Just a fair warning, this story will be a smooth ride with little dark moments or any really large setbacks for the Jedi in the beginning. This is because, there aren't many opponents who I think really can challenge Jedi. Especially Obi-Wan, Windu, Anakin etc. This may be annoying to some, if you stick with it. Once we reach the true enemy for this story you'll find a lot more back and forth, up and down. These first few chapters will be lots of world building, story set up, fluff, and the plenty of baby Luke and Leia, and child Han and Mara etc. Then the true plot will drop. So bear with me and enjoy a smooth ride while it's here.
Please Read and Review. And if you're a fan of Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Harry Potter, or Code Geass please take a look at my other stories.
Chapter 2
There was silence in the chamber as the council watched the holocron crumble to dust. Two weeks had passed since the discovery of Luke's Holocron in the Jedi Council Chambers. They'd spent the remainder of their time with him gathering all the data he'd stored in the holocron for use. From blueprints of ships, weapons, and space stations to specific people and places to look out for.
They'd found that their luck with Darth Sidious was not present when it came to Count Dooku and the Separatists. Almost overnight, across the Galaxy Separatist's forces had withdrawn and disappeared. There were no traces of them across any system. Not even on the Separatist's planets who seemed just as confused and worried as the Republic when their forces had disappeared without any comment as to why.
Soon after it was determined the Separatists' were gone for now. The Jedi had made known they would no longer be a military force for the Republic but would be returning to their place as Guardians of Peace and Justice for the galaxy. Something that was taken with warm approval in the Senate. When they added they were planning to relocate to Yavin IV. Leaving their temple on Coruscant as a point of contact with the Republic but not their main temple.
Mothma, through Padme made their proposal of ceding several planets to the Jedi for future options. This was met with a mixed divide but after deciding to only offer planets with no sentient life, or at least no species that were born on that planet they could ceded it to the Jedi and offer any on the planet a relocation option wherever they decided they wanted to go. All this as a thanks to the Jedi for all they'd done.
Yavin IV was the choice that was released to the public. While Ashas Ree was given along with a few other planets to hide it's inclusion to the Jedi under Yoda and the Council's request. When it was argued no Jedi would ever need an entire planet to themselves the Master Obi-Wan with Yoda made their next shocking statement to the Senate and the Galaxy.
"Learned we have from this war."
"The Jedi will be changing due to visions from the Force and various other reasons we shall withhold for now. The biggest change to come about that is being announced at the temple at the same moment. Attachment is no longer banned from a Jedi's life. Through the bonds of Jedi Master's Ki Adi Mundi, and Anakin Skywalker. Both of whom are married. Master Mundi with his five wives has an exemplary record and has never strayed from the light. And Knight Skywalker, who has been married to Padme Amidala for several years himself and has been a leading figure in this war and able to work with or separate from his wife. Even when she was in dangerous positions he still stayed with the Light and continued his duty." At the announcement that Padme and Anakin were married shock spread like a wave across the Senate and all those watching the proceedings from home.
It had been a strategic move to announce that Anakin was married to Padme. But after their permission, and the explanation that due to the popularity of both Padme and Anakin it would give the most positive spin to this change. Both agreed they were fine with it coming to light. Especially since Padme was already planning on withdrawing as the Senator of Naboo and instead become one for the Jedi.
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They had started packing up everything that would need to be transported to the New temple. They were going to Yavin IV since it already had a temple that would just need fixed up and then new additions and buildings to handle the now Larger Jedi group. More Jedi then the master's had originally thought came forward with all forms of people. From lovers, girlfriends, and wives, to family they'd kept in contact with who wanted to come with.
Due to this Yoda, Plo Koon, Ki Adi Mundi, and a few chosen Jedi Knights powerful in the force would be going to Yavin IV in advance to take care of Exar Kun and his temple. The rest of the Jedi would follow behind them soon enough. They would be taking with them a sizeable portion of the clone troops. The Republic had decided to order more Clones to create the Republic's new Army, and only clones who had either never served under a Jedi or never reported directly to one would stay in the army and be promoted up to lead the new clone army.
Rex, Cody, and the other clone soldiers were happy for this decision as they were now part of a security force to help protect the Jedi's home planet as well as on missions where extra troops or protection might be needed. It was also decided that the Clone troops, no matter if they were under the Jedi or the Republic would be given time off from their duties when not in active war in case any clone wished to find something for themselves of their own making. And after ten years, then every following five years they would be offered the option to retire from the Republic army.
It was Padme and Anakin themselves who led a charge that Clones weren't meant to be expendable. They'd given just as much for the Republic as everyone else. Though it was a close vote it had passed. Life was turning around for all.
Another law was passed requiring every planet in the senate to have a standing militia to protect their planet in cases of emergency so that the republic would have time to move troops to their planet and take over the fight. This done as a security measure for Dooku and the Separatist's eventual return. Though the Republic and Jedi didn't know when it would happen. It was obvious that it would, so they desired to be prepared for that when it did happen.
Many were worried this would cause more trouble and cause others to think of rebelling or conquering if they were given an army. Therefore, the size of the Militia was dependent upon the population and would be led by Republic selected leaders from each planet's population.
These leader from each population would attend a Republic created military school. This started the creation of a massive military school for the Republic. Where all planets would send their most promising military students. Therefore, starting to create the leaders of the republic's military to replace the Jedi who had been leading. The system was already starting to be created.
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A few days before it would fall apart, Luke had called several people in individually or in pairs and spoke with them. Giving them information, requests, or knowledge that most kept to themselves. But would eventually find themselves grateful for what he'd said.
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It had taken some practice for the Jedi who would be banishing Exar Kun's spirit to learn Force Light to contain and then banish Exar Kun's evil spirit from the Yavin temples so they could be used by the Jedi, their families, and the clones joining them. But with Yoda and Luke's help they managed to all learn it and combine their force power to create the purging light. Now they were approaching the temple that Luke had given them coordinates for.
Yoda was in the lead, riding on his power chair as they moved steadily towards the great darkness they felt within the temple.
It wasn't long till their blazing light in the force awoke the spirit resting within. And his onslaught against the Jedi was immediate. Two younger Jedi knights stopping, eyes closed as they strained to fight against the Dark thoughts that began invading their mind. It wasn't until Plo Koon's hands rested on both young Jedi's shoulders that they felt strength flow into them, helping to push back the darkness.
"Start Gathering Light now we must. Fight to the death, this Exar Kun will." Yoda commanded, already starting to glow with his own inner light as he commanded his chair forward.
Each Jedi quickly began glowing a strong Force light. For a most it was just their hands or arms that were covered in the light they would soon use to banish Exar Kun. But for the Master's they were awash in the light, their bodies lit with the cleansing light of the of the Force.
Their first battle came in the form of three battle hydra sent by Exar Kun to destroy them when they reached the steps of the temple. Ki Adi Mundi and four Jedi Knights stepped forward to battle them as the others kept their light going to protect them all from Exar Kun and his reaching hands of darkness.
Though the Hydra were indeed dangerous creatures. They were not match for the Jedi Master and the three Jedi Knights. Chosen for their combat abilities. Swiftly the Hydra were dealt with and the moved on into the temple. Finally confronting Exar Kun himself.
"I'm not sure how you found me Jedi. But I swear you won't be ending my life with that cursed light!" He sped towards Yoda, intent on cutting off his spirit from his body, recognizing him as the strongest in the Force of those present.
This would be his last mistake as a Wall of light erupted in front of him. A wall that swiftly began wrapping around him and crushing what was left of his spirit in the overwhelming white light.
As his spirit was banished, he caught sight of his former master, Vodo-Siosk Baas proclaiming him defeated as Plo Koon and Ki Adi Mundi's sabers pierced the wall of light and into his core. Destroying what was left of the fallen Jedi in a burst of dark energy.
"Destroy this building we will. Gather what dark artifacts there are we must. Destroy them individually we will. Ensure the destruction of this evil."
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"When were you going to tell me you were married?"
He'd been expecting the question, he'd even been expecting the anger. What he hadn't been ready for was her next comment. "I'd better be the children's godmother. I can guess you'll make Master Obi their godfather. But I call dibs on being godmother."
Knowing she was giving him an easy out of forgiveness from her, Anakin had no choice but to acquiesce to his padawan's demands. "Fine Snips. I'll talk to Padme and make sure you're the godmother then."
"You just have to break every rule don't you?"
"Hey now! Not… Every rule…" His lame response brought a look of doubt from his Padawan.
"Name one rule you've never broken?"
"Uhh… Well of course the rules of…. I've only ever had one Padawan at a time!" Exultant that he'd found one he victoriously spun about to face Ashoka.
"That's not fair. You've only ever had one Padawan in total!"
"Still counts!" He shouted smugly over his shoulder as he continued on towards the Library were, he and Snips would be helping to pack up all the records there.
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Six months had passed since the first Jedi team had cleansed Yavin. And now here Anakin was preparing for a wedding. He was prepared for Jedi weddings when the first changes were announced. What surprised him and still kept him in shock even as he dressed to be best man at the wedding four months after it was announced to be coming. Was Obi-Wan's wedding to the former Duchess of Mandalore Satine Kryze. Just after they'd moved everything to Yavin, and the families of Jedi and the clones were settling in to the prefab shelter's that would be housing them while a company hired by the Senate to complete the first settlement next to the temple completed their work.
They'd several pleas across the system for help in getting things settled and putting down a few rebellions led by power hungry people who sought power left by the retreat of Separatist's and the weakness of their governments. Several Jedi teams were sent out to take care of this issue. But one plea had requested a specific Jedi.
"Greetings Jedi Council. I hope your new location is all that you'd hoped for. I'm reach out to you as a wave of unrest has swept across my people. A group known as The Death Watch has been working to return Mandalore to our old ways. Something I will not allow to happen. They are causing fear and taking lives. I would request you send me Jedi aid in the form of Obi-Wan Kenobi, or as I hear he is called now, "The Negotiator"." She said with a knowing smirk that was directed right at Obi-Wan. Anakin who had been present with the council when the call came in swore, he'd never seen his former master blush like that.
"We can spare Master Kenobi to aid your efforts. We understand that you would prefer someone who has already spent a year with you before guarding your life. He will be on his way soon then." Windu answered after agreement through the Force was met with sending Kenobi.
"Thank you, Master Windu. I look forward to it."
If Anakin could have described her eyes in that moment before the call had ended, he'd have said it was downright predatory.
"Master Kenobi prepare you must for departure. Need anything do you?"
"I would actually like to take Anakin and Ahsoka with me. Along with a small squadron of Clones. If I'm to take this mission I would like to end it swiftly. And due to the retreat of the Separatist forces we have the forces to spare to make this mission a quick one. I know the Duchess. She will want this ended swiftly and with the least amount of violence we can manage. With those two there and some clones it should be much easier to accomplish that."
"I see the wisdom in what you say. And it would be good to have extra help there, at one time the Mandalorians excelled at fighting the Jedi. But why stop there, we have a few Knights we could no doubt send as well. Disguise them with your clone squad and perhaps this group will try to ambush you upon arrival if we make an announcement, we're sending you and Skywalker. They may try to end is early. Return this back on them and you could leave almost as soon as you arrive."
Obi-Wan had to agree. More Jedi could make it much easier to get a quick resolution to this problem. Though he wasn't sure he wanted it to end too fast. It had been years since he'd last seen the Duchess. But the ache in his heart was no less than it had been all those years ago.
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That was how Obi-Wan, Anakin, and Ahsoka found themselves on a ship headed for the capital planet of the Duchess and the Mandalore people with five Jedi Knights and one Master, Ayla Secura, recently voted to the Jedi Council to replace Agen Kolar who had perished in the duel with Darth Sidious.
Ayla would be disguising herself as a medic for the team, her sabers carefully concealed in a pouch on her side that appeared to hold injectors for medicine. The rest of the knights were all armored up in extra armor from the clones that Cody would be leading.
They landed with ease. The Duchess and her retinue waiting for them upon arrival. "Duchess. Your planet looks much lovelier than it did all those years ago." Obi-Wan strode forward to greet her. Hoping his heart was only beating this loud in his ears.
"And you Master Kenobi, much more striking and surer of yourself. Welcome to Mandalor. I wish you were here for better reasons then this." The Duchess responded, that hint of a smile playing on her lips. "Now come, we have much to discuss."
They were walking towards the Palace when every Jedi's danger sense flared and Obi-Wan with a swiftness that shocked many watching grabbed onto the Duchess and pulled her back into his arms, covering her with his body as a blaster bolt pierced the ground near where she'd been. What would have surely been a kill shot.
Anakin was quickly after the man, only sparing quick glance at his good friend and former Master who was still holding tightly to the Duchess, now with saber drawn and ready to repel more bullets. Due to a swift shake of his head, Anakin had informed those Jedi under cover to maintain that illusion. They didn't want to give it away so soon, especially if this were just one man making a statement.
Anakin could sense the fear rolling off the man, but also determination as he leaped up the building the man had been perched on for his shot.
He was hot on his trail, the man having abandoned his blaster rifle to make a run for it, trying to get down the building and into the crowds below to hopefully disappear.
"Master, I'm heading to cut him off!" Ahsoka's voice from the com link was sure as she moved quickly below, using the force to aid her speed to get ahead of the man who was leaping down the other side of the building now.
Angling himself a bit to the right of the fleeing man he began closing the distance and herding him towards where he knew Ahsoka was going to be soon.
The man finally made it to the ground and almost to the crowds. Right as he was about to round a corner a distinctly togrutan shaped body collided with his own pushing him to the ground as Anakin caught up. "Good work Snips! Let's get him cuffed."
"For Death Watch! Down with the Duchess!" The man screamed, a grenade appearing in his one free hand preparing to detonate. He was unprepared for a sudden ghostly grip to rip it from his hands and fling it high into the air before it detonated harmlessly in the sky.
"Always so desperate." Anakin muttered as he pulled the man up and helped Ahsoka get him cuffed and then searched him for any other weapons. Finding a holdout blaster, two more grenades and a vibro blade.
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The questioning of the man had hit a brick wall until the Duchess gave Anakin and Obi-Wan the opportunity to question him. Now here he sat, cuffed to a chair as the two jedi circled him in the room. Obi-Wan asking the questions, Anakin using the force to trick the man into answering.
"What is the Death Watch?"
"We are the Death Watch, descendants of the true warrior faith all Mandalorians once knew. Now my people are living in exile because we will not abandon our heritage. Our people were warriors. Strong. Feared! Now they're ruled by the New Mandalorians who think that being a pacifist is a good thing. They've given away our honor and tradition for peace. Duchess Satine and her corrupt leadership are crushing our souls, destroying our identity! Just as our leader states. We are warriors, why should we give that up for those weak pacifists that tired of the fighting!" Slamming his hands passionately on the table he glared at Anakin with Hatred. "And you, peace loving Jedi are barely better than they! At least you will fight if you must!"
"Someday you may want peace, and if you continue on this path you will find it sorely lacking." Anakin stated, adopting a sage position.
"Hear that one from Obi-Wan?" Ahsoka, not fooled for one moment by her master.
"Hey! I could have come up with that one!"
"Sure, let's continue the questioning shouldn't we…. Master?"
"Ah uh… Yes." Downtrodden at his perfect use of one of Obi-Wan's teachings they continued questioning the man.
"Who is the leader of Death Watch?"
"A Warrior!"
"I mean… That makes sense, but who. What's their name?"
"I have not earned the right to know our leaders name. After killing the Duchess or blowing up one of their sacred monuments would I have earned my right to meet the leader and know him."
"Ok. So that's a dead end. Where is Death Watch located?"
For the first time the prisoner struggled against the compulsion to answer. But it was for naught, his mind not strong enough to keep out the Jedi.
"C-Conco—Concordia." He finished with head bowed. Seemingly defeated.
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With the questioning a success and knowledge of what planet Death Watch was based out of. They headed towards the planet, a meeting already scheduled with Pre Vizsla the governor of the planet and a man rumored to be working hard to subdue the Death Watch and put them away.
So it was that he greeted them with his guards as they departed from the Ship. Obi-Wan and the Duchess in the lead followed closely behind by Anakin and Ahsoka who ere then followed by the squadron of Clones and hidden jedi, with Ayla the 'medic' at the very back with a floating table of medical equipment.
They were escorted towards the main government building as Vizla explained what he knew of Death Watch. "We've known there were many sympathizers here, as well as a large group of Death Watch. But we were uncertain if this was their main base. Now that we know, we can make a more concerted effort to attack their locations, of which we know a few. It is an honor to have you here Duchess to help this situation. And of course, the renowned General Kenobi and General Skywalker. We welcome you with honor."
"We are no longer Generals Governor Vizla. Master Kenobi and knight Skywalker will suit us well enough."
"Of course. Now, if you'll follow me, we can have a full debrief in the ball room."
Obi-wan drew back a bit till he was even with Anakin. "Did you feel that?"
"Sure did. Somethings about to happen. Be ready."
With that Obi-Wan moved forward again till he was equal with the Duchess as Anakin passed a quick word to Ahsoka who headed towards the back of the group to their Medic.
"To be honest you arrived much faster than I thought you would. We had different plans set out, but with the disappearance of Count Dooku and General Grievous. We had to change our plans for capture."
"Yes. I don't think anyone was ready for them to just disappear from sight." Obi-Wan agreed as they continued into the large Ballroom.
"Yes. Well like I said this has caused us to change our plans. Although I must say sending three Jedi here was a big hitch, I was uncertain how to get around. But thanks to your wonderful announcement you'd be coming. I prepared in advance."
Pre Vizla finished with a devilish smile as he backed up drawing a blaster as men gathered all around the ball room. There was a balcony that ran around the top which was also filled with Mandalorian warriors in full gear, obviously the warriors had not died out as the Duchess had thought.
"Vizla! What is going on here?" Duchess Satine's voice was strong, she knew exactly what was going on the moment he'd drawn his blaster. But still, she found herself shocked. She thought he was an avid supporter of what the people of Mandalore wanted. Peace. She'd apparently been wrong.
"What's going on here is the death of some Jedi and the Duchess of Mandalore and rise of our people back to our glorious martial past. We should never have given up on war. War is who we are, fights are what we have. For you, and those weak peasants who support you, death should be the only option if you can't stomach who we are as a people. Now, you will fall, and I will rise and lead us back to what we are meant to be."
"You seem to be harboring under the illusion that you can win this fight easily. You've led me, my fellow Jedi and all my clones right to the people we were searching for. What makes you think you will escape here? Preferably I'd like to take you alive, but from your speech that might not be possible. Even if you do win, you will lose most of the people you've brought here. Do you really have enough to overthrow the government once we've finished this fight?" Obi-Wan's voice carried to everyone in the ball room, a gentle shake of his hand still preventing the hidden Jedi from revealing themselves yet.
"Would the Duchess allow such violence only for her life! Is she this weak of willed?" This voice was distinctly female as a soldier dropped from the balcony to stand beside Pre Vizla who had started donning his traditional Mandalorian armor.
"Everyone knows I strive for peace. But I cannot let you take over and lead our people to war. A war that none of them want outside of this terrorist group. Obi-Wan. Please attempt to take as many prisoners as possible. But I do not want needless deaths on your own side if that is the cost."
"Am I a needless death?" The up to-unknown Mandalorian removed her helmet, though Satine knew the figure by her helmet's markings even before that. Showing face remarkable like that of the Duchess.
"Here to kill me too Bo?"
"You've lost the right to use that name when you abandoned who we were." Her voice was hard as she glared at her sister. "And your death isn't needed. Merely surrender your throne to us. We can return Mandalore to the old ways and all will be well."
"I knew you'd disappeared. I was hoping it wasn't to Death Watch. But a small part of me always expected it. Always so reckless."
"I don't care about war or endless violence sister. I care about our past! It's about who we were! And here you are trying to get rid of that. It's folly!"
"You never listened when we were younger, I don't expect you to listen now." Satine bit out, she was saddened to see her sister on the other side of the line, but her duty was to her people. She'd given up love for them, if she must give up more than she would. She wouldn't allow further destruction of their world or their people.
"Here's what's going to happen Jedi. You will lay down your weapons, all of you and surrender the Duchess to me. Otherwise my men will fire without halt into your ranks until all of you are dead. We are armed with heavy weapons, and enough explosives to bring this building down on your head. Make your choice wisely I will not wait long."
"Then I suppose you leave me no choice. Ayla, it's time for an appearance."
From the back of the group the medic suddenly leaped up, two sabers appearing in her hands as five of the clones with them suddenly threw off their helmets, their own 'guns' falling apart to reveal their saber within. Now the battle had changed from three Jedi to nine Jedi and a squadron of clones versus the Death watch. The odds weren't looking good for the Mandalorians.
"You were expecting an ambush?!" Vizla was outraged.
"And you did not fail to deliver. Now we have all the people we want in one place. But before this devolves into a battle and lives are lost, I'd like to make a suggestion."
"We'll hear no—"
"Wait Vizla! Let's hear what he has to say. They're right. If we lose too many here, we won't have enough to take the government." Bo-katan cautioned to which Vizla grudgingly allowed.
The plan Obi-Wan was about to suggest had already been approved by Satine after some rather aggressive talks. But she was forced to agree with Obi-Wan. There was no way to please everyone, but there was a way to at least appease them and keep most of this military group helping the people of Mandalore and not terrorizing them.
"I would like to propose this. Two things, with the Republics new Mandates and that each planet must have a standing military ready to protect each system and planet. This would allow you to carry on the Mandalorian way and preparing for war. Just instead of fighting each other and destroying your planet more, you'd be protecting it. And if you're looking for more action, we Jedi are looking to have an elite unit of soldiers for various missions across the system and extra protection for our temple itself. Darth Sidious had a plan that would wipe us out. We want to be better prepared for anything like that should it ever happen again. A squad of elite Mandalorians would go a long way to ensure safety for the younglings, and now the families that live with us. I'd also guess they'd be quite handy on missions."
Vizla did not like what he was seeing. He could see that this idea was looked upon favorably by many of those around him. Especially Bo-Katan and her group of Nite Owls. Who were the Elite of Death Watch. He couldn't lose them. He saw there were other who weren't happy. But they like him either desired power, or just wanted violence and war.
"Death Watch will not surrender here for mere lip service! And neither will I Jedi! I can see why they call you the Negotiator. Well here's my offer. Duel me! Only if you can succeed in besting me in combat will my troops accept this decision. Otherwise we will continue our war and capture the Duchess here and return our people to the old ways."
Bo-Katan made to interrupt but decided this was a good way. She'd been worried that Vizla would try something more fool hardy such as just attacking, wasting the lives of their people and the time they'd invested to defeat her sister. So, she stepped back, and signaled to her team that they would follow the ruling of the duel if Obi-Wan accepted.
Obi-Wan looked back towards his fellow Jedi and the Duchess.
"If this is the only way to avoid bloodshed from occurring, then I can accept these terms if you'll fight for me and my people Master Kenobi."
"Of course, Duchess." Obi-Wan bowed before he turned back to the now fully armed Pre Vizla. "Shall we duel right here then? Get this taken care of?"
He didn't answer, but space was made in the middle as Obi-Wan confidently stepped forward, igniting his saber as he went. He'd thought he was prepared for anything that would happen during this duel. But he'd been unprepared for Vizla to pull out and ignite his own, jet black saber.
"Surprised Jedi! This saber was taken by my ancestors from your precious temple and has been waiting to taste the blood of Jedi as it did in the age of my ancestors!" He leaped forward with a jet pack aided strike.
Quickly casting aside his shock at Vizla's saber he leapt up to meet him midway down his strike, pushing him back with his force enhanced strength.
"If you think having a saber makes you a match for a Jedi, you're sorely mistaken Vizla."
"And if you think you can best me simply cause you're a Jedi you are a fool!"
Vizla was furious, he could see his plans crumbling all around him, and this all because of these Jedi who'd shown up. He would have been fine if only one had shown up, but this many made it troublesome. Cursed Dooku! He was supposed to be supporting them and here to help. But he'd disappeared and left him and all his group alone.
His hatred for this abandonment, was matched only by his hatred for the Duchess and her destruction of Mandalore's ways.
Obi-Wan had to admit that Vizla was indeed a decent duelist with a saber, remarkable considering his lack of the Force. But he was still no match for the Jedi Master, who'd been training and fighting with a saber since he was a child.
The audience watched as Obi-Wan suddenly burst into attack, pushing Vizla back step by step. His movements so fast and precise it took all Vizla's concentration just to block, leaving him no opening to attack or pull back. Those watching knew this wouldn't last long, as Master Kenobi sped up even more in his attack until Vizla found himself disarmed by the Jedi with his saber at his throat, the look in his eyes warning him not to go for his blaster if he valued all his parts. His saber knocked from his hands, swiftly flew back to them and into the Jedi Master's hands.
"This I think shall be returning with me to its rightful place. I look forward to working together with you both. Vizla, Bo-Katan." He finished with a nod to each as he turned to make his way back towards the Duchess, both sabers in hand.
"Death to you both Master Jedi!" Vizla's voice echoed in the chamber as he drew his pistol to fire upon both Obi-Wan and the Duchess as a third shot echoed in the chamber piercing his chest piece and heart.
Anakin, prepared for this cowardly attack was already in front of the Duchess deflecting her bolt, as Obi-Wan deflected the one aimed at him with ease. The return shot that killed Vizla came from his own second in command. Bo-Katan's smoking blaster showing who finished him off.
"Honor your deals Vizla. Or we will honor your death."
A few of the Death Watch members prepared to attack or bolt, but these were quickly subdued by Bo-Katan's Nite owls before they could fire a shot.
"Master Jedi. Your deal is accepted by Death Watch. We request time to discuss how we'll go about this, and whether we will go with the Jedi, or stay here to start the military for our system's protection."
"Then we shall see you on Mandalore in a week sister." Duchess Satine answered for Obi-Wan. Smiling tightly to her sister. They'd rarely seen eye to eye. But perhaps this is a chance.
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A week later Death Watch, along with many new members who wished to join Mandalore's army showed up at the Palace requesting an audience with the Duchess.
"I and half of the Nite Owls will be staying on Mandalore to lead the new Army of Mandalore once our esteemed Duchess decides the size of our standing militia. The other Half will go with a group of other Death Watch, and true Mandalorians who wish to join the Jedi. There were even some of your own people who joined Satine. There is a total of 30 Mandalorians who will join you for Now Jedi, along with their families makes a total of about 50 people. Can you handle that, Master Kenobi?"
"I think we can make do. I've already contacted the Council along with Master Secura, and the council are pleased to have a group of Mandalorians to help guard our newfound people. I'm grateful this didn't devolve into more bloodshed."
"Most of us didn't want Violence. But we didn't want to forget our past, or lose our edge."
"Well, ignore your sister for the handsome Jedi will you?"
"I'm trying to get as much time ignoring you as I can sister. Soon I will be bowing knee to you, and you were insufferable enough when we were younger." Bo-Katan easily responded with a smile as she turned to face her sister.
"That's where you're wrong. I've chosen a successor for many years, preparing them. And with this Army being formed, and you back. I do not feel it is my place to lead our people anymore. Better someone who believes in peace, but can be strong enough to lead an army…" She met her sister's eyes with a knowing look as her sister backed up.
"Satine! I am not Duchess material, I can not lead!"
"Oh I know that silly. Korkie is of course who I was talking about." Satine's eyes alight with humor at her sister's thought process. A sister who was currently blushing furiously as she tried to ignore the chuckling Jedi in front of her. "Besides, a certain ex-senator of Naboo I am friends with has asked me to join her in a new adventure. Apparently there's some peace loving warriors out there who could use some senators." Here her eyes met the surprised blue of a Jedi Master. Her Jedi Master if she had anything to say about it. "And through them, I can help spread peace to more than just Mandalore."
"Yeah and spread something else…" Bo-Katan muttered dryly, catching the look her sister had sent Obi-Wan. The same look she had when she'd found something that she knew was hers.
"BO!" The blow to her armored shoulder wasn't felt and her laughter rolled off her as she ran away from her sister.
"You deserved that!"
"Maybe so! So where is my young Nephew Korkie and the young Duke to be?"
"He's preparing his campaign speech. Just because he's my successor doesn't mean he'll get the position. We'll hold a vote in three weeks' time, as I pack and prepare to move myself. I can spend that time training him up what more I can, as well as keep an eye on my rebellious and rambunctious sister!"
"Well, that's not so bad then is it?"
"No…" Satine agreed, standing close to her sister, tears in both their eyes. "Not too bad at all." And they collapsed into each other's arms. Finally sharing that hug they'd missed for years.
/-/-/
"A Senator for the Jedi? Are you sure that's a wise choice?"
The soon to be Ex-Duchess of Mandalore, and Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi sat on a darkened bench in the garden near the palace.
"If you'd asked me before I'd learned of the changes of the Jedi, I'd have said no. But now… Now there is no other choice for me. My people are happy, my nephew will carry on my legacy and do what the people desire. My sister will help him, and many who had opposed our new peaceful ways and the rebuilding of Mandalore into the beautiful planet it had once been. Now all that's left is to take back my lover and spend my days in blissful marriage."
Kenobi chocked on air as he turned towards her. "You have a lover?"
She could hear the sadness in his voice, the surprise. It warmed her heart but made her shake her head in amusement. "Oh, you silly Jedi. Can read the minds and emotions of those all around him. But can't seem to read the emotions of those who love him."
"Lo—" Her finger upon his lips stopped his question.
"Ssshhh, Master Kenobi. Let us just enjoy this moment. Just let me know if I'm taking it too fast?" Then she leaned forward and kissed him. And most high-level thought in his brain short circuited. It had been years since he'd kissed a woman, even longer since he'd held her. His greatest love, and the one he could never quite get over. That always held a piece of his heart.
She pulled back, staring deeply into his eyes as her hands threaded their way into his long hair and beard. "I like this. This was a good choice. Now, Master Jedi. Will you keep me company for a while? Or shall you make a strategic exit while you can?"
He gulped. This question was far deeper and more complex than she made it sound. He could see it, feel it. She wasn't asking for just a night, nor for company. This was a question for a lifetime.
Suddenly, he found himself. Back as a young Padawan beneath Qui Gon. A year with this wonderful girl, who had she asked him. He'd have given up all that he was meant to be to be with her. And he liked to think he'd have been happy. If he'd met her a year earlier than today, or the Jedi not changed. He knew he wouldn't… Couldn't have said yes then. But now… with changes already here, and more on the horizon….
Lastly, he heard Luke's last words to him. Luke, who had taken a moment with a few of those he had originally demanded before revealing anything. Some from him, some from their future selves. "Find love. Whoever that is, find it and hold on to it. It was one of your biggest regrets. I don't know what happens to her but… It carved a deep scar in you. Far deeper than you'd ever thought it would. He asked me to tell you that. And from me… well there's this young orphan…"
The rest of his words faded from his mind as he was brought back to the present by Satine's expectant look, eyes falling as she thought perhaps it was too late. But his hands pulling her close changed her mind. "I think I can do that. For tonight, and as long as you desire…"
The rest of the night was spent in each other's embrace.
/-/-/
"You shouldn't be peeping like that you know…"
"Sh! Snips! He'll hear you!"
"Afraid you'll lose your show Master!"
"No, I'm afraid I just lost a bet with my wife." Anakin finally turned from the kissing couple to face his padawan.
"You bet that Master Kenobi was in love?"
"Not quite. That he would choose love, and so early. But I'm glad he has. If anyone deserves someone to love it's him." He paused, looking back with a smile towards the garden. "Come, we can have a quick spar before bed. And don't get any ideas. No dating for you until you're at least a Jedi Master."
"SKYGUY!" Ahsoka shouted as she chased after him towards their camp, his laughter echoing off the palace walls.
/-/-/
Thank you everyone who's taken the time so far to read this. Apparently, my tags for the character's didn't save when I posted. Got that fixed now. I'm getting back into the groove of writing fanfic again. And getting back into the groove of Star Wars. I'm enjoying this story.
For those from my other stories, updates are on the way, Tamer's of the Heart for PJO and one of my Harry Potter stories will be updated this weekend, and another two Harry Potter stories will probably follow that unless my Muse is still on Star Wars.
Once again, if my timing is off on things I'm writing this how I want it to so it fits where I'm going with the story, sorry if that upsets some of you. If you want characters in this story that I may have forgotten or just haven't worked into the story yet, please let me know in a review. I do plan to have Baby Yoda added into this. Along with Boba Fett and others.