Here is Chapter 13 of the Mandalorian Maverick. Another year has gone by, and the Clone Wars seem to have no end in sight. If anything, the fighting is getting worse. During a battle between Separatist and Republic Forces, Count Dooku turns on his Sith Assassin Asajj Ventress. In doing so, a new enemy is introduced for both sides. Savage Opress. He's dangerous and will be a continuous thorn in the sides of everyone but the more important thing is a strange encounter Will, Obi-wan, Ahsoka, and Anakin find themselves in dealing with the mystery realm of Mortis. Enjoy!
The Mandalorian Maverick: Enter the realm of Mortis-Part 1
Galactic Showdown!
In a fierce battle for survival, the Republic and Separatist armies have clashed in the distant Sullust System. Count Dooku's most cunning assassin, Asajj Ventress, leads the vicious attack.
20BBY: Sullust
A new year and the Clone wars continued to rage on. A Separatist fleet of multiple frigates and light cruisers were up against the combined fleet of General Anakin Skywalker and Obi-wan Kenobi. A deadly and explosive space battle was underway as the Separatist frigates and light destroyers exchanged turbo laser fire with Republic Venator-Class Star Destroyers, but the true crux of the battle was in the dogfighting between the Republic Starfighter corp and the Separatist droid fighters. A Ginivex-class fanblade starfighter flew past Separatist ships, leading several squads of newly deployed droid tri-fighters. These were new droid starfighters used in the Clone Wars with this battle being their first major deployment. They were smaller compared to other droid starfighters and even Republic Starfighters, measuring only about 5 meters in length but these were specifically designed ships made to engage and excel in heavy dogfighting. They had more advanced droid brains than standard Separatist droid fighters making it harder to predict their movements and tactics. Because of their size, they were compact making them a smaller target and extremely nimble and fast, but they were also heavily armed. They had four laser cannons and had payloads of missiles or torpedoes, so these ships were nothing to scoff at. They were already making themselves well known during the battle.
The droid tri-fighters were flanking the fanblade starfighter and piloting said starfighter was Dooku's Sith Assassin, Asajj Ventress. She was leading this attack and she was heading straight for Anakin Skywalker's flagship, the Resolute.
"Trident Group One, attack the starboard engines." Ventress ordered and three droid tri-fighters peeled off from her escort to their objective. "Trident Group Two, knock out their port shield generators. I'll go directly for their bridge."
The remaining three droid tri-fighters escorting Ventress peeled off while she stayed on target towards the Resolute. Admiral Yularen and the bridge crew were doing their best to coordinate the starfighters and keep up their attack while also maintaining the defenses of their ship. Their point defense cannons were working overtime as the Separatist droids were swarming them faster than they could shoot them down.
The ship rumbled as several explosions rocked the ship. "Sir, they just took down our port deflectors!" A clone technician reported.
Ventress smirked as she piloted her ship towards the Resolute, blasting more of the ships systems as she made her way up to the bridge but before she could use her chance to deliver a crippling blow her sensor alerted her of incoming ship signatures. She wasn't the only one as the sensors on the Resolute also picked them up.
"Sir, we've picked up incoming ships!"
"Where?!" Admiral Yularen asked.
Three Republic Venators appeared out of Hyperspace along with numerous smaller starfighters and they quickly blitzed the Separatists from the flanks. Ventress broke off her attack and retreated as several ARC-170's and Z-95 Headhunters took down squadrons of droid tri-fighters and vulture droids with volleys of laser cannon fire. Leading said starfighters was a Black and Orange Corellian XS stock light freighter, the Tempest. "All right, squadrons you know your jobs. Stay close and keep tight formations." Will ordered.
"Roger that, commander." The Clone pilots replied.
Onboard the lead star destroyer that just arrived was Jedi Master Kit Fisto, leading his men. "Admiral Yularen, this is Jedi Master Kit Fisto. Apologies if we're late. We got here as quickly as we could."
"No apologies necessary, General. You've showed up just on time." Admiral Yularen replied.
"We're moving our ships into position to attack the Separatists' flank. Padawan Vizsla, engage those fighters and clear a path for our bombers." Kit Fisto ordered.
"Roger that." Will flipped a few switches and powered up the deflector shields and laser cannons on the Tempest. "You guys ready?"
"Ready, commander."
[Affirmative Droid beep]
Fives, Echo, and Hevy replied from their positions. Fives from the co-pilot seat while Echo was on the port side laser batteries turret seat and Hevy on the dorsal side laser batteries turret seat. BD-8 was plugged into the droid socket.
"About time you showed up, Padawan. What took you so long?" Master Kenobi asked him over the radio, piloting his Delta-7 Aethersprite-class light interceptor.
"Sorry, master. We got hit some traffic, but Master Fisto isn't the only help I brought." Will smirked as Republic sensors beeped, picking up more ships. Then over three dozen Mandalorian Fang-class starfighters and five Mandalorian Kom'rk-class fighter/transports dropped out of hyperspace.
"All Fang Fighters reporting in. Power up deflector shields and weapons systems." Gar Saxon ordered.
"All right, Mandalorians. Watch your sectors and stay together. Those tri-fighters are fast suckers, and they'll try to isolate you one by one. Stay close to your fighter groups and watch each other's backs. Bo, Ursa, keep the Kom'rk class ships close to the star destroyers until we clear a path for your bombing run." Will ordered.
"Roger that." Bo-Katan and Ursa Wren replied as they piloted the fighter/transporters over to the star destroyers. In this case they were less fighter/transports and more fighter/bombers as they loaded the drop bays with multiple proton bombs for a bombing run.
"All right, Gar. You lead a detachment on the left flank." Will ordered.
"Roger that." Gar replied.
"All right, Mandalorians. Accelerate to attack speed and let's get in this fight!" Will pushed the acceleration level forward and his ship zoomed past the others, showing its incredible sub-light speed that made it one of the fastest ships in the galaxy. "WOO!"
Dooku's Palace, Serenno, Outer Rim
On Dooku's home planet in his palace, he was gazing out his window when the console on his desk alerted him of a communication, so he stepped towards it and dropped to one knee and bowed his head. A hologram of Darth Sidious appeared before him.
"Lord Tyrannus."
"My master."
"There is a disturbance in the Force. Your assassin, she has become very powerful."
"Yes, my lord. She is quite important to me." Dooku answered.
"Too important."
"Master—"
"Silence. I can sense her powers growing stronger. I would hate to think you are training your own Sith apprentice to destroy me."
"Never. My allegiance is to you and you alone."
"Then you must prove it. Eliminate her."
"She is my most trusted—"
"I said eliminate her!"
Dooku could do nothing but bow his head. "As you wish, my master."
Sullust
The space battle over Sullust was raging on with the three additional Venator star destroyers and Mandalorian Defender backup helping to turn the tide of the fight. With the three additional capital ships attacking the Separatists from their flanks, they were caught in a coordinated trap. The Separatists now had to reorganize their forces into a defensive perimeter/pattern as they were outnumbered. A squadron of droid tri-fighters, vulture droids, and hyena-class bombers were attempting an attack run on the Resolute, seeing it as the weakest link in the Republic's chain but it was easier said than done. The droids maneuvered through some incoming enemy flak when a volley of laser cannon fire came from the side. Several vulture droids and a droid tri-fighter were destroyed. One Hyena bomber had one of its wings clipped which caused it to crash into another setting of a larger explosion. More laser cannon fire came from the right and they droid attack force was destroyed. The Tempest flew through the smoke and wreckage followed by some ARC-170s and V-Torrent interceptors. Trailing behind them were Y-Wing bombers.
"All right, gentlemen. We've got our target straight ahead." Will said, as his targeting computer locked on to a Munificent-class frigate ahead of them. "Gold leader, lock onto your target and set your attack vector. Bo, Ursa, move your ships in with Gold Squadron. Red Squadron and Blue Squadron will provide cover."
"Roger that, Commander." Gold leader replied.
"Got it." Bo replied as she and the other Mandalorian pilots moved their Kom'rk class fighter/transports into formation around the BTL-B Y-wing Bombers. The shields on the Kom'rk class were more powerful than the bombers so it provided additional protection and the ion turrets on the bombers would provide some supportive fire. The bombers increased their speed towards their targets as the Tempest along with an escort of ARC-170s and V-Torrent interceptors moved into a protective patterns.
"Sir, we've got incoming enemy ships." Fives reported, seeing several squads of droid tri-fighters come up on the scanners.
"I see them. Red Squadron, stay in protective escort. Blue Squadron, accelerate and take out those fighters." Will ordered and the Tempest sped ahead of the bombers along with the V-19 interceptors. Their faster speed gave them a better chance against the droid tri-fighters. The Tempest and Interceptors unleashed a volley of laser cannon fire as they clashed with the droid tri-fighters. The tri-fighters were nimble and fast, so this space battle wasn't exactly easy. Will turned the Tempest around as Echo and Hevy blasted the tri-fighters out of the air from their turrets while Fives used the two cockpit laser cannons to blast droids. The clones were doing an admirable job, taking down their respective droids out as quickly as possible but most in the squadron seemed focused on The Tempest, probably because they knew a Jedi was piloting it.
"Sir, we've got a lot of clankers on our tail." Fives warned him.
"I see them!" Will moved the Tempest into some quick maneuvers to avoid the laser cannon fire. "Blue leader, Red leader, make sure those bombers get to their target! Gar, bring in your squad for support."
"What about you?" Gar asked.
"I got these guys. Just get them through." Will said, turning the Tempest past a CIS light cruiser while 10 droid tri-fighters chased after him. "BD-8, divert backup power to the deflector shields."
[Affirmative droid beeping]
BD-8 quickly reinforced the deflector shields of the ship as Will kept the Tempest moving and a hard to hit target, even for the droids. They were fast but the Tempest was just fast enough to outpace them. Helps that he was one of the best pilots the order had. The tri-fighters kept on him, firing their laser cannons at the ship. Will's piloting did the best to keep him a hard to hit target but every now and then a laser blast would hit the ship. The deflector shields were able to shrug off the hits for now and the ship did have heavy armor but if they didn't figure a way out of this then it wouldn't be long before he was in a really bad situation.
"All right, bolt heads. See if you can follow this!" Will pushed the acceleration lever and did quick a 360 turn through a narrow space underneath a light cruiser. It was a split-second move with the Tempest narrowly making it through. Two tri-fighters were too close to him so they couldn't course-correct in time and crashed. The other eight managed to swerve around and kept on target. Two of the tri-fighters had target locks on the Tempest and fired two concussion missiles each.
"We've got incoming!" Fives reported.
"Hang on!" Will did a quick swerve to keep the missiles from closing in. "BD-8, countermeasures."
BD-8 nodded and activated the jamming sensors. The onboard sensors on two of the missiles went from green to red as they no longer had a signal to lock-on to and as the Tempest turned, they kept going straight while the remaining two missiles kept on their target.
"We've still got two more missiles, sir." Fives informed him.
"All right. I got an idea. Hevy, Echo, move your guns and point them towards the bow. I'm gonna line up a shot for us." Will told them.
"Roger that." They replied and moved their turrets into position. Will checked the sensors and the tri-fighters were still chasing them from behind the missiles.
"Fives, activate the chaff launcher on my go." Will told him.
"Ready, sir." Fives replied, ready on the button.
"And…" Will waited until he felt it was the right moment. "Now!"
Fives deployed the chaff, which were small little launchers at the back of the Tempest. They released small metal projectiles or flares, depending on the circumstance to either misguide a missile lock or destroy it. A small upgrade he did to the ship along with the additional laser battery he put underneath the cockpit, so he had some direct fire in his line of sight. The flare chaff would act as new targets for heat-seeking missiles while the chaff would release a small burst of chaff particles designed to confuse a warhead's guidance system which is exactly what happened. The missiles couldn't track their target and hit the chaff, detonating prematurely.
"Splitting the throttle!" Will split the power between the two sub-light engines to make an emergency sharp U-Turn.
"WHOA!" Fives held on as the ship jolted around abruptly.
Will's quick maneuver turned the Tempest around, putting it in the prime position to take out the tri-fighters. "NOW!" Will fired the laser batteries underneath the cockpit while Hevy and Echo fired their laser batteries, blasting all the droids together. "Nicely done, guys!"
"Perfect set up, sir." Echo praised as they all had a good view as the Republic and Mandalorian bombers made their run, blowing up the CIS frigate. "And that just made it better."
"Yup. Clankers don't stand a chance now." Hevy mocked when he noticed something odd. One of the CIS cruisers was firing on the Separatist flagship. "Sir, 11 o'clock. Check that out."
Will looked and saw a Separatist light cruiser opening fire on a Providence-class carrier/destroyer which was the command ship for this Separatist fleet followed by Hyena-bombers making a bombing run. "What the hell is going on?" Will wondered as he activated the comm channel. "Master, come in. Please tell me you're not on the CIS flagship!"
"I'd like to say no but I'm afraid so. I would appreciate a pick up!" Obi-wan radioed.
"I'm on it!" Will quickly maneuvered the Tempest to the ship, blasting some of the Hyena-bombers who were making a second bombing run, but one was just winged, and it ended up crashing into the hangar. Will piloted the Tempest in and saw the wreckage along with Master Skywalker's Delta-7 Aethersprite-class light interceptor but Obi-wan's was destroyed. Luckily, he saw that Obi-wan wasn't on the ship, so he lowered the ramp and Obi-wan quickly jumped on as Will piloted the Tempest out with Anakin following in his ship. They managed to fly out of the ship just before it was blown in two. Shortly after the command ship was destroyed the Separatists made a full retreat. The Republic won the battle.
"Thank you for the assistance, Padawan." Obi-wan said as he entered the cockpit and Will piloted them back to the Republic star destroyers.
"No problem. Just glad I got there in time." Will replied and Obi-wan agreed. "What was going on? How did you get on that ship in the first place?"
"You can thank Ventress for that. Anakin and I nearly had her when the ship started coming apart." Obi-wan told him.
"More like blasted apart." Will corrected.
"Why would the Separatists take out their own command ship?" Fives questioned. "Even if General Kenobi and Skywalker were on the ship, blowing it to pieces seems kind of extreme. Especially if Ventress was on there with you."
"Fives has a point. It's not exactly a calculated risk a Tactical droid would take." Will pointed out. "Was there anything odd going on? Well, odder."
"Now that you mention it, Ventress was angrier then she usually is." Obi-wan remembered along with the vicious force choke she caught him and Anakin in. "Perhaps there is some trouble between her and Dooku."
"I'd say more than trouble if the Separatists were willing to risk her life like that." Will remarked and Obi-wan agreed. While they had no way to confirm it, they suspected that Ventress was no longer Dooku's apprentice which was a good thing for them. It meant that Dooku had one less tool to use.
The Republic secured Sullust space and began moving their units accordingly. They called in additional units and ships to assist in repairing the damage done to star destroyers, mostly the Resolute, while they began setting up a planetary base nearby. The starfighters were returned to their fighter bays for repairs and maintenance with room being made on some of them for the Mandalorian Fang Fighters and Kom'rk class ships.
After the assistance they provided in the battle the admirals and Jedi Generals were more than happy to have them rest here and refit their ships before they had to leave. This didn't mean that Mandalore had returned to the Republic as the Mandalorian Defenders were a separate entity. Technically, The Mandalorian Defenders were privately contracted mercenaries working for Qibbu the Hutt and his organization, so like usual they were mercenaries although that was more on datapad and not exactly the truth. True they were hired by Qibbu, but the Hutt didn't command them. It was a very beneficial working relationship organized by his number 2, Qi'ra and her Jedi friend, Padawan Will Vizsla. Will led the Mandalorian Defenders after earning their respect and command of the Darksaber. He told them before that he didn't expect them to just follow his lead and join the Republic so instead, he had them work as his own private mercenary group, working to handle issues the Republic and Jedi couldn't really deal with since the war was going on. It was a work around Will thought up of in case questions were asked and people started to worry. The Jedi having their own band of mercenaries at their control made some nervous so making them more mercenaries like they usually are made the most sense. It was also a counter in case any warmongers in the Senate tried to take over their command as if they were working for a Jedi then by default they reported to the Republic and could be drafted into the Republic War Effort. Having them maintain their anonymity as mercenaries kept that from happening.
Working with Qibbu got them steady work and pay along with spreading their fame more and more. It was different but the Mandalorians seemed to be enjoying their new normal as they were the scourge of pirates, smugglers, and slavers all around the galaxy. Coming to help the Republic over Sullust was paid work as Will paid them to assist and many of them were itching for some more combat, which this precisely was. They'd likely be paid to assist in future battles if necessary but Will was having them work on some other leads. He kept in contact with Maz Kanata and used the Mandalorian Defenders to look into some things she heard whispers about. The uptick in Trandoshan hunting activity in the mid-rim along with rumors of the old Zygerrian slave empire returning. Like the Jedi, Mandalore had some bad history with the old Zygerrian empire back before the old Republic. Back then the empire even attempted their slave trade on Mandalore and suffice to say that was one of a few occasions where the Jedi and Mandalorians had their interests aligned. When the Defenders heard the rumors about a possible Zygerrian slave empire resurgence they were more than willing to look into it.
Along with their work, The Mandalorian Defenders were keeping up communications and talks with Duchess Satine of Mandalore. After their help in securing Mandalore and preventing the Coup by Prime Minister Almec, Duchess Satine understood the consequences of her rash decision in her permanent exile of all the warrior clans. She pushed for peace and passivism for so long it left her blind to the threat right under her nose as the people she trusted used that against her. If it wasn't for the Jedi and the Mandalorian Defenders, then she would be dead and Mandalore would be in control of Almec. But thankfully that never happened. Still, Will's actions of showing how much good the Mandalorians could do with the right change and his actions to assist her did a lot to humble her. She was open to talks to reintegrate the warrior clans back into Mandalore society, to reunite everyone back together. Normally, she wouldn't consider this, but Will's words did a lot to convince her, and he showed her that the Mandalorians of old were just that. A thing of the past. This new one was different and deserved a fair chance. Not only that but Satine also understood they were a powerful ally to have. Qi'ra and the Defenders would provide Mandalore Space with some much-needed protection and aid. Granted the talks were slow but it was a possibility that all of Mandalore and Mandalorians could reunite on their home planet.
Still, even if that took some time the two groups were on good terms. Some hesitation and resentment lingered but if Will was capable of changing minds before he could do it again. And it also helped that his actions had borne fruit. Will's relationship with Qi'ra got Mandalore a steady stream of supplies that wasn't reliant on the black market and the Mandalorian Defenders ensured it was well protected, so they didn't have to pay an arm and a leg for it. Actions speak louder than the words and his actions spoke for themselves. That being said, actions also had consequences and Will had this nagging feeling in his gut that with all the good he did it also put a massive target on Mandalore's back. The CIS or Dooku could go after them. He didn't just go through all that work to let it end so he began taking some measures. Allying them with Qi'ra was one of them but unless this war just abruptly ended tomorrow with both the CIS and Republic signing a peace treaty he needed more. Mandalore needed to be able to defend itself, but it wasn't exactly in a good place to do that with Satine having demilitarized it.
With the Defenders, Will had command of about 5,000 Mandalorians and that included the young in training, the elderly, and those that hadn't seen combat. The veterans and combat inclined were technically the minority. Even if he could gather all the other scattered Mandalorian sectors and groups it wouldn't be enough to repel an invasion force. All they had for defensive ships were the Fang Fighters and Kom'rk-class fighter/transports, maybe a freighter at best. He heard that Clan Awaud had a corvette in their control which they mainly used for transport. Clan Awaud was a Mandalorian sect that stuck to the old ways but was never part of Death Watch. They went into exile after the New Mandalorians took over and settled into work as mercenaries or bounty hunters and stuck to the planet of Vlemeth Port in Mandalore Space. They were a self-sufficient clan of about 800 and kept to themselves. Will had plans to go speak with them and try to reintroduce them with Mandalore if the talks with Satine kept going well but timing was everything and he had been unfortunately very busy. Also didn't help as pretty much all the shipyards in the galaxy were either with the Separatists or the Republic and they had their hands full. Mandalore space did have their own shipwrights with Mandal Hypernautics Corporation and Mandal Motors who were responsible for the Fang Fighter, Kom'rk-class and other small ships used on Mandalore like transports and patrol craft. They were well designed ships and in the past, they made incredible battleships and cruisers, stuff used by the Mandalorians of old but after various skirmishes, wars and with Satine's pacifism rule, the most they made now were starfighters.
Will figured if they did it before they could do it again. Get MandalMotors and Mandal Hypernautics to make larger ships, ships that could be used to defend Mandalore space. Seemed easy on paper but the easier they appear to be the harder they are to actually make happen. First thing was cost. A personal starfighter or even a custom freighter like the Tempest was gonna set you back a couple thousands credits if you got it secondhand but something as big as a corvette or even bigger would cost of lot more and he wasn't exactly in a cash rich business to begin with. There was no way the Jedi order would be ok with giving him a loan to build a warship.
Qi'ra and Qibbu was a possibility but that could be a stretch too. They had a solid relationship and Qibbu would want to keep fostering a positive relationship with the Mandalorian Defenders and Will, but Will was doing this not just for Qibbu but to give Mandalore space some defensive countermeasures. Having the Mandalorians pay for it seemed like the obvious answer but while Satine was growing less stringent on her pacifist ideals and working, buying several large battleships and cruisers would likely not go over well. He hoped that he could get her to change her mind by telling her they were defensive measures for Mandalore space which it desperately needed. Mandalore was vulnerable and organizing a defense to keep Mandalore space safe would require larger ships. Mandalore still remained neutral, and it could continue to do so by using its own private shipwrights wouldn't violate any kind of neutrality. It made sense but considering how long it took Satine to come down from her harsh pacifism then this could take just as long.
Not only that but supplies and manpower. Wouldn't be too hard to train people in ship building or even using reprogrammed droids for that but most of the raw material for ship building was relegated to the Republic dockyards so getting enough to build a ship was going to take some effort. But Will did have some contacts who could help him.
Suffice to say he had some plans for the future. How well those plans would work out was still up in the air as the Clone Wars entered its third year. And things were going to get complicated.
Line Break xxxxx
Coruscant, Jedi Temple
Some time had passed since the battle of Sullust, and the war continued on. The Republic was more readily fighting back against the Separatists and pushing them in certain areas. Their victory in Sullust was one example which had the added benefit of the demise of Dooku's assassin Asajj Ventress. Unfortunately came some bad news as a Republic outpost on the planet Devaron was overrun by Separatists with the clones and Jedi Master Halsey and his Padawan among the deceased. Clone Commandos Delta Squad retrieved their bodies and upon their recovery they noticed some peculiarities. The Jedi and Padawan weren't killed by blasters or lightsabers but by a bladed weapon and brute force. This wasn't the work of droids or Grievous but something else and they needed to find out what.
Obi-wan walked through the temple and arrived in a meeting room where Master Windu and Master Yoda were waiting for him along with his Padawan. "Will, what are you doing here?" Obi-wan asked him.
"Some of the analysts were having trouble repairing the surveillance footage from Devaron so I had BD-8 take a look at it. We just managed to fix it." Will replied and BD-8 nodded, giving Obi-wan a small salute. "Once it was fixed and I saw what was on it, I called Master Windu and Master Yoda. BD-8, play it."
BD-8 nodded and began playing the security footage, showing a large Zabrak warrior killing clone troopers and marching through blaster fire with little inconvenience before ending Master Halsey and his Padawan with nothing but brute force and a large spear-like weapon. He showed some skill in combat but less grace and agility and more brute strength and overwhelming power.
"Darth Maul alive? It can't be. I killed him myself." Obi-wan remembered.
"Correct you are, Obi-wan. A creature of the same species he is, from Dathomir." Yoda explained.
"Dathomir? The planet of the witches. I was under the impression that Darth Maul's home world was Iridonia." Obi-wan said.
"Dathomir is the planet where Maul was raised. Iridonia is where the rest of the males of the species dwell." Windu corrected him.
"I've read up on Dathomir and the Nightsisters. They're a very matriarchal society so if a male Zabrak did this then they had to have something to do with it. Maybe used whatever force abilities they had to give this one a strength boost. It could explain how this one was able to tank through a squad of clones and defeat Master Halsey and his apprentice." Will suggested and they agreed.
"Correct in your assumption, Padawan Vizsla. Powerful, the witches of Dathomir are. Travel to Dathomir you must, Master Kenobi. Find the source of this threat you will." Yoda told him and Obi-wan nodded.
"The Tempest is all prepped and ready to go." Will told his master.
"Thank you, Padawan but Anakin and I will handle this. You will remain here." Obi-wan told him.
"Master, you and Master Skywalker have no idea what you could be walking into. You're gonna need some help." Will pointed out. "Master, I can handle myself."
"And you can, Will but like you said we don't have any idea on what we could be dealing with. You will remain here." Obi-wan told him and seeing as how he was set on it, Will decided not to fight his master on it. Especially with Yoda and Windu present.
"Yes, Master." Will bowed his head. "Be careful."
"I will." Obi-wan pat him on the shoulder before leaving.
Sometime later…
Will, having remained at the temple while Obi-wan and Anakin went to investigate the mysterious new Zabrak, decided to get some training in. He retreated to the Kuddaka chambers in the eastern sector of the temple to get some force training with the Muntuur Stones. They were a set of seven incredibly heavy round stones, supposedly inspired by the rock gardens within the ancient Gardens of T'alla, a place of reflection and peace overlooking the Great Jedi Library on the Planet Ossus but that was destroyed by a supernova thousands of years ago. These stones were used to train a Jedi's telekinetic abilities by seeing how many stones they could lift simultaneously. Each stone weighed about five metric tons each and the heaviest was more so merely moving a stone was marked as an achievement by a Padawan. Only a few Padawans had even got a stone to jostle, and they were usually the ones who were extremely talented or potent in the force. Dooku, when he was in the order, most of the great masters and such as well. Anakin managed to get one of the stones to move and Will was proud to belong to that small group. Granted, he only did it when he first became Master Ur-Sema Du's Padawan, and it was more out of curiosity then anything. It took a lot of concentration and effort, but he managed to make a stone turn in its place. But by a small amount. Even Anakin only managed to turn one when he tried and that was a while ago. He had grown much since then, undergone a lot of training and advancement with the force so now he wanted to try again. His telekinesis was good, able to handle various heavy objects with no problem, but the Muntuur stones were no easy feat. Accomplished Jedi Knights could only lift a few stones in the air at a time and only true masters of telekinesis could lift four or more with Master Yoda able to lift five at once. He heard that Dooku managed to lift four when he was a master which made sense given how powerful he was in the order. This little training session was not just to see how far he had come but to also see how he stacked up against his father at this point in his journey.
He walked into the middle of the room and steadied himself. BD-8 climbed down and was off to the side, to record everything. Will gave BD-8 a nod and took a deep breath to find his center. He steadied his breath and closed his eyes, focusing on nothing but his breathing and the force.
"I am one with the force…and the force is with me…" Will said to himself as he took another deep breath and held out both his arms. He opened his palms and concentrated. One of the Muntuur stones slowly began to move and jostle around in its crater on the floor before it slowly began to levitate about a few feet off the ground. Lifting it off the ground showed just how much stronger and connected with the force he had gotten. He lifted it a little higher, so it was above his head before a second stone began to jostle and it levitated into the air with the second one. Doing this was usually only possible by those truly powerful in the force and were either Jedi Knights or on the track to become Jedi Knights which said a lot for Will's progress. Doing this required nearly all his concentration and focus but the fact that he was able to lift two stones at once showed how far he had come, how much he had trained, and the great potential he had.
Normally, this would be where most Padawan or Jedi Knights would call it quits but not Will. He wanted to keep going so he maintained his focus and attempted to lift a third stone. Said third stone began to move and slowly levitated off the ground and into the air. Will's face started to tense up as this act needed all his concentration and effort with the strain starting to bubble over. The third stone managed to lift into the air like the others but the clear signs of concentration and strain on Will's face showed just how much this was taxing him.
[Worried droid beep] BD-8 was still recording but told Will he was getting a little worried so maybe they should stop.
"No—le—let's keep going…" Will groaned out as a four stone started to wobble and jostle in its crater. He had three stones in the air which was an amazing feat in itself at his age but the fact he was able to get a fourth to being moving, even more so. Sweat was starting to roll down his face, the veins and muscles in his face and arms were bulging against his skin, and his arms were trembling from the sheer strain. He managed to nudge the fourth stone out of its crater but then collapsed to his knees in exhaustion. The three stones in the air dropped down around him with the four he nudged just rolled back into its crater. "Dank Farrik. So close."
"Managing to lift three stones into the air is an achievement unto itself. Attempting a fourth was admirable if dangerous." He heard from behind. Jedi Battlemaster Cin Drallig entered the room.
"Master Drallig. Apologies if I was disturbing you." Will said, sitting on his ass he tried to catch his breath and rest.
"No apologies necessary. I was walking by the area and sense some training." Cin Drallig walked over to the wall console and pressed a few buttons, activating some maintenance drones which came through a small vent in the room and returned the stones to their place. "Your prowess with the force is growing and I believe it won't be long before Master Kenobi and the council believes you to be ready for the trials of Knighthood. Master Kenobi is an excellent teacher and I know with his tutelage you will be an excellent Jedi Knight. This achievement right here if proof of that."
"Thank you, Master Drallig. That means a lot coming from you." Will said to him. His breathing was still a little labored, but he was getting his wind back.
"Your prowess and strength with the force will be greatly fostered by Master Kenobi but your skills with the lightsaber are just as important, especially with the lingering threat of Dooku and the Separatists. I trust that you are staying diligent to your saber training and my holocron instructions on Form-6?" Drallig asked.
"Yes, Master Drallig. My sparring sessions with Master Kenobi, Skywalker, and Ashoka keep my skills sharp but I've adjusted the teachings and styles of Form-6 Niman to better fit my personal style of combat." Will told him.
"Really?"
"Yes. I've worked out the movements and flows between the various forms to better shift my offense and defense depending on the situation. Reinforcing Form-3's enclosed defense movements with Form-5's defensive parries into Form-2's quick movements and strikes or in corporation with Form-4's offensive acrobatics. It took a lot of experimentation and training, but I believe I've figured out the mechanics and when I'm in combat it feels natural as I let the force flow through me. A Form-6 Niman variant that fits my personal style. A form of adaptability and unpredictability that doesn't forsake offense or defense." Will explained.
"Interesting. You've adjusted Form-6's training so it's less a form of moderation and more adaptability. Not generalization of the previous forms but a specialization of the forms into something more creative that your opponent would not be able to predict as easily." Master Drallig said.
"Yes. I'm aware of the form's deadly nature if used in the right hands such as Former Jedi Exar Kun but my form does not prioritize aggression but adaptability. I keep the specializations of each form instead of the general moderation approach, using each forms uniqueness to flow into one another. I keep my individuality while remaining unpredictable." Will added.
"And I imagine if your new variant does what you say it does then it could be truly something remarkable. A form all your own but the true test of that would be in a duel." Master Drallig told him, and Will smiled.
Some more time later…
Obi-wan and Anakin returned to the Jedi temple from their mission. They managed to identify the mystery Zabrak as Savage Opress who was apparently Dooku's latest assassin/pupil. He was sent to Toydaria and when Obi-wan and Anakin arrived he killed King Katuunko. They tried to apprehend him on Dooku's flagship but even after being ambushed by dozens of battle droids and hit by blaster bolts the Zabrak powered through it to escape. Savage wasn't nearly as skilled as Ventress was, but the brute's pure strength still made him a dangerous opponent. The fact that the droids opened fire on him indicated that he was no longer working with Dooku but he was a dangerous adversary so the Jedi would track him down before he hurt anymore people.
Obi-wan walked through the halls of the Jedi Temple to the main combat training courtyard. He was informed that his Padawan was getting some training in, so he went to see how he was doing but to his surprise he saw a little commotion on the balcony overlooking the courtyard. Many Jedi knights and masters were there with some having their Padawans present, observing the training fight. Obi-wan walked over and managed to find a small space he could stand, giving him a view of what they were all looking at. They were all looking down at the training courtyard. It was outside the temple, so it had some trees and plenty of space and fresh air, mainly used for open meditations or group training sessions with initiates and younglings. At the moment, it was occupied by two Jedi who were having an intense sparring session. Jedi Battlemaster Cin Drallig against Padawan Will Vizsla. The spar was intense as Will was fighting against Master Cin Drallig with everything he had, and it looked like the fight was fairly even, granted they figured that Cin Drallig likely wasn't using his full strength as this was a spar and not a fight to the death. Master Drallig was the Jedi order's battlemaster, the premier lightsaber combat instructor for the Jedi academy. He instructed all the Jedi on lightsaber combat, and it was fair to say he was one of the Jedi's best duelist.
Obi-wan slipped away from the balcony and made his way to the ground floor, walking over to the courtyard where there were some more spectators to the fight. He spotted Master Yoda standing by Master Sinube over to the side, so he joined them. "Master Yoda. Master Sinube." Obi-wan greeted them and bowed his head.
"Master Kenobi." They bowed their head. "Our mysterious adversary?"
"In the wind, I'm afraid. Dooku's latest attempt at recruiting an assassin. He escaped." Obi-wan told Master Yoda.
"See him again, we will. Focus our time on the new generation." Master Yoda said as they watched Will's spar. Will went on the offensive, using Form-2's quick strikes and cuts to put Cin Drallig on the defensive. Makashi was a very particular form and not many Jedi in the order were specialized in it or had the desire to learn it. Will was one of the very few much like his father, Dooku. The form was difficult and not necessarily the most practical for the Jedi in this day and age, but it was an excellent combat/dueling form so seeing it used in practice was a rare treat. Other than Cin Drallig, Will was likely the only one especially skilled in it and it showed.
Precise steps and footwork with quick strikes, cuts, blocks, and parries made Will's attacks and form look effortless. He minimized excessive energy and kept it short and simple. Minimum wasted movement for maximum effort. Cin Drallig met Makashi with Makashi as the two dueled. Will went on the offensive and then Cin Drallig would, back and forth. Cin Drallig then moved from Form-2 Makashi to Form-5 Djem So, meeting Will's Makashi quickness with powerful strikes and counterattacks but Will quickly adjusted, moving into Form-3 Soresu protective blocks while mixing in Form-5 Djem So parries and counterattacks. After a counter attack or parry from Form-5 he would use Form-4 acrobatic movements and flurry of attacks to add on additional power and unpredictability, keeping Cin Drallig off balance and guessing. He landed on the ground after a Form-4 flip fury and blocked using Form-5 Djem So but after a counterattack he moved into a Form-2 quick strike and cut combination forcing Cin Drallig to block and defend.
Obi-wan and the other masters noted Will's exceptional patience, mental fortitude, and peace of mind as he let the force guide his movements and flowed through forms with ease. It was clear Will was taken to Form-6 Niman which combined all the previous forms together but his implementation of it was nothing like the typical Niman practice and training. His showed much more focused bladework and coordination that wasn't in moderation but more focus and unpredictability. The ultimate offense and defensive strategy as your opponent would continuously need to adapt and change to your changing style. In theory it made sound sense and Will's use of it showed it worked.
"Studious, Padawan Vizsla is. Mindful, patient, and dedicated. Powerful he will become. Strong with the force he is." Yoda said.
"He's growing stronger every year. Soon it won't be long before I have nothing left to teach him." Obi-wan admitted.
"Trust your Padawan, Obi-wan. Much to teach you, he does and you to teach him." Yoda said before he adopted a momentarily look of seriousness. "But fear for him, I do. Powerful enemies encircle us…and a target I fear, Padawan Vizsla is. Guide him, you must, Obi-wan. Guide him properly…and much to show you, he will."
"Yes, Master." Obi-wan replied as Will and Cin Drallig met in a saber lock. Both of them had labored breathing with beads of sweat dripping down their faces with the Padawan's more visible and noticeable. They had been sparring for two hours so they were both tired.
"Did I show you enough of my own growing Niman Variant, Master Drallig?" Will wondered, hoping the answer was yes so, they could finally stop and take a break.
"Indeed, Padawan." Drallig replied as the two separated and deactivated their blades. They bowed to one another, and everyone clapped, celebrating their incredible duel. "Your combat prowess and training deserves the highest praise, Padawan. I guarantee if you continue on your path then you will surely achieve the rank of Jedi Knight and perhaps one day use your skills to become Battlemaster."
"If I prove worthy of the title, I will gladly accept it." Will replied. He had a smile on his face before he bent over, taking many deep breaths after fighting non-stop for two hours.
Drallig took some deep breaths of his own as Master Kenobi walked over. "Another exceptional Padawan you have, Master Kenobi. You've trained him well."
"Made only possible with the aid of your teaching, Master Drallig." Obi-wan said and the two masters bowed to one another before Cin Drallig left. Obi-wan looked at his Padawan in pride. He was on his way to becoming an amazing Jedi Knight. BD-8 came over with a water bottle perched up on his head and Will chugged it as fast as he could. "Your training is advancing faster then I expected. I think it's safe to say that you are one of the finest duelists the order has."
"I'll take your word for it." Will said having chugged the bottle in three seconds. "My Form-6 variant is coming along nicely. A little more practice and fine tunning and it'll be perfect. Now, I just need a name for it."
"I'm sure you'll come up with one." Obi-wan replied as Will sensed something.
"He got away from you, didn't he?" Will joked and Obi-wan sighed.
"No one likes and I told you so." Obi-wan pointed out.
"I do." Will quipped and BD-8 chuckled with him.
Dooku's Palace, Serenno, Outer Rim
Dooku's flagship had retreated to the safety of Separatist space after the debacle with Ventress and Savage. He returned to his palace for a moment to himself to heal and contemplate his next course of action while also planning retribution against Ventress, Savage, and Mother Talzin for the part she played in his near defeat. The beep from his console broke him out of his plan so he activated the communication line and took a knee.
"My master…" Dooku bowed his head.
"It would seem your plans have failed yet again, my apprentice. Did you think I would not learn of your attempts to recruit another apprentice of your own…or how Ventress is still alive?!" Sidious shouted and Dooku actually trembled back a bit.
"Forgive me, my master. I was unaware of Ventress's survival. Had I been I wouldn't have sought out the Nightsisters for another acolyte." Dooku said, keeping his head bowed down. "And the savage brute was nothing more then a tool for our actions against the Jedi. He was a simple but powerful tool for us to use. The more Jedi we can kill during the course of the war, the better."
"You are forgetting your place, my apprentice but you do raise a good point. Another tool for us to use to eliminate the Jedi cannot be dismissed outright. Mother Talzin and her witch brood will be dealt with while we turn our attention to a different kind of asset. One already trained that will need to be dealt with before they become a true threat." Sidious said as a hologram of Will appeared before Dooku.
"Master Kenobi's new apprentice. The Mandalorian Jedi. He has great potential and his command of the Mandalorian faction could prove useful." Dooku admitted.
"Indeed. The Mandalorians are powerful enemies that could be made into powerful allies. And the boy is young, but his strength and growth could be beneficial to our plan. His progress reminds me of you, Lord Tyrannus." Sidious said.
"Surely you are overestimating the boy, my lord." Dooku pondered.
"I am not. The boy has found himself in the middle of fierce conflicts and battles. If he were turned to the dark side, he could be a powerful rival but under the right tutelage, that rival could turn into a powerful ally. I charge you with this task, Lord Tyrannus. After all," Sidious then brought up Will's DNA charts and showed the match to Dooku by bringing up Dooku's old file from when he was still a Jedi. It even had his old photo. "…it is only fair for a son to receive tutelage from his father."
"I—im—that is impossible." Dooku stuttered in pure disbelief. He could not believe that he had a son.
"Search your feeling, Lord Tyrannus. You know this to be true. Your son has inherited your great strength and if his Mandalorian heritage is to be believed then his mother was a descendant of the great Tarre Vizsla. The power this boy could one day possess must be ours. Do not fail me and bring your son to heel." Sidious ordered before he ended the communication line.
Dooku stayed in the same position for a few moments longer, the bombshell of a reveal that he has a son still rattling through his brain. Dooku was usually a very stoic and collected individual, even more so when he became Sidious's apprentice, but this now was a rare moment in cracking that façade. Gone was the guise of the elderly charismatic statesman of refined and educated character befitting an aristocrat he put on for the Separatists and gone was the menacing, powerful, and manipulate apprentice to a Sith Lord. All that remained in that one moment was the short return of the man he used to be. He thought back to the time when he arrived on Mandalore to assist his old Padawan Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-wan Kenobi on Mandalore. Back when he was still a master of the Jedi order, back when he didn't have gray in his hair, back before everything changed.
Flashback…
39 BBY Mandalore
A grey-colored Delta-7 Jedi Starfighter exited hyperspace in the Mandalore system, piloted by Jedi Master Dooku. He arrived in the system after a message from his former Padawan Qui-Gon Jinn. He and his Padawan Obi-wan Kenobi were assigned to protect Duke Adonai Kryze of Sundari. Of the noble House Kryze, the Duke led the New Mandalorian movement that sought to channel the energies and inventiveness of the Mandalorian people into rebuilding their society along more peaceful and creative lines. His movement garnered a lot of support as the mercenary expertise in warfare brought no lasting benefit to the majority of Mandalorians with the exception being the warrior clans but even then, nothing substantial for the planet. What started out as a peaceful movement eventually gathered enough support and strength to challenge the Mandalorian minority of martial traditionalist, warrior clans, and bounty hunters who wanted to keep to the old ways. Duke Adonai Kryze led the movement against the warrior clans in what was known as the Great Clan wars or the Mandalorian Civil War. The old traditionalists weren't going to let the peace movement take over and they actually killed the Duke in a surprise attack but Qui-Gon and Obi-wan managed to escape with the Duchess Satine Kryze. She was now, for all intents and purposes, the leader of the New Mandalorians and she wasn't going to cower in the face of death. She and the New Mandalorians kept fighting and after two years of harsh fighting, the old traditionalists were getting desperate. Satine left Kalevala and the safety of her birth world and rose to lead her people in the civil war. The old Mandalorians sent out teams of warrior and bounty hunters to kill her. With her dead then the peace movement would end but Qui-Gon and Obi-wan protected her, keeping her constantly on the move while her army and faction fought. The attacks were getting more frequent and intense with the most recent one sending them from the New Mandalorian headquarters of Sundari. They needed assistance, so Qui-Gon sent his old master to assist them.
Dooku disengaged the hyperspace ring from his starfighter and piloted his ship towards Mandalore. Qui-Gon said that the New Mandalorians had control over the eastern sector of the planet but couldn't risk him arriving directly at their location or else the bounty hunters could track him to Satine. Dooku would arrive at a separate location under control by the New Mandalorians and then he'd meet a contact to take him to Qui-Gon. After some quick flying, he arrived on Mandalore at the designated spot which ended up being a central hub/staging area for the New Mandalorians. The Delta-7 touched down on an empty spot near a domed city and Dooku exited the ship. He saw various Mandalorians on protective duty, keeping watch over the area with many support craft and aerial ships standing by. Cargo and equipment was moved to where it was needed, soldiers were gathered together for briefings while the injured were carted to medical tents. Dooku was a little apprehensive about being on Mandalore. His recent experience on Galidraan and the Mandalorians he encountered was the reason for that on top of his own inner turmoil regarding several events and the order, but Qui-Gon needed his help.
"Master Dooku?" He heard and saw a Mandalorian in full armor approach. "Master Qui-Gon Jinn told me to expect your arrival. I'll show you to him. This way."
Dooku nodded and joined the Mandalorian on a speeder transport with several other Mandalorians and some cargo as they sped across the desert-like landscape. There was nothing for miles around but unbeknownst to them they were being watched. Once they were gone from the area one lone Mandalorian belonging to the traditionalists flew away on his jetpack to inform the others of a development.
Dooku eventually arrived at the rendezvous point after a few hours of speedster transport. It would have been a shorter trip via ship but that would have been easier to track for the Old Mandalorians. The speeder took longer but was a necessary precaution when the safety of the duchess was involved. The speeder stopped in a small mountain range where the Duchess's encampment was built into the rockface through a network of tunnels that ran above and below ground. Dooku exited the speedster and observed the area they were in. This camp was clearly a command one for the civil war as there were many high-ranking New Mandalorians along with plenty of guards and soldiers for protection. There were plenty of makeshift communication rigs and network relays for communication with the rest of their forces, but nothing seemed permanent. The area itself was actually well planned with numerous escape paths, sentries and snipers in perches with excellent visibility to go with their scanners and with how mobile their equipment looked, the abundance of speeders and likely hidden escape tunnels in case they were discovered the encampment looked like it could pack up and leave in a few minutes if pressed. If he had to wager a guess, then he imagined Qui-Gon had some say in the protection of the duchess because of this showed Qui-Gon's clever planning.
Dooku entered the tunnels of the mountains, following the small chain of lights on the ceiling before arriving in the central area where most of the strategic planning or correspondence for their allies and men in the field took place. That's where he saw Qui-Gon speaking to some of the Mandalorians coordinating to their men in the field. When Qui-Gon saw Dooku he bid the Mandalorians goodbye and walked over, bowing to his master.
"Master. Thank you for coming." Qui-Gon bowed. Dooku smiled and chuckled before the former master and padawan embraced one another.
"It is good to see you, my old padawan." Dooku hugged Qui-Gon. While a lot had plagued his mind recently, seeing Qui-Gon did much to alleviate that and remind him of better times.
"You as well, Master. It's been too long." Qui-Gon said, happy to see his old master after so long.
"Yes, it has. Tell me of your situation?" Dooku questioned as the two took a walk.
"The war between the two Mandalorian factions continues. We've been on the planet for close to 9 months now. The New Mandalorians have the numbers and Duchess Satine is instrumental in inspiring and rallying her allies, but the warrior clans are not giving up without a fight. While the bulk of their forces are engaged with the clans of the New Mandalorians, bounty hunters have been sent after the Duchess." Qui-Gon informed him and Dooku thought over the information.
"They believe that with her death the New Mandalorians will no longer pose a threat. She must be important. Where is she now?" Dooku wondered.
"At the moment I believe she is speaking with some of her lieutenants. Obi-wan is watching over her. They've grown…close in our time here on Mandalore but I know she is safe with him. He is an excellent student. Reminds me much of me when I was your Padawan." Qui-Gon remarked and Dooku smiled.
"It is said that master's often attract certain padawans as something of a mirror to their younger selves. Glad to see the tradition continues but if he was anything like you then he will become an excellent Jedi." Dooku told him. "While I appreciated the chance to see you again my old friend, it seems as though you have the situation well under control. I'm unaware of what you need my assistance for, unless you just wished to spend time with an old friend."
Qui-Gon chuckled a bit and smirked. "That is a fringe benefit but the assistance I require is additional help in protecting the Duchess. A month ago, Duchess Satine was more then safe in the city of Sundari. Many of her men were capable of protecting her there along with Obi-wan and I. We were able to deal with the usual assassin and such that came after her but then things changed. A group of Mandalorians arrived to try and eliminate her. A small group, maybe 10 at most but more skilled then any of the warrior clans siding with the Duchess, especially their leader."
Qui-Gon took out his communicator and played back the footage that was captured from an attack a month ago. The footage played out, showing Obi-wan and Qui-Gon in a defensive formation around the Duchess with most of her protective detail and some warriors protecting her. Obi-wan and Qui-Gon provided defensive cover as they got the Duchess out of the immediate area to safety. Several squads of warriors marched forward to meet the attackers head on. Some took cover and laid down blaster fire while the others charged against their enemy which were other Mandalorians wearing Beskar armor. Mandalorian fought against Mandalorian with the attackers taking down several of the Duchess's men while they took out some of the attackers. The New Mandalorians had the numbers against the assassins who only had ten, but they had far better training. That's when Dooku saw a rocket impact take out several Mandalorian Protectors for the Duchess before a Mandalorian flew through the smoke with their jetpack. They slid on the ground and fired their grapple wire at the legs of one Mandalorian, tripping them but pulled the wire so it tripped up others. The Mandalorian spun and disconnected the cable before throwing several smoke charges down, creating a thick cloud of dense smoke that obscured all view. All Dooku could see was the flailing of arms and bodies inside the smoke and it was clear that the single Mandalorian was taking on the larger group alone.
One Mandalorian flew out of the smoke due to an attack on their jetpack causing them to fly out of control while another slid forward on the ground with a vibro-knife sticking out of his neck. The smoke began to dissipate so Dooku could see a female Mandalorian fighting against three other Mandalorians all at once and holding her own. Using the wrist blade from her left vambrace and hatchet/tomahawk in the right, she blocked, parried, and beat the other three Mandalorians with more skill and natural talent then they had combined. She parried the vibro-blade of one and pushed him into the second before elbowing the third in the side. Not letting up, she put the Mandalorian in a clinch and kneed him in the stomach three times before jabbing him in the side with her wrist blade and taking him to the ground with an over-the-shoulder carry/throw. The remaining two attacked her but she blocked and parried their attacks quickly and effectively so much that it got Dooku intrigued. Seeing her parry and disarm one Mandalorian, kicking the second in the head to keep him back before leaning back and slamming the first one with a guillotine throw and ending him with a hatchet chop to the neck. She did a kip-up back to her feet grabbing onto an arm that was an attempted clothesline before taking the Mandalorian to the ground with a grapple and breaking his arm and ending him with a stab to the throat. Her fight was intense, and she had won but while she was distracted it allowed the duchess to escape so she and the others gave chase.
Qui-Gon paused the hologram on an image of the female Mandalorian. She was clearly in charge of the assassin group meant for the Duchess. She was wearing typical Mandalorian Beskar armor and matching jetpack with two blaster pistols strapped to her thighs and her hatchet weapon she hooked to her belt. "What do you think?" Qui-Gon wondered.
"I think you were wise to escape with the duchess when they arrived. While I have no doubt that you would have prevailed, my Padawan, I also believe that she would not have made that fight easy for you. I've seen Mandalorians in combat before on Galidraan but this one is different. The skill and prowess in combat in this one is much greater than the ones I encountered before. This one is unique." Dooku admitted. "I can see now why you sent for me, and I will assist you, but this is your mission, Master Qui-Gon. You lead."
A few days later…
The Duchess and her party were getting ready to leave their hideout in the mountains for another one due north. Keeping on the move was the best way to keep the Duchess safe as staying in one place for too long risked them being discovered. The safer Satine was, the more the others could focus on the fighting and ending this war. Most of their gear was packed and they were about ready to leave. One of the sentries remained up on overwatch just in case he spotted something and to make sure the coast was clear before they departed. He kept watch over the area with his electro-binoculars when he noticed something closing in from the west and coming in fast. Multiple speeders closing in fast driven by Mandalorians with more flying above them with jetpacks. They weren't expecting any backup so it must have been the assassins.
"Incoming! We've got—GAK!" The scout was cut off as a thin metal wire wrapped itself around his neck from behind and strangled him before he passed out from lack of air. The assailant responsible for the attack was the female Mandalorian in charge of the assassin group. They had found Duchess Satine.
"Move in." She radioed and the others began their attack.
Dooku was inside one of the passageways speaking with Qui-Gon when he stopped talking and turned around, sensing something. "They are here."
"Get to the tunnels and get the Duchess to safety! Go!" Qui-Gon shouted, and they rushed away.
"Qui-Gon, go. Be with your Padawan. I will hold them off and rejoin you." Dooku told him.
"Master, but—"
"Go!" Dooku told him and Qui-Gon left with great reluctance. A few Mandalorians stayed behind for additional protection as they moved to the main access point for the mountain cave system. It was the only way in, so that's where the Mandalorians would enter. Dooku sensed with the force and could detect where they were coming when a flash charge was thrown through the opening. Before it could go off, Dooku force pushed it back out into the opening causing it to go off at their attackers but since they were wearing helmets they were protected from the blinding lights. "Get ready!"
The Mandalorians readied their blasters as Dooku removed his curved hilt saber from his belt, summoning the blue blade. Some thermal detonators were thrown through the opening, but Dooku froze them in the air and crushed them before they could go off only for the Mandalorians to spill through the opening in mass. Their blaster rifles or pistols steady as they fired shots after shot and quickly moved to cover by nearby tables that were never packed or small boulders and clusters of rocks. Dooku blocked and deflected with his saber while the Mandalorians with him fired back. Some scored hits with one of the Mandalorians getting hit in the stomach and then neck. Another took several shots to the chest with the blaster bolts going through the durasteel armor he wore. The attacking Mandalorians kept advancing, moving in tight coordination as they pushed in, killing a few of the Duchess's men with blaster bolts. Dooku deflected a few blaster bolts back at the Mandalorians, hitting one in the neck but the rest hit their chest or shoulders. It knocked them down but not out indicating that while some of the Mandalorians were wearing durasteel or a durasteel/beskar mix, the rest wore pure beskar.
Dooku blocked and parried a few more blaster bolts before force pushing two Mandalorians across the room and into the walls of the cave but noticed the blaster fire aimed at him was less then the amount aimed at the other defenders who were getting gunned down in quick succession. Dooku realized that the Mandalorians were getting rid of the additional guards first so they could overwhelm him together. He was an excellent duelist and a great Jedi Master but going up against this many Mandalorians by himself was a situation that wasn't advantageous. The last of the Duchess's men was gunned down so the Mandalorians attempted to swarm Dooku. He blocked and parried a few blaster bolts before force pushing them all away, knocking them into the walls or hitting the ground. One got up and fired his grapple cable at Dooku who just waved his hand, using the force to send it to the side where it wrapped around the neck of another Mandalorian. Dooku then used the force to slam the two into one another and force pushed them into some others. He then lifted them up into the air before force slamming them into the ground.
One managed to roll to the side and used his flamethrower but Dooku created a force bubble, blocking the flames from burning him. He then rushed forward and sliced the Mandalorian's arm off before a quick strike removed his head. He deactivated his saber and left the area but before he did, he raised his hand to the ceiling and used the force to cause a partial collapse, blocking off the tunnel he went through and leaving the Mandalorians outside. One of the Mandalorians got back to his feet and touched his vambrace, activating the communicator.
"We're cut off. We can't move in."
"Don't worry. I'll handle it."
Duchess's Satine party and protectors had gathered at the exit of their cave system and prepped their vehicles for their departure. Scouting teams had already been sent ahead to make sure the way was clear and so far, yes. Obi-wan and Satine were on their speeder about to leave with Qui-Gon when he sensed something with the force, quickly turning around and using the force to divert a rocket to the side where it exploded in the ground.
A series of smoke and explosive charges fell to the ground and went off, taking out some of the Duchess's men and forcing Obi-wan and Qui-Gon to activate their sabers. The ground cracked as a female Mandalorian descended from the air via her jetpack and blasted several more guards with her blaster pistols. Qui-Gon and Obi-wan blocked her blaster attacks but the Mandalorian quickly tossed down a special charge that released a concentrated sonic blast. Everyone held their ears in pain as she rushed forward when a force pulled her back and she fell to the ground. She recovered and saw an older Jedi usher the other two away and they quickly left the area with the Duchess and the remainder of her party, getting away on speeders.
"You shouldn't have gotten involved in this, Master Jedi. This is the private business of Mandalore." The Female Mandalorian told him.
"Be that as it may, I cannot allow you to harm my compatriots." Dooku moved his robes a bit to show his saber hooked to his belt.
"The Jedi aren't my problem. With the Duchess out of the way, this war is over, which means an end to the fighting. Figured you Jedi would like that. Let me pass and end this and you can go back to Coruscant. If not…" The Mandalorian unhooked her hatchet/tomahawk from her the back of her belt. It seemed to be made of alloy metals, but the head had the same shine as her Beskar armor. "…then this escalates."
"I make you the same offer. Stand down and leave." Dooku said before drawing and activating his saber. "Your compatriots are either dead or trapped. You may yet leave with your life."
"Sorry but I can't walk away from this." She told him, tensing her body and ready to move.
"Then neither can I." Dooku assumed his stance and they each waited for the other to move. Then with incredibly fast reflexes the Mandalorian slid to the side fired several wrist darts that Dooku had to slip and dodge. She picked up her blaster pistol and fired several shots while she ran at the Jedi. Dooku blocked and deflected her shots but then quickly sidestepped a wrist rocket fired by the Mandalorian. With a burst from her jetpack, the Mandalorian rocket jumped into the air for height and came down putting in more power for a chop. Dooku blocked it, bucking down to a knee from the force of her attack. That's when he saw the metal of her hatchet wasn't cut so it really was made of Beskar metal, making it lightsaber resistant. She quickly kicked Dooku in the chest, knocking him back but the Jedi rolled back to his feet and force pushed her away. She flew back, sliding on the ground before her jetpack ignited. She stopped on her feet and fired several shots with her blaster, forcing him on the defensive. While he blocked, she advanced until one blaster bolt deflection knocked her blaster out of her hand but that didn't stop her. She fired several more razor darts from her vambrace before throwing two thermal detonators at him.
Dooku dodged the darts and used the force to push the detonators to the side where they went off, making a huge crack in the ground. She rocket jumped forward and brought her hatchet down in a flurry of quick and powerful strikes, showcasing an impressive talent for armed weapon combat. Dooku blocked and parried her attacks with his usual finesse and skill while making some attacks of his own, but the female Mandalorian showed incredible reflexes and skill as she was able to block his attacks. Not as skillfully as a Jedi but greater than the usual mercenaries or criminals who attempted such a feat. She raised her vambrace and used it to assist in blocking Dooku's saber as his saber didn't cut or penetrate her Beskar armor.
Dooku blocked her hatchet and then backstepped to avoid a cut when she raised her vambrace and used her flamethrower. Dooku pushed her arm to the side, feeling the heat of the flame brush against his face and saving himself a burnt face and beard before he moved his saber in for a quick cut, but she closed the distance and elbowed him in the stomach before wrapping her grapple cable around him. Dooku quickly used his saber to cut through the cable, freeing himself but had to lean his head back to avoid the hatchet strike to the face that would have killed him. The Female Mandalorian's fighting was impressive but so was her awareness of her strengths and his weaknesses. She got in close where his saber's length was a disadvantage compared to her hatchet and she was also more trained in hand-to-hand combat.
Thinking quickly, he force pushed her again but while he did that, she used her repulsor and knocked him back. Dooku rolled back to his feet as did the Mandalorian but before they could continue their fight, they heard a loud crack like something very big and heavy broke followed by a loud rumble. The ground beneath their feet shook violently like an earthquake was happening which was unlikely as it was localized to their immediate area. The two shifted their weight as they struggled to stay upright when they heard another loud crack. They saw the small crater made by the two thermal detonators Dooku diverted but it was less a crater and more a hole meaning the ground they were on wasn't the ground level from the mountain pass. They were actually standing a large patch of a cover-collapse sinkhole which was basically a solid patch of ground held up on what was presumed ground level from a lower cave system or degradation of soil and rock by precariously set pillars of earth. Basically, they were on a rock platform supported by stone pillars/columns. The earlier rocket, the two thermal detonators and all their fighting must have destabilized the supports causing the collapse which was correct. One of the large stone columns had cracked and part of it crumbled away causing a chain reaction in the immediate area.
"Dank Farrik." The Mandalorian said as she and Dooku realized the situation they were in.
Before they could even blink, the ground beneath their feet gave way and they dropped down into a dark abyss. Immediately they hit something hard which ended up being the rocky slope of the mountain which went further down. It was sort of a blessing in disguise as their impact on the slope and eventual tumble down it saved their lives as if they had fallen further, they would have suffered serious injuries or even death. The two slid off the edge of the slope of the mountain and fell down several stories until they crashed into a hidden underground lake. Both made a loud splash as Dooku broke the surface, coughing up a lung and quickly swam to shore while the Mandalorian sank. Her armor was heavy, and the fall damaged her jetpack so she couldn't just fly up. She struggled, trying to swim but it was a losing battle when she hit the bottom of the lake at about 10 meters deep with a loud thunk and unfortunately hit head first so she was a bit dazed. The water flooded her helmet fast and she was losing her breath and vision fast. The obscure glare/shine on the surface of the water caused by the rays of the sun from the surface slowly faded as something blocked it out. Turns out that something was Dooku who swam down and tried to help her. He attempted to lift her body, which was a struggle given they were underwater, and her armor was heavy making everything more difficult. Dooku managed to get a hold on her, placing her arm over his shoulder before he used the force to accelerate himself through the water. It aided in his swim to the surface as it would have been much harder just by himself. The two eventually broke the surface and quickly swam to shore when they heard more loud cracks and rumbling as several large boulders, likely broken pieces of stone columns or the surface they were on came crashing down into the lake making huge splashes in the water. If Dooku hadn't gotten the Mandalorian out of the water she would have been crushed, something she was keenly aware of.
"This some kind of Jedi trick?" She asked him.
"No." Dooku pushed himself back to his feet and squeezed some of the water out of his cloak. He looked up and saw that they were trapped down below and couldn't go back up the way they came down. "And we have more pressing matters to deal with."
She nodded and removed her helmet, letting the water stuck in it come out. She was beautiful and young, likely in her mid to late-20s with a fair complexion and one or two faint scars on her eyebrows, likely from fighting. Her brown hair was done up in a bun but had come loose so it dropped down to her shoulders. She tried activating her jetpack, but the engines just sparked and the engine sputtered. (1)
"Dank Farrik." She said before looking at Dooku as the two stared at one another. They were partially sizing the other one up and waiting to see if the other made the first move. "So, we work together to get out of here?"
"And deal with each other then." Dooku agreed. "Dooku."
"Pio Vizsla." The Female Mandalorian introduced herself as she looked around and activated a flashlight. "Mandalore, I should have brought BD with me."
"I sense an opening this way. Perhaps it will lead us to the service." Dooku pointed east.
"Lead on, Master Jedi." Pio said, picking up her helmet and following his lead.
End Flashback…
What they thought would be a quick but annoying navigation through old Mandalorian tunnels ended up being two weeks stuck underground. They rationed whatever supplies they had but the confined space and other dangers they encountered broke some of the tension between the two. Enough so that it led to one event that birth a son Dooku had no idea existed. He remembered when he first met him back when he trapped Obi-wan and Skywalker in that Gundark nest. The Padawan attempted to stop him before disengaging to rescue his mater. That knowledge brought back a memory he had long disregarded, back when he was a different man and it unknowingly bubbled up some old feelings of the person he used to be.
But it was short as Dooku also realized that his son was powerful and could be the perfect thing he would need for his plans.
The next time father and son met would be memorable…but not pleasant.
Line Break xxxxx
Mysterious Message!
A transmission has been intercepted far beyond the Outer Rim, deep in the Crelythiumn system. Why the call has been and from where, cannot be established. But buried in the message is a Jedi distress code that has not been used in over 2,000 years.
Obi-wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker and their padawans Will Vizsla and Ahsoka Tano are sent to investigate. Fearing a Separatist trap, they are to meet with a heavily armed Jedi Cruiser.
Crelythiumn System
The Tempest exited hyperspace in an empty position in space with nothing around it. No planets, no moons, and no Venator star destroyer. The sensors were up and running so Will activated the communication dish to connect them to the Resolute.
"Rex. Rex, do you read me?" Anakin said but the communication line was garbled and there was some static. "We're at the coordinates and awaiting your arrival. Where are you?"
"Sir…we are at the rendezvous point, and there's no sign of you on our scanners." Rex told him.
"That's not right." Will double-checked their position and the coordinates put in the hyperdrive and they were right. "We're exactly where we're supposed to be, exactly where the distress signal originated but we're in empty space. Rex and the Resolute should be at the exact same coordinates but they're not here. What the hell is going on?"
"This is getting interesting." Obi-wan stroked his beard in deep thought.
"Here's just a thought but you're sure everything on the Tempest is running smoothly, right?" Ahsoka wondered.
"Yeah, I triple-checked everything before we left Coruscant. The ship is in prime condition. Rex, lock onto our signal and let's regroup." Will told him.
"We—can't—signal—where—you—" Rex's garbled transmission cut out after that.
"What happened?" Anakin wondered.
[Droid beeping] BD-8 informed them that there was something blocking their communication signal.
"BD-8, divert power to the scanners and—" Will stopped talking when the Tempest suddenly powered down, even BD-8 powered down. "BD! No, no, no…"
He flipped every switch and pressed every button on the dashboard but nothing. "Everything onboard is dead including the life support." Obi-wan said.
"This is really strange." Anakin said when the power came back on.
"Power's back up. BD-8, you ok?" Will asked and BD-8 nodded.
"There. See? Nothing strange happening at all." Obi-wan said when Will and Ahsoka saw something.
"Then what's that?" Ahsoka pointed out the window to a large pyramid-construct floating through space. It wasn't there before so it just showed up out of nowhere. That's when the Tempest buckled and began moving closer to it.
"Something's not right. System's overridden. I've got zero control. Hang on, I'm rerouting power to the engines." Will quickly rerouted some power and attempted to put the ship into a full reverse, but it wasn't working. The pyramid had them locked in. "Strap in! We've got incoming!"
They did as the Tempest neared the pyramid which opened up, revealing a bright white light. They shielded their eyes as they flew into the light before everything went dark.
?
Will's eyes fluttered open as he picked his head up from the dashboard. "What the hell happened?" He cracked his neck and saw everyone else wake up. "Something must have knocked us out."
"Then who landed the shuttle?" Obi-wan wondered.
"Not any of us. BD-8?" Will asked and got a headshake in response. BD-8 had nothing to do with it so Will checked the ship's systems and scanners.
"Where are we?" Anakin asked as they looked out the window and saw they were clearly on level ground. Judging by the plethora of green flora outside, most likely some planet with jungle-like terrain.
"Scans indicated we definitely landed somewhere. Like a planet with a breathable atmosphere. BD-8, can you track down our position on the holo-map?" Will wondered so BD-8 checked but shook his head and spoke back.
"Well, this is getting more unusual by the minute. BD-8 can't find our position. We could be anywhere in our galaxy, even if we are there. We could be somewhere else entirely." Obi-wan informed him. Will checked the rest of the ship's systems and while everything was online, the engines were responding.
"Something weird is going on. According to the Tempest everything on the ship is fine but the engines aren't responding. It's like something is keeping us here." Will told them so Ahsoka got up to exit the ship and take a look around. Obi-wan and Anakin followed her as did Will after BD-8 climbed onto his shoulder, but he grabbed a pack of supplies just in case.
They exited the ship onto the planet they were on. It had beautiful, lush flora with distant mountain ranges and an atmosphere with clouds. "Where in the galaxy are we?" Will muttered.
"Are you the one?"
"Wha…what? Did you hear that?" Anakin asked the others.
"I didn't hear anything." Obi-wan replied.
"Are you the one?"
"Ok, that I heard." Will admitted with Obi-wan and Ahsoka nodding so they turned and saw a woman standing there. She seemed to be glowing with a white and gold attire, like a royal dress and had long green hair.
"Who are you?" Anakin asked her.
"I am Daughter." She answered as her voice sounded echoey. "Are you the one?"
"Uh, the one what?" Anakin asked her.
"I will take you to him."
"Him, who?" Ahsoka wondered.
"Uh, did you bring us here?" Obi-wan questioned.
"Only he can help you. There is little time. Follow me. We must have shelter by nightfall." She said before turning around and walking away.
"Strange planet, strange inhabitants. Makes sense but we should trust her?" Will wondered.
"With the Tempest not working we're stuck here so following her may be our way home. We'll be fine as long as we stay together." Obi-wan said before they followed her. She led them to a path along the edge of the cliff face. She remained quiet the entire time, just leading them to wherever she was taking them. During their walk they began to notice some very odd things about the place.
"Have you noticed the seasons seem to change with the time of day?" Obi-wan pointed out.
"Yeah."
"And there are no animals." Ahsoka added.
"But beyond that…the force is very strong here. More powerful then at the Jedi Temple." Will said.
"An intersection unlike anything I've ever felt before. Be wary." Obi-wan told them and they nodded.
"Excuse me. Who are you taking us to?" Anakin asked Daughter.
"The Father, of course."
"Of course." Ahsoka quipped.
"And what exactly are you?" Obi-wan asked her.
"We are the ones who guard the power. We are the middle, the beginning, and the end."
"Glad she cleared that up for us." Anakin remarked.
"You think they could be force sensitive? Like us?" Will suggested. "Maybe a new species we've never encountered before?"
"That's a possibility but it would have to do with something regarding the Jedi since there was an old Jedi distress code in the signal that brought us here." Anakin suggested.
"Not necessarily. The Jedi distress code was 2,000 years old. Who knows how they could have gotten it? Perhaps the Jedi back then encountered this place 2,000 years ago but then the question would be why there wasn't a record of it. Something must have happened." Obi-wan theorized.
"And we got ourselves in the middle of it." Will remarked when he noticed their surroundings had changed a bit. They were still on the same path, but the lush and beautiful flora was dying as the sun was getting lower. Not only that but he sensed something powerful and dark. "Do you guys feel that?"
"I do. Death and decay. It's like before. The same feeling of the force but different." Anakin said when heard some rumbling and saw part of the mountain crumble down towards them. "Look out!"
Anakin and Will rushed forward with the former pushing the daughter to safety while Ahsoka and Obi-wan jumped back. Obi-wan almost fell off the path but held on at the last second with Ahsoka pulling him up. "Thank you."
"You're welcome." Ahsoka replied.
Will got back to his feet and looked at BD-8 on his shoulder. The droid gave him a leg up, signifying he was ok as Anakin tried to help the Daughter, but she pushed his hands away. "It is forbidden for you to touch me."
"Hey, ease up. He just saved your life, and you brought us here." Will warned her but Anakin eased him off.
"That was my brother's work. You are in great danger. Wait for me. Do not leave this place." She said before walking away.
"Hey, wait!"
"Anakin, Will are you there?" Obi-wan radioed to them. "Are you, all right?'
"Yeah, but our friend here has run off! Go back to the ship and try sending another distress call. Will and I are gonna follow her and see if we can find out how to get off this rock." Anakin told him.
"And if this is a trap?" Obi-wan wondered.
"Then we won't stick around to find out. We'll be careful." Will replied when the communication line was cut out. "Master?"
Anakin tapped his comm signal but got nothing. "This isn't good. I've got a bad feeling about this."
"Me too but we can't just sit around here. If her brother did that…" Will pointed to the mountain collapse and rubble blocking them off from Obi-wan and Ahsoka. "…then what's to stop him from coming after us again."
"So, we follow and find out what's going on." Anakin said and Will nodded.
"Daughter and her brother. I have a feeling we got ourselves stuck in the middle of a family squabble." Will pointed out.
"But what kind of family?" Anakin asked as they kept moving.
They had no idea where their path led them but if they followed the Daughter then they could know what was going on. They kept walking as the sun dipped over the horizon and night descended on wherever they were. All the plant-life died out, leaving decayed remnants behind with even the grass withering away. The leaves on the trees flew away into dust and the trees themselves began to glow with a white light similar to the light they saw before they appeared on the planet. The trees were like natural fluorescence for the planet and if things ended like this, they would have been fine. Creeped out but fine with BD-8 activating the lights on his head to give them more visibility but then storm clouds came in out of nowhere followed by acidic rain and lightning that struck the ground repeatedly. Anakin and Will rushed for cover dodging lightning strikes that struck the ground around them. They climbed up a rockface and hid in a small cave, giving them cover from the storm when they noticed a large mountain in the distance with a glowing point, sort of like a star.
"BD-8, binocular mode please?" He said and BD-8 nodded, walking into his hands and extended his lenses to get a better view of the thing in the distance. Will then got behind BD-8 and looked through the back like binoculars. The thing in the distance that was glowing was a giant crystal, hovering up in the air. And it wasn't hovering over a large mountain but some kind of temple. "That's the first man-made thing we've seen here."
"Whoever we're looking for is in that monastery. Let's go." Anakin said, leading the way to their new destination.
An hour later…
It took a lot of running and dodging the occasional lightning bolt in the beginning but soon the storm passed, making the journey much easier. They made the climb up the monastery but as they neared the steps, Will felt like he was being watched for some reason. He turned around and noticed a figure in the distance. He couldn't make out who it was since it was dark, but it was definitely humanoid.
"Will?!" He turned around and saw Anakin looking at him. "You ok?"
"Did you see—" He turned around but saw the figure was gone. "He was just…there was someone there."
"The Daughter?" Anakin wondered.
"It was dark, but I don't think so." He replied and both were starting to worry. "Let's get out of here."
"Right, come on." Anakin said, leading the way up the myriad of stairs to the monastery. They didn't recognize it, obviously considering they had never been here before, but they noted that it shared some vague similarities to the Jedi temple on Coruscant and even the old ones abandoned in the galaxy. They arrived in a large open courtyard out in the front before taking the stairs inside, which is where they got their first look at what they were dealing with.
They entered a massive hall-like chamber, easily as big as the open halls of the Jedi Temple. It's structure was unlike anything they had seen but it was sparse with nothing but stone pillars up to the ceiling and a walkway that led all the way across to the other side. At the other side was a large stain glass window with a symbol. It was a circle with four circles inside and in the middle was an X with four more circles in the middle. Beneath the stain glass window was a throne, flanked by what looked like a Griffin to the left and a demon-bat to the right. Sitting on said throne was someone so they walked over to get a better look and it was an elderly gentleman. He was wearing blue and grey clothing with a long grey beard and a blue hat on his head. His eyes were closed like he was either meditating or sleeping but they could sense a great amount of force coming from him.
Anakin motioned Will to sit so they did, adopting a wait and see approach. They waited and soon enough the man opened his eyes, staring at them. "Welcome, my friends."
"What is it that you want from me?" Anakin asked.
"To learn the truth about who you really are, one that maybe you have known all along." The man said, standing up to reveal he was very tall, taller than the two Jedi. "One you must believe in order to fulfill your destiny."
"Enough with the riddles, old man. Who are you and why are we here?" Anakin questioned but the man did not answer.
"As you can see, there is nowhere else to go. It is late. You two will be my guests tonight." The man said, showing Anakin and Will to some rooms where they could rest.
[Worried droid beeping]
"You said it buddy. Something is definitely weird about this place." Will muttered when he noticed the man was gone. "So, Master Skywalker? What should we do?"
"Honestly, I have no idea. In any normal situation Obi-wan would have the answers but we can't contact him." Anakin looked at a window and saw the flashes of light and rumbles of thunder outside. "We can't do anymore tonight, not in this storm. We'll get some rest and look for Obi-wan and Ahsoka in the morning. Hopefully the Daughter will be here, and we can get some answers. Did you feel it as well?
"You mean with that man?" Will asked and Anakin nodded. "Yeah, I felt it. Like the Daughter I sensed great power with the force, but it was different."
"I know. Like he was stronger then she was. At the very least we wouldn't survive a fight with him so we'll do like Obi-wan would and be diplomatic. I'm gonna get some rest. I'll see you in the morning." Anakin bid him goodnight and went into his room.
"Sleep in a place like this? Yeah, right." Will walked into his room and sat down on the floor. The darkness, the flashes of lightning, and rumbles of thunder made the idea of sleeping here rife with the possibility of nightmares. So, he decided to do what Obi-wan always told him to if his mind is plagued with doubts or concerns. Meditate.
BD-8 climbed down onto the ground as Will sat cross-legged and closed his eyes, taking deep breaths to calm himself and find his center. Like he would in any normal meditation, he drew the force into himself and let it flow through his body. Being on the planet though, the abundance and power of the force was greater, and it affected Will and his meditation.
He sat and meditated when he felt something strange. Something powerful in the force, more powerful then he had ever felt up to that point. He sensed a great half of the light side, giving him a feeling a warmth and goodness but equal to it was the darkness and despair of the dark side. He heard the ignition of a saber and quickly sprang to his feet, turning around and drawing his own. His blue lightsaber blocked a red one as a cloaked figure with a T-shaped visor bared down on him. Will recognized the man as the same one from his vision months ago, the one he saw during his meditation in the temple.
"Who are you?!" Will shouted.
"DEFEND YOURSELF!"
The Sith force pushed Will back and he hit the wall before quickly rolling to the side to avoid impalement. The Sith turned and attacked with fierce and powerful strikes, but Will blocked and parried everything thrown his way. He then lashed out with his own attacks, using Form-4 in the enclosed space of the room, attacking with acrobatics and a flurry of powerful strikes before mixing in some elements of Form-5. The Sith did the same, matching his attacks with expertise and skill beyond Will's extensive training and talent. Will did a pushing slash that send the figure skidding back before doing a butterfly twist lightsaber fury that the Sith blocked with ease before attempting a Hawk-bat swoop. He brought his saber down with a powerful strike that was blocked before the Darksaber shot up from his belt. He grabbed it with his left hand and thrust, but it was blocked by a purple saber. The Sith then pushed Will back and attacked with Jar'Kai finesse, forcing Will on the defensive but it was a losing battle. The Sith had greater skill in combat and Will's best was enough to not get him killed.
The two locked dual blades in a saber lock as Will tried to push his opponent back but the Sith overpowered him, slowly inching forward. Will struggled, putting everything he had into it, but this man was too much for him.
"I sense the fear in you. The doubt. Your inner struggle. You are strong but I am powerful!" The Sith pushed Will back and raised his hand, force-choking him into the air. Will dropped his sabers as he grabbed his throat, struggling to breath and get free before the Sith slammed him into a wall. He slumped to the ground in pain as the Sith walked towards him so he force-pulled his saber back into his hand, but the Sith froze it in the air. The two struggled for control over it as Will tried to pull it into his hand but the Sith wouldn't let up and slowly turned it around before activating the blade. Said blade was now aimed right at Will and the Sith inched it closer. "You know you cannot win yet you struggle. Why? Just embrace your end and I shall grant you a quick death."
"No…" Will grunted as he put more power into pushing his saber away from it as it was now inches from his neck.
"Why? Why do you struggle when death is much easier?" The Sith wondered. "I can smell your fear. I can feel your doubt. You are no true Jedi."
"You're right…" Will admitted, still struggling to keep the blade away from his neck. "I am afraid…I do doubt myself. But my mother said that true strength isn't hiding from my weaknesses…but embracing it…and so long as I draw breath…I will never stop fighting. NOT UNTIL I DIE!"
Due to a quick surge of powerful emotions, both positive and negative, Will managed to flip his saber around and pull it back into his hand. He attacked the Sith with a flurry of blows, drawing on more power then before but it still wasn't enough as the Sith quickly disarmed him and held his red and purple saber at his neck. He had Will at his mercy and forced him to his knees for his execution.
"Then this is over…" The Sith then deactivated his sabers before holding out his hand. "…you've passed the first test."
Will took his hand and got back to his feet. "Test? What are you talking about?"
"You haven't been fighting me, you've been fighting for your life. And you've proven your will to live is strong, but your journey is only starting. A great darkness is coming, similar to the one I faced in the past, but you've taken your first step." The Sith told him as a flash of lightning illuminated the mask more, giving Will and clear view and he recognized it instantly.
"You're Revan…" He whispered.
The Sith reached up and removed his mask/hood, revealing a relatively ordinary looking man with a few scars on his face. "Yes, I am Revan. And it's long past time we met, young one."
"It was you in the vision I had months ago. That holocron…its yours." Will realized.
"Yes. When I fell to the Dark side, I made a holocron with all my knowledge and Sith teachings. After I redeemed myself back to the Light side and neared the end of my journey, I realized that evil like Emperor Vitiate could return. The Jedi would need my help so I left behind a new holocron, one that could only be unlocked and wielded by one attuned to the force like I am." Revan said.
"But I'm not like you. Our fight just now proved that. You were a legend and the most powerful Sith and Jedi to ever live. I'm nowhere near ready." Will pointed out.
"The journey of a thousand miles begins with a simple step. My holocron wouldn't have reacted the way it did with you, giving you visions if you were not the one to wield it. Your power in the force is great and your mind is not like that of the other Jedi. But your inner turmoil is no different than the one I underwent years ago. Only by going through it did I truly learn to master the force and your journey now begins. This is but the first test you will undergo and the first lesson you shall learn about the force." Revan told him. "Your drew on something that allowed you to overcome me, if temporarily."
"My emotions." Will answered.
"Yes. Do not block or attempt to control them but embrace them. You are unorthodox in the Jedi, much like me. You haven't strictly cut yourself off from your emotions like others, but you still do not embrace them all. Why is that?" Revan asked him.
"Because it's dangerous. I was dangerous when I focused too much on my anger and rage." Will said, remembering what happened on Orto Plutonia.
"Yes, focusing on your emotions can be dangerous if done incorrectly which if you follow the Jedi teachings will surely happen. Much like my time, the Jedi's teachings and rules are strict. They attempt to control such that cannot be controlled. The Jedi order opposes attachments, believing them to be a stepping stone towards destruction. They taught that love begets jealousy which leads to the Dark side, but it also can bring us back. It was my love for Bastille Shan that brought her back to the light and she did the same for me. Our bond brought salvation to us both." Revan said to him. "Your actions proved that your emotions could have saved your life."
Will admitted Revan was right. He felt more power in that moment but also a great deal of anger and other emotions as well that made him scared. "But if I kept going…I'm afraid of what could have happened. We heard stories of how these emotions lead down to the Dark side. My own father was no exception."
"It's true that the task is not without its risk but if you truly wish to be prepared and be ready then it is one you must understand. Denying or trying to completely control emotions is a fools game. You must let your emotions flow and through it the force flows both the light as well and the dark. The Sith believe that only by embracing their anger, their hatred, and the emotions of the Dark side that they can be powerful but in doing so, it corrupts them both physically and mentally. The Jedi believe the opposite and they should be controlled as it will be the only way to serve the light. The force is not inherently evil or good but the Jedi and Sith make it so. Only by accepting both as you accept the good and bad in yourself can you truly use the force to its fullest potential. This is but your first test. Only when you have found your center, through your emotions and acceptance, will you be ready for the second one. Until next time, young one." Revan touched his forehead, forcing Will out of his intense meditation.
[GASP!]
Will opened his eyes and gasped for air, taking heavy breaths as he looked around to see he was in the room in the monastery. BD-8 looked at him concerned like something bad happened to him as Will took a look at his surroundings. There was no damage or sign of anything having happened and he saw that his sabers were still attached to his waist. What felt real ended up being a powerful vision brought on by his force meditation. A very powerful vision and one that gave him an important lesson.
"Ho—How did that happen?"
"The answer to that lies in this place." Will activated his saber and turned around which is where he saw an ethereal figure appear before him. The figure was wearing Mandalorian armor but had the Darksaber attached to his waist. Once he removed his helmet, Will was struck by the fact that they looked exactly the same. They shared the same face only the ethereal figure was much older. "Hello, young one."
"Who are you?" Will asked when he saw BD-8 walk around, staring at the man with intrigue so this wasn't a vision if BD-8 was seeing it. "How did you get in here?"
"I am here because you are here. And the answer to your first question should be obvious. You are holding my lightsaber." The Ghost gestured down to the Darksaber hooked to Will's belt. "It is good to see my saber in the hands of my kin."
"You're Tarre Vizsla but you're dead. How can you be here?" Will asked, deactivating his saber.
"I am here because of this place. This place is unique, a conduit through which the entire force of the universe flows. It is an amplifier and a magnet." Tarre Vizsla said as he walked to the door. "Let us continue this conversation with a nice walk, shall we?"
Will and BD-8 looked at one another and shrugged before following. "You answered how you're here but why?"
"I am here because I sensed you. A Mandalorian Jedi much like me. One who wields the Darksaber, one who leads our people and one with great conflict in himself. The same conflict I had I sense in you. It is not an easy task, is it? The burden the saber carries with it?"
"No, it's not but it's not just that. The two parts of my identity are in conflict with one another. The Mandalorian and the Jedi. Two sides that have been repeatedly at war with one another, with competing ideologies. I feel like a scale precariously balancing between the two but never finding actual balance." Will admitted. He's had this doubt since he got the Darksaber and while he's sort of internalized it ever since and given the war, they've had greater things to worry about, this was his chance to actually address it. "How did you find balance?"
"To be honest, it wasn't easy. Nothing every truly is but you don't need my advice or words of wisdom for something you are already on the path to achieve yourself." Tarre told him.
"What do you mean?"
"You stopped your uncle from leading the Mandalorians down a dark path. Under his leadership, our people would have suffered greatly if you hadn't stopped him. You prevented hardship, suffering, and death by your action. The Mandalorians, who've had countless conflicts with the Jedi now follow you because you showed them a better path. You care for them more then others who have used the Darksaber. You are bridging the gap from the past of Mandalore into a future, one where they can thrive. And it is because of your compassion, your hope, and your humility due to the training of the Jedi that have made you so successful. And your Mandalorian ways have aided you in the path of the Jedi. Your battles, your victories, the strength, courage, and actions instilled in you have saved countless lives and many others. You see what the Jedi cannot and that is your greatest strength. Your two identities were never in conflict but in harmony, each fostering strengths and combating the weaknesses of the other. You are already on your way to a balance with the only thing holding you back is your own self-doubt." Tarre walked over and placed his hand on Will's shoulder. "Be assured that there is no such doubt in my eyes. You have truly earned that saber and everything with it. Your journey is long, but you will get through it. Lead our people well, Mandalore the Maverick."
Tarre Vizsla soon faded away and Will felt better, like a weight had been lifted from his shoulders. True to Tarre Vizsla's words, Will's actions spoke for themselves more than his words could, and he had reconciled the dual parts of his identity with the only thing holding him back being his own self-doubt. His Mandalorian side helped him be a better Jedi and the ways of the Jedi helped him be a better Mandalore and leader, showing the Mandalorians a better way. He balanced his identity and if Revan was to be believed, if he truly balanced himself and his emotions, he would be ready for the next test but what could that be.
"I sense great power in you." He turned and saw the old man from before, standing in the hallway. That's when Will realized he ended up back in the throne room during his walk with Tarre Vizsla's ghost/presence and the old man was sitting in his throne. "Complete balance still eludes you, but you are drawn to it more than your friend. And because of it, you can achieve many great wonders. Perhaps you are the chosen one."
"Trust me, I'm not." Will admitted.
"Perhaps but you are special. Others are drawn to you. They bring out the best in you and you bring out the best in them. You have great strength, yet you temper it with control. You have great anger, yet you temper it with serenity. You are young but should you continue on this path then I believe you could achieve great balance in the force." The man said.
"You speak like a wise Jedi Master but you're not. I sense the Light side in you, but I also sense the Dark side. You're neither Jedi nor Sith. Who are you?" Will asked him.
"Some called us the Ones, others called us Force Wielders, the first to ever exist. I am the Father." The Father introduced himself as he stood up from his throne and walked forward. "Few still know of our existence. My children and I can manipulate the force like no other. Therefore, it was necessary to withdraw from the temporal world and live here as anchorites in the realm of Mortis."
"For your safety…or ours?" Will wondered.
"Both. You cannot imagine what pain it is to have such love for your children and realize that they could tear the very fabric of our universe." The Father told him. Will looked back at the throne and at the statues beside it. The griffin and the demon-bat.
"The Daughter…the Son…and the Father. The light side, the dark side, and the balance between them." He deduced.
"Correct. It is only here that I can control them. A family in balance, the light and the dark, day with night, destruction replaced by creation." The Father said.
"A true balance of the force. Without one, the other would spin into chaos." Will realized when he felt a presence and saw Anakin had his saber out as he approached the father. "Master Skywalker."
"Padawan, get behind me. He can't be trusted." Anakin warned him.
"Wait, Master." Will pleaded before looking at the Father. "Why did you bring us here? If what you're saying is true, then you risked your children getting out."
"I had to. When news reached me that the Chosen One had been found, I needed to see for myself." The Father looked at Anakin.
"The Chosen One is a myth." Anakin told him.
"Is it? I should very much like to know. Pass one test, and I shall know the truth. Then, you and your friends may leave." The Father said, walking to the exit.
"Padawan, what is going on?" Anakin asked him.
"A lot, Master Skywalker. A lot." Will answered as he began to explain what he found out.
Line Break xxxxx
The sun has risen on the planet Mortis as the Father led Anakin and Will out to a large courtyard. They walked into a Colosseum-like area with a carving on the ground beneath them. It was of a circle split in two, one light and one dark.
"I still can't believe this is all real." Anakin said to Will.
"Neither can I but if what he's saying is true then this test could be our way back home. Are you ready for it?" He asked him.
"If it gets us out of here so we can find Obi-wan and Ahsoka, then yes. But you seem to be a quick believer of all this. What did you see last night?" Anakin wondered.
"Things that gave me some clarity on questions I had. That's when he found me." Will said as the Father looked at Anakin.
"It is time to face your guilt and know the truth."
[Roaring and screeching]
The griffin and demon-bat from the throne room statues descended from the sky with Obi-wan and Ahsoka in their clutches. Obi-wan in the griffin's and Ahsoka with the demon-bat. They landed on opposite sides of the Colosseum with Anakin, Will, and the Father in the middle.
"Whatever he wants, don't do it, Master!" Ahsoka shouted.
"What are you doing?!" Will shouted.
"This is the test. Balance must be kept!" The Father said.
"Let them go! I will not play your games!" Anakin declared.
"Oh, but I think you will. I have ordered my children to kill your friends. The question is…" The Father teleported up to a balcony. "…Which one will you choose to save? Your master? Or your apprentice? You must now release the guilt and free yourself by choosing!"
"NO!" Anakin shouted.
"Their powers are too strong for us, Anakin! Save Ahsoka!" Obi-wan shouted from the claws of the Griffin.
"To hell with this!" Will activated his saber and charged at the demon-bat when he was suddenly lifted into the air up to the balcony where the Father was.
"WILL!" Anakin shouted as the Father held Will up in the air by his side before the ground came up and encased him from the neck down.
"I admire you, child but you cannot interfere." The Father told him.
"Urh—" Will struggled to try and get free but couldn't.
"Let them go!" Anakin shouted.
"Only you can make my children release them." The Father told him when Will remembered what Tarre Vizsla's ghost told him last night.
"Master Skywalker! This planet is a fulcrum for the Force! Use it! Control it!" He shouted so Anakin closed his eyes, took a deep breath and concentrated.
"You will let them go!" Anakin extended his arms out, creating a shockwave of air before lifting up the son and the daughter. Night quickly turned to day as the circle beneath them lit up, signifying Anakin channeling immense energy. He gently lowered Ahsoka and Obi-wan to the ground before force-pushing the Son and the Daughter away. They quickly got up and attacked but Anakin stopped them both, forcing them to submit. "ON YOUR KNEES!"
Night turned back into day as the Son and Daughter returned to their human-like forms. Will suddenly appeared next to Anakin as the Father walked over to him. "And now you see who you truly are. Only the Chosen one could tame both my children."
"I've taken your test. Now fulfill your promise and let us go." Anakin told him.
"Ah, but first, you must understand the truth. Now, all of you, leave us." The Father ordered.
"Do not trust me." Ahsoka whispered to Anakin.
"You think?" Anakin replied.
"I said leave us." The Father repeated so Obi-wan, Ahsoka, and Will walked away while The Daughter and Son left.
"You know, I thought the Father was a good guy but after what he just did, I'm not so sure." Will admitted.
"What made you think he was a good guy to begin with?" Ahsoka remarked.
"We actually had a pleasant conversation, and I learned some things." Will answered.
"Like what?" Obi-wan wondered.
"Like if we ever leave this place, we better forget how we got here." He answered. "This place is powerful in the force and with time I imagine we could learn a lot but if the Separatists or Dooku found this place then I don't want to even imagine what could happen."
Obi-wan and Ahsoka couldn't agree more. While they had left, the Father spoke with Anakin.
"Do you feel your destiny? You must see it now. I am dying and you must replace me."
"Replace you? I can't stay here." Anakin told him.
"But this is yours. It has been foretold. The Chosen One will remain to keep my children in balance."
"No." Anakin declared.
"I cannot force you to do this. The choice must be yours. But leave, and your selfishness shall haunt you and the galaxy." The Father said as Anakin walked away, rejoining the others. As he left, the Father's gaze lingered on Will before he vanished. The Tempest suddenly appeared on a platform near the monastery, and they all got on.
"Ship's all set. Ready to get out of here?" Will asked and Anakin lingered a moment longer, looking out at Mortis before he got on the ship. The Tempest hovered up into the air before flying away, unaware they were being followed.
They would not leave Mortis yet.
End of Chapter 13
1). The face claim for Pio Vizsla is Tricia Helfer. With Bo-Katan played by Katee Sackhoff I figured why not make Will's mom Tricia Helfer.
I hope you guys liked Chapter 13. Plot points have been set for the future with Savage Opress who will return and the events in the realm of Mortis will have repercussions going forward. We've also gotten some glimpses into what happened with Dooku and Will's mother along with seeing her in action. We'll have another flashback later to continue the events as Dooku and Sidious have plans for Will and they definitely aren't good. Hope you guys enjoyed it and things will pick up from now on.
Next chapter, despite Anakin turning down the offer from the Father, he and the others won't be able to leave Mortis just yet. The Father unknowingly opened Pandora's Box by exposing the Son to Anakin and now his plans begin. Plans that will endanger the entire universe unless he's stopped. In order to get back home they need to stop the embodiment of the dark side of the Force and if Anakin won't take the Father's place, then they'll need another option. And that option involves Will. Until next time. Stay safe out there.
For those wondering, the Delta-7, canonically was entered into Jedi Service either prior to or during 32 BBY. I'm going with prior to for Dooku's flashback but then again, it's not the biggest timeline discrepancy. For the little flashback to the Mandalorian Civil War, other than the obvious major stuff we were told in the shows and such there's not a lot known but it did take place from 41BBY to 38BBY. Everything else was me sort of making it up as I go to make it work for the story. And I know in the canon that Dooku never really met Obi-wan before Geonosis, my story changes that as with Dooku being on Mandalore while Obi-wan was Qui-Gon's apprentice they would have met. Will's existence has changed some canon events.
I hope you guys liked the little flashback. Just showed Will's parents meeting. Dooku and Pio Vizsla. Nothing elaborate like them suddenly falling in love, just more a night of passion after some circumstances led to an unforeseen complication and eventual child. Also, I was able to show what Will's mother was like and show that his martial skill and talent was part training but also part genetic. His mother was a badass warrior and fighter which is where he learned how to fight but her skill may not just be natural talent and relentless training but the possibility of slight force sensitivity. I was watching some Star Wars videos, I forget whether it was Generation Tech, Geetsly's, MetaNerdz, Stupendous Wave, or someone else but they did bring up a good point on Mandalorian warriors in the past. The ones who rose up to the position of Mandalore and even those that didn't but were excellent warriors and leaders could have shown force sensitivity.
The reason Force Sensitive Mandalorians were rare or unheard of besides Tarre Vizsla was because the Republic/Jedi stayed out of Mandalore Space so they wouldn't run into force sensitive children or younglings to take them to the Jedi temple for training. And even if they did the clans or families wouldn't have likely let them take them. Tarre Vizsla was the exception, but he was already an adult and a warrior, fighting in a war alongside some Jedi who noticed his force sensitivity and offered him to come to the temple to train. There were likely other Mandalorians who were force sensitive but never realized it. It likely had some benefits like making them more aware of their surroundings and making them better fighters but without a Jedi or Sith master to help them hone that force sensitivity, they likely never manifested it in any meaningful way. The most they could do on their own was just the slight augmentations to their body and senses, making them in a sense sort of super soldiers or just better warriors that one could mistake for natural talent. Will's mother Pio is one of them, being of the Vizsla house and clan so she's a descendant like the others in her family. Again, it's not confirmed at all and just a theory but could explain why many of House Vizsla and of Death Watch were great warriors. Some had this advantage like Pio while others didn't like Pre. And not only that but Pio and the men she led worked and moved like trained soldiers and skilled warriors which I wanted to show as a distinction between her skills and her brother, Pre Vizsla. Both are Mandalorians of House Vizsla, but Pio showed more skill, talent, and intelligence then Pre and it showed not only in their combat but in leadership as well. In the Clone Wars, Pre and his Death Watch were good but there were still more rough and tumble mercenaries who acted more like thugs then trained warriors while Pio showed more sense and strategic thinking which trickled down to the men she led in the assassination, moving in like a trained group of soldiers. Something she passed on to Will who then imparted that with his own men and the Mandalorians under his watch. Another Flashback will come in the future to show more of what happened.
Again, thanks to everyone for all the suggestions, reviews, and words of encouragement. Special thanks to Masamune X23, my Beta reader. He gives me a lot of great ideas for this story as well as my other ones as well. Also, thanks to War Sage, JhotoLoraxius, Omni-Creator Kami of Anime and all the other people who PM me with ideas for my stories. Thank you, guys. They help a lot. Also, make sure to check my DeviantArt every now and then for new pics I'll put up. I've made cover photos for about all my stories, but I'll have more pics made so check them out.
Updates for August: The Mandalorian Maverick was updated today, 8-7-2023. And then the Blue Wolf and Spectacular Spider-man on August 31st.
Will Prax Vizsla, Son of Pio Vizsla and Count Dooku, nephew of Pre Vizsla and Mandalorian by birth. Padawan Jedi. Prax: Mando'a meaning Noble Heart
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 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, shin guards, and cloak 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.
Mandalorian WESTAR-35 blaster pistol holstered onto right thigh.
JT-12 Jetpack with attached homing rocket.
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 4 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.
Modified Form 6 Niman variant that emphasizes the flow of various forms into one another to keep all the strengths but then use those strengths to cover the weaknesses of each forms shortcomings. Sacrificing zero weakness for maximum strength and adaptability. 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, 2 port, and 2 cockpit laser batteries with torpedo launchers and modified ion launchers. Onboard electronic countermeasures including chaff launcher, flares, and jamming sensors. 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.
