Mandalorians are stronger together. That is what I said to Moff Gideon moments before he met his doom. With his defeat, and the destruction of the hidden Imperial Base on our planet, Mandalore once again belonged to its people.

One question remained: what to do with the surviving Imperial Commandos? I stood in hall of the Great Forge pondering this question. The enigmatic Armorer, leader of the Tribe, stood beside me, while before us were two dozen Imperials. They were all human, a mix of men and women, still armored but helmetless. They were forlorn, broken, defeated, but still capable warriors. Mandalorian warriors surrounded them, ready to shoot if the Imperials tried anything.

"Imperial soldiers," I began. "Moff Gideon led you against Mandalore and her people. Under his command you killed our fellow Mandalorians, drove us from our homeworld, and bombed the planet into a wasteland. What do you have to say for yourselves?"

There was silence for a moment, until one commando stepped forward. He was a tall man, with fair skin and a shaved head. The insignia on his armor marked him as an officer.

"Lady Kryze, I am Captain Bjorn Mikado," said the Imperial. "I come before you as a man of our people."

"Our people?" I asked him. "Explain."

"Mikado is a Mandalorian name," the Armorer clarified, her voice echoing from her helmet. "They are an old clan from Mandalore's industrial age."

"I was once a soldier in the Royal Guard," Captain Mikado continued. "I guarded Duchess Satine Kryze with my life."

Hearing my late sister's name stopped me cold. "You served in the guard? How come you ended up betraying your people and serving the Empire?"

"Had I not served the Empire, they would have killed me, my Lady. But I was betrayed…"

"How so?"

"When the Night of Tears occurred, my city was the first to be bombed. My wife, children… almost my entire clan was killed. Only my sister Kris and I survived from our clan."

A female commando stepped forth and put her hand on Captain Mikado's shoulder, standing beside him. "My older brother speaks true. The Empire betrayed all Mandalorians when they destroyed our homeworld."

I felt my gut tighten. Moff Gideon's treachery ran even deeper than I suspected. How many others were betrayed by the Empire that lived? And how many more perished?"

"With Moff Gideon dead, we are free warriors once again," said the Captain with pride. He and his sister both knelt on one knee. "If you will have us, we wish to pledge ourselves to Mandalore once again."

Unsure, I looked at the Armorer. She nodded her approval.

"Bjorn and Kris Mikado, welcome home," I greeted them. "Rise as free Mandalorians.

The Mikado siblings rose and put their fists over their chests. "For Mandalore!" they shouted together.

I returned the gesture. "For Mandalore!"

"Lady Kryze," said Captain Mikado, "The commandos standing before you were under my command. We all regret bringing harm to the Mandalorians. I beg of you to please be merciful."

I shook my head. "Captain, as a Mandalorian, you need not beg. You have shown courage by wishing to atone. I will spare those who served under you."

"Thank you, Lady Kryze."

I then addressed the defeated Imperials. "If any more among you wish to join us and learn the ways of Mandalore, step forth and join your Captain. The rest of you will be transported to the nearest spaceport, from which you can make your way home."

"Are you sure that's wise, Bo-Katan?" It was Axe Woves, my second in command, who asked. "They could lead more trouble to us."

I looked my lieutenant squarely in the eye. "Axe, my decision is final. Besides, these Imperials will spread the word of our reconquest."

Axe nodded. "A fair point. Never mind."

I turned my attention to the warriors surrounding the Imperials. Five more Imperials had joined Bjorn and Kris. "Mandalorians, get our guests prepped for transport. Take away any weapons and beskar armor they might have. Also, see that our newest recruits are brought to the Living Waters to speak the Creed. This is the way."