Chapter 38 – A Call From the Past

Author's Note: In which Theseus gets a call from... an old "friend." ;)

To Guest (1): If we'd read the Dark Disciple novel, it would have appeared, but we haven't, so it won't, unfortunately. xP I hope that you continue to enjoy this story going forward! :)

To C.E.W.: I'm glad you're enjoying! And yes, Steela surviving is going to cause quite a ripple effect in the future. :P

To Guest (2): Yeah, if Ventress did train Theseus, it would be... interesting, to say the least. Lol.

To Guest (3) (though idk if you'll see this): First of all, Anakin is not "moping" about Obi-Wan taking another Padawan. He's not being OOC. He has very legitimate reasons for how he feels. It would be like your parents who didn't want you in the first place going and adopting someone as soon as you move out. It feels like you're being replaced and your parents didn't care. That's not an unreasonable reaction or feeling to have.

Thank you all so much for reviewing! :D

~ Amina Gila

The method they used on Onderon was extremely effective and thank the Force for that. So far, neither side has been gaining ground. Now, there might be hope. After everything that happened, the planet decided to join the Republic after all. Lux was appointed the Senator, which means that there's a chance he and Ahsoka will be able to see each other from time to time now.

Beep! Beep! Beep!

Theseus looks down at his comm. The frequency isn't one he's ever seen before, which is weird. He generally doesn't get calls just out of nowhere like this. It could be something important, or it could be a wrong number altogether.

He reaches down, pushing the answer button just in case, instantly freezing at the sight of the holographic figure who appears in front of him. What – what – He'd recognize those armor markings anywhere, even if he hasn't seen it in months.

It's hardly a surprise – given that he's just standing there, staring stupidly – when Bo-Katan is the first to speak. "Marr?" That name. His Mandalorian name. He hasn't heard it in so long. It's not something he ever told anyone else about.

"Bo?" he blurts finally, "What's..." Why is she calling? Yes, he gave her his frequency for a reason, but he still doubted she was ever going to use it. Why would she?

"You said I could call if I wanted," she replies, removing her helmet, "And there's a bit of an emergency going on right now."

Theseus stiffens. An emergency? What sort of emergency could make a terrorist call a Jedi? "What's going on?" he demands.

"You've heard of the Sith named Maul and Savage, right?" she asks.

Of course. How could he possibly not have? Shortly after the Hardeen incident, Maul had shown up again, determined to get revenge on Obi-Wan for... Theseus isn't sure, even. He never heard all the details. Didn't ask. "Yes..." he answers cautiously.

"They've taken over Death Watch and are now in control of Mandalore."

They did? Then what happened to Satine?! Something tells him that that's not why Bo is calling him, though. This is what she always wanted, after all. "I thought that's what you want? I mean, shouldn't you be glad?" Theseus queries instead.

"After our initial alliance, something I was opposed to from the start," Bo responds, "Maul challenged Vizsla to a duel... and won." He can sense the grief and rage swirling in her, even if her expression doesn't change. "He's the so-called leader of Mandalore, now."

"What?" Theseus breaths, the implications of what she just said not wanting to sink in. He learned enough about Mandalorian tradition to know what happens to the person who loses duels like that. And that means... that Vizsla...

His father is dead.

He doesn't want to believe it. He almost wants to ask in the stupidest, slim hope that she'll say he's still alive, but he doesn't. He already knows the answer, way inside, if nothing else.

Yes, he might have left Carlac with the intention of never going back, but a part of him always expected that someday, he was still going to see his family again. At the very least, he knew they were still alive.

Vizsla might have been a terrorist, and a terrible person, but in the end, he was still his father. Theseus cared about him, far more than he probably should have, and he never realized until this moment just how much.

For a moment, he thinks of that last time he saw him and his sister, right before he snuck out of the tent that night. He'd wanted to say goodbye, all the while knowing that there was obviously no way he could. And to think that it was the last his father heard of him, knowing that he left everyone anyway... A surge of crushing guilt rushes through Theseus, and for the first time he'll actually admit to himself, he misses his father.

Theseus is silently grateful that Bo doesn't speak, just allowing him time to get over the shock. He can see a look of silent understanding in her eyes. "What do you want me to do?" he asks finally.

"We could your help and that of other Jedi to defeat the Sith," Bo replies, "Satine has been imprisoned and may well be executed, so I imagine Master Kenobi will be... interested in assisting. Some of the people are still loyal to Satine as well, and though we have not been in contact with them yet, I imagine they will attempt to stage an escape for her, which is almost certain to fail without help."

At least Satine's still alive, Theseus mentally sighs with relief. "I'll explain the situation to him and see what we can do," he promises, "And I'll call you back with an update."

Bo nods, giving him a grateful smile for a brief moment before the call ends.

Now how to go about awkwardly explaining this to his master... "Master?" Theseus asks, stepping out into the main room where Obi-Wan is working on Council work on his datapad.

Suddenly, he's nervous. How is he even going to explain something like this? He's basically asking for a very long lecture.

Still, it's not like he has a choice anyway. Bo and Satine need his help, and this is urgent.

"Yes, padawan?" Obi-Wan asks, looking up. He looks worn out already, and it makes him feel worse about making this day worse.

"I... got a call," Theseus begins finally, crossing his arms, "Apparently Death Watch has taken over Mandalore and Satine is imprisoned. Darth Maul is now the head of Death Watch," he finishes in a rush.

Obi-Wan blinks, seeming rendered speechless for a moment, "How do you know that?" he finally inquires dubiously.

Now for the hard part. "Someone I knew when I was with Death Watch called me," he says, doing his best not to squirm, "She... is one of the few opposed to Maul's rule."

"You have contact with a terrorist?" Obi-Wan demands, voice rising slightly.

"Not exactly? I mean... she has my frequency but –"

"You gave her your comm frequency," he repeats flatly.

"Yes! But aren't there more important things to worry about right now? Like the Duchess' life?" Theseus objects. There's no time for a long lecture about how he should never have done that or whatever right now. As it turns out, it might be a good thing he did, or they probably wouldn't have found out. "If Maul is there, I think we should make a move."

"How do you know that this contact of yours is even telling you the truth about the situation?" Obi-Wan queries.

"Why would she lie?" He knows he sounds seriously defensive now, but he can't help it.

"Maybe to try luring you back there."

"Yeah, well she wouldn't have to come up with something that extreme to get me to – I mean!" he splutters, realizing he implied he actually might want to go back if asked, "There's no reason she'd come up with a story that extreme. She said that Satine has other supporters still on Mandalore who are planning a rescue – one that will likely fail if Maul and Savage are left at large. They need the Jedi's help."

"I'll speak with the Council about it," Obi-Wan replies in a tone Theseus can't quite read. He seems annoyed and worried at the same time.

**w**

"I don't mean to point this out," Anakin comments, walking alongside Obi-Wan and Theseus, "But it's kind of strange to see you acting... well, like me."

"I'm not sure what you mean, Anakin," Obi-Wan objects.

Theseus smothers a smirk. Sure, he doesn't. There's only one reason he agreed to any of this in the first place, and it's very clearly because of how he feels towards Satine.

"You're putting your relationship with Satine ahead of what the Jedi Council wants," Anakin elaborates. He had tried talking to the Council about it, but since there was no Separatist involvement in what happened, the Jedi and Republic have no authority – or resources – to get involved. Instead, Theseus and Obi-Wan had gone to talk to Anakin instead; simply because they can't go there on an official mission, doesn't mean they can't go at all.

"Really, I'm simple helping Satine in her time of trouble. The policies of the Chancellor and the Jedi often don't meet eye to eye these days." Honestly, Theseus can tell that the only reasons Obi-Wan's even bothering to go in the first place is because of how he feels about Satine, and because it's Maul who's doing this. It's admittedly weird to see him doing things because it's so... personal to him.

But what Theseus doesn't exactly understand is why Obi-Wan doesn't want to tell Anakin that Maul is the one behind what's happening on Mandalore. Yes, he'll want to come, but why would that be a problem? Unless it's because he doesn't want them to create a bigger scene then they already will be.

Anakin chuckles, stopping to rest a hand on his former master's shoulder. "Hey, if you want some time alone with your girlfriend, just say so."

Obi-Wan shakes his head in exasperation, turning his attention to look at the Twilight. "What happened to that thing?" Theseus exclaims.

"It crashed. I was repairing it," Anakin replies lightly.

"Are you sure it will get us to Mandalore in one piece?" Obi-Wan asks skeptically.

"Positive!" he insists, smirking. Anakin looks like he's trying not to laugh. Theseus narrows his eyes at him. "I made some modifications. Trust me. We should change the name from Twilight to Flawless."

"Oh, absolutely!" Theseus exclaims. "With all that smoke pouring everywhere... and how close it looks to going to pieces. Perfectly normal. How many bolts did you take out of this thing? Actually, how many are left?"

"Enough to carry you to Mandalore," Anakin promises.

"Good, or you'll be picking us up floating in the hyperspace lanes."

"We should go," Obi-Wan advises finally, heading for the ramp. Theseus throws a final glance over his shoulder before following. Something on the control panels is sparking and crackling as Obi-Wan starts up the engines, and the ship shakily takes off the ground.

"Now I'm questioning if it will even make it off Coruscant," he adds under his breath as it blasts away into the sky. They wouldn't have taken this if they had another option, but they didn't. It's a Council unsanctioned mission, and the 212th didn't have any ships available. Anakin always does... even if it's a half-built wreck like the Twilight.

"I should probably call her back," Theseus suggests. "We can try to plan on the way."

"Go ahead," Obi-Wan replies.

Suddenly feeling unbearably nervous and decidedly uncomfortable thanks to his master sitting next to him, Theseus dials Bo's frequency back in. He's never liked Obi-Wan seeing how attached he can be to his family and friends. Bo answers almost immediately. "Marr?" she asks.

Obi-Wan gives him an odd look, which he chooses to ignore.

"I'm on my way. Master Kenobi is here with me," Theseus explains without preamble, "We can probably... plan on the way?"

Bo nods. "Very well."

**w**

Landing the ship is truly flawless, indeed. They trail smoke all the way, and it barely manages to land. The gears are screeching and groaning like the miserable hunk of metal they are the entire time. The ramp doesn't lower all the way, either. Theseus stomps on it several times to actually get it to lower enough that they can walk down without banging their heads. It still doesn't lower all the way, so they climb off.

Somehow, he thinks Anakin was trying to make a fool of them. Well, that, and the fact that it's not like he had another ship to lend them in the first place. It's the only ship, other than his fighter, that he actually owns.

Bo Katan is standing in the front, waiting for them, as they step off the ship in the remote location she asked them to meet. Theseus stiffens at the sight of who's standing behind her. Anastasia.

Seeing her so unexpectedly is a glaring reminder all over again of how his father is dead. And how they were just starting to form a bond of sorts before he... left. He's not looking forwards to the conversation, especially not right in front of Obi-Wan.

Suddenly, he's immensely grateful that he has the helmet of his Mandalorian armor on. He'd been planning to use it as a disguise when they came, since it would conveniently make him blend in.

"Well, look who it is," his sister snarks, "And here I thought you'd be too busy running back to your Jedi friends again to show up." He winces internally, the comment stinging far more than he wants to admit.

"Anastasia –"

"What?" she snaps, "Planning on trying to lecture me on how you had to so badly run off to save the galaxy or whatever other hero nonsense you can come up with? Don't even bother. I already know never to trust a Jedi again."

"That's enough," Bo says, giving her a sharp look. He can practically feel his sister glaring back before she turns to stalk off. "Come on," Bo gestures for the two of them to go on ahead.

Theseus is certain he can feel Obi-Wan's gaze on him, but he pointedly looks away, letting him past to follow after the others.

Bo catches Theseus arm before he can go any farther. "It's good to have you back," she says quietly.

He looks up at her in surprise. Yes, she'd been being polite to him, but after what his sister just said, he wasn't sure what to think. "It's good to see you again," he admits, and it's true. More than it should be.

"So that's your master?" she comments, gaze following Obi-Wan as heads after the others towards their tent, apparently still not noticing that the two of them aren't following yet.

Theseus nods, eyes following his sister for a moment as she disappears into the tent. He can't help but think any relationship they were ever starting to form before is totally gone now. He was stupid for even thinking or wanting otherwise, and it hurts a lot more than it should.

"Don't let it bother you," Bo advises, "She's upset right now, after what happened. It's not because of you that she's being like that, at least not entirely." Oh. He should've figured as much. Her father died too, after all. As much as Theseus might have cared about him, Vizsla never raised him like he raised her. How he feels can't begin to compare to what she must be going through right now.

Maybe... he could try talking to her later. After the mission is over.

"What happened after I left?" He blurts the question almost without thinking.

Bo's helmet inclines slightly, but with it on, he can't really read how she feels about all that. "Do you really want to get into that right now?"

On second thought... He knows a part of him is only asking because of how guilty he feels right now and knowing the answer to that is likely only going to make it much worse. "Maybe not," he admits after a moment, then hesitates, "No one ever did find out that you... Did they?"

"No," she answers, almost stiffly, and he winces internally again. Is she upset at him too? Or is it just that she's been badly affected by Vizsla's death, also? The two of them were quite close, even if he never really knew what their relationship was. Something a little close to adopted father and daughter, perhaps? He's not really sure, but they often acted a little like it.

"Do you regret it?" he asks again.

Bo's quiet for a long moment, as though considering her answer. "I don't know," she says finally, "But we shouldn't keep the others waiting." She turns to go, and then stops again, "I do hope you've been practicing with your jetpack enough to actually not promptly crash this time?" A more teasing note slips into her voice.

"Hey, that was one time!" Theseus protests, "Only the first time I tried it out!" And an embarrassing experience he's much rather forget. "And yes, I have been practicing." Sort of.

"Good."

With that, the two of them finally hurry into the tent to catch up with the others. Now, time to finish finalizing the details of the plan for Satine's rescue.

**w**

Something is wrong. Anakin can feel it. Obi-Wan and Theseus may have said they were going to Mandalore to help Satine with whatever's going on with Death Watch, but he feels like there's something more going on, maybe that they didn't even know. It's been a while since they left, and there's still no signs of them or anything. Of course, it's possible and quite likely that they ran into some sort of complication, but he's still worried.

He should've gone with them. But at this point, it's almost too late.

"You seem tired, Chancellor. Is something the matter?" Anakin queries as he approaches the Chancellor's desk.

"Just pondering the great matters of our galaxy, my boy," Palpatine replies, standing up, "Now, what can I do for you?"

"In confidence, Chancellor, Master Kenobi and his padawan have gone to Mandalore, but they haven't returned."

"I suspected as much," he replies.

Now for what he needs to do... "I know there's nothing the Jedi Council can do, but maybe I can help them," Anakin says slowly.

"Impossible," Palpatine objects, "Master Kenobi has made this a personal matter. You have to hope the strongest hand prevails."

Something inside him twists painfully. Especially now, after realizing exactly how easy it would be to lose Obi-Wan forever, Anakin doesn't want him somewhere dangerous alone like that. He could die. "It just seems unlikely that the Death Watch are strong enough to stop him. They haven't in the past. I fear he has encountered... something else. Something more powerful, connected to the Force."

And he doesn't know what it might be – even if a part of him wonders – but it scares him. He doesn't want to leave Obi-Wan or Theseus alone in something like this. Anything could happen to them and by the time he could do something, it would be too late.

"I agree with you, Anakin," Palpatine says, "But I do not think Master Kenobi's... time has come." Anakin flinches internally at the words, the image of Obi-Wan being shot by that bounty hunter replaying in his mind all over again. He needs to go find him, but...

"I am certain the answer will be clear soon enough," the Chancellor continues, "Remember your Jedi training. Have patience. And whatever you do, do not go to Mandalore."

**w**

It would be a lot easier if this wasn't in the middle of the day. Still, it's easy enough for them to lure one of the guards away from the prison facility and then quietly knock him out. Obi-Wan quickly changes into his armor, and the two of them head for the prison.

"I've been here before," Theseus comments quietly as they slip inside the building, "Likely they're holding Satine in the same area of the prison now that they were the last time when Almec had her arrested."

"Yes, that's most likely," Obi-Wan agrees.

No one pays them much attention as they hurry through the halls. Theseus doesn't have the regular guard armor, but since he's with someone who does, no one seems to really think anything of it. He can silently hope that none of the other Death Watch members who definitely know who he is will recognize his armor.

Sure enough, Satine is exactly where Theseus was expecting. She's sitting on the floor with her back facing the door when they stop outside her cell. For a moment, Theseus can't help but remember that the last time he saw her was at Obi-Wan's funeral.

Obi-Wan pushes the button on the wall, and the door slides open. "Here to do more of your master's bidding?" she asks without turning around.

"I do my own bidding," he answers lightly, pulling off his helmet.

"Obi-Wan!" Satine exclaims, jumping to her feet, and practically throwing herself into his arms. Or at least tries to, because he stumbles back a step, holding his hands up awkwardly like he's unsure what to do. Theseus snickers at the comically started look on his face.

Satine pulls away as sees him standing in the doorway. "Is it just the two of you?"

"Yes," Obi-Wan replies, "The Jedi Council and Galactic Senate will be of no help to us here."

"I trust you have an escape plan, then?" Satine inquires.

"As always, my dear," Obi-Wan quips, and Theseus grumpily wishes they'd not flirt in front of him. Obi-Wan is literally a lot like his father, and that makes Satine... well... Just ewww.

Theseus briefly glances up and down the hall, but no other guards are anywhere in sight. "Come on," he urges, motioning for them to follow. Obi-Wan and Satine immediately slip out into the hallway, and the three of them hurry to the elevator.

Of course, there has to be another guard in there when they step inside. For a long moment, Theseus dares to hope that this is going to go smoothly, but then the guard promptly starts talking. "There's no record of a prisoner transfer here."

"The orders came from upstairs," Obi-Wan answers easily.

"What's the authorization code?" the guard demands.

Obi-Wan pauses for a split second before swinging at the guard's head, knocking him unconscious before he can even see it coming.

"Well, so good so far," Theseus comments as the elevator finally comes to a stop, "But something tells me it won't stay that way."

"We'll have to move quickly," Obi-Wan warns, looking out into the hallway briefly before they all sprint out and take off for the nearby hanger full of speeders.

"Stop!" a voice shouts from behind them.

"It's the Duchess!" another one realizes.

Obi-Wan runs for the nearest speeder, firing it up as Satine jumps on behind him. Theseus scrambles on in the back, barely managing to squeeze on at all. These things are absolutely not meant for three people, but it's about the best they can do for now.

Theseus throws an anxious glance over his shoulder as they speed through the city. He can just make out the figures of guards up in the sky pursuing them. The guards are rapidly gaining on them now. A blaster shot suddenly rings out, and Obi-Wan swings the speeder aside to avoid letting it hit them.

The hangar doors are rapidly approaching in front of them when a bunch more guards open fire. Theseus shifts his position, doing his best not to fall right off in the process, as he turns so he can shoot back at them. He fires off a few shots, but with the constant movement of everyone, all of them miss except one, which hits one of them in the shoulder, and does literally nothing since his armor more or less absorbs it. If anything, though, that just made things even more difficult for them, since now even more of the guards are shooting at them.

The speeder finally streaks through the last stretch of space to the hanger, zooming inside. The pursuing guards fly right in after them, several stopping in the doorway as they take aim. Immediately, Bo and several of her supporters fly into view from wherever they'd been concealing themselves, opening fire on the guards.

Theseus jumps off the speeder, yanking out his lightsaber and turning to deflect away the blaster shots. Obi-Wan immediately joins him, pushing Satine behind him.

More guards fly in through the opening, this time circling around behind them. The Force hums in warning, and Theseus spins around to block a few shots fired at them from behind.

Great. Now they're being shot at it from multiple angles. This fight is going to be hopeless unless they can actually take down some of the guards, which is pretty much impossible with their seemingly impenetrable armor. He yanks out his blaster, firing several times at one of their jetpacks. This time the shots actually do hit the target, and the jetpack abruptly starts to crackle, and then sporadically blasts off for no apparent reason, spiraling out of control and crashing into the side of a nearby structure.

Amidst the commotion, he suddenly makes out an approaching speeder. Abruptly, he can feel the Dark Side... like he does the occasional time he's fended off Dooku. The speeder pulls into the hanger, a Mandalorian flying in the front. Theseus may never have actually seen the Sith before – other than Savage – but he immediately knows who the two Zabraks are as they climb out of the back of the speeder.

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