"He can't help us," said Bo-Katan, her tone leaving no room for persuasion. She and Ahsoka had retreated to a private chamber in the vast catacombs of the Temple of Light to discuss the new arrival away from prying eyes. Compared to the grandeur of the throne room, it was smaller, cosier, and much less intimidating. Despite having known Ahsoka for a long time, the throne room did a lot to make her seem less than mortal- terrifying, even.
Now the pair sat at a small table, sharing a bottle of blood-red wine as the Mandalorian relayed the information from her mission back to Ahsoka.
"Really? That's your impression?"
"He's Faithless! Besides, he's all but admitted to serving his own agenda- that of the Chiss Ascendancy."
"And yet you can't deny his genius. He might be the key to unravelling this conspiracy."
"Ahsoka-"
"It's real, Bo. I know it is. These raids on beskar shipments have been growing more and more frequent with every passing cycle. They appear out of thin air, hijack our transports, and vanish before we even have a chance to respond. It's too coordinated to be some random pirates."
"So what- are we to tighten our grip on Mandalore even further?"
"If that's what needs to happen to keep the galaxy protected."
"...as you wish, Your Luminance."
A moment of awkward silence passed between the two before Ahsoka finally spoke.
"What's going on? This isn't like you."
"It's… it's nothing."
"It's something. Speak."
Almost unconsciously, Ahsoka had laced her words with the Force, producing an irresistible compulsion.
"…all those years I spent in Death Watch- I fought by their side because I believed in their cause. My sister, she wanted to tear Mandalore's foundations out from under us. She wanted to turn her back on everything we'd stood for and I… I just couldn't understand it. All I wanted was to restore the glory days of Mandalore- the days our people were feared even by the most powerful of the Jedi. "
"Then you've succeeded. All across the galaxy, people revere the Mandalorian Paladins. There's a reason so few would dare to challenge us. And you've been an important part of that, Bo."
Bo-Katan took a long sip from her glass.
"It's true. Honour, conquest, glory… for so long, it'd all been an unattainable dream. Reviving the old ways. Making our mark on the galaxy. But now that it's reality, it's… different to how I used to imagine it. You are Mand'alor- it's thanks to your leadership that our people have made it this far. And yet, I can't help but question what this is all for."
"For a Mandalorian, conflict and triumph is its own reward, is it not?"
"...yes. I suppose it is."
"But you're not convinced."
"Our people have changed, Ahsoka. This- this worship of you, of the Light, it's… our old ways would never… outsiders weren't…"
"A culture either evolves or dies. Your sister understood that but was… misguided in her idealism. She tried to undermine the core of your identity."
"We're warriors."
"Exactly. And as warriors, are you not stronger and more fearsome than ever?"
"We are."
"Then you have nothing to fear. The way of your people will persist as long as that warrior heart remains beating. And by ensuring that happens, you are honouring your people."
"...of course."
"Speaking of which…" continued Ahsoka after taking a sip of wine, "The Mandalorian insurgency is growing. Key infrastructure has been sabotaged, dissident propaganda is spreading amongst the populace, and public support for the First Light is falling. There are rogue elements within our ranks that Governor Saxon has failed to root out. "
"That doesn't surprise me. A good soldier, but a poor politician."
"Indeed. The Light's hegemony amongst the Mandalorian people is among our most important assets. We have no Missionaries assigned to Mandalore- your people's strength means it is only the perception of honour and power which keeps them on our side. And if this perception were to be broken…"
"Mandalore's unity could be fractured."
"Which is why the Ruling Council of Mandalore is convening an emergency session to determine how best to respond to these growing threats."
"Do you think the beskar raiders have ties to this insurgency?"
"It's very possible. It would certainly explain their inexplicable ability to strike at our mining efforts."
"I see. I'll depart for Mandalore at once. And Ahsoka?"
"Yes?"
"It… was nice seeing you again."
Ahsoka smiled.
"Likewise, old friend."
"Beskar?"
"I can't imagine you'd have encountered it in the Outer Rim. It's the near indestructible metal used in the creation of Mandalorian armour."
"...I see. Though that does not explain why you went through the trouble to bring me here."
Ahsoka, dressed once again in her royal liveries, stood across from Thrawn as she gestured towards the holoprojection of the Mandalore system. She shook her head at Thrawn's comment- surely it should have been obvious.
"Our monopoly on beskar mining means no force in the galaxy can stand against our Paladins. For all intents and purposes, a soldier clad in pure beskar is invincible."
"Truly?"
"Truly. It is a material with no equal."
"Ah. If we lost control of the beskar supply, we'd be back on an even playing field with the rest of the galaxy."
"Exactly. The motives of these… 'Beskar Raiders'... is unclear. They could simply be selling their spoils on the black market. Or they could be using the metal for their own ends. Either possibility risks our control of the resource slipping."
"But why is it you requested I be the one to resolve it?"
"Excuse me?"
"Surely there are others whose station befits a task so important."
"Funny you should mention that… I've been advised against giving you this assignment time and time again. Many in the First Light see you as a threat- Faithless as you are. But you're talented. Your record is exemplary. And Skywalker… the point is, you have a promising future ahead of you within our ranks. Think of this assignment as a test- a chance to prove your merits to me, personally."
"...I see. What resources are at my disposal?"
"You'll be in command of a task force operating from the Blitzkrieg, an Old Imperial refit of the Arquitens-class light cruiser. In addition, you'll have three TIEs to provide fighter support."
"Very well. And these Beskar Raiders- are they to be eliminated outright?"
"If possible, I want them alive- we need to know how and why they've been so effective. But if that isn't an option, eradicate them."
Thrawn smirked.
"If that is your command, I'll see it done."
"Good. I have high hopes for you, Thrawn. Don't disappoint me."
Mandalore's surface had once been flat and barren, devastated by eons of endless conflict. But the age of the First Light had breathed new life into the world. Even outside the population centres- large pressurised domes like the capital Sundari- First Light infrastructure was a common sight. Garrisons, weapons factories, shipyards- all connected by a complex network of maglev lines. But by far the most expansive of this infrastructure served the purpose of mining. Orbital satellites scanned for geological patterns where beskar was likely to be found. Enormous crawlers trawled the surface, probing for veins of this precious resource. Mining sites were cities unto themselves, sprawling kilometres wide and tens of kilometres deep, with the facilities to extract, process, refine, and forge at an industrial scale. The relative peace Mandalore was enjoying was the only reason such large operations could exist- yet Bo-Katan was uneasy about all of it. On her journey to the Sundari Royal Palace, these differences stood out now more than ever- a stark reminder of how her people had changed.
She arrived in the audience chamber just as an initiation ceremony was concluding. The ceremony was being led by Governer Saxon, his armour adorned with decorative golden flourishes and his helmet resting beside the throne. In front of him knelt two dozen soon-to-be-Paladins, their attire polished white beskar.
"...I pledge my blade to Empress Tano, whose strength reveals the path," recited Saxon. The initiates repeated his words with a zealous synchronicity.
"I pledge my blade to Empress Tano, whose strength reveals the path."
"I pledge my soul to the First Light, whose will becomes my own."
"I pledge my soul to the First Light, whose will becomes my own."
"I pledge my faith to the future, where redemption may be found."
"I pledge my faith to the future, where redemption may be found."
"Then you are initiates no longer. Rise, paladins, and serve the Light well."
The group hid their excitement almost perfectly. Without a single word, they stood and departed the audience chamber. Several seconds passed before Bo-Katan finally approached Saxon.
"Well," said Bo-Katan, removing her helmet to reveal a dry smirk. "You're almost sounding like a true believer."
"Heh… I find these performances tiresome. But the new generation of Mandalorians is spellbound. And so, our people evolve once more. I suspect that the next person to serve my role won't merely speak the words- they'll believe them."
"And… what do you think of all this?"
"I think it's effective. If this religion is the weapon we need to unify our people, then I'm all for using it."
"True- it is effective. But perhaps not effective enough."
"You're right on that point. Just a day ago there was an attempted bombing of the Sundari garrison. We were able to disable the explosive before any damage could be done, but…."
"The people are turning against us."
"Not necessarily. Many truly believe the dogma. Many more are content to act like they do because it's made Mandalore stronger. But there is a small contingent attempting to instigate violence and incite conflict. Their recent activities would lead us to believe that this is a highly organised and coordinated group."
"So what are you doing to root them out?"
Saxon smirked.
"You'll see… once the council convenes."
"Keeping me in suspense?"
"You know I wouldn't pass up the opportunity."