Chapter Nine

Preparations for Korriban

Several weeks went by after the successful mission to the prison convoy. Rezin and his Mando'ade continued their attacks on the fractured Sith Empire. Lyd continued to recover, but avoided all large gatherings, even when she was with Rezin and Valkyria. No more reports or promptings came about others that had entered the galaxy either. It seemed as if everything was back to normal.

"Manda'lor, you have an incoming transmission." The communications officer reported.

"Let it through." Rezin ordered.

As the holoimage became clear, Rezin felt this growing sense of dread. He immediately looked towards the space at his left and saw Lyd standing there. How does she come and go so quietly he wondered. She had a look of panic on her face as the image of Revan came into view. Valkyria quickly appeared behind Lyd and walked her to Rezin where he pulled her in and comforted her while Valkyria held onto her hand.

"Revan, report." Rezin ordered.

"We cleared out all remainders of the Imp fleets that had penetrated the Galactic Alliance. Korriban is all that remains in Sith control. We cannot leave it this way. We must take that planet." Revan pleaded. He knew the significance of Korriban to the Sith. Taking it would bring a quicker end to the war and help their allies within the Sith Empire.

Rezin thought for a minute. The Mandalore 1st fleet and the 2nd fleet had remained one force for much of this war. Even with the Mandalorian offensive over the last month or two, they had not separate them. The combined abilities of the SKyline and the Coyote Super Star Destroyers had led to many victories. Now though, they were in a position where separating the joined force would be the wisest move. The problem was that both groups had not worked apart since they left Viridian years ago. "We will head that way. Have your fleet blockade the system. Do not start the invasion until we arrive." Manda'lor ordered.

"Rezin, what about our current task? We must protect our border with the Empire. They cannot be allowed to come back." M spoke up through the holocom.

"We will bring in the 4th and 9th fleets to replace us. They are close by and can easily be here in a few hours. Furthermore, those systems they are protecting have a defensive fleet that can do their job just as effectively." Rezin instructed. M nodded. She agreed with this, but had to ask anyway. She knew it was her job as the leader of the 2nd fleet to keep her leader and close friend thinking about all aspects of their forces. Things were going to be rough. Korriban would not fall easily. As one of the ancient homes to the sith, the Mando'ade would have to fight for every single inch. Many would die.

"Set course for Korriban. Revan, meet us there. DO NOT engage until we arrive. This will be hard enough with all of Mandalore behind us. With only our three fleets, it may not be enough." Rezin gave the order. Revan returned his command with a nod and the communication ended. He could sense through the Force his people ready for battle. Rezin knew this would be hard. His people would earn much honor, he knew. This did not make it easier though. Many would be lost. He pushed this thought aside as he turned his full attention to Lyd. This young woman had remained at his side through the brief meeting. He locked eyes with Valkyria, his wife, and she took the bridge while he steered Lyd out of the commotion and preparation for war.

"Wh….where…..are we going?" Lyd asked as if shivering from the cold. He could feel the fear radiating off of her, even without the Force.

"Just down the hall. That room there actually." Rezin guided her gaze to a set of doors about halfway down the hall from the bridge. "It'll be quiet. No one in there. We can talk without you having to fear being overheard." Rezin told his friend. They continued for the next few seconds in silence. When they entered the room, Lyd could see it was dimly lit. Not uncomfortably so. More like a relaxing and calming light that was designed to help one destress. In this room, there were a couple of tables around the room but they were very small and portable. A few chairs were pushed up against the walls or arranged in weird chaotic formations. She could tell this room was used frequently but not by a lot of people.

Lyd walked to a corner of the room and sat on the floor. She pulled one of the pillows there to her chest and hugged it. Rezin walked over to her and cautiously sat on the floor next to her. He made sure to give her space. "I know what you want Rez." Lyd told him. "I just….I…..I don;t know. I;m scared, I guess. Relieved you saved me, but scared. Mad. Confused. There is so much going on. I just don't know. I don't know." Lyd started spilling. It was as if the words had been held in and she couldn't take it anymore. "What do I do? How do I handle this? I have never felt so emotionally overwhelmed."

Rezin sat and listened. This was one of the few people he could easily listen to. His kids and his wife and Lyd. "Right now, I think you just talk." Rezin said quietly and calmly.

Lyd sat there thinking. At least as far as Rezin could tell, she was thinking. "I'm scared. I don't know how to handle all of this." Lyd confessed.

"Right now, don't handle it. Just process what you can and talk about it. Please don't shut down or shut me out." Rezin said, as if pleading with her. He knew she was notorious for this. Things would go south and she would close down. He spent years working with her in the past to not do that. She had done better over the years, but it would still happen. :When we get to Korriban, we are going to have a fight. Probably the fight of our lives. I know you are not ready for anything even close to that. I want you to stay up here. On the Skyline. You'll be safe here. We can talk more when I get back after the battle." Rezin continued.

Lyd sat and thought. Horror struck her. "I can't. Please. I know I am not ready but I can't. Everything has changed so much so fast. Please let me go with you." She pleaded. Tears started to form in her eyes.

Rezin couldn't take it anymore. "Fine daughter. You're just like my own kids. Of course, I can't say no to them or you. I had better walk you through some basics then. And we had better get you a weapon or two." Rezin stood up and offered his hand to Lyd. She stood up. They walked to the door.

Valkyria was waiting with a double bladed saber in her hand. She offered it to Lyd. "Figured this is where it would lead to. You'll need this." She handed Lyd the weapon. "And I should say welcome to the family officially now too." She winked at her husband. Lyd was confused for a second and then it dawned on her. All the times he had called her his adopted daughter, he really had meant it.

It took the better part of the day for the 4th and 9th fleets to arrive. Longer than Rezin wanted. He used that time to work Lyd through some basic skills. Alli joined them and spared with Lyd. The two old friends also spent time helping Lyd open up to the Force and recognize Rezin and Alli's presences so she wouldn't push them out. They also showed Lyd how they fought together. What lightsaber combat was like with a Mando'ade Vuytc. She proved to be a quick learner. Physical exertion was her specialty after all. Lyd had always had a gift for anything athletic.

The three had just taken a brief break to discuss what they had practiced when a call came over the ship's intercom. "We are entering hyperspace. All hands to your stations!" Rezin and Alli looked at Lyd. She had jumped at the sound. They feared it would cause her fear. What they saw was far from fear. Lyd had a very determined look on her face. One that had pushed all fear and anxiety aside. She was ready. At that moment, Alli knew it was time to open up the spot as protector and companion to Manda'lor. Rezin bolted to the bridge with Lyd directly behind him. Alli remained behind for just a second. She watched as the new guardian of Manda'lor fell right into step. Then she too took off after the new pair.