Wrong Place, Right Time

by rancorlover

Adventure is around every corner. Some only need to go out their door to experience it. Others need to find it on the other side of the world. But, for some campers, going on an adventure to the woods, turns into an adventure of a lifetime. In another Galaxy... Far, Far Away... Co-Authored by FledgelingHawk2012 (Chapter 1-26 have been given updates to some grammar, and dialog)

17. Chapter 17

Wrong Place, Right Time (Updated 2021)

Ch. 17

You Wave… Goodbye For Now…

Aaron:

"You wave!" she said with a grin after a brief pause.

Seriously Jo?! Are you really going to joke about a man's misery in front of him?

"I'm pretty sure everyone in this room heard you."

I looked to see all eyes on us. Our fallen friends did indeed hear us, and even though they were in pain, they were still able to grone to the poorly timed joke.

I whispered to Jo, "What did the clones say?"

She sighed, "No funny business…"

Dooku took this opportunity to speak, "Well I'm surprised to see you again so soon, Guns and Roses."

If Yoda was confused by the names he gave us, he didn't show it.

Dooku then eyed Jango and Bossk, "I am most surprised by you Jango. Siding with the enemy is not what I expected from you."

Jango scoffed under his helmet,"You wanted me dead, and seeing how that was the case, that would make your enemies my allies."

Jo butted in, "The enemy of my enemy is my friend."

Bossk chuckld at that. Now Gaining Dooku's attention.

"And you. Surely as being a bounty hunter, you can see you are outmatched. Wouldn't you rather live to see another day? Or work for me? You could make more money than you could possibly imagine."

The audacity of this man knows no bounds.

Dooku gave a sickly smile, "I recommend you take the deal."

This was the first time we had seen Bossk angry, "Forget it! I don't just hunt for the biggest payer. My people seek challenges, it's the thrill of the hunt that made me do this kind of work. I do it for the scorekeeper. And how could I betray the father of the kid who is like a son to me?! I have known what it's like to be betrayed by family. No deal!"

I wondered what Bossk meant about that last part.

I'll ask him later. It's probably a touchy subject...and now is not the time.

With conviction, Yoda proclaimed, "This ends now Dooku, surrender you must."

"I'm sorry, old master, it is you who are at a disadvantage. I will give 'you two' one more chance. Join us, or die here by my hands."

Yoda looked at Jo and I to see how we would respond.

Yeah right.

"I think you know by this point that that's not going to happen anytime soon."

Jo joined in, "Yeah, what he said. You would kill us anyway."

"You misunderstand. I sense great potential in the two of you. You can be more than what you are! We would rule the galaxy together!"

Jo was mad, "We couldn't care less about power! What happened to 'Freeing the Galaxy of the Republic?' That doesn't sound like freedom!"

His face seemed to waver, so I decided to take up where Jo stopped, "Yeah, and what would your master think if he knew you were planning to sell him out?! Then, what would stop you from killing us when you were done with us?! We have told you this already, and we will tell as many times as it takes to get the point across. What Bossk said, "`No Deal!'"

As soon as I finished, the Count had donned a piercing gaze that could cut through ice. I would be lying to say that I didn't feel the anger coming off of him, and the apprehension from myself.

Yoda looked relieved by our responses. Then Yoda looked to be in thought for a moment before asking Dooku, "A new master, you have, my old padawan?"

His anger disappeared, replaced by a smirk.

"Oh yes. He has taken me under his wing, as it were. And has taught me the ways of the Force that the Jedi are afraid of. I am now more powerful than any Jedi."

He stretched out his hand towards the side, as if gripping something. As he did, a crunching sound was produced. All of us, save Yoda, looked towards the source of the sound and were surprised to see pipes for some sort of system being crushed.

How?!

"Even you!"

He swung his arm forward, as if he was throwing something. Our eyes were still on the pipes, as it popped off.

Crap!

It flew right at us. The four of us were prepared to move out of the way, but we didn't have to, as it flew another direction. We looked back forward to see Yoda with his hand stretched out. Somehow, Yoda pushed it back with some kind of power.

Again, how?!

Dooku stretched his hands upwards. This time we were ahead of the game, and saw what the Count was doing with his power. We looked up to see a horrific sight. He was bringing the ceiling above us down on our heads! This time we moved out of the way. Except Yoda. He too, raised his hands to the sky. As if trying to catch the falling rocks. And he did. They were floating just above his head. Yoda moved them to the side with the power he used to catch them.

Dooku was far from finished. He stretched out his hand forward and shot out lightning from the tips of his fingers.

You gotta be kidding me?! Lightning?!

Yoda held out his hand, and appeared to hold the lighting in his hand. After a moment, he moved his hand forward and shot the lightning back at the Count. Dooku wasted no time reflecting it as well. But the man shot it off a different direction. He tried the lightning once more on Yoda. This time, Yoda did something different. As the lightning hit his hand, he held on to it longer. And he scrunched up his hand, making the lightning dissipate in his palm.

The green alien lowered his arm and lectured his old student, "Much to learn, you still have."

All of us not fighting were amazed by this display of power. What just unfolded in front of us seemed like something out of a fairy tale.

Is this what Dooku meant by potential power?!

Dooku chuckled, "It seems we cannot settle this with the force,"

The man reached down to his weapon.

"But with our skills with a lightsaber."

His saber then ignited, showing the red blade that was used earlier to save Jango.

He made a stance that was foreign to almost all of us. And to our surprise, Yoda dropped his cane. He then used his power to summon a small hilt for, what I guessed, a Lightsaber. I was found correct in my assumption as he ignited his saber. It was a green blade, much like half of the other warriors at the arena.

Yoda then gave a shout. Jumping right towards Dooku, sword at the ready. They started clashing blades as Yoda was jumping all around the man. It appeared to be an even fight. Both were fighting with immense fury. It made it hard to keep up with seeing every attack. We would have been cut down in a second if Yoda was not here. Much like the two men on the floor.

Speaking of which…

I leaned in close to the others and whispered.

"Alright, it looks like Dooku is too enthralled with the fight to notice us getting the wounded. Bossk and I will get Anakin, while you and Jango try to get the other man on his feet. We'll need to be quick about this. He may head our direction and stop us by taking one of them hostage."

I would definitely not put it past him at this point.

I held my hand up with three fingers out, giving us a three second countdown.

Three…. Two…..One….. GO!

We all sprinted to our respective targets but made sure to be quiet about it. As we made it, all of us crouched down to remain hidden. I shook Anakin's shoulder to gain his attention, "Hey, stay with us… Can you stand?"

He nodded his head slowly. We got the wounded men to their feet. And started to guide them out of there. We were about halfway to the entrance, before Dooku's attention was grabbed by our rushing feet.

Dooku was not going to just let us get our friends out of here. He used his power to push Yoda away, then all of us to the floor hard. Causing gasp of air escape from our bodies.

"You didn't think you could escape from your own demise?! This is the end for you all!"

He did a big jump in the air. He then readied his blade and prepared to strike us all in one fell swoop. Yoda was not prepared for any of this and tried to rush to our aid. But it would be to no avail, he would not be able to stop him in time.

It was in that moment, my life flashed before my eyes. My earliest memories ran through my head, times when our whole families got together for celebrations. It was the good times, the days that felt like years. I thought back to the times when I was a kid with my family going to Church every Sunday. We still did, just not with our family like the old days.

And I remembered the bad too. Not a lot of friends and only having a few. I remembered having an even worse time at school. Where social status is what made the school work. People like my kind (A goody two shoes) were ignored or mocked.

But, It made me who I am today. I needed the bad with the good.

I did not come this far to die now, and I don't think you did either Jo! We are here for a purpose! A God-given purpose! We've been through a lot for the last few days! We shouldn't be alive right now! We just need to block one strike!"

On instinct, I reached down for the lightsaber on my belt and activated it. I held it up at the ready to defend my friends with the green blade. And somehow, Jo had gained one too! I was not going to question how she got it.

She's on the same page as me now.

Dooku was almost to us.

We made a defensive move with our blades, forming an x with us leaning forward. The man's blade connected with our's. It slammed our defense very hard. Both of us almost lost our grips with the blades. It's not as easy as it is in video games or action movies. It took our combined strength to keep the man from killing us.

Yoda then came to our aid as he regained the Count's attention by taking a swing at him. He blocked it with his sword and continued their duel. It was much appreciated as we all got back to our feet. Getting the wounded out of here was still our goal right now.

Moments later, we made it back to the entryway. We set Anakin and the other man down by the archway. They had a relieved look on their faces.

We looked back to see Yoda being led our way. Yoda was about four feet in front of us before they both stopped fighting. Dooku then jumped back to gain some distance. Both Dooku And Yoda looked somewhat tired.

The man then exclaimed proudly, "This is the end for you all! It's such a shame you didn't join me, Guns and Roses. It's a shame for you to die so young!"

"We still have the advantage!"

He laughed at Jo's remark, "So you think!"

Once more, the man stretched his hands upwards.

Making a crushing motion with his hands, the Count summoned his power to cause the entire ceiling in the room to start crumbling.

Dooku then started running to his escape vehicle.

Rocks started to hit the ground, and one of them just so happened to hit my sister hard on her back.

Jo fell forward into my right arm, with a sharp yell escaping her mouth.

This causes Bossk and Jango to aim their blasters at the running man and started firing ferociously. Disappointingly, all of the blasts were missing their target. We had to start moving back, but I wanted to have a crack or two at the man before he got away. Holding my sister, I used my free hand to go to my colt. I fired a few shots at the man's running direction. When the Count was about to enter his ship, one of my bullets made contact with the back of his shoulder. He fell forward into his craft with a yell of pain.

Then the room started to fall apart around us. Signaling everyone to get out of Dodge.

Putting away my gun, I held my sister "Bridal style". We all made a run for the doorway with the wounded.

Jo and I escaped the room by the skin of our teeth. We made it to the platform that we had arrived on, to see Dooku's ship being shot at by soldiers and a lone senator. The villainous man escaped, sadly to fight another day.

We all stared at the ship until it disappeared out of our sight.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

We were brought back to the situation by the wounded groaning.

Padme saw Anakin's arm, then yelled, "MEDIC!"

Two of the armored men came to the man's aid. They took a few moments to treat him before others came to lead both Anakin and the senator to the ship. When they started to check the other man, I decided to look at Jo's wound. It wasn't pretty. The rock had made multiple scrapes and gashes along her back. Blood was running from them fast. Jango rushed over when he saw the damage, and yelled to the medic's.

"We need a can of Bacta! Now!"

One of the medics tossed Jango a can, which he caught. And the man proceeded to spray the can's contents all over the open cuts. My sister had a look of relief.

Good.

Medics took the other man to the ship, and then the ship took off. Then not a moment later, another one took its place. It opened up revealing another pair of medics coming to my sister's aid. And they led her to the ship as we all followed behind. Inside, we noticed some medical equipment. As soon as Jo laid down with her back side up on the medical Bed. The medics got right to work. When we had all made it inside, the ship took off.

It was quiet for a few minutes. I didn't like that. So I decided to strike up a conversation with Yoda.

"So, where are we heading?"

He laughed a bit before asking, "Nervous you are?"

I sheepishly replied, "Well, I don't like it when people I'm around are quiet."

Once more he laughed a little, "Worry not, heading to the command ship we are. To sort out the rest of the problems here. As well as taking the wounded with us to get medical treatment there. Safe, your sister will be."

That took a heavy weight on my shoulders. I looked toward Jo and saw bandages being wrapped around her waist, but my attention was brought back to Yoda.

"Curious, I am, with the bounty hunters. How did you meet? And what system are you from?"

I took a few moments to think before telling the creature.

"We met Jango and Bossk about two days ago on a planet called Tatooine. We helped them in a sticky situation, and they decided to help us out in return. As for the other question. I'll get back to you on that one. It's a long tale. There would be no point in repeating myself unless it was with everyone who needs to hear it."

"Understand, I do. Some tale, it must be."

Oh boy, you have no idea….

Everything was quiet once more, it was like that for a few minutes until Bossk started talking to one of the soldiers close by.

"These are some well designed ships you have. What do you call them?"

One of the clones opened up to us for the first time.

"We refer to them as Low Altitude Assault Transport. Or LAAT for short."

Jo was fast asleep on the bed at this point but was sleep talking.

"Acronym…."

That got our attention, and she said it again.

"It's an acronym, Mrs. Peters….."

Cute.

I sighed. "She is just dreaming she is in her fourth grade English class."

The soldier Bossk was talking to was confused, "Fourth grade? English? What are you talking about?"

Yoda took charge this time, "Find out soon, I believe we will."

"You will."

The 'LAAT' then shook a little, signalling we'd left the planet's atmosphere. It was a different feeling than I was on Jango's ship, the Slave One. Most likely it was the fact that this craft didn't feel like an interplanetary ship, and It didn't have the supplies for the time it would take.

The rest of the trip was rather uneventful, as it only took about five minutes before we came to a halt.

We had arrived.

The craft opened its doors to reveal a huge hanger with soldiers everywhere, running around to complete assignments. Alongside the soldiers, the hangar was also littered with LAAT's like the ones we just rode in, as well as ships we hadn't seen in action just yet. The entire place was a technological marvel. The hangar was wide open to the vacuum of space, yet it wasn't sucking us out. It was then that I noticed there was an energy like power around the entrance's edges.

One of the soldiers, not in armor, rushed over to the medics tending to my sister. She was still sound asleep as they checked her vitals. They had what looked like an x-ray device, checking for any bone fractures. But before I could hear the results, they started to move her away.

Yoda then spoke up, "Go with them you must. Send for you later, we will. Tell us your story, you must. Take care, for prisoners you are not."

He then turned to the two bounty hunters, "Some questions, we would like you to answer. Follow me to the bridge, you must."

Bossk was worried, "Oh boy…"

They started to walk off with Yoda leading the way. It was then when I proceeded to catch up to the medics. It looked like my sister was being taken to a door next to the one Anakin went in. I hurried over to my sister before we got split up. It turned out that the medics and my sister entered an elevator.

I yelled to the medics, "Hold that door!"

They held the door open and I ran inside and let out a gasp of air.

"Thank you!"

"No problem, are you alright Sir?"

I finally composed myself to respond.

"Yes, I am. We have been running around a lot today. The planet wasn't exactly a fun place for a battle…"

He chuckled.

"Well, don't worry, I think this will be the last time you'll have to do that on this world. I heard that we will finish off the remaining forces by tomorrow. Then we all can say goodbye to that dust bowl."

The other medics agreed, "And good riddance."

That caused me to laugh too. But I needed to know something.

"Is she going to be alright?"

"Yes she is fine, we checked for broken bones, and everything seemed to be in order aside from the scrapes across her back. How did it happen?"

"We were in a room that 'the enemy' escaped to. Then when we were about to capture him, he started to collapse the room, and one of the rocks slammed hard against her back. We treated it after we got out, and you know the rest."

He nodded at that, and the elevator door opened up to what I assumed was the medical wing of the ship. There were all kinds of tools for who knows what, and cots filled with patients. I saw Anakin, still knocked out. The other man was awake, he seemed just to have a few cuts on him.

I need to get the man's name. Calling him Anakin's friend is kind of getting old.

I followed the medic out of the elevator. When the cart stopped, I decided to ask the medic how long it would take for Jo to wake up.

"Not long, an hour at the most. She just needs some rest. Bacta can take a lot out of people, especially if they aren't used to it."

It was then another man handed the medic something.

He, oddly enough, looked like the medic….. who I realized looked like…. A younger Jango…..

Oh boy….

"Hey, you wouldn't happen to know a Jango Fett? Do you?"

Both men looked shocked, "You could say that. We're all clone templates of him."

That revelation churned in my head for a moment.

What?

I had no words.

"Heh, I guess it's quite a shock for you?"

That broke my train of thought, "Wha-, No it's not that your clones necessarily. Jango told us his son was a clone. We didn't know that it was a whole army."

They seemed to accept that response. Although, there was something else. But I would have to save that for another time. Something to ask Jango.

"So… what are your names?"

"My designation number is CT- 1152, and my brother is CT-1151."

This confounded me, "Don't you have names?"

They look upset for a moment before responding. "We didn't really get names in training. Most clones do, but we haven't had any good ideas for ones that stuck. Honestly we don't find it a big deal. Names really belong to the ones doing the jobs out in the field, risking their lives for their brothers."

That would not do.

"That's stupid, you help the soldier's by saving them on the medical tables. Stuff like that can take hours to perform. And everyone needs a name, no matter what their job is. How about… Hawkeye, and Trapper?"

'Hawkeye' looked confused, while 'Trapper' was excited.

"Really, you think we deserve nicknames?!"

'Hawkeye' put a hand on the man's shoulder, "Hold up now, why did you choose those names?"

I smiled, "Some fictional characters from a story that I wish were real. The war was real and the stuff that happened was based on it. Just the characters weren't. They were army doctors who worked in a Mobile hospital not far behind the front. The life they had was hard, but they knew when to have a good laugh. For them, laughter was the best medicine."

'Hawkeye seemed to think about it before responding, "Alright, we'll test those names to see if they stick this time. And…. Thank you for the ideas."

A smirk grew on my face, "No problem, Hawkeye."

Hawkeye rolled his eyes and Trapper laughed by his side. They proceeded to get back to work. And I looked back down at Jo, she had a smile on her sleepy face. My staring was interrupted.

"That was kind of you…"

I looked and saw Anakin's friend, "What?"

"Giving those clones names, that was nice of you to do that for them. They really appreciate it."

"Oh, well, it didn't seem right not to."

"It's not just that. You ran straight into the battle when you knew you could have died. You and your sister almost did die, with all of us. So, why?"

"I had to save Jango. He helped us when he didn't have to, and we wouldn't have been able to get anywhere without him. That man saved us. If I had let him die, it would have been on my conscience till the day I died. I was raised to help people, even to be willing to give the shirt off my back. Also, I made a promise to his son."

"And what was that?"

"That I won't let families be separated when I have some control over the situation, even at the cost of my life."

The man seemed to ponder that.

"I see…"

"I also have a question: What is your name?"

He laughed, "Oh, I'm sorry. I'm Obi-wan Kenobi. Pleased to meet you Guns."

Then, he held out his hand for a shake.

Now it was my turn to laugh, "It's Aaron. Aaron Shepherd."

I then shook Obi-wan's hand.

"Ahem…"

We looked at the source of the sound and I was surprised to see the green woman that helped me at the arena.

"Sorry for interrupting, but I was sent to help out with your treatments."

"Oh yes. Thank you Barriss. It's much appreciated."

"I'm happy to help. I'll start with Anakin. He lost his arm after all."

"By all means."

She then walked over to Anakin's side and proceeded to observe the damage. A droid then came by with a robot arm. She took it and proceeded to attach it to the stub where his arm was!

Wow. The wonders of this galaxy continue to amaze me. I may lose my sanity yet!

She took a few minutes making adjustments to the device After she was finished with the arm, she touched his forehead with her fingers.

She closed her eyes for a few moments.

Suddenly, Anakin's eyes shot open. Barriss proceeded to move back to give the man some room.

Anakin looked around the room before sitting up. He sat up ever so slowly, and as he did, he lifted his new hand to his head.

Anakin was shocked by it's cold touch. As soon as he saw the hand, terror went across his face.

I don't blame him. I would have the same reaction if I had a robot arm all of a sudden.

He seemed to stare at his hand in thought. Disappointment soon replaced it however.

"He got away…."

"Yeah, he used some kind of power to bring the ceiling on us."

Barriss decided to butt in, "The Force."

Oh, I think Anakin mentioned something like that. I should have put the pieces together.

"Ok, he used 'the Force' and brought the place down on us…. one of the rocks hit my sister. Hard."

She is all I got now. I don't think I can handle being alone. Not so far from home….

"The attachment you have for your sister is dangerous…"

Obi-wan was shocked by Barriss and chastised, "Now padawan, don't be rude! They weren't raised in our Order. In fact, they come from a world outside the republic. Maybe even beyond our galaxy."

She took the news rather well but countered, "Be that as it may, they still have the Force, such feelings will only lead them to the Darkside."

"Darkside?"

Anakin made it simple, " Evil."

Eh?

"So you're saying because of the attachment I have for my sister, it will lead us to do evil?"

"If you keep acting on your emotions, they will spiral out of control."

They all shook their heads yes, though I noticed that Anakin was the last to agree.

*Pffff*, "That sounds silly."

Barris gave me a hard glare.

"Laugh as much as you want, it's still true."

She stated it as a matter of fact.

"No it isn't," I said

Obi-wan looked interested in what I thought.

"And why is that?"

From the attention I now had from the room, something told me that I needed to explain this the best I could.

"Acting on emotions and showing them are two seprate things. Besides all of that, all are born loved."

The room grew silent. They had no idea how to respond. So I tried to explain.

"I'm not talking about the love that a mother has for a baby. A mother can hate a baby when or even before it's born. I'm talking about the One who makes the soul of the baby. Only an attachment of great proportions could make something of that quality. You like your souls, right? No complaints about them?"

They were still stunned, but agreed with a nod.

It was rhetorical. But alright.

"Souls don't just happen. It's like saying that a blaster just came together working just fine. That's just silly. And every soul is individual to each person. It's a craft. And a Craftsman is only good as much as he loves it. It's a strong attachment that gives us life. It's feelings that make us who we are."

Anakin looked upset and had his head down. He then asked me questions that seemed hard to answer.

"Then why did he let us go? Why does that maker let bad things happen to people, like death, murder, stealing,... slavery?"

I could hear and feel the pain in that question.

"He had to."

Anakin showed that he didn't actually expect me to respond.

"It would be dangerous not to. He makes souls with the capability to grow, and choose. If he doesn't send them away. They won't grow, the love they would have would be robotic like your droids. With freedom of choice, it is real. Although with freedom of choice, people will choose not to have good in them. They would rather choose themselves, being their own gods. Making their own rules. God knows this. But it's a risk worth taking. He is giving us a chance to choose Him."

They seemed to understand it a little bit, but didn't know how to respond. Before they had a chance to think anymore, we looked behind me to see Yoda and Windu who had just walked through the doors.

Yoda spoke in his gravelly voice, "Interesting."

It confused me too, "I'm sorry?"

The Gremlin did a creepy, suppressed laugh.

"Tell me, what drives you to care so much about such things?"

I made it simple as before.

"The love I have for God. And the love He has for me."

Yoda gave a "hmmm" before saying, "To give you this power you have. As well as getting you this far. He must really care about the both of you."

I was kind of worried.

Power?

"How much did Jango tell you about me and my sister?"

"Worry not, Jango has only told us that your home is not part of the Galactic community. And we can continue this topic some time later. Perhaps with the council, right Master Windu?"

His mind was still trying to understand what happened, "Uh.. yes. That's right. We have decided to hold off on the meeting until we can all make it back to Coruscant…"

"Croissant?"

The question came out rather lazy from the mouth of my now smi-conscience sister.

Food first. Eh sis?

I decided to try to wake her up. She needed to at least hear this, whether she remembered or not.

I grabbed her shoulder and shook it slightly. I whispered in her ear, "Jo... Jo! You need to wake up. This is important."

Her eyes fluttered open. She sat up slowly holding her head.

"Uhhhh… What's going on?"

Windu decided to start back at the beginning.

"We are having a meeting on Coruscant in the Jedi Temple. We need you to be there, the council has questions to ask you. Jango and his friend will be there as well."

The man turned to a clone soldier, "Let them in."

The clone obeyed, and let in Bossk and Jango.

The latter had his helmet off and his head down.

"Jango's fate will be decided by the council. He may have had a change of heart. But that doesn't redeem him of his previous crimes. Terrorism, assassination attempt, twice, and resisting arrest."

Jango clenched his hands hearing what he had done.

"No matter what happens to him, I'm afraid his son will have to be taken from him for now."

To say Jo and I were shocked, would be an understatement. Jo was about to cry, "You… you can't!"

"We have to, he has no other family that can have custody of him. His friend Bossk can't take him, he is partly involved with aiding Jango, though not with the crimes. So Jango's son will be given over to the Republic Social Services. I'm sorry to say, depending on what your fate is, you may never see your son again."

To say that Jango was upset by this would be an understatement. When I met Jango, I saw a man who was strong. Someone who could handle anything. But there's more to a person than strength alone.

Right now in front of me was a broken man. Jango didn't take the news well. His son is his only treasure to him. Only wanting what was best for him. It wasn't a pleasant sight to see. The man fell to his knees, arms limp, and lost in himself.

This isn't right. But can we d- wait a minute!

"Now hold it!"

All eyes were on us again, "You said that there was no family left that can take him, right?"

"Yes."

"Well, you're wrong."

I sat on the same bed my sister was lying in and swung my left arm around her. She shot me a bemused look.

"You see, we're Boba's godparents."

The biggest smile I had ever seen suddenly appeared on Jo's face. Jango's head shot up in shock, as if he forgot (He did). Bossk gave his one of a kind grin. While the Jedi were shocked as well.

Jo was ecstatic at this, "That's right!"

The two Jedi that were standing up looked towards Jango.

"True, is this?"

Jango replied to Yoda, "Yes, I did make them Boba's godparents! I don't have any documents stating that they are. But you can ask my son. He knows that they are."

Windu held up his hand, "That won't be necessary. We can sense you're telling the truth. Your son will be in their care for the time being. They will meet us at the Jedi temple with your son."

"It would be for the best if you leave as soon as you can, this system. No estimated time, we have, when we will be finished cleaning up this mess. "

My sister then raised her hand and asked, "How are we going to get there? My brother and I don't exactly have any training in flying spaceships?"

"Jango's ship has to be impounded, as it counts as evidence. So we will have someone else bring you."

Windu looked at Anakin, "You will be taking them. Padme has already agreed to take-."

He gestured towards Jo and I, telling us to say who we are.

This is it.

"Aaron Shepherd."

"Joanne Shepherd, but please call me Jo."

Windu nods, "However, I'm sure she will not object to bringing the child with you as well."

"And Bossk."

All eyes turned to Jango who was now standing up slowly.

Bossk asked, "What?"

Jango sighed, "You need to stay with Boba, he still needs a familiar face that he has known his whole life. The Jedi won't murder me, I'll be fine. Is that alright?"

The last question was asked towards Windu, "Yes. He is not the one who committed the crimes. He just assisted you not knowing what you did. As long as the Shepherds are with your son, there is no law preventing it."

"Now wait a moment. Jango, are you sure?"

I understood Bossk's concern, and so did Jango.

"I'm sure Bossk. I need to know that he has as good protection. Tatooine is a prime example of that he needs it."

He can say that again.

"Alright. I'll do it. But that doesn't mean I like it."

"Almost set then, you are."

Yoda looked to the same clone that let Jango and Bossk in.

"Let the senator in, you may."

The trooper gave a quick salute and did just that. When Padme entered the room, she noticed Anakin and looked relieved. She then took notice of the two bounty hunters beside the Jedi. Specifically Jango. She gave the man a sharp glare. And to her surprise, Jango bowed his head in shame.

Turning to Yoda she asked, "Is something wrong?"

"Oh no Senator Amidala. Ask you a question, we would like."

"Ok?"

He cleared his throat, "Would you mind taking a few more passengers than intended?"

Without hesitation she replied, "Of course. Who else will I be taking?"

"Bring you would, this Trandoshan, and a young boy."

"Who does the young boy belong to?"

Yoda hesitated for a moment before motioning towards Jango and responding, "This man here."

Padme's head turned towards the man in shock, "Your son?"

Jango didn't respond at first, his head was still bowed. After a silent moment to himself he replied, "Yes."

We all knew Jango was a prideful man. And it was now he understood his mistakes. It was almost fate to have to depend on the person he was supposed to kill a few days ago. It struck his pride as a Mando. Padme was silent, and every second was hurting him more and more. Everyone in the room saw it. It was almost as if he was hoping she would say no, only to complete his shame.

"Do it, you do not have to. Planetside the boy is hiding. We may be able to get a ride for him in a few hours or more."

"I'll do it."

Jango's head shot up.

"Thank you senator. Grateful, I'm sure Jango is."

She shook her head, "I'm not doing it for him. I'm doing it for the boy. I can only imagine what's happening to him now."

From what I saw, Jango could care less about himself. Only his son's well being.

"And since you have a lot of people to protect. Too few guards you have. Would you mind if Barriss would come along as well?"

"Not at all Master Yoda."

Barriss was not so sure however, "Master, surely anyone would be better suited with this mission. I could be of better use here."

Yoda chuckled, "Experience in this field you need, young Padawan. A matter of great importance is this. The Sith have now revealed themselves. No one is safe now, they may strike whenever. And do not worry, there is more than enough help to assist the wounded."

The padawan thought for a second before replying, "If you insist Master Yoda, I will go."

Padme made a quick glance to Anakin (I was the only one to notice this) and said to Yoda, "We will meet you on Coruscant and deliver them to the temple; however, we will need to make a slight detour to my home world. I have some important documents there that I forgot to bring with me. And Anakin left some of his equipment there as well."

Anakin seemed confused before he responded, "That's right! I left some of my tools that I use to work on machines."

"Very well. You may go to Naboo. That may actually work out for the better since it will give the counsel time to organize itself."

"Agreed Master Windu. Careful you must be. You may all leave when you are ready. To the bridge, Master Windu and I must go."

They then proceeded to leave us here.

Whenever we're ready huh?

"Are you ready, Jo?"

She thought for a moment, "I don't know. I know I hurt my back. I feel okay, just tired."

Jango then butted in, "It's the Bacta working. It's a medicine that helps speed up the natural regeneration process. And unlike normal wounds scabbing or leaving scars, wounds treated with Bacta makes it seem like it never happened."

Wow. I bet Doctors back home would have a field day with this. Say goodbye to Neosporin.

"So in other words, she is going to be ok soon?"

Jango laughed, "She is probably ok now. Jo just needs to watch herself now. If it got infected, that would have been another story… Aaron, before you go, could I have a word with you?"

His tone changed with the question. He whispered it so that only Jo, Bossk, and I could hear it. The rest were chatting away. Anakin telling Obi-wan goodbye and Padme asking Barriss some questions about her.

"What about?"

"It's just for you to hear, it's rather important."

It made me wonder what was so important that he couldn't say it infront of the others.

"Alright."

I got up from my spot leaving the others to only guess what he wanted from me. Jango led me to the farthest wall away from prying ears.

"What's this about Jango? Is something wrong?"

"No, rather I have a proposition for you. If you want."

Proposition?

"What kind of Proposition?"

"How would you like to join the ranks of the Mandalorians?"

…..what?

"I'm sorry, did you say-?"

"Yes I did, and I'm not asking lightly. This opportunity is offered to too few people nowadays. Not many can show they have what it takes. And I will be honest with you… I haven't really shown true honor as a Mando the last few years. I had to face many challenges, I have lost brothers and sisters in arms over the decades. And a Father. I was alone. I did things I'm not proud of as a Mando. I was given a second chance. But somehow I knew that by joining Dooku, I signed myself to die. So later I decided that leaving Boba with everything I own and the traditions that I passed down to him was enough to make amends."

As he went on in the story, I could hear the agony of his guilt he has held, from what he had just said, for decades. But he was not done yet.

"But then by some chance, I met both of you. You both brought up some memories that I held down for years. I thought there was no hope. The both of you proved me wrong. You helped me remember my traditions I had abandoned. You charged into the battlefield and saved me, you saved my son from enslavement, and defeated every challenge that came before the both of you. Taking down a reek in the middle of a battlefield the way you did is not easy. I would say you completed part of your initiation and earned the right to become a Mando. A true Mandalorian."

"I… don't know? How many True Mando's are there?"

Jango bowed his head, "I'm the only one left…"

He wasn't kidding when he said he lost his brothers and sisters…

"But there are other Mandalorian groups out there. Some stick to the traditions. But other groups have strayed far away from them. They have become murderers and thieves. The group Deathwatch, which I have told you before, took everyone I knew. My parents, my mentor, and my….. Older sister…"

It was then I realized that Jango related to me more than I knew. I couldn't imagine what that would be like. But Jango still wasn't done.

"I have even fought the Jedi on multiple occasions. It was a little war of ours that took out the rest of us. I alone was spared by the Jedi. Only to be sold as a slave by a Governor. Then one day, I had an opportunity to fight back. And I took it. I destroyed everything and everyone that belonged to DeathWatch. But it didn't bring them back. I thought I could never forgive the Jedi, but the Sith were far worse than I could have Imagined. The life of a Mandalorian is never easy. So if-."

"I'll do it."

Jango was glad, "Are you sure. Once you choose this, you can't go back."

"Jango, I have done a lot these past few days. Saving your family's butt on multiple occasions, fighting on battlefields, and other crap we have dealt with. But if there is one thing that I learned about you is that you would not ask this question if you did not think I was able. So I'll do my best."

"That is what I wanted to hear! I have something I want you to have. I thought I wouldn't find a use for it. Until now. Sadly It's on my ship at the moment. Have Bossk come over here, he will somewhat know what I'm talking about."

I did just that, I started to walk to Bossk, "Jango wants you."

"What for?"

"He said you will know."

Bossk was only more confused, but still answered Jango's demand.

Leaving me with Jo.

"Well Aaron, what did Jango want to tell you?"

I think it's safe to tell her, Jango just didn't want any pressure on my decision.

"He asked me if I wanted to be a Mandalorian. I said yes."

"Just like that?"

"Not really, he said I earned it. Completing what they would call a coming of age ritual, or a Verd'goten."

"Really? Congrats then. But do you think it was just that?"

"I don't know, but he seems to have confidence in me. So I'm going to do my best to prove myself."

"Alright, but what did he want Bossk for then?"

"Jango said he wanted to give me something. But it was back on the ship. And Bossk would know where to get it."

"Wow, I wonder what it could be?"

Who knows But Jango.

The Bounty Hunters talked a bit more before Jango said his goodbye to Bossk with a handshake. Bossk came over to us. And Obi-wan was up at this point walking over to Jango, "I was just given a message by Yoda to bring you to the Bridge so they can keep a closer eye on you."

"Very well, I have said my goodbyes to everyone I needed to."

Jo looked hurt at what Jango said. As the two men left the room, Bossk chose to speak up.

"Alright, Jango told me where to get what he wanted for you. He also mentioned that it's the one on the right. Whatever that means. It must be a real surprise. And he says that he wishes us well and hopes to see us at the meeting with his son."

Jo then barged in, "Did he have anything to say to me?"

Bossk replied, "No, he had nothing to say about you. What would he-? Oh. Oh! You like him don't you!"

That yell got everyone's attention. And all eyes were on her. She could do nothing but stutter, "N-no!"

I sigh, "Jo it's ok if you do."

She got real mad at me, "Stay out of this."

I held my hands up in defeat, "Ok, ok. Take it easy now. He wasn't trying to upset you. Right Bossk?"

Bossk now saw Jo as the embarrassed type and knew better than to stir up a hornet's nest. "Yes of course! I was only just seeing if it was true."

"...Fine, let's get going then."

She got up from her bed and started stretching.

She was distracted enough for me to whisper to Bossk.

"She likes him."

Bossk held a suppressed laugh with his hand as Jo finished stretching. And about this time, the others came over. Padme spoke first, "We are ready to leave whenever you all are."

"Yeah, we have all of our things with us. But can your ship accommodate all of us Senator?"

Jo's question was a good one. We wouldn't be able to go if we couldn't fit everything on it.

"Of course, it's a H-type Nubian."

Bossk started coughing when he heard that.

"Is there a problem."

"You went to Geonosis on a Yacht?!"

That got our attention for sure.

"Well when you put it that way, it does sound rather crazy. But nonetheless, it has plenty of room and food for the trip. So when we are on our way, make yourselves at home."

Nobody could complain about that.

As long as it works, I could care less.

Anakin took this time to speak up, "I sent a message to my astromech droid a while ago. He should be bringing the ship to the hanger any minute."

Good.

"Then let's get going."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

We all walked over to the elevators that we had previously entered. The ride was eventful. After a couple of minutes, the doors opened up to reveal the hanger we used to get on this ship. Jo didn't get to see it before and was in a daze.

"Wow." was all she could say.

At this time, a sleek silver ship entered the hangar. Hatches opened up on the bottom of the craft as it moved closer to the ground. Legs exited the slots right before it touched down. Overall, it was a nice looking ship.

Then the ship opened up with a droid by the door. It was a blue and white droid with two legs. But two became three as it popped one out from underneath it. It started whistling at the top of the ramp.

"Yes R2, we missed you."

Anakin and Padme lead the group into the ship. When we entered, all except Anakin and Padme were blown away by the ship. It was really designed for comfort.

Anakin spoke up, "Take a seat ladies and gentlemen. We have a job to do."

We did just that and fastened the seat belts around us. Each one of us was in a chair looking at some ship vitals. It was a good thing we weren't going to battle with this. Jo and I would not know the first thing to do.

The ship shot up and launched into space.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Anakin gave a valid question, "Any idea where he may be hiding?"

Jo decided to answer, "We don't know. There can only be one of two places where he is. The arena, or the ship. I think both places are not too far from each other."

"Alright then, plotting a course to the arena. It's going to be night at this time so be careful exploring. That being said, there may be more than a child hiding there, so be ready for a fight."

In unison we all said, "Agreed."

The rest of the flight was a breeze. It took about the same amount of time as it took to get to the arena, as it took to get to the 'Republic cruiser'. We landed right in the center of the arena. Still littered with parts of both machine and man. We all got up to leave the ship. Jo and I decided to leave our backpacks as there was no point. But we did bring our guns and "borrowed" lightsabers.

Anakin once more took the lead with Barris close behind. The rest of us bunched up behind them. R2 stayed on the ship making sure that nobody unwanted would take it.

At the end of the ramp, a droid was there to meet us.

"Oh master Anakin! I'm so glad to see you safe. R2 left me here all alone to get the ship! I am so glad you came back to get me!"

Anakin laughed nervously, "Of course 3PO! We came as fast as we could. But we also have to do something else here. So go ahead and get on the ship. I'll make sure to check your systems on the way to Naboo, you look like you've taken a beating."

"Oh thank you Master, it has been one dreadful day."

The machine then ascended up the ramp. We proceeded to continue walking across the arena. The smell was incredibly awful, bodies all around were rotting from the sun that beat down on them not so long ago. We were about to leave through one of the arena's entrances when Anakin brought us to a halt.

I said, "What's up?"

"I don't have any idea where we need to go. Can one of you take point? You all probably have a better idea of the way out.

All of us looked at each other. Nobody seemed up to the task. I volunteered, "I'll do it."

Jo grabbed my shoulder, "Aaron…"

"I'll be fine Jo, all of you just watch my back."

Everyone agreed. I went through the archway. It led to a long dark hallway. I had my gun at the ready for any trouble. We walked down the hall for what seemed to go on forever. We walked for about five minutes before we saw a light at the end of the tunnel. It was an artificial light as it was red. We prepared ourselves for a fight. Twenty feet away, we could see what was in the room. Cages. Cages as far as the eye could see. Most of them were empty. Except one. An egg the size of a toddler rested alone in a cage. The cage was left wide open.

Bossk asked the question everyone was thinking "What kind of creature could lay that?"

Anakin looked at it for a moment before responding, "I think it's an Ackley egg! It feels very similar to the one that died in the arena!"

That raised a new question from Jo, "Feel? But you didn't touch it."

Barriss rolled her eyes, "Through the Force."

"The Force?"

Barriss was getting annoyed by my sister's lack of knowledge, "How primitive is your world?"

That ticked me off, "Hey, to be fair, I didn't know anything about the Force until a day ago. And how does not knowing what 'The Force' is make someone primitive? Bossk, what do you know about 'The Force'?"

"Honestly? Very little."

"See?"

"Oh? Well how far has your world progressed in technology?"

Jo decided to speak up, "We have been to the moon more than once."

Barriss started laughing.

Sometimes Jo, you're too innocent for your own good. Let's try this.

I reach into one of my pockets and pull out a phone. I tossed it to Barriss. She caught it, but looked at it curiously. The device had Anakin's and Padme's attention as well. Especially Anakin. Bossk recognized it right away.

"Your music player?"

"Not just a music player. It is a video player, a game system, a camera, a communications device, and a GPS. All wrapped up into a computer that fits into the palm of your hand."

They seemed to be greatly impressed. Barriss held it for a bit longer before handing it back to me.

"We call them cell phones. From what Boba told me, only rich people have something similar to this. But it's functions are extremely limited. Where I'm from, stuff like this has been made affordable and used by almost everyone. This specific phone is already outdated and it's more high-tech than yours. Does that make your people primitive?"

She didn't answer. She just looked down in thought.

Padme spoke up, "What are we going to do with the egg?"

Bossk spoke up, "Leave it. If it hatches it will cause more problems than they are worth. The diet for feeding them is expensive. Let alone keeping them contained is almost impossible."

Jo crouched to get a better look at the egg, "Are you sure we can't take it somewhere on Coruscant?"

Padme butted in, "It's possible, but wouldn't the egg hatch by the time we got there?"

Barriss but in, "No. This egg was laid recently and they take on average a few months before hatching."

Jo looked relieved, "Then we would have time to take it to a world better for it?"

Padme agreed with my sister, "Of course, it would sit right with me if we didn't."

"Don't say I didn't warn you. They bring nothing but trouble."

I gave Bossk a friendly pat on his back, "Don't worry Bossk, they just want to take the egg somewhere else. Not to raise it like a pet."

"You Shepherds never cease to amaze me, Aaron."

I shrugged, "Eh, it's what we do. Hey look! There is a door over here."

It was about ten cages away. Anakin chose to speak up, "Let's see where it goes, we can come for the egg when we are about to leave."

All of us agreed, we walked over to the door. It opened up to reveal a room with Elevator lifts. They looked like they transported the cages we saw in the room we were in.

"Going up?" I whispered to Jo.

She starts to giggle. We walked onto one of the platforms to see where they would lead.

Padme spoke up as she pressed what we assumed was the up button, "I hope we find Boba soon. I've got a bad feeling about this lift."

The lift started to go up fast, causing some of us to lose our balance for a moment. Moments later Anakin spoke up, "See Padme, nothing's wrong."

It was about a minute before we made it to the top. Though it turned out we were looking the wrong direction as there was no door. But when we turned around we had the biggest shock of our lives. The slave 1 was there. But it was what was in between us and the ship.

Hundreds of Geonosians were going to and fro putting crates on other ships around the Slave 1. All of us didn't dare make a sound as they had not noticed us yet. That didn't work as one of the bugs dropped a crate. As he bent over to pick it up he saw us in the corner of his eye. He did a double take on us to see if we were really there. Nothing happened for a moment until Jo slowly waved her hand saying hello.

The bug started to do the same on instinct. He stopped himself short and alerted the others in the room with a loud shriek. Every eye was on us now. The Bugs started to screech in harmony. Half of the bugs flew off in terror. While the others stood their ground by aiming their guns at us.

I yelled to everyone, "Get to cover!"

And we all did just that. There were some crates in front of us that we hid behind. Some of the enemy fire missed us by a hair.

If bolts from blasters can kill, I don't want to know what those large blasts will do. Good thing the blasts are slow, or we would be minced meat right now.

Bossk yelled out over the sound of the blasts, "Any ideas?!"

As he said that, I noticed an exposed container that the bugs were carrying. It seemed to be some kind of hazardous compound.

Maybe an explosive!

"Does anyone have some kind of Grenade?"

Bossk yelled, "I have two thermal detonators!"

I was about to yell the plan, but that wouldn't be smart. Remembering that I had a headset, I used it, "Bossk, can you hear me?"

He responded, "Yeah! What's the plan."

"I'm going to give you cover fire while you throw a grenade at an exposed container. You will know it when you see it. And after the explosion, have the jedi defend while the rest of us continue firing. You got that?"

"Yep!"

"Alright then! On One!"

I held my hand up slightly showing 3 fingers. I lowered them one by one. When I lowered the last one I sprinted from my cover. This surprised the bugs and caused them to take aim at me. I used my 1911 to fire a couple of pot shots at the buggers. One of the bullets made their mark on the head of the shooter. Still sprinting, I dived for cover behind a support column close by.

By the time I stood up I saw Bossk throw the grenade at the exposed container. He then yelled with a loud voice, "Hit the deck!"

I pulled back my head looking the other direction and covered my ears. The explosion that was made was so strong, that I saw some bug parts fly past the pillar I was behind. I peaked from the pillar and saw that most of the bugs were dead. Burn limbs and torsos of the bugs littered the floor near the blast.

When they saw the sight, it looked like they were going to puke. I squelched up a bit too.

I don't blame them. War is not for the faint of heart. And that is not a pretty picture to remember.

However some of the bugs started to get up from the blast. The Jedi wasted no time to charge at the enemy. As we were about to strike the bugs. The Slave 1 came to life. It made everyone stop. It rose up about 20 feet before turning our direction. Nobody did anything as it hovered overhead.

Well, at least Boba Fett is doing fine. I wonder what he is-.

Before I could finish my thought, Boba fired the ship's guns at the bug force. He landed multiple hits on a few buggers. It had a similar effect to what the explosion did. The cannon fire caused many to scatter abroad. Giving us the real edge we need.

"Come on!" I said as I broke cover.

Picking up one of the bug's cannons on the ground, I laid down some fire. The others broke cover as well, firing blaster bolts right on their targets. The Jedi resumed their charge at the bugs. One by one, the bugs fell. Whether cut up by the lightsabers or blasted away by our guns we didn't stop until they fled or died. When the last one was gone. We all looked at what we had done.

Glad that's over, time to get what we came for. I hope Boba will take the news well.

"Everyone alright?" Anakin asked everyone with us.

We all said yes. But I wondered if I was.

How can I just brush off everything that has happened so far. I should feel something. Even my sister is taking it better than I expected.

Barriss couldn't stand the sight, "I wish we didn't get found. Maybe this could have been avoided."

Bossk started to walk through the battlefield and decided to speak up. However softer than usual, "Out of all of my fights up until today, I have never seen this much carnage in one place."

Padme spoked up as well, "I saw what had happened to my people and more. But what happened here is awful. Did it have to be this way?"

She looked away in sadness.

Wish more senators back home took after her.

Anakin put his arms around Padme to comfort her, "It had to happen this way. We didn't expect this many bugs here. The Geonosians in the explosion died instantly. So at least they didn't suffer…"

The Slave 1 started to descend back to the ground. As it did. I thought back to Saturday mornings with my dad.

"Jo and I have seen this stuff before."

Everyone looked my way.

Oh no! Did I say that out loud?

Barris asked, "What do you mean?"

"Well. Not in person. You see our world has had brutal wars in the past centuries. All from Civil wars, to revolutions, terrorism, and most of all World Wars. But within the last century, we have developed something called film. We have records of wars from all sides of conflict. We have seen a lot of them with our dad over the years. A lot of the records depicted stuff like this. A lot."

They didn't answer for a moment. Anakin then asked, "Why would you watch that. I mean, wouldn't you rather have done something else?"

"I'd like to think that my dad wanted Jo and I to learn about the world we lived in. Why things were the way they were. Or it could have been to learn how we can stop stuff like this from happening again. But enough about that. It looks like the Slave 1 is opening up."

Anakin perked up at that, "THE WHAT?!"

"Hey don't look at me, I didn't name the ship. Bossk, do you know why it's called that?"

Bossk went back to being his old self, with a grin plastered on his face, "Not my place to say, though I hear how he got the ship is quite the tale."

Anakin seemed to accept this answer as he calmed down. But attention was now on the pilot of the ship. Boba.

He looked the same as we left him. But he didn't look happy. I noticed he had a blaster rifle in hand. Jo spoke up, "Boba! Thank you for helping us with that. Are you alright-?"

Boba yelled, "Where is my dad?!" as he aimed the blaster at me.

This startled everyone.

In hindsight. I should have expected this.

I tried to calm him down, "Take it easy now Boba, your dad is fine."

Boba didn't falter, "Then where is he?!"

I need to keep his trust if I want him to be with his dad.

"Boba. What did I tell you on Tatooine?"

"He is dead! Isn't he?!"

He was shaking the Blaster at that question. Boba was doing what anyone would do, it showed that he really does love his dad.

"Boba! I promised you that as long as I am there and if it is possible I would make sure no family would get separated from each other."

Boba finished it quietly, "Even at the cost of your life."

He lowered the gun to his side and bowed his head, "What happened to him then? Why isn't he here? It's been hours… I thought I was… alone."

Boba was confused as to what was happening.

I started to walk up to Boba and tell him what happened, "Your dad is right now in the custody of the Jedi. They are going to decide what will happen to him. There's a chance that he can go free, but it may not happen. His odds will be better if all of us are there. I know it. And if it doesn't work out, there is a way you can see him. Jango made us your godparents, so we can try to find a way for you to visit him."

Boba thought a little before responding, "Alright, I trust you."

I sighed in relief.

"But who are these people?"

Right…

The others reveal themselves to him. Starting with Anakin, "Hi my name is Anakin Skywalker. I'm a Jedi acting for guard detail for the trip to the Jedi Council."

Barriss went next, "My name is Barriss Offee. Like Anakin said, I am a Jedi acting as guard detail as well. But what he didn't tell you is that we are not full fledged knights."

Anakin took offence to that, "Hey! He didn't need to know that."

Barriss just smiled.

Padme smiled too and finished up the introductions, "My name is Padme, I'm a senator from Naboo and I will be providing the transport as nobody else is available to take you at this time. I hope we can get along."

But Boba decided to act aloof, "Ya that's fine."

Time to be a godparent, "Now Boba. Be nice. As long as we're your godparents you have to be more polite. Or I won't tell you any of my world's war stories."

"But-."

Jo butted in, "Boba!"

The kid sighed in defeat, "Ok. Sorry, Miss. Thank you for taking us."

It's a start.

"Alright then, Boba. The Republic is going to impound the Slave 1, so you need to get your things. Take what you need and then some. Take something that will entertain you for the trip."

I then turned to Padme, "How long is the trip going to be to your world then Coruscant?"

"From here to my world, not long. About half a day from here. The trip to Coruscant might take a day and a half."

"Sounds like a big trip. How long do you think it will take to get your things on Naboo?"

She shrugged, "It depends what time we arrive there. If it's night, we can't get our stuff until the morning."

"Alright right then Boba, pack for a week. Just a worse case scenario."

"Alright, Aaron."

"And Jo, did you leave anything on the ship? We should check just in case."

"Yeah, it might be forever before we get a chance to look again."

Bossk gave me a reminder, "And we need to get the thing Jango wants for you. And he wants me to give the other for Boba. He told me it's time. Whatever that means."

"Thanks, I almost forgot about that. If that is everything, then let's get on Board."

"Now hold up!"

It was Anakin who took us by surprise, "I will need to go on with you. When the council asks me for a debrief. What would it sound like to the council if I just let you all go in there alone."

Ah.

"I see what you are getting at. But if we did leave with the ship, Jango would have no chance. But you can come on anyway I'm sure."

I looked to Boba for permission, as it was his ship for the time being.

"I guess, just don't touch anything."

"I won't, I just want to look. I'm something of a Mechanic, I like to learn about technology so I can improve my own."

Jo spoke up, "Like your arm?"

Anakin rolled his eyes while everyone laughed.

Barriss and Padme stayed outside to guard the ship. While we entered the ship. It was just like when we left it. Anakin asked Boba a question that he had on his mind, "So did your dad teach you to fly?"

Boba was proud to answer that.

"Yeah, he taught me 4 years ago when I was ten. He lets me fly every now and then for practice. I hope to one day be like him."

Ironic.

"I think you are more than you know. Aside from being a clone of him."

Anakin perked up at this, "What."

Boba answered him, "I'm a clone of my dad. He told me when I asked him a few years ago. He said I was a true clone. So that made me his son."

Anakin understood Boba a little better now. He appeared to maybe even relate to him. Somehow I knew he did. Maybe it was having a single parent.

"Aaron! Boba! I found what Jango wants to give to you! And I can't believe it!"

We went to the room he was in. Which turned out to be the armory. Bossk was standing in front of a compartment that I hadn't noticed last time I was in there. The compartment cover had a weird emblem over it. It looked like a Gold shield with black flags waving in the wind.

Boba whispered, "The true Mandalorians?"

I guess that answers that. But what's inside? Bossk doesn't just lose his cool from what I know.

Bossk moves out of the way revealing the contents.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Armor.

It contained two armor sets. They were made of metal and designed similar to Jango's armor. But that is where the similarity ends. The left armor set was smaller than the other. And it had an orange/Yellow, red and green color scheme. The armor also had wrist weapons and an "antenna" protruding from the helmet's side. The armor held the same emblem as the one on the compartment. Right on the shoulder pad. The right one was just the metal colored. It had looked like it was never used. It didn't have any fancy technology like the other set. However it was a bigger size of armor. And the helmet was the same, except that it didn't have the "antenna". And it looked like it had more protection on the sides.

I was surprised to see Bossk walk back up to the armor and picked up the helmet of the metal one. It looked like his heart was going to stop on him.

"A-aaron. Do you know what this is?!"

"I don't. Different world. Remember?"

"R-right. Well, this is real Mando armor. The one Jango has is real. But this is Beskar! Mandalorian Iron!"

Boba's eyes became as wide as dinner plates.

"H-how did dad get it? He told me it was very expensive to get armor like that."

Anakin's curiosity got the best of him, "Really? I'm not really familiar with that kind of metal. What's so great about it?"

Bossk gladly answered, "It is one of, if not, the strongest metal of the known galaxy. It's very adaptable for anything. Specifically in this case, armor. I heard that it's impervious to even light sabers!"

Anakin smirks holding up his new one he acquired on the ship, "Want to find out?"

Bossk looked excited, "Go for it!"

Well that escalated quickly.

"Now wait a moment. Why would Jango give this armor to me, how did he get it, and why didn't he use it up until now?"

Bossk thought for a moment, "Maybe he didn't want to appear flashy. It is only used by the most skilled of Mandalorians or at least people with potential. Jango fits that description a hundred times over. "

He laughed before continuing, "But then again, the man is a mystery to me. And I have known him for a long time. But what I do know is that it's yours now. What did he tell you up there anyway? Jango I mean. He said that I could ask you when you got what was in there."

"He asked me to join the True Mandalorians, and I accepted."

All eyes, save Jo, starred with amazement at me.

The bounty hunter gulped before asking, "What?"

"Yeah, he told me I passed what he would consider a Verd'goten. He said I got him back on track being a Mando. And he warned me on what happened to the rest of the True Mandalorians. He gave me a chance to back down. So, I thought because he wouldn't ask me if he didn't think I could,I would accept the offer."

Bossk started to laugh, "You Shepherd's never cease to amaze me. Again. Well, congratulations on being an official Mandalorian!"

I stared at the armor some more. It did look very nice. I reached out to pick up the helmet. I was very surprised to find out that it was extremely light.

"Are you sure it's indestructible? It doesn't have much weight to it."

"I'm positive. He wouldn't keep it under lock and key if it wasn't. And it appears he is putting a lot of faith in you and Boba by giving you those armor sets."

Boba took his helmet and stared into its visor. Nothing happened for a moment. Then his eyes started to water a little.

"D-did my dad plan to die?"

This confused Anakin, but Jo, Bossk, and I knew what he was talking about.

"I saw the navigation computer Bossk. It takes less than an hour in normal hyperactive to go from Tatooine to Geonosis. He lowered the speed down midway through the flight."

"No Boba, he didn't plan to die. He was prepared in case he did. Your dad wanted to conserve fuel so you could go anywhere you wanted. He only wanted what was best for you."

"THEN WHY DIDN'T HE SAY GOODBYE?!"

I should have expected this reaction.

"He didn't even let me know that he thought he was going to die. He didn't tell me 'I'm proud of you'. He didn't tell me anything!"

He threw his helmet to a side wall. And fell forward to the ground. Being only held up by his knees and hands. Tears started rolling down his face.

"Does he think I'm weak? That I can't handle something like that?"

Nobody dared to go forward. Anakin looked to the side contemplating himself, as it appeared. Bossk looked as if he didn't even know where to start. While Jo and I just watched, unable to find a way to help yet.

"I guess I can't be a warrior."

This confounded me, "What?"

"Dad said a warrior shows no weakness. I shouldn't be crying."

Unexpectedly, my sister spoke up, "No, Boba! That's not true. Showing and having weakness are two different things. And so what if you cried In front of us. That's nothing. We're your family Boba."

Anakin was dumbfounded, "I am?"

Bossk laughed, "You are now."

Jo continued, "And besides, I'm sure not showing weakness only applies to enemies in context."

Boba thought for a moment, "I guess so."

Jo now had a smile and came closer to Boba to lift him back up. As she did, she asked a question, "Would you like to hear of a warrior from our world real 'quick'?"

"Uh, sure?"

"Long ago, there was a boy named David. He was around your age when he went into battle. And fought a monster nobody in that army was willing to fight. The others hid like cowards."

"Really?"

Jo nods her head, "This monster was a very tall muscular man. Taller than Bossk here. Again nobody wanted to fight him."

Bossk and Anakin were listening intently. Bossk made the question, "Couldn't they have blasted him away with guns?"

That would make an interesting twist for a book.

I shook my head, "Nope, this was a long time ago. Before gunpowder became a thing."

Bossk gave an "Oh" as Jo continued, "And that's where David came in. He wasn't even at the camp. He was there to bring food for his brothers. After seeing nobody was willing to fight, David convinced the king to let him fight the Giant named Goliath."

Boba asked, "How?"

"Well out of everyone, David was the only one willing to face him. Plus, David talked about things that happened to him, How he fought off predators from his livestock all by himself. He said because God was with him then, Goliath would be no different."

It's seemed Jo's plan to calm Boba down was working. Boba was so enchanted by my sister's story telling, that he was less focused on his own problems. Even the tears that rolled down his face were all dried up. The kid started acting more like a kid when he impatiently asked, "Ok? Then what happened? What does this have to do with me?"

Jo laughed, "I'm getting to that Boba. Eventually, David fought Goliath, and won with a slingshot."

Both Anakin and Bossk seemed to choke at that thought.

"He didn't have any armor, but he had God. And after that battle he would eventually become the king of that nation years later."

Bossk spoke again, "That sounds amazing for someone to start from the bottom to the top."

"But his life didn't end there. He had struggles and made some bad decisions. Decisions that cost him the life of family and friends. Even some of his sons."

"What did he do?" Anakin seemed enthralled with this abridged version of king David's life.

I spoke up, "We can tell you all some other time. I think I'm getting what my sister is trying to get at."

I motioned for Jo to continue, "He was one of our world's greatest heroes. Now mostly forgotten by it. And his life's story doesn't shy away from the fact he cried and mourned. It would be crazy if he didn't. And he made mistakes. Like your father, I'm sure has."

Boba thought about what she said and replied, "I can see that now. I guess my dad only thought for my own good. But it still hurts, you know."

Jo then pulled Boba into a hug. Boba was shocked by this. But he didn't stop her.

"If you need a shoulder to cry on, you can come to me Boba."

Sometimes, I wonder how I was blessed with a sister like her. At other times however...

I chose this moment to give my two cents.

"Remember Boba, your father isn't going to be gone forever. It's just goodbye… for now."

With that, Boba seemed to come to terms.

"Thank you. I don't know how I can ever thank you for taking me in."

I chuckled, "You can start by telling me how to even get started with putting on this armor."

With that everyone present broke out in laughs.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

After a few minutes more. We all exited the ship. Barris and Padme looked as if they were having a blast talking about whatever. As we came down the ramp they turned our way and looks of astonishment came our way.

It wasn't a surprise to us as Boba and I were not the same as we went in. Instead we were garbed in Armor similar to Jango's. And Jo now had two shoulder arm guards as I didn't need mine anymore. I still wore my gun and my gear. Surprisingly, it was all a perfect fit. As we approached, I took off my helmet and said with a smile, "Let's roll."

End of Chapter