I hope you all enjoy this story this chapter took a while to edit and put together, all the elements inside and all the ideas formed at the end will move toward a bigger story. Thanks to Alphacentauri helghy and funboy, Dragonfromheaven and everyone else in the discord you've all been the greatest of help.
Space above Mandalore
The Frigate known as the sundered one floated listlessly above the home planet of the Mandalorians, this ship was the command ship of the entire defensive line within the system, even as both refugee ships and supply ships flowed into the Mandalorian free states and the planet itself alongside the allied planets.
The sundered one was one of the warships which relayed information between the Mandalore and other sections of both the fleet and the systems. Within the warship many people were on command stations or were working within the communication arrays, picking up any stray communications and ensuring that any ships that arrived within the system had their IDs checked.
Captain Lotara Sarrin sat aboard the frigate, her usual position within the battleship Crimson fist was currently empty due to it being within the ports being repaired and upgraded. She'd been given this deployment to sharpen up her skills and keep her busy. Something began to beep within the communication centre of the warship.
She turned to look at where the sound was coming from and spotted one of the intelligence officers looking it over, moving to where the man sat, she leaned over and pressed the button activating the system's comms.
A voice came through the comms of the ship.
"This is Fulgrim…. I have coordinates for a republic supply convoy heading toward the outer rim through the Avergado system, it has both weaponry fuel supplies and as well as important documents. I'm sending it through now."
"Fulgrim out"
The co-ordinates and supply documents flooded onto the ships data slats, as much information as even how many soldiers were on each ship. Lotara gave a shark-like grin, showing off her slightly sharpened teeth, she slapped the comms man on the shoulder in jubilation, turning to her first officer, she began to issue orders.
"Send a communicae to the Bloody Hound tell Captain Visco to gather up as many raiders as possible and prepare to move them out once the information is verified, send a message to Lord Mandalore and tell him the situation." The crew rushed around as the commsman sent her orders, one of the deck officers rushed up to her and confirmed that the message was true, Lotara began to rub her hands together in anticipation.
"They'll never know what hit them".
Shaak ti's location
"General, what are those things they look like…Gunships?" Colt questioned as he looked through the binoculars at the unknown force. Which was still moving quite quickly across the ground toward them.
"You think they will attack?" Colt questioned. He welcomed a fight, but the crew was in no condition to fight.
"They might. The Engineers Naruto deployed are already at work trying to get the engines back up." She replied. Naruto himself was with them having had some knowledge
"General, their ships seemed to have halted ." Colt reported, the hovercraft seemingly halting near but just out of the security wall of the crashed ship.
They watched on as one of the hovercrafts lowered themselves and a hatch opened, the being that stepped out was easily taller than any clone or Mandalorian on the ship. Clad in a bronze-silvery armour which seemed to glitter in the sunlight, from what they could see they were some sort of commander, the being was covered by a red cloak and one arm was uncovered by armour revealing a large grey leathery arm.
They seemed to be almost confused at the presence of the large ship yet, happy, nonetheless. It raised its arms in a position that galactic wide meant we came in peace.
Shaak Ti looked down at the alien, concerned that it could possibly be up to no good, especially with what seemed to be like soldiers wielding rudimentary plasma weaponry stepped off the other hovercraft.
"Orders General?" Colt questioned as they began to move toward the back of the bridge
"Let's hear what they have to say first, we cannot simply attack everything unknown." She answered. If there was a chance she could avoid an armed conflict, then she would take it. She wouldn't let another one of her men die today. Along the way, they had a translator Droid follow them. She was sure that these people didn't speak the galactic standard language. She and her group exited through the hanger and began to walk through the Mandalorian soldiers which looked upon her with concerned looks while others looked in slight annoyance at the jedi walking toward what could potentially be an enemy.
The tall alien approached the defensive line and stopped within a couple feet of the delegation.
"What is your name Warrior?" The Alien's voice was bold and striking, and while it didn't speak basic the protocol droid next to Shaak Ti managed to pick up what it said.
"My name is Shaak Ti, a Master Jedi and this is commander Colt. we are members of the Mandalorian Commonwealth, we crash landed here after a battle and will be leaving soon" the droid translated, the alien nodded and began to speak once more.
"My name is Thel 'vadam. Arbiter or if you prefer the protector of the Sangheili Race and Lord commander of the Swords of Sanghelios. While we welcome you to our planet, we also suggest that you leave quickly. This area is not kind to us" he finished as he looked around in suspicion. His men took up positions overlooking the crash and the meeting. They seemed anxious.
Naruto finally appeared, the tall Mandalorian was surrounded by both Security droids and Mandalorians. These Mandalorians were tall and broad shouldered and armoured differently to his usual household guard, these men were plated in golden armour, their helmets and general armour schemes being reminiscent to those of the Neo-crusaders of the past. However, their flowing blue cloaks and the large beskar halberds they carried showed them to be a dangerous warrior in close combat while the rifles they carried strapped their backs just beneath their cloaks showed them to be no push over in ranged combat either.
The group stopped before both Thel and Shaak Ti, the latter's eyes widened as she saw how much her friend had grown as well as the armour which now complemented his form. Naruto turned to Shaak Ti a smile gracing his unarmoured head, she even noticed the haircut he had, the usually spiky hair being tamed somewhat with shaved faded sides, two bars prominent. Her heart started beating just a slight bit faster as he approached her.
"Shaak Ti! It is great to see you in person properly again after so long so much has changed" He quickly embraced her in a big hug startling her, the Mandalorians around him were slightly startled but nonetheless shook it off somewhat knowing of their lords less than predictable nature.
"It's great to see you again Master, it almost feels like an eternity since I last saw you, I'm glad we managed to get those republic dogs off of your back, although I'm sorry that we couldn't rescue more of your men, they died a glorious death and will be remembered". He finished his tone sombre and tired.
Shaak Ti leaned back and lightly put a palm on Naruto's cheek, the action in itself looked motherly but seemed different. Different to the both of them.
"You did all you could, and I don't blame you for anything, my men will be buried with full honours and they'll live on in the force." she comforted him.
"Always knew how to cheer me up." He said as he chuckled a bit with Shaak Ti smiling as they separated. She then reached into her sleeves and pulled something out.
"Here, I was able to recover it." She said as she pulled out his Lightsaber hilt, the weapon had a pronounced curve which seemed to taper off toward the end of the hilt itself. Naruto stared at it before he grabbed it, he hadn't seen it for a long time. Activating it, showing off the dark violet of the blade. It didn't hum, it more seemed to snarl and snap as it continued to glow.
"Thank you Master." He said as he smiled one last time the purple glow disappearing as he turned off his lightsaber, then he turned his attention to Thel.
"Translate this droid: My name is Lord Naruto, ruler of the planet Mandalore and lord Mandalore of the Mandalorian Commonwealth. Once we have made our repairs, we will be off your planet. However, we would like to make an offer for you to join a wider community one that will give you autonomy but with some slight details" Naruto said as the droid translated his words and it seemed like Thel seemed to contemplate his words, but as he went to speak he was interrupted.
"My lord Brute squads approaching from the east, anywhere from 30 to 50 of those vile monsters" one of his guards whispered to him, Thel nodded, standing to his full height and preparing for a fight.
"If you wish to help us. Join us in hunting and eradicating our species' mortal enemy the Jiralhanae, a species so foul and animalistic it makes the blood of my ancestors boil simply speaking of them." Thel spoke as the droid translated it to Naruto and his party.
"This planet has a high concentration of Thorilide and vast reserves of Hypermatter. Within a nearby sector" The Clone whispered as Naruto nodded and dismissed him. This changed everything. Thorilide is a prized commodity that is used as a shock absorber for turbolaser cannons in starship manufacturing. The Republic has kept the mining industry on complete lockdown. That was also a reason why the Separatists couldn't just out build the Republic. It would give them a major boost economically rather than just the usual commerce raiding.
Hypermatter was used to power warships. Both resources were very valuable to any Civilization. To this world, these resources would be useless, but to his Commonwealth? They would allow them to manufacture their own warships rather than capturing them. Plus, the fuel would also be a boost in their operational range. It gave a lot to think about.
"I will talk to my strategists first, then we shall begin the hunt. A Mandalorian does not give up on one of his own." Naruto said, coming close to shake the hand of Thel 'vadam. "Once the purge is complete your addition to the commonwealth would be a great boon for the both of us." Naruto grinned up at the Tall Alien, who nodded down to the teen.
"When the Jiralhanae have been wiped out you will have our legions and our resources. But only after." Thel reminded the Mandalore once more, before turning and returning to his transports they still had, Afterall. mongrels to skin.
A gunship landed behind Naruto and Shaak Ti, two Basilisk droids and their mounts acted as guards for the ship, ensuring none could approach it.
"Are you sure that was wise?" Ti questioned Naruto as they boarded the gunship, Naruto's bodyguards alongside them.
"We need the resources that this planet provides, besides, we can use their armies to grow our own. The Republic has Kamino to produce more Clones for them to fight in the war, that'll need to be dealt with soon actually." and he paused for a moment contemplating that thought.
"Last I checked there was supposed to be a deployment of 4 million new Clones, the Separatist have millions of Droids and more counting. We however lack the manpower but make up for it by attack in key sectors of the galaxy. However, that alone won't win us the war. I still haven't heard back, what the Republic wants right now. We took a vital planet from them, and I have yet to see what they will do." Naruto explained as Ti nodded.
"And if we need to win a prolonged war, we will need the manpower." She stated.
"Indeed, we do." Naruto said as the gunship landed, and the doors opened.
"You really think that these people will follow you? Even if you beat their ancient enemy there is a chance, they'll just refuse to join our commonwealth." She questioned, sometimes people's pride didn't allow them to follow others, more so if this world was divided and already at war.
"They will, I trust Thel vadam's judgement as a leader but if not then they will be eradicated." Naruto answered rather simply as Ti frowned at that.
"You have changed Naruto; you weren't this cold when you trained under me. What caused you to change? What caused you to lose touch so much?" She questioned. Where was that sweet boy that always had that stupid infectious grin on his face? She could see it in his eyes, he was hurt, but it was not a physical wound.
"I… it was during the Naboo crisis…" He began, he knew he was going to open a can of worms.
On Coruscant:
"Satine please!" Padme pleaded, asking for her long-time friend to stop, but the former Mandalorian ruler wouldn't hear anything she had to say. Not after the monumental load she'd just dropped on her shoulders.
"Enough Senator, you have already caused much upheaval in the galaxy, now leave me be." Satine stated, she clearly didn't want to hear anything Padme wanted to say.
"But this isn't my doing! If a jedi cannot uphold his emotional burdens what type of jedi is that?" Padme yelled as Satine turned to her, her anger boiling over. No matter what it still hurt Padme to say those words, Afterall the Man that she hurt still held some part of her heart.
"Really? So, it wasn't you who betrayed the man who now rules Mandalore and thousands of other neutral systems by proxy? I did my homework; Naruto was one of the best Jedi's and many had high hopes for him. He was being groomed to eventually one day be the Grandmaster." That even gave Padme pause, not even she knew of his influence within the jedi order to such a degree. But Satine continued undaunted.
"Odd that his behaviour changed when the war began, clearly a result of your actions. You are the reason this is happening! It isn't Naboo that is waging a galactic war, it's Mandalore! Years of hard work to built a democracy and maintain peace and neutrality, washed away because of you! Now leave!" Satine vented out her anger as she entered her chambers and locked the door behind. Padme sighed; Satine would spend all her time either in the Senate Chamber or her own. Every day she would send messages to Mandalore, hoping that her supporters would oust the new Mandalore, but Padme knew that Satine wouldn't get through to them.
Whatever supporters Satine still had were either in hiding or had already been banished to the mines in the outer systems, None had the political power to overthrow such a leviathan anyways.
"Having troubles, I see?" Anakin whispered as he hugged her from behind. She rolled her eyes and pushed him off.
"Now isn't the time Anakin. This war is getting out of control. With the recent attack on Coruscant, the other core world leaders are afraid. They are calling it a bad omen, referring back to the previous sacking of the Inner core by the Sith and their Mandalorian allies." Padme stated as she began to walk to the Senate chambers. The senators from the different worlds were digging up all sorts of ancient events to gain greater protection for their worlds.
"Attack? I wouldn't call that dumping of asteroids an attack." Anakin chuckled as Padme frowned. She turned around and gave him a glare.
"This isn't funny Anakin. With this recent event, it is clear that Mandalore has the capability to attack Coruscant without our knowledge and long-range scanners." She reasoned as Anakin sighed.
"They were using civilian cargo liners to hide themselves, how were the scanners supposed to pick up that?" Anakin questioned her. She looked at him as if he was crazy.
"Anakin, they used Republic codes to fool the scanners. No one was aware of those liners until they were in orbit." She stated as Anakin looked at her, this was news to him.
"That's bad…" He spoke. Padme sighed again, was this really the man that they called a brilliant strategist?
"Don't worry though they've placed a large fleet within orbit and have a couple Golan defence stations ready so any more intrusions will be stopped by Admiral Antiga" he added helpfully.
Padme just huffed before continuing on.
"Anyways, I have to deal with the senate on a new bill." She stated as she left to reason with the senate. Anakin could only look on, maybe his actions might have had unseen consequences.
With Naruto:
"Master, calm down!" Naruto tried to calm Ti down as the force rolled off of her. While it wasn't exactly oppressive, it was surprising that the usually calm master could exert such a pressure.
"How could you let that… Foul wench get away with what she did?!" Ti questioned. Naruto looked at her with some shock evident but shook it off knowing that she was close to him. However, Shaak Ti was considered one of the calmest Jedi's. To see her reacting this was crazy.
"Why did you never react, never fight back…. We would have helped you" she added quietly, this really through Naruto through a loop.
"It wasn't the Jedi way as much as I didn't believe in that crap; besides, you're going to kill someone." Naruto stated as he motioned towards the destroyed equipment. Ti looked around before she took a deep breath and calmed herself.
"Fine, but I want answers." She stated as Naruto nodded.
"Will do, but first we need to deal with our hunt." Naruto said, referring to the Hunt that would be beginning soon, Thel vadam had sent all the information they had on the Jiralhanae, the monsters that he had seen through the information packets were huge, easily larger and stronger than a Wookie however they were stupid. Incredibly so, forcing themselves from an early space age straight back to the stone age.
But they were Dangerous. They used both basic plasma and scattershot like weaponry- all in all Naruto knew it would not be an easy fight in the slightest.
Alarms started to blare and horns started to blast as the ships lights flickered off into red lights, Naruto and Shaak Ti looked at each other and began to race toward the bridge of his ship, clones and Mandalorians alike raced to battle stations, their training kicking in immediately.
"Sir, bad news, a Droid warship just jumped out of Hyperspace." A Clone reported as everyone looked out the window to see a badly damaged Droid frigate. Naruto hummed; it could prove useful.
"Send in the boarding parties and seize the ship." Naruto ordered. With a few repairs here and there, the Droid ship would prove useful, besides, he had a feeling that he would find something valuable on that ship.
Serenno
Dooku sat within his massive libraries, the libraries were within the main palace of the Serenno dukedom. The seat of power within the system and the confederacy itself. The duke of Serenno was currently reading a book of his family tree, an interesting book when it came down to it as it seemed his family had many other distant royal bloodlines within it.
Including even Clan Ordo. An ancient Mandalorian clan.
Sidious probably knew or he didn't, it didn't matter much to Dooku what his master thought of his heritage, Afterall the man was a Sith lord and cared for little outside of that fact. His communicator began to beep at that moment.
Speak of the devil, Dooku thought to himself as he stood from his seat earmarking his book and placing it onto the table next to him, Dooku then knelt as he felt the oppressive aura of his master appear above him.
"Dooku. Have you rid yourself of the failure of an assassin that you trained?" the sith lord asked his hologram flickering slightly as the dark shadow that covered his face underneath his cowl grew darker.
"Yes, Lord Sidious, I had Grievous eliminate her flagship as the second battle for Dantooine concluded in our favour. The republic seems to be stretched incredibly thin. Maybe it is time we should…." Sidious raised a hand.
"It is not the time for the republic to fall. The Mandalorians are the larger threat at the moment and need to be crushed. Deploy another fleet to the Mandalore system, you will personally find the Mandalore and bring me his head."
Dooku tried to argue, he knew that his forces were in no shape to launch such an attack on such a well defended planet, the ability to destroy multiple fleets at the same time showed how effective the Mandalorian defences were.
Sidious simply stared him down, the man's yellow eyes piercing through the veil of the hologram and holding Dooku in place despite the man's objections.
"Make sure it is done my apprentice. Or else" the Hologram began to fade away the last words of his master ringing through his ears. Dooku stood silently, his annoyance and anger at his master's continuous demands.
A droid approached him as he exited the library, it was a medical droid, a ZB-98 doctor droid.
"Lord Dooku, the tests you asked to be conducted have been completed and the results are ready for you" ZB said its voice mimicking that of humans usually to help put patients at ease.
"Finally. Let us be on our way to the labs, it's important that I know the test results as soon as possible."
They both began to quickly move toward the labs beneath the main settlement of the capital. The hovertrains that the two took quickly took them into the centre of the underground labs. And after pushing past many scientists and droids alike they reached the testing room which held the results.
The droid slowly began to bring the DNA samples and the sheets with their results closer. After being given the result, a dark smile began to spread across the counts face.
"I knew it. It seems Jenza had her uses Afterall."
Somewhere else
In the depths of Mustafar, Both Pyke syndicate and Black sun syndicate ships floated above the planet, on the planet itself the leaders of two of the largest crime families outside of the Hutts. And they were arguing.
"WHY HAVE WE BEEN CALLED HERE?" the prince of the black sun shouted at the Pyke's that sat across the long table from him.
"HOW SHOULD WE KNOW; WE WERE CALLED HERE JUST LIKE YOU BLACK SUN BASTARDS"
Back and forth the two sides began to argue, before an oppressive aura began to force all those in attendance into silence. The door to the room opened yet nothing but darkness was seen. Everyone at the table turned to face the darkness beyond the door.
"Who is it?" Xizor asked, his voice filled with annoyance yet also some fear.
"I once had a real name…So long ago I don't remember….now? Now, I am called Maul".
Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. My exams are starting so fanfiction is gonna be a bit slow as these exams are pretty important. But Azula's monster still should be coming out soon. Hopefully. PRAISE NEPTUNE