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

[Ranan]

Just got to the facing the council chapter, and I wanted to ask. How does Cam lose fights? Like with his skills as high level as they are it makes no sense, the majority of other people in the galaxy have no way of reaching his level of skill in even one area let alone as many areas as cam, yet, he still manages to turn what should be total domination into hard fought victories where he barely scrapes by. Disregarding the totally valid comments Ive seen about how useless the interface is, Im more concerned about how unreliable his skill levels are, if he is so skilled in lightsaber combat he should be easily securing victory even in extremely unfavorable conditions, moreover his forcepowers should make that dominance even more thorough. Do his skill levels mean nothing at all??

 

[D3mented]

Just read through this whole thing over the last few days. There is a lot I enjoyed about it, especially Cam and his character development over the course of the story. I love his gradual decent into the dark side and I cannot wait to see him actually step into the field as a third player in the war.

I did not read the comment section while rolling through the chapters, but I can imagine there was a lot of discourse over the rather strange implementation of the gamer system in this story.

It definitely feels like there is a love hate relationship with the things presence in the story. He's got all these levels and skills, but the plot and narrative seem hell bent on undermining it all at every turn. To the point where having the system was a nearly lethal handicap by the time he went to Naboo.

This aggressiveness against the system seems to have calmed down with this "natural evolution" update, but I'm not entirely sure what is even left of the original system at this point? He's got an extra dimensional space and some nebulous stats... kinda? I'm hoping that the fic stops fighting to nerf the system so much and let Cam breathe more.

 

[USSExplorer]

A/N: As always, a huge thank you to those helping with lore and planning for this and my other stories.

And again, this chapter was released to those of sufficient rank on the story's Discord (it pays to talk) about a month ago. For those who support my writing, then it was released between 2 to 7 months ago (and those supporters can also access chapters that far in advance).

---

Aftermath and Groundwork 2
… …​

I leaned back in my chair, closing the Interface. After some time debating on the matter, I had chosen to select Upgraded Minimap Mark 2 with my Player Power Point. Of the choices available, it was the one most likely to be of use as it revealed passageways, alcoves and the like that were hidden from sight and even the Force. I wasn't exactly sure how one hid something from the Force, but I now had a way to locate such places. At least so long as they were within the range of the Minimap.

Obviously, there were no such locations on Raven, nor would I be able to sense any of them as we raced through hyperspace, but at least now it would be there. I'd just have to wait and see how it alerted me to such hidden locations.

Currently, we were heading towards the Gaia system along with a rented transport vessel that Dooku was managing. To help him do so, Simvyl was accompanying him, which gave my former Master someone else to monitor the women and children who no longer suffered as reluctant members of the Prophets of the Dark Side. The men remained with Maul on the Starblade and would do so until we returned, and the asteroid base intended to house them was ready for occupation.

As I leaned back, I looked up at Raven's ceiling and pondered which Perk to take. Many of the choices weren't that impressive or were extremely limited in how useful they would be. Six of the possible Perks - Brainiac Mark 1, Cat's Grace Mark 1, Cult of Personality Mark 1, Giant's Strength Mark 1, Iron Skin Mark 1, and Wisdom of the Ancients Mark 1 – only lowered the difficulty of upgrading a single stat by 25%. While that was an impressive amount, it wasn't worthwhile to spend a Perk Point on.

One with Beasts and One with Nature remained, since they had appeared on the list, the most unappealing choices. Gaining double XP for skills was interesting, but not when they only applied to skills related to fauna or flora.

Luck of the Force was similarly unappealing. Yes, it granted me the equivalent of 20 Stat Points in an instant, but they were only assigned to LUCK. While that wouldn't be the worst thing, it also felt like a waste of a Perk Point, at least when compared to several other options.

Dominant Mark 1 and Style Mark 1 held some use as both were geared towards interactions with people. The former granted 20% boosts to any skill I used while leading a group and another 10% boost to a skill that affected those under my command. The latter offered a 15% boost to all Charisma skills while increasing boosts in Reputation by 10% and decreasing losses by the same amount. Both skills would be useful during and after my rise to becoming Mand'alor, but not ones that instantly screamed at me to take them.

Healing Acclimatisation, Mind Abilities Affinity, Psychometry Acclimatisation, and Seer's Insight all unlocked or offered boosts to specific Force abilities or ways of using the Force. However, the latter two weren't powers that I was currently interested in, nor did I expect to be any time in the near future.

So long as Quinlan was travelling with me, I'd have someone with an incredible natural affinity for Psychometry with me, while visions of the future weren't something that held my interest. Yes, several that I'd had experienced had proven useful, but the flipside was that the Force could offer conflicting visions as it had done with Serra and myself in the lead-up to Naboo; something that had cost her the life of her former Master, Cin Drallig. The time needed to focus on visions and insights and then decipher them to the point they could be understood with as little confusion as possible wasn't something I ever expected to have.

Stellar Ace had some appeal, as becoming a better pilot would be useful. However, I could already envision a future where my focus wouldn't be on leading the charge in a starfighter but from the bridge of a warship. I retained my natural affinity for Battle Meditation, though I'd barely spent any time learning how to use it, with me now able to naturally use the Force.

I did intend to consult my mother's holocron and that of others to seek hints on the matter. In the coming years and decades, the ability to influence the minds of every warrior under my command in battle was something I would need. Mando'ade, even though almost all were individualists, fought exceptionally well when working together when called upon to do so, but the chance to further enhance that ability and conceivably influence major fleet engagements directly meant I'd be spending time when I could find it relearning the ability linked to my mother's bloodline.

Healing Acclimatisation and Mind Abilities Affinity held more appeal, however, each had drawbacks. With my current inclinations, I was uncertain how effective I would be with using the Force to heal others, even if I had the branch unlocked fully. With my Inventory it was a trivial matter to ensure I had large supplies of Bacta in various forms stored there; something I'd committed more space to while on Mandalore.

Medic Mark 1 was, in practical terms, more useful than taking a single step – of an untold number – along the Force Healing tree. Making any healing agent or item used by me, be that on myself or others, twice as effective didn't sound bad, but not to the point of being something that instantly jumped out at me.

For Mind Abilities Affinity, I could see the use as I had destroyed the mind of the Prophet I'd ripped knowledge from. For someone like that, or any other sub-sentient that crossed my path, I saw no issue with destroying their mind to gain the information I needed. Such creatures deserved as painfully excruciating a death as possible. However, there would be times I'd wish to gather a hint of information from those I couldn't simply reduce to a quivering, mind-broken wreck.

The last three possible Perks were Enhanced Regeneration Mark 2, Overdrive, and Physical Regeneration Mark 1, and each was, at least to a degree, tempting.

Enhanced Regeneration would double my current boosted regeneration rates, which were already double the standard rates for a Human, for recovering Stamina and PP, along with boosting my ability to recover from Force Exhaustion.

Overdrive was a power that would allow me to draw extremely heavily on the Force, to the point of going beyond my limits for a short time. However, if I drew on the Perk for too long, the damage done to my body would be irreversible, and the healing of injuries suffered wouldn't be enhanced by the Force, bacta, or any other method. If I broke my arm, for example, while Overdrive was active, then it would take months to heal properly, leaving me damaged and weak for a dangerously long stretch of time.

Physical Regeneration Mark 1 granted a direct ability to recover my health at a rate of 5% per hour. It wouldn't regrow lost limbs or remove permanent lowering of my HP, but the ability to heal at a faster-than-natural rate wasn't something to be overlooked. There was also the chance that, as it was listed as Mark 1, there'd be a way to eventually recover my missing limb naturally, though that was only a working theory.

Honestly, none of them was as appealing as the locked options of Stat Boost Mark 2, Shatterpoint Familiarisation, and Level Boost. The issue was that those options wouldn't unlock until Level 42 for the first and Level 40 for the other two. I might still retain the Perk Point until Level 40, but at that point, I'd also have another Player Power Point, and I could use that for Level Boost unless something new and more appealing than one of the three currently locked options appeared.

Pushing aside thoughts on what Perk to take, I closed my eyes and let myself drift off. There was little I had to deal with currently, and as Anakin was all but permanently locked looking after Sariss, I had to man the helm by myself. Raven was more than capable of flying herself, but I might need to intervene if something happened, thus I was all but trapped in the cockpit until we next exited hyperspace, which would be – I confirmed after a quick glance at the display – roughly another twenty-six hours.

I might as well catch some sleep while I could, and perhaps while doing so, some insight into the Perk choice would reveal itself.

… …
I was awoken sometime later by the presence of Raven gently caressing my mind. There was nothing wrong to the extent that we were in danger, but she felt I needed to be woken. After blinking a few times to clear the cobwebs of sleep, I saw why she'd woken me. There was an incoming hail through the Holonet.

My brow rose as I saw the caller ID, and because of that, I took a few moments to ensure my mental defences were in place and all thoughts about what I'd been up to the last few months were buried far behind those protections.

"This is Cameron Shan," I said as I opened the channel, though only after I locked the cockpit so no one else could enter. While I knew where the location of the call was coming from, I didn't expect one of the people linked to it to answer immediately. That proved, to a degree, to be the case as the young woman who appeared wasn't someone I recalled ever interacting with before.

"Ah, Master Shan, I'm pleased I was finally able to reach you. The Chancellors have been seeking to speak with you for almost a month now."

I chuckled, amused at the fact that I had kept the Co-Chancellors and the two Banite Sith Lords waiting for so long. "Sorry, I was in seclusion and thus unable to be contacted by any bar those with me. Is either Chancellor available to speak with me now, or should I schedule a time to call back?" I'd prefer to put the conversation off if I could, ideally for a long time, but the more I avoided Damask and Palpatine, the more their true forms would grow suspicious of why I was doing so.

"One moment," the woman replied, and she turned her head away. While I saw her lips moving, there was no sound, meaning she'd muted the call at her end. "If you could wait for around ten minutes, Chancellor Damask would be free to speak with you."

I glanced at the displays in the cockpit. "Could you call back in twenty? I will be exiting hyperspace in a quarter hour or so, and would prefer not to be distracted while speaking with the Co-Chancellor by needing to pilot my vessel back into real space."

"Of course." The woman closed the channel, and I leaned back in my seat. Truthfully, I'd have been more than capable of handling the transit out of hyperspace even while on a call, but the extra time granted me time to gather my thoughts.

I'd already crafted a story, one I'd told Anakin on the chance others asked us about it, to explain not just where we'd gone but why Sariss and Karia were travelling with us. Dooku was aware of the story as well, though my concern was ensuring my son and apprentice didn't accidentally mention Dromund Kaas when asked where the women and children we were bringing to the Lokella had come from.

The only ones, outside the group that had travelled into Sith Space, who knew the truth were Bo, Adonai, Naz, and Torrhen. I'd have preferred to keep Naz out of the loop, but that was almost impossible given how often she was present with Bo and having to lie to her face like that wasn't something I wanted to make Bo do. Still, the daughter of Pre Vizsla had sworn not to reveal the truth to anyone else, not even her family, and I was trusting her to keep her word.

Time passed without incident until we dropped out of hyperspace, and after angling Raven towards a station in the system, one I'd stop at to refuel before beginning the run down the Ootmian Pabol route, I leaned back and waited for the Chancellor's office to call back.

As I waited, an amused smirk slipped onto my face. The fact that I was able to make the office of the Chancellor of the Republic call me back was ego-boosting. Yes, I knew Plagueis was only allowing this because he and Sidious wished to know of my whereabouts and see if they could, at the very least, factor me into helping their plans for destroying the Republic and Jedi. However, it was still amusing to think that a former Jedi had such influence over one of the most powerful figures in the galaxy.

"Ah, Cameron. It is a pleasure to see you again," Hego Damask stated as I was connected to him. Behind him, I could make out just enough to see he was in his office in the Senate building on Coruscant, though what time of day it was or if anything was happening in the sky was unclear.

"Likewise, Chancellor, though I am at a loss as to why you and Chancellor Palpatine would wish to speak with me."

Damask's expression remained neutral, though his lips seemed to thin. That might've just been a momentary interference in the Holonet, but it was strange to see him without the mask. Yes, he'd not needed it the last time we'd spoken, but I'd come to associate it with him, and I wondered if he still used it when speaking with others as Plagueis as a way to hide his identity further.

"Why would we not wish to speak with someone we both value highly? Particularly when they have recently left the Jedi."

I smirked, acting amused that they knew of that when I was sure they knew before I'd even left Coruscant that day that I was no longer a member of the Order. "It was a personal decision, Chancellor. One that, while not entirely affected by discussions we'd had on several topics, had been brewing for some time. You and Chancellor Palpatine are both aware of my grievances with the Order, and again I apologise for adding to your considerable workload by having discussed those matters with you."

Damask nodded, though that was the only outward reaction to my words. "As I have said on several occasions, I would not be here today had it not been for your actions on Mandalore over five years ago. As for my Co-Chancellor, he, along with his people owe something that can never be fully repaid."

"And as I have told him and Queen Amidala, there is nothing they need to pay. I did what was needed to right an injustice, Chancellor. Nothing more."

"You have said this before, and I see you continue to do so." He paused for a moment, though I didn't know why. "However, your presence was missed greatly at the recent anniversary of Naboo's liberation. From what I was informed, Her Majesty was most unhappy when it was confirmed you would not be attending."

"I shall endeavour to speak with the Queen when I have time." I had already planned to contact Padmé, as while there weren't many Mando'ade on Naboo, there were enough there that it would be a good out-of-sector location to visit to secure support for my claim to become Mand'alor. "And please let Chancellor Palpatine know that I am sorry for not attending the celebration."

"I shall pass along your message when I speak with him later this evening." I nodded in thanks. "If it is not considered personal, might I ask where you headed that saw you isolated from contact for over three months?"

"I was living in isolation on Mandalore. While I know my choice to leave the Order was the correct one for me, it was still a hard action to take. The Jedi took me in when I arrived on Coruscant, when they did not need to, and I have many friends and colleagues within the Order that I had to speak with. Those conversations were difficult, not least as, for many, I had to make sure not to reveal my intentions before I spoke with the High Council.

"After everything was done, I needed time to plan where I would head next. The Force offered me a hint of that path, and I encountered a tribe of Force users. Ones that used the Dark Side of the Force." There was no outward reaction to my words, but I knew he was intrigued internally. "Their actions and choices forced me to destroy them to the last man, an action I don't regret. However, those they kept as slaves didn't suffer their fate, and I'm currently transporting them to a secure system."

It might seem like I was providing too much information to Damask, but I knew he would learn which Holonet relay I was speaking to him through. Since he and Sidious knew of the Lokella, it was better to feed them a few crumbs regarding why I was heading to the Gaia system. They would no doubt investigate the matter through faint contacts under their influence, and when they learnt that I had deposited freed slaves with the Lokella, they likely would find no issue with my story.

Ideally, I'd prefer if they didn't pay any attention to the Lokella; however, that simply wasn't possible. The pair of Sith Lords were far too interested in seeing if they could twist me into a pawn, or at the very least find a way to use me in their coming plans to leave me alone. Thus, it remained best to feed them enough of the truth that any investigation they did only corroborated my story.

"I see your desire to help has not been diminished by your departure from the Jedi. Most commendable." I smiled in thanks. "As the Co-Chancellor, I cannot offer an opinion on your actions in exterminating a cult, nor in your continued support for a group of former slaves that actively strike at operations deemed illegal in the Republic. To do so would force me to deal with additional pressures that would only add to my already considerable workload. As your friend, if I might call myself that, I would applaud you for your ceaseless efforts to make the galaxy a safer and more just place."

"I consider both you and your Co-Chancellor my friends, Chancellor," I replied, making sure there was nothing on my face or at the surface of my mind that might hint otherwise. He shouldn't be able to even sense my thoughts through a holocall, but it was always safer to assume he and Sidious were more powerful and devious than I knew, so I lowered the chance they might do something I wasn't expecting. "Even if I no longer follow the orders of the Council, I remain committed to serving the Force and bringing forth a better, fairer galaxy for all."

Damask offered a small smile. "Along with my Co-Chancellor, I am relieved to hear that. Given our many discussions on matters relating to the Republic and its defence, it is reassuring to hear you have not lost sight of the efforts needed to guide the galaxy into a bright, prosperous future."

I smiled back, the only way over a call – no matter how secure – that I could acknowledge the hidden meaning behind his words. The Vong were still out there. Even if I would one day seek to strike down the Banite Sith, for now, we were allies of convenience and necessity in dealing with that looming but undefined threat.

"Since you have finished your private commune, would I be safe to assume that you have decided on a path forward?"

"I have," I replied slowly, running through, once again, how much to inform the Chancellor of my plans. "For the time being, I wish to gather forces to begin targeting elements that exist in the underbelly of the Republic that should not. Slavery, extortion, piracy, and other acts that contravene Republic law have grown rampant in the galaxy, particularly in the Outer Rim. Some of this was due to the Senate previously giving the Trade Federation free rein to handle all transport in the Rim; however, it was a problem that existed in some form long before then, stretching back to the days of the old Republic."

"That is indeed true; however, I feel trying to counter that is no better than trying to exterminate vermin with a Vibroblade."

I chuckled at the analogy. "It depends on who is holding the blade, Chancellor, and what they can do with it." He nodded, catching the joke in my words. "But yes, I am well aware that it might be a thankless task. However, it is one that shall allow me to attempt to make a difference. Something I couldn't do if I remained with the Order, as there are methods that will be needed to eradicate those elements that couldn't be aligned with the Jedi Code. At least not with how the Order currently defines it.

"I am also aware that there will come a time when I will find myself facing off against individuals or organisations that enjoy considerable profit from such activities. If I remained aligned with the Order, then I would risk the matter expanding to the point the Senate would be forced to intervene to maintain the peace, such as is," I added with open disgust. The fact that many in the Senate and elsewhere placed their desires for money, power, and influence over the greater good of the sentients they were meant to represent was a disgrace. Yes, for some species, that was the way they had always behaved, but it didn't mean that I could find it acceptable.

"Yes, if your actions grew large enough to draw significant attention, which, from what I know of your convictions and approach, they would, then there is no doubt that those in the corridors of power would seek to interfere. As Co-Chancellor, I would do what I could to support your actions, but there are limits to that support."

"Yes. Which is why, among other reasons, leaving the Order and the ties it holds to the Republic behind was the only logical choice." I grinned slightly. "For others to see the light of freedom, I must walk through the shadows and darkness of the galaxy to exterminate those who dwell within it. And yes, I am well aware of the dangers that come from confronting such darkness unprepared," I added, hoping to suggest that I was still unprepared or arrogant to the dangers I faced from the Dark Side.

Walking this tightrope with Plagueis and Sidious was always a challenge, but one I had come to find myself enjoying. There was a danger that they would discover that the way I was saying I was drawing on the Force wasn't quite as they believed from my words, or that I might do something that could harm their plans unintentionally – or at least they would see it that way I hoped – but by doing this I kept the full force of their power from crushing me before I was ready to stand against them. That it brought me clandestine support from the Republic and themselves was a bonus that I would exploit when it benefited me.

"I am relieved to hear you are aware of the dangers that lie on the path before you, Cameron. Neither Chancellor Palpatine nor myself would be pleased if you lost yourself in the darkness where you are planning to walk. We would lose a shining light that we hope can guide us into a new, better era. The galaxy has many sectors in need of being addressed, both from the top of the Republic leadership down to driven individuals like you."

"As always, I am at your service, Chancellor, though I believe it will be harder for me to return to Coruscant to speak. Beyond not wishing to be close to the Jedi Temple and the memories it contains, the, if you shall forgive me for saying so, stench that lingers under the surface of the planet is one I no longer find myself easily able to bear."

All of that was true and was a suitable reason why I wouldn't be returning to the capital of the Republic for the foreseeable future. Yes, there were those in the Order that I still wanted to speak to, or longed to hold in my arms, but I wouldn't place them and myself in danger by stepping back into the gundark den that was Coruscant. Not unless I was going there with the power and desire to exterminate some or all of those irritants.

"Understandable," Damask replied with a lowering of his large head. "I will speak with my Co-Chancellor regarding this change in your availability and, when we next speak, I hope that we have some way to overcome the issues that such conversations bring."

"I would be grateful for that, Chancellor." As I spoke, I lowered my head in acquiescence.

I'd already thought about how I could continue to communicate with the Co-Chancellors and hidden Banite Sith Lords, and the most logical option was secure couriers. However, anything they sent from their office or that I delivered to the Senate building would be seen and monitored by others. I was sure the pair had methods in place to circumvent this issue, as Palpatine had been able to move freely even as a Senator with no one suspecting he was meeting with Damask as often as he would've been.

Damask glanced away from the recording device on his desk. "It seems I shall have to end our call here. My assistant seems quite insistent that I speak with them about what I am sure is a matter certain Senators consider important."

"Of course, Chancellor." Having the call end now was probably best, as it meant I didn't need to go into detail regarding where I'd been or what I'd been up to over the last three months. The vaguer I could remain about my travels, the easier it would be to avoid them discovering even a hint about the truth of my recent adventure. "I remain at your service if the need ever arises," I tacked on to appear loyal and subservient.

Damask's brow rose slightly, though he chose not to respond verbally. Once the channel closed, and Raven assured me the call had ended and that nothing had been transmitted while it was ongoing, I leaned back in my seat and relaxed. Playing this game of trusting and being unaware of the truth about the Banite Sith Lords was always tiresome but necessary.

It was going to be several more years at best before I was ready to, at least publicly, break from my support of them. Until then, I needed to remain someone they saw value in, though not to the extent of attempting to break me. Add in the fact that I had no idea who they would now be using in place of Dooku as Darth Tyrannus – if that was the name they granted the replacement – and it meant I was playing a very dangerous game, but in many ways the only one I could play to ensure I had the time I needed to gather forces strong enough to stand alone when chaos engulfed the galaxy.

… …

---

… …
"We are honoured to see you visit us once again, Mtael."

I smiled politely as Tweq Ruhn greeted me once I'd departed Raven and stepped onto Mtael's Gift. The Rodian seemed to have retained his place on the Lokella Council and been the one chosen to greet me upon my arrival.

"It's good to see you again, Tweq, and thank you for once again avoiding the fanfare," I added with a smirk.

Sentients were moving around the bay in which Raven had landed, though most chose to go about their business. I only recognised a handful of faces, and those all offered me a nod or small bow when they saw me looking their way.

"It seems you have continued to grow in numbers and strength," I continued, referring to both the new faces in the bay and the increased number of ships in the system. None of the new ships – or at least ones I didn't know the names of from before as there was a chance they'd altered their registry depending on what their former owners had named them – could match the Dreadnought or Liberator class cruisers that formed the core of the Lokella Defence Fleet, to say nothing of the massive doughnut-shaped frame of the Luuhan, but they did swell the numbers.

Assuming the Lokella were still working with the same pattern as before, which meant that no more than a third of the fleet would be outside the system, then the total fleet number was near or just over a hundred warships. Yes, a dozen of those were transports like the Gozanti-class that had been upgraded with heavier weapons for anti-fighter defence, but it was still an impressive fleet for a group that was less than a decade old.

There were also several non-combat vessels in the system. Those were generally gathered around the Luuhan, with the captured Lucrehulk being used exactly as it should be as a gigantic haulier and storage vessel. From what I remembered from my last visit to the system, one arm was used to store materials coming and going from the system, such as Phrik that was to be sold on the galactic market. The other arm served as the base for the Lokella's fighters and smaller vessels while also doubling as a sorting station for newly liberated slaves.

Medical and support staff were on hand there to examine the new arrivals and help them prepare for what step they wished to take once they had recovered from being enslaved. Most of those rescued chose to remain with the Lokella, either by joining the defence forces, adding their strength to help others be liberated, or moving to Gaia and working by choice either in the mine or around the settlement nearby.

The issue, and one that had existed for some time now, was that the bigger they grew and the further afield they deployed in anti-slaver actions, the more they risked larger counter-offensives. I planned to speak with Tweq and the rest of the Council about that, as I had plans for helping them there and using those operations to support my intentions with the Mando'ade, but as far as I could tell, there had been no attempt against the station or planet since the invasion of Naboo.

"While we remain forever in your debt, Mtael, those of the first waves of freed beings are now greatly outnumbered by those that came later. They are not as well-versed in your legacy as they should be."

I was glad Simvyl wasn't present currently, as he would no doubt have laughed or made some comment about Tweq's words. A glance over my shoulder showed the transport he was on, along with Dooku and the females and children freed from the Prophets, just entering the bay. They would be landing next to Raven, which was why the mechanics had yet to come over to examine my ship and begin refuelling her. Well, that and the fact I had marched down the ramp in full armour sans my helmet.

"There is no need for them to be so," I replied quickly as I sensed Anakin move to the top of the ramp. "I do hope that bringing new arrivals isn't a burden on your resources."

Tweq made an odd sound, though I knew it was one Rodian's made that was their version of a dismissive chuckle. "Those freed from the chains of slavery by the Mtael are always welcome in our ranks."

"They weren't technically slaves," I replied softly as I took a step closer. "They were, for lack of a better term, once of age, used as breeding stock."

Tweq's face shifted, and if he could display the same visible rage that a Human could, I knew he would be doing so now. "What?!" He snapped, his voice and tone rising, which drew the attention of those elsewhere in the bay. At his side, the two guards with him both tensed and grasped their rifles more tightly.

"The men responsible are dead, you have my word on that," I explained quickly. "Anakin and I personally executed those who survived our attack on their compound. However, beyond two that will remain with myself and my son, the rest are in need of shelter, care, and support."

"They shall have it," Tweq replied quickly. "Even if you were not the Mtael, we would never turn away those who suffered at the hands of others. I am grateful that you have punished those behind such acts, and hope their spirits are consumed by the darkest swamps of the Weslaq."

I nodded, assuming that was the Rodian version of Hell or something similar. I then turned and looked up the ramp, gesturing for Anakin, who, as normal, had Sariss at his side, to come down.

The girl clutched Anakin's arm tightly, her eyes shifting around rapidly as I felt her fear on the verge of exploding. Before I could tell my apprentice to wait, he leaned closer and whispered something to her. I didn't catch it, though, based on how Sariss' fear began to still and then ease, and how Karia smiled from behind the two children, it seemed Anakin had chosen the perfect words to calm Sariss.

"It would be best if this girl was kept away from others, and that my son is never away from her side," I explained to Tweq when I turned back to him. "He helped her gain a sliver of vengeance for what she endured, and ever since she has become rather attached to him."

"Yes, I can see that," the Rodian replied with a soft laugh. He turned and gestured to the guard at his left – a Twi'lek. "Have extra quarters prepared next to those for the Mtael and inform security to limit the presence of guards in the corridor to females for the time being."

The Twi'lek nodded and then turned away. I smiled and nodded in thanks as the guard moved off to pass along the orders. It was odd that he was doing so personally instead of simply using the station's communication system, but that was a minor matter.

"How many are to join our collective?"

"Eighteen. Eleven women who will need support and seven children. They will need support, but none of them was touched," I tacked on, so I didn't need to hear the question Tweq would have regarding their ordeal. "Thankfully, the children were too young to be of use to their captors."

"Good." The word came out harshly, making clear that even though it should be a semi-common occurrence to take in abused slaves, Tweq hadn't yet grown numb to such suffering. I wouldn't want anyone to grow dull to such things, as to do so would mean, in my opinion, losing some of their sentience. "I will have transports made available to take them to Gaia. How long will you remain once they are settled?"

"Not long. A week, two at the outside. There are people here I need to speak with, but other than that, I have business elsewhere," I replied with a smile. "While the Lokella are growing, you aren't yet able to begin striking against the true major slaver organisations that litter the Outer Rim. I have plans to begin to change that, but I need to commit to something for a few years before it will be ready."

"If the Mtael calls, we will respond," Tweq said, offering a slight bow while placing his hand on his chest.

… …
I walked beside Dooku as we moved through the corridors of Mtael's Gift. The rest of our party was elsewhere, with Karia watching over Sariss as Anakin introduced his friend to his sister Lia. Simvyl was monitoring the maintenance work being carried out on Raven and the hired freighter that had brought the women and children of the Prophets to the system. They were currently on the Luuhan, being examined and healed as needed, and would be transported to Gaia once all of them were ready.

Fenrir was already down there with his pack. As before, he had been deposited on a remote continent which was off-limits to anyone bar me, Dooku, or Anakin. I wasn't sure if he would remain with his pack or come with me when I departed, but the choice was his to make.

As we neared a set of doors that led to a cargo hold that had long since been converted into a training facility, I slowed. Not much, but enough that I felt Dooku turn to glance in my direction.

"If you are still unready for this meeting, then I can speak with Komari alone."

"No," I replied after taking a deep breath and coming to a full stop. "I've put off my issues with her for far too long. If she is, as you say, ready to be of use, then I need to confirm it for myself. She will eventually be given responsibility over others, and I need to be sure that both of us are ready for that."

Dooku's lips twitched. "Good. I am glad to see you are ready to face this particular demon. If you had delayed this interaction any longer, I would have grown concerned at your inability to move forward."

A chuckle, one that I'd admit was a touch nervous, slipped from me. "It's not that I can't move forward, it's just that I am unable to truly let go of what has happened." I paused and turned to face my former Master. "I have a rare gift, Master."

"Another one?"

I chuckled again. "Yes, I suppose. This gift, not that I'd call it that currently, means that I recall everything that ever happened to me perfectly. This doesn't go all the way back to my birth. It only, rather interestingly, goes back to my birthday just before my grandfather's death, but since that moment, I remember everything. The sound, smell, taste, and sensation of every second of every day that has passed over the last eleven years is as clear to me as seeing your face in this moment is." I sighed and turned away, looking at a section of the wall. "I recall the first time I saw the Jedi Temple. I can clearly recall my grandfather's last words before he was killed, the experience of the first time I tasted Ewok jerky or…" I paused as a smirk spread over my lips, "felt the lips of another pressed against mine."

I turned back to face Dooku there, the amusement falling from my face in an instant. "It also means that every excruciating moment I spent as a captive of the Bando Gora remains fully visible the moment I even tangentially think about Vosa or the torture I suffered!"

I paused there, looking down at the floor and needing to take a moment to re-centre myself. Just as I had stated to Dooku, images, sounds, smells, and sensations from my time under Vosa's tender mercies came rushing up. They weren't a risk to overwhelm me, but having them rise to the surface was the last thing I needed before I stepped into the room ahead of me to confront that woman.

I lifted my head when I felt Dooku's hand on my shoulder. "This greatly explains why it has taken you so long to reach this point. I am sorry that you will never be able to release the memories of such events. However, I know you are strong enough not to just keep moving forward, but to push the past aside when it is the future, and the role Komari might play in it, that is your focus." He pulled his hand from my shoulder even as he continued. "The path we are walking is one which we cannot complete without the assistance of others. Maul, Quinlan Vos, Aayla Secura, and young Anakin will be of great help in the future we seek to create as we move to defeat the Sith. However, Komari is another who can be of use. Her skills in understanding the underworld, the Dark Side, and the coercion of others will be of great benefit to us."

"I am aware of that, Master. I just… fear losing control."

"There is no shame in that, Cameron. The shame and failure comes from allowing that loss of control to consume and dominate you. I know that will not be the case for you, as not only did I train you, but I have seen you endure things that would break a lesser man, whether they are able to use the Force or not."

"Thank you, Master," I replied, offering him a small smile.

After getting a slight nod in response, I turned back to the door and resumed walking. It only took a few steps before it slid open, and I found myself entering the conference room. Seeing Quinlan and Aayla already seated at the table that dominated the room, I offered them a smile and gestured for them to remain seated.

The smile fell from my face as I turned my gaze to the far corner and locked eyes on Komari Vosa. There was no outward reaction to my gaze, though I felt her steeling herself within the Force. Before she could truly do so, and before I realised it, my hand had lifted slightly and formed into a fist.

Vosa gasped, and her fingers reached for her throat, clawing at her skin as her knees buckled. Her skin quickly turned red as her mouth flopped open and closed like a gobberfish in the oceans of Naboo. I felt my lips twitch upwards as, with time seeming to slow, she stepped forward, one hand falling from her throat to grasp the back of a chair.

The action was the only thing that stopped her from collapsing to the ground, though she was struggling to stand as I brought the full strength of my ability to command the Force to bear. Through that power, I could feel the muscles in her neck protesting, how her throat was constricted to the point that only a sliver of the air she needed was slipping through. The growing panic and fear in her eyes that echoed into the Force grew stronger and more vibrant with each passing moment, and it would take but a simple gesture for me to shatter her neck and remove her from existence.

I sighed loudly and flicked my arm back, opening my fist in the process. Vosa gasped loudly, her other hand coming down from her neck to help support her against the chair that was keeping her upright. "You should consider yourself lucky that our former Master believes you have value," I said coldly as I stared at her.

The voices within the Force, those that whispered lies and sought to trick the weak-minded, told me to strike her down, to end her before she could try to become a threat again. I resisted, knowing well that giving in to such desires only left me exposed to the worst ravages of the Force. I was better than that, I was better than the most twisted corruption of the Dark Side.

My gaze shifted to Quinlan and Aayla, the fury I'd felt at seeing Vosa before me fading away as I pushed the rage her existence caused back into its bottle. "I'm sorry you had to see that, but I recall everything that I endured because of her while I was a prisoner of the Bando Gora." My voice was calm and soft, yet I could sense trepidation from the pair as they watched me cautiously, Quinlan's hand resting just above the hilt of his lightsaber.

Aayla stepped forward, placing a hand on Quinlan's forearm. The one that would draw his blade if he moved it a fraction more. "I understand, Cam," she said gently, a hint of a sad smile creeping onto her lovely face. "While my memories are still heavily jumbled, I…" She looked away for a moment, and I felt a delicious sliver of terror slip from her into the Force before she got it under control. "I remember how we found you that day," she continued, her eyes soft and filled with compassion. "What was done to you…" she trailed off before looking over at Vosa. "That was the least of what she deserves," she added with some steel in her voice.

I nodded and offered a small, approving smile. The faint trickle of delight and amusement that I sensed from her through the Force was interesting. A Jedi clearly wouldn't feel such things, or at least not have such weak control to allow it to temper their voice and behaviour. As Aayla was displaying it, I took it as an encouraging sign that, while she was regaining her memories, much of her former Jedi training hadn't returned or was at least muted after her experiences serving Volfe Karkko.

"On that, we agree, Aayla," I replied warmly, before glancing at Vosa again. "However, Master Dooku believes she can be of use to us going forward."

I stopped there and sat in the nearest seat. Dooku took the one to my right, while, only after a nod from her former Master, Vosa likewise sat. She kept several empty spots between herself and the rest of us, which was fine by me.

"During our recent journey, Master Dooku and I encountered a Dark Side cult. While not as… deranged as the Bando Gora, they were still an issue. Most of their members are dead; justice served for the actions they took against those around them, including the female members of their cult and families."

There was a spike of anger, and I shifted my focus to Quinlan. His brow was creased, and his fingers grasped the edge of the table tightly. The anger, brought on by his mind conjuring ideas of what had happened to the women I was referring to – ideas that I suspected were close to accurate – only eased when Aayla placed her hand on his shoulder.

"Those we rescued from the cult," I continued after giving Aayla a small nod of thanks, "are currently being examined by the Lokella. After that, most will be settled on Gaia. Three of them won't." I held up a hand, stilling the question filled with concern I sensed rapidly building in Aayla.

"There is nothing inherently wrong with them," I explained slowly. "However, one of the young girls we rescued has become attached to Anakin, and as I don't wish to see her recovery damaged, I'm allowing her and another to travel with me for the time being. The third will be trained by another of my allies as he shows potential in the Force."

"From what I recall, almost all of them do," Dooku commented. He was already aware of the Force Potential of the group as we'd examined everyone before we'd departed, but by saying this, we were able to guide the direction of the conversation.

"Bar two, all of them would have, if discovered young by the Jedi, been brought in for training." The trio with us in the room all seemed to perk up at this. "Four of them have the potential to rival any of you three, while one has comparable potential to Master Dooku." That, as intended, made their reactions even more obvious.

For Aayla, I sensed a faint lingering sense of anger and injustice for what the people I was talking about had endured. There was also a kernel of interest that, if I was sensing it correctly, was aimed at perhaps finding someone her age to train with, or at least spend time with. I wondered if she was growing irritated at not having another female Force user to speak with, or even just someone she could confide in that wasn't her Master or me.

Quinlan's reaction was still rooted in anger. Most of it was focused on those who had hurt those whom Dooku and I had rescued. However, with a gentle grasping of the Force to gain insight, I sensed that some of the anger was aimed inward. As if he somehow felt he should've done something to help with taking down the Prophets. That was something I would have to investigate while I retrained him and Aayla, as it might well be exploitable to shift his focus in ways I desired.

Vosa was the least interested in those I was speaking of, at least outwardly. Her mental defences were stronger than Quinlan's or Aayla's – not a surprise as she hadn't lost her memories like they had. However, because of my earlier attack, I had crafted a small gap in her shields and gained a hint of insight into her thoughts.

She wasn't overly interested in the survivors. Not until I had mentioned that some had good potential with the Force. I couldn't be sure why that interest was there, but at a guess, I'd say she wished to see if any of the survivors could be trained into something useful.

Now, her definition of useful was different from mine, but the fact that I felt that was her motive for the interest was helpful. It suggested she would be of use to Dooku in retraining the surviving Prophets and then shaping them into tools that I could use. How they would be used wasn't something I was certain of currently, and if none of them proved worthy, then it was no great loss. However, the chance to have even one or two extra Force-capable soldiers, infiltrators, or saboteurs wasn't something to be ignored.

"The two I mentioned that will be travelling with me and Anakin are in that group with high potential, though one is already an adult, so I'm uncertain how easy it will be to train her. Another will be going for training with the ally I mentioned earlier, while the fourth is too young to begin training. At least for being taken as an Apprentice or Padawan by any of us."

"Even if Aayla and I hadn't lost our memories, I don't think I would be comfortable taking on another for training," Quinlan said softly. "As she is my first, I won't split my focus away from Aayla's education."

Aayla smiled at her Master's – or perhaps former Master, since she recalled more of their Force training than he did – words and placed her hand on his forearm. There was affection behind the gesture, and Quinlan returned it, though it was more familial than anything else. Something that, as much as I wished to ignore it, I was happy with.

"Understandable and expected," Dooku replied coolly as if the small gestures of respect and affection had gone entirely unnoticed. "Nor will Komari be given the chance to train those needing help with the very fundamentals of using the Force. However, there were several members of the cult that we captured. All of them were absolved of actions by the females," he added before Aayla – whose anger had flashed into the Force – could comment. "Those individuals will be secured far from this system, and I will, for some time at least, oversee their re-education to determine if any can be rehabilitated."

"Because of this, you," I glared at Vosa, "will be departing this system with Master Dooku. This is not up for discussion," I added firmly before she even considered a thought on trying to stay here.

Vosa responded with a nod, for which I was grateful. I'd prefer not to hear her speak ever again, at least when she was in my presence.

I turned my focus back to Quinlan and Aayla. "I won't be staying for long in this system, as I have determined my plans for the next few years and they lie elsewhere. I know we spoke before about me helping to retrain you both in the ways of the Force, but I need to ask you again if that is what you wish."

The pair shared a look, and after Aayla nodded at him, Quinlan turned back to face me. "It is. I know we earlier said we would do so on a trial basis, but after spending the last few months with the Lokella, we have grown more certain of our decision."

"If we returned to the Order, beyond separating us, they would have us remain at the Temple for several years," Aayla said as she took over. "Even after that, I find myself doubting they would ever allow us to venture out into the galaxy." She paused and looked away, as if seeing something through the walls of the room behind me. "These people have been abandoned by the Order and the Republic when they shouldn't have been. What you have helped create here is something noble and, as I regain more of my memories of our friendship, I find it clearer that my path lies if not beside yours, then close enough that we might regain our friendship."

I smiled in thanks at her words even as Quinlan resumed speaking.

"As for me, I owe you for helping me find and free Aayla and then taking us in while we considered our choices." He laughed, though it was more a grunt than anything filled with humour. "The people here worship you, but I can sense even without having recovered my abilities that you don't wish for that adulation."

"Force no!" I agreed, while at my side Dooku's lips twitched in the faint hint of amusement. "The last thing I want is for them to follow me blindly or make me their leader."

"That is something they already do, and if I recall, you have yet to step down from their Council."

I turned and glared at Dooku. "Because they won't let me, as you well know!" I snapped. Any anger I might've felt building at his words was destroyed when Aayla laughed softly.

Looking back at her, she'd lifted a hand to her mouth in a failed attempt to restrain her amusement. "While I don't recall everything from my time as an Initiate and Padawan, I know that seeing Master Dooku joking is something worth laughing at."

I grunted, biting back my anger as it mixed with amusement at Aayla's words. She was accurate to say that Dooku rarely joked, though I noted the dry style he used when expressing amusement was becoming more prevalent ever since I'd defeated Maul on Naboo and then become more naturally connected to the Force.

"Returning to the topic at hand," I said, shifting the conversation and taking back control of it, "I'll have bunks readied on Raven for the pair of you." They both nodded as I noted the expected alerts from the Interface though I couldn't deal with them currently.

"Master," I continued, turning back to Dooku, "I will leave it to you to explain our intentions regarding the captured Prophets to… Vosa." It took me a moment longer than ideal to say her name while she was in my presence, but I didn't feel any urge to strike her down. Or perhaps more accurately, I didn't feel myself wanting to give in to that desire.

"Of course." Dooku stood and gestured at his former Padawan.

I watched the pair leave the room, my gaze not quite intense enough to reduce Vosa to ash, and once the door closed behind them, I turned back to the other two.

"I still can't believe she's alive," Aayla commented before I could speak. "I mean, I know it's not the Jedi's way to kill a surrendered opponent, but for all she did to you and others," she paused and I wondered if she was recalling the state I'd been in when they'd been part of the team to rescue me, "I would've expected her to be tried for her crimes."

"I certainly wanted to punish her," I responded, able to keep the growl of anger out of my tone. "However, Master Dooku was adamant that Vosa could be crafted into something worthwhile. The Jedi Council disagreed, so he took it upon himself to prove them wrong." I smirked. "Something he enjoys doing more than he will admit."

"My memories of our time in the Order are gone," Quinlan remarked, drawing a look of concern from Aayla. "However, from what I have seen of Master Dooku, I don't find it hard to believe he would do that. He strikes me as a man very much set in doing things the way he feels they should be done."

"A fair assessment. Now, before I ask you one final time if you're certain about following me," I'd chosen that phrasing intentionally, "I need to tell you what I plan to do over the next few years. At least beyond working to help those like the Lokella strike back at slavers, pirates, and their ilk."

The pair stayed silent, letting me continue, but I could sense a flutter of apprehension from them, as if they expected my next words to be in some way troubling. "I will be focusing my efforts in the Mandalore sector as I intend to unite the Mandalorians behind me. While the Lokella are doing a commendable job, they are but a drop in the ocean of the galaxy. They cannot make the dent that they and I desire in combating slavery and the other issues plaguing the Outer Rim. Not even in the sectors bordering this one, which are, even though officially under Republic jurisdiction, all but slave states to the Hutts."

The pair were silent, which was expected. Stating that while retraining them in the ways of the Force – or at least in ways that would suit my goals for them – hearing that I intended to unite a people considered by some to be demons or dangers to the Republic would make anyone pause.

They turned to each other, and I felt the Force shift, marking the presence of a telepathic conversation. I'd not realised they'd recovered their abilities that much, but given the bond that existed between them – one that started when Quinlan had saved Aayla while he was a Padawan – I realised I shouldn't be surprised it existed.

I gave them their time, sitting quietly as I awaited the response. There was an urge to open the Interface and see what the notices – another had appeared when Vosa had left with Dooku – said, but I was in no rush to do so. Getting this pair onside was more important currently.

"I don't know much about the Mandalorians," Quinlan began after their mental chat ended, "however, from speaking with and sparring against those present on the station, I think they are good people. Maybe a little battle-happy…"

"Says the man who jumped into a nest of Shyracks without looking first."

"… but otherwise, they have good ideals," he finished, ignoring the half-whispered comment from Aayla. I was curious as to when they'd encountered shyracks, as to my knowledge, they were only found on Korriban, but I let the matter slide.

"Why do you want to lead them?" Aayla asked, her eyes watching me carefully, and I felt, as untrained as it might be, her probing my thoughts through the Force.

I lowered the outermost defences of my mind so she could sense my sincerity as I replied. "Beyond wishing to move against all those who engage in slavery and its ilk in the Rim, there is a darkness spreading over the galaxy. One that is oddly strongest over the Core. Along with others, I've felt this darkness growing for some time, but the Jedi Council dismissed our concerns. Even after I fought and defeated Maul on Naboo," I added, choosing not to dance around the topic as they would discover Maul was alive soon enough.

"That darkness is growing. Festering in the corrupted heart of the Republic. The Outer Rim has always been, by and large, discontent with the Core, and that issue has spread to at least parts of the Inner Rim. It is only a matter of time until a spark ignites the fuse and the galaxy is plunged into chaos."

"You want to use the Mandalorians to counter that chaos?"

I shook my head and laughed in gentle amusement at Quinlan's odd innocence on the matter. "No. There is nothing I, the Jedi, or the Co-Chancellors could do to prevent the chaos." Not least, as it was the Chancellors who were fermenting that chaos, but these two weren't ready for that information. "No, what I want to prepare for is exploiting the chaos. Not to become some dictator like Xim the Despot, but to create a bastion of stability and influence to bring order to the chaos faster than it would otherwise emerge."

"The Order would never agree to that," Aayla stated before offering me a small, seemingly understanding smile. "Which is one of the reasons you left, isn't it?"

"It is," I replied honestly. "Not the only one, nor the biggest, but a major one nonetheless." I leaned back in my seat, looking at the pair carefully. "The Mando'ade do not, for the most part, like the Jedi. They can respect a Force user's strength in battle, but they see the Order as too weak and unwilling to do what it must, to say nothing of its shackling itself to the Republic. If you come with me, there will be many who will challenge your right to stand at my side. Some might even try to kill you in an attempt to weaken my standing."

"Won't our presence do that already?" Quinlan asked. "Having two Jedi, or perhaps we should be called former Jedi, beside you will make many think you are acting on the Order's behalf to take down the Mandalorians."

"They will, but I am accepting of that," I smirked, exposing a few teeth. "And if they do challenge me because of your presence, then once they are beaten down, it will bring them and others in line faster. Or so I expect."

The pair shared a look before Quinlan spoke. "If you are aware of the problems having us around you will bring, and are willing to allow us to help you when we can in dealing with them, then we see no reason not to journey with you." He chuckled, the sound carrying a slight hint of nervousness. "I admit that spending time around so many of them will be challenging, but we have chosen to seek your help in relearning to use the Force, and that hasn't changed."

"Nor has the fact I'm still your friend," Aayla added with a warm smile. "Honestly, I'm not sure that your plan is a good one, or that the darkness you speak of exists, but I won't abandon you as you do this. Just as you didn't abandon me when I was lost to the manipulation of Karkko."

"Thank you," I said earnestly.

The pair nodded and, as they stood, I saw Aayla's smile grow slightly. Within the Force, for just a moment, I felt a faint, almost imperceivable tremor from her. One that carried, if I caught it accurately, a hint of attraction. I wouldn't deny that I didn't find her appealing, nor would I turn her away if she wished to indulge. However, I wouldn't pursue her directly, nor attempt to manipulate her into my bed. I wanted her blade and skills for the fights to come, and if missing out on the chance to taste that particular Twi'lek was the cost of doing so, then so be it.

I remained seated, letting them depart the room, though as the doors began to close behind them, I cast Observe on the pair.

Quinlan Vos
Race: Kiffar
Level: 28
Health: 100%
Age: 28
Force Potential: High
Threat Potential: High (Currently Low-Intermediate)
Reputation: Liked Friend
Affiliation Loyalty: Aayla Secura (70%)
Emotional State: Pleased/worried/patient
Quinlan is glad that you are willing to help him and Aayla retrain.
However, he is slightly concerned about your intentions to unite the Mandalorians, as they come across as battle-hungry people.
That said, he is more than willing to give you the benefit of the doubt, given your help in saving Aayla.
...
​

​

Aayla Secura
Race: Twi'lek
Level: 18
Health: 100%
Age: 19
Force Potential: High
Threat Potential: High (Currently Intermediate)
Reputation: Trusted Friend
Affiliation Loyalty: Quinlan Vos (65%)
Emotional State: Thankful/pleased/trusting
Aayla is still grateful that you helped free her from the influence of Volfe Karkko and that you have given her and Quinlan refuge while they consider their choices.
She is happy that someone she considers a friend is willing to help them retrain, even if it means causing yourself trouble with your goals.
She is uncertain about your plans for the Mandalorians, but has faith that you will achieve it and will trust that you are not deceiving her over your intentions.
...
​

I held off on considering what Observe had revealed, and then once the door was closed, I opened the Interface and read through the quartet of notices.

​

Quest Completed!
A Change in Path [֍]
Objectives:
: a: Convince Quinlan and Aayla to return to the Jedi. [No]
: b: Convince Quinlan and Aayla to join you on your travels so that when a galactic war comes, they are more likely to fight at your side. [Yes]
: c: Convince Quinlan and Aayla to explore the galaxy themselves. [No]
: d: Begin training Quinlan and Aayla in what you have learnt over the last few years in preparation for the coming war so that they might fight at your side in it. [Yes]
Rewards:
: b: 2500XP x2 (+1000XP)
Variable, though small, increases in Reputation with the Jedi Order once they learn of your actions.
Decent to large increases in Reputation with Quinlan Vos and Aayla Secura.
: d: 3500XP x2 (+1400XP)
Creation of a new quest
...
​

​

LEVEL UP!
37 -> 38
PP: +2
STAM: +68
SP: +5
SKP: +60
...
​

Quest Alert!
Path of the Lost [֍]
Now that they have decided to travel with you and allow you to retrain them, train them along a path that will be of use to you.
Rating: A -> S
Objectives:
: a: Before the outbreak of galactic war, train them to a level where they could defeat skilled Jedi Knights.
: b: Before the outbreak of galactic war, train them to a level where they could stand against the average Jedi Master.
: c: Before the outbreak of galactic war, train them to the level where they could stand against a member of the Jedi Council.
: d: Determine a path for each that suits their natural skills, be that with the Force or without.
: e: Have one or both choose to become Mando'ade.
: f: Prevent either from returning to or being captured by the Jedi Order before the outbreak of galactic war.
Rewards:
: a: 4000XP for each that makes this level of skill.
A decent increase in Reputation with each that makes this level of skill.
: b: 4000XP for each that makes this level of skill.
A decent increase in Reputation with each that makes this level of skill.
Potentially pass a Test of Friendship with each of them if they reach this level.
: c: 8000XP for each that makes this level of skill.
A large increase in Reputation with each that makes this level of skill.
: d: 1000-5000XP for each, depending on the path you guide them towards.
Variable increases in Reputation with each.
Potential to pass a Test of Friendship with either, depending on the path chosen for them.
: e: 3000XP for each that takes this choice.
Variable increases or decreases in Reputation with other Mando'ade.
Variable increase in Reputation with each that takes this path.
: f: 2000XP (only if both remain free of the Jedi).
Failure:
: a: Loss of Reputation with either that fails to reach this level.
The potential death of one or both of them.
: b: Loss of Reputation with either that fails to reach this level.
The potential death of one or both of them.
: c: Loss of Reputation with either that fails to reach this level.
The potential death of one or both of them.
: d: Small loss of Reputation with whichever lacks a path forward.
Failure to have them better placed to serve your goals in the coming years.
: e: None
: f: The loss of an asset or ally (depends on their trust in you)
A high chance that Jedi learn of your goals before you are prepared to enact them during the galactic war.
A high chance that the Banite Sith learn of your goals before you are prepared to enact them during the galactic war.
Accept?
Yes/No
...
​

Quest Alert!
Cult of the Apprentice [֍]​

With you having accepted Komari Vosa's presence among your forces, it is now on you to determine her purpose.
Rating: B
Objectives:
: a: Allow her to serve as an adjunct of Dooku.
: b: Find a role to take advantage of her former position as leader of the Bando Gora.
: c: Exploit her connections with the galactic underground.
: d: Discover a role for her that you are unaware of at the time this quest is accepted.
: e: Kill her to satisfy your desire for revenge.
Rewards:
: a: 1500XP
A small increase in Reputation with both Komari Vosa and Dooku.
: b: 2000XP
An increase in Reputation with both Komari Vosa and Dooku.
: c: 1000XP
Possibility to open currently unexpected quests and avenues to help your growth in power and influence.
: d: 4000XP
A large increase in Reputation with both Komari Vosa and Dooku.
Pass a Test of Loyalty with Komari Vosa.
(She can never be someone you consider a friend, and you both know this)
: e: 1000XP (Plus combat XP)
Komari Vosa's death.
A loss of Reputation with Dooku.
Automatic failure of other Objectives.
Failure:
: a: High Likelihood of Komari Vosa's death.
Small loss of Reputation with Dooku.
Loss of a potential asset.
: b: Decent likelihood of Komari Vosa's death.
Loss of a potential asset.
: c: Decent likelihood of Komari Vosa's death.
Loss of a potential asset.
:d: Loss of access to potentially powerful resources and allies.
: e: Komari Vosa survives.
What that means depends on your choices for completing this quest.
Accept?
Yes/No
...
​

That was a lot of information to go over.

My standing with the pair was about what I'd expected, though Aayla, once again seeing me as someone she considered a friend, was interesting. That would seem to imply that she had regained all her memories, if not the emotions behind them. Yet if that was the case, there was no point in her choosing to stay with me and not return with Quinlan to the Jedi. Save, perhaps, for her fear of being punished for what she did while under Karkko's sway and losing contact with Quinlan.

It was something I'd have to keep an eye on as I didn't sense any hint of deception from her, but the information Observe had generated created some concerns. Still, so long as Quinlan remained committed to retraining with me, I felt the risk was manageable, and in time, I hoped the pair would begin to place their Loyalty with me as well as each other.

The level-up was what I'd expected before coming to this meeting. That was why I'd dropped fifteen SPs into Intelligence. Perhaps there was no obvious benefit to doing so beyond bringing in an extra SP with each level and fifteen more SKPs, but I had the SPs to spare. After the Level up, I still had fourteen in the bank to go along with 420SKPs. That was a lot of SKPs to keep in reserve, but I had a plan for them.

Eventually, the skill Warfare[Space] would reach Professional:1 – I was at Adept:65 currently – and if it followed the former skill Warfare[Ground], it would split into two or three skills. Regardless, being able to gain a few tiers in each quickly would be of major help in growing my skill at fleet warfare, something I was going to need before a decade had passed.

The new quest for Aayla and Quinlan was expected – it was listed in the reward if they allowed me to train them – but one for Vosa wasn't. The fact that the Interface and TPTB behind it felt she could be of use was infuriating. I had gone along with Dooku's desire to redeem her for his sake, but to have others now suggest it was the right choice caused my rage to boil.

Yes, there was an option to kill her, but the rewards for doing so were a joke and would cost me other potential quests that the Interface seemed to be hinting would be of use to me. While I had, for obvious reasons, no idea of those potential quests nor of a role Vosa might fill that would unlock those paths, the fact failure of any of the other objectives carried a risk of Vosa dying made me willing to accept the quest.

It was easier to accept the Path of the Lost quest. I'd known it was coming, and nothing listed within it was entirely outside my expectations. The suggestion that one or both might wish to become Mando'ade was not something I'd considered previously, but after just a moment pondering the matter, I understood the reason it was listed. Adding in that the rewards would double as there were two people it applied to, and it was a simple matter to accept the quest.

Leaning back in my chair. I chuckled to myself, amused at the fact I'd levelled up four times in a few weeks. Yes, most of that was because I'd worked my arse off on Dromund Kaas and taken on the insane risk going there had represented, but it was still amusing. Part of me would prefer to grow more naturally, but I wasn't foolish enough to toss away the chance to gain extra power and skill when it was offered. Plus, the rewards of going to Dromund Kaas were, if cultivated properly, powerful enough to be capable of altering the fate of the galaxy if the Infinite Engine could become what the Star Forge once had been.

After accepting the two new quests, I stood and moved towards the door. I wouldn't be leaving the system today, as I wanted to ensure that the women and children were at least placed in Gaia before doing so. There was also the fact that our return gave Anakin time to visit his sister. Part of me hoped that being around a child might help Sariss begin to recover, but I didn't expect there to be any obvious sign of that.

What she had gone through was enough to break most sentients. The fact that I now had memories of some of the assaults that she'd endured trapped in my mind was something I had to live with. A downside of using the Force to rip knowledge from someone kindled with the way Eidetic Memory worked. I'd have to be cautious in the future when I used the Force to take information from the minds of others so that I didn't gain more memories that I despised.

As the doors closed behind me, I pushed aside thoughts on Sariss, the others freed from the Prophets, and literally, everything else I'd just been thinking about. Instead, I shifted to another matter.

There were nearly a hundred Mando'ade on the station – a fact my armour's Battlenet had confirmed once I'd connected to the local setup – and of them, at least one was an Alor. There might be others as well, but talking to the Alor was the first step. Once he was on board with my goal, then I could probe the others to see which, if any, might need to be taken down so they couldn't harm my rise to power.

… …
I leaned back slightly, dodging the incoming fist by angling my body away from the blow. At the same time, I shifted my feet and stepped around the arm of the attacker.

He was aware of my intent, and instead of pulling his arm back, slid it to the side, taking it away from me. At the same time, he danced on the balls of his feet, moving away before my intended counter could be enacted.

Having predicted that without needing to draw on the Force, I stepped forward, shifting to where he'd formally been standing. I might not have been able to attack with my counter, but by moving here, I remained to one side of him, granting a small window to strike.

I took that window, closing the gap between us with a quick shuffling of my feet, and my hand grasped his upper arm near his shoulder.

He moved, seeking to slip free of my grasp, but the mechanical fingers in my hand made sure not to surrender their hold. My mind raced, working through the potential counters he could use in an attempt to escape, and I watched for the faintest hint of which he would take.

A slight shift in the Force, one that would've been imperceivable to me a few years ago, provided the answer, and I moved to counter his escape. Our bodies flowed around the area as we each sought our goal: His to break free, mine to tighten the noose.

A grunt slipped from me as he drove a gloved fist into my side. While we weren't wearing full armour, we still had on some along with the underweave. That had dissipated some of the force behind his blow, but not enough that it didn't sting. Still, the strike wasn't enough to see me loosen my grasp on his other arm. Quite the opposite, in fact.

As the blow had landed, I'd moved, managing to secure his arm against my chest. Turning my body, I dragged him with me. He stepped frantically, seeking to avoid losing his footing, but my leverage was good enough, and my reactions quick enough, that he couldn't.

"Ugh."

The sound slipped from him as I drove him to the deck face-first. He scrambled, seeking to escape, even as I brought my weight down onto his back. My free hand came around, and I tapped him against the side of his neck.

He stilled as he felt that and then reached around, tapping my forearm three times.

With the signal admitting defeat, I released my grasp. Stepping back, I waited for him to roll over before extending my arm. There was a flash of irritation in his eyes at my action, though he still took it, and as we clasped arms, I pulled him to his feet.

"You've gotten better," Gar stated as we broke the clasp, a hint of annoyance in his voice.

"As have you," I replied diplomatically, "though not enough to be able to take me down."

Gar chuckled; the sound having grown deeper and more primal in the years since we'd first met each other. "One day. One day."

"Keep telling yourself that," I shot back with a grin as around us, those who had watched our spar clapped in approval. "How has your time been going?" I asked, shifting the conversation along and gesturing for us to step away from the centre of the room.

This was one of several spaces the Mando'ade who were helping and training the Lokella had been granted. Originally, it had been a storeroom that the Lokella had little use for, but the Mando'ade had converted it into a training and sparring centre to help them push themselves when not overseeing the Lokella's training or taking part in active operations.

Currently, about twenty Mando'ade were off station on such missions, and from the reports I'd been given, wouldn't return before my intended departure from the station. Thankfully, none of those absent was the Alor of their clan, so I wouldn't miss the chance to speak with them and gauge their support. That said, outside of Gar, only one other was an Alor: Rhir Trellik.

Rhir was an older warrior, older than Adonai or Torrhen, and hadn't fought on Naboo when I'd offered the chance to the Mando'ade. However, he had taken the chance to help train the Lokella after and was the one responsible for overseeing the Lokella's training on a day-to-day basis.

I'd only spoken to him briefly the day I'd arrived on the station, but Rhir came across as a gruff, no-nonsense sort of person, though one with a soft spot for children. To the point that, along with other Mando'ade, he'd offered to adopt several of the orphaned former slaves the Lokella had rescued over the years. As of now, about a hundred such children of a dozen different species had been adopted, with most still on the station training alongside their new parents.

It pleased me to see the adoptions happening and not just because it would swell the ranks of the Mando'ade. The closer the bonds between them and the Lokella became, the more they would work together in the coming years, which would be something I sought during and after my rise to become Mand'alor. First, however, I had to get Gar and Rhir onside with my goals, which was why I'd spent most of this morning sparring with my fellow Mando'ade.

"The Lokella are committed, though few have had much training before they join," Gar replied honestly as we moved away from the centre of the room; two other Mando'ade – a Twi'lek and a Togruta – stepped forward to spar now the ring was unoccupied. "They are often blinded by their need for vengeance. Understandable, but a flaw that needs to be refocused to ensure they survive beyond a single engagement."

"It's hardly a surprise they're like that. If someone imprisoned me, I'd want to murder them all once I escaped." The response had come from Rook Kast. Gar's mate had moved closer as we walked, bringing her husband a bottle of water.

"None for me?" I asked jokingly.

Rook smirked. "I'm sure if you asked, there'd be a few here willing to help you unwind," she shot back, gesturing over her shoulder at a group of female Mando'ade. "It seems your prowess has become something of a legend in certain sections of our people. First, taking down a Krayt Dragon, then leading a war of liberation. It's enough to make many consider you as a mate. At least while a certain redhead isn't present."

I chuckled but chose not to respond to her comment. I'd rather not know how many Mando'ade were aware of my closeness to Bo. It wasn't a secret, but it seemed the news of our closeness had spread further than I'd realised. At least among those Mando'ade who were willing to work with the Lokella and probably those on Naboo as well.

Rook, seeing me not responding, moved closer. "Of course, knowing Bo-Katan as I do, I don't think she would complain if you brought another female back to meet her. Perhaps even a pair of twins."

"Do I even want to know where you hear such rumours?" I asked, ignoring the hidden query by giving her one back.

Rook shrugged as Gar finished drinking from the bottle she'd brought him. "When you're stuck in one place for long enough, people begin to talk. Given that you're something of a legend to these people and that Zeltrons are rather… open with their relationships, is it any wonder those two freely boast about the night you gave them?"

"Rook," Gar half-growled, though it didn't have the intended effect as Rook laughed softly at him.

"Relax. I might not be normal in some ways, but I only want you."

I turned away as she moved towards him, sliding into his space. "If you could leave your attempts at procreation to another time, I wish to speak with you both about a personal matter." I glanced around the room, checking which of those present were watching or listening to us. "In private."

Rook, who had extracted herself from Gar, moved to my side and placed a hand on my shoulder. "Relax. I'm sure if you ask her, Bo will accept you as her husband. Or has another caught your eye? A member of your former order, maybe? Or perhaps," she leaned closer as her voice dropped to a whisper, "a certain queen with a skill for speeches?"

"Something more important than that," I replied, again avoiding answering her questions. My closeness to Serra had never been hidden, or at least not enough that other Mando'ade and the Lokella didn't speak about it. However, the mention of Padmé was unexpected and suggested Rook had some contacts on Naboo. Given that Mando'ade were training their defence forces and advising the Queen and her government on how to improve their defences, that wasn't a surprise.

I walked away, heading for the door to the training centre, figuring that by acting a touch mysterious, they would follow. When I heard their footsteps trailing mine, I allowed myself a small smile. It vanished from my face inside of a second, but it was nice to see that the hint of mystery had caught their attention.

We moved in silence as I guided them through the corridors of the station until we reached a small conference room. I'd asked for this room to be secured for my work, and the Lokella had agreed without question. A quick scan with the sensors in my mechanical arm confirmed there were still no active recording devices, though to be safe, I'd be leaving the scan running while we spoke.

Once we were all seated, I looked at the pair. Both were watching me cautiously, curious but careful about why I'd asked for a private meeting. "I'll be blunt about my intentions," I began, knowing that Gar was easiest to speak to when being upfront. "I intend to unite the Clans."

The look of shock that passed over their faces was one I'd been expecting and enjoyed. It'd only been a few months since I'd left the Order, so for me to decide seemingly out of nowhere to make the call to become Mand'alor would've come as a shock to them and everyone else whom I would be mentioning it to. At least those outside of the circle who were already aware of my intentions.

"I know how dangerous trying to do this is, and that many will oppose me simply because I was once a Jedi. However, it is the only path forward that can ensure the Clans ever have the chance to survive." I leaned forward. "There's a darkness coming; one that will shatter the Republic. In that chaos, there will be an opportunity for the Mando'ade to make something of ourselves, but if we don't unite, we'll be consumed by the chaos."

"And you think you're the one to do that?" Gar asked, his voice calmer than I'd expected given what I was saying.

"I do. Yes, I wasn't born Mando'ade, nor has it been long since I left the Jedi and thus freed myself from the yoke of the Republic. However, I feel the fact that I'm, in the eyes of many, an outsider can be a benefit."

Rook scoffed. "You are not an outsider. You are Mando'ade. You completed your verd'goten like any warrior and stood beside us in battle." She glanced at her husband. "I know Gar still harbours some anger towards you for killing his father, and that Tiber still rails against him for not seeking your death."

"It was a good, honourable death," Gar cut in. "I have said this before, and it remains true. What my father was doing is not important, only that he died a warrior. Yes, the death of my father hurts, but that shows that he was a good father, not that he needs to be avenged." He looked at me carefully. "How many others know of, and back your plans?"

"I have the backing of Alor Adonai and Alor Torrhen, as you would already suspect. I think I also have the support of Clan Yomaget, though that is contingent on me having enough backing for my claim to be brought forth openly before all the Clans."

"How…" Rook stopped after one word, which, given the shock in her and Gar's eyes, was understandable. "How did you get Alor Dred to back you?"

I smirked. "I appealed to his interests." Yes, my reply was cryptic, but it would remain that way for now, and probably for a good long while. The less others knew of how I'd convinced Dred to at least not openly oppose me, the better. "And his bottom line. The problem is, even though those three are some of the most powerful Clan leaders among our people, they are but three voices among hundreds of thousands of Clans. There is no certainty that the Clans sworn to House Kryze or House Ordo will support them in backing me, and many will openly challenge me for even trying to become Mand'alor."

"That is their right as a warrior. Just as it is the right of an Alor to determine the direction of the Clan." Gar stopped there and seemed to be considering something. "Clan Saxon will back Clan Shan."

I blinked, a little caught off guard at the quick confirmation. Yes, that was what I wanted, but I thought I'd have to put more work into gaining his support.

"You showed your conviction when fighting my father on this station," Gar said, choosing to explain his reasoning. "You showed me no ill will because of my father's actions and even offered me the chance to avenge him. You have proven yourself as a capable warrior in battle, though one who understands he doesn't know everything, and then there is Naboo."

"Aye," Rook agreed with a smile, one that had appeared not long after Gar had given me his support. "Yes, you hired us as mercenaries, but you led a force of Mando'ade, Naboo, Gungans, and even Jetii into battle. That is worthy of praise." She leaned forward. "Besides, I know that if we support you now, we'll get to see more battles like that in future. Hopefully, ones where the enemy is more of a challenge."

I chuckled. "I can assure you of that. When the Republic shatters, the Clans will be in a place to exploit the chaos; but before it even happens, I know we will fight against whatever forces the Republic gathers, including the Jetii."

The smile the pair wore at the mention of getting to fight the Jedi would chill the blood of many if they saw them.

"How far are you prepared to go if that happens?"

I looked Gar straight in the eye as I answered. "All the way. It doesn't matter who stands before me, be that a former friend, lover, or even the Grandmaster of the Order. If they oppose the Clans, I will fight them with everything I have until one of us lies dead at the feet of the other."

"Good."

… …

---

… …
"You wanted to speak with me?"

I nodded at Anakin's question as he entered Raven's cockpit. Sariss was resting, though I'd asked Aayla and Karia to remain with her so I could speak to Anakin. "I did." I gestured to the co-pilot's seat, which was empty as Simvyl was currently in the training hold with Quinlan.

The former Jedi was working on regaining his skills, and while Simvyl wasn't trained to use the Force as a Jedi or Sith would, the training he'd done during the two years we'd wandered the galaxy had honed his skills. It was because of that that he was capable of standing his ground against anyone bar myself if they used the Force. At least for a time.

It had only been less than a week since Aayla and Quinlan had come on board Raven, but they'd settled into the rhythm of the ship. Quinlan was bunking with Simvyl while Aayla shared a cabin with Karia; the Twi'lek was slowly helping Karia unlock her ability to draw on the Force.

While Aayla was regaining her memories from her time at the Temple, it seemed the emotional connection to those events was lacking, save for those connected to Quinlan, and as I was beginning to notice, to me. Now, perhaps in time, she would recover the emotions for other memories if she encountered and spent time around others such as Serra and Sai-Lan, but I was in no rush to test that theory. Nor, I was clear to myself, was I seeking to take advantage of her recovering any emotions she might harbour towards me.

The faint hints of attraction I'd felt when I'd spoken with her and Quinlan on Mtael's Gift had grown more common, which aligned with my memories of our times as Initiates and then Padawans. She'd never acted on the interest she felt – I assumed because of closeness to Serra – but I'd known she'd held an interest in me. If we'd both remained with the Order, then we might've acted on that interest simply to release the emotions, as, no matter what many, including myself, once upon a time believed, the Jedi were not celibate. They simply worked to avoid forming emotional attachments.

Of course, with Aayla's experiences with Glitteryll and then Volfe Karkko, her Jedi-designed moral compass was lacking. I could have exploited that and her attraction to me to bind her to my side; however, I wasn't going to do so. Not because of some high moral standing, but because I feared that doing so would, if I made a mistake, see her turn against me, which was the last thing I wanted. I needed her and Quinlan to stand with me in the upcoming wars, as even with Maul, Dooku, and Anakin, I couldn't take on the might of the Jedi Order, to say nothing of the Banite Sith.

All that, however, wasn't why I'd summoned Anakin, though there was some overlap. "Do you know why I've asked to speak with you now?" I said, curious to hear if he had an insight into my concerns.

"Um, because I've not been training as hard as I was before we went to Dromund Kaas?" He replied a little uncertainly and with a hint of worry; he was in trouble over that.

"That's not the main reason, but it is something connected to it."

"Then Sariss."

I nodded. "Indeed," I said, mimicking my former Master. "I understand why she has been clinging to you over others, at least those bar Karia. However, it has been a month since we rescued her and the others from the Prophets, and I can no longer allow her to interfere with your training. Nor, I suspect, do you wish that, as it would make your goal of justice for your mother harder to achieve."

Anakin scowled, and I sensed a flaring of his anger. "I haven't forgotten!" He snapped.

"I know," I responded, raising one hand to both calm him and, using the Force to expand my presence over the cockpit, remind him that displaying such rage towards me was unwise. "However, if things continue as they have been, your training will slow considerably."

"Now, I'm not saying that you have to stop spending time with Sariss. I don't wish for her to spiral inward if she was cut off from one she regards as her saviour," his cheeks reddened there, which was something I would be coming back to later. "But I cannot allow you to neglect your studies. Not when the next few years will see many target you for being my ad."

"They shouldn't do that, but I get it." Anakin sighed, his earlier burst of anger fading. "They will think you're too hard to kill, so they will come for me instead."

"Some will, yes. And when they do, I want you ready to prove to them the folly of their choice." I leaned forward and placed a hand on his upper arm. "You're strong, Anakin. Both in the Force and as a warrior, but you aren't yet ready to stand against most Mando'ade, to say nothing of those who lead the strongest Clans. Normally, I'd have Simvyl and Fenrir watch over you if we have to separate, but Simvyl will need to protect Sariss and Karia while Fenrir is… otherwise occupied."

The tuk'ata had, at his request, remained on Gaia with his pack. Now, the request hadn't come in the way it would from a sentient, but my bond with him was more than sufficient that I understood his wishes. He wouldn't be staying with the pack forever, but I'd decided to give him half a year with them to help them settle in their new home and train them so that when the time came for him to return to my side, they were more than capable of defending themselves against any that might try to hunt them.

Of course, if there were those in the galaxy who thought hunting a pack of tuk'ata was a good choice, then I wished them luck. Not only would they find that harder than they expected, but to do so, they'd have to deal with the Lokella who considered Fenrir one of their own. Mainly, as he stood with me and I held, as much as I disliked it, the only permanent seat on their council.

"I can protect Sariss!" Anakin snapped out, some of his emotions leaking into the Force. Since I was expanding my presence over the cockpit, they wouldn't be sensed by anyone else, which was good. While most of what he felt towards Sariss was geared towards protecting her as if he saw her as a sister, there was, if one dug deeply enough into his feelings, a hint of something more. Which was another thing I would be speaking about with him in this meeting.

"I know you think you can, but what happens if someone stronger than Bo comes at you while others target Sariss? Do you think, as you are now, that you could protect her from such danger?"

"I…" He stopped himself before he said what I suspected would be a boast that he could. That was encouraging as it meant he wasn't being blinded by his concern for Sariss. "Maybe," he finished, his head dropping.

I squeezed his arm, and once he looked up again, I spoke. "It is good that you understand your limitations, Anakin. Now we have to work on getting you past them." I let go of his arm and leaned back, offering him a smile. "And seeing if Sariss would be willing to train to draw on her potential as well."

"D-do you think she can be trained?" There was a hint of hope in his tone, and I sensed the same emotions, though they were weaker this time, as during his outburst a moment ago.

"You know that I tested all those that came with us from Dromund Kaas, correct?" He nodded. "Of them, Sariss has the greatest potential. Comparable to Master Dooku." Anakin's brow rose at those words, which wasn't unexpected. He'd have sensed she was strong in the Force, but to hear she could, in theory, one day rival Dooku was something he'd not have considered. "I'd like to begin her training with your help; however, I'm concerned that her current condition – mental more than physical – might make her susceptible to the worst tricks of the Force."

"I'll make sure she doesn't fall," Anakin shot back, conviction in his tone and certainty radiating from him into the Force.

"The choice if one falls is only ever theirs," I countered gently. "We can, however, work to ensure she has fewer reasons to lose herself to the worst torments of the Force, and if she does, that you can bring her back from the abyss." I sighed and glanced out the cockpit, taking in the swirling energies of hyperspace.

"The Dark Side isn't something to be feared. As you experienced with the Trandoshans, it can grant you the power you need in a moment. However, it shouldn't ever be fully relied on to give you that burst of power, or that it won't trick and drag you down if you use it. All of us, me, you, Karia, Quinlan, and Aayla, have been touched by the Dark Side. We've felt its twisted whispers and offers, and some of us have even indulged in our darker desires." Anakin shivered, probably remembering how he'd been when he'd been kidnapped and came close to dying. "Sariss is, of all of us, the most at risk. She has no training to draw upon, nor is she mature enough to be able to handle the maelstrom of emotions that rage, understandably and rightly, within her. However, when you helped her claim a fraction of the justice she deserved, you gave her a moment of light in the depths of darkness where she'd dwelled before then. That is a powerful thing, and why I feel she stays so close to you. We can use that to help her train, but before then, you need to be aware of the danger her need to be near you could create."

"I don't not like her," he replied, showing a hint of maturity and understanding. Something I'd not honestly expected but was pleased to hear, nonetheless. "And I think I get what you're meaning, but I want to help her. Not because she could be powerful, or because it will bring her peace, but because she's my friend."

I chuckled and leaned forward, ruffling his hair. Anakin scowled, disliking the gesture, which was part of why I did it, but made no move to pull away. "That is why you are a good person, Anakin. Your desires and thoughts are never about yourself, but for others. It shows your heart is in the right place, but as I've said many times before, that doesn't mean you can't be deceived or twisted by the Force. The need and desire to help and protect others can lead to a very dark place," the image of him fighting Obi-Wan in the other timeline flashed through my head, "but I trust you not to lose yourself in your need to protect and save others." I removed my hand from his hair and chuckled again. "Hopefully, by learning from my mistakes and those of the people around us."

"You mean like how Master Drallig died on Naboo?"

I blinked, caught out by him going on that tangent. "Not, perhaps, the example I would've suggested, but a valid one. Serra and I both saw the other in danger through the Force. It tricked us with differing visions to force our hands. Mine made clear she couldn't come if I wanted her to live, while hers made clear that if she didn't help, I'd die. In the end, our actions, our desires to protect each other, cost her the life of the man closest to being her parent."

"Is that why she didn't leave the Jedi with you?"

A small, barking laugh slipped from my lips, and I gazed out of the cockpit once again. My mind reached out into the Force, seeking the thread that led to Serra. In hyperspace and at this distance, I couldn't make a clear connection, but just sensing the thread was still there and that it – and thus, she – was safe, brought a wave of calmness to my heart.

"Perhaps, perhaps not," I eventually replied to my apprentice. "Our paths are still linked; of that, I remain certain. However, for now, we must travel separately. A day will come when we see each other again, and on that day, I do not know what will happen."

"Why? You still love her, don't you?"

"I do, and I know she loves me also. Life, however, doesn't always give us what we want, nor when we want it. Sometimes the paths we take carry us away from those we care for, and they might never lead back to each other." I barely held back a sigh, the longing I felt for Serra, and my desire to have her, like Bo, at my side, a chain around my heart.

"Why would the Force not want you to be happy?"

"The Force doesn't care about our happiness, Anakin," I replied quickly, having gathered myself during the time it took him to ask his latest question. "As I have said before, what it considers balance is a mystery. The Jedi, the Sith, and any other group out there who uses the Force in any way like to believe they understand what that balance is, and what the Force desires, but they don't. No sentient being ever can. It is as beyond us as we are a fly buzzing around the forest looking for whatever it is a fly seeks."

I grunted before I continued. "If we want to be happy in this life, we have to find it ourselves, and then once we've got it, hold on to it. We can fight to keep it in our grasp or let it go when we feel we should, but none of that matters to the Force. I love Serra, I don't deny that, and I hope each night that one day our paths will reconverge, but I won't keep her leashed to my side if it would make her unhappy. Her happiness matters to me as much as mine does. Just as Sariss' matters to you."

"What?"

I smirked at his reaction. "You care for her, Anakin. She's your friend after all," I added, diverting my meaning before the swell of panic I'd just felt grow. "It's only natural that you'd want her to be happy. What you can't do is let her remain shackled to you. She needs to, eventually, learn to stand by herself, which is why I'm going to ask you to help me begin training her in the ways of the Force. Not because I wish to see her fight alongside us, but so that she can defend herself when the time comes for her to stand without your support."

"W-will you adopt her?"

I blinked, caught out for a moment by the question. "I don't feel the connection with her that I do with you. However, if both of you would like that, then I will consider bringing her into our Clan as your sister." My eyes narrowed as I spoke. "Is that what you want?"

"I want her to be safe," Anakin replied quickly. I lifted an eyebrow, making clear I knew there was more he could, and should say. "I mean… I like having her around and don't want her gone, but…" he looked away, scanning the cockpit for nothing in particular while his fingers played with each other. "I don't know."

"Good." His head snapped back to me. "If you knew what you wanted now, after only knowing her for a month and when you are still unsure of yourself, I'd not support you. Not on this. You are powerful, Anakin and have a good head on your shoulders, but you're still a child and have much growing to do."

It would be two more years before he was of the age to attempt his verd'goten, something I knew he was still intent on completing. At that point, he would still be young, but at least he would be expected to have some idea of what path he wished to travel. Sariss was of age to complete her verd'goten, but she was not even close to being ready, which was another reason I was against adopting her currently. She needed to become able to stand by herself for that to even be an option, though if she wanted to become a member of my Clan, small as it was, then I wouldn't deny her that option.

"How should we train her?"

"That, I do not know," I answered honestly. "What she has gone through is enough to shatter most. That she'd still be able to, even if it's only barely at times, keep going is a testament to her fortitude. What she needs now, I think, is both someone to speak to honestly about what she endured and a way forward. For the latter, you can offer that, and as for the former, Karia will have to suffice. At least until we find someone better skilled in helping others with such trauma."

I'd asked Bo about finding someone among the Mando'ade to help, but I wasn't holding out much hope for that. Yes, Mando'ade spoke openly with each other about issues, but I didn't think they'd have much experience dealing with a child who'd suffered the sort of abuse Sariss had endured. Which was why, among other reasons, we were currently heading for Naboo.

There would be many there who'd suffered loss during the invasion, and the Naboo would have specialists trained in helping people recover from torment. None would travel with us once we left the planet, but if I could get ideas for how to truly begin Sariss' recovery, I would take them with open arms.

"How can I help her learn to use the Force?"

"I suspect she already does, though she will keep it hidden from most. You'll have to get her to open up to you about that, and once she does, find ways to encourage her to use the power within. Just remain ever mindful of the pain she's carrying. I don't wish to have to step in and send her recovery crashing back to the start by being in any way aggressive towards her."

"Okay."

I gestured that we were finished, and he stood slowly. While he moved to exit the cockpit confidently, I easily sensed the thoughts troubling his mind. The uncertainty of how to help his friend, and the fear that he might make things worse.

"Trust in yourself, Anakin, and use the Force to guide you," I said as the doors opened. "But be mindful of your feelings and not push her too hard."

… …

---

… …
"Your Highness, Jedi Knight Cameron Shan."

I walked into the throne room, moving forward calmly in my armour – sans my helmet, which I carried under my arm – and walked towards the throne. Around me, just like outside when I'd moved through the streets of Theed towards the Palace, people were gathered. Whispered conversations took place as I marched forward, almost all centred around wondering why I had returned to Naboo and where I'd been two months ago during the anniversary of the invasion by the Trade Federation.

I ignored all those comments, just as I had when moving through the streets of Theed, along with the handful of other comments. Those seemed centred around my attire, general look, and the fact that the Queen had arranged this formal greeting quickly. Going so far, I managed to piece together, by ending a meeting with her government the moment it was confirmed that my ship was descending to the planet.

Ahead of me, my eyes took in the sight of Padmé, who wasn't using Sabé as her double this time. The differences between the pair were minute and something only a handful of people would be able to tell if they saw both in regal attire. Even without the Force or seeing Sabé standing behind the throne trying to shield her face, I was able to tell it was Padmé who sat awaiting my arrival before her throne. She had a very distinct presence in the Force, and the various emotions that leaked from her only helped to confirm that it truly was her I was about to speak with.

As was Naboo's custom, she was dressed in one of those ensembles that I found to be over the top, verging on gaudy, with heavy makeup. Everything about the attire and appearance she had to project as Queen Amidala detracted from her natural grace and beauty, but since this was a public meeting, I was forced to deal with her being, in my opinion, sullied by her regal appearance.

Once near the throne, I dropped to a knee and lowered my head. There was no need for me to do so, and the action caused a few new murmurs from those gathered in the throne room. However, I felt it was a suitable way to greet royalty.

"Rise, Master Jedi." I obeyed Padmé's command and stood, offering a small smile as I did so. "We are pleased to see you have returned to Naboo, though, along with many in our court, I wonder why you did not show for the recent memorial commemorating all those who died defending our world from the heinous actions of the Trade Federation."

I bit back a comment about her acting stiff as I knew she was merely doing so for appearances' sake. She might be sitting perfectly still on her throne, but thanks to the Force, I could sense every emotion that raged beneath her surface; all of them centred around me, with several unsuitable for public display.

"I apologise, Your Majesty. However, a few months before the memorial, after communing with the Force in great depth, I came to a revelation that required me to depart for a private location and meditate on my path forward."

"If we might ask, what was this revelation?"

My smile grew as I locked eyes with her. "I no longer stand with the Jedi Order."

The voices of those gathered in the room rose quickly. They were trying to remain dignified and not speak openly, but the reveal of my departure from the Order was a shock to them, and I felt a massive spike in curiosity aimed at me. And, amusingly, at Padmé.

"We were aware of this. Our Senator reported it to us when they returned for the memorial." I dipped my head a fraction, accepting her words and not being remotely surprised about it. The moment Palpatine publicly learnt of my departure, he'd have informed the Senator for Naboo so that Padmé could be alerted. Even if he was simply doing so because he was the former Senator of Naboo, his game of using her to entice and corral me was one I'd anticipated. Of course, that didn't mean just because there was a trap centred around Padmé that I was going to avoid it. No, it was better to play into it, to a degree, as I didn't wish to hurt Padmé, to keep Sidious and Plagueis thinking I was relatively simple to predict and unaware of their true nature.

"It doesn't surprise me that you already knew this, Your Majesty," I said, offering her a warm smile. It would add fire to any rumours that existed suggesting something was going on between myself and Padmé, but I wasn't going to pretend she wasn't a friend simply to avoid such comments. "Because of my choice to depart the Order, something the Jedi High Council did not seek to stop, I spent several months far from established space lanes. While I did not regret my choice then, nor do I now, I required time to meditate on what path I would be taking now that I was free of the shackles of the Order and the Republic."

My choice of words, as was intended, caused a new round of murmurs. They weren't as pronounced as any of the previous moments of curiosity, but they still occurred. Through the Force, I reached out, seeking to determine the overall opinion of those present as they represented the political, financial, and artistic elite of the people.

Internally, I smiled as I sensed the general feeling that lingered in the Force was one of agreement with my words. It wasn't as strong as I would feel from any Mando'ade, but the fact that it was the prevalent private opinion was a boon I hoped but not expected to discover.

It was highly improbable that I could turn the Naboo, and with them the Gungans, against the Senate so long as Palpatine was Co-Chancellor. However, if I could subtly foster that anti-Republic sentiment among these people and the masses, I could weaken the support for the Senate on the homeworld of one of its current Co-Chancellors. Publicly, Palpatine would be aghast by this, but privately, he and Plagueis would be pleased, as it would further ferment dissension in the Republic before they moved to begin their Grand Plan.

Of course, doing this wasn't for their benefit, but for mine. Although it wasn't a strategic, commercial, or militarily important system or sector, it was still one of the more developed and powerful worlds in this section of the Mid Rim. If I could find some way to pull it from the Republic, even into just becoming neutral – as stupid as that concept was in the long run – it would damage the power of the Co-Chancellors.

"And what has your time meditating brought you?" Padmé asked, a hint of her curiosity slipping into her tone.

"Perspective on a great many things, Your Majesty. However, to discuss them, I feel, would be better handled in a less… public location."

Padmé's eyes locked onto me, and I felt the small struggle she was experiencing with my gentle request. Allowing me to speak privately with her would add further fuel to the rumours, but it was what she wanted, and she was, I felt, wise enough to understand that I wouldn't want everyone aware of what I wished to say.

"If you are amenable to it, might I suggest a private dinner this evening?" She suggested. "Any travelling companions you have with you are more than willing to join, of course, as would my handmaidens. That should ensure that what you wish to speak of remains known to only a handful of people in my government."

I lowered my head. "Your Majesty is as wise as she is beautiful," I replied. She might not react openly, nor show any response to the latest round of whispered comments, but I sensed her spike in emotions at my words. "I am at Your Majesty's service for when and where."

Padmé nodded slightly, accepting my words. As our eyes met, I caught a glint of excitement in her gaze. "Beyond what you wish to speak of privately, along with my court, I am curious to hear of your adventures in the time you have been absent from our world."

"As you wish, your Majesty."

… …

---

… …
This story is cross-posted on Fanfiction.net, Archive of Our Own, and Royal Road.
...
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 ~3 weeks 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:
Patreon: USSExplorer
Kofi: USSExplorer

---

Regardless if you join the 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​

 

[Cobra]

Great chapter, can't wait for the next one.

 

[TheOneTrueDemonLord]

Padme time, yay