Ch10 - The Alliance
Chopper Base, Atollon, Lothal Sector, 2 BBY
"Shadow Squadron, you are clear to land," the Ground Controller informed the approaching ships. Indeed, Nico mused, it would be quite the sight as his unit made to land. Something out of the history books.
In the years since he had arrived on the outermost moon of Umbara, ragged and wounded, with little idea of what to do and with far too many younglings to dare to attempt to teach on his own, he had evolved, much as his small group had, to become something that he could proudly call a Jedi Order of his own.

The Mist touched down, its gargantuan self surrounded by six Aethersprite Delta 7-B Jedi Interceptors. The next cordon around them was made up of yet another relic of the Republic; fourteen V-19 Torrent Starfighters. Where the Delta 7-Bs had been taken from various Jedi hideouts around the galaxy, the V-19s had been salvaged from an Imperial Yard. They had been Mothballed as they exited service, gradually to be replaced by the then cutting edge TIE fighter.
The final two craft to touch down were the shuttles; a captured Imperial Lambda-Class shuttle and an old Republic-Era Nu-Class Jedi Attack Shuttle - the very same one that they had escaped Coruscant aboard.

Of course, Nico's long-standing association with Shipmaster Quarrie on Shantipole had come of some great use, with the eccentric Mon Calamari providing old airframes and systems with upgrades which either put them on par with, or even alleviated them above the modern Imperial standard.

"General, a pleasure to have you on board," a familiar voice greeted Nico as disembarked from his ship, "The Rebellion's gained a fine warrior."
"I am no warrior here, Captain," Nico replied, though he returned the salute with a smile. "Just an advisor, with a rather enviable network of spies and agents."
"Can't say I blame you, General," Rex grimaced. "Wasn't a fan of having another war myself, if I'm totally honest."
"My priority is my Order, Rex," Nico replied simply. "If I can use that asset as a tool for good, then that's just a side effect. Now, I'm told that my people have somewhere to be?"
"They do," Rex nodded. "Briefing in ten - we were worried you wouldn't make it."
"Then they will be there," Nico said.
"It really is good to see you, General," Rex reiterated.
Nico smiled.

Imperial Admiralty, Coruscant, Galactic Core, 2 BBY
"You do not wish to continue your duties in the Outer Rim?" Tarkin asked, confused. "There are few who the Emperor would trust with the Lothal Sector."
"I'm a Fleet Commander, Tarkin," Percy replied, "Not a Politician. The Emperor's Hand is meant to be a beacon of military success, not a scrap heap to sit over the Capital City of some backwater planet."
"And yet you wish to see Thrawn posted there?" Tarkin frowned. "Where would you go?"
"I heard that Apollo's retiring," Percy noted absently. "The Skystrike job's going to be open again, and so's the Mandalorian Academy position. Corulag, too, for that matter, since Reyna turned in her papers."
"You wish to have both?"

"Hero of the Republic, Grand Admiral of the Empire, three successful campaigns on the Frontier with the Fifth, too," Percy listed off, "The joint Rebel Cells have paused operations in the Lothal Sector to expand their footholds, scared of the fact that I am there. Mon Mothma is making scathing remarks in the Senate, and you're not even giving the last remaining Clone War Admiral a Combat Fleet?"
"I take your point," Tarkin nodded, grimacing. Percy smirked to himself. The man had allowed himself to fall headfirst into Percy's trap.
"So?" Percy pressed, "Castellan's ruined the Fifth, Thrawn's Seventh is secure - how about the Eighth?"
"The Sixth," Tarkin replied, sighing, "Based at Montross, with Skystrike as Fleet Headquarters."
"I'm glad we could come to an accord," Percy smiled.
His escape wasn't far away, and when it happened, the Empire wouldn't like the mess that surfaced from his absence.

Imperial Admiralty, Coruscant, Galactic Core, 2 BBY
"It's been a hot second since you've been in this office," Jason noted as he entered, Clarisse following him.
"Been a while since any of us have needed to use the Admiralty Offices," Percy replied.
"So what's this," the Senator of Corellia asked, "A cute little reunion?"
"Yeah, something like that," Percy replied with a smile. "Don't worry, though, La Rue, you'll like this one."
"I'll wait until I see it, Jackson," the woman shot back.

"I hope I'm not late," Reyna said as she entered, Frank and Hazel following her; Annabeth, Malcolm and Bail Organa.
"Never," Percy replied. We're actually still waiting on the last couple. Make yourselves comfortable while we wait."
The group did so, and what a group it was. Where once they had been a fresh-faced group of Republican Officers, now they formed a portion of the Imperial Elite. Including Bail Organa and the newly-arrived Will Solace, there were four Senators among them. A Grand Admiral, a Moff and several high-ranking officers of both Imperial Forces and, in the case of Annabeth and Malcolm, of their own home planet's Defence Force.

"So, Perce," Reyna halted the slowly forming conversations of old friends catching up for the first time in a few months, "Why are we here?"
"You're here because someone reached out to me," Percy replied. "Senator Mon Mothma plans on outwardly opposing the Empire. She will need help in getting out."
"And we're here because?" Clarisse asked, "Are you asking us to stop her, or help her?"
"I know that all of you sponsor or outright lead Anti-Imperialist factions around the galaxy," Percy told them. "I know that Kuat and Corellia are continuing funding to the X-Wing Project despite the Imperials choosing the TIE, and I know that Alderaan is buying them to supply to various cells around the galaxy. Manda above, I know that Thyferran aid packages are being diverted from Imperial Front Lines towards old Republic bases for pickup."
"And what are you going to do about it?" Jason asked, crossing his arms to conceal the twitch that betrayed his nerves.
"He's going to tell you to unite, of course," Reyna smirked.

There was a silence that fell upon the group for a moment. There was a moment when Percy honestly believed that ISB Agents would burst in, a nervous glance sent at Reyna, then at Piper, a hand twitching towards the concealed blaster under his desk. The Coruscanti woman, the only ISB agent in the room, seemed to be more intrigued than concerned, one leg crossed casually over the other as she gave him an almost imperceptibly small nod.
They were safe here.

"You want an Alliance of Rebel Cells?" Clarisse asked, blunt as ever.
"To what end?" Jason put in, "Most of these cells are operating with a goal of freeing their people from oppression. Very few of them have wider goals, and even fewer have enough political savviness to pull it off permanently."
"Not to mention," Solace joined in, "that most of their backers are just in it to destabilise the Imperial Economy and pull money into their own coffers. I'm not blaming any of you, of course."

"It's a fair point," Reyna noted. "But easily enough solved."
"You're not about to suggest a confederation, are you?" Clarisse scoffed derisively, "Last time there was a Confederation of breakaway rebel states, it got crushed."
"By its own leadership," Jason argued. "We now know that Palpatine was playing both sides. Organa's cell already has the support of the Jedi Order, and we've seen evidence of both Kenobi and Yoda out there somewhere. The people will rise up."

"Not to mention that the Jedi and Mandalorians uniting under the same banner would shock a lot of people into making a choice that wouldn't have taken a side otherwise.
"And you know that the Mandalorians are rising up how, exactly?" Piper interrupted, standing up suddenly. "ISB has been suspecting something about the Protectors. They're always suspicious about Kyr'tsad but they've been compliant enough thus far."
"Because she's my wife," Percy dismissed, folding his arms. "A Noble member of a Mandalorian clan and central to a uniting Mandalore's plans to remove the Imperial Presence from all Mandalorian Systems within the next five years."
The room fell into stunned silence once more, broken by a flurry of congratulations. The look that Reyna sent him was an amused one, though she gave him a nod of apology for her slip-up.

"An Alliance to Restore the Republic," Bail Organa said, almost thoughtfully.
Heads turned to face him, curious and urging him to elaborate.
"People remember the Republic as a force for good. With the Jedi as a voice of support, we'd have no shortage of friendly planets or recruits. If you're willing to give this a shot, then I'm more than happy to give the idea my backing."

"How big, exactly is this rebellion so far?" Will Solace asked. "Is it credible enough to take power?"
"Friendly planets number in the hundreds," Piper replied, "ISB fears that it could be more, and this number was taken before we factored in the entire Mandalore Sector, apparently."
"Close to four hundred Rebel Cells scattered across the galaxy," Organa said, "Ranging from single ships like Saw Gerrera's, to the entire populations of planets."
"And Naval Abilities?" Jason pressed, leaning forward in his seat.
"The Mon Calamari fled with hundreds of ships when their planet fell," Percy said, "I'm guessing that they've been upgraded over time?"
"They supply the majority of our Capital Ships," Organa confirmed. "Salvaged Clone War tech isn't rare either; we've captured Separatist Dreadnoughts and Battleships to use as our own Capital Ships, and a lot of Corvettes and Frigates as Support Ships."
"Not weak, then," Clarisse nodded approvingly. "If the Mandalore Coup goes well, then there are potentially entire Sector Fleets to be captured too."
"And you can't count out the Defence Forces of friendly systems if we're able to swing them quickly," Jason added. "Alderaan has a large army, and Mykapo has an old, but effective Navy."

"I've got the result I wanted, Ladies, Gentlemen," Percy informed the room at large. "Now I'm due back to Skystrike Academy, where I'll do what I can to help the cause. Keep your heads out for news of my death; I'm sure they'll be greatly exaggerated."
The room emptied out, leaving behind Reyna and a very smug Percy.
"We're so close, cyara," Reyna told him, leaning into his side, "Just wait for it, and once we retake Mandalore, all will be well."
"I can see it already," Percy nodded. "Seventeen years of the Galaxy in suffering, and nothing we could do about it. It all ends soon."

Skystrike Academy, Montross System, Mid Rim, 2 BBY
"Agent Kallus," Percy greeted as the man entered his office. "It's good to have you here on Montross."
"Yes," the ISB agent replied, "I was wondering why I was removed from Lothal."
"Well, you're onto my personal team," the Mandalorian replied, "I needed an ISB agent, moving back to Service Fleets, and you're the man who came to mind."
"I've worked with you three years, Sir," Kallus replied. "You don't just do things off the cuff."
"Don't I?" Percy asked, a smirk twitching at the corners of his lips.
"No," Kallus replied. "So why don't you tell me why you really wanted me here?"
"Fine," Percy sighed. "Close the door."
Kallus did so.

"It's really no secret to me that you are the Rebel Agent Fulcrum," Percy told the man seriously.
"I… I have done no such thing!" Kallus stammered indignantly.
"Kallus, do you know who is to be my replacement on Lothal?" Percy asked, leaning back in his seat.
"No, Sir," Kallus answered.
"Does the name Thrawn mean anything to you?" Percy asked, tone businesslike.

"No, Sir," Kallus repeated.
"He is perhaps the most intelligent Officer of the Imperial Admiralty," Percy explained. "If I was able to spot your efforts at aiding the Rebellion, he would likely have been able to trace the Rebels, possibly even confront them by now."
"And your predecessors said the same about you, Sir," Kallus fought back.

"Well, that would be because I don't particularly want to fight them, Agent," Percy replied simply. "I have no desire to counter the Rebel Alliance, because I am one of the men responsible for founding it."
He could practically hear the man's jaw drop.

Chopper Base, Atollon, Lothal Sector, 2 BBY
"New Fulcrum Message," Captain Syndulla informed Nico as he entered the briefing room.
"Ahsoka?" Ezra asked, his voice hopeful. Nico turned to face him, face full of pity, a pang of sorrow passing through his own heart.
"I understand your hope, young Padawan," he told the boy sympathetically, "But Ahsoka wasn't the only Agent operating under that codename."
"What's the message?" Kanan Jarrus asked, gripping his Padawan's shoulder tightly in solidarity.

Syndulla played it, the distorted voice informing those present of a group of wantaway TIE Fighter pilots at Skystrike Academy.
"I know that name," Sabine Wren interjected, "It's the Empire's elite Fighter School."
"Then these pilots would be valuable assets to your cause," Nico nodded. "I am happy to provide aid in extracting these pilots, should you require it, Commander Sato."
"Thank you, General," Sato nodded respectfully. "I believe Captain Syndulla has a plan."

"Sabine will go," the Twi'lek took over, Kanan and Ezra will be on a Blockade Runner nearby to get her and the pilots out."
"I am prepared to offer the Mist, instead of Runners," Nico offered, "Capital Ships are rare enough of a commodity to risk running into an Imperial Fighter Base. Least of all when Vult Skerris is the premier fighter instructor."
"More new intelligence," Kanan Jarrus told Nico. "Skerris isn't the top instructor there anymore; he's still there, but that's Perseus Jackson's job now."
"Tritonis," Sabine reminded the Jedi impatiently. "His name is Tritonis."

"Even more reason to go," Nico nodded. "If you would like aid, young Sabine, then I would be more than happy to insert a young Jedi on this mission alongside you."
"I'm good without, thanks General. Having the Mist's firepower as backup, though? Now that's something I can get behind."
"You Mandalorians and your desire to see things go boom," Nico chuckled, "Percy was just the same."
"You'll be there, then?"
"Of course, young Wren," Nico agreed. "Your Uncle and I are due a meeting either way. There will be support nearby, should things go poorly."

Skystrike Academy, Montross System, Mid Rim, 2 BBY
"Mister Skerris," Percy greeted as the Ace Pilot entered the office, "I take it the induction of the new pilots is going well?"
"It is, Grand Admiral," the man replied, "The usual problems with identification chips as is normal. A new software update is due."
"Normal?" Percy frowned. "I've never seen an issue. How often does this happen?"
"Just the one today, Grand Admiral," Skerris reported. "A Ria Talla."
"Well," Percy replied, "I'll get going with candidate interviews, then."
"As you wish, Grand Admiral."

Skystrike Academy, Montross System, Mid Rim, 2 BBY
"So, Miss Talla," Percy greeted, only briefly looking up to return the salute that she offered him on entry.
"Err, Sir?" Kallus broached over his shoulder.
"Yes, Agent?" Percy asked impatiently, "Wait for the girl to take a seat before you start asking questions."
"Well, Sir, it's more who exactly it is," Kallus stammered nervously. "You might want to look up."
He did so, and felt his jaw drop. "By all the Manda…"

"Hey Uncle Percy," Sabine Wren greeted.
"Sit down," Percy instructed, "I think we need to have a little more than the standard Candidate Screening Interview."
"I never got the chance to thank you," Sabine said, breaking the slight silence that had fallen between them. "for, you know, getting me out."
"You know you don't need to thank me, Ad'ika," Percy replied, shaking his head. "Ursa regrets doing what she did; she tries to hide it, but we can all tell."

"I found a couple of your old friends from the war," She replied with a small smile. "A Jedi Master di Angelo, and Captain Rex."
"Master, huh?" Percy mused with a huff, "Weird to think that he's got old. You know he was twelve when I first met him?"
"He's definitely not twelve anymore," Sabine grinned. "Made a whole order of Jedi."
"So the Clone Wars-Era fleet of modified fighters isn't some weird zealot trying to give Kallus here a heart attack?" Percy joked, chucking as the ISB Agent groaned behind him.
"Nope," Sabine smirked. Just the revived Jedi Order."

"So you're clearly on a mission here," Percy guessed. "Care to let me in on the secret?"
"ISB was made aware a few days ago of a group of dissenting pilots coming to Skystrike," Kallus informed him. "I relayed the message to Rebel Command, and evidently Miss Wren was the one sent out to retrieve them."
"Extraction plan?" Percy asked, steepling his fingers.
"Pickup ship waiting for a quick response message, and Agents on standby on the surface."
"Good," Percy nodded approvingly. "I assume your agents are good enough to get out themselves if needed?"
"Of course," Sabine nodded, "Three Jedi, all fully trained."
"Good. Kallus, you know which students are the dissenters?"
"Antilles, Klivian, Gahree," Kallus listed off nonchalantly. "Hangar 22?"
"Hangar 22," Percy nodded. "You'll like what you find there, Ad'ika,"

"Thank you, Uncle," Sabine nodded. "We'll get out when we get the chance."
"Just make sure you make it convincing," Percy agreed. "Your best chance is at 0400."

Light Freighter Mist, Montross System, Mid Rim, 2 BBY
"Master, we've had a ping from the Station," Kanan Jarrus informed Nico, stepping onto the bridge of the Mist. "It's Sabine."
"Patch it through," Nico nodded, flicking the holotable to be able to receive it.
"General, this is Spectre 5, here for pickup."
"Inbound on your position, Spectre 5," Nico replied, flicking the switch to switch the Mist's systems online. "Fighters coming in to cover your escape."
With a quick message to the Padawans piloting the pair of Aethersprites currently docked to the Mist, the pair of them were out, covering off the escapees' rear from potential pursuit.

"Oh, I wouldn't worry about people chasing us," Sabine chuckled. "As far as they think, my uncle's on a quick flight to inspect systems on the surface."
"Why would they think that?" Kanan asked, perplexed.
"Because we're in his fighter, and took off from his personal hangar," Sabine laughed.
Nico threw his head back in laughter, applauding the pair of Mandalorians silently. "The next time I meet that man…" he mused aloud, still holding back his laughs.
"We do try," Sabine smirked back.

Tritonis Stronghold, Krownest, New Kleyman System, 2 BBY
"Father, the Rebels have informed me of a loss of communications to the Protectors of Concord Dawn. Fenn Rau is a Rebel Hostage by choice, and conveys his worry for his charges."
"I will send a team to investigate this issue, Perseus," Poseidon replied. "Thank you for bringing this to my attention.
"It is reported that Gar Saxon has wiped out the entire camp," Percy replied bluntly. "Five of our clan's own warriors, including Pallas."
"WHAT?" Triton demanded, rising to his feet. "Brother, state your source and the culprit, else I will declare war on the shab-stinking Empire myself."
"A former ally of mine within the Admiralty, Lady Athena of Alderaan, informed me that it was her transports which escorted Saxon Warriors and Bombers into the camp," Percy replied grimly. "I am yet to survey the site for survivors, but it doesn't look good, Triton."

"Perseus, Triton, Reyna, go," Poseidon instructed. "If confronted, you have my permission to open fire on any hostile operators. Tritonis blood has been spilled. It will be avenged."
"Your wish is my command, My Lord," Reyna said, standing up from her own seat within the court, preventing her husband and Brother-in-Law from going any further, "In your name, so be it."

Protectors Camp, Third Moon of Concord Dawn, Mandalore Sector, 2 BBY
"Right, heads up," Percy instructed sharply as the Kom'rk's bay doors opened, ready to release the small team of Mandalorian Warriors.
Back in the days of old, it would be common for Nobles of Mandalorian houses to visit the home of the Royal Guard. The home of some of the finest warriors from across the clans.
Now, however?
The camp lay in tatters, fresh smoke still curling from the husks of hangars.

"A massacre," Triton snarled. "None of the fighters left the ground."
"Aerial bombardment," Reyna agreed. "They had no chance."
"Come," Percy urged. "The Empire will be monitoring this place; they will back off if it comes to a confrontation, but I'd rather it doesn't go there."
His brother and wife followed, the team of four of Triton's elite soldiers following closely behind, systematically clearing buildings and checking for any sign of survivors.

"The home of our Royal Guard," Percy sighed, brushing a hand down the frame of the door of a burned-out barracks, "I might have died here, if Selene had made it back to Krownest with me as she planned. Father always said that if she'd brought me back here, I'd have been volunteered for the Royal Guard."
Reyna placed a hand on his shoulder. "We all make our way. You've made yours."
"I know," he sighed. "I do wonder, though; would we ever have met if I'd never have joined the Academy?"
"Who knows?" She murmured. "The galaxy works in mysterious ways."

"Pallas was always meant to fly," Percy told her. "I feel like, deep down, she always wanted to die in the air. Gar Saxon took that from her."
"And he will pay dearly," Reyna told him firmly, "Just wait for our moment, and we'll tear his clan and supporters down, brick by brick."
"Damn right you are, Reyna," Triton joined the conversation. "That aruetii will see everything that he has built burn to a crisp. To attack the Royal Guard, the Protectors, is to attack the people of Mandalore themselves.
"Sir, incoming shuttle!" the pilot announced over the net, "Moving to engage."
"Check it out first, Felix," Triton instructed, "Do not fire unless fired upon."
"Your word, Alor," the man replied obediently.

"Felix, get me in touch with the pilot," Percy instructed. "Hail them down."
"Yes Sir," the man replied, patching the message through.
"Unidentified craft, this is Clan Tritonis Patrol, requesting your identity and intentions."
"Tritonis Soldiers, do not fire, I repeat, do not fire," a voice spoke in clear Mando'a, "This is Fenn Rau, Protector of Concord Dawn, requesting permission to land. I am a friend to Perseus, son of Count Poseidon Tritonis."
"Land, Fenn Rau, Protector of Concord Dawn," Percy replied. "You are safe among friends."
"Roger that, Tritonis Patrol, making to land on your position."

The shuttle touched down soon after, the shape of the craft suggesting that it were some kind of leech - capable of flying under its own steam, but better used as a personnel carrier, attached to a larger freighter. Upon its tail sat the emblem of the Firebird, widely recognised as the calling card of the Rebellion.
The ramp dropped, Fenn Rau, Sabine Wren and an unknown boy exiting the craft.

"Our condolences to you, Fenn Rau, Protector of Concord Dawn," Triton greeted.
"Heir Tritonis," Rau replied, "I am surprised to see you here."
"The Royal Guard was attacked," Triton replied. "All clans loyal to the throne ought to have come, not just mine. My own daughter was killed in this action."
"A brave pilot," Rau sympathised, "As all the Protectors were."
"That they were," Percy agreed, entering the conversation.

"Uncle Percy?" Sabine asked, stepping forwards subconsciously.
"Uncle Percy? Who's Uncle Percy?" the third Rebel, Ezra Bridger, asked, his confusion sending his voice into a stammer.
"The one who threw you across an Imperial Landing Pad," Sabine snarked at the boy, and Percy chuckled despite himself.
"Well, it's, ah, good to meet you Sir," Bridger greeted, offering a nervous hand for Percy to shake.
"I have heard of your exploits, Bridger," Percy told the Jedi, "Grand Admiral Thrawn has been most surprised by your resourcefulness."
"You know Thrawn?" Ezra asked?"
"I do," Percy nodded.

"Then how do we beat him?" The Jedi demanded. "He's the one that's doing this to the Outer Rim."
"Ambition?" Percy mused, "Not a very Jedi trait. I thought Nico was your Master?"
"Kanan is my master," Bridger retorted, "We don't need to be part of some order just to be Jedi."
"Even so," Percy advised, "you can never learn from too many people, especially when the options presented to you have such valuable experience. I seem to remember that you learned a thing or two from Ahsoka?"

"Don't you go speaking her name," Bridger snarled. "You don't know her."
"Know her?" Triton laughed. "Boy, learn who you're speaking to before you spew meaningless words. Perseus fought alongside Lady Tano for two years, from Christophsis until she left the order. All three of us," he gestured at himself, Percy and Rau, "Saved your master once upon a time."
"What Triton will not tell you, Ezra Bridger," Rau added, "is that he, alongside his cousin, Sabine Wren's mother Ursa, as well as Lady Bo-Katan Kryze behind whom the banners of Mandalore's resistance assemble, fought alongside Lady Tano to lift Maul's siege of Mandalore."
"Di'kut," Sabine muttered, and Percy bit back a chuckle.

"Perseus, it would not do for us to be seen together," Rau told Percy. "Clan Saxon will know that we are here."
"They have struck the Protectors," Percy countered. "It would be an insult for us not to be here."
"Yes, but that is not the story that Gar Saxon will spin, and you know it," Rau said, placing a hand on Percy's shoulder. "I know that you wish for there to be war to restore Mandalore, but this is not the way that it will come to be. Not on my account."
"On your head be it," Percy nodded. "Once more, my condolences for your loss. The true warriors of House Vizsla will be glad to aid you in the replenishment of your numbers when the time comes."
"Thank you, old friend. Until we meet again."

Chopper Base, Atollon, Lothal Sector, 2 BBY
"What seems to be the problem, Captain Syndulla?" Nico asked as the Twi'lek appeared on his holodisk's projection.
"Sabine has found the Darksaber," Hera told him, blunt and to the point. "Kanan knows that, one day, someone must teach her to use it."
"You want me to teach her in the way of the blade," the Umbaran surmised. "I will do so, if Kanan Jarrus will allow me to do so."
"Thank you, General."

It appeared as though Hera was done there, but she seemed to be hesitating.
"You have something on your mind, Captain?" Nico pressed gently. "Do not be afraid to ask things of me. The worst I can say is 'no'."
"Kanan…" Hera struggled to find the words. "He is proud. As much as he wants to deny that he can learn from you, and that Ezra can learn from you, I can tell that he really knows it."
"I will not force my tutelage upon him, Captain; I have a student already. If he comes to me, however, I will not refuse him."
"Earn his trust, and he'll entrust you with Sabine."
"Then I shall do my utmost, should he consider me an option, Captain."

Chopper Base, Atollon, Lothal Sector, 2 BBY
"Master di Angelo? The former Jedi Padawan asked as he approached the camp which the Jedi had set up, slightly outside the boundaries of Chopper Base itself.
"Ah, Caleb Dume," Nico observed. He knew, of course, that the man went by a different name, but since Jarrus had brought his padawan, Nico knew that there was a lesson to be taught here.
"Don't go by Caleb anymore," Kanan muttered, "It's Kanan now. Has been since…"
"Since not long after the Order fell, yes," Nico empathised, placing a hand on his fellow Jedi's shoulder. "I came across Styles and Grey on my travels. They are the reason that I own half the ships I do."

"Then why use the name, Master?" Jarrus asked.
"Perhaps I was just short of memory," Nico mused. "Perhaps I wished to prove a point."
"I don't get it," Ezra Bridger remarked, frowning. "If his name's Kanan, call him Kanan, right?"
"Indeed, young Bridger," Nico smiled. "And yet the first time I met him, he was not Kanan. He was a Padawan of the Jedi Order, by the name of Caleb Dune. What does that tell you?"
"That he changed his name?" Bridger guessed.

"You do not wish to use your brain," Nico admonished. "You are a Jedi. You have been given a talent that many could only dream of. Use it."
Jarrus looked at his apprentice, then again at Nico. He smirked.
"You sound like your Master," Kanan observed.
"High praise indeed," Nico replied. "If I can be a shred of the Master and the man that he was, that would be some achievement. Praise aside, your answer, Ezra?"

"Change," Ezra answered thoughtfully. "You're telling me to just accept change."
"Perfect," Nico smiled. "Just as Kanan Jarrus was once Caleb Dume, and as the Empire was once a Republic. Just as you were once a lost boy on a street, and as this planet was a beacon of the force. There will always be change. This is merely the way of the force."

"You're talking like we're sages, not warriors," Ezra pointed out, folding his arms. "Weren't the Jedi, like, the best fighters in the galaxy?"
"You confuse us for the Mandalorians," Nico replied, a smirk tugging at his lips. "The Jedi are renowned for martial prowess, yes, but warriors we are not."
"Then why does everyone call you General?"
"There was a time when I commanded troops," Nico told Ezra. "Much as your own Master once commanded soldiers. It was a trap, Bridger, one designed to exterminate us."
"By the Empire," Ezra realised, brow hardening as he spat out the words.

"Was it really their fault, Ezra?" Kanan asked, putting a hand on his apprentice's shoulder. "Most of the people at the bottom of the chain of command are just there to get a job. They're the ones who are forced to fight and die, but it's not them that we're trying to beat here."
"Good, Kanan Jarrus. It's pleasing to know that Ahsoka's praise of you was not undeserving."
"Praise from her means a lot," Kanan nodded. "She was a good person."
"She was a good friend," Nico agreed. Something tells me, however, that she is not as gone as events on Malachor would suggest."
"How?" Ezra blurted out, "We saw her die! Nobody could survive that."
"The force works in mysterious ways," Kanan surmised, and Nico nodded thoughtfully.

"Perceptive, and yet the words are not your own, Jarrus," Nico observed, a small smile playing across his lips.
Kanan chuckled, and Nico raised an eyebrow.
"Nothing, Master," Kanan told him, "Just that you sound like Master Billaba did when she was teaching me something."
"A true piece of praise, Kanan," Nico told him. "I'm humbled. Master Billaba was an excellent Master of the Order, by all counts. Master Kenobi always spoke highly of her."

"It would be nice to test my skills against you some time, Master," Kanan said, "Perhaps you can pass on some more of what you learned."
"You know what time to be awake, Kanan," Nico said, and the Umbaran found himself smirking as the Padawan of Depa Billaba let out a groan. "See you tomorrow morning. Bring your Padawan; I believe that he might just pick up a thing or two."

Chopper Base, Atollon, Lothal Sector, 2 BBY
"Ah, excellent," Nico praised as the pair of Rebels made their way into his training camp. Already, the Jedi had begun their training, Masters guiding their Padawans through various lightsaber katas, or their various lessons in meditation and the ways of the Force. The Umbaran smiled as he noticed the Padawan from Lothal looking around in wonder at what was an inkling of what the Order had once been.
"I'm glad you came, Ezra," Nico told the lad, "Atalanta has wished to pass on a lesson or two to you for some time now, and refuses to take on a true Padawan until she's had the chance to do so. Supposedly she took a fancy to your original sabre design, and wished to explore how you could adapt the forms to that style."

"Err, it sounds fun," Ezra offered. "If that's okay with you, Kanan?"
"Oh, don't you worry, young one," Nico chuckled, "It was commonplace, once, for students to seek out many Masters in search of knowledge; I, for one, found myself training with Masters Billaba and Windu, while searching for knowledge relating to the forms of Juyo and Vaapad. Your own Master has been learning the ways of the force from a neutral of some sort. The Bendu, as he introduced himself to me."
"My Master was secretive about that form," Kanan told the Umbaran, "Said that only those with supreme control over their emotions would be able to use it."
"So Master Windu told me," Nico agreed. "Indeed, you have very recently tapped into a place within yourself where you could channel that form, should you wish to learn."
Kanan shook his head. "There's a certain… darkness, that Master Billaba entered, when she used that form. I never liked it."
Nico nodded. "Come, Kanan Jarrus; we have much to discuss, and your Padawan has something to learn.

Chopper Base, Atollon, Lothal Sector, 2 BBY
The sun was beginning to set when the Jedi camp on Atollon was called to a halt; a rare occurrence for the resurgent order, but nobody questioned it, gathering in a semicircle outside the main training area. At the centre of the circle that they formed stood Nico, a smirk tugging at his lips, opposite Kanan Jarrus.
"Kanan Jarrus, Knight of the Jedi Order as ordained by Grand Master Yoda, has requested an exhibition duel against me," Nico informed the assembled Order, gesturing to the cowled man opposite. "Blades are set to their training setting, and Master Phaeris will stand as officiator. As is traditional, any objections are to be made now."
Nobody spoke.

"On my mark, Bow," Achilles instructed, and the pair did so, Kanan going markedly lower than the Umbaran as a mark of respect. The pair took their guard, and immediately Nico saw that the man favoured the Duellist's form, Makashi.
Nico waited, his eyes fixed upon his opponent's face.
A twitch and then -
Jarrus attacked, his single-handed grip allowing him to change the direction of his strikes in the blink of an eye, from left to right, each move flowing into the next with thetrue grace of a Makashi duellist.

"Notice how Kanan holds his blade out in front of him," Nico lectured the watching crowd as he backed off. "This, paired with the side-on stance, protects his body from my attacks."
Nico responded now, shifting from his right to his left and darting inside the blind man's reach. Jarrus responded with an open-handed shove, using the force to aid him as he defended himself from the Umbaran Master's assault.

"Once more," Nico continued, "he uses his stance to defend competently, and he understands that the Force is his ally. A skill that many of you forget in your own duels."
Now, however, Nico knew that the man's skills demanded testing. He couldn't do as he planned to if he didn't give Jarrus a good chance to acquit himself before the order, in any case.
Closing his eyes as Kanan advanced, he fended off his opponent's attacks, darting in and out of range as he channelled within himself the emotion which Master Windu had once described to him.
The darkness was one that he had first felt truly on Umbara, using it to best the fallen Jedi, Master Pong Krell in single combat. Since then, Windu had tutored him closely in the art of controlling it; wielding it as a weapon, in tandem with the Force and his body, to create a new form of duelling.

"You're using the form," Jarrus observed, switching his guard the moment he noticed Nico's expression fall into what could only be described as an eerie sense of calm.
"And you will defend against it," Nico told the man. "Your legacy within this order stands on the line."
Jarrus bowed once more; no longer was this a duel for the purpose of teaching; this was a test of his mettle.

Nico attacked, pulling Jarrus' lead arm ever so slightly forwards through the force to throw him off balance, before batting his sabre out of the way and striking, hard, for the neck. Jarrus dropped, his sabre being withdrawn as he fell into a roll and igniting once more as he sprung to his feet, reassuming his immaculate guard, blade out in front of himself and body side-on, waiting for Nico to assault him.
It was possibly the best way that a Classical Jedi could fight, mirroring the old Order's teachings of avoiding a fight as a first resort, and aiming not to kill, but to wound and subdue.

Vaapad, however, cared little for that. Within Master Windu's form sat the Dark tendency of aggression; a ruthlessness that dictated that he go in for the kill, reined in by control that only a Master Jedi could exert.
His blade became a whirlwind, the Umbaran letting go of the blade with his less dominant hand, twirling it into a pair of vicious cross strikes that Jarrus was forced to evade, and then doubling him over with a jab to the centre. This was the time to capitalise.

Springing into the air with the Force taking him higher than any human could reasonably leap, he delivered a devastating spinning heel kick to the blind man's jaw, rocking him and dropping him to a knee.
Nico reassumed his guard.
"Up, Jarrus, or are you so easily beaten?"
The man staggered to his feet, grimacing as he reassumed his guard.

"You cannot win if you do not fight," Nico taunted, testing his defences once more with a series of strikes aimed at the torso, each of which was deflected. The Knight, however, was flagging.
"I don't need to fight these Inquisitors and Sith Lords," Jarrus replied. "Only survive."
"If you will not defeat them, who will?" Nico pressed, driving the man back once more with a flurry of blows, leaping over his opponent's head as they approached the edge of the arena, sweeping his leg and dropping him to a knee once more, this time continuing with his momentum as the sweep flowed into a reverse-handed strike to the head; one that should reasonably have ended any duel.
He found his momentum blocked, however, by Jarrus' own blade, ignited and holding his own green one at bay.

"That is enough," Nico stated, shutting off his sabre and helping Jarrus to his feet. "Well fought, Kanan."
"My Master taught me well."
"As you teach your apprentice," Nico nodded.
"I… ah, I try," Kanan agreed, bowing his head slightly.
"Kneel, Kanan Jarrus," Nico ordered, igniting his sabre once more. "Before the assembled Jedi Order, kneel."
He did so without question.

Repeating a move that he had only done for students that he himself had taught for the first ever time on an outsider was a peculiar feeling for Nico, but he knew that this man was just as deserving of the title as any other.
In three precise movements, his emerald blade touched each of the man's shoulders, and then his head. He heard the man's breath hitch in his throat as he realised just what was being done.
"Rise, Kanan Jarrus, Master of the Jedi Order."

A/N
Okay, lots to unpack here, eh?
Firstly, Percy bringing the Rebellion's leaders together; that's not him trying to be a leader, just him knowing the right people. He's Percy Jackson - never one to take leadership by choice, but a damn good one when he needs to be. This was always just a waypoint that needed to be hit - a load of Percy's old allies finding themselves in the right positions to support the Rebellion. Nothing changes, I've just given faces to the people who funded and supplied the early Rebel effort.
The Mandalorian bit - Athena killing Pallas, because Greek Mythology references are cool. The Protectors are canonically the Royal Guard, drawn from all the clans of Mandalore. Canonically they're distrustful of Kyr'tsad, but here Percy and Rau are friends thanks to their shaky alliance on Mygeeto, which kind of stayed due to some random Mandalorian Warrior respect. Hence the union of Mandalorian clans too - basically it becomes obvious that they've got priorities beyond hating one another.
Kanan's official declaration of Master was just a 'me' thing - felt necessary, and here there was a way for it to happen.

Anyway, next up is Sabine's training with the Darksaber, as was hinted at before, and then some more fun Mandalorian stuff. For context, we're about a quarter of the way through SW Rebels S3, probably just before Ghosts of Geonosis. As nice as 'The Last Battle' and so on are, Ezra isn't a POV character here. He's getting development just like all my other characters did, but like Jason, Frank, Hazel etc, he's not as big a part in this story as others are.
There just isn't enough reason to write that part of the show if I'm not changing it - that isn't fanfiction, that's plagiarism.
Rant over - Hope you enjoyed the chapter, thanks as usual to Dudududhehe for his help too, appreciated as always.
Until next time, then,
Sol
(I don't own PJO, Star Wars or any related media)