I'm cleaning my flat, as I got a week off from the war. I'm in a pair of football shorts and a tight grey t-shirt with white socks on. I'm polishing my tables, I turn up the radio, here comes the chorus,
"HERE I AM, ROCK YOU LIKE A HUIRRICANE!" I shout/sing.
I'm dancing about my living room, I don't hear someone come in,
"last night was shaking, pretty loud! - Padme?"
I walk over and turn off the radio,
"And I see you've brought friends. Haha". I say awkwardly.
"I hope I wasn't interrupting something important General". Padme says, smiling.
"Ah, no need for General this week, I'm off this week, nothing but just chilling and watching stuff on the telly". I say happily.
"You mean you haven't been informed?"
"Informed of what?" I ask.
"You are to come to Mandalore, at my request".
I sigh, "I wasn't made aware however, I will pack the now and I'll meet you the landing pad". I say.
"Of course, General" Padme says bowing.
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We have just come out of hyperspace, and are heading to Mandalore.
"Fraser, I'm sorry. I thought you were informed".
"Don't be sorry, Padme it happens, plus I get to see Satine". I say smiling.
"We are approaching Mandalore". Says the pilot.
Padme and I make out way to the down the ramp, I'm in my military uniform.
"Fraser this is a diplomatic mission. So, can you please try not to cause any problems. And can you keep your weapons in the ship, after what happened with you the last time. No off-worlder can carry weapons".
I throw my gun back to the pilot and continue walking with Padme,
"Padme, I'm not going to cause anything. I really don't know why you always think it's me!". I say as we near Satine.
"Senator"
"Duchess". Padme and I both say.
I look at Satine, she seems a wee bit bigger. I shrug it off.
"Thank you for coming Padme, General I didn't know you were coming".
"Ah, sorry Duchess, I've been requested by the Senator herself. Just to see the new Mandalore I believe". I say.
"Ah yes of course it is. Padme, I know that our decision to remain neutral has caused some distress in the Senate, but the fallout from your war has been too much". Satine says as she walks with Padme to the ship.
"If your Government has trade concerns then we can talk. I can assure you that not everyone in the Republic has rejected Mandalore, there are still people who would vote to help Mandalore in any way possible". Padme says.
I see the ship coming up in front of Padme and Satine, I see one of Satine's staff walking over to Satine,
"Don't worry Duchess I'll help you into the ship". The lady says.
"Mary I'm fine". Satine says.
"Duchess you are car-" Mary starts.
"Mary I said that I'm fine, please can you help the Senator if she needs help".
I quicken my pace towards Satine, she in the ship,
"Satine? What was that all about?" I whisper to her.
"Fraser! Leave it!" Satine shouts at me.
I take a step back from the ship,
"Of course, Duchess" I say bowing.
"General you are sitting in the front of the ship beside the driver". One of Satine's guards say.
"Thank you". I say, I step inside the ship and it speeds off.
"What Mandalore needs now, is access more trade routes so we can get supplies more freely". Satine says,
"We are making progress in the Senate". Padme says.
"Forgive me Padme, I didn't bring you here to talk politics, I want to show you the new Mandalore". Satine says smiling.
"Hm, this is not the typical Manadalorian welcome, Senator Organa teased that you would have had a royal court waiting". Padme says.
"I just wanted to greet you myself before the others" Satine says.
The ship comes out the tunnel to reveals, crowds of people cheering for Padme.
"Now this is a Mandalorian welcome" Padme says as she's waving to the crowd.
"We are a people of tradition". Satine says smiling.
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"Esteemed colleagues, leaders of Mandalore, friends. I'm afraid that our decision to stay neutral in this war has caused our people to suffer. The war between the Republic and the Separatists has raged across our Galaxy. Thus, closing off trade routes to Mandalore. Making us turn to the Black Market, which is filled with corruption". Alemc says to Satine's Government.
"We KNOW what is happening Alemc! What WILL be done about it?!" Says one of the Government members.
"Mandalore should not need to turn to the black market in order to feed its people". Pipes up another.
"It's not that we want to deal with smugglers, we have no choice but to".
I snicker at the guy remark, Padme hits my arm, telling me to stay quiet.
"I'm sure you and your Trade Federation get paid if the business is legitimate or not!"
"I resent THAT!" The lady shouts angrily.
"Ladies and Gentlemen please, order!" Alemc says franticly.
"It appears that Prime Minister Alemc seems a bit overwhelmed, by all of this". Padme whispers to Satine.
"If you are offering your services as a negator, please be my guest". Satine says.
"Hm, maybe they will listen to a new voice" Padme turns to me, "Don't say anything".
I'm about to say something but Satine gives me the same look, I sigh and turn to look at the Government.
"Ruling council, may I speak?" Padme says as she walks towards the members of the council.
"Senator Amidala. The floor is yours". Alemc says, as he steps to the side.
"I hear your worries, your frustration. But the longer you argue, the more of your people suffer. Yes, you are right, new trade routes are essential to survival. The black market is no substitute for legal trade and ligament". Padme says.
"What do you propose Senator?" Alemc says.
"The Republic can provide security-" Padme starts.
"The Republic's own dealings with the black market far surpass Mandalore's"
"I agree, you come here and lecture us about corruption when the Republic is filled with corruption".
"Wait a minute, aren't those two supposed to be fighting each other?" I ask to Satine.
"Politics" Satine says.
All the members start bickering with each other now. I turn to see Satine's face, I'm about to say something.
"Silence! I told Senator Amidala and General Broadfoot that Mandalore isn't part of the war, however, I find a battle here in my own palace. I call this meeting adjourned! We will let cooler heads prevail". Satine says.
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I head into my room, I sit down on my chair. I pull out my data pad and read the latest report on the war.
"What are you reading there?"
I turn to see a woman in Mandalorian armor,
"Nothing that will interest you". I say as I stand up, locking to data pad.
"Come on, you're no fun. I just want a look".
The woman walks over to me, she sways her hips, I glance down and look back up quickly.
"You can look longer if you want I won't tell"
"Look, you need to leave okay. I'm under the protection of Duchess Satine". I say.
"Who is that?" The woman says.
"What-"
The woman punches me in the face, and then the stomach. I grunt. The woman grabs me shirt and pushes me into the wall. I fall to the ground. I hold my stomach.
"I expect better, Fraser". The woman says as she removes her helmet, she has red short hair with green eyes.
I stand up, "Right you! You need to leave". The red head, walk up and punches me, and knees me in the stomach. I yelp. The woman, pushes me through the door, which I break.
"Where are the guards?" I whisper to myself.
"The guards are making sure the Duchess is safe". The woman says.
"At least can I know your name, the woman who is attacking me".
"Bo-Katan".
"Right, Bo, me and you are going to walk out of here and go and speak to the Duchess about you running about the palace". I say.
"Hm, but I'm running about in my home". Bo says.
"Home?" I ask.
"Ask the Duchess. Now shall we?" Bo says.
I sit there confused, Bo comes at me full force, I roll to avoid her attacks. I stand up and I swing for Bo who grabs my arm and pull me and whacks my face off the wall.
"Ugh!"
I stumble and knock over a vase, I grab the other vase and throw it at Bo.
"Hm. I'm getting impressed now. So, come on General Broadfoot, I've been a bad girl". Bo says as she sways her hips.
I go for her, I manage to punch her in the face, I stop but this is my downfall. Bo stumbles back and grabs a vase, and smashes it over my right arm, and kicks my chest. I fall onto my back. Bo climbs on top of me and starts punching me in the face repeatedly.
I see Bo's helmet, I try to grab it, Bo notices this and punches me right in the nose. Bo gets off me and kicks me in the side,
"I'll see you later Fraser". Bo says as she blows me a kiss and jumps out of the window.
I lie on my back for a few seconds, I get up and go into my room and look at myself in the mirror. My face, is all black and blue, with blood running from my nose and mouth. I lift my shirt to notice that my ribs are bruised.
"I'm running about in my home...Ask the Duchess" I hear Bo's voice.
"Satine" I say. I walk out my room to the dining room.
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"Tell me Padme, how do you feel about the Republic's war with the Separatists? Fra- General Broadfoot doesn't say very much on the matter". Satine says.
"The war is complicated, in the Senate the Chancellor says it's going very well but my sources say otherwise". Padme says.
"Wine, Duchess?" Asks the servant.
"No, thank you. Water please". Satine says.
"Water? Satine are you pre-?"
I walk into the hall.
"General Broadfoot, what happened to your face?" Satine says as she gets up out of her chair.
"It's nothing, can I talk to you please?" I say.
"General, perhaps later. I need to talk to you as well. After dinner?"
"Of course, Duchess". I say as I bow and kiss her hand.
I leave the room and head to my own room.
"Does he know?" Padme asks.
"Does he know what?" Satine says.
"Satine are you pregnant?" Padme asks bluntly.
Satine looks around to see if there are any guards or servants about.
"Yes, but he doesn't know. Padme what am I going to do? The people don't know that we are married, what am I going to say when the baby comes?" Satine says as she sits down.
"Speak to Fraser, he will understand. He always does".
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Chap
"Come in" I shout.
"Fraser?" Satine says.
"Hello, beautiful". I say, walking up to her kissing her on the lips.
"We need to talk". Satine says.
"Yes we do". I say.
"Satine, does the name Bo-Katan mean anything to you?" I ask, holding her hands.
"Why? How do you know that name?" Satine asks angrily.
"Well, she did this to my face, and I said that we were going to talk to you, but she said that she was in her home and is she part of your family?" I ask.
Satine pulls her hands out of mine,
"Fraser, I'm not here to speak about Bo. I must tell you something. How do I put this?"
"General Broadfoot?" My com goes off.
"Yes?"
"Can you please inform the Duchess that there has been an incident".
"What incident?!" Satine says.
"Duchess something has happened with Mandalore's children".
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We head down to the hospital.
Satine and Padme rush out of the ship and head towards the orderly.
"Orderly, what's going on?"
"I have no idea ma'am; the doctor is inside". Says the orderly.
"Pilot, keep the ship running. I have a bad feeling about this". I say.
"Of course, sir".
I walk out of the ship, I put on my cap and head to the entrance of the hospital. I see, children on hospital beds holding their stomachs in pain. I grab a doctor.
"What's going on here?" I ask.
"These children have been poisoned". Replies the doctor.
"What? How?" I ask.
"Look, I'm trying to do my job, so if you won't mind". The doctor snaps at me.
I walk through the hospital, I see Satine and Padme. They are walking towards me,
"Any news?" I ask.
"They've been poisoned. We are going to speak to the Prime Minster". Satine says.
"Right".
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"What if it's not a poison? It must be Death Watch". The Prime Minster says.
"I'm not so sure. The Death Watch has only ever attacked me". Satine says.
"General, you've got experience in this what do you think?" Alemc asks me.
"Hm, I agree with the Duchess, in the past Death Watch has only attacked Satine. However, Prime Minster I do see your point of view, this could be a Death Watch plan to undermined Satine's Government making them seem weak and unable to deal with this. Then Death Watch could come in with an antidote and win over the people. But I'm sure the real reason will present itself". I say.
"Agreed General, they are terrorists! Maybe perhaps that the Senator's visit and the General's visit has inspired them". Alemc says.
"What?!" Satine stands up. "Our mind should be on the sick children who are dying in the streets, not Death Watch. What are you going to do about it?" Satine shouts.
The Prime Minster stands up,
"I must speak to the ruling council about this. Good day, Duchess, Senator, General".
I nod my head in acknowledgement.
"I refuse to believe that Death Watch has anything to do with this, all he thinks about is politics". Satine says.
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"Thank you all for coming. I suppose you're wondering why I asked you here. You as my personal guards, you are the only ones that I can trust to investigate this matter. We don't have a lot of time. That is why I've asked for your help. Fraser". Satine says.
"Each of you will be getting a special comlink and datapad. This a direct means of communication with each other and with myself, the Duchess and the Senator. The datapad will also give you locations that you should go and investigate" I say as the comlinks and datapads are being handed out.
"This must be a closed loop affair" Satine says.
"Hundreds of children have been poisoned" Padme says.
"They are OUR children, and they need our help. This is a Mandalorian matter, and we must find out who dares poison our children". Satine walks down the steps.
Satine sways her hips as she goes down the steps, I can't help but look at her hips.
"Fraser, eyes up". Padme whispers to me. I start to blush.
"Thank you. Thank you all". Satine finishes.
"So, let's head to the schools". Satine says.
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"Thank you for allowing us to inspect the school, Superintendent". Satine says.
"My pleasure Duchess". Says the superintendent.
We walk up to the doctor.
"FRASER!" I hear someone shout.
I turn around just in time to see a wee boy run and hug my legs.
"Sammy! Hey buddy!" I hug him back.
"What are you doing here? No come and meet my friends!". Sammy says.
"Would you excuse me" I say to Satine.
"Guys look a real-life soldier. He's my friend."
"Wow!" All of Sammy's friends say.
Sammy makes me sit down with him and his friends. Next thing I know is that all the children in the food hall come over and start asking me about my scars.
"Right this is only going to work, if one person speaks at a time. So, everyone sit down". I say.
"How did you get that one on you eye?" A wee girl asks me.
"Well, I got that from -"
"Excuse me, children but I need General Broadfoot back". Satine comes up and looks at me.
"No". The children start to say.
"Hey, I'll come back to Mandalore and I'll tell you about it okay".
"Okay! Bye Fraser!" All the kids say.
"Hm, I never thought you'd be the one to make friends with children so quickly". Satine says.
"Well I just love children", I say back. I see Satine smile to herself.
"So, what the results?" I ask.
"It's not the food. The food is pretty regular here so we would have picked something up with our tests". Says the doctor.
"What about the drinks doctor?" Satine asks.
"It fresh water that can't be tainted". Says the doctor.
"No, what about those bottled drinks?" Satine says.
"They are not on the school's menu, we will take one and examine it. Sorry child we must borrow your drink". Says the doctor.
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"This bottle contains high levels of slabin". Says the doctor.
"I didn't realize that slabin was lethal". I say.
"It usually isn't but mixed with the tea and at this concentration, I'm fully certain that this is the cause of the children's illness". Says the doctor.
"The school must have an import log, correct?" Padme says.
"Yes, I believe so". Says the superintendent.
"So, we should be able to know where the tea came from and find the people that did this". I say.
"Let's go" Padme says.
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"Everything is here, Satine". Padme says.
"Yes, but everything except the records for the tea shipments". Satine says.
"Hm, it looks like the school's import log has been erased". Padme says.
The superintendent starts to walk away slowly.
"Hey buddy where are you going?" I ask as I start to follow him.
"Hold it right there!" Satine says.
"Sorry, I'm on my way to the hospital. I have to go". The superintendent says.
I run at him, as he gets on the speeder I manage to get on the speeder as well. I punch him in the face and stop the speeder.
"Please, stop!". He shouts at me holding his nose.
I restrain him and take him up to Satine, her guards are standing beside me.
"Tell me what is going on here or my guards will not be a talkative as I am". Satine says.
I give the guards the superintendent. I walk over to stand beside Satine and Padme.
"Where did you get the tea?" I ask.
"Please, duchess I never meant to harm anyone, I just needed to cut the costs the school's budget is too low". Says the superintendent.
"The school has received sufficient government funding". Satine says
"Look, they offered me a deal, I could keep some money for myself".
"Hold the bus, so you helped them poison innocent children?! So you could get some money on the side?" I say angrily.
"No I didn't know!".
I walk up and punch him in the face.
"Fraser! Stop" Satine says, she holds my arm back.
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"I'm sorry Duchess, but what you are saying is impossible. None of my men would ever be bribed. I trust them with my life". Says the head of the police force.
"No we saw it with our own eyes, the docks may be free of crime but not of corruption". Says Satine.
"The most dangerous weapon in the galaxy is money captain". I say.
"Smuggling doesn't take place on my watch". Says the captain.
"What happens when you are not watch, Captain?" I ask.
"I'm always watching general!".
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We head over to the docks.
"Satine what are those guards doing here?" Padme asks.
"Hm, I don't like this, stay back you two". I say.
"No, they are our children Fraser. We are not going to stay back and watch". Satine says.
"captain, did you order them here?"
"Duchess, I've been with you the whole time".
We head up to the guards,
"Guards open up this warehouse now!" Says the captain.
"We're under strict orders not to let anyone in". Says the guards.
"Do you know who this is?!" the captain says pointing to Satine.
"I command you open these doors". Satine says.
The first guard goes for Satine, the captain blocks his attack and puts him to the ground. The second guard comes at the captain. I manage to black his oncoming attack, I manage to kick him in the leg and punch him in the face. Before he falls to the ground.
"Arrest them!" the captain shouts, as Satine's guards arrest them and put them in the police speeders.
The captain presses the button to open the door, we look to see doctors creating the poisoned tea.
"Hold it right there!"
The Moogan smugglers open fire. I grab Satine and pull her out of danger.
More of Satine's guards come and help. The captain nods at two guards to go in and try to stop them. They get shot down.
"Wait!" I say.
They've stopped firing.
"Padme pull that, that's our cover" I say.
Padme pushes the big container and two of Satine's guards help push it forward, Padme, the Captain and I, begin our offensive. The captain gets shot in the shoulder. I grab him before he falls to the ground. More of Satine's guards come in and help. I take the captain out of the firing zone of the warehouse and place him next to Satine.
I rush back in, to see that Padme is helping the doctor, but a smuggler is still alive, I fire a shot and get the smuggler in the chest as he falls. Padme, looks at me.
"Thanks".
"No problem just another day". I say.
We head out of the warehouse,
"No bad shooting for a Senator". The captain says.
"Captain, burn this warehouse". Satine says.
"What? But-"the captain starts.
"Burn it down!".
"Men, burn the warehouse". The captain says.
The guards start to burn the warehouse.
"Hm, shame I forgot my marshmallows". I say.
Satine looks at me, with a death glare.
"Kidding". I say as my voice breaks.
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We are heading out onto Padme's ship. I see a Republic ship coming down to dock. Rock comes out of the ship.
"Rock? What are you doing here?"
"Sorry sir, you have been called to help with the hunt of Ziro the hutt". Rock says.
"But I thought I was staying Mandalore".
"Sorry sir". Rock says.
"Right, Rock I'll meet you on the ship".
"Of course, sir. Duchess, Senator". Rock says as he leaves for the ship.
"I'm troubled Padme". Satine says.
"The people who are conducting the investigation might be corrupt". Says Satine.
"Hm, I could try and get out of the hunt. Or I could get a Jedi to come and help. Wait give me a second". I say.
I run to the ship,
"Sir, are you ready?" Rock asks.
"Um, no but can you get me through to the chancellor".
"Of course sir!".
"Fraser, my boy! How are you?" Says the chancellor.
"I'm fine, sir. The reason why I have contacted you, is that well, I'm here on Mandalore and I'm was planning on staying after the Senator had left to help the Duchess. But I have been called away to help with the hunt for Ziro".
"Fraser, I'm sorry but Mandalore isn't part of the Republic. The hunt for Ziro is far too important.
"Sir, I'll give you my ships my crew everything, to help with the hunt for Ziro. All I ask is that I stay on Mandalore and help Satine, please sir?" I say.
"Hm, yes very well then my boy. But you will be picked up after we have found Ziro".
"Yes, sir! Thank you, sir,". I say.
"The admiral isn't going to be happy, sir" Rock says.
"Bye, Rock".
I step out of the ship and walk over to Padme and Satine.
"Well, look who is staying on Mandalore". I say smiling.
Satine hugs me. I hug her back.
"Well Duchess I'd better be off".
"Of course, Senator".
"Duchess".
"Fraser, can I speak with you?"
"Of course, Duchess". I say.
Satine nods to her guards and they walk away.
"How would you feel, if there was someone with tiny feet running about our house?" Satine says smiling.
"Like a really small person? Wait are you?" I ask.
Satine nods, and run up and hug her and spin her around.