Author's note: Again, sorry for the slower updates. I needed a little time to let the story perk a while in my head, and I have less time to write than I'd like. Hope everyone's still enjoying the story, and please feel free to
Canderous
Meeting Stefan had thrown me. I would rather spend a few hours in Falken Rikes' charming torture room than admit out loud that my hostility toward him wasn't so much righteous indignation for hurting Jennet as it was fear I'd lose her. He was everything I wasn't – handsome, sophisticated, educated, charming. I hated him on sight. My first impulse was to go ahead and shoot him out of hand, for hurting Jennet, and for just breathing. He represented a whole world that I couldn't give her. If she chose to become Jedi, I couldn't follow.
I had blocked her out of instinct, to protect myself, and because I didn't want her to choose me from pity or obligation. When I finally let her back in, I knew that I had won fairly, even if I itched to challenge him and prove it on the field of battle. Not having that option rankled. I doubted I would like Stefan Tai'rhi much under any circumstances, but for Jennet's sake I wouldn't be hostile. I did privately hope he wouldn't be visiting often.
I refused to anaylze my reaction furthur or admit it was jealousy. I also shoved aside any sneaking suspicion that everyone else had known it as well.
She chose me you bastard, I thought with satisfaction, and banished the Jedi from my mind.
After Stefan left, we headed to a hotel near the palace where had commed ahead for reservations. Taking care of checking in and dropping off luggage, we split the shopping party into two groups. I took most of the honor guard with me, leaving Kex and Dax with Jennet, Megari and the Jedi. We all agreed to meet back at the hotel early evening.
It was still only mid-morning, and the weather was hot. I don't like being without armor much, but I was glad to not have its weight on me. As always, I had an energy shield strapped to my wrist, as did everyone. We were all armed, of course, but that was nothing unusual. Kelborn and Xarga were flanking me, Zuka slightly ahead, Tagren a few paces behind. Being surrounded, even by my kin, makes me uneasy but I had agreed with Jennet that it was best to be cautious. I was still berating myself for my carelessness before.
We visited the grocer's to check on the delivery date of the foodstuffs I'd ordered, and followed that with a building supply broker. I had a list of supplies and services needed to build our house that Bao Dur, Zuka, Jarxel, Kex and I had composed. Two hours of bargaining and a near brawl later, we came to terms. I had done my research, and wasn't going to be cheated simply because he was the most convenient merchant available. The broker was a tough son of a bitch and I admired his guts, but he eventually saw the wisdom of being fair. Suggesting I might find it an advantage to invest in a rival brokerage and set up shop on Onderon, plus a few veiled, more physical threats made him come to his senses. It wasn't a bad idea either, and I made a mental note to look into the possibility.
We made a brief stop at the jeweler's to pick up Jennet's ring, and a longer one at the electronic supply to secure shipment for household computer and appliance goods. The last stop was the financial district, where I was pleased to find many of my investments had paid off even better than I had expected. As was my habit, I reinvested half of the profit, with the other half more than adequate to pay the balance of the building project. I made arrangements for the merchants to be paid, and we headed back toward the hotel.
My errands hadn't taken all that much time, and I had four or five hours to kill before I expected Jennet and the others back. I considered catching up to them; I could track Jennet easily enough. But I hate shopping, and I knew she was looking for a wedding gift for me, and would prefer it was a surprise. She hadn't said so, but I had caught that much off her thoughts. As I was about the house, she was keeping her idea carefully buried. I was sure she wouldn't welcome me right now, and didn't want to risk spoiling her fun by checking mentally. I could ask her if it was safe to join her easily enough, but likely what she was up to would be on the surface of her thoughts, where I could pick them up. She wanted badly for whatever it was to be a surprise.
I decided that now was as good a time as any to try and contact Carth Onasi. I wanted our initial conversation to be private, anyway. I would ask Ladria, the Elders, Jarxel, and Jennet to be present for the official negotiations, along with whomever Carth or the Republic wanted there. Assuming, of course, there were any negotiations.
There was little love lost between Carth and me. I respected the hell out of him, and he was a good fighter. He also had the balls to love one of the most feared, brilliant, and deadly warriors in centuries: Revan. Anyone who earned the trust and love of a former Sith Lord has my admiration. During that mission, once Carth got over his irritating soul-searching conflict over Revan, I found myself actually liking him. I was pretty sure he didn't return the compliment.
If there was any attitude that needed clearing up before official negotiations started, I wanted it between us, and no one else.
When the original Ebon Hawk crew parted company, each of us took along a personal datalink that only had the other seven members' access codes programmed in it. It had been Mission's idea, and I unaccountably had not wanted to crush her feelings by refusing mine when it was offered. I was pretty sure the others were sincere in wanting to keep in touch with each other, and equally sure they didn't want to keep in touch with me. But the irrepressible teenage Twi'lik had somehow got to me. Not enough to have actually used the datalink, but I had continued to keep it on my person, and make sure it was in good repair. I had carried it so long I had almost forgotten about it.
When I had hooked up with Ladria and her crew, I had tried to reach Revan, Jolee, Ju'hani, and Bastila, to see if they had escaped the Sith hunt. I had not gotten an answer. That didn't necessarily mean they were dead, though. I sincerely hoped all of them were alive, even Bastila, for all her arrogance and snobbery. I was certain trying to contact Revan again would be useless; if Carth didn't know where she was, no one did. Ladria had told me of her conversation with the Admiral before we'd left for Dantooine; I was sure that if she had any clue where Revan was, she would have told at least Onasi, if not me.
I took the small device out now, and punched the code for Carth Onasi. I was not surprised that I didn't make contact right away, and wondered if he even kept it with him. I tapped in the access codes to the hotel, sent a message to the front desk that I be contacted immediately on my comlink if I got a call, and headed down to the gym, the honor guard at my heels.
I was showered, dressed and was almost back to my room when my comlink buzzed. A minute later, I was staring at Admiral Onasi. He looked tired, and the few gray hairs at his temples had become broad wings over his ears, but otherwise, he hadn't changed much. He wasn't smiling, but then neither was I. Neither of us tried.
"Carth," I said with a nod by way of greeting, "I hear you made Admiral. Congratulations."
"Thanks."
He was silent for a moment, studying me as well as he could with a few light years of space between our computers.
"Canderous Ordo," he said finally. "Of the seven that have that code, you were the last I expected to ever use it. What's on your mind?"
"Business," I answered briefly. "But first, have you heard from any of the others?"
"Most of them, yes," he answered. "I took Mission with me when we disbanded, and Zalbaar went back to Kashyyk. She wanted like hell to stay with the Wookies, but politics there were dangerous, even for one that had the life debt of the Chieftain. She visits now and then, but they are adamant that no off-worlders are allowed beyond her or the other members of our party."
"She's doing well, then?" I asked.
"Yeah. She's a bright kid, finished her primary education in a year, and took university by storm. She got a degree in mathematical engineering. She's like a daughter to me. In fact, she'll be one soon. Her and Dustil are marrying next year." He smiled at that, and the years dropped away from his troubled face for a moment.
"I'm glad to hear that," I said sincerely. "And the others?"
"They're alive," he said shortly. "I can't say more than that."
I understood, and nodded. Transmissions can be intercepted, and to give away the location of three powerful Jedi would be foolish. We had purposely avoided mentioning any other names.
"Still no word…?" I let it hang, and he shook his head jerkily.
"None. I understand you travel with a mutual friend…?" he eyed me quizzically. "I spoke to her a month or so ago."
"Yeah. Nothing here, either." I saw his eyes close for a moment and added, "Sorry."
"Yeah, well, what do you do?" He said tiredly.
Having a greater understanding now of another person being your whole world, I sympathized with that look of near defeat. I found myself wishing I could give him news that took that look away. I squashed it, knowing he wouldn't accept my condolences anyway, let alone believe they were sincere.
"I have news, and a proposition to run by you," I said abruptly. "It would be better to talk on a more secure frequency about that, later. When would be a good time?"
"Hold on," he said, and cut the connection. I waited, and a few minutes later, the comm buzzed. I answered, and Carth's face was back on screen.
"This transmission can't be intercepted without some serious hacking. Not that caution isn't a good idea, but safe to say we won't be overheard," Carth said briskly. "Now, why have you really called?"
"I've spent the last five years collecting the remnants of my people, and taken the Helm of the Mandalore," I said.
Carth nodded. "I've kept tabs on everyone as best I could," he said. "I heard there was a new Mandalore. I was concerned about it until I found out it was you."
"What the hell does that mean?" I growled. I wasn't surprised he knew already, with his position and connections. But I didn't like his tone.
"Nothing. Just that even though we don't get along particularly well, I respect you. If the Mandalorians are banding under a new leader, I'd rather it be you." He quirked an eyebrow at me and smiled coolly.
"Well, thanks," I grumbled. He gave a short nod, and I continued.
"There's close to 6,000 that we've found, and we want to colonize Dxun. I offer a trade to the Republic – 2,000 trained fighters at your disposal against the Sith, in exchange for transport, building supplies and services to build our colony. And a guarantee we will not attack the Republic again."
"We already have that guarantee without helping you," he answered stiffly. "Scattered, your people aren't much of a threat."
I squashed the urge to roar at him, because he was right. Instead, I said levelly, "True. But we'll colonize eventually without your help. If you take advantage now, we both benefit, and as allies, you'll find us loyal. I won't guarantee we'll be stupidly obedient – we don't play that well with others. But under my rule, you will have no trouble, plus a well armed and trained battalion in your fight against the Sith. We recognize that threat as well as you do."
He nodded slowly. "The idea has merit. I suggest we have a few meetings and hammer out a workable plan before I bring it to anyone else's attention. Are you willing to play the Hero of the Republic card?"
"I am," I said shortly.
"That would help," he said thoughtfully. "I can get away in a few weeks to discuss this further. Where can you be reached?"
"I'll have my datalink with me at all times," I answered. "And I'm transmitting my codes for my base on Dxun now."
I looked at him, and grinned. He started at that, and looked wary. "Three weeks would work fine,' I said casually. "Jennet would love to have you at our wedding."
His reaction was splendid. His eye went wide with astonishment and his mouth dropped open, his face changing from wary to incredulous. I stifled a chortle at making him lose his cool.
"Wedding?!" he sputtered. "You're getting married?"
"Yep," I said, unable to keep from grinning. "Her name's Jennet Jax."
"Jennet…" he mused. "That name sounds familiar. Wait…I had a report a week ago about a Hutt being killed on Nar Shadaa, and something about the Exchange…that Jennet Jax? Nothing in the report said she was Mandalorian."
"She's not," I said, almost gleefully, waiting for the next reaction. "And I'm willing to bet the reports are not exaggerated."
He sat back abruptly, running a hand through his hair and trying to get his face back to an expression of cool interest. "Let me get this straight. You, the Mandalore, are marrying a non-Mandalorian woman that blew up a Hutt?"
"That's right," I said smugly. "You should have seen her, she was magnificent."
"I'm almost afraid to meet her," Carth said sardonically, and I scowled.
"Watch yourself," I growled.
"I'm sure she's very nice," Carth said diplomatically, and I suppressed the urge to laugh again. I deliberately chose not to enlighten him about Jennet's temperament. This was going to give me private entertainment for ages. I couldn't wait until he actually met Jennet.
"She is," I said sincerely, but with a look that suggested 'nice' to a Mandalorian wouldn't necessarily match his definition. I almost spoiled the moment with a bark of laughter when ever so faintly he flinched.
Enough fucking with his head, I told myself, and sat back. "Seriously, I would consider it an honor for you to attend my wedding, Admiral Onasi," my tone was quiet and absolutely sincere.
"Make it 'Carth' and you've got a deal," the general said, clearly surprised at my change of attitude, and willing to meet me halfway.
"Thanks…Carth," I said.
I looked at him consideringly, and thought about what Jennet might do, and how she would talk to him. I knew I'd never make much of a diplomat, but if I can keep things to my advantage, I could get along well enough. But in this case, I actually liked the man, and knew he didn't much like me. That was fine, I didn't really care, but it was important to my people that we get along. So I took a slow breath and eyed Carth, trying to come up with the right way to say this.
"I know we have our differences," I said with difficulty. "I just want you to know that I've always respected you. I consider you an honorable man, and a good fighter. It was a privilege to serve with you."
He gave me a long, assessing look, clearly surprised. I met his stare calmly. He sat a little straighter and gave me a small smile.
"Revan always said there was more to you than met the eye. Maybe she was right," he said slowly. "I'll admit I'm wondering what brought this on. You never seemed to consider me more than a 'Republic idealist with a Jedi 'saber up my ass' is how I think you put it?" His gaze was faintly mocking.
"Yeah, well, you made Admiral, so you likely still are," I said with a touch of a bite.
Unexpectedly, he laughed. "Now I'm sure it's really Canderous I'm talking to."
"Look, Carth, things are changing, and I'm not a fool. My people have spent fifteen years with no direction or identity. We change with the times, or we die. I choose to live, and I'll do what it takes to see my kin survive too. There's no shame in being honorable allies with the best chance for the universe to have balance. I've made no secret that I think the Republic is overly bureaucratic and often corrupt, but most of you try to do the right thing. The Sith…they're brilliant, ruthless, and ferocious, but would choose to enslave or annihilate. That's not conquering, that's genocide."
"I agree," Carth said readily. "Careful, you might show some idealistic tendencies. Not to mention you're all but saying you'll join the fight regardless if we help you or not."
"I might personally," I admitted, "But my kin will not, without me. This isn't a threat, it's plain fact. We're too scattered for me to effectively rule right now. But if the Republic helps us colonize, we can be a real help."
"That is a well thought out argument," Carth said, his diplomat hat on. "You have my attention, and for what it's worth, I believed you from the start. You're a hard-assed son of a bitch, General Ordo, but you've always been honest."
"Thanks," I said sincerely.
He laughed again. "I hate to admit it, but I've missed having you around. I usually didn't like what you had to say, but I could count that it was sincere. Revan likes you; that should tell me something."
I refrained from pointing out that Revan liked me partly because of shared darkness; it didn't seem the best time to bring it up. I settled for a diplomatic "I like her too," adding "I hope you hear from her soon."
Carth looked tired again, but gamely gave a wry smile. "Me too."
"Well," he said briskly, "I'll see you in three weeks. Give my congratulations to your bride. I'm looking forward to meeting her." He sounded professionally sincere, and I stifled a snicker.
"Will do. And Carth…thanks," I said.
"You're welcome," he said simply, and cut the connection.
I sat back, meditatively staring at the blank screen. An important step had been made toward reuniting my people, and giving them a purpose. I hoped Carth had enough clout to make this work.
All in all, it had been a strange day so far.