Canderous
The next morning after breakfast, the Elder council began the second phase of the Trials. They took Jennet to one end of the hall, me to the other, and set up a screen between us. They blindfolded her first, gave me a datapad, and told me to read it silently, projecting to Jennet. It was a Mandalorian folk tale, written in that language, and Jennet recited it perfectly, much to the crowd's appreciation. Then they reversed the process.
They gave her a Teloian book of poetry. I don't speak that language, and stumbled on a few of the unfamiliar syllables. Finally, she started translating before projecting and I said it in Galactic Basic, then Mandoa. It was love poetry, and I was glowering at the Elder's sense of humor. The men got a good laugh at my expense, however, so it wasn't as bad as it would seem; I don't mind helping morale.
They brought us forward after the demonstration. Elder Gregor cleared his throat and the laughter and talking died down.
"It seems the mental condition is present. We're going to take Jennet some distance away, and try again. Elder Drane will stay with the Mandalore, with Disciple as scribe. Elder Evana will be acting scribe with me. Jennet, if you will?" he turned to her, and she nodded gravely.
"Of course," she said, and followed them out of the hall. I sat, wondering what was next. Elder Drane smiled, sitting silently.
About twenty minutes had passed when I got a sudden silent shout from Jennet.
CANDEROUS, THEY'RE TAKING ME AWA-
I sprang to my feet, the chair clattering behind me. I spun to face Elder Drane.
"Where are they taking her?" I shouted. "What is this trick?"
"Part of the Trial," he answered calmly. "They won't hurt her, you have my word. They've merely taken our shuttle. It's your task to get her back."
"They've knocked her out," I snarled. "How is that not hurting her?"
"She's proven she reacts poorly to drugs," Elder Drane said implacably. "She heals fast; they won't hurt her beyond keeping her out until they reach their destination. It's not a complete test if she knows where she is; she could merely tell you. You need to track her through your connection."
"Why not take me instead?" I growled. "I can take drugs. Or is this going to be repeated?"
"One test should be sufficient." Elder Drane said serenely. "It is a much better proof of being Mates if you can track her; Jennet's jetti abilities can explain much of what might guide her to you. You need only wait a few hours, and then I'll allow you to follow."
I glowered at the Elder, but kept my peace. I could feel her still, and was getting glimpses of dreams; but the connection was indistinct. Then suddenly she was gone.
"I can't feel her anymore; what are you people doing to her?" I kept my voice as steady as I could but I didn't like this at all.
"They put her in stasis," Elder Drane said. I looked over at Ladria, and gestured. She came over, a concerned expression crossing her face.
"Will putting Jennet in stasis harm her?" I asked without preamble. She looked surprised, but answered readily enough.
"It shouldn't. If they have neuro dampeners attached to the unit, it will likely interfere with your connection, though," she said in her quiet voice.
"It has," I said shortly. I turned to Elder Drane. "Where did you get a stasis unit?" I demanded.
"We sent a crew for one the day before you arrived. We were fairly certain Cressa was not being truthful, and the Trials would commence," he said with a grim smile.
"Nice of you to say so now," Mira spoke up scathingly.
Elder Drane looked at her, expressionless. "It is not for the Elder council to prejudge a case, merely to mediate. The fact that the situation worked out as expected has nothing to do with the process. All trials should be judged fairly, not by preconceived notion."
I grunted. It was true, and I had no argument. I didn't like the fact that Jennet and I had been put through the trial, but I saw that it had to be done. I said something to that effect, and Mira subsided.
"Well, no harm was done, I guess," she grumbled.
"Am I allowed to take anyone with me?" I asked the Elder.
"Only me, and Disciple, who will be recording the proceedings. You may choose one more, but it must be Mandalorian; no jetti."
"Disciple is jetti," I pointed out.
"Yes, but he is the scribe, and will not interfere with the Trial. He has been briefed; if he attempts to aid you in the quest, he will be restrained. With force, if necessary. He has given his word."
I nodded. I admitted that while this quest wasn't likely to be dangerous, it wasn't a bad idea to have a jetti on hand if things went sour. I questioned how a lone Elder was going to restrain Disciple, a young man in his prime, but on the other hand, Elder Drane was far from decrepit. Age and experience can outmaneuver youth and strength, not that it would be necessary. I've had my differences with the kid, but Disciple doesn't give his word lightly.
I considered who to take with me. Jarxel would be my first choice, but I needed him to keep order in the camp while I was gone. He'd understand. Any one of the honor guard would be honored to go, but Dax was the most obvious choice. As official Champion, it was his place to protect her – well, with Jennet it was more support than protection; truthfully, I almost felt sorry for anyone that messes with her - if I could not.
"Dax, get ready to go. I want to head out as soon as Elder Drane gives the word," I said.
Dax nodded. "I'm all set, Mandalore."
The hours ticked by agonizingly slowly. I paced most of it, keeping my senses wide open, waiting for a glimmer. I made a quick trip to my quarters, grabbing a few things, including my and Jennet's credit pouches, then strode back to the hall. Finally, I heard her again.
I am going to kill Elder Gregor, was the first fuzzy thought I heard. I smiled. If she's bitching, she's all right.
I'll be there as soon as I can, Wildcat, I told her, and announced she was fine.
There was a collective sigh of relief, and sudden activity. Dax, Disciple, Elder Drane and I headed to the shuttle bay. Boarding the ship, Dax took the pilot's seat and looked at me.
"Where to?"
"Onderon," I told him. "Dock at Iziz; I'll lead us from there."
The trip was only about fifteen minutes, and we landed without incident. I took care of docking fees and visas, then stood still, eyes closed. She was somewhere south of the docks, on the other side of the city.
"Follow me," I said abruptly, and strode through the city streets.
The streets were crowded; business had picked up since the revolution was settled. I walked quickly through the mob, and people got out of my way. The other three men followed in my wake. It took almost an hour to get to the other side of the city. I paused, and got my bearings again. We were in a residential section, a little run down, but respectable. Third door on the left. I strode over, and kicked in the door. Elder Gregor and Elder Evana were sitting at a table, looking at me and smiling. Jennet was across the room, looking furious.
It's about time you showed up. Get me out of this thing.
Sure thing, Wildcat.
I went over and powered down the stasis unit. They had rigged it so she was conscious, just couldn't move. She stepped out, glaring at the Elders, who were all smiling. Turning to me, she stood on tiptoe and kissed me. I returned it with enthusiasm.
Sorry cyar'ika, I had no idea they would do this.
It's all right, ti'karta, I'm not really mad; just irritated. I know it was necessary.
We turned to the Elders, and they nodded as one.
"Let the records show that the mental connection that marks Mates is present in Canderous Ordo and Jennet Jax," Elder Gregor said solemnly.
Disciple, a huge smile on his face, tapped furiously on his datapad. Dax grinned and made a victory gesture. Jennet simply hugged me. I picked her up and spun her around, mostly because it makes her smile, and there's nothing that makes her more beautiful when she's not fighting. Setting her down, I handed her the credit pouch I'd retrieved from our room.
"I thought since we're here anyway, we could get you a few things. I'm willing to bet you'd like more than three sets of clothes," I rumbled. I really hate shopping, but there were a few things I needed too.
Jennet's face lit up, and she nodded, eyes shining. "Yeah, I could use some more clothes, and there's a couple errands I need to run too. Um, would you be terribly upset if I said we should split up?"
"Nope. I was going to suggest it myself," I said easily. I turned to the Elders. "Do you want escort back to Dxun?"
"Actually, I was hoping at least Elder Evana would consent to help me," Jennet said almost shyly.
"Of course, child," she said, surprised. "Whatever you need."
The other two Elders and Disciple decided to head back to Dxun. Elder Evana stayed with Jennet, with Dax to escort them both. My wildcat was resigning herself to rarely being alone. She gracefully accepted protection she didn't need and made those who offered it feel honored to guard her. I was very proud of her; I wasn't doing that well myself with the constant presence of the honor guard. I was almost gleeful about having no companion for a while.
We agreed to meet back at the shuttle in three hours, and went our separate ways. There was a little shop I knew about near the palace; I wanted to find a ring for Jennet. I also wanted to order some supplies for the wedding feast that could be picked up later, and electronic equipment that would help Bao Dur rig energy dampeners. He had inventoried our reserves, and let me know what was needed; might as well do it now.
I also wanted to find Jennet a wedding present. I had gotten her the locket, armor, and weapons – I needed to find something else. Tradition among my people is some sort of practical gift that symbolizes the partnership of the bridal couple. She'd probably torture me slow if I gave her a household appliance or anything that suggested she needed to stay in the house and away from fighting. I had an idea, but wanted to get the other errands done first.
I found an electronics merchant and arranged for the parts to be picked up the next day. The grocer agreed to import some of the less common foodstuffs and have it ready in a month. I had been mulling over the idea of Jennet's wedding gift while I took care of these mundane tasks, and suddenly inspiration struck. I made another stop, and spent nearly two hours, deep in discussion. It didn't leave me much time to pick out a ring, but I managed to find something perfect almost upon entering the shop.
I knew she wouldn't want anything fussy, and that if it had a stone of any sort it couldn't be mounted in such a way that it could get caught on things. What I found was simple and unusual. A platinum band, not too wide or too narrow, with a twist in the middle – a tiny metal Mobeus strip. That would have been perfect alone, but it had also been engraved all around with a delicate design of a flowering vine that I recognized as Crysallis. A medicinal plant found on Telos, it can also kill if not harvested or administered properly. The flowers are highly prized by those who can afford them. Rare, beautiful, healing but deadly if not handled right; I could not have found a better symbol for my Wildcat. I handed over the credits and arranged to have the ring sized.
I headed out of the shop, feeling pleased with the day's work. I never felt a thing when the stun grenade went off.