The Spies
On the outskirts of Nevarro the Mandalorian covert wasted no time to set up their home. With resources provided by High Magistre Karga and the citizens, the Mandalorian covert was able to make small homes, landing pads for their ships, and even a training base.
While still getting settled a small fleet flew high in the skies and approached, but nerves were settled as the Mythasour was painted on the belly of the Imperial Cruiser, meaning a fellow faction was approaching, Bo Katan's newly obtained covert.
Inside the Imperial Cruiser Bo piloted the ship, seeing below the other faction hoping the two groups would indeed get along.
"They've never met, and what little they know of each other, they hate," Bo said.
"They will get along if they want to survive," Din informed.
Everyone disembarked, Bo lead her covert towards Paz Vizla as each faction stared at the other with skepticism. Bo and her covert removed their helmets while Paz and his covert glared at the traitors who went against the Mandalorian code, but before anything escalated the Armorer banged her tools together welcoming her fellow comrades.
"We invite you to make camp. Let us prepare a feast for our guests," the Armorer stated.
Bo and the Armorer nodded in an agreement towards one another while each faction continued glaring at a so called enemy.
Each covert backed away from one another when High Magistre Karga stood aside but then welcomed back Din and Osa. Din and Karga shook forearms when Karga hugged Osa like she was one of his own. Karga turned back to Din impressed with the fleet he had assembled, he then handed Din a bottle of alcohol to celebrate the new neighbors Nevarro had obtained.
"That bottle is all the way from Coruscant, so you might wanna wait for a smaller gathering before you open it," Karga stated.
"Thank you," Din said when Osa intercepted the bottle.
"No, thank you Karga, no drop will be wasted," Osa put the bottle up to her helmet like she was going to take a swig when Din quickly snatched it back, having to enact his parental authority.
"Not until you're older."
"How much older, what when I get grey hairs?" Osa pointed to the top of her helmet.
"Until I witness them for myself, then you can have a taste," Din said.
"But you never will cause I can't take this bucket off my head ever again."
"So you see my point."
"Ugh!" Osa walked off frustrated but yet found her father's creativity genius.
Karga chuckled at the friendly father/daughter feud when he continued, "That's not the only gift I have for you."
Din and Yazel went off with Karga to his office as Osa said she would stay behind, acting as peace keeper between the two Mandalorian coverts. She was about to interact with the Younglings from her faction when Bo approached.
"I see what you did for me back on Plazir, kiddo. Even when I lost sight of my ambitions, you never did."
"Your fire was always there, I just had to turn up the burner."
"So you're not mad at me for winning?"
"Mad, at the true ruler of Mandalore, no that's not me. I'm more of a fight for the little guy, and besides its not like you won by a landslide. I held up my own."
Bo not wanting to bruise Osa's ego agreed, "You sure did, plus I would have never stood a chance if you had used your abilities," Bo playfully said.
"Obviously the very reason why I didn't use them," Osa sarcastically stated back knowing all to well Bo was a true Mandalorian warrior, "What in the bantha poodoo," when Osa looked in the distance wondering if her eyes were deceiving her.
As her father approached, IG-11 was somehow resurrected walking behind him, but the middle of the droid was hollowed out, where instead a seat and mechanics were installed so Yazel could control it.
Osa ran up to her father about to ask so many questions, but all Din did was put up a hand insinuating, "don't ask."
"I know that look," Osa said cautiously.
"How is it here, did you prevent a civil war or cause one?" Din asked.
"Ha ha you are so funny Papi, matter of fact Bo is going to make an inspiration speech so everyone joins forces, oh shuuu here she goes," Osa patted her father's shoulder, directing his attention to the middle where Bo took center stage.
"Mandalorians," she addressed to everyone, "It is time to retake our home world. Even though the planet is not cursed, there are still dangers. Dormant species have been awakened from the bombings."
"She's not lying," Osa quickly yelled, "Weird things lurk beneath."
"The remaining magnetic interference has made it impossible to scan the surface from above atmosphere. Which is why I'm proposing that we leave Nevarro and move the fleet into orbit above Mandalore. We send down a small recon party. We'll scout the surface, find out what remains of the Great Forge, and establish a safe perimeter. Only then, will we bring down the others. I need volunteers from both tribes," Bo waited but everyone stayed silent.
"We did our time on that planet, never again, right Papi," Osa whispered when Din spoke.
"I will go, Yazel and Osa as well," Din volunteered.
"What! Guess I don't have a voice of my own," Osa huffed as Din glanced at his children, "What the heck," Osa slapped her knee enthusiastically, "Can't wait to see what new threats try to kill us this time."
Koska Reeves and Axe Woves stood also volunteering, then Paz Vizla, then several others from both sides stood as the Armorer was the final to volunteer.
The entire fleet took to space and made their way to Mandalore.
"Scouting party descending to surface," Bo informed as she maneuvered the Gauntlet through orbit, "We'll lose comms shortly," she informed the Armorer who was monitoring that station. Din informed Bo of the first wave was ready to deploy.
Without hesitation the fleet landed with ease, stating the zone was secure. Bo guided the ship down as everyone on board disembarked.
"Somewhere below the surface is where our ancient capital once stood," Bo reminded, "We'll survey the surface until we find the Forge and create a safety zone. Only then will we begin to bring down the settlers. We start scouting in that direction. Form up."
The fleet began walking in a general direction for some time when Osa sensed something on the horizon, "Bo, there's something ahead."
"Nite Owls," Bo instructed when Axe Woves flanked left while the others drew their blasters.
What came into view was a man made ship with other Mandalorians.
"You wear the crest of the Nite Owls?" the refugee shouted from the ship.
"I should hope so," Bo replied.
"Is that the voice of Lady Bo-Katan Kryze?" It appeared the refugees had a captain.
"It is."
Three refugee Mandalorians ignited their jetpacks, landed in front of Bo, removed their helmets and placed a hand over their chest, symbolizing their respect.
"We knew you would not forsake us Lady Bo-Katan," the Captain said, "We have failed you, but our blasters remain in your service."
Everyone was welcomed on board the refugee's ship when they all took a seat at a long banquet table.
"They intercepted any ships they saw leaving," the Captain informed, "They took no prisoners. They bombed every surface twice over. They punished us as a warning to the whole galaxy because we refused to surrender.
"That's not true," Bo choked on her words, "I did surrender," all the Mandalorians turned to her with expressions of shock, "After our forces were annihilated in the Night of a Thousand Tears and defeat was imminent, I met with Moff Gideon. The ISB had reached out to me to negotiate a cease-fire. In exchange for submitting to the Empire and disarming, all remaining cities and Mandalorian lives were to be spared. That is how Moff Gideon came to possess the Darksaber. I didn't trust him, but it was the only chance I had to save our people. And then he betrayed me and we were helpless to resist the Purge of Mandalore," Bo finally ended with a bit of relief the truth was finally reveled to her people.
"How did these others survive?" the lieutenant of the refugees asked.
"We were hidden on the moon of Concordia," the Armorer informed.
"Are you Death Watch?" the pilot of the refugees questioned in weary.
"Death Watch exists no longer. It shattered into many warring factions," the Armorer clarified.
"Our people have suffered time and again. From division and squabbling factions. Mandalore has always been too powerful for any enemy to defeat. It is always our own division that destroys us," Bo said a hard truth for all Mandalorians to swallow.
Bo stood at the bow of the ship, staring out at the wasteland that had become her once great planet. She contemplated so much over the years of what she did, what she could have done, or what she should have not done.
From behind Din and Osa approached with caution not wanting to disrupt Bo's time of reflect.
"I had no idea," Din began, "We were taught that everyone but us had forsaken the way. That you were selfish and uncaring. Now we understand," Din pointed to himself and Osa.
"You were right. I was selfish. And this is what it wrought," Bo replied.
"We'll rebuild it. Isn't that our history?" Osa stated.
"For thousands of years, we have been on the verge of extinction and for thousands of years we have survived," Din reminded.
"I don't know if I can keep everyone together. There's too much animosity," Bo said, "And this blade is all I have to unify our people," Bo displayed the Darksaber.
"We only know of this weapon on what you taught us," Osa said.
"It means nothing to us or our people," Din reveled, "Nor does station or bloodline. What means more to us is honor. And loyalty. And character. These are the reasons we serve you, Lady Kryze. Your song is not yet written. We will serve you until it is," Din ended by placing a hand to his chest and bowing his head in respect.
Din walked away as Osa was about to do the same gestures when Bo stopped her.
"You once told me the blade speaks to you. I've never heard its words, probably because I'm not in tune with the Force," Bo said dishearten.
"You think you can't hear the saber because words aren't spoken in your head? No, you hear it louder than anyone because you don't need to listen to the saber. It stays silent because you don't need direction, you inflict direction, you resonate leadership, you express authority, all capabilities the saber showcases. That's why it stays silent because you need no guidance, you are guidance Lady Kryze," Osa put her hand to her chest and bowed her head in respect.
"You have become a fine young woman Osa Djarin," Bo placed her hand over her chest as well.
"I've had some great role models in my life," when Osa walked away sensing all confliction harbored deep within Bo disappear, and instead replaced with a swell of confidence.
Bo and the Armorer discussed the wounded, both agreeing for the Armorer to take them back to the Gauntlet to get treatment. Bo then turned to the Captain of the refugees stating those who were well could help her fleet search for the Great Forge, when he revealed that instead he could take them there.
The Armorer left on the Gauntlet with the wounded when the others went with the refugees in search of the Great Forge. The land ship made haste across the desolated land when there was time to kill.
Woves and Vizla began to play a board game but it seemed neither was following by a certain set of rules. Vizla stood, releasing his Vibroblade demanding for Woves to submit, but neither would when the two began to duel.
Both factions watched when Din asked Bo if he should step in, when she said no. The two continued their battle, both setting up their death blow, and then leaping to carry their actions out, but were frozen mid-air.
On the bridge Osa stood, arms outstretched, using the Force to hold them in place. Yazel then stood between the two, using his robotic arms to grab hold of them before Osa released the two.
"No, no, no," Yazel spoke in IG-11's voice.
Bo couldn't help and smile seeing the younger generation trying to get these divided factions to coincide.
"You taught them well," Bo said to Din.
"They did that themselves," Din replied in a proud voice.
Everyone remained quiet, keeping with their own faction, not wanting to intermingle, when Osa noticed a shift in mood. Naturally the tension between each tribe wasn't helping, but it wasn't that, a fear of being discovered came into play.
Osa could sense confliction in one and resilience in another, she surveyed over the tribes trying to pin point the deceivers when her father stood by her side.
"Something wrong?" Din asked concerned.
"How'd you know?" Osa replied curious on how her father always knew what she was feeling.
"All these years and you still question a father's intuition."
"I swear sometimes I think you're Force sensitive."
"Only with my children. Now what's wrong?"
"There's two Mandalorians who have other agendas. One's a nervous wreak while the other is keeping his cool trying to put their plan into motion," Osa glanced up to the bridge seeing the refugee lieutenant direct the refugee pilot towards the right as a monstrous creature emerged from the ground.
The beast was twice the size of the ship and used its boulder tail to smash the vessel in two. Several Mandalorians yelled to abandon ship when the majority ignited their jetpacks.
Vizla and Woves both grabbed Yazel and Din grabbed Osa. Everyone made it to an open crevice, taking cover when the Captain of the refugees instructed they weren't far from the Great Purge, but needed to head further down into the planet.
Everyone went single file line as the terrain they were being lead on was on the side of a cliff. Below them and stretching above was ruins of a once great city.
"Where are we?" Paz questioned when Woves replied.
"This is what's left of the Great Forge. This was once the heart of our civilization, but the fires have been extinguished since the bombings.
"You lived here?"
"We all did." Koska informed.
"We never left. Survived by migrating along the surface until was ended," the Captain stated, "Some tried to explore below, but none survived."
"Hate to break up the homecoming, but someone gave up our location," Osa yelled hoping Bo could hear when a distant sound of jetpacks buzzed through the air.
A fleet of troopers approached armored up and ready for war.
"Those aren't Mandalorians," Bo clarified and commanded for everyone to take action. Both sides began blasting neither one giving in.
"They're Imperials," Woves shouted and noticed the troopers weren't going down easily as usual, "They're wearing Beskar armor."
"We're pinned down, we need back up," Din stated to Woves.
"I can make a run for the fleet and get us reinforcements."
"No, it's to far," Bo intervened.
"I can make it. It's our only shot at taking the planet back," Woves said with confidence.
"There's a split in the ceiling there," Paz pointed above, "I'll lay down cover," when he began blasting.
The Imperials were holding their ground, surrounding the Mandalorians like fish in a barrel, but that didn't stop them from giving up. One by one Bo battled, one by one Din shot at, one by one Osa used the Force to shut down an Imperial's jetpack.
It was a slow losing battle when a squad of troopers landed and ran into a passage.
"They're retreating!" the lieutenant refugee yelled, getting his fellow Mandalorians amped up and to follow his lead.
"Advance," Bo commanded without thought while being wrapped up in the commotion as no one was listening to Osa.
Din, thinking for the safety of the clan but mostly his children, took point with Bo and Paz, deflecting Imperial blaster fire while delivering their own. They continued following the troopers down passageways that seemed to be newly constructed.
The Mandalorians found themselves in a base filled with TIE fighters and other Imperial weapons.
"What is this place," Bo said with her guns still drawn but it was to late.
Several blaster doors slammed shut, separating the Mandalorians apart, leaving Din and a few others to fend for themselves as an ambush was set into motion.
The Imperials flew down taking out two Mandalorians when Din used his flame thrower to keep the troopers at bay. He wasn't having any luck when grappling hooks wrapped around Din's neck, one on each arm when he was eventually brought to his knees.
The Mandalorians on the other side were powerless to help. They blasted at the glass but it was impenetrable, suddenly a figure dressed in black armor descended from above, commanding the troopers to disarm Din.
They stripped him of his weapons, keeping their blasters pointed at him, when Moff Gideon revealed himself under the helmet.
"No!" Osa screamed heartbroken about her father's situation, she placed her hands on the glass, as her breathing became erratic.
"Thank you for gathering the Mandalorians into one place," Moff said while glancing in the shadows when two refugee Mandalorians stepped forward, the refugee pilot and lieutenant.
"How could you both go against your own people and side with the very man who destroyed us?" the captain asked disgusted.
"There's no future here, there never was," the pilot stated truthfully.
"And you're a fool to follow her again," the lieutenant spat towards Bo.
"Ah yes the ever squabble between the Mandalorian people. You were all very talented, but your time has passed," Moff took the floor, "However, as you can see, Mandalore will live on in me. Thanks to your planet's rich resources I have created the next generation Dark Trooper suit forged from Beskar alloy. And the most impressive improvement is that it has me in it."
Din struggled every moment to get free because he could hear an even worse danger about to be released. Osa was losing control. Din could feel the ground beneath him quake, small debris took flight, and a few of the troopers tugged at their armor because it seemed to be contorting around their body.
Bo saw cracks manifest and meander slowing through the glass of the blaster doors, she glanced over at Osa witnessing her body vibrating and hearing her whimper of worries for her father.
"You see every society has something to offer. The Cloners. The Mandalorians, to even the Jedi as one is losing her control," Moff nodded in Osa's direction, "I can see I don't have long so I'll get to the point, by aggregating the best of each, I will recreate an army that will bring order to the galaxy. Why don't we take your fleet (who resides above) off the board, while we still have the element of surprise. Plus let's add some salt to the wound and destroy your precious Forge you love so much. Activate the interceptors and bombers," Moff instructed his troops.
"Sir, you said nothing about further destruction of Mandalore," the refugee lieutenant said, "You promised to restore the planet and make us captains of our own fleet, back me up," he turned to his pilot comrade but he seemed to be in severe distress.
His body looked to be compressing into itself as if two invisible walls were crushing him from either side. The same seemed to be happening to a few Imperial troopers.
"It seems the Purge of Mandalore will be complete with some assistance from a failed experiment," Moff sneered at Osa, "Take Din to the debriefing room," Moff instructed but noticed his troopers weren't responding.
They seemed to be frozen also battling the invisible walls, debris from above began to rain down, with a slight crack in the ceiling opening, revealing the world above. Suddenly Bo heard Osa's voice echo inside her head, it sounded strained but needing more time.
"Stale him," Osa stressed when Bo didn't waste a second.
"I should have killed you when I had the chance," Bo spat.
"Yes, you should have. That's what separates us. I act on my threats where you and your people live through them. Return the Darksaber to its rightful owner and tell these people that this planet is mine," Moff exclaimed.
"You want it, come and get it yourself," Bo ignited the saber, ramming the blade through the blaster door.
With all her strength Osa released her power bringing the roof down while crushing the few individuals who were caught in her bind to their demise.
Seeing their leader in peril, Gideon ordered for more troopers to back him up and take Din away. Realizing they were out numbered Bo released the blade and moved to the other door leading back the way they came. Osa fell to her knees from exhaustion when Yazel scooped her up in IG-11's arms.
Bo sliced through the second set of blaster doors, making a decent size hole for everyone to fit through when the other doors opened and the Imperials began their attack.
"Fall back," Bo ordered but Paz stepped forward giving everyone time to escape.
"No, we can't leave with out my dad!" Osa yelled at Bo, fighting Yazel while regaining her strength, "You think I made the roof collapse for no reason. Woves is almost in position."
"No solider will be left behind, we need to regroup, this is our only option. Now follow orders," Bo covered Yazel and Osa when she instructed Paz to fall back, but he had become over run by troopers.
"No!" Bo screamed running to help but he shot the control panel securing for his fellow Mandalorians escape.
Paz gave it his all, shooting down every single trooper that came his way, but out of the shadows three red royal guards ignited their weapons and impaled him from all angles. Their duty was fulfilled because the life before them was no longer a threat as Paz dropped dead weight, leaving the world behind.