The noise that erupted in the throne room was so loud that Obi-wan wondered how the windows weren't rattling in their frames. The press were practically climbing over one another to ask questions while on the other side of the aisle most of the Clan Chiefs were bellowing out denials.

When he looked at Fett he could see the tightness in their face, even as their eyes sparked with inner fire and determination.

It took the Mand'alor letting out a shrill whistle meant to be heard cross entire battlefields for the noise to finally die down. "Unless someone has an actual legal objection- you will remain silent!" They yelled in a commanding tone.

"I have a legal objection!" Someone from the Clan side snapped, shoving their way to the front of the crowd. "Tarre Vizsla can't legally adopt anyone into their clan- they're dead." The other chiefs nearby let out noises of agreement.

If Obi-wan hadn't been looking for it, if he hadn't already known, he would have missed the slightly triumphant uptick of Jango's lips. "They can if it was part of their last Will." They said easily.

"What?" Snapped another of the Chiefs, the surprise evident in their tone.

Fett looked at him and motioned that he should proceed just as they planned. Obi-wan nodded politely to the Mand'alor before pulling out the physical document he had stored in his tunics.

"This is the Will of Tarre Vizsla. It was locked in the vault of the Inner Sanctuary for the next Speaker to find. Namely, myself. This document states Tarre's intention for the next Speaker to be adopted into their Clan as their chosen heir." He informed the crowd simply, doing his best not to show any of the inner anxiety he was actually feeling. "The document was made public by Clan Vencuyanii as of this morning, you may find it in the historical archives under Speaker Tarre's section." He didn't waver, even as he felt the incredulity in the room rise.

"Being adopted by a former Clan Chief doesn't make you the heir of that Clan." Someone else amongst the chiefs stated. "You would need to be adopted by the current chief."

Obi-wan took a deep breath to calm himself. This was it. He was about to earn himself a lot of enemies. "Not if the current chief of the Vizsla Clan is declared a Dar'manda oath breaker and executed for crimes against the collective children of Manda."

This declaration rose above the din and silenced the crowd once more.

"In fact- all those who committed acts of violent terrorism against the children of Manda while following the False Mand'alor are, at this moment onward, declared Dar'manda."

"Who are you to declare that?" Someone from the Clan Chief side snarled angrily. "Are we just going to let some Jetii strut into the palace and destroy an entire Clan lineage?"

Obi-wan could feel their ire, their hatred, and realized that they must be either a member of Kyr'tsad or a sympathizer. Squaring his shoulders he turned towards them and raised his head high. He could feel Ba'ji Vizsla's presence next to him, giving him strength. He lifted the pendant he'd received from the Temple and held it up. "I am the voice of Manda, or do you wish to claim that I am not Manda's chosen Speaker?"

They hesitated for a moment before their hatred and anger took over. "No one's seen that thing for hundreds of years! Who's to say it's not fake?"

Behind him the Mand'alor let out a snarl as their own anger rose. "I have been to Manda's Temple with Speaker Kenobi. I have been in the Inner Sanctuary and any Temple Guardian can confirm it!" The man had an aura that screamed 'how dare you' and the desire to fight.

Reaching towards Jango he placed his hand against the man's arm to calm them. Jango startled slightly before mentally taking a step back. This was not their fight.

With his head held high he walked towards the Clan Chiefs with as much serenity and dignity as he could muster. By the time he was standing in front of the Chief the room had grown quiet except for the mutterings of the press. Solemnly he lifted the pendant from around his neck and held it out to them. "If you believe this is only a bauble and not an artifact touched by Manda's many Speakers then by all means- take it."

There was a feeling much like holding ones breath as the Chief stared down at the pendant in his hand. A sense of pride and dread warred within them before the pride won out. Gritting their teeth they went to take the pendant but stopped, their hand spasming oddly.

Obi-wan waited there, expression one of Jedi serenity. He did not gloat or chide the Chief, just patiently waited to see how they would respond.

They tried once more and their hand got a little closer before they hissed and pulled it away as if burned. The truth of the matter took a moment to sink in but once it did the Chief's pride was all but replaced by grudging acceptance and confused awe. "I can't." They said firmly.

One of the other Chiefs let out a scoff. "It must be some Jetiise trick. Let me do it." After shouldering the first Chief out of the way they reached forward as if to snatch the object from his hand. As with the first Chief their hand stopped a hands width from the singing pendant. "I- what trickery is this?"

Obi-wan wanted to sigh in exasperation but kept himself carefully calm. Acting out now would just further provoke the pride of the Chiefs and he didn't want to make the matter worse.

Before he could try to calmly explain things a figure came forward and punched the two Chiefs in the back of the head. Letting out a loud ringing as beskar gauntlets met beskar helmets. Both let out indignant sounds and rounded on their attacker, only to freeze with uncertainty.

The new figure was in plated armor painted dark green and deep blue with a thick leather apron hanging from their waist. Well worn tools hung from their belt and they seemed to project an air of self confidence that felt well earned. Slowly, giving off a sense of reverence, they reached out and cupped his hand while leaning closer to take a look at the pendant. After a moment they tilted their helmet's visor up and he could feel their eyes upon him. "I am Chief Bes'laar, and I welcome Speaker Kenobi home to Manda'yaim. I have born witness to the adoption of Obi-wan Kenobi into the Vizsla Clan as Tarre Vizsla's heir and accept their appointment as interim Chief." Letting go of his hand they stepped back and thumped their fist against their chest, bowing their head respectfully.

Obi-wan swallowed hard. Bes'laar. A clan made up almost entirely of Beskar smiths and Armorers. They held one of the most important positions in Mandalorian society… and they had just given him one of the best endorsements he could have ever asked for. Turning to look at the two Chiefs who had spoken against him he quirked a brow. "Are there any more objections or accusations?"

No one spoke for a long moment. Then the second of the Chiefs to accuse him of being a fake stepped forward and copied the salute of Chief Bes'laar. "I eat my insult, Speaker Kenobi. I will bear witness to your adoption and appointment."

Obi-wan blinked in surprise. He hadn't expected an apology of all things. He smiled. "I accept." There wasn't anything more he could really say. Mandalorians weren't big on words, preferring actions to speak the loudest. Only time would tell if the Chief actually felt any regret or remorse.

With no more objections he returned to the Mand'alor's side. He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "As I was saying- from this day onward Tor Vizsla and their lieutenants are declared Dar'manda for their crimes and should be considered highly dangerous individuals. Kyr'tsad are oath breakers who followed a false Mand'alor, a being without honor who has caused harm to the children of Manda." He looked towards Jango, silently handing the reins over to them.

The Mand'alor stepped forward, head held high. "Tor Vizsla and their lieutenants are to be killed on sight. Any other member of Kyr'tsad may come forward and surrender themselves, to be judged for their crimes. If they prove they were an unwilling participant of Kyr'tsad then the punishment will consist of mandatory mind healer sessions and a slow reintegration into society. I don't think it needs to be said but just for the record- no children will be blamed for the crimes of their elders and will come to no harm if they are found."

Obi-wan's eyes scanned the room as Jango spoke, his senses stretched out to catch any strong negative emotions to the declaration. Overall things were going quite well. No one had tried to shoot at them, not yet at least, and most of those gathered just seemed to feel relieved or vindicated that Kyr'tsad were being called out for their monstrous activities. His only real concern were the New Mandalorians who were standing off to the left and watching the proceedings. With them stood Satine Kryze and one of the Duke's aides, an older man named Almec. Neither of them were pleased with what was going on. But he didn't feel any danger from them so he just filed their reactions in the back of his mind and turned his focus back to the Mand'alor.

"For Speaker Kenobi's safety they will remain a ward of Clan Fett and under the Vencuyanii Clan's protection until Kyr'tsad is properly dealt with. But seeing as Speaker Kenobi is still a student of the Jetiise and is not considered an adult by their standards they will stay with their mentor unless duty calls them back here." The man glanced at him, amber eyes full of conflicting emotions. "Speaker Kenobi, do you have anything else to say?"

Obi-wan smiled politely at the room. "If anyone has any questions I would be happy to answer them one on one. I will remain for an hour or so before I must return to my duties."

Jango inclined their head towards him. "That concludes today's events. Anyone who wants to ask questions must go through one of the Temple Guards for screening first." With a hand sign determined beforehand the Mand'alor motioned for the video feed to be cut.

Obi-wan sagged slightly now that he wasn't being broadcast on every holo-channel in Mandalorian space. He had no doubt that the news would reach Coruscant by the time he was finished answering questions. He was not looking forward to the Council's eventual response.

"You did well, Kenobi." Jango said with a small quirk of his lips, a faint feeling of pride coming off the man as they spoke.

"Well, I'm not so sure about that." He muttered in return, looking towards where the New Mandalorians were filing out of the room as the more traditional Mandalorians clambered to speak with the Temple Guards. Poor Myles, he could sense the irritation already brewing around them.

Jango reached over and placed a hand gingerly on his shoulder. "You did. All that's left is to finalize the changes to the Clan registry then you and Jinn can be on your way." The man frowned. "Listen, if the Jetiise Council gives you any trouble…" they took a deep breath and let it out again. "You're a ward of Clan Fett, you'll always have a place here on Manda'yaim." The man's cheeks darkened in a flush and Obi-wan could sense their embarrassment from a mile off. "Besides, you'll need to come and see how Ca'tra is doing, yeah?"

Obi-wan smiled, his nerves settling at the sincere offer of protection and friendship. He knew that Jango was still wary of the Jedi as a whole but over the course of their planning the two of them had found a lot of common ground. It was quite endearing how they were trying to reassure him, knowing how allergic the man was to showing their emotions. "Thank you Jango, although I do have one simple request. If you'll indulge me of course."

The man blinked and cocked their head slightly. A habit that came from having to emote when covered head to toe in armor.

"My name is Obi-wan, unless you forgot. I'd prefer if you used it." Being called Kenobi made him feel like an initiate all over again.

Jango let out a bark of laughter. "Fine, Obi-wan then." They grinned and clapped him on the shoulder before pulling away. "Looks like they're ready for you, and Jinn is standing by in case you need back-up."

Looking over at the group of armored beings standing by to pester him for information he let out a small sigh. "Duty calls." He said with a faint grimace.

Jango chuckled before turning away, attention caught by one of their personal aides.

Obi-wan plastered a calm smile on his face and made his way over to Myles, who was looking very imposing in their Temple Guard armor. "Well then, who's first?"


It didn't taken them long to finish their tasks on Manda'yaim and say good-bye to all the friends he'd made. Many gifts were shoved into his hands, thoughtful things that were filled with such sincerity he couldn't refuse them. His comm also gained a list of new contacts with promises attached. To call for aid if he ever needed it or just to stay in touch.

Last to speak with him was Jango, who was looking worlds better than they had been when they'd been rescued from the slave ship. No longer were their eyes haunted and skin gaunt. Now they stood with their head held high, flanked by family members. They held their arm out and grinned when he reached out to grasp it in the proper Mandalorian hold.

"You stay out of trouble. If I have to send my ori'ramikade after you to save your scrawny backside I'll never let you live it down." They said with a wide grin.

"How very reassuring." He deadpanned before letting out a chuckle when Jango rolled their eyes. "I'll try to be careful but trouble has a funny way of finding me no matter where I am."

The man frowned slightly. "Hrm, maybe I should send a bodyguard with you, just to watch you and Jinn's backs."

"Please don't, I'll be having a tough enough time meeting with the Jetiise Council after the stunt we pulled. Bringing an ori'ramikad with me to the Jetii'yaim would certainly be cause for alarm." Especially since Jango still had a vendetta against Master Dooku.

Oh, he still had to warn them about that didn't he?

"Fine. But you be sure to call for back-up if and when you need it, hear me? You're Manda's first Speaker in centuries, we can't risk losing you."

Obi-wan nodded solemnly. "I understand. I swear that I will call on the Mando'ade if I'm ever in a tough spot and need assistance. Truth, honor, vision." As he swore he could feel a warm sensation rush down his arm and pass into Jango. It grew warmer for a moment before falling dormant.

Jango seemed to sense something as well as their amber eyes widened but they said nothing about it as they released him.

Turning away from Jango he stopped when he felt the force swell around him, enveloping him like a warm hug. "You did not think I would let you leave without one last lesson, did you my child?" Tarre chuckled, a sensation he could feel in the back of his mind.

Looking to his Master he slowly knelt on the ground in a familiar meditation pose. Qui-gon quirked a brow at him for a moment before an understanding smile crossed his face. The man slipped his arms into his tunic sleeves and settled in place- intent on waiting until the spirits were finished with Obi-wan.

It was a far cry from how their relationship had been before their trip to Manda'yaim.

"What are they doing?" Jango asked quietly, sounding perturbed.

"He is speaking with Master Vizsla." Came Qui-gon's equally quiet answer.

"Close your eyes," Tarre instructed serenely, "and reach out to the force around you."

Following his Master's instruction he let himself fall into a shallow meditation and extended his reach out into the force around him. From where he was sitting he could feel all the Mandalorians, even through their beskar'gam. They were like tiny flashes of vibrant flames, flickering brightly as each emotion passed through them.

"Good. Now reach past them. Let yourself feel. The animals, the plants, the very water in the air- all of it is a part of the Force." Tarre's voice echoed in his mind as he sharpened his focus further, reaching deeper than he had ever thought to go before. "Feel the very presence of the planet itself, and breathe with it. You are one with the Force, it is a part of you and you ar a part of it." Obi-wan took a deep breath and for the first time in a very long time he felt connected to everything and everyone around him. It should have been overwhelming yet strangely it wasn't. He felt at peace. "Do you feel the pulse of the world? Good, now pull it towards you." Taking another deep breath he gently pulled until it felt as if the essence of the world itself was blanketing him in a calm embrace. "Good. Now open your eyes."

When he opened his eyes all hell had broken loose. Qui-gon and Jango were frantically looking around and calling his name while the nearby guards were scrambling in a panic.

"What's going on?" He asked, uncertain if he had spoken out loud or if he was speaking in his mind.

Tarre chuckled. "It is a technique to hide within the presence of a planet. All life gives off energy into the force but only a Speaker can access the deep reservoir within a planet itself. This technique shields not only your physical form but also your force presence. This technique will allow you to hide even from the prying eyes of the most powerful Jedi Masters or Sith Lords. However, it will not work on planets where the Spirit is either dead or opposed to your presence."

"Oh. Thank you Speaker Vizsla for this knowledge and your teachings." He said, bowing deeply in a show of respect though he knew that Tarre was not actually there in person.

"It is a pleasure to teach you, child mine, and I know we will see one another again. There is always more to learn. Now, you may want to let go. You are worrying your Master and Mand'alor Fett."

Standing back up he focused on the feeling of the world around him and just let go. As the sensation of being one with the world left him he felt a little disoriented for a moment, staggering in place as everything became muffled in the force.

"Obi-wan!" Two very different voices called out and he looked between two sets of worried eyes.

"I'm fine, buir- Master Vizsla just had a final lesson for me." He said quickly, reminding himself to speak basic so that Qui-gon would understand.

"And that resulted in your disappearance, how?" Qui-gon asked, a mix of concern and anxiety flooding their bond. "Obi-wan, I couldn't even feel you, even through our bond."

Obi-wan winced slightly. "I didn't know what the technique would do when buir was showing me how to do it. They said that it is something only a Speaker can do and it will help me if I ever need to escape a dangerous situation." Well, not in as many words. But he knew that the technique was for protection since he could feel the intent of the lesson.

"That's some technique, Obi-wan. You disappeared from all our scanners." Jango's voice sounded a little strained and Obi-wan winced a little. He knew that the man was still wary about Jedi and their abilities, even if the two of them had become friends over the course of their planning and training sessions with Tarre.

"I'm sorry, if I had known it would concern everyone I would have warned you first." He said apologetically, rubbing the back of his neck self-consciously.

"Just don't do that again, almost gave Jinn here a heart attack." Jango motioned towards the Jedi Master and received a playfully disgruntled look in response.

"I won't." He promised. "At least, not unless I have to." Because there was always the chance that a situation would require him to use it.

Jango nodded curtly. "Any other surprises before you go?"

Obi-wan was about to speak, to say that they had nothing to worry about, when everyone stiffened suddenly.

"Ob'ika. You are leaving then?" The being of immense power asked, bright eyes blazing as they appeared, surrounded by an aura of protectiveness and concern. Almost like a crechemaster worried for the initiates heading to Illum for their first lightsaber crystals.

"I am. I must return to the Jetii'yaim of Coruscanta. The Jetii'alore must know about the change of power on Manda'yaim and that you don't want the Republic interfering any longer." He wasn't sure how that talk was going to go, especially once the Council found out he'd placed himself squarely in the middle of Mandalorian politics. He glanced over his shoulder at his Master and felt some of his anxiety melt away. At least this time when he went before the Council it would be with his Master firmly at his back.

"A warrior must always face the consequences of their actions." The Spirit said with a knowing glint in their eyes. Then they went down on one knee so they were closer to his own height and leaned forward to press their helmeted forehead to his. "Remember that you go with my blessing under the watchful eyes of the Ka'ra. You are wanted, and you will always have a home here to return to."

Obi-wan felt his throat tighten with emotion as tears prickled at the edges of his eyes. For so long he had felt alone, alienated, and adrift. It was a bit overwhelming to suddenly feel so accepted. "I accept debt." He whispered, knowing that mere words could not express his gratitude.

"There is no debt between family, Ob'ika. You are one of my children now, and I look out for my children. If you ever need help on Coruscanta just remember that you are my Speaker, any Mando'ad who claims to keep me in their soul will know you and aid you without hesitation." The Spirit grinned and released him. "You are a powerful warrior but no warrior, no matter how great, can stand alone." Manda stood and stepped back. "Safe travels, Ob'ika, may we meet again."

Obi-wan smiled and pressed his fist over his heart before bowing to the great spirit. "May we meet again."

Once Manda's presence finally faded he turned back to Jango and grinned. "Now we can go."

The man chuckled and shook his head. "Stay safe, Obi-wan. Maybe we'll meet again."

"I certainly hope so, Jango. May the Ka'ra guide your steps."

And with that final parting he and Qui-gon finally boarded the shuttle.

It was time to return to the Temple.