Barriss was here and that made things even better. Barriss had started gaining a bit of confidence and often wasn’t as meek as she was before. She would stand up for herself more often. 

With class over, the floor of the training pit lifted up, returning its status as a floor. This room was also where they practiced Lightsaber combat. Luminara was especially strict while teaching bladework. Anakin found it odd how much of a shift he saw when she ran them through their katas. It was different to how she trained him on Tatooine. She was more laid back. Anakin supposed he wasn’t learning to use a lightsaber back then. Luminara had been trying to teach him without knowing he was using the force at the time.   

The Younglings all filed together for some basic sprinting, push ups and jumping jacks. After all that they got to sit down to cool off for a bit while they took turns in the fresher. Quinlan had them all practice meditation While they waited. It felt good to cool off. The Station didn’t have a large fresher like at the temple. Now they only had one more class. 

It wasn’t long before they were ushered into the main classroom. Luminara had managed to get the other students she had missed at certain parts of the day. 

“Remember, to always keep your guard up. Think of daily classes like a mission the Council will one day send you on as Jedi.” Luminara stopped using the ball once they had been hit. She wouldn’t have to use the ball much at times going down the line. Eventually never again.

They entered Shaak Ti’s classroom. Master Shaak had been gone along with Master Adi the last day or two. The younglings had barely met the other masters in charge of the station. Something to do with the turrets acting up before they arrived on station. Anakin wasn’t allowed to help with repairing those. Mostly because the Mandalorian man on Lam’s crew would shoo them away. Tara had tried speaking Mando’a to him. That only seemed to make things worse, as he openly growled forcing them to run away as he threw a hydrospanner after them. They ran into Captain Lam once or twice. He was always polite and often answered any questions about his ship. Anakin still wasn’t sure how Lam and his Crew fit into things around here, but Anakin was excited to see how. Lam had some fun stories to tell. 

They all went to their usual assigned seats. Tara and Molr flanked him. Barriss was in the front row. This room had softer seats. Luminara walked up and stood at the head of the class. 

“Alright, time for some lessons in the Mysteries of the Force. Master Shaak didn’t give me any lesson plans so I will teach what I feel like teaching you until she gets back. Understood?” They all nodded. 

“Good, now today we’ll talk about Tutaminis.” There were a few hush groans of annoyance. Tutaminis wasn’t everyones’ favorite. Anakin found himself intrigued. It hadn’t been long since he had learned this himself, and despite tutaminis being relatively minor, it was still useful. He imagined trying to apply it while testing wire and motherboard connections on any droids he worked on. He thought of Threepio again. 

“I know, I know,” Luminara held up a hand to silence the groans. “Many of you have gone over this, but consider this a refresher course. It is a very useful ability. Transferring energy, even radiation by redirecting it elsewhere. You can even use it to heal injuries. While not as flashy as a good ol’ force push or pull, this ability's utility cannot be understated especially in the field. I once used it to get out of a nasty set of force cuffs. Had I practiced more, I might have not shocked myself so much in order to get out of them.” She shook her head briefly and wrung her wrists. “This power is even the basis for Stun Droid, or Ionize as the ability is called today.”

Luminara moved to a small table with an old radio box sitting on top of it. She demonstrated as a remote floated above her and fired. The round impacted harmlessly off Mirialan's hand. She shifted her angle so they could see better the bolt dissipating around her hand. After a few more shots she pointed the opposite gloved hand palm out toward the old radio and it flared to life. It spat out some music in a language he only heard spoken by Tara. The human girl started buzzing in her seat, both physically and in the force, clearly enjoying the music.  

“Hey!” Everyone in the room turned toward the entrance of the room. It was the Mandolorian from Lam’s ship. He stormed in and went over to snatch it up. Luminara stopped him. 

“Hold on Enjay, let me finish transferring this energy.” Luminara’s voice was casual, but she meant it. She clearly wasn’t amused at the interruption.

Enjay ignored her and reached out anyway. His hands hit an invisible wall. He growled and muttered something about “Jetii”, crossing his arms. Luminara smirked, but finished the transfer. 

“What was it doing near the recycler?” Luminara asked. 

“The di’kutla Cathar must have thought it was junk again.” He started muttering in Mando’a. 

“Watch your language in front of the younglings,” Luminara admonished the Mando as she handed the radio back. 

The Mandalorian shook his ugly orange colored helmet, took the radio, and stomped out.

“Well, it seems my tutaminis demonstration was cut short. Not that you’ll needed that much of a refresher. Another lesson is make sure the items you find next to the compactor were in fact put there by the original owner.” There were some chuckles. “Moving on,” Luminara called down another remote. “Like I said earlier, this ability is a stepping stone for other abilities, such as Stun Droid or Mechu Macture if you want to get technical. Ionize is the preferred name we use today.” 

Luminara held up a hand, pointing it at the remote like a blaster. A small arc of lightning zapped out of the end of her index and middle finger and impacted on the small droid. Anakin felt a bit sorry for it as it hung in the air convulsing. He knew the little remote didn’t have a higher processing unit, but it was still hard to watch. 

“Alright, now it's your turn. The tricky part is simply directing the energy.” Luminara looked around the room. “Pretty sure this room is insulated enough.” She said to herself.   

Practice ended up involving both powers. They had to take energy from a generator Luminara placed in the center of the room, and transfer energy to themselves via tutaminis and zap a remote assigned to each of them. After which the remote would have to be zapped using the basic Ionize. It took Anakin a few tries, but he got the hang of it relatively quickly. Luminara’s words when she would stop and describe how to release the energy carried a strange feeling. It helped him, like a suggestion, sparking an innovative leap in knowledge.  

Some of the kids used the finger slug thrower technique Luminara demonstrated earlier, while Anakin preferred the palm out method. All the students got their remotes up. It was learning the new technique that many in the class had issues with. Anakin could still feel a presence in the air. Then it was gone, and he somehow knew that he was on his own. Anakin hesitated. He could have done it, but he kept thinking of Threepio and R2.  

“Having trouble Anakin?” He looked up and saw Luminara standing next to him. 

“I shouldn’t be…”

“Your thoughts are drifting to C-3P0.” Anakin disliked the thought sensing aspect of using the force as much as he loved it. 

“Yes.” He looked around self-consciously. The other students seemed focused on their task. Some gave them looks of curiosity, but they paid them no mind after Luminara told them to focus.

“Understandable, but not all droids are good. Think of those battle droids who slaughtered gungans and poisoned the swamps of Naboo.” The mention of Naboo caused him to recoil somewhat. The dark figure that stole him from Master Qui-gon after Anakin had blown up the lucrehulk. Then being tied to that dark and cold slab in that black dungeon of horrors. Luminara laid a hand on his shoulder. 

“I am sorry for mentioning that.” She quickly brought the subject back to the droids. “There are droids that may not be friendly, like assassin droids for one. You know this.” 

Anakin nodded his head. “I guess you are right. I will do better.” He was going to use the ability this time. 

He calmed his mind reaching out a hand and absorbing energy from the small generator. He focused on holding his palm up and sent a blast toward the remote. 

The remote shook and sparked somewhat, but stuttered all the same. He looked at Luminara who nodded. She quickly noted another student, Koff, having trouble and went to help him. With that Anakin focused until... 

“Got’em!” Tara said with a hint of amusement in her voice. She seemed to be zapping her remote a bit too hard. 

“You are zapping it too hard. You’ll burn it out.” Anakin found himself saying aloud.

“So?” Tara reached out and drew a bit too much energy from the generator. 

“They won’t like it if we damage them beyond repair.” Tara sent the Ionize at the remote anyway. It squawked and sparked violently, dropping to the floor dead. 

“Oya!” She jumped excitedly.

Anakin was a bit angry with her, but he calmed himself and continued to practice. Taking care not to overload the remote like Tara did. Eventually the girl got tired of not doing anything and went over to pick up her remote. She shook it, trying to get it to work. She started muttering in her strange language again. They both felt Luminara’s presence again. 

She hovered behind Tara and Luminara raised an eyebrow as the initiate turned. 

“You’re pretty good at this.” Tara beamed with pride. Luminara held up a hand and the remote flew from Tara’s palm and into her own. “That being said, the point of the exercise was to practice on the remotes. It is hard to practice on a damaged remote. We don’t have storage containers full of them like back on Coruscant. This lesson is about control as much as it is about learning Ionize.” There was an undertone in Luminara’s voice. One of authority.  

Tara deflated somewhat. “I… I am sorry Jetii Al’verde .” 

“ Prove it .” Luminara stated plainly in Tara’s language. He wasn’t certain what Luminara said, but the girl's eyes widened finally realizing that perhaps Luminara understood some of the things she had been saying for the past week. The Jedi Master called over another spare remote. She took the damaged remote for repairs later. Anakin focused back on his own remote. Three other students ended up overloading their remotes. Though not intentionally. Luckily there were plenty of the little drones. Class was eventually called and they were given the rest of the day off. Luminara held Tara back for a moment, speaking in Mando’a to the girl. The girl nodded, seeming both chastised and strangely determined.

Anakin found himself staying back in class. He walked over to the workbench where Luminara was working on the remotes that were overloaded. 

“Hey kid,” she tossed him a remote. “Here, if you have free time, you can come and work on the remotes. The other droids on station will need permission from Ritch, the Head Engineer, before you can crack them open. Anyway, good thing you stayed back.”  She approached. “I got something to ask you that might come from the other side of the huttball field.”

Anakin shrugged, focusing on his work. 

Luminara put a hand on her tattooed chin, tapping it. 

“How do I phrase this? Do you like using the title of Master for those that have the rank?”

Anakin had just unpinned the shell of the remote Tara had overloaded when she asked that question. He froze briefly, before he spoke Luminara cut in. 

“Be honest.”

“Not really,” He answered honestly. It had been a hard adjustment. A small thing really. He quickly found the overload capacitor, and swapped it out. There were some other burnt parts. Tara had a penchant for going overboard.  

“Okay, uhm, how ‘bout you call us Mentor instead.” Luminara unclipped a datapad from her belt. She typed something in. “I will let other instructors know not to call attention to it.” 

Anakin didn’t like the idea he was getting special treatment. “You don’t have to worry about me, Master Luminara.” He didn't want that. This group of younglings were a lot less jealous than the last group. He was afraid Luminara would ruin that. Despite his fears, he did feel that Luminara was trying to help. 

Luminara nodded. “It is your decision. I doubt the other students would even notice. They are all special cases in their own way. Especially Tara.” 

Anakin listened, curious of what he would learn of the odd human girl. Sensing his interest, Luminara continued. 

“Tara is from Mandalore. Part of an outreach program you could say. Their leader, Jango Fett, agreed to send force sensitive initiates from his world the Jedi in exchange for a deal like what my people, The Mirialans, have with the Order. Tara is an experiment. Another reason she was put in my group is because I am considered an expert on Mandalorians.”

“You got the misfits then?” Anakin found that amusing for some reason. Between himself being seen as a prodigy, and Barriss being considered a lost cause, it sort of made sense.

“You could say that.” Luminara said with a smile as she waved the door to the room open and left.  The door opened and Barriss was waiting outside.

“I was just waiting for Anakin.” Barriss made to enter but Luminara jerked a thumb over at the workbench. 

“Make sure he doesn’t stay up too late.” He could feel Luminara's presence recede as she left the training room. Anakin smiled as Barriss walked up next to him by the bench. He was happy to have her around. He liked Barriss. She was a good friend and a familiar face.

“What are you working on?” 

“The remote Tara broke.” 

Barriss looked at the remote, on the table. 

“She… is very loud.” 

Anakin couldn’t help but giggle. Tara had yet to learn the concept of being quiet. She was too eager to impress, Anakin felt that she might not be here long if she kept that up. 

“You like it here?” she asked. 

“Yeah, so far. I like how much Luminara and Quinlan push us, especially Luminara. I was afraid she would go easy on me.” Anakin admitted. 

Barriss didn’t seem as enthused about that aspect of their training, but picked a piece of the remote. She wasn’t as good with machines as Anakin was. She did help him by passing tools. They didn’t talk much. He would show her how to place certain parts and properly test the programming. Barriss would listen and sometimes ask what certain pieces of electronics did. Anakin was happy to teach her. Barriss would eventually remember it was time for them to get to bed.

Today was a free day for the younglings. I told them not to go into Lam's part of the Station, unless Lam said they could. The Smuggler had a lot of things lying around that weren’t child friendly. The kids had taken to learning Ionize quite well in the past few days. Of course battle mediation made it rather easy to convey what I was trying to teach. It was hard to shut the power off sometimes if I was honest. Part of me wondered if there was a way to teach it like a standard ability. I broached the subject with Quinlan. He could relate, having Psychometry. A rare skill in the order. 

It made me wonder briefly why Quinlan didn’t go with Master Adi instead of Shaak Ti? I shrugged as I meditated rising just off the floor. 

Battle meditation was a useful ability, and handy force multiplier. The Mandalorians I fought with to save Komari seemed almost superhuman in how they fought and fired their weapons. I could only imagine how the Clones would fight down the line with such a boon. That brought me to another avenue of thought. Where did Jango run off to? Did he become the clone template again? Why would he do so now as Mandalore? What reason could there be for that? 

My comm beeped. It was Quinlan.

:: Luminara, Shaak and Master Adi are back. Along with some guests. ::        

I got up from my meditation. It was when I reached out that I sensed him. Was that…? I all but dashed to the greeting hall just after the docking bay. It was him. He came back.

“Obi-wan?” I called out as I entered the room. “About time you found your way back here.”

“Good to see you too, Luminara.” He held his arms out and I gave him a brief hug. He was dressed in a simple set of brown pants with a tan shirt. There was a beskar pauldron strapped to his shoulder with the Clan Kryze symbol on it. He had grown his hair out somewhat. He was starting to look like a merc. After the quick embrace, I pointed at a woman in Mandalorian armor. The white and light blue of Clan Kryze. This had to be Satine. 

“Who is this?” 

“This is Satine of Clan Kryze. Ward of Mandalore Jango.” Obi-wan introduced. “ Satine, this is Master Luminara.” The Mando wore a proper t-visored helm. I was glad to see the stupid night owl helmets weren’t a thing in this universe. Hopefully. 

She gave me a look. I met her gaze through the helmet. I didn’t show any weakness as I looked up into Satine’s visor directly. 

“ Su cuy’gar ,” I said evenly. Satine didn’t seem all too surprised that I knew her tongue. 

“Same to you. I heard how you saved Mand’alor's life in Keldabe.” 

“I was glad to help.”

“You were also at Galidraan. I heard about that battle from those who were there. It sounded chaotic.”

“It was a horrid affair overall. Luckily The Deathwatch is effectively dead.” 

I sensed an uneasy feeling in Satine’s mind. 

“Not exactly, Huntress is still out there. It is emboldening some former Deathwatch clans, but Huntress is so insane that many refuse to outright join her.” That was the most I heard about Huntress in a while. Not since she offed Ki-Di Mundi. I would have to ask Master Adi about the details. Perhaps there was a reason the Council hadn’t shared anything with me.  

I decided to change the subject. I could inquire more later. Another thing came to mind.   

“I heard you managed to reactivate a Basilisk War Droid.” I just remembered that bit of information. 

“Yes. Karoya the bes’uliik was left in Mand’alor’ad ’s care. I was hunting in Mandalore’s southern Forests with my little sister, and I stumbled across an old weapons cache. I found all sorts of interesting things down there. Karoya was among them. We didn't expect her to have power. Especially when I hopped on its back for fun. She woke up and proceeded to nearly take me into the sky. What a rush. I hope I don’t have to stay here too long. I really want to get back to her.” There was an excited tone in her voice. All I could think was poor Myles. Having to deal with a giant war machine sized dog, while juggling the needs and wants of the Mandalorian Clans. 

“I am sure the Senate wasn’t happy to hear that. Doesn’t its reactivation violate treaties or something?”

“It is a bit more complicated. Her blasters and missile launchers were disarmed, not that the ancient armament could still fire and the Senate could do nothing once Mand’alor announced she was a cultural artifact. Which Myles said she technically was considering she is close to 4000 years old.” There was smugness in Satine’s voice. Jango had found a competent Mandalorian senator it seemed. 

I shook my head. “The Senate operates on “Rules for Thee, but not for Me.” I would be more cautious than to step on their toes too much.” I decided to change the subject before the Mandalorian Excision was mentioned. The details were sparse, but I am pretty sure the Sith were behind directing the Republic to attack Mandalore as a form of retribution for the Mandalorians allying with the Jedi during the New Sith Wars. More Baneite shadow play reekshit. Next time I was on Coruscant I would look for some better sources on the subject. Perhaps I was wrong, but I knew what to look for.

“Has there been any mention of where Jango went off to? Last I heard he was still gone.” Satine’s body posture and aura took on an uneasy stance. 

“Only his ad has some idea of where he has gone off too. Myles is no great leader, even he himself recognizes that, but he is doing his best to hold things together in his father’s absence. The clans won’t act up unless Mand’alor has been gone too long without telling someone he is still alive. He is no Mandalore the Avenger to let things get that bad purposely.”

“Good to hear, the last thing we need is another Civil War on Mandalore.” 

Quinlan came out of nowhere and grasped Obi-wan’s forearm. “Brother, it’s good to have you back.” 

“It is good to be back even if only for a few months.” Obi-wan looked over at an approaching Adi Gallia. 

“Master Adi.” He gave a respectful bow. 

Adi smiled. “It is good to see you, Obi-wan.” She also hugged Obi-wan and gave a brief look at Satine. A mild look of annoyance could be felt from her aura. Gallia wasn’t a fan of the Mandalorian deal with the Jedi. “And you, Kryze, if I recall.” Satine gave a brief nod. 

I turned to see Shaak Ti who raised an eyebrow. We moved away from the small cliche. 

“Dare I ask how the lessons you stood in for went?” 

“It went great, I taught the younglings Ionize.” My bright expression died when I saw her confused look. 

“That wasn’t in the lesson plan I had left on your desk.” What was she talking about?

“What desk?” I was genuinely curious, and trying to recall what she was talking about.

“In your office.” Shaak seemed agitated now. 

“So I have an office? That’s cool.” 

Shaak gave up and let out a frustrated breath. “Just follow me. We showed you on the first day.” 

Oh, right, they did do that. The Turret Incident a week and half later really overrode memories of that day. Always sticking out as the highlight of the past few weeks for good reason. 

“Now I remember. At least they took well to my lessons.”

“Did you at least take notes on their progress?” That I did do and had with me. And my office literally turned out to be on the other side of the hall, directly across from my quarters. I facepalmed. 

“Yes, in fact.” I handed her the datapad. She looked through it as I explored my office. It was rather spartan. There were several selves I could put my models on. I saw the datapad she laid on the desk. I picked it up and skimmed through it. Shaak ti did plan on a little Tutaminis training, but she had planned to focus mostly on Meditation and even had mentions of the students that had a hard time staying awake.

“I see,” I admitted. I was so focused on their lightsaber training I had sort of turned the training hall/arena into my office. I handed Shaak Ti’s pad back. 

Shaak Ti was still reading through my notes. Her eyes widened.

“I didn’t think that I was so thorough with the Ionize notes.” I offered the datapad to her. She got a guilty look on her face. 

“Apologies, I browsed too far and found your notes on the younglings lightsaber scores. Impressively documented. Wait, are you critiquing my forms as well?” 

I blushed and grabbed the pad from her. I was a bit meticulous with my training sessions. I often heard grumbles in the mornings, but nothing more than that once the morning run and stretches were out of the way. If I was lucky I could have the kids learn the first katas of Soresu toward the end of their training under my watch. That all depended on if this was the only batch I had to train. Would they send me more students? Would they send more Knights to the Enclave as well? A question I would pose to Master Gallia later.  

It wasn’t as if they weren’t motivated. The mere prospect of becoming a Jedi was a great motivator in itself. I remember there was always a competitive friction back at the temple when I was a youngling. I wondered how I was going to deal with that. Among the initiates in my care. Best I could do was make them really hard to pass up.

“Oh, don’t worry about that.” 

Shaak Ti frowned but let it go asII snatched the datapad from her. 

“Why Ionize?”

Other than the massive army of droids they’ll be pitted against in around a decade… 

“My own recent experience while on Mandalore brought it to mind. The Assassin Droids sent after Jango were dispatched with relative ease. Even though it can outright destroy a droid if practiced enough. Even with a small amount of training, it will at least scramble their sensors. The Droid army used at Naboo comes to mind. Battle droids are seeing a lot more use nowadays. The Force is telling me it is something we shouldn’t overlook.” I shrugged.

I could feel Shaak Ti wasn't all too enthused about the change in lesson plan, but it wasn’t as if I went out of my way to snub her plans purposely. 

“I suppose, it helps to keep things interesting from time to time. Keeping the Younglings engaged on this Space Station has and will be even more challenging as time goes on.” 

I looked around, while the Space Station was out of the way. Shaak Ti was right that this place would grow suffocating in time. I had something else in mind choosing this place.

“Well I suppose we take advantage of the situation. Perhaps we take trips out to the old enclaves. Or visit different worlds to conduct training there for a time. Keep it fresh.” 

I waited for Shaak TI’s thoughts on the matter. “That is a good idea. I doubt Master Adi would object. Provided one or two of us goes ahead to scout locations prior.” 

I figured she would agree “Fine with me.”

“Master Adi had something she wanted to tell you.” Shaak Ti left with that. I could sense she was considering places for the younglings to visit.

I found Master Adi in the Hanger Bay talking with Ritch and an old Fafallen or Half Bothan. They were pretty much the Star Wars equivalent of a satyr. Where had he been? I would have sensed another Jedi on station. Then I noticed the T-6 Shuttle in the bay alongside Satine’s craft. He must have just arrived. I frowned when I noticed Master Gren. He was unloading tools with a younger assistant. She was another Mirialan dressed similar to how Bariss dressed when she got older. She was busy floating boxes with proper medical equipment. I would no doubt meet her at some point.   

“Master Adi, you had something to tell me?” 

“Indeed, but first this is Bor, The Nowhere Enclave’s new Archivist. Master Bor, this is Battlemaster Luminara.” He bowed and I returned the gesture. 

“Ah, the Sith Slayer! First to do so in around a thousand years. Darth Bane being the last recorded kill. Well, it seems not anymore. You also helped kill the Sith’s master with Master Plo. It seems you may have ended a threat to the Republic before it could fully manifest.”

I smiled, but frowned at the last statement. “I don’t know about that. The apprentice on Coruscant was too under trained for someone who lived as long as Damask had. I fear that we missed one.” 

Bor dismissed me with a wave. “If so, the Sith have probably gone to ground for a few centuries.” 

I mentally shook my head. Hopefully the Council didn’t hold this view. Adi seemed to agree with me from the feel of her aura. However, all the leads had dried up. Plagueis knew his actions in stealing Anakin might not pan out and prepared accordingly. However, I found it didn’t hurt to let Sidious think he was in the clear for now.  

“I better get to setting up the archives for the station. I would like to learn more about this place as well. The design is clearly Early High Republic and well built.” The old fafallen meandered off talking to himself. 

I was about to offer to escort the man, when Shaak TI entered into the hanger behind me and escorted him. I noted Gallia and I were alone.      

“Shaak Ti mentioned you have something to tell me.” 

“Yes, We found something that might interest you.” She held up a datapad. It showed a slicer signature. Specifically a symbol. A butterfly. Damn, I thought Komari wiped them out back on Corellia. Corellia was our last mission together before Yinchor. 

“We must have missed one.” We never learned who funded the group of humanocentric… terrorists wasn’t the right word. Cabal was more apt of a description. They were behind the push to allow Near-Human species, descended from human stock into the fold. They still had some push back from the old guard, but since many of the old guard were also funding this movement, led me to believe at first it was another person like me. A reincarnate pulling the strings. I called them the Butterflies, but apparently their logo was based on an Eriaduian insect resembling a butterfly. A Deathkiss. I preferred butterfly.  

“Indeed. They managed to escape, but they left a calling card.” 

“I will look into it. Was there anything else?” It seemed I was the one who would be forwarded any info on the Butterfly remnants. 

“Yes, We will be moving the station about a few lightyears off course due to this attack.” I mentally sighed, it won’t matter with the damn Chancellor knowing about the move, but I kept my mouth shut and my emotions in check.  

“Great, hopefully that will work…” An idea struck me. I didn’t voice it to Master Adi for fear she would reject the idea. Haran , it was sometimes better to ask for forgiveness than permission. 

“It will have to do for now.” Adi looked over to where Ritch and his assistant were working on the post flight check on the shuttle Shaak and She had used previously. “There was one more thing I needed to discuss with Ritch.” 

I nodded and left the Jedi Master to her work. The information on the Last Butterfly was pocketed for later. I would have to make inquiries within the Order later. First, I had to find Lam. It wasn’t a long walk. I saw that Enjay was grumbling as worked on one of Shaak Ti’s turrets. I held back a chuckle as he bumped his helm on the side of the wall trying to connect a strut. I sighed and came over. 

“What are you trying to connect?” Enjay turned his ugly helmet toward me. 

“I got one last actuator to hook up and this turret will be back in shape. I did my best to look inside. 

“Can you shine a light on it?” Enjay shrugged and did as told. “It has to go there?” I pointed and Mando nodded his head. I used the Force to connect the parts together. 

“Hold it there!” Enjay shouted and quickly grabbed a tool and a bolt. He had it back together in a flash. 

“ Vor’e Jetii .” Enjay got down and moved to another turret. 

“Need more help?”

“No, If any Jetii is going to help, it should be the Togruta.” 

I shrugged, and went on my way. 

I ran into Niraccab, Nira for short. The ship’s escort as in the highly paid kind you see on the arms of the rich and powerful at parties. Her red skin and beautiful purple hair stuck out against the light blue dress she wore today. 

“Ahh, Master Jedi, what can I do for you.” I will admit she was hot and the way her words seemed to roll out her mouth was intoxicating. Was it the pheromones? No, I saw the pheromone masker attached to a choker on her neck. 

“I am looking for Lam.” I started doing everything to avoid looking at any part of her. I don’t know why her presence in the force was so inviting. I thought of the Zeltron who worked with Zane back on Coruscant. She put the moves on me and I never felt this draw so strongly. 

“You are in luck as I too am looking for him.” She smirked. “Care to join me.” 

“Fine,” Next I know she was sidled next to me. I held up my hand in reflex and she stuck out an elbow in a flash for my hand to rest on. 

“My, my, you are full of surprises.” She giggled and I grumbled. “Not often that I lead. I find this most amusing.” 

“Well, you said you know where Lam is.” I countered while rolling my eyes. Flashbacks of being led around a party or two entered my mind. I was about to let go when Nira all but launched off taking me with her. 

“Indeed, Let us not tarry.” She led me to the hangerbay in the “North” section of the station. “I see you have been to a high class party or two.” I didn’t feel like talking about this and tried to pick up the pace. 

Nira quickly shifted and rolled me around as if in a dance. I was caught off guard by the action. I should have seen it coming through the force, but I was too busy trying not to remember the times I was forced to go to high class social functions with Komari. 

The Zeltron twirled me around and pulled me close. Close enough for her to whisper near my ear, just short of my veil. How was she doing this? Was she Force-sensitive? Or was I just that out of sorts? Her words were soft, losing all the whimsy of earlier. 

“I can feel you that suffered a great loss recently. You hide it well. I know, because I was trained to look for these things. I can help you.” With that the whimsy returned to her voice. “Now on to annoy Lam, my dear Jedi.” She pulled me along. I was too embarrassed and baffled to respond. We were in the hanger bay before long and Nira let go of my arm. 

The only one outside the ship in the bay was a droid. An astromech, the one that fixed my Z-95 a while back. He was black with red racing stripes. 

“Well if it isn’t our little co-pilot.” The Zeltron bent over and cooed. The droid bounced and immediately pulled a sheet over what it was working on with those tiny arms. 

The droid beeped and whirred sheepishly and moved to cover something up. In fact one of his panels was closed as if something was stuck in the door panel while trying to hide it. I could see a little group of action figures under the hurriedly placed canopy. I shrugged. To each their own and I couldn’t help but feel a certain sense of Deja Vu whenever I was around Lam’s crew. I shook my head. I had almost forgotten why I had come here due to the incident in the hallway. 

“Is your Captain around R2…” D4, the droid beeped, everyone called him D4. 

“Alright then D4, You did a fantastic job on my headhunter.” The R2 unit shrugged. He chirped that the Captain was in the cargo bay of the ship. 

“Thanks.” I left the droid to play with its action figures. After I was far enough away. “I see your Captain isn’t fond of memory wipes.” 

The Zeltron skipped along in heels no less. “Nope, he claims it's because the ship is so old, memory wiping could erase knowledge of the ship's functions.” She leaned in and whispered conspiratorially, “We all know the real reason is that he doesn’t like doing it.” 

I shrugged. I didn’t really believe in memory wipes either. The Zeltron smiled. 

We found Lam in the cargo bay as expected. He was in a heated conversation.

“... care! You do not throw other crew members' personal items in the recycler! I know your species and his people have a history, but that was centuries ago!” 

“His people destroyed our homeworld!” The Cathar growled. 

“Yeah, and I seem to recall you bragging about how at least three of your ancestor’s played crucial roles in the Excision that turned a third of Enjay’s homeworld into a graveyard.” Lam shot back. 

“Only two thirds short,” Yully muttered. 

“I don’t care. As long as you both are on my payroll, you will not kill each other! I already said the same thing to Enjay. I will not be having this conversation again. Are we clear?!”

The Cathar growled but backed down. Lam’s tone returned to normal.  

“I’ll look for another job. Being cooped up on this station has been getting to us all.”

“Yoo hoo!” The Zeltron called out. “Oh, Captain!” 

Lam shook his head, but he didn’t seem too bothered by the Zeltron’s entrance. 

“Ah, Nira, and Master Luminara. How are you?”

“I am great and lovely as always. This Jedi has a request to make of you?” Nira pushed me forward. I turned and scowled briefly at the Zeltron before turning my attention back to Lam.     

“I just heard you mention that you were looking for work. I may have something for you. Paying work of course.” 

Lam and Yully looked at each other and then back to me. They waited patiently. I decided to just tell them.

“I want you to find a cloaking generator for this station.”

“Gee, don’t give us an impossible task or something.” Yully said sarcastically. 

“It is not impossible, but even on the black market, they don’t grow on trees.” Lam was hesitant.

Damn they were right. I considered how to acquire one. They were regulated pretty harshly and for good reason. Unless I could… Could I just buy one or have one built? I had the money. I owned a planet for kark’s sake. Granted a relatively useless planet. That I didn't pay for, so much as I was left holding the bag. I decided to see what Lam could find first. 

“It couldn’t hurt to look. I can pay you for your time.” I waited for Lam’s response. 

“I’ll bite. We can look for more extra work, while we track that down.” He smirked, “I assume the turrets going haywire has you paranoid.”

“You could say that. I want this acquisition off the books as well.” Lam rubbed his chin and like any good captain gave a look to his first mate to gauge her opinion on the matter. Yully shrugged.

“Well since you're paying us. Why not? It may take a while to track one down.” 

It was my turn to shrug. “I haven’t foreseen any immediate danger at the moment. It is farther down the line is what I am concerned with.”

“Right, Jedi powers. Well in case I make it a point to find one. I don’t want my station to get blown up because a bunch of Jedi live here.” 

“Wonderful news, Lam and Yully can get our little home on the road once more.” The Zelton twirled, sauntered out of the ship’s cargo bay. 

I took the chance to find out a bit about her.

“What’s her deal? I know Zeltrons can be well… like Zeltrons, but she is… well you know.”

Lam couldn’t help but smile. 

“She is from some order of monks. Yeah I was surprised too. They rarely leave Zeltros. ‘Bout the extent of my knowledge on the matter. She is…” Lam got quiet for a moment. “An intriguing woman.” 

Yully shook her head. There was an amused expression on the Cathar’s face and I didn’t need the force to see Lam’s infatuation with the zeltron woman. The Cathar simply turned and walked back into the cockpit. 

There was an awkward moment of just Lam and I in the hangar. “I better leave you to it. You’ll be leaving asap I assume.”

“Yeah, just try not to blow up the station while I am gone. I am starting to like this place.” 

“Can’t make any promises.” 

“I will be leaving Creek here. She, like you, has been paranoid about the code in the station's systems ever since the attack. The Jedi who went after the signal source lost the one on the other end?”

I gave a curt nod. “Yeah they bounced the signal through com buoys. I just wonder how they had access.”

Lam was silent for a time, then he threw out a curve ball. 

“Were you there?” 

I looked over Lam. He had half his blaster disassembled and was cleaning the parts with a microfiber rag. I didn’t understand, until he pointed to the right side of my face. 

“Troiken.”

“I could have gotten this scar anywhere.” I said coyly. I relented after he raised an eyebrow. “Yes.”

“Thought so.” He set down another part on the workbench. His blaster was definitely an older model, but couldn't place it. It was well kept though.

“I assume you fought for that, Shabtaab , Iaco Stark?” 

“Yeah,” was all Lam said. “Had me convinced we were doing something noble. In the end he was a false hero. If I ever find out where that pile of poodoo went, I kill him.” He took a calming breath and continued. “I don’t recall seeing you on the battlefield.”

“I wasn’t.” I said a bit more bitterly than I intended. “I was a guest of Stark’s holding cells.”

“So you were the one he was interrogating. Is that how you got that scar? Must have been a mean one.”

I rubbed the old wound. I had some bacta treatments over the years. Komari insisted. There was enough of a line to indicate an injury, but not enough to be quite so noticeable any more. 

“I pissed off Huntress.” I shook my head. “ Di’kutla thing to do.” 

“I didn’t like her. Crazy even for a Mando. Enjay says she is Dar’manda , whatever that means?” 

“She is Death Watch. Well was. The ones who weren't killed fell in line with Jango after the Mandalorian Civil War. Huntress is the last to roam about the Galaxy.” Reverse Jango indeed. 

“Stark allowed that?” Lam had an undertone of anger. 

“I don’t think so. I have doubts. He was intending to play “good cop,” the problem was Huntress has a short temper.” I admitted. “Don’t think he cared for my condition all too much.”

Lam took a moment to rub the shrap metal scars on his face. “I took some flak from a thermal detonator blast. I assume that was you when you escaped?” 

I nodded. “Yeah, ironically Huntress stopped me from messing with you guys even more. I wasn’t in a good headspace after the torture.” I managed my wrists, and changed the subject. “I managed to cut off her arm. Used the pauldron to fashion a new lightsaber.” I floated my blue lightsaber up briefly before attaching it to my belt.

Lam let out a small chuckle. “I lost some friends in the conflict. I should be angered that you were on the opposite side, but Iaco’s betrayal infuriates me more. Have you ever heard what happened to him?”

“Got a job working in the Commerce Guild.”  It was probably stupid to tell Lam that, but I doubt he would go after a man with MegaCorp level protection.

“Of course.” Lam shook his head. 

My comm chirped and checked the message. It was from Quinlan. :Your turn to supervise.: I got up to leave. “I better go. I need to make sure the younglings aren’t getting into trouble.” Lam’s mind was still back on Trioken. I snapped my fingers. With a bit of Battle Meditation I enhanced my words.

“Captain,” I honestly didn’t know what to say to make things better. I bowed a goodbye and Lam snapped out of his trance and got back to getting his ship ready. 

“You saved my life.” He admitted just before I was about to step on the ramp. “If you hadn't thrown that grenade, I wouldn’t have been taken off the front. They all died. Those who went into that cavern.” I knew the details. Iaco led his men into a trap after Plo convinced him via telepathic link. I simply inclined my head and walked away.    

The younglings had an exhausting day. Quinlan convinced them to play various games. He had them sitting down watching a holo when I got there. It was some pop culture hit from when I was their age. I wasn’t very big on the holonet growing up and still wasn’t. I had seen it, of course. I wasn’t a complete fun hater. Still, I found myself lifting my legs up and floating in the air, and just taking in the moment. Best seat in the house. Watching the younglings' faces as some actor dressed as Dak Stiker. He was Duros mercenary who often ended fighting for the oppressed village being stomped on by a local Sheriff or bandits on the lawless Outer Rim. Typical pseudo western stuff. 

I just took in the moment. It was one of those times where you smack into a metaphorical wall. It was good to stop and remember where you were and who you were talking to. That it was in fact very real and not some dream. When I opened my eyes, I saw the movie was paused.

Every one of the initiates each had a familiar round ball in their hands. I couldn’t help but smile at the irony. So I embraced my fate as Quinlan shouted. “Now’s our chance! Get her!” 

A/N: Yeah it's a bit of filler, but whatever keeps my fingers on the keyboard.

Chapter Text

Classroom Scouting.  

Here, have this. 

Reviews and criticism are always welcome.

Dantooine.  

It took a few days to get here, what with bouncing around hyperspace lanes like a pinball. Nowhere Station wasn’t all that far from Mandalore Space. Considering its role in the Excision, not very surprising.  So going to Dantooine was a rather tiring journey. I was just glad I listened to Shaak Ti and we took the shuttle, instead of my Z-95. It would have gotten crowded, but the feeling of going on a space roadtrip was lost by taking the space minivan instead of the space muscle car. 

Shaak was the first to exit the shuttle when we arrived and talk to the authorities about docking fees. I took in the port. Dantooine’s capital hadn't changed much from the last I saw. I remembered the last time I was here. How much of a fuss I made. I hope no one recognized me for splitting a landmark rock apart. I mean it was just a rock. Who in their right mind was going to care, right?

I waited for Shaak to conclude business with the port authority.

“So, anywhere you want to go first?” I looked around at the people milling about. Listening through the Force and with my ears. Koonda had nothing going on. Not even a street dance or anything. It was all business today. People gave us looks as we walked by. I was willing to bet the whole planet knew a couple Jedi were visiting before Shaak even answered my question. 

“We would look into visiting the site of the old Enclave first.”

I shook my head, “I wouldn’t bother. It is all just foundation now. The Force there is rather absent. It’s still there, but it’s dulled. No doubt only just starting to heal from what Darth Traya did when she drained the Jedi Masters through the Exile.”

“I would still like to see it if only to be thorough.” Shaak replied and she started off in the direction of the edge of town. Hopefully they still rented out speeders. I could hoof it if I wanted to, but the old enclave wasn’t really worth the trouble.

They did in fact have speeders for rent. They were in good enough shape after a quick check. So on we went over tall rolling hills filled with livestock and Kath hounds. The population of the horned wolves had made a comeback after Malak nearly wiped out the species with his bombardment. We passed a few farms on the way. They were still rather huge swathes of land. There were some fields but this part of the planet was better suited for livestock than crops. 

Eventually we did arrive at the Enclave. To my surprise we ran into a few Jedi. I had never met these Jedi. One was a human man. His skin was sunburnt and his hair was a dark brown. He had a beard and mustache. Then there was who I believed to be his padawan. She was another human, no her skin was too black and had an onyx sheen to it. Her pupils were also black. She also stood about six and half feet tall. I couldn’t see her whole face through her heavy burka, but I could swear she was a Thyrsian. I had never seen one. Well apart from Plagueis’ Sun Guard, but they were all covered in heavy armor with face plates. I called them Enchani back then, which genetically speaking wasn’t completely untrue. Sort of. I think the Thyrsians were stronger while the Enchani were faster or something. 

“Hello," the Jedi waved us over. We parked our speeders and walked over. As we approached, we thought we would be the only ones out here. “The name is Knight Kil Brek. This is my Padawan, Wyla.” He bowed. His padawan didn’t return the favor. I could feel him prod his padawan to do the same. She was hesitant. When she did finally bow her head, I noticed the burka was lined with armor. Despite treating their men like dirt, Enchani still insisted their men fight. Perhaps it was the same for the Thyrsians. A defend the homestead mentality. The Thyrsians preferred heavy armor, so it made sense now that I could see pieces of some sort of heavy plate under her black robes. Being a Thyrsian, the heavy armor probably weighed as much as a cocktail dress on a standard human. 

Shaak Ti was the first to answer before I could. “I am Master Shaak Ti and this Master Luminara.” We bowed back. There was a look of recognition in Kel’s eyes when he heard my name. 

“Welcome Masters. What brings you out this way?” 

“We are examining sites in which to bring the Initiates in our care for training.”

“Ah, Nowhere Station. I heard you got that place up and running. I was aiming to stop and visit one of these days. Wyla, won’t admit it, but she was curious about the galaxy.” The Thyrsian girl bowed her head, letting her Master talk for her. She wasn’t much of a talker it seemed. 

“I too, have never been to the Enclave, perhaps your padawan and I could explore this place together?” Shaak broached the suggestion. 

“By all means.” He gave Wyla a nod. The girl acknowledged him and moved to Shaak Ti’s side.

“Careful, there might be old tunnels that have yet to collapse.” I called out. 

“Thank you for the warning,” Shaak said as she guided the girl through the foundations.

“So, out taking your padawan to see the sights.” 

Kil beckoned me to walk. We went around the otherside of the foundations. 

“Looking to see if this place is worth rebuilding. With the force so drained in this place, it feels off.” 

“Yeah, unless we could revitalize the Force.” My remark drew a glance from the man. He seemed to think for a moment. 

“That could work! I got a friend on Ithor who knows plants and could find us plants that could in theory restore what was lost to this place. After I show Wyla the Kinrath caves-”

I held up a hand. “I wouldn’t go there, too dangerous…” Then the roar of a speeder flared up, cutting me off. I sensed great worry and fear. 

“JEEDDDIII!!! Help!!!” A woman on a speeder came roaring up. She stirred up dust and grass. 

I stepped forward. 

“What happened?!” I was thinking bandits or pirates were attacking Koonda. Shaak Ti leapt out the ruins and dashed to meet us. Wyla wasn’t far behind. 

“My little brother fell in the kinnie tunnels! Hurry!” Kinnie? She didn’t wait for us to follow, she just took off, turning her speeder around in a wide ark and blasted off. I hopped on my speeder and chased after her. Shaak and the others weren’t far behind. We raced to the spot where little Timmy had fallen down into the well. The well in question was a hole in the ground. A small hole in the ground. I mentally sighed.

“Here?” I pointed for confirmation. She nodded. 

“I’ll go down, Look for another entrance if you can find one.” I looked around. No one else could fit. Kil’s shoulders were too wide, and Shaak’s head was too long and her lekku would get in the way. Wyla was a walking tank. So I took off my veil, and tossed it to Shaak before jumping into the small hole. Good thing I had practice in pushing aside discomfort in general as a Jedi. At a certain point everything got moist and spongy. I realised kinnie must have been local slang for kinrath. 

Hopefully the kid wasn’t a kinrath snack by now. His sister mentioned he had fallen, not “was dragged beneath the earth by monsters.” So there was a chance, the kid was just down at the bottom, hopefully alive and uninjured. There was a niggling fear that I dispelled. I took my time, making sure to feel out the best places to drop. I had no idea how deep the hole went. When I felt it. The force was pushing me on. So I just booked it. The hole widened and I let myself fall the rest of the way. Landing on my feet inside the cavern, I stopped, looking into the blackness.

 The walls were made of stone, and seemed sturdy. I reached with my senses, using the force to replace my sight in the darkness. I sensed distress and life in the same direction. Onward I ran, carefully so as to not slip on the wet stone. I heard the kid screaming in the dark. I lit my lightsaber, its blue blade lit up the cavern like a beacon. The kid was small, but when a one clawed bug was about to skewer the kid, I pulled the kid back out of his reach with the force. He landed near and looked up at me with awe. He scrambled up to hug me close to me crying. 

“Stay close,” I shouted. I was forced to kill any kinrath that came near as we made our way through the tunnel. There were so many of the kriffing things. I had to ignite Master Tal’or’s blade at one point, Green and blue saber’s working in tandem to slice and dice bugs. It wasn’t long until the cave opened into a cavern. It was a damn nest, and one of the beasts was far larger than the other. A queen.

Keeping an untrained child alive and fending off a hoard of creepy bugs was not easy. The kid had good instincts and kept close and wasn’t afraid to yell when a kinrath got close. There were a few close calls. The large sallow looking bug rose to its full height. It was huge and quicker than I would have thought. I was forced to dodge a few of its strikes or be impaled. It was forced to screech reel back as I cut one of its legs off. I would have pursued it if it was just me down here.

I knew if I left the kid alone for just a second, he would be snatched up and gone forever down an even smaller hole I could not fit through. There was a lull, but I still sensed the insectoids prowling about. I tried my communicator, but it was no use. I stood there, my lightsabers the only light in this dark place. Trapped here. The walls of sheer blackness were closing in and I stopped. I took a breath and gave myself over to the whims of the Force. I deactivated Tal’or’s blade, I put a hand on my charge. 

“Stay close.” I sensed the kid nod and he grabbed my skirt. Even so I kept the hand, which still held my master's old saber on his shoulder and pulled him along.

We walked for I don’t know how long. It was a long tunnel system. We eventually reached a larger cavern. There were a couple kinrath that attacked, but I fended them off. I was going to continue further along. When the boy let out a awed:

“Wow.”

I turned to see what he was looking at. I looked at the crystals lining the cavern. They were beautiful. I deactivated my lightsaber, and they still managed to glow in the dark. My senses zeroed in on the largest cluster of crystals in the cave. There was a song of sorts blaring out from the cluster and in my ears as I moved closer. 

I was going to clip Tal’or’s blade to my side, before a thought struck me. It seemed a part of Tal’or and me managed to find the crystal caves after all. Smiling as I clipped the lightsaber to my side, I reached out. The crystal detached from the large mass and floated above my hand. It was clear and bright, in the light.

I looked over at the kid. He was dirty, but he wasn’t as afraid as he had been earlier. 

“What’s your name?” the kid broke from a trance. 

“Oh, it’s Ahlan. Ahlan SanMatale. Can I have a crystal too?” Part of me couldn’t help but smile. At a child’s resilience, and that the two families Revan united, survived the Sith attack. I wonder if they even knew the story. I thought about and really didn’t see why not. I didn’t sense he was strong enough to become a jedi, but maybe one day, one of his descendants would be.

“Then close your eyes.” 

The boy did so, there was an excitement to his voice as he spoke. 

“Now what?” 

“Now be quiet and listen.” My voice was soft as I reached out with my battle meditation once again in calming his jitters. Eventually, the kid pointed in a direction. I looked and nodded, guiding the kid over to a smaller stack of crystals. He pointed at one clutch and I called it over to float above his hand. 

“There.” I looked around the cave. I sense more kinrath nearby. “We better get going.” 

“Wait, I want to get one for my sister.” I was about to tell the kid “No we should get out of here,” when I thought about it. His sister might get jealous and try to find her own crystal. There might not be any Jedi around to help if she did. I relented and we located another crystal. It didn’t take too long. We moved on trying to find an exit. 

I listened and followed the force's direction and we ended up at a dead end. It wasn’t a dead end as I brushed away from the wall. I found duracrete dust. We were next to a basement. I sensed an upheaval of primal malice, the Kinrath Queen was coming. 

Great, just great. I began cutting through the wall. I pushed the newly created hole through. I made sure to barely make it big enough for myself. It would be easier to patch up. 

 I picked up the kid and placed him on the other side. I tried my comm. 

“Shaak, can you hear me!?” 

It was staticy for a moment before I heard: :Luminara, we feared the worst. Where are you? Is the child safe?”: 

“I just cut into some basement. Can you sense where I am? I got a hoard of kinrath bearing down on my location. The boy is alive. I’ll send the kid ahead with my comm.” I handed the comm to the kid. “Go outside and see if there are any landmarks that you recognize and keep talking to Shaak. I will hold off the horde. Go!” I pushed the kid on and stood by the entrance. There was a lot of life behind me. I would have to hold until the hole was plugged again. 

I activated my second lightsaber. The fight didn’t last as long as it should have. Despite their numbers, the kinrath weren’t lightsaber proof and I wasn’t constrained to keep a youngling alive. I could let loose. Which admittedly, was rather fun. I didn’t sense Shaak Ti and the others until I felled the Kinrath queen. 

I climbed out into the basement. “ Haar’chak! There were a lot of bugs down there.” I said leaning on the wall near the hole. I caught a brief look from Wyla and she glared daggers at me. Right Enchani and Thyrsians both agreed on one thing and that was their hatred of Mandolorians.

Shaak came over and looked me over for cuts. “Judging by all the guts and the smell of burnt carapace. I’d say so.” 

“I got the Queen. Hopefully that will keep them at bay for a while. Still need to close the hole up.”

“Kil and Wyla are closing it as we speak.” I gave a curt nod, and Shaak had a little more to say. “I noticed the boy was eager to show off a new crystal to his sister. I assume you found the crystal cave of legend.” Shaak asked. 

“Yeah, I found my own too.” I slapped the dirty crystal into Shaak’s hand. The Force is strong down there. Shaak looked at the crystal. I stood up from the wall and went outside to get some fresh air. 

I found Ahlan showing his sister the crystal he found for her. She seemed more happy he was alive. A good big sister then.

“You should have seen her sis, the kinnies were coming from all directions. But the Jedi was like zooomvoom and voomzooom!” He waved his arms like he was swinging a mock lightsaber around. ”They were cut to pieces. Then we found this big crystal room! Filled with crystals and then we both took a small one! Oh, here is one for you!” He handed her a small blue crystal. “See, mine is green!” 

“Thanks Al,” She held the crystal with a bit of awe.   

“We better get you both home. It has been quite the day. Don’t lose those crystals either.” 

“We won't!” The girl walked over to me. “Thank you for saving my brother.” 

I nodded. 

“You're welcome. He was brave the whole time.” Al puffed up his chest in pride. I looked around and noted that the old farmstead was abandoned. “Anyone live here?” 

“No, this old house has always been empty.” The sister said. 

Shaak exited the old estate. The place looked old. Its foundation and unique design still held up fairly well. 

“Time for you both to go home. Kil and Wyla will meet us at the spaceport later.” I didn’t have the energy to really argue. So we took the kids back to their home. Their parents didn’t even know something had happened to their son. Not that they were bad parents. From what the children said they were checking on livestock they stopped to look at some weird new hole in the ground. It gave way and Alhan fell in. His sister, Lahna was lucky to climb out and go for help. She had heard of the Jedi being near and went to us. Lucky for her too and Alhan both she did. With the insane amount of bugs in the caves I doubt anyone would have reached Alhan in time and been eaten themselves. 

Their mother insisted I used the fresher and even washed my clothes for me. I didn’t realize how dirty I was until I saw all the dried and caked mud and kinarth guts. I took the offer. Shaak held my veil out and put it on after I exited the fresher room in clean clothes. Their father offered us dinner. Shaak took one sniff of the nerf stew, and I didn’t need a vision of the future to know we were going to take up the offer. It tasted as good as it smelled. We made polite conversation, Alhan regaled them with the tale and I could sense our hosts horror at what their son went through, and later relief when I mentioned the Queen’s death. The city would send someone to detonate and collapse the hole Ahlan fell in. I would look into buying the land the abandoned farm was on.

We bid farewell before they offered us a room to stay the night. Before we left Shaak told the family to keep an eye on the children’s crystals. The parents got the message. Now it was getting late. I took a moment to just stop and take in the sunset. It was pretty as its light danced off the rolling plains of Dantooine. The moment was ruined when Shaak Ti pointed at a large and tall rock in the distance that looked like it was split in half by a lightsaber in the distance. 

“I wonder what split that rock in two?” Shaak Ti tilted her head. 

“Something we can look into next time. C’mon, Kil and Wyla are waiting.” 

My embarrassment was difficult to hold back. Blushing, I urged us to get to the spaceport. Shaak Ti gave me an almost reproachful look, but shaking her head, left it there. 

I made it two steps, before I summoned my courage, turned around, and admitted what happened.

“Okay, it was me. I split it half. Those di’kutla brained farmers were arguing non-stop about who owned the big rock. It got so bad and Tal’or went off to let me deal with it. I let my emotions get the better of me and said “kriff it.” Then I leapt up and sawed that thing down the middle. Cut it apart. It was a bantha-brained thing to do. It looks like they propped the two halves up just far enough to be on either side of the line it seems.” 

Shaak Ti was quiet for a time before she burst into laughter. It was honestly the first time I had heard her laugh in such a manner outside of the occasional amused snort. The togruta eventually regained her senses. 

“That does sound like you.” Her face took on a concerned look as she looked back toward the horizon, eying the large split rock. “Perhaps… No. I am reading too much into it. 

“Reading too much into what?” Shaak didn’t answer my question and moved to her bike. It was her turn, it seemed, to gather her courage.

“I don’t know, a giant stone that stood for thousands of years as one solid landmark for everyone on this planet to admire and argue over. Then comes a young spitfire of a Padawan Learner to cut it apart and divide into two halves. Need I go on?”

I held up a figure to argue, but I brought it down a moment later, unable to really spin it differently. I frowned and brought that hand to my chin in thought. Shaak shrugged. 

“As I said before, maybe I am reading too much into it.” Shaak lifted up her hand and the crystal which was now clean, floated above it. It was sent over to me. I grabbed it and pocketed it in one of the belt pockets above my long skirt, without really thinking about it. My mind was elsewhere. Shaak hopped on her speeder and revved off. I followed after her, totally not trying to overthink my childish outburst from when I was thirteen.      

Back in Koonda. We met up with Kil and Wyla. We had a brief exchange telling them they were welcome at the Nowhere Enclave. Kil said they would stop by when they could, but he was off to Ithor first. I managed to get something for Shaak Ti before the local market closed for the night. 

When we were back on the ship after the exterior pre-flight check was done. I was going to meditate in my chair as Shaak got the ship into orbit. I passed out instead and didn’t wake up for a few hours. 

As I stretched I looked at Shaak Ti who was meditating. 

“Sorry about that,” I waited for her response. 

“It was a well earned rest.” 

“Thought I’d never sleep like that again after the turret incident.” Shaak’s serene expression let loose a small smile at the mention of my disheveled state that day. I continued while giving a small shake of my head and roll of my eyes. I would never live that down. “So, Dantooine seems like a good spot to take the initiates.” 

“The giant bugs and vicious kath hounds aside, it is a rather quiet and peaceful place. It would make a good temporary school location.” 

“Even more so if Kil starts up an enclave there again. He claimed he had a friend on Ithor that might be able to help with that.” 

Shaak nodded her head. “I believe Master Adi will find it suitable as well.”

That was all there really was to say on the subject. 

Nowhere Station

When we got back to the station, I made a call to Ganorn as Bellicose to buy the land the old farmstead was on. A few days later I found out the family that did own it all but forgot they had it as they lived in the southern hemisphere now. I gave them a fair market value. Dickering enough to not draw suspicion. I had the money, but throwing that many credits around is eye catching, especially in a farming community.

Ganorn had become one of the most successful stock traders in the business these days. Still he always made time for one of what he called his “Legacy accounts.” Which I had more than one of and even some new ones under various aliases. I had other stock traders these days for fall backs and emergencies. Gan would always be my go-to. 

All in all, if the Order was interested in the entrance to the caverns, then they would find the land owner very willing to deal with them. I would have the farmhouse restored until then and a secret entrance built. The farmstead could be a nice location for an elderly jedi to keep watch over and guard like a hermit. It wasn’t unheard off. I mentioned the possibility of buying the land for the order and the hermit idea in my report.

Gallia forwarded the idea to the council. I guess we will see what they think. Not like I was already proposing another enclave. Kil could do that. 

I continued my role as the Battlemaster for the Station in the interim while we plotted out more worlds to take the younglings down the line. I was after something far more important. The Original Jedi Homeworld. Well, the second one, technically. Ossus. I knew what sector it was in. The Auril Sector. Which made it next door to Bal’demnic of all places, galactically speaking. It was something I hoped to find before the Clone Wars. I wouldn’t tell the Council about Ossus. I just had to find it first. I could have the place refurbished and liveable in time. 

It was my contingency plan for the Order if I was unable to stop Order 66. I hoped that the Clones would have control chips. I remember preferring the superior thematic elements of the Clones not having control chips in my old life. The chips would make life so much easier. Quietly exposing them would earn the Jedi the Clones’ loyalty. If they weren’t a thing, then I would have to actually do more work to turn them from the conditioning. The chips were like an easy mode. It all depended on who the template was. Was it Huntress? Could it still be Jango? Is he on Kamino right now? There was something I was missing. Myles would never tell me, but I know someone who might. 

I found myself heading to the Station’s blaster range one free day morning. I found Satine in there firing away with a pair of Westar-35s. They were a newer model. In some ways better than the Westar-34. It was cheaper and easier to customize. The 34 was still a beast and had a beautiful profile, but the model required a lot of care, and couldn't take as much abuse. I think what made the 35 surpass the 34 was the grips and trigger. They felt great in the hand and were a good point and shoot pistol. I would have to pick one up. 

“Satine,” I stood in the stall next to her. I brought my own blaster today. 

“Luminara.” Satine fired some more. 

“Any news from Jango?” I pulled the blaster pistol from the hard case and prepared to fire. 

“Yes, Myles mentioned that Jango was on his way back to Mandalore.”

That was beginning to ease my mind somewhat. Jango being back would calm things down. I couldn’t help but sense a shadow on his return. 

“There is more to it.” My voice was skeptical. “Always is.”

“It may cause some problems with the Republic and the Jet’ii ?” I could sense Satine’s reservations. 

“I am not going to mind trick you into telling me nor would you want people to think that I was able to. I doubt being perceived as having a weak mind is beneficial in your culture. I will only ask once, and I do so only to save me a trip to Mandalore. I would hate to coerce Myles in front of everyone at the Oyu’baat.”

Satine sighed and relented. “It will get out eventually. Manda’lor is bringing Huntress back with him. He managed to capture her.” 

“This is the part where I assume he doesn’t want to hand her over to the Jedi.” 

“She committed several war crimes in the Civil War long before she blew that Jet’ii up a while back. It would be a symbolic end to the Deathwatch for all time.”

“There is something I am still not seeing.” 

Satine got defensive, walking around her wall panel to look down at me in the eye. She was fairly tall. I looked up at her, as I did most folks. “If anyone has the right, it is Manda’lor. Not you Jet’ii or your Senators! Her crimes must be judged by her tracyn vode ?” 

Blood Brother. Brother by blood. Ah kark, she was Jango’s Sister. Huntress was Orla… no, Arla Fett. Her vicious nature and madness all made sense now. Tor Vizsla did terrible things to her to make her the Assassin she became. Galidraan ensured that Tor wasn’t alive long enough to send her on a mission that landed her in a loony bin. Why didn’t I see that connection before?

I let out a breath. I held Satine’s gaze and spoke calmly, but measured. 

“Here we go again, with Mandolorian honor and Republic values heading for a collision.” Satine’s shoulders sagged. She was smart enough to know this might not end well. I turned away. 

“I have to break this news to the Council. Luckily Jedi aren’t really the “pound of flesh,” types. The Senate on the other hand. Hopefully the political shitstorm Jango is wading into won’t call for any bloodshed.”

“When has that ever-” Satine was unable to finish her sentence as she began coughing and ran toward the recycler. She still had the sense to keep her helmet on her head even as she barfed into the recycler. Out of curiosity, I scanned her aura in the force in case she caught something and I had to drag her kicking and screaming into the medbay. Then I was hit with a curve ball. Satine wasn’t the only one home. Oh dear.

“Does this happen often?” It was a cautious question. 

“Often enough to know full well what it means.” Satine shook her head. “ Shab.” 

I shouldn’t have been surprised. 

“Does Obi-wan know?” 

“No idea. He hasn’t said anything if he does.”

I let out a breath.

“Are you heading back to Mandalore then?” 

Satine nodded in affirmation. 

“Do you plan on telling him?” 

“If I do, he’ll come with me.” 

“You don’t want that?” 

“More than anything in the world, but it would break his heart. I think he was hoping to be a Jet’ii once more.” I could hear her voice crack. She was crying. I went and hugged her. She reciprocated and hugged me back tightly. Damn she was strong. I mean she had to be if you carried around all that armor all karking day. I felt a bit sad too. Having Obi-wan back had improved everyone’s mood, especially Quinlan’s. They were bros. 

“It's alright. Life, especially new life, is a wonderful thing. Obi-wan will do the right thing.” I felt so awkward. Eventually Satine pulled away. 

“I am sorry for that.” 

“Don’t be. Let’s go sit down and play some sabacc in Lam’s Lounge.” Lam did indeed build a lounge. Hopefully Enjay wasn’t around. I led Satine away from the firing range. I decided to change the subject. 

“So what’s the deal with Clan Bboc?” I asked. “Enjay always acts so anti-social.”

Satine had to think about that question. Her worry over Obi-wan subsided for the moment. “Well, they are one of the few Alien clans left after Dral’han . Most were wiped out when the Republic turned a third of the planet into wasteland. I had never seen Enjay’s face so I couldn’t really confirm that. “That is all I know really. Smaller Clans rise, fall, or get absorbed into larger ones all the time.”

We eventually reached the lounge. I poured some jogan fruit juice for the two of us, and we played sabacc until around noon. I’d say we were evenly matched. I wasn’t all too good at the game. Something I learned while on an undercover mission to Nar Shadda with Komari. This was a summons from Master Adi.

Before I left the table. I offered the best bit of advice I could come up with. I downed the rest of my juice and stood.

“Perhaps it would be best to just rip the bacta patch off quickly.” I left Satine to think about her situation. I wasn’t sure what would happen. If Obi-wan left the order for good… I could live with that. Wouldn’t mean that I wasn’t going to give up. I would find a compromise. 

I walked into Master Adi’s Office. 

“Master Adi?” She turned from the comm. I noted she was talking with Former Supreme Chancellor Valorum. 

She looked back briefly and I waited patiently for her to say her goodbyes. The call ended and I noted she was frowning. 

“Valorum doing alright after being ousted in the Naboo Crisis?” 

Adi nodded and leaned on the desk. 

“He is taking it better than I expected. He is ashamed that he was unable to handle the situation, but I think he is relieved to not be in the chair anymore.” She nodded to herself. “When next I am Coruscant, I will visit him in person.” 

I remembered from the Stark War that Adi and Valorum were good friends. Glad to see it still was the case.

“What did you need me for?”

“Nothing too important. Despite your incident on Dantooine. I find it is a suitable place to take the younglings for a few weeks. The council does as well. I should also note that Knight Kil is very insistent on restarting the enclave there. He believes some force sensitive plants and the expertise of the Ithorians would rejuvenate the Force in the ruins. The Council is undecided on the matter. I did hear back on their interest in the entrance you made to the Crystal Caves. They find your proposal a good compromise. They are still discussing the details, but they like the idea.” 

I knew they might like it. It was small, and the entrance to the Crystal caves was a good motivator. 

“Did you have a new planet in mind to visit?” 

“Kashyyyk was suggested by the Grandmaster himself, but I feel that can easily go wrong.” 

The thought of the younglings getting lost in the Shadowlands was horrifying. 

“For the best we table Kashyyyk for now. You had somewhere else in mind?” 

Adi nodded, “I was thinking of Alderaan. It can be dangerous, but I hear there are great places for training there, especially in the mountains.” 

“That’s a good idea. Shaak and I will take a look.” 

“I think it is Quinlan and my turn to go.” The Jedi Master said, amused.

That was fair. Figured I better mention the growing issues on the horizon. 

“Alright. I have something to tell you.” 

“What now?” 

“It has something to do with Mandalore.” 

Adi didn’t look amused as I relayed the tale. She was quiet for a moment.

“I will tell the Council. You better get your ship ready. I don’t think anyone knows the Mandalorians as well as you do for the Council to send anyone else.”

I thought it occurred to me like a lighthouse light whirling around briefly blinding me. It felt like a premonition. A brief flash of Master Poof entered my brain for a flash. I couldn’t help but interject. Adi seemed to sense me having a Force moment. 

“Was there something else?” 

“I have a request.”

“Which is?”

“That the Council sends Master Poof to meet me in Keldabe.”

“What for?”

“Just trusting my feelings. The Force is showing me his face all of a sudden. It feels like a premonition.” 

Adi didn’t question it. I wasn't sure if this was a good Idea. I was glad she took me seriously. I just wondered how Master Poof would aid the situation on Mandalore. I suppose I will find out. In the meantime I would get my Z-95 ready for the trip.

I was halfway to the hanger, when “Bellicose’s comm” chirped. I reached out, sensing I was alone and answered it. It was a text message from Ganorn’s office. 

“Bellicose, this is a message regarding the land you recently purchased. I wanted to let you know some company offered a huge sum for the land. I turned it down saying the land wasn’t for sale and your banker gave this shifty outfit the story as to why. They weren’t too happy. Just thought I’d let you know.” 

I shut the comm off. I immediately started sending messages to various contacts. I needed them to hire a private investigator to look into finding anything on these buyers. Hopefully these buyers didn’t escalate things while I was on Mandalore. Something about this whole thing stunk. I still had a trip to plan out and left things for now. At least it would be good to see Miles again. 

Chapter Text

Mercy  

Here, have this.

Reviews and criticism are always welcome.

Keldabe, Mandalore

I stood in awe as the beast of a machine ran toward Satine. It somehow looked giddy as it ran and I wondered about its creators. That led down a sad line of thought. The Mandolorians of old were brutal after all. They still could be, but with Tor Vizsla's death, that brutality was no longer at the fore. I was distracted from my line of thought when the droid shook its thrusters with its little metal tail. Okay that was cute for a nine foot tall death machine I will grant.  

“Karoya, settle down. I am sorry for being gone so long.” The War Droid mewled like a puppy. An adorable war machine of death and destruction. It was painted in Clan Kryze colors of Blue and White. I was surprised about that, but I supposed Satine was the only one it really listened to so it made sense. 

“You better be, ori’vod . The poor thing has been acting down in the dumps the whole time you were gone.” Another Mandalorian woman walked up beside the machine. 

“Bo, I had to go. Mand’alor commanded me to check in on Tara.” I had no idea it was Bo-Katan, considering she had yet to make the dumb Nite-Owl helmet yet. Hopefully she never did. She was tall and athletic like her sister. I was reminded that she would look like a young Katie Sackoff under that helm. I suddenly grew a lot more nervous around her. Then I remembered Komari and felt very guilty. 

“You painted her while I was gone. I told you I wanted to do that with Ben.”

“You were taking too long and I was bored. I did a better job than you and your pet Jetii would have.” Bo shrugged. I could sense the death glare she was giving Obi-wan. I am sure Obi-wan could too, but he made no comment. Satine muttered in Mando’a before turning to introduce me. Something about annoying younger siblings. Speaking of younger siblings. I briefly wondered how Tarl and Hylo were doing. Hopefully well. 

“Bo, this is Master Luminara of the Jetii. Luminara, this my little sister and resident pain in the shebs, Bo-Katan.” 

“Pleasure,” was all I awkwardly managed to get out. I moved forward to shake hands.  

Bo shook the offered hand, but continued speaking with her sister. “I know of her. She helped save Mand’alor’s life from those assassin droids. She and Myles Fett are friends. So everyone says.” 

“More or less.” I butted in. I didn’t like being ignored. “Is Myles around or helping his father keep an eye on his aunt?” My Question earned Satine a look from Bo. Bo turned back to me, scowling under the helm. 

“Yes, Huntress is being kept under lock and key at the moment. And don’t say that aloud. Only certain people are supposed to know that.” 

“Good to hear.” I could feel my scar itch with all this talk of Huntress. Even the bone and muscle under my skin was filling with a thousand needles. That day in Iaco Stark’s Dungeon briefly flashed before my eyes. It wasn’t something I liked to remember. The pain of the force cuffs tended to override the vibroblade’s sting. It was very unwelcome.  

I decided to think of something else and it was pretty easy to find that “something else.” The big robot murder dog for one.

“Can I touch her?” I asked Satine while pointing at Karoya.

Satine shrugged, and stepped aside. Bo bristled at the thought of a Jet’ii touching the bes’uliik. After all it was our kind that had them destroyed. Could Revan be considered our kind at that point. I suppose so. Then again, Revan was a Mythological figure to the Mandos. A vengeful ghost wearing the death mask of the one Warrior to stand against what they did to Cathar. A being whose redemption eventually led to their own. I will admit its pretty metal imagery. 

I noted what must have been visual sensors in the mechanical creature’s head zero in on the lightsabers hanging from my belt. The beast let out a low growl. I stopped and held out a hand for it to sniff like one would do with a real dog. It cautiously gave my hand a scan and after a moment lowered its metal hackles and I was able to pat on its armored head. 

“ Jate’uliik, Jate’uliik.” I patted its head, calling it the closest approximation of “good girl” I deemed appropriate. The war droid seemed as surprised as Bo that I knew its language. It leaned into my head pats. I was tempted to scratch behind the armor plating, but I didn’t want to scrape my finger nails on the beskar plating and the new paint. It would not do if I agitated Bo-Katan any further. Now that I looked at the paint job. It was actually pretty good. The detailing was immaculate. I noted little black Mandalorian symbols painted into various parts. They read: Karoya of Clan Kryze.   

I sensed Bo-Katan’s curiosity. I couldn’t help but blush as I looked over at her.

“How do you know our tongue?” There was reproachful air about her mixed with accusation. 

“It's a long story. I can tell you later if you like.” Over drinks maybe? I thought to myself. I followed it up with a compliment for good measure. “Great paint job by the way.” 

I sensed Bo was unsure whether to take the compliment as it was or not. She simply shrugged, 

“Whatever.” 

I decided to return to the business at hand. 

“So uhm, I better get a sense of things before my fellow Jedi arrive.” 

“Right this way,” Satine motioned me to follow. The big metal droid nudged her. Satine gave in. “Alright.” She climbed up on the war droids back. “Ben, get up here.” 

“When did she start calling you Ben?” I was curious.

Obi-wan shrugged. “When we met while I was still in the order. I’ll tell you the story some time.” 

Obi-wan leapt up using the Force and landed right behind Satine. I noted that when he wrapped his arms around her stomach he stopped, unsure, and instead decided to lean back and enjoy the ride. It seemed that Satine had told him. He had been too quiet and contemplative since arriving on Mandalore.

People made way for the giant War droid. Some small children both armored and unarmored pointed out the Droid. It seemed the War Droid still hadn’t quite become part of the scenery yet. I noted a few teenagers in full armor. I remembered the age of adulthood was around thirteen in their culture. They reminded me of Myles at Galidraan. 

Weird, but I suspected it was to account for quick lived species in their ranks. I mean a thirteen year old Chiss would be around 23 physically. Oddly enough Chiss still lived an average human lifespan. Would they be better clone soldiers? Who knows? Well the Kaminoans would, the point as moot as the Chiss were too far away to deal with anyway.   

Now the trip to the jail took a while. For obvious reasons the prison was nowhere near the spaceport. Whether by design or accident was up for debate. Taking in the city I noted what really stuck out was the new Recreation center on the edge of town with the word, “MandalMotors” in large Aurebesh and Mandalorian Script was the real eye catcher. It was complete. Didn’t take them long. It was near the edge of town. There were also gold-armored Mandalorians that made up the police force patrolling on newer speeder bikes. These bikes were small and easy to maneuver in the city streets. 

“Next time I visit, there might actually be meter droids walking about handing out parking slips.” The comment was received well. 

I sensed Bo-Katan’s irritation at the observation. Satine, ever the more diplomatic sister, answered before her younger sister could. 

“ Mand’alor managed to get a good deal on the bikes. Have you ever heard of holdbacks?” 

I had. “The previous years speeders that weren’t sold so the dealer will often lower the price in order to sell off old stock. Jango made some dealership happy I am sure.” I wondered where the hell Jango and the Mandalorian government put up the scratch for that? Only thing I can think of is tribute from the other clans. We were sidetracked before I could ask. The War Droid seemed to go chasing after something or someone.

Satine tried to control the metal beast but to no avail. She and Obi-wan were along for the ride, doing their best to hold on. The War Droid ran up to Jango and stood sitting rigidly. Judging by Mandalore's posture, he was amused. 

“Karoya, you don’t need to stand at attention every time you see me.” He said in Mando’a as he gave the Basilisk a pat and looked up at Satine. “ Satine, glad your back.” He gave Obi-wan a quick nod. 

I stood awkwardly next to Bo, “So you have any more siblings? Or is it just you and Satine.” 

“Just Satine and I,” Bo asked, “Do you have any siblings?” She didn’t sound all that curious. “Right, Jetii abandon their birth clans. Sorry for asking.” Her voice sounded anything but apologetic. 

I snorted before answering. “A brother and a sister. I recently presided as the priest over my Sister’s wedding.” 

Bo was taken aback. “Priest?” Her confusion was evident as I walked off to speak with Jango.

“Mandalore.” 

Jango gave me a nod. “Master Luminara now I assume.” 

I nodded, “Your aid was welcome in completing my trial.” I unclipped the sheathed dagger from my belt and handed it to him, hilt first. Jango unsheathed it and looked for the blade. He weighed it in his palm and flicked around his armored fingers with a deftness that made him seem all the more of a lethal warrior. Jango nodded in approval as he sheathed the dagger.

“Is that a Clan Atiniir mark?” Bo asked as Jango handed me the dagger back. There was an uneasy nervousness in her aura. 

“What is the deal with them? I sense it is not good.” 

Jango gave Bo-katan a look. Even if his look was under a helmet, Bo shrunk back under the helmeted gaze of her people’s leader. Jango answered with a vague statement. 

“They are sworn to me.” I barely sensed his own frustration. “Ask Myles if you can’t bear to leave it ly.” 

I shrugged, deciding to get to business. “Officially, you are aware of why I came here.” 

“Yes, I am aware, I will not be handing her over to the Republic.” He almost growled. 

Obi-wan and Satine hopped down.

“It may not be so simple. She killed a Republic Senator in the Stark War.” Bo-Katan snorted when I called it a War. I continued on regardless. “They will want to take their pound of flesh.” 

“And the Jetii?” Jango gave me a look despite the helmet that invited me to answer. 

“She did kill Ki-di Mindi, and the Jedi would want justice. Preferably imprisonment. Master Yarael Poof is a member of the High Council and will be present with the Republic Delegation. I am sure he will let you know the official stance.” Jango shook his head. 

“The sentence was already passed. I am merely waiting on the last of the Clan Leaders to arrive. Clan Reau and what remains of Clan Vizsla are dragging their feet. To be expected.”

Satine spoke up. “They are weary after you made an example of Clan Wren. It took everything for my Father to get them to come.” 

“You sound like your Buir. Clan Wren’s folly was their own doing. Vizsla and Reau will be here before the execution.” There was little doubt in his voice.  

“When is that? The Execution?” My question drew all their gazes to me. 

“Two days.” There was no real emotion coming off Jango despite having to cut off his sister’s head in a few days, he seemed at ease. Content.

“I will alert Master Poof when he next makes contact. They should be here before then.”

“The Republic will be allowed in as an observer, but I will not have them dictate how we conduct our justice system.” Jango was adamant. It was going to be a long couple of days. I should have brought something to read. 

“Master Yarael, it is good to see you again.” I announced as the Jedi Master stepped off the ramp of the Consular Class ship that had landed at the spaceport. 

“And you Master Luminara,” He winked, and I couldn’t help but grin. That grin faded when I saw who was exiting the ship next. He stepped off the ramp as if he owned the whole planet. He gave a distasteful look to his surroundings before moving to introduce himself. He had a full head of auburn hair, but I recognized him easily enough. 

“A pleasure to meet a veteran of the Stark Hyperspace War. I am Lieutenant Governor Wilhuff Tarkin of Eriadu.” I shook his offered hand.

“Pleasure.” I said neutrally. I was already thinking of a way to take him off the board, but honestly the man did more harm to the Empire than good so leaving him alive was for the better. He didn’t seem to be turning his nose up at me for not being a human. As far as I know, he might have become an Evolutionary. That was the fancy linguistic term for the Humanocentric subfaction that accepted Human offshoot subspecies and species. It was hard to read him in the Force.

“Does this mockery of a city have a proper jail? My Cousin’s killer may be able to get loose if the jail is in the same rickety state. It wouldn’t be the first time.” He’ll make a lot of friends in this town with that attitude. I grew up on Coruscant. Everything is a town compared to that. 

“They do. They haven’t let me near her.”  For the best. I wasn’t keen on seeing the Mad Mando all that much if I was honest. Wait, Deranged Dar’manda was a better descriptor.

“Are the Mandalorians intent on executing Huntress? Is there no way we can have her imprisoned and rehabilitated?” Master Yareal sounded genuinely concerned. Jedi weren’t really all that into the death penalty as a whole.

“Mandalore Jango has passed the sentence, but has yet to carry it out.” 

“All the more reason to hurry our pace.”

“Indeed,” Tarkin frowned at the thought of trudging through Keldade. “I assume you procured proper transportation for the trip?”

I nodded, “Yeah, this way.” It was the largest and cleanest speeder I could find. The locals preferred smaller speeders as the streets could get pretty tight, depending on the age of the city and time period the street was built. Not that Keldabe was dirty. Someone had been keeping the streets relatively clean. We hopped into the speeder I had rented for parading the Republic Delegation around town. 

We were silent the whole trip, until just before getting to the Jail. Tarkin spoke up. 

“Why has this Jango been waiting to kill Huntress in the first place? You think he would have done so immediately upon her capture.” Tarkin asked. 

“He is waiting on the clan leaders to all be in attendance. Huntress represents an ideology that Jango wants to bury. Huntress is the last potent remnant of that.” I didn’t mention Huntress was Arla Fett. Tarkin would no doubt challenge Jango in the matter.

It was at the Jail entrance I finally saw Myles for the first time since arriving. I even rented a room for the past day in the Oyu’baat in hopes of seeing him stop by, but he hadn’t showed up. 

He was conversing with a middle-aged woman with graying hair in all black Jedi robes. She waved her hands in front of Myles’ face. He shook his head. 

“No, you aren’t permitted to see her!. Try that Jetii mir’osik again and I will have you sent home, one way or another. The prisoner is off limits to anyone, but to Mand’alor and authorized personnel.”

“Master An’ya?” Master Poof called out. I knew that name as the connection clicked in my head. Master An’ya was the “Dark Woman.” She was that edgelord Jedi that trained Ki-Adi Mundi and wore all black. She believed that Jedi should give up their names and go Qui-Gon lite. That being said, it took everything, and I mean everything I had to not burst out laughing. This wasn’t the time or place. She probably came here to get some form of closure over the death of her former padawan. So with the restraint of a chained reek in a pottery shop, I kept my mouth shut and emotions well in check.

“Master Yarael, you know that is not what I prefer to be called.” She said with a wariness of one who wasn’t taken seriously, yet still had enough dignity to stand her ground.  

“I don’t like entertaining youngling fantasies.” Poof said that with such a savage dismissal in his voice that I was impressed. The irritation in Master An’ya’s aura felt like this wasn’t new to her. He continued before the Dark Woman could respond. “However, you may join our delegation in seeing the prisoner.” 

“We won’t be turned away will we?” Tarkin stepped forward. His imperious nature and the way he looked down his nose at the bigger and taller Mandalorian would have gotten him punched on any other day, but Myles shrugged.

“ Mand’alor said some Pubs were coming to ensure the Prisoner was being treated humanely or something. So go on in.” The Guard next to Myles waved us in. As Master An’ya passed the Guard muttered an insult under his breath. It was tame by Mando standards. 

When we were half way down the hall, Master An’ya whispered, “I do not speak their language, but I hear you do. Why did that guard say?” I stopped to look at her and wondered if I should tell her and why she cared in the first place. 

“It depends on if you really want to know?” I shrugged as she snorted with an annoyed shake of her head and continued on down the hall. “I am sorry for your loss.” I took the chance to say as I moved into step beside her. 

“Jedi don’t form attachments.” Her voice was neutral. 

“If you believe that, then why are you here?” I noted her frown. “I lament never getting to spar with Mundi. I heard you trained him well.”

“Not well enough.” She admitted. “He could be tunnel-visioned at times. I warned him on several occasions.”

I decided to risk asking, but the question had been gnawing at me. “I still haven’t heard how Huntress managed to kill him.” 

The Dark Woman took a breath before she answered. “Huntress is insane, but there is a malevolent cunning to her. She lured Mundi to a warehouse full of explosives. Mundi was skilled enough to sense the trap stopped just out of the blast range. Huntress accounted for Jedi precognition and had a flying droid packed with more explosives fly in from behind and force Mundi just far enough into her initial range. She lit the place up. She killed three other civilians who were working nearby in the blast. Mundi was knocked back enough for Huntress to land and shoot him before he could find all his senses.” 

Master An’ya’s expression didn’t change the entire time. When she mentioned Huntress' execution of Mundi, I remembered the space station above Troiken. How she knocked me out before I could regain my senses. She apparently learned not to get close in saber range with a Jedi since then. At least not without a Force-suppressing lizard on her shoulder. 

“That tracks. At Troiken she knocked me out rather quickly after I blocked her missile.” I looked ahead.

“What manner of training and hurt could create such a monster?” 

“Huntress is a victim in her own right. It does not excuse her actions, the real Monster died at Galidraan, and the leash was cut.” 

The Dark Woman nodded. I didn’t know if she knew the exact details of how Tor turned the young Arla Fett into a crazed psycho, but it didn’t matter in the end. I maneuvered my way into the front of the column in case someone needed a translator. It wasn't necessary. Myles led us to the entrance of the cell block.

“You know, I had been sitting in the Oyu’baat and you haven’t once left this place to say high.” I said with mock indignation. 

Myles looked like he was going to play along when he let out an exhausted breath. 

“I had to be sure she didn’t get away, and stayed alive long enough for the Darksaber to do its work.” I nodded, and reached out to knock on his shoulder pad with my knuckle. It was the Mando equivalent to a quick hug. 

“This must be a trying time.”

Myles didn’t react but I could sense I wasn’t too far off. He wasn’t sure how to feel about an aunt he never knew turning out to be a Death Watch psychopath. He looked at his robotic arm. 

“It makes me wish I could have at least dealt some damage to Tor at Galidraan. But I was a young di’kutla teenager then.” He looked distant for a moment and I patted my hand on his arm just above the wrist gauntlets.

 He straightened up  and turned back to address the rest of the party. “Alright, this way. She has the whole block to herself.”

“Hardly the best place to keep such a dangerous criminal.” Tarkin was clearly unimpressed. 

“This place is sturdier than it looks.” Myles said. 

“Am I to assume you are some sort of prince then? I noted your clan sigil.” Tarkin seemed to have a talent for pointing out things and sounding insulted at their mere existence.

Myles gave a snort, “Doesn’t work like that, Aruetii .” 

Tarkin shut his mouth. I sensed he was not willing to entertain the “barbarian” further. Myles stopped before a cell in the middle of the block. It had two Mandolorian guards. Arla herself was sitting on her bed staring into space. Her blonde hair was buzzed down for space lice. She looked a lot after her mother, though she had brown eyes instead of blue. She was around the same height as Jango, and was in her middle thirties.

Our eyes met when she looked up at me. They held a malicious gleam as she stood up. There was a steel cap on her shoulder where her prosthetic arm would have been attached. She sauntered up and rested her head on the bars with a grim smile.

“Not even proper ray shielding,” Tarkin muttered in the background. 

“Of all the Republic lackeys they sent to see me off on my march. It had to be you.” 

“I volunteered.” I said with little mirth. Arla, no Huntress, gave me a grim smile as our eyes met briefly. It seemed we both relived the moments we had fought each other just then. There wasn’t much to say. I had no desire to rub her situation and she wasn’t in the mood to play games today. Huntress didn’t say anything after that, and went to sit down on the bed. I sensed a mix of emotions, but most of all a bitter acceptance and a surprising amount of relief. 

“I daresay she is fit and proper for execution.” Tarkin interrupted. There was a sense of satisfaction in his voice. “I would have preferred a Republic tribunal, but I find the punishment acceptable. When does the execution take place?”

“Tomorrow,” Myles answered. He was clearly uncomfortable saying that. He gestured for us to leave. We did as bid. Tarkin had a pleased look on his face and An’ya seemed out of sorts.  

“I would like to see your leader if it is possible” Master Yarael Poof asked. 

“He’ll be around. The last of the Clan Leader’s showed up just before you arrived. They are in the Oya’baat. I’ll take you there.” 

“Is that the name of your government offices?” Tarkin asked. 

“No, it's just a bar, Aruetii .” The look on Tarkin's face was rather comical as if he smelled a bad fart. I almost broke my usual Jedi calm and poise for a chuckle. I managed to restrain myself. 

Despite the Jail being generally close to the infamous bar, we still piled in the speeder I borrowed. I paid for a couple days. I was going to get my use out of it. 

Myles took his personal speeder. Hopefully Huntress didn’t escape while Myles was gone for five whole seconds. 

Pulling up to the Oyu’baat. I noted some disgruntled patrons and regulars chatting around nearby buildings and alleys while the Clan leaders met. Some were openly complaining while others sat patiently. 

Upon entering, I saw Jango was sitting on a bar stool inside while the other clan leaders sat in table chairs, giving their leader a good view of them all. Jango nodded in my direction. 

“It appears that the Republic delegation has finally shown up.” Jango announced. He didn’t get up. 

“You invited the Republic!!!” A man in black and red armor stood. He had the symbol of Clan Bralor on his chestplate.

“They invited themselves. Huntress didn’t commit crimes against just her own people. If it makes you feel better, they are here as observers, nothing more. Since you’re already up, Bralor, you can at least get them some seats. Nothing about to fall apart either.” Bralor grumbled, but didn’t put up a fight on the matter.

Master Yarael personally grabbed a bar stool by himself. The taller seat would work better for his stature. Master An’ya waited for the chair the Clan Leader of Bralor was bringing her. Why wasn’t Rev Bralor here? Was she even the Bralor Clan Leader? So hard to remember these things as time wore on. sDid Jango create the Cuy’val Dar again. I heard that Kal Skirata was missing so it was probably the case. 

I took the seat offered when Bralor set it down. I didn’t know his first name. He had a sour look. I still said my thanks and sat. Clan Bralor’s leader nodded and went to grab Tarkin a chair and sit back down. Myles went behind the bar in the back room. He gave a quick wave to his father and Jango gave him a nod. Myles was going back to the prison. I noticed an unopened bottle of Black Ale in his hand. Must have been for him and the off-duty guards. 

After Bralor himself was seated, Jango got back on track. 

“Now, back to it. Are all you all happy with the stadium Mandalmotors put up. Apparently they had the design in the backpocket for years.”

“It is no Oyu’baat,” a woman in green and white armor said. I couldn’t see her clan sigil. “But it was well built. One of my sappers that I sent to look for weak points said it would take more explosive than is viable for a terrorist attack to topple it. The new government offices are sturdy and have good avenues of defense in case of attack.” 

I could sense Jango’s amusement. “Glad you approve Rena. What about the rest of you?”

Many of the Mandalorian leaders shrugged. They seemed overall happy with that assessment.” 

“There are some more sensitive matters we can go through later. Right now I suspect that the Republic retinue has some demand regarding the prisoner.”

Tarkin beat Master Yarael to the punch. Clearly he didn’t want the Jedi to go on about mercy for his cousin’s killer. 

“No, While many in the Senate feel your barbaric people have been given far too much leeway in recent years. The capital punishment to be meted out for the murderer of Senator Ranulf Tarkin, and Jedi Knight Ki-Adi Mundi is acceptable.” The Mandos didn’t flinch at being called barbarians. Considering who was calling them that, it was probably par for the course. I did sense the urge to at least punch the arrogant bastard. But they wouldn’t be clan leaders if they were that hot headed. 

“Well if the Pubs don’t care then, lets get on with it.” Bralor said.  

“If I may,” Master Poof stood before Jango could confirm the sentence in front of the other clan leaders. 

Jango wanted to get this over with. Arla being here in Keldabe was a ghost of his past he could not risk letting get the better of him. From what I could tell. I could only imagine the horror of finding out his sister was alive and turned into a monster by the same demagolka who killed his parents. 

Jango sighed. I wondered if Yareal could pull this off. I wondered what caused the Force to have me request his presence. That thought was at the forefront in my brain right now. Why, what was I missing? He wasn’t the best statesman the Jedi had. What did he have that the Force wanted him here? 

“I can only implore you to spare her on grounds that the Living Force is often harmed by such an action.” It was the plea of a man who knew his words wouldn’t be heard. A couple of the clan leaders snorted. Ironic as Yarael was the best in the Order with mind tricks and could have influenced them all subtly. That was it. It had to be. While I didn’t feel anything for Huntress other than pity. Her death was something the Force was reaching out and telling me to prevent. Great. Ironic considering the fate of the prime timeline Arla now entered my mind. She had her mind completely wiped by a Jedi Knight that wasn’t the best at using the Force in general. So Bardan Jesik claimed. Well, Master Poof was the best in the order for this type of thing.   

I stood up and walked over to Jango. “Mandalore, I cannot convince you to spare her life, but perhaps there is a different way of killing her without physically killing her that would appease both parties.” 

“And here I thought you were the type of Jetii that did not speak in riddles, Luminara.” Jango said. His eagerness to not draw this day out any further was evident in his tone. I shook my head at the remark. 

“I try not to be. So I won’t go into a lecture on the Force’s will and all that. Master Yareal is here because I requested he’d come. I had a vision he would be important in some way. It wasn’t until just now I figured it out.” Jango, despite the helm, gave me a look that said get on it. It was hard to tell how seriously the Mandos took Jedi visions, but they did know of our precognition. There were some clan leaders leaning forward in anticipation. 

“Luminara,” Master Poof walked over. He also figured out the reason it seemed. “I will not do so if the patient is unwilling.” 

“Enough riddles or you will no longer be welcome here.” Jango stated in a tone that belied no argument. 

“Master Yarael is the best in the order when it comes to mind tricks and the mind in general.” I then cut to the chase. “He could alter her mind so that Huntress is no more in the mental sense. Mandalorians don’t care about the body if I recall, so long as the spirit is gone. It would be a true fresh start. Cin Vhetin as your people say. I know it technically means to start over after joining and becoming Mandalorian, but was she truly ever given the choice to be a True Mandalorian in the first place.”

The Clan leader’s turned and looked among themselves. There was evident surprise and concern in their auras that I knew that phrase as per usual.  

Jango for his part, turned his head and one of his fists clenched. He was always hearder to read than most. I sensed anger and confusion. There were hints of relief, but my proposal clearly touched a nerve. Jango seemed to relax. 

“I call for a council of clan leaders.” One of the Clan Leaders said as she stood up. She was in all green. I couldn’t tell her age under the helmet. 

“By what right,” Jango’s voice was dark. The woman continued, though I sensed some hesitation on her part. 

“Conflict of Interest. Huntress is of your blood. Even if you declared her dar’manda. By our laws, you can still refuse, but we highly encourage you to recuse yourself from this matter.” I recognised the Clan sigil now, Shysa. I wondered how she was related to Fenn Shysa. I didn’t even know they were a big enough Clan to have this sort of representation. 

“I will not allow a Council.” Jango waved off Shysa, who nodded. She didn’t make the offer for some political ploy. For her part that was. Mandos took their family very seriously. There were some in the crowd of leaders who would have been more than happy to take advantage of Jango though. I was sure Jango already knew which ones wanted to control or replace him.   

“Figures the Jetii would try to play their games,” Bralor huffed then admitted, “However, I wouldn’t want to be in this position either Mand’alor.”

“Give me an hour.” Jango said. “Now clear the room.” The other Clan leaders didn’t hesitate. I motioned for everyone in our group to get out of the bar.

“I came here for an execution.” Tarkin didn’t mask his displeasure. “And here the Jedi are trying to play some sort of game. Pity, I still think their leader will go through with it despite their protests. He can’t afford to look weak after all. All these Barbarians know is strength.”

I didn’t comment as I didn't want to deal with Tarkin and his snobbery. Master An’ya beat me to it by responding and engaging Tarkin on the points of Jedi philosophy. I was glad I wasn’t the one. Master Yarael was calming his mind. Planning on the possible mind altering ritual he would have to do. If Huntress was willing. If not, Tarkin would get his execution. 

“You did well there,” Poof moved beside me. “Gallia mentioned you had a vision and insisted I be the one, now it seems the Force has shown us the way.” 

“It could be clearer at times, but the Force has a plan for Arla Fett. May I make a suggestion?”

“Regarding the upcoming treatment I assume?” 

“I suggest that you do not erase her knowledge of weaponry entirely. She is a highly skilled warrior and that might be what is needed down the line.” It was a risk, but I sensed it was the right thing. 

Yarael sighed. “I understand. Hopefully she never has to pick up a weapon again. Your reasoning is not unideal. Now I must prepare.” 

The Clan Leaders were talking among themselves. I noted that Vizsla, Reau, and Saxxon, a man and two women respectively, seemed the least animated. They were standing next to one another having a conversation. They weren’t keen on putting forth their opinions. They were the losers in the civil war after all. The man in clan Vizsla colors seemed to be extra agitated pacing back and forth among them. Out of concern. I went to stand close to the entrance to the bar.  

“Ahh, Haran . He’ll probably kill me.” 

“Where are you going?” The woman in red said with a Clan Saxxon sigil on her shoulder pad, asked as the Vizsla Clan Leader walked by her. 

“To make things right.” I sensed no malice from the man. There was a bit of guilt, but not so much as it made him seem too remorseful of his clan’s actions. I sensed he had no love for Tor at least, if anything the opposite. He didn’t hesitate as he went back into the Oyu’baat shouting, “ Mand’alor!” 

“He’s a dead man,” the other Woman in Reau Colors said. They looked at each other before following their fellow in. The Vizsla man locked the door from the inside just as they reached the door. They fumbled with it. The Other Clan leaders turned to look at what was going and made their way over as well. 

“Should we go around back?” Saxxon asked.

“Nah, it's too late. That di’kut wouldn’t last long enough for us to even get around the building.” Reau shrugged.   

I chose that moment to walk over and used the Force to open the lock. They looked at me surprised. 

“Let’s go save your friend.” I motioned for them to follow. “Stay behind me. Jango is least likely to shoot me.” 

To no one's surprise, Jango had the man on the floor, a knee on the man’s chest and the darksaber, its weird edged and black blade hovering just over the Vizsla Mando’s flight suit covered neck. The Viszla Leader had his arms up, and his arm gauntlets aimed away from Jango for good measure.

“ Take the Jetii offer Mand’alor.” Shame and regret tinged the Vizsla man’s words and aura. “ Killing your own vode is what my ba’vodu would have wanted. He would be laughing at being able to cause you pain one last time. Don’t let him take anything else from you. Sever his hand from your vode. ”

I felt more people beside me as Viszla’s words hung in the air. Jango’s aura, again, was near unreadable. It seemed like minutes. The blade of the ancient lightsaber deactivated and he stood. He pulled up on the Vizsla man’s arm lifting him up. 

Jango didn’t say anything. He clipped the darksaber to his belt. Resting his hand on his hips, he seemed to stare into space for a moment, before turning to look directly at me. 

“Fine, but on one condition.”

A/N: Had to break up this chapter into two parts. I am not going to say the next chapter will be out shortly because otherwise it will be months in between updates like everytime I say “the next chapter will be out shortly.” Anyway, have a good one. 

Chapter Text

Memories, Mandos, and Pride.

Here, have this.

Reviews and criticism are always welcome. 

Keldabe, Mandalore. Keldabe Jail.

There is something surreal about confronting your enemies face to face. Even with a set of beskar alloy bars in between yourself and them, the bars didn’t seem to matter all that much. Nervousness didn’t quite describe what I was about to do. I looked into Huntress’ brown eyes and she looked into my own blue. This was a price to save a life, by arguably removing what made a life unique. I felt Jango had agreed too quickly, but spending days metaphorically hanging the Blade of Damocles over the head of your long lost kin wouldn’t be easy for anyone.

I found it all rather ironic. All the visions about bringing Master Yarael here, and for what so I could be the one to do it. It made no sense. Maybe execution was kinder? I mean making your Stock Broker forget you are Jedi in one thing. But scrubbing a mind full of memories from a tortured and demented assassin without making more issues. That was something else. 

Speaking of Master Yarael, he did try to insist he should be the one to preform the mind wipe himself. Only if Huntress agreed of course. Poof had a convincing argument, his skill was unmatched in the art of the mind. In our Battle Meditation Club matches, he would spoof my head with false data. Before I caught on, the sly Jedi had made it seem like I had already made a move in Rancisis’ simulations I had been running concurrently in my head. It threw off my strategy for the whole match and I would lose yet again. It was a subtle and effective play, something I had yet to even replicate in the field of mind manipulation. It was never my strongest field of expertise.  

In the end, the answer was simple. Jango trusted me to do the job and only me. The woman who had not only saved his Son’s life, but his life. The Mandalorians weren’t all buddy-buddy with the Jedi, and I had been the only link to this fragile alliance/non-aggression pact we had going. One that hadn’t been seen since the New Sith Wars and later squandered in the Mandalorian Excision. To think, I had been trying to avoid getting labeled “The Diplomat.”

Still locking eyes with the crazy woman in front of me, there were some reservations. Last minute jitters. My only spot of confidence was that I could reach out to Master Yarael via Battle Meditation. It was a small comfort. My honor and a bit of ego had me here. If I had refused then Huntress would be slated for execution. I was not in this to save Huntress. Never was. No, I was here for Arla, the girl who was brutalized and tortured into being an assassin by the same monster who murdered her parents.

I found myself surprised that Huntress had agreed. It made me wary, but I could tell she was intrigued. I sensed it was a bizarre way of testing herself. Her last attempt at spitting in the universe's eye. I took a small breath. 

“Are you ready for this?” I asked the woman behind the bars. 

“I am always ready, Jetii . Question is? Can you handle the mess you’re wading into?” The Huntress snickered. I nodded. I lifted my legs up and floated with my legs crossed. Slowly sinking down, to the floor. I closed my eyes and started the gruesome work.

Keldabe, Mandalore. MandalMotors Stadium.  

The new stadium seemed to buzz with energy. Mandalorians from all walks, even some New Mandalorian Dukal guards could be seen. Jango was a better statesman than the senate gave him credit for. Many in the crowd came for a rumored execution, but he turned their expectation into a makeshift tournament instead. It wasn’t hard to find contestants to enter. In fact, there were too many. So many that there were unofficial “Potential Tourneys” in the parking lot. Jango had to send some of his security to go and gather all the candidates before some real fights could take place. 

There would not be any death matches today. High explosive ordinance wasn’t allowed, but any natural species abilities like claws, pincers, or even natural non fatal venoms. I found it surprising that the list included Force abilities. There must have been some more rules to go with that. Some societal quid pro quo about how to use them.

The excitement in the crowd was overwhelming as Master Anya and I took our seats just as the Tournament was about to get underway. Master Yarael and Tarkin had returned to Republic Space. Tarkin was initially soured on the whole not killing Huntress verdict. He of course did stay until Master Yarael confirmed the mind wipe had taken. He left shortly after that, smiling. The dead eyed stare from the drooling husk of a woman laying on the bottom of the cell seemed to appease him. 

I thought I’d gone too far. Unlike that prick Tarkin, I was on the verge of hysteria, shaking and rubbing. The memories I had wiped were things you read in edgelord fantasy books like A Song of Ice and Fire or was heavily implied in various teen novels. I hadn’t lost control like that in a while. No wonder Huntress was such a nut. The worst part wasn’t the torture. Huntress had grown to enjoy her work. Tor Viszla had succeeded in creating a monster. She killed without remorse. She didn’t kill children, on purpose at least. 

That wasn’t the interesting thing, Some of her memories were tampered with already. Blocked by another Force user. While I wanted to go in and see what was in there. It must have been very important, but I couldn’t risk them being a sort of the trap to ensnare my mind or cause Huntress’ Brain to shut off entirely. I had to wipe them as well. Her memories of her childhood, prior to her capture, were hidden with her martial skills. Enough to keep her from reverting mentally to child, but enough to tell her who she was if the memories returned. That was basically the extent of it.  

It wasn’t until about a minute or two after Tarkin left the jail with a smug look. Arla would eventually blink and wake up. Hopefully her martial skills would activate Bourne Identity style in a high stress situation. The questions of who she was and how she got here would haunt me for some time. Not as much as the memories themselves.

It was soon after the new woman woke, that Jango left the jail, letting Myles and some New Mandalorian therapist help the New Arla get back on her feet. While I myself wasn’t the biggest fan of the New Mandos. Call it an old life bias mixed with the True Mando stuff downloaded into my brain at Galidraan. I did find Jango’s tolerance of their ways to be very tactful. He didn’t ban or persecute their pacifism like Tor Vizsla would have, but he didn’t completely snub their skill set when a subtler touch called for it. I didn’t see the New Mando ideology lasting very much longer, perhaps isolated pockets, but Mereel’s Codex was looking to override both them and Deathwatch in the near future.       

My thoughts returned to the present as Jango climbed the stage that had lifted up out of the floor as he entered the arena. He walked around the stage for a few moments and looked around at his people, all of whom were still talking while waiting for him to speak. His helm was plastered on the jumbotrons. After a few more rounds around the stage, he made one silencing gesture and the entire Stadium went quiet in moments. Not even the Senate with all their decorum could settle down that quickly. Other than the occasional toddler wailing it was dead silent. 

“Welcome to the new Recreation Center. I extend my gratitude to Mandalmotors for doing such a swell job.” His voice was amplified by microphones in the floor themselves like the Chancellor’s chair. He gestured at the Board for MandalMotors to come up on the stage. Not all of them were in armor. Only one was in fact. The rest wore the same kind of shoulder pad like Obi-wan wore on what amounted to a business suit in the latest corporate sector fashion. It meant that they either weren’t Mandalorian, Married to a Mando, or was born into the culture, but didn’t follow the codex for whatever personal reason. 

I had to stop and rub my temples for a moment. I should have been resting after erasing someone’s mind. Meditating to level myself out. There were a lot of things I wish I could unsee in Huntress’ mind. Things that would give me nightmares if I ever chose to sleep again. In short, that schutta left me one last parting gift. After this I think I was going to avoid Mandalore for a while. So I decided to focus on and enjoy watching the tourney below.  

Speaking of Obi-wan, he, Satine, and Bo, were both sitting with Karoya near ground level where the entrance to the arena ground was at. The big war droid was still as a statue, zeroing in on anything Jango had to say. I saw Myles, with one of his daughters sitting on his lap. Ida had the other. I still wasn’t sure what was going there. I was just glad Myles got to see his kids. 

“Thank you, Mand’alor,” One of the suit’s said. “This state of the art Stadium and Recreation Center was designed to hold three times the weight than that of full capacity. To account for the weight of so much beskar’gam.” The man smiled. “It was more or less designed for hosting tournaments such as these, including a ray-shielded arena to protect spectators. Even Huttball if the need arises. So we at MandalMotors hope you enjoy it for years to come.” There were claps all around the stadium as the Board of MandalMotors took their seats. Jango waited for the claps to die down on their own before speaking this time, letting the MandalMotors board have the full attention of the crowd. 

The same speaker spoke up once again, “Pardon me once again, before we let the tourney start. I would like to announce one more thing since I have your attention. I am told the final touches are being added to our Swiftkick Blaster reproduction and the modernized version. So be on the lookout for that release in…” he gave a quick look to the armored Mandalorian on the board. He gave a set of hand signals that indicated around two weeks to a month. “A month's time. Thank you all once again and let the tournament begin!” Nice to see they were already in the production stage.  

The first round in the tournament was quite the event. Stun blasts filled the arena as the first Melee had begun. They sent about the ten combatants, Mandos and a few Bounty Hunters into the fray. The stadium's floor rose and changed itself randomly to mimic terrain prior to the battle. Slowly changed forcing the combatants to move and the Mandos had to adapt to whatever the randomizer put out. It was quite the genius system.

I noted that Jango went to sit next to Myles, and beckoned one of his Granddaughters over. No wonder Ida was here. Grandpa Mandalore wanted to see his Grandkids. Clan Attiniir couldn’t deny their Mandalore like they could Myles. He sat her up on his knee and began pointing at the combatants and giving the girl commentary on the fight. It was the most animated and relaxed state I had ever seen Jango in. The girl for her part seemed to be listening intently. Myles even moved his other child over so she could partake in their ba’buir’s wisdom.   

“Such chaos. You cannot possibly enjoy watching this.” Master An’ya voice broke me out of watching the wholesome scene. Her voice was irritated. 

“I would be lying if I said no,” I admitted. 

“You should be resting your mind after what you had to do.” An’ya admonished. 

I nodded, “Probably, but I don’t want to relive the things I saw in there. Not yet and so soon.”

“You have to let go of such distractions.” An’ya said. 

“Master An’ya. I am well aware of my training, but in order to let go, I must relive. I don’t want to do it twice in one day.” There was an unnecessary amount of bite in my voice. She was right, but I needed a distraction right now. I pinched the bridge of my nose in frustration. 

An'ya was quiet for a moment. She seemed to be mulling over something. 

“Do you know why I gave up my name?”

“The play superhero?” My irritation was getting the best of me.

She wasn’t amused by that response. “I believe we should give everything to the Force. To give ourselves completely. Names are attachments that bind our egos to our very beings.” 

“To give up a name for a title can also be considered a form of ego if you want to get pedantic about this.” I don’t think I could ever change my name. I had grown to like it and it would feel wrong in a way. The old feeling of body snatching the OG Luminara returned briefly for me to squash it down. Maybe a new name would put the spectre to rest. I don’t know. It was mine now, like it or not. I would make the best of it.

Master An’ya let out a low growl. I had touched a nerve it seemed. “You are like the rest.”  

“I am not the one to go out of my way to choose a title that inspires wonder and mystique. A name that only draws attention to you and the Early Life section of your Holopedia page. Master Yareal wasn’t wrong, it does sound like a youngling fantasy.” I saw her grit her teeth but I continued. “Maybe your exploits will get you a holo show.” My voice took on a scary tone. “Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men, the Dark Woman knows.” I chuckled to myself, “Holonet Kids presents, The Dark Woman, A woman of mystery who inspires fear in the hearts of sharpsters, lawbreakers, and criminals.” 

I looked over to see her giving me a death glare. Perhaps I took it too far? I was too exasperated to care. She was the one who wanted to start a philosophical debate while I wanted to watch Mandos shoot and beat each other senseless for sport.   

She looked away thinking. I sensed a tiny bit of doubt in her resolve on the issue. Still she rallied and hit me with a spiked huttball.

“I hear you were given the rank of Battlemaster.”

I nodded and gave her a suspicious look. I heard whispers in the order that the title didn’t carry much wait and it was given as an appeasement of sorts. I think I knew where she was going with this. 

“How about a duel to put this matter to rest finally. If you win, I will drop the name. If I win I will choose your new name.”  

Kark, I couldn’t back down. Damn. Well in for a credit chit, in for the whole stack. It might help me sort out the memories I had just witnessed during the cleansing of Arla’s mind. I had no idea where she would end up now. I wasn’t even sure Jango would allow himself to know where she went. 

“Alright. Let’s do this.” I couldn’t live with myself if I had to go by Green Machine the rest of my life or something equally as idiotic. So it was win or die trying. So I stood and led the way to the Game Master.

The Mandalorian Game Master was surprised to hear we wanted to engage in a grievance duel. The Dark Woman was about to use a mind trick to get the next spot when I stopped her with a quick prod to the force. While not all Mandos had anti mind trick training, it was best to not figure out the hard way which one's did or did not first hand.

We had to wait for three duels. They slotted in the “Official” tournament matches in between smaller grievance duels like ours. Which was smart as it gave a brief intermission. Despite being the most ad hoc tournament in history, it seemed to be going well. 

I didn’t say anything and neither did Master An’ya. So no more verbal jabs or dark looks. I found myself taking a breath and meditating to weed out any distractions. It wasn’t easy with the darkness of Arla’s past rolling around in my head. I focused on what I knew of Master An’ya’s fighting style. She was a master of Ataru, though I wouldn’t discount her knowing all the forms equally as well. She knew how to phase through objects. Which was pretty wizard, some could say. And she could bend light around her, becoming invisible. Another really cool thing. I could work with that.  

“What weapons do you choose?” Master An’ya asked. 

“Lightsabers and whatever force powers won’t damage the stadium.” I sensed her nodding in approval. I set my force dagger on the table in the sealed container provided for such things, along with Master Tal’or’s lightsaber. If Master An’ya was only bringing two sabers then I would match that.  

It wasn’t long before we were called into the area. I drowned out the voices of the murmuring crowd and announcers. I focused on the one thing that mattered. The duel. An’ya was the same way. We were the only two that mattered far as we were concerned. I activated my lightsabers, taking a moment to dial them down to training mode. 

An’ya did the same. Her purple and blue sabers whirring, ready to meet the blue and green of my own. We circled each other briefly, and in a flash of blue, green and purple colored blurs, charged at one another. 

Nowhere Station

Anakin watched in fascination as the Droid, a BD-3000 model, argued with Ritch, the head mechanic in the ship repair bay. It was over a small thing from what he could tell. Anakin sensed that Ritch didn’t like a droid correcting his work. Especially one that wasn’t even built for mechanic work like an astromech. Anakin was interested to learn how the luxury droid ended up doing work outside of its class three programming. 

He was sure it was an interesting story. He found most of Captain Lam’s crew interesting. Especially the Captain himself. The freighter pilots never lacked for stories when he was back on Tatooine. He was pretty sure Lam was a smuggler too which made him and his crew all the more interesting.

After Ritch left in frustration, the Droid did so as well with a “hmph.” She moved more smoothly than Threepio did. Perhaps it was by design. Anakin approached. 

“Hello.” 

“Not now kid, I’m busy.” the droid walked around him not breaking her stride. Her actuators must have been custom as class three droids couldn’t move that fast. Even her abdomen plates were swapped for something more flexible. Anakin wondered what more modifications were implemented. “No good lousy mechanic. How hard is it to put in a request to order parts from the Jedi? Wasn’t that included in the Captain’s deal? Why I never.” 

Anakin was about to go and see if he could help, but he sensed Barriss nearby. 

“Hey, Anakin, I have been looking for you.” She smiled. Anakin found he liked that smile. He had seen it a lot more since leaving the temple. “Master Shaak wanted us to see something on the holo.”  

“What was so important?”

“Grandmaster Yoda wanted to say hi to us today.” There was a note of excitement in her voice. While Anakin thought he could get a bit grumpy, the old… What Species was he, anyway? Anyway the old Jedi was nice and patient with his students. Anakin liked him. He wasn’t as cool as the teachers here though. Even Master Shaak had a subtle sense of humor despite being the more reserved. 

They rushed to the holo room. Master Shaak and the rest of the students looked at them when they entered. 

“There you two are, we are only missing Skii now.” 

Koff raised his hand. His voice had a strange undertone, which Anakin had heard all Duros had. “She had-”

“Sorry Master,” Skii, the orange Twi'lek, quickly jogged in and slid to a stop. 

“You are just in time, Initiate, the Grandmaster has yet to call in.” 

“I see they have already been rounded up.” Master Quinlan waltzed in. 

Master Gallia wasn’t far behind him.

“We await only the Grandmaster’s holocall.” Master Shaak Ti stated. 

Master Adi nodded. “Good.” 

Anakin took note of some of the looks the other teachers gave each other. There was some worry, but they all seemed optimistic overall. He wanted to pry, but they would sense it. 

It wasn’t long before the call chimed in, and the short ancient hunched figure of the Grandmaster stood, leaning on his cane. 

“Ah, Initiates, See you, good it is.” 

“Good to see you too Grandmaster,” All the students bowed at the same time. Yoda chuckled. 

“Work hard you have, Master Adi has told me. Good to see, that is.” He smiled and looked at each of them. “Here to tell you of a tournament, I am. Back on Coruscant, it will be. Practice and work together as a team, you must.” 

There was a pause, before the old jedi smiled once more. He seemed tired. “The Force, be with you.” 

“May the Force be with you as well Grandmaster.” They all said as one. 

The holo of the Grandmaster smiled again before disappearing. Quinlan was the first of the Masters in the room to speak up. 

“You heard the Grandmaster. A tournament between clans. So in the next few weeks, it will be spent working on preparing you with a few more team building exercises than usual.” 

“Quinlan, do not forget there is more than just the physical trials. Their knowledge of the Force will also be tested.” Shaak Ti cut in.

“I was getting to that, Ti.” 

“That is a good plan for tomorrow. Right now, let the Students enjoy the rest of their day off.” Master Adi smiled. “You are all dismissed.” 

They were all about to leave when the door chimed. Master Gallia opened it. One of the Service Corps members entered. The Mon Cal woman. Lyu was her name. 

“Masters, the Smugglers' Mandalorian sent me a message about something you might be interested in seeing.” She pointed to the holoprojector. “May I?” Anakin wondered why Enjay was sending messages to Lyu? Then again the Crazy Mando wasn’t the biggest fan of the full Jedi on the station and Lyu was Co-Captain with Hatch. 

“Of course, Lyu,” Adi nodded her head and allowed the Service Corps guard to open the proper channel. They turned it to a station showing a stadium full of Mandalorians cheering and fighting in the middle of a stadium.

Tara hopped up excitedly “They finished the stadium!” 

“I don’t think that is what we were supposed to notice,” Quinlan said as the camera zoomed in on the fight on the arena floor. 

“Oh, no.” Shaak Ti said. 

“Is that the Dark Woman?” Quinlan remarked. 

“Yes, it seems that Luminara and Master An’ya couldn’t get along.” Master Adi frowned. 

“I wonder who started it?” 

Quinlan's question was answered by Shaak Ti who simply raised her brow. 

“You have to ask?” 

Quinlan shrugged, “Honestly, it could have been the Dark Woman from what I heard about her.”

Anakin barely heard the back and forth as he was mesmerized by the spectacle on the arena floor. He remembered the brief fight as Quigon held off the Sith while Padme’s ship was taking off. He was too busy running toward the ship to notice much of it. He did remember Luminara as Bellicose taking pot shots at the Sith next to the ramp covering Anakin.

The holoprojector could barely handle showing the two fighters with how fast they moved.

“Does Luminara seem like she is having trouble?” Shaak Ti noted. “Her form is a bit off.” Anakin couldn’t really see what they meant, But Luminara seemed to be reacting more than charging in like he figured she would. 

“Now that you mention it,” Adi Gallia stepped up the projector. “I find that her demeanor is rather subdued.” 

“Luminara is itching to go for a quick decisive move. She wants that fight to end. The Dark Woman would eat her alive at that moment.” Anakin wondered who this Dark Woman was? Was she another dark figure like on Naboo…? Anakin shook his head and focused on the fight.

“Her footwork is not as precise.” Shaak Ti pointed out. “Now we can safely say something is off. Her footwork is and always has been impeccable.” 

“I will be back in a moment.” Master Adi stepped out of the room, pulling out her comm link. Anakin heard her mention something to a Master Yarael. He looked back at the fight. It was the first time he had ever seen Luminara without such complete control. Strange. The other Jedi gave the holoprojector a surprised look. The Dark Woman caught Luminara flat footed, sending Luminara careening along the area floor. Her lightsabers flew in different directions as she rolled to a stop. 

It looked like the fight was over as Lumiara got up, Her arms shaking as she lifted herself up. She half collapsed, but regained herself. Then Anakin saw her stop briefly, taking in a breath, letting it out slowly. It was barely perceptible as Luminara looked over and gave the Dark Lady a very stern look. Quinlon and Shaak Ti noted it as well. 

“I know that look.” Shaak Ti muttered. 

“Well, things are going to get interesting.” With that, the Dark Woman moved quickly seeing the look. The camera couldn’t catch the blur as the Jedi Master in black poured on the force speed. 

Luminara called her main lightsaber to her gloved hand as the Dark Woman brought her main lightsaber down, using the other one for the final strike. It stopped mid swing in Luminara’s hand. Luminara used that brief opportunity to stand and yank the offhand saber out of the Dark woman’s hand and tossing it aside, they continued the duel with one saber each. 

It became clear that whatever had been bothering Lumiara was no longer the case as she got a second wind. Her lightsaber was a blur. Matching and reacting to the Dark Woman’s blade with ease.   

“Tutaminis!” Skii said in awe. Anakin had the same thought. It seemed the other students did as well. 

“Why does she carry around three lightsabers if she is better with one.” Molr asked while scratching around his growing horns. The Zabrak did that a lot. 

“Quiet! There is a fight going down.” Tara hissed, her eyes not leaving the holoprojector. Anakin wondered if the other Mandalorians in the stadium were just as enthralled in the fight as Tara was. It was hard to tell.       

They all shut up as the fight continued. The Dark Woman hopped back, but they never saw her land as she disappeared completely. Luminara looked around for about a second before closing her eyes. Despite the closed eyes, she scanned the area. A blink later she was fighting an invisible enemy no one could see. Shouldn’t the invisible enemy reveal themselves when they strike? That was how it worked in Koff’s video games at least. Eventually the Dark Woman reemerged into the light and called her second saber back. 

That didn’t phase Luminara in the slightest. As she blocked each strike with little effort now that she was in the zone and she had yet to open her eyes. Then out of the blue, Luminara’s other lightsaber flew toward them. To everyone in the room’s surprise and probably the entire stadium, the Lightsaber began to float mid air and act as another combattant. 

Quinlan shook his head. “I don’t like it when she does that.” 

Shaak Ti murmured in an agreement. “Her form is back to its usual near-perfection. Though she could space her feet a little closer.” 

Quinlan let out a small chuckle, “You and her really need to lighten up.”

“Her notes say you drop your guard an inch lower during the third kata of your Niman stance.” Shaak Ti said matter of factly. 

“What,” Quinlan grumbled to himself. “I don’t do that.” Shaak just shrugged and they both watched the rest of the fight. 

Anakin noted that the lightsaber floating in the air was using a different form than what Luminara herself was using. 

“I see what she is doing?” Quinlan quietly announced. 

“Did our Battlemaster rebound then?” Adi Gallia came back and stood beside the other two Jedi.

“Look for yourself.” 

Adi took one brief glance at the fight and nodded in approval. “Makashi and Djem So. Good combination. She is probably no doubt disappointed she couldn’t save that trick for her next match with Mace.”

“She has made it one of her life missions to surpass the Master of the Order in bladework.” Shaak Ti mused. They continued to watch the duel. 

The Dark Lady was constantly trying to fend off both attackers. On one heavy strike from Luminara it left an opening and Luminara held her blade at her opponent's chest over her heart. The Dark Woman conceded the fight and deactivated her lightsabers. Luminara’s floating lightsaber deactivated and floated around to attach itself to Luminara’s belt. She deactivated her blue saber and clipped the weapon to her belt. Luminara padded the other woman’s shoulder. 

“Woah,” Tara whispered. “So fast.” 

Anakin had to agree. The fight itself barely lasted a minute. Would all duels all be so fast? Luminara, when she got back into the swing of things, was amazing. He would have to be even better one day. He reaffirmed the promise that he would.        

Keldabe, Mandalore. Oyu’baat. 

“That was a good fight.” Myles said as he took a drink of his black ale, sipping it threw a straw. “Barely saw a damn thing but it looked pretty.” He chuckled. 

I noted he seemed in a good mood. Seeing his kids must have brightened his day. I would have latched on to that bit of happiness too if my aunt had been reset via Jedi mind magic. 

I wasn’t in the best mood. I nearly got my ass kicked. As far as skilled combatants go, Master An’ya was one of the best. I told her after the fight, she was welcome at Nowhere Station and she agreed to stop by the station and teach me that light bending technique. Hopefully the phasewalking trick too. I could think of so many applications for that down the line. 

The fight did help me with the memories of Huntress’ life. I had to confront them before I could confront Master An’ya. They weren’t gone, but neither were they eating at me. In time they would fade. That was my hope. I couldn’t help but feel like a ticking time bomb. I needed some sort of release. 

Jango walked over. He had three mugs of black ale. He set them down as he “Riker maneuvered” his chair. I noticed my cup was almost empty. I finished it off and took the other. I would stop after this. I was lightweight when it came to drinking. 

“That was one way of christening the new stadium.” Jango said. 

I remembered the utter silence in the stands after An’ya and I exited the stadium. “Here I thought I did something to offend.” 

“Tempered some egos more like,” Myles burped a bit. “Our people haven’t really fought any Jedi in a long time. Seeing how fast and deadly you could be probably makes even the braggarts in Clans like Bralor glad Jedi don’t cut loose too often. That lightsaber trick was also a breathtaker. Never heard of the Jedi doing that.”

“Revan could. Jusst glad I won. I wass playing for all the marbless.” I hiccuped, missing the confused look they both gave each other at my turn of phrase. Damn, one drink and buzzed per usual. I made a point to force myself to not slur my next words. “The memories were hard to banish from my own mind.”

Both men were quiet for some time. Jango was the first to ask. His voice wasn’t as gruff or commanding as it usually was. “How bad?” 

I nodded, before saying. “You didn’t kill Tor slowly enough.” Jango nodded and clenched a fist. He was no doubt killing the bastard again in his mind. The hatred in my voice was unnerving and I had to reign it in. Things were piling up. First Komari, now Quigon, Dooku leaving, and Plagueis and then all this Mando business. It was threatening to spill over. I decided to change the subject. I was going to ask about Clan Attiniir, but I felt that wasn’t my business. I did have another question. 

“You’re not that younger than Jango, Myles. How come he named you son rather than little brother?” 

Myles shrugged. “I was pretty malnourished when Buir found me. Looked a bit younger than I was.” He looked over at Jango who gave him a nod. We all took another drink. I finished the first mug. I decided to push the other mug towards Myles' side of the table and went to stand. I was a bit shaky, but waved off Myles who looked like he was about to stand. 

“Thankss, but I will be fine. I need to meditate.” I climbed up to my room without issue. I sent a text message, saying I was going to take an extra day before traveling back to Nowhere Station.

I lifted my legs up, and floated down about halfway before I lost focus and flopped down on my tailbone. I groaned. 

“Never drinking again.” I lied to myself as I took a moment messaging my rump before really getting into the nitty gritty. There was a dam I had built up in my mind. My ability to partition my mind was at first a boon, but now I saw it as a curse. The dam was cracking. The bad memories and emotions I had been stuffing behind it were threatening to flood and overwhelm my mind. 

I took the full day to meditate. I managed to level myself out a bit, and found that Keldabe wasn’t the best place for this type of thing. Sure I would drown out the noise, but not the violent energy that surrounded this place. 

I stood stretching out a cramp. I went down to the bar and ordered whatever fruit juice they had for simple hydration sake. It tasted like a mix of pomegranate and apple. I downed it quickly and made to walk out.

“I am done with the room.” The bartender nodded. Jedi traveled light. So there weren’t any bags for me to worry about. The Mandos in the bar were a bit uneasy, watching me cautiously as I made to leave. Then I heard Jango call out. 

“Jetii,” I was just about to the exit of the cantina and turned as he strided up. He stopped and handed me something. It was a cloth like a small handkerchief. When I unfolded it, stitched into the olive drab green cloth what looked like red horns. They were Jaig eyes. The closest thing the Mando’ade got to a medal of honor. 

“Why?” I was a bit confused. 

“Luminara,” Jango shook his head. “You have to ask? You are a friend of Clan Fett even though will you never leave the Jetii, I can at least give you this.” 

I looked down at the cloth. “Thank you.” Jango nodded and went back to sit with a couple of Clan Leaders. One of them was the Vizsla Leader that Jango beat down yesterday. It seemed The Clans were getting along better now than in a long time. Jango was doing everything to consolidate and turn the Mandalorians back into some form of Nation State. I could respect that. I myself was trying to break the Jedi from the Senate, not the Republic as a whole. I left the bar and made for the space port.

On the way I ran into Karoya. The big beast machine saw me first and trotted up to me. I walked over to meet her. 

“Goodbye for now Kari. Is your rider around?” The beast made a mewling whine.  

“No, Satine had to visit her father. She had to catch him while visiting the MandalMotors Tower. He is always so busy.” Obi-wan grabbed his chin, and the growing beard. “I think she is afraid to take Karoya anywhere near that part of town. She believes they want to take the War droid apart to see how she works.”  

“Jango really makes Kryze do a lot of errands.” I noted. Obi-wan shrugged. I sensed Satine’s dad got along well enough with his daughter’s boyfriend.

“Jango is good at delegation.” He changed the subject. “I saw the fight.’ Obi-wan was uncertain of how to move on. “Made me wish I could have hopped in.” I wasn’t sure what to do. Obi-wan had a responsibility to his child and Satine. So asking him to return was quite the demand. 

“I see you haven’t taken to wearing the armor yet?”

“Satine has been egging me to do it. I told her perhaps in time. Just not yet.” He started running his hand on Karoya’s side plates. “I just feel I failed him.” I didn’t have to ask who Obi-wan meant. 

“Qui Gon would be proud you sought your own path. Even if it wasn’t within the Order.” I sensed the stress he felt shift off of him but a hair. I mean with a baby on the way, there would always be a minimum amount of stress. 

“I suppose he would have. He was always following the Will of the Force. Perhaps if I hear the same call he did, I will.” he gave me a light smile. 

I reached into one of my pouches and pulled out the fancy crystal I took on Dantooine. I ran my fingers over it. 

“Here,” I held out the crystal. Obi-wan to my surprise held up his hand and shook his head. 

“Some janitorial staff on Naboo found my lightsaber and The Queen had it returned to me.” He patted a cylindrical leather pouch on his back.