Chapter Nineteen

Conversions

There are some that say that eve of the battle was quiet one. No more was true for Theed. The streets were quiet since the lock-down because of the plague had begun. Now the shopkeepers were staying inside because the word had gone out via the Handmaidens that the war was about to be underway.

Ahsoka traveled forward with Master Kryze and others who were sticking close to the troops. The 212th did their name proud with behaving with strict professionalism and efficiency. Rex had the men spread out and soon enough in the square was there were still some patrols going on were now covered. Beside she saw others and heard...

She paused as the familiar sound poured over her. Clankers. Someone had brought Clankers to the party. That...was smart. While she had heard of the disastrous run beforehand by some to fend off the Yuuzhan Vong these were part of Ghost Fleet entourage so presumably they would be well maintained and upgraded. She smiled grimly as she readied for signal to attack.

"Padawan," Master Kryze said. "Let's go to the slave quarters and see if we can rally the Shamed Ones and Workers to our cause. Yaotl has said they've been receptive to the revelations...my blood. I wish to go negotiate with them. We've still got enough leeway in the timetable I believe."

"Of course," she said. Of course, he'd go for the nonviolent/inspirational route, Ben Kryze wasn't like most Jedi in these parts...but he was like those in another world.

I severely envy that world, she thought as she moved with the others. I truly envy them.

With Yaotl leading the way they soon left the center of Theed and made their way to what was supposed to be the gardens area. It was now overgrown and covered with Yuuzhan Vong plants. As expected, there were very few workers since most were mostly likely ill from the bioweapon. To be honest Ahsoka didn't really approve them using a bioweapon that could potentially kill and found it a bit hypocritical that they didn't want to stoop to their invaders methods she had to admit that while morally dubious it was effective and did ensure that lives would be spared. And the fact that it was a lesser version of the disease since all of the pure samples were destroyed via Skyguy, and Padme's efforts did take the sting out of it.

The workers around them blazed with the Force. So, clearly these were of the cult that Yaotl had spoken of. Yaotl walked ahead of them while Master Kryze began to crouch down in the foliage. She walked on raising her hand making the workers stop in their tracks. One perhaps bolder than most approached her carefully.

"Honorable warrior," they all bowed to her.

"Have you seen the Light?" She asked him which made the Shamed One stiffen. "Have you heard of the Word of the Kryze?"

"The Kryze..." The worker's eyes light up with wonder. Beside her she felt Kryze squirm with discomfort at the reverence attached to his name. Ahsoka barely held in a snort. This was funny. "The Kryze that gave us the Light of the Yun'o once more."

"I speak as his Emissary," She continued. "We go to drive those that have stolen what is not theirs to take. Will you and your compatriots aid us?"

"We aren't fighters," the first worker said a bit shamefaced.

"We do not ask your aid in battle but in the recovery and whatever task you can do."

"What will happen to us?" Another worker interjected. This had been a long waited question it would seem for this one. "We have no home-world and yet we are asked to leave. What of us?"

"Do you doubt the Kryze?" The first worker asked sounding a bit harsh.

"Now now," Master Kryze said emerging from the foliage. "There's no need for fighting here. And there are plenty of uninhabited worlds that you can occupy. This is a galaxy and there's room for all."

"The Kryze!" Both workers bowed to him making Master Kryze sigh with exasperation.

"I'm not a deity, and I don't need adoration. I am merely a simple man."

"Such modesty," the first worker said with reverence. Ahsoka snorted as she emerged along with Scout and Korto who looked amused at the whole ordeal. Scout just looked humored if a bit alarmed at the sheer reverence that they were showing.

"I-Oh for the love of all that is sacred," Master Kryze sighed.

"The Kryze has a duty to do, and he will not be delayed. Who's in charge of you?"

"Menvra," the worker said with a deep bow. "We shall take you to her. Come."

Korto had been told that there was a cult that admired Ben but even he was taken aback when he saw the amount of reverence given to him by the people. Everyone parted for them and it was clear that they adored Master Kryze in a way that embarrassed him horribly. Korto did find it amusing that they put so much stock into his opinion when it was clear that while he didn't mind respect, he wasn't comfortable with the amount of admiration and sheer trust they placed on him.

That is understandable...still kind of funny though.

"Menvra," the worker knelled to a Yuuzhan Vong woman that had a wilted hand and seemingly tending to another that looked sick. Probably due to the Blue Shadow virus knockoff. "The Kryze has come."

"It is an honor to have you here. What does my lord command of me?" She asked bowing deeply to a thoroughly unnerved Kryze.

"I command nothing," Kryze said evenly with only a hint of slight stress. "I request help."

"Ask."

"Would your people help in our efforts to reclaim this land? We ask those that can show fighters where to strike so we can be more effective and cause less loss of life. Also, if there is scarring of the land we request you assist in the cleanup effort. Once we've settled this conflict and the main fleet is defeated, I shall assist you in negotiating a place for your people to settle into their own. Yaotl of the Qat," he nodded towards her where she stood silently. "Has made me aware of your plight and I shall do what I can to help so that all might benefit from the situation. I seek not retribution but reconciliation between the your people the rest of the galaxy."

"In penance for our transgression I agree," Menvra bowed deeply. In the Force Korto felt her gratitude and spiritual fervor. This woman was completely sincere in her view. It was rather odd to feel since he'd often been told that they were a Void in the Force. Clearly not so with these since they'd been...reawakened as it were.

"You see,' the first worker that had spoke elbowed their compatriot. "The Kryze takes care of us."

"You spoke truth," the second one said sounding like he was in awe of it.

Aw man these guys and Ben are just so...entertaining? No, interesting would be a more appropriate word. Kryze took great pains not to abuse the trust and compassion and in turn they returned it with gratitude and service. Although he had a feeling that Kryze would pass on this responsibility as soon as he could. Well there's another species that honored the Jedi as much as the Barabels now.

"Figures you'd gain a cult," Ba'vodu Ahsoka said with a snort. "Master was right."

"Oh hush," Kryze said with a slight exasperated look. "I don't need more ammunition for their admiration. In fact, this whole affair is a tad embarrassing not to mention daunting"

"Too late for that although I can understand the daunting part," Ba'vodu Scout said. "Seriously you're just that good. They see it."

"Why does...? Look...I'm not that good."

"You inspire it," Ba'vodu Scout said. "You inspire it by your example. I understand that's a lot to bear. Believe me, I saw that in Master Yoda. But like the Order of old we can help you with that. And best of all we've got the teachings of yours to help fill the gaps this time so don't worry the Force will provide."

"I can assure you that your worthiness to them is genuine," Yaotl said gently. "Your humility is good but do not diminish your worth."

His shoulders loosened and it was then that Korto realized what precisely was stressing him out. It wasn't the admiration. No, it was the burden of that kind of trust and reverence. He was afraid of letting them down or messing up. Well, Korto wasn't one to let a vod deal with that kind of pressure alone.

"Hey da'nr," Korto said placing his hand on Kryze's shoulder. "Don't sweat it. We'll all do our best and if we mess then that's okay. We'll pick each other up. 'Cause that's what we vod'e Jetiise do. We care for each other. That's our duty and honor."

Kryze smiled at him gratefully and patted his shoulder as Menvra left to inform the others. They waited as she spread the word of what they needed.

The waiting was perhaps the hardest part for Obi-Wan. He wasn't eager to get to the fighting but he was worried if Menvra would have issues getting the other cultists to cooperate. Obi-Wan really didn't want an internal struggle to commence on his behalf. He was already unsettled with the idea that he was some sore of prophet for their faith. Finally after if he was honest it was few minutes she came back with a serene look. In the Force he felt her solid resolution and hope. Clearly something had gone well.

"They accept and obey," she bowed to him. "We await your command."

"Good," Obi-Wan nodded to her. "Korto," he said turning towards the man. "Would you please lead them to the places they're needed?"

"Some of the Shamed Warriors wish to aid in the attack with their skills," Menvra said. "They can use some purloined weapons. I shall ensure that they work."

"No," Yaotl said suddenly shaking her head. "I shall."

"How-?"

She held out her hand and Obi-Wan felt the Force flow through her as steady as a river. From a distance they heard a hiss, and several snakes came forward and soon wrapped itself around Yaotl's wrist. Even Menvra looked stunned at this display. Where these the staff weapons that he'd fought before? Well, that explained why they were so flexible. They were organic.

"I... I am a Jedi now. I am a guardian of life and honor," she said looking at Menvra with a firm look. "I serve the Force. The binder of all things placed by the Yun'o to maintain life. You serve the Kryze while I serve what he follows."

"And… he follows the will of the Yun'o," Menvra whispered looking at her reverently. "So you follow in his path?"

"I do," Yaotl said resolutely. Obi-Wan straightened up hoping that this wouldn't turn into a religious schism. That was the last thing that anyone needed.

"REJOICE!" Menvra shouted to the workers and some of the Shamed Ones that had gathered around them. "One has chosen to walk in the path of the...Jedi! May the Yun'o bless them with victory."

"BLESSED BE THE KRYZE!" All the rest of them shouted some grabbing the weapons while more others bowed in reverence to him. Oh dear.

"Whoa," Obi-Wan heard Korto whispering as he leaned towards Ahsoka. "This isn't what I expected."

"I don't think any of us expected it," Ahsoka replied quietly. "This is a new thing for me too."

Same with me, Obi-Wan thought to himself.

"ABOUT KRIFFING TIME!"

"Skywalker, language," Master Windu chided him. Depa smiled at his enthusiasm even as she readied herself. Originally it was going to be six or possibly seven of them but Aayla and Quinlan had been called away, so it was just herself, Master Stass Allie, Master Windu who insisted upon going since he felt responsible for this situation, Bant due to her familiarity with Obi-Wan and of course Skywalker.

"Now then," Master Windu said severely as the harried scientist put on the last touches to the machine. "You'll follow mine, Master Eerin, Master Allie and Master Billiba's lead and do as we say. Understand?"

"Yes Masters," Anakin said nearly bouncing in place awaiting the final charge.

"Master Jedi," the being said wiping their brow. "I can get it working for a time but ..."

"But?" Master Windu gave him a raised eyebrow.

"I fear it might be a one-way trip and you might have to find another avenue to get back home. I shall do everything to make sure that it stays capable, but I can make no promises," the being wrung their hands nervously. "I shall do what I can but given the already unstable nature of the machine...well as I said I'll do my best but again I say no promises."

"I understand, thank you for telling us the risks. Meanwhile we shall do our best to make sure that we are successful on our end," she said to the scientist. "After all Master Windu will ensure that we come back...even if it's in pieces."

"Are you implying that I'd drag you all back because I would."

"Of that I have no doubt. Now let's see if we can get moving before Skywalker-."

"I AM COMING MASTER!" Skywalker screamed as the he ran headlong into the open portal.

"Runs recklessly through the portal," she finished with a laugh. "Always on the move that Padawan."

"Indeed," Master Windu sighed although he had a twinkle of amusement. "Now let's see if we keep him from killing himself before we get to Obi-Wan. Come Depa and Knights Eerin and Allie."

"Of course."

"Yes Master."

"Let's see what's on the other side."

Translations:

Mando'a: Ba'vodu - aunt or uncle

u'htr- aunt or uncle