AN 1: This idea is brought to you by City Speakers from the Transformers Comics. I thought it was a neat concept and wondered how I could change it to make it fit the Star Wars universe.

AN 2: For the sake of this fic and the future ship, Jango is only 5 years older than Obi-wan. His current age is 21. The Timeline has been adjusted accordingly.


"The Force works in mysterious ways." A phrase common to the creches when a youngling has a thousand questions and the Crechemasters only have hundreds of answers.

But for one child, for Obi-wan Kenobi, it is perhaps more true than anyone would have thought.


It started when he was five standard.

He didn't remember why he'd run away, only that he had. Somehow he'd found his way into an abandoned part of the Temple. With no Masters around and feeling tired from all the running he'd sat down against a wall and started to cry.

"Are you lost, young one?" The voice was gentle, filling the air around him with warmth and sparkling light.

Looking up at the tall master he wiped the tears from his eyes and stared. They were much taller than any master he'd seen before, and he'd seen Master Tyvokka up close once! Their skin was a dark grayish tan that seemed to have patches of other colors in odd shapes down their neck. Their hair was long and black, though when the light hit it just right it turned different colors. But what distracted Obi-wan most was their eyes.

One eye was a blue so deep he thought it might contain all the stars and one a yellow so bright he thought it might contain a whole sun.

The master chuckled and knelt. "I know I look a bit strange, I doubt you have seen someone like me before."

Obi-wan nodded shyly, knowing it was rude to stare but being unable to look away.

"My name is Corus'canta Jedai, how about you young one?" There was a smile in their voice as they spoke and he couldn't help but smile back.

"Obi-wan."

The master smiled at him and reached out to pat his head gently. "Obi-wan, a very dear child. I can already see that you will be an exceptional Jedi one day. But, I think, it is time you returned to your caretakers. This is no place for one so small."

Obi-wan didn't remember how he got back to the upper levels and when he tried to describe the master he'd met their details always seemed to change.

He'd wonder now and then where that master went to and if they would ever meet again. He had no doubt that they were real, despite what others might say. Whenever he thought of them the force always reassured him they had been real, and that the meeting would prove to be important in the years to come.


They said the things he saw were just Visions, and that he should stay in the here and now.


Obi-wan stared at the sickly looking slave next to him. Though… there was no way this man could be a slave. Not with how strong he felt in the force.

"They are cutting me open, young one. I can feel how they delve into the depths and poison the waters." They said with a voice that almost ached to hear. "But you will aid me, I can feel it. Do not give up hope." With that they turned to leave and Obi-wan jolted forward to grab the edge of their tattered tunic.

"Wait! Who are you? How can I help you?"

Power coursed through his hand and he shivered as they turned bloodshot eyes towards him.

"Band'el Mire." And with that they disappeared.

After all was said and done he and Master Jinn freed the salves and managed to save the planet from the explosives planted in the deep sea mines.

As they were leaving he could swear he saw Band'el Mire once more, watching the two of them as they boarded the shuttle to return to the Temple. Even though he couldn't quite pinpoint where they were he couldn't help but turn and wave good-bye.

His new master didn't question it, though he did raise a brow at him curiously.


But he knew that what he saw was unequivocally real.


They were in the Senate for the details of a new mission. It wasn't the first time he'd seen the Senate Dome but Obi-wan had only been there as a child and he didn't really remember the experience much.

His master was inside the private office of a politician while he waited. The Senator had politely asked to speak to his master alone and seemed very dubious of Obi-wan, which had his master shooing him outside. Apparently those of the Senator's planet thought anyone below the age of seventeen had no right being involved in 'adult' conversations. It almost made him want to laugh.

"Good evening, young one. What brings you here today? Is there a reason you are standing in the hall?" He nearly jumped in surprise when a voice and presence appeared seemingly out of nowhere.

Turning he stared up at the being with wide eyes. They appeared to be human, or near-human, with bright silver eyes and extravagant, yet elegant, robes.

"Ah, I seem to have startled you. My apologies." There was a playful glint in their eyes and Obi-wan felt his cheeks pink slightly.

"I am Jedi Padawan Obi-wan Kenobi, he/him, and my Master is inside speaking about a… delicate matter." It was the most he could say without being rude or divulging mission details.

"Ah, I see. I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Padawan Kenobi. I am Sena-tuus Populus Que'Republica. I can see that you are occupied so I will not take up much of your time." Their eyes darted to the door then down the hall before landing back on Obi-wan. "I have a message for the Jedi of Corus'canta."

The way they spoke the word 'Coruscant' sparked a memory in the back of his mind. The memory of a tall and kind master who had helped him when he was lost.

"Wh-what is the message?" He felt like this was important, like something big was about to happen.

"Tell them that a darkness is rising here in the Senate, and I am unable to halt its progress for long."

Obi-wan opened his mouth to question what they meant when the door behind him clicked open. He turned to look back at his master. "Master I was just talking to Ser Que'Republica and they-" turning back around he found the hall empty and blinked in surprise.

His master cocked his head to the side slightly, eyes roaming the hall before falling back to him. "Did you have another vision, Obi-wan? Are you alright?"

Obi-wan shut his mouth in confusion. "I… no, Master. Someone was here. I swear."

"Well they aren't now. But maybe we'll see them again on the way out. Come along, Padawan, we have a mission." The man said calmly with a small smile.

"B-but Master they-they had a warning for the Council!"

"We will talk about it when we get to the ship. Do not dally, Padawan." The man's words were firm and Obi-wan deflated slightly.

He knew his warning would be chalked up to another vision and ignored.


He hadn't understood who they were, not until he met Her.


His master had left him. Left him and dozens of other kids to die of starvation or illness or worse. It wasn't the first time he'd felt like he was being left behind, but it was the first time he felt betrayed.

A hand landed gently on his shoulder and he shivered at the echo of pain that went through him. "I am sorry that your master could not stay- that he did not understand. If our situation were not so dire I would not have asked you to intervene. But my children and I are dying- I cannot let it continue."

Looking at the haggard woman he felt the urge to cry. Both for her and for himself. Her once green dress was scorched and torn, her long golden hair turned to blackened ash. Tear tracks flowed down her face, etched into her skin like a tattoo.

"Melidana, I'm just a padawan… I can't help you." Not even that, not anymore.

The spirit's hand tightened on his shoulder but instead of pain he felt the warmth of the force flow through him. "You are a Speaker, the first to arrive here in thousands of years. You speak so that our voices might be heard. I have faith in you, Obi-wan Kenobi."

He took a deep breath and let it out slowly, forcing out all of his anxiety for the time being. When he straightened to his full height his eyes were clear and his decision made. "I will help you end this war."


It was the first time he'd heard the word Speaker but it resonated within his very soul.


Alderaan was beautiful and he said as much.

The ethereal woman standing next to him, wearing a pristine white dress and a crystalline crown, smiled at him gently. "Thank you for the compliment, young Speaker, I am pleased you enjoy my presence. I must admit that it was a pleasant surprise to see a Speaker again after all this time."

"It is my duty to serve, in any way I can." He said with a bow. "Is there anything troubling you that I should bring up to their Majesties?"

It had taken years to understand, and to finally realize what the Force had in store for him.

The spirit of Alderaan, Alde'or'thul, chuckled. "At present the only trouble I can see is how ridiculous the Houses are being over the coming nuptials. Please tell the happy couple that they have my personal blessing."

Obi-wan's shoulders relaxed as all the nervousness left him. It was always a good mission when a great spirit didn't need his help.

"I will inform them of your words." He swore.


No one had ever understood him before. Not even the Jedi. Not until… Mandalore.


"Padawan? I can sense you are troubled." As his master came to stand next to him Obi-wan watched the planet growing closer with trepidation. Even from the upper atmosphere he could sense the great spirit below as it turned all of its attention to him.

"It's nothing, Master, I'm just worried over our coming mission. The feeling will pass." It was a lie, a very polite one, and one he'd used before.

Master Jinn let out a small sigh but he didn't feel agitated in the force so Obi-wan would count that as a win.

"You must live in the here and now, Padawan." Master Jinn admonished.

"Of course, Master." Everything would be fine. All he had to do was be careful not to act too oddly in front of the Duke's court. Shouldn't be too hard.

The moment his foot touched the ground he realized his mistake. His entire body locked into place as the presence he'd sensed all the way from the void of space appeared before him- looming like a large predator.

"What is this, now! First the Kal'evaarla'ade spread across my great expanse and now they have brought an Enemy to my surface? Blood will be shed for this insolence!" Ten feet tall and wearing gleaming armor the being glowered down at him with the sharp pupiled eyes of a predator. They gleamed, yellow and burning, from the open slit of their helmet.

"F-forgive me, Great Spirit, I did not know that I was not welcome. I-if you have a grievance I will take it to the-" He didn't even get to finish speaking before a large hand reached out and scruffed him, like a tooka kitten.

"You…" The rumbling voice changed from angry to curious as their face came closer to him. There was the sound of snuffling for a moment before the spirit let out a surprised bark of joy. "A Speaker!? And one from Corus'canta no less! Tell me, Speaker, how is my elder sibling?"

Obi-wan tried to smile, even as he hung in the spirit's grip and could feel his body tingling from the sheer power of the being before him. "I only met Corus'canta Jedai as a young child and have not had the chance to speak with them since, but they looked well." He said truthfully.

"No kidding?" They looked at him once more, taking in his padawan braid and how small he seemed to be in their hold. "Well met, Speaker. I am Manda, and you are welcome in my system."

Obi-wan tried to bow before he remembered that he was being held off the ground. "I am pleased to meet you, Manda. I am Obi-wan Kenobi, Jedi Padawan. We've come to speak with Duke Kryze about the current turmoil. If there is anything you would like me to relay-"

Manda snorted in derision. "You can tell the Kal'evaarla'ade to stop trying to rule my system as if they were part of Sena-tuus' vile brood! Manda'yaim has never been home to backstabbing cowards or weaklings! If the last Speaker was still around I would have stopped this foolishness long ago!" The great spirit's anger spiked for a moment before the emotion faded.

"O-oh, I see." He could feel a cold sweat along his brow and his hands were beginning to go numb. "Is th-there anything else?" He had to ask, to be sure, because he certainly didn't want to miss something and anger a great spirit this powerful.

Manda looked at him and frowned before slowly lowering him to the ground and releasing him. "Tell them that as long as they refuse to follow my chosen Mand'alor that they will doom themselves. As for you- I want you to remind them that the last Speaker was Tarre Vizsla, and that a Speaker's voice is more than just their own. I will be watching you, child." The being turned to leave but stopped for a moment. "Ah, but I'm forgetting. You cannot Speak if you do not know." Manda reached out and placed a hand on his head. There was a searing sensation inside his mind and everything went white.

With a gasp he sucked in a large breath of air as he snapped back to awareness. All around him he could hear yelling. "Obi-wan!" Looking up at his master he gave the man a shaky smile.

"I-sorry, Master, but the Force had something to show me. It was v-very important. I'll be fine in a moment." He tried to reassure the man, even as his fingers still spasmed uncontrollably from the strain of being in Manda's presence unshielded.

"Jetii, I think your kid needs a trip to the medbay." One of the present Mandalorians said as they stepped closer, the symbol on their pauldron marking them as a medic.

Master Jinn frowned but looked as if he was going to agree. Obi-wan shook his head quickly. "I can't! I need to speak with Chieftan Kryze. Manda has tasked me with a message."

In the ringing silence that followed Obi-wan could feel all eyes on him and he shivered at the strength of the stares. A faint echoing laugh in the back of his mind made him aware that Manda was still watching, but from a distance.

"What… what did you just say?" The medic's words sounded… off. Almost as if they were layered.

"Padawan, since when did you start learning the Mandalorian language?" He blinked in confusion up at Master Jinn.

"What? I don't know Mando'a." He'd looked into it before they left and yet he hadn't found hide nor hair of such a class. There were barely even any holobooks on the subject in the archives either.

The medic let out a low growl that gained his attention. "Jetii, did you just say that the Manda tasked you with a message?" There was a sense of wary anticipation growing all around them.

A feeling of strength flowed into his limbs and he swore he could hear the beating of his heart in his ears. "Yes."

"Are you a Speaker?" The medic asked, staring him down as if daring him to lie.

"Yes, I am a Speaker. You are the first to recognize me as one." He admitted. "Manda told me to remind the Duke of Tarre Vizsla, who was the last Speaker."

All of a sudden the medic turned on their heel and yelled to the crowd gathered around. "They are a Speaker!"

In an instant all the wariness fell away and was replaced by a loud cheer. It seemed like the news was quite welcome. It was the exact opposite of what he had grown used to when visiting new planets.

Next to him his master was tense with confusion and concern. "Padawan, what are they saying?"

Obi-wan licked his lips. "I-I told them what the Force told me, and they believed me. Although… the negotiations may not go exactly as planned." He said with a wince.

His master frowned at him in concern. "Padawan we're going to need to have a talk later."

Obi-wan ducked his head, knowing he'd angered his master but being unable to do much about it. When the Force called it was the duty of a Jedi to answer. It wasn't his fault that none of the masters back at the Temple could see what he saw.

"Come, Speaker. We will present you to the Duke." A new Mandalorian appeared and held out their arm to him. "Your quarters are being prepared now."

Obi-wan blinked and took the arm, letting himself be lifted off the ground. "Thank you."

The Mandalorian shook their head. "No thanks required. Speakers are sacred." They said firmly.

Obi-wan nodded at them, unsure, and looked back at his master. The man looked serene on the outside but it was obvious there was something wrong. Unfortunately they didn't have any time to talk as the new Mandalorian led them into the palace.


How could he have known what was about to happen would shake the entire Galaxy?


"Presenting Speaker Kenobi and their Jeti'buir, Jinn." A hush fell over the Duke's court as the man stood from his chair, which was set upon a dais, and descended the stairs to greet them.

As he came closer Obi-wan bowed when his master did, letting his training take over as a million thoughts ran through his mind.

"Please, there's no need to be so formal. It is an honor to have you grace us with your presence, Speaker Kenobi." The Duke said with a smile, his presence giving away nothing but relief and gratitude. "Hopefully now that there is a Speaker back on Manda'yaim we might resolve our issues once and for all." The man shook his head. "If we had known there was a Speaker amongst the Jettise we would have asked for assistance sooner."

Next to him Master Jinn stiffened in confusion. "I'm not sure I understand, your Grace, Obi-wan is still a Padawan. I've never heard the term Speaker used for one of our Order."

Apparently that was the wrong thing to say as the Duke's eyes sharpened. "You have a Speaker and don't even know-?"

Stepping forward he cleared his throat, then had to hide a flinch as all eyes immediate turned to him. "I'm afraid that such knowledge has been, ah, lost to time. The Jedi believe all things are possible with the Force and so they believe that my… ability is akin to that of what we refer to as visions." He left out the part where he'd told them, adamantly, that what he was seeing were not visions, and how they had never believed him.

"I see." Judging by the Duke's steely gaze he thought the man had probably caught the implication anyway. The man turned to his master. "A Speaker is one who can commune with the spirit of a Planet directly. These wise spirits keep a planet, or a system, in balance. They are exceptionally rare and here in the Mandalore system are considered sacred- for they speak with the voice of the Manda."

Master Jinn put his arms into his sleeves and glanced his way. But there was nothing Obi-wan could say. The Duke was right, after all.

"And you believe my Padawan is one of these… Speakers?" His voice sounded more curious than skeptical.

"He said so himself." The Duke turned to him. "What is this message that Manda has for us?"

Obi-wan felt jittery with nerves and glanced at his master. He knew the parameters of the mission. They were to convince Mandalore to join the Republic. But… Manda was adamantly against it. He couldn't lie, he had to tell the truth.

Taking a deep breath he calmed himself and straightened. "Manda wishes you to know that they do not want to be ruled by the Republic, nor do they want their people to act like it. As long as you forsake the chosen Mand'alor your fate will be nothing but destruction."

The silence was tense, so tense you could cut it with a lightsaber and probably see sparks. There were murmurs of discontent all around them and he could feel their indignation.

"This must be some kind of dirty trick." One of the Duke's aides said with a fierce scowl. "How dare you use something sacred to our people in your farce!"

More angry shouts joined the first as his master glowered at him. "What have you done, Padawan?"

Obi-wan could feel his heart pounding in his chest, it almost sounded like drums. "Even Speaker Tarre Vizsla left the Jedi to become Mand'alor! They did not bring the Mando'ade into the Republic then- what makes you believe Manda wishes that now?" He asked the room, his voice much louder than he intended as the air vibrated with the force of his words.

An immense presence appeared beside him and he looked up at Manda in surprise. They grinned and placed their hand on his shoulder.

"Sena-tuus can kiss my backside before I will allow my people to become cowardly weaklings!" The power of his voice shook the whole room, the glass panes rattling in their frames. Nearby Master Jinn grabbed at his head and doubled over as if he were in pain.

Most of the Mandalorians fell to their knees, heads bowed as they shook in awe. Obi-wan could feel the power coursing through him but he wasn't in control. He was an empty vessel- a one way comm system.

"Speak and we shall obey." The Duke said from his knees before them.

Obi-wan could feel Manda's triumph, how they wanted to crow with joy at finally being heard. "Stop letting a trinket of a bygone era dictate who should or shouldn't be Mand'alor. Mando'ade are those who march forward, without faltering, living their lives to the fullest even to the last moment. We do not hide like cowards, we do not bow to invading armies, and we don't roll over for aruetiise! We are proud! We are strong! We are alive! Oya!"

As Manda spoke he could feel how their words lit a fire inside those who were present. But the longer the power coursed through him the more numb he felt. He was certain he was only able to remain standing because Manda wasn't finished with him yet.

"Oh great Manda, you say we shouldn't follow someone because of a trinket. I assume you mean the Dha'kad'au?" Manda, and by extension himself, looked down at the Duke. He could sense what the man was feeling just as Manda did. It was clear the question wasn't for his own benefit but for those who were too awed to question.

"Speaker Vizsla's kad'au belongs to Corus'canta and should be returned. I have already chosen a Mand'alor, though they are too far from my influence to aid." Manda said, narrowing their eyes and crossing their arms in thought. "Jango Fett is alive but trapped, unable to perform their duty to our people. Unless they are found I will need to choose a new Mand'alor." Manda let out a harsh breath. Then a thought struck them and Obi-wan felt a bolt of mischief run through him. "Since I can't be heard without a Speaker I hereby declare Kenobi the Speaker for my system. They Speak with my authority from this day forward."

Inside his mind he began to panic. This was the first time any of the great spirits had tried to claim him for themselves. He was also pretty sure that he was technically already Corus'canta Jedai's Speaker, since he came from the Jedi Temple and all.

Manda didn't seem to care as they finally released their hold on his body. Rather than collapsing like he thought he would Obi-wan was stunned to find himself perfectly fine. He looked up at Manda quizzically.

"I can't let my Speaker be weakened every time I use them as a vessel, now can I?" They chuckled. "I have other things that need my attention. Stay sharp, ad." And with that the spirit was gone. Not even their watchful presence remained.

Obi-wan looked at all of the kneeling Mandalorians, who were watching him with near worshipful awe, and felt his cheeks burn with embarrassment.

Master Jinn rose to his feet, staring at him with a complicated expression. "Well, it's safe to say that our mission for the Senate has failed." The man said dryly. "But I don't think the Council will fault us, seeing as my Padawan was possessed by a force entity at the time. At least this time they'll listen when you tell them that this wasn't a vision. I've never heard of a vision being shared with dozens of force nulls before."

Obi-wan couldn't help it. He laughed. "So you finally believe me, Master?"

Master Jinn put a hand on his shoulder and smiled at him, still feeling a bit shaken in the force. "Yes, Obi-wan. I believe you."


Spirits

Corus'canta Jedai- Coruscant Jedi Temple
Sena-tuus Populus Que'Republica- Republic Senate
Band'el Mire- Bandomeer
Melidana- Melida/Daan
Alde'or'thul- Alderaan
Manda- Mandalore Sector and Mandalorian people.
Kal'evaarla- Kalevala