Chapter 32
Restitution
She was solely focused on her opponent, her blade kept at high guard, ignoring the biting cold air. They were balanced on a thin plank above a freshly opened hole in the iced over river. Both forced by circumstances to only rely on bladework.
Fay lowered her self and switched her lightsaber to an underhand grip, her go to grip before attacking. Fay swung wide before revealing the evolution in her training igniting a shoto blade and moving in close. Melissa was forced to backstep and drastically lower her guard to accommodate the smaller blade being thrust at her, she retaliated with short precise jabs to force Fay back, before launching a spinning kick . Fay bent backward and the kick sailed over her, pressing astud on her primary blade the length dropped to shoto length, making it easier to wield in Jar Krai, She started spinning and twirling, surefooted on the plank, in a blistering attack. Melissa was forced to backflip twice to get herself some space and wobbled slightly as she landed a bit of centre on the plank
"Your fans would have really liked it if you wore a skirt with move." Fay quipped
"A skirt? In this weather?" Melissa replied
"Their passion for you will keep you warm, how did that one put it? My love for you is like a bonfire on Hoth, slowly melting your heart." Fay teased
"Well at least she did not offer me a fourway with herself and her eight year old sister, like someone I could mention." Melissa replied
Fay rolled her eyes
"Thanks for reminding me. You did not have to have to give the procreation talk to a seven year old to explain "fun play time", several years early, thank you very much. So you don't get to talk about that, ever again." Fay retorted
"So Lance's exess wanting to set up a harem is still on the table?" Melissa replied
Melissa started her own spinning and slashing attacks, forcing Fay onto the defensive. Fay crossed her blades and caught Melissa's in the centre and started twisting to the side. Melissa knew it was over. If she pushed completely to the side she would be open, power pushing was not an option in that position, trying to back away would leaver open. Only one thing left as an option. She disengaged her blade and gripped it underhanded. As Fay mover in for the decapitation strike she ignited her blade in combat mode and cut the plank they were standing on
"Ice bath coming up." She smirked
"You little bitch."Fay growled
The two fell into the ice water with a mighty splash and came up gasping with teeth chattering. The twins threw flotation devices at them , that they happily grabbed onto before being pulled out of the watery hole. Within moments they were covered in blankets and being hustled to the house. Stepping through the door they were being pushed to a communal shower room set of to the side annexing to the house gym and combat area. Within moments both were pushed still dressed under a mildly warm shower head and being instructed to get undressed as they slowly started warming up. Xena to one side lowering the heat in the sauna room considerably before they were pushed into the warm steamy embrace of the sauna. The twins joined them moments later.
"We should kick your ass for that stunt. What were you thinking?" Lillith demanded
"That I will only lose by a no win scenario." Melissa replied, shivering slightly
Xena snorted at that
"That is a very Wren answer, though I don't think Buir will see that as an acceptable answer." She warned
"That was more for the clan elders watching from the house." Melissa replied
"You could sense them that far?" Fay asked
"No, some of our watchers were keeping their hands in front of their mouths and not their coat pockets"
"Blow by blow reporting to their heads then." Lillith nodded
Melissa turned to Fay as she was warming up
"When did you learn the shoto trick?" She asked
"Had a long talk with Hissk and he suggested it. I will really miss that old Barabell." Fay relied
"What do you mean?" Melissa asked
"He is stepping down from the council and returning to Barab to have his own clutch. He is getting up there in years and with his species low numbers he has to do his part." Fay explained.
"And him getting pissed off with the rest of the retirement home circle had nothing to do with that." Xena retorted
"That might have expedited his decision." Fay conceded
Fay looked over at Melissa
"He asked me to only tell you when we are off world, he wanted to keep his leaving low key. He did give me a comlink code and open invitation to visit him for you. He said he cannot wait to finally teach you without interference."
"Damn, I am jealous. Personal training with a battle master. Just think of all the possibilities of that" Lillith whistled
Xena looked at the two dunked women and noticed that their colour had returned to a healthy pink. She opened the door to the sauna and stepped out.
"Time to go get dressed, dinner is in an hour."
Melissa noted that her wet clothing had already been collected by a cleaner along with Fay's and the twins. She cringed at the implications thereof as that would mean a casual stride to their rooms, Marina having a rule against running in the house. The casualness with nudity something she was still struggling with, a view shared by Fay as she was shooting a glare in her direction. The twins picking up on their discomfort, grinned and stepped behind them.
"Please, lead the way. Your fangirls will be clustered by the doors by now. Have to show off the marriage goods." Lillith exhorted them
"We hate you." The two chorused
Trying to appear relaxed the two stepped from the room, fully aware of the eyes following them
"So now you are five out of six planets and dragging me down with you." Fay remarked.
"Girls got to have a hobby." Melissa replied
"Where are the twins?" Fay suddenly demanded
Melissa slapped her hand to her face
"I am so getting them back for this." She snarled
"I will gladly help you." Fay muttered darkly
"Run?" Melissa suggested
Fay was already a blur of motion.
The embarrassment did not end there, the two were given a lecture by Ellia on comportment with Marina and Daria standing behind her as they entered the dining room. The twins making of colour racing commentary as they walked to their table. With the main formalities having been concluded the tables had been split into smaller groupings. Astrid joined them at their table, in the last couple of days she had been a regular with their group along with her much younger brother Ragnar. This evening the boy kept looking to the side, red faced and stuttering when addressed by Fay. The blush got worse when Ellia innocently asked him if anything was wrong. The twins got identical evil grins at observing this, Melissa wanted to groan at this as she could see the comments coming already.
A Wren clansman approached the table and handed the twins and Melissa two flimsies. Reading the note Melissa felt her appetite disappearing. She must have changed her expression or let her emotions into the force as Fay looked sharply at her.
"The Council will convene to discuss my plea after dinner." Melissa explained
"Then eat up, you will need all your strength." Fay told her.
Melissa waited outside the dining area as the room was being prepared for the clan heads as it was the biggest room in the building. Anaka was standing by her side, both as silent encouragement and to ensure that no one approached her as per regulations that the penitent had to be kept under guard, Astrid acting as guard from a neutral house as well as woman named Areca from house Vizla.
Slowly the clan heads started trickling into the room and started taking their places, dressed in full armour. Melissa had a moment of mirth as she noticed a few tight armour fits among the assembled clan heads. Canderous was called in as first witness and the door closed behind him
Canderous walked to the small table set before the large table with the council present. Marina and Daria stood up.
"As the penitent is a member of our clans we recuse ourselves." Daria stated
"I hand my position as the convener of this conclave to Rex Djarin for the duration of this discussion." Marina declared
If not for his helmet, Canderous would have shown his surprise at that move. It was well known that there was considerable enmity between clans Wren and Djarin, it took him several moments to figure out the ramifications and almost shook his head in approbation of Marina's cunning manoeuvre. Djarin was now forced in a position where he could only vote if a tied vote appeared, by giving him the position in favour of recognised allies she was appearing to be holding out a hand in friendship to Djarin, and to the others it would appear that it is clear that she has made no moves to influence the decision making process.
Djarin took his place in the centre chair and slammed a piece of beskar ore down on the table
"The council is in session." He declared
Looking around him Djarin took a moment before speaking
"Countess Brevkin, will you act as interrogator?"
The woman nodded and stood up. Walking to the front of the table, Canderous was finally acknowledged by her.
"Al,verde Canderous Aliit Ordo, the council recognises your presence and welcome you." Brevkin Stated
Canderous nodded to her and the council. Brevkin motioned for him to sit.
"Al'verde Canderous, would you please explain to the council as to how you met the penitent."
Canderous took of his helmet and placed it in front of him on the table
"I was on Taris pursuing the trail of the chakaar Ashani Carpenter. Knowing the renegade Zyan Carrick had trained on Taris in of the Jetii enclaves there I had hoped to be able to gain access to their database as to her location as report suggested that the enclave had been placed in lockdown. In order to better hide my movements I had signed on as a mercenary to a local crime lord Davik Kang and as a means to replenish my funds as I was self funding my hunt." Canderous started
"Did you find any trace there?" Brevkin asked
"No, the Sith had burned the structure to the ground. Throwing Kangs name around had me getting access to many sources of information, the only thing I found was that she had passed through Taris a few years prior."
Canderous cleared his throat
"My first interaction with the penitent was while I was acting as muscle for a collector for Davik. She and her companions had tricked their way into the lower city and had taken up bounty hunting for the same reason I took on mercenary work. To fund their mission to retrieve a captive Jedi. I watched as they effected a raid on a gang stronghold and ultimately rescued eight younglings from captivity."
Canderous slaved his datapad to the terminal in front of him
"My second interaction was via observation of an assault mission she had taken part in. I found out much later that she had been the planner for this mission. I will now show you the footage that had been retrieved on a separate server of the assault on the residence of Gert Kang, a hu'tuun of the lowest order."
The assault on the residence started with an explosion on the front lawn and progressed from there. The council watched in silence as it progressed
"Talk about a shit show." Lexian Fett commented
"I am not sure if I should be impressed or repulsed by this." Djarin stated
Canderous waited patiently at the table for the council to give him their full attention. Brevkin eventually motioned for him to continue
"After this I met up with her in the undercity of Taris on a clean and sweep patrol on the orders of Davik. She and her companions were planning a rescue operation. Their target was being held within a Gammorean colony. Her party consisting of four people would have had no chance at success, she managed to convince the criminals and low level mercenaries that it was a good idea to attack the colony."
"Using her Jedi heritage, no doubt?" Fett asked
"No, she had no access to her heritage at the time, she simply used their greed and stupidity against them."
"And you allowed your command to be suborned like this?" Count Vizla asked
"It was not my command, that was one of Kang's favourite enforcers command decision, I was merely along as an extra gun or adviser, should the di'kuut ever having gotten over his arrogance. It resulted in both the colony and the mercenary group being wiped out, leaving her group to mop up any stragglers and achieve their objective."
Canderous opened another file on the datapad
"Kang had a policy of infiltration any smaller gang to ensure that he could not be threatened, the following footage was taken by her groups assault on a new extinct gangs support base to retrieve a prototype engine. They had scrubbed the primary database but Kang's infiltrator had set up a secondary relay that they had missed"
Following the display Canderous opened a third file
"This is the footage of her defending a position against superior numbers during the riot at the Taris swoop bike season opener, where they had rescued their objective."
Canderous played the file.
"By this time I had realised that I would need help to escape from the planet and had decided to use their group to effect this. They infiltrated a Sith base to steal launch codes to get off planet. With them I initiated an attack on Davik Kang in order to gain access to his ship to escape the planet, during this time she had saved my life. I shoudpoint out that Kang had already broken contract with me at that time and I suspect he had plans to have me terminated by a little weasel named At that time I had decided to approach her and offer adoption into my clan, I began by supplying her with information on our culture and found her to be very receptive to it."
"Did you have any inkling as to her parentage?" Brevkin asked
"No, her surname is a common one among the aruetii and with her not showing her hereditary traits I had no reason to suspect otherwise." Canderous replied
He paused for a moment before lying a cloth covered object on the table
"We managed to escape to a planet called Arkaxis, during an enforced stay we had taken up several odd jobs in order to pass the time. Taking a job she had fallen into a flooded river after saving one of her companions from falling in and was washed away downriver. She survived a raging river losing most of her equipment in the process before being washed out. Instead of waiting for rescue she started to return up river through wild territory with only minimal weapons at her disposable. I was part of a rescue team that went on foot after her."
Canderous uncovered the object, it was a battered knife and sheath
"When we found her she had killed an apex predator with this."
"What kind of predator?" Fett asked
Canderous displayed a picture of the kill he had taken before he and Zaalbar had begun to process the animal
"It is a feline known as a Checabra, it is the apex predator of Arkaxia along with Kath hounds and Cannoks, both of which she had killed on her way back. I had taken it on myself to declare her Verdgotten to be complete."
"A worthy kill." Djarin declared reluctantly
Canderous folded his arms across his chest and leaned back in his chair
"This brings us to Dantooine, it was discovered that she is the daughter of the chakaar Ashani Carpenter. But it seems the beast had not been contend with her depredations on our people. The thing had used her abilities to block her daughter from her heritage as a new born, the breaking block would have killed the ad if it had not been found before it was. The Jetii immediately tried to take her into their order, but she was resistant to their attempts and finally broke from them during a attack on a raider encampment when the Jetii had tried to prevent me from delivering justice on a group of Dhar Manda. I adopted her in the field before she did her duty to the Resol'Nar."
Brevik walked closer.
"If she was adopted why does she seek the Rite of Restitution?"
Marina stood up from her chair at the side of the room
"With the councils indulgence I believe I am better equipped to answer that question." She stated
Djarin nodded his acceptance and motioned for her to continue
"During the Forging an error had occurred and she had been unaware she could claim her fathers name. The fault is mine as I should have ensured that she had all the information available. I can only state that my joy at having a grandchild return to me can be the contributing factor, not that it excuses my error."
"So she wishes to follow the rite to gain access to her rightful name?" Duke Kryze asked
"Yes. She believes it to be the only honourable and legitimate way. She can petition for an official name change but as she says it will only be an entry on a computer and not something she has earned." Marina replied.
Djarin and several of the clan heads nodded at this. Marina sat down. Canderous coughed to bring the attention back to him.
"The last thing I will show you is two files. One from my helmet recording on an assault on a compound where the chakaar had taken refuge. The second is from her helmet till up to the point where her armour had been shattered in combat."
There was a complete silence as the recordings ended, Brevkin dismissed Canderous from the table and pointed him to sit by his clan head. She motioned for a guard to open the door.
"Come Forth, Penitent Melissa No Name." Brevkin called
Melissa strode in and ignoring the table dropped to one knee before the clan elders, keeping her head firmly up.
"Penitent Melissa, the council has heard from your witness as to your actions, do you wish to add anything to your case?" Brevkin asked
"I believe my actions should speak for me. " Melissa replied
"Do you not wish to use your actions against the Vesalik clan to better your case?" Djarin asked
"Acting against them is the duty of any child of Mandalore, it is not worthy of special mention, one might as well make a case then for throwing trash into an incinerator as that action is more worthy than dealing with that disgrace to Mandolorians." Melissa stated
Brevkin looked to the table.
"I have no questions for the penitent. I retire from my duty to the council."
Djarin stood up once Brevkin had taken her seat.
"We will adjourn to judge the merits of the application. The penitent and her clans are asked to leave the room."
They waited for half an hour before the doors swung open and the group was called in. Melissa remained on her feet while she awaited the judgement. Djarin looked around at the rest of the clan heads before speaking
"The penitents case has been judged and found that she qualifies for the Rite of Restitution. Hers is the first case where no banning from her clan or our society has occurred. The only alteration to the Rite that the council will allow is that penitent will not be branded at conclusion. She will still have to complete the ritual in full."
"Do you understand what that will entail?" Brevkin asked
"I will do the rite in full and understand the consequences of my choice." Melissa stated firmly
Djarin slammed the Beskar ore block onto the table.
"The council stands adjourned and the rite will commence in one day."
The next night found her walking barefoot in the snow. A line of torches lit the way held by silent armoured figures. The only sound that of her feet crunching through the snow. The council stood at the end of the line. Djarin at their head. She came to a stop before them and dropped the cloak she was wearing, leaving her dressed in a thin cotton shift.
"The Rite of Restitution was created as a means for a fallen Mandalorian to regain his or her hounour and restore dignity to their clans name. Redemption comes at the cost of the pain the penitent had caused their clan and must be felt by the penitent." Djarin intoned
"This is the way." Melissa replied
Brevkin stepped forward and produced a knife.
"Before you step into the gauntlet of redemption you have to swear your allegiance to the Resol'Nar."
Melissa took the blade and cut her palms, before balling her hands into fists
"As my blood falls on to the land of my clan from my marevs it also falls on the Manda'yaim, where all who call themselves Mando'Ade comes from. I swear to speak the language of my people. This is the way"
"This is the way." The gathered chorused
"I swear to wear my Beskar'Gam, that which is symbol of our unity. This is the way."
"This is the way"
"My blood and my life belongs to my clan and I live to serve my clan. This is the way."
"This is the way."
"When the Mandalore calls I will stand by his orders, this I swear. This is the way."
"This is the way."
"I promise to protect the ad of all Mando'ade and to ensure no harm comes to them. This is the way."
"This is the way."
"I swear to raise my children in the way of my people, be they from my body or foundlings in my care. For the glory of Mandalore and the Manda'yaim. This is the way."
The council split in two groups and cleared a path. Behind them Melissa could see what made the gauntlet of redemption. Without hesitation she stepped forward. She barely held in a hiss of pain as she stepped into a path made of burning coals and walked through it. Stepping onto cool snow two armoured figures stepped in shock batons in hands. She stood still as they discharged the batons three times at increasing intensity. Another path of coals led to the next station.
She braced herself as she heard the crackle of an electrowhip, five lashes came in rapid succession. She stepped into a path of frozen water and trudged through to the last punishment stage. Three figures surrounded her and started delivering brutal body blows till she staggered. She was then allowed to stagger forward, where she was embraced by Marina, who had tears streaming down her face.
"You have passed the tests, rest now my brave girl." She whispered to Melissa
Djarin stepped forward through the trail.
"Marina Alor Wren. Do you retake the penitent Melissa No Name into your Aliit?" He intoned
"I retake Melissa Aliit Wren into my Care." Marina stated
"It is done. A Mandalorian has returned. Oya Manda. All here have seen the truth and let it be known." Djarin completed the ceremony.
Melissa was greeted by raucous cheering as she entered the dining hall after a quick visit to the infirmary. Daria was the first to greet her
"Welcome home; ally to my clan." She formally stated
"Thank you ba'buir," Melissa replied
"Formally no more." Daria corrected her
"Are we Aurettii to stand on formality? You will always be my Ba'buir, officially or not."
Daria gently hugged her
"And you will always be my Bu'Ad." Daria whispered
Count Fett was next to reach her. He laid a hand on her shoulder
"Mandro'Kar. It is a pity that my daughters prefer men, you would have done well as a Fett." He stated
"As a Wren I can always seduce one of them to see things my way." Melissa replied.
Fett threw back his head as he laughed
"I should let you do that for the entertainment value alone. You understand the concept of shereshoy, something I wish my daughters would too."
The twins walked up mugs of beer in their hands.
"Su cuy'gar." They greeted her
"Thanks for not pulling your punches." Melissa stated
"You could feel it was us?" Lillith asked
"Yes, though I will have a talk with Akana about that kidney strike, I will be passing blood for a few days."
"How pissed off is Fay? Lancelot has been on edge since the ceremony." Karana interrupted
Melissa winced.
"I would give her a few days to cool off and don't worry I will never tell her he was the one with the whip, miss shock your innocent cousin."
"Hello, you took part in a ceremony for criminals. How does that make you innocent?" Karana objected
"The bigger question is why does she not have a drink in hand?" Astrid asked behind them
Melissa woke as cold water splashed over her, she sat up with a gasp and met another dousing face on. Fay put down her bucket.
"Get up, party animal. We leave for Dxun in an hour." She said
"Why the second bucket or any bucket for that matter." Melissa demanded
"I have to get my kicks in somehow when dealing with your stupid ideas." Fay replied
"The second bucket was because you stank." Ellia chirped
Melissa's new datapad chimed as it received a message. She opened the hologram function without a second thought. Not her best idea as she had received a holopic from the Fett triplets in all their glory with an invitation to visit
"Why are they not wearing clothes?" Ellia demanded
Fay cleared her throat and Melissa rapidly saved and closed the picture.
"Do we need to have a chat about inappropriate materials in front of impressionable young minds?" She demanded.
"Oh." Ellia gasped, then." Ew, is kriffing all you adults ever think about?"
"To make sure you understand. I blame you for this." Fay stated firmly
"I just opened a message." Melissa tried to defend herself
"I don't care."
After the cold temperature of Krownrest the humidity of Dxun hit them like an oven blast as the stepped from the shuttle they came in. The ebon Hawk taking up half of the clearing. Melissa felt that there was no life on the craft and reached out further and felt the familiar presences approaching from the distance
"They will be here in a short while." Melissa stated
She paused as she felt another presence.
"We are being watched, trees to the right." She reported
"Probably a scout from Onderon. They tend to come check up on movement here." Canderous replied, nonchalantly
"I have a question." Fay said
"Go ahead." Daria invited
"Why has Onderon not demolished the structure here or made any overt moves to enforce their sovereignty on this moon, they let you move as you please here."
"Because in terms with our peace treaty with Onderon they have ceded all claims to the moon for a period of two hundred years to Mandalore. Clan Ordo has been given stewardship of the moon." Lance explained
"They did not press the matter as the original claim was for a quarter of Onderon as well in the areas we have conquered, losing a moon is preferable to losing a quarter of your planet." Daria concluded.
"Thank you." Fay replied
Melissa gave a sudden grin.
"Be prepared to receive a guest. Zaalbar is moving in on the presence in the trees."
Moments later Zaalbar strode from the treeline a squirming weight over his shoulder as he roared a greeting to the group. Ellia skipped forward to greet the wookie. Karana was playing a round of fist, blade and flimsy against Lance and groaned when she lost
"Fine, I will deal with the Onderon military to arrange pick up for their scout." She grumbled
Marina pointed to the inside.
"Shall we get the forges going? Recasting your armour will not get done by itself." She said
"And getting the colour right for young Ellia's first set will take some doing." Daria added
"I am more concerned about the helmet to get her a comfortable fit." Marina stated
Fay cleared her throat.
"I know I have not been part of this group for long but is there any chance of me to get a set as well?"
"Dear girl, we have been waiting on you to ask. Do you wish to make a formal or informal declaration of intent." Daria beamed.
"Formal." Fay declared
"Then have your clan head start the preparations for a formal event, do you wish to share Ellia's forging with you?" Marina stated
"I think she would appreciate it." Fay replied
Marina leaned over to Melissa.
"Do not worry we will help you with the arrangements."