Jennet
We were escorted back by Kelborn, Zuka, Kex and Tagren, who were carrying our armor. This was less thoughtful than it sounds; Canderous had unceremoniously dumped it on them as we left the battlefield. They didn't seem to mind much, and truthfully, mine isn't much of a burden. Canderous had the Helm tucked under one arm, his other hand holding me firmly around the waist. I think he was afraid I would pass out again. He wasn't far wrong.
Arriving at our quarters, Canderous placed the Helm on its stand and asked Kex and Zuka to clean and put away the armor. He sent Kelborn and Tagren to fetch some food and towed me into the bedroom. He might have helped me undress, but I shook him off and told him to attend himself; all the faster that I could get clean. He shrugged, stripped, and threw on a robe. I was in mine and following him to the most delicious shower of my life in minutes.
Jungles are hot and sticky to begin with. Fighting two battles in one day in full armor made me feel like I was coated with dried seawater. As the cool water poured over us, I felt much better. Now I was ferociously hungry. Fortunately, the food was there when we left the 'fresher, left on the nightstand along with some wine and a big jug of water. The honor guard understood my habits by now. I was finding that Mandalorians in general were a lot more observant and thoughtful than anyone outside their race gave them credit for.
We ate everything on the tray and the jug was empty in short order. I was starting to feel myself again, and was about to suggest making more personal use of our time before the feast, when I looked over and saw Canderous. He had been lounging against the headboard while we ate; now he was leaned back, fast asleep. I smiled ruefully, and did a quick scan. I'd been so drained myself I hadn't really checked how he was, and felt ashamed. He'd been so concerned about me, but my check showed me he was nearly as spent. I quietly cleared away the remnants of our little picnic, placing the tray outside the door for one of the honor guard to take back to the mess hall. I saw Kelborn on duty by the outer door and he smiled at me through the dim light.
I closed the door, and called, "Make sure we're up in time for the feast, okay?"
Kelborn gave me a thumb's up, and I slipped back into our room. Canderous had moved; he was now sprawled across his half of the bed and most of mine. Smiling, I carefully eased onto the mattress, trying not to wake him. As soon as my weight hit, though, he rolled to his side and gathered me in, muttering something incoherent in my ear.
"Love you too, ti kar'ta," I whispered, and fell asleep myself.
We only got about an hour and a half nap, and I woke, disoriented and muzzy, with the buzzer that announces someone outside the door going off. Canderous was on his feet in an instant, sliding open the door. There was a brief exchange with whoever was there and he closed the door again.
"Kelborn?" I asked, glancing at the clock. 19:30. I had time to freshen up.
"Yeah," Canderous rumbled. "When did I fall asleep?"
"Right after we ate," I told him. "I'm sorry I was too wrapped up in my own fatigue to notice you were as bad off."
"I wasn't, Wildcat," he said, stretching out his back. "I'd checked, and I wasn't even close to as drained as you were. You know, the mass battle ecstasy isn't going to be an asset if it kills you, say, the third time it kicks in. I'm not sure it's worth the risk."
"It won't, and it is," I said firmly. "I just didn't know what to expect this time; I didn't maintain my energy level properly. Now that I've felt it, I can adjust. How were you the first time you felt its effects?"
"Once the battle was over, pretty whipped," he admitted. "It took a couple more fights to get used to it."
"There, you see? And you were tired after this one, because it involved not just your abilities, but mine. Next time will be much easier."
"I guess you're right," he said, leaning down for a kiss.
"You worry too much, ti kar'ta," I said, grinning.
"Nah, that's your job."
We got ready for the feast and managed to get there on schedule. If the republic and Mandalorian soldiers were fairly friendly yesterday, they were positively chummy today. I was delighted to see everyone talking and laughing and swapping stories. Lorna had outdone herself and the food was absolute ambrosia. Of course, the fact I was as hungry as a Ronto made everything taste fabulous. I split my time between being charming to our guests, keeping an eye on the serving staff, and eating everything in sight without looking like I was.
As we gathered at the bonfire after dinner, I watched the flames dance and shimmer, leaning against Canderous and thinking, for once, about absolutely nothing. The new tattoo itched a little, but I was grateful it didn't get scabby and ugly looking before it was fit to be seen. If it had, my healing might not have allowed me to keep it, or I would have had to scale it way back for a week, which is difficult to do in a camp where the primary entertainment is beating the shit out of each other. I supposed it would be okay if I was just healing others, but it's much more difficult for me not to allow it to work on me than to hold it back.
I looked around the circle, and saw Ladria and Atton sitting not far away, chatting with Visas and Mira, who was leaning back against Dax. Dax wasn't participating much in the conversation that I could see, but he was idly toying with a lock of Mira's hair, and I could practically hear her purring from here. Bao Dur was sitting with Megari, Danni fast asleep on his lap, with Jenks and Zuka close by. I was amused; Zuka has the nastiest reputation next to Kex as far as temper goes, but he'd taken to Danni and was amazingly protective and gentle with her. He was also unfailingly polite and respectful to Megari. Besides Bao Dur and her mother, I'd seen Danni most often tag behind the gruff warrior, even allowing him to pick her up and carry her on his shoulders. Danni hadn't spoken again since her sudden break of silence to Carth the other day, at least not in front of me, and I hadn't had an opportunity to ask. I reminded myself to do that tomorrow.
Carth approached, and smiled down at Canderous and me. "This seat taken?"
"Depends," I said brightly. "Lt. Grant with you?"
Canderous snorted behind me.
Carth looked around in an exaggerated searching posture. "Don't see him."
"Then by all means sit," I invited.
"He's an eager young man," Carth said as he plunked down beside us. "A bit green, and a romantic. But a fine soldier for all that. He'll get over you," Carth said cheerfully.
"I'm more worried about him getting 'accidentally' thrown over the wall for the cannoks to munch on," I said dryly.
"Canderous wouldn't do that," Carth said, smiling.
"No," my Mate agreed, "But the honor guard might."
"I'll put a bug in his ear," Carth promised.
"Don't say that too loud," I laughed. "Someone might take that literally. There's some nasty ones around here."
"Good to know," the admiral grinned. "Just let me know if Lt. Grant is a pest."
"No, he's sweet," I said, "and it's flattering. I just worry about my overprotective bodyguards."
"How long have you been fighting, Miss Jax?" Carth asked, changing the subject.
"Since birth, practically," I answered. "I fought in my first battle ring at thirteen. Mom and I moved around a lot after Dad died, and she and I would fight to support ourselves. I took part in my first real battle when I was fifteen, helping some settlers fight off raiders on some godsforaken planet near the outer rim. I was seventeen when Mom started getting sick, so we settled on a little planet most people haven't heard of. But there was a Hutt, and a fight ring, so I kept up that way. When she died, I moved on."
"Amazing," Carth said sincerely. "I was all of seventeen when I enlisted, and greener than freshly cut wood. I was pretty good with a blaster though; I'd hunted growing up with my father and uncles on Telos. Learning hand-to-hand combat was fun, but grueling. I spent my whole time in basic training one big bruise."
"And you wonder why the Mandoa almost took the galaxy," Canderous rumbled, but without malice.
"Nope," Carth said seriously. "If it hadn't been for Revan and the other Jedi, you probably would have."
"So when does Mission arrive?" Canderous asked.
"Day after tomorrow," Carth said, smiling. "She's really excited about seeing you again."
"That's good," Canderous said noncommittally.
I could feel he was uncomfortable with this notion.
You've spoken fondly of Mission, I said silently.
She was a good kid, Canderous said with an inward smile. Smart as hell, resourceful, and a pretty good fighter. I was fond of her, yeah. But I wasn't exactly the most liked person on board. I didn't care all that much. Mission was one that didn't seem to give a frak about my past at all. I'm just…
Just what?
It's strange, that's all…having my past collide with my present. I never thought I'd see any of these people again, let alone be glad to. A month ago I wouldn't have cared at all if Mission liked me or not.
And now you do, I said, understanding.
Yeah.
It's hard, caring, I said sympathetically.
Hell of a lot harder than battle.
You got that right, I agreed. Why do you think I never cried but once after Jareth died? Or wrecked the apartment when Stefan left? Because I'd let myself care. I did a fair amount of protecting myself too. It's wonderful to be able to do that openly, now.
But you had an advantage, Wildcat. You always did. I never have.
Tell that to Gerda and your children, I said tartly. Or Jarxel. Or, for that matter, Revan.
He was silent then.
We had been listening to Carth proudly speaking of Mission and Dustil while having this conversation, and returned full attention back to the admiral.
"I can't wait to meet her," I said warmly. "Is Dustil coming too?"
"He might," Carth said. "He refuses to allow his Admiral father to pull strings, so it will depend on his class schedule."
"Well I hope he can make it," I smiled. "I understand they're getting married next year?"
"Yeah," Carth said, practically glowing with pride. "Makes me feel old."
"You think?" Canderous grumbled. "I'm marrying someone young enough to be my daughter."
"Yes, but maturity wise I have you beat," I said sweetly. "I'm not the one that bickers with Atton and wants to throw Lt. Grant over the wall."
"It would take a more patient man than Carth here not to bicker with Atton," Canderous groused.
"I don't know," Carth said wickedly. "I rather like the man. I hear he's a good pilot."
"Even better than you," Canderous confirmed bluntly.
Carth shrugged, unoffended. "There's always someone out there better than yourself. I hold my own. So," he said, switching gears, "would starting treaty discussions tomorrow be okay with you?"
"Nothing on my schedule so far," Canderous said with a faint smile. "How about right after lunch?"
"Sounds good. I'll have my officers with me. Is there anyone that can take notes?"
"Ask Disciple," I said, grinning. "He lives for taking notes."
"Fair enough," Carth said, grinning back. "And we'll want Ladria there as well."
"And the Elders, and Jarxel," Canderous put in.
"And me," I said a little sharply.
"That goes without saying, Wildcat," Canderous said easily.
The dancing started then, and we all got up to join in. The rest of the night was a whirl of laughter and movement, drinking and camaraderie. By the time we got to bed, I was almost too tired to care about anything but sleep. But Canderous reached for me, and his heat gave me strength, and we made our own bonfire as the morning light stole over the camp.
The alliance council was unbelievably intricate and boring. I paid close attention at first, however, not wanting to seem uninterested, or for that matter unintelligent. Carth and Canderous hammered out details about the Mandoa contribution to the Republic; how many men, whose command they would be under, how much say Canderous himself would have in strategy meetings. In his own camp, Canderous was supreme commander in chief; with the Republic, his rank would be equal to Carth's, it was agreed, although he his title would remain Mandalore, not Admiral. The Republic would provide a warship and the unit would draw the same supplies as the rest of the military. Anyone inadequately armed or armored (this drew a snort from Jarxel) could avail themselves of Republic issue gear.
This being settled, the rest of the details remained almost meaningless to me until I caught my name. I looked up with a start, having been watching Disciple gleefully tapping away on his ubiquitous datapad, seemingly the only one truly delighted with his part in the proceedings. I snapped my attention to Carth, who was addressing me.
"For the record, Jennet, we need your full name – or what it will be after the wedding; no reason to have to go through the tedious paperwork of changing it, if need be."
"Jennet Adriadne Jax Ordo," I said, feeling warm with the thought of that name. Canderous rumbled approval in my head.
"Adriadne?" He asked, raising an eyebrow.
"A family name," I said, shrugging.
"And yours, Mandalore," Carth prompted.
"Canderous Calder Ordo," he rumbled.
"I thought Calder was your brother's name," I said with surprise.
"It was; my father was named Canderous Calder Cardus Ordo." He said, shrugging. "I was eldest, and got the first two names, my brother got the second two. As there were no more sons, I named my eldest Cardus."
"And your mother?" I asked, curious.
"Helen Cartha Darr Ordo."
"Pretty," I said, nodding.
"You have a brother?" Carth asked with interest. "And a son?"
"Had," Canderous said shortly.
"Oh," Carth said, looking away. "Sorry."
"Don't be," Canderous said. "I'll tell you someday."
"Well, Mandalore, General Ordo, I think that about wraps it up for today. We can continue with the Republic aid tomorrow, if that's agreeable," Carth said cheerfully.
"General Ordo?!" I yelped.
"You're my second, Wildcat," Canderous said, puzzled at my reaction.
"Jarxel's your XO," I pointed out.
"No, my Lady, I'm the Mandalore and the Lady's XO," Jarxel said seriously. "Command structure is Mandalore, you, me, Kelborn, and so on down the line. That makes you a general."
"Nobody told me this," I said, trying not to panic. "I don't know the first thing about being a general. I'm just there to support Canderous and the men."
Jarxel, unbelievably, started to laugh in great gulping gusts of merriment. Canderous laughed too, although less uproariously, Carth followed suit, and even Ladria was smiling widely.
"What the hell is so funny?" I snarled, completely put out by all the humor at apparently my expense.
"The first thing about being a general," Ladria said gently, still smiling, "is knowing how to lead. You've got that one down cold, I'd say. The rest will follow, trust me."
"But," I protested, "I've never led an army before, and I won't be doing that now. I don't know the first thing about strategy or supplies or….well, anything about being in an army, dammit!"
"Wildcat, you've proven time and again you can make tough decisions, stick to them, and see them through, even in the face of disapproval," Canderous rumbled, still chuckling. "The men will follow anywhere you lead, even into hell itself. Now, you're right, it'll be me making most of those calls, but you'll be backing me up, and making it happen. And if something happens to me, I can't think of anyone that would do a better job of seeing things through than you, or getting the men home."
Jarxel was grinning, nodding at Canderous' little speech. "It's true, Lady. You can, and you would."
"I…" I stopped, swallowing. I could feel Canderous' absolute sincerity, and understood the magnitude of the trust he and Jarxel were showing me. "I'd do that, sure," I said gruffly. "But I don't need a rank for that."
"Um, actually, yes you do," Carth said almost apologetically. "Rank structure is necessary for an army to be effective, and for other units to efficiently communicate and function with each other. Making your rank General ensures that other officers and enlisted know who is in charge. You're Canderous' voice when he's not available - that needs to be made clear. You two are unusual; you'll be functioning basically as joint leaders, but with Canderous having the overall authority."
"Okay, I see that it's necessary." I said slowly. "I just never thought of myself as a general before."
"Welcome to the club," Carth said ruefully.