Episode 2 – Chance Meetings of the Past
Ve'vut Bral: Liberated! With a secret plan now in operation to deceive the Empire, the Mandalorian Citizens of Ve'vut Bral quietly enjoy a newfound peace! In the midst of this peace, Janie, Kaden, and Gia Rook now seek answers into the past of their mother, Jayna Rook, formerly the Jedi Knight Ana-Jy Lys!
Somewhere in the Galaxy…
Jayna found herself walking through a fog. It was dark, the sunlight barely able to break through. As she walked, she saw two paths suddenly appear in the fog. Two beams of light then broke through the fog from directly above, illuminating two pedestals at the end of the paths. The pedestal to the right had her lightsaber resting on it with the banner of the Jedi Order on the pedestal itself while the pedestal to the left had her Mandalorian helmet and the banner of the Mandalorians beneath it. Jayna looked back and forth for a moment before turning towards the lightsaber, approaching it.
As she did, she heard the sounds of blaster fire and explosions echoing in the distance. As she reached the pedestal, the fog and the other pedestal seemed to fade away, leaving her in a seemingly infinite black illuminated only by the light from above the pedestal. The moment she picked up the lightsaber, the darkness was pierced by a sinister red glow from the ceiling of what appeared to be a round hall-like chamber. She heard a filtered mechanical breathing sound behind her and turned but saw nothing…at least not at first.
The breathing sound continued as she felt the cold of the Dark Side begin to wash over her. The dark red glow of the room grew brighter and she began to see that she was in the old Jedi Council Chambers, the windows blacked out. Sitting in the chairs were the skeletons of the Jedi Council Members, only two of the chairs being empty. The clothes on the skeletons were mostly riddled with blaster holes while the bones Jayna recognized as being Master Mace Windu's had no hands. The most terrifying though was how, at her feet, across the floor of the whole chamber were the bodies of Jedi Younglings. Jayna gasped in horror, staggering backwards.
"You…abandoned…us." One of the skeletons said in a dying whisper.
"You…betrayed….us." another whispered.
"No, no I didn't betray you. I left because-." Jayna argued, looking around in fear at the skeletons as they all raised their heads towards her.
"Look…at…us." "Look…what…happened…to…us." The skeletons hissed.
"It's not my fault! The Jedi were betrayed but not by me!" Jayna pleaded as the windows started to clear and she could see the cityscape of Coruscant only bathed in an unnatural red glow.
"You…should…never…have…left." "Now…we…are…all…dead." The skeletons hissed. Jayna turned and ran for the door in fear, opening it only to find a towering black figure in armor with a menacing mask with glowing red eyes staring down at her. The figure was the source of the filtered breathing sound she had been hearing. She backed away from the figure but suddenly felt her windpipe clamped shut by an unseen force, feeling herself being raised up off her feet by the neck as the figure stepped into the chambers, igniting a red lightsaber with a vile hiss in its right hand while in its left hand was raised in a pinching motion towards her throat, crushing it through the Force.
"Now…you…will…join…us!" one of the skeletons said as Jayna gasped for air, dropping her lightsaber as she put her hands to her throat. She then looked at the dark figure in fear.
"This is what awaits you, Jedi." The figure said with a deep and menacing voice before she suddenly dropped to the floor, looking up in time to see the figure rear back its lightsaber and swing it towards her…
…
"NO!" Jayna exclaimed as she sat up in bed, breathing heavily as sweat rolled down her body. She was only dressed in a black sports top with loose fitting sleeper pants. It had all been a dream. She noticed a light come on over her right shoulder as Giordo sat up next to her. He was sleeping shirtless, showing a muscular body with black Mandalorian tribal tattoos covering his right arm and most of his shoulder.
"Jayna? What's wrong? What's the matter? You're shivering." He said, taking her right hand in both of his to comfort her. Jayna took a calming breath.
"It was nothing, just a bad dream." She replied softly, kicking her feet out over the edge of the bed, rising to her feet.
"You haven't had one of those in a while." Gio said as he got up too, wearing a pair of black sleeper pants. Jayna sighed, bracing herself against the dresser.
"Another dream about the past." She replied, Giordo placing a hand on her back.
"A new one or one you've had before?" he asked.
"In the end, it doesn't really matter. The message is still the same. Deserter. Abandoner. Coward…Traitor." Jayna said before she felt Gio's hand grip her left shoulder a little tighter.
"You are no traitor, Jayna. You know you didn't betray them." He said but Jayna turned away, looking towards the ceiling where a grated skylight was situated, allowing for natural lighting into their bedroom, the night stars visible through the grating.
"How can you be sure?" she asked.
"Had you stayed, you would just have been killed along with the rest of them." Gio said as Jayna sighed, turning and bracing herself against the doorframe to the refresher.
"Married for nearly twenty years and we're still dealing with my past baggage." She muttered, still looking at the ceiling with a sad frown. Gio turned and sat down on her side of the bed, leaning forward with his arms resting on his knees as he looked at her.
"I was kind of expecting this. Seeing you in your old Jedi armor and with your lightsaber the other day probably brought back some powerful memories for you. And with the kids asking about it now…I can't imagine what you're going through." Gio said as Jayna sighed, rubbing her biceps for warmth with another shiver.
"I'm…afraid, Gio." She whispered.
"Of what?" he asked.
"I don't know what path to take. If I follow the Jedi Path again, I fear for what will come…for what I will bring upon us." Jayna said, her mind flashing back to the black armored figure, hearing his mechanical breathing down her neck, sending chills down her spine.
"And what's wrong with the path you've been following up till now? The Way of the Mandalore?" Gio asked. Jayna sighed, running a hand across her brow, covering her eyes in thought. She then looked at him worriedly.
"I never told you what convinced me to do what I did." She said. Gio seemed confused.
"You mean leave the order? You've told me dozens of times and I've said before your logic was sound to me." He said but she shook her head.
"No, I mean break from the plan and come to rescue you, Kaden, and Janie." Jayna said as Gio sat up, looking at her curiously.
"What did make you do that? The plan was for you and Gia to take the droids, flee to our escape ship and escape this planet like we had agreed." He said as Jayna nodded.
"And I was prepared to. Gia wasn't but I wasn't going to give her much choice. But then I…it's hard to explain but I…I was visited." She said, looking perplexed.
"Visited? By who?" Gio asked.
"The first Jedi I ever met. Master Qui-Gon Jinn. He was the Jedi that brought me into the Jedi Order." Jayna said as Gio looked confused.
"He's still alive?" he asked.
"No, that's just it. He's been dead for at least thirty-years. What I saw…what spoke to me was…something more. It was him, I could feel it. I could feel his presence. It was the first time in a long time I had felt the Force so strongly. Like taking a breath of air after being underwater for a long time." Jayna said as Gio listened to her curiously.
"You've done your best to hide from the Force, or at least not use it. I noticed you use it the other day when you deflected a rocket away from us." He said as Jayna turned and sat down next to him.
"Ever since the destruction of Alderaan, I've felt a…a disturbance in the Force. Things are in motion that I cannot begin to understand. I believe a time is coming when I must decide whether to become the Jedi I was, or to continue to follow the Way of the Mandalore. My worry is, would my decision endanger us all?" she asked as Gio put an arm around her.
"I think…perhaps you need more than just my input. I think perhaps we need a fresh perspective…or three, to make a proper decision." Gio said as Jayna looked at him curiously with a look of realization.
"I do owe them an explanation as to who and what I was. But I don't feel as if I should be the one to tell them. They should learn about who I am from a less biased perspective." Jayna said as Gio smiled a little.
"I think we both know just the man for the job. Should we call him?" Gio asked but Jayna shook her head.
"Not right now. He'd put a bounty on our heads for waking him up at this hour." Jayna said as Gio chuckled.
"I meant later." He replied.
"Yes. But could you also make sure Gia goes along too? I think I could use some time alone for a while. I need to meditate on this." She said as Gio took her by the hand.
"We are one when together, we are one when parted, we will share all. Those are the vows I made to you almost twenty years ago and I stand by them even to this day. I'll grant you the time alone you need. But don't go through this alone when you don't need to. I may still not understand and comprehend the Force but I know it is part of you and our children. So whatever you need do, I shall support you." He said as she smiled, resting her head against his shoulder.
…
Less than an hour later, Jayna and Gio were both dressed for the day. It was still dark out but the earliest signs of dawn were already visible. Gio was sat at the breakfast table, polishing the visor of his helmet while Jayna cleaned her DC-17 Hand Blaster sidearm at the old cantina bar top. She then paused with an increasingly coy smile appearing on her face.
"Ah, a wandering nerf staggers back home." Jayna said, turning towards the front door, crossing her legs while pulling a remote from her belt and turning off the lights in the room.
"Oh does he? This should be interesting." Gio chuckled, sitting back and placing his WESTAR-35 on the table before reclining with his feet on one of the dining chairs, also facing the door with his arms crossed. Soon they heard the soft clunk of the front doors unlocking and then being pried open by hand as a green armored Mandalorian with a set of red electrobinoculars attached to the helmet crept through the doors, pulling them shut behind him. He then started to slink his way through towards one of the side doors into the hallway when the lights suddenly flashed on, the Mandalorian instinctively drawing his blaster pistol and pausing at the sight of Jayna and Gio. He then sighed heavily, holstering his blaster.
"Osik. Have you been awake waiting for me all this time?" Kaden asked as he pulled his helmet off.
"No. Circumstance just happened to have the both of us start the day early." Jayna said as Kaden ran a hand through his hair.
"I uh…didn't plan to try and sneak in. I uh, actually wanted to come home sooner but-…" he stammered, trying to find the words to explain himself.
"Let me wager a guess…Aska?" Gio asked as Kaden gave a meek nod, blushing lightly.
"Unexpected that you'd go that far so suddenly, but not totally unsurprising given how close you are to her." Jayna said as Kaden sighed heavily.
"Please don't start in on any lectures. I'm an adult after all." Kaden said as Jayna and Gio both gave individual nods of agreement.
"That you are. I only hope that if anything comes of this, that you behave like the man you are, the man we raised you to be, and do the responsible thing." Gio said as Kaden nodded.
"Absolutely. I'm no coward." Kaden said as Gio took his feet off the chair.
"That answer is sufficient enough for me. Jayna?" Gio asked as Jayna uncrossed her legs.
"I have one question. A simple yet probably complicated question. Why now?" she asked curiously. Kaden looked at her curiously.
"What do you mean?" he asked, moving to sit down on the bar stool next to her.
"You've kept your relationship chaste all this time. I know that you've seen her in a compromising position on more than one occasion that would in some cases drive some men to take advantage of a woman like Aska but you've restrained yourself each time. That is until now. So what changed? Why now?" Jayna asked as Kaden set his helmet on the bar top. He looked at the helmet for a moment with a sigh.
"You'll think I'm a coward." He replied.
"I don't understand." Jayna said as Kaden sighed again.
"Back when dad, Jan and I got arrested, when I thought that that was the moment when my life would end, I had a…crisis. I talked a brave game but as I stared at those stocks for the guillotine, my mind raced, thinking of all the people I cared about, wondering how my death would affect them. I figured Gia would be crushed losing us. As would you. But it turned my stomach thinking I'd die and never have gotten to say goodbye to Aska. At that moment, I wanted to live. I did not want to die like that." Kaden said before looking up from his helmet towards his mother to see a loving smile on her face.
"Son…" Gio said, standing up and walking towards him. Gio proceeded to put an arm around his back, clapping him on both shoulders.
"…what you just described is not cowardice. I was feeling the exact same way about your mother and sister. I didn't want to die without having the opportunity to say goodbye. There's no shame or dishonor in that." Gio said. Kaden smiled at his father.
"Thanks dad." He replied.
"So the fear of death motivated you to act on your feelings?" Jayna asked as Kaden gave a nod.
"It made me weak to her but I didn't actively pursue her. I was just more vulnerable. Especially when she lured me back to her place and then appeared wearing nothing but this fishnet bodystocking with a split up the-." "Okay, I don't need to hear about my son's conquests!" Jayna interrupted as Gio chuckled.
"Fishnet bodystocking eh?" Gio asked, his gaze starting to turn towards Jayna who frowned towards him and pointed her DC-17 at him.
"One…two…" she warned as Gio raised his hands in surrender and backed away with a teasing smile.
"…smart." Jayna said, setting the blaster down. Kaden just shook his head.
"I do have one favor to ask. Very easy. Please don't let Jan know about this. Last thing I need is her ribbing." Kaden said pleadingly. Jayna and Gio both gave quiet nods. Unfortunately…
"Too late." A voice said near the hallway door. They all turned and saw Jan standing in her day clothes, propping herself up against the doorframe with one hand on her hip, legs crossed, and a smug smirk on her face.
"E chu ta!" Kaden cursed, slapping both hands on the bar top as he spun away in frustration.
"Have you been eavesdropping?" Jayna asked but Jan stepped into the room.
"No, but I got a message from Jacki around midnight saying that she was hearing some interesting sounds coming from Aska's apartment next door. She also decided to do some probe droid sniping and saw Kaden jetpacking away about half-an-hour ago." Jan said, stopping in front of her brother with her arms crossed. Kaden stared blankly at her.
"Before we start needing to draw out a Battle Circle in the middle of the living room, let's holster our tongues on this. We do have more serious matters to discuss." Jayna said as the two siblings turned towards her.
"Like what?" Jan asked.
"Well, you've been wanting to learn more about my past as of late, and so your father and I thought you should have the opportunity." Jayna said, Kaden sitting back down, Jan sitting at the nearby kitchen table, both looking at her curiously.
"Okay, so where did you want to start?" Jan asked. Jayna however raised a hand motioning to wait.
"You won't be hearing it from me. I think you need the perspective of someone who knew me and can perhaps better relate to you how Mandalorians and Jedi have coexisted within the galaxy throughout both our histories. A more neutral third party as it were." Jayna said as Jan and Kaden exchanged curious looks.
"Like who?" Kaden asked.
"Cyril Glebbins. He's not only a keeper of Mandalorian history, but also one of your father's and my oldest friends. He was there twenty-two years ago when your father and I first met and was at almost every encounter between us that followed throughout the Clone Wars. He was the first to approve of your father's and my relationship." Jayna said as Jan leaned against the table.
"Why would he needed to have approved?" Jan asked.
"He didn't necessarily need to. But his approval helped to convince others such as Veska and Geht that your mother could be trusted. Mandalorians and Jedi have a long and bloody history after all. Plus it didn't help matters that when your mother and I first met, I was trying to kill her." Gio remarked.
"Oh well that's a great way to start a relationship." Jan commented with a dry chuckle.
"In his defense, it was nothing personal. Your father and his squadron were, to put it simply, hired guns at the time and we just fit within the parameters of those who would count as his targets. His contract was negated when his employer was killed. As we had no ill will against your father or his squadron for their part, we had no reason to detain or fight them further." Jayna explained.
"Hold on. We? Who's we?" Kaden asked. Jayna smiled towards him.
"That would've been me and my Master. Jedi Master Jessali Rho. She was the woman who personally trained me in the Jedi Arts. She was my teacher and mentor, and a very dear friend even unto the very end." Jayna said with a sad smile.
"What happened to her? The clones?" Jan asked but Jayna shook her head.
"No. Master Jessali died during the war. I'll tell you that story when you're ready to hear it. But for now, let's have some breakfast. There'll be plenty of time for you and your sister to hear my stories." Jayna said as the siblings both gave conceding nods.
"So when do we meet with Alor Glebbins?" Kaden asked.
"With any luck, today. I know there's no city appointments on the calendar for us but with the current arrangement we have going right now, we're kind of on high alert. Knowing Cyril, he'll be free around midday. Nothing he enjoys more than talking people's ear off about our people's history." Gio said. Jayna chuckled a little.
"That he does but it shows a commitment to making sure that the past does not remain forgotten. It's very admirable and I greatly respect him for that." Jayna said as Gio stood up and headed for the kitchen.
…
It was mid-morning now as the three Rooks walked down a dusty road outside of Ve'vut Bral, walking towards Glebbins' home.
"So why again are we going to see Alor Glebbins about mom? Shouldn't she be telling us?" Gia asked as she followed her older siblings.
"Mom thinks we need more context to understand what she was." Jan replied.
"Context?" Gia asked.
"It means knowing all the details and circumstances of ho-." Kaden said but Gia rolled her eyes.
"I know what context means, Kaden, I'm not a di'kut. I just don't know what kind of context we need. I mean it's mom." Gia said as they approached a lonely manor-like homestead with two large one story wings that formed a courtyard in the center. Hanging across the courtyard were long cables that reached from one side to another. Dangling from each of the cables were military helmets from across the galaxy, some of them hundreds of years old, and few if any of them being Mandalorian in origin. Inside each helmet was an illuminator bulb to light up the courtyard at night. The homestead resembled an old barracks as its front doors resembled blast doors.
"I think I might get where she's coming from on this. She probably thinks we should get more history on the Jedi and how they were involved with our people so that we know more when she explains her story to us later." Kaden said.
"So like reading a history book about a certain point in history before reading a novel set in that same period?" Jan asked as they reached the door, Jan hitting the button that set off the door-chimes.
"Exactly." Kaden said. After a second the doors to the manner opened, revealing the older and bearded Mandalorian Councilman.
"Ah, you've arrived. Come in-come in. Have a seat." Cyril said as the three Rooks entered the dwelling. The entrance opened straight into a living area with several seats facing towards a curved wall with shelving filled with various artifacts and objects. On the walls were paintings or holostills of various events and individuals from throughout Mandalorian History. The three even noticed a few helmets of clear Mandalorian origin on his shelves. The Rooks sat down on one of the couches.
"I took the liberty of picking up some ahrisa and haroun bread. I got the mild flavor for you, foundling. I know you prefer the mild flavors when you get Mando Mix at the market." Glebbins said, placing a bowl of round spheres of bread filled with a spicy herb as well as a few slices of regular bread on the coffee table in front of them.
"Thank you alor, we'll try not to take up too much of your time. We know you've probably got better things to do than to entertain us." Janie said but Glebbins gave her a dismissive wave as he sat down in a seat across from them.
"Nonsense. I enjoy sharing the history of our people. Now you're here for knowledge about your mother. Specifically her life before becoming a Mandalorian." Glebbins said as Kaden bit into one of the ahrisa, tearing part of it off with his teeth.
"That's right. But I got the feeling that she wanted us to learn more about Mandalorian and Jedi history first." Jan said as Glebbins gave a nod.
"Mmm-hmm-mmm-hmm. That would be a good starting point. So I will put it bluntly. To us Mandalorians, the Jedi have been some of our greatest foes. On several occasions throughout our history, the Jedi have nearly wiped us out." Glebbins said, standing back up and picking up a kettle that had been hanging over the fireplace, pouring some tea into four cups.
"Pretty blunt indeed, alor. So how then do you explain one of our greatest enemies becoming one of us? Our mother even?" Jan asked as Glebbins passed the cups out.
"Ah, but what if I also told you that the Jedi have also been some of our greatest salvations?" Glebbins asked with a leading smile as he sat back down.
"You're confusing me." Kaden said, Gia and Jan both nodding.
"Well perhaps I should start with some more specific history. Roughly four-thousand years ago, our Mandalorian ancestors were at their strongest. A fighting force that would shake the galaxy to its core. We were millions strong. Entire worlds either bowed to our feet or were turned to ash by our armies. The Republic was powerless to stop us. The Mandalorian Wars, the history books would call it." Glebbins would explain.
"Sounds like a good start." Jan commented, biting into an ahrisa.
"Ah, but here's the kicker. We lost, and it was the Jedi that defeated us." Glebbins said, taking a sip of his tea.
"Okay now you're just telling us about how the Jedi kicked our shebs every time we fought them." Gia said as Glebbins nodded.
"Yes. Because that is how history has repeated itself for us. Time and again the Mandalorians would become a reckoning force in the Galaxy. Time and again the Jedi would rise to fight us. Time and again, the Jedi would defeat us. And so history has repeated uninterrupted. The only time I can think of where that cycle was broken is if you consider that the Grand Army of the Republic, an army of clones born of the genes of one of the last true Mand'alor and raised in the Way of the Mandalore albeit varied slightly, slaughtered the Jedi at the end of the Clone Wars. From a certain point of view that could be perceived as a Mandalorian victory over the Jedi…but hardly an honorable one." Glebbins mused soberly with a slight frown.
"What's the difference then?" Jan asked, sipping her tea, earning a scolding glare from Glebbins.
"The difference is that every time our ancestors fought the Jedi, the Jedi fought and defeated us with honor. The Clone Army did not afford the Jedi the same defeat. The Clones fought beside the Jedi for nearly four years. Fighting, bleeding, even dying together. And then when the war seemed won, they suddenly turned and murdered their brothers and sisters in arms. That is no honorable victory. That is no victory worthy of putting to song or story." Glebbins replied, anger clear in his voice, although his anger was aimed more at the past than at the three Rooks.
"I'm starting to see why mom and dad thought we should come here." Kaden said as Glebbins took a sip and nodded.
"You mentioned that the Jedi gave us some of our greatest losses. But you also said they were our salvation. What do you mean?" Jan asked. Glebbins thought for a moment, stroking his beard as he tried to think of a way to explain it before finally giving a nod to himself.
"Think back to the Mandalorian Wars I mentioned. I mentioned that the Jedi defeated us then. It wasn't just the Jedi that beat us but a specific Jedi. A Jedi named Revan." He said. Gia immediately sat up.
"I know that name! There's a big statue of him carved into a mountain on the capitol world, right?" Gia asked as Glebbins smiled and nodded.
"That's him, yes. Revan, the Jedi who saved our people. He led the Jedi to war against the Mandalorians, aiding the ailing Republic in rising against us. Once Revan took charge, the tide seemed to shift, turning against us until finally Revan smote down Mandalore the Ultimate on Malachor V in the final battle of the Mandalorian Wars!" Glebbins explained.
"Again, that's defeating us. How have the Jedi helped us?" Kaden asked.
"Because Revan may have killed the Mandalore…but he also saved us from extinction. He turned around and lent his strength and wisdom to the man that would become Mandalore the Preserver and helped him rally our people, allowing us to survive, rebuild, and flourish to fight another day." Glebbins explained.
"Okay so a puppet government?" Jan asked but Glebbins shook his head.
"You might think, but no. Once Mandalore the Preserver had gained enough strength to start the clans anew, Revan departed, his one command being to restore the Mandalorian people to our former glory. He helped to pick us up and onto our feet. That is the key takeaway when it comes to the Jedi. They protect life. We Mandalorians often are those who would end it. There have been several races driven to near extinction by Mandalorian hands. The Mandalorian Wars was but one instance where the same nearly happened to us. Yet in the end, we were shown mercy and raised up to fight another day." Glebbins said.
"I think I get it." Gia said, sipping her tea.
"Good. Now, here's something else you should know about our people and the Jedi. In all our history only one Mandalorian has ever become a Jedi. But there have been several Jedi who have become Mandalorians. Your mother just happens to be one of them. Your mother believes there are similarities between Mando'ade and Jedi that few among us are willing to recognize and accept. Partly because there is so little about one another that we comprehend and understand. Perhaps that has been our greatest cause for fear and concern. The root cause of our frequent clashes. Who can say for sure? But it is clear that to understand this, is why your mother sent you three to me." Glebbins said as the three Rooks looked at each other, exchanging gestures or nods of agreement.
"It makes sense." Kaden said.
"So where does mom come into this?" Gia asked as Glebbins chuckled.
"Now we delve into more recent history. Let's see, where should I start?" Glebbins asked himself, stroking his beard.
"Mom and dad both said that the first time they met, dad tried to kill her." Jan said as Glebbins laughed.
"Alright we'll start there. It's true. I've heard your mother's side of the story enough times I can probably tell it too so that you understand both sides. It all started the day the Clone Wars began, the day the Battle of Geonosis took place. Only the story of your parents' first meeting wasn't on Geonosis, but on the planet Agamar…" Glebbins said as he sat back with a fond smile at the memories.
…
22 Years Ago
Agamar - Mirgoshir System
The Clone Wars – Zero Hour
A red CSS-1 Corellian Star Shuttle with white markings approached a landing platform within the capitol city of Calna Muun, the transport setting down. As the boarding ramp descended, an entourage of men and women emerged from the spaceport building, escorting a man in elegant clothes. The man was thin with grey hair. The men and women at his side wore simple security uniforms and carried long barreled rifles with permanently attached crescent shaped bayonets, causing the rifles to resemble spears. Two hooded figures in brown cloaks emerged from the transport, approaching the man and his entourage.
"Ambassador Rho, I presume?" the man asked with a polite smile as the taller of the two figures gave a nod and then pulled back their hood. Beneath the hood was a human woman in her mid-fifties with grey hair kept in a tight bun near the point where her skull and neck met.
"That's correct. I am Jessali Rho, Jedi Master and dually appointed Ambassador on behalf of Chancellor Palpatine and the Republic Senate. This is my Padawan, Ana-Jy Lys." The woman introduced as the shorter figure pulled back their hood, revealing Ana-Jy Lys, aged seventeen, with straight brown hair worn down the back.
"Jedi? I was not expecting the Senate to send two Jedi." The man commented.
"Is that a problem, sir?" Jessali asked.
"For me, not in the slightest. I happen to be a believer in the Force and welcome your presence, Master Jedi. I only fear that our opposition may take umbrage at your presence. Ah, but where are my manners? I am Chen Qualis, Leader of the Agamar Republican Caucus as part of the Agamar Government." The man introduced as both Jedi bowed.
"A pleasure, Representative Qualis." Jessali said as Qualis turned and motioned for the exit.
"If you will follow us, Ambassador, I've managed to secure a meeting with Senator Bremack and the Separatist representative. Although I fear that we may be waging an uphill battle in these negotiations." Qualis said as they started to walk towards the exits.
"Senator Bremack and the Agamar Parliament is insistent on their declaration to align with Count Dooku's Separatists then." Jessali surmised.
"To my knowledge there has been no treaties signed yet but the Separatists are growing more insistent on a definitive answer. I'm starting to suspect that they may be prepared to act against the Republic very soon." Qualis said as they walked along.
"The Separatists have powerful organizations with their own private armies as their primary backers. You have every reason to be concerned." Ana-Jy said as they exited the spaceport, climbing into a speeder.
"It's not only the Separatist factions that we need be concerned about I'm afraid. There's been a growing independence movement that's grown more militant and violent as of late." Qualis said as the speeder took off down the streets of the city, headed towards a large square building that stood above most of the city.
"They seek neither Republic nor Separatist involvement?" Jessali asked as Qualis gave a nod.
"Yes. In the past, they've been peaceful. But ever since the increased taxation and especially since Senator Bremack announced our secession and opened talks with the Separatists, they've grown more violent. Street fights and attacks on government officials have grown more common. Just this morning, seven clerks of some of the MPs representing both Republic and the Separatists were murdered." Qualis said grimly.
"And the Independents are responsible for that?" Jessali asked as Qualis gave a nod.
"They've claimed responsibility, yes, but the evidence suggests that it was the work of professional assassins. Men and women wearing strange armor and jetpacks destroyed their speeders or shot them outside their homes." Qualis explained as their speeder pulled up the square building.
"Strange armor and jetpacks?" Ana-Jy asked.
"I've not seen these assassins myself so I can't give you a good description I'm afraid. If you'd like to investigate for yourselves, I can arrange it so you can access the security footage we have of the incident." Qualis said as they disembarked.
"We will investigate if we can, Representative Qualis." Jessali said as they started to walk inside. At the same time, up in the shadows of a large tower nearby, two armored Mandalorians were lurking. One of the Mandalorians was watching through the scope of a sniper rifle while another watched through the rangefinder on her helmet. Two more were lingering in the shadows, having a private conversation.
"Alor, the Republic Ambassadors have arrived." The woman said. Her armor was grey colored with blue swirl patterns on the cheeks and dome of her helmet with blue colored edging around her visor while the rest of her armor was an unpainted battleship grey under a green body glove. The one with the rifle had similarly unpainted grey armor under a red body glove with red edging on the helmet. The two in the shadows soon approached the railing near the other two Mandalorians. The taller of them wore yellow armor with a black kama around his waist and a yellow cape over his right side, worn beneath a yellow pauldron on his right shoulder. The other wore blue armor and a red pauldron on his right shoulder.
"Looks like the Independents' intel was correct. The Republic sent a couple ambassadors to beg their case." The one with the rifle commented as the yellow armored warrior peered over the edge, pulling a pair of electrobinoculars from a pouch at his side.
"Ambassadors? They don't look like Ambassadors to me." The blue armored warrior said, watching via his rangefinder. The yellow armored one lowered his binoculars.
"That's because they're not ordinary ambassadors. This job just got a lot more complicated." The yellow one said, earning a couple of looks or glances from the other three Mandalorians.
"I don't see anything unusual. They're not even armed from the looks of it." The woman commented.
"Looks can be deceiving Veska. We need to be on our guard if we're going to accomplish our mission. If I'm correct, those two women down there are Jedi." The yellow one said as he reached for his helmet, removing it to reveal a younger Cyril Glebbins. He was in his late-forties with balding dark-brown hair and a small chin-beard.
"Jedi? The sorcerers that slaughtered our kin at Galiraan?" the woman Mandalorian asked, removing her helmet to reveal a teenaged Jil Veska, her blonde hair kept with her hair pulled back tightly.
"The same. We must be cautious. We cannot face them in a one-on-one fight. We will need to face them as one. Rally Master Rook, what do you suggest?" Glebbins asked, looking at the blue armored warrior.
"We focus on our main targets. Try to save the Jedi for last. If they get in our way, we'll deal with them just the same." Giordo Rook, aged nineteen, replied.
"If the legends and stories of the Jedi are true, they may not give us that choice. But I agree with your assessment. Geht, send a message to the rest of the squadron. Alert them of the Jedi's arrival. My orders are to continue as planned but to proceed with caution." Glebbins ordered, putting his helmet back on. The soldier with the rifle, a young Krios Geht, gave a nod.
"As you command Field Marshall." Geht said, standing up and slinging his rifle over his shoulder, carrying it by a strap attached to below the barrel and the stock as he stepped into the shadows while pulling out an imagecaster.
"Ever faced a Jedi before, Field Marshall?" Veska asked but Glebbins shook his head.
"I was spared the horrors of Galidraan, but I know from legends of the past, as well as the personal experiences from our former Mand'alor, Jango Fett, and survivors of the battle such as Giordo's father that the Jedi are never to be underestimated." Glebbins said as Veska put her helmet back on.
"Then maybe we might get a chance for some payback." Veska said as Giordo looked down at the courtyard where the Jedi had now vanished into the main parliament building.
"I'd advise you curb your zeal, young Veska. Far too many of our brothers have met their end at the hands of the Jedi when they gave into their desire for revenge. We must use our wits if we are to defeat the Jedi, not our fury." Glebbins said as he turned and walked back into the shadows.
…
Down in a conference room in the parliament building, overlooking the lush jungles and forests in the valley below the city. Ana-Jy stood looking out the window with an uneasy look on her face while Jessali sat with her large brown Jedi cloak draped over a padded bench near one wall, sitting on the bench and looking over a datapad. The conference room was mostly a circle of chairs with side tables between them and with benches at the corners of the room near the window.
"I have a bad feeling about this." Ana-Jy commented.
"I too feel ill at ease, but not necessarily about the negotiations." Jessali said.
"Were we wise to not reroute to Geonosis at Master Windu's advice, Master? Ever since our arrival, I've sensed a disturbance in the Force." Ana-Jy said as Jessali set down the datapad and stood up.
"I've felt it too. I sense death rippling through the Force. Something has happened at Geonosis." Jessali said as she moved to stand next to her Padawan.
"I've heard the voices of some of the Jedi I've known since I was a youngling. All of them crying out in pain and terror, and then one-by-one suddenly falling silent." Ana-Jy said, visibly discomforted by what she had been sensing, as Jessali crossed her arms over her chest.
"The Dark Side is growing stronger. I suspect that war may indeed be upon us if it has not begun already. Which is why these negotiations are so important now more than ever. If the Republic is to survive whatever onslaught awaits it, it will need the strength of as many systems as it can to support it." Jessali said as Ana-Jy looked at her curiously.
"What do you make of the Representative's description of the armored assailants with jetpacks, master? Should we be concerned?" Ana-Jy asked. Jessali put a hand to her chin in thought.
"The description could apply to a number of different groups. The Javali Jump Squads, the Ragosian Rocketeers, the Guavian Death Gang…it could be any of them. But my instincts warn me of another." Jessali said.
"Who?" Ana-Jy asked as Jessali approached the window, looking out it with unease.
"Around twenty years ago, not long after I had been knighted, My former Master and I were assigned as part of a special detachment of Jedi to the planet Galidraan. Ironically, it was under Count Dooku's command. We were told by the Council that a group of activists were being murdered by a group of armored mercenaries of vicious skill, utilizing jetpacks and armor nigh impenetrable by the average blaster. When we got there, we were met by these warriors. The Mandalorians, they were called. We gave them the chance to stand down but they refused and a battle ensued. By the end of the day, the Jedi had won but at great cost. More than half of the Jedi that went to Galidraan became One with the Force that day, including my old Master." Jessali said as Ana-Jy seemed apprehensive.
"I thought the Mandalorians were pacifists." Ana-Jy said but Jessali shook her head.
"Today they're peaceful, but their warrior ways are ancient if not persistent. We Jedi once fought a war against them some three to four thousand years ago. What we may be dealing with are a rogue sect that still adhere to the Mandalorian warrior culture. I hope this is not the case but we must be wary, for if my instincts and concerns prove correct, and it is the Mandalorians, we will need to be extra cautious, and twice as vigilant." Jessali said just as the doors to the conference room opened. The two Jedi turned to see Representative Qualis enter along with a human woman with dark lipstick and an elegant yet officious blue dress, followed by a Neimoidian man in official attire and escorted by a pair of B1 Battle Droids in their maroon security coloring.
"Senator Tyreca Bremack of Agamar and the Mirgoshir system, Trade Master Udam Clea representing the Confederacy of Independent Systems, allow me to introduce Master Jessali Rho and Ana-Jy Lys of the Jedi Order here on behalf of the Republic." Qualis said as the Neimoidian looked at the two Jedi worriedly.
"Jedi? I was not told the Republic was sending Jedi!" Udam said.
"I see no problem with their presence, but I doubt that they will be able to do much to sway my decision. However, in the interest of diplomacy, I will hear their arguments. I don't think any of us wants there to be armed conflict between our two sides." Bremack said as she sat down in one of the chairs.
"It would seem we already have common ground then, Senator. The Republic is not interested in war with Agamar or the Separatists." Jessali said as she sat down across from Bremack, Clea sitting next to Bremack while Qualis sat down next to Jessali. At the same time, Ana-Jy was looking out the windows with suspicion. She sensed an imminent danger. She knew her Master did too but Jessali hid it well.
"I am curious as to what you believe the Republic could bring to the table that the Separatists cannot. The final straw to our withdrawal from the Republic was the ever increasing taxation. It was becoming difficult for us to afford regular supply shipments for goods we simply cannot acquire here on Agamar. Goods that the Trade Federation and the Separatists are offering at rates lower than what we were paying under the Republic before the increased taxation." Bremack said.
"And we are offering the Mirgoshir System security and protection should the Republic attack." Udam added.
"With what army, Trade Master? What Army would the Republic attack with? The Chancellor only recently was granted emergency powers to create a Grand Army of the Republic. It will take time to raise such an army." Jessali said as Ana-Jy looked carefully out the window. She felt someone was watching her so she kept her hand on her lightsaber. Jessali could sense her Padawan's apprehension but remained calm.
"But what would such an army do, Master Jedi? Would you attack us and force us to remain slaves to the Republic? I don't doubt what the Jedi would do, Master Rho, but I do question what the Chancellor and the Senate would do. Too many voices in the Republic Senate calling for, and to quote some of the war hawks of the Senate, 'drag them back by their heels if necessary.'" Senator Bremack stated.
"I share your concerns, Senator. I too am distrustful of politics and politicians, no disrespect intended of course." Jessali said but Bremack just chuckled.
"None taken. That is one matter I think we both agree on. Please go on." Bremack said. Jessali was about to speak when she paused. They then heard a loud but muffled explosion in another part of the building, the building shaking around them.
"What in the name of-…?!" Bremack asked, everyone rising to their feet as a pair of soldiers rushed in.
"Senator! We're under attack, some kind of mercenary force! They're tearing through our-AUGH!" one of the soldiers cried out as he felt to the ground from a fresh blaster hole through his back. Behind him was an armored warrior in yellow and grey armor. Jessali quickly ignited her green lightsaber, Ana-Jy igniting a blue one as the Senator and politicians quickly moved behind the two Jedi, moving to stand near the window. The two battle droids opened fire on the armored warrior but were quickly gunned down by a silver armored warrior with blue swirls on her armor, using a blaster rifle. The yellow armored one approached, holding a blaster pistol in his left hand.
"Senators, Jedi, I bid you greetings from our employer." Glebbins said before tossing an imagecaster onto the ground, the caster activating to show a rotating hologram showing Republic and Separatist symbols, crossed out by a no sign.
"The Independents?! I should have known." Qualis hissed.
"Who are you and how dare you barge in and attack us!" Bremack spat.
"They're Mandalorians, Senator. An ancient warrior culture native to the Mandalore sector." Jessali said as Glebbins gave a nod.
"Correct, Jedi. I'm surprised you know of us. Many in the galaxy think us dead ever since that pretender Duchess assumed the throne." Glebbins said, keeping a blaster trained on her.
"We thought you dead because of your defeat at Galidraan. I remember that battle. I lost my Master there to your kind." Jessali said, keeping her lightsaber raised defensively.
"So you were among the survivors of that battle. Then you know our capabilities. You're far outnumbered this time though Jedi. I have an entire heavy cruiser's worth of my vode, all well trained and ready for a fight." Glebbins said as Ana-Jy glanced towards the back window, sensing that something was amiss about the situation.
"As I recall, the Jedi were outnumbered at Galidraan as well." Jessali replied.
"And less than half of you survived. We outnumbered you almost four to one at Galidraan. This time it's nearly twenty to one. You really think you can survive this one?" Glebbins asked. Clea then raised a quivering hand.
"Y-You don't want to harm us! I-I represent the Separatist Alliance! We can offer you credits! I can offer you double what you're being paid now!" Clea stammered, shaking fearfully. Glebbins glared at him and put a hand to his helmet.
"K'uur haar Neimodianii" Glebbins said into his helmet comlink. Ana-Jy quickly spun around, swinging her lightsaber down between the diplomats just in time as a blaster bolt shattered through the window, nearly hitting Clea had Ana-Jy not deflected it with her downward swing. Clea suddenly fainted with a pathetic moan from the near death experience.
"We have a contract, and we don't drop contracts without good reason. A bigger payout isn't one of those reasons. We have our honor to consider." Glebbins said as Ana-Jy took up a defensive stance near the window, spotting Geht knelt a fair distance away on a rooftop with a sniper rifle trained on her.
"And there's no dissuading you from this path, is there?" Jessali asked.
"It's nothing personal, Jedi. You defeated us fairly and with honor at Galidraan. We don't hold grudges against our enemies when they defeat us like you did at Galidraan. So this…this is just business." Glebbins said raising an arm towards Jessali who raised her lightsaber defensively. It was an intense standoff, neither side willing to make the first move. Suddenly a side door opened, several Agamarian Guards rushing in.
"Freeze!" one of the guards yelled. Glebbins and Veska both turned their weapons on the guards but before they could fire, Jessali shoved them both back with a Force Push.
"This way! Quickly!" Jessali ordered, leading Bremack and Qualis through the side door. Ana-Jy started following up the rear, running out the door behind them just as an explosion went off in the conference room, some of the guards letting out pained screams as they were killed. Ana-Jy turned and saw a blue armored Mandalorian with a red shoulder pauldron come flying out of the flames towards her on his jetpack, the rocket on his pack expended. Ana-Jy quickly turned and swung her free hand across in front of her, picking up and throwing a chair at the airborne Mandalorian with the Force, knocking him against the wall. She turned to continue following her Master and the Diplomats when she felt a chord whip around her left foot, tripping her up, causing her to drop her lightsaber. She turned and saw the Mandalorian she had knocked against the wall had snared her with a whipchord attached to his left gauntlet. She rolled onto her back just as the Mandalorian climbed to his feet, aiming a blaster pistol at her. She rolled to one side, his first shot just missing her, rolling again to dodge another shot before calling her lightsaber to her hand with the Force and deflecting the third back at him, the bolt striking him in the left shoulder armor with a loud metallic clang as it ricocheted off his armor. This disoriented him enough for her to slice through the whipchord, leaping to her feet with her lightsaber raised. The Mandalorian raised his other arm and unleashed a jet of flames towards her. Ana-Jy quickly dove through a nearby door to dodge the flames, finding herself in a large open hall. She turned and closed the door with the Force, slashing at the controls with her lightsaber to jam the doors.
"Ana-Jy!" she heard her Master call. She turned and saw Jessali, Bremack, and Qualis on walkway overlooking the hall. Ana-Jy quickly turned and ran towards them. As she ran, Jessali saw something.
"Behind you!" Jessali called, Ana-Jy looking behind her to see Glebbins and Veska come flying towards her on their jetpacks, Glebbins sliding to a stop on his feet, raising his blaster and firing before he had even stopped moving. Ana-Jy quickly started deflecting his shots, deflecting one into the passing Veska's jetpack, damaging it and causing her to veer violently off course. Veska quickly pulled an emergency release, the jetpack breaking free before flying off and exploding overhead, the Mandalorian woman grabbing onto the railing of the walkway and swinging up onto the walkway with Jessali and the diplomats. Jessali quickly moved between the diplomats and the Mandalorian woman who stood ready with a strange twin-barreled rifle. Jessali seemed to recognize the weapon and kept her distance.
Down below, Ana-Jy was still deflecting shots from Glebbins who finally stopped firing and backed away, ducking down just as another shot rang out. Jessali quickly spun around in time to deflect a shot away from Qualis. She and the others looked to see Geht knelt at the opposite end of the hall, ejecting a spent tibanna gas cartridge from his sniper rifle, loading another as the blue armored warrior came flying in near him on his jetpack, flying in to land next to Glebbins. Another door at the end of the hall opened, more guards emerging and firing at Geht who quickly rocketed up into the air, firing at them with a gauntlet wrist blaster. Glebbins then backed away towards Geht.
"Oya!" he ordered, turning to assist Geht. The blue armored Mandalorian suddenly charging towards Ana-Jy on foot, Ana-Jy quickly slashing upward with her lightsaber but he rocketed back just in time. She soon sensed why and leapt away just before a small explosion went off near where she had been standing. She could hear the sound of blaster fire on the walkway above her but couldn't focus on that as the blue warrior came rushing in, kicking her lightsaber from her hand. Before he could do anything more, she had gotten to her feet and speared him to the floor, thrusting a hand towards him and starting to effectively crush him with a Force Push applied to his own armor. He quickly fired his jetpack, rocketing out from beneath her and to his feet. The two stared at each other for a moment, catching their breath.
"I see now why the Jetii defeated us at Galidraan. You fight well." The warrior said as Ana-Jy gave a courteous nod. The warrior's voice was Giordo's.
"You as well." She replied. He then raised his right arm and fired off another jet of flames, Ana-Jy quickly pulling a table over with the Force and using it as a shield to disperse the flames. As the warrior fired his flames towards her, Veska was suddenly punted off the railing, falling on top of the warrior, her blaster sliced in two.
"Ana-Jy! Outside! Hurry!" Jessali called. Ana-Jy pulled her lightsaber back to her hand and leapt up onto the walkway, following her master and the diplomats as they hurried down another hallway towards the main entrance. As they exited into the courtyard outside the building, they slid to a stop as they found themselves met by at least two dozen Mandalorians with their weapons trained on them. In the air over the city was a sail-barge decorated with the propagandistic iconography of the Independents faction. The two Jedi quickly took a defensive position between the Mandalorians and the diplomats. However this didn't last long as Glebbins, Veska, Geht, and Giordo soon arrived behind them.
"Master Jedi, you are to be commended for your valor. It is clear that you retain the same honor you fought with at Galidraan. But this time, you won't be escaping with your life." Glebbins said as Jessali looked at him, still keeping her lightsaber raised. Glebbins then pulled an image caster from his side, activating it to reveal the Independents' insignia.
"We have the diplomats and the Jedi in front of us. There's nowhere for them to run. Shall we finish the job?" Glebbins asked the hologram.
"What about the Separatist ambassador?" a distorted voice asked from the hologram.
"Dead. We killed him when the Jedi and the others ran. His death is confirmed." Glebbins said.
"Good! Now kill the others so that we may begin the era of a free Agama-AHHH!"
An explosion was suddenly heard over the city as the transmission cut out. Everyone turned to see the sail barge suddenly exploding, falling out of the air and falling into the valley below, trailing smoke and flame as it fell.
"Alor was that our contract going up in smoke just now?" Veska asked but Glebbins didn't respond, pocketing the imagecaster. Suddenly four large machines dropped down and landed behind the encirclement of Mandalorians, the machines standing on four long struts.
"Trade Federation Droid Starfighters? What are they doing here?" Ana-Jy asked, confused.
"A fair question, Jedi." A woman's voice said from behind. They turned and saw a blue skinned woman with red eyes and long black hair, wearing a skin-tight black bodysuit with padded black armor plating. She was emerging from the capitol building flanked by a pair of tall dark and armored battle droids with blasters built into their arms.
"What is this, what's going on?" Jessali asked.
"I am Sev'rance Tann, General of the military forces of the Confederacy of Independent Systems, and here at the request of Ambassador Udam Clea as a show of the power the Separatists have so as to strengthen his negotiating power. We are here to rescue you, Senator." The woman said with a sinister smile.
"Most appreciative of you, General. Your arrival could not have come at a better time." Bremack said as she ascended the steps towards Tann. Jessali and Ana-Jy moved closer towards each other.
"I don't like this, Master." Ana-Jy muttered.
"Nor do I. That woman is strong with the Dark Side of the Force. I can feel it." Jessali muttered back.
"Senator, I'm afraid however that I cannot formally rescue you, not unless you are willing to formally align Agamar with the Separatists." Tann said as Bremack sighed.
"Given the circumstances, I suppose we haven't any choice." Bremack said as the Mandalorians quietly regrouped at the foot of the stairs. Qualis then stepped forward.
"Senator, there is still the Republic. If we side with her, we'll be inviting a war on our doorstep if one were to break out between Republic and Separatist." Qualis said but Tann smirked.
"The War has already begun. At this very moment, a fleet of warships belonging to the newly created Grand Army of the Republic are on their way here right now to invade Agamar and keep it, by force, within the Republic, against the wishes of its people." Tann said, surprising Jessali, Ana-Jy, and Qualis. Bremack was also surprised.
"Impossible! The Grand Army of the Republic is still weeks if not months away! The Chancellor only just recently got the Emergency Powers to create such an army. How could such an army be raised so quickly?!" Jessali asked.
"Yet raised one, the Jedi and the Republic have. I only just came from Geonosis where a massive clone army attacked the Separatist Council gathered there in an effort to force them back into the Republic. The Jedi have been appointed the leaders of this new army. If you don't believe me, then you need only wait until the Republic fleet arrives." Tann argued confidently. Bremack seemed thoughtful of this.
"Senator, what she's saying can't be true. The Republic has no army and the Jedi are too few in number to be such a force." Qualis said to Bremack. Bremack however shook her head.
"I'm afraid it's no longer that simple, Qualis. The Separatists came offering aid when the Republic offered only excuses and taxation. I commend the Jedi for their bravery but even they are not enough to defend us from these mercenaries." Bremack said, motioning to the Mandalorians. They didn't notice as some of the Mandalorians were starting to finger small explosive charges amongst them. Bremack turned towards Tann with a humble bow.
"Agamar formally swears its allegiance and membership to the Confederacy of Independent Systems." Bremack said as Tann smiled darkly and gave a nod. Qualis let out a defeated sigh as he saw his planet being aligned with the Separatists.
"Welcome to the Separatist Alliance, Senator. You've made the right decision. Now then, as for the Jedi. Droids! Take aim!" Sev'rance ordered, the Super Battle Droids flanking her raising their weapons towards the two Jedi.
"Wait just a minute! The Jedi saved our lives! You can't just kill them!" Qualis exclaimed, stepping in between Tann and the Jedi.
"He's right!" Giordo said, moving in to stand next to Ana-Jy.
"The Jedi fought and lost with honor. Killing them now without the chance to meet them in battle again is a dishonorable victory! Let them leave so that they may fight you on an even battlefield and see which is the stronger!" Giordo said, Glebbins giving a nod.
"Oya!" Glebbins declared, the other Mandalorians letting out a similar battle cry. Tann sneered down at them.
"I care nothing for your precious Mandalorian honor. One of your kind was just killed by a Jedi on Geonosis. One Jango Fett I believe." Tann replied, causing the Mandalorians to be taken aback, Glebbins especially.
"The Mand'alor? No, it's not possible! You lie!" Glebbins said but Tann shrugged.
"I saw him beheaded by a Jedi. I witnessed it personally. Cut down without mercy. Regardless, the Jedi are considered enemies of the state, and are to be terminated on sight by order of My Master, Count Dooku." Tann said but this time it was Ana-Jy who spoke out.
"You lie again! Count Dooku was once a Jedi! He would never-." Ana-Jy said but felt her master's hand on hers, lowering her lightsaber slightly. Ana-Jy looked towards Jessali who kept her eyes on Tann.
"She's not lying this time, my apprentice. Search your feelings. She speaks the truth. Count Dooku has truly fallen to the Dark Side." Jessali said as she and Ana-Jy both kept their lightsabers held defensively.
"Yes, Jedi, he has. My Master is no longer one of your weakening Jedi Order. He has become more powerful than any Jedi. He has become a Dark Lord of the Sith and I follow in his footsteps." Sev'rance said. Glebbins and the other Mandalorians exchanged subtle nods.
"Follow these! Oya!" Glebbins yelled, the Mandalorians immediately tossing small objects into the air, creating a cloud of smoke overhead. Two of the Droid Starfighters suddenly exploded, toppling over. Ana-Jy then felt a hand grab her wrist. She turned and saw Giordo.
"Follow us if you want to live, Jetii!" he said, pulling her along as the Mandalorians started a retreat into the city with the Jedi among them. Qualis was coughing and wheezing in the smoke.
"What-the…" he wheezed. He then felt a hand on his shoulder and turned to see Sev'rance in the smoke, a dark grin curling onto her face. He suddenly heard a vile hiss a mere second before Tann sliced him up the chest, killing him before deactivating her lightsaber, the smoke clearing to reveal the dead politician.
"Behold, Senator! The Jedi's duplicity!" Tann declared, motioning to the body. Bremack curled her lip in anger, looking towards the spaceport where the Jedi and the Mandalorians were fleeing.
The city was in chaos as Separatist Vulture Droids whizzed overhead, engaging what remained of the Independent faction while battle droids marched into the city, attacking the Mandalorians as they made their way to the spaceport. As they reached the spaceport, they entered the hangar where the Jedi's transport was only to find it a burning and twisted hulk with Vulture droids perched along the rim of the landing platform along with at least three dozen or so battle droids. The Mandalorians didn't stop and kept attacking, mowing down the droids in their path while the Jedi, Glebbins, and Giordo remained near the entrance.
"Is there another way out?" Ana-Jy asked.
"The skies are too hot! We can't get back to our cruiser with this many droids in the air!" Glebbins replied. Veska and Geht then saw something that made them pause.
"Alor we've got more ships incoming!" Geht replied.
"It seems this will be where we meet our end, Master." Ana-Jy said as she stood back-to-back with her Master.
"They're not droids! Look!" Veska remarked as laser cannon fire blew several droid fighters from the sky. The Jedi looked and saw three large arrow shaped capital ships in the sky overhead while five gunships carrying soldiers clad in white Mandalorian-esque armor descended towards the ground, the gunships bearing the sigil of the Republic. The troopers aboard the gunships disembarked as they touched down, gunning down the droids, clearing out the spaceport of the battle droids. The Mandalorians and the Jedi looked around in confusion at the arrival of the strange soldiers. One soldier with a yellow stripe down the center of his helmet and armor then approached Jessali and saluted.
"Master Jessali Rho?" he asked with a Concord Dawn accent. Jessali lowered her lightsaber, Glebbins' head snapping towards the trooper when he spoke.
"Yes?" she asked confused as the white armored troopers moved to surround them, keeping their weapons trained on the Mandalorians.
"CC-1977, Commanding Officer of the 421st Clone Battalion reporting for duty. By order of the Chancellor we are to be placed under your command. We are at your disposal, General." The trooper said, saluting again. Jessali was taken aback.
"Clone battalion…then this is…you're the Grand Army of the Republic." Jessali said, still processing what had happened.
"That's right ma'am. We received orders to lend you assistance in securing Agamar for the Republic." The Commander replied.
"I see. So this is an invasion." Jessali said, a bit disheartened as the Commander gave a nod.
"Yes ma'am. We await your orders to proceed." He said as Glebbins stepped forward.
"Mand'alor is that you? I'd know your voice Jango. Is it really you?" Glebbins asked. The Commander looked at him briefly as a pair of his troops approached to flank him. The Commander removed his helmet, along with the other two troopers showing their identical faces. Glebbins stepped back in shock.
"Jango Fett was our template. We're all made from his DNA, trained by Mandalorians he selected as our instructors." The Commander replied before putting his helmet on and turning back to Jessali.
"We intercepted communications from the Separatists that the Mandalorians had been attacking both them and the Republic Ambassadors. What would you like us to do with them, General? Shall we take them into custody?" The Commander asked as the troopers kept their weapons trained on the Mandalorians. Jessali looked to Ana-Jy who seemed curious to hear her Master's answer. Jessali then looked towards the Mandalorians, closing her eyes for a moment before turning and placing a hand on the blaster of one of the clones, lowering it.
"Stand down. Let them go. Make sure the skies are clear so that the Mandalorians may leave." Jessali commanded, the troopers obeying, much to the confusion of the Mandalorians.
"Yes ma'am. We've already got gunships in the air clearing the skies. They should have a straight shot offworld." The Commander replied as Glebbins stepped forward.
"You're letting us go? What's the catch?" Glebbins asked, removing his helmet.
"No catch. We have no quarrel with you and we don't seek revenge. And it is as your brother in arms said earlier. We're letting you go so that you may one day face us again on a more even battlefield if you desire. I assume I phrased that correctly." Jessali said as Glebbins gave a respectful bow of his head.
"Very honorable indeed, Jedi. And if you recall, we hold no grudge against you either. This was just business. And as our contract has been nullified with the death of our employer, we have no further reason to oppose you. So if you will pardon us, we have no interest in getting involved in your war…that is unless you wish to hire us, Jedi. It is clear these Separatists have no honor, especially if they employ the likes of that cha'kaar over there." Glebbins said as Jessali gave a shrug.
"The Force works in ways we cannot begin to comprehend. It is my belief that if we are to meet again, we shall. But for now, I leave you to go your own way. May the Force be with you all." Jessali said before bowing to the Mandalorian Field Marshall before turning and walking towards one of the gunships. Glebbins then turned towards Giordo.
"Rally Master, order all of Gra'tua Squadron back to the flagship. We're done here." Glebbins ordered, Giordo turning and starting to yell at the Mandalorians in Mando'a, the Mandalorians taking to the skies on their jetpacks, Veska being carried by Geht. Soon it was just Giordo and Glebbins.
"Rally Master, is there a problem?" Glebbins asked when he noticed Giordo hadn't taken off yet.
"Just wanted to pay my own respects first, sir." Giordo said before turning towards the gunship where Jessali and Ana-Jy were talking with the Clone Commander. Ana-Jy noticed his approach and approached him back.
"Was there something else, Mandalorian?" Ana-Jy asked.
"I couldn't leave without saying something first, Jedi. Few have managed to best me in combat before. You have earned my respect." He said as Ana-Jy smiled back, bowing to him slightly.
"I am honored." She replied.
"I hope our paths cross again someday. Maybe then we'll have a chance to settle the score." Giordo said as Ana-Jy smirked and put her hands on her hips.
"I shall look forward to it. Ah, but just so we're even and you can't take me by surprise, would you show me your face and tell me your name?" Ana-Jy asked. Giordo laughed a little and reached for his helmet, removing it to reveal a handsome face with a head of short black hair worn in a slight mullet down the back.
"Giordo Rook, Heir to House Rook. Rally Master of Gra'tua Squadron." Giordo said as Ana-Jy smiled towards him.
"Ana-Jy Lys, Padawan of the Jedi Order." She replied as Giordo smiled back.
"Ret'urcye mhi. It means maybe we'll meet again. It's how we say goodbye." Giordo said as he backed away.
"We Jedi say it as, 'May the Force be with You.'" Ana-Jy said as he gave her one last smile before turning and putting on his helmet, joining Glebbins before they both rocketed away towards a Mandalorian marked old Dreadnought-Heavy Cruiser that was lifting off into the sky. Ana-Jy watched them depart for a moment before she turned to rejoin her Master and the clones.
…
"And I think the rest, as you know, is history. After all, the three of you are sitting here." Glebbins said as he sat back with a smile. The three younger Rooks sat smiling amongst each other.
"So that's how they met. Did they ever meet up again before the end of the war?" Jan asked.
"Oh we had a few more encounters during the war. That was but our first meeting." Glebbins replied, refilling his teacup. He'd gotten up to brew a second kettle during the story.
"Whatever happened to that Separatist? Sev'rance Tann? Mom's never mentioned her before. Neither has dad." Kaden asked.
"Oh she met her end early into the war. Your mother would know the details. She's the one told us that Tann was killed. I believe it was another Jedi that killed her though. And I don't think anyone really mourns her. The cha'kaar had no honor." Glebbins replied.
"She sure didn't." Gia said.
"Mom never talks about the war. She only said she was around for it. I wish she'd say more about it." Jan said as Kaden nodded.
"It's like getting to know a whole new person with her." Kaden said as Glebbins sat back with a light sigh.
"You need to understand that your mother deeply loves you. But her memories of the Clone Wars bring sadness. She views it as having all been for naught and she lost so many close friends to that war. Any secrets she's kept has been more for your own safety than for hers. To some extent it is for mutual safety. If the Empire ever found out she was still alive, and that you three were her children, they would likely kill her and then try to make you into something terrible…something like what Sev'rance had become." Glebbins said as the three looked at each other.
"What do you mean?" Kaden asked. Glebbins curled his lip and looked away in hesitance.
"That…is not my place to say. Just know that the children of Jedi pose just as much a threat to the Empire and those that would support it, as a fully trained Jedi does. I would ask your mother directly. Just as she sent you to me to learn their history, I would send you to her for that answer." Glebbins said as the three each rose to their feet.
"We will." Kaden said as Jan bowed to the elder warrior.
"Thank you, alor Glebbins. You've given us a lot to ponder." Jan said, Kaden and Gia bowing too.
"It was my honor, privilege, and delight to share the history of our people and your parents with you. Next time you're over, remind me to show you my vintage Neo-Crusader Helmet. It's quite the fascinating study on the evolution of our people's armor." Glebbins said as Gia's eyes lit up.
"You mean you'll tell us more stories?!" she asked excitedly.
"Absolutely, young foundling. But for now you have some things to consider and to speak with your parents about. I can't be the one to tell you everything. Much of it strays beyond my right to speak of. Once your parents have given you a proper explanation, then we can talk." Glebbins said, standing up.
"One last question, Alor. Whatever happened to Gra'tua Squadron? Are they all gone save for the ones we know are still alive?" Jan asked.
"Oh most of them are still alive. We lost many during the Clone Wars. But those that remain are here in Ve'vut Bral or elsewhere within the sector." Glebbins said as he walked them to the door.
"What about that old battleship you had?" Gia asked.
"We've still got it…somewhere." Glebbins replied, trying to remember where it was located himself as the three Rooks stepped out of the dwelling, bidding farewell to Glebbins.
…
Jayna was sat in one of the booths of the homestead living room, sitting with her legs crossed beneath her, hands on her knees as she sat meditating. R3 and Tina both sat deactivated to give her some privacy in the relative dark of the dwelling. As she sat, she felt a sourceless breeze gently blow through, her hair fluttering slightly.
"Ana-Jy." A voice whispered, Jayna opening her eyes.
"Master?" she asked, looking around but saw no one. Jayna sighed and looked at the table in front of her, her lightsaber resting on a folded napkin to keep it from rolling.
"What does it all mean?" she asked herself softly. She sensed an approaching presence and glanced over her shoulder towards the door. The door opened, allowing Jan, Kaden, and Gia to enter.
"Mom?" Kaden called into the house, Jayna sticking her head out from around the booth.
"Right here. How was your history lesson?" Jayna asked as Kaden and Gia sat down across from her, Jan standing by the booth.
"Pretty good. I think we've got an idea about what you were like back then. Glebbins told us how you and dad first met." Jan said.
"On Agamar at the start of the Clone Wars?" Jayna asked with a smile.
"Uh-huh. But what I don't get was how you were able to move things so easily. Glebbins said you were throwing furniture around with your mind or something. I mean we saw you ripping blasters out of the hands of Stormtroopers back at the base when dad, Jan and I got captured. How did you do all that?" Kaden asked. Jayna looked at her lightsaber with a small smile, closing her eyes.
"You mean like this?" she asked. The table began to rattle slightly before it started to levitate. All around the room, small objects and furniture started to rise from the floor, much to the astonishment of her children.
"Mandokarla." Gia gasped in awe as things started to float back down into place. Jayna took a breath and opened her eyes.
"What was that, mom?" Jan asked, she and the other two Rooks awestruck from what had just happened.
"That was the power of the Force. The energy field I told you three about. It's been a long time since I really tried to use it. But now I'm finding myself using it more and more, relying upon it like I did back when I was a Jedi." Jayna said.
"Can anyone use it?" Kaden asked.
"No. The Force is only strong in very few people. It's hard to predict who is and is not strong with the Force. Before the Dark Times, the Jedi would have networks of informants and people seeking out children who were strong with the Force. Often, these children would be taken to the Jedi Temple on Coruscant to begin their training. Much like I was. But now the Jedi are all but extinct and the Empire now prowls around looking for children and individuals strong with the Force to either destroy them or turn them to the Dark Side of the Force." Jayna explained.
"The Dark Side?" Jan asked. Jayna stood up, picking up her lightsaber in the process.
"The Force is best viewed as a sort of spectrum. There is a Light Side, and a Dark Side, with some grey in between. The Jedi followed the Light. The enemies of the Jedi, the Sith, follow the Dark." Jayna said, clipping the lightsaber to her belt.
"Kinda like that Tann woman Glebbins mentioned." Kaden said.
"Yes. But like many of those who used the Dark Side, Sev'rance Tann was consumed by the Dark Side and fell victim to its power. She was defeated by another Jedi, a Master whose decisions early into the Clone Wars would ultimately shape a decision I too would make near the end of it." Jayna said, sitting down at the bar top and turning towards them.
"The decision to leave the Jedi?" Jan asked, Jayna nodding.
"Why did you leave them, mom?" Jan asked. Jayna sighed, looking away.
"It's still a long story. One I don't feel ready to share yet." Jayna said, standing back up.
"Was it something bad?" Jan asked but Jayna just walked towards the hall, walking down into the secret room in the sublevel where her old Jedi equipment was.
"I guess we're not getting any answers." Kaden said.
"Not today at least. Mom will tell us when she's ready. We still have no idea what happened to her. It's probably very painful to her." Jan said.
"Well yeah. Don't you guys remember? She lost her home, her friends, her family. The clones and the Empire killed them all." Gia said.
"That's a good point. I guess we just need to leave mom alone for a while to sort things out. She'll tell us when she's ready." Jan said.
Down in the sublevel, Jayna opened a wooden box with the Jedi Order insignia on it, placing her lightsaber inside and closing the lid with a deep breath.
"Ana-Jy" a voice whispered to her. She took another deep breath as she pondered the Jedi Order insignia on the lid of the box.
End Episode 2