Wanting to try my hand at Star Wars, so what the heck; here she goes.
The galaxy was in turmoil, as it has been since its beginning. The Mandalorian clans had united and were sweeping across the Outer Rim under the leadership of Mandalore the Ultimate. The Republic has been savagely attacked and many worlds have already fallen. Onderon, Vanquo, and Taris have all been conquered by the victorious Mando'a Clans and the rest of the systems trembled at the thought of being conquered by the savage invaders.
The Republic has been constantly asking the Jedi Council for assistance in their war, but the Council has refused them and have even ignored the warnings of Jedi Knights Revan and Alek; two of the most influential Knights of the Order. But now, inside the Enclave training halls, Jedi Knights and Padawans alike await the verdict of the Council…
3,961 BBY, Dantooine
The normally quiet halls of the Jedi Enclave echoed with the running footsteps of more Padawans rushing to join their counterparts in the Enclave Gardens. Their robes billowed out behind them as the three friends turned the corner into the main area where dozens of fellow Jedi awaited the Council's judgment.
The three teens ran into the mob of people, weaving in and out of the groups of Jedi and earning shouts of annoyance from some of the more senior Knights. The teens just laughed as they reached their normal meeting area; a stone bench beside a large Ebon tree. It had been there since the three of them had been apprentices and it was where they had met for the first time.
Clothed in the normal brown robes of the Jedi and sitting on the bench was the youngest of the group at seventeen; Rainee 'Rain' Kassal. She was from Telos, daughter of a wealthy merchant from the plains region. She was the most at home on Dantooine, in her spare time she helped the farmers corral their herds of Bols; the native cattle on Dantooine.
"Ah, so Master Vrook really said that?" ask Rain, directing her question to the dark-skinned girl to her right. Kana Navin, a native of Haruun Kal; the toxic planet where only those in the mountains survived, was dressed in tan robes adorned with volcanic rocks from her home world. At nineteen, she was the eldest of the group and she was sitting opposite of Rain, playing with a blade of grass as they spoke.
"Haha yes and the apprentice almost passed out from embarrassment." Kana said as they shared the laugh. They both remembered the difficulty in reciting the Jedi Code; the first test a Jedi must pass. "Master Vrook then told the poor kid to go study the Code for the rest of the class."
The two of them both laughed again, this time joined in by the lone male in the group; Zev Aban. He was eighteen, hailing from Corellia, the capital planet of Corellian system. He came to the Jedi Order later than most apprentices at five years old and retained some of his typical Corellian mannerisms. Dressed in dark blue robes, he was carving a necklace from the wood of the Ebon tree, his blade glittering in the sunlight.
"You know, Vrook means for the best." Zev said as he looked up from his work, both girls staring at him in disbelief. Kana laughed, gently slapping Zev on the shoulder; causing his knife to slip, cutting his hand. "Ah! Blast it, Kana, what's that for?"
"Well, if you would stop trying to be the mediator of all our conversations, then I wouldn't have to beat you like a baby Kath Hound." Kana replied as Zev held his hand up, trying to keep blood off his robes.
"Yeah, well, if you would stop bashing everything then maybe Vrook would like you more." Sneered Zev, pressing his other hand against the cut to stop the bleeding; Rain snorted, pushing her hair back before taking Zev's hand. The boy sighed inwardly as her soft hands gently caressed his own rough ones. Rain smiled, her hands glowing light blue as they hovered over the cut. She removed her hands, revealing pink flesh, not even a trace of scarring of any time.
"Hey, thanks Rain; you're getting good at that." Zev said as he flexed his hand, the skin easily stretching with the movement.
"Yeah, Master Vandar says my training is coming to a close." Rain said, blushing slightly as she folded her hands in her lap; tucking her hair behind her ears. "Maybe I'll be able to go assist the Republic doctors in the Outer Rim; gods know they need the help."
Zev nodded his head in understanding, everyone knew that the Republic had been beaten back time and again by the Mandalorian horde and now they were on their knees. The reason for the gathering of so many Jedi showed the seriousness of the matter. Knights Revan and Alek were both speaking to the Council on the Republic's behalf; begging for aid.
"Yeah, but the Republic needs soldiers, Rain. You forget that." Kana cut-in, pulling her lightsaber from her belt, the elegant weapon drawing the younger Padawans eyes; it shone brightly in the sunlight, a single Kath Hound tooth hanging from its hilt.
"Calm yourself, Kana." Rain said as she looked to the doors shielding the Council from her gaze. "Soldiers are not the only ones to win wars; you need supplies, logistics, and materials. You would do well to remember that Consular, if you wish to go to battle."
Kana waved her hand in annoyance, standing up and walking towards another group of Padawans. Zev looked to Rain, both meeting one another eyes before bursting with laughter; earning more looks of annoyance from elder Jedi. Rain covered her mouth, face red with embarrassment; giving Zev her own look, causing him to fall to the ground laughing.
Wiping a tear from his eye, Zev spoke. "You know, how she became a consular is beyond me. She's more of a soldier than me and I'm a damn Guardian."
"I know, but you understand the ideals of combat and leadership. Kana, I fear will charge headlong into battle, regardless of the opposition." Rain sighed, looking towards Kana as she spoke to the four other Jedi.
Resting his arm on his knee, Zev sat up, brushing his hair back. "You are right there, she is wise beyond her years; if only she would stop and think before acting." The two sat in silence for what seemed like hours before the council chambers open, gaining the attention of all those assembled.
Zev stood quickly, brushing leaves from his clothes and looking towards the door. He walked to the center of the Gardens, climbing up the Great Tree to catch of glimpse of who was leaving. Rain followed, grasping the lowest branch as she climbed; her foot slipped, her eyes widening as she felt gravity pull on her body. Zev's hand shot out, grabbing hold of her robes in a desperate attempt to keep her from falling.
He succeeded, using the Force to aid in pulling her to him into Zev's open arms. They fell against the trunk of the tree, both Padawans blushing brightly as they realized their position. Rain pushed away from Zev, tucking her hair behind her ears.
"Tha…thank you Zev." Rain stammered as she gazed into Zev's eyes, a nervous smile on her face. "The doors are open now, I can see the Masters."
Zev nodded, hiding his blush from the eyes of Rain; turning to look at the doors. Sure enough, there the Masters were; standing behind them were Revan and Malak. Though imposing in stature, Malak was no match for Revan; who stood taller than all the Masters. Clothed in black and red, Revan wore the mask of a fallen Mandalorian warrior; rumored to have been recovered on the planet of Cathar.
Master Vrook strode forward, speaking for the council. He raised, his hands calling for the assembled Jedi to be quiet before speaking; his voice echoing in the Gardens.
"It is in the Council's decision to not to sanction the entry of the Jedi Order in to the war." Vrook was blasted by the onslaught of voices from the assembled men and women. He stepped forward again, veins popping out as he spoke, or rather, yelled for the attention of the people. "It is also the Council's decision to disband the Revanchist movement and to ground all out going flights until further notice. That is the will of the Council and you will all do well to obey it. The temptation of the Dark Side is too great for any of one to understand; trust in the Council." With that, Vrook and the rest of the Masters turned away, disappearing into their chambers yet again. Master Vrook even had the audacity to purposely knock his shoulder into Revan's on his way into the chambers.
When the door closed, all hell broke loose. Knights and Padawans all began to shout, clambering for an answer from Revan. The Knight walked forward, cloak billowing out as he stepped up onto a bench. He raised his hands, silencing the assembled Jedi quickly.
Zev held his breath, waiting for Revan's words in anticipation. Rain climbed closer to him, sitting next to him with her legs hanging over the branch. "He's good, even Vrook couldn't quiet them quicker." Rain said, shifting nervously as she gazed done at Revan.
"My fellow Jedi, the Council has made its decision. We must respect their wishes, but I cannot obey them." Spoke Revan, wisdom rolling of his tongue like the Masters themselves. "I go to the aid of the Republic with Alek and we will defeat the Mandalorians; with or without the Council's permission."
The assembled Jedi cheered, waiting for the rest of Revan's speech. He raised his hands again, this time taking longer for the Jedi to quiet.
"I go to the Core Worlds, to Coruscant, where I will meet with the heads of the Republic Military for the next course of action. I ask for you all to look deep into the Force, search your feelings and you will know war is the only way for lasting peace. For those who wish to join, meet in the hanger bay in one hour and say your goodbyes; we won't be home for a long time."
Revan nodded once, stepping down from the bench and into the mass of Jedi. The cheering deafened Zev's ears as he hung in the tree, eyes wide as he recalled the past few moments. He watched as Jedi slapped Revan on the back and congratulated each other. Many raced back into the Enclave halls, toward their rooms o pack their things; soon, only leaving Rain, Zev, and Kana.
"Hey! Love birds, you coming down?" Kana asked, crossing her arms and stamping her foot impatiently. "I gotta pack you know?"
Zev looked down into the dark brown eyes of Kana, leaping from the branch and landing in front of Kana. "Go pack…I'll meet you at the hanger. Prep the 'Streamline' for launch and we'll get out of here."
Kana nodded, running towards her room. Zev stood looking up into the Dantooine sky as a flock of pigeons passed overhead. He laughed, on almost every world he had visited, that was the one animal that he always saw.
"Wait, you're going?" Rain asked, dropping down from the tree; her robes flapping in the wind. She turned Zev around, frustration etched on her face. Zev was surprised by this; Rain was normally the quiet, calm, girl that Zev had grown up with.
Zev looked into Rain's eyes, suddenly ashamed. "I have too, Revan is right. We need to aid the Republic, not sit here and meditate!" Zev was shocked to hear himself shouting, stepping away from Rain; who simply stood there shocked.
"Zev…please, think about this for a second." Rain asked, walking closer to Zev; placing her hand on his shoulder. Zev covered hers with his, squeezing gently.
"I have, before Revan spoke to us." Zev said, turning around and facing Rain; whose eyes began water. "Corellia could be next, maybe Telos, hell, even Dantooine could be next. I have to protect you… I mean the people of the galaxy." Stammered Zev, turning his head away from Rain's; trying to not meet her eyes, Rain's hand gently turned his face towards his.
"What did you just say?" she asked, both hands now holding onto Zev's face. Her eyes bore into Zev's, begging for an answer.
"I…have to protect you. Only you matter to me, the Order holds no meaning for me; I'm not that good of a Jedi anyway. I care about you Rain, more than the damn Code allows." Zev admitted, looking into Rain's eyes. His right hand rose, cupping her chin softly; as he leaned in closer. "Don't hit me for this…" he whispered.
Rain was shocked as Zev leaned even closer, his lips locking with hers. At first she didn't know what to do, then she closed her eyes, arms wrapping around Zev's neck. They stood there for what seemed like hours, before breaking apart.
"Zev, if you go, then so do I." Rain said, hands clutching at the front of his robes. "I already told you I wanted to help the doctors and this is my chance."
"Ah…alright, it's a deal; we go together." Zev said, pulling on Rain's hand; together they raced to their rooms.
Emerging from the Enclave dormitories, bags in hand, the two teens raced to the hanger bay. Before them stood many different types of starships, but the one they were wanting was to the far right. The 'Streamline' was a Dynamic-class freighter with dual defensive turrets on top and bottom of the ship. Also, it was equipped with the offensive capabilities of a fighter; quad turbo lasers at the front, underneath the cockpit. It was able to deal out a lot of damage before being taken out and as a plus; it had one of the best hyperdrives the Jedi could buy.
"Kana! The Streamline ready?" Zev shouted as they boarded the ship, walking through the corridors into the main hold; where Kana was hunched over the Navigation computer.
"Yeah, just need to get the go-ahead from Revan. Cockpit's ready for ya, flyboy." Kana said, without looking up from the Nav, blue light lighting up her face.
"Gotcha, Rain, dormitories are to the right; pick a bed." Zev said, dropping his bag on the table to his right. He walked into the cockpit, sitting in the pilot's seat as sync the controls to the Nav. "Kana, I just got the green light from Revan and Alek. We're to go to these coordinates; got it?"
"Roger that, Zev. Coordinates in, liftoff whenever." Kana's voice echoed through the ships speakers as Zev grasped the controls. The ship vibrated as it lifted off, slowly passing over the other ships preparing to leave.
When they were clear of the other starships, Zev pressed down on the flight control lever; the 'Streamline' rocketing through the atmosphere towards the rallying point. "Rain, I need a co-pilot." Zev said, releasing the intercom button; returning to piloting.
Footsteps echoed off the metal deckplates as Rain entered the cockpit, taking the co-pilot's seat. "So, how long till we're there?" Rain asked, shedding her outer robe and tossing it over her chair.
"We're there, waiting for Revan's go-ahead." Zev replied, turning on the ships broadcast system. "This is the 'Streamline' calling for the 'Ebon Hawk'. Acknowledge."
"This is the 'Ebon Hawk' go-ahead." Alek's voice came over the speakers.
"Master Alek, this is Padawan Zev, awaiting the green light to engage the hyperdrive." Zev replied, looking out into the darkness of space.
"Padawan Zev, I just got the go-ahead from Revan. You have your green light." Alek said, cutting the communication short.
Surprised by the rudeness of Alek, Zev punched the hyperdrive; the systems warming up. "Kana, prepare to jump to hyperspace in 3…2…1!"
The stars seemed to grow larger and longer as the hyperdrive activated sending them hurtling towards Coruscant. Zev looked to Rain, who smiled briefly before returning to the controls of her station. Turning away, Zev stared into the now blue swirls of hyperspace.
"For the Republic."
Well, how'd you like it? I hope I got everything right, I have read a bunch of great Star Wars stories but not many about the Mandalorian Wars, so I hope I do it justice. Please review; I really care what you all think about it. See y'all later!