A New Player in the Force

The incoming green blade was easy for me to guide away with my own shorter green blade, and I heard my sparring partner grunt in frustration.

“This is pointless!” Serra snapped from behind cheeks that were red with exhaustion as she again tried to land a strike on me, only for me to easily deflect another of her probing thrusts.

This time though, I stepped into the space that deflecting her blade created, entered her personal space, and placed the hilt on my lightsaber against her throat.

“Makashi is a form that requires discipline, patience and control,” I said in a gentle voice as her face turned a darker shade of red, “if you wish to adopt some of the movements of Makashi into your style, you must learn the basic velocities.”

“But why though?” She replied in a quiet voice as her breath warmed my cheek, “Makashi is a form designed for a single lightsaber. Why not just use Shien?”

I sighed and stepped backwards. “Makashi is the duelling form. It is designed to defeat opponents with precision and efficiency. While that does not make it a great choice for dual-wielding, like any form, its velocities can be adapted with other forms to give a user a unique style.”

“In addition, by using dual blades, even with a shorter shoto in your off-hand,” at this I indicated her new shorter blade which I was using for this training session to prove that the length of a blade was not critical for Makashi, “you sacrifice power to overwhelm an opponent.”

“Thus, I need to be more precise and efficient with my strikes,” she finished with a sigh. “I get it, I do. But Master Dooku is not happy about you teaching me to use Makashi with dual blades.”

I allowed myself a wry smile at remembering Dooku’s comments on the subject. About how he felt that the usage of dual lightsabers was a flaw and a sign of a weak Jedi. He also stated that Makashi should not be learnt with anything but a single blade; preferably with the correct hilt to fully exploit the advantages of the form.

I’d countered with two names: Revan and Exar Kun. The second of those I’d learnt about during my free time when studying the history of the Order. Learning that the ancient Sith had been defeated on Yavin IV was a strange surprise, and I wondered if the temples seen in the movie were leftovers from Kun’s time, and what had drawn the Sith Lord there.

Now, while Kun had preferred to use a double-bladed lightsaber, and was more known for using Niman, the archives did note he was highly skilled with Makashi and adapted it into his style. As was my grand-niece – and saying that when I was only twelve was strange– Satele Shan.

I also knew that in the canon timeline, he had trained Asajj Ventress to dual-wield with Makashi, but that wasn’t something I could use as an example. But now that I understood the form so well, I could see patterns that Asajj had used and that Serra could adapt into her style.

I had ‘discussed’ this issue with my master for several hours before I was able to get him to accept that I was going to teach her, but he had drawn a concession from me that I was to train her in the usage with a single blade until he felt she was competent enough with the form to attempt to adapt it into her style.

I was honestly surprised that he had agreed at all, and I suspected he would be strict in what he defined as competent, but he had agreed, albeit grudgingly.

The day after I had begun training Serra, he had come and expressed his respect for me being able and willing to not only defend my decision but also explain my reasoning in a clear and logical manner.

Though he did state that he would be monitoring her progress and that he reserved the right to alter his acceptance of the training if she did not show the correct amount of understanding and fluency with Makashi.

“Master Dooku has exceedingly high standards for anyone using a lightsaber. Doubly so if you wish to learn Makashi,” I explained with a small smile at how Dooku came off to everyone who didn’t get to know him and earn his respect. “But he is not unyielding. He knows that what works for one person, does not always work for another.”

“He doesn’t show it,” Serra commented with a harrumph, “since we’ve left the Temple, he’s always glaring at me.”

“Because you are willing to learn Makashi. He expects the best from every one of his students.”

“But I’m your student,” she countered as her lips twitched upwards at the corners and I sensed her pride and desire through the Force.

Ever since the duel with Yoda, I had noticed that it was easy to sense what she was feeling through the Force via our bond. Apart from needing to teach her to control those feelings so they didn’t flood out so freely, I was a little concerned about the way she reacted when we spoke.

For now, I was not overly concerned – she was a few months from turning thirteen – but if it wasn’t carefully handled over the next few years, then there was a chance her desires could evolve into an unhealthy obsession.

Sadly, even with the experience of my past life, how to handle such a thing with a girl was outside my bailiwick though I had hinted at my concerns to Master Fay. She had smiled at me for taking up the concerns, but I hoped she would say something to Serra during our time on Mandalore.

“Yes, but I am his,” I replied with an expression that I hoped gave no hint of the momentary concern I felt at her feelings. “Thus, he sees you as part of his legacy and will hold you to the same high standard he does me.”

Serra sighed and shook her head. “And I thought Master Drallig was strict,” she muttered, which made me laugh.

“Master Drallig may be the Battlemaster of the Order, but he is a people person. Master Dooku,” I shrugged, “has a low opinion of most people; including many in the Order.”

“Eh, for some people I don’t blame him,” Serra remarked, and a single eyebrow rose on my brow. “Just before we left, I heard Jon talking with a few others about you.” I noticed that her hands were now clenched shut and that the knuckles on her right hand were turning white around her hilt, which was thankfully depowered. “He was telling them how you were a disruptive influence on the Jedi; how you sought out glory and the attention of the masters and would bring about the end of the Order.”

I placed my hands on hers, which elicited a small gasp from her even as I spoke and ignored the flash of yearning that I sensed from her.

“Jon… has not forgiven me for what happened to him. Which is understandable given the fact that he hasn't been allowed to cope but misguided.”

“But he’s trying to make people hate you!” Serra almost yelled into my face. “He's spreading lies that you want to destroy the Jedi!”

“Serra, the Jedi have to change. You know this as well as I do,” I responded calmly, ignoring how her hands were beginning to move to envelop mine, “but I don’t want to destroy the Order. Nor do I seek out glory.”

“I know, I know,” she replied as her fingers began to rub against mine. Which had me let go of her hands. “But he shouldn’t be allowed to badmouth you to others.”

“Who’s going to stop him? I’m not exactly in the High Council’s good graces,” I retorted with a smirk before stepping back. “And the two of us alone can’t bring about change.”

My retreat was stopped as Serra grabbed my hand and held it firmly.

“It’s not just us! There’s the clan. And Rachi and other Padawans. And I know your masters would stand with us!”

As I turned back to face her, I noted her eyebrows had risen near the bridge of her nose, thus creasing her brow.

I sighed and pinched my nose before I responded.

“They might, but that’s what? Two dozen at most. The Order is over ten thousand strong.”

“But…” her reply was cut off as I placed a finger on her lips. I ignored the way her cheeks darkened at my actions even as my own body reacted to her warm breath on my finger and I sensed the emotional turmoil she was in via the Force.

“I understand why you’re worried, Serra. And thank you,” I said as I smiled, “but for now, all we can do is improve ourselves. The future hasn’t been written yet, but we need to be ready for what is to come.”

She nodded slowly once, and I pulled my finger away, doing my best to ignore the strong sense of desire mixed with confusion that flooded our shared bond. And how my body reacted to being this close to her.

The next few years were going to be hell. Puberty was not something I wanted to have to experience, but I had little choice in the matter.

I supposed I could do my best impression of a Vulcan from Star Trek, but even then, there were significant downsides, based on what I knew of the Vulcan mating ritual, Pon Farr.

“I will be,” she said with a gentle smile as her brow smoothed out and she tilted her head slightly to the left. “I’ll be with you until the end.”

“I know,” I replied. I wanted to add more but anything else I wished to add was cut off as Serra chose that moment to close the gap between us and press her lips against mine.

I froze as her feelings crashed across the Force bond like a tsunami and her arms wrapped around me.

I knew it was wrong. I was mentally in my thirties while she was a few months shy of turning thirteen. Yet my body, which was a few months younger than hers, was reacting to her clumsy and forceful kiss instinctively.

“Ahem!”

We both leapt backwards at the voice, and I ignored how our heads had bounced off each other, and the sound of her lightsaber clattering on the floor, at the voice.

As I turned, I saw Fay standing in the doorway to the small cargo bay that we’d been using as a training room.

Her face was its usual serene self, but I could sense her amusement over our bond. There was also something else there – possibly envy or irritation? – but it was hidden deep down and far harder to identify.

“It appears I have interrupted something,” she said slowly, her voice gentle but a touch higher than normal as her lips curved upwards a fraction.

“Ah, Master Fay. Um, we, uh…” Serra stammered as she tried to come up with a reply.

I stayed silent as I was well aware of what had happened – even if I wished my body was not a teenager’s – and suspected there wasn’t much I could say that would save me from both a lecture about controlling emotions nor the subtle teasing that was certain to occur because of this.

Fay held up a hand to silence Serra, saving the girl from blathering out what I suspected would be a paper-thin excuse for her actions.

“I am well aware of what you were doing, and what you were discussing beforehand,” she stated as the corners of her lips turned upwards, “so, there is no need to attempt a misdirection about what I have seen. However, it is also something that cannot be ignored. Follow me.”

She turned and walked out of the bay, and after a moment, during which I glanced at Serra and noted the worry on her face, we both followed; though I noted that Serra made sure not to walk beside me.

Ever since we had left the Temple, unless I told her not to, she had walked a step behind me and to my right. It was cute if a little off-putting to have her so willingly step into the role of follower. She was not a weak-willed or timid person, but she deferred to me regularly.

Neither of my masters had commented on it, bar a rueful smile or raised eyebrow, but I knew both were aware of it. And the clear statement Serra was making about her loyalties.

The corridors of the transport were quite narrow, though not enough to explain away Serra’s behaviour as just because of that. This vessel would take us to Taris, from where we would have to arrange further transport to take us to Mandalore.

I was curious about Taris, and how the planet had changed since the events of KOTOR 1 and 2, but I doubted I’d have much time to explore the planet before we continued onward to our final destination.

It did not take long for us to reach the two rooms that we had booked. I shared one with Dooku while Serra bunked with Fay in the compartment next door, though we did not spend much time there as the rooms were rather spartan; hence why we’d converted a smaller empty cargo bay into an ad-hoc training room.

Fay led us into the room she shared with Serra, and I was surprised to see Dooku sitting at the small table perusing a datapad.

He raised a single eyebrow as he saw us follow Fay into the room and fixed his fellow Jedi Master with a simple gaze that seemed to ask a question without ever changing his facial expression.

“It appears that the issue we planned to discuss with the Padawan needs to happen earlier than we planned,” both Masters looked at us, and while I was fine under their combined gaze, Serra was not and, from the corner of my eye, I could see her begin to fidget.

[Relax Serra. I don’t think we’re in trouble] I said through our Force Bond. I had an inkling of what Fay and Dooku wished to discuss, but I prayed to the Force that I was wrong.

Dooku’s brow rose as I spoke to Serra telepathically and he turned to Fay, who replied to this unasked question with a nod.

"Ah," was all Dooku said in reply as I had a very bad feeling about what the issue was and felt a sudden urge to be someplace else. "Sit, please."

Dooku’s tone and words sent off alarm bells in my head, and I sensed Serra’s confusion at the politeness, which made me want to be anywhere but here. However, as we were trapped on a transport in hyperspace, there was little I could do but follow his instructions.

Since the room only contained two chairs, Serra and I sat on one of the beds as Fay took the chair next to Dooku at the table.

A feeling of dread began to spread over me as the two elder Jedi stared at us, and it only grew worse as the silence stretched towards that moment when things became uncomfortable, which was only making Serra fidget once more.

Just as I was about to send a wave of reassurance to Serra via the Force, Fay spoke.

“Cameron, while you are far more mature than any Padawan either of us have met before, you, like Padawan Keto, are still young, and your body is still growing and changing,” she began as my fears were confirmed and I wished the vessel was not in hyperspace as I hadn’t risked teleportation in hyperspace yet; and probably wouldn’t ever attempt it on the off-chance it would prove fatal.

“With these changes, you will begin to feel certain, urges and your emotions will become more… vibrant,” Fay continued as I easily picked up Serra’s confusion and terror. The concern, annoyance, and amusement from my masters was far more muted, but thanks to our bonds I could still just make them out; though since both were keeping them under control it was impossible to say who exactly was feeling what.

“At times, it will be hard to control these feelings and urges,” Fay continued, “and you may feel they are something dark or to be denied. They are not.”

I felt my eyes widen at Fay’s last words.

I knew that Fay and Dooku didn’t hold to the narrow-minded view the Jedi had about emotions but to have them reveal that to Serra so openly was unexpected. Though since I had spoken with them about her, and how I felt she had a role to play in the Coalition, this likely was meant as a quasi-test for her.

“Master Fay, are not emotions the path to the dark side?” Serra asked, and I mentally said a prayer of thanks for her taking the chance to change the topic. Anything that delayed or countered the discussion that I felt was coming was welcome.

“Yes, and no. However, that is a discussion for another day,” Fay replied to tell me my prayers had gone unanswered.

“Indeed,” Dooku concurred as he took over from Fay, “Cameron, while the physical changes for a male are less obvious and severe than a female’s, you will still experience an… increase, in your emotions and desires. And new ones will develop and at times, seem to overwhelm you.”

I gave a single nod as I mentally considered various escape plans before this conversation got extremely uncomfortable. Sadly, none of my plans so far would allow me to escape this conversation for any great length of time and would only result in things being far less civil next time around along with questions about why I ran.

“Padawan, may I refer to you by your given name?” Fay asked and after a moment in which I had to assume Serra gave her consent, she continued.

“I am aware you have talked with some of our fellow Jedi about the changes your body is beginning to undergo,” Fay paused, waiting for an answer, but I did not turn to look at Serra, for both our sakes. “Good. Now nothing about these changes is wrong, or in some way makes you less than others. They are just a part of life.”

“Um, this morning, I, um, my bed,” Serra stumbled over her words in a voice barely above a whisper. I easily sensed her fear and self-loathing through the Force even as I felt her scrunch up the bedsheets and wondered if this was her bed.

Not really caring about that but wanting to help, I sent feelings of reassurance and comfort to her through our bond. As I did, Fay’s head tilted, and she smiled at Serra.

“What happened is perfectly natural my dear. We can talk privately about that later.”

“Thank you, Master,” Serra replied in a voice that was barely above a whisper as her sense of embarrassment flooded the room.

“There is no need to thank me child. What you experienced was perfectly natural and Cam,” I looked up at Fay, “what Serra is talking about is a cycle that most females experience. It is not a subject to insult them about, joke about, or suggest that it in any way makes a female unclean. Am I clear?” Her tone had the faintest hint of sharpness and if I was a true pre-teen, I might have been worried I was in trouble.

Since I wasn’t, I understood, but the part of me that wished to die from the discomfort of going through this talk again grew in size.

“Yes, Master.”

“Good. Master Dooku will speak with you later about the more sensitive issues that affect Human males," Fay added and the desire to die grew further as the idea of detailed talk about sex from Dooku sent a shiver down my spine. "Now, however, we wish to speak with both of you about your emotions. How they are becoming more powerful, and how they can at times, seem to overwhelm you. And lead to the blossoming of feelings for others."

I felt the heat in my cheeks build as another burst of embarrassment flooded over my bond with Serra. These emotional spill-overs weren’t affecting me, but I knew I’d have to talk to Serra about working on her emotional control.

We had talked a little about the bond, and she had been excited to learn that with time, she should be able to speak with me telepathically, though that had been tempered by a sense of fear.

Since I wasn’t going to try and read her thoughts – both because Mind Probe was still at Novice 1 and it would be an invasion of privacy – I had been forced to guess as to why she felt as she had.

A quick Observe had told me it was that she feared I’d reject her for another girl, which had me internally sighing and once more hating that I had to go through puberty again.

A hatred that was growing as this talk continued, though I made sure to keep it under control less my masters sense it and become curious about why I was feeling hate at this particular moment in time.

“Serra, I need you to know that I am not disappointed or angered by what I saw. It has been obvious to Master Dooku and myself, as well as others, that you have been developing feelings, and urges related to Cameron.” Fay continued and I risked a quick glance at Serra to see her face had turned the same shade of red as a Sith lightsaber and she seemed to be trying to melt into the bed.

“And Cameron, while you, as we have commented on many times, are far more mature than anyone else your age, you are also developing similar urges, are you not?”

As I nodded in agreement, I started to give serious consideration to my earlier idea of teleporting while in hyperspace. Risk or no, it had to be safer than where this conversation was heading.

“Again, there is nothing wrong with those urges and feelings. The danger for most beings comes from acting on those urges without knowing what they are doing. For those like us who are attuned to the Force, there is also the risk that our emotions can overpower us and alter our relationship with the Force.”

“Emotion, yet Peace,” Serra whispered, though I overheard her and, given the brief shared look between my masters, they did as well.

“I see you have adopted the older wording of the Jedi Code,” Dooku said slowly in a voice that lacked any hint of emotion, “unexpected, but encouraging.”

I had been concerned that his lack of emotion would’ve made Serra think she was in trouble, but the way he ended that sentence removed that worry.

“The standard version of the Code is designed for the masses. However, it does not work for those who either have control of their emotions or experience them more strongly than others.” He continued and I resisted the urge to comment about him apparently not having any emotions to control.

“Um, Cam taught it to me when we first spoke,” Serra said quietly and glanced at me before continuing, “Master Drallig is aware that I use it and has stated that it may be a better choice due to my... 'rebellious nature'.” She smiled at the end and I had to agree that it did suit her better.

She was not like most of the other Padawans and was more willing to question everything around her from a young age. Which was probably why I had enjoyed spending time with her when we were younger.

“Yes, Cin is far more adaptable to the fact that one size does not fit all than most in the Order,” Dooku commented before Fay spoke once more.

“Regardless of where you learnt that variant of the Code, both Master Dooku and I feel that it is a more appropriate version than the standard version. To deny that one has emotions makes learning to live with and handling them far more difficult and can cause the more impetuous, out-going, or asocial Jedi problems as they enter their teenage years.”

“Now these changes, both physical and physiological are going to make the next few years a very confusing and trying time for both of you, but remember that we, and other older members of the Order, are here if you need to discuss these changes. And we will speak with both of you privately in a little while.”

I released a breath I hadn’t realised I’d been holding at hearing I wouldn’t have to go through that in a group session again. Also, I was a little hopeful that this talk would now move to philosophical discussions about emotions and the Jedi Code.

“However, we think it is time that both of you are given instructions on what to do if you wish to, indulge these new urges,” Fay continued and I wondered if now would be a good time to out Palpatine as a Sith Lord. “Though to be clear, we do not expect, nor desire that you do so before you have reached the age of responsibility.”

I’d give every single credit I would ever earn from my writing – which currently amounted to a touch shy of thirty-five million all told thanks to receiving my full cut from The Two Towers – if pirates would attack the transport in the next few seconds.

“You are both aware of the process that can result in the birth of Human younglings, correct?” Dooku asked and I nodded mechanically as I engaged Player’s Mind. Dealing with this talk again was going to be torturous enough without my emotions getting in the way and PM would also protect me if Serra’s emotions overloaded the Bond we shared.

“Good, then we can proceed to methods of how to avoid that outcome.”

As Fay handed us both a datapad I regretted ever taking Eidetic Memory as this talk was something that I could never, ever forget. No matter how much I dearly wished I could.

Serra gasped. “Wait, they do that? AH! It… ah… Oh!”

A mixture of confusion, fear and excitement flooded my senses and I was glad I’d activated Player’s Mind I was unsure if my new body and mind would be able to handle that much emotional feedback on its own.

Deciding that discretion was the best course of action regarding Serra’s current emotional turmoil, I kept my eyes down and locked on the datapad I’d been handed.

Though given that my pad started with the changes that a Human female underwent, how this affected their emotional state, and how they could react to these changes, I had a fair idea of what she was reading and seeing on her pad. And I did not want to confirm it, especially as her confusion and shock slowly dissipated and were replaced by the faintest hints of arousal and curiosity.

“Before you ask any questions, read the file fully,” Fay said, and a glance upwards revealed that her eyebrows had lifted and curled. And given the faintest of smiles on Dooku’s face, it was clear to me that my masters were, once more, taking enjoyment in my embarrassment.

Though this time there was no outward comment on it, which was very understandable.

I sighed and began to scroll through my pad. While I suspected I knew most of what it would contain, I couldn’t not read it without giving away more about how different I was from others my age.

As the screen changed to display the internal workings of male and female reproductive organs, I internally cursed at this. The one small saving grace was that the files also included information on other near-human species as well as the slight variations encountered, so it turned out there was some new information.

Though I had to repress a chuckle as I realised that during the upcoming Q and A, I could get a small measure of revenge on the Jedi Masters. Though I’d have to make sure that my ‘innocent questions’ didn’t scare or worry Serra.

… …

… …

“Morning Serra,” I said as I sat opposite her in the recreation area/mess hall of the freighter that was taking us on the final leg of our journey to Mandalore. A journey that should be ending today if the ship’s Captain, a Mandalorian from Darboon named Oje Kyllet, was telling the truth.

Serra glanced up at me, before returning her attention to her food as she pulled her shoulders inward; almost as if she wished to shrink in on herself. Her face began to redden as the same emotions that had dominated her since we’d received ‘The Talk’ – confusion, curiosity and anxiety – radiated out from her through the Force.

In the two days since ‘The Talk’ and all that it entailed; Serra had been unable to keep eye contact with me for more than a few seconds without reacting like this. Yesterday the initial fear had weakened and become merely anxiety, and today it felt as though it was almost gone.

Hopefully, that meant she would be willing to talk freely with me in a few days.

After reading through the datapad, we had gone over what it spoke about as a group and that while the Jedi frowned on commitments, the concept of what Fay called nights of enjoyment was a grey area within the Code.

Any amusement I felt at hearing that the Jedi were allowed to pursue one-night stands was lost though once the conversation turned to ways to make a joining pleasurable for yourself and your partner.

While I knew most of what was discussed, hearing Dooku speak about pleasuring a woman was not something I had ever wanted to experience, nor would I ever forget, thanks to Eidetic Memory ensuring that it would never be forgotten.

There had been a few moments where crass jokes from my old life had popped back into my head, however, I did not vocalise them. I had no desire to lower everyone’s opinion of me, nor run the risk of scarring Serra emotionally or losing her as a potential recruit for the Coalition.

Thus, I sat and listened as Fay talked calmly in her serene voice about how to ensure that our partner, regardless of gender or species, was aroused and small signs to look for to indicate this with Dooku offering a few small comments here and there.

She only spoke about Human males and females, but as she spoke about how to detect such signs from females, I couldn’t stop myself from wondering if she knew that from self-gratification or from having taken female lovers in the past. And if she had, if they had been any non-Human partners.

Though I did not let my mind dwell on such things as both my masters would likely have sensed my thoughts; I could not deny that the idea of Fay with another woman was an enticing one when the thought drifted through my mind.

After that, and once Fay reassured us that we did not need to experience any of these things if we did not wish to, we were split along gender lines for more in-depth discussions.

I had to fight off a full-body shiver at remembering getting that part of the talk from Dooku. And again, I cursed that I could never, ever forget it.

Dooku had explained that there were various contraceptives for both males and females to prevent unwanted pregnancies. He had then given me one from his personal supply – and I again wished I could erase the imagery that him having those implied from my mind - for me to take.

According to Observe, the pill would ensure I was infertile for a month however, upon ingestion, Player’s Body nullified the chemicals in it. That meant, if I wished to avoid any unexpected surprises, I was going to have to try the other methods – which Dooku said were freely available at the Temple and most Republic worlds – in the hope that one of them would work.

While I had no interest in children currently – and likely wouldn’t until after Sidious was dead – I was not prepared to have surgery to ensure that was the case. And there was always the chance that Player’s Body would nullify that as well.

If none of the contraceptive methods worked, I was going to have to find a way to bring this problem up without revealing why they didn’t work. And if I didn’t want to be accused of being reckless and irresponsible if an unexpected pregnancy occurred, I would have to be very careful about what I did, and with whom, once I was older. A lot older.

“Morning,” Serra mumbled out and I sent a gentle prod of happiness through the Force. She didn’t respond in any way, but the fact there was also no change in the emotions coming from her was a further sign that things were headed in the right direction.

We ate in silence as I knew it was better to let her give her time to process everything that had been discussed two days earlier. However, I found myself missing being around her. While she was still young and immature and she was not able to engage with me like an adult – as Fay and Dooku did – I missed having my friend around and hoped the awkwardness would dissipate enough that we could begin to talk again.

I was concerned that she was perhaps, too supportive/defensive of me, a glance with Observe after ‘The Talk’ suggested she was realising this herself.

Once I had finished my breakfast, I stood and gave her a slight nod as I turned to place the tray in the cleaning unit.

“C-can we spar later?”

I turned back and saw that she’d raised her head just enough that she could make eye contact, but not enough that her face could be easily seen. Her eyes were hopeful, and I sensed the same feeling through the Force.

Giving her what I hoped was a soft smile, I replied. “Sure.”

The way her cheeks pinched suggested she was smiling back, but I couldn’t tell for certain from the current angle. However, her eyes weren’t their usual vibrant and happy self and they soon broke contact with mine as her cheeks began to darken and she returned her attention to her food, which I noted had barely been touched in the time I’d been in the room.

“Just let me know when you want to spar,” I added before I turned and headed to the cleaning unit. I ignored the feelings that were emanating from her via the Force.

“T-thanks,” I heard her mumble as I walked away.

A small smile crept onto my face as I exited the room. Hopefully, this meant that the awkwardness was fading enough for us to return to a semblance of our usual behaviour.

… ...

Later that day, about an hour after lunch, I found myself standing with Fay, Dooku and Serra in the central seating area of the freighter as it lowered itself towards one of the many docking platforms that dotted the dome of the city of Sundari.

I glanced over at Serra as I considered the spar that we’d had just before lunch.

Calling it uncomfortable would be like calling Coruscant a large city.

For the first ten or so minutes, Serra had been hesitant to even raise her blade to attack as every time she looked at me her face turned redder than a tomato, and feelings of loathing and desire rolled off her in waves.

After those ten minutes, I had turned to leave, realising that she was still not ready to move past what she’d learnt, only for her to stop my turn to leave with a Force Pull that caught me off-guard, and resulted in me stumbling backwards.

I’d suspected that because I did not see Serra as an opponent, Precognition did not warn me what was to happen. Either that or the Force itself wanted things between us resolved and had blocked me from sensing the pull.

Regardless, I’d ended up crashing to the mat, arse first, at her feet.

She gasped and leapt away, only to kneel next to me and blather out that she was sorry a few times before I stopped her.

What followed was the most awkward and embarrassing conversation I had had in either of my lives, but by the end of it, she had apologised for kissing me, that every time she saw me she imagined what she’d read about on the pads and talked about with Fay occurring between us and how scared she was by it all. Though it had taken a lot more words and nearly twenty minutes to reach that point.

Through most of those minutes, I hadn’t spoken – mainly because even with my extra experience of life, I was uncertain of what was the correct thing to say – and had only offered words of encouragement and support to help her with her worries and reiterating that I would always be her friend.

After all that, and following lunch that was awkward because of the way Fay and Dooku were regarding us now sitting together, but not as close as before, I’d spent the landing approach through the atmosphere of Mandalore in the cockpit of the freighter with Captain Kyllet and his First Mate – and only crewmember - Lom Wissel.

The pair had given me a running commentary, with historical comments, of what I was seeing as we descended.

Strangely the whole planet was not covered in sand, just most of it, and we’d flown over Keldabe, the former capital of the planet soon after breaking through the cloud cover.

The reason we weren’t landing there was that the city had been all but levelled during the Dral'Han. While Mandalmotors and a few other corporations still had their headquarters there, and parts of the city still stood or had been rebuilt, the current ruling faction of Mandalore and the surrounding sector ruled from the domed city of Sundari.

Kyllet’s opinion on the New Mandalorians, while clear to sense through the Force, was harder to detect in his words. Though that made sense as a trader in the sector, it wouldn’t be good for business to alienate the ruling group.

The captain had explained that most of the planet had been tuned to a desert by the Republic and Jedi strike force in the Dral’Han, though areas were slowly being reclaimed from the desert.

These facts about Mandalore, like Rachi’s comments about Ryloth, were making me wonder about the subtle differences between what I knew and what was.

So far, those differences had been minor, but I had a hunch that something major was going to be different from what I knew/expected. And while I was curious about what else was different, and the fact that key events might not play out the way I expected – not least because of my actions since arriving here – there was a niggling concern at the back of my mind. A concern that there was a risk that my faulty information could end up making things worse for myself and my allies.

I had spent a fair amount of time speaking with Captain Kyllet and Wissel about the state of Mandalorian space as what was available in the Jedi Archives was… lacking and outdated.

According to the information in the Archives, the New Mandalorians – and I had issues with calling them that after learning about the Resol'nare and studying it – were the only faction within the sector.

From what Kyllet and Wissel told me, that was a falsehood. The New Mandalorians only controlled around thirty per cent of the sector, and most of that territory was centred around Mandalore itself and the main hyperspace route that connected the sector to the Hydian Way.

They were the only faction recognized by the Senate – and the Jedi apparently – and as such, had control of all the funding and support that the Republic offered. That went a long way to explaining why what I knew was both right and wrong simultaneously.

As the pair explained this to me, and I compared it to what I’d read in the Archives, I wondered if the Republic hadn’t created – or at least encouraged – the founding of the New Mandalorian faction to prevent the people here from rising as a threat once more. Realistically, the glassing of several worlds should have increased Mandalorian resentment towards the Republic, instead, it had somehow resulted in the rapid growth in power and influence of the New Mandalorian faction.

Regarding the rest of the sector, a few smaller worlds on the edges of Mandalorian Space openly supported Death Watch, though these worlds were all along the trailing edge of the sector, financially or industrially poor and since the death of Tor Vizsla five years ago, had spent as much time quarrelling with each other as they had causing problems for others.

The major corporations that were based in the sector, such as Mandalmotors and its subsidiary Mandal Hypernautics, had direct control of around ten per cent of the sector but hadn’t become involved in the internal conflicts. Or at least, they hadn’t publicly declared themselves for any faction or Warlord. Though a few had condemned the actions of the Death Watch under Tor Vizsla.

To me, this meant they were likely behaving as groups such as the Trade Federation and Techno Union did during the Clone Wars and being neutral in public but supporting certain factions in private; maybe even different ones based on how the internal setup of the companies worked.

The rest of the sector was controlled by a variety of warlords and powerful clans, with Adonai Kryze and his house being the biggest and strongest of these warlords. A house, in Mandalorian terms, was a group of clans that rallied around another, more powerful clan, with most of the Warlords leading houses as well as their clan.

Adonai Kryze – who was referred to as a Duke due to the power his House commanded – had allied his house with the New Mandalorians a few years ago following the death of his youngest son and wife in an attack attributed to a rival Warlord, Anzur Varaud.

Both Kyllet and Wissel spoke well of the duke, and while neither agreed with him allying with the New Mandalorians, they did understand his reasoning in doing so. I also learnt that to many, the New Mandalorians were not well-liked with names for them ranging from the polite – lapdogs of the Republic – to the Faithless or dar’manda; which translated as Not Mandalorian.

From all that I’d read about the Mandalorians of old, and everything that Canderous had told Revan and Meetra Surik, dar’manda felt like a fitting name. Though I suspected its usage did not bother most of the New Mandalorian faction.

Their ideals, while noble, were flawed.

War shouldn’t be the answer to every problem, but to willingly give up any belief in defending yourself… Well, stupid was about the nicest word I had to describe them.

The galaxy was teetering on the brink of open war – and you didn’t need future knowledge or Force-based visions to see that – yet they made no effort to develop defences to protect themselves. It was almost as if they wanted and expected the Republic and by extension the Jedi, to do the job for them.

Any further thoughts I had rattling around my head were pushed to the back of my mind as Kyllet walked into the area.

“Right, that’s us down. Follow me and let me handle the customs officers. Jedi are not well-liked around these parts.”

The four of us stood, as Dooku muttered something under his breath that I couldn’t quite catch and followed him the short distance to the passenger ramp.

Even with his mental shields locked down hard, I still knew how this had to be affecting him. He was the Butcher of Galidraan, and there were likely more than a few locals who wouldn't mind a chance at killing him over the death of a friend or loved one.

As we reached the ramp, and I noted it was slowly descending, Fay turned to Serra and me.

“Serra, Cam, if anything happens, I need you to follow my lead,” Fay said with the slightest hints of hardness in her voice.

“Yes, Master,” Serra replied while I simply nodded.

As she turned back to face the opening ramp, I caught sight of her running a finger down her tattoo.

As the ramp clanked to the ground and scraped against the metal surface, I saw two guards, donning the same armour that Satine’s guards wore during the Clone Wars, approach. That was a surprise as it marked them as royal guards and not standard customs officials who wore the grey uniform.

Though this could just be another case of what I knew not matching up exactly with what I saw and learnt.

Both guards stopped as they caught sight of the four of us, and they tightened their grip on their staffs and shifted into a defensive posture.

“It’s ok Grenk!” Kyllet called as he pushed passed us and moved to greet the two guards. “They’re here at the invite of Clan Vizsla and aren’t looking for trouble.”

The two guards shared a look before one with a single light-green bar over his right chest spoke. “Who issued the invite and to whom?”

“Nia Vizsla extended the invite to the Padawan here,” Fay answered and both guards turned their gaze to me.

Neither spoke but a quick double use of Observe told me they were both sceptical about who I was. Grenk, who was the one with the light-green stripe on his armour, doubted the stories he’d heard about me, though his compatriot, Bracul Stegh, was more open-minded. Neither was noted as being a real threat and both were loyal to the New Mandalorian faction with a loyalty rating in the sixties.

“Please wait here,” Grenk stated before stepping backwards and then turning and lifting his forearm to his face. Given that his mouth was now next to his forearm, I suspected his gauntlet held a communication link, which was confirmed as a light blinked on the gauntlet moments after he finished speaking.

“I-Is,” Bracul began and I turned my attention to him to discover his eyes were locked onto me, “is it true you killed Girk Saxon in a duel?”

“No. I defeated him in a duel,” I replied calmly. “He then dishonoured himself by trying to shoot me in the back. A fatal mistake.”

Serra coughed once at my word choice as Bracul’s eyes widened. It was hard to know how else his expression had changed as his eyes were the only part of his head that was visible under the ornate – and frankly stupid looking – helmet he and Grenk wore.

“Always knew he was an utreekov,” Bracul said with a nod, which made me smirk.

“Huh?” Serra muttered.

“An idiot,” I explained in a voice that was loud enough that Bracul would overhear, “someone with no ijaat, no honour.”

“You know Mando’a?” Bracul asked as Grenk lowered his arm and began to walk towards Bracul.

“I learnt some,” I replied with a shrug, “it seemed prudent to do before I visited.”

Bracul gave me a nod, in what I hoped was respect at learning some of the local language before Grenk reached us.

“The duke is aware of your invite and has requested that we escort you to the Royal Palace. Oje, you’re to come as well.” He added as he looked at the freighter Captain.

Kyllet, who had turned his head towards me at learning about how Girk died, now had to shift it back to the guardsman to reply. “Fine, but if this delays me, my future prices will increase.”

Grenk chuckled. “I warned the Palace of that. They said that if you were truly bringing the one who killed Girk Saxon, then they’d double your fee for this trip.”

Kyllet’s eyes widened almost comically as if he was seeing credit symbols, and he clapped his hands. “Well, in that case. What are we waiting for?”

Everyone except Dooku laughed at his behaviour before we followed the guards into the dock complex.

The passage through the docking area was nothing to write home about, but as we exited it, and entered the domed city of Sundari properly I allowed my eyes to wander.

While I was never a fan of the New Mandalorians before coming to this verse, I could admire the way they had adapted to use space in the city. But seeing it in person was something else entirely.

Buildings grew from the ground and hung from the dome in a way that reminded me of stalactites and stalagmites in a cave. Though the buildings here were made from metal and permacrete instead of rock and stone, I swore I saw ripples in certain buildings and statues. Like the clothing I remembered seeing, and what was worn by anyone I saw, the buildings all had that diamond-like shape imprinted on them.

Clearly, it held a lot of significance to all Mandalorians, regardless of their political leanings. Though what it meant or remembered was not something that I currently knew.

“Most impressive,” Dooku commented as we boarded an aircar.

“Thank you, Master Jedi,” Grenk replied as the door closed and we took our seats. “We have turned the drive our people are famous for away from warfare and towards science and engineering.”

“Why do the buildings seem to shimmer?” Serra asked. I turned to her and saw her eyes were wide as she took in the sights as the aircar lifted off. I had to assume that with her never having left Coruscant seeing architecture so radically different was a real eye-opener for her.

“Certain buildings and features were built using Beskar,” Grenk answered, a wide smile appearing on his face. “We have learnt to use the unique properties of the metal for a purpose other than bloodshed.”

I tuned out the rest of the conversation as I considered what this meant.

Beskar – Mandalorian Iron – was one of the few alloys and metals that could stand up to a lightsaber. A fact, once I had realised it, I tested by using the blade I had been gifted for defeating Girk against my lightsaber.

According to the archives in the Temple, Beskar only existed on Mandalore and its moon, Concordia, but all the mines were said to have either run dry or been closed by the New Mandalorian faction.

That had disappointed me greatly as I saw a fair few uses for the metal when combined with Inanimate Conversion, but to discover that what did remain of the metal had been used for decoration…

Well, I understood the symbolism of why it had been done, but to say I did not like it would be an understatement.

Our airship moved quickly towards the centre of the city, and I saw both the park which was bombed and the prison that had featured in TCW episodes covering Mandalore as we flew and I noted that while there were many parks and open spaces. What little greenery that could be seen was all cut and shaped in a way that reminded me of palace gardens from my old life.

Soon enough the aircar began to slow and I spotted another familiar sight, the plaza outside the throne room. That meant we had arrived at the residence of the planet’s ruler and the seat of government for the New Mandalorians.

As the aircar banked around the building, which looked more like a palace than a government building, it was easy to spot a group of about two dozen people waiting near one of the landing pads, and our ride moved towards where the group was standing and began to descend.

Most of the group awaiting our arrival were guards dressed in the same armour Grenk and Bracul wore. That had me wondering again why two members of the royal guard had greeted us when we landed instead of customs or the local police.

I could only assume that Kyllet had informed the docking authority that he had Jedi on board and the royal guard had been dispatched to discover why we were here.

One of the few not in uniform stepped forward, and from his appearance – blonde hair and violet eyes – I suspected it was Minister Almec, but there were enough differences that I couldn’t say for sure.

“Greetings, Master Jedi, I am Deputy Prime Minister Almec. On behalf of Duke Adonai and the people of Mandalore, I bid you welcome to our city and planet.” He said, confirming my suspicion. Though I took note of the fact he was only the deputy Prime Minster currently.

“Greetings Minister. I am Master Fay. With me are Master Dooku and Padawans Shan and Keto,” Fay replied, and I watched as Almec’s brow rose at learning that Dooku was with us, though he then seemed to focus on myself and Serra.

I could understand why Dooku and I would draw his attention, but not Serra.

Unless it was because of her family name as I remembered her saying her grandfather was the current ruler of the Empress Teta system. After she had mentioned learning about where she came from, I had studied up on her homeworld and discovered that the system was located in the Deep Core. It was considered the most powerful planet there and one that, at one time in the past, had rivalled Coruscant in power, influence and fashion.

“Hmm. If you would all follow me. Duke Adonai is currently in a meeting, but he will be free to meet you in an hour or so,” Almec stated as his violet eyes scanned us one more time.

“Of course. We understand the duke has more important things than to meet a group of visiting Jedi,” Fay responded with a small smile.

Almec gave her a smile that seemed forced, before turning and walking towards the doors into the palace.

As we moved to follow, the guards all turned as one and marched along on our flanks. Grenk and Bracul fell into step at the rear along with Kyllet. I took the opportunity to case Observe on Almec, while also noting that Serra turned to me as I did.

Almec Itera

Race: Human

Level: 27

Health: 100%

Age: 39

Force Potential: Negligible

Threat Potential: Minimal

Reputation: Neutral

Affiliation Loyalty: New Mandalorians (87%) Duke Adonai (52%)

Emotional State: Agitated/Interested/Concerned

Almec is uncomfortable with having a supposed child of Revan here.

Though he is curious as to why you have arrived with three other Jedi

That interest is tempered with worry over how some might respond to having the Butcher of Galidraan present.

…

Serra’s reaction to my usage of Observe all but confirmed my suspicions that she could sense when I used it. I’d caught her expression and behaviour shift a few times when I’d used the power near here, but her turning to look directly at me as I used it here confirmed my theory. Though how she was able to do so, was still unknown.

Perhaps it was a side effect of our Force Bond? Yet, if that was the case then Fay and Dooku must also sense me doing it, yet they had never raised the issue with me. And that train of thought raised a few more questions than it answered. Questions that I’d have to discover the answers for at a later date.

From Almec’s Observe, I could tell he was quite loyal to the New Mandalorians, and while he was also loyal to the duke, it wasn’t as secure. Also, like most non-Force sensitives, he was not rated as much of a threat. Though those with sufficient combat training could be a challenge.

In short order, we were guided into a small conference room. The only thing of note in the room was a table designed for ten with a large bowl of fruit in its centre.

“Please wait here. I will inform the Duke and Prime Minster of your arrival and return once they are available to meet you,” Almec explained as we stepped into the room. “Guardsmen Coss and Stegh will remain here to assist you if you need anything.”

“Thank you,” Dooku replied and Almec turned and left the room with Grenk and Bracul taking up positions on either side of the door.

As he did, I used Force Sight to check the room for any hidden listening or monitoring devices. I found three and informed Fay and Dooku of them via telepathy. I also saw that while only two guards remained outside our door – to go with the two inside – there was a squad of ten waiting less than a hundred metres away.

Whether that was for our protection, or theirs, I didn’t know. Though if it was for theirs, I doubted it would be enough to even slow us down. And it was unlikely that any of them were as skilled in combat as Girk, Nia or Thur. Every spar or duel with them had been with me holding back my Force abilities and I only lost twice. If I truly cut loose, well it wouldn’t be pretty.

Now, I suspected that the Mandalorians had more than a few methods to counter your average Jedi, but our group wasn’t average. Even Serra, who was the weakest and least experienced in combat, I’d still expect to be more than a match for a New Mandalorian guard.

“Why was Minister Almec so interested in you two?” Kyllet asked as he sat down on one of the chairs, leaned back, put his feet on the table and lazily tossed an apple that he’d grabbed from the bowl in the air.

“For myself, it was likely due to my role at the Battle of Galidraan,” Dooku replied, which had Kyllet stop in mid-motion as he lifted the apple to his mouth. “I led the Jedi strike team that slaughtered the True Mandalorians that day.”

“Wait! That was you?!” He blurted out.

Dooku sighed as his shoulders slumped. “Sadly, yes.”

Once more Dooku seemed to sink into himself, and I had to assume his mind was wandering back to that day, seven years ago. He had done this almost daily since we had left the Temple and while I had tried to explain – from my admittedly limited understanding of Mandalorian culture – that they would not be angered or upset about his role in the battle, or if they did, be glad their fellow Mandalorians died in battle, it had done little to ease the guilt he felt.

However, there was another reason for Almec’s interest in Dooku and Serra. I doubted it was a major reason, but it might be enough to shift Dooku’s thoughts back to the present.

“Master, perhaps there is another reason for Minister Almec’s interest,” I began slowly as I quickly played over the idea in my head and ran it past what had been revealed to me by others. “Perhaps it is due to both your and Serra’s family names. And the connections they suggest to two powerful systems.”

Dooku lifted his head as I spoke before rubbing his chin as he considered my words.

“Hmm. Yes. I had not considered that. Padawan Keto, you are aware of where you came from?” Serra nodded but said nothing. Dooku fixed her with a gaze, likely wondering how she learnt the truth before he continued.

“With Padawan Keto’s links to the ruling family of Empress Teta, and my father being the most powerful of the Counts of Serenno, it would certainly be logical if the minister was curious about our connections to our families.”

“I can even see a way to use this if that is the case. If you will excuse me.” He finished before he moved towards the far side of the room.

“Um, will Master Dooku be alright?” Serra asked quietly once the man in question sat at the far side of the table, just far enough away that anything under a raised voice for his attention would not carry over the distance between us.

“Yes. He is just… disillusioned with events that happened while you were still a Youngling,” Fay answered as she looked at her fellow Jedi Master and sighed. “While that incident was due to the failure of the Jedi High Council for sending in a strike team under faulty information, Master Dooku still holds himself responsible for what followed.”

I said nothing since I already knew what Fay was speaking about, both from the comments made by my two Masters and from records of the battle in the Jedi Archives. Still, it was good to hear Serra being told of this as it would help her see the failings of the High Council from Masters of the Order; especially since it was coming from one who was older than all bar Yoda.

As Serra processed what Fay had said, I considered this and wondered if I could use my time on Mandalore to help Dooku and the Changing Fate quest linked to him.

Quest Altered!

Changing Fate [Dooku]

Can you change the fate of the Jedi known as Count Dooku?

Rating: A

Objectives:

Prevent the fall of Count Dooku and the rise of Darth Tyranus.

Bonus: Help Dooku come to terms with the Battle of Galidraan

Bonus: ?

Rewards:

5000XP

1000XP

Massively increased Reputation with Dooku

Pass a test of Friendship with Dooku

…

I blinked at a quest changing. That had never happened before, yet as I examined the new bonus condition that had appeared and been revealed, I realised that it did make sense for my idea to be added to the quest.

Still, I wondered if this was possible with other quests once they had started. Though the more I considered it, the more I felt it was unlikely to apply to any but the longer-term quests such as the Changing Fate series.

As Serra and Fay sat down and began to talk in quieter tones – though I overheard Serra mention Galidraan – I realised that the only way to be sure was to try to add objectives to the quests. And this was as good a time as any to see.

… ...

After what felt like several hours, but according to my chronometer had only been a touch over thirty minutes, I stood and stretched.

I had discovered that adding extra objectives only appeared possible on quests that came from the TPTB and/or offered a way to alter canon.

For Dooku’s Changing Fate quest, an objective to have Dooku come to terms with his failings with his last Padawan – Komari Vosa – and determine her fate had been added. That, however, would likely be time-consuming as while just getting him to accept her failure as a Jedi wasn’t his fault, discovering actual proof of what had happened to her was likely going to prove tricky.

She had disappeared around three years ago when the Jedi had sent a strike team to deal with the Bando Gora. Vosa, while no longer a member of the Order, had been allowed to join and like most of the team, was believed dead.

The Jedi, in their infinite wisdom, had chosen not to send another group to confirm the fates of the fallen Jedi – likely claiming that their apparent deaths were the ‘Will of the Force’, or some other such bullshit. Which meant that finding any hint of her or fate was going to be difficult.

While the full records on the mission were locked to Padawans, I suspected Dooku and Fay could access them, which would at least give me a place to start from. Though convincing them to unlock those files for me was going to take a little convincing.

From there, I suspected I’d have to locate a Bando Gora operative or two and ‘persuade’ them to reveal what they knew. That likely meant using the mental Force Powers I had, which was a concern.

To use the Force to forcibly read another’s mind – even that of a pirate and terrorist – was a dangerous path to head down. I felt I was mature enough to not abuse those powers, but the temptation was something that I’d have to be wary of in future situations.

I had thought that adding an objective to get Shmi away from Tatooine before her canonical death would be a good bonus for Changing Fate [Anakin], however, the Interface didn’t allow it. Nor one for collecting Anakin before the Invasion of Naboo.

Likely that meant they were two of the three bonus conditions for the quest already as if they weren’t, and I couldn’t add them in, it would be a strange quirk for the Interface to develop.

I couldn’t come up with any new objectives to add to the Changing Fate quests for Qui-Gon, Giiett and Sifo-Dyas. Though that was mainly because outside of how Qui-Gon died, I knew little to nothing about them.

Again, that made me regret taking the quests so quickly when they were offered. But since I couldn’t do anything about them now – save trying to complete them – there was no point in regretting my mistakes; only learning from them and not making them again.

While I had been thinking about possible bonus objectives, Serra and Fay had moved on from talking about Galidraan – in hushed tones – to various Force techniques.

Most I knew of, but a few that they discussed were not, and one was a variant of a power I already had and had been in the KOTOR games. When I’d considered powers from that source, I’d ignored Force Valour as it felt very gamey, and not something that would really be possible with the Force.

However, as Serra and Fay discussed Battle Meditation and how it worked, Serra had wondered if it was possible to use the ability to improve the physical abilities of allies. There Fay had explained it wasn’t, but that such a power did exist that allowed a Jedi Master to enhance the abilities of themselves and their allies.

Force Valour, as defined by my Interface, was a weakened form of Enhance Stats that could be applied to myself and others and, like Battle Meditation, came in two forms: Passive and Active. It was also very draining, with each variant being fifty per cent more costly than the equivalent form of Battle Meditation.

The idea that I could use both powers in passive forms in a battle was, in all honesty, a little frightening. But I did not doubt that it would also help save the lives of those fighting with me, which was one of the most important things to keep in mind about any combat situation.

I had also discovered three more new Force Powers, Purge Toxin, Control Pain and Tapas.

Purge Toxin would be immensely helpful any time I was poisoned and given that alcohol was classified as a poison, I could see an easy – and possibly fun – way to level it up since it only improved based on the toxicity of my blood.

Control Pain granted the ability to negate the pain felt when shot or stunned. While I wondered how useful this would be with me already having Player’s Body, it should be easy enough to test by placing my hand in a flame and trying to ignore the pain.

Tapas was the ability to control my regulate my internal temperature, thus allowing me to survive longer in extreme conditions. From Fay’s words – which I remembered clearly due to Eidetic Memory even when I wasn’t paying attention to them – the power could be used to keep one warm even in the vacuum of space. Which made it a power that Plo Koon had likely used in the TCW episode “Rising Malevolence”.

I glanced to the far end of the room and saw that Dooku was still sitting there. Based on the fact his eyes were closed and his breathing calm, I assumed he was meditating.

I couldn’t sense any anxiousness or concern from him, but Dooku had always kept his emotions under tight control and didn’t allow many to sense them. Yet, I knew he was likely replaying the events of Galidraan over and over in his mind even now.

“As you are aware, Cameron. Master Dooku is a very private individual. The fact he is even willing to come here is a testament to the trust he has in you and the faith we have in the direction the Force is guiding us,” I turned and Fay’s voice to see she was now looking at me. As was Serra.

Obviously, turning my attention to Dooku had been seen by her.

“I know that, Master. I just have a feeling that this trip will benefit him almost as much as it will Serra and me,” I replied with a small smile. Well, it would if I was able to get Dooku to confront his demons linked to these people and that battle.

“Hmm,” Fay murmured as she glanced at Serra, whose cheeks tinted pink at the comment. “If I did not know and trust you, I would be concerned about what exactly you meant by that. However, I do. I also believe the Force has guided all of us here for a reason. One that, if I am right, will have greater ramifications than any of us expect.”

I smiled at her and gave her a quick nod. “Yes, Master.”

Serra, who had been watching the back and forth between Fay and me opened her mouth to speak, but whatever she wished to say was cut off as the doors to the conference room swished open and Minister Almec walked in.

Almec greeted each of us with a quick nod before turning to Captain Kyllet, who had taken a chair – and some of the fruit – and moved to a corner where he’d been sitting quietly eating as he tapped away at his gauntlet, which had a built-in Holonet interface.

“Captain Kyllet, you have the gratitude of the duke for transporting these Jedi here. As recompense, your fee for this voyage will be doubled, and the duke has arranged for your docking fees for the next year to be waived.”

The apple in Kyllet’s hand slipped – though he caught it before it fell far – before a broad grin spread across his face. “Ah, well… That’s wonderful news.”

He stood and bowed to us. “Master Jedi, if you ever need transport to or from Mandalore, please remember to look me up.” I bit off a chuckle as I imagined him seeing credit signs as he looked at us. “Good day.”

The captain glanced at Almec before he walked out of the room, the sound of him whistling carrying back in through the still-open doors.

Almec’s features stayed neutral as the off-key music drifted around us. “The duke and some of the Council can see you now. If you would kindly follow me,” he said with lips that stretched out into a smile, though it never reached his eyes.

… …

… …