Landing close to the camp Jango could feel a strong mix of emotions as Obi-wan released him. There was a bright spark of triumph and success twined around a deep sense of anger and betrayal that pressed against his mind like a dark cloud. He shivered involuntarily and caught a couple of Mereel's warriors eying him as he entered camp next to the Mand'alor's son. There was a sense of acceptance, welcome, and Jango leaned into it to stave off the simmering rage he could feel in the air.
Something had happened during the meeting with the Governor and the attack by Kyr'tsad, something that had the Mand'alor and his closest advisors on edge. Something that the rest of the warriors didn't yet know about, judging by their relaxed state.
Entering the Mand'alor's tent he parted with Obi-wan, who hurried over to the Mand'alor and received a quick hug. Stopping next to Master Di he gave a short bow to Master Dooku, who felt agitated in the force.
He saw no sign of Padawan Vosa.
Looking to his master he sent along a feeling of concern. 'What happened to Padawan Vosa?' His master let out a small sigh and shook his head.
'We will discuss that later. For now we need to mediate, I am afraid that Master Dooku has asked something a tad offensive; although I am not sure why it was taken as an offense.' Jango frowned and looked around the room. Behind the Mand'alor his advisors were clenching their hands into fists, their expressions tight and eyes burning. Beside him Arla had her arms crossed over her chest and did not look impressed.
'What in the force did he say?' Jango asked over their bond, exasperated.
'That the Darksaber should be returned to the Temple.' Master Di supplied.
Jango froze, eyes shifting to look up at his master. The male looked down at him, blue eyes serious and expression slightly pinched.
'How?' Was the only actual word he sent over their bond, but his master understood what he was trying to ask nonetheless.
'Master Dooku is one of the best swordsmen in the Order, but he is not a trained Diplomat. No matter that he speaks quite eloquently.' Jango let out a sigh and nodded in understanding. 'You are the one who knows most about the culture and speaks their language.' His master's eyes bore into him but he could feel the trust and belief the male had in his abilities bolstering him.
'I understand master.' Cutting their communication he stepped forward, partially in front of the two masters behind him, and placed a fist across his chest in a respectful salute. "Mand'alor, my buir has informed me that Master Dooku has insulted you. Even though I am certain it was not his intention I wish to apologize on behalf of the Jetiise." He bowed low, showing the back of his neck in a gesture of trust.
There was a loud sigh from the Mand'alor.
"Get up, verd'ika. It is not you or the Jetiise I am angry with." As Jango straightened he saw Mand'alor Mereel's dark eyes flash as he gave Master Dooku a narrowed look. "The Dha'kad'au belongs to Mandalore and her people. It is not just a fancy laser sword to us, Jetii, it is a symbol. If you want it you will have to prove yourself worthy of the right, and pry it from my cold dead fingers." Next to him both Arla and Obi-wan started, giving off waves of worry and anger.
"The Darksaber belonged to a Jedi Master and its care should be seen to by the Order." The man frowned. "At the very least a Jedi should inspect the inner workings to ensure it isn't in danger of overloading and turning into an impromptu explosive." A spark of surprise came from the Mandalorians in the tent as they all looked from the hilt to the jedi master.
"Kad'au can explode?" Arla asked incredulously, eying the two on his belt.
He crossed his arms, scowling. He'd made them himself, they weren't in danger of exploding unless someone managed to damage them beyond repair.
"They can, under the right circumstances." His master stated politely. "It would be safer to have a Jedi look it over for any flaws due to age or neglect, but it is your decision." A twinkle entered his eyes and he glanced at Jango. "If you would allow it, perhaps Jango could take a look? He is the first Mandalorian Jedi since Tarre Vizsla, he will treat the Darksaber with all the respect it deserves."
The Mand'alor pulled the hilt off of his belt and held it for a moment, eyes scrutinizing the ancient weapon. After a moment he held it out to Jango.
Jango swore he stopped breathing for a moment as his eyes fell on the ancient hilt. Without hesitation he picked up the weapon and felt a rush of emotion pour into him. Gritting his teeth against the sudden onslaught he felt his master shoring up his shields and leaned into them gratefully.
'You are not my Alor.' A voice that was not a voice echoed inside his mind. He heard someone gasp but his eyes were glued to the hilt as it hovered above his hand, vibrating with energy.
'No, I am not, and I won't claim to be.' The presence in his mind contemplated his answer for a moment before it settled.
'You wish to inspect me for damage.' It was a statement, not a question.
'Yes. Your current Alor is not Force Sensitive and can't fix you if you are damaged. Once I know you aren't a risk I will hand you back to him, I swear by the Force.' There was a moment where the Dha'kad'au contemplated his words before it settled down.
'That is acceptable.' Jango let out the breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding.
"What the shab just happened?" Obi-wan asked into the sudden silence.
Jango snorted in amusement. "The crystal inside a kad'au is sentient to a degree. They are force sensitive and bond with their wielder. It's like… an extension of our soul."
"That is a good description, Padawan mine." His master said with a chuckle.
"So… is it going to explode or not?" Arla asked with a frown of concern.
"I haven't looked at it yet." He mumbled, feeling a little embarrassed.
His sister rolled her eyes. "Well, go on then."
Forcing himself not to roll his eyes in return he focused back on the Dha'kad'au. It hummed sharply to his senses as he wrapped the force around it, feeling every piece and how they fit together. As everything came sharply into focus he carefully disassembled it with the force, watching the pieces floating above his palm until the black and white crystal at its heart was revealed. He had no doubt that the crystal had guided him, otherwise he wouldn't have been able to pull it apart so easily.
"These pieces," the Mand'alor said suddenly, "they're beskar." There was a hushed kind of awe in his voice that made Jango smile.
"It has to be an alloy. Beskar muffles the force, making it harder to sense and hold onto. It would feel smothering for the crystal, and I don't feel any resistance." Jango couldn't believe he was actually touching history like this. History that connected his two peoples centuries ago and was connecting them together again now.
"Haar'chak, what I wouldn't give to get hold of Tarre's old journals." The Mand'alor muttered to himself.
"We have copies in the Temple Archives if you are interested, Mand'alor." Master Di mentioned, catching the man's attention as Jango continued to inspect the Dha'kad'au.
"I would be in your debt if you would allow me access to those files. What the New Mandalorians don't seem to understand is that erasing history will only doom you to repeat it."
"Wise words." His master agreed.
Jango was too busy to catch the rest of the quick discussion as the crystal pressed against his mind, seeking his undivided attention. He focused on the inspection and was pleasantly surprised to find everything in order except for a coupling that had come loose. The skill, care, and craftsmanship that had gone into the Dha'kad'au was impressive even after hundreds of years.
'Are you finished, young Fett?' Jango almost startled as the crystal spoke to him once more.
'Yes, all done. You and your Alor have nothing to worry about.' There was a pleased hum before the Dha'kad'au reassembled itself.
All on its own.
Jango stood there blinking in surprise as the hilt landed squarely in his palm, a sense of duty and expectation weighing on him suddenly. He looked up to find everyone staring at him and his cheeks colored slightly in response.
"Everything checks out. All that's left is to turn it on and test the blade." He held the hilt out toward the Mand'alor.
The man looked at him for a moment before grinning. "Why don't you turn it on, verd'ika? I'll get my hands on it soon enough."
Jango hesitated, looking between the blade he'd wanted to hold since he'd first learned about it and the man who he was sure would adopt him completely if he wasn't already a part of the jedi order. "It would be an honor." He said, meaning every word.
Motioning everyone back he made sure there was enough room before he let the hilt settle into his palms. 'I'm just testing your blade before I hand you back.' He thought at the Dha'kad'au before settling into the first stance of Djem So, with the blade held above his head and angled backward at a forty-five degree angle. Normally he used an alternative stance, making room for his second lightsaber, but the Dha'kad'au wasn't made to be wielded with a second blade in the off hand. It was clearly a two-handed weapon designed for powerful strikes.
He took a deep breath and powered it on.
The blade came to life with the same hum all lightsabers made, except this time there was an added crackling sound. His excitement grew as he swung the blade in the first strike taught to all users of Form V. Watching the afterimage was surreal. The black blade was almost impossible to see in the low light of the tent but the white streaks of lightning racing up its length made it perfectly visible.
Jango ended up finishing the kata with a flourish, powering down the blade as he fell toward the floor in an overhead strike. Landing on one knee before the Mand'alor he couldn't help the grin on his face as he flipped the hilt in his hands and held it out to the man.
"Cheeky, verd'ika." The man said with approval as he claimed the hilt and attached it to his belt.
'Well done, Padawan.' He glanced toward his master as he stood, feeling energized.
'Thank you, Master.' He felt warmed by the praise as he came to stand beside the male, ignoring Master Dooku's very judgmental stare.
"Now that's been seen to, we need to talk about your mission here, Jetiise." The man squared his shoulders, dark eyes sharp. "Someone set us all up, and I want to know who. Tor didn't have the power to pull the amount of strings he did."
Jango shared a look with his master who in turn looked to Master Dooku.
"I am sure I speak for my colleagues when I say that we are all very interested in the answer. We will assist you in getting to the bottom of this manner."
Mando'a;
Kyr'tsad- Death Watch, Mandalorian terrorist group.
Verd'ika- Used for the rank of Private, also used affectionately to mean 'Little Soldier/Warrior.'
Dha'kad'au- Darksaber.
Kad'au- Lightsaber.
Haar'chak- Damn it.