Three weeks later.
Exterior: Concord Dawn, Mandalorian Knights enclave, landing pad.
Galen and Katooni finished floating meditation, and landed on their feet upon sensing the arrival of Obi-Wan and his Padawan.
"Petro!" called Katooni as she catapulted herself into his arms, with a smile, "I missed you,"
"Missed you too, Kat," mused Petro as he returned the embrace, "and you look amazing,"
"You really think so?" she asked whilst her cheeks flushed.
"Yeah, and how are you?"
"I'm happy to see you,"
"Likewise, Katooni.
How are you adjusting as Master Marek's apprentice?"
"Really well since he's been so welcoming and encouraging,"
"Cool."
"I trust you're happy with your decision to take a Padawan, Galen?" asked Kenobi, sensing positive vibes.
"Very," confirmed Galen, "and how's yours?"
"Oh, Petro's like another Anakin, in a good way,"
"Speaking of, do you think he's going to take a new apprentice soon?"
"He wanted to discuss it with Padme first,"
"Good."
Kenobi informed, "By the way, the Council and the Senate have recently received a message from the new Emperor."
"Just like I'm about to." stated Galen as he set down his beeping imagecaster which produced a hologram of Cay seated upon his throne.
"Hello, brother." greeted Cay.
"Hey, vod." returned Galen.
"You probably know I'm the new Sith Emperor by now."
"Yes."
As she stepped into view of the transmission, Katooni gasped, "He's your brother?"
"My twin," confirmed Galen.
"But he's a Sith."
"Yes, he is, and I still love him regardless."
"And who's this young lady?" asked Cay, curious.
"I'm Katooni, Galen's Padawan." answered the Tholothian, trying to hide her fear.
"May the Force be with you, Padawan Katooni, I'm Cay Marek," greeted Cay, "it's nice to meet you."
"Likewise?"
After a moment, Cay looked up at his brother, "My Empress and I have been sorting out some internal affairs with the recently established Imperial Senate.
However we, the CIS and Republic have agreed to a galaxy-wide ceasefire pending the outcome of upcoming negotiations."
"And you're calling to ask Mandalore to agree too, since the Mandalorians are their own separate faction in the war?" deduced Katooni.
"You catch on quick."
Galen wearily asked, "What assurance do you offer that there won't be any deception or sneak attacks from the Sith or the Empire?"
"I swear to you on our mother's grave." answered Cay.
"I'll see you at the conference."
Later.
Interior: Rogue Shadow, main hold.
While Proxy prepared for take-off, Galen, Maris, Anakin, Obi-Wan, Katooni, Petro, Omega, Barriss, Ahsoka and Aayla sat at the holotable.
Katooni curiously asked, "Where are we going, Master?"
"It's a surprise, Kat'ika." evaded Galen.
"Cool."
"Thank you for inviting me, love," appreciatively said Barriss as she smiled at Galen, "I've been in desperate need of a vacation,"
"Anytime, Barr'ika." replied Marek, "and how have you been?"
"Truthfully, I've been having trouble meditating and sleeping."
"What's been troubling you?" asked Galen, concerned.
"In my last vision, my abilities as a healer were constantly failing as I tended to an endless number of patients.
They were dying and screaming in anguish while I was powerless to help them."
"Your focus determines your reality, and can cloud and distort Force visions," stated Marek who assured, "We'll find out if this was a vision, an illusion planted in your mind, or a stress-induced nightmare."
"Thank you, Star."
Gently holding Offee's hand, Galen reminded, "I love you, Barriss.
Ni kar'tayl gar darasuum."
The Mirialan Jedi Knight's eyes lit up, "I love you too, with all my heart."
"And from where, comes a Jetii's strength?" asked Galen.
"In the heart of a Jedi lies their strength." recited Barriss as she smiled, "you're proof of that."
"Will Padme be safe without me on Coruscant to protect her?" asked Skywalker, "if people want to get to me, my wife's a prime target.
And with her as Chancellor, she's in even more danger than ever."
"You're married to Chancellor Padme?" asked Petro as he looked up at the Chosen One.
"I am, and have been since the start of the war." confirmed Anakin.
"Congratulations."
"Not to worry, Anakin. Padme's current security detail includes her handmaidens, Luminara, Qui-Gon, Shaak Ti, Captain Typho, the Coruscant Guard, and Knight Qel-Droma." assured Kenobi.
"I'm sorry, did you say Qel-Droma!?" demanded Galen.
"Yes, though I've never met her," confirmed Obi-Wan, "Jedi Shadow Nomi Qel-Droma has been on an… extended mission in the unknown regions."
"You mean she was in exile."
"From a certain point of view."
"How long have you known about her?" questioned Galen.
"Only a few days," answered Kenobi.
"Master Marek, what's wrong?" asked Katooni as she saw the look in Galen's eyes, worried, "What does the name 'Qel-Droma,' mean to you?"
"It's my birth mother's maiden name." answered Marek.
"Oh."
"Yeah."
While sitting with the others, around the holotable, Maris asked, "Barr, is it true you, Star and Ahsoka caught Luminara and Obi-Wan getting busy on Geonosis?"
Offee blushed, "I'd rather not discuss it."
"Must be his latest negotiation tactic," chimed in Skywalker, "and I doubt the negotiations were short.
Such delicate talks must've taken all night, and maybe the next morning too."
"Can we please not discuss this?" asked Offee, "there are children here."
Obi-Wan closed his eyes as his head sank into his hands, "Delinquents… I'm surrounded by delinquents."
"Good practice for when you and Luminara have children of your own." replied Secura.
"We're already blessed with a beautiful daughter, and her name is Barriss." mused Obi-Wan as he softly smiled to his daughter who hugged him.
"I love you too, Dad." mused Offee.
Changing the topic, Obi-Wan noted, "Galen and Anakin spent days fixing and modifying the piece of junk of a freighter they call the Twilight."
Ani beamed, "You know us, Obi-Wan. If we weren't Jedi, we could've been the galaxy's best mechanics,"
Katooni suggested, "Maybe the Council could arrange part-time jobs for Jedi so we're more involved in the rest of society, and learn more skills."
Petro agreed, "That's a great idea."
"This sounds interesting," added Offee, "and it may encourage more Jedi to walk the Sentinel's path."
Maris asked Secura, "What would you qualify for if you were looking for a job?"
"I'm a Twi'lek, take a guess what jobs most people would offer me," shrugged Aayla.
"We've all been to Cantinas, we all know what that means," blurted Petro who covered his mouth.
"Obi, you took Petro to a cantina?" asked Marek.
"Yes."
"He's twelve."
"I'm fourteen," muttered Petro as he crossed his arms with an attempted frown.
Giggling to herself, Katooni rested a hand on Petro's shoulder, "Not the point, Pe'ika."
"W- what'd you just call me?" asked the young boy, confused.
"Galen's been teaching me mando'a.
Pe'ika means little Petro, and he calls me Kat'ika which means little Katooni."
"A cute nickname for an even cuter girl." replied Petro.
The little Tholothian blushed, "Thanks."
"Galen, Aayla took you to cantinas when you were, what, ten?" pointed out Kenobi.
"The first time we went to a cantina during his apprenticeship to me, he insisted staying close was for the best given the trouble we'd get into."
"Oh," mused Kenobi as he stroked his beard, "yes."
"Also having Galen with me, even when he was a child, provided a certain level of intimidation, resulting in assignments running smoother."
"How so?" asked Petro.
"He's a lightsaber wielding Mandalorian who's strong with the Force.
Everyone finds that intimidating."
"Good point."
"He also got quite a few adoring looks from people."
Several hours later.
Exterior: Space, Ahch-To.
As the Rogue Shadow came out of hyperspace, the passengers gazed out the viewport to see an unfamiliar planet.
Exterior: Ahch-To, temple island.
Disembarking from the Rogue Shadow, Galen smiled, "Welcome to Ahch-To, home of one of the original Jedi temples.
For a Jedi, it's one of the most sacred places in the galaxy.
Alongside Tython, Jheda, Ossus, and Ilum."
With a deep breath, Barriss took in her surroundings, "This place is so beautiful."
"It sure is." agreed Ahsoka and Maris.
"Before we do anything else, let's take some time to meditate." advised Kenobi, "this place seems perfect for it."
"Only you would suggest starting a vacation with meditation," chuckled Anakin.
"Actually, I was about to suggest it too, Ani." mentioned Galen.
"Am I the only one who doesn't like meditating?" asked Skywalker.
"You don't mind it, you just prefer moving meditation because you can't sit still for long." pointed out Barriss.
"True."
As Omega and the Jedi meditated, they breathed deeply, listened to each sound, and quieted their minds as they felt the purity of the island's connection to the Force.
Sensing a peace in his apprentice, Galen asked, "Enjoying it here, Kat'ika?"
"Yes, Master Marek," answered Padawan Allie, "this island is so beautiful, and so calm,"
"It sure is, sweetie."
"Thank you, Master."
"For what?"
"Being so welcoming and accepting of me."
"You're welcome, Kat'ika." said the Mandalorian.
"Being a Master to a Padawan suits you, Star," mused Barriss.
"The secret is to connect first, teach second.
To treat your apprentice as you would treat your own child." explained Galen, "Getting to know and understand your apprentice, before their lessons formally begin, helps form the training bond."
Ahsoka mused, "I'll take that advice to heart when I take an apprentice."
"It's also important that your Apprentice learns at their own pace, and that you clearly explain but simplify your instructions."
"Okay."
"If the healers weren't so few in numbers, I'd have perhaps taken a Padawan of my own by now." mentioned Offee.
"The Jedi Medical Corps are an underrated but essential branch of the Jedi Order's tree," noted Galen, "the galaxy needs more healers."
"The first time you used Force healing, everyone in the temple with even the slightest ailment made a full recovery."
"Healer Che once accused me of trying to put her out of a job since I was able to heal so many at a time."
"I still have much to learn as a healer, would you help me improve my healing capabilities?"
"What you need academically, you already have," assured Marek, "practically, I can help you strengthen your connection to the Force, and improve your control, which in turn will help you improve the extent and potency of your healing abilities."
"Thank you, Star."
As they changed styles of meditation, they looked into their kyber crystals.
"This form of meditation helps strengthen the bond between the Force adept and their kyber crystal," explained Galen, "colour association comes hand-in-hand with focusing on our crystals during meditation."
Later.
Exterior: Ahch-To, beach, early afternoon.
The companions changed into their bathers, and went down to the beach.
Aayla, Maris, Barriss and Ahsoka wore bikinis, Omega and Katooni wore one-piece swimsuits.
Petro and Anakin wore board shorts, and Galen and Kenobi wore wetsuits.
While enjoying the refreshing water, Galen said, "Love you all,"
His peers returned, "Love you too."
"The only thing that'd make this better is if there was less sand." stated Anakin.
"Without sand, it wouldn't be a beach." pointed out Offee.
"I know, but it's so irritating."
"At least it's soft sand, like on Naboo, not Tatooine or Geonosis sand."
"I'll still need to use the Force to get every grain off me later." whined Skywalker.
"Padawans, don't stray too far from the shore, and be careful not to get caught in a rip," advised Galen, "if you find yourselves drifting away, or think you've got trouble, let us know straight away."
"Will do," acknowledged the apprentices.
"Also, make sure you're able to properly stand in the water, and start coming back if you can't."
"Okay."
Staying in shallow water with Anakin, Omega mentioned, "On Kamino, the tide, marine life, and weather made it too dangerous for swimming,"
"Do you know how to swim?" asked Ani, concerned.
"Yep, we had indoor pools too."
"Good."
Whilst noticing she and Petro were too far out, Katooni challenged him, "Hey, race you back to the shore?"
"You're on, Kat," agreed her friend, "if you win, I'll let you get first dibs on dessert, for the whole trip."
"And if you win, I'll kiss you."
Then the Padawans shot across the water like torpedoes, with help from the Force, towards the shore where Obi-Wan and Aayla assembled a beach tent.
Reaching the shore only a step or two ahead of Katooni as she tripped on the way out of the water, Petro turned and caught her mid-fall as she landed on top of him, pinning him to the sand.
"Looks like you're my catch of the day," quipped Petro as his hands rested on her waist.
Amused, Katooni giggled, "Not your smoothest line, but not your worst," before she kissed him, sending waves of happiness into the Force.
Looking into Katooni's eyes as the sun shone behind her, providing a glowing effect, Petro was in awe, "Are you an Angel?"
"That was my line," quietly complained Anakin, standing next to a meditating Kenobi.
Obi-Wan rolled his closed eyes, "Leave them be, little brother."
Relaxing as she swam with Marek, Secura and Brood, Barriss mused, "This world is so peaceful, and I'm blessed to be here."
"And this world is equally blessed to have you walk upon its surface," replied Galen who received a peck on the cheek from Offee.
"Smooth, son." chuckled Aayla.
Sitting inside the tent with Petro, Katooni and Omega, Ahsoka warmly hugged the three younglings who began tickling her, making her burst into laughter before she exacted her revenge.
Later.
Exterior: Ahch-To, temple island, hut, afternoon.
Having dried off, the Jedi and Omega sat inside.
Aayla reminisced, "So, the moment I step inside the council chambers, a little boy appears out of nowhere and hugs me like there's no tomorrow.
It was so cute, and he was so sweet and precious.
Then a year or two later, I'm tucking him into bed when he says, 'I love you, mum.' in Mando'a."
Petro asked, "Where is he now?"
Wrapping an arm around Galen, Aayla smiled, "He's right here,"
Omega mused, "Awww."
Secura produced a holo-image, "One time, when Galen was my apprentice, I found him and, the now Senator, Riyo Chuchi of Pantora sound asleep, snuggled up to each other.
It was so adorable, and I just couldn't bring myself to disturb them." and everyone smiled at the photos.
"Awww, you look so cute, Master," adored Katooni.
"Thank you, Kat'ika." Galen mused as he brought up his holo-photo albums.
"Who is that?" asked Barriss as she pointed to the middle of a picture of a tiny Galen with a familiar Mandalorian.
"The late Jaster Mereel, my godfather and predecessor to the Mand'alor mantle."
"What was he like?"
"He was one of the best men I've ever known."
Changing the subject, Petro asked, "Is it true Galen fought the ghost of Exar Kun?"
"He did, and he protected me from Kun," answered Barriss, "I think that was the day I realised I loved him."
"Awww." adored Katooni and Omega.
"Star's always been popular with the ladies," chuckled Maris, "he's also really sweet.
The first time we met, as kids, I was super shy and self-conscious, and he told me I was beautiful even though people often called me things like a freak or a monster."
"Why would they call you anything like that?" asked Katooni.
"The blood red horns, the glow-in-the-dark yellow eyes, and being a Nightsister of Dathomir had something to do with it."
"Well, I think you're amazing."
"Thanks."
Barriss chimed in, "Maris, you're a truly gifted healer in your own right.
It's one of the reasons you were stationed on Kamino with Shaak Ti."
Brood pointed out, "Shaak was my Master too.
And putting up with the weather was worth it to get to know Galen's daughter."
"When I'd heard Galen had a daughter, I half expected a human-Togruta hybrid," admitted Offee, "and for the record, Omega's one of the most precious beings I've ever laid eyes upon.
And her smile can light up even the most solemn room."
Hugging the Mirialan Jedi Knight, Omega smiled, "I love you, Barriss."
Heart melted, Barriss held Omega close, "Awww, I love you too, sweetie."
"Your presence in the Force just lightened," observed Omega, "Maybe taking a Padawan, or supervising some younglings from time to time, will be good for your health,"
"You're Force sensitive?" asked Barriss as she reached out to sense Omega's modest power, "Goodness, you're full of pleasant surprises."
A week later.
Interior: Alderaan, Organa residence, ballroom.
As he entered in his finest armour, his new helmet, and his Mando pendant, Galen gently held Barriss and Ahsoka's hand.
Tano wore a rose red dress, black leggings, formal shoes, and a yellow kyber pendant.
Offee wore a purple dress, a fitted hood, dancing shoes, and a green kyber crystal necklace.
Whilst the Jedi mingled with some of the guests, Galen smiled as he noticed his protege and Petro were dancing together, "Cute,"
"They sure are," agreed Ahsoka as she caught a glimpse of the two Padawans.
Giggling to herself, Barriss mused, "Such innocence makes all of this worth it."
As she approached Galen, Breha Organa greeted, "Good evening, Galen."
"Good evening, your highness," greeted Galen as he gestured to Ahsoka, "allow me to introduce Jedi Knights Ahsoka Tano of Shili and Barriss Offee of Mirial."
With a nod of acknowledgement, Offee and Tano greeted, "It's a pleasure to meet you, your majesty."
"It's lovely to meet you both," greeted Breha, "Galen's told my husband much about you."
"He told Senator Organa about me?" asked Barriss, surprised.
"Of course he has, and Bail has opened a new children's hospital in your honour, Barriss," revealed Breha, "the number of medical students on Alderaan has also increased considerably."
Upon hearing this, Offee was left speechless.
Out of the corner of his eye, Galen saw Caleb run off with a green Twi'lek girl.
Exterior: Alderaan, Organa residence, second-floor, balcony.
Galen, Barriss and Ahsoka found themselves on a balcony, dancing in the light of the full moon.
"You're so beautiful." he said to his companions.
"And you're so handsome, Star." returned Tano and Offee.
As they turned to see her approach, Depa asked, "Have any of you seen Caleb, and General Syndulla's daughter, Hera?" making Barriss and Ahsoka exchange smirks.
Galen shook his head, "We haven't seen either of them, but I sense they're both safe."
"Well, if you see them, please ask them to return to the ballroom soon." requested Depa who went downstairs.
Ahsoka asked her beloved, "You know exactly where they are, don't you?"
"They ran off together, holding hands, smiling, with happiness and joy radiating off them like heat from the twin suns of Tatooine." answered Galen.
"Awwww," adored Barriss, "they grow up so fast."
"Speaking of growing up fast, Petro and Katooni looked happy."
"Yep." agreed Tano who noticed a shift in the Force, "we'd better go back downstairs, since there's another guest arriving.
One we've been waiting for."
"Let's go."
Interior: Alderaan, Organa residence, ballroom.
As he was joined by Omega, in a black tux and teal crystal necklace, and Katooni in a navy dress, black leggings, her beskar headdress, and a silver kyber crystal necklace, Galen smiled at them, "Having a nice night?"
"Yep," answered Omega and Katooni.
"Master, where did these necklaces come from?" asked Katooni.
"I made them for the two of you using spare kyber crystals from when I took the gathering."
The little girls' eyes lit up as they hugged him, "Thank you."
"I didn't know you were so good with kids, brother," mused Cay who appeared, in a crimson robe-like tux.
Rising to his feet as he met his twin's gaze, Galen gestured to his youngest, "Cay Marek, this is my daughter, your niece."
"Wait, my what?" asked Cay, shocked.
"Hello, my name's Omega," greeted Omega, with a small wave.
"Hello, little one," replied Cay.
"Dad missed you a lot, when he thought you were dead."
"He did?"
"Yeah."
Cay looked up at his brother, "So, when were you going to tell me about my niece?"
"When we were all in the same room together, without anyone fighting."
"Thank you."
"Hi, Cay," greeted Katooni.
"Hey, kiddo," replied Cay.
"How have you been?"
"I've been alright, and yourself?"
"I'm good, Master Galen's been a really supportive and welcoming teacher.
He even made it clear I wouldn't have to be a soldier or lead troops."
"And what's he been teaching you?"
"We've been focusing on building my connection to the Force, and improving my control of it,"
"That's good."
As he joined them, Caleb asked, "Oh! Who's this, Buir?"
"This is Cay Marek, my twin brother," introduced Galen, "Cay, this is my son, Padawan Caleb Dume,"
"Hi," greeted Caleb, nervous.
"Hey, kid," returned Cay.
"Don't call me kid!" blurted Caleb who immediately covered his mouth.
"I meant no offence, Padawan," assured Cay.
"Sorry, I shouldn't have yelled at you," apologised Caleb.
"Apology accepted."
Sensing something off, the Mandalorian Jedi Master requested, "Kat'ika, I need Captain Antilles and Commander Versio to do a perimeter sweep, and a headcount of both guests and staff.
Can you please tell them?"
"Yes, Master,"
"Take Omega and Caleb with you.
And check in with Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon, in case they've sensed anything."
"Okay." obliged Katooni as the younglings walked away.
"What are you up to?" asked Cay.
"We're both danger magnets." explained Galen, "If something happens, I don't want them in the crossfire,"
"Fair enough,"
"Will your Empress be joining us for the negotiations?"
"She'll meet you some other time,"
"Right."
"Where did the name Starkiller come from?"
"An Anzati Sith Magician named Volfe Karkko gave me that name during my brief time as a Sith,"
"Same or different Sith to the one you mentioned previously?"
"Same one, and what do you know about Naga Sadow?"
"He betrayed the Sith people, and caused the Great Hyperspace War.
Why do you ask?"
"Some time ago, his ghost tried to possess Anakin's body.
I defeated and vanquished it,"
Cay's eyes widened, "Wait, where's Revan?"
"He's out soul searching, and looking for a new purpose.
He thought he'd be the one to kill Vitiate, but Anakin beat him to it,"
"Fair enough."
"Galen? Cay? Is that you?" asked a fair skinned human woman with light brown hair and lavender eyes, in the grey robes of a Jedi adventurer.
"In the flesh," answered the twins before she hugged them.
"Nomi Qel-Droma, I take it?" deduced Galen.
"Yes." she confirmed.
"So I finally know your real name, Shado." observed Cay.
"Obviously I couldn't tell you before."
"I spent most of my life thinking I had no surviving kin," stated Galen, "What are you to us?"
"Your Aunt,"
"And I'm sure you're oh so very proud of your nephew, the Sith Emperor," chuckled Cay.
"Honestly, I'm just happy to see you two are all grown up, and seem to be doing well." admitted Nomi.
"Buir, we finished the perimeter sweep," informed Omega as she returned, "all clear,"
"Thank you, ad'ika," replied Star, "Where are Caleb and Katooni?"
"They're with their dates,"
"Good."
Nomi looked from the child to the Mandalorian, "You have a daughter?"
"The Force works in mysterious ways." chimed in Qui-Gon Jinn as he appeared.
At the same time.
Interior: Undisclosed location, laboratory.
As his awakened spirit regained physical form and flesh, a human male with long black hair, grey eyes, and light skin, wearing dark robes and armour, asked, "What happened? Where am I?"
"You are back in the world of the living, through the magic of Sith alchemy." answered a Dread Master.
"Why?" asked the man as he was presented with a standard-sized hilt with a blade emitter at each end.
"We have use for you," stated another Dread Master, "you will make a valuable pawn against our-" before being lifted off the ground by a Force grip as their neck snapped.
"Nobody makes a pawn out of me!" growled the man who ignited his new saberstaff, revealing a crimson blade, and slaughtered everyone in his path.
Interior: undisclosed location, hangar.
Boarding the nearest ship, the renegade failed to notice a Dark Knight watching from the shadows as mechanical breathing echoed.
Interior: Alderaan, Organa residence, dining hall.
Sensing a disturbance in the Force, Galen and Cay exchanged looks as they rose to their feet.
"What was that?" asked Galen.
"The death of most of Vitiate's Dread Masters." answered Cay, "good riddance."
"If they're some of the most dangerous Sith, what does that say about their killer?"
"Nothing good."
"What do we do?" asked Katooni.
"We will focus on your training, Kat'ika," answered Galen, "there are other Jedi in the galaxy."
"I'll have the Inquisitorius look into it too." interjected Cay, "I'd like to know whether the killer of the Dread Masters deserves a pat on the back or a blade through the chest."
"That escalated quickly." commented Anakin as he approached.
Skywalker was accompanied by a young girl with dark skin, brown eyes, and black hair in a ponytail and braid, in black robes and a leather tunic.
"Who's your little friend?" asked Galen.
"This is my new Padawan, Reva Sevander," introduced Anakin, "Reva, this is Galen."
Reva gave a small wave, "Hi."
"Hey, Reva," greeted Katooni.
"Hey, Katooni." returned Reva.
Noticing the lightsaber on Reva's belt, Katooni looked up at her mentor, "Didn't you build some lightsabers like that?"
"That's where I got the inspiration." elaborated Reva.
"Cool."
"Now I feel left out," chuckled Cay, "Everyone else's getting apprentices,"
"Not sure how Imperial Sith train theirs, but I treat mine as family," stated Galen.
"You really love Katooni like she's your own child, don't you?"
"Vod, she is my own,"
"Love you too." mused Katooni as she hugged Galen, then Omega joined in.
Exterior: Alderaan, Organa residence, landing pad.
Interior: Rogue Shadow, meditation chamber.
Deep in meditation, Galen and everything else in the room floated a metre above the ground.
"Galen…" whispered a disembodied voice.
"Who's there?" asked Marek as he set everything down, and opened his eyes to see the spirit of a Mandalorian standing before him.
"I am Tarre Vizsla." self-introduced the Spirit.
As his sword floated in front of and set itself down in front of him, Galen stated, "This sword of pure beskar came to me during The Gathering, when I was a boy."
"It is a gift from the Force, young Mand'alor." mused Tarre.
"To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?" asked Galen.
"I've been observing you for some time Galen Marek, and I deem you ready." elaborated the ancient Mand'alor.
"Ready?"
Tarre outstretched his hands as a helmet appeared, "The time of Mand'alor: the Starkiller has passed," then lowered it onto Marek's hands whilst the Force gave its approval, "Rise, Mand'alor: The Starbird."
Standing tall as he donned the helm, Galen nodded, "Thank you."
Shortly thereafter.
Interior: Alderaan, Organa residence, ballroom.
Entering to rejoin his dates, Galen was stopped by Captain Antilles.
"Identification and invitation, please?" requested Raymus.
Taking off the helmet, Galen showed his credentials.
"Galen? Sorry, sir, I didn't recognise you in that helmet."
"It's fine." shrugged Galen as he approached Barriss and Ahsoka.
"Where'd you get that, Star?" asked Barriss, fascinated.
"I was meditating in hopes of finding out more about the disturbance in the Force, and the Force ghost of Tarre Vizsla appeared to me."
"That helmet… I've seen it in the archives." observed Offee, "Mandalore's mask, if I'm not mistaken."
"It is." confirmed Galen.
As he stepped into the middle of the room and tapped his glass with a spoon, Bail drew everyone's attention, "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls.
Honoured guests, staff, emissaries and diplomats.
Jedi and Sith, Republic, Confederacy, and Imperial.
It is my privilege to be your host, and-"
As the front doors were blown off, the ghastly filth that was Jabba the Hutt barged in with an entourage of thugs.
"What is the meaning of this, Jabba?" demanded Senator Organa.
"Mighty Jabba has come seeking revenge on the family responsible for the death of his species," informed a protocol droid, "he is the last of his species, after the Sith Empire purged Nal Hutta of the great Hutt clans during the annual gathering of all the Hutt clans,"
"If such a gathering was held, why wasn't Jabba there?" questioned Anakin who accused, "Did Jabba want the Empire to wipe out the competition, so he could be the ruler of all crime syndicates?"
"A foolish Toydarian named Watto supplied mighty Jabba with a faulty hyperdrive.
He was delayed by repairs, and feeding the fool to his Rancor,"
"And what family do you hold this vendetta against?" asked Organa.
Ignoring the question, the filthy Hutt drooled at the sight of some of the guests, "I will be happy to take many of these fine specimens for my slave collection, as compensa-" before several blaster bolts hit him in the face.
Twirling and holstering his pistols, Galen sighed, "Thank you, Onderon,"
"You just killed the last Hutt in the galaxy," scolded Obi-Wan.
"Did I? Or did he lie about the Hutt purge?" countered Galen, "Hutt minds are difficult to read, and they lie more often than the Sith," then turned to his twin, "No offence, Emperor Drakkon,"
"None taken, Lord Mand'alor," chuckled Cay, "but let's not stand on ceremony with the titles, Galen."
Mando'a translations.
Ni kar'tayl gar darasuum - I love you.
Vod - brother.
Barr'ika - little Barriss.
Kat'ika - little Katooni.
Pe'ika - little Petro.
Mand'alor - sole ruler of the Mandalorians.
Ad'ika - little one.
Jetii - Jedi.
Buir - parent.