A New Player in the Force (SW/Lite Gamer)

[stads]

nice chapter thx for writing it
wonder how long the bounty hunters will keep coming at some point they must be getting the hint

 

[Burnsidhe]

"I won't fall, Master. I assure you of that." My words were true, as I hadn't fallen. No, I'd chosen to walk the path that meant turning to the Dark Side to gain the power I needed to defeat the Banite Sith, shatter the Republic, and bring forth a new era.

Click to shrink...

The lie all Fallen Jedi tell themselves to assure themselves they haven't Fallen to the Dark Side.
The Dark Side eventually consumes them all and ruins everything they wanted to save and preserve. It is inevitable, as long as the Fallen keep deceiving themselves that they need the Dark Side. Naz, Bo-Katan, his baby, Mandalore itself, Anakin... all doomed.

 

[Septaemus Meridaeus]

The lie all Fallen Jedi tell themselves to assure themselves they haven't Fallen to the Dark Side.
The Dark Side eventually consumes them all and ruins everything they wanted to save and preserve. It is inevitable, as long as the Fallen keep deceiving themselves that they need the Dark Side. Naz, Bo-Katan, his baby, Mandalore itself, Anakin... all doomed.

Click to shrink...

Agree and disagree, George did many great things and has explained it thoroughly of how it works (though while thoroughly also confusingly), the problem is that he has stated that there is no balance and yet he says if you're to much to one side then you're unbalanced.

The prophecy of the siths destruction is fine the sith aren't the dark side, the same with the prophecy of the fall of the Jedi (the siths chosen one iirc that also exists) which is also fine as the Jedi aren't the light side.

George said the light is love, compassion, selflessness, etc. and the dark is hatred, pain, suffering, selfishness, etc. both of this is seen in eastern and western philosophy (Taoism and other such eastern beliefs, and the western (or Cherokee legend but also has relation to Aristotle and others) a grandfather tells his grandson the story that two wolves inside us (which iirc is a new world/native American origin which has/had lost part of it) it goes there is two wolves fighting inside of us one is good, love, compassion, etc and the other bad, hate, anger, rage, etc (much like George's view on the force actually) now it ends in the one that wins is the one we feed the most(which would indicate they are fighting for control and one will win, and hence not in balance)however it's not the complete phrase/philosophy or rather there is an extended version, the complete phrase/philosophy has this but also, it has the grandfather tell his grandson that he should feed both wolves as if he neglects one and starves it (in most cases the bad one) it becomes resentful, vengeful and will hurt you and others as it becomes hidden, but feed both and control and use both and your complete and balanced but your ticking as you can tip the scales and its constant to be managed.

(Much like the golden mean by Aristotle's Virtue Ethics (example being anger isn't necessarily bad, as to not have anger means your passive and unable to defend yourself, too much and your a tyrant, have just enough at the right time, used in the right way (the right degree of use) and with the right person (actually an example of this could very well be Plo Koon and his use of force lightning turned into force judgment when punishing (iirc either slavers or pirates/raiders) but anyway basically the whole there is no balance both does and doesn't make sense, if he means while you can have balance but it's a constant management then yeah it makes sense but it's still technically a balance and you can indeed use the dark side without falling but still have the Potential to fall, if he means there is no balance at all and you can't use the dark side at all (i.e. use your hatred, anger or whatever in a controlled effective way) then it doesn't work, it doesn't make sense as if you become too selfless (too in the light side) you will either become either a pushover/people pleaser (and never be happy and make enemies by trying to please everyone and upsetting others when please another) or you'll become apathetic both of which are bad.

 

[USSExplorer]

3.30 (The Dragon Rises 6)
… …​

"CAM!"

The shouted call of my name came from Bo. While her shouting like that, and doing so in a voice tinged with concern and fear, was unusual, it wasn't a surprise to me that she was reacting like that as I emerged from the docking tunnel connecting the Ne'tra Tal'ade to the Saak'ak.

Ahead of me, several of the guards tensed, her sudden shout catching them unaware. I'd known she was there, her presence in the Force having grown so much stronger since she'd become pregnant, and the fact she was so unbalanced wasn't a shocker either.

Beyond her presence being different now that she was with child, the news that Naz had been badly wounded during the defeat of House Anzur would've had her on edge. Even me saying she was resting comfortably in the bacta tank – something that was also true of her brother and aunt – hadn't done much to ease her fears. Naz was one of her oldest friends and her first love; hearing she'd been badly wounded had caused Bo no end of fear.

I waved my hand, gesturing for the guards around me to step away and allow Bo through. She raced to me, though as she neared, she slowed. Almost as if she didn't want to embarrass me, or more likely herself, by acting like a – in her words – weak, unworthy warrior.

Sensing her conflicting desire to hold me, along with the warrior's need not to make a spectacle, I closed the last few metres between us and took her hand in mine. "Su'cuy," I said softly, pulling her to me.

While it did undermine my position fractionally to show such behaviour publicly, I didn't particularly care. No one present would move to challenge me, nor question my desire to have the woman carrying my child at my side.

"I missed you too," she whispered as she pressed her forehead against my chin. I kissed her hair, savouring the returning familiar smell. We stayed like that for a few moments before she pulled back. "How is she?" Bo asked as she looked up at me.

I sighed and turned, letting Bo see past me, along the corridor connecting the former Trade Federation battleship to the Mandalorian warship. Most of the crew, including the wounded, weren't disembarking this way. Those warriors, Naz and her family among them, were already being transported to the planet and one of the best medical centres there.

"She's stable," I began as the first of the warriors who'd been assigned to the Ne'tra Tal'ade emerged from the tunnel. "The doctors are transporting her to the planet now, so once they're down and she's settled in the hospital, we can visit her," I added even as I began walking, moving away from the connection between the station and the warship. "We can do that right away if you want."

"Thank you," she said softly, falling into step at my side.

The guards that had disembarked with me, which included two of the Wookiees, dropped into formation as we moved, and were soon joined by the other Wookiees who had stayed behind to protect Bo.

"How bad are her wounds?"

I barely avoided stumbling at the question, my mind returning to the self-doubt that had plagued my thoughts ever since the fleets had departed Vuter.

"The bacta is helping, but it's going to be rough for her," I replied. "The doctors think she'll make as close to a full recovery as possible. At least physically. However, they are concerned about the mental aspects."

I was fighting myself to get the words out, hardly a shock given that, because of my actions, Naz was very likely to never be able to conceive a child. At least through normal methods. The damage from the exploding tibanna had been worse than I'd initially realised, having burst through her skin and burnt several of her internal organs.

I'd managed to stabilise her on the battlefield at the time, but the report from the doctors on the Tal'ade afterwards had almost shattered my heart. Beyond the damage to her ability to reproduce, several other organs had been injured, with one lung pierced by a shattered rib while one of her kidneys had been badly damaged.

In theory, bacta could heal those wounds, but the length and cost of such treatment had concerned the medics. The price for it wasn't a factor; I'd pay whatever it took to see her healed, but even with access to an almost unlimited supply of bacta, the doctors said it could take several months before Naz was able to be removed from the tanks. And that was before considering that the Tal'ade had a limited supply of the seemingly wonder medicine, and Naz wasn't the only casualty.

Almost half of those I'd dispatched as spies had been captured, and all required treatment of some form. Naz's brother, Tor, had seen all his fingers and toes shattered due to torture, while her aunt had lost her left hand and right foot resisting Anzur's interrogations. The others had similar injuries, with many succumbing to their wounds before they could be properly treated. Thirty per cent of those sent hadn't survived with a further fifty per cent being out of action for some time, meaning barely twenty per cent had emerged unscathed from the deployment and almost all of those needing extensive treatment and after-care to be capable of fighting again.

"Do you think she'll be able to…" Bo's words trailed off, and she looked away, her free hand going to her belly where the first signs of her pregnancy were starting to show.

"I don't know."

There was a long silence before Bo spoke again. "Naz was always the one who wanted a child," she said quietly, so much so that I'd have missed her words if I weren't focused on her.

"She'll still be able to adopt," I said, trying to offer some comfort, though I knew it was weak. Yes, adoption was common in our culture, as I had done with Anakin, for example, but because of Bo's current status, I knew that having a child carrying my blood was perhaps more special. At least to me, and to Naz, as she'd always been the more excited of the pair to have a child with me.

"I know. It's just…" Bo sighed and shook her head. "Enough of this," she muttered before lifting her eyes to look at me. "What happened with Anzur?"

"He's dead, as are many of his warriors," I replied bluntly, happily taking the change in topic. "I executed them personally after Naz was removed from the battlefield."

"Good," Bo said firmly, pleased to know Anzur was gone.

There had been a chance that I could make him submit to my leadership, but after what had happened with Naz, and the suffering he'd unleashed on her, her family, and the others I'd deployed undercover into his territory, I'd not been in any mood to consider such a path.

Afterwards, I had wondered if I'd made the right choice, but given how Anzur had openly stood against Adonai and Torrhen for decades, even going so far as to start two civil wars in an attempt to gain control over our people, I'd decided that removing him from the board had been correct.

Two of his four remaining children had been spared, but the elder two had joined their father in death. One had been involved in the torture of my warriors, while the other had made the foolish decision to try and attack me even after my forces had captured the planet. The two remaining children, along with many of the grandchildren, as most hadn't been old enough to complete their verd'goten, had been spared and made to publicly swear themselves to House Shan.

The same condition had been placed on the Clans that had been members of House Varaud, with the House now consigned to the dustbin of history. I knew that many of the defeated warriors wouldn't be happy about being forced into swearing loyalty to me, but they understood that not doing so would see them declared dar'manda once I made it publicly clear that I was the new Mand'alor.

"When will you make your announcement?"

I looked at Bo, smirking at how she seemed able to read my mind. "I'm not sure. I still have to defeat Jango Fett."

She scoffed. "He might be the last to have been Mand'alor, but he abandoned our people and ways. He is unworthy of leading us."

"Perhaps, but his name and that of Jaster Mareel carry weight among many of the older warriors, including your father."

"Maybe, but he chose to abandon our people," Bo countered, a hint of anger in her tone. That said, I sensed the anger wasn't fully directed at Jango, but at something else, though what that was I couldn't tell. "Instead of taking command of our people, he focused only on personal revenge and then walked away." She paused and took a breath as if to calm herself. "If not for him, then your path to leading us would already be complete."

I shrugged. "Well, it will be once I find him and remove his head," I said confidently. While I felt I could take Jango, the fact that Adonai, Torrhen, and others had considered him a challenge to avoid if at all possible made clear that he was at the peak of what a Mando'ad should be. Hells, even Pre had seemed reluctant to find and confront Jango. Given that Jango had killed Pre's brother and several of his uncles, and had been, until my decision to unite the Clans, the greatest threat to Death Watch, that reluctance drove home the challenge that lay before me.

Yes, in the other timeline, Windu had taken down Jango with seeming ease. There were a few mitigating factors to that, not least that Windu was one of the strongest, if not the strongest, Jedi at that time, and that Jango's equipment had been damaged. That gave me confidence that if I faced Jango and used my powers, I could take him. However, I was considering not using the Force if I could help it. If Jango's attack could be arranged to happen in front of others, then if I defeated him without obviously using the Force, it would cement my standing among my warriors and all but remove the threat of a challenge during the next few years. Something I'd need if I was to fully implement the plans required to prepare for galactic war.

Bo moved closer. "I cannot wait for that to happen. To see our people united under a true Mand'alor is something I never thought I would live to see."

"Soon, my dear. Soon."

I had to check with Simvyl to see what the bounty on my head stood at, and if needed, raise it further. Hells, at the current level, it should be possible for him, as he was one of those I was using to enact the bounty, to demand Jango personally, given how long the bounty had lasted, and how badly every hunter and assassin sent after me had failed. That would be ideal, but I knew that even if Jango took the contract, he'd not come to Mandalore to target me.

While getting onto the planet wouldn't be a challenge, even with the slowly increasing defences around the planet, striking me directly would be difficult. I knew how to keep my movements secure, and the guards with me created another level of security to overcome. The challenge that I had now, beyond somehow finally drawing Jango into moving, was creating an opening that he would exploit without it being obvious that it was deliberate.

… …

---

… …
"Currently, a little over forty-seven thousand Clans have sworn themselves to you. Along with the increasing number of Mando'ade with no known Clan returning to the sector, our estimates suggest about seventy to eighty per cent of all expected warriors now follow your commands."

I leaned back and whistled, not bothering to hide my surprise at the numbers. "Kriff me," I muttered, letting more of my surprise show.

Yes, with the defeat and execution of Alor Anzur and the destruction of House Varaud, there was no power left in the sector that could challenge me, at least in open combat. Still, I'd expected that many of the warriors who'd followed Anzur, or even many leading Clans based outside the sector, would arrive in the coming weeks and months and challenge me. Or should I say, more of them than had already done so.

As had been the case ever since I'd defeated Torrhen and Adonai, I faced regular challenges from powerful warriors, though before I'd moved to cripple House Varaud, those had fallen to only one or two a week. Now they were back up to at least one a day, with yesterday seeing me fight three Clan leaders from relatively minor Clans from the Mieru'kar sector. One of the most northerly and remote sectors that was nominally under the Republic's jurisdiction.

"Is it not time to openly declare your intention to become Mand'alor?" Torrhen asked after the report detailing the number of Clans and warriors under my command was given. "Or at least demanding that all remaining Mando'ade return to avoid becoming dar'manda?"

"I haven't defeated Jango yet," I countered, using the same argument that I'd used for around a year.

Many of those under my command referred to me as Mand'alor, but I didn't use the title myself. Until Jango was defeated, I wouldn't be doing that. However, based on the Dragon of Mandalore quest, it was basically the only remaining condition to complete the quest and become Mand'alor.

Yes, technically, I hadn't officially completed the objectives centred around gaining the sworn support of Clan leaders, but based on the report just given, that was all but a certainty. Of the suspected sixty thousand Clans, I had about three-quarters of them following my command. Without knowing the exact reward in XP for that, I was pushing to have more Clans bend the knee.

Death Watch was gone, and the quest linked to Pre, Pre-emptive Strike, was finished. I'd not focused on it much, having been more concerned with, and excited by, making sure that Bo and our child were safe. Still, with that group gone, or reduced to little more than small bands of troublemakers, the Darksaber in my possession, and now House Varaud shattered, there was nothing else standing in my way to truly become Mand'alor save Jango.

"I understand, and even agree, that Jango Fett needs to be taken down for your rule to be secured. However, the location of Fett remains a mystery. Every contact and rumour we've investigated over the last year has resulted in failure." Adonai paused and glanced at the others sitting in the room before continuing. "It is possible that he's already dead."

At my side, Bo scoffed while I chuckled. "The chances of Jango Fett being dead are slim enough to be discounted as a genuine outcome," I said bluntly. "The issue is that he seems to have a base that we cannot locate."

I knew exactly where that base was, but going there would cause so many complications and ripples that I couldn't do so. Of course, I was working to sort out that issue with Simvyl.

"The longer you take in openly declaring your position as Mand'alor, the more anxious many of the warriors become." I looked over at Osto, who, as luck would have it, was back from one of the various antislavery raids and thus able to join this meeting. "Already, I am hearing grumblings that we are gathering without purpose. I do not think those who have sworn themselves to you are doubting their decisions, but the lack of direction is slowly becoming an issue."

"It is particularly acute among those not involved in the operations Osto is overseeing, nor taking part in the various training missions that you've deployed warriors on," Torrhen added in support of his son's words. "You cannot continue delaying, as it only enhances a sense of indecisiveness."

I chuckled, tightening my grasp on Bo as my arm lay over her shoulder, keeping her close. "Then perhaps it is time to reveal the plans I've had in motion regarding Jango since I returned from my last mission with Master Dooku."

Within the Force, there were a few ripples of discontent that I referred to Dooku by his former title, but nothing was made obvious. Everyone understood that I would never see Dooku and Fay as anything but my former Masters, and those present accepted that fact publicly.

"Through Simvyl and a few others, I have been placing bounties on my head," I continued, stopping there for a moment, as I knew there would be reactions to what I'd just said and wanted the information to sink in.

Of those present, only Bo didn't react, at least beyond tightening her fingers against my thigh. I'd already spoken to her about my plans to draw out Jango a few nights ago. While she hadn't been happy about it, she had accepted my logic once I explained it. Something I expected to occur here.

I raised my hand, cutting off any verbal response from the others present, and then chuckled, enjoying their confusion and concern: the latter only detectable through the Force.

"Jango is a bounty hunter. One of the very best. The only way to ensure his attention and thus gain a confrontation was to place a bounty on my head. Now, I couldn't exactly go out and place a massive bounty on my head as that would draw suspicion from the Guilds. Thus, I've been using Simvyl and others to slowly increase the bounties on me over the last nine or so months."

"Is this why the number of attacks has been steadily increasing?" I nodded to confirm that fact to Baston, who then scratched his chin. "At least that mystery is mainly solved, though perhaps there are others beyond those you set up that have placed a bounty on you."

"Given how cautious the traitor was, I wouldn't be surprised if he had a contingency plan that placed a bounty on you if he died." While Adonai didn't mention who the traitor was directly, given the venom with which he spoke the word, and the flashing image of Pre Vizsla I sensed in the Force, it was easy to realise the truth.

"There is also a good chance the Hutts and Black Sun have placed bounties on you," Osto added slowly. "While our operations against Black Sun are, in the grand scheme, minor, they are constant and growing. Add in the actions of the Lokella, which you helped found and still support, and it would only make sense if those unable to face you openly would act as hut'uun and hire others to kill you."

"Attempt to kill him," Bo corrected almost smugly. "There is no warrior in the galaxy that can stop him."

I laughed at her words but made no effort to correct them. Just from those I knew in the Jedi and Banite Sith, there were easily a hundred that I felt I'd more likely lose to than defeat if I fought them currently. Haran, even if given the eight or so years until the outbreak of the Clone Wars in the other timeline, I was realistic enough to know that that list would still be large by then. And that was ignoring the quintillions of others in the galaxy, as it wasn't folly to believe that within those numbers, there were warriors on the level of Dooku and Fay, never mind Windu, Yoda, Sidious, and Plagueis.

"What does the bounty stand at currently?" The question came from Olaf Spars, who was one of those who'd joined the council – if one could call it that – after I defeated Adonai and Torrhen to found House Shan.

I opened my mouth to reply, only to pause as my vambrace, along with those of several others, beeped. My brow rose, wondering what the reason for the mass alert was. There was nothing in the Force to indicate an approaching or gathering danger, yet it seemed that something was in motion.

"What is it?" Adonai asked as he chose to open his link.

"Alor, we have an alert from the guards in the Gargon system. A Republic vessel, one carrying a representative of the Senate, has entered the sector. They wish to speak with Mand'alor."

Every eye in the room turned to me. I resisted the urge to sigh in response to having to deal with another diplomatic group from the Republic. After speaking with Chancellor Palpatine and then talking with, and in some ways, deceiving Masters Fay and Ti, I thought that would be the end of Republic interference in our actions. Given that these new visitors seemed to be from the Senate, and thus would likely be bloated fools so full of themselves that they'd not be able to consider the idea that what they thought might not be accurate, I knew that wasn't the case, and that this was going to be a pain in the arse.

"As much as I'd rather not deal with a pompous windbag from the Senate," the comment drew a few chuckles, "we can't yet ignore their requests. Have the vessel escorted to Mandalore and see if they'll tell me who the representative is." I sighed loudly and looked at the ceiling. "Hopefully it's not one of the more antagonistic di'kute that sit in that domed target."

Eventually, we'd leave the Republic, but until kriff hit the fan across the entire galaxy, or our military was strong enough to stand against any attempt by the Senate to force us to stay, we couldn't do that. Not least as the forces at my command were, if I was being honest, a joke in the grand scheme of things. Yes, a single Mando'ad was superior to hundreds, if not thousands, of warriors from most other worlds, but they were used to fighting alone, or at best in small groups.

Training them into a proper military, one with a clear command chain, would take time. And all that was before considering the ragtag nature of the vessels at my disposal. Yes, there were a handful of major warships, and Mandalmotors were working with Anakin to develop new ships, from snub fighters up to what would be classed as Star Destroyers, but it would be years, if not decades, until those plans came to fruition.

"You never know," Bo said gently, even as Adonai relayed my orders, "they might have sent someone from a warrior culture."

"When has my luck ever been that good?"

… …

---

… …
"I must say, this is an unexpected surprise. To see a Senator of the Republic take time out of his busy schedule to travel all the way to Mandalore is not something I had predicted."

I made the statement not long after entering the room, offering a nod to the Senator, who had arrived with one of his cousins. As I moved to greet the pair, I used Observe on them.

Ramin Tarkin
Race: Human
Level: 32
Health: 97% (recovering from a fever)
Age: 51
Force Potential: Minimal
Threat Potential: Low
Reputation: Liked
Affiliation Loyalty: Tarkin Family (95%), Militarist Faction (88%), Core Faction (71%)
Emotional State: Amused/Curious
The Senator from Eriadu is amused to see you again, particularly in your current location and position.
He is interested in various rumours he had heard regarding your actions, which is why he volunteered for this mission when it was suggested to him by Chancellor Palpatine.
...
[/CENTER

Gideon Tarkin
Race: Human
Level: 24
Health: 100%
Age: 25
Force Potential: Low
Threat Potential: Minimal
Reputation: Neutral
Affiliation Loyalty: Tarkin Family (92%), Republic Outland Regions Security Force (73%)
Emotional State: Curious
Gideon barely remembers you from the past, and if not for his cousin explaining who you were on the journey here, he would have likely shown no interest in you.
However, thanks to his cousin, he is aware of your past and actions and is interested in learning more about you and your goals. Mainly to judge if you might be a useful tool for the goals of his family rather than out of a general interest in what you do in this backwater sector.
...
​

Both had improved slightly in the roughly five years since I'd met them. That said, neither showed great improvement in their level. For the Senator, that made some sense as he'd be occupied dealing with the boring insanity of the Senate. I'd expected a little more improvement from Gideon, but I supposed six levels in five years was considered impressive development for those unable to draw on the Force and likely not forced into active combat on a regular basis. I was curious as to what Gideon's older brother was up to, but until I'd learnt of the impending arrival of the Senator from the Seswenna sector, I'd not given the Tarkin family much thought.

Since learning of the Senator's approach, I'd done a little digging, and from what I'd discovered, Gideon was still serving in the Republic Outland Regions Security Force. Something that, despite its name, wasn't officially sanctioned by the Senate or Republic. Still, the RORSF was acting as an anti-piracy and slavery force in the sectors near their bases in the Eriadu system, which had me wondering if there was more to Senator Tarkin's visit than his role as an official representative of the Senate.

"The Senate isn't as busy as most of the Republic's citizens believe," Ramin replied as he grasped my hand, offering me a wide, knowing smile. "Though I suspect it is also far more tedious than many realise, Lord Mand'alor."

I chuckled at the comment, offering a nod of respect that, as an aruetii, he had used the proper term to address me. I might not yet have defeated Jango, but Ramin was treating me as the ruler of the sector, which I was more than happy to allow. "Which is why I have no interest in ever being a Senator." As I spoke, we broke the handshake, and I turned to Gideon. "Might I offer you something to drink?" I asked Ramin even while offering Gideon a nod and smile.

The youngest Tarkin that I knew nodded back, the animosity he'd displayed towards me the first, and only, time we'd met gone. Understandable as his dislike had centred on me being a Jedi, and since I was no longer a member of the Order, he had little need to retain that dislike. The short blurb from Observe also had my attention, and it would be interesting to see how things went today and then during their, hopefully short, stay on Mandalore.

"We've already sampled what was provided," Ramin replied, gesturing at the table he and his cousin had been seated at when I'd entered the room. "I must say the ale is far more enjoyable than the report I was given about Mandalore stated."

"If it is to your satisfaction, I can have several casks prepared for you to take when your visit is concluded."

Ramin nodded. "My thanks. In return, I will have several crates of Eriadu whisky transported here. If such a thing would interest you?"

"It would. I have developed a taste for refreshments from various worlds and would be more than happy to expand my palate," I confirmed as I gestured at the table so that we might sit as we spoke. "Now, what exactly has caused a Senator to travel to this remote sector?" I asked as I moved to a seat on one side of the table, making clear that I was the one in command of the room and that they were guests on my world.

Ramin chuckled as he sat. While getting up there in age for a Human, he was in good condition. Something I'd not expect of someone who'd served for over a decade in the Senate.

"Word of your actions to unify the Mandalorians has spread across the Republic. Given the history of your people, the Senate, in its infinite wisdom, felt it appropriate to send someone with the power to speak for it to discuss your goals and intentions. Given our previous connection, and at the request of Chancellor Palpatine, I volunteered for the assignment." He leaned forward even as his voice quietened. "And just between us, I am grateful for the chance to get away from the Senate. I have grown increasingly frustrated with the inaction of Coruscant."

"While you are here, I don't expect things to be that exciting, Senator. However, if it would interest you, there might be a few activities that could help pass the time. A hunt, perhaps?" I suggested.

After meeting the Tarkins all those years ago, I'd done research on their world and discovered that the Tarkins, along with many other powerful families on Eriadu, enjoyed hunting beasts. Indeed, from some of the less reputable, but possibly accurate, sources, it was said that the families of Eriadu put their children through trials that were at least in some small way comparable to a verd'goten.

Ramin laughed warmly while Gideon smiled. "It seems you know exactly how to appeal to a Tarkin," Ramin remarked as he lifted his mug. "I do, however, fear that my skills might have degraded after spending so long serving in the Senate."

"I'd say you have only transferred the skills from physical hunting to verbal," I countered, making the Senator lift his mug in silent agreement. Leaning back, I picked up my mug, savouring the taste of the ale. "Now, what exactly has the Senate, and I assume the Holonet in the Core, been saying about me and my people?"

"There are regular reports of your soldiers engaging in battles throughout the Mid and Outer Rim, even venturing into the Expansion Region, according to the most recent reports." The response came from Gideon, who was speaking for the first time in the meeting.

Given that he was dressed in a formal uniform, one befitting a high-ranking officer of the RORSF, I suspected he was here to act as the more brash and antagonistic of the pair, while his cousin provided a voice of calm and negotiation. From what I'd discovered on the Holonet while reading up on Senator Ramin Tarkin, the more famous Tarkin, at least to me, Wilhuff had become Lieutenant Governor of Eriadu, and Gideon had remained with the Outland Regions Security Force, rising to the rank of Vice-Admiral.

Given that the Tarkins were one of the five dominant families that ruled Eriadu and the Seswenna sector, it was hardly a shock that they all occupied important positions in the sector. Ignoring the fact that Wilhuff was the one in the other timeline who had been responsible for the Tarkin doctrine, along with the destruction of Alderaan, establishing friendly relationships with the family, and the others in the Quintad on Eriadu, was worth pursuing.

"I had expected that the matter had already been settled after I spoke to Chancellor Palpatine several months ago, or even when a pair of Jedi Masters came not more than a month ago."

"While both Chancellors spoke on your behalf to the Senate, there was enough concern over the actions of your soldiers, particularly how they moved in and out of various other sectors without alerting those who ruled them, that the Chancellors were outvoted on the question of having the Senate investigate."

"Ah. That does make sense." I leaned forward, placing my mug down on the table. "I can assure you, Senator, that my warriors are not acting in a manner that should concern those in power elsewhere in the galaxy. Save, perhaps, if they are involved in activities they shouldn't be." I smirked as I leaned back, noting the slight shifting of Ramin's brow.

"How aware are you of the Lokella?"

"I recall the name coming up during the briefing I read on my way here," Ramin responded after taking a moment to think.

"They are a group of freed slaves, correct?"

I nodded at Gideon's question, though I sensed he, and perhaps Ramin, knew more than just that. "They are, and what is less well known, but not exactly a secret, is that along with my former Jedi Master, I was responsible for helping them gain their initial freedom from the Hutt that was running an illegal mining and slaving operation within Republic space. Over the near-decade since then, they've grown stronger, striking at targets within Republic space where slavery and piracy are occurring."

"Something to be commended," Ramin remarked, "and a sign of the weakness that exists in the Republic, something that grows more pronounced the further one travels from the Core."

"Indeed," I agreed with a nod. "It was through their actions that I learnt of slaver operations in a sector bordering this one. Since the distance would stretch the Lokella too thin to strike against it, they passed along the information to me after they learnt I was working to unify the Mando'ade under my banner."

"That is something that many, be they in the Senate, on the Holonet, or in nearby sectors and worlds, find deeply concerning."

I laughed and waved my hand, dismissing the issue. "Understandable given the history of the Mando'ade. However, there is nothing the Senate has to fear from my warriors. We will not move to strike against the Republic and risk sending the galaxy into war. However, those under my command are warriors, and asking them to 'play nice' with politicians, weaklings, and cowards, yourself excluded, of course," I added quickly, "is an impossibility."

I let some irritation slide onto my face. "The centuries of influence the Republic had with the group of so-called New Mandalorians," I made no effort to hide my disdain of that group as I mentioned them, "and thus the interference of the Senate in internal Mando'ade matters, have done nothing to help the sentiment among my people that the Republic only wishes to see us broken and destroyed."

"The Republic doesn't wish to interfere in the affairs of any sovereign world or sector," Ramin said diplomatically. "However, given the historical… aggressiveness displayed by Mandalorians, is it surprising that the Senate might seek to ally with those who sought a more diplomatic approach to galactic affairs?"

"It isn't. The issue is that the Senate, and much of the galaxy, fail to understand something fundamental about my people. We are not a single people, bloodline, or species. We're not confined to a single sector; you can find our warriors across the entire galaxy. You can take away our weapons and our technology, you can destroy our fleets and bomb our homeworld, yet you can never destroy us. We are more than a people or an army. We are a way of life: an idea. And, no matter how hard others try, you cannot kill an idea. We, however, if forced to, can certainly kill those who dare to try to kill us."

I leaned back and sighed loudly, pulling back the rush of fury that had swelled within me as I spoke. I hadn't intended to speak like that, as there was no need to threaten the pair before me. Yet the words had come out that way without me truly realising it.

"To many such words would be seen only as a threat," Ramin said gently. Almost as if careful about what he was saying. "I, however, understand what you are saying. Or at least enough that I can grasp the concept." He leaned forward, holding his mug in both hands. "It doesn't, however, change the fact that at dozens of moments throughout the history of the Republic, this one and the one that came before, Mandalorians have attacked worlds under the Republic's protection and slaughtered billions, if not trillions, for no seeming reason other than they wanted to."

"How others see us is their business, and their inability to understand our ways is their failing, not ours," I countered, keeping down the passion that had come out during my impromptu speech. "Still, we are drifting away from the matter at hand."

Ramin nodded, agreeing with my words, but remained silent, allowing me to continue.

"As I said, the Lokella brought news of a slaver base in a sector near Mandalore to my attention, and I dispatched warriors to neutralise it while liberating everything and everyone there."

"Commendable," Gideon remarked.

"While on-mission, those warriors discovered that the operation was not an isolated one. In the same sector, they located more bases and moved to strike at those as well before returning. For the record, the freed slaves were given the choice of staying on Mandalore, be that the planet or sector, returning to their homeworld if they had one, or moving to live with the Lokella. The majority of the Credits taken in their liberation were also given to them to help them make a fresh start."

"I don't know many who would be as generous as that with such ill-gotten funds."

I laughed at Ramin's words. "My warriors won the Credits and other items freely in battle. How slavers and criminals gained them is not an issue we concern ourselves with." Ramin lifted his mug slightly, conceding the point.

"When the warriors returned, they provided me with the data they'd gathered. After the security on them was sliced, we discovered that the operations expanded beyond a single sector."

Gideon grunted. "Not a surprise. The Republic has failed every world beyond the Core in protecting them against the actions of pirates, slavers, and the like for thousands of years."

"I wouldn't say the Core is immune to problems," Ramin said softly. My brow rose, wondering how aware he was of the flaws of the Republic, and in particular Coruscant, that others would simply ignore if they couldn't see or hear about them. "However, I won't deny that the further one gets from Coruscant, or one of the major hyperspace lanes, the worse the issues become."

"Returning to the data I mentioned, the various sectors that we discovered that had either slaver or pirate bases were then targeted by my warriors. Obviously, this meant deploying more of them to target as many of the bases as possible in as short a time as conceivable."

"If you had waited and moved sector to sector, there is a chance those behind the operations would have realised your intentions and either abandoned the bases, or prepared greater defences."

"Exactly," I said, confirming Gideon's observation. "Plus, given that the targets were all linked to Black Sun, it was wiser to strike quickly and in force. Even now, I expect some sort of retaliation from them; at least beyond the strange increase in bounty hunters and assassins that have been captured or killed in this sector."

"Black Sun?" Ramin rubbed his chin, mimicking the actions of countless Jedi Masters. "That they would be involved in such actions is hardly a surprise, nor that they would deploy others to target you once they learnt that you were the one ultimately responsible for the attacks on their bases. Still, is it wise to be engaging in battle with one of the more powerful criminal syndicates?"

"It wasn't intended, but just because they are powerful doesn't mean they are free to engage in slavery while operating with seeming immunity in the Outer Rim and beyond." I leaned forward, smiling with a slight vindictiveness. "If the Senate and Republic had done their jobs properly, then the threats posed by groups like Black Sun, or, for example, the Hutts, would be far less of an issue."

"I concede the point," Ramin said good-naturedly. "Sadly, there are many in the Republic and beyond who, regardless of their position or power, care little about what happens to others. Even more who would turn a blind eye, or even help, if they could benefit from such activities."

"I'd say that the problem extends into the Senate, but I suspect you are already aware of such issues."

"Indeed." Ramin sighed and shook his head. "While it is understandable that those of greater status should be the ones in power, far too many incorrectly believe that because they hold high office, they cannot be held accountable to those they supposedly serve."

I remained silent, not wanting to comment on the fact that the Tarkin family wasn't exactly immune to the issue Ramin had just mentioned. Along with the others in the Quintad, they ruled Eriadu and the Seswenna sector without a great deal of care for those who lived under their rule. Still, from what I sensed from Ramin, it seemed he was being genuine in his stance regarding slavery and piracy.

"It seems, if your words are genuine, that your actions align with the ideals of the Outland Regions Security Force," Gideon commented cautiously. "We work to ensure the Seswenna sector, and other worlds and sectors that ask for our assistance, are as free of such operations, and the groups behind them, as we can make them."

"It's pleasing to hear that my warriors are not the only ones actively targeting such beings." I paused as a thought came to me. "One moment." I leaned down and tapped at my artificial arm, using the built-in systems to access the central computer.

It took me a few moments to gather the files I was interested in and pull them to the arm. Another few taps and a small unit on the table flared into life.

"On that point, perhaps these reports would be of use to you," I said as a map, one centred on Eriadu, formed.

The Tarkin family's homeworld turned green as the map expanded slightly, and slowly, seven worlds in sectors no more than three away from Seswenna turned red.

"From our more recent raids, we've discovered bases used either by Black Sun or by those affiliated with them, in those systems," I explained. "Given the distance, we haven't been able to consider moving against them." I glanced at Ramin. "The sight of a large, unified force of Mando'ade moving through or near the Core would no doubt frighten many of the uninformed."

"A slight understatement," Ramin agreed with a chuckle. "And as much as I would enjoy seeing such fear in the face of some of my colleagues, it would only cause you, and by extension, the Co-Chancellors, greater problems. Problems I suspect my visit can help if not end, then at least lessen. Provided we can find some common ground."

"I hope that is the case, Senator. Both for the issues with the Senate and for finding a common cause. However, given the way certain planets and sectors will react, understandably given their history, to a unified Mandalore sector, I don't think the issue of our active movements will ever be settled enough to please everyone."

As I spoke, Gideon was examining the display. I suspected he was trying to remember anything he could about reports concerning the planets and sectors that I'd marked out as having some connection to Black Sun.

Of the three Tarkins I knew, he was the most useful. Both currently and potentially in the future. I couldn't count on any of them allying with me long-term. Eriadu was firmly in the group of worlds that would back a stronger centralised government, something made clear by the factions Ramin was listed as being loyal to. However, if I could find reliable partners to expand the scope of operations of my warriors in the coming years, and thus increase their standing, presence, and influence, then I would take the opportunity.

I had my goals reasonably set for the coming five to ten years, basically the period before the Clone Wars, or whatever they would be called in this timeline, kicked off. What mattered now, beyond the final step in becoming Mand'alor and completing the linked quest, was setting the ball in motion for the coming years.

… …​

---

… …
"Are you sure this is wise?" Simvyl asked as we sat in Raven's cockpit, going through the last checks before taking off. "I mean, I understand why we're heading to Naboo, and that Anakin will find a crystal on this voyage, but bringing along the others only paints a greater target on our backs."

I looked over at the Cathar and smiled. "You mean the fact that we've openly advertised my departure and destination?" He nodded. "It's a logical way I can draw out my target," I continued, once again explaining my logic.

"I understand that, but risking Anakin, Sariss, and your unborn child," Simvyl stopped there, glancing back at the third living occupant of the cockpit.

"Just because I am with child doesn't mean I've become unable to fight!"

I looked back, laughing gently as I offered Bo a warm smile. "He knows that, ner cyar, but he's not wrong that many might target you to get to me. Not Jango, at least I don't think he would, but many bounty hunters and assassins lack anything close to morals."

"Let them try," Bo snarled as I noticed one of her hands sliding over the grip of a blaster pistol. "I'm more than happy to show them my instincts haven't dulled."

Chuckling, I returned my focus to the controls. Raven had already checked that everything was working well, but given that Bo, our child, and Anakin were travelling with us, I was having Simvyl go through the physical pre-launch checks anyway.

[Are you settled, An'ika?] I asked my Apprentice, using the Force to communicate with him and his nickname to ensure a response.

[Yes. We're secured in the main hold,] he replied, his excitement easy to sense. I was sure that if I could see him, he'd still be wearing the wide smile he'd had ever since I'd said we were leaving the sector this time.

Since one of the objectives of this voyage was to find him a crystal for his lightsaber, it was hardly a shock that he was excited. I just wished he had not suggested to Sariss that we might find her a crystal as well.

Yes, her training was coming along well, and she was starting to open up to others – or at least other females outside of Karia and Bo – but it was perhaps too soon for her to consider building a lightsaber. Her ability to harness the Force was lacking, being roughly on par with an Initiate who wasn't yet ready for the Trials, but she was showing impressive growth. I just feared that finding a crystal, and thus wishing to build a lightsaber, might cause her to think she was more powerful than she was. Or perhaps more accurately, more able to defend herself than she truly was.

I was curious to see how Padmé reacted to Anakin and him bringing Sariss with him. I doubted there would be any spark between Padmé and Anakin as there had been in the other timeline, as Padmé's affection was clearly focused on someone else, and Anakin's attention was elsewhere. However, this would be an interesting test to see if the Force would attempt to push them together or not in this timeline.

Padmé's response to learning Bo was with child was going to be amusing, I suspected. Possibly even causing her some unintended trouble. Still, once she realised that Bo and I weren't married and that it was Bo's choice, not mine, not to marry, I suspected her mood over the news would improve.

"Systems are all in the green," Simvyl said, breaking me from my thoughts. "Skies are clear."

I nodded, and without my needing to push the appropriate controls, Raven increased the power to her sublight engines along with manoeuvring thrusters. As we slowly rose, I sensed her excitement at once again getting to travel between the stars. I slid my natural fingers over a section of her skin, letting her know I was sorry that it had been over a month since we'd last flown, and so I could enjoy her excitement through tactile contact.

With Anzur defeated, and after Senator Tarkin had departed, the work on unifying and developing Mandalore – planet and sector – had begun in earnest. While it was only early days, as we eased out of the hangar of the Saak'ak and I took in the sights Raven detected, I could see that my intentions had begun to take shape.

Beyond the growing fleet and stationary defences that orbited the capital world, offering it decent levels of protection along with creating a centralised force to move through the sector as needed, development of more civilian infrastructure was proceeding as well.

Several asteroids had been pulled into high orbit and were in the process of being carved out so they could become orbital factories and storage facilities. Since the Dral'Han, there hadn't been anything approaching a centralised economy and infrastructure in the sector. Hells, even before then, it wasn't something most Mando'ade and previous Mand'alors had focused on. Understandable given the warrior culture, but a flaw that I had to correct if I wanted my warriors to stand any chance in the coming decades of chaos.

"Tracyn Kyr'am to Raven, the escort fleet is ready to depart with no anomalies."

I opened the channel to reply. "Understood, Tracyn Kyr'am. Fleet command will remain with you, and I'll try not to race too far ahead of you as we move," I replied, holding back my amusement at the hint of annoyance that radiated from Raven as six ships coming with us moved to surround us.

I didn't feel we needed the escort, and it would make it harder for Jango or any other bounty hunter or assassin to target us during travel. However, as I was now essentially the ruler of the entire sector, I was expected to travel with such escorts. As we were travelling to Naboo for Padmé's coronation for her second term, I had to also consider that I was one of her personal invitees.

Arriving in a single ship, no matter how unique, as the leader of a sector, wasn't acceptable. Or that was how Adonai had explained it, just in a whole heck of a lot more words. Adonai and others had wanted me to command from the Ne'tra Tal'ade and take an overwhelming display of firepower with me. Beyond the fact that such a move would ruin the chances of Jango striking at me during the voyage, I'd had another reason not to do so.

As I needed to avoid causing chaos and fear in the Republic, at least for the next five or so years, travelling with another large fleet to Naboo couldn't happen. In the end, I'd put my foot down and requested no more than six vessels come with us, the largest being a cruiser.

The Tracyn Kyr'am, along with her two cruisers and three light destroyers, was the outcome of that decision. The first of a new class of heavily armed but small warships developed by Mandalmotors, the Kyr'am was capable of taking on three or four standard cruisers from other companies single-handedly. It might lack, as was common with many Mandalmotors designs, the same level of defences as similar warships, but its offensive capabilities were top of the line.

This voyage would be the Kyr'am's first in active service, but Alor Dred assured me that there would be no issues. Given that he likely wanted me to place orders for more of the line, he and his company had placed considerable effort into ensuring that. They had gone so far as to ask Anakin to look over the designs before it was launched for its shakedown cruise.

"By your command, Mand'alor."

… …

---

… …
I walked down the ramp, taking in the increased security in the hangar. That was hardly a shock, given that, unlike the last few times I'd come here, the coming days would see one of the most important events in the Naboo calendar take place. Padmé's re-election had been, as everyone had assumed, a complete whitewash. With over ninety per cent of the vote on a near-total turnout, it was a historic result that was unlikely to ever be repeated.

I didn't need to glance back to know those with me were following. Bo was walking at my side, her armour having been altered as her pregnancy could no longer be hidden. She was less than thrilled about needing the temporary alteration of her armour, but accepted it as necessary. Behind her, Anakin was escorting Sariss and Karia.

The younger of the two, freed a little over a year ago from the Prophets of the Darkside, was nervous as kriff, which was entirely understandable. I'd have preferred for her to remain on Mandalore, but Anakin had insisted she come along. Since I'd already told him we'd be trying to find him a main crystal for his lightsaber, he was intent on seeing her gain one as well. After he convinced her of that, the idea of staying on Mandalore with Karia hadn't appealed to her.

"Remember to keep her close to your side, An'ika," Bo commented with amusement, once again teasing my Apprentice about his closeness to Sariss. "There are going to be a lot of people here, and many will be interested in you because of Cam."

"I know," Anakin shot back, his voice doing a fair approximation of Fenrir's.

The thought of the tuk'ata had me wondering how he was doing. He was, from what I understood, settled on Gaia with the pack of tuk'ata he'd taken control of on Dromund Kaas. I'd initially planned to give him a few months, six at most, to help them settle down, but it'd been almost a year since I'd last seen him.

Just thinking that had me deciding to alter my return path so that I passed through the Gaia system to collect him. It would also allow me to see how the Lokella were doing, particularly as the number of warriors I'd assigned to them had increased, as had the intensity of the training for their warriors. With my plans for the coming years, the Lokella were one group I knew would ally with my people to strike back heavily against slavery in the Mid and Outer Rim.

"Stop teasing him," I muttered as I walked, helmet under my arm. "He's just young and in love," I added in a voice barely above a whisper.

"He's not the only one," Bo said back in an even quieter voice. One tinged with further humour.

I bit my tongue. While I was sure she was referring to Sariss, the comment could apply to us as well. Bo might have no interest in marriage, another sign of her being a non-traditional Mando'ad, but I didn't doubt her feelings for me. Nor mine for her.

As we reached the base of the ramp, I reached over and took her hand in mine, giving it a gentle squeeze. She returned the gesture, though as a detachment of Royal Naboo Security Forces and two figures that had to be members of the royal court approached, I released her hand and moved to greet them.

"Lord Shan, we are honoured that you have arrived for the coronation." The speaker was the male of the two civilians with the guards, and both he and the female with him bowed deeply. "Her Highness will be delighted at your arrival."

From the corner of my eye, I caught Bo tense. To her, and many among our people, I was Mand'alor, and should be addressed as such. Knowing this might well happen, I'd already explained to her that I was a noble of Naboo now, so they would address me as they had, and I'd stressed again, though I knew it wouldn't have much effect, that until Jango was dead, I wasn't truly Mand'alor. It was a minor detail, but one I wanted to correct before I returned to Mandalore. It seemed, however, that she still wasn't pleased with the apparent lack of respect for my position, but at least she didn't comment on it.

"I'm glad that my presence so delights Her Majesty," I replied even as I sensed a faint tremor in the Force from behind me. "Might I ask if she wishes to speak with me now, or if we should wait until she is otherwise unoccupied?"

"Her Highness is currently meeting with the Co-Chancellors," the female attendant replied, and I clamped down on my Force presence at her words.

I'd half-expected Palpatine to be present for the coronation, and had already spoken privately with Anakin, Sariss, and Karia about being mindful around him if he was here. Learning that both Chancellors were present was an unexpected wrinkle, and one I'd need to adapt to quickly.

I reached out into the Force, curious which Jedi had come with the Co-Chancellors, only to inhale sharply as I sensed a familiar presence. One I'd not dealt with in a year, but which was more important to me than anyone else in the Order. Perhaps more so than any bar Anakin and my unborn child. I'd have to face her soon enough, but for now, I turned my thoughts to how to handle the reveal that both Chancellors were already on Naboo.

Given his training, I felt confident that Anakin could maintain his composure and hide most of his Force presence. He might even be at a point where he could sense gentle brushes against his mental barriers. Yet asking him to face off against both Banite Sith, as I knew they would want to speak with him since he was my adopted son, might well be a step too far.

The greater concern for leaks was Sariss, but thankfully, she remained unaware of the name of the world she'd been born, raised, and abused on. The Banite Sith and Jedi would sense her Force potential as even with a year's worth of training, she was still greatly lacking for her age. Thankfully, I already had the cover story in place to explain why she was with me, one that had been given to Shaak Ti and Fay when they'd come to Mandalore, and I had reminded Anakin over and over not to stray from that story.

Sariss wouldn't randomly speak with others, and I even expected that she would retreat to Raven or our quarters if there were too many people present, so I just needed to ensure Anakin and Karia weren't left alone with either of the Chancellors. Or any Jedi who were on the world, as if the Chancellors were here, I'd place good odds on the presence of Jedi as well.

"Ah, then it would be best to wait until I'm summoned before greeting Her Highness," I said warmly, ignoring the flicker of amusement that flashed over Bo's face. I turned and looked back at my group. "R2, remain with Raven for the time being." The astromech beeped in acceptance of my orders before I turned back to the two attendants. "Please, lead us to wherever it is we are meant to be."

"As you wish, Lord Shan," the female replied, offering me a warm smile.

Bo, as if offended by the smile, stepped closer to me, entering my personal space in a possessive manner. Both attendants seemed to tense for a moment at the gesture, though before I could focus on the matter or examine them with the Force, their faces returned to the cordial expressions they'd worn.

"This way."

The pair turned and began walking. After a glance at Bo, I followed along, as did the rest of my party. The guards fell into step around us. As they did, I nodded in approval, noting the changes in their attire, equipment, and general alertness. It seemed that the roughly three years of training under various Mando'ade had seen a dramatic improvement in their behaviour and security standards. Something further confirmed when I noted nearly twice as many security cameras in the hangar compared to when I'd last been on Naboo.

"Hmm," Bo began as she leaned close and spoke in a quiet voice, "I wonder if what I've heard about the Queen is true."

I glanced at her, wondering what was going through her mind. She smirked back, and I questioned again whether bringing her along was the smart call. There was an urge to ask about what she'd heard about Padmé, but I knew that would have to wait until we were alone, and even then, it was probable she wouldn't reveal everything, taking too much enjoyment in teasing me. Something she did whenever the mood struck her and the situation allowed.

… …

---

… …
I moved through the corridors of the Royal Palace of Theed slowly, my mind on several of the guests who had arrived for Padmé's coronation. Or more accurately, on one in particular.

Ever since I'd sensed Serra's presence on Naboo, I'd been unbalanced. Not enough that anyone, not even Anakin or Bo, could sense it, but enough that I knew I had to deal with the issue as soon as possible. That was why, while Bo and the others explored Theed on a guided tour arranged by Padmé, I was moving through the corridors of the palace towards where I sensed Serra's presence.

She wasn't alone, as I sensed Master Windu and Master Koon among others on the planet, but I knew I had to speak with her directly. Yes, there was an option to reach out to her through the Force, but I felt it was better to speak with her face-to-face.

No, that wasn't right.

I needed to see her again, to catch the faint scent she had, and maybe even feel her skin against mine.

Closing my eyes even as I continued walking, I pushed down such thoughts. I didn't need her, or any of the other Jedi, picking up on them. I might not be a member of the Order any longer, but I retained control over my emotions and desires.

As I neared the wing of the palace where Serra was with the other Jedi, or at least some of them, as I could tell that Windu – thank the Force – was with the Chancellors elsewhere in the palace, I slowed. I could sense her in motion, her movements guided by the Force as she sparred with another member of the Order. Not wanting to disturb her, I pulled back on my Force presence, all but nullifying it so that it wouldn't be obvious to any unless they sought it out.

I'd had the training with the Order to do this, though the method I used to do it now was infused with the teachings of Adas and Malgus. The Jedi shouldn't be able to sense that, nor the fact that I bent the Force to my will. At least so long as I didn't engage them in battle or lose control of my reactions; something that Serra could easily bring forth without even trying. Which was why it felt as if I was no longer walking on eggshells because of Serra's presence, but on shells that had already cracked and needed only the slightest of touches to shatter.

Once at the final door separating me from Serra, I took a deep breath to compose myself one final time, and then pressed the buzzer. There was a pause before I felt Master Koon move towards the door.

"Ah, what an unexpected face to see on this world," he said jovially as the doors opened and we saw each other. His eyes looked me over, taking in the armour I wore. "I see you have adapted well to your life outside the Order."

"I have, Master," I replied, offering him an inclination of my head in respect. "When I sensed that there were members of the Order on Naboo, I considered whether I should visit. I wasn't sure if it was acceptable for me to do so."

Master Koon chuckled under his mask. "While you might no longer be a member of the Order, you remain a Jedi, Cameron, and a friend to many in the Order," he said as he shifted, gesturing for me to enter. "Besides, if I denied you here, I fear the reaction of a certain Padawan. One who is, perhaps, almost ready for her Trials."

I almost stumbled at hearing his words, and looked at him for confirmation. When he nodded, I couldn't stop myself from smiling warmly. "I always knew she was skilled," I said, letting some of my feelings for her slide into my tone.

"Yes. Padawan Keto had always impressed with her drive, though after the death of Master Drallig, along with other issues, I feared she might spiral and lose her way. Thankfully, she has rededicated herself to the Force and now stands as one of the brightest lights of her generation."

"If I see Master Windu, I should thank him for helping her," I said honestly. I might have had many issues with Windu, but I couldn't fault him for his teaching of Serra. At least if Master Koon was being accurate and Windu hadn't tried to instil or strengthen misplaced loyalty to the Republic in her. "Can I assume that having her come here was a test of some sort?"

Koon laughed again. "It seems that you have grown wiser in your time since leaving the Order," he answered as he led me down the corridor that seemingly marked the area given to the Jedi while they were in Theed. "Having her return here was a challenge that Master Windu wished for her, and it seems that challenge has grown more interesting with your presence."

"I find it hard to believe that neither you nor Master Windu anticipated my appearance at Queen Amidala's coronation," I commented with a knowing smile.

"We were uncertain if you would come or not. The reports of what is happening in the Mandalore sector suggest that battles are still ongoing."

I gave the Kel Dor a knowing side-glance. "I didn't realise the Jedi were observing the internal issues of a minor sector in the Outer Rim. At least after sending two Masters to speak with me already. If I didn't know better, I might think you were keeping tabs on me."

"Perhaps we are, or perhaps the fact that you are moving among people who have often caused issues for the Republic is the reason we are monitoring the sector."

"Not everyone in the sector is Mando'ade, nor are all of us based in the sector," I replied, finding it enjoyable to speak with the Jedi Council member again.

I'd known they'd be watching me, particularly as my actions were causing a major shift among the Mando'ade, and it was refreshing to see that Master Koon wasn't trying to hide that fact. There was also the fact that he was one of the easier Jedi Masters to speak to, and barring when it was required to be otherwise, he was always jovial and friendly with others.

"Yes, I, and others, are aware of that. However, the fact that you seem to be unifying the sector has, as you are aware, caused concern among many in the galaxy. While the Senate seems to have settled after the report by Senator Tarkin, there have been several shifts in the Force that have concerned us. I am curious whether you have felt anything sinister growing in the Force since you left the Order?"

"I did sense a moment where the Force seemed enraged, Master, though I didn't focus on it. I have been more focused on uniting the Mandalorian Clans behind me." My reply mixed truth with misdirection as I knew I had been the source of several outbursts that had likely echoed in the Force. "Though perhaps one of those instances you speak of was caused by me. It seems Death Watch was not as destroyed as was believed. They revealed themselves during a raid I ordered, and captured many under my command, including someone I am close to."

Master Koon rubbed his chin in that manner that all Jedi seemed to do. "While it is understandable that you would react as you did, I would advise you to be mindful of your emotions and how they interact with the Force. You might no longer be a member of the Order, but you are still susceptible to the seduction of the Dark Side."

"Yes, Master."

He chuckled, seemingly amused at my continual usage of his title and the respect I was showing him. I expected him to say something else on the matter, but instead, he stopped at a door. The same door behind which I could sense Serra sparring with another. "The Force is strong with you, Cameron, and while your path no longer follows that of the Order, I continue to believe that you have a role to play in the balance the Force continually seeks. However, I know well that you didn't come here today to speak with me," he added as the door opened.

Inside I heard the sounds of lightsabers clashing against each other, and as I entered with Master Koon, I saw Serra engaged in a seemingly furious duel with another Padawan, one that caused my blood to heat. Seeing a Trandoshan holding a lightsaber and fighting… no, sparring, I reminded myself, with Serra had my hand move to my hip, for a weapon I'd not brought with me to Naboo.

As my fingers closed around the non-existent lightsaber, I watched as Serra easily blocked a strike from the Trandoshan with one of her blades before, in the same movement, attacking with the other. The overgrown handbag pivoted back, its tail flicking angrily as it moved, barely avoiding the attack. While it had prevented the strike from hitting, the move had granted Serra the advantage.

A smile came to my face as Serra pushed her advantage, showing far more aggression than I recalled seeing her display before. She was still using a Niman base for her Jar'Kai, but several of the moves she used were borrowed from Djem So, and my brow rose as one of her attacks grew more ferocious still.

"Juyo?" I muttered to myself.

I'd only learnt some of the Seventh Form from Malgus' holocron and now had a base understanding of the most aggressive form of lightsaber combat. I wasn't focusing heavily on the form, or any form, truthfully, as my attention had been on uniting the Clans, training Anakin and Sariss, and in the last few months, watching over Bo like a hawk. However, I had some understanding of the final form, at least if one ignored the variant crafted by Windu and others: Vaapad.

"Yes. While Padawan Keto is young, she has become more forthright in her approach to combat," Koon stated, having heard my mutter. "Master Windu has recently begun teaching her the basics of the Seventh Form, though I fear it might be too early for her to use the Form fully and without concern. She still carries resentment towards what happened on this world several years ago."

My thoughts flickered to Maul. The former Apprentice of Darth Sidious was currently on the third world mentioned in the archives taken from Dromund Kaas with Prezan. Outside of his help freeing Bo and the others from Death Watch, I'd allowed him the freedom to explore the worlds linked to the ancient Sith as he chose. Once the Clans were fully united, I'd be asking him to return to Mandalore as we had to begin laying the groundwork for the next five to ten years, but I couldn't help but fear what might happen once Serra learnt I'd not killed Maul, and instead allied with the one who had killed her first Master.

"Which, if I had to guess, is part of the reason Master Windu wanted her to come here."

Koon chuckled. "Indeed. As I said earlier, this is a challenge for her. One that, once she realises you are present, will grow more difficult." He shifted closer, even as it became obvious Serra was about to defeat the damn beast before her. "I would ask that you be mindful that she remains a member of the Order, and has to follow our ways."

"I'll try," I answered honestly.

The Trandoshan nodded, accepting its defeat. Hardly a shock as Serra had her secondary blade, the one formerly used by Master Drallig, pressed close to the lizard's neck. Had she stopped herself a fraction of a second later, she would've ended the beast's life. Something I suspected I would be the only one to have been happy about.

Master Koon clapped his hands once, drawing the attention of the pair. I ignored the dead-beast-walking and focused hard on Serra. Her eyes widened as she saw me, and I felt an explosion of emotions from her in the Force.

Confusion, desire, anger, hope, and others mixed in a tsunami of feelings that rushed along the bond we shared. I was sure Koon felt her reaction as well as he chuckled under his mask, though before he or anyone could comment on them, Serra regained her control. Along with the Trandoshan, she bowed at Koon even as the Kel Dor spoke.

"You both fought well. Lissarkh, I will speak with you now. As for you, Padawan Keto," he continued, gesturing at Serra and me, "I think you have someone else to speak with first."

"Yes, Master," the pair said in unison. I felt a shiver of anger at hearing the beast talk, but I pushed that deep down. I didn't need Serra or anyone else to catch wind of the true depth of my hatred towards the other Padawan's species.

I stayed at the door as Master Koon moved forward. As he walked, Serra moved, though not, I noted, towards me. Instead, she headed to one side of the room. I waited patiently, my hands clasped behind my back as she grasped a bottle and took a few gulps from it.

After taking the drink and then wiping her brow clear of sweat, she moved towards me, her hilts now attached to her hips.

"Hello again," I said gently once she was closer, fighting to control my emotions as she moved close enough that I caught her scent. The familiar smell stirred longing deep inside me. "It's been a while."

Serra smiled, though not as freely as I had hoped. "It has." She gestured at the door. "Perhaps we should talk elsewhere," she offered, a slight edge to her voice.

I nodded and offered her a smile before following her out of the sparring room. As the doors closed behind us, she slowed and looked up at me. "I knew that if I came here, I'd see you, Hero of Naboo."

I bit back a chuckle as, while her words were gentle and warm, I felt a sliver of regret and anger in the Force. "I dislike that title, and the fact that they granted me other things. I did what I did because it was the right thing to do, not because of the potential rewards."

She nodded, seemingly accepting my words. "Still, it is a title you earned. Your actions freed this world from the clutches of the Trade Federation, though at great cost."

I sighed and looked up even as we continued walking. "I remain sorry that Master Drallig died that day, but if his life meant you lived, then I would make the trade a million times over." I let some of my feelings for her slide along our bond. "You are… important to me, Serra, and you always will be."

She slowed her pace and smiled. "As you are to me, Cam," she replied. "It's just…" Her head fell as her shoulders slumped. "Being here brings back the whirlwind of emotions I felt that day."

"Which is why Master Windu wanted you to come here."

"I know that, and I understand that I need to let go of my attachment to that day. It's just…" She sighed loudly and stopped, leaning against a wall as she looked down at the floor. I let her stay there, waiting for her to continue when she was ready.

Eventually, she lifted her head and looked at me, pain filling her eyes. "I still want revenge, Cam. I know I shouldn't, that I should release my anger into the Force, but I can't." She brought her hands up and rubbed her arms. "Just being here hurts."

"Hey." I moved closer and placed my hands on hers. "It's okay to be angry. The Sith killed the closest thing you had to a father. If he'd killed you, I'd have burnt the galaxy seeking revenge," I added, making sure to hide any thought of Maul and the fact that he was still alive so deeply that she'd never sense it even if she tried to rip my mind to shreds.

Yes, he killed Master Drallig, but he did so because he was ordered to. Or at least that was why he was on Naboo. I suspected that at the time, even if they hadn't met on Naboo, he'd have killed Drallig if their blades had crossed, just as he did with Master Bondara and others while in the service of Darth Sidious. However, that wasn't something that Serra needed to hear today, nor would it help with her accepting the anger Master Drallig's death continued to cause within her. An anger that I'd prefer she grasped and used instead of letting go of as the Order wished her to do.

"That's not how a Jedi should think," Serra said, a flicker of a smile on her lips.

"Good thing I'm not a Jedi," I replied, matching her smile. "Nor are you entirely one, Alor."

She looked up at me, and I felt her mind brush against mine, searching for something. I allowed her into the outer reaches of my thoughts, having already buried anything that would cause an issue with her or the Jedi. I hated having to hide the truth from her, but it was clear she was nowhere near ready to learn everything I knew, even if I wanted her to know so she'd stand at my side.

Her hands turned, and our fingers interlocked, though as they did, she glanced down at my artificial limb. "I missed you," she said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. "Not just like this, but being able to speak with you about things."

"Same." I pushed back the urge to lean down and claim her lips. The urge was there, and growing with each passing moment, but beyond the fact that we weren't exactly alone, I had other things to consider now. "Master Koon says you're nearly ready for your Trials," I continued, shifting the topic because I wanted a few moments to consider how I should bring up Bo. "Though I think you passed some of them back then."

"I'm not sure the Council sees things that way," she replied, looking up at me as her smile grew slightly stronger.

"Then they're fools." I tightened my grasp on her fingers. "You've faced something many Jedi don't have to until they're far older, Serra, and you're still moving forward. That sort of strength can't be taught. It comes from inside, from a warrior's heart."

Serra sighed and moved to untangle her fingers from mine. "I made a mistake back then," she said softly, her smile slipping slightly. "Coming here with Master Drallig." She looked down at the floor. "Some nights I've even…"

My fingers drifted to her chin and eased her head up so I could see her eyes again. "You wonder if it would've been better if you'd died?" She turned her eyes away and tried to move her head, though my gentle grasp prevented her from doing so. "I don't blame you for that, Serra. If it had been Master Fay or Master Dooku, I'd have felt the same. However, you can't keep dwelling on your mistakes, be they perceived or real. They don't define you; it's what you do after that that does, and from where I stand, I see a strong, powerful young woman. One I am happy to call ner cyar'ika."

Serra didn't fully understand my words, but she understood the feelings I was sending through the Force. As I expected, she blushed and looked away. "Cam… I'm a Jedi," she protested, though not anywhere near as vehemently as she probably should have.

"And you are Mando'ad," I countered gently but firmly. I stepped back, giving her room as I broke the contact between us. "The first Jedi to become so in centuries, and one who I will always welcome at my side. If, that is, you want to stand there."

"I… I don't know," she replied slowly, her eyes falling away from me again.

I could feel the torrent of emotions swirling inside her. Feelings that she'd probably kept buried in the time we'd been parted, and perhaps had thought she'd let go of, rising to the surface and threatening her control.

"I'm not asking you to leave the Order today, Serra," I said slowly, even as I stood just outside her personal space. "But the time is coming when you'll have to choose." She looked up at me, confusion clear in her gaze. "I've almost united the Clans, and once I do, I'm summoning all warriors to Mandalore. I want you with me, but if you can't or won't do so, I don't know what I'll do."

"You'll be forced to call me a traitor, right?" she asked after a long silence as she processed my words. I nodded in response, and she sighed loudly before lifting her hand to her forehead. "I don't want to choose, Cam. I… I don't know what I should do."

"It is for you to decide, and I'll support whatever you choose, but I felt you needed to know what is coming." I paused there and then looked up at the ceiling before sighing. "And so that you hear it from me and not others… Bo is with child. My child."

I'd known I couldn't avoid mentioning this, and had wondered how and when it would come up. This wasn't the best time, but I sensed it was the best chance I'd get to bring it up without things going entirely sideways.

Serra blinked, her face freezing as she processed my words. "She's…" I nodded, confirming it again. "Force," she muttered and ran a hand through her hair. "I… um… congratulations, I guess."

I bit back a chuckle, knowing it wouldn't suit the situation. Still, I found her reaction amusing: confused, but not, I sensed, angry. "It wasn't exactly planned. I mean, we'd talked about such things, but how I learnt about it was, well," I flicked a lock of hair away from my forehead before continuing. "Death Watch captured Bo and others, and through their leader, Pre Vizsla, I discovered Bo was pregnant while he held a blaster to her side."

"WHAT?!" I grimaced at the volume of Serra's shout. At the same time, there was a burst of fury, one strong enough to blind me to everything else I could sense with the Force. "How dare he!"

"Serra," I said firmly, grasping her arms. Ideally, I'd just cut through her rage with my control. However, if I did that, the other Jedi would sense it, and likely how I was dominating the Force. Therefore, I had to resort to simpler methods. "It's okay," I added as I felt her rage burn deliciously. "He's dead, as is everyone who was with him."

Serra's eyes locked on mine, seeking confirmation of my words from my soul. I nodded even as I continued to hold her, and after a few moments, I felt her fury ease. Deep down, I couldn't help but marvel at the righteous anger she'd displayed, and already I could tell that if she learnt to harness her emotions properly, she'd be extremely powerful. More so than she was now. Perhaps even to a level where she could challenge Maul.

However, so long as she remained with the Jedi, that power was being wasted.

Part of me wanted to take her, to force her to leave the Order here and now and begin her true training, but I resisted. The choice had to be hers, as was the case with anyone I thought could be taught. I wouldn't force others to train in the ways I used the Force unless they were willing to do so.

"Good," Serra all but spat out, her anger slipping into her voice even as the torrent that had blinded me in the Force fell away. "I hope it hurt."

"Given I killed him with his blade, and kept it as mine, he probably died in disbelief and pain," I answered, allowing a hint of my enjoyment at his fate to slide along our bond.

"Good," Serra repeated as I sensed faint delight at my answer, though it was mingled with a new source of anger. One that I'd been expecting the moment I'd realised Serra was on Naboo and that I had to tell her about Bo.

She fell silent, her eyes locked on mine as I felt her mind and emotions raging under the surface of her mental defences. Others might not sense it, but due to our bond, I had a path through those defences, and while I wasn't actively using it, the torrent of chaos in her mind was leaking through that very bond.

I stayed still, letting her deal with the torrent of feelings swirling inside her. Springing Bo's pregnancy on her wasn't fair, but this was all but the only chance I would have to tell her about it without her feeling betrayed. Or at least, more betrayed than she was no doubt already feeling.

Not for the first time, I found myself angry with myself for not trying to get her to leave the Order when I had left. If she'd been with me from the get-go, then while Bo would still likely be carrying my child, Serra would be alongside her. Haran, she might even have become my wife by Mando'ade tradition.

Truthfully, even with how I felt for Bo, Naz, and others, if I had to pick one person I wanted at my side, it was the woman before me. Beyond being the person who'd first approached me in this timeline, Serra had stood with me through everything she could until I'd left the Order, defending me against the comments and accusations of others who didn't know, nor ever would, how much greater than them I was now, nor the heights to which I would ascend in the future.

Serra knew all that, even sensing the darkness within me, yet she remained my friend. Even as a Jedi, someone sworn to fight against those who used the Force in the way I did, she still believed in me.

"Are you happy?" she asked slowly after what felt like a lifetime had passed.

I smiled down at her. "I am, though not as happy as I'd be if you were with us," I replied warmly.

She smiled, though I sensed uncertainty and confusion from her. "Bo's having your child, and you're trying to seduce me?" she asked, a light teasing in her voice.

"Depends."

"On?"

I leaned closer and brushed my fingers along her jaw. "If I'm succeeding." I inhaled deeply, savouring the scent of her for the first time in a year. "Even if I'm not, I haven't lied about anything, Serra. I want you." I paused and shook my head gently. "No, I need you with me. Forget what the Force has shown either of us, or what plans it has for us. I need you." I leaned closer, inching my lips towards hers. "But I won't force you," I added, breathing warmly in her ear, "and will accept whatever you decide."

"Wh-what about Bo?"

I pulled back, taking note of her flushed expression and the way her eyes wouldn't, or couldn't, stop bouncing between my eyes and my lips. "You can ask her if you want. She's in Theed currently with Anakin and a few others."

Serra's eyes widened as I spoke. "You brought her here?!" she snapped, a burst of panic flaring for a moment.

Before I could reply, she closed her eyes and reined in her emotions. I didn't know where Windu was, but there was no way he and others like Master Koon weren't sensing her emotional rollercoaster. I knew what I was doing was exploitative, but at the same time, I wasn't lying to her. Everything was the truth, and she would know that, which was making her emotional turmoil even greater.

"The Order will be curious about your child," she said once she'd regained some control. "They'll want to test the child."

"They'll have to get through Bo, me, and every Mando'ad under my command to even do so. To say nothing of even attempting to take our child to the Order!" I paused and closed my eyes, pulling back on my emotions. "Sorry, but the idea that the Order has any right to take my child inflames my emotions," I said honestly, knowing there was no reason to lie to Serra. No matter how strong my defences, she would be able to sense my emotions through our bond, just as I sensed hers.

"I-it's okay. I… I think I understand." She placed a hand on my forearm. "Really, I'm happy for both of you, and the Order can't take your child unless you allow it."

I grunted, biting back the comment that formed at the back of my throat. The Seekers who worked to locate and recruit Force-sensitive children throughout the galaxy were meant to get the permission of the parents of the child. However, enough rumours and stories were floating around the Outer Rim and elsewhere to suggest that wasn't always the case. While I doubted the Seekers used the Force to trick parents, I wouldn't put it past them to twist the truth of what it meant to be a Jedi, and the life the child would have, to convince the parents to give up their offspring.

"I know, but given the Council's interest in me, something I know still exists, I wouldn't put it past them to try something. Or at least an element within the Order."

"If they did, I'd work to stop them!" Serra shot back with firm conviction. "The Force has a role for all of us, and it is up to us to determine it, not the Council, the Republic, or anyone but ourselves!"

I chuckled, immensely pleased by her words and the fire in them. "And yet the Senate is filled with those only interested in their self-worth, not the greater good," I countered, only to snort slightly and shake my head. "I didn't come here to talk about the Republic, the Order, or anything else. I wanted to see and speak with you."

Her smile returned, and I felt her grasp on my forearm grow tighter. "I'm glad you did. I've missed you, too." Her smile slipped, and she looked away for a moment. "But I can't leave with you, not now," she added once she returned her gaze to me. "I'm sorry."

"I never expected you to leave now. As I said, I need you with me, but I won't force it." My arm slipped free of her grasp, and I pulled it back so I could interlock my fingers with hers. "If you have time, even if it's just over the comms, talk with Bo. I know she'd like to talk with you again."

"I will," Serra replied warmly, her fingers grasping mine tightly. "Anyway, how about a spar?"

I laughed at the change of topic, and the fire in her eyes at the challenge she saw in me. "I don't have a lightsaber anymore, Serra."

"That's kark, Cam, and we both know it." I chuckled at her cursing even as she continued. "I know you gave the Council a lightsaber, but if you haven't made a new one, I'm a Sith Lord."

"You shouldn't joke about such things," I said, wondering how aghast she'd be if she realised the two people she was here with other Jedi to protect were hidden Sith Lords. Or that I was learning techniques from two Sith holocrons. "But even if I did, maybe, craft a new blade, I wouldn't have brought it to Naboo. Not when the Jedi are present," I explained with a knowing smirk, one she matched as I spoke.

"Okay," she said, the smirk still present. A moment later, it turned into a smile, and she stepped back. "It was good to see you again, Cam, but I can't spend too much longer with you. Others will have sensed my emotions, and I don't think you want to deal with my Master."

"I'll not answer that." She laughed softly at my reply as we released each other's hands and I stepped back. "I love you, Serra Keto, and I always will," I said as I turned, intending to head away.

"I know," she replied, humour in her voice and the Force. "And I'll call Bo later."

I nodded but didn't look back. If I did, I knew I'd struggle to leave, perhaps even going so far as to fight Windu and others to take her with me. I wasn't ready for such a battle, and even if I was, the time wasn't right to openly challenge the Jedi, and through them, the Republic.

"May the Force be with you, ner cyar'ika."

"It always is." My smile, even though she couldn't see it, grew wider. Hearing her use the same term I had was an open sign that her feelings for me remained. I just hoped that affection remained once I called all warriors home, and she learnt that I was walking a path the Order would call dark, if they didn't outright label me a Sith.

… …

---

… …
I looked around the massive room, taking in the sight of the various officials of Naboo and dignitaries from across the galaxy. All of them were people of importance and dressed in the finest clothing and jewellery that money could buy. Even the waiters, servants, and guards stationed around the room were dressed exceptionally. Yet here I stood, enjoying my latest glass of Domaine de la Maison sur le Lac, in my armour, or at least most of it.

The helmet, much to my annoyance, had been left in my quarters along with the vambraces and a few other sections of the armour. Not much, but just enough that I felt oddly naked without them present. However, as this was a formal gathering after Padmé's coronation, and thus a place where people weren't meant to move around armed as if seeking to be a one-man army, I had accepted the request of Governor Bibble to try not to terrify the other guests.

Now, there were others at the earlier ceremony to confirm Padmé's second term and at this banquet in a massive ballroom who were in military uniforms. However, all of those were dress uniforms with most covered in ribbons, medals, and other regalia that I suspected many had earned either through dubious methods or by outright purchase. Compared to all these prancing peacocks, I looked like a true warrior, one wearing armour designed for war.

Now, I wasn't going to remove my armour entirely to placate the fools around me. Not unless Padmé asked me directly to do so, and she had made no such move. Not even a message through Sabé had come regarding my attire, meaning the Queen was more than willing to allow me to retain my armour for formal occasions.

That said, I had attached a cloak, one made of krayt dragon hide, to my armour. It was emblazoned with my personal crest and had drawn a lot of looks, many filled with envy, lust, or a combination of both.

"I see that you are as uncomfortable at these events as I am, Lord Shan."

I turned to the speaker, and recognising the face, offered him a warm smile. "I find the battlefield more comfortable, Captain. At least there, I know who my enemies are." I paused as I looked over the man's uniform and noted the changed ranks. "Ah, my apologies. Congratulations, General."

The now-General Panaka chuckled, lifted his glass, and smiled warmly. "Thank you, and I believe congratulations are in order for you as well, Lord Shan. Or perhaps I should call you Lord Mand'alor?"

My smile widened. "It seems you are well informed of my actions."

"More that Her Highness insists on hearing of your exploits from your fellow Mandalorians when she isn't training with them." My brow rose upon hearing that Padmé was training with the Mando'ade on Naboo. I'd not heard of that from any of them, which was a surprise, given how unusual it was for the ruler of a peaceful world to choose to learn our ways. "It would be wise to pretend that you never heard that from me," Panaka continued. "Her Highness is quite insistent that you remain unaware of her training."

"If you say so," I remarked, wondering what exactly I was missing for Padmé to hide that training, and why it was making Panaka smile so much. "And no matter what the warriors with me might say, I'm not Mand'alor yet. There is one who technically holds the title, and until I defeat him, I don't have the right to call myself by that title. That, however, isn't stopping many of those under my command from referring to me as such, and no matter how much I complain, they refuse to listen."

Panaka laughed deeply. "From my time around so many Mandalorians, I cannot say I find that surprising. They are an uncompromising but refreshingly blunt people."

I laughed gently, agreeing with the assessment. "How has the training been going?"

"Well. At least once we were able to overcome the issue many Naboo have regarding fighting. Much of that issue was overcome by the Trade Federation's cowardly actions, but afterwards, many wished to return to a more peaceful life. The manner in which we have lived ever since our ancestors settled on this world. Thankfully, Her Highness was against such moves, in part because of you."

"I can't take credit for changing the Queen's mind."

"Maybe you can't, but I can say with certainty that it was your actions, before, during, and after the invasion, that helped strengthen Her Majesty's resolve." Panaka glanced over my shoulder for a moment before continuing, his smile slightly wider than before. "She has been determined to seek your approval on how best to defend our people, which is why she overrode many initial complaints about the presence of Mandalorians training our security forces."

"I won't argue the point, General. However, I am pleased that you and your people can now defend yourselves from attack."

"Not as much as I might like," Panaka commented with a grunt, "but it is still an improvement over what we once had, and our defences, centred around the converted Lucrehulk, are greater than those of many worlds in the Mid Rim. At least those not along one of the major hyperspace lanes."

"That alone will ensure that nothing like the Federation's invasion will ever happen again." Even as I said that, I wondered if my words would hold true.

Naboo might not be an important strategic system, but as the homeworld of one of the Co-Chancellors, it was a symbolic location. The CIS would target it during the war, of that I was sure, so unless the GAR deployed significant forces to defend it and the Chommell sector, an unlikely event in the initial months given their lack of deployable firepower, Naboo would face a greater threat than the one the Federation had posed during its invasion.

"I would hope that is true. Sadly, with the growing mountain of issues that exist between the Core and the other sections of the galaxy, along with growing animosity between hundreds of sectors and even more worlds, I fear the Republic will soon face a great challenge. One that might see Naboo forced to stand by itself."

"So long as I'm able, I and those who follow me will stand with Naboo, General."

Panaka smiled and then nodded. "I'm pleased to hear you say that. The Hero of Naboo carries almost as much importance as Her Majesty to our people." I opened my mouth to comment on my status among the Naboo. "I am aware that you don't act like a citizen of Naboo, but to many, even without your title, you are as revered as our current monarch. Perhaps in some quarters more so." He extended his hand. "If there is ever a need for you to seek allies, so long as Her Majesty allows it, I will see that the Royal Naboo Security Forces are your ally."

I smiled warmly and shook his hand. "Thank you, General."

I didn't know what, if any, use the Naboo forces would be, but having a potential ally in this section of the galaxy could be incredibly useful. Yes, Naboo was a minor world in the grand scheme of things, but it would grant me a base to work from for expanding my people's influence beyond the northern regions of the galaxy, and if things progressed as I hoped with the Tarkin family on Eriadu, I might be able to generate a swathe of influence in places I'd not expected.

The two worlds weren't that far apart, both in terms of sectors and hyperspace routes, so finding a way to bind them together might be worthwhile. The only issue was that the Tarkins came across as ardent loyalists to the Republic. At least in the sense that it should be more centralised and militarised. I could use that while moving against slavers and their ilk in this section of the galaxy, but come the outbreak of galactic war, I feared I'd lose Eriadu to the GAR. Naboo as well, in all likelihood.

Seemingly with his piece said, Panaka, after offering me a last nod, moved off. I watched him go, seeing that many in the banquet hall were looking our way. Some were being subtle about it, but many weren't. That was understandable as Panaka was, based on his rank, perhaps the head of the Naboo Security Forces, while I was the strange man standing at a formal banquet in battle armour.

"I'm honestly surprised that most of them are avoiding you." I turned at the familiar voice, a little unnerved that he'd managed to sneak up on me without me realising it. "Aside from myself, my Co-Chancellor, and Her Highness, I don't think there is anyone at this gathering of higher standing than you, Cameron."

I lowered my head, offering one of the two heads of the Republic my respect. "Chancellor," I began slowly, glad I'd prepared for meeting the man here tonight. "I'm sorry if I have seemingly been avoiding you. It's just-"

Palpatine held up his free hand, the other holding his glass, smiling warmly as he did so. "Because you dislike such obvious political gatherings and wish to have nothing to do with politics. Yes, I do recall you saying that on an occasion or two."

I laughed gently and used my free hand to scratch the back of my head as if nervous. "Yeah, that." I lowered my hand in an intentionally sheepish manner. "My apologies for such behaviour, Chancellor," I continued, lowering my head slightly as a further apology.

Palpatine waved his free hand. "It is fine. I'm not so conceited as to think that someone I've known for over a decade is avoiding me on purpose." He paused and looked around the room. "And between you and me, I find your company far more enjoyable than that of almost everyone else here. Unlike them, you won't seek to ingratiate yourself with me, or praise my actions in the hopes of earning my favour."

"Isn't that how politics works?"

"That it is," he replied with an amused chuckle. "I had hoped that coming to Her Highness' coronation might allow me to avoid such attention, but even here it is unavoidable."

"You are one of the most powerful beings in the galaxy, Chancellor. It is hardly a shock that most would seek to speak with you, particularly as Her Highness isn't yet present."

Palpatine nodded. "Yes, that is true, I suppose. Still, it is pleasing to be back on Naboo and for a celebration like this instead of commemorating the Invasion."

I nodded and looked around the room, noting the way many were watching our conversation. Most were being subtle about it, but it was clear that without Padmé currently present, Palpatine and I were one of the centres of attention in the ballroom. "Theed looks almost, if not fully, recovered, and based on the work I saw while approaching the palace, it seems the spaceport is undergoing major renovation."

"Yes. From what I was told by Governor Bibble, the spaceport is being expanded to handle heavier and more regular transport, though that is not the only upgrade." He leaned closer as his smile grew. "At the Queen's request, defences have been added to Theed and other cities on the planet. While some can be seen during an official approach, I'm told that most are hidden. A way to appease the Naboo who wish to retain their peaceful ways while ensuring the city isn't as defenceless as it once was."

"Probably still not enough defences," I muttered, "nor are the soldiers as trained as they should be."

"Sadly, not all worlds are devoted to battle, as are those controlled by the Mandalorians." He paused and looked over my armour, smiling warmly. "From what Senator Tarkin reported, your intentions to become the leader of the sector are close to being realised."

"They are. I have taken down almost every challenger in the sector. All that remains now is defeating the last warrior recognised as Mand'alor and then summoning all warriors back to Mandalore."

"I suspect doing that will only see the fervour your actions are causing grow stronger." He took a small sip from his glass. "Along with Chancellor Damask, I will do what I can to minimise the reaction in the Senate. However, I cannot control how the wider galaxy and people of the Republic will react."

I nodded in thanks for the efforts he would be making. There was no logical reason for the Co-Chancellors to make such efforts, or more accurately, for them to go far in doing so. While I held connections to the pair publicly, they owed me nothing. No, this was a clear move by Sidious to further ingratiate himself with me.

"I have given some thought to that issue," I commented with a knowing smirk. "Nothing is set, but once Jango Fett is dead, I'll have to move fast to counter galactic perception."

Palpatine's brow rose slightly at the mention of Jango. "I am not familiar with that name," he said, lying so easily it was a bloody art form. "I take it he is the one you were just referring to?"

"Yes. He is the last obstacle standing between me becoming the true leader of my people."

Palpatine was silent for a few moments, and I wondered what was going through his head. He couldn't offer up Jango as he was the source for the DNA used by Kaminoans to craft the Clone Army. However, if I couldn't take down Jango, then my actions to unite the Mando'ade, and thus, at least in his mind, create a force he could use in his Grand Plan, might be weakened. Whatever mental calculations he was engaging in would be fascinating to observe, though to do so would require me to reveal that I knew the truth about him and his Co-Chancellor.

Before either of us could say anything, a loud burst of music, one I knew marked the presence of the Naboo monarch, rang around the massive room. Along with the others present, we turned to face the grand main doors of the room as they slowly began to open.

"Presenting Her Majesty, Queen Amidala."

I didn't know who had spoken, but the voice echoed around the room in an almost perfect way, suggesting that the speakers, no doubt hidden around the room, were working exactly as intended.

I clapped, as did everyone else, as Padmé moved forward, stepping into the room. As I expected, she was wearing another of those overly extravagant, or stupid if one was being blunt, outfits that were common for her. I knew it was part of the planet's culture, but to me, all those clothes did was hide her natural beauty and elegance from everyone.

That was why I was glad I'd managed to speak with her earlier today before the coronation ceremony had taken place in the main plaza of Theed. That meeting had come about because Padmé had wished to see me, and while short, it had been nice to catch up with her.

Thankfully, Bo hadn't come, instead shooing me to go and speak with Padmé, or 'your queen' as Bo called her with clear amusement. Even though she was carrying our child, Bo was remarkably relaxed about me being friendly – and more – with other women, and I found myself wondering what I'd done to have such an almost perfect partner at my side.

"Another stupid dress," I muttered.

"Perhaps, but it is tradition."

My hands paused for a second as I realised my words had been loud enough for Palpatine to hear. I glanced at him, fearing I'd somehow offended his public persona with my comment about Naboo culture, but he offered a wink when he saw me looking.

"As a Senator and now Chancellor, I have seen cultures that have worse dress sense, though I will say that the custom for the monarch of Naboo is one of the more… elaborate that I have encountered among Human cultures."

"I'm entirely glad I'm Mando'ad and can go for function over display," I whispered as Padmé moved into the room, acknowledging the applause. "Though I do find myself missing the battlefield already. At least there, my enemies are far more obvious."

Padmé glanced my way and paused. While externally there was no reaction from her, I felt the spike of excitement at seeing me again. We had already spoken, but only briefly. She was far too busy to spend more than a dozen minutes with any person not part of organising events and corralling her activities. Still, I was happy that she'd won her second term, even if it meant wearing those heinous costumes.

"Just as in war, an enemy one day might be an ally in the arena of politics," Palpatine said, his voice staying low as Padmé continued to move into the throng of people here to celebrate her victory. "Though the distinction is far less clear in politics than I expect it is in battle."

"All I will say is you have the patience of an angel, Chancellor. If forced to deal with so many two-faced and deceitful sentients on a daily basis, I fear I would reduce the Senate to rubble and install a military government in its place."

Palpatine laughed gently, careful of his volume, as I wondered how much of it was because he didn't realise that I knew such a thing was part of the Grand Plan. "That would certainly streamline the process of government. The need for every decision and ruling to go through various sub-committees and tribunals is something I have never enjoyed as a member of the Senate. Even less so now as I try to effect true change in the Republic."

I moved closer, pushing down any thoughts on how Sidious had behaved in the other timeline. "If the need ever arises, and I am capable of doing so, I would be more than happy to… expedite the process of certain bills and rulings."

"I will keep the offer in mind, though I pray it never comes to that. I would hate to see your reputation tarnished by those unable to grasp the vision needed for the Republic to become prosperous again."

I nodded, choosing to end the short discussion, one with several hidden undertones, there. Padmé was now speaking with several figures from Naboo. I recognised many, including her defeated opponent, and felt a small surge of irritation at the way they fluttered around her.

Almost all of them were doing so not just because it was expected, but in the hopes they might ingratiate themselves with Padmé. It was understandable, but the need for such people, and that was me being kind, to brown-nose to such degrees irritated me greatly. Once more, I found myself glad the Mando'ade were a straightforward people, generally saying what they wanted without the need for flowery, distracting words.

Palpatine excused himself from my side and moved forward, the crowd parting as he approached Padmé. At the same time, I caught sight of Hego Damask moving closer to the Queen as well, the tall Muun standing out in the room of mainly Humans as easily as I did due to my armour. At some point, I knew the other Co-Chancellor and hidden Banite Sith would seek me out, and I was prepared for that.

There was also a chance they might wish to speak with me about the progress of the Outbound Flight project and the hidden search for the Vong. It was unusual for all three of us to be present in one place, mainly as I had refused to head to Coruscant for the last three-plus years since the Invasion of Naboo. Keeping distance from the Banite Sith without making it too obvious remained a balancing act that, as far as I could tell, I was managing.

A gentle beep in my ear caught my attention, and I pulled away from the crowds, moving to slip clear of as many others as I could. Once semi-isolated in the hall, I activated the commlink. "Something the matter?"

The sound of Bo's gentle laughter came through the link. "Isn't that what I should ask you? Stuck in that place with all those aruetiise who offer honey-sweet words without substance."

"It's not all bad," I replied quietly, even as I found it hard to entirely disagree with her assessment. "The food and drinks are at least enjoyable. Though it would've been better if you had been here with me."

"We both know I lack the… patience for such things," Bo replied before grunting quietly.

"Are you okay?"

"It's fine. Just the ad is getting active again." I couldn't stop myself from smiling. Hearing that my child was moving around inside Bo always brought a light to my heart, one I'd never realised I needed until discovering Bo was with child and safe from Pre's machinations. "This is all your fault."

I laughed quietly. "If I recall, you were just as active in causing the ad as I was. More so, some nights."

Bo responded with almost mocking laughter. "Keep telling yourself that, and I'll have you massage my feet when you get back."

"Is that meant to be a punishment?"

"Shebs'palon," Bo shot back, though without any venom. "Anyway, how's the feast going?"

"Padmé has finally arrived," I answered, noting that she was still speaking with the Co-Chancellors and a large group of others who had seemingly come over once the trio had gathered. "In another of those insane creations."

I couldn't see it, but I knew Bo was rolling her eyes. Her opinion on the Naboo dress sense, at least about formal occasions, wasn't something she'd held her tongue on. The rather brutal opinion she'd offered yesterday during a meal with Padmé and several members of her ruling council had offended those members. Padmé hadn't responded, but the gentle smile she wore suggested she might agree with the assessment.

"Di'kute the lot of them," Bo muttered while likely shaking her head. "I mean, I get that they have foolish ideals, but many of them have the heart of a warrior. The Queen in particular. Which might be why she interests you so."

"Bo," I lightly growled.

The sound of her amused laughter drifted down the comm channel. "Relax, ner cyar, I'm not trying to have you drag another into our bed, though if the young Queen and her handmaidens wish to experience a warrior or two, I wouldn't have an issue with it."

My head dropped and my shoulders slumped. Bo had always been open about what she desired and in seeking to claim it, and now she was with child, at least for the time being, her desires had grown more vivacious. To the point that during the meal yesterday, she had all but offered me to Padmé as stress relief.

While she had laughed at the reaction of Padmé and her council members, I still found myself wondering who was more offended. Padmé because of Bo so openly calling out her desires, or her council members for the complete lack of decorum.

"And as I told you yesterday, and many other times, no matter how she might feel about me, I'm not going to pursue her."

"Which is why I told her to chase you."

"Bo!" I hissed, my voice rising enough that several of those nearby glanced my way. A hard stare back had them forget about the moment. I sighed hard and barely resisted the urge to run my hand down my face. "How are Anakin and Sariss doing?" I asked, shifting the conversation.

"She's doing much better now we're away from all those fools, and Anakin," Bo all but giggled, not bothering to hide her amusement at what seemed to be developing between the children, "well, he's at her side. As always. Even the mention of getting a main crystal for his weapon isn't enough to keep his thoughts off Sariss."

A small smirk came to my face at the image that formed in my mind, one that I'd seen on possibly thousands of occasions in the year or so since we'd rescued Sariss from Dromund Kaas. The image of the pair, lightsabers in hand and armour worn, standing together in battle, bravely fighting their way through hordes of droids or clones.

"I'm glad she's doing better," I replied, pushing the image away again. "I did think it was a step too far to have her explore Theed, but it was her choice."

Sariss had, understandably, panicked about thirty minutes into a tour of the capital city. Anakin and Karia had escorted her back to Raven, and the trio had remained there since. Bo was there as well tonight, as beyond her having no interest in this gathering, it was wise to keep her as far from the Chancellors and their Jedi escort as possible.

There was no way they didn't know about her being here or that she was with child. Hells, they likely knew before we'd even left Mandalore. The Banite Sith would have been monitoring me carefully, and with Pre revealing Bo's status over the Holonet all those months ago, I considered it a safe bet they were aware of her carrying my child.

For a while, I had considered where to send Bo to keep her safe, even thinking about Naboo, as it was such an obvious choice that the Co-Chancellors wouldn't think I'd do it. In the end, I'd chosen to have her remain at my side. Beyond it being the safest place for her, I suspected that if I'd suggested that she hide away until the child was born, she'd have tried to remove my head for insulting her honour.

"At least she's willing to push a little. When Anakin's around at any rate."

I bit my tongue on the topic, knowing that no matter how I responded, she'd have a barb ready. "I'll let you know when this thing is over."

"Take your time. Depending on who you're with, I don't mind if you don't come back tonight."

I sighed in annoyance and then closed the channel. There was no point in verbally dancing with Bo over this, as I knew I would lose the battle again. Padmé had always interested me, even before I'd chosen to enter this timeline. However, given the fact that we had been children when we'd first met, the age gap between us, and the fact I had been and still was involved with others, I'd never made any move towards her.

That hadn't stopped her, and I recalled the time she had kissed me in private and rushed away before I could fully process the event. Since then, there had not been any open display of attraction from her, at least not in a public setting, which was where we interacted. However, I could easily sense her growing desire, one that had firmly taken root after I'd helped liberate Naboo, and I was at a loss for how to deal with it.

Yes, Bo was fine with me bedding Padmé, and even her handmaidens, though I felt only Sabé was interested in such a thing, but I was uncertain. I was happy with Bo, Naz was only slowly recovering from what had happened, and there was the fact that my heart yearned still for Serra, something I knew was true for her as well. The idea of dragging anyone else into what I had, at least seriously, felt wrong, as did starting something with Padmé that was only for short-term enjoyment.

I sighed and ran my hand down my face. "When did my love life turn into a freaking trope?" I muttered to myself, glad I was far enough away from the majority of the party to have these moments alone.

My solitude was semi-ruined as I caught Padmé looking my way, her attention having been directed there by Palpatine. As usual, as our eyes met, there was a brief spike of affection and attraction from the Queen, something that both Banite Sith would have picked up on, though with us in a public setting, neither showed any outward reaction.

The only upside was that Serra wasn't present. Along with most of the other Jedi, she was elsewhere overseeing security. Windu was present, standing close to Chancellor Damask's shoulder, and he offered me a nod when I caught his eye. I returned the nod, but otherwise made no move to approach the royal party. I'd not spoken to the Jedi Master so far and had little interest in doing so now.

As Padmé's gaze returned to the Co-Chancellors, I moved to another section of the room. There wasn't any strong liquor present, or anything as enjoyable as ne'tra gal, but at least the wine and food were freely available. Even if I had several crates of the more exquisite local vintages stored on Mandalore, I wasn't going to turn down free drinks when they were offered.

… …

---

… …
I walked through the snow slowly, mindful of the shifting depths beneath. Ahead of me, caring far less about the conditions, even as frigid as they were, Anakin and Sariss were enjoying themselves.

My Apprentice had seen snow and cold conditions before, but this was the first time he'd come to a world where, bar a small slice of land around the planet's equator, everything was covered in snow and ice. As for Sariss, it was a new wonder, one she was clearly enjoying, though I knew that the clothing she was wearing, designed to help her tolerate the environment, was helping ensure she could.

Without that, and the armour Anakin wore, I suspected the pair would be enjoying the world far less than they currently were.

"Observation: I fail to see why the young builder and his companion are so pleased to be here."

I chuckled at HK's comment, which came through the Battlenet. Along with R2, the droid remained on Raven, unwilling to depart. While he was capable of functioning in such climates, he had mentioned that getting dampness in his servos and other components would hinder his effectiveness. The astromech, meanwhile, had simply whined and retreated to Raven's engine room when I asked if he wanted to come out.

That was fine as I didn't want either of them on the world, though at least they were far less unhappy about the planet than Raven. She had no issue with the cold, being built to fly through the depths of space. However, she found the chill unusual and slightly unsettling, though some of that no doubt came from the foreign component attached to her hull since Naboo.

"Call it a failing of being organic," I replied to HK even as I called up the connection to Raven and confirmed the small device was still attached to a section of her inorganic hull and was active.

A stop at a refuelling station had allowed me to confirm that the device was a tracking module, one used by bounty hunters and assassins to follow the route of a target through hyperspace. Now, it couldn't confirm where exactly a ship would exit any particular hyperspace route, but it would transmit a signal through the Holonet that could be followed, allowing the hunter to run down their quarry.

Whoever it was that had placed the device on Raven was after me, and that was fine. While Anakin and Sariss were busy on this world, seeking what they were here for, an attempt on my life by a hunter or assassin would let me test how well I fought in such an environment. If I were extremely fortunate, even if it wasn't Jango, the one tracking me would be skilled enough to actually challenge me. After dealing with political events on Naboo, I was itching to vent my annoyance and throw myself into battle once more.

"Statement: There are almost too many of them to list, Master."

I chuckled under my helmet, tracking the movements of the two children as they moved around, laughing and playing. "Fair."

As Anakin knelt and called Sariss over, I smirked and dropped down. While the pair looked at whatever the boy had found, I gathered some snow in my hand, compressing it firmly.

My throw was perfect, and I watched as the snowball sailed through the air before Anakin lifted his head. I'd hidden my intentions from the Force, and he wasn't wearing his helmet, but even so, he'd sensed the incoming projectile, and as I kept watching, he raised a hand.

The snowball exploded against his palm, and after looking at the shattered remains as they rejoined the rest of the snow at his feet, he looked at me in confusion.

"It's called a snowball," I explained as Sariss turned, some confusion on her face, though not enough to displace the warmth and enjoyment she'd been displaying up until now. "It's fun to throw them at each other in a mock fight," I added as I knelt and gathered more snow.

Anakin smiled, understanding my words, though Sariss looked understandably confused. Given her upbringing until the last year, it wasn't a shock that she was still struggling to understand the concept of fun, though as Anakin reached down and began gathering snow, she copied his actions.

I made sure a second snowball was ready while watching the pair work. Seeing Anakin enjoy himself was always worthwhile, and the fact that Sariss was opening up a little now was something I was proud of Anakin for. Given what she'd endured, it wouldn't have shocked anyone if she had never recovered or had lost herself to the voices of the Dark Side as it dragged her down while promising vengeance. That Anakin was, if not destroying those voices, then at least tempering them, was something slightly amazing, and another sign of his importance to the future.

Once the pair had their first snowballs ready, I braced with mine. Soon enough, they would have to start searching for a crystal while I would prepare for my guest, but for today at least, they could enjoy themselves and just be kids.

… …
I leaned back, putting my feet up on a nearby rock as I sat on a chair I'd brought out of Raven. Currently, I was watching a cave, waiting patiently for Anakin and Sariss to come out. Interestingly, both had, independently, been led to this cave by the Force.

After an afternoon of playing around in the snow, something both had enjoyed immensely – even if HK had questioned the point in such a battle when we returned to Raven – I had asked both to enter meditation in separate locations on Raven. When Anakin had ended his meditation, after drawing a possible location for a crystal from the Force, he'd come to me and marked that place on a datapad containing a planetary map.

Sariss had arrived a little later, her training not as advanced as Anakin's, and her ability to resist the twisted words of the Dark Side was not as developed. When handed a separate pad with the same map, she'd marked the same general location.

We'd moved to this general area that night, and the following morning, both had meditated again, demanding further information from the Force on where the crystals might be. When both had emerged and pointed to the same mountain, the one Raven was now parked about a third of the way up, I'd become certain the Force was guiding them as one.

I didn't understand why that was happening, but I saw no problem with their bond growing closer. Each could help the other, and when we'd arrived at this mountain, they'd headed out almost instantly. I could feel the Force swirling around them, and was pleased to see that they weren't letting it guide them. Instead, they were each taking control of it to gain the knowledge they wished for.

Before they'd entered, I'd bent the Force to learn what was inside. There were local creatures, predators of some form. At first, I had considered entering with them to ensure the beasts didn't threaten them. However, with some time to think on it, I had decided against doing so. The beasts were a challenge they needed to overcome, and I'd made sure they were aware of that.

Anakin had his armour and my shoto while I'd given Sariss some durasteel armour to wear along with twin blasters. The same kind, interestingly, that Bo used.

She, along with Karia and the escort fleet, would by now be back at Mandalore. Bo had wanted to come with me, but I'd denied the request. Beyond this being a private matter for Anakin and Sariss, Bo was almost two-thirds of the way through her pregnancy, and I felt better having her back on Mandalore under the protection of her father. I'd not phrased it that way, but I'd done enough to convince her to return without me and take the escort fleet with her.

I shifted in my seat as Raven reacted to something, though before I could reach out through the Force to learn what was the matter, there was a familiar click inside my helmet.

"Statement: Master, the sensors are tracking a vessel entering orbit," HK remarked over the commlink. "Based on preliminary projections, the vessel's path will bring it close to our location."

"Seems like our guest has finally arrived," I replied, even as I reached into the Force, demanding knowledge of who dared to challenge me.

"Query: Should I prepare a suitable welcome?"

I smirked even as I bent the Force to my will, getting it to provide me with the information I wanted. As the vague shape of the ship that was descending appeared in my mind's eye, I smiled warmly.

"No. It seems I'm finally going to meet someone I've been waiting on since before Dromund Kaas," I answered as I opened my eyes. I looked up, seeking the descending vessel.

Even with the design of the helmet, I couldn't make out the shape of the ship far above as it dropped through the atmosphere, the air around it ablaze. Thanks to the Force, however, I knew what make and model of vessel was approaching, and as I stood, one hand confirming my lightsaber hilt was at my hip, I smiled.

Reaching behind me, I pulled the rifle, a modified WESTAR-M4 I'd recently begun carrying, from my back. The weapon was the current top-of-the-range blaster rifle from WESTAR and had been a gift from Bo. With the option of everything from single-shot to full-auto fire, at an impressively high rate, along with an under-barrel grenade launcher, it was an effective weapon and one that, while powered differently, reminded me heavily of rifles from my former life.

A quick check confirmed the power pack was fully charged. The rifle didn't have a massive base range, but it was enough to ensure I could engage in ranged battle if I chose to do so without drawing on the Force. Given who was approaching, that would be the case during the upcoming battle.

"Stay on Raven and don't come out until I've finished greeting our guest."

I closed the link there, my eyes still tracking the rapidly descending vessel, even as I felt a shift in the Force. One that signalled an approaching challenge, though not one I would be backing away from.

This was a moment that, like my duel with Maul and my adoption of Anakin, though perhaps not quite on the same level, had the potential to alter the future significantly. It was probably in my mind, but I swore I heard the first few bars of music echoing in the Force, a tune I remembered vividly, and I couldn't help smiling at the dance of fate I was about to engage in.

"This is going to be fun," I muttered to myself as I began walking away, seeking to put some distance between myself, Raven, and the cave Anakin and Sariss were in.

Even as I moved, I chuckled as I considered the world I was on, and the fact that I was close to another system, one of great significance to two important figures in the galaxy.

Rhen Var was a single hyperspace jump from Galidraan, the world that had set both men on their paths. Dooku's had already changed, and he had recently become Count of House Dooku. Now I was going to alter that of the approaching bounty hunter. For Jango Fett, unless I failed in the upcoming battle, these would be the final steps he took in this life.

… …
A gentle beep from the Battlenet broke me from my trance, and I stood, shaking my head gently as I did so. The ground wasn't cold as the armour and underweave ensured my body temperature was regulated. However, choosing to cut myself off from the Force was always a strange experience when I first broke from the meditation trance needed to carry out the act.

Checking the information flowing into my HUD, I confirmed that the modified Firespray-class patrol ship had finished its initial descent and was now angling towards my location. There were no signs on the hull to reveal the name of the vessel, but I already knew because of the Force, and the fact that I had ingrained the image of this particular variant into my mind, that this was Slave-1.

I looked around, pleased with my current location.

After collecting the tracker from Raven's hull, I'd moved about two kilometres from her and the others. I had no idea how Jango would approach this battle, but I wasn't going to place Raven in danger on the chance he might choose to attack her in an opening salvo. Even so, I'd left orders with the droids to ensure the shields were as active as they could be without her taking off.

A check of the Battlenet confirmed that Anakin and Sariss hadn't returned from the cave. I didn't have the Force to ensure the pair were safe, but there was nothing on the 'net to suggest they were in danger. Plus, as long as they remained in the cave, they would be hidden from Jango on the off chance he chose to move against them.

I watched, rifle now in my hand, as Slave-1 raced towards me, not showing any signs of slowing. The rifle's scope, along with the inbuilt systems of my armour, provided the HUD with a projected flightpath. Along that was the point where the blaster would be able to fire effectively, though given the approaching ship would have shields along with decent to heavy armour, the chances of any bolt doing real damage were slim. Perhaps none without the Force to guide my actions.

It was a potentially dangerous choice not to rely on the Force in the coming battle. Jango was considered to be a greater and more dangerous warrior than any Mando'ad I'd fought over the last year and a bit. However, if I were to defeat him and remove the last true challenger to my ascent to becoming Mand'alor, to say nothing of completing the Dragon of Mandalore quest, I knew this was the way to go.

Add in the slowly increasing adrenaline running through my body, and I knew I was looking forward to the upcoming battle.

Through the linked scope and HUD, I tracked Slave-1 as it raced closer, various points on the craft being marked out as potential targets or places of danger. The distance tracker decreased rapidly, falling from twenty to ten kilometres in what felt like the blink of an eye. Not that I was blinking as I tracked the approaching threat.

A faint beep came from the HUD as two sections on the front of the Firespray opened. Before the plumes of smoke and the shafts of metal enclosed in them emerged from the vessel, I was moving.

I'd already laid out the surrounding terrain, planning how to use it for the upcoming battle. As such, I raced towards the nearest large outcropping of rock, seeking protection from the incoming missiles.

I slid to a halt as the HUD reported the missiles' flightpaths weren't towards where I'd been, but towards the nearest spots providing cover. Which included the rock outcropping I'd been moving towards.

Turning, I plotted the next closest safe point. Realising I wouldn't make it there, I knelt and braced.

The missiles struck. Rock, snow, and ice were blasted outward in twin shockwaves. Shockwaves that I wasn't able to avoid.

The ground under me couldn't withstand the shock, and I was sent hurtling back. The waves only drove me back faster and harder.

The HUD beeped, warning of a new threat as I shifted my body, rolling with the blast wave, trusting the armour to protect me.

As the roll stopped, my rifle was already lifting, tracking the new target as Slave-1 soared past overhead.

The ground around me exploded, bolts from twin blaster pistols striking it. Above me, using his jetpack effectively, Jango Fett raced towards the ground.

My rifle spoke in response, bolts surging into the sky.

Jango moved, shifting away from my shots even as he returned fire.

I scampered, the HUD having mapped the altered battlefield after the missile strike.

A grenade launched from my rifle, exploding about halfway between Jango and me. Through the smoke, Jango's pistols continued to fire.

The HUD reported a strike against one section of my armour, the beskar easily tanking the strike as I reached cover.

"Hello to you, too," I called out from behind the cover even as I slid the barrel of my rifle around it.

Jango's response was more bolts from his pistols. The rocks I was using for cover cracking with each strike.

With the help of the HUD, I projected the path of the bolts, or more accurately, where they had come from, and through that, Jango's movement.

A burst of bolts rose from my rifle. As expected, the bolts missed, but they forced Jango's attack line to change.

"What? You got a problem with me becoming Mand'alor?" I shouted. I didn't expect him to respond, but if I acted like I thought that was why he was targeting me, I might draw him into a mistake, though the odds of that were insanely small.

His response, a collection of small grenades, each smaller than my palm, exploded around my cover, showering me and my armour in rock, snow, and ice.

I grunted in annoyance as the air filled with debris, and through it, incoming bolts from him resumed. The jetpack was a kriffing problem, and after the rockets earlier, the number of positions I could use for cover had decreased more than I'd have liked.

From my vambrace, I launched a series of small capsules. As they exploded, filling the air with smoke – or something like it that also disrupted sensors – I moved, shifting cover closer to Jango's location.

The moment I was clear of the chaff, bolts came at me. While I moved, I shot into the sky half-wildly. I didn't need to strike him, just force him onto the defence for a moment. His armour, to the best of my knowledge, was made of durasteel, not beskar. Lighter and more agile, but it lacked the resiliency of beskar. That said, I suspected Jango knew how to overcome that disadvantage and maybe even exploit the trademark metal of our people.

As I slipped behind fresh cover, I pressed my back against the rock, holding the rifle close. After a single breath to compose myself, I popped back out from the same side I'd taken cover.

My rifle spoke, filling the air with bolts. Jango shifted, his jetpack carrying him out of the path of my initial volley even as he returned fire.

His bolts were faster, mine stronger. A match for both our armour and how we fought. At least while I didn't use the Force.

As we exchanged fire, my mind rushed, running through ways to counter, if not outright remove, the jetpack. So long as he had that, Jango had the advantages of manoeuvrability and elevation. Two things that often decided a firefight when other factors were equal, or close to it.

I had to draw him down, or in some way expose the jetpack enough that I could target it.

I pushed back a thought of annoyance at cutting myself off from the Force. With it, this fight would already be over. However, this wasn't a simple assassination attempt. No, this was the last trial for me to overcome to truly become Mand'alor. If I wanted the throne, I had to earn it properly.

The HUD provided details of the battlefield, offering paths to move along as well as possible locations where I could counter Jango's jetpack.

Deciding on one choice, even as I continued to exchange fire with him, I moved around my current cover. As Jango shifted his location to keep me in sight, I reached into a protected pouch on my belt.

Drawing my hand from the pouch, I tossed half a dozen small grenades. They were the same size as those Jango had used earlier, and as the micro-detonators exploded in the air, I rushed forward, crashing into the blast waves they generated.

As I emerged from the chaos, my rifle was ready. Bolts surged from the barrel, racing towards Jango.

The bounty hunter had pulled back, perhaps having a hint of my intentions. I couldn't see his face, nor read his emotions without the Force, but I was sure he was surprised when my shots, instead of targeting him, struck part of the mountain behind him.

As he shifted in the air, seeking to avoid the debris I'd blasted free with overpowered bolts, I flicked a switch on the rifle, changing it to single-shot. Taking a calming breath, I squeezed the trigger in rapid succession.

Jango moved in the air, shifting his body to avoid the bolts. As he did, I saw my opening.

A single bolt managed to slip close enough to strike part of the jetpack.

Even as Jango returned fire and moved, seeking new cover, the HUD reported a spark from his back, and a small smile came to my face.

While I moved, my rifle fired, the shots a little wild, while Jango's were precise. Three struck my armour, each thankfully on a section of beskar. Before a fourth could land, I was behind new cover. As I flicked the rifle back to burst mode, the HUD reported Jango had descended a little.

Based on the trajectory of the incoming bolts, that seemed true. However, I couldn't be certain the jetpack was entirely removed from the battle.

Moving around the cover, I extended the barrel and released a grenade. Before it struck its target, it exploded in midair.

I cursed even while respecting Jango's skill. I didn't stay still, however. My rifle sang, firing five bolts at a time in his general direction.

As I kept firing, shifting slightly between bursts to avoid return fire, I reached into another pouch on my belt.

Over the top of the rock that I was behind, I tossed a handful of pellets. The moment the HUD reported them detonating, I moved.

Through the smoke generated, bolts came from Jango. Even with my rifle on burst fire, I couldn't match the number of bolts coming my way.

I slid, dropping low to reach fresh cover. As I was doing so, my rifle spoke.

There was a pause in return fire, and when it came again, the angle had shifted. Jango was using my smoke to move just as I had.

I cursed again, my mind running through new options even as we kept exchanging fire.

If not for the armour I wore, this battle might well have been over. Though if I didn't have the armour, I'd not have chosen to cut myself off from the Force. For all his skill, I knew I could take Jango in seconds with the Force at my command.

But an easy, dishonourable victory wasn't what I wanted. This had to be clean and pure to silence the last doubters among my people.

My rifle suddenly sparked and died. I cursed loudly under my helmet as the HUD reported I'd been struck by an EMP dart.

I dropped the now-useless weapon and pulled a pistol from its holster with one hand, the other grasping the hilt of my lightsaber.

The pistol sang, sending a surge of bolts towards Jango's location. As I fired, I chose to emerge from my cover.

My lightsaber moved, deflecting much of Jango's incoming fire, the HUD helping counter my current lack of Force connection. Some got through, striking the beskar plates.

As one bolt found a gap, catching the underweave, I snarled. Not for the first time, I cursed the gaps in the current design of the armour. It needed to change.

Such thoughts weren't suitable for a battle, and I pushed them away as I started advancing. My pistol continued to fire, soaking Jango's position in as many bolts as I could. My lightsaber danced in the air, slower than I was used to, but well enough to block Jango's shots.

Several bolts were sent back at him, forcing Jango to withdraw slightly. From the HUD's projected map, overlaid as it was with the minimap, I predicted two possible paths he could take to shift from cover.

I moved to the first, predicting he'd go high by using the jetpack.

A warning from the HUD came mere milliseconds before he emerged to my right. My blade slashed the air, cutting where bolts would be. There weren't any.

In their place, filling my sight, rose a plume of fire.

Through the flames, I fired my pistol, seeking to strike the man using the flamethrower.

At the same time, I used the HUD to guide darts launched from the vambrace on the pistol-holding arm.

As they dove into the flames, seemingly swallowed by them with contemptuous ease, I stepped back, mindful of the HUD's warning of increasing temperature, though I set my feet to bound forward.

A moment later, a series of miniature explosions erupted in the surging wall of fire.

For a single moment, gaps appeared in the flames.

As they closed, I surged towards him. The HUD complained of the increased heat as my vision was consumed by the flames.

My lightsaber swung, angling for Jango and his vambrace.

The blade struck, though far earlier than I had expected.

I barely caught the warning from the HUD before the flames were engulfed in an intense, but short, explosion.

As I was sent hurtling back, I grimaced and smirked at the same time. I'd missed the vambrace, and with it, Jango's arm. However, I'd struck the jetpack, causing it to partially explode.

I grunted in pain as I slammed into a rock, the one I'd recently used as cover.

Falling to a knee, I shook my head, clearing as best I could the cobwebs brought on by the explosion. I'd taken a bad hit, but Jango should be wor-

I had little time to react as a figure appeared before me. In one hand was a pistol that was firing, while the other was empty.

I barely managed to shift so that the bolts struck my chest plate. At the same time, my lightsaber came up, sending sparks flying as it struck the vambrace on Jango's free arm.

I grunted as something wrapped around the wrist holding my blade. Jango pulled back his arm, and I snarled as I felt my arm being pulled with his, my fingers digging into the hilt of my lightsaber.

I dropped my pistol, bringing the hand around to grasp Jango's weapon even as he yanked hard on the cord wrapped around my other hand.

As I pushed his pistol skyward, the tension on my lightsaber grip suddenly stopped. Before I could shift my arm, something hard slammed into my forearm, and I felt the hilt fall from my grip.

The snow sizzled for a second before the blade disengaged.

I drove the now-empty hand forward, slamming the fist into Jango's helmet as my other hand wrenched on his pistol, shifting it away from me.

Sparks rose as he dragged something over my forearm, disabling my vambrace. My hand tugged, pulling his pistol from his grasp.

Something roared, and I felt Jango pull back.

Understanding it was his jetpack, or what remained of it, firing, I lifted the arm with the still-working vambrace.

Before Jango had got far, a cord rushed from my vambrace, wrapping around his legs.

Planting my feet, I grasped the cord with both hands and pulled downwards.

Jango came down, striking the ground hard. The jetpack sparked, and as I cut the cord, readying myself to pounce, Jango rolled away.

I smirked at seeing the jetpack left behind, broken and unusable.

The HUD reported my hilt was in reach, but not in the direction of Jango.

I leapt forward, reaching with one hand for his wrist as I saw him moving for a sheathed blade. My other hand worked to swiftly pull my beskad free.

His vibroblade came free.

He moved to meet me.

I twisted my wrist, letting the edge of his weapon drag over my armour. My blade struck a shield he projected from his vambrace.

His free hand grasped the wrist of the hand holding my beskad, and I did the same to his hand holding the vibroblade.

I was sure he was grunting like I was as we struggled, fighting for dominance.

His leg swept out, seeking to strike mine.

I shifted my feet, turning us just enough that the sweep missed.

I pushed forward, seeking to turn the failed move to my advantage.

Jango fell back, letting me come with him.

His foot pressed against my stomach.

I grunted as he extended the leg, driving the heel of his boot into my gut.

My grasp on his wrist remained as he crashed to the ground.

I felt myself being pushed up and over his body.

My leg extended, striking him around his knee before I went over.

I grumbled in annoyance and pain.

I'd lost my grasp on him, but he had lost his on me.

I rolled to one side and then pulled myself to my knees.

His blade flashed at me. My beskad came up, blocking and deflecting the thrust.

I rolled my arm so I could push his away, taking the blades out of the fight for a second.

My free hand rushed forward, forming a fist that crashed into his side. The faint sound that slipped from under his armour made me smile.

That disappeared as his foot crashed against my shin.

I moved with the strike, turning to one side.

My beskad came back into play, clashing with his vibroblade.

My free hand grasped his blade-holding wrist.

His fist slammed into my side.

My knee drove into his gut.

His legs locked around one of mine.

Light erupted in my face. My hands came back to defend.

By the time I realised it was a flashbang from his remaining vambrace, his blade had already driven into my side.

Pain rushed through me as the blade cut through the underweave and dug into my flesh.

The armour injected me with painkillers and numbing agents. The wound was far enough away from the small bacta sprays that they couldn't engage.

Part of me wanted to stumble back, to create room. That wasn't the right choice.

I pushed forward, keeping the blade in my side even as it did further damage.

My beskad thrust forward. The tip crashed against durasteel.

With a grunt, I dropped as much weight as I could onto the blade.

The creak of metal bending reached my ears.

Jango's free hand came up, striking at my shoulder, but I kept my grasp on my blade.

The tip pushed through the durasteel, digging into the man's chest.

Jango rolled, turning away before the beskad could sink deeper.

The blade was ripped from my hands by the move, trapped as it was in his armour.

I rolled the other way, my now-free hand going to where his blade had wounded me.

A glance at my hand confirmed blood was flowing freely.

Jango righted himself, aiming his remaining vambrace at me.

Bolts rushed from it, aimed at my wound.

Before they struck, a faint but familiar howl filled the air.

The red-black of my lightsaber slashed the air, destroying the incoming bolts.

I smirked, glad some luck was with me so that when I rolled away, I ended up close to the hilt.

I stood, ignoring the pain in my side, even while keeping one hand over the wound, using the armour on my gauntlet to shield it.

Jango got to one knee, his vambrace still firing.

My lightsaber deflected some of the bolts, the rest striking the beskar of my armour.

I advanced as Jango pulled another blade from his belt.

He moved slowly, mindful of the lightsaber.

I set my feet, adopting the duelling stance.

As I prepared to strike, I wondered if he saw the stance and understood the significance of it. That the one who'd taught me the form was the one he'd fought on Galidraan.

In the end, it didn't matter, and I advanced.

He bounced back, moving rapidly to avoid the tip of my blade. Durasteel stood no chance against a lightsaber, and we both knew it.

My blade sliced the air, cutting down more bolts as they raced towards me.

Jango rolled to one side, avoiding the following slash of my lightsaber as I flicked it towards him.

As he came out of the roll, the vambrace had stopped firing.

I advanced, blade at the ready.

A cord shot from the vambrace, coiling around the wrist holding my lightsaber before I could pull it clear.

Jango grasped the cord and pulled, drawing me forward.

I let myself be pulled and lowered my arm. The lightsaber sliced the cord with ease, and I found myself closer to him. Though my blade was off-angle.

His blade came forward, seeking the wound I was still covering with my free hand.

I moved the hand, grasping the blade.

The sound of the metal groaning as I grasped it with beskar-covered gloves amused me even as I shifted my other arm, trying to bring my lightsaber back around. The slightest clip of the plasma against his arm would take it out of the fight.

Jango, sensing this, stood and pushed into me, manoeuvring his body to the far side of my lightsaber. I grunted for the umpteenth time as he drove his free fist into my gut.

A snarl slipped from me as the vambrace on that arm unloaded at point-blank range.

I let go of his blade, pushing it away as I turned. The bolts from the vambrace mostly struck my armour, but the HUD reported several strikes against the underweave, two burning through enough that I knew I had more wounds.

While moving back, I slashed the air between us. Jango was forced to pull his arm back, though I savoured the sparks that flew into the air as my blade clipped his remaining vambrace, taking that out of action like the other.

My feet dug into the snow, and as Jango moved the arm, no doubt seeking another weapon from his collection, I pushed forward again.

My lightsaber thrust for the free arm. He reacted, twisting his body. Just as I had hoped.

My opposite leg swung out. Before he could counter, the front of my knee crashed into the side of one of his.

A sickening sound echoed around us as his leg buckled under the strike.

He fell away, his body crumpling under the damage.

I managed to keep my balance, though my body turned as I moved. Leaning into it, I pivoted and brought my blade around.

The blade sliced the air and then cut clean through his neck.

As I steadied myself, I watched as the body fell to the ground.

Even with my body protesting, and realising there were calls through the Battlenet, I smiled as I looked down at his body. "About kir-"

The words died in my throat as my eyes caught something fall from his lifeless hand.

"Mother fu-" I cursed as the grenade rolled towards me in slow motion.

… …

---

… …
(Sidious' POV)

Palpatine bit back his anger and frustration. While the Grand Plan had called for him to be elected Chancellor, after over three and a half years in office, he was growing tired of the façade. At least when it came to having to deal with the continual and tedious bills, requests, and meetings he was forced to endure daily.

He understood that almost every bill that passed, or didn't, worked to slowly increase the control he had over the Senate, and through it the Republic, but it was tiresome to continually deal with such matters. Yes, Mas Amedda, Sage Prestige, and others ensured that only the most important documents and datapads reached his desk, but that still left a large pile every day that he had to handle.

Add in the number of situations, both those crafted by himself and his Master and those not, that they had to keep informed about, and the position of Chancellor was growing ever more tiresome. He longed for the days when the Grand Plan could enter its final stages and his control over all important matters was secure, but it was still at least five years before they could take such steps.

Their plans had been delayed slightly due to the primary target for a figurehead of the anti-Republic faction, Dooku, slipping through their fingers. However, the replacement, recently acquired after the failure of the Outbound Flight project – though none bar Sidious, his Master, and a handful of their most loyal servants knew of that yet – had been secured. It would just take time to train the fallen Jedi into something useful.

Palpatine's thoughts shifted to Cameron Shan, the young Force user who had disrupted the plan to use the now-Count Dooku as their figurehead. The boy had left the Jedi over a year ago and moved to gather the Mandalorian Clans under his control. An unexpected ripple in the Grand Plan, but one that Sidious had already corrected for. Indeed, in the later years, once Plagueis was gone and he required a true Apprentice, Sidious intended to take Shan into that role, or failing that, his child if the youngling had close to the father's potential.

His thoughts were interrupted again as the door to the Chancellor's office slid open and he saw his Master, in the form of his public persona, Hego Damask, enter. "Ah, there you are," the Muun said coolly. "It seems a variable has arisen that needs to be considered."

Palpatine raised a brow slightly, wondering what his Master was speaking of.

The Muun moved to the table in one corner of the room, settling into one of the chairs designed for his taller frame. He placed a small datacard into the console at the centre of the table as Palpatine stood and moved closer.

"Am I to assume this is Shan?" Palpatine asked as the still image of a helmeted Mandalorian warrior appeared.

"Indeed," his Master replied. "It seems that during his return from Naboo, Shan was able to draw Jango Fett out of hiding and eliminate him."

Palpatine nodded, having already expected that variable. The moment Shan had begun unifying the Mandalorians, it was logical to assume that Fett would either kill Shan or be removed from the Grand Plan. Because of that, extra donations of DNA had been taken by the Kaminoans to secure the work on the Clone Project. "Disappointing, but at least we made preparations for this, and we still retain control over the unaltered clone."

"True, but it could become an issue in several years as the base samples begin to degrade, and with Shan's latest move, finding a suitable replacement from the Mandalorians has grown more troublesome."

Palpatine frowned as he settled into a seat around the table, wondering what latest ripple Shan had introduced. The image of Shan flickered, signalling the recording was beginning, and Palpatine leaned back, carefully watching to discover the truth.

"To the people of the galaxy: many of you do not know me, save for the armour that I wear. That is understandable, but soon everyone, from the deepest worlds in the Core to the farthest-flung systems of the galaxy, will know my name and what I represent."
"I do not stand before you today, broadcasting across the Republic, to make a threat. I am not declaring another war between my people and the Republic and the Jedi. I am here to openly speak a truth, one known far and wide, but one that is only whispered of in corridors far from the halls of power and influence."
"For too long, the Republic, the so-called bastion of freedom and democracy, has failed to enforce the ideals it was founded upon. Instead, the Senators, Kings, Lords, Prime Ministers, Chancellors, and every other person in power have bickered away in luxury while their citizens have watched their worlds and systems decay and wither."
"And where were the defenders of justice and peace, the Jedi, during all this? While some did indeed try to stem the tide, most sat in their ivory tower, watching endlessly while they debated the morality of intervention. Even then, they only stepped forward once the Senate, rotten and twisted to its core, told them where to go and what to do."
"This cannot continue, which is why I stand here now to say your cries have been heard."
"For every family that has suffered, for every sentient forced to endure terror and fear because of syndicates, slavers, warlords, and despots. For the forgotten systems of the Outer Rim and elsewhere, who only matter to the Core as somewhere to be exploited. For those who have cried to the stars, seeking the chance, any chance, to find the strength to stand on their feet and fight back, your voices have not been lost in the void."
"The warriors of Mandalore have heard you."
"For too long, due to our own failings and the actions of the Republic and Jedi, we were a broken, scattered people. We fought alone as nomads and mercenaries: warriors without a banner to stand behind."
"That time is over."
"The days of scattered Clans and lone warriors have ended."
"Under a single banner, we are united once more, and through our actions will seek to end the injustices, to correct the imbalances, and to fix the problems the Republic and Jedi have failed to solve."
"Many of you will see me standing here, saying the Mando'ade are united, and cower in fear. You will remember the stories of the past where we rampaged across the galaxy, seeking battle and glory for the simple sake of it."
"Those days have ended."
"We no longer seek to destroy and conquer. We now seek to restore and rebuild what others, those who should have done so, failed to do."
"For those in the corridors of power, be that on the Jewel of the Republic, or anywhere else in the galaxy, let me be clear. This is not a declaration of war against the Republic, nor a desire to renew old grievances with the Jedi."
"We do not seek to topple Coruscant."
"We do not seek conflict with the Jedi, or any other group that says it stands for freedom."
"However, we shall no longer stand idle while slavery, a crime outlawed across the galaxy, flourishes on worlds under the so-called protection of the Republic. We will not sit on our hands as pirates terrorise trade routes, sometimes even under the protection of those in power, and crime syndicates purchase the loyalty of those who are meant to protect the people they serve, silencing the chorus of justice."
"Others might turn a blind eye, and take Credits while doing so."
"My people do not."
"We do not turn a blind eye to injustice and terror."
"We will strike it down until all are free."
"To those in the Outer Rim, who have toiled under the terror of pirates, legal or otherwise, know that our work has already begun."
"Slaver rings have been shattered, freeing tens of thousands. Pirate fleets have been vaporised, and criminals given the punishment they deserve."
"These are not acts of aggression against the people of the galaxy. They are acts carried out by those willing to take on the responsibility of protecting and uplifting those who desire it."
"I know that even as my words reach you, many will be thinking: Can warriors such as the Mandalorians bring peace?"
"Your concerns are valid, your fears justified. But I ask you, in the thousands of years that the Republic, in one form or another, has existed, have the diplomats succeeded? Has the Senate, which regularly promises to do so, truly cleaned up the corruption that infects its own halls, let alone on worlds beyond the Core?"
"Has the Republic kept its promises to the masses of the galaxy?"
"My people are not here to debate the philosophy of our actions. We are here to get results, and will do so in a manner that slavers, pirates, thugs, and criminals understand."
"If your world is plagued by lawlessness, seek us out."
"If your people have been enslaved, even through loopholes that those in power claim are just and legal, or by those in power simply turning a blind eye for Credits, call out, and we will come."
"If your children are stolen and forced into service by criminal organisations no better than scum, we will do what we can to bring them home."
"We are not saints. We do not do what we do because there is a reward for it."
"We are doing it because someone has to."
"To those who would seek to deny our moves, or claim them illegal, I offer a single warning. Do not seek to hide behind your failures or false bravado, nor call for discussions in committees of endless voices."
"We will not wait for deliberation. We will not ask for permission."
"We will do what we must."
"We are not politicians. We are Mando'ade. We are warriors."
"And this galaxy needs warriors for a cause far greater than another pointless war of conquest."
"To the Republic, we say this: Stand with us, or stand aside."
"To the Jedi, and those like them, we say: We are not coming for your Temples, nor do we wish to see your blood. We seek only the truth. If you truly serve justice, then do not fear or oppose us. Instead, aid us."
"And to the criminals across the galaxy, protected however and wherever you are behind however many layers of protection – legal or otherwise – hear this: We are coming for you."
"You will find no safe harbour or refuge in the galaxy."
"We are hunting you, and we never fail to kill what we hunt."
"My people are once more rising, and this time not to conquer, but to cleanse, to rebuild, and to protect."
"Oya!"​

The recording stopped there, and Palpatine leaned back in his seat, considering Shan's words.

"While he is still unrefined, I cannot deny that he has a presence to him, one that projects even through a hologram," he said, allowing a small, proud smile to come to his lips.

He remembered the young child who had posed as his nephew all those years ago. Even then, he had sensed the power lurking in Shan, but it was untempered and unrefined. There was still significant room for improvement, but it seemed that Shan had taken the steps needed to become a figure of power and influence in the galaxy. One that not even he, a Sith Lord, could ignore.

"That he does. However, as I said, with Fett now dead, a suitable replacement for later generations of clones will be difficult to source from the Mandalorians."

Palpatine nodded, understanding his Master's concern. "True, but I do think the opportunity will remain. Beyond those Fett gathered on Kamino, not every Mandalorian will follow Shan. Those that don't will become outcasts, and beyond seeking to undermine what he is proposing, they might be of sufficiently comparable skill to Fett to be useful for later generations of clones." He leaned forward, his smile shifting slightly as he did so. "There are also opportunities here we can exploit."

"Such as?" Damask asked calmly, giving nothing away regarding his thoughts or feelings on the matter.

Palpatine's smile grew, and he prepared to reply. Shan's actions weren't perfectly aligned with the Grand Plan, but he could be guided to ensure the Plan came to fruition.

The trick was handling things in both the public and private spheres.

Shan had generated another ripple, but it was far from enough to disrupt the Grand Plan as it neared its final steps.

… …

---

… …
A/N: This marks the end of Book 3. Next month will see the start of Book 4.
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This story is cross-posted on Fanfiction.net and Royal Road. Archive of Our Own deleted it over some bs, and I haven't gotten around to re-uploading it.
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For those wishing to join the Discord for the story, the server link is:
For this series: Heart of the Force
For general chaos/Gamer stories: Shiro's Gaming Omniverse
(Those on the story server who engage in chat can earn access to a chapter ~ 1 month before it goes public).

For those who wish to support my writing, and get access to drafts and completed chapters anywhere from 1 to 4 months earlier head to one of the links below:
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Regardless of whether you join Discord or support my writing, I hope you enjoy the story and suggestions, valid criticisms, and ideas are always welcome.
And of course;

May the Force be with you. Always
​

​

 

[KaiserMoon]

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[Dragonslayer Ornstein]

It's wild to think back on how far Cam has come, how he's evolved since being dropped into this wild adventure. Looking forward to the next chapter of the saga!