Canderous
With the arrival of two hundred Republic troops, the camp was suddenly triple in population, with controlled confusion reigning for the first couple of hours as everyone got settled. My irritation of being kept in the dark was fading, and Jarxel, excellent XO that he is, had already briefed the men on my expectations. Carth had not said so, but I knew part of the next few days was an experiment as to how well the two cultures would work together.
I expected that when we fought with the Republic, we would be our own unit, rather than incorporating us into the regular troops; in fact, I was going to insist on that. Mandalorian group battle ecstasy could be an important contribution to any battle, and we would not have access to it scattered. However, we likely would be fighting along side Republic soldiers, and interacting with them when we're not in battle. We wouldn't be useful if either side resented the other to the point of constant insubordination.
A short word with Jarxel told me what he'd said to the men: basically, that they didn't have to coddle the Republic troops who were visiting, but the Mandalore would personally disembowel anyone who caused a riot, an uninvited injury, or a death. If a soldier consented to enter the battle circle, fine; we'd heal him when he crawled out of it. Otherwise, save their energy for the Trial, and remember we are allies now.
Carth had his men well in hand as they trooped through the camp to the temporary barracks. I looked over the soldiers as they filed by, and approved of Carth's choices. Most looked seasoned and serious about their business, with the irreverent gleam of an experienced warrior in their eyes. About one third were women. Not that this was in any way unusual, nor would my men have any problem fighting females; we are, after all, a very equal society in that way. The only reason we had no women until now in the camp is there had been none to be found. But I made a mental note to keep an eye out for any misunderstandings. If Carth chose them, it was guaranteed these women were excellent warriors, and my men would find that very attractive.
There were about thirty or so wide-eyed youngsters sprinkled among the veterans, and I nodded at the wisdom of selecting a few talented newbies to learn by example from their elders. Carth had obviously hand-picked the bunch, probably wanting mostly clear-thinking seasoned troops who would prove a challenge to the Mandoa. He was just enough of a diplomat that he didn't want the Republic to fall completely on their ass. He also likely wanted troops that would fight well enough to earn our respect. Very smart.
I had my men lined up in formation as the newcomers marched by, and the two camps watched each other warily. Carth directed his men to salute not just him, but me as well as they passed, and I ended up spending the next five minutes with my arm up. I was pretty sure he did that on purpose; he did have a subtle sense of humor. Jarxel escorted Carth to his personal quarters, and the admiral let his troops settle in under the watchful eyes of his chief, lieutenant, and captain.
Lorna requested at least twenty more hands to assist in the kitchens. I rounded up the best cooks in the camp and handed them over to Lorna with fierce admonition that in the mess hall, she was the Mandalore. It was decided that the men would eat in shifts, as we didn't have enough tables and chairs to accommodate two hundred more troops, and they'd only be here for a few days anyway. I directed Dax to make up a meal roster, so that there would always be some of our men mixed in with the Republic soldiers. I made a mental note to speak to Carth about it.
Jennet, meanwhile, was jumping in and helping where she could, but feeling rather cranky and useless.
"Isn't there something I can do that isn't personal?" Jennet complained. "I'm feeling guilty that so much work is being done for my wedding, and I haven't lifted a finger to help. I mean, your men constructed the battlefield in three days, and I was up on Onderon, shopping!"
"Cyar'ika, what would you be doing, if this was a wedding with someone who isn't the Mandalore?" I asked.
She looked at me, startled. "What do you mean?"
"What sort of preparations would you be making?" I asked patiently.
"Well…wedding dress fittings, picking out flowers, choosing a cake, finding decorations, that sort of thing, I guess. Sending invitations and making lists, and choosing music. Assuming, of course, I didn't just elope." she seemed puzzled by my wanting to know, but answered readily enough.
"Right. In other words, you'd be doing all the work, and your groom would basically show up and get the benefit." I said gruffly. "I notice, however, nowhere on that list was 'prepare for a battle to prove I'm the Mate to the Mandalore'. And I also noticed that you aren't getting any of the traditional things of your culture. No flowers or decorations, no invitations. The music will likely be by a military piper and drums. Lorna is making a cake, but I have a feeling it's not going to be what you think of as a wedding cake. In short, you're giving in to all my traditions, and not insisting on any of your own. So why shouldn't we do all the work? And you might have noticed I was right there on Onderon with you while they built the field."
"All right, you have a point there. But none of that other stuff matters much to me," Jennet protested. "All I want is to marry you, dammit. I thought it was a good idea to make it as much in Mandoa tradition as possible, since I'm the outlander."
"It is a good idea, Wildcat. And you showed from the start that you accept my people exactly as they are. Why do you think they want to work so hard to see that you are confirmed as my Mate, and your wedding goes smoothly? They adore you, cyar'ika, and this is how they show it. So quit feeling guilty. I promised the honor guard we'd have another lesson today if there's time; that's something you can prepare for."
I kissed her forehead, and she looked up, smiling. Standing on tiptoe, she kissed me back, and I gathered her in for a moment. When she pulled back, her eyes were shining.
"They really love me?" she asked softly, her voice tinged with wonder.
"They really do. I love you, and my men are well trained to follow the Mandalore," I grinned at her.
She gave me a light punch on the arm with a mock scowl. "Don't make a joke of this. And say that again."
"They really do," I said obediently, smirking.
"After that," she ordered, mouth twitching with suppressed mirth.
"My men are well trained…" I broke off, laughing as she attempted to slug me across the face. She wasn't trying very hard, however, and I caught the fist easily, grabbing her around the waist with the other hand and hauling her clean off the ground. Nose to nose, I looked into her soft brown eyes.
"I love you, cyar'ika," I said, letting go of her fist and tracing the line of her jaw with a fingertip.
"I love you too, ti kar'ta," she said, a little breathlessly.
I kissed her soundly, savoring the taste of her. She kissed me back with equal enthusiasm. We broke apart as someone cleared their throat nearby.
"Excuse me, Mandalore," one of the newly appointed kitchen workers was grinning at us. "Lorna says she needs more food supplies if we're going to be feeding so many."
"Kex is quartermaster," I said, setting Jennet down. "Talk to him about supplies, and tell him to come speak to me or Jarxel if there's any problems."
"Yes Sir," the soldier made a snappy salute, and turned to leave, but hesitated. "Oh yes, she also wanted to know if we wanted a feast today, in welcome of our guests, or tomorrow in celebration of the end of the Trials."
"Both would be great if she can manage it," I answered. As that lad headed back to the kitchen another swiftly took his place, saying Admiral Onasi had some questions, when I had time.
"If I know Carth, he's already on his way," I said. "Wildcat, do you think you can head him off and see what he wants?"
"Sure," Jennet said, and trotted off.
Jarxel returned, and between the two of us we took care of the million little details that needed our immediate attention.
Carth wants to know where the restricted areas are, Jennet's voice reported in my head.
Tell him his men are to enjoy the run of the camp, with the exception of the guest house and my private quarters, I answered. Carth himself has no restrictions.
Figured as much, Jennet said cheerfully.
Warn him about not allowing anyone to leave camp alone, and taking a Mandalorian guide if they do venture out. I might arrange some hunting parties later.
Will do, Jennet answered, and her voice was gone.
Ladria and the rest of the Ebon Hawk crew had opted to live shipboard while the Republic troops were present, to free up their sleeping areas for Carth's officers. With the Ebon Hawk in the hanger within the camp's boundaries, this was less of an inconvenience than it sounded.
After what seemed forever, we finally got everything in hand, and I was free to take a breath and find Jennet. Ladria and our other Jedi friends had been instrumental in helping to make everyone feel welcome. Mira looked grumpy about having to be pleasant to so many strangers, but I was proud that she managed it; I knew first hand how difficult it was. Soon, there was a mix of Republic and Mandalorian soldiers wandering about camp, striking up tentative conversations and taking the first steps to getting used to each other. I was pleased with the camaraderie so far.
Where are you, Wildcat? I asked as I strode out of the mess hall.
Over at the new field. I just sent Dax to round up the class. Carth is here too, he's interested in observing, Jennet's pleasant voice was warm. Got things under control?
Running smooth, I confirmed, and made my way to the field, Kelborn and Xarga in tow. I'm glad Dax found you; I sent him to you after he'd made the mess shift schedule. I don't want you to be without at least one honor guard member while Carth's troops are here.
You aren't seriously suggesting I'm in any danger, are you? Jennet said, incredulous. They're here to make an alliance, fer shit's sake!
No, I'm not, I answered, amused. Politics, Wildcat. You're the second most important member of this camp, or officially will be in nine days. Most important, actually, if you consider that you could be used to get to me. Therefore, you have to subtly show your rank, so to speak. Carth already knows, and as semi-friends we don't need the window dressing. But his men will see it, and respond.
Ah. You know an awful lot about diplomacy for someone who until recently had no use for it, Jennet said admiringly.
I'm a quick study, I said with an inward chuckle. And after eight years of working for the Exchange, you pick things up. Works about the same, except the killing was a lot more personal.
I arrived shortly at the field, and we had our lesson. A few minutes into it, we attracted a sizable crowd of both Mandalorians and Republic soldiers. Jennet ignored the gawkers, and concentrated on the lesson. Carth actually participated fully, one he understood what it was for, and seemed to pick up on the technique fairly quickly. Not perfectly, of course, but he could hold concentration for longer than Tagren or Zuka.
There were a few admiring comments I overheard, directed at Jennet as she helped each of the class in turn. Some were less about her fighting and more about her physical attributes, and I scowled, but couldn't pinpoint who had said it. But there was a collective gasp of admiration as she made a particularly fast and intricate move to avoid a kick from Jarxel, who was progressing astonishingly.
Eventually, the crowd wandered away, and we drilled for a while longer. Jennet dismissed the class, but mindful of my wishes, kept Dax and Kex with her. Mira tagged along, chatting with Jennet. Carth approached me, looking relaxed and casual, pulling his tunic back on over his undershirt.
"She's quite a woman," he said without preamble, nodding at Jennet. "You're a lucky man."
"Thanks," I said, smiling at my Wildcat. "I know I am."
"She reminds me a little of Revan," Carth said softly, so only I could hear. "I'm looking forward to seeing her fight. Jennet moves the same way she does. But she's a lot quicker to laugh, and talks a lot more."
I looked sideways at the admiral, trying to gauge this burst of admiration. "Yeah, she's special," I said neutrally.
Carth sent me a swift look, and chuckled. "She is, but you have nothing to worry about from me," he assured me. "I see how she looks at you."
"I knew that," I said with confidence. "I just want to know you do."
"I miss Revan," Carth said suddenly, and looked over at Jennet. "They don't look a thing alike, but they both have the same…aura, I guess. Your Jennet just reminded me, that's all."
"She'll come back. She's strong, and she loves you. You just have to have faith." I said, not looking at him, to respect his privacy. I had no idea why he was confiding in me, of all people. But I'm not the complete asshole people assume. I understood now, the feeling of emptiness if you can't touch the person that is most important to you. I wanted, in some small way, to give Carth hope.
"I do," Carth said quietly. "I never realized you did, though."
"I didn't," I said, watching Jennet and smiling. "Until a month ago."