Chapter 30 - Mandalorian Negotiations Part II (26 BBY)
Kastor grinned, watching Rhys and Siri both participate in the Ancient Mandalorian Battle Circle while Ferus observed. Baylan and Finn were both exploring the planet and collecting samples that they could provide to the AgriCorps to help speed up their work when they arrived.
Kastor's team had already reached out to the AgriCorps, and Jedi were being dispatched to Ordo, Phindar, Nog, and Fenel, the latter three of which were still uninhabited due to the destruction dealt during the Excision. The AgriCorps had been made aware of Kastor's plans and the Council's approval and had shifted enough Service Corps Jedi to manage those four planets initially, and as Kastor's team moved through Mandalorian space, they would be prepared to send Jedi to other worlds that were opened to them.
It had been three weeks since they initially landed on Ordo, and in that time, the eight initial clans had been working with the Jedi to spread the word to their fellow Mandalorians and gain support for the plans. Kastor figured it would be a few more weeks before the majority of the clans on the planet had pledged their support, but he'd never expected this mission to be short term.
Still, negotiating or earning favor with Mandalorians was sometimes quite refreshing. Sometimes all a Clan wanted was proof that the Jedi were as great of warriors as rumored, which meant a fight in the Battle Circle on the terms of the host family. So far, every Jedi and Rhys had all fought several Mandalorians, but with every victory, their numbers grew and those against them faltered.
"I'm curious, Master Jedi," a voice cut through his thoughts, and he turned to Romana Jakal, Khaeno Ordo, Ika Bralor, and Karva Gorr who were next to him also observing the Battle Circles with interest. It was Romana who had spoken.
"Oh? What are you curious about?" Kastor asked.
"Everything you've been saying over the past weeks has been true," Romana said matter of factly, "but at the same time, I can't help but feel that you've left something out, that you've hidden some of your reasoning for trying to form this alliance . . ."
"And you want to know what that reasoning is and why I've hidden it," Kastor said, not bothering to deny her claims.
"Indeed," Romana said.
Kastor mulled it over, but the Force was telling him that it was safe to talk to these Clan leaders.
"When I was awoken from my Force induced deep slumber," Kastor said, "I was gifted with visions through the Force."
"I've heard of such things," Ika said. "They say Jedi can see the future."
Kastor grimaced. "Yes, and no. Not all Jedi get visions, and some see more clearly than others, but the fact is that the future is always in motion. Often, Jedi visions are only brief glimpses of what might happen but none of the clues that show what leads up to a major event. It can be very frustrating. History is littered with Jedi, Sith, and other non-affiliated Force users who have caused the very future they were trying to prevent, simply by taking actions to try and prevent their vision. Other times, things have been changed and events have been prevented, both for the better or sometimes the worse."
"That's all very interesting, but what does that have to do with us?" Khaeno said impatiently, and Kastor grinned slightly before becoming solemn again.
"My visions showed me small and large glimpses of hundreds of possible futures," Kastor said, gazing out on the fields. "I can't remember everything I saw, but at times, things will come back to me, reminding me of things I saw in the visions, but don't remember. In a great many of these visions, I foresaw the destruction of the Jedi Order and the establishment of some sort of new galactic dictatorship led by the Sith, or at least those I believed were the Sith."
"So, you are trying to prevent the destruction of the Order by creating alliances?" Ika asked with a frown.
"I do not believe the destruction of the Order can be prevented anymore," Kastor admitted to the Mandalorians' surprise. "As Mandalorians know well, it's nearly impossible to completely eradicate something, and based on my visions, the same holds true. There will be survivors that will go into hiding to rebuild and bide their time before eventually they will rise up again. The Order hasn't survived 25,000 years in various forms to die out now. In many ways, I feel the Order and the Mandalorians have that in common. We'll always exist in some manner. Our strength rises and falls, but we always survive."
The Mandalorians all nodded at that in agreement. Kastor shook his head and sighed.
"Of course, I hope I'm wrong, and I'm working tirelessly to prevent this purge, but I am only one man, and our enemies have hidden for almost a millenia plotting our destruction. I refuse to underestimate their abilities."
"What does this have to do with us?" Karva asked, repeating Kaeno's words.
"As I said, some of these visions come and go," Kastor said with a rueful shrug. "One set of visions I've seen more recently was of Jedi and Mandalorians fighting side by side, fighting other Mandalorians wearing the new enemy's marking, and fighting for their survival. Mandalore, as it currently is, isn't strong enough to remain neutral against a Sith Empire, like they've done in the past, and no galactic spanning empire will want to allow the Mandalorians to exist outside of their control. You're too powerful for that, even when split. You always have been."
He got approving nods to his words.
"I'm really just trying to create allies with which we can strike back when the time is right, while attempting to mitigate casualties and set up one of the better futures that I foresaw," Kastor said. "I believe there will come a time when true Mandalorians and Jedi need to disappear from public view for a while or at least keep low profiles, and I'd like to establish those bonds now so that later on we can work together to ensure our mutual survival and then ensure our mutual return."
"Why did you not reveal this with your other reasons?" Romana asked.
Kastor grimaced. "First, my opinions are not universally shared nor known throughout the Order. My visions have not been spread far, and admittedly, I'd like to keep it that way, which is my second reason . . . because our Sith enemies do not know what I suspect . . . what I've seen. I've been trying to counter their actions, with little success, I suspect," Kastor admitted, "but at the same time, I've been working on my own to help the Jedi Order survive the death of the Republic we know. What better allies are there than those who have been one of the only entities to go hit for hit with the Jedi Order and the only entity to go blow for blow against both the Jedi and the Sith?"
Karva started laughing and Kastor glanced at him in surprise.
"You are a strange, but honorable man, Kastor Shan," he said with a laugh. "You seek to change that which has always been, forge bonds with those who have never had strong bonds, and yet something about you makes me believe you can succeed. Your honesty is refreshing, and your trust will be honored. I don't know if there will ever be a true alliance between Mandalorians and the Order. Mandalorians generally do not make long lasting bonds or treaties with foreign powers. We struggle enough with getting along with each other. Conflict is in our blood. However, I think I will look forward to seeing what you accomplish in the years to come. The blood of Revan runs strong, and if you need a Mandalorian's aid in your fight, Clan Gorr is with you."
Khaeno, Romana, and Ika all exchanged glances and grinned viciously.
"It seems that the blood of Revan runs strong indeed. I agree with Clan Gorr. Perhaps an alliance between our two people will stand the test of time, perhaps not, but it matters little to me. Until your song is sung, Clan Ordo is with you."
"Clan Jakal is with you."
"Clan Bralor is with you."
Kastor stared at them stunned, not having expected this. He turned to them and bowed respectfully. "You honor me greatly. I will strive to make sure that I'm worthy of your trust and comradeship. Our song has just started, and may we ensure that it is a glorious and long epic!"
**The Will of the Force**
(~ 10 months later)
Kastor was proud of what his team had accomplished over the past eleven months. The Jedi AgriCorps were now present on Ordo, Krownest, Calamala, Mandallia, Shukut, Phindar, Nog, and Fenel. If anything, in his opinion, the AgriCorps was finally being utilized to the best of its ability, rather than simply helping already wealthy worlds increase their output into the galaxy. While it was helpful to help other worlds' increase the output, since it helped minimize famine throughout the galaxy, their restoration efforts were more of what many of the Service Jedi hoped to do and what the Corps had been originally made for . . . helping worlds that needed aid to sustain food for their populations.
They now, officially, had the support of all the Resol'nare Mandalorian leaning worlds, and were ready to move to Concord Dawn and speak to the Protectors. Sure, there were holdouts on every planet, Clans who simply distrusted the Jedi and always would, and it hadn't been easy, with fights breaking out constantly, but they were firmly established in their alliance. If all went well, Kastor had hopes that they'd find themselves talking to the Duchess within a month, perhaps within a fortnight.
Their team had grown as nearly a company's worth of Mandalorian warriors had joined them on their journey from each world to the next, ensuring that each world understood that the Jedi already had Mandalorian backing, and to help re-establish bonds between different Clans, to help re-establish the old alliances.
Due to this, they had the appearance of a small fleet with five Kom'rk fighter-transports and fifteen smaller Fang-fighter escorts that moved along with the Ebon Hawk. One Kom'rk and three Fangs for each planet they'd visited up to this point. They had made many connections and contacts among the various Mandalorian clans, and Kastor knew that they were well on the way to forming the alliance that Kastor had hoped for. Even if the Duchess was unwilling to negotiate, Kastor knew they had formed an alliance not to be trifled with. Kastor felt that relations between the Mandalorians and Jedi were at the highest they had been since the days of Meetra Surik, which was no small feat.
If the Duchess was amenable to negotiations, then this mission might very well be over within the next four to six months, since after initial talks, the Jedi would need to pull back and let the Mandalorians figure out how to manage themselves while figuring out where a Jedi alliance fit in.
"Who would have thought that it would be Jedi that would help gather this many Mandalorian clans together in support of a cause?" Asuna Lok, heiress of Clan Lok, a terrifyingly efficient woman with long chestnut hair, said with an amused tone.
There were grunts of amused laughter going around the camp at her words. Kastor looked around the camp with a sense of comfort, seeing people drinking, laughing, arguing. Disagreements with Mandalorians could become physical . . . often did . . . but Mandalorians were honorable people and the camaraderie among them was much to be admired. It was similar to the Jedi at the Temple in a way, but more attached . . . and certainly less dignified. It was what Kastor hoped the Jedi could emulate somewhat someday . . . maybe without the possible duels to the death.
Kastor looked around for his team. Baylan was speaking to Mandos from the Folstock and Brangar clans . . . probably talking to them about farming on the planet of Mandallia. His powerful demeanor, quiet confidence, and skill with a blade had won him great respect among many Mandalorians, especially many of the older ones. Baylan had seemed quite at ease among the Mandalorians and how they lived their lives, and Kastor had found a lot to admire in the man over the months they'd worked together.
Rhys was sitting next to Asuna. His young friend seemed a bit enamored with the Lok heiress. Then again, beautiful, brilliant, and brutal were three words to describe Asuna Lok . . . and that just happened to be Rhys's deadly trifecta of attraction. Kastor always joked with his friend that his tastes in women were either going to find him an incredible companion or get him killed . . . perhaps both. In this case though, the young warrior didn't seem opposed to Rhys's interest. Kastor did need to consider that Rhys himself was a fierce warrior in his own right and he had learned quite a bit while working with the various Mandalorian clans over the past months. He was an attractive younger man with a good disposition. Honestly, Kastor could see Rhys thriving in a Mandalorian culture, but it was up to the Force and the two involved to see if it would last.
Finn was off with another crowd. Kastor recognized Anya Cadera, Shisui Dyre, and Khassola Ordo among the crowd. Finn was another interesting find in Kastor's estimation. He'd heard of her kind, selfless, and dedicated personality, and she certainly lived up to all of that. Beyond that, she was a skilled fighter, had a sly and delightful sense of humor, and he'd seen her flirt with several of the Mandalorians, both male and female. Now, the majority of the Jedi Order weren't exactly celibate. Some were, and generally the older the Jedi, the more likely they practiced celibacy, even if they hadn't done so in their youth. Younger Jedi tended to be more open and accepting of having a night with someone, and Kastor certainly knew there were some who did "sleep around" as some would say. So, Finn could be like that, but Kastor knew that it was those Jedi most open to those types of interactions that might be only a chance encounter away from finding someone that means more to them.
He figured it was a good idea to keep his eyes on Finn, and if he was right, then maybe he could help her and intervene with the Council. If he was wrong, then he still had a new friend in the Order, something you could never have too many of, in Kastor's opinion.
"Alright, Jedi. Let's see if you drink as well as you fight!"
Kastor grinned over at where Siri had just gotten done beating a Mandalorian challenger, a woman named Njonne of Clan Jaing. The blonde Mandalorian was of a cheery and friendly disposition, an interesting combo from a Mandalorian, and seemed determined to be Siri's best friend mainly because Siri was being her normal publicly aloof self . . . or at least she was trying to.
As far as Kastor could tell, Siri was losing on that front, finding herself enjoying the company of several of the Mandalorians that were with them, including the friendly Njonne. To Njonne, it was a worthy challenge with a great reward upon success. True friends, allies, or comrades were highly prized by Mandalorians. Another thing to admire in their culture.
"Make me proud ad'ika!" Kastor called over, and Siri shot him an amused look that turned mischievous.
Poor Ferus was looking at his Master from where he sat a bit away from her in surprise and incredulity. It probably didn't help that he was the one member of the team that hadn't completely loosened up, though he had gotten more friendly and been more open around Mandalorians. He had learned a lot, and was always seeking to learn more of the culture and history of whichever planet they were on. Mandalorians were just a lot less formal and dignified, and sometimes Ferus struggled to unwind.
"Surely you should join us, buir?" Siri responded teasingly, and Kastor saw amusement appear on Rhys's and Asuna's face near him.
"Surely you won't let her call you out like that and not prove yourself?" Rhys said archly, and Asuna laughed.
"One doesn't speak unless one knows," Kastor responded with a sigh and got a cheer from the Mandalorians around him as he got up and moved over to where drinks were already being poured.
He grabbed a mug and clinked it with the rest that were participating and downed it as Siri laughed and took a shot herself.
Kastor grinned over at Siri, enjoying seeing her having a good time. He took the next drink from a laughing Asuna who had come over with Rhys to join them.
"This is what happens when I hang around my surrogate kids," Kastor muttered at Siri and Rhys, and Siri grinned and moved over wrapping an arm around his waist, and leaned against him with a familiar side hug.
"Hey, without most of your 'kids' you'd still be sitting in the Ebon Hawk's bay floating through space," Siri responded.
"It was certainly more peaceful," Kastor responded mournfully, and she punched him lightly in the side, and he laughed, "but also far more boring."
Siri nodded approvingly and Rhys, Njonne, and Asuna passed around another round of drinks. Kastor looked at the glass mournfully. He might be getting too old for this. He just had to hope they were sober enough to survive an encounter with the Protectors tomorrow.
**The Will of the Force**
The Ebon Hawk came out of hyperspace and Kastor and his companions looked out upon the fractured world of Concord Dawn. Out of hyperspace came the rest of their transports and fighters.
It was nice having the Mandalorians with them and it was a good sign that they were accomplishing Kastor's goals, but that didn't mean having a Mandalorian fleet move with them helped with initial entrances. Kastor had to hope that the Protectors didn't just immediately open fire, assuming that they were being invaded.
They made the approach to Concord Dawn slow, and the Ebon Hawk's sensors went off as a dozen fang fighters came into space from the planet's surface.
"Attention unregistered ships. This is Fenn Rau, Protector of Concord Dawn. You are trespassing. Identify yourselves and state your intentions or be destroyed."
"This is Master Kastor Shan of the Jedi Order," Kastor responded. "With me are members and representatives of over fifty Mandalorian clans, from every occupied Mandalorian world beyond the Duchess's influence. We come in peace, Protector."
"Ah, so you're the Jedi that has been gathering Mandalorians," Rau responded. "I must admit, Jedi, that you disappointed me."
Kastor frowned, as he saw the startled and confused looks on his companions' faces.
"How so, Protector?" Kastor responded, wondering if he was about to be the cause of a battle.
"Because the other Jedi beat you here by several weeks, because you got here sooner than I expected after I was told of your plans, and because your arrival today means I lost a bet," Rau responded, and he thought he heard a slightly sour, yet amused tinge to the man's voice. "I really hate to lose."
Kastor glanced at the others in the cockpit and saw his baffled face reflected on theirs. Word of their activities getting out wasn't unexpected, but their plans were another thing.
"Other Jedi, Protector?" Kastor asked.
"You have permission to land," Rau responded. "I'm not a messenger. You can see for yourself."
"What other Jedi are involved, Shan?" Asuna's voice came through the comms system.
"I'm not tracking any other Jedi involved," Kastor responded, and he glanced at his fellow Jedi who also shook their heads, "and neither are any of my fellow Jedi. Last I talked to the Council, they were leaving it to us."
"So who could this Jedi be?" Ika's voice asked.
"I'm not sure," Kastor admitted, a bit nervous knowing that there was certainly at least one Sith Lord active that could certainly pose as a Jedi to set up a trap. Perhaps more. As much as he wanted to catch the Sith Lord or at least a Sith Lord, starting a Mandalorian civil war wasn't how he wanted to do it. "I'll simply say that we should be cautious. If it's any enemy, let us Jedi handle the Force user and we'll leave the Mandalorians to you."
"If we land our ships, the Protectors will have air superiority," Kregor Awaud's voice pointed out.
"Yes, but I doubt they have the numbers to counter our full strength," Romana's voice responded.
"We'll play nice for now, and we'll be prepared to kill everyone if things go south," Khaenos Ordo's voice said, brooking no arguments.
Fenn Rau and his squadron escorted the Ebon Hawk and their Mandalorian fleet down to the outskirts of a Mandalorian camp. Kastor figured this was the camp the Protectors operated out of in order to keep problems away from the various towns and cities that dotted the habitable part of Concord Dawn.
As the Ebon Hawk touched down, Kastor gave Rhys a guarded look that the man returned, having already strapped two blaster pistols on his hips, a portable missile launcher on his back, and was carrying a blaster rifle.
As a group they made their way out of the ship, and Kastor was both surprised, and even more unnerved to find a single Mandalorian greeting and escorting their entire party.
"Master Jedi," the Mandalorian said with a curt head nod. "If you and your party will follow me. Fenn Rau and the other Jedi are awaiting you."
"One Mandalorian escort for our entire force?" Karva Gorr asked, and Kastor could almost see the glare through the man's helmet.
The Protector glanced at him. "I thought you were here in peace?"
"We are, but this is highly unusual," Finn said, attempting to dissipate the nervous energy in the air.
"Everything's unusual when Jedi are involved," the Protector responded with a snort. "Follow me."
The Mandalorians started setting up a small temporary camp from which to defend the ships from and to attack if needed, while the ten Mandalorian representatives, chosen to represent their planets, followed Kastor and his team. As they made their way through the, frankly, not large camp, they came to where the man who must be Fenn Rau was standing next to a woman in Jedi robes with a large triumphant smirk on her face, and a steaming cup in her hands.
Kastor glared at her. "Karabast, Fay. We're all on pins and needles wondering if we're walking into a trap and are about to start a civil war and you're here, sipping tea, having the time of your life!"
Fay laughed outright, as the rest of Kastor's group started relaxing. Kastor turned to Fenn Rau, who had removed his helmet and was looking at Kastor with a challenging gaze.
"Fenn Rau," Kastor greeted with a polite bow.
"Kastor Shan," the man replied, and Kastor withheld the grin at the young man's lack of formality. "We should move this reunion and meeting to my command tent."
"After you, Protector," Kastor said, and he motioned for his group to follow them, as he saw the rest of his group eye Fay with interest. Siri, Rhys, and Ferus of course knew her, and he could see Siri fighting off a smile while Rhys hadn't even bothered trying. Ferus had a rather inscrutable look on his face. Kastor couldn't place the emotions, but then he didn't know Ferus nearly well enough to do so. That would be Siri's job to figure out. He wasn't sure if Finn or Baylan had ever met Fay, but he was sure the two Jedi had heard of her, and both wore intrigued looks on their faces. The Mandalorians were impossible to read through his eyes, but the Force told him that most of them had relaxed and there was amusement from some of them, mild irritation from others, but mostly curiosity rising from the group.
Fay fell into step next to him.
"It's great to see you, love," Kastor said, "but I admit I'm wondering what brought you here?"
Fay shrugged, a grin tugging at the corners of her mouth. "The Force didn't seem to need me anywhere, so I thought I'd come join up with your team for a bit and help out. I certainly consider this a worthy cause, and since I've gotten here, the Force has seemed to approve."
Kastor grinned. "Well, you know I'll never complain about your company. This is a wonderful surprise."
Fay's eyes twinkled. "I'm glad you think so," she said warmly as they followed Rau into his command tent, where a few other Protectors were.
"So, seeing who the Jedi is," Kastor said with a glance at Fay who smiled innocently, "then you are well aware of what the Order is offering to every Mandalorian world, and are also aware of what we are hoping to accomplish in regards to Mandalore itself."
Rau nodded, and he sighed. "I was a bit doubtful about Lady Fay's claims, and even more doubtful about your ability to actually accomplish your goal, but you being here is proof that I was wrong." He didn't look happy to have been wrong, but Kastor also felt like he was happy at the overall outcome. "Concord Dawn will accept the aid of the AgriCorps. As for the rest . . . well, I didn't think there was a snowball's chance in hell that we'd ever reach this point, but your very persuasive counterpart has convinced my men and me to back your endeavor."
Kastor smiled in relief, and threw Fay a thankful glance, knowing she'd done her magic and likely worked hard over the past weeks to help get the Protectors to back their line of thinking.
They were another step closer to Kastor's goals.
**The Will of the Force**
Discussions had taken the rest of the day after formal introductions, and it wouldn't have been a Mandalorian meeting if there hadn't been several fights that had broken out as clans that had fought in the past tried to work past their history. In their favor was that the Protectors recruited from nearly every clan, which meant they held no real hate towards most of the Clans with Kastor's group, only really showing their support towards Mandalore itself, which put them slightly at odds with the Mandalorians with Kastor's group, who had mostly disregarded Mandalore's rule and left, but still that was much better than Death Watch who was actively striking at Mandalore.
Siri sat with Rhys and, to Siri's interest, Asuna Lok enjoying a respite after the long winded and sometimes heated discussions. She saw Rhys grin, and she glanced over to see Kastor escorting Fay around to meet the rest of the Mandalorians that were traveling with them, and then she knew he was going to walk around and personally meet every member of the Protectors.
"He's always said diplomacy isn't his strong suit, but I certainly haven't seen a lack of strength in that department," Siri said, and Rhys laughed.
"First, you should keep in mind that he's doing diplomacy with Mandalorians. Not exactly traditional diplomacy. Second, he only says that because he prefers action and espionage," Rhys said.
Siri laughed.
"So he claims bad diplomatic skills so your Council won't assign him those tasks?" Asuna asked with a smirk.
Rhys grinned. "Yep, though if any of his stories and Satele's holocron are anything to go by, I think his claim of being bad at diplomacy was probably fairly true when he was younger. There's a rather good story about how badly he botched a greeting which instead insulted a warlord which led to a three day battle. The conflict was inevitable, but he definitely sped the process up."
"So, what's going on between him and Fay?" Asuna asked, and Rhys and Siri both froze and glanced at the Lok heiress.
They both liked her, and Siri had certainly noted Rhys's attraction to the Mandalorian, but that didn't mean they wanted to be completely open with her.
"They're good friends," Rhys responded. "She's saved his life a couple of times, and he's helped her out a few times, and they've formed a close bond. They have a lot in common."
"Oh, no need to sell that half story to me," Asuna said dismissively. "I know Jedi aren't celibate. You could have simply gone with them sleeping with each other, but your attempt at shielding tells me it's more."
Siri's eyes narrowed.
"That's not something to insinuate openly," Siri said firmly.
"Oh, please," Asuna said with a roll of her eyes. "It's not hard to see he's unconventional, and it's not hard to see that you two know probably everything about him. It's not hard to see that you, Siri Tachi, aren't much different than him, and I'm sure I've heard the name of the Jedi that I would bet my ship you are involved with."
Siri glanced around swiftly, seeing Ferus far enough away to not overhear their conversation.
"We're safe here," Asuna said placatingly, "and I'm certainly not going to judge. I'm just curious. His unconventionalness is what attracts us. It makes us actually trust him since he's not cut from the same cloth as the rest of your Order . . . though admittedly I think many of us are coming to see that perhaps we've wrongly judged the Order in the past."
"Well, maybe your curiosity will go unfulfilled," Rhys said a bit stiffly, and Siri wanted to smile at his show of loyalty.
"No need to get hostile," Asuna said with a smirk before it faded. "I am no fool. I know that several of the oldest and most powerful clans have given their support to that man behind closed doors. Not to the Order. Not the Republic. Not even to Mandalore. To Kastor Shan. There's just something about him . . . and that's not discounting his skill as a warrior. Hell, I'm considering allying Clan Lok with him."
Siri and Rhys looked at her in surprise.
"I don't think you realize how well he's maneuvered himself and the Order by extension among the Houses and Clans," Asuna said seriously. "I don't think you realize how many Mandalorians he has impressed and continues to impress with his unquestioning honor, his knowledge and respect of our ways, and his leadership ability. If he unites Mandalore, he could be the first non-Mandalorian since his ancestor, Revan, that could possibly rule us if he would accept it, which he won't, which only makes him more attractive to us. Shavit, word is Clan Vizsla, which has members in Death Watch, holds the Darksaber and Mand'alor's Mask. Assuming Shan could challenge and earn that blade, he could take control of our society with the support of most of the people, and again, it's obvious he wouldn't. So, yes I'm curious about him, and that extends to that impressive woman that is on his arm. I'm going to talk to him soon directly, but I figured you might give me some information ahead of time."
Siri and Rhys exchanged looks for sighing.
"Kastor is attempting to change the way the Order works in regards to attachments," Siri finally said. "There are some of us that share his beliefs, but we cannot openly acknowledge it. It's being done very quietly, and Fay has no part in that . . . at least not currently. They are together, but none of us really know how close they are. His actions throughout these negotiations between your people and ours have little to do with his stance and work on attachments within the Order. That is something different, and he would be the one you should speak to."
Asuna nodded slowly. "I guess it's time for me to talk to him directly then."
Siri watched her leave, and she suspected that if Kastor was open, as he would be, then he would soon have Clan Lok added to his list of allies.
"Your Padawan still seems extremely confused," Rhys said, breaking her concentration. She glanced over to see that Ferus was indeed looking at Kastor and Fay with a confused face.
"He's no fool, and it's not like Kastor cares one bit about being discreet," Siri said with a snort. "Ferus may not be able to confirm that they are much more committed than I think any of us thought, but he's certainly thinking it, and he's so by the books. It makes him uncomfortable."
Rhys snorted. "It probably doesn't help that he's smart enough to know the Order can't really do much to either of them. Fay hasn't been back to Coruscant in Force knows how long, and is older, wiser, and more experienced than many on the Council, and rarely if ever takes missions from the Council, and Kastor . . ."
"Is Kastor," Siri finished with a wry grin. "I'm hoping this mission would rub off on him a bit more, and in some ways it has . . . "
"But not as much as you would like," Rhys finished, and Siri nodded. "Well, there's still time," Rhys continued. "Fay sped up our approach to Mandalore, but I doubt the Duchess is going to make things easy on us."
"We'll still be at Mandalore within a day or two," Siri responded, "and I'll have different problems once I get there."
Rhys gave her a sly grin. "Like meeting and evaluating Obi's old flame?"
Siri snorted. "You know I only said that to Obi-Wan to make him sweat."
"Of course," Rhys said in agreement, "but you're still going to do it, whether you want to or not."
Siri grinned and nodded. She suspected their time on Mandalore would be quite interesting.
**The Will of the Force**
"I met your ex today," Siri said with a mischievous grin to the holoprojected person in front of her.
Obi-Wan rolled his eyes. "You're incorrigible, Siri. She's not my ex."
"That's not how she tells it," Siri said loftily, and Obi-Wan's eyes narrowed at her, and despite the distance between them, she almost felt like she could feel his dry amusement flowing through their bond.
"You're not going to bait me, Siri. I know you far too well," Obi-Wan remarked.
Siri laughed. "I did talk to her. She recognized my name when Kastor was introducing us, though I think prior to that, she was trying to decide whether to just throw us out of her palace and off her planet. Still, she definitely recognized my name," Siri said, with a gleam in her eyes, a little smug that Obi-Wan had talked about her to his former flame.
"I'm sure I just mentioned a gangly, annoying teenager that I was constantly fighting with," Obi-Wan responded, and Siri's eyes narrowed at him, though inside she was enjoying the byplay, as she always did. Few challenged her like Obi-Wan did.
"I think she was hoping you'd pop out from behind our robes," Siri said with a laugh. "She looked quite disappointed to not see a certain specific dashing Jedi."
Obi-Wan rolled his eyes, but he smiled.
"So, why didn't she throw all of you out of her palace?" Obi-Wan asked.
Siri grinned. "Oh, Kastor gave some rousing speech that helped appeal to her ideals and dreams of peaceful resolutions. She really couldn't outmaneuver him after his closing remarks."
"What did he say?" Obi-Wan said with a grin. "Satine was not one to be outmaneuvered, and not one who gave up easily."
"Well, it was along the lines of these Mandalorians with me have opened their minds, and have agreed that your ideals, your opinions, and your philosophies are valid and can be of great value to the Mandalorian society, and they wish to work with it. In turn, all they ask is that you acknowledge that their beliefs, the beliefs of your forefathers, their ideals, and their philosophies are also valid and that you are willing to sit down and talk with them to help move the Mandalorian culture forward into the next age without completely destroying what existed."
"Along the lines?" Obi-Wan asked amused. "It sounds like you were just as captivated by his words as Satine and her people."
Siri shrugged with a slight smile. "Perhaps I was. I have to give Kas some credit. For a man who claims that diplomacy isn't his strong suit, he's been doing a remarkable job. His lover showing up only helped since Fay's a legend throughout the galaxy and even people like Satine have heard of her. Satine herself admires Fay, thinking her a sign of what a Jedi should be."
"Perhaps she is," Obi-Wan said honestly. "So, everything's good? Discussions have ended? The Mandalorians are evolving and everything has gone splendidly?" Obi-Wan asked with a smile.
Siri rolled her eyes. "Of course not, you infuriating gundark, but discussions are at least opening. Prime Minister Almec seems open, more so than Satine, but the Protectors, along with some of the other clans have pointed out that Satine's police force already engage in violence, proving that her pacifist ideals cannot completely represent the planet and their society."
Obi-Wan nodded. "It's incredible how much you all have accomplished in just under a year. Kastor just might succeed and if he does, you'll have helped right a wrong and possibly reshaped the Mandalorians to being a force for good in this galaxy. Kastor was right. They could prove to be just as important as the Jedi are."
"I think Satine will eventually come around, but it will take some time, and a lot of negotiations," Siri said. "The issue will be calming the Senate afterwards, but we've already had initial talks with the Council to start trying to work Mandalorians into assisting Jedi teams for certain situations. Open bounties will be given to the Mandalorians, and the Jedi will provide certain resources when possible, and provide assignment options for Mandalorians to take, if they choose. If all goes as planned, Mandalorians are going to start working with the Order similar to how Antarian Rangers do. There's talks of satellite temples being put up in Mandalorian space as well as allowing Mandalorians into our Temples."
"You've all done great work," Obi-Wan complimented. "So, how is Kastor, overall?"
Siri sighed. "Some days he seems perfectly well, but other times it seems like he's got something weighing him down. His attitude is always positive, and he shows the patience of a Jedi Master while dealing with everything, but . . ."
"But you can tell that something is bothering him," Obi-Wan finished, and Siri nodded.
She was certainly one of those who knew Kastor the best. She could tell something wasn't completely right, even though everything seemed to be going right.
"Maybe you just need to talk to him," Obi-Wan offered up. "He's never really refused to answer your questions, only hesitant to answer at certain times."
Siri nodded. "Finding time isn't easy though. It's rare that someone else isn't around, and -"
Conversation was temporarily halted as she heard someone knocking politely on the door. Obi-Wan looked past her.
"Perhaps it's time for us to pause this conversation until next time, Siri," Obi-Wan said.
Siri shook her head. "No, stay on the line for the moment, love. If it's something important that I have to attend to, then we'll end our talk, but if it's just a quick message, there is no reason to end the communication."
Siri moved the short distance to her room and opened the door, and her eyes widened temporarily before she returned to her cool Jedi facade seeing Duchess Satine standing at her door.
"My lady," Siri greeted politely. "How can I help you?"
Satine looked past her and her eyes widened slightly.
"I was hoping to talk to you because I knew we had a mutual friend, but it seems my timing was fortuitous. May I come in?"
"Of course, Duchess," Siri said, making way and glancing towards Obi-Wan.
"It's . . . good to see you again, Obi-Wan," Satine said, glancing at Obi-Wan who bowed his head and then nodded.
"It's good to see you as well, Satine. After all these years, you're even more beautiful than ever."
Siri suppressed a smirk at Obi-Wan's words, the diplomatic and refined ways of his personality ever present.
Satine laughed lightly before glancing at Siri with a new appraising look.
"It seems you managed to regain what you had lost, last I saw you," Satine said.
"Well, I owe that mostly to the leader of Siri's party," Obi-Wan said, but he nodded agreeably, "however, yes I did manage to find my way back to my friend."
Satine smiled, a true smile. "That's good, Obi-Wan. I'm sorry that I'm intruding upon your conversation. I was just hoping to talk to Knight Tachi, but I see that I am interrupting, and while catching up with you would be wonderful, I do feel like I'm being rude."
Siri shook her head. "No, Duchess. You are more than welcome to stay. Obi-Wan and I will catch up another time."
"Indeed, it's been far too quiet here as is," Obi-Wan said dryly, "which means that I really need to check on my Padawan. The more quiet it is, the more nervous I get."
Siri laughed, knowing just how accurate that was when considering Anakin Skywalker, while Satine's head tilted curiously.
"Then, perhaps we can catch up another time, Obi?" Satine asked, and Siri suppressed a grin as Obi-Wan glanced at her first, and Siri could almost feel his sigh, knowing she'd tease him, before he turned to Satine.
"Of course, Satine," Obi-Wan said with a friendly smile. "It has been far too long, and I would enjoy that immensely."
"Good bye, Kenobi," Siri said, moving towards the projector, and she mouthed silently, only for him to see, 'I love you.'
She saw him blink slowly in acknowledgement, and give her one last soft smile. "Good bye, Tachi. Farewell, Satine."
The communication went dead, and Siri turned to her host, wondering how this would go.
"Would you like some tea, Duchess?" Siri asked politely.
"That would be lovely, thank you," Satine responded, "and you may call me Satine, if you would like."
Siri gave a short nod of acknowledgement. "Very well, Satine. Please, call me Siri."
It was silent as Siri started preparing some tea for the two of them. When she finished, she poured the tea into two mugs and offered one to Satine, who smiled as she grabbed it gently.
Satine took a sip and a grin appeared.
"Sapir," Satine said. "This was Qui-Gon's favorite tea, if memory serves."
Siri nodded and smiled softly. "Yes, it was. I guess Obi-Wan's rubbed off on me, since he tends to favor it as well."
"In some ways, he seems the same as I remember him, and yet in other ways, it was clear that he is very different from the young man I remember," Satine said, finally broaching the subject. "I suspect you have a lot to do with the changes."
Siri shook her head. "No, not a lot of them. The biggest influence on him, since you knew him, has probably been Kastor, I think. I can claim a spot for being influential, but his Padawan has certainly forced him to re-evaluate how he acts, and the death of Qui-Gon changed his approach to all things."
"Master Qui-Gon is dead?" Satine asked sadly.
Siri nodded sadly. "About six years ago now. Obi-Wan was with him at the time, and held him as he was dying. That is how he got his Padawan. It was a boy that Qui-Gon found and was determined to train. Obi-Wan promised to train him as it was Qui-Gon's dying wish."
Satine nodded absent-mindedly.
"Still," Siri continued. "In a lot of ways, Obi-Wan is still the same man that I knew as a Padawan and the one you knew. He's still very loyal and dedicated with a dry sense of humor and a sarcastic wit. He's very humble, even for a Jedi, and he's steady, selfless, and soft-spoken. He's also stubborn, still sometimes headstrong, overly meticulous, and infuriatingly calm, even in the worst of times."
"You know him very well," Satine said, and Siri nodded slowly.
"He's my dearest friend, and we're very close," Siri admitted.
"Still, some things about him have clearly changed, and I would say you must be some of the reason," Satine said, and Siri tilted her head slightly at her. "When I knew him, he never would have called back to a friend simply to catch up. In fact, he made it sound like he only caught up with his friends when he was back at the Temple, if they were there. You must mean a great deal to him."
"It's not common for Jedi or at least it didn't used to be," Siri agreed hesitantly, "but there are others who do so. It's not rare. More and more common these days actually."
"Still, it's nice to see him happy," Satine said a bit wistfully. "He and I never quite had what I think he had and, clearly to me, now has with you."
Siri felt her nerves rise slightly. It wouldn't do for the Duchess to start openly talking about her and Obi-Wan's relationship. Siri didn't know her well enough to know whether she might be vindictive.
Satine glanced at her and chuckled softly.
"He talked about you, in that year he protected me. We were so close to death so many times, and we didn't get along at all when we first came together," Satine said dryly, and Siri couldn't help but grin thinking that that sounded familiar, "so eventually we agreed to open up to each other about our pasts, goals . . . dreams."
"And he talked about me?" Siri inquired.
"Oh yes," Satine said with a nod. "At the time, I was a bit jealous of you, but after our . . . fling, and after he left, I more hoped that some day he'd either make his way back to you or find someone who could give him what he deserved. Your Order's ban on attachment is not something I can truly agree with."
"So you aren't jealous anymore?" Siri asked. "No lingering feelings?"
Satine smiled and shook her head. "Back then I thought I might have loved him, but afterwards, I realized I respected him and was attracted to him, but we never would have worked. I love him but I'm not in love with him. Our ideals would have clashed too much, I believe. No, I look back on our time fondly, and wish him well. I did always hope I'd see him again and thought that he and I could restart or continue the friendship we had, but nothing more."
Siri nodded, and decided that since Satine had been honest with her, she would be honest in return.
"Neither Obi nor I agree with the ban on attachments either, but when you last knew him, we were both going to live with it. That changed with Kastor Shan," Siri admitted. "He opened our eyes and fought the Council on our behalf, and he's been working to try and get the Code changed. It's very slow, and very quiet, but still, he's the reason why Obi-Wan and I were able to find each other again. He has done much for us."
"I guess we've naturally reached the real reason I wished to speak to you," Satine said blandly. "Kastor Shan. I certainly had only heard of you, but Obi-Wan's opinion had been high, so I thought you might open up to me and give me a real opinion on the man because he is an enigma."
Siri laughed at that and nodded. "He is an enigma. I know him very well, probably as well as anyone, but even I have times when I don't know what's going on in his mind."
"He concerns me," Satine admitted. "He seems to be the force behind your Order's involvement into Mandalorian affairs, and he's managed to convince Mandalorian worlds, Clans, and Houses to back him. Clans and Houses that I have failed to get to support me. I've heard the rumors of him having Revan's blood, the only non-Mandalorian that ever had a chance of ruling my people, and there are rumors that many of the Clans here with him have sworn additional vows of fealty and support to him personally. He seems honest, and I can see the points he's made, but I feel like there is more. As a Jedi, I inherently trust him to an extent, but even being a Jedi has its limits on trust."
Siri sighed, but she too could acknowledge that Obi-Wan's supportive opinion on Satine, along with the Force's guidance, was enough to convince her to open up.
"Kastor is descended from Revan. He was actually born nearly 3700 years ago and was in stasis until about eight years ago when Obi and I found him with our Masters. He has ties to Mandalorians and that has influenced his actions, but he also has had many prophetic visions. He foresees the Jedi falling someday and I know he foresaw a future where Mandalorians and Jedi would once again work together to fight an evil that was in danger of wiping us both out."
"Which is why he's trying to get the warriors back in play here on Mandalore," Satine said in understanding. "He believes that peace will break down and that our warriors might be the difference between the utter destruction of my people and of yours."
"Possibly," Siri admitted. "It's not that he necessarily believes peace will break down because I know he hopes with his entire being that it won't, but he's preparing in case it does."
"Will he influence his Mandalorian supporters to supplant me?" Satine asked firmly.
Siri shook her head. "No, he won't. The traditionalist Mandalorians are supportive of his goals, but whether you agree or not, he's earned enough respect and goodwill from the others that they will work with him, even if it's only from their specific Mandalorian worlds. Besides, he really does admire your ideals and policies, and just wants to help them to enlighten and secure Mandalore. Besides, Obi-Wan has spoken highly of you, and Kastor takes that very seriously."
Satine nodded slowly. "You've given me a lot to think about. Regardless of my decision, how do you think the Senate will take it?"
Siri sighed, since that was the hard part in their plans, and all the Jedi agreed so.
"We're not sure, but we have hopes," Siri admitted. "It will likely be slow, but our Order is committed to working with your government, which we hope will spread to the Republic, eventually. It will also depend on how much your government and the Clans wish to work with the Republic. I'm sure you have no desire to be completely under Republic control, and putting yourselves there would be counter to what Kastor is hoping to achieve as well, since he wants allies that the Order can turn to outside of the Republic."
"And why does he not openly ask for this type of assistance?" Satine asked. "Why does he not bring forth his full reasoning behind his desire for what you describe as a full alliance? Why these smoke and mirrors?"
"First, they are not smoke and mirrors. He truly wishes to accomplish all he has presented, and if it ends there, he will be happy with the results. However, he hasn't spoken of more because Kastor's visions are not general knowledge," Siri said. "Indeed the Council and the Order are hesitant to truly act on prophetic visions. Even Kastor would be one of the first to caution acting on visions . . . but his visions are too worrisome to ignore. The future is always in motion, both for good and evil. Kastor's actions and beliefs are not currently what the entire Council supports. At the end of this affair, Kastor hopes to atone for the Jedi's efforts in the Excision, create ties between the Order and Mandalore to help prevent conflicts and unite services that both of our societies can utilize, and set the groundwork for possible closer ties down the line. Anything more, in regards to the Order, is beyond his power to speak of and act on."
"So, they approved what he's talked about because they truly believe it's a good thing regardless of Kastor's ulterior motives," Satine said, and Siri nodded. Satine thought it out. "You've given me a lot to think about," she said again, setting her teacup down. "I thank you for the honesty and the conversation. I hope we can do this again while you're here on Mandalore. Perhaps next time we can share some stories about our mutual friend. I'm quite interested to hear your opinion on that beard of his."
Siri laughed and nodded. "Of course, Satine. That sounds wonderful."
**The Will of the Force**
"Siri's concerned about you, you know," Fay said absently, and Kastor sighed, looking over to where his lover was reading a holopad in bed.
"Yes, I'm aware," Kastor said. "There just hasn't been a time for me to have a quick, private word with her."
"You need to make time," Fay said. "We also need to get you past your visions. You're letting them harm you too much."
Kastor closed his eyes briefly and nodded wearily before he moved over and sat next to her and leaned his head on her shoulder.
"It's just . . . hard," Kastor admitted. "I'm no stranger to visions being unchangeable or to failing to bring about a change, but I just hoped that my efforts would be enough. The only clear message the Force has given me is that everything terrible that will happen will happen because someone desires power . . . that greed and possessiveness will destroy the galaxy."
"I know, love," Fay said sadly.
She had visions of her own, and had seen just how important some people's destinies would be, and it was crushing at times to trust in the Force, but know that you wouldn't always succeed. You just had to press on. She'd also now outlived nearly all of her brothers and sisters in the Order that she'd grown up with, and like Kastor she'd lost the first person she truly loved, and until she'd met Kastor, the stretching years had started pressing on her soul.
She'd helped him, by being a confidant, by being a supportive friend, and eventually by being more, but he'd also helped her in much the same ways, giving her a friend, confidant, and lover, something she hadn't truly had, save for a few old masters, in years . . . decades . . . centuries.
"It's always about power," Kastor muttered a bit bitterly. "The amount of death and destruction I've seen in these visions, and to know that it's because someone desires power is just crushing. I've seen the type of war that's coming, and I'd hoped to never see it again, and while it's not happening tomorrow, I can feel it rapidly approaching."
"You need to speak to Siri, to Rhys, and even to Adi, Yoda, and Obi-Wan. Maybe even Yaddle," Fay said softly. "You need to talk to someone other than me, and let go of your fears . . . let go of your worries. You know what that type of bitterness can lead to."
Kastor nodded in agreement, and then smiled softly and kissed Fay's cheek.
"It's been wonderful having you here with me. Having you around certainly helps clear my mind and ground my soul."
"I've enjoyed it too," Fay said, returning the smile. "Perhaps after everything is done with these negotiations, we can find some more worlds to help together."
"I'm sure that won't be hard," Kastor said with a rueful chuckle. "The darkness is growing, and unrest is rising. Finding places where a Jedi can help is not hard these days."
"Besides, while I rather enjoy these nice sized beds, I do rather miss our cozy cabin aboard your ship," Fay said with a coy grin, and Kastor laughed softly.
"You're incorrigible, woman," he said, and she laughed lightly. "I suspect my ship is going to be a bit fuller once we depart Mandalore."
Fay smirked. "Oh, I suspect one Asuna Lok will be joining your crew for the foreseeable and possibly unforeseeable future."
Kastor nodded. "She and Rhys are certainly getting along quite well, and that's beyond just sharing a bed. It doesn't hurt that her father is certainly no old codger that needs her around, and her brothers are more than capable of running the Clan should something happen. I'm not even sure she wants to be Clan leader should her father fall."
"And as a Mandalorian, traveling and navigating the galaxy adding to their song is something much to be desired," Fay added, and Kastor nodded. "I also suspect that Koba and Des will both request to join your crew."
"It's a good thing that Mandalorians are rather known for doing their own thing, regardless of their government, or my undercover operations could be in jeopardy once the Jedi-Mandalorian alliance is revealed to the Senate . . . granted most people won't realize how much aid we're truly giving each other, nor will they think much on small groups of Mandalorians."
"Which means your new companions will just add to your cover's reputation," Fay said, and snorted. "I love that you don't even contemplate telling them no. You trust them on your crew."
Kastor shrugged. "Mandalorians are honorable, and those ones even more so. I suspect they'll eventually move on to other jobs or return to Mandalore, but if they wish to journey with me for a bit, then I'll happily be a part of their future stories. Besides, some extra bodies on the Hawk would not hurt. We could actually have people manning the guns while Rhys flies escort, and perhaps I'd even have a copilot."
"Also, Koba will scare the absolute hell out of anyone who tries to cross you, and that would be even if he wasn't wearing Mandalorian armor," Fay added lightly, and Kastor snorted in amusement.
"He is a very large and intimidating man," Kastor agreed. "Add the Mandalorian armor, and he's definitely one to avoid. Perfect enforcer."
"He is, and yet he's a wonderful man," Fay added. "Layers upon layers to these Mandalorians. Something that so few will ever truly try to discern."
"I suspect that Siri is going to find Njonne seemingly traveling with her and Ferus for a while," Kastor said with a chuckle. "These young Mandalorians are finding journeys and adventures to seek, and with Satine seeming to be open to change, new avenues of wealth and trade are opening for the other clans. The younger Mandalorians will be exploring the stars once again, and now they can do it with a Jedi if they so choose . . . just like some of their more notable ancestors once did."
"Well, let's leave that for another day," Fay said, setting her datapad down, and curling into Kastor's side. "For now, we'll enjoy another fairly peaceful night before the life of a Jedi catches back up to us."
"Sounds good, love," Kastor replied softly.
"And you're talking to Siri tomorrow."
Kastor laughed freely.
"Yes, love."
AN: Hopefully everyone is still enjoying this story. I appreciate all your support. This is the last part of the Mandalorian Negotiations Arc, so for those of you looking forward to getting back to Anakin and Obi-Wan, don't worry, next week is your week. For those of you who really enjoyed this arc, don't worry, Mandalorians will continue to be involved in this story.