Here is chapter 10 of the Mandalorian Maverick. One chapter has closed for Will's life and another has begun. He's reclaimed a legendary weapon of his ancestor and has had his own Beskar Mandalorian armor forged for him. Death Watch is no more and thanks to his help, Mandalore won't be dragged into the war. But his actions now have consequences. The Jedi aren't exactly a group known to be open minded and considering what he's done he might have crossed a line. Then again, everything about Will's odd and not the norm so why should this be any different. What does this mean? That's anyone's guess. Enjoy!
The Mandalorian Maverick: A path only I can take.
21BBY: Coruscant
The Mandalorian Luxury Liner Coronet flew down to Coruscant where it quickly docked at a designated Republic Senate landing platform. A transport ship was waiting as was chancellor Palpatine and a group of Republic Commandos. Obi-wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker and the clones were the first to disembark along with the Senators and passengers of the ship. "A job well done, Master Jedi." Chancellor Palpatine praised him.
"Thank you, Chancellor." Obi-wan replied and took a bow.
"Thank you, your excellency." Anakin bowed as well.
Chancellor Palpatine greeted the Senators and escorted them to the speeder transports while Duchess Satine walked over to say goodbye to Obi-wan. Anakin noticed this and decided to give them a bit of space. "How ironic to meet again only to find we're on opposing sides." Satine pointed out.
"The needs of your people are all that matter. They couldn't be in better hands with you to guide their future." Obi-wan told her.
"Kind words indeed from a mindful and committed Jedi. And yet…"
"What?" Obi-wan wondered as she walked up and touched his face.
"And yet I'm still not sure about the beard."
"Why? What's wrong with it?" Obi-wan asked her.
"It hides too much of your handsome face." She told him before joining the other Senators along with her Mandalorian Protectors. Anakin walked over and couldn't hide the grin he had on his face. (1)
"What was that all about?" Anakin acted playful, enjoying the fact that he could see his master a little more vulnerable and emotional. "A very remarkable woman."
"She is, indeed." Obi-wan replied and both watched the shuttle leave. That's when R2 gently nudged Anakin on the leg and reminded him and Obi-wan that they needed to meet Will at the dockyards. "Right. One situation dealt with only to deal with another."
"Is it so bad, Obi-wan? Your Padawan came to our rescue and brought some friends." Anakin pointed out as they boarded a speeder to take them to the Republic dockyards. "I don't see the problem with him getting some armor to wear and us some backup. I mean, we wear armor for the war so it's about time he and Ahsoka get some."
"I'm afraid it's little more complicated than that, Anakin. While Will's wearing of Mandalorian Beskar armor and leading a group of Mandalorian warriors to come aid us seems insignificant on the surface. I'm afraid they carry much greater significance to his people and to his future in the Jedi order." Obi-wan told him.
"The council's not gonna kick him out of the order for this, are they?" Anakin asked in worry. He didn't have the super close bond that Obi-wan had with Will but he had gotten to know him really well and he was a good kid. He could be a great Jedi Knight. Plus, it helped that he could handle Ahsoka which meant it lessened the toll it took on him.
"I'm not sure but I'm not ignorant to assume that his actions won't be called into question by the Jedi Council. He reminds me a lot of you and Qui-Gon in that regard." Obi-wan told him.
"Guess you have a type." Anakin joked and Obi-wan just rolled his eyes in response.
After a short trip to the Republic dockyards, they began making their way to meet with Will. There were dozens of Republic Star Destroyers, frigates, light cruisers and starfighters all over being tended to, repaired, or refitted to go back out into the field. The speeder dropped them off and they walked through the dockyard until they found the spot where the Tempest was parked. Will, Rathtar Squad, and the Mandalorians were gathered around the ship and seemed to be talking while some droids were doing some maintenance.
Will was sitting on a crate still wearing his Mandalorian Beskar armor but Hevy had his helmet. "This is some really good armor, sir." He told Will before handing it back to him.
"Looks similar to our own clone armor." Echo pointed out.
"That makes sense. The Kaminoans picked Jango Fett to be the template for the cloning program and he was a Mandalorian bounty hunter who wore Mandalorian armor. It's likely where they got the inspiration from. That and the rest of the Cuy'val Dar." Will reasoned. He wasn't sure if that was exactly true but it made the most sense.
"Those who no longer exist? I didn't know others knew Mando'a." Gar Saxon pointed out.
"They don't. When Jango was on Kamino he established a group of highly trained mercenaries to assist in the training of the clones. Many of them were Mandalorians and they were stationed on Kamino and essentially stayed there in secret to train the clones." Will told him. "I've met some of them. Kal Skirata of Clan Skirata and Walon Vau of Clan Vau were the two I managed to meet."
"So, there are more of us out there." Bo-Katan said and Will nodded.
"There are. We're not all either pacifists or joining the ranks of an old extremist group." Will pointed out and she just shrugged in response. "They're just people out there making their own way in the galaxy."
"Any plans to bring those outliers back into the fold?" Gar Saxon asked him.
"Not at the moment but it's a possibility." He replied as Obi-wan and Anakin joined them. "Master, Master Skywalker. I trust that Duchess Satine and the other Senators are safe."
"They are and they are thankful for the assistance of you and your friends." Obi-wan looked at the other Mandalorians with Will, all of whom had on Mandalorian armor. "Clearly some new events have transpired since we last saw each other."
"Indeed, but don't worry they aren't here to cause any trouble. Like I told the Duchess, Death Watch is no more. I've spoken with the clan heads and they've agreed to end hostilities." He assured him. "It was a long conversation with some…aggressive negotiations but all hostilities against Duchess Satine and her rule are over."
"And your compatriots?" Obi-wan questioned.
"Duchess Satine represents the new people of Mandalore. My associates hold to the old ways but those ways won't come into conflict with her rule or the Republic. I've made sure of that. And any attempt by the Separatists to use Mandalore for their own gain ended with Senator Tal Merrik." He promised and Obi-wan nodded. His master could tell that Will was speaking the truth.
"I believe it would be imperative that you speak with the Duchess and inform her of all your findings. Hearing this from you would do much to sway her mind before she speaks with the Senate." Obi-wan told him.
"Of course." Will bowed his head before looking at Fives. "Fives, I'll be busy with the Duchess and most likely the Jedi Council so look after them. Take them to see Qi'ra at Qibbu's. I think Qi'ra will be able to keep them occupied."
"Of course, sir." Fives handed him his helmet and motioned the Mandalorians to follow him.
"Bo-Katan." Will called her name and she turned. "Do you wish to come?"
She gave it some thought before shaking her head. "Someday but not now."
"Of course." Will motioned the Mandalorians to follow the clones as BD-8 climbed up his shoulder and settled on his left armored shoulder pauldron. They left to find a transport to take them to Qibbu's while Will followed Obi-wan and Anakin to their speeder. R2 strolled over and Will pat the droid on the head as they got into the vehicle.
"What was that before? Why did you ask her to come?" Anakin asked, referring to Bo-Katan.
"It's complicated." He answered as Obi-wan piloted them to the Senate Apartments that Duchess Satine was residing in during her stay on Coruscant.
After checking in with the Senate Guard stationed outside the building and being escorted in, they arrived at the Duchess's suite where they saw the Mandalorian Protectors standing guard as the Duchess sat on a couch and spoke with Senator Amidala.
"Master Kenobi. I wasn't aware that you would be coming." The Duchess said to him.
"Forgive me, Duchess but I believe some information the Padawan has would be paramount for your case before the Senate." Obi-wan told her and Will walked forward.
"Duchess, Senator Amidala." He bowed to both of them and they bowed their heads.
"Padawan Vizsla, it's good to see you again. What brings you here?" Senator Amidala questioned.
"To provide the Duchess with information regarding what transpired on Concordia to keep the Republic from intervening in Mandalore Space." He answered before looking at the Duchess. "I told you back on the ship that Death Watch is no more and that's true. After some investigating I found out that my uncle was indeed working with Count Dooku and the Separatists in order to overthrow your rule. Count Dooku reached out to my uncle and offered to support a Death Watch takeover of Mandalore in exchange for the use of Mandalore space and of Death Watch in his future endeavors. The past repeats itself and my uncle was going to ally with a Sith Lord to try and reclaim a long lost desire for conquest."
"That is disconcerting. You're certain of this?" Duchess Satine asked and Will nodded. BD-8 came over and plugged into a nearby terminal where he uploaded the communication logs so the Duchess could see for herself. That and BD-8 also had the recording of when Will defeated his uncle and where he admitted to working with the Separatists.
"Seems as though there's no level Dooku or the Separatists will stoop to in order to tear the Republic apart." Anakin remarked.
"I've seen firsthand the kind of methods the Separatists will take to turn a world to their side. I was with Senator Amidala on Rodia when Nute Gunray attempted the same although the plot for Mandalore was a little more complex." Will pointed out. "I didn't put the pieces together until I looked at all the events that transpired and realized how Dooku would have planned to aid my uncle in his takeover of Mandalore. Even with all the forces of Death Watch and all the warrior clans in the Mandalore sector my uncle wouldn't have enough to hold onto Mandalore for more than a few days. Especially after his bombing at the public square, Death Watch would be seen as invaders and terrorists but changing Mandalore's perception of them would aid in his plan."
"And how would Count Dooku do that?" Satine asked.
"The first part would be taking you out of the equation. Dooku knows you are the biggest threat in his plan but the other would be having us do the work for him." He answered which only confused everyone.
"Padawan, what are you talking about?" Obi-wan questioned.
"Master, what brought us to Mandalore in the first place?" Will asked him.
"The rumors of the growing military force in the sector and then after one of our cruisers was attacked by a member of Death Watch." Obi-wan recounted.
"Exactly. A member of Death Watch loaned out to the Separatists to attack a Republic cruiser. Why would Death Watch care about the Republic when my uncle's more focused on Mandalore?" Will asked them in a rhetorical sense. "The answer is he didn't care. That was Dooku. He did that to get us to go to Mandalore. We arrive and see a Death Watch bombing and then get mixed up with what happens on Concordia. Knowing what was happening, we would have no choice but to bring it to the Republic and they would have to consider military intervention if Death Watch was still a threat. Mandalore wants to stay neutral but the Republic would likely think that an occupying force would stop the Death Watch threat from expanding. They're seen as invaders which is when Death Watch and the Separatists come in to fight against the Republic and terrorists are turned into liberators. Death Watch are seen as the heroes with the help from the Separatists and join them against the Republic who dared an invasion of a neutral planet and we can't do anything to stop it and neither could the Duchess as in this scenario she's likely dead."
It was a long explanation but it actually made a lot of sense. "That…actually tracks and would have worked." Senator Amidala admitted.
"That's how I would have done it and it makes the most sense with the information I got from my uncle's transmission logs. If he was still in command of Death Watch then it might have worked but he's not. Death Watch is no more." Will stated. "I've spoken with all the members of Death Watch and have made clear that my uncle's vision and path is over."
"How can you be so sure, Padawan? There are likely other hardline extremists in Death Watch like your uncle so just because you say the organization is over doesn't mean it is." Anakin pointed out.
"Actually, it's a little more complicated than that, Anakin." Obi-wan corrected him only to get a confused look. "When we were on Concordia and surrounded by Pre Vizsla and Death Watch, Will enacted the Mandalorian right of single combat."
"It's one of Mandalore's most ancient traditions. A code to settle disputes via one-on-one combat. Many things have changed in Mandalorian society since the dawn of the old Republic with various ruling factors from the Canons of Honor, the Resol'nare, and even as most recently as the Supercommando Codex. They're rules and laws implemented in Mandalorian society to fix our ancient, savage image but one thing has always remained and that is the importance of honor. When a Mandalorian right of single combat is called, it is answered. If not then your honor is called into question and my uncle couldn't let his honor come into question in front of his men." Will explained. "I challenged my uncle to single combat for command of Death Watch and the clan and won."
"And after, all the Death Watch surrendered." Obi-wan added. It was a bit abbreviated but the general gist of what happened.
"When Obi-wan and Duchess left for Mandalore with my uncle in captivity, I called all the clan leaders of Death Watch and told them what happened. They didn't take it very well at first and many challenged my right as clan head of House Vizsla but I'm still here. I dissolved Death Watch and informed them that their war against Mandalore and the Republic is done." Will told them.
"And they agreed to your command just like that?" Senator Amidala asked.
"Well, not without some more talking, some fighting and more intricate discussion I had with them all but yes. And this also played a factor in it as well." Will removed the Darksaber from his belt and activated it, summoning the black colored blade from the hilt.
"What kind of lightsaber is that?" Anakin asked in astonishment and curiosity. He had never seen a lightsaber like the one Will was holding.
"One forged by a Mandalorian. This is the Darksaber and was forged by my ancestor, Tarre Vizsla. He was the only other Mandalorian ever inducted into the Jedi Order during the time of the Old Republic. By all accounts, he was an exceptional Jedi and leader during a time of great war and eventually earned the title of Mand'alor, leader of the Mandalorian people. He led our people into peace until his eventual demise. The Darksaber was given to the Jedi Temple here on Coruscant until years later some members of my clan stole the weapon. Since then, it's traded hands from one Mandalorian to the another and has become a symbol in Mandalorian culture. A symbol of leadership and authority of the Mand'alor. Whoever earns this saber through combat earns the right to be Mand'alor and many Mandalorians have used this as a means to bring together all the clans for their own goals whether they were good or bad. It's how my uncle was able to rally people to Death Watch but from the other warrior clans as well." Will explained.
"That's what you used to get Death Watch to listen to you." Senator Amidala deduced.
"No matter who holds it, the Darksaber itself means a great deal to my people. Whoever wields it can lead others to do terrible things which is why I'm gonna make sure it stays out of the wrong hands." Will swore before deactivating the saber and placing it on his belt. "With it, Death Watch has been disbanded, Dooku's plan for Mandalore is over for now and all the warrior clans will not rise up against the New Mandalorian government. You have my word as a Jedi Padawan of the Republic, Duchess Satine."
"Thank you, Will Vizsla." Satine bowed her head and Will bowed back.
"Padawan, wouldn't it be easier for Duchess Satine to hold onto the Darksaber?" Senator Amidala questioned. "If she has it then she can ensure all of Mandalore space follows her lead and it will aid in her statement to the Senate about Mandalore's neutrality."
"Would that work?" Anakin wondered but Will and Obi-wan shook their heads no.
"I'm afraid not. On the surface, yes just holding onto the Darksaber could give her that but I doubt that would actually happen." Will pointed out.
"Why?" Senator Amidala asked.
"For one thing, Mandalorian custom dictates that the Darksaber needs to be earned in combat. Only then is the wielder given the respect and honor of leading others." Will explained.
"An old Mandalorian custom from our savage past." Satine corrected and Will chose to ignore that so they could focus on the matter at hand.
"And the other reason is that I doubt the warrior clans would honor Duchess Satine's calls to arms if she even held it. Not all of the clans fell in line with Death Watch because they were staunch believers of what it stood for. Many of them rallied behind Death Watch because they didn't believe in Duchess Satine's extreme reforms." Will stated and the bystanders in the room noticed there was a subtle hint of distaste in the Padawan's voice when he said that.
"And you, Padawan Vizsla? Where do you stand on the matter?" Duchess Satine asked him.
"Do I fault you for wanting peace and stability after our people's countless years of war? No. Do I fault you for wanting what is best for our people and to make something better for the next generation? Of course not. But do I agree in the ways you have done it and what it has become? No." Will bluntly told her. Senator Amidala, Obi-wan, and Anakin could feel the tension. If it were any other person in the room with the Duchess they would worry about things getting out of hand but they all knew Will enough that he wouldn't let something like this get out of hand. Then again this had a personal stake in it for him so it was hard to say.
"I sense you've been wanting to say something about my rule and what has become of Mandalore since you first arrived on the planet, Padawan Vizsla. Speak your mind freely." Duchess Satine told him.
"Padawan…" Obi-wan was about to stop him when Duchess Satine motioned him to stop.
"It's all right, Master Kenobi. Let your Padawan speak." Satine told him.
"You're right, Duchess. There are things I don't agree with when I went to Mandalore with my Master but there are things I did. It's a known fact that the history of Mandalore is filled with stories of past conquests and crusades throughout the galaxy. The acts of Mandalorians in the past have cemented the reputation of powerful warriors but that means our people have inflicted and have been afflicted by conflict. Many of those crusades and wars have been beneficial but also detrimental. It has brought plenty of death and strife to Mandalore and its sector for millennia. My mother told me the stories of what has happened to our planet. A devastation so total that it forced the Mandalorians to retreat within domed cities on the planet. A premature and morally questionable act perpetrated by the Republic and the Jedi." Will pointed out.
"Mistakes of the past. One that we would never commit to doing again." Senator Amidala assured him.
"Every species has some serious dirt in their history and the Mandalorians are no exception. When my mother raised and train me she made sure to tell me of the good and the bad our people had done. She often spoke of the shame she had to live with because of her past actions and raised me to be better and I hope I have done so. If she were around she may agree with what you want to accomplish. Chart a new path with a heavy focus of rebuilding the planet and the Mandalorian people so they don't repeat the mistakes of the past. This I get and understand. You've held a mirror to many and they agree that things needed to change. I've taken plenty moments of self-reflection on my own past deeds. It is not easy and requires a great deal of courage but the results can make you stronger." Will said and Obi-wan smiled. The Padawan's meditative moments of self-reflection have done much to help him.
"But?" Satine could feel there was a but coming.
"But I feel that your act in cleansing the mistakes of the past to chart a new future has its faults. For one thing, you're struggling with the stability and protection of your people. If my Master and I hadn't come to Mandalore then my Uncle and Death Watch would have caused unknown chaos and destruction and you would have never known. Chances are you would be dead. Mandalore is weak and vulnerable and it's something that my uncle and Count Dooku took advantage of. You need a stronger defense force especially in the Mandalore Sector which resides in a very chaotic part of the galaxy during a time of war. Peace can only be achieved when you have some kind of threat of force for security." Will told her.
"With all due respect, Padawan, but I'm afraid I disagree with your assessment. Mandalore has remained peaceful for years and our people have flourished." Satine reminded him.
"Your people remained content and it allowed your enemies to build up strength against you. There's a difference." Will put it bluntly. "My uncle regained strength and reformed Death Watch under your nose the entire time. He had an agent working inside your inner circle and if things had gone differently then I'm not sure what would have happened but I'm just glad it didn't. Both you and my uncle share one problem and that is both of you were put to the extreme on opposite sides of the same scale."
"Padawan, you're not actually suggesting that the Duchess is like your uncle, are you?" Obi-wan asked him, hoping to keep this conversation from taking the wrong turn.
"That's not what I said. I said that like my uncle she has taken to an extreme but on the opposing spectrum. My uncle is a hardline extremist of Death Watch. He wanted to return to the glory of the old days which was nothing more than a delusion. His unwavering belief in the old ways was all that drove him and he was able to recruit like-minded individuals to his way of thinking. Nothing mattered to him then trying to follow the path of Torr Vizsla, the man who created Death Watch. Torr Vizsla was a psychopath who used Death Watch to try and take power. My uncle was the same and too set in his ways to know that he was on a fool's errand. Blind belief and arrogance are dangerous, even with noble motives for wanting peace." Will told her.
"How can my crusade to reform Mandalore be dangerous?" Satine asked him.
"Like I told you before, Duchess I have no qualms with you wanting a better future for our people. Peace, plenty, and a change isn't something I'm against. I know that the things our people have done are stained with blood but the complete erasure of all Mandalorians past doesn't fix the problem." He pointed out. "The clans I met with are amongst the oldest clans in Mandalorian history going back generations. They are people of respect and honor but weren't the extremists my uncle was. The reason they didn't submit to your rule or fell in line with my uncle is because they wanted to honor their legacy and not turn their back on their past. But your blind declaration of non-violence and exiling of all the warrior clans of Mandalore essentially gave them no choice. I understand wanting a new path forward but doing so by ignoring and casting aside everything about our history and culture is not the way."
"Mandalore couldn't move into a peaceful regime if the reminders of our bloody past lingered. You were there to see the results. That took years of hard work but Mandalore is able to prosper now in ways unimaginable before." Satine explained.
"And in doing so, you casted off all the Mandalorian people capable of defending your home and labeled them as extremists, ruffians, or barbarians for holding onto the ways of their ancestors. Which gave my uncle time to work against you and rebuild Death Watch under your nose the entire time. And in making Mandalore a pacifist regime, it allowed the Separatists to move against you. You are in a sense are creating conflict against your reign without the proper means to defend yourself. I've seen what your Mandalorian Protectors could do and it's not enough. A leader has only one priority and it's the protection of their people. My uncle and the Separatists nearly ended that if my master and I hadn't intervened when we did. This war shows that there are greater forces at work then you can handle with just speeches and declarations of pacifism. If you actually think that the Separatists or other enemy forces care and will acknowledge your non-violence then your blind belief in pacifism will only lead to your undoing." Will warned her. "I'm living proof that a middle ground can be achieved. I called out my uncle on his hypocrisy and managed to change the point of view of those that would have continued following his command. There were those that were against me until I managed to find a middle ground."
"And the ones that required more violent means of agreement?" Satine pointed out.
"The galaxy has been built on violence, Duchess. If anyone told you otherwise then they were naïve or lying to you. Even after all that I didn't do what I did lightly and the results earned me the respect of the clans and they're agreement to cease all hostilities as I try to work out something better for them. It's why I had this new crest forged." Will pointed to his chest plate which had the new symbol for clan Vizsla. It was the Shriek-hawk claw like before but now held a flowered branch and sword in its grasp. "To symbolize a new beginning. I know I'm young and there are part of my past and my identity that I will wrestle with for years but I don't plan on letting Mandalore repeat its cycle of destruction."
"Neither do I." Satine admitted. "You have courage and passion, Padawan Vizsla. Perhaps if things were different then our views would align."
"Perhaps if things were different indeed." Will said to her. He knew there was nothing more he could say to her at this moment to change her mind. Anything else would just be futile so he decided to leave it. Obi-wan taught him to fight his battles wisely both physical, mental, and ideological. No sense in fighting a battle you couldn't win so save yourself the effort. "I wish you well in what's to come, Duchess Satine and please know this. Should Mandalore ever need assistance then all it needs to do is ask."
"As Duchess of Mandalore, I am eternally grateful to you for your efforts in securing Mandalore's peace, safety, and neutrality." Satine bowed her head and he bowed in return. "If that will be all. It's been a trying journey. I believe some rest would be a good idea."
"Of course." Obi-wan and Anakin bowed before the duo plus Will, R2 and BD-8 left the room. When they got to the hallway and the door closed behind them Will slumped against a wall and fell to his butt, mentally exhausted from what just happened.
"By the force. It feels like I've aged 20 years in 20 minutes." Will let out a sharp exhale and ran his hand through his air before taking a few deep breaths to calm down and find his center. BD-8 pat him on the side of the head and R2 strolled over, giving him a gentle nudge while telling him he liked how passionate he was.
"Politics will do that to you." Obi-wan told him.
"Then I'm glad I'm not a politician." Will remarked.
"I don't know. You spoke with passion and made some good points. Maybe you have a future in politics." Anakin pointed out as he held his hand out and pulled Will back to his feet.
"If it's all the same, I'm happy where I am." He promised.
"Padawan, I believe we should head to the Jedi Temple. We need to inform the Council about our findings on Mandalore." Obi-wan said.
"And by findings I'm also guessing it has to do with what I'm wearing, correct?" Will questioned and Obi-wan nodded.
"Let's get this over with." Will said and they took the speeder to the Jedi Temple.
Line Break xxxxx
Jedi Temple, Coruscant
Will's arrival at the temple got plenty of odd looks and second glances. Seeing Jedi in armor wasn't odd given the Clone War but a Jedi in Mandalorian Beskar definitely wasn't the same as plastoid armor. As they walked through the temple, Will readied himself for what could happen. He had to believe that wearing Mandalorian armor forged from his mother's own armor, wielding the Darksaber and being the unofficial or official leader of the Mandalorian warrior clans conflicted with the Jedi code of ruling over others and attachment to the past.
Will removed his helmet and tucked it under his arm before he and Obi-wan walked into the Jedi Council room where they bowed to the Masters present and those that were there via hologram. "Master Kenobi. Padawan Vizsla. Retuned safely you have. Things on Mandalore, more difficult than anticipated." Master Yoda said.
"Yes, Master. The situation on Mandalore developed as we arrived but the end results are the same. Duchess Satine is safe and secure on Coruscant so she can speak to the senate and maintain Mandalore's state of Neutrality. The aggressive element at play against her was taken care of and has been subdued." Obi-wan informed him. "But things did get a little complicated."
"That we can see." Master Windu replied, referring to Padawan Vizsla's appearance and his new armor. "May we see the weapon?"
Will removed the Darksaber from his hilt and activated the black blade before levitating it forward so everyone could see. "An ancient weapon taken from the temple centuries ago. All this time it was in the hands of the Mandalorians to be used in their power struggles." Master Rancisis spoke.
"Explain the significance of the weapon to the Mandalorians, Padawan Vizsla." Shaak Ti asked him for a reminder. She was one of the masters attending the meeting via hologram.
"The Darksaber was stolen from the temple years ago by members of Clan Vizsla and since then it has become a symbol of leadership among the warrior clans. If someone is able to win the Darksaber via combat then they are given command authority of Mandalore. Past Mand'alors have used the Darksaber as a rallying cry for their own means both benevolent and sinister. The Darksaber was in possession of Pre Vizsla and he used it to rebuild the terrorist group known as Death Watch. With the help of Count Dooku and the Separatists, they would have taken over the planet and removed the Duchess from power." Will explained and the masters were wary of that kind of powerful alliance, especially in Dooku's hands.
"Pre Vizsla? A relative of yours?" Plo Koon wondered.
"My uncle." Will answered as he force pulled the Darksaber back into his hand and deactivated the blade before putting it on his belt. "I never met the man before the mission to Mandalore. He planned to use Dooku to rebuild Mandalore and restart the crusades of old but he was lost in his delusion. After defeating my uncle, Death Watch was disbanded. He was the driving force against the Duchess and the Republic. Without him, the remaining warrior clans won't act."
"You are certain of this?" Master Adi Gallia asked him and he nodded.
"How can you be so sure?" Master Kit Fisto questioned.
"Because I told them to." He answered.
Will went into further detail and fully explained everything that happened on Mandalore and Concordia while filling in some finer details about past history and Mandalorian customs. The Jedi did have a longstanding history with Mandalore but there were certain customs and knowledge they didn't know. With Will being the only Mandalorian in the order he was able to fill in the blanks to better explain things to them. All the Masters absorbed the information and learning that Dooku was going to help Death Watch takeover Mandalore was troubling. Thankfully, Pre Vizsla was freed of an arm and arrested, Dooku's secondary attempt at killing Duchess Satine aboard the Coronet failed, and Death Watch was disbanded with the remaining warrior clans either staying neutral in the conflict and keeping to Mandalore Space or had followed Will to Coruscant.
Will, his armor, the Darksaber, and his group of Mandalorians were now the topic of concern.
"Padawan Vizsla, please step outside so that the council can speak in private." Master Windu ordered.
"Of course, Master." Will bowed his head and left the council chamber room. BD-8 had been waiting outside and saw him walk over and sit down on a nearby bench. The droid came over and crawled up Will's body until he perched himself up on his shoulder. BD-8 looked at the armor and let out some happy beeps, saying he liked it and the metal provided the perfect perch for him to settle on. "Glad you like it buddy because I'm not sure what's gonna happen after today."
BD-8 looked at him confused and asked why. Will held his helmet in his hands so the white colored T-shaped visor was staring back at him.
"The Jedi Code tells us to avoid attachment and possession. As an initiate we're taught to self-discipline from arrogance, overconfidence, curiosity, and recklessness among other things. Jedi are expected to remove as many external distraction from their life as possible so that their loyalty lies with the force and the Jedi Order. Wearing Mandalorian armor custom to my people and forged from the armor my mother wore will be seen as an attachment to the past. Granted, other Jedi have worn distinctive clothing that's atypical of the Jedi order. Ahsoka doesn't exactly wear the Padawan robes I do because of her roots and I've seen other Jedi do the same. The clothes are more about tradition and keeping us humble but even then we've added on armor for the war so I might be able to skirt around that. But then the Darksaber has its own issues." He explained when he heard footsteps and saw someone he hadn't seen in a while.
He knew who it was the second he saw the white hair and heard the clunk of armor. It was Master Rahm Kota. A rather unique Jedi to the order like Will and whether it was just luck or the will of the force, ended up being the one who found him on Coruscant years ago and brought him to the temple much like Master Windu did to Kota. Both Rahm Kota and Will were well over the traditional age of acceptance but their talent, force-sensitivity, and the recommendation of others let them stay. Like Will, Rahm Kota was more military minded then the rest of the Jedi which earned him some grief but he was a loyal Jedi and his past expertise in warfare and his military genius was helping the Grand Army of the Republic. There was an unspoken kinship the two had.
"Master Kota." Will stood up and walked over the two grabbed forearms. "It's good to see you in one piece."
"The same to you. It's been quite a while since we've last seen each other. I've just gotten back from a rotation near Hosnian Prime and we successfully pushed back a Separatist offensive." Master Kota told him, looking at Will and smiled. He had grown and had some very nice armor. "I see that some things have changed since we last spoke. That is some very nice armor. Durasteel?"
"No. Beskar." Will handed Master Kota his helmet so he could see with his own eyes.
"Ah, that's right. I heard that there was some rumblings going on in Mandalore Space. It makes sense that the council would send you and Master Kenobi. You two are the only ones who have knowledge of the area." Master Kota examined the helmet and the craftsmanship was excellent. All of Will's armor was excellently made and with it being Beskar it offered him the best protection there was. He committed the sight to memory. A Mandalorian Jedi in full Beskar armor. He'd likely never see anything like that ever again. "With this armor I take it that things on your mission went well?"
"They did. Mandalore is safe from the Separatists and any negative elements but returning has its own problems. They didn't say anything but I have to wager that the council is discussing what to do with me." Will told him.
"I wouldn't worry about that. Take it from someone much like yourself but the council won't dismiss you from the order just because you got yourself some armor." Kota assured him.
"It's a little more complicated then that." Will gestured him to sit down and he did so they could talk. While they talked outside, the council talked inside.
Council Chambers…
Obi-wan took his council seat so that they could all discuss what they had just learned. They were glad things had settled and there wasn't going to be a Mandalorian conflict but now they had to address the new issue.
"It would seem you attract rather unusual Padawans, Master Kenobi. First Skywalker and now Vizsla." Master Mundi said.
"Indeed. My experience with Will has been unusual but he is a gifted Padawan and he proved himself during our mission to Mandalore. I was there on Concordia when he faced against his uncle and saw the Mandalorian warriors in action. They have earned their legendary reputation. If things had gone differently and Count Dooku's plans had come to fruition then I fear we would have had a dangerous new enemy to face in this war." Obi-wan told the council.
"But do you truly believe and agree with your Padawan's assessment that the remaining warrior clans won't attempt another takeover of Mandalore?" Master Saese Tinn asked him. He was off world with his clone legion in the Outer Rim.
"He has a point. How can we be sure that other Mandalorians won't try to side with Count Dooku?" Master Oppo Rancisis questioned.
"They have no reason to. Pre Vizsla was the driving force of Death Watch and their work with the Separatists. He was the primary extremist while the others joined Death Watch because they wanted to hold onto their old traditions and not conform to the Duchess's pacifist government. With him detained and defeated, Death Watch has been dissolved and the warriors have returned to their bases and will remain neutral." Obi-wan answered.
"Under the order of Padawan Vizsla after a lengthy debate and some necessary aggressive negotiations. I won't argue that the Padawan's knowledge of Mandalore and its custom have been instrumental in preventing a third conflict but now it brings us to the real matter at hand. The Padawan's tie to his home world." Master Agen Kolar said and they agreed.
"Technically yes but he was a baby when his mother fled Mandalore during the civil war. He was raised on Coruscant." Obi-wan pointed out, just to make sure that they got their facts straight.
"The Padawan's droid, his combat vambraces, and use of the ship that belonged to his mother are one thing but what has transpired now is a new matter entirely. Wearing Mandalorian armor forged from the armor his mother had and his new role as the wielder of the Darksaber puts the Padawan in a position that goes against the tenets of the Jedi." Master Rancisis pointed out. He was one of the oldest Jedi on the Council behind Yoda and was a staunch believer of the tenets of the Jedi order. "The Jedi code forbids attachment and possession. We are trained to let go of attachment so that we may better serve the galaxy and the force but the Padawan's ties to his Mandalorian heritage clearly show an inability to move on from the past. Giving into personal attachment goes against the teachings of the Jedi code."
"Yes, I agree Master Rancisis but even with his taking of the Mandalorian armor I don't question his loyalty or commitment to the Jedi order. When we first went to Mandalore I was worried how visiting the birthplace of his mother and his people would affect him but after everything that happened Padawan Vizsla never neglected his Jedi duties in favor of Mandalore or any other perceived possible attachment. We must remember that Will had never been to Mandalore or met another Mandalorian growing up and was only told stories by his mother. Everyone there was a stranger to him and despite the possibility of familial attachment and the strong sway from his uncle his heart remained with the Jedi and the order. I was there and saw it with my own eyes. His actions on Concordia against his uncle prove that Will's attachment to Mandalore and his people doesn't distract him from his duty." Obi-wan told them.
"And his armor? The Jedi are not meant to remain attached to the physical yet the Padawan clearly has returned to the Temple with gift. Armor that has a sentimental and personal significance." Master Even Piell pointed out.
"As the Padawan and Anakin put it, acquiring armor for the war was just a logical idea. He isn't the first member of the order to wear the traditional garb of his home world." Obi-wan pointed out. Aayla Secura was one such Jedi who wore garb common to her people as was Ahsoka and even Master Luminara. There were other Jedi in the order who forgo the usual robes and wore clothing as a reflection of pride and gratitude of their home worlds. "His culture just so happens to wear armor but he is not the first one. Many Jedi wore armor during the New Sith Wars and many of us have adopted armor as well for the Clone Wars. The Padawan's armor is just more advance. We've never dealt with the Mandalorian custom of a Jedi in our lifetime because the only other Jedi of Mandalorian birth was Tarre Vizsla millennia ago during the old Republic."
"Which brings us to the most important issue, the Darksaber. The weapon belonged to a former Jedi before it was stolen. Custom dictates it return to its shrine." Master Rancisis stated.
"That was millennia ago before it was stolen. With what the Padawan told us has happened with the Darksaber since and the power it represents does that change anything?" Master Kit Fisto pondered for the council to discuss.
"With the Darksaber in the Padawan's possession he was able to secure peace with the Mandalorian warrior clans and have them remain neutral. If his job is done perhaps there is no longer a need for him to hold onto the saber." Master Gallia suggested.
"It should be returned. The tenets of the order also dictate that the Jedi use the force for knowledge, defense and never for personal power. If the Padawan is true and the Darksaber represents that kind of power then it goes against the way of the Jedi. A padawan should not possess that much power to rule over others." Master Rancisis said.
"Yes, the Darksaber gives Will the power to command and lead the warrior clans of Mandalore yet he didn't act in his own self-serving interest or in an attempted power grab. His role now with the Darksaber is to keep the peace on Mandalore steady. Instead of rallying the Mandalorian clans under his leadership or against the Duchess he had them swear to go back into hiding and stay neutral." Obi-wan reminded them.
"This war has taught us that things are unpredictable. The Padawan has secured us peace for now but if we keep the Darksaber, what should happen if someone like Cad Bane attempts another theft of the Temple and takes it? We risk giving our enemies the symbol of power for an enemy we don't need." Master Coleman Kcaj said. "Perhaps having the Padawan hold onto the saber until this war is over is the best way forward."
"And after the war has concluded we can have the Padawan return it to the temple for burial." Master Ki-Adi Mundi suggested. "While Mandalore has declared its neutrality, the Mandalorian Warrior clans may prove to be a possible ally to keep us aware of Separatist activity in the area. Having one of our Jedi maintain good relations with them is no different then what we've had other Jedi do during the war."
"I believe that Will should be able to hold onto the Darksaber, if only to prevent the Mandalorians from falling under the sway of Count Dooku and the Separatists." Obi-wan suggested.
"This is highly irregular." Master Rancisis stated.
"Believe me, Master Rancisis I understand and I agree. I was not expecting the twists and turns this war would take when I took on Will as my Padawan. He still have much to learn but he has continuously surprised me with how much responsibility I have given him and the wisdom he has shown in response, more so then the other Padawans of his generation. Especially considering the circumstances of the war." Obi-wan told them.
"Indeed. The Clone Wars have changed much. We have known peace for so long but the Old Sith Wars were a time for various changes in the order during those trying times." Master Stass Alliee.
"But to give this much leeway and responsibility to a Padawan is unheard of." Master Rancisis pointed out.
"We have given much responsibility to the Padawans ever since this war started as I'm sure previous generations of Jedi have done to their Padawans during times of great conflict. But I would not vouch for Will if I did not believe he was ready for the responsibility his actions hold. With more time and continued guidance, I do believe that he could make an excellent Jedi Knight." Obi-wan said and many among the council who knew him, even a little bit, could agree with that.
"I myself saw his skill when he managed to form a force bond with a group of Neebray Mantis during our trip through the Balmorra Run and he showed courage and fortitude as he engaged The Malevolence to protect our medical frigates." Master Plo Koon recounted.
"I agree. His talent in battle is unmatched in his generation and his ability to lead and inspire those following him is admirable. I saw it myself on Kamino." Master Shaak Ti added.
"Master Luminara said he performed admirably despite the less then advantageous circumstances regarding Nute Gunray's escape on the Tranquility and saved her against Dooku's assassin, Ventress. His skill with the force impressed her greatly." Master Piell informed them.
"Not to mention his keen intellect and strategic mind have led to many victories for us. He was the one who led the clones on the Rishi Moon outpost which prevented a Separatist invasion of Kamino. And managed to successfully plan and aid in the liberation of the planet Vallt and Zerpen Industries along with safeguarding a Senator when Hondo Ohnaka tried to barter for myself and Anakin. And he prevented a needless conflict on Orto Plutonia between the Talz and the Pantorans." Obi-wan informed them.
"But you yourself said he lost control." Master Rancisis reminded him.
"Temporarily, after being injured by the former Chairman of Pantora. But he took that moment and learned from it. And he has proven willing to make the ultimate sacrifice if necessary for the safety of others and the Republic. The Galaxy would be facing the effects of the Blue Shadow Virus if not for his efforts on Naboo. His heart is one of the strongest I have ever seen and he has inspired others to follow in his lead. Even after learning that Count Dooku is his father, his commitment to the Jedi and the Republic has only strengthened. He himself helped aided in the plans that led to our successes on Ryloth and Geonosis." Obi-wan stated.
"The Padawan's skill on Ryloth was most impressive as was his efforts in aiding in the recovery of Master Koth and preventing Cad Bane from stealing a holocron from the Temple archives." Master Windu admitted.
"As impressive as his feats in the war, there is more to a Jedi then battles and victories. To walk the path of the Jedi, one's spirit must be strong and free. That requires discipline. There is no doubt in Padawan Vizsla's achievements but his dedication to the tenets of the Jedi Code are in question. And you yourself have admitted that the Padawan's stronger Mandalorian tendencies have led him to be reckless." Master Rancisis said. He wasn't saying all this because he didn't like Will. He was saying this out of concern and worry.
"Yes he has been reckless but he has learned from the mistakes or outcomes his recklessness have caused and grown stronger from it. Not all the Jedi of the order hold so strongly to the tenets of the Jedi Code as we do. My Master Qui-Gon was one of them as you so remember and there have been others. Quilon Vos is by no means a typical Jedi and does not always follow the rules of Jedi Life but he has been a valued member of the Order. And perhaps it was the will of the Force that he was found by another like-minded individual such as Master Kota." Obi-wan pointed out.
"Indeed. Rahm Kota's journey as a Jedi was not like the other members of the order but I sensed great potential in him and he has been our most valued general and Master. Perhaps it is the same thing I saw in him that Master Kota saw in Will that brought him to the temple." Master Windu suggested.
"It would seem that there is much more to Padawan Vizsla's path then we expected. First the Old Republic holocron and now this." Master Plo Koon reminded everyone and he had a good point.
The fact that Padawan Vizsla's path put him into position of a lost old Republic Holocron is one thing. The connection it showed to the Padawan was a bit concerning and the fact that the Holocron was still closed off to all of them except for Will was odd but many of them just believed that was due to the fact he was the one who found it. If the Padawan earned the rank of Jedi knight then they'd have him interact with the holocron to answer some questions. They considered it an isolated incident. Now the Padawan found himself as their key to peace between the New Mandalorians and the Mandalorian warrior clans with his possession of an old Republic lightsaber.
"Indeed. The force works in mysterious ways and clearly there is more to Padawan Vizsla then we anticipated." Master Gallia said. "The question now is what do we do?"
"A just debate this is. Young. Brave. Courageous. Powerful. Unconventional. Reckless to a point. Apt words for Padawan Vizsla. Great potential I sense in him. A good leader he is. A powerful Jedi he could be but still clouded his future is as all our futures are. Slightly worried we all were when revealed, the Padawan's lineage was." Yoda said and they all could admit that. "Dooku his father, a Mandalorian warrior his mother, and descendant of Tarre Vizsla he is. Powerful he is. His path in the force, a new path possibly, one path that we may never understand but his path it is. Guide him as best we can is all we can do."
"The Clone Wars have been a time for much change for the Republic and the Jedi." Master Windu stated.
"Indeed, they are. But in these days of war, need all the Jedi and allies we do. Unorthodox Young Vizsla path has been but one chapter has ended. Another has started. Trust in the force, I do. His path lies ahead. Whatever lies ahead of him, only he can know. But aid and guide him like all Jedi, we will." Yoda told them.
With Will…
Rahm Kota moved the Darksaber around in front of him as he tried to get a feel for the weapon. It was unique to say the least. It had an angular pommel, hand guard, and a slit-shaped blade emitter more inline with a traditional sword instead of a regular lightsaber. There was more weight in the handle since it was made of Beskar. Considering Tarre Vizsla was a Mandalorian warrior before he was recruited into the Jedi made sense and it had the added benefit of providing greater protection against it being damaged. The blade was the most unique part. The sound emitted from the blade was different and much higher pitched compared to a regular saber. That along with the black kyber crystal truly made it unique. No other Jedi had ever bonded with a black kyber crystal making it the only one in history. The unique emitter is what gave the Darksaber its unique shape and shorter length like a traditional sword which would have made it easier for Tarre Vizsla to use.
"This is truly a unique weapon." Kota said as he moved the blade around and noticed something. "The weight of the blade is different than a regular lightsaber."
"Really?" He asked so Kota handed him the Darksaber. He held it forward before doing a quick kata. A quick spin of the handle and several quick cuts and slashes before a final thrust. When it was over he did notice there was a subtle weight and balance issue. "I feel it now. I didn't before when I used it on the Coronet. That's strange."
"Clearly there is more to the saber then meets the eye but perhaps it's a good thing its in your hands. If anyone can figure out what makes it so special and how to use it properly its you." Kota told him when the doors to the council chamber opened. "Good luck."
Will nodded and deactivated the blade before placing it back on his belt, placed his helmet in his arm and walked in to the center of the room.
"Padawan Vizsla, the council would like to commend you for your efforts in aiding your master in the protection of Duchess Satine and preventing a civil war. With the state of the Republic, the last thing we needed was another conflict or an enemy." Master Windu said and Will nodded. "But the new developments are a cause for concern."
"I understand, Master Windu." He replied.
"The tenets of the Jedi Code are there to guide and teach us through our journeys in the force and they are there for a reason. Peace, knowledge, serenity, harmony, discipline, control, and detachment are core fundamentals of the order to best guide us." Master Rancisis stated. "You understand why the Jedi Code is important, do you Padawan Vizsla?"
"Yes, Master Rancisis, I do. The Code is the guiding philosophy of the Jedi to keep us following the Light Side and to prevent us from falling under sway of the Dark Side. Through the Force are we able to protect the galaxy and through the Jedi code can we know what trials we must overcome to truly be one with the Force." He answered. "Whatever punishment my actions have brought, know that I accept them with full responsibility."
Hearing that put the Masters as ease as it showed true humility of a Jedi for accepting the faults of one mistakes or actions. "Your master is right, Padawan Vizsla. You show a great deal of maturity and wisdom for your age." Master Rancisis admitted.
"I owe that to Master Kenobi and his wise and patient teachings." Will said.
"Partially yet but a student only comes so far when there is great potential." Obi-wan said. "You've advanced greatly, Padawan. Much faster then I anticipated and with the Clone Wars you've undertaken great trials and tribulations that have tested your resolve. None more so then recently. You showed a great deal of maturity and growth when you spoke with Duchess Satine and I'm glad that your training has aided you up to his point. But as for how it will aid you going forward is another matter entirely."
"Your history and attachment with your Mandalorian culture has been beneficial, none of us argue that but we also feel it is a potential danger." Master Even Piell stated.
"I understand." Will admitted.
"Having said that, we can overlook your acquirement of your armor and even desire to wear it should you feel the need to." Master Koth informed him which actually caught him off guard. "There are many in the order who wear different clothing to honor their birth culture or their home worlds as well as Jedi who feel more comfortable in other clothing. A Jedi who wishes to wear armor is not the norm but then again we haven't had a Mandalorian Jedi in several Millennia."
"Understood, Masters." Will bowed his head. "And the Darksaber? Shall I return it to Tarre Vizsla's shrine in the temple?"
"Yes but after the war is over." Master Windu told him. "We're aware of the history of the Mandalorians and the danger they could present should the Separatists manage to gain their allegiance. Anything within our power to prevent that in order to avoid a needless conflict is in our best interest but be mindful, Padawan Vizsla. A Jedi does not act for personal power or rule over others."
"Yes, Master Windu." He replied.
"Much has happened, Padawan Vizsla. Strange times these are. More responsibility you are given…but ready we feel you are for it. But wary you must be. Clouded your future is. One part of your journey with the force is over and another begins. What this means, know not we do. Only you can know. Listen to your master, listen to the force, and let it guide you. Great potential you have. For good…and for bad." Master Yoda warned him and Will took that to heart.
"Yes, Master Yoda."
"Return to this matter in the future we will." Master Yoda told him and the council and they all agreed.
Will walked out first and breathed a sigh of both relief but with a hint of dread and trepidation of what was to come. The Masters passed him and he bowed as they left until Obi-wan stopped by his side so the two could talk.
"I hope you understand how much of a odd circumstance this was, Will." Obi-wan said to him.
"I understand, Master, I do. To be honest I was thinking that the council may consider dismissal." He admitted.
"Dismissal for something like this is highly uncommon. Granted this is an uncommon occurrence but your work with the order and my faith in your abilities and your discipline were the deciding factor that convinced some of the more hesitant members of the council." Obi-wan explained. "Having said all of that, the council believes that some time here at the temple is a good idea. I suggested that you spend a period of time here away from the war to train and meditate. Some respite from the war is a good idea and some members of the council would like to monitor your training for a bit."
"Of course, master. I understand." He answered. "With your permission, I'd like to head into the city just to make sure the Mandalorians are all right?"
"That's fine. What do you plan to do with them?" Obi-wan wondered.
"Well, Qi'ra has been very helpful to us so far and she mentioned that some of Qibbu's supply routes have been under siege by bandits, pirates, and various criminal organizations. Unfortunately, with the war having us spread out we're unable to stop this but I think she wouldn't mind some help from the Mandalorian Defenders." He suggested.
"Mandalorian Defenders?" Obi-wan looked at him odd.
"What?" He just shrugged in response. "I can't just keep calling them former members of Death Watch or the Warrior Clans. Keeps it simple."
Obi-wan wasn't sure about the name but let it slide. Will left the Temple with BD-8 and took a speeder transport into the city to Qibbu's Hut. He parked the speeder in an open spot when he heard some cheering and general sounds of revelry coming from inside. BD-8 climbed up onto his shoulder and he walked in to see some of the patrons of the establishment had gathered around one of the large game tables were he saw Hevy arm wrestling Gar Saxon with people cheering them on and placing wagers on who would win. Judging by the large pile of credit chips on the table they had been going at it for a while. Off to the side there was another group of people watching a game of Dejarik on the hologame table. He saw Ursa Wren playing against another human. And there was a small game of Sabacc going on off to the side where he saw Bo-Katan, Echo, and some of the others playing with an ever growing pile of winnings in the middle.
"Clearly Gar and the others are blending in just fine." Will remarked and BD-8 nodded.
"Sir." Fives placed his drink down and rushed over before standing at attention.
"At ease, Fives. We're not on duty. In fact, Rathtar squad and Ghost Company will be taking some upcoming R&R. I'll be staying on Coruscant for some training." Will told him.
"Understood, sir. For how long?" Fives wondered.
"Not sure. I'm just lucky staying on Coruscant for training is all I got after meeting with the council. They let me off easy but I know they weren't exactly excited with how things went on Mandalore and its results." He pointed out. "Still, if it means I can still help then fine."
"We'll be ready to head back into the field whenever, sir." Fives assured him.
"I know, Fives but for the time being you and the others have earned some R&R so take it while you can. Let Waxer, Boil, and the others know." Will told him and Fives nodded. "I need to see Qi'ra."
"She's up in her office. She said to come see her when you got here." Fives let him know.
Will nodded and headed towards the back. Bo-Katan and Echo saw him so they stood up but Will motioned them to stand down. They nodded and got back to their game while he entered the back room before heading upstairs to Qi'ra's office. He knocked on her door and entered to see her working at her desk. She looked up and was caught off guard to see him wearing Mandalorian armor. "Even when Fives told me what happened and seeing you in that armor apart of me still doesn't believe it." She pointed out.
"Believe it." Will walked over and Qi'ra got out of her chair to so she get a closer look. "Freshly forged from the armor my mother wore with some more Beskar thrown in. It's mine."
"Wow." Qi'ra looked at it in amazement and then held his helmet. "I know it's a stupid thing to say but if you ever need someone to hold onto the armor for you then I'm happy to do it."
"Hopefully, it won't come to that." He hoped.
"I'm surprised the Jedi let you keep it. I remember the stories your mother told us about the bad history the Mandalorians have with the Jedi." Qi'ra remarked.
"Well, the Mandalorians kind of have a bad history with the entire galaxy so it's par for the course. I didn't think they'd let me keep this either but here we are. Things on Mandalore got complicated." He pointed out.
"Clearly considering the Mandalorians who came in with Fives, Echo, and Hevy. Qibbu's men got a little worried thinking they were here for a bounty." Qi'ra told him. "They're really with you? Fives wasn't joking when he said you lead them now."
"They follow my lead so I guess so." He said and she looked at him in astonishment. "I know, I know. That causes it's own headaches but I met my uncle, cut his arm off, dethroned him and prevented a civil war on Mandalore so a win's a win. They follow my lead that caused some headaches with the Jedi Council I won't go into. I'm just trying to prevent a needless conflict that will make this war only more complicated. The Warrior clans won't rise up against Duchess Satine but I'm stuck on Coruscant for a while for training. Figured you and Qibbu could make do with some Mandalorian help while I'm on planet. Thought this might help lessen the debt I owe you."
"Oh, that debt went up when they showed up. They all started drinking and eating and said you would cover it." She told him and he grimaced. He didn't want to know how much that would cost him. "But some Mandalorian protection for Qibbu's trade routes and businesses throughout the galaxy would make that debt even. They'd be ok with that?"
"I think I can convince them to keep busy until my time at the temple is done." He assured her.
Will wasn't the only one dealing with issues regarding Mandalore. All the senators from the various planets in the Republic had gathered in the Galactic Senate Building for a discussion about the recent ongoings of the Planet Mandalore. There were rumors going around that Mandalore was growing in strength so the Republic was worried what would happen if they split apart, especially with Duchess Satine leading the Council of Neutral Systems. And when word got to them of the splinter group known as Death Watch, it only added tinder to the pyre. Thankfully that pyre was quickly extinguished.
The information Duchess Satine presented to the Republic senate informed them of what had transpired and with the data Will and BD-8 had given her, she provided a full picture of all the events. There was cause for concern when it was announced that Death Watch was in fact acting against the New Mandalorians but the Duchess then informed them that with the help of the Jedi, Death Watch's leader Pre Vizsla was placed into custody on Mandalore and the conflict was over. Once all the information was presented, the Republic voted against any action against Mandalore. The information provided helped but it was assurance from the Jedi that the events on Mandalore had settled that really did the trick. That and the fact that Pre Vizsla was arrested which led a new issue as some Senators wanted Pre Vizsla to be handed over to the Republic. He did attempt a takeover of one of the Republic's planets and his agents attacked a Republic Star Destroyer. That was a different matter entirely.
While there was a sigh of relief that the events of Mandalore hadn't spiraled out of control, not all of the Galaxy was happy.
Outer Rim Territories
Deep in Confederate space, an armada of Separatists ships were seen occupying a territory and aboard the command ship was leader of the CIS, Count Dooku. Dooku entered his private chambers on his ship and got down on one knee as the holoprojector activated and his master, Darth Sidious appeared.
"Your efforts to secure Mandalore have failed, Darth Tyranus. The Duchess lives and the Republic has voted to acknowledge Mandalore's neutrality. It would seem your plan to use Death Watch to destabilize the region has failed." Darth Sidious told him, not happy with how things played out.
"Forgive me, my master. I put too much faith into Pre Vizsla and his men. Clearly they were unable to complete the simplest of tasks and failed against the Jedi." Dooku bowed his head in forgiveness. "Master Kenobi and his Padawan are far more crafty and powerful then I realized."
"Master Kenobi's Padawan is the Mandalorian Jedi, correct?" Sidious questioned and Dooku nodded. "Interesting…very interesting."
"He is young but the Padawan has great potential. Only one other Mandalorian Jedi was admitted to the order and he became a powerful enemy to the Sith. With more time and under Master Kenobi's guidance he could become a powerful enemy." Dooku told him.
"If that occurs then the Padawan will meet the fate of all the Jedi. Just sooner" Sidious stated and Dooku bowed his head.
Will didn't know it but he was now on the radar of a very powerful enemy.
Line Break xxxxx
Several Weeks later…
Coruscant, Jedi Temple
Will was on his way to one of the training rooms in the temple. He was dressed in his regular Padawan robes but was pushing a hover crate with him. It was the same crate given to him by the Mandalorian Armorer and held his armor when he wasn't wearing it. True to what Obi-wan said, Will had been confined to the temple for several weeks now. Partially because he had earned some time away from the front lines but also because Obi-wan and the other Masters wanted to monitor his progress with their own eyes and make sure their wasn't anything wrong with the Padawan's training. It was their way to see Will's skill and potential with their own eyes. Observe him and any potentially dangerous traits they didn't like.
So far nothing had come up.
He had trained with many members of the Jedi Council or they had been present during his training to monitor his progress. If Obi-wan was willing to vouch for his padawan in such a way and had such great faith in him then they wanted to see it for themselves.
Flashback…
Master Mace Windu
Master Windu was the first one to test Will since he would leaving soon for his deployment. His training was combat orientated as he wanted to see how well Will was in lightsaber combat. The sound of lightsaber meeting lightsaber could be heard in one of the training rooms as BD-8 watched the flash of blue meeting purple. Master Windu attacked with several quick and powerful flourishes while Will met his attacks with quick defensive ripostes, blocks, and deflections. Mace Windu was one of the greatest Jedi Duelists of the order so Will wasn't arrogant enough to think he could win this fight. His goal was just to survive and show he was talented. Master Windu's goal in this fight was to push the Padawan and see if he could keep his cool.
Will parried Windu's thrust and moved in with a quick cut and several quick slashes that were blocked or parried. Windu then pushed the offensive with some powerful cuts and slashes that Will blocked with his teachings in Form-5 that he quickly parried and moved into his own attacks. He blocked a cut to his right and parried it up before sidestepping the overhead strike and spinning around to slash Windu across the back but it was blocked with a behind the back parry. Windu quickly moved Will's saber away from his back and went with a horizontal cut. Will just force jumped and backflipped away for some distance.
He landed on the ground and then rushed forward with Mace Windu running at him. Will slid on the ground when he got close and slashed at Windu's legs but he blocked it which is what he wanted as he then kicked the back of Windu's left leg to stagger him before force pushing him back. Windu was pushed backward but kept his footing as Will then charged with a butterfly spin lightsaber fury. Windu blocked all this quick attacks and then did a horizontal cut at the legs but Will jumped over and did several overhead slashes that were blocked. He landed into a quick backhand spring for some distance and to avoid a thrust before flipping back to his feet and leaping into the air with a hawkbat swoop attack. Windu blocked it and pushed him back before attacking with several power attacks that Will managed to block before he was force pushed away.
Will landed on his back but quickly pushed himself up and spun through the air before landing on his feet. Master Windu gauged Will and was impressed. He was indeed skilled for a Padawan with a good understanding and knowledge in the various lightsaber forms. And his use of the force to assist him in combat was impressive. And all the time during their fighting Windu could see the discipline and concentration Will was exuding.
Obviously, Mace Windu was not using all of his skill and power since this was just a training session so that needed to be taken into consideration. He wasn't fighting at full strength or skill but he could tell that with more time and training Will could be a skilled duelist and powerful Jedi.
Master Plo Koon & Master Agen Kolar
Master Plo Koon and Master Agen Kolar watched from the balcony of the training room Will was in. Master Plo Koon had seen the Padawan's bravery and skill with the force during their engagement with the Malevolence so he wanted to see it in another way. Master Plo Koon and Agen Kolar were some of the best duelists in the order and wanted to see how skilled the Padawan was.
Will stood in the middle of the training room and held his saber in front of him. Agen Kolar pressed a button and four Jedi Training Remotes activated. They floated up and circled around Will who placed on a training helmet and moved the blast shield to cover his eyes before activating his saber. The remotes began firing one after another and he deflected or blocked their stun shots. The two Jedi Masters watched as the speed and frequency of the training remotes increased yet Will was able to keep up with them. They saw clear signs of Form-3 Soresu teachings in his movement and footwork. Without his eyes he was able to deflect and block every stun bolt that was shot at him with pinpoint precision and zero wasted movement. Obi-wan Kenobi was the Form-3 Soresu master of the order and Will clearly had learned well under his tutelage.
The firing frequency and speed began to pick up even more but Will kept his bladework tight and his movements precise as he used Form-3's defensive shell techniques to essentially create a shield around his body using his saber. He moved fast enough that he was able to deflect a stun bolt fired at him from the front before quickly and efficiently deflecting one shot at his back. And with the lack of sight the Masters could see and feel that Padawan Vizsla was letting the force flow through and guide his movements. Will deflected one stun shot so it hit one of the training remotes and then did it again so two were taken out.
Master Kolar activated some more training remotes and they continued watching. Two remotes became three, and then four, then six, and then eight. Despite the increase, Will kept blocking and deflecting stun bolts with the occasional sidestep or dodge added in. And his deflections would take out a training remote every now and then so a new one would be added.
At the peak of the session, Will was able to hold his guard against ten training remotes but that was including the use of the force and physically dodging as well. And during all of that his connection to the force was powerful and pure.
Both Masters were impressed with the Padawan's skill and neither of them had sense any worrying emotions during the session.
Master Adi Gallia
Master Adi Gallia watched as Will went through one of the strength courses at the Jedi Temple. The Strength courses were obstacles courses of varying difficulty for the Jedi Initiates, Younglings, Padawans, Knights, and Masters. She watched from above via the balcony as Will ran through the obstacle course. He jumped and vaulted over small crates or obstacles in his path when he passed the first marker. That's when things got a little more difficult as large platforms hovering in the air dropped down one by one in random orders. They were now obstacles in Will's path but he was undeterred.
He kept moving with purpose as he sidestepped and avoided each falling platform with the force guiding him. He sidestepped one platform that landed in his way and then force jumped high into the air where he then used a falling platform as footing and ran across it before jumping away. He caught a rope and swung forward into a flip where he landed at the second marker which was a two-lane path with large metal walls so it was enclosed.
Parts of the ground had treadmills on them that began to move forward, backward, left, and right while the holes on the walls shot out and retracted metal poles. Will stilled himself jumped forward over the first two treadmills and then quickly ducked and spun forward to avoid a metal pole before grabbing another pole and flipping into the air. He spun, flipped, ducked, and slid forward through the pathway and found a rhythm.
Master Adi Gallia was impressed. This was one of the more difficult courses and it was not only a test of skill but also a test of self-discipline to see if the Jedi could move through it and its various surprises and distractions.
Will showed great discipline.
Master Rancisis
Master Rancisis, one of the wisest masters of the order was going through a meditative training session with Will. Master Rancisis was one of the Orders oldest members which meant he was also one of the most traditional ones. He was strongly opposed to overlooking ancient traditions laid down by the Jedi of Old but with the Clone Wars even he could admit there was some necessity of occasionally setting aside ancient Jedi tenets for certain reasons. Like when Obi-wan proposed to knight Anakin during the first year of the war he felt it was wrong to go against tradition but did acknowledge that they needed more Jedi Knights. He wasn't against Will out of malicious intent but rather concern.
Will was floating up in the air in a meditative sitting position with Master Rancisis next to him doing the same. The two had their eyes closed and various rocks were floating around them in synchronized movements.
"Where is the Force?" Master Rancisis questioned.
"Everywhere. It is within me, it surrounds me." Will answered.
"Yes. It connect you. There will be times when it tests you. Pain or exhaustion trick you. You will feel cut off. Isolated. This is an illusion." Master Rancisis told him. "Do not allow yourself to be weighed down by ego and pretense."
Will continued concentrating as more and more rocks were added to the floating ring around them. "I am one with the Force and the Force is with me." He said.
"It may seem impossible but with persistence and the force as your ally, you will overcome any obstacle." Master Rancisis said. He began to hover higher in the air and more rocks were added to his floating ring, showing his great mastery and trust in the force. Will wasn't as high as he was and his ring had less rocks but he was showing great concentration and control. With more time and more training, he could be great.
End of Flashback…
Will arrived at the training room in the temple. It was a medium sized one used for sparring or training against remotes and Jedi Training droids which is the reason Will was there today. Jedi Training Droids were special models of droids used for various purposes in the Jedi Temple to help instruct Younglings and Padawans while also used for sparring. Depending on the training the droid form and model could vary but most if not all were primarily skeletal bipeds based on a humanoid frame.
"All right, BD-8. Set up the training droid." Will told him and BD-8 nodded, scurrying over to the control panel to set up the training session.
Will moved the crate over to the side and opened it to get his armor. He took it out piece and piece and put it on until he was armored from head to toe. Helmet with macrobinocular T-shaped visor view plate, shoulder pauldrons, gloves, vambraces, belt with the Darksaber secured on it, breastplate/cuirass, codpiece, knee-pads, thigh, and shin guards all pained light blue and white. He finished securing his helmet when he saw there were some other things in the crate. There was a WESTAR-35 blaster pistol and its accompanying holster along with various pouches of equipment, and his mother's JT-12 jetpack. He ran his hand over it before closing the crate and locking it shut. He hadn't had a chance to train with the jetpack yet but he would.
The several weeks he had been confined to the Jedi Temple were spent on training both physical and mental and occasionally under the guidance or supervision of other Jedi Masters. Obi-wan was off world for the war and he'd go back to his side soon enough. But some of the sparring and lightsaber training sessions Will had were to better acclimate himself to his new armor. He was an excellent lightsaber duelist and could fight no problem but that was before the armor was introduced.
With it, it added on some new challenges. For one thing, it did add a slight increase in weight that he would need to get accustomed to. The weight increase wasn't drastic like if he got Heavy Mandalorian Armor but it was there and with more time wearing it he'd get use to it. Mandalorians trained in armor when they were young so they grew accustomed to the weight. Will just needed to do the same but even in the few training sessions he had with it he found a rhythm. The first time he tried his sliding tackle he just plopped to the ground because the weight messed him up. Now he was fine and soon enough the armor would feel like a second skin. The second problem was the slight restriction with some of his movements. He noticed it first when he and the others saved the Duchess on the Coronet. The weight increase and restriction of his movements did limit his actions that he could normally do without any issue and he had used the force to increase his speed. It was probably part of the reason why Mandalorians used jetpacks for more maneuverability. It wasn't anything super drastic as he could still move his arms, legs, and jump around. He just wasn't used to it yet.
That's what the training sessions were for. Training so he could get used to it until he didn't even need to think about it.
BD-8 finished activating one of the training droids and set its setting to Jedi Knight level. It powered up and walked to the center of the room before its holographic projection disguised it to look like an old Sith Acolyte from the Old Republic complete in its black armor. The training droid powered up its double-bladed training saber and the two yellow colored blades came out. Will stepped forward and activated his blue lightsaber, calming his mind and his body for the training session.
The training droid assumed a battle stance and spun the double-bladed lightsaber in some figure-8 spins before attacking. It charged with a quick and furious figure-8 flourish that Will blocked and deflected before the droid moved in with a quick 9-strike attack. It alternated blades as it attacked his mid-section, then the legs, and then the head and stomach before parrying Will's block into a back thrust. Will blocked the back thrust and pushed it back before countering with his own slash and quick thrust. The droid blocked and parried the attacks before moving into some quick cross attacks at his mid-section that Will continued to block and parry. He began to push back with his own Form-2 Makashi quick strikes, parries, and thrusts putting the droid on the defensive. When the droid blocked and parried his attacks to go on the defensive, Will then went on the defensive with Form-3 Soresu while also adding in elements of Form-5 Djem So to counter the droids attacks with his own strikes and power attacks. And when the droid got all fancy with flourishes and quick movements Will utilized Form-4 Ataru for some maneuverability, agility, and strength.
The Double-bladed lightsaber was dangerous in the right hands and the droid was using it offensively very well so it tested Will's defensive movements. And vice versa the Double-bladed lightsaber could be used for expert defense so it tested Will's offense. BD-8 was off to the side watching and recording the sparring session so they could look back at it later to see if there were any mistakes or things he needed to correct going forward. Will parried and deflected one blade of the droid's saber into the ground so they were locked. In that moment, he used the force to pop the Darksaber off his belt and into the air. He grabbed it with his left hand and activated the blade where he quickly slashed the training droid in leg and then finished it up with a thrust to the torso.
The training droid powered down, the holographic display shut off and it deactivated its saber as Will stood up. BD-8 gave him a wave and congratulated him on the spar. "Thanks, buddy."
He looked at the Darksaber and felt the slight hum coursing through the handle as he moved the saber around. During his various training sessions, he continued working on his forms, movements, and Katas in Form-6 Niman which included the use of some Jar'kai with the Darksaber. The blade's shorter length was similar to that of a shoto saber so Will implemented it to aid his defensive structure or bring some unpredictability to his offensive moves like he just did. He wasn't sure if he wanted to focus and become a Jar'Kai master as he was more content with the strength and stability of one saber but it had its advantages that he was more than happy to learn.
During those Jar'Kai training sessions Will could feel his connection with the Darksaber went deep, like the Kyber crystal inside was attempting to connect with him on a more subconscious level. It made sense given that Kyber crystals were alive through the force and he was likely the first force user to use it since Tarre Vizsla so the connection was powerful. He quickly embraced the connection and found that his use of the blade got much easier. He didn't feel it fighting against him and the weight he felt before was gone. With more time he was hopeful he could use it like Tarre Vizsla did but with the war he had no idea how much longer that would be so he would it every chance he could.
"All right, BD-8. Let's go again." Will told him.
BD-8 nodded and plugged into the control terminal. The double-bladed lightsaber training droid powered up and walked to the wall while another training droid powered up and walked to the center of the room, this time wielding two lightsabers. It powered up two yellow training sabers and holographic interface made it look like a Sith Acolyte. Will decided to practice some Jar'Kai and activated both his blue lightsaber and the Darksaber.
"Time for round two." Will and the droid charged at each other and locked blades.
Several hours later…
Will walked out of the training room with a thin sheen of sweat on his forehead and soaked into his robes while he pushed the hover crate holding his armor. One thing he should have guessed is that the Mandalorian armor can make you pretty sweaty if you wear it during such intensive training but it was worth it. He was growing more accustomed to his armor and his skills got better with each session. BD-8 was perched up on the crate as Will pushed it back to his room when he heard some frantic droid speak. He turned around and saw R2 push past two Astromechs like he was in a hurry.
"R2?" Will walked over and when R2 saw him he immediately rushed over in a frantic state. "Whoa, R2. What's wrong? Where's Master Skywalker?"
R2 was still frantic but began explaining what had just happened and why he was in a rush to find the Jedi Command room. "BD-8, watch over the crate. You two stay here and watch over it as well! R2, come on!" Will and R2 rushed away while BD-8 and the two other Astromechs in the hall were given the task of watching over the crate.
In the Jedi command room, Master Plo Koon and Ahsoka were in the middle of a briefing with Adi Gallia, Ki-Adi Munid, and Aayla Secura who were all there via hologram. "We shall reinforce our fleet along the Hydian Way." Master Plo Koon explained as the R4 Astromech was plugged into the holotable to show them. "This should prevent Grievous from—"
That's when the door opened and Will rushed in. R2 was right behind him but ended up tripping down the stairs and fell on his face. "R2?" Ahsoka came over and helped Will push R2 back up.
"Sorry for the interruption, Master Plo Koon but Master Skywalker and Master Windu are in danger." He told him. "R2, plug in."
The R4 Astromech moved out of the way so R2 could plug in and he projected a message from Anakin who was trapped under the rubble of a destroyed Star Destroyer. "I need you go back to the fighters and call the temple for help, ok? [coughs] Ok?"
"Prepare my ship. We shall leave immediately." Plo Koon said to Ahsoka and they left as soon as possible with R2.
Will was still confined to the temple so he just had to wait but thankfully Master Plo Koon and Ahsoka got to Master Skywalker and Master Windu just in time to prevent the rubble from the ship from collapsing on them. They were safe but whatever was going on wasn't over yet.
End of Chapter 10
1). Also, for a face claim for Duchess Satine, it's Cate Blanchett. I've seen some fan castings as her for Duchess Satine and I can see it working.
I hoped you guys liked chapter 10. Obviously, we've dealt with the ramifications of Will's actions on Mandalore with the Jedi. They will play big parts going forward in the story and will continuously be brought up throughout the war but for now he's ok.
For those thinking that Will's punishment or treatment by the council was not as extreme as you expected there's a reason for that. Obviously for my story I wasn't gonna have Will get kicked out of the Jedi so that's more from the writing point of view. As for the canon wise, I wasn't able to find a lot of information regarding the Jedi Council's treatment and punishment for those that violated the Jedi Code other than what's been said or seen on screen in movies or TV shows. Obviously, we have Ahsoka being kicked out of the order after being framed for the Jedi Temple bombing after a lot of pressure from the Galactic Senate and then we have Obi-wan's statement to Anakin that his attachment to Padme would get him expelled from the Jedi during the battle of Geonosis in Attack of the Clones. Other then these two examples there are some legends examples of Jedi being expelled or dismissed from the order but these transgressions are so severe that there is no other choice. I've done research and the council didn't always dismiss or kick out Jedi unless it was serious. Like the Exiles in Legends who were a group of Jedi who turned to the dark side and initiated the Hundred-Year Darkness. The Council expelled them for such grievous transgressions. Jedi that broke tenets of the Jedi Code or had conflict with it weren't always expelled but just punished in certain ways. One example in Canon is Jedi Master Prosset Dibs who would eventually become the Tenth Brother of the Inquisitors. He was a Jedi during the clone wars but his faith in the Jedi's role as peacekeepers came into conflict when they began taking on the roles of Generals for the war and on a mission he attempted to kill Mace Windu in a fit of Darkside anger and put on trial. At Windu's request he was sentenced to rehabilitation by working in the Jedi Archives. The guy tried to kill Windu who was the most dogmatic and a traditionalist but spared the man so not all those who failed the tenets of the Jedi Code or the order were killed or expelled. And even in legends, those Jedi were punished or put to training to have them overcome their mistakes but rarely ever killed or expelled.
So, taking all of that into account, Will's attachment to his past and his new status with the Darksaber is not the norm and definitely warrants concern but to my mind isn't enough to put his position with the Jedi in serious danger. Qui-Gon Jinn was known for going against the will of the council and disobeying the Jedi Code if he felt he needed to. And his views were different as well. Not just him but Quilon Vos is another example of a Jedi who was a maverick and went against the rules of Jedi life yet he was still a valued member of the order if not maybe well liked by the more traditionalists. And we've got Rahm Kotan (From the Force Unleashed Video Games) who is similar to Will. Someone who joined the order at an older age then Will at 18 years old when he was already fighting in his planet's civil war. Despite his age, Kota was trained as a Jedi and became a knight, being one of the orders best military leaders and brought to the Temple by Mace Windu of all people. He was loyal to the order despite his disagreement with their policies and him not following the all the rules of the Jedi Code. If they could be Jedi then I don't see why Will can't stay as one.
For his armor, there are plenty of other Jedi who don't wear the Jedi robes and wear more traditional clothing of their people or their home world like Aayla Secura, Ahsoka, and others. I checked online through some sources and the Jedi Robes and garb were the norm but not actually enforced. They more about tradition and keeping them humble before the force. It was about their outfits mirroring their attachment-free philosophy as well as their requirement to live life devoid of most luxuries like clothing to show devotion to their service. There were plenty of atypical Jedi outfits worn by Jedi who diverged from the mainstream view of garments like Quinlon Vos and Rahm Kota as I mentioned both. One wore armor and the other wore non-Jedi clothing. We just see more Jedi wearing traditional robes and clothing because they're likely aren't that many Jedi are more free-thinking like Will and the others. I don't see why with Will being Mandalorian that he wouldn't be allowed to wear armor. I'm sure Tarre Vizsla wore his armor so that wasn't the biggest issue I needed to address.
The Darksaber, that's the part that was tricky. The tenets of the code do say that Jedi aren't supposed to act for personal power and rule over others but the later was heavily debated on if it was actually a tenet of the Code and more just something they shouldn't do (It was brought up more and more during the end of the Clone Wars). There were times during the Old Republic when Jedi were given leadership positions to protect worlds and people during a time of war and conflict. Taking that into consideration and all the information they were given, them allowing will to keep the Darksaber during the course of the war to keep the peace and prevent another factor that could lead the Mandalorian Warrior Clans into Dooku's hands seems plausible. Only temporarily as during a time of war they would have the collective wisdom to do what they could to prevent a third conflict and give themselves a new enemy. Again temporarily and when the war ended they'd revisit the topic again and make Will hand over the Darksaber when they have the time to handle the situation more diplomatically and the Padawan doesn't need to hold onto such power.
Also, it's my story so I have to make it work. I hope I did my best. Besides, it's not like the council hasn't done things more questionable then letting Will hang onto his armor or keep the Darksaber.
Next chapter, Boba Fett and a group of Bounty Hunters work against the Jedi for revenge and they had hostages so they need to stop them. Luckily, Will has some knowledge and contacts who can help. After that, he ends up heading back to Mandalore with Ahsoka to assist the Duchess with the issues of Mandalore and then battle of Kamino begins. Until then, everyone stay safe and stay healthy.
Updates for August: The Final Chapter of Adventures through the multiverse will be up on August 31st. I need more time to finish it so I can't update it in July so August. Sorry. Also updating in August will be Blue Wolf.
Will Vizsla, Son of Pio Vizsla, nephew of Pre Vizsla and Mandalorian by birth. Padawan Jedi.
Birthdate: 38BBY-Age 17
Padawan Apprentice to Obi-wan Kenobi, Former Padawan of Ur-Sema Du, Son of Pio Vizsla and Count Dooku. Nephew of Pre Vizsla. Wielder of the Darksaber. Leader of the House Vizsla and the Mandalorian Defenders.
Appearance: Dylan O'Brien from Maze Runner: The Death Cure. With Padawan braid.
Clothing:
Dark blue Padawan robes and combat boots. Combat belt with Cyan Blue lightsaber.
Darksaber hooked on belt.
A black shirt, black jacket, and blue pants (Casual/Undercover)
Ancestral Mandalorian Beskar armored combat gloves and forearm guards with weapons. Necklace with symbol of Clan Vizsla.
Mandalorian Beskar armor complete with helmet, shoulder pauldrons, breastplate/cuirass, kneepads, and shin guards worn over his Padawan robes. Armor colored white and light blue. New Clan Vizsla symbol on his chest. A Shriewk-hawk claw holding a flowered branch and sword to signify a new beginning and protection.
Personality: Kind, caring, quick-witted and smart. Able to adapt to situations very easily. Prone to quips to distract or enrage his enemies. Can be a bit of a smartass yet humble and works well with others. Extremely proficient in tinkering and building with electronics. Excellent pilot and mechanic. Knowledge in warfare and weapons from extensive self-tutelage at the Jedi Temple and Mandalorian training by Pio Vizsla. When triggered, can be aggressive and unhinged to a point.
Skills and Powers
Force Powers:
Force speed, Force sight, Force empathy, Force Jump, Force Stasis, Force Pull/Push, Force Throw, Force Barrier, Force Repulse, Force Precognition, Animal Bond, Mind Trick, Levitation, Lightsaber throw.
Combat Skills:
Specialized in Form 2 Makashi-Lightsaber-to-Lightsaber combat, Form 3 Soresu-Blaster counter/Defense, Form four Ataru-combines speed, strength, agility, powers, and the force for to aid in movement and combat. Training in Form 6 Niman which includes training in Form 5 Djem So and Shien. Basic Stance is Samurai Chudan or Middle stance
Adept at hand-to-hand combat.
Mandalorian gauntlets with repulsor, grappling line, wrist rockets, flamethrower, laser splicer, retractable wrist/forearm blades, shield projector, built-in communicator, holovid, Whistling Birds.
BD-8 companion droid
Rathtar Squad: Echo (Tech), Hevy (Heavy Weapons), Fives (Second in command)
Leader of Ghost Company of 212st Attack Battalion
The Tempest: A Black and Orange Corellian XS stock light freighter armed with 2 dorsal and 2 port laser batteries with torpedo launchers and modified ion launchers. Built with 2 powerful sub-light engines, heavy armored plating, and a modified/powerful hyperdrive system, making it powerful yet agile and extremely fast. Equipped with a modified stealth system that can bypass almost any scanner. Built-in cloaking system to turn the ship invisible.
XR: Modified and hacked Separatist Probe Droid
Solarboard: Home-built solar powered hover board. Agile, fast, with small twin front blasters and capable of excellent maneuverability.
Disclaimer: I don't own any Star Wars or above-mentioned properties; all rights belong to their owners.
