Summary:

The aftermath of Darth Maul.

Ahsoka and Rex arrive on Mandalore.

Jinn gives a speech to the Mandalore houses.

Ahsoka sends Jinn to heal Senator Bonteri.

Dooku speaks with the real Darth Sidious.

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20.

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Jinn put away his sword and lightsaber and said, "So, that was Darth Maul. I thought he'd be taller."

Obi-Wan said, "I'm sure he could be taller if he wanted to now."

Jinn smiled and followed Obi-Wan off the balcony and back inside the Duchess' rooms. He felt relieved after telling Obi-Wan his identity. He felt at ease. He realized that he missed his relationship with his own father. It had been a long time since there was a team Kenobi and Kenobi.

"Next time you maim someone; you might want to make sure you put them out of their misery afterwards."

Obi-Wan gave Jinn a disapproving look and said, "Unlike you, I don't plan to kill. I had to learn from Maul that you murdered Pre Vizsla."

Jinn said, "I don't regret my actions."

Obi-Wan placed his hand over Jinn's shoulder to stop him and said, "That's the problem. You don't stop to consider any of your actions."

Jinn sighed and said, "You can't serious expect me to regret killing a terrorist? It was a fair fight. He had the opportunity to slay me as well. If he did, I wouldn't expect him to regret it."

"You're better than that, Jinn."

"I don't think you understand the warrior mentality. I take pride in slaying a strong opponent. It shows respect to my adversary. If I regretted it like it was some sort of accident, it would be an insult to their skill and pride."

Jinn then opened the door and found Ventress and Bo-Katan helping Satine up from the floor. The two women helped Satine into the room and sat her down into a chair. Jinn kneeled in front of her and examined her foot. She winced in pain and held onto Obi-Wan's arm for support.

"Nothing is broken, but it's sprained."

Satine said, "Is that your professional opinion, Master Jinn?"

He smiled at her and said, "You learn a thing or two about injuries when you get hurt as often as I do, Duchess."

Jinn took a deep breath and placed his hand over her ankle and closed his eyes. He started to use the Force to heal her. Satine's ankle began to feel warm and tingle. A few moments later, Jinn let her ankle go and got up to his feet.

"There, that should do it."

Satine was surprised, but she got up and tested her foot and realized that her ankle was completely healed. She never met anyone who could heal an injury so quickly.

"Thank you, Jinn."

He politely bowed his head and said, "My pleasure, Duchess."

Meanwhile, Ventress frowned and said to Jinn, "You need to eat something before you faint."

Jinn smiled at Ventress. He was touched by her concern. He felt her presence floating in the back of his mind. She was worried about him. She sensed that healing the Duchess' sprain had left him feeling a little lightheaded. Normally, Jinn would have ignored his fatigue, but he decided it was better to listen to his nightingale. Besides, he knew he had a long day ahead of him.

"Yes, darling."

XXX

Ahsoka and her friends arrived on Mandalore without any problems. She and Rex decided to visit the Duchess alone without Padme or Senator Bonteri in case there was trouble. Though, she was surprised to see members of Death Watch patrolling the capital.

"Rex, what in the world is going on?"

"I don't know. Look, there's a lot of important people entering the capital today judging by those fancy transports."

Ahsoka followed Rex's line of sight to the transports and noticed they were fancy. They obviously belonged to people of wealth. However, when a new transport arrived, she saw that the people stepping out were Mandalorians.

Ahsoka said, "It looks like they're having a meeting."

Rex said, "Yeah, but with who?"

Ahsoka sneaked out from her hiding place and said, "I don't know, but I'm going to find out. Come on."

The two easily scaled the building and slipped passed the Death Watch guards. They quietly entered the halls and followed the sound of voices to the main chamber. Ahsoka peaked inside and saw Jinn seated on the Duchess' thrown. Ventress and Bo-Katan were standing on either side him. In front of him were several predominate heads of powerful Mandalorian houses.

One of the house leaders said, "Where is the Duchess? Who are you?"

The amber Jedi got up and said, "My name is Jinn. I am the one who summoned you all here, not the Duchess. I apologize for the false pretense, but I wanted your attention."

A second house leader said, "Well, now that you have it, what do you want?"

Jinn approached the house leader and said, "I want your help. I want to return Mandalore back to her warrior ways. I want to create a parliament with the houses and unite them under one banner. For too long, Mandalore's consciousness has been divided. One seeks only peace. The other only war. When in truth, Mandalore should carry in both her hands the shield and the sword."

The house leader asked, "How do you propose we create this parliament? Who would be our leader?"

Jinn said, "You will each choose someone to be the voice of your house. They will choose a leader amongst them and advise. However, if the leader no longer carries out the wishes of the majority then they must step down."

The house leader said, "Then, I suppose you want us to choose you to be our leader. Well, I refuse to legitimize your authority."

Jinn replied, "Honestly, I would rather not be chosen. I don't like politics. Though, you can't deny that my proposition has great potential. Think of it, a unified Mandalore is a greater threat to her enemies then a few scattered clans. However, leadership is not an easy task. The leader you chose must throw away their allegiance to their former house because they must lead a greater house, the whole of Mandalore. You must become her sword and shield. To defend her weak and to vanquish her enemies. Now, I will not force you. Instead, if you choose, I invite you to stand with me."

Ahsoka watched as the clan leaders paused for a moment until slowly one by one, they stepped forward. Though, there were a few house leaders who turned away, most stayed.

Obi-Wan noticed Ahsoka and Rex and approached them. "What are you two doing here?"

Ahsoka turned to him and said, "I could ask you the same thing, Master."

Obi-Wan said, "I heard that you had sent Jinn to Mandalore to protect the Duchess Satine. I thought he might do something reckless."

Rex said, "It looks like we both had the same idea."

Ahsoka looked out at the main chamber full of Mandalorian clan leaders. All eyes were on the amber Jedi. She noticed he was an eloquent speaker which wasn't that surprising since she was convinced, he was related to Obi-Wan. It seemed being a negotiator was a Kenobi trait. However, unlike Obi-Wan, Jinn spoke with passion. Ahsoka knew that it had been Jinn's feelings that convinced the clan leaders to follow him.

Though, a moment later Obi-Wan caught Jinn's eye and gestured for him to approach him. Jinn excused himself from the clan leaders and he and Ventress met Obi-Wan in the hall. Jinn smiled when he saw Ahsoka and Rex and greeted them both warmly.

"Miss Tano. Captain. What a pleasant surprise."

Obi-Wan interrupted him and said, "We should take our conversation somewhere private."

The amber Jedi nodded. Wordlessly, the group entered a study and locked the door. Ahsoka and Rex removed their hoods from their cloaks and turned around to face their friends. Obi-Wan sat on top of a large desk with his arms crossed over his chest. Jinn sat down in a large chair while Ventress stood beside him with her hand resting over the back of the chair.

Obi-Wan said, "Now, Ahsoka. How was your diplomatic mission on Lothal?"

Ahsoka sighed and said, "Not good. There was a bombing on Lothal. Senator Bonteri was hurt. We believe the Chancellor learned of our location from Representative Jar Jar Binks when Padme informed him of where she would be. I thought it would be best if Senator Bonteri lay low until she can return to Separatists space. Now, what about your mission, Jinn?"

Jinn said, "Miss Ventress and I original came to Mandalore to offer our services to arrest Death Watch. However, the Duchess declined our offer and we took matters into our own hands. I slew the leader of Death Watch and took over his role as leader. I then deposed the Duchess. Later, Obi-Wan appeared to reprimand me, but Maul heard of my exploits and mistook them as Obi-Wan's doing. Together, Obi-Wan and I drove Maul away."

Ahsoka placed her hand over her face and said, "Jinn, I asked you to protect Duchess Satine, not overthrow her."

Jinn said, "I am protecting her. Do you think pacifism will stop Death Watch and Darth Maul? She's a sitting duck without strong allies. She can't fight her enemies alone and I will not wait around for her and the clans to suddenly come to their senses. These people aren't warriors. They're warmongers. They have no honor."

Ahsoka said, "Jinn, I know you want to help, but you need to trust the Mandalorians to govern themselves. I think you did the right thing by organizing the clans."

"Thank you, Miss Tano."

"Now, I want you to help heal Senator Bonteri. Can you go with Rex back to our ship and treat her there?"

"As you wish, Miss Tano."

XXX

Rex was surprised that Ventress wasn't tagging along. He was sure she would accompany Jinn back to the ship. The two Force-users were nearly inseparable since they met. He suspected there was something more than a partnership going on between them. Though, he felt uncomfortable asking Jinn about it. Yet, he was worried that Ventress might using him.

"So, uh-you and Ventress seemed to be getting along."

Jinn narrowed his brow at Rex's awkward tone. "Yes."

Rex asked, "Do you trust her?"

Jinn kept his hood up on his cloak as he followed Rex through the Mandalorian streets. It was mid-day and people were busy carrying on with their normal lives. It was rather pleasant. Though, he didn't know what promoted Rex to ask him such a question.

"I trust her with my life. Why?"

Rex said, "It's just that you don't really know her. The Ventress I knew was merciless. She might just be biding her time till she betrays you."

"Captain, I appreciate the warning, but you needn't be concerned. I know it's difficult, but you can't judge her for something she did in another life."

Rex knew Jinn had a point. This version of Ventress wasn't the same as the one from his timeline, but the differences were minor. He remembered what the witch did to his brothers. He remembered what she did to him. He could never forget how she wormed her way into his mind and forced him to do her bidding.

"I just don't want history to repeat itself." Rex then pointed a ship and said, "Here is it is."

Jinn boarded the ship and saw a group of clones. They stood at attention when they saw him. "Master Jinn, welcome abord, sir."

"Thank you, gentlemen. Please, take me to the patient."

Echo stepped forward to lead the way and said, "This way, sir."

Jinn saw Senator Mina Bonteri was lying on a medical bed with a medical droid attending her. Her son, Lux was seating at her bedside. The young man looked crushed by the tragedy of his mother's injuries. He instantly stood up when he saw Jinn enter the room.

Lux said, "Are you the healer Ahsoka told us about?"

The amber Jedi approached and said, "Yes, my name is Jinn."

Lux said, "The medical droid said she had internal injuries. She had surgery, but she hasn't woken up yet. Please, help her."

Jinn ignored Lux in order to read Mina's medical chart. It looked like the droid had repaired her liver and several broken ribs. She also had head trauma and burns along her left arm. Jinn wasn't concerned about her physical injuries. He was confident he could heal them. It was her head injury that concerned him. Even with the Force, there was no telling if he could help heal her mind. He rubbed his beard thoughtfully before turning to Rex.

"Captain, please remove young Mr. Bonteri from the room."

"Yes, sir. Come on, Lux."

Rex put his hand on his shoulder, but Lux shrugged him off and said, "No, I'm staying."

Jinn said, "Then I will need your silence so that I can focus on your mother. Is that understood?"

Lux wavered but said, "Yes. I understand."

In response, Jinn nodded his head and turned back to his patient. He placed his hands onto Mina's temples and closed his eyes. He lowered all his Force-shields and began channeling the Force. Darkness and Light swirled around him. They crashed together and formed a fiery ring that burned with life.

Gently, Jinn gathered his fiery ring and surrounded Mina with warmth and light. He let the flames purify her injuries and infused her body with energy.

He called out to her with the Force. The direct approach was sometimes all one really needed.

"Mina Bonteri. Wake up."

He felt Mina's presence grow stronger. She began to feast upon his power. Jinn encouraged her to consume more. He didn't care. As a non-Force user, her presence was nothing more than a wisp compared to his fire. The trick was not to let her over feed.

Jinn sent her soothing waves of love and tenderness to encourage her mind to surface. Shamelessly, he coaxed her like he would a small animal or an infant. He didn't know the Senator personally and it was the only empathy he could give. However, he sensed that it was all she needed.

With his real voice, he called her name.

"Mina."

The Senator's eyes fluttered before they finally opened. She focused and stared up at Jinn in confusion.

"Who are you? Where am I?"

"Mother!" shouted Lux.

The teen ran to her and hugged her tight. Mina smiled and returned the hug.

"Oh, Lux! Are you alright?"

He pulled back and said, "Yes, of course. How are you feeling, mother?"

"I'm fine."

Lux smiled and hugged his mother again.

XXX

Meanwhile, back on Coruscant, Sidious was finally able to locate the true location of Count Dooku. The Jedi were clever to use a decoy at the detention center, but it was easy for him to see through the trick. Though, Sidious had to resort to using Dark and dangerous spells in order to find him. He had to loom over a cauldron and gaze into the Darkness through a mirror in order to cast his likeness into Dooku's cell.

"So, this is where you have been, Count Dooku."

Dooku was astounded by what he saw and said, "I knew you would find me, Master."

"Tell me, how is it you were so easily captured by Skywalker and Kenobi?"

Dooku frowned and said, "They have a new ally. A dark Jedi named Master Jinn. He is trained in the Dark ways of the Sith. I underestimated him."

Sidious scowled under his hood and said, "A dark Jedi? How very interesting."

Dooku said, "There is more, Master. I believe someone among the Jedi knows your identity."

The Dark Lord grinned and said, "Let the Jedi believe what they want. They are not strong enough to oppose me. Now, go and bring me this dark Jedi. I would like to see how strong he is for myself."

Sidious then raised his hand towards the mirror. Through his likeness, he shot a bolt of Force-lightning at the shields in Dooku's cell and broke it. With a wave of his hand, Dooku's cuffs were gone and fell to the ground. Dooku smiled at his newfound freedom and bowed to his master's image.

"It shall be done, my Master."

XXX

TBC

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