Chapter 9 - Vengeance and Destiny
Author's note: I owe all of you the biggest apology for the delay in this chapter! I don't know why but I have been struggling with writer's block like crazy for this story! I am sorry if this chapter isn't up to snuff, I just felt I should rip the bandaid off and get a chapter posted so I can hopefully move onto the parts of the story where I am inspired to write!
Someone told me in a review that having the Mand'oa words without knowing their meaning takes them out of a scene so I'm trying something new where I put the translation next to the word. Please let me know if that's better or worse than just having a list of translations in the author's note.
Well, here we go!
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"I can only protect you, I can't fight a war for you." Siri said as she folded her arms across her chest.
"But wasn't that exactly what you were doing for the Queen of Naboo?" Ben asked.
Siri shook her head in surprise. "No, of course not. We were simply protecting the Queen from the Sith."
"So if my life was in danger then you'd fight?" He asked with a quirk of his eyebrow.
"The next time your life is in peril from a Sith Lord I promise I will fight for you." She sighed and rolled her eyes. "But I as a Jedi can't get in the middle of a Mandalorian civil war!"
"Except you already have," Jango exclaimed as he walked down the ramp of the ship, placing various weapons in holsters. "The moment you put on that armor you signed up for this."
Sapphire eyes stared definitely into hard Amber ones as Siri piece by piece removed the Beskar armor. As she finally stepped out of it wearing nothing but the skin tight grey body stocking, she picked up the pieces and pushed it towards Jango who gladly gathered it up from her.
"Jedi do not seek vengeance." She looked at Ben over her shoulder. "I will not be a part of this."
Jango gently placed the armor at the top of the ramp and then turned towards her. "That is your choice, Jedi. Gods forbid any of you actually do something good for Mandalore for once."
"Have you ever stopped to think that what would be good for Mandalore is to just let it heal?" She looked up at him. "Instead of more bloodshed?"
Fett just brushed past her without a second glance and Siri turned her eyes towards Ben. He slowly placed his helmet on and then pulled out a familiar silver cylinder from his belt and held it out towards her. Siri slowly accepted her lightsaber back.
"I know I have no right to ask this of you, but please take Jaster's body back to camp before you escape." His voice was surprisingly understanding given the situation.
"I'm not leaving you," she argued.
"Siri. What use do the dead have for a ship?" She couldn't see his face, but she could sense his resolve through the Force. "Please, take it. I promised to get you back to your kind one way or another."
Siri felt a lump in her throat at his statement. Ben then moved in the direction of his brother.
"Ben…" She took a step forward, reaching out towards him. "You don't have to do this."
"May the Force be with you, Siri."
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Twin suns were low in the sky, casting brilliant hues of orange and purple against the pale sand. A small and simple home with a domed roof made out of sandstone rose from the otherwise barren wasteland. Two figures stood in the distance, busying themselves with preparations for nightfall while two other hooded figures were focused on a small child playing in the dirt.
"He's grown so much," an achingly familiar voice stated as Siri Tachi lowered her hood.
"I'm pretty sure that's what children do cyare (beloved)." A thick accented voice said with a hint of mischievousness.
The blonde woman offered her companion a fond yet annoyed look before returning her attention to the child. She smiled as she watched the boy with similarly colored hair stack toy blocks while using the Force.
Siri took a turn and used the Force to place a block on top of the other, this elicited babbling laughter from the toddler as he clapped with his chubby hands. She reached out and ran her fingers through his shaggy blonde hair.
"We have to go," the hooded man said to her with regret in his voice. "We've lingered too long already, we risk leading HIM here."
"I know," she reluctantly answered, running the back of a soft yet calloused finger over the baby's round cheek.
The man finally lowered his hood to reveal the hardened face of a soldier with a thick auburn beard and hair to match. The hair at his temples speckled with white and the lines at the corners of his eyes showed his age and the stress of a difficult life. He knelt down next to the boy and lifted him into his strong arms, hugging him tightly and pressing a soft kiss to the child's forehead before passing the baby to the waiting arms of the woman.
"Be safe ner adiik (my child)," he whispered into the boy's ear before rising to his feet.
Siri clung to the child as she also stood, her eyes sadly drifting to the figures approaching, the same two farmers who had been previously tending the homestead were ready to collect the bundle in her arms. The boy, being able to sense the unease through the Force began to fuss and she bounced him as she tried to sooth him.
"It's okay, it's okay…" She kissed the top of his head, cradling him against her chest tightly. "I'm sorry we have to leave little one, but don't worry, we'll always be with you. Remember, you're never alone with the Force."
She glanced back at the man who had already raised his hood to conceal his face, he motioned for her to come with him. Siri looked up at the couple awaiting her to give them back the child and then she pressed her lips again to the baby's forehead.
"Never forget who you are," She whispered softly. "A thousand generations live in you now. Our last vercopa {hope}."
As the suns dipped below the horizon two lone figures turned to leave as the family headed back into the home, the sounds of a crying baby shattered the otherwise encompassing silence of the desert.
Adi awoke with a gasp, taking a moment longer than normal to calm her breathing back to a normal rate. She then closed her eyes again and called upon the Force to cast out the anxiety left over from the vision. Her analytical brain also tried to make sense of not only what she saw, but the darkness and sorrow she felt.
"Adi," a gentle voice called out. "Is there anything I can do?"
The Tholothian shook her head, finally looking over at Qui-Gon in the pilot's seat. "I'm afraid not my friend."
"They're frequency seems to be increasing." Qui-Gon Jinn said, unsure how else to assist his friend since visions were never his forte.
"Yes, the longer Siri is…" She stopped herself from continuing, looking carefully at her companion.
"The longer she is held hostage by my former Padawan." Qui-Gon finished her thought. "You fear what is happening to her."
"Yes," the Jedi Master admitted. "But not in the way you think."
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The two warriors waited until the cover of darkness, spending the few hours before they attacked doing rreconnaissance of their enemy's camp. Neither spoke much, both knowing it was an insurmountable battle ahead of them that would more than likely end in both their deaths. Ben was unable to shake the feelings of unease, prior to spending time with a Jedi he would've chalked it up to nerves, but now he knew it was the Force trying to talk some sense into him. He turned his head to look at his brother in all but blood who was resting against a tree.
"Jango, Vod {brother}. I have a bad feeling about this." He spoke softly into his helmet comm.
"Do not get cold feet now Ben," Jango answered. "They're going to pay, every single Deathwatch shabuir {mother fucker}"
"They will pay, but maybe just not tonight." Ben replied. "We should come back with help and a plan."
Jango snickered. "Help. And who is it exactly that is going to come ride to our rescue?"
"Mandalore will come if called upon." Ben said, as calmly as he could muster.
"Mandalore has turned their back on us Vod {brother}, and even though you have been between the Duchess' legs that isn't likely to change anytime soon." Jango sighed.
"Don't speak about things you know nothing about." Ben felt his anger rising.
Jango chuckled. "Ben, even if she loved you as much as you claim, Duchess Satine is a pacifist. There is nothing she can do for us."
"Maybe there has been enough death." Ben's voice held more conviction than he felt. "You're the Mand'alor you can make real and lasting change."
"Do not lose focus Ben," Jango snapped. "We're here to avenge Jaster and our other fallen brethren. Now, are you still with me?"
The younger man sighed, he knew there was no changing his brother's mind. "In all things, Mand'alor."
"Good." Jango placed a hand on his shoulder. "I will hold you to that."
The two masked men turned their attention back towards the camp as the glow lamps were dimmed, they knew the bulk of the clan were settling down for the night. Jango pulled out his twin blasters, placing a silencer on each. Ben did the same, but his hands felt heavy with each motion as if something was holding him back.
"You take the west side, I'll handle the east." Jango commanded. "We'll meet at their command tent."
Ben reluctantly nodded and moved towards the west end of the camp. He crouched down as a couple of members of Death Watch moved past him, clearly scanning the perimeter of their base. He glanced over at Jango and waited for the signal, once his brother flashed the sign to move he stealthy made his way towards the first tent.
Jango ducked into the first tent on his side and stood over the two sleeping men, the stench of alcohol was evident and it fueled his rage knowing they had been celebrating the extinction of his people. With a blaster in each hand Fett expertly shot both in the head before ducking out again as quickly as he came, moving onto the next tent.
The adrenaline kicked in along with his rage and he rolled into the next tent, taking the occupant by surprise. Jango used his wrist cable to pull the man off his feet, he then placed his heavy boot on the man's throat as he stared down at him.
"Tor Vizsla, where will I find him?" Fett snarled.
"Slanar at haran {go to hell}!" The Death Watch soldier spat.
Not bothering to argue Jango took out his pistol and immediately shot the man through the head, directly between the eyes. He then pushed forward, slicing the throat of a drunk Mandalorian slumped against a crate as he made his way towards the next tent.
Ben pressed his back against the canvas wall of the first tent, feeling the Force scream at him. He sighed and reluctantly placed his blasters back into his thigh holsters and decided instead to grab his San-Ni staff. He turned the weapon's power coupling to a lower setting, he refused to kill if it wasn't necessary. He knew their only real hope was to capture Vizsla and force him to give up his power as peacefully as possible.
He also knew he'd have to face the wrath of his brother when all of this was over, should they both survive.
Ben made his way deeper into the camp, silently taking out various patrol guards by knocking them out. He crouched behind several ammunition crates, peeking over the top to spy on his next target. He counted four figures standing outside an unassuming tent, the Force however seemed to be pushing him to find out what was inside.
As soon as two of them ducked inside the tent he jumped behind one of the remaining guards, grabbing him in a headlock while kicking out at the other, knocking them to the floor. As he expertly placed pressure on the one in his arms the soldier dropped to the ground and Ben instantly moved towards the second guard. This guard was more prepared and pulled out a blaster just as Ben tackled him. The Member of Death Watch was larger than Ben's slim build but that didn't mean he was at a disadvantage. The former Jedi quickly wrestled the larger man to the ground, holding him tightly with both his arms and legs. The guard struggled to buck off his opponent and Ben felt instinct take over and sent a suggestion of sleep to the man fighting in his grip. The body slacked as he fell into a deep sleep and Ben, astonished, not so gently rolled the man off and climbed back onto his feet.
"Huh, well that's a handy trick." He muttered beneath his breath.
He quickly pressed himself up against the tent, hoping not to attract any unwanted attention, though from the sound of things he figured Jango was doing a good enough job drawing anyone who was awake to his position. He winced as he heard the sound of bodies hitting the ground and felt death all around him through the Force. Ben ignored that for the moment and turned his attention towards the tent behind him, he peeked through an opening through the entrance flap and his breath stilled as he watched two Death Watch soldiers circle a small boy who was kneeling in the center of the tent, bound and gagged.
The child stared up at his captors in steady defiance and Ben had to admit he was impressed by the young one's courage. The Force whispered to Ben and at that exact moment two of the bluest eyes he'd ever seen turned to look directly at him. Ben placed a finger up to his helmet, gesturing for the boy to remain quiet as he crouched and walked into the tent, unnoticed.
"I say we send him back to the Jedi in pieces," one of the warriors, a female exclaimed.
"Tempting, but not a strong enough message." The obvious leader exclaimed. "We need the Jedi to know they are not beyond our reach. That they are just as frail as the rest of the galaxy and will eventually be conquered by the real Mand'alor." The man removed his helmet and knelt in front of the small child. Though his eyes remained cold he offered what he considered to be a warm smile. "My apologies for your treatment son, I'll see to it that you're fed and have a warm bed soon enough."
He reached back and removed the gag, he immediately regretted letting the boy speak. "You'll be sorry you sleemo! Once the Jedi know you kidnapped me it'll be all over!"
"Did we kidnap you though? I do believe you were the one trespassing on Death Watch's territory. In fact we found you hiding aboard a Republic ship." The blonde Mandalorian smirked. "So tell me, kid, who have the Jed sent to Concordia to spy on us?"
"I don't snitch," the boy stuck his small chin up in defiance.
"You have the heart of a warrior, boy. I will give you that." The Mandalorian answered, then swiftly backhanding the child hard across the face.
"You're going to regret that." Ben popped up with a blaster in each hand.
Anakin struggled to focus from the strong smack to his head. Though as a slave he was not inexperienced with being beaten it was a first to feel Beskar armor to the face and he found it difficult to shake off. When he was able to focus he found himself being hauled up and used as a shield against another Mandalorian, though this one's armor wasn't painted and was pure Beskar silver.
"Let the boy go," the newcomer demanded in a surprising core world accent.
"He is a Jedi, his death is the responsibility for all Mandalorians." The member of Death Watch exclaimed.
"He is a child, you know the creed."
"I wasn't expecting any of you to come back, you all scattered to the wind like cowards after my father gutted Mereel." The man began to back up towards the other entrance of the tent, dragging Anakin with him.
Ben felt his blood begin to boil at the mention of his deceased adoptive father. "So you must be a Vizsla then."
"Pre Vizsla. In the flesh."
"Can I ask, what is it with Clan Vizsla and the tradition of really stupid first names?" Ben teased, though his voice was sharp as a razor. "Or is it that none of you can remember or pronounce a name that contains more than three letters?"
"Cute," Vizsla retorted. "Well, you talk way too much to be Fett, Jaster's heir. So you must be his prodigy then. Wait, aren't you the one who somehow failed at kidnapping a little pacifist girl."
Ben snorted in amusement. "If you think there is anything weak about Satine Kryze then you've clearly never met her."
"Oh I am familiar with the Kryze girls," Vizsla remarked with a small chuckle as he glanced at his companion. "They are a stubborn bunch. I'll give you that."
It was at that moment that Jango must've decided to make his presence known on the other side of the camp because an explosion rocked the tent and it was immediately followed by men shouting and running outside towards the battle. Pre Vizsla exchanged glances with his cohort again.
"Bo, help my father. I'll handle this." He said with a smile, turning back to look at Ben.
The woman Mandalorian hesitated but then followed orders and dashed out of the tent leaving the two men and the child alone. Pre Vizsla aimed his wrist guard towards Ben, letting fly several small darts in his direction. Ben instinctively put out his hand and the Force took over pushing each small dart away from their intended target.
Anakin and Pre Vizsla's eyes went wide with astonishment.
"So Jaster's dirty little secret was that he adopted a Jedi Foundling," Vizsla exclaimed. "I'm sure all of Mandalore will enjoy hearing what a traitor Mereel was to his people. He should've killed you when you were a pup instead of bringing shame to his clan."
Ben's eyes narrowed inside his helmet and Vizsla pulled Anakin tighter, causing the boy to yelp.
"Well, I'm not going to make the same mistake."
"Let the boy go Vizsla, you don't want to do this." Ben took a step forward with his blaster raised.
Vizsla then pulled out a thermal detonator from his belt and held it aloft, his thumb hovering over the trigger. "I suggest you drop the blaster or we all follow this Jedi scum straight to hell."
"Vizsla, don't be stupid." Ben calmly replied, keeping his blaster aimed.
"I said, drop it!"
Ben slowly placed the blaster to the ground, then stood with his hands held up to show he was not armed. "Just let him go."
"Stay back, you want him dead?"
Another explosion rocked the camp and Vizsla took the advantage of the distraction and dragged the young boy out of the tent, Ben was quick to follow but did what he could to avoid upsetting the trigger happy madman. Vizsla continued to back away from Ben, dragging a kicking and biting Skywalker all the way.
"The boy is innocent, let him go."
"There's no such thing as an innocent Jedi!" Vizsla screamed. "You want to risk your life for those who have slaughtered us for generations?"
Anakin let out a whimper.
"Hey kid, kid look at me." Ben turned his attention to the panicked Anakin and ignored Vizsla's rants. "You're going to be alright, I promise."
Anakin nodded, attempting to stay calm but his eyes were wide in absolute terror. It was then that Vizsla powered up his jet pack, tightened his grip on the boy and flew into the air. He dropped the thermal detonator and Ben was barely able to jump out of it's destructive path. He hit the ground hard, rolling as the flames kissed his Beskar.
As Ben jumped back up to his feet he realized the screen in his visor had cracked, he tossed the helmet away and looked to the sky as Vizsla continued to climb with the squirming child in his arms.
"Noooo!" Ben cried as he raced to try and keep up with them on the ground.
Without warning a familiar ship came into view just above Vizsla, the Death Watch leader barely had time to register the emergence of the ship when a figure jumping from the ship attacked him from above, knocking them both towards the ground.
Ben didn't have time to figure out if he was panicked or impressed with Siri's sudden appearance at the battle, he was too busy trying to find a way to help. Siri clung to Vizsla and used the Force to dislodge Anakin from his grip, the boy began to fall but she was quick to slow him with the Force as best she could while still fighting her opponent. Ben leapt high into the air, catching the boy and tumbling back to the planet's surface with a bone crunching thud. Ben held the child as the momentum of the fall caused them to roll across the ground, he held Anakin to his chest.
"You okay kid?" He asked.
Anakin shakily nodded, his hair blown back from his face. "That was wizard."
"Yeah, you're alright." Ben chuckled. "Listen, I'm going to go help. I need you to find a place to hide."
"But I can help too! I'm a Jedi." The boy argued.
"The best way you can help right now is to stay out of sight so we're not distracted." Ben urged. "Do you understand me?"
The boy reluctantly nodded, and ran to find cover. Ben moved his attention back up to the sky to see Siri still engaged in an aerial battle with Pre Vizsla. He felt his breath catch as she pulled on the jet pack and they both crash towards the ground. Ben quickly jumped beneath them ready to catch Siri, but she used the Force to slow their descent.
They fell to the ground, and Ben was immediately at Siri's side. The female Jedi stood up and quickly ignited her lightsaber, the hum sending an odd sense of calm through Ben as he pulled out his vibroblade.
"For generations my ancestors fought proudly as warriors against the Jedi, now that man's clan and false king of a father tarnishes the very name 'True Mandalorian'. Defend him if you will, Jedi." He spit as he spoke and then pulled out an odd sword hilt from his belt. "This weapon was stolen from your Jedi Temple by my ancestors during the fall of the old Republic," an obsidian plasma blade sprung from the hilt and Siri's eyes grew wide. "Since then many Jedi have died on it's blade." He pointed it towards Siri. "Prepare yourself to join them."
Siri took the first position in Ataru, sharing a quick glance with Ben as he twirled his vibroblade.
"Oh, I don't think so." Ben smirked.
Vizsla leapt into the air with the blade, coming down hard against Siri's purple saber. The Jedi Padawan deflected the blow easily, pushing her opponent back. Ben was about to jump in when a wrist cable caught him off guard and he was pulled to the ground by someone in the air via a jetpack only to then be dragged along the ground behind the same female Mandalorian he had met earlier in the tent.
Siri continued to doge Pre Vizsla's strikes, her blade crackling against the dark saber. She parried another powerful blow and then used the Force to push Vizsla back, she really didn't want to hurt anybody. Pre Vizsla crashed against three more of his warriors and Siri stole a glance towards Ben who was still being dragged against the hard stone ground.
Vizsla came rushing back and Siri kicked him in the chest which caused the Mandalorian to drop his saber, she was not prepared for the onslaught of punches she then received from her opponent and she was pushed back and fell to the ground as his fist met the top of her head. She sat up on her knees and used the Force once again to push him back, this time he crashed against the rocks with a loud thud.
Ben was finally able to free himself from the cable and grabbed it as he continued to be dragged along the ground, he was able to stand up and pull back against the tight cable, causing his opponent to crash. He smiled up at his handiwork, but then rushed back towards Siri.
Siri rose to her feet, saber back in hand and poised to continue the fight. Pre Vizsla noticed Ben racing back, he turned towards his other three Mandalorians. "Warriors, finish them!"
The three warriors simultaneously punched a code into their gauntlets and lowered their heads to allow the rockets on their backs to fire. Siri took an instinctive step back and Ben raced as fast as he could towards her. Siri dodged the three rockets with the flexibility of a gymnast, but glanced over her shoulder just as the missiles were turning back around towards her.
"Karabast," she cursed beneath her breath.
"Siri," Ben's voice called to her, his arm reaching out towards her.
The Jedi didn't hesitate and quickly raced towards Ben, their hands barely gripping one another as they jumped down a mine shaft. The rockets connected to the wall of the shaft and exploded on impact, causing a cave in, bits of fire and rocks to tumble down the shaft with them. Ben instinctively placed himself on top of Siri, knowing his Beskar would shield both of them from the debris.
Once the rumbling had stopped Ben rolled off of Siri with a groan, both couldn't stop the onslaught of coughing fits as the dust settled. Siri propped herself up on her elbows and took inventory of herself, scanning for injuries. She had a nasty cut over her left eye and was bruised and it was likely she had a cracked rib, but otherwise she was unharmed.
She glanced over at Ben and he had a large gash on the side of his head, just over his right ear. Blood was trailing down his neck. She got to her knees in a panic and reached out towards him, he hissed in pain as her fingers grazed his wound.
Ben pushed her hands aside and shook his head. "We can't linger here."
She nodded in understanding, but winced as she noticed how he was now carrying himself. It was obvious that being dragged along the ground coupled with their fall had hurt him badly. He limped out towards the exit of the mine, attempting to open the door. He slammed his fist against the panel when he couldn't get it to work. Siri tried to send a measure of calm to him through the Force, but his anger was intense. He then struggled to pull open the vent covering.
"If I ditch my armor we can squeeze through there." He said as he began to remove his breastplate.
Siri tilted her head in concern. "Ben,"
He didn't stop and continued to pull off his armor as best as his battered body would allow. His breathing became erratic and she knew he was struggling to keep his composure.
"Ben," her voice was soft and she moved towards him.
She placed her hands on his shoulders gently, forcing him to look up at her. His eyes were dark and full of unshed emotions, Siri looked up at him with large sympathetic eyes, biting her bottom lip. She was unsure what to say or what to do, but she knew she couldn't let him throw everything away. They looked into each other's eyes, unable to express what they both were feeling, but in that moment the Force spoke for them.
Ben leaned in as if to place his lips to hers but instead leaned his forehead against her own. Siri closed her eyes as they touched, gripping his bicep tightly as a reaction to what she was suddenly feeling. They stood like that for several moments, swaying as both their battered bodies began to feel the aftermath of battle. Finally Siri pushed back and nodded and Ben offered a small smile in response.
"Pick all of that up," she motioned towards the armor. "No need to be so dramatic."
She then moved towards the door and plunged her saber into it, Ben watched in awe as the metal melted beneath the heat of the sword.
"You are full of surprises ner cyar'ika {my darling}." Ben smiled, weakly.
"After you," she motioned towards the now open door.
The pair hovered together as they walked carefully out into the open, each one ready to cover the other's back. They scanned the carnage, realizing that Jango had done quite the job at exacting revenge on Death Watch. Most of the camp was currently on fire, several small explosions were also still being set off as ammunition was set ablaze.
"It's time to leave," Ben stated beneath his breath.
"Yup,"
"I have to find the kid, and Jango." He suddenly said.
Siri nodded and the two carefully made their way towards the last known whereabouts of Anakin. The Jedi would have suggested they split up, but she knew in his condition Ben wouldn't get very far on his own. They quietly made their way across the camp, avoiding the chaos all around them.
She scanned the carnage for any signs of Jango or the lost Padawan, when suddenly a familiar suit of armor caught her eye. She dragged Ben towards Jango in a hurry, realizing then just how injured Ben really was.
"Ben, Vod?" Jango rushed to their position once he spotted them, barely catching Ben before he fell to the ground.
"We did it Jango. For Jaster." Ben's voice weezed.
Siri held his hand and looked up at Jango, wishing she could see his eyes behind the visor. For his part the older brother continued to stare down at the younger though the air still felt heavy between them.
"There's a boy…" Ben coughed and attempted to sit up. "We can't leave him."
"I found the child lurking inside the cockpit of that Kom'rk." Jango stated pointing towards a blue ship. "You take them home Ben, then we'll meet at the rendezvous point in the Rishi Maze."
"We need to stay together Vod," Ben protested.
Jango shook his head. "You need medical care, and the Jedi need to get as far away from Mandalore as possible. You must leave. That's an order."
The sound of shouting caused all three warriors to tense up, but then as the voices passed by they relaxed. Siri helped Jango get Ben to his feet, she placed one of his arms across her shoulder.
"Jango, come with us." Ben pleaded.
Jango removed his helmet and placed his forehead against Ben's. "My work here isn't done. Not as long as Tor Vizsla still breathes."
The new leader of the True Mandalorians looked up at Siri and offered her a slight nod of his head. Siri bowed in return, she didn't agree with him but she could still show him respect.
"You must go," Jango put his helmet back on and pulled out his blasters. "I will keep their attention while you escape."
Siri nodded and pulled Ben up the ramp of the ship. "Jango, May the Force be with you."
Fett scoffed in response and dashed back into the battle. Ben watched him for a moment before his sense of duty kicked in, he limped towards the cockpit with Siri on his heels. They stopped short when they found nine year old Anakin at the controls.
"Hi'ya." The boy sheepishly greeted them.
"Hello there," Ben replied.
"Anakin Skywalker, meet Ben...Kenobi" Siri introduced the pair officially.
She then turned to look at the child, perplexed to see him. "How did you even get here?"
"Well you see, I uh…"
"There will be time for explanations and pleasantries later, right now we have to go." Ben stated, moving the child over so he could pilot the ship.
As they climbed into the atmosphere it was then that Ben made an unfortunate discovery. "Osik {shit}!"
"What is it, what's happening?" Siri asked.
"Oh yeah, I was going to tell you that the hyperdrive is leaking." Anakin stated. "But you took off before I could."
Siri ran a frustrated hand through her hair, as Ben slammed his fists against the console. "So no fuel?"
"Not enough to get us anywhere out of the system," Ben exclaimed.
"We could land there," Anakin pointed to a yellow planet just outside their viewport. "Maybe someone there can help us."
"Would there be anyone willing to help you even though you've been exiled?" Siri asked, placing a hand on the back of the pilot's headrest.
"There might be one person," Ben sighed. "But I doubt she'll be thrilled that I brought two Jedi with me."
Siri and Anakin exchanged worried glances.
"Setting coordinates for the Sundari docks." Ben said through clenched teeth.
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TBC
Author's note: Okay! I'm back in it friends, the next update should not take as long! I know I played with some of the Mandalorian timeline/legends (like making Pre Vizsla's Tor's son for example) but I wanted to make it all work for this story so I hope you'll forgive me...it is an AU after all.
And next chapter we will get to see Ben interact with our favorite Duchess!
Let me know what you thought of this chapter! I'm happy to be back in with Mando Obi!