Disclaimer: I don't own Star Wars. I just created my own little AU sandbox to play in.
AN: Here's part 6! Thanks for all the great reviews and comments as always. Constructive comments are always welcome. Comments laced with negativity and an attitude are not welcome. I quote a favorite fanfic author of mine, Pink-Green-White-4ever, who has this to say in the author's notes of her stories:
"It's my belief that Fan fiction is just that, Fan written fiction stories. It's up to the author's imagination to create the story, and others should accept that or not read."
I definitely agree with her words, especially when it comes to the Forever Destined series. I just happened to be looking over my profile on and noticed that as of September this year, I've been writing this series since September 2006! I hadn't even realized that it had already been five years since I started this story. Doesn't seem possible, but here we are on vignette #24. So moving on, enjoy this latest installment!
Origins: A Forever Destined Vignette
Part 6/?
Blaine's eyes scanned the dingy cantina in the slums of Coronet, the capital city on Corellia. This was only his first stop, which would be vastly less complicated than the what he had to do at the second place he would venture. His eyes stopped on the on the corner seat of the bar where a lone, blue skinned, red eyed individual sat, nursing a glass of Corellian scotch. He was of the Duro species, but easily distinguishable from his famed former partner. He was taller for one thing and Blaine estimated that he was nearly six feet tall, going by his own height of six feet four inches. He was very well built too, but the Mandalorian knew that much of his burly build, which was not usually a look common among his species, had probably been acquired during his recent stint in prison. Twenty five years in prison had not been kind to this man, especially since over twenty of those had been spent on Kessel. Like his former partner, he wore a tall, straight billed hat, along with a black overcoat, which likely concealed an arsenal of weaponry. But his left eye was completely gone. Instead of covering it with an eye patch, like most people with that affliction, he left the gruesome sight to be seen. The eye itself was gone, leaving just a fleshy hole surrounded by scarred and leathery blue skin, evidence that burning had been involved in the injury.
"Take a holo. It'll last longer," the Duro male grunted, as he finished his drink.
"Jaxxis Ord?" Blaine asked. The mercenary turned to look at the person that identified him and immediately noticed the Mandalorian armor.
"Depends on who's askin'?" he retorted.
"The name is Blaine and I've got an interesting proposition for you," Blaine replied simply.
"Get yourself a drink and we'll see if your definition of interesting is the same as mine," Ord responded. The Mandalorian smirked and motioned to the bartender.
"I'll take a scotch like my friend here," he ordered.
"You came here looking specifically for me, which means, that even after twenty-five years locked away in that hell hole, my reputation still precedes me," Ord said. Blaine smirked.
"That it does, though it's your former partner that has kept your legend alive," Blaine replied.
"Ah, you're here about Bane," Jaxxis mused.
"Normally, my boys and I can handle things, but this job requires special expertise," Blaine replied.
"You mean Jedi," Jaxxis corrected with a smirk.
"Not just any Jedi. The Skywalkers. Bane knows where to buy the weapons that are supposed to be able to nullify their powers," Blaine said.
"He probably does. But you have one big problem. My old friend is in prison himself and not just any prison. He's incarcerated in the Jedi prison on Yavin IV," Jaxxis responded.
"I know and that's why you're going to help me," Blaine stated. Jaxxis finished another drink.
"And why the farkle would I do that?" Jaxxis cursed.
"Money," Blaine replied simply.
"How much are we talking? I worked hard at finally convincing that brainless parole board that I was a changed man so I could get early release. Tell me why I should jeopardize my freedom by helping some two bit bounty hunter like you and his posse of mindless brutes?" Jaxxis spat. Blaine clenched his teeth in anger, wanting nothing more than to slice this pile of Bantha poodoo to bits, but unfortunately he needed him so he held his temper.
"We're talking millions, as in ransom for the Alderaanian princess and even a couple of Skywalker brats if we're lucky. They'll pay through the nose to get their precious babies back. But none of that matters without your former partner. Pulling this off won't be easy, but the payoff is worth it," Blaine tempted, as he watched Jaxxis stroke his chin, as the mulled it over in his mind.
"Hmm…it is an interesting proposition and my old friend would love to have his revenge on them, not to mention make a killing off some princess. All right, sounds interesting. I'm in," Jaxxis said. Blaine nodded.
"Perfect, meet me at the port near here on landing pad B just after dusk," Blaine said. Jaxxis nodded and then suddenly pulled a vibro blade on him. He was on his feet faster than Blaine could anticipate and held it to his jugular. The Mandalorian cursed himself for his carelessness.
"This is a one time partnership and if I even get the inkling that you're going to betray me, then your guts will spill out onto your feet before you can scream," Ord threatened, before he slipped out the back. Blaine glared in the direction he had gone.
"Crossing me will be the last thing you do, Duro scum," Blaine growled, as he left through the other exit.
Padme cuddled against her husband's chest, as they enjoyed their evening together on their veranda by the fountain. They had set their wine glasses aside in favor of looking up at what few stars could be seen in Coruscant's night sky. But she was much more anxious than usual, as their evenings together were usually much more relaxing. He could sense her uneasiness and it mirrored his own, for he had yet to get a decent read on Day'na's feelings through the Force. She had strong mind shields, not that he was surprised. She had been involved with the Mandalorians and they had never been friends of the Jedi.
"How do you think it's going?" she finally asked, as she looked up at him.
"I'm sure it's a little awkward, probably like it was for you when you met your real father," he replied. She sighed, remembering the torrent of emotions she had experienced during that time in her life. The situation had been a little different, as her anger toward her mother for her lies had been overwhelming at times. But the outcome of the whole situation had become better than anyone could have imagined.
"Do you think Day'na is as sincere about wanting to change as my father was?" Padme asked. Anakin didn't hide the wince on his face.
"I wish I could say, but she's got a wall around her mind as thick as duraplaster. Natalie is part of this family and she's Jayden's future. He'll be keeping a very close eye on her every move," Anakin assured her.
"I guess time will tell. I guess I'm just worried that Day'na's true intentions are like the ones that Mara's real father had for her," Padme mentioned in a worried tone.
"Me too, but on the other hand, she really could want a real relationship with Natalie. She was in a tough spot when Natalie was born and it's no secret that the alley she left her in see heavy patrol traffic. A Jedi or Clone would have found her soon enough. The Force just saw to it that it be me," Anakin said, as he thought about that day. It was his first day back on active duty after their return from Tatooine, which subsequently had led to Jayden and Jenna's birth. He smiled at the memory.
"What?" Padme asked.
"I was actually asked to cover that patrol for another Jedi that day by Master Yoda. Probably not a coincidence," he replied. She smiled and her eyes sparkled with love, as she gazed up at him.
"Not when it comes to this family or our love," she answered, as he kissed her forehead.
"No matter what the outcome, we're all going to protect Natalie, especially our Jayden. She's one of us and if Day'na is sincere, then we'll welcome her," he stated. Padme nodded, as she hugged him tightly, curling up against him and resting her head just below his chin.
"Maybe we're being pessimistic," Padme said with a sigh.
"Maybe, but if history is anything to go by, then it's no wonder," he replied.
"That being said, maybe Day'na has already started to change just by knowing Natalie. She herself may not even be aware of it yet. Look at your dad, after all. He literally changed right before our eyes and it was all because he met you," Anakin praised, making her blush.
"I don't know about that," Padme replied. Anakin smiled at her.
"I do and I'm sure he would agree," he added, as he leaned down and kissed her softly.
"No matter the outcome, Jayden and Natalie will be fine. Their love will bring them through any situation, just like ours has for us. And we'll always be there for them," Anakin promised, as they were content to hold each other close, letting their hearts speak through their unbreakable bond.
Their eating slowed and Day'na attempted to spark conversation, despite the awkwardness. To get her daughter to feel more comfortable, Day'na attempted to learn what she could about the young man in her life. She observed how attentive he was with her daughter and marveled at that. They were so young, yet there was a powerful connection between them. Anyone could see that and she knew that it could be exploited to her advantage. At those thoughts, she felt a stab of guilt that she wasn't prepared for. What was she doing? She had done a lot of terrible things, all in the name of the Mandalorian rule, and never once had stopped to consider how many people her actions had destroyed over the years. But this was her daughter. And a Jedi. A Jedi that could jeopardize everything her people had worked for. She couldn't afford to start being sentimental now. She had a mission to complete and her daughter was the means to that mission. The key was to get her young beau to trust her and then Natalie would ultimately begin to trust her as well. It would all fall into place then.
"Training to become a Jedi sounds very challenging," Day'na said. Jayden nodded.
"It is, but it's what I was born to do. There are a lot of people out there that need someone strong enough to defend them and that's what Jedi do. A lot of people fear the Jedi, because they don't understand our powers. There are also some Jedi in the Order that feel we shouldn't involve ourselves with the common people. They feel that those jobs should be left to the normal planetary police forces. But I was raised to believe that no life is insignificant and we are not above doing any task, especially when it helps someone who most see as insignificant or those that people would rather forget about. They need a voice too and it's up to someone to give them a voice, someone strong enough to make a difference. It's why my dad still chooses to go on patrols when he doesn't have other missions assigned to him. As a member of the Council, he's not required to perform patrol duty anymore, but he refuses to abandon the people out there that truly need our help, not to mention that he prefers to train his padawans out in the field, rather than in the Temple," Jayden explained. Natalie smiled warmly at him, for she loved hearing him speak about things he was passionate about.
"You and your family are every bit as noble as it's said. Such qualities are rare, especially in someone so young," Day'na complimented. Jayden looked uncomfortable by the praise and Natalie smiled at him.
"I'll go pay the check," he said, as he kissed her cheek and got up to go to the counter to speak to Dex for a few minutes.
"He's really something," Day'na told her daughter. Natalie smiled with a nod.
"He's very special. I'm very lucky," she replied.
"It's very rare to see a man, especially a young man, with such love and devotion to one woman," Day'na said wistfully.
"I wonder how different things would have been for me if your father had been just a little more like your beloved," Day'na said sadly and Natalie could tell her grief was genuine. Timidly, she put her hand on her birth mother's.
"It's okay. I'm sorry you were abused…and I understand why you did what you did. It's going to take me more time to get used to it and accept all this, but…I don't hate you," Natalie told her. Day'na smiled and squeezed her hand.
"Thank you, that means a lot. But let's not talk about any of that right now. I'd much rather know more about you. I heard the Queen mention that you were attending the University," Day'na prompted.
"Yes, I'm studying political science, law, and Galactic history," Natalie replied.
"That's very ambitious," Day'na said. She nodded.
"It is, but my education will be very important in the future. My parents want me to rule Alderaan as Queen someday, but before that, I will serve in the Senate when my father decides to retire," Natalie replied. Day'na shook her head.
"What is it?" Natalie asked.
"I'm just humbled again. The Organas have truly given you all the things I could never give you and so much more. And they've raised you into an amazing young woman," Day'na said. Natalie blushed.
"Thanks," she replied shyly, as Jayden returned.
"Well, we should probably get back home. You two have classes in the morning, I suspect," Day'na said, breaking another awkward silence. They nodded and Jayden led them out to the speeder.
Riley hopped out of his speeder, as he parked it down by The Docks. He had been called here by Rex, because he had another body that he thought Riley should know about. He was seeing a pattern now and was more convinced than ever that the increased Mandalorian activity on the capital world could spell trouble for them in the future.
"Another one?" he asked, as he approached Rex. The Clone commander nodded.
"Yep, but this one is female. She was beaten up pretty badly and then shot at fairly close range. Most of her face and skull was blown off," Rex warned, as they knelt down beside the covering. Rex pulled back the tarp and the experienced former mercenary winced. He had seen and caused a lot of carnage in his days, but since becoming a father and grandfather, it was much harder to stomach. Her body was bruised and broken and she had been shot too close to be a routine execution style. No, this had been personal.
"Revenge," Riley stated.
"What?" Rex asked, confused.
"It's a revenge killing for sure. I'm a gambling man and if I had to bet on it, I would say that we're witnessing a war between two Mandalorian sects, each trying to destroy the other for control. With Alvez's death, his brothers would have sought to take out a member from the other sect. This kind of thing goes on between Mandalorians all the time," Riley replied.
"Do you think this Day'na woman has anything to do with it?" Rex asked. Riley smirked.
"Oh, I'd bet on it. The problem is that I can't prove it and confronting her head on won't do any good without any kind of proof. In fact, it might make it worse and provoke her, that is if she really is involved in some kind of war," Riley said, as he walked back to his speeder.
"But if there is some kind of war going on between them, why is it happening on Coruscant?" Rex asked. Riley looked back at him with a look, reminding Rex of an earlier conversation just days ago.
"You really think this is about Boba Fett?" Rex asked.
"I can guarantee it is. Alvez's clan was on the top of the food chain with a Fett leading them and they were swiftly knocked off that pedestal by my grandson," Riley replied.
"But to go after a Skywalker and on Coruscant no less? They're either really confident in whatever they're planning or out of their minds," Rex concluded. Riley nodded.
"And I'm positive that something big is going on. I wish it was the latter, but the Mandalorian honor won't let them let a thing like this go. A Jedi…a Jedi padawan killing one of their leaders is not something they will let go unpunished," Riley said.
"Have you talked to Anakin yet?" Rex asked. He shook his head.
"No, but now that I'm more sure about what's going on, I need to go find him as soon as possible," Riley replied, as he hopped back into his speeder.
"We'll send the body to Bant, though I'm not sure what more she can tell us," Rex said. Riley nodded.
"Do you really think Day'na is working with whoever killed his woman?" Rex asked. Riley shrugged.
"Who knows, but she's up to something, I'm sure of it. If we're not careful, Jayden and Natalie might get caught in the crossfire of whatever war is being waged," Riley said, as he fired up the engines and headed back toward the Senate district.
Jayden parked the speeder in the garage at Republica 500 and they rode the lift up to the floor the Organa apartment was on and Day'na went inside, leaving the young couple alone to say goodnight.
"Are you okay?" Jayden asked when they were finally alone. Natalie nodded.
"I guess that went better than I thought. It's still really awkward though," she mentioned. He pulled her into a hug.
"Well, I'm not going to lie and tell you I have any idea what this must be like for you, but I can be here for you, no matter what," he told her. She smiled up at him and nodded.
"And that's exactly what I need," she replied, as she raised up on her tip toes and kissed him tenderly. Their passionate embrace was followed by a giggle from her though.
"What?" he asked.
"You need to stop growing!" she laughed.
"What do you mean?" he asked.
"Just a few months ago, I could at least kiss you without having to get on my tip toes," she replied. He smirked and proceeded to lift her up, resting her feet on the tops of his and pressing her body close to his, leaving no daylight between them.
"Is this better?" he asked coyly, as he tilted his head. She blushed and smiled shyly. Her hormones were as crazy as his lately and just the feel of his hard body against hers overwhelmed her senses with new feelings and sensations.
"Much better," she whispered, as his lips drew her kiss again. Slowly, he deepened the kiss and she responded eagerly, until their lips met again and again with feverish intent. Somehow, though it was a great feat, he willed himself to pull back.
"I should let you get inside," he said, reluctant to let her leave his arms. Natalie nodded, though she was quite comfortable where she was.
"I guess so. I'll see you tomorrow," she replied. He nodded, as they shared another kiss, before she went inside for the night. Jayden walked to the turbo lift that would take him just a few floors up to the very top floor, which belonged to the Skywalker family. Their need to be together all the time, both physically and emotionally had grown in the last few months. But they both knew that when the time was perfect, they would know it.
Blaine's small cruiser appeared before the quiet space of Yavin IV and the Mandalorian warrior slowly crept toward the green planet.
"Are you going to tell me how the hell we're going to get on the planet without being detected, much less break Bane out of a Jedi guarded prison?" Jaxxis questioned, more than a little irritated. He wasn't one to trust his fate to someone else.
"Relax, one flip of this switch and we'll be invisible to the eye and their sensors," Blaine replied confidently, as he flipped the switch and initiated the cloaking device.
"Where is blazes did you get a cloaking device?" Jaxxis demanded. Cloaking devices, which definitely had drawbacks and flaws, were still highly sought after. They also cost well over a million credits.
"I bought it…what do you think?" Blaine asked sarcastically.
"A couple months back, the boys and I stole it from a manufacturer in the outer rim. They don't have the equipment needed here to detect our gravitation, so the sensors won't pick us now or track us when we blast out of here," Blaine stated. Jaxxis nodded.
"Nice, but that better be the last surprise you throw at me or it'll be your head," Jaxxis threatened.
"Keep your cool. We pull this off and you can take out all your frustration on those Jedi whelps and maybe even Skywalker himself, if your friend still knows where to get the right equipment to bring him down," Blaine snapped back.
"He knows. Let's just get this done," Jaxxis snapped back, as the Mandalorian started the decent to the planet.
Lauren Solo walked into the large visitation room in the women's prison. It wasn't often that she had visitors and that meant that Han was on Coruscant. Other prisoners occupied tables with their guests and she looked out over the people, finally spotting her grown son sitting at one near the corner of the room. She smiled and quickly made her way to him. He stood and smiled, as he hugged her tightly.
"It's so good to see you. You keep getting more handsome every time I see you," Lauren gushed, causing him to roll his eyes at her antics. They sat down and she clutched the hands of her pride and joy with her own.
"What brings you to Coruscant?" she asked. He shrugged.
"Just passing through. I visited Lando and decided to come here while I was here," he replied vaguely.
"What have you been doing lately?" she asked. He shrugged again.
"I've been keeping busy," he replied.
"Han…I may be in prison, but I've been hearing things," Lauren stated.
"Whatever you heard probably isn't true," Han refuted.
"Then you're not working for as a smuggler for an operator in Cloud City?" she questioned.
"Sith spit," he swore.
"It was just a couple of jobs. Harmless stuff in the outer rim," he lied.
"Sweetheart, please don't follow the destructive path I went down. I don't want you to end up in prison like me," Lauren pleaded. Han clenched his teeth.
"You shouldn't even be in here in the first place!" he hissed.
"No, you're right. For my crimes, I should probably be in a place much worse than this. But because of good fortune, I may be coming up for parole in just a couple years, which is many years before I've even met the minimum on my sentence. I got a very good deal and I'm going to get a second chance. I won't throw it away this time and I'm pleading with you not to throw away your life the way I did most of mine," Lauren said.
"I didn't come here to talk about this," Han retorted. She sighed.
"I know, I'm sorry. I just want what's best for you. Promise me that you'll think about finding legitimate work. You know Calin will help you," Lauren pleaded. He rolled his eyes.
"Fine, I'll think about it," Han relented and she smiled. She knew her son was just telling her what she wanted to hear and she prayed that he wouldn't make the same mistakes that she had made.
In the next chapter, Riley alerts Anakin to the Mandalorian bodies they have discovered lately and his fear that there's a connection to Day'na. Blaine and Jaxxis infiltrate the prison to break Bane out in the dead of night. Day'na and Natalie get to know each other better. But Day'na worries about the success of her plan when she hears word that Blaine has murdered one of her sisters…