The Trials of Mand'alor

Chapter 3

The Jedi

They had landed a fair amount away from the city of Keldabe. Either by accident or on purpose on the part of the Mandalorians, but whatever their reason, Jedi Master Tai Zhan was not worried about it. One of the young Knights that had accompanied him however, had other opinions on the matter.

"This is stupid!" The young man grumbled. "They couldn't have sent us out any further from the main city. What, do they expect us to walk there?!"

Master Zhan raised his hand. "Calm yourself, Ru-Benn. There is no need to become upset. Remember, there is no emotion…"

"There is peace. Right." Ru-Benn sighed. "So, should we walk there or what?"

The Jedi Master turned his head, looked round and sought guidance from the Force. He felt a peace come over him. "I believe that we should, otherwise we will never meet our hosts." Suddenly he felt a presence in the Force. Master Zhan whipped his head towards the edge of the clearing. They were being watched, by no more than three people. However, one of them had grabbed his attention more than the others.

Without saying anything Master Zhan walked calmly towards their would-be stalker. He could sense no malice or violent intentions coming from this person. But Master Zhan didn't like being followed. As he approached the foliage the Jedi Master could sense fear emanating from his stalker. Then suddenly nothing. Master Zhan stopped in his tracks. Wait, what just happened? The Kel Dor turned his head back and forth in confusion. The presence was gone. Master Zhan reached out with the Force to assess the situation. He could feel the other ambassadors on the ship, the droids, Ru-Benn and even the other two Mandalorians hiding nearby. But the person who should've been right in front of him was just gone. Almost as if they had never existed. Hiding in the Force was one thing, but completely disappearing? Master Zhan was more confused than ever.

Ru-Benn walked up to the perplexed Kel Dor. "What is it, Master?" He couldn't be sure, but Master Zhan had a theory growing as to what may have happened. For now, though, he would let it be and see what would happen next. "Nothing." the Jedi Master lied. "It's just been a long time since I've been to Mandalore. We should get moving."

As the Jedi walked away from him, Xerxes couldn't help but feel relief and confusion at the same time. He was almost certain the Master had sensed him and was going to expose him. But why had the Master stopped short? Why did he seem to have lost Xerxes? As far as Xerxes could tell nothing had happened to stop the Jedi. What was going on?

"Xerxes!" Akiza's voice through the headset brought Xerxes out of his thoughts. "What happened? I thought he was going to find you for sure."

"I thought so, too. I'm not sure why he didn't."

Vlad was more curious about what the Jedi had said. "Yeah, but what did he mean by he hadn't been to Mandalore in a long time?"

Xerxes put his hand up to his headset. "I'm not sure. But I feel like there's more to this Jedi than we realize." Whatever he was, Xerxes intended to find out more about this Jedi Master and what his connection to Mandalore was. "Anyway, let's tail them to Keldabe and make sure they don't know we're here. Oh, and try to keep most of the deadly predators away from them."

"Right!" the siblings replied.

The trip back to Keldabe was relatively uneventful. The pace of the Jedi was fairly slow, and apart from the occasional grumbling from the younger Jedi, there was no conversation to glean any information from. Xerxes and his group followed as stealthily as possible. Driving away the occasional predator that would get too close to the Jedi without them knowing there had been a predator to begin with. Xerxes noticed that the Kel Dor would occasionally glance in the direction of Vlad or Akiza, but never towards him. Did he really not know Xerxes was there, and if so, what was preventing the Jedi's senses from detecting him?

Suddenly a high-pitched scream from overhead brought Xerxes out of his pondering. A shriek-hawk had begun to dive bomb the Jedi. Xerxes cursed himself for getting distracted. The shriek-hawk was already too far into the dive to prevent it from landing a hit on the younger Jedi. Xerxes was about to jump out of hiding to attack the beast, but he didn't have to. Akiza had already made the decision to leap out of a tree and land on the shriek-hawk. While the creature was caught off guard, the Jedi were not surprised at all to see her appear from nowhere. This confirmed Xerxes' theory that the Jedi knew they were there. Akiza moved with incredible agility as she flashed her daggers from their holsters and into the beast's chest. The shriek-hawk died before it could even retaliate. The younger Jedi, however, was much quicker than the beast and in the blink of an eye he had Akiza in a head lock with his lightsaber at her throat. "I knew you were following us, Mandi!" the Jedi cried out.

Before Xerxes could even think, Vlad had appeared behind the Jedi with his blaster pushed against the Jedi's head. In an intimidating voice, Vlad threatened the Jedi. "Get your lightsaber out of my sister's face right now, Jetti1! Or die where you stand."

Things were quickly getting out of hand. Xerxes decided it would be best to step in before someone got killed.

"Enough!" A voice that was neither strong nor harsh had spoken behind them, but it was a voice that carried authority with it. Master Tai Zhan slowly turned around and watched as a young man with curly copper hair emerged from the nearby shrubbery. As he did, Master Zhan could feel the boy's presence in the Force reappear as well. So, there had been someone there the whole time. But how had he masked his presence so well? Mandalorians couldn't use the Force, could they? Then again, Tai Zhan knew better than to underestimate the Mandalorians and this young man had a presence about him.

While he was not dressed in nearly as much armor as his companions or as physically built as most Mandalorians, the Jedi Master could tell that this was a young man of strength, courage and someone who could bear the burden of leadership well. Not only that, but Master Zhan could feel the Force telling him that this young man would be important to the future of Mandalore.

The Kel Dor Jedi just stood there and sized up Xerxes. He made no move other than to glance at Xerxes and stare at him. Xerxes felt like he had somehow surprised the Jedi. The younger Jedi had whipped around with a perplexed look on his face when Xerxes had emerged from the brush. Had he not sensed Xerxes either? This was definitely something worth investigating, but that was something he could focus on later.

"Vlad, lower your blaster." He demanded. Vlad's grip on his blaster tightened. Xerxes could tell he was uncertain of whether or not he could trust this Jedi not to harm Akiza. If he was right, Xerxes knew that Jedi didn't believe in attacking unarmed people and putting away their weapons was the best way to keep a brawl from breaking out. "That's an order, Vlad."

Vlad reluctantly holstered his blaster and stepped away from the Jedi. "Now then," Xerxes began as he slung his shotgun over his shoulder and walked towards the younger Jedi. "If you would be so kind as to release my friend we can avoid any bloodshed. You are after all our guests, right?"

The red-haired Jedi looked wary. He turned his eyes towards the Master for guidance. The Kel Dor raised his hand and spoke very calmly, "It's alright Ru-Benn. They are our guides and have been for some time now."

Ru-Benn then deactivated his lightsaber and released Akiza from his grip. "I apologize." he said rather grudgingly. "I acted without thinking."

Xerxes shrugged his shoulders, "No harm done. Although in the future I'd advise against randomly attacking Mandalorians, especially the women. They can be just as deadly and unpredictable."

Ru-Benn glanced towards Akiza, a look of dawning apprehension barely visible on his face as she glared at him. "Noted."

"I should apologize as well." Xerxes turned his attention towards the Kel Dor Jedi. "My brother and I had a bet for how long we could go undetected."

The Jedi Master chuckled softly, "Ah, the competitive nature of the Mandalorians. It is nothing to apologize for. I suppose though that we should introduce ourselves. I am Jedi Master Tai Zhan, but while I'm here you may simply call me Tai. I'm the impartial judge the Republic has sent for the competition." He then gestured towards the younger Jedi. "And this is Ru-Benn Jinn, who was recently made a Jedi Knight. So, forgive him if he seems a bit eager."

"Charmed." Akiza said with just a bit too much venom to her tone. She clearly didn't appreciate being manhandled. Xerxes made a mental note to make sure that no further incidents happened between Jedi and Mandalorians. The last thing he wanted was to start a war or cause a rift between potential allies.

Xerxes decided he'd better return the pleasantries, "My name is Xerxes Fett. This is Akiza Gev and her brother Vladimir Ordo."

Ru-Benn's brow furrowed in confusion. "Wait. You're siblings and you have different last names? How does that work?"

Xerxes was about to answer, but apparently Tai knew more about Mandalorian culture than he had let on. The Kel Dor's voice reverberated through his rebreather, "Mandalorians are known for adopting children and war orphans on a frequent basis. It's not uncommon for siblings to end up having different last names. In many ways, it is similar to how we recruit members into the Jedi Order, but they do it for very different reasons."

Xerxes nodded and added, "I was adopted as well and something my Father taught me was, 'If the only hide you look after is your own, then you're not a real man."

"He sounds like a very wise man." Tai replied. He then addressed the group, "And of course it is what brings us here today. The previous leader, Mand'alor the Father, had adopted several children ranging to over a hundred. Because of that there is no definitive heir and we are going to be participating in shaping Mandalore's history by helping to decide which of his children is worthy of that role."

Xerxes couldn't help but be impressed. It seemed Tai Zhan's knowledge of Mandalore was very intimate. It caused Xerxes to wonder where he had learned all of it. There was a lot more to this Jedi than he had first thought and Xerxes was starting to like him. Xerxes could even see himself becoming friends with the Master. Galbon would probably not approve at all. Xerxes then remembered he was still in a race against Galbon to get Keldabe first.

"Not to seem pushy," Xerxes stepped forward with urgency, "But we are on a bit of a schedule and I'd prefer not to have to buy my brother's drinks again for showing up late."

"Of course." Tai turned in the direction of Keldabe. "We should get moving. I'm eager to see Keldabe and its residents again. Lead the way, Xerxes."

The trip back to Keldabe could not have been any more uncomfortable. While they had made good time, no one knew how to initiate a conversation. Akiza and Vlad were apprehensive of the Jedi, especially Ru-benn who appeared to have something against Mandalorians. Tai Zhan was the biggest mystery though and Akiza seemed very interested in discussing it. In a hushed voice, she asked Xerxes what he thought. "So, how do you suppose that Tai knows so much about us?"

Xerxes took a moment to ponder the possibilities before answering. "Well, he knows a lot, but it seems like his knowledge is more than just secondhand. If I had to guess, I'd say he may have lived with Mandalorians for a good amount of time."

"But where could he have done that?" Akiza asked as she glanced back at the Jedi Master over her shoulder. "Jedi don't normally live away from their temples and most Mandalorians don't trust the Jedi enough to let them live anywhere near us."

"I'm not sure. But I think he'll tell us when he's ready." Akiza raised an eyebrow in confusion as to how Xerxes could know that. "Just call it a hunch." he assured her.

The forest then cleared in front of them to overlook the city of Keldabe. Xerxes took a moment to soak it in. He had always liked just gazing at Keldabe and taking in the city on the hill. Packed together were an array of eclectic buildings of all shapes and sizes, each made from different materials ranging from plastoid and durasteel to stone and wood. The city defied any conventional style of architecture and there was almost no rhyme or reason to it when homes and small businesses were found right next to warehouses. Anyone from Coruscant would feel claustrophobic as many of the streets and alley ways were almost too close together. It was easily Xerxes favorite place on the planet.

Of course, not everyone could appreciate Keldabe's rustic nature. "This place looks horrendous." Ru-benn's voice stated from behind them. "Who was the genius behind this architectural hurricane?" Even if Xerxes couldn't get this Jedi to be friendly, he was at least going to educate him on the Mandalorian culture.

"There have been several alien species on Mandalore over the millenia." Xerxes said turning towards the red headed Jedi. "Each one has preferred a different style of architecture. So, we have used whatever is available and if the building is still inhabitable there is no point in tearing it down. Someone will need it."

Ru-benn stared at Xerxes with indifference, but said nothing more on the subject. Xerxes didn't expect him to change his attitude towards Mandalorians anytime soon. Tai Zhan seemed to have different ideas. "Xerxes, why don't you give us a brief tour of the important landmarks of Keldabe? I could use some reacquainting with the city."

Xerxes liked Tai's suggestion. He turned his attention towards the city and started to determine which aspects of Keldabe were the most important to note. "All right." Xerxes began. "Let's see… You see the tallest durasteel tower that goes over a hundred meters? That is Mandal Motors. It's where all our weapons and ships get made, along with any prototypes and it's where our iron workers take raw beskar2 and fold it into besgam3 and beskads4, and so on and so forth. Mandal Motors is a greater source of income than our agriculture."

Ru-benn looked to Xerxes in confusion. "You mean you guys plant food? I thought all you did was work for Hutts or as mercenaries."

"We do whatever it takes to survive." Xerxes was glad for the chance to show that Mandalorians weren't the butchers that the galaxy thought they were. "While mercenary work can be lucrative, our roots for survival have always been farming, fighting and mechanics. Most people tend to do all three if not more. If you don't have those skills, the wildlife usually ends up taking your life."

Ru-benn's face was contemplative as he took in this new information. Xerxes smiled as he returned to pointing out Keldab's landmarks. "Towards the center is the old citadel. It now serves as a coliseum and battle ground for young Mandalorians to prove their worth. I imagine most of the events for the Mand'alor Competition will be taking place there."

"The newest addition is outside the city itself. Down past the south end of the hill and just beyond the Kelita River is our new Swoop Bike track. It's a personal favorite of mine and it has begun to bring in money for Mandalore. We're hoping to open it up further and add a section on for Pod Racers."

Tai Zhan stroked his chin in contemplation, "It would be just the right amount of chance and skill for young warriors, as well as for gambling, to become a Mandalore favorite. I should like to see the Pod Racer track become an official Galactic circuit."

Xerxes really hoped that one day that would be the case. He would enjoy seeing the galaxy and Mandalore have something in common that brought them together. Xerxes shook himself back to reality and continued. "Then, of course, we have what can only be considered a five-star eatery and inn, the Oyu'baat Cantina. Why, it's so popular, that it serves as the weekly gathering place of all the clan leaders." Xerxes turned to the Jedi and sarcastically added. "You could say it is our unofficial government building." While Ru-benn appeared to have taken it seriously, Akiza, Vlad and Tai all chuckled at Xerxes remark. The Mandalorians didn't believe in conventional government and considered politicians to be all words and no action. But Ru-benn didn't understand the joke and could only look on, perplexed at the Jedi Master's reaction.

As he did, Ru-benn noticed something and pointed towards the far north of the city. "What is that building over there?"

Xerxes turned towards where Ru-benn was pointing and found his attention drawn towards a large granite structure atop the hill and just beyond the forest. Xerxes tone became unusually somber as he described the building in question. "That is Mand'alor's Mansion. The official estate of all Mand'alors in the planets history. It has also been Keldab's underground bunker, armory and treasury. Though at the moment, it's more like a museum since no one has lived in it since…"

Tai walked over to Xerxes and placed a hand on his shoulder, "Since the passing of Mand'alor the Father." Xerxes couldn't help, but notice that Tai also seemed somehow forlorn as he gazed upon the granite estate. Xerxes' father, Abram had lived there from time to time, though Xerxes had never been inside himself. Tai turned his head and looked at Xerxes. He could see a soft smile form underneath Tai's mask. "But soon that will all change." The Jedi Master stated, "It may even become yours to own, Xerxes." Tai held his gaze as Xerxes' mind processed the meaning behind his words. If Xerxes won the Mand'alor Competition, not only would he be Mand'alore and the new leader of his people, but Mand'alor's Mansion would be his new place of residence. Along with everything in it being his to own.

Xerxes could feel the weight of that leadership and responsibility slowly bearing down upon him as the more he thought about it, the more he realized how much of a burden not only he would bear, but the burden his father and all the other Mand'alors before him had born. Xerxes felt his stomach churn at the mere thought of it, even though he had not been named the new Mand'alor. Tai must have sensed Xerxes apprehension as he was brought out of his thoughts by Tai's sure voice. "As long as you put forth your best effort, Xerxes, the Force will guide Mandalore's new leader into his place. Of that I am confident."

Xerxes felt the peace of Tai's words wash away his doubts and nodded in agreement. "Alright, then." Xerxes announced. "That's a brief overview of Keldabe. We should get to the Oyu'baat before my brother Galbon beats us there." The two other Mandalorians and Jedi Knight wore odd looks on their faces. Ru-benn seemed very concerned about how close Xerxes and Tai were becoming and Akiza and Vlad were staring at the Jedi Master as if he had outright declared that Xerxes would be the new Mand'alore. They all slowly turned away and made their way down the path towards the cantina. Xerxes stayed put as they each left and took one last look at Mand'alor's Mansion. He decided that he would make it one more reason to obtain his goal of following his father's legacy and make it his new home. Xerxes then turned his gaze upon Akiza and watched as her long red bangs fluttered in the wind.

Maybe he could make it the home of his future family as well.

1 Mandalorian word for Jedi

2 Iron found only on Mandalore and its moon Concordia. Its naturally lightsaber resistant.

3 Armor, Lit. translation; iron skin

4 Curved blades