I don't own Star Wars: The Clone Wars and its characters
I only own Nadia Aomori and my other OCs
Enjoy!
Threads of Destiny
Chapter 19: The Mandalore Plot
Diplomacy or Deception?
The Council of Neutral Systems speaks for over 1,500 worlds who want to stay out of the War.
But rumours have reached the Republic Senate suggesting that the Council's new leader Duchess Satine of Mandalore is secretly building her own army to fight for the Separatist cause.
Now Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi and his Padawan Nadia Aomori had been sent to Mandalore to discover the truth behind these claims...
Both Obi-Wan and Nadia arrived and landed their fighters at Sundari; the domed capital city of the planet Mandalore.
The Jedi Master and his Padawan then got off their fighters and walked up to a guard.
"Duchess Satine awaits you and Commander Aomori, General Kenobi."the guard declared.
"Far be it for us to keep the Duchess waiting."Obi-Wan commented.
Obi-Wan climbed onto the transport with Nadia right behind him.
The two Jedi were then escorted via speeder to meet Duchess Satine at her palace.
The transport launched forward and Nadia looked around in amazement at the block-like structures all around her made of transparent materials in elegant patterns.
Nadia was surprised at how fast the transport moved and the entrance to the palace was approaching swiftly which made her hard to miss with how grand it was built with curving arches.
Obi-Wan continued to hold the lead, being the first one to step off of the transport.
The large doors opened to let Obi-Wan and Nadia enter inside.
The view inside took Nadia's breath away and she couldn't stop gazing around at the sight of the Mandalorian Palace.
"Whoa..."Nadia said in quiet admiration.
An old man dressed in white and gold appeared.
"General Kenobi and Commander Aomori."Prime Minister Almec responded.
"Thank you for meeting with us, Prime Minister Almec."Obi-Wan said diplomatically.
Prime Minister Almec shook hands with both Obi-Wan and Nadia.
"I welcome the two of you as servants of the people, but I am troubled by the false rumours that have brought you here."Prime Minister Almec declared."Mandalore would never turn against the Republic to build an army for Count Dooku and the Separatists. Duchess Satine values peace more than her own life."
"Oh, I'm aware of Duchess Satine's views."Obi-Wan assured.
"Master Kenobi, Mandalore's violent past is behind us."Prime Minister Almec stated."All of our warriors were exiled to our moon, Concordia, they died out years ago."
"Mhm…are you certain?"Obi-Wan asked, his hand stroking his beard thoughtfully."Last year, I encountered a man who wore Mandalorian armour and was the template for the Clone Army when I was hunting down an assassin who was trying to murder Senator Amidala for Count Dooku. Jango Fett."
"Jango Fett was a common bounty hunter."Prime Minister Almec replied."He did hail from the system of Concord Dawn, but took his current life after you and Qui-Gon defeated the insurgents that threatened Duchess Satine and Mandalore."
"Well, Master Kenobi..."A female voice spoke up.
Nadia, Obi-Wan and Prime Minister Almec saw a blonde haired woman dressed in a royal cyan green dress entering the throne room with two guards and another man who happened to be Mandalore's Senator, Tal Merrik.
Nadia realised immediately that the woman that just came was none other than Satine Kryze; the Duchess of Mandalore.
"She's pretty."Nadia thought in awe.
Duchess Satine made her way to her throne.
"My shining Jedi Knight to the rescue once again."Duchess Satine retorted.
The design in the throne made a strange shimmering noise and glowed in orange and yellow as Duchess Satine sat down on it.
"After all these years, you're even more beautiful than ever."Obi-Wan admitted.
A surprised look grew at Nadia of her Master's statement since that's what she'd expect Anakin to say to Padme.
"Kind words from a man who accuses me of treachery."Duchess Satine replied in a sharp tone.
"I would never accuse you of personal wrongdoing, duchess."Obi-Wan answered as he started to walk forward and Nadia followed right behind him."However, a Separatist saboteur attacked one of our Republic cruisers, a Mandalorian saboteur."
Nadia pulled out a small holo-display as she activated the picture for the Duchess to see.
A small blue image of a man dressed in full Mandalorian armor appeared, firing on the crew of a Republic ship.
Nadia paused the image so that the man could be seen in full clarity, fully aware of the anger that was starting to boil inside of the Duchess and the Prime Minister as she finally shut the hologram off.
"You must be mistaken."Prime Minister Almec commented."No Mandalorian would engage in such violence. Not anymore. Where is this prisoner now?"
"He took his own life rather than submit to questioning."Nadia admitted with a slight frown.
"I know these warriors fought in many wars, often against the Jedi."Obi-Wan responded.
"Every one of my people is as trustworthy as I am."Duchess Satine stated firmly.
"I know we sound defensive, but-"Senator Merrik beside her spoke her.
"Clearly your investigation was ordered because the Senate is eager to intervene in our affairs."Duchess Satine retorted with a hint of anger.
"My investigation was ordered by the Jedi Council."Obi-Wan commented.
"I stand corrected."Duchess Satine answered in a calm tone."General Kenobi, perhaps you and the young lady like to join me on a walk through the city."
Duchess Satine reached out her left hand to Obi-Wan.
Obi-Wan seemed taken aback for a moment, but when the Duchess raised an eyebrow and lifted her hand higher expectantly.
The Jedi Master confidently stepped forward and gingerly took her hand in his own.
Obi-Wan silently led Duchess Satine off of the throne while offering his arm which she wordlessly accepted.
"Did I miss something?"Nadia thought in confusion.
Nadia then followed after the two adults out of the palace.
In the City...
Duchess Satine and Obi-Wan spoke to each other as Nadia stayed a few paces behind the two adults while admiring the view around her.
"It's so good to see you again, Obi-Wan, despite the circumstances."Duchess Satine declared.
While the two adults talked, Nadia took a few steps forward to pay close attention to the conversation.
The raven haired girl felt a little guilty for eavesdropping, but she had to know what was going between her Master and the Duchess.
"Your peaceful ways have paid off."Obi-Wan remarked."Mandalore has prospered since the last time I was here."
Obi-Wan glanced back at Nadia with a look that told her he knew she was eavesdropping.
The raven haired girl smiled awkwardly at her Master but he simply shook his head and turned his attention back to the Duchess.
"Not everyone on Mandalore believes that our commitment to peace is a sign of progress."Duchess Satine exclaimed."There is a group that calls itself the Death Watch. I imagine these are the renegades you're looking for. They idolise violence and the warrior ways of the past. There are those among us, certain officials, who are working to root out these criminals, it has been an ongoing investigation."
"How widespread is this Death Watch movement, ma'am?"Nadia asked.
The Duchess of Mandalore looked behind her and raised an eyebrow at Nadia.
"Satine, this is my Padawan, Nadia Aomori."Obi-Wan introduced.
Obi-Wan gestured to Nadia with a slight wave of his hand to come forward and introduce herself to the Duchess of Mandalore.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, my lady."Nadia declared.
Nadia curtsied in respect causing Duchess Satine to smile at her.
"You too, Nadia, but please call me Satine."Duchess Satine insisted warmly.
Nadia nodded. "Okay, Satine."
Duchess Satine then brought her attention on Obi-Wan.
"It's hardly a movement."Duchess Satine commented, looking at Obi-Wan."It's a small group of hooligans who choose to vandalise public places, nothing more. We shall soon have them in custody. We have tracked them down to our moon, Concordia."
"I hope you're right, Satine."Obi-Wan said quietly.
Obi-Wan, Duchess Satine and Nadia's walk continued throughout the gardens.
"A peacekeeper belongs on the front lines of conflict."Obi-Wan exclaimed. "Otherwise, he wouldn't be able to do his job."
"The work of a peacekeeper is to make sure that conflict does not arise."Duchess Satine said.
"Yes, a noble description, but not a realistic one."Obi-Wan responded.
Nadia suddenly felt a feeling making her uncomfortable.
"Is reality what makes a Jedi abandon his ideals?"Duchess Satine asked."Or is it simply a response to political convenience?"
"Get down!"Nadia shouted.
Before either the Duchess or Obi-Wan could so much as glance at Nadia, an explosion suddenly erupted right in front of them.
Then debris and screams filled the air.
Obi-Wan glanced at Satine.
"Are you all right?"Obi-Wan asked gently.
"I'm fine."Duchess Satine replied.
Nadia knelt down to check a young boy and helped him up before bringing him to his mother, who thanked her.
"Hooligans couldn't have arranged an attack of this scale."Obi-Wan commented.
The Duchess of Mandalore helps a man off the ground.
"Then this must be the work of an off-worlder."Duchess Satine assumed.
"Are you sure of that?"Obi-Wan questioned.
"Master..."Nadia started nervously.
Nadia pointed at an orange symbol in front of them.
"The sign of the Death Watch."Duchess Satine whispered.
"This goes far beyond vandalism."Obi-Wan complemented."This is a political statement against your government and against you."
"You're not safe here."Obi-Wan declared."I'm taking you back to the palace."
Obi-Wan took Duchess Satine's hand, pulling her to his side in an attempt to keep her as safe as possible.
Nadia stood at Satine's other side as Obi-Wan looked at the guards.
"I want to interview everyone here."Obi-Wan admitted."Nobody leaves this scene."
The guards nodded at Obi-Wan as Nadia spotted a man pushing out of the crowd and running off.
"Hey!"Nadia called out.
"You there!"Obi-Wan shouted.
The Jedi Master and his Padawan ran after the man.
The duo chased him down the stairs and straight to the end of the balcony.
"I only want to talk."Obi-Wan stated.
The man took out his blaster and started firing at the two Jedi.
The two Jedi activated their lightsabers to block the blasts.
"We don't want to hurt you."Nadia assured.
Then Duchess Satine showed up in front of Obi-Wan and Nadia.
"Stay back!"Obi-Wan ordered.
The man stood tall on the railing of the balcony and speaking in some language that Nadia did not understand.
"Calhava bru'chun Dralshye'ran!"the man shouted loudly.
The man then jumped off the balcony and then there was a sickening crunch below as the people screamed in terror.
The Duchess of Mandalorenand the two Jedi rushed to the railing, peering over the edge to see the man lying in a cracked space of the glass walkway below.
Duchess Satine covered her mouth with her hand, tearing her gaze away from the sight and squeezing her eyes shut.
The trio then silently all turned from the scene and swiftly made their way down below to the man, who appeared to be still alive.
Duchess Satine approached, dropping to a kneeling position beside him.
Obi-Wan and Nadia stood awkwardly off to the side.
"Se solu, se kad, se Darasuum kote."the man said weakly.
"What is he saying?"Nadia asked.
"Kadi, se norm'iim."the man added.
"Ki, kadi norm'iim."Duchess Satine said softly.
Then the man closed his eyes and died.
"He was speaking in the dialect."Duchess Satine informed."The one they use on Concordia, our moon."
"We shall like to visit this moon of yours."Obi-Wan insisted."Perhaps we could accompany the body."
Nadia gulped with a hint of nervous.
"The Concordian moon is a provence with its own Governor."Satine commented as she stood up. "You'll need me to escort you both."
"That won't be necessary."Obi-Wan responded.
"Actually, it will be."Nadia admitted confidently.
This caused Nadia to earn a glance from her Master.
"You won't make much progress."Duchess Satine stated."Without me there, especially since you've just been involved with the death of a Concordian."
"I didn't kill him."Obi-Wan said in defence.
"I know."Duchess Satine assured."That's why I'm still talking to you."
Obi-Wan looked like he was going to say something, but Duchess Satine turned away from him before he could.
Nadia simply blinked, still wondering what was going on between her Master and Duchess Satine.
Afterwards...
Duchess Satine and the two Jedi took a ship to head to Concordia.
The Duchess of Mandalore had changed before leaving and now wore a vivid pink outfit and her hair was tied up in a bun.
Nadia sat on a seat behind the two adults.
"I thought Concordia was an agricultural settlement?"Obi-Wan asked, turning to Satine.
"Before the end of our wars, they turned it into a mining base."Duchess Satine explained."The sheer number of mining facilities here nearly destroyed our forests; they're finally growing back."
Nadia was thinking about the amazing history of Mandalore from what she had already heard and learnwd about when she was going to school in Corellia.
Then a memory of Jayden's voice telling her about the Jedi Civil War came into her mind.
"The reason the Jedi Civil War was named such was because few in the galaxy can recognise the difference between the Sith and the Jedi, Dia."Jayden's voice exclaimed."To them, they are both Jedi with different philosophies."
The raven haired girl immediately snapped out of her thoughts to avoid getting distracted on her mission.
Nadia turned her full attention to the viewpoint in front of her, watching as a rough edged structure appeared in front of her and the two adults, set into the side of a range of jagged and slanted mountains.
Their transport moved swiftly to the hanger bay and then the ramp of their ship lowered down.
Obi-Wan and Satine took up the front while Nadia, once more, found herself shadowing them from behind.
Nadia's eyes fell on the man that stood off to the side, shadowed in darkness and flanked by two guards.
"Duchess Satine, you are most welcome."Governor Vizsla exclaimed.
"Thank you, Governor Vizsla."Satine thanked before introducing Obi-Wan and Nadia. "May I present my old friend Master Obi-Wan Kenobi representing the Jedi Council and his Padawan Nadia Aomori."
Nadia stood straight and dignified as she was introduced, hoping to make a good impression next to her Master.
"Governor Vizsla is one of the officials I spoke of, he has been working to find the members of the Death Watch."Duchess Satine exclaimed.
Governor Vizsla looked at Obi-Wan and Nadia.
"I take it you two have heard the rumours about Satine and how she's supposedly leading Mandalore into an alliance with Count Dooku and the Separatists to build an army for them."Governor Vizsla replied.
"My only instructions are to seek the truth."Obi-Wan said sincerely.
Behind them, the coffin of the man from earlier was being whisked away and drew Vizsla's attention.
"This was the man who bombed the memorial shrine?"Governor Vizsla asked, cocking an eyebrow in question.
"Yes."Obi-Wan agreed grimly."He was apparently a part of the Death Watch."
"A worrisome prospect."Governor Vizsla said with a small nod."If you'll pardon me, General Kenobi and Commander Aomori, we must attend to the body."
Duchess Satine moved to follow Governor Vizsla, but Obi-Wan stopped her, making Nadia's curiosity grow.
"I need a favor from you, please keep Governor Vizsla occupied at dinner."Obi-Wan instructed quietly.
Obi-Wan glanced between Duchess Satine and Nadia.
"Where are you going?"Duchess Satine questioned.
"Just for a look around."Obi-Wan answered before glancing from side to side as if to make sure no one was listening."I'd like to see one of these mining facilities for myself."
"You mean you want to determine if they're still…operational?"Duchess Satine assumed.
"I hope to determine they're not."Obi-Wan stated with a small smile.
"Master, do you need me to come with you?"Nadia asked.
Obi-Wan shook his head.
"No, young one."Obi-Wan replied."You stay here and help Satine distract the Governor."
Duchess Satine frowned."Are you sure you don't want her to come with you?"
Obi-Wan smiled at the Duchess.
"My Padawan and I are perfectly capable of working separately."Obi-Wan admitted, meeting Nadia's gaze pointedly.
Obi-Wan pulled out two small devices out of one of his utility belt pouches.
"I want you two to wear these earpieces so we can stay in contact in case either of you run into trouble while I'm gone."Obi-Wan instructed.
Duchess Satine and Nadia both took an earpiece, situated the devices into place.
Obi-Wan turned and scurried over to an assembly of speeder bikes alone one side of the wall as Duchess Satine spoke up.
"Remember that you are here under my protection; please try not to cause problems where none yet exist."Duchess Satune reminded.
Obi-Wan went onto a nearby speeder bike.
"Think of me as…searching for solutions."Obi-Wan admitted with a small smile.
"I have to tell you I'm opposed to all of this!"Duchess Satine protested.
"I'd be disappointed if you weren't."Obi-Wan responded easily.
Obi-Wan then disappeared with the speeder as Nadia rolled her eyes and smirked.
Duchess Satine turned back to the doors that would lead them to the dining room.
The doors opened and the two ladies went inside the bar.
They walked for a while and arrived to their destination.
"Here we are, we will be dining in here."Duchess Satine said.
"Is this time when we have to act innocent?"Nadia sneered with a faint smile.
Duchess Satine chuckled."Just follow my lead."
"Yes, ma'am."Nadia answered.
Duchess Satine smiled faintly at Nadia before her expression returned to a calm diplomatic mask and she opened the door, gliding elegantly inside the bar.
Nadia did her best to enter just as elegantly as the Dichess.
"Forgive me, Duchess Satine and Commander Aomori, I'm writing a condolence letter to the dead man's family."Governor Vizsla declared as they entered the dining hall."And making arrangements for them to retrieve his body."
"Of course, Governor Vizsla, very proper."Duchess Satine remarked standing a little straighter with her hands placed behind her back."General Kenobi will join us shortly, he said he needed to…meditate."
Nadia gave a slight nod to show she approved of the excuse.
"My Master does that most of the time."Nadia agreed.
"Well, I'm glad you could join us and I hope General Kenobi will not be too long with his meditations."Governor Vizsla commented.
"I hope so too, Governor Vizsla."Nadia said politely.
Obi-Wan travelled to one of the moon's supposedly nonoperational mines.
But after a small scuffle, he was captured by two armed Mandalorians.
Inside the Bar…
Duchess Satine and Nadia took a seat at the table with Satine heading the table while Nadia sat on her left.
Nadia was already preparing herself for the long political talk ahead of them.
She never had been one for politics like her mother, but she was still going to try her best.
"Someone is feeding misinformation directly to the Republic Senate, saying that the Death Watch is taking over Mandalore for Count Dooku and the Separatists."Duchess Satine said in worry.
Governor Vizsla poured the Duchess' a drink, hunched over the table with her brow furrowed in worry.
"Who stands to gain from these lies?"Duchess Satine asked.
"The Death Watch, of course."Governor Vizsla said easily, leaning over to pour the alcoholic beverage into a glass for Nadia as well.
Nadia raised a hand to politely decline the alcoholic beverage, to which he shrugged and poured his own glass.
"They could not engineer all of this, the problem has clearly grown much larger than we thought."Duchess Satine continued while resting her forehead in her hand."And I suspect some external force helped it along…"
"Hard to believe but it would have to be someone at the highest level of influence among the Separatists."Governor Vizsla said skeptically.
"I wouldn't be surprised if Dooku and his Master themselves were involved."Nadia commented in a bitter tone.
"But why target me?"Duchess Satine questioned.
"You lead the Council of Neutral Systems; thus you threaten Count Dooku's and the Separatist goals as well as Darth Sidious'."Governor Vizsla replied easily, raising a glass to Satine in a slight show of respect."Take it as a compliment. Someone very powerful is working towards your downfall."
Nadia poured some water to fill her glass from the bar.
"How…very shocking."Nadia said with a nervous smile.
Obi-Wan was upside down and held hostage on a force field machine.
"Commander wants us to sweep the area and check for any other jedi until he arrives."the Mandalorian warrior commented.
"This one's harmless enough without his lightsaber."the other said while holding Obi-Wan's lightsaber."The boss will love this."
The two men walked away, leaving Obi-Wan alone.
Back in the Bar...
Time passed agonisingly slow and Nadia even dared to say that perhaps nearly an hour had passed since they had come to dinner, possibly more.
Though she hadn't bothered to pay attention to the time.
"General Kenobi's meditation is taking a rather long time."Governor Vizsla commented, a slight tone of tartness in his voice.
The Governor of Mandalore lightly twirled his drink in his glass.
"You know the Jedi, they never do anything by halves."Duchess Satine remarked.
The blonde haired woman started playing with her glass a little nervously and offering a small smile.
"Especially my Master, meditations can take a while if we're onto something or determined to figure out our problem."Nadia added with a slight smile.
Then Obi-Wan's sudden voice was heard in her earpiece.
"Duchess, Nadia, one of you, please acknowledge."Obi-Wan ordered.
Governor Vizsla held another glass as he looked at the Duchess.
"May I offer you another drink?"Governor Vizsla asked.
"Yes…certainly."Duchess Satine responded.
Nadia carefully listened to her Master's voice.
"I'm in a bit of an awkward spot."Obi-Wan informed."I'm being held by the Death Watch."
This caused Nadia to tense up.
"Sorry, Duchess Satine, we're out of ice."Governor Vizsla apologised.
"Sorry to hear that."Duchess Satine commented with a smile.
Nadia could pick out the light of worry in Duchess Satine's eyes even as her own mind raced to figure out how to slip away to go and help Obi-Wan out of his problem.
"Perhaps we should begin dinner without General Kenobi."Governor Vizsla offered, glancing between Satine and the young girl.
"There's a tracking function on your com links, follow it due east to my location."Obi-Wan admitted.
"I don't know if I can do that at the moment."Duchess Satine stated with a small smile, hiding the action of touching the earpiece by making it look like she was nervously rubbing her neck.
"It's extremely urgent!"Obi-Wan declared in a stress voice.
Governor Vizsla looked confused by the Duchess's answer, leaning forward.
"Are you not feeling well, Duchess?"Governor Vizsla questioned.
Duchess Satine looked up at the Governor, a little startled.
"Perhaps some fresh air would do me good."Duchess Satine suggested.
Nadia scratched her ear, discreetly touching the earpiece to add her own opinion to the secret conversation.
"Shall I escort you Duchess?"Governor Vizsla asked.
"I'll go with her Governor."Nadia insisted politely."I think I could use some fresh air as well."
"Take a speeder, it's rough terrain."Obi-Wan warned.
"Are you sure you know the way around?"Governor Vizsla asked doubtfully.
"Oh, we'll find our way."Nadia assured gently.
Nadia then followed Duchess Satine out into the hall.
Once they were a safe distance away from the dining room, the Duchess and the Padawan broke into a run, hurrying to the hanger without a word and activating their tracking functions.
Then Duchess Satine and Nadia both hopped onto separate speeders as they hurried to get to where Obi-Wan was.
Afterwards...
It was now night time.
Nadia couldn't help but notice the lone speeder that was in front of them when they powered down their speeders, swinging off of the bikes.
She glanced around the deserted area around them, her eyes narrowing at the door to the mine off to their left.
"I wonder what he's got himself into this time."Nadia retorted.
Duchess Satine smiled faintly at Nadia's comment before reaching over to contact Obi-Wan as they approached the mine.
"Where exactly are you?"Duchess Satine asked.
Duchess Satine quietly crouching as she carefully made her way into the entrance of the mine.
Nadia stayed right behind her, hand on her lightsaber just in case they were ambushed.
"Listen for the loud metallic clanging sound."Obi-Wan responded sarcastically."That would be the machine about to smash me into bits!"
"Calm yourself, Master, you always told me to have patience in these situations."Nadia reminded sarcastically.
"Well, this is different!"Obi-Wan protested.
Nadia simply smirked at Obi-Wan's respond and stood aside while Duchess Satine messed with the alarms nearby the entry way.
With a few easy clicks, the Duchess of Mandalore stripped the alarm, glancing around before she gestured for Nadia to follow rushing forward and down the hall on their right.
Just as Obi-Wan had said, the two ladies could hear loud clangs coming down the hall and the sound was growing the closer they came.
Duchess Satine and Nadia then suddenly dropped back into a crouch, hovering in the shadows of the room.
Nadia then heard a man's voice drift towards them.
"There's some kind of disturbance at the entrance."the man insisted."Let's check it out."
Crouched in the shadows behind a ramp, Duchess Satine and Nadia waited until the sound of running footsteps was relatively far away to get up and enter the room.
Nada noticed was the fact that her Master was held upside down in some sort of orange force field making slow progress down an assembly line that was meant to crush rocks of some rather hard minerals.
After that the young Padawan could hear more noise in the form of rocks getting ground into near fine powder.
"Well it certainly took you long enough!"Obi-Wan complained.
Duchess Satine and Nadia sprinted past him towards the controls.
"You know, we haven't saved you yet, Master."Nadia admitted smugly.
Obi-Wan rolled his eyes.
"Yes, young one."Obi-Wan answered."No need to remind me of that!"
"Be patient."Duchess Satine retorted.
The Duchess of Mandalore climbed the ladder towards the controls.
"I happen to be running a bit short on patience right now!"Obi-Wan argued, his voice rising sharply very close to a shout.
Nadia had her lightsaber ready to activate it in case the Death Watch men returned.
Nervously the raven haired girl cast her eyes towards Obi-Wan, who was growing increasingly closer to the machine that would make him a lot thinner.
"Satine!"Obi-Wan called out."Turn the machine off!"
"I'm trying."Duchess Satine shouted loudly.
"Satine!"Obi-Wan warned.
Obi-Wan was beginning to get closer to the crushing distance.
"There!"Satine called out.
Nadia sighed in relief that Duchess Satine found a way to help her Master on time.
Obi-Wan instinctively recoiled when he saw the thick metal plates rushing to squish him into a grease smear came into a halt.
Duchess Satine rushed down from her place by the controls, though Nadia tensed, seeing the two figures rapidly coming her way.
"We've got company!"Nadia warned.
Nadia activated her lightsaber as she warned her Master and Duchess Satine.
One of the Death Watch soldiers activated a jet pack and barrelled right into Nadia, knocking the breath out of her.
The other soldier buzzed right past her towards Duchess Satine.
Nadia disengaged herself from the first soldier and feed upon his energy to replenish her strength.
Then throwing the man off of her and activating her lightsaber.
Nadia glanced over her shoulder to see how her Master and the Duchess were doing.
Obi-Wan was still in his containment field as Satine was struggling to throw the second soldier off of her.
Suddenly, Satine kicked a barrel into the grinding machine stopping its progress just long enough for Obi-Wan to be released from the orange field.
Obi-Wan dropped, landing on the barrel upside down, and used his momentum to push himself off of the barrel with his hands.
He did a slight flip in midair, landing neatly on the safety of the ground just beside the grinding machine.
Another Death Watch soldier charged at her and Nadia forced the man to change course swinging nearby his head with her lightsaber.
The soldier had to duck and roll to avoid the swing and as Nadia cuts his jetpack forcing the man to roll off to the side away from her.
Behind her, Nadia heard a crash as Duchess Satine threw her opponent against the wall.
She didn't look to see what happened after that, since her opponent was currently charging her again.
Nadia then used the Force with her free hand to block the soldier and throwing him to the floor.
The raven haired girl then used her Electric Judgement to send the soldier hard into the wall where he crumpled beside his downed co-conspirator.
The Duchess and the two Jedi then headed to the door.
"For a man sworn to peace, you take an unseemly pleasure in the injuries of others."Duchess Satine scowled while folding her arms over her chest.
The doors suddenly slid shut in front of the trio.
A rumble shook the lift as they started their gradual ascent.
"For a woman sworn to non-violence, you don't seem troubled that I could have been killed back there."Obi-Wan responded firmly.
"But you weren't."Nadia stated in a warning tone.
Duchess Satine turned away from Obi-Wan.
"And yet I still haven't heard any thanks."Duchess Satine remarked.
"Well, you certainly haven't changed much."Obi-Wan admitted while standing right in front of the door.
Nadia groaned as she interrupted the conversation between the Master and the Padawan.
"Are you two finished arguing?"Nadia questioned.
The door suddenly slid open and the trio all froze when they saw a Death Watch member standing right in front of them.
Obi-Wan was quick to react and taking the soldier down with two punches.
"This is not the way we came in!"Obi-Wan stated.
Nadia spotted three Death Watch soldiers beneath them.
"Master, down there!"Nadia called out."On the ridge!"
The raven haired girl pointed in the direction of the three Death Watch soldiers she saw on a ridge across the chasm in front of them and just slightly below them.
The soldiers of Death Watch started blasting at the group.
Obi-Wan tensed and waved the two ladies back into the lift as he rapidly pressed the button beside them that would let them go down the elevator.
Nadia was just now realizing that Obi-Wan was not armed with his lightsaber.
The Jedi Master suddenly reached over and grabbed Duchess Satine's hand.
"Move!"Obi-Wan ordered.
Obi-Wan pulled Duchess Satine to safety behind a nearby bolder.
Nadia moved out of the elevator as she stood her ground and activated her lightsaber, focusing intently on deflecting the blaster shots.
"We'll have to stand and fight."Obi-Wan said firmly and looked at Duchess Satine."Or in your case, just stand."
Obi-Wan used the Force to take the weapon of the Death Watch soldier he had knocked out a moment ago to his side and taking aim at three Death Watch men that were making rapid progress towards the three.
Nadia continued to deflect the shots from below, doing her best to down a few of the shooters.
A sudden explosion went off to Nadia's side which made her jump.
The raven haired girl looked to see Obi-Wan had just blown up a jetpack in mid-air, successfully taking out the Death Watch trio that he had been so focused on.
The soldier stood straight with a satisfied smirk, blaster firmly in hand.
Nadia suddenly gripped on her shoulder in pain and saw a cut on it.
Obi-Wan was flat on his back thanks to the Death Watch member, who had managed to surprise him.
The soldier took aim, ready to deliver a killing shot, but there was a sudden sharp voice that rent the air.
"You there!"Duchess Satine called out.
The Duchess threw a pebble hitting the man's helmet.
The soldier then turned his attention on Duchess Satine, opening fire at her.
In the soldier's distraction, Obi-Wan was able to swipe the man's feet out from under him, kicking the man firmly in the face before he launched to his feet, rushing over to the bolder where Duchess Satine had been taking cover behind.
Nadia hurried over with Obi-Wan.
"Satine!"Obi-Wan shouted.
Nadia let out a relieved breath when she saw that the woman was unharmed, hiding safely in the shadow of the boulder.
"Are you okay, ma'am?"Nadia asked.
"I'm alright, Nadia."Duchess Satine assured softly.
Obi-Wan and Nadia both looked up at the sound of ships taking flight.
The Jedi Master then pulled his Padawan behind the bolder with him and the Duchess.
Nadia winced, when her Master pulled at her injured arm.
"Young one?"Obi-Wan asked.
"Don't worry, Master, it's not that bad."Nadia assured.
Obi-Wan peeked his head around the corner, his eyes narrowing.
"What is it?"Nadia questioned.
"I think the leader of the Death Watch is gifting us with his presence."Obi-Wan admitted.
Nadia heard the sound of a blaster go off once and saw a familiar look on Obi-Wan's face.
"What just happened?"Nadia whispered.
"He shot one of his own men."Obi-Wan muttered."Wait here."
A stunned look grew on Nadia's face as her Master stood up from their hiding spot.
Nadia and Duchess Satine both poked their heads over the edges of the rock.
The Padawan stayed close to the Duchess to protect her.
The leader of the Death Watch lifted off his helmet to reveal himself to be Governor Pre Vizsla underneath.
This caused Duchess Satine to stand straight up from her position behind the rocks while Nadia glared at the man.
"Governor!"Duchess Satine gasped in shock.
Nadia stayed close to Duchess Satine's side with her lightsaber in hand, ready to activate.
"For generations my ancestors fought proudly as warriors against the Jedi."Governor Vizsla said firmly."Now, that woman tarnishes the very name Mandalorian."
There was a moment of silence, the wind blowing Governor Vizsla's light blue cape behind him.
"Defend her if you will!"Governor Vizsla challenged.
Governor Vizsla then tossed Obi-Wan his lightsaber.
Obi-Wan caught his lightsaber easily without even looking at the weapon and his gaze focused on the enemy in front of him.
Governor Vizsla tossed his cape aside and reached back and activated a jet black lightsaber that had a faint glow of white around the edge.
Nadia became surprised to see a different lightsaber she never saw before.
"This lightsaber was stolen from your Jedi Temple by my ancestors during the fall of the Old Republic."Governor Vizsla explained."Since then many Jedi have died upon its blade…prepare yourself to join them!"
Governor Vizsla pointed the Darksaber at Obi-Wan.
Obi-Wan simply narrowed his eyes and ready for the fight.
Nadia stayed where she was behind the boulder and was getting more worried about her Master.
After all, this was his fight against the traitorous Governor of Concordia.
Vizsla suddenly leapt forward with a battle cry, bringing his lightsaber down on Obi-Wan.
Obi-Wan grit his teeth, blocking the strange blade with his own normal blue blade before Vizsla continued his assault.
The sword made a sharp sound of a jet when he swung it.
Obi-Wan sent Vizsla flying with a Force push.
Vizsla growled shaking off the men that tried to help him off the ground before glaring at Obi-Wan before he charged again.
However, Vizsla was unbalanced while Obi-Wan was bound and determined, deeply immersed in the Force.
Obi-Wan kneed Vizsla in the face, kicked him in the chest and kicked the lightsaber out of his hand in three sharp movements.
But Vizsla came back easily, launching at an upwards angle to kick Obi-Wan in the gut, give him a hook to the face and then sent him flying backwards with another strong blow.
Obi-Wan skidded to a stop several meters away, his lightsaber deactivating while Vizsla ran back to his fallen weapon.
Nadia and Duchess Satine stood together watching the fight scene.
"Come on, Master."Nadia begged with a hint of worry."I believe in you."
Duchess Satine had placed her hand firmly on Nadia's shoulder and currently had a tight grip on it.
Vizsla suddenly activated his jet pack to fly up.
Obi-Wan pushed himself to his feet, his eyes narrowed on Vizsla in determination.
As Vizsla readied his black lightsaber for a dramatic downward strike, Obi-Wan launched himself into the air, ducking under the swing Vizsla tried to deliver and landed three firm punches on the man's face.
Obi-Wan suddenly kicked Vizsla back down to the ground, landing gracefully a few paces away.
Vizsla pushed himself up, glaring hatefully at Obi-Wan as he stood.
"Warriors, finish him!"Vizsla ordered.
The three Mandalorians that had flanked Vizsla stepped forward in a straight line, bending over to release missiles.
Obi-Wan both moved to avoid the three missiles, narrowly avoiding getting hit.
It wasn't the end of it though as the missiles came fight back around for them.
Nadia then tracked the missiles progress with her eyes.
"Master."Nadia warned slowly.
Obi-Wan nodded slowly, backing away towards the broken lift.
"Satine!"Obi-Wan yelled out."Nadia!"
The Duchess and the young Padawan then ran towards the lift, Obi-Wan's hand held out for Satine to take.
Satine wasted no time in running out of her hiding spot behind the boulder and leaped into Obi-Wan's arms before the two of them and Nadia jumped down the lift shaft.
The missiles exploded above them not too long after they jumped down the shaft, falling in a sprawl on the floor below.
Obi-Wan launched himself a little farther, shielding Satine from any falling fire with his own body while Nadia landed safely on her stomach.
The young Padawan rolled on her back to look up at the smouldering debris from the explosion.
"We need to get out of here."Nadia suggested.
Nadia pushed herself up from her spot on the ground.
"Agreed, young one."Obi-Wan said tiredly.
Nadia held out a hand, helping her Master to his feet with a small smile.
"Another close one for the class books."Nadia chuckled.
"Indeed."Obi-Wan said with a small smile.
Obi-Wan turned his gaze back to Duchess Satine almost immediately, helping the woman up tenderly.
Nadia smiled as she watched the scene.
"I suppose we're even now."Duchess Satine said gently.
Obi-Wan, Duchess Satine and Nadia reached the spot and they had entered the mine making their way slowly to the speeders.
Obi-Wan raised an inquiring eyebrow at Duchess Satine.
"Oh, how so?"Obi-Wan asked.
"I saved your life, you saved mine."Duchess Satine remarked.
The Duchess of Mandalore smiled secretly to herself as she approached her speeder graciously.
Obi-Wan leaned against his speeder, propping himself up with his good arm as he watched her.
"Yes, well, mine was the more daring of the two rescues."Obi-Wan said with a small smile.
Duchess Satine smiled slightly before she shook her head and got back on her speeder.
Nadia covered her mouth and quietly giggled at the sight.
The Next Morning...
Obi-Wan and Nadia returned to Sundari and were preparing to leave Mandalore on a fancy starship known as the Coronet.
Duchess Satine and several other delegates were going to be leaving on the same ship and Nadia recognised one of the delegates to be Persephone Callas, the Senator of Hapes.
Moreover, this seemed it was going to be one interesting trip back to Coruscant for sure.
Obi-Wan and Nadia then followed Duchess Satine.
The Duchess of Mandalore was once again wearing her royal outfit and looked as if nothing had happened.
"Well if Pre Vizsla fled, we have no way of knowing how widespread the Death Watch really is."Senator Merrik informed.
"It's obvious Count Dooku, Darth Sidious and the Separatists are supporting the Death Watch."Obi-Wan admitted.
"I disagree!"Duchess Satine snapped coldly."I told you I wanted to stay out of this conflict."
"Given the current situation, I'm afraid that may no longer be possible."Obi-Wan responded.
This caused the Duchess of Mandalore to become more furious.
"I thought you of all people would understand my position on this matter!"Duchess Satine retorted angrily."I will never be a part of this war!"
"I understand your position, Satine, but your people will be in danger from the Sith without proper protection and until we get to Coruscant, I assigned Nadia to be your personal bodyguard."Obi-Wan declared.
Nadia became surprised at her Master's declaration.
"Alright, since we go way back, Obi-Wan, I trust your judgement."Duchess Satine commented in a calm tone and glanced at Nadia."Nadia, when you board the Coronet, you will act as my handmaiden and I hope I shall not be disappointed."
"You won't be, Satine."Nadia assured with a bow."I promise that I won't let you down."
Duchess Satine nodded at Nadia in approval.
With that, the Duchess of Mandalore then turned and made her way to the ramp of the Coronet.
Obi-Wan's shoulders sagged slightly as Nadia put a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"Don't worry, Master."Nadia remarked brightly."Your girlfriend will cheer up eventually."
Obi-Wan frowned at Nadia.
"Nadia, Satine is only a dear friend of mine."Obi-Wan commented sternly."And that's it."
Nadia simply shrugged, but didn't believe her Master's words.
"If you so."Nadia answered with a smug look.
Then Anakin, Ferus and a group of Clone Troopers showed up to greet Obi-Wan and Nadia.
"Reporting for escort duty, General Kenobi."Anakin declared.
Nadia covered her mouth to yawn.
"Anakin and Ferus, are we glad to see you guys."Nadia chuckled.
"You both sound tired."Ferus said with a smirk.
"The peaceful ways of the locals wore us out a bit."Obi-Wan informed.
Obi-Wan made his way inside the Coronet causing Nadia to follow after him.
"When you mean a bit, you usually mean a lot, Master."Nadia responded simply.
Anakin, Ferus and the Clone Troopers then followed the duo into the Coronet.
They the ramp went up and the Coronet flew away from Mandalore.
I totally like 'Obitine' and plan to add more in the future.
See you all in the next chapter;)