Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or Star Wars: The Clone Wars.

Beta: Chaos-PSD. Contributor: Kuronodono12.

Chapter XXXV: Academy Of Corruption.

The Challenge Of Hope Is To Overcome Corruption.

Desperate times on Mandalore! Having won neutrality for the Mandalorian system, Duchess Satine now finds herself an outsider with very little aid to her people. Supplies are hard to come by, except on the black market. As a result, the Duchess faces a world consumed by greed. Hoping to alleviate some of the tension rising in the capital city of Sundari, Satine has called upon her friend Padmé Amidala to make a diplomatic visit.…

Sundari.

Padmé with Riyo Chuchi landed on the hanger as Satine walked up to the ship while the two walked out.

"Senator."

"Duchess, it's good to see you."

"Thank you for coming, Padmé." Satine nodded before looking at Riyo. "May I ask why Senator Chuchi is here?"

"I'm giving her assistance/training today," Padmé replied as Riyo nodded.

"Duchess." She greeted, before the trio started to walk to the building.

"I know our decision to stay neutral has caused distress in the senate. But for many here, the fallout from your war has been too much."

"If your government has trade concerns, we can talk," Padmé spoke before glancing over. "Many systems have been affected. I assure you not everyone in the Republic has neglected Mandalore, and there are those of us who would still vote, to give you any help you require."

The trio then got in a car that came up to them before Satine spoke. "The help we need now is opening trade routes so we may get supplies more freely."

"We are making progress in the Senate," Riyo said from her spot in the back.

"Forgive me. I did not bring you here to discuss politics. I had hoped to show you the new Mandalore." Satine said as they went through a tunnel.

"Not the typical Mandalorian welcome. Senator Organa teased you'd have a royal court waiting." Padmé said, chuckling.

"I just wanted to greet you myself, before the others," Satine said as they got out the other side and saw the civilians welcoming them.

"Now, this is a Mandalorian Welcome," Padmé said while the three of them waved back.

"We are a people of tradition."

On the other side of the city, a ship lands on cargo docks with metal insect-like limbs. The landing ramp opened up and a group of aliens walked out with crates.

They are tall, thin, bipedal humanoids with green skin, dark-green mottling on their faces and limbs. Their faces are slender, with pronounced cheekbones and accentuated brows. They possess long necks, four-fingered hands, four-toed feet, and sharpened teeth. And they are dressed as ancient Egyptians.

"Hurry up. Get that stuff unloaded quickly." One said to another species of aliens before one of the first aliens saw a male Mandalorian walking up.

"Here comes the customs official."

"Nice day here on Mandalore." The leader said to the officer.

"It is. Let's try not to ruin it."

"I don't get your meaning." The alien said, raising an eyebrow.

"I think you do. Your arrival isn't listed here on my schedule." The agent said holding up a datapad. "So what exactly are you unloading on my dock?"

"Must be a clerical oversight." The alien said, dropping credits in the man's hand. "I'm sure it won't happen again."

The man tossed the credits before looking at the alien. "Normally there would be five times as many officers out here. They're off at the parade. Some big shot just arrived on Mandalore. You're lucky."

"Oh, luck has nothing to do with it."

"Well, just in case, deal with me directly In the future. Got it?" The man asked, pocketing the credits.

"as you wish."

Throne Room.

Almec was pacing in front of the council before speaking. "Esteemed colleagues, leaders of Mandalore, friends, I'm afraid our neutrality has caused our people to suffer. The war between the Separatists and the Republic rages across Our galaxy. It has caused trade routes to be closed to Mandalore. And has forced us to turn to a black market filled with corruption."

"We know what is happening, Almec." One balding man said. "What will be done about it?" He asked before the woman on his left spoke.

"Mandalore should not need to pay smugglers to feed its people." The man then stood up.

"It's not that we want to deal with smugglers. We have no alternative. I'm sure you and the trade Federation make a profit whether our business is legitimate or not."

"I resent that!"

"ladies and gentlemen, please, order. Please." Almec said getting between the two.

"Prime minister Almec seems a bit overwhelmed," Padmé whispered to Satine as she and Riyo stood at her side.

"If you're volunteering your services as a negotiator, please, be my guest."

"Perhaps they will listen to a new voice," Riyo said to her fellow Senator before Padmé stepped forward.

"Ruling council, may I speak?"

"Senator Amidala." Almec turned to her to speak. "The floor is yours."

"I hear your worries, your frustration, But the longer you argue, the more your people suffer." She explained walking in front of the group. "You are right. New trade routes are essential to survival, but the black market is no substitute for legitimate and legal trade."

"What would you propose, Senator?" Almec asked her.

"The Republic can provide Security."

"The Republic's dealings with the black market far surpass Mandalore's." The man from before spoke as he stood.

"I agree." The woman spoke up while standing. "It's quite hypocritical for you to come here, a member of the Republic senate, and lecture to us about corruption."

Soon the council started arguing before Satine stood up and yelled. "Silence!" Once the group settled down, she continued. "I told Senator Amidala, that Mandalore was not part of the War, yet here I find a battle in my own palace. I call this meeting adjourned. We will reconvene and allow cooler heads to prevail."

Cargo Bay.

"Come on, you worms. Get those barrels inside." The leader spoke up from inside a warehouse with Mandalorian guards at the door.

"What is this stuff?" A Mandalore man asked as he stood by the large canisters.

"This stuff is slabin, A diluting agent. If we add it, we can make twice as much tea at twice the profit." The alien explained.

"Isn't it toxic?"

"Only if the dosage is wrong, so get your mixture right." The alien said before looking at the large tank by them as a woman was looking in the small circular window.

Satine, Padmé, And Riyo.

"Tell me, Padmé, Riyo, how do you feel about the Republic's war with the Separatists?" Satine asked the two as they ate at the dining table.

"It's so complicated. As you know, in the Senate, the Chancellor says it's going very well but my sources say otherwise," Padmé asked as Riyo took a drink.

"Same for Naruto when he and I talk."

"And how does that make you feel?"

"There are times I wish I could follow Mandalore's lead, neutrality, and not just in the war."

"But the politics as well?" Satine asked her. "The contamination of greed reaches deep and far within the Republic, corporations, trade guilds, Too many senators serving their interests."

"There are still those of us who work to overcome the corruption and believe it to be possible," Riyo said as she took a bite of her food.

"Enough of this dreary talk. A new hospital has opened. Tomorrow we shall visit, see true good at work. It will do us good."

Morning Hospital.

The three walked out of the ship to see the hospital full of sick kids holding their stomachs.

"Orderly, what's going on here?" Satine asked a man who was walking in.

"I have no idea, madam. Dr. Zaz is handling the Outbreak. He's inside."

They walked in to see more sick kids before looking at a man. "What is happening here?"

"Duchess, I'm sorry no one has come to speak to you. These children have been Poisoned."

"How?" Riyo asked, glancing around.

"We don't know. It's not just here, I'm afraid. We've gotten reports from across the planet." Zaz explained as Satine went to one of the beds.

"Too bad Naruto isn't here, BD could scan them to see what was wrong," Riyo said, crossing her arms.

"Have you identified the cause?" Padmé asked Zaz who looked at his pad.

"The children here all came from the same school. We're testing their food. If we find something, perhaps we can create an antidote. But it will take some time."

"Try the drinks as well," Riyo said, having them look at her. "Better safe than sorry."

They then went back to the palace and talked to Almec.

"What if it's not a poison?" He asked as Satine looked down from her seat. "It must be Death Watch."

"I'm not so sure. In the past, the Death Watch attacks have only been directed at myself and the administration, not the children."

"They are terrorists. Perhaps the senator's visit has inspired them." Almec said as Satine sighed in frustration.

"Terrorists? Our minds should be on the sick children that are dying in the streets. What are you going to do to save them?" She asked, having Almec stand.

"I must speak to the ruling council about this matter." He then left before Satine turned to the Senators.

"I refuse to believe that Death Watch has anything to do with this."

"I agree. His concern for the children…" Padmé stopped as Satine looked at her.

"Was practically none. All he thinks about is politics."

"Well, we can't just sit here and do nothing." Riyo said as Satine stood."

"My thoughts exactly."

Later, in the throne room, Satine stood in front of her guards with Padmé and Riyo.

"Thank you all for coming. I suppose you're wondering why I asked you here. As my personal guards, you are the only ones I can trust to investigate this matter. We have little time. That is why I have asked for your help. Padmé?"

"Each of you will be getting a special comlink and datapad, Means of direct communication, and location you should investigate," Padmé said as another man gave them ear comms.

"This must be a closed-loop affair," Satine said before Riyo spoke.

"Hundreds of children have been poisoned."

"They are our children, and they need our help. This is a Mandalorian matter, And we must find out who dares poison our children. Thank you. Thank you all." Satine finished as the group dispersed.

"So where do we start?" Padmé asked Satine who looked at her.

"The schools."

School.

"Thank you for allowing us to inspect the school, superintendent," Satine said to the balding man as they went into the cafeteria.

"My pleasure, duchess."

They then saw Zaz before walking to him. "We've cleared the food here. None of it is tainted."

"What about what they ate yesterday?" Riyo asked as they looked at the kids.

"The menu of food is pretty regular here. We would've caught something with our tests."

"What about their drinks, Doctor?" Riyo asked Zaz who looked around.

"No, they drink fresh water. It can't be tainted."

"Not the water. What about the bottled drinks?" Satine asked, seeing a girl drink from a bottle of green tea.

"Those are not part of the school's menu. They are allowed through an outside vendor." Zaz said before stopping a boy and taking his bottle. "Excuse me, child. I must borrow your drink."

Laboratory.

"How could this have happened?" Satine asked as Zaz was looking at a bottle before putting it in a machine.

"It's not your fault," Riyo said to Satine who sighed.

"I appreciate that. However, for an outbreak of this size to occur, I'm afraid it's a sign of a much, much deeper seeded corruption than I had imagined."

"Duchess, we found something," Zaz said, getting their attention. "This tea contains a high level of slabin."

"I didn't know slabin was lethal," Satine said to the doctor who nodded.

"it usually isn't, but mixed with the tea, and at this concentration, I'm certain it's the cause of the children's Illness."

"The school must have an import log, correct?" Padmé asked the superintendent who nodded.

"Yes. I believe so."

"So we should be able to find out where the tea came from," Riyo said as Satine nodded.

"Well, then let's get to the docks."

Docks.

"Everything's here, Satine," Padmé said, looking at a platform by a warehouse.

"Everything except the records for the tea shipments."

"It looks like the school's import log has been erased," Riyo said looking at the screen. "There's no record of an outside vendor." She said before the superintendent started running.

"Superintendent, hold it right there!" Satine yelled as he got inside.

"I'm actually on my way To the hospital. I have to go."

"Stop him!" Riyo yelled as he started running and got on a hover platform.

Two guards crashed into him on another platform having the group run up and grab him. "Tell me what's going on here, Or else my guards will not be as conversational as I am," Satine said before Padmé looked at her

"Satine..."

"Padmé, please. Where did you get the tea?"

"Please, I never meant to harm anyone. I just… I needed to cut costs. The school's budget was too low."

"The school has received sufficient government funding."

"That you know of," Riyo said, getting Satine to look at her. "What if you got fake reports so you don't go snooping around?"

"Look, they offered me a great deal. I could keep some money for myself too, but I didn't know that the drinks were poison."

"All this because you were greedy?" Padmé asked the man who sighed.

"I am not the only one making money off this operation. There are others more guilty than I am." The man said as Satine crossed her arms.

"Was Death Watch involved?"

"Death Watch? I don't know. I dealt with a middleman, an importer. His name's Siddiq. He works for a shipping company not too far from here." He explained as Satine narrowed her eyes.

"Tell us where."

Office.

"Sure, I bribed the school official. What's the problem?" Siddiq said, leaning in his chair and resting his feet on his desk.

"What you've done is illegal," Riyo said as Siddiq looked at her.

"Beyond these stars, there's a war going on. As long as my company imports goods, most people turn a blind eye to anything else."

"We are not most people, Mr. Siddiq," Satine told the man from her spot.

"My corporate contracts protect me, Duchess, so I'll play your little game. Look, I'm sorry there Are sick children. I truly am. But I'm just a messenger."

"Where do you get the tea?" Satine asked as Siddiq moved to type on his computer.

"From Mooga. The commerce guild controls it. Here, I have nothing to hide." He said, turning the screen to them. "Here we are. Shipping schedules from Mooga. Right there, the highlighted ones."

"And a customs official reports these to the government?" Padmé asked him, having Siddiq shrug.

"As far as I know."

"Are these all for the ones bringing in the tea?" Riyo asked as he shook his head.

"No, I'd have to narrow that down." He said as Satine narrowed her eyes. "Okay, okay. No problem." He started typing before turning the screen back to them "There you go. Look, they're bringing in a shipment tonight. You want to know which dock?"

Later, Cargo.

"I must say, when I came to visit, I hadn't pictured us in such an informal setting," Padmé told Satine as they moved with a guard moved between crates holding blasters and tasers.

"Yes, well, from what Master Kenobi tells me, during your tenure as queen, you became quite familiar with such excursions."

"One can only survive the rigors of courtly formalities for so long."

"We agree," Satine said before they saw a ship land.

"Duchess, there's a shipment arriving." Her guard in front of them said.

"The smugglers," Satine said, seeing the aliens hauling crates from the ship.

"We'll soon find out."

"Shall I call in more security?" The guard asked Satine, having her shake her head.

"No, let's wait and see what transpires." She said before seeing a man walk up to the aliens. "Look, a customs official."

"Welcome back, gentlemen. I'm here for my… Inspection." The man said as the alien smiled and handed him credits.

"Certainly."

"How can they operate with such impunity?" Satine asked before looking at the man. "I need to find out how far up the chain of command this corruption goes."

Morning, Throne Room.

A customs guard was standing in front of Satine. "I'm sorry, duchess, but what you're saying, It's impossible."

"Are you saying Satine is lying to you?" Riyo asked the man who looked at her. "

What does she gain from that?"

"Bribery of a customs official at the shipping docks? I'm afraid not. The docks are a highly secure area, free of dangerous criminals."

"But not free of corruption. The most dangerous weapon in the galaxy is money, captain." Satine said to the man.

"Smuggling does not take place on my watch."

"And what about when you're not watching?" Padmé asked him.

"I'm always watching, senator."

"And were you watching as children were dying? Who was watching then?" Satine asked standing up.

"Duchess, with all due respect…"

"No, captain. If you want my respect, you will arrest these criminals and stop stalling."

"Stalling?" He asked as she nodded.

"Why else would you not be down there, with a patrol unit making arrests unless you're involved?"

"All right. We'll see what's going on."

Docks.

The group got to a warehouse with guards in front of the door. "Satine, what are those guards doing here?" Padmé asked Satine who turned to the captain.

"Did you order them here?"

"Duchess, I've been with you the whole time." He said before they walked up to the two. "Guards, let us into this warehouse."

"We're under strict orders not to let anyone in." One answered the captain.

"Do you know who this is?" The captain asked, gesturing to Satine.

"I command you, open these doors."

They then tried to attack only for the captain to grab one's arm and punch them out. "Arrest them!" He then opened the door and saw the aliens and tanks. "Hold it right there."

They started shooting at the group forcing them back outside. The captain and two guards ran in and shot as the guards used their shields. The captain was shot in the shoulder having his pistol slide out. The guards pulled him out before the group outside pushed a crate in front of the door to use for cover as Padmé picked the blaster up.

They then started to push the crate forward as Padmé and Riyo, who pulled her small pistol out, started shooting the aliens. After disarming the aliens and arresting them and the man and woman helping, Satine looked at the captain. "I'm surprised you can handle a weapon."

"Naruto's been teaching me," Riyo said as she shot another alien.

"Captain, I want you to burn down this warehouse."

"Excuse me? But there's evidence-"

"Burn it down, or I'll consider you part of this conspiracy, captain."

"You heard her, men. Burn the warehouse." The captain told the others who picked up flamethrowers and ran in.

Almec's Office.

"It wasn't Death Watch, Prime minister. It was a group of black market Smugglers. They were diluting the drink with slabin. What they didn't count on was, the process would make the drinks poisonous." Padmé told Almec who looked at them from his seat.

"And what about the sick children?"

"I ordered shipments of the antidote for all the schools and hospitals," Satine explained as he sighed.

"I'm glad this is over."

"No, I'm afraid it's not over. The corruption we witnessed is intolerable. Payoffs, police unwilling to comply, my government fooled… How does this happen?" Satine asked as she stood and leaned on his desk.

"I'm sorry. I'm setting up a committee to look into it." Almec said as he leaned back in his seat.

"Children nearly died because our government cannot be counted on."

"I assure you this will not go unpunished," Almec said to her.

"I'm counting on you, Almec," Satine said before she and the Senators left to the hanger. "I'm troubled, Padmé.

"You heard prime minister Almec say he'll investigate."

"His heart is in the right place, but this is corruption…" Satine trailed off before Riyo spoke.

"You must have hope, Satine."

"Hope will only go so far. The very people conducting this investigation might be corrupt. Perhaps a Jedi working undercover at the academy could be of service to us And in more ways than one, For if we lose our young, Mandalore will indeed be lost."

"I will speak With master Yoda," Padmé said before they turned to the ship. "Don't lose hope, my friend."

"Senators."

"Duchess."

A world in crisis! The peaceful planet of Mandalore is being strangled by the grip of corruption. With shortages of every kind, citizens must turn to the black market to survive. Desperate to free her people, Duchess Satine has asked her friend Padmé Amidala to speak with the Jedi Council in hopes that they will send assistance to her struggling world.…

Mandalore Atmosphere.

Naruto, Anakin, Ahsoka, and Zule are in a ship flying above Mandalore before Anakin turns to his Padawan. "The Jedi Council has given you a mission, Ahsoka. You have to see it through."

"Don't you think I'm just a little overqualified for this?" She asked as Naruto looked at her.

"Oh, no way."

She turned to glare at the Knight only for him to smile, having her blush before looking back. "S-Shut up!"

"See, Zule, there's not a woman alive who can resist me!"

"Sure, Master."

"Well, except you but you don't count."

"Screw you, Master!" Zule yelled, puffing her cheeks.

"You know you love me." Naruto teased before Anakin coughed to get back on track.

"According to Senator Amidala, Mandalore is a deeply corrupt world. If the cycle is to be broken, the future leaders at the Royal Academy of Government must learn the evils of corruption. Yoda feels that only young Padawans like you and Zule can get through to them."

"Again, I say he's hitting those green death sticks if he thinks Zule can do that."

"I can too!"

Sundari.

"My lady, if I may, what do the Jedi know of our ways?" Almec asked Satine as the two stood on the hanger. "Do we really want them meddling with our children's education?

"Surely there is nothing to fear from exposing them to new ideas, Prime Minister." She said as the Jedi's ship landed and the four walked out.

"Duchess Satine. Prime Minister Almec."

"Master Skywalker, Master Uzumaki, so good to see you again. These two are your Padawans, I assume?" She asked as Anakin and Naruto nodded.

"Yes, my lady. May I present Ahsoka Tano." Anakin said, putting a hand on her shoulder.

"And Zule Xiss." Naruto introduced his Padawan the same way.

"Duchess. Prime Minister."

"I am grateful that the Jedi Council could spare the four of you to help instruct our leaders and peacekeepers of tomorrow. Please thank Master Yoda for helping me." Satine said to Naruto and Anakin who sighed.

"I'm afraid that due to our limited resources, we must return to battle immediately," Naruto said, rubbing the back of his head.

"So you will not be staying, Master Skywalker, Master Uzumaki?" Almec asked the two Knights.

"No, but I assure you, Padawans Xiss, and Tano are highly capable Jedi and have the full confidence of the Council," Anakin explained, causing her to nod.

"Very well. Cadet Korkie, Amis, Lagos." Almec had three teens, two boys, one girl walk up all blonde and in the school uniforms of black shirts, tan pants, and black boots.

The first boy has thick hair, the second has the sides shaved and the girl also has it pulled back in a ponytail.

"These are some of the cadets that you will be instructing, Padawan Tano, Padawan Xiss."

"Nice to meet all of you."

"Sup?"

"That's a fine weapon. May I see it?" Korkie asked before Almec placed a hand on his shoulder to stop him.

"I'm afraid not. Because of Master Kenobi's and Uzumaki's recent visit and the trouble that followed, no offworlders may carry weapons on Mandalore."

"Master Obi-Wan caused trouble? That's a first." Ahsoka asked in mock surprise as Naruto chuckled, rubbing his head.

"Can't take him anywhere."

"Just give me the lightsaber," Anakin said to his Padawan who reluctantly gave her weapon up.

"Same for you, Zule." Zule sighed before giving Naruto her lightsaber as BD looked over his shoulder and tilted his head. "And the Blaster." Naruto continued as Zule grumbles about how she just got it before handing it over from a holster on her lower back. "And the Vibro-knife.'" She pulled a large knife from her left boot and gave it to him. "And the regular knives." She pulled two smaller knives from a pouch on her thigh.

"The kunai." She then pulled two kunai from the pouch. "And the senbon." Pulling her shirt up, she revealed senbon needles around her waist in a leather band.

By the time she is done pulling out all her weapons Naruto has his arms full and looks up to see everyone's shocked faces. "What? It's better she has a spare weapon and not need it, then need it and not have one." He said before looking at his Padawan. "That's everything?"

"Yes."

"You sure? I think you can still hide a thing or two-!"

"That's everything Master!" She yelled as she blushed a little from the attention.

"OK, good. Don't do anything I wouldn't do, and only half of what I would do."

"Thank you for respecting our ways, Master Jedi," Satine said to the two as Rex walked up to them.

"Excuse the interruption, sir, but it is time to depart. General Fisto is expecting us."

"If you'll excuse us." The two Jedi then left as BD looked at them from Naruto's back.

"(Beep!)"

Classroom.

The two Padawan stood in front of the teens with an orange holo screen up behind them. "Corruption is what happens when someone in power puts their own personal gain before the interests of the people they represent."

"So, it's a result of greed?" One girl asked Ahsoka who nodded.

"Yes. A leader sacrifices moral integrity for the sake of money or power. Entire star systems have collapsed into chaos or revolution because their greedy politicians got caught up in a cycle of bribery and blackmail, while their people suffered."

"Does that mean most government officials are corrupt?" Lagos asked before Zule sighed.

"No. But the point is that temptation is always there for those in power, and citizens must be vigilant so corruption can't take root. The deadliest enemies of society dwell within its borders. And from these internal threats, the people need to be protected."

"But if you don't trust your leaders, isn't that treason?" Amis asked Zule who shook her head.

"No, not always, every citizen has to challenge their leaders, to keep them honest and hold them accountable if they're not."

"How do you do that?" Korkie asked the two.

"By exposing corrupt officials for what they are. Lasting change can only come from within."

Later That Night, Cargo Hold.

Korkie, Amis, Lagos, and the girl from earlier came up to a warehouse door in the cargo hold after questioning if there was a food shortage like they've been told before checking to make sure.

"These doors are heavily secured by the government," Korkie said as the girl pulled down visors and pulled up a laptop device before typing on it.

"It won't be secure for long."

The doors opened up from the top several feet before Korkie looked to the others. "Looks like the Academy taught us well." They then started to climb up into the warehouse. "Come on, up and over."

"I have a bad feeling about this," Lagos said as she dropped down before they heard a voice. "Quiet! It sounds like someone else is in here."

"Let's get out of here."

"No! Come on!" They then hid along with containers before seeing a hooded cloaked person with two Mandalorian police talking to three alien smugglers.

"The risk involved makes the price go up. You must be more cautious. Coming here could raise suspicion."

"It's a little late for a meeting, isn't it?" Korkie asked the three. "Let's get a closer look."

"Are you crazy?" Lagos asked in a whisper before they climbed the container and hid behind boxes over the group.

"Soniee, quick, use your holocam."

Soniee then pulled her visor down and held up a cell phone-sized device. "Those look like Mandalorian police, but they're unmarked. Who's that?"

"And who are those guys?"

"What are offworlders doing on a secure port?" Korkie asked before Amis leaned forward.

"I don't like this. I'm getting out of here." He turned and had a datapad fall before the group ran to the door and barely made it out to close it up.

Morning, Satin's Apartment.

"Aunt Satine, may we speak with you?"

"Of course, Korkie. Come in." Satine said before the group walked in.

"We did some investigating. There's no food shortage. We found stores of food at the government port."

"How would you know this?"

"That doesn't matter right now."

"I beg to differ." She said as they sat on a couch.

"We made a recording of a secret meeting between what we know was a government official and a black marketeer," Soniee said, holding up her device.

"That's why everything costs so much and so many people are starving," Lagos said as she was standing in front of them.

"We need your help to find the one responsible."

"This is a serious matter, I agree. But the source of this evil may be more than you cadets can handle. People can be very deceiving. You don't want to get yourselves into trouble." Satine said as she stood and took a few steps forward.

"But, Auntie, don't you see? You can't ignore this!" Korkie yelled as she looked back at him.

"I won't trust me. But for your safety, you must let me take care of it. Now run along, all of you. Concentrate on your studies. There will be a time to save the world when you're a bit older." She said as she walked them to the door to leave.

"She refused to help us because she doesn't think we can handle it," Lagos said to the others as they made it outside

"She just thinks we're a bunch of stupid kids," Korkie explained looking back before Soniee spoke.

"She acted like nothing was wrong."

"We need to find someone else who believes us."

"Like who?" Lagos asked as Korkie put a hand on his chin.

"Mandalore has two people in charge. Since my aunt won't help, we'll have to go to the Prime Minister."

"What makes you think he'll listen?"

"I've known him my whole life. He's always told me to come to him if I'm ever in trouble. And I'd say we're all in big trouble."

Dorm.

In a circular room, the group is talking to Almec via a small hologram on a table. "I am most concerned by these allegations, my intrepid young cadets. You think Duchess Satine knows who the conspirator is?"

"She said she was going to handle it."

"Meet me in the Palace Plaza tonight. Bring the recording you took of the black market deal and all the cadets who know about it." Almec said before the hologram turned off.

Classroom.

"Korkie, you seem distracted today. What's going on?" Ahsoka asked, breaking the teen out of his thoughts.

"We did what you said. We found evidence of corruption."

"What do you mean?" Zule asked, walking up.

"Well, we were hungry, so we decided to go look for food," Lagos explained to the two.

"Food?"

"Yeah. Down at the government warehouse." Amis continued leaning on his desk.

"Someone just let you in to inspect the warehouse?" Ahsoka asked, crossing her arms.

"No, we broke in," Amis answered as Soniee facepalmed.

"Oh, great."

"So you committed a crime?" Zule asked, pinching the bridge of her nose.

"It sounds bad, I know, but then we saw a meeting and offworlders and…" Korkie tailed off before Lagos spoke.

"And they chased us!"

"Maybe they chased you because you broke into a government warehouse," Zule spoke, hands on her hips.

"No! It was a black market deal. I know it! My Aunt Satine told us to stay out of it, but we must do something."

"Do you have proof?" Ahsoka asked, raising an eyebrow.

"We made a holo-recording," Soniee said, holding the device up. "The Prime Minister is meeting us tonight…"

"Are you sure that's a good idea?" Ahsoka asked them.

"But I thought you said it was the duty of every citizen to expose corrupt officials," Amis said, raising his hand.

"And you do that by going to an official who might be corrupted?" Zule asked, crossing her arms. "Until you're 100% they're not in on it you have to keep quiet until you have undeniable proof. Many corrupt officials stay in power for a long time because a citizen went to them immediately when seeing something but didn't know the leader/official was in it as well."

"You sound more like my aunt than a Jedi Knight," Korkie said as Zule looked to him before an alarm went off signaling the end of class.

Later that night, the four cadets went to meet with the Prime Minister, they were met by members of the Mandalorian secret service, who attempted to arrest them for treason and conspiracy, but Ahsoka and Zule dropped down from the building and fought them off. "Looks like the Prime Minister set you up," Ahsoka said to the group.

"That's treason. He's the leader of our system. He couldn't possibly be a traitor." Korkie said as Lagos walked over.

"We need proof."

"We have the recording," Soniee said before they brought up the cloaked person via hologram.

"That's no good. You can't see who it is." Zule said as the image spun.

"Wait! Stop right there." Ahsoka said before the image froze and she brought up a small yellow pad. "Information retrieval, I need you to ID a hologram."

Putting the device to the face of the hologram, it brightened up to reveal Almec.

"That's him!"

"You're right! That is the Prime Minister."

"We have to take this to my aunt and warn her. They know I talked to her." Korkie said before they started running to Satine's place where they saw a dead guard.

"We're too late. He's dead." Zule said, leaning down to check the pulse before Korkie ran into the apartment. "Korkie, wait! The intruders may still be inside."

"They took her. This is all my fault! Who knows what they've done to her." Korkie said as they saw the destroyed room.

"Now what?"

"How are we supposed to find her?"

"Who can we trust?"

"I need all of you to calm down and focus," Ahsoka said to the group. We know the Prime Minister is behind this."

"After my aunt, he's the most powerful person on Mandalore."

"So, let's go talk to him," Zule said before they walked out.

Throne Room.

"Master Jedi, this is an unexpected pleasure. What can I do for you?" Almec asked from a table with two Mandalore secret service agents by him.

"Actually, Prime Minister, it's what we can do for you," Ahsoka said as she and Zule walked up to the table. "I believe some of our students are involved in a conspiracy against you." She said as a group of police walked in with the students

"Intriguing."

Prison.

"You can't do this!" We trusted you, Master Tano."

"Thank you for bringing the traitors to justice, Master Jedi," Almec said as they walked to an elevator of the large prison.

"They mentioned that Duchess Satine was their leader. We should arrest her, too." Zule said to the Mandalorian.

"Do not worry, we already have her in custody."

"Really? Where?"

"That is none of your concern. Now I must prepare a public statement about the Duchess and her crimes." Almec explained before leaving as Zule walked to the guard by them.

"Officer, I need to interrogate the prisoners immediately."

The Padawans walked inside and up to a cell with the four cadets.

"Careful. We're being watched."

"Did he buy it?"

"Have you found my aunt?" Korkie asked the two who sighed.

"Not exactly," Zule replied. "But we know they have her in custody."

"Where?"

"The Prime Minister wouldn't tell us," Ahsoka said to them.

"I knew this plan wouldn't work," Amis said leaning against the wall.

"Have a little faith. we'll find her. We'll just modify the plan a bit." Zule explained to him.

"How are you going to do that?" Soniee asked as she sat on the bed.

"Don't worry. You'll know when to act when we give the signal."

"What's the signal?" Korkie asked the two who smiled.

"You'll know it when you see it."

The two walked out as Zule went to the guard and waved her hand.

"You will take us to Duchess Satine."

"I will take you to Duchess Satine."

The guard took them to a room where Satine was in a tall cell in the middle and up to the console.

"What are you doing?"

"We must interrogate the Duchess," Zule said, continuing waving her hand.

"You must interrogate the Duchess." The guard said before Zule brought the cell down and opened the door.

"We're getting you out of here," Ahsoka said to Satine who looked at her.

"Ahsoka, it's a trap."

"I see you found the Duchess, younglings." They turned to see Almec walking in. "You may stop your playacting now, Sergeant."

"Prime Minister, sir!/Prime Minister, sir!" The two guards yelled as they stood at attention.

"Using a Jedi mind trick was a very poor decision. My guards have been trained to resist such archaic magic. And now you have revealed yourself as a conspirator. Set for stun." A turret turned and hit the two with a stunning wave forcing the Padawans on the floor. "You little fool."

Guards grabbed them as Almec walked up with a datapad and pen. "Sign it. Sign the confession and admit to your treasonous ways."

"There is only one traitor to Mandalore here, Prime Minister, and that's you! You control the black market. You have betrayed the public trust and used your office to accumulate wealth and power. It's shameful." Satine said while on her knees.

"Your idealism is inspiring, my dear, but hopelessly naive. I established the black market for the people."

"That's absurd!" Ahsoka said from her spot.

"The war is disrupting trade across the galaxy. The profits from the black market are being used to purchase humanitarian supplies for Mandalore. Think of it as a new tax in the interest of national security." Almec explained looking at the two.

"It's a tax for your benefit, Prime Minister. Where are these "humanitarian supplies" you speak of?" Satine asked as he walked past her.

"Sergeant put the shock collar on her," Almec ordered the guard who placed a collar on Satine. "My patience has worn thin, Duchess. Maybe this will convince you." He then hit a button, shocking Satine.

"I would rather die than sign your confession." She said through gritted teeth.

"That can be arranged."

"You're wasting your time!" Zule said, struggling.

"Bring me those traitorous cadets."

"No, you can't! They're just children!" Satine yelled out looking at Almec as the cadets were brought in.

"I'm afraid your nephew will have to suffer needlessly. Put the shock collar on Cadet Korkie." The guard walked up to Korkie before Ahsoka and Zule hit the guards holding them then jumped away before fighting with their hands tied.

"Go!"

The group started to fight off the guards before Zule pulled Almec over and put a collar on him before running to the console and hitting a button. "Gotcha!"

Almec is shocked into giving up before Satine calls for her guard and arrests the men.

Later, the Padawans are standing on the hanger as their Masters walk up to them.

"It was an honor to serve with Jedi Knights," Korkie said with a bow.

"I don't know what they told you but being a Knight was a lie!" Naruto yelled as Zule sighed.

"And I was enjoying my time away!"

"You know you love me!" Naruto said as the two walked into the ship with them.

To Be Continued.

A/N: Thanks for reading and let me know of any mistakes.

Beta: Chaos-PSD. Contributor: Kuronodono12.

Got nothing really to say except the next to be updated will be Avatar Maelstrom.

Nothing else to say.

Talk To You Later,

Lone Wolf Out.🐺