A New Player in the Force

I had Raven turn, banking her under and around one of the arms of the Saak’ak before she then swooped over the arm.

“Woo-hoo!” Anakin called out as Raven turned almost on a credit-chit to face the entrance to the hangar. That let me see what was parked there and I whistled at the sight of the Royal Naboo Cruiser.

“Damn! Padmé’s going to be pissed,” I muttered as Raven moved into the bay and the damage to the royal cruiser became apparent.

The superstructure was still intact, and the engines still mounted, yet the hull was peppered with holes, scorch marks, and other forms of damage including what appeared to be the arm of a Vulture droid wedged through where the cockpit was. Sections of the inner workings were exposed in several places, with the panel R2 and the other droids had exited through during the cruiser’s escape from Naboo having been blown off.

“It served its purpose,” Bo remarked from the co-pilot’s seat as Raven flew past the royal cruiser. “I’m sure the Queen is fine with the damage given it helped free her people. But, if she does have it rebuilt, please insist that she adds some shabyr weaponry.”

“I’ll pass that along,” I said with a chuckle as Raven turned, planning to set her down between the royal cruiser and the assortment of vessels that filled this bay, along with the next one.

“Oh!” Anakin called out, his arm thrust between Bo and me. “That’s a D-17 Patrol craft! I’ve always wanted to see inside one! And that’s a…”

“Anakin,” I cut in before his enthusiasm for the collection of vessels overwhelmed him, “When we arrive I need you to not start fiddling with other people’s belongings. The Lokella allowed it because they trusted you. Here, while the Mando’ade trust me, none know you’re my ad. As much as Bo would no doubt enjoy me settling any grievances that are brought up, I’d rather not waste my time doing so.”

“Okay,” he said, much quieter than before, and pulled his arm back.

“If you’re good, I’m sure my father and Alor Torrhen would be willing to let you visit the Ne’tra Tal’ade, ad’ika,” Bo offered, using the Mando’a term for child or little one, which oddly, was close to Anakin’s name.

“Really?” Anakin asked, not even attempting to hide his hope. Somehow, the idea of getting to see the inside of a Mandalorian dreadnought was lifting his excitement to new, untold levels. While I was a little concerned about it, I was letting it go as it kept him distracted from crying over his mother. Something he’d done each night since we’d left the ShaDo system.

“Yes. As Cam’s ad, you’re now an ally of my Clan and Clan Ordo.” From the corner of my eye, I caught the smile on Bo’s face as she talked to Anakin, once more showing her feelings toward the boy. “If not for Cam, the Ne’tra Tal’ade might’ve been returned to dock without seeing battle. Since it is here, and because of everything, I feel it won’t take much to convince them to allow you a tour of one of our older, but powerful, warships.” She leaned closer. “Perhaps, if you’re really good, it might even be possible for you to fire the turbolasers at a nearby asteroid,” she added in a conspiratorial tone.

“Woo-Hoo!” I winced at Anakin’s volume as he was right next to my seat. “Come on Fenrir!”

As Raven reported touching down on the Lucrehulk’s deck, I turned just in time to see a bemused tuk’ata follow the boy out of the cockpit. “Are you trying to spoil him?” I asked Bo as I turned to her, even as, with just one hand, I powered down Raven’s systems.

“Maybe, but I’m also encouraging his shereshoy,” she replied as she stood. Shereshoy was a uniquely Mando’a word that, as close as it could be translated, meant ‘lust for life’ in Basic. While I didn’t fully understand it, I knew that term only covered part of what shereshoy truly meant. It did, though, remind me of the saying ‘seize the day’ from Earth. “And to show him that our ways are better than those of the Jetii.”

“I remind you that I’m a Jedi,” I countered as I stood.

That drew a snort of amusement from her. “Even you know you’re not a good one.” She took a step toward me, entering my personal space. “You fought and defeated a Darjetii as Mando’ade, not Jetii.” Standing on her tiptoes, her lips moved toward my ear. “And a very emuur'la one at that,” she added before nibbling gently on my ear.

I rolled my eyes as she pulled back, well aware and used to her flirting. Though I’d admit that if not for Anakin, his trouble sleeping each night, and the fact his room was next to mine, then I’d have struggled to not give in to Bo’s temptations. Even with thoughts of Serra still fresh in my thoughts.

Before we’d docked with the Saak’ak, I’d contacted Theed for an update on her condition. Padmé had informed me personally that while she was still in the bacta tank, her doctors assured her that my fellow Jedi would be out of the tank before the celebrations. Padmé was also glad I’d returned as the Chancellor and Jedi Council were due to arrive tomorrow. From the way she spoke of the festivities, I suspected – and dreaded – that she planned for me to be front and centre in them.

“Come on,” I said to Bo, once more ignoring her flirting. “If we don’t get out there quickly enough, I fear what sort of chaos Anakin might get into.”

“Knowing his buir, a lot,” Bo added as she fell into step at my side as we left the cockpit.

It took about a minute to make our way through Raven and reach the exit hatch. As we entered the airlock, the sound of the ramp deploying was heard, but attention was on Anakin and the way he was struggling to not bounce from foot to foot. I could sense his excitement, along with Fenrir’s amusement, as he waited to see new vessels. “Anakin,” I said, drawing his attention, “remember what I said.”

“Yes, sir.” He wasn’t calling me father, which was a relief as I wasn’t sure I was ready to hear that, but I’d made it clear he didn’t have to address me as Master. For former slaves that term had negative, and likely painful, connotations. In time, I’d explain how to the Jedi it was meant as one of respect, but given he wouldn’t be around any Jedi bar myself and Dooku when we stopped in the ShaDo system, that wouldn’t be an issue.

I took the lead once the airlock hissed open, and looking around, made note of the various ships in the hangar. To say they were an eclectic collection would be like saying Kashyyyk had big trees. There was little to no uniformity in the ships in the bay, showing how each Mando’ade was free to select a vessel that suited them. While that allowed them great freedom, it also made it hard for others to track Mandalorians based on starship types. However, it did feed into the idea that they wouldn't be unified, at least not without a strong, powerful Mand'alor to control them.

Around the bay, Federation droids moved, though these were the unarmed, cargo-type droids a ship like the Saak’ak was meant to have and not the various battledroids that it had carried to Naboo. Since there was no cargo in the bay, at least as far as I could see, the droids were likely helping with the maintenance of the various ships here.

From what I’d learnt speaking to Asta Ordo when we’d approached for docking, the remaining battledroids and Vulture droids were being stored in the port arm, along with any surviving crew from the three Lucrehulks. Well, bar the senior figures who were, unfortunately for me, held in Theed. Hopefully, HK had discovered a way to remove Gunray while I’d been gone, but if not, I’d have to try another approach to ensure he never reached a Republic jail. There was no way I was allowing Sidious to keep that piece on the board.

Once on the deck, my focus shifted to an approaching group of Mando’ade. None wore their helmets, instead, like Bo, they carried them under an arm, but I’d know each of them even if they wore the helmets. I watched them all as they came closer, though I held Osto’s gaze a touch longer until he gave a subtle nod. That meant Maul was secured aboard either this ship or more likely the Ne’tra Tal’ade ready for transport to a secure Mandalorian facility designed to house and contain Force users.

I wasn’t sure what my plans would be with him, but I knew he’d be of some use. The Force had been clear in that as I’d stood over him, considering my options as the sedative designed for bull rancors that I’d shot him with rendered him unconscious. In the end, I’d used the Force-suppression cuffs I held in my Inventory to secure him, and then had Osto and his squad withdraw from the city with the Zabrak. I knew I’d have to talk with Adonai, Torrhen, and the handful of others who knew about Maul, regarding what to do with the Sith, but that could wait for a few days. Though I did know I needed him out of sight, preferably out of the system, before Palpatine arrived.

“Alor Cameron, it’s good to see you again,” Adonai said as he led the greeting party. He extended an arm, thankfully for my remaining hand.

“You as well, Alor Adonai,” I replied as I grasped his forearm. “Though I had shab’an idea you and Alor Torrhen would turn up with a shabyr dreadnought,” I added with a smile. That drew laughter from everyone within range to catch my words. “Not that I’m complaining, mind you.”

“We wanted it active for the civil war, but by the time the last upgrades were installed and checked, the war was over,” Torrhen replied as I grasped his forearm while Adonai hugged his daughter, much to her annoyance. “The vessel had been powered down since then and we feared we’d have wasted the credits on improving her. Of course, that was when your call to arms came in and we felt it would be a waste to not deploy the Ne’tra Tal’ade into combat once again.”

“Given the smoking hulk floating nearby, I’d say it more than lived up to design,” I remarked as I greeted Asta and Ordo in turn. “And while I’m sure the Naboo are grateful for the extra firepower, I can’t imagine how the Chancellor and Jedi Council will react when they arrive tomorrow.”

“Aye, we’re looking forward to that,” Asta commented with a grin matched by the others. “It will be nice to show the Tsad Droten that Mandalore isn’t the feeble backwater they believe.”

“We had considered removing the Ne’tra Tal’ade to avoid an incident, but I was outvoted on the matter,” Adonai added, though the smile he wore made clear he wasn’t offended or upset to lose that vote. “Given reports of her travel would’ve reached Coruscant already, there was little point in attempting to hide her existence.”

“Besides, your Queen granted every warrior and vessel that fought to free her world safe passage in their system, and a port in the storm if needed,” Osto added. “So long as it’s not to hide from Tsad Droten law or the Jetii.”

“I’m sure the new Chancellor is going to love that,” I commented with a grin, doing my best to ignore the teasing Osto used regarding my friendship with Padmé. Bar Adonai and Bo, though I couldn’t see her face to confirm it, none understood what I was implying. “Until a few weeks ago, he was the Senator for the Chommell sector, being born on Naboo.”

That had the group laughing in delight, which was what I expected. Having the homeworld of the Chancellor of the Republic – or Tsad Droten in Mando’a – grant Mando’ade safe passage and protection would place him in an awkward position if he ever had to censor the Mandalorian sector. Not that most Mando’ade would listen to the Republic, but it would be an interesting dilemma for Palpatine to handle.

“You mean that we didn’t just save a Tsad Droten world, but the home of their new leader?” Asta asked between chuckles. My nod of confirmation only had her and the others laughing harder. “Shab elek!” She exclaimed, punching the air in delight.

As the group and those nearby heard and passed on my information, I realised that none had remarked on my missing limb. They’d all seen it, the glances impossible to hide, but none seemed concerned about it. It had been a regular thing that others asked about, but the Mando’ade here just accepted it. Now, Bo had already told me that would be the case, using her father’s artificial leg as an example of how being wounded in battle wasn’t something to look down upon, so long as the battle had been a worthy one, which defeating a Sith certainly qualified as. Still, seeing the lack of reaction to the wound in person was a nice experience.

As the laughter died down, Adonai’s eyes drifted to those with me and Bo. “While I expected Fenrir, I hadn’t expected the ad’ika to be with you,” he said, looking at Anakin.

I turned and called the boy forward, placing my hand on his shoulder once he was in front of me. “Anakin, I’m sure you remember Duke Adonai.”

“Hello sir,” Anakin said, getting a smile from the older Mando’ade.

“To the rest, may I present Anakin Skywalker, my ad.”

That statement caught everyone off guard, and they blinked as they stared at either me or Anakin. Adonai glanced at Bo, seeking confirmation, and when he returned his gaze to me I assumed she’d given it.

“M-my mother died when we were attacked by slavers hired by the Hutts,” Anakin said, and I didn’t need the Force to sense the shift in tone that fell over the hangar. Not just with the group in front of us, but with others nearby who were watching. “Cam was already going to make me his Padawan, but when he offered to make me Mandalorian as well, I accepted.”

Adonai stepped forward, and after dropping to a knee, placed his hand on Anakin’s free shoulder. “Su cuy'gar Anakin Skywalker of Clan Shan,” he said softly. “While you were not born Mando’ade, you are now one of us. Aliit ori'shya tal'din.”

“Family is more than blood,” I explained as Anakin turned and looked up at me, he turned back and smiled at Adonai as I saw the others nod in agreement.

“Vur entye.”

I chuckled at Anakin’s attempt to use Mando’a. While he didn’t know much, Bo had enjoyed, among other things, teaching him phrases along with telling the history of our people. So much so that Anakin was already listing ideas for his verd’goten. While I was against a sarlacc or a krayt dragon, I could see him taking on a Rancor: It would be a nice homage to what Luke did in the other timeline. That, however, was something I’d have to meditate on when he was almost thirteen.

“It’s vor entye,” Adonai corrected, “and ba'gedet'ye ad’ika.” He squeezed Anakin’s shoulder before looking up at me. “Have you taught him the remembrance chant?”

“Bo did,” I replied. It had been something she did not long after I’d adopted Anakin. While she’d used it nightly ever since joining me – back at the start of the last Mandalorian civil war – I’d not joined her until our return from the ShaDo system. While I’d lost my grandfather and mother, I barely knew either of them or felt little connection to the pair. However, with Anakin now using it as well, I’d joined in and added my mother’s name, letting him see that everyone suffered. I’d also explained that Jedi mourned the loss of friends like any would, however, we were expected to release our feelings into the Force. Knowing the boy, I knew he’d not do that, which was why the Mandalorian chant was something I joined in with.

“Good,” Adonai said, looking at his daughter for a moment before returning his attention to Anakin. “Ni su'cuyi, gar kyr'adyc, ni partayli, gar darasuum. Urin Kryze, Sellena Kryze.”

“Korkie Kryze,” said Bo, adding the name of her dead nephew.

“Gregar Ordo.”

“Ane Keldorn.”

“Ressa Shan,” I added, just as I’d done for the last few nights.

“Shmi Skywalker,” Anakin said after me, and I gently patted his shoulder. This was the first time he’d not seized up when saying his mother’s name. He still mourned deeply for her – that I knew without using the Force – but this was the next step in his recovery from that traumatic event. Since the chant was helping him deal with his grief, I planned to continue it after we left Naboo, and I began his training.

Other voices joined in, adding the names of loved ones lost over the years. While that would help Anakin see that he wasn’t alone, that he was a part of something greater than himself, as the names continued to be added, my mind shifted to other things.

As far as I knew, HK and R2 were still working to gain entry to Maul’s vessel. I’d contacted HK through a secured channel, wondering how they were doing. He’d been insulted that I was concerned for him as if the idea a starship could destroy him was in some way more demeaning than letting a meatbag do so. That said, he was impressed by the security on Maul’s vessel. I wasn’t yet convinced of where I wanted that ship stored, but I had a few ideas. I had to get the hyperspace coordinates of the systems without the Jedi or Sith learning of my intentions which would require me to head to somewhere other than the Temple for the information I required.

“Now, ad’ika, know that you aren’t alone,” Adonai said, bringing my thoughts back to the hangar bay. Adonai stood then. “All suffer loss, be it of family, friends, or limbs,” he added, patting his leg, the one with the artificial limb. Given how freely he moved on it, it would be easy to forget, but given the rumours of weapons built into the thing, that might be what he hoped. “However, a warrior doesn’t wallow in their loss. We mourn what has been taken, we remember those we love, and in the name of those no longer with us, we keep pushing forward. Oya Manda!”

“Oya Manda!” The chant was repeated by me and others in the bay.

“Oya Manda!” Anakin added a moment later, earning a nod of approval from Adonai as the man ruffled the young boy’s hair.

“Good. We’ll make Mando’ade out of you.” His gaze then took in me, Bo and Fenrir. “Now, all of you, come. The warriors grow restless. We have delayed the celebration of our victory far too long waiting on the War Leader’s return.” He moved forward and clapped an arm on my shoulder. “First a dragon, then duelling for the fate of a planet, and now defeating a Darjetii,” he said with a wide smile. “The blood of a true warrior runs thick in your veins.”

“To be fair, I don’t go looking for trouble,” I replied with a chuckle and smile, “that said, I don’t deny that I do enjoy the battles.”

Adonai laughed loudly at that, as did others in the hangar. “Oya!” he shouted, others joining in a second or so later.

“And many say he’s not Mando’ade.” The partially whispered comment came from Osto and widened the smiles worn by his parents.

Adonai turned, pulling me with him. Anakin fell into step at my side as our group merged with Adonai’s and we headed into the Saak’ak. Tonight, and probably into the morning, we’d celebrate. Food, drink, song, dance and other forms of entertainment would be partaken, and until I returned to Naboo’s surface, thoughts of facing the Jedi and Sith would be pushed from my thoughts.

… …

… …

(Bo-Katan POV)

Bo-Katan moved to the free seat next to Cam’s son – and that was something that continued to make her chuckle -- with a wide smile on her face and a large, just-refilled mug of ne’tra gal in her hand. “Enjoying yourself ad’ika?” She asked once seated next to the boy, enjoying the fact his name was so close to the Mando’a term for ‘little one’.

The boy smiled back at her; his face rosy as he nursed the single cup of ale he’d been allowed. “Yes,” Anakin replied, “but I don’t know what you’re chanting, or what the dancing means.”

She laughed and leaned closer, placing an arm – the one not holding her mug – around the boy’s shoulders. She had no interest in children of her own – be they adopted or naturally born – but she liked this ad’ika. Not only was he, according to Cam, going to one day be very powerful with the Force but he was intrigued by her culture. Well, now his culture as well since Cam had adopted him.

The other thing about Anakin was, much like Cam, Bo-Katan sensed there was something special about the boy. He was jate’kara; touched by luck and had a destiny. One that, again like Cam, Bo-Katan felt a need to help shape and follow. The pair were drawn to each other, and while she felt for Anakin that he’d lost his mother, she was glad Cam had made him Mando’ade, or at least an adiik of their people.

Once the celebrations here were over, she knew Cam planned to take time away to begin Anakin’s training, but he had promised her that it wouldn’t just be Jetii training; that he’d begin teaching the boy what he could about the ways of the Mando’ade. Bo-Katan had, in return, promised that if he needed help with that training, or ever found himself needing an ally, she’d do what she could to help. And to Bo-Katan, this felt like one of those moments.

“Then let me teach you,” She said as the group on the floor, which was most of the warriors in the chamber, restarted the Dha Werda.

“Taung sa rang broka Mando'ade ka'rta.”

“The ash of the Taung beats strong within the Mandalorians' hearts,” She said, translating the Mando’a into Basic. As they chanted, the warriors, led by Cam, Osto Ordo and Vonte Tervho – the generals of the ground offensive – pounded their fists against their armoured chests, setting the beat of the chant. Now, Cam wasn’t able to set the beat properly, his missing limb ensuring that, but Bo-Katan knew none saw that as an insult. Cam had fought and defeated a warrior of great power and skill – one that had defeated the Jetii responsible for training all others in their ways of combat – becoming the first Mando’ade in centuries, possibly even since the Dral’Han, to defeat a Darjetii in single combat. That made his injury a mark of honour and victory, something even those who only came for the credits respected.

“Dha Werda Verda a'den tratu.”

“We are the rage of The Warriors of the Shadow.” As she continued her translation, Bo-Katan felt her smile grow wider as Anakin started trying, and failing, to copy the beat the warriors were pounding out. It pleased her that the boy was already becoming one with their ways, drawn in by the camaraderie the chant – and others like it – inspired in all Mando’ade.

“Manda'yaim kandosii adu.”

“The first noble sons of Mandalore.”

With this line, the warriors turned to their right, catching the ad’ika off guard, and continued the beat by bashing their fists against the armour of the warrior next to them.

“Duum motir ca'tra nau tracinya.”

“Let all those who stand before us light the night sky in flame.”

She felt Anakin wince, taken aback at the ferocity of the fists that crashed against the armour of another warrior, understanding that they weren’t pulling their blows. That striking with anything but close to full fury would insult those chanting with them.

“Gra'tua cuun hett su dralshy'a.”

“Our vengeance burns brighter still.” The warriors jumped and spun to their left as Bo-Katan continued her translation. The hall echoed with the sounds of armour being pounded, every blow from the assembled warriors timed to perfection, making the deck vibrate with the ferocity and certainty of their blows. Almost as if the ship understood it was now part of their culture, that it served their cause.

“I was told a Jedi shouldn’t seek vengeance.”

Anakin’s sudden statement stopped Bo-Katan from translating the next line as she looked down at the adiik. “You’re not Jetii,” she scoffed, “you are Mando’ade. Vengeance isn’t something to be feared; it’s something we use to power through our actions. To steel our thoughts during the darkest days of a cause.” She pulled him closer, hugging him against her armour. “One day, when you’re older, wiser, and better prepared, you will face the one responsible for your mother’s death.” Bo-Katan felt a pang at never being able to do that to the hut’uun who’d killed her mother and younger brother, though she knew her father had made sure of that. “When that day comes, don’t let the desire for vengeance cloud your mind. Instead, temper it, control it, like the warriors are doing with this chant, into something infinitely more powerful. Use it to steady your mind, to guide your hand, but remain the one in control.”

The ad’ika fell silent at that, and Bo-Katan sat with him, not bothering to translate the next few lines of the Dha Werda for him. The pain of losing a mother was one she understood well, and was perhaps part of why she’d thrown herself into teaching him what she could as they’d returned to the Naboo system; as if she wanted to be there for her ba’ad as her father had been there for her.

“I miss her.”

The words were barely audible over the chanting that reverberated around the hall, but Bo-Katan caught them as she’d been watching Anakin closely. She shook him gently with her arm, keeping him closer to her side. “We all miss those we’ve lost,” she said as the second verse of the Dha Werda began, the warriors had returned to pound their fists against their own armour for the moment. “However, we don’t cry for their loss. We celebrate their life and their accomplishments. We honour them by continuing to live, by using what they taught us to fight each day as we carry their memories with us through battle and life.”

Those were, she realised after saying them, the exact words her father had said to her after her mother had died. That had Bo-Katan blinking, wondering why, in this moment, that memory, those words came so easily to her thoughts, and if they’d been passed down through her family whenever someone lost a loved one.

“I want to kill the Hutts for taking her from me.”

“Aye,” she replied, loosening her hug, “I’m sure you do, but you’re not ready yet.” he turned and looked up at her, his eyes reddened by tears shed for his mother. Using the hand holding her mug, she gently pushed back a lock of his hair that had matted against his forehead as she hugged him. “Soon your father will begin your training, to start your journey toward being a great warrior, a true Mando’ade. The journey will be long, difficult, and dangerous. There may be moments where you feel you can’t go on. That it’s too arduous. In those moments remember your mother, your sister, your father, and everyone that cares for and wants you to succeed. Let those memories, and your father, mould you, train you, in the ways of the Jetii and the Mando’ade so that, when you’re finally ready to stand beside us as a fellow warrior, you’re something greater than either.” She smiled. “On that day, when you ride into battle against the ones responsible for your mother’s death, Cam will ride at your side. As will I and others.”

Anakin’s face had slowly shifted as she spoke as if he was engraving the words onto his heart. By the time she finished, a smile had returned to his face. “I’ll be the best Jedi ever!” he said with certainty. “The best Mandalorian ever!”

Bo-Katan laughed, and almost attempted to ruffle his hair with the hand holding her mug. “I know you will be,” she said as she chuckled at nearly drenching him in ne’tra gal. Yet, deep down, she knew that like Cam, Anakin would face a choice. The paths chosen by the Jetii and the Mando’ade were, at their cores, simply incompatible.

Cam knew this and warred within himself over it, yet he continued to try and keep to both. Bo-Katan knew it wouldn’t, and couldn’t last. Cam was Mando’ade – the joy and delight on his face as he neared the end of the Dha Werda with their fellow warrior made that clear – and in time, Cam would see where his path lay. As would Anakin.

Bo-Katan didn’t know when that day would come, but when Clan Shan truly embraced their destiny, their jate’kara, the galaxy would tremble at their feet. And she, Manda willing, would be there at their side, revelling in the battles it brought forth.

… …

… …

(Cam’s POV)

“Certain, you are, that a Sith this Zabrak was?”

“Yes Master Yoda,” I replied as I stood in the centre of a small, secured chamber inside the Royal Palace in Theed. Almost the entire Council had come to Naboo for Drallig’s funeral, which had taken place this morning; the morning after the Council and Chancellor Palpatine had arrived on Naboo.

While Drallig hadn’t played a major role in helping free Naboo, to the Naboo and some Gungans it still mattered. As such, his body – at least part of it – had lain in rest for many to view and pay their respects to. I suspected that to many it was a reminder that even though it had been the Mandalorians and Lokella that had been the main source of the support for Naboo, the Jedi and the Republic hadn’t entirely abandoned them.

Beside Drallig’s body were the remains of a unit of Lokella and Mando’ade that had fallen fighting to free Theed. The Lokella had drawn an unfortunate short straw and encountered a group of heavily armed mercenaries who’d been guarding a group of Naboo. The same group I’d originally asked Drallig and Serra to free. Without the help of the Jedi, the Lokella had suffered badly, but those they’d fought against had died and not a single Naboo was killed or shipped off-world.

The Mando’ade had encountered a squadron of tanks moving to support one of the main battles in Theed. The pair had destroyed all eight tanks and their accompanying droids, but as both had used durasteel armour, they’d succumbed to their wounds before others could reach them.

All the fallen off-world warriors were granted honorary citizenship of Naboo by Padmé in a ceremony, and along with the Naboo and Gungans who’d died fighting to free the planet, would be forever remembered as Heroes of Naboo.

Not long after Drallig’s funeral, as expected, I’d been summoned to speak with the Council regarding Drallig’s death and events that happened in the lead-up to and during the battles for Naboo. The meeting had begun with them watching the recording I’d provided Qui-Gon of my duel with Maul, ending as it did, before I stood to supposedly kill him unintentionally.

They’d asked about what happened after the recording ended, accepting the reason for the failure. It seemed that they also believed me when I told them the story I’d told to Qui-Gon, which was a little surprising. While I was skilled at Deception, I wasn’t sure I was good enough to fool those as experienced as the Council. And I knew I couldn’t entirely fake the truthfulness of my statement on Maul’s fate. Yet, they’d accepted my story, and we’d now moved on to discussing Maul and his possible connection to the Sith.

“Could it not have been a simple Dark Side Force user?”

I turned to Plo Koon to answer him. “By the time I encountered him, the Zabrak had already killed Master Drallig, and after seemingly toying with Padawan Keto was about to kill her as well.” I paused and glanced down, to the chest piece that along with my greaves, pauldrons and single vambrace, I still wore as I spoke to the Council. “He would’ve killed me as well if not for the armour I’d chosen to wear.” I knew the Council hadn’t and wouldn’t approve of me wearing armour, but it wasn’t technically against the tenets of the Order to wear armour, and even if it had been, I’d still have worn it to this meeting. It helped, I hoped, reinforce that it was only because of it that I was able to stand before them today. “The speed he moved, his skill with the blade in a variety of forms, and his ability to react and counter everything I threw at him, are comparable to anything I’ve faced. Even you, Master Yoda, during our brief, and very one-sided, spar.”

Yoda nodded, accepting and understanding my comparison.

“Yes, the recording you gave us certainly showed the speed and ferocity of the Zabrak,” Even Piell replied, “and I, for one, am inclined to believe your opinion on him being a Sith. I will, however, wait until Padawan Keto is fully recovered and able to offer her opinion before reaching a position on the matter.” He paused even as I saw a few of the other members of the Council nod in agreement. “I do, however, wish you had managed to recover the body and lightsaber so we might have examined them.”

“My intent had been to wound and capture him, Master.”

“Yes, we understand and believe you on that,” Saesee Tiin responded. “And given the clear difficulty you encountered in the duel, not to mention having to be concerned about the condition of your friend,” there was the faintest of hints in his tone that he felt Serra was perhaps too close to me, but I couldn’t sense anything in the Force to confirm or deny that feeling, “we commend your restraint. Even if, perhaps, an attempt to end the duel quicker might’ve been more advantageous to you.”

“In your place, after suffering the injury you did, many a young Jedi might struggle to restrain themselves,” Windu added as he took over. “That you didn’t speaks well of your temperament. Though it does leave the reason you came into battle, as if you were expecting trouble, in shall we say, less than traditional Jedi clothing open to discussion.”

I lowered my head, accepting the slight rebuke before giving my reasoning. “Ever since becoming a Knight, I’d understood that I had limitations that, to this day, remain in place. Add into that… concerns I’ve held about a general feeling of danger growing somewhere in the galaxy, and I felt that, if I was to survive this danger, I needed a method to overcome my limitations. Knowing that Jedi in the past had worn armour for battle, I felt that was a way to go, and with connections to various political figures on Mandalore, I was able to secure an armour made of beskar that, barring one small mistake, enabled me to engage and defeat the Sith.”

“I cannot fault your logic for seeking a temporary solution to what has been a long-term problem for you,” Plo Koon offered as he leaned forward. “However, we are concerned by this continual choice you make to interact with Mandalorians.” At this, Even Piell and Saesse Tinn nodded. “Particularly how close you seem to have become to a daughter of Duke Adonai Kryze. Given his other daughter is currently being groomed to become the Senator of the Mandalore sector and your connections to this world, and several important figures from it, there are suggestions, which we do not agree with, that you are becoming too political for a Jedi.”

“I’m aware of that concern, Masters,” I said, speaking to the entire Council. This point had been one I’d been preparing for even before landing on Naboo, and I already knew how to use it to my advantage. “Once I have a replacement,” I gestured with my hand-less arm, “I plan to withdraw from events for a time, perhaps a year or so. I hope that by taking time away, not only will I finally overcome the hurdle in my development, but I distance myself from figures of importance in the Republic.”

Silence fell over the chamber, and I felt the faintest of shifts in the Force. That meant, based on previous experiences, the council were speaking about my reasons telepathically, so I stood still, waiting for their response.

“Close to the new Chancellor, you are. A concern of this Council, that is not. Connections in the Senate, many in the Order maintain. Your youth, however, a concern is. Friends with Senators, Jedi Masters usually are. Close to one, rare for a younger Jedi it is. Doubly so, the Chancellor. On this, we trust you, however.”

“On other matters, we retain our concern,” Windu added, taking over from Yoda. “However, we approve of your plan to commune with the Force in isolation, and will withhold further comments until you return to the Temple after your sojourn.”

I nodded in acceptance; glad they’d bought my reasoning for wanting time away. That said, I kept thoughts about a certain young boy far from the front of my mind. I needed to train him away from the eyes of the Jedi and Sith, to say nothing of needing time and space to see how the final evolution of my Interface altered things and adapting to that.

With time to consider the matter more, I’d chosen Natural Evolution. While it would result in lower peaks for my skills, and degradation of my Force Powers until I truly understood how to use them, the removal of any limit on what I could accomplish with the Force made it the logical choice. Not just for the threats Sidious, and potentially Plagueis as I’d not heard any mention of Hego Damask passing on over the Holonet, posed in the coming decade, but for – provided I defeated the Banite Sith – the Vong and whatever other horrors existed in this universe.

It would also, I felt, remove the issues I held with a lightsaber. That was something I needed gone as if I struggled against Maul, then I had no chance against anyone on the level of Windu, Sidious, Yoda, or Plagueis. All the technical skill in the galaxy wouldn’t save me if I had to fight even one of that group; or any that I currently shared the chamber with.

“You are free to depart on your sojourn, though I would suggest waiting until after the Naboo celebrate their liberation,” Windu added, drawing me from my thoughts about the future. “However, we may contact you if we have need of you, or require further information about events that happened here.”

I bowed deeply, accepting their stance, and knowing that was my dismissal, turned and walked from the chamber. Outside Simvyl and Fenrir waited, the tuk’ata stretching as the doors to the chamber slid shut.

“How’d it go?”

“As expected,” I replied as Fenrir moved closer and pushed his head into my arm. “They’re pleased the Sith is defeated, unhappy about my armour and the manner in which I won, and accept my reasons for wanting to take time away,” I added as I used my hand to scratch Fenrir under the chin.

“And they’re okay with you taking a Padawan?”

I smirked. “They never asked about it, so I simply never brought it up.” Simvyl frowned slightly but didn’t challenge me on the matter. “They will learn at some point, and if they have an issue with it, then I’ll ask for forgiveness.”

“I see you’re learning from politicians,” Simvyl replied with a smile that revealed sharp teeth.

I shrugged in response as we began walking away from the chamber. As Windu had said, there was still the victory celebration to come this afternoon, but until then, and hopefully afterwards, I was free to do as I pleased. Though for now, that was heading back to Raven and resting. I might contact Bo to see how Anakin was doing as he was staying on with her and should be enjoying a tour of the Ne’tra Tal’ade. The vessel was still in orbit along with the two captured and still hyperspace-capable Lucrehulks, but all three would be departing at some point this evening or tomorrow. The Lokella had, bar a single CR70 Corvette, already left, wanting to return home and help with the recovery.

“HK sent a report while you were meeting the Council,” Simvyl said as we walked, reminding me that the Council hadn’t brought up HK. Either Qui-Gon had failed to mention him, or they simply didn’t consider it an issue compared to my armour and other actions I’d taken. There was no way they weren’t aware that the first of the Knights of the Old Republic series was out, so it was odd now that I thought about it, HK hadn’t been mentioned. Of course, as HK had been out of sight since the battle, people might have semi-forgotten his presence. “He and the astromech had gained access to the target. After subduing a droid and the onboard defences, they’ve determined the vessel is named Scimitar. They’ve yet to access the flight controls, but HK suspects they’ll be ready to do so within a day at most.”

“Good. Once they’ve got full control of the vessel, we’ll wait until after the celebrations to have it slip away. While I could have HK take it to Coruscant, I fear the Sith’s influence extends to the highest levels of government. Otherwise, the Trade Federation wouldn’t have become the power they are today. The longer it takes for knowledge of the Scimitar’s fate to reach the Senate, the longer the Sith remain in the dark regarding where it is. Which, as I’ve already stated, is why I also don’t want the Jedi Temple to be aware of the ship’s existence.”

What I’d love was if the ship had some way to hide from sensors. If it did, it should be possible to have it slip from the bay tonight, and head to a position far enough away that others wouldn’t find it. However, that would only get it off Naboo. I still had to determine where I wanted the vessel stored, though I knew it wouldn’t be in the Mandalore sector. That was far too obvious a location for it and would place it close to Maul if he found a way to escape his imprisonment before I was ready to deal with him.

Adonai and Torrhen had assured me that the prison they would secure Maul in was designed specifically to contain Force users. While it hadn’t seen much use over the last few centuries, no Force user had ever survived an attempted escape. The list of those that had attempted escape was small and contained a Sith Lord and a few Jedi Masters, but as none had ever managed to break free, I trusted them to keep Maul on ice for the next few years.

“I understand your logic, and agree that the Senate and Temple could be tracked by the Zabrak’s Master, but I feel we could bring the Jedi Council in on your plans. So long as they agreed to keep no record of this.”

“While they accept that the Zabrak was a Sith, I don’t think they’d be as cautious as I feel they’d need to be.” I turned and smiled. “I know you have faith in the Order, but until I’m sure of how far the Sith’s influence extends through Coruscant, I want to keep my cards close to my chest.”

“Very well.”

I was glad Simvyl trusted me on this, as he was the only sentient who knew about my plans for Maul and his vessel. Others only knew parts of the plan. Since Simvyl would be travelling with Anakin and me – due to his bond of loyalty – I considered him the best person to run my plans by. Which was why I was glad he was accepting of my intentions.

We fell into silence as we neared the main sections of the palace, not wanting anyone to overhear us. As we walked, we passed various members of the palace staff or Royal Guard. They either smiled or nodded in recognition and appreciation. While the official ceremony wasn’t until later, it seemed in my absence that the story of my actions had spread throughout the populace.

“Master Jedi.” I paused as I realised they were speaking to me. Turning, I saw a squad of four Senate guards approaching, their blue armour and long rifles making it easy to know who they were.

“Yes?”

“If you have time, the Chancellor wishes to speak with you.”

I kept a slight smile on my face as the lead guard spoke. “Then lead on,” I replied. While I’d expected he would want to speak with me, I’d hoped it could wait until after the ceremony. Unfortunately, it seemed I wasn’t going to be that lucky.

Palpatine would’ve heard what happened from Padmé already, but he’d want further details. I expected he would prod for greater detail of my duel with Maul, though without making it obvious he was doing so. If I were in his place, I’d also begin factoring my actions here, not just in helping free Naboo but in gathering allies to do so.

Those allies had, from what I knew, avoided the Chancellor. The Mandalorians were staying on their vessels, while Validus and the other Lokella who remained were simply staying until the ceremony and would be distracted by events back home, so the only source of intel Palpatine would have was from Padmé, those like Panaka, and myself.

My ad-hoc alliance was already changing things, as not only were the Lokella wanting to hire Mando’ade trainers, but Padmé and Panaka were interested in doing so as well. While I doubted the Naboo would ever shift entirely from their peaceful ways, the fact they’d only survived the invasion due to the actions of the small security force, concerned and eager citizens, the Gungans, and outside help seemed to have convinced Padmé to increase the size and capacity of the Naboo security forces.

It only took us about a minute to reach a corridor where more of the Senate guards stood watch, but I was again glad Anakin wasn’t with me. The longer I could go without Palpatine becoming aware of him, and sinking his way into the boy’s trust with his silken words, the better it would be for everyone. Yet as we moved through the guards standing watch, I pushed thoughts of Anakin, the Mando’ade and any plans about the future from my mind. I didn’t need Sidious sensing anything about them. As far as I or the Interface knew, Palpatine hadn’t attempted to scan my thoughts, not even my surface ones, but I wasn’t taking the chance he might pick up on a stray thought and discover something I didn’t want him to.

“Your companions will have to remain here,” the guard who’d addressed near the temporary Council chambers said as he and those with him turned to face us.

His tone was serious, almost threatening, and I struggled to not smirk dismissively at his tone. Even without an arm, I knew I could take them by myself. Fenrir must’ve sensed some of my amusement, as he stepped forward and growled. It wasn’t a deep or threatening growl, just one daring the guards to do something. All four of them tensed, concerned that something was about to happen.

“Of course,” I replied, placing my hand between Fenrir’s ears, and giving him a scratch. “Try not to make a new chew toy,” I said to the tuk’ata before stepping toward the door at the end of the corridor.

The guards that had escorted us remained outside with Simvyl and Fenrir as I entered the chamber. Two more guards noted my arrival and tensed slightly, thinking I was a problem – which given the armour I wore, made sense – before they saw the lightsaber at my hip. That eased their concerns, and I moved forward, quiet voices guiding me toward my destination.

Turning around a corner, I saw Palpatine sitting on one extremely well-decorated sofa that along with a partner sat around a table that likely cost north of a hundred thousand credits. As Palpatine spoke to an older man who sat on the other sofa, Sate Prestige, who was standing behind the Chancellor and had seen me approaching, dropped down and whispered to his master.

Palpatine turned then, a wide smile coming to his face as he saw me. “Cameron, my boy,” he began as he stood. The other man turned as the Chancellor approached and I recognized him as Sio Bibble, the Governor of Naboo. “The hero of the hour,” the Chancellor said as he reached me, extending an arm.

“I wouldn’t go that far, Chancellor,” I replied as I shook his hand. He surprised me though by pulling me into a hug and laughing gently, enjoying my confusion as he patted my back. Sio and Sate smiled at the sight though there I could sense Sate not liking something about the situation. Perhaps he had known of Maul and disliked that I’d removed one of Sidious’ tools, or perhaps he simply disliked that I was slowly growing closer to the hidden Sith Lord and feared for his position.

“Nonsense,” Palpatine said as he pulled back, breaking the impromptu hug. His hands slid down my arms as he continued. “Without your actions, your ability to find allies in her most desperate hour, I fear my home would’ve become another cog in the vile grinding machine that is the Trade Federation.” His hands stopped on my upper arms, just above my elbows. “Queen Amidala swears by this, and having seen the warship your allies brought, and heard tales of the battles that raged, I find myself agreeing with her. Though it seems that you paid dearly for supporting us,” he added, his eyes glancing toward my missing forearm.

“Sadly, yes,” I responded, ignoring the phantom itching from fingers that were no longer there. “Though it was a low price to pay to ensure millions remained free of oppression.”

He smiled even as I watched Sate slowly guide Sio away from the sofas. “If I might ask, how exactly did this happen?” he said as he turned, knowing what Sate was doing, and guided me toward the seats. “and is it in any way connected to the death of the Master Drallig?”

“It appears the Federation wasn’t working alone,” I replied slowly, knowing exactly how I expected this conversation to go, and having a handful of contingencies if it moved in certain ways. “There was a Dark Sider present when we arrived.” Palpatine reacted, as expected, with surprise. “There is a possibility he might even have been a Sith…”

“A Sith?” Palpatine cut in, his acting superb. “I-I had thought them nothing more than a legend?” He asked. Even knowing he was lying; I couldn't find even the faintest hint that he didn’t believe what he said. This man, and Plagueis, were masters of hiding themselves, of convincing others they were exactly who they pretended to be. Which, given his true name, made perfect sense for Palpatine. He was insidious in ways no one could ever conceive, never mind detect.

“That, along with confirming if the Zabrak was a Sith, I leave up to the Council,” I replied with a small smile. “All I will say is that he was an incredible duellist, on par with any I’ve seen.” Truthfully, I felt Windu, Yoda, and perhaps a handful of others might be able to defeat Maul, but saying this would stroke Sidious’ ego as he had been the one, from what little I know, to train the Zabrak.

“High praise from such a young and accomplished Jedi.”

“I would argue against accomplished,” I said, countering the Chancellor’s praise, “but I thank you for the compliment.” His smile widened. “I’m sure that if you inquire, the Council will keep you abreast of their investigation. If the Sith truly have returned, then they are a threat to the Order and the Republic. However, I expect the investigation to be stalled until they can recover the Zabrak’s body.” I offered a sheepish smile. “When the time came to end the battle, after I lost part of my arm, I… I struck him down.”

This was a different story than the one the Council had received, but I felt it was a risk worth taking. I’d already opened up to him about using the Dark Side against the Vong, so hinting at doing that against Maul, because of my injury, would ease some of his concerns about how I defeated Maul. It would, no doubt, increase his and Plagueis’ interest in seeing if I could be turned, but since I was all but disappearing for the next year or so, I felt this was a way to remain close to the Chancellor without him questioning how I managed to defeat Maul and going looking for answers.

HK had already deleted the recordings of the bay housing the Scimitar, but that wouldn’t stop people from talking about the vessel. From there it wouldn’t take long for Palpatine’s spies to learn that HK was connected to me and that I had Maul’s vessel. Hearing that I’d taken the vessel, but hadn’t handed it over to the Council would further make them feel I was questioning my position with the Order. Which I was, but not in the way the Sith would, I hoped, believe.

“Given the grievous wound you suffered, I’m sure few would fault you for striking the Zabrak down in anger,” Palpatine said, a hand coming to rest on my shoulder. “Not even the Council can expect you to forget your emotions all the time.”

“They’d prefer that I did, which is perhaps why, like with the Vong, I didn’t mention how I felt when the Sith died,” offered him a small, slightly weak smile. “I feel many in the Order, including some of the Council, continue to question me. Even though I’m not him, some see my ancestor whenever they look at me.” That included, I felt, the Sith I was sitting with, though where the Jedi might see a concern, Sidious saw an opportunity.

“While I don’t understand the Force as well as you, I can understand the concerns of the Council. You are a remarkably skilled and powerful young man, Cameron. It is only natural that others, ones who’ve held positions of power and influence within the Order, would fear your potential.”

“I wouldn’t say they fear me, Chancellor. Just that many distrust me, which given my tendency to find myself in conflicts, is understandable.”

Palpatine gave my shoulder a squeeze of support. “I don’t share that fear, Cameron. No, if not for you, my home, and millions of my fellow Naboo, would be all but enslaved.” He gestured toward where Sate and Sio Bibble had gone. “Governor Bibble was just telling me more details of what happened here, and after speaking with him, Captain Panaka, and Queen Amidala, I know with certainty that I and my people owe you a debt we can never repay. Know that, for your actions here, and elsewhere to defend the Republic, you will always have my thanks. And my support.”

I gave him a wide smile and nodded. While I wasn’t planning to draw on that support, it was something I might have use of in the coming decade. The idea of using Palpatine to help me bring about his downfall had a delicious sense of irony about it. “And you, Chancellor, have my support to help guide the Republic to become what it needs to be.”

“I’m grateful for your support,” Palpatine said as he turned to the table. “I fear that I will struggle to enact the changes needed to make the Senate what the people of the Republic need it to be,” he continued as he refilled one glass that sat there and then started prepping a new glass. “As you remarked before my election, there are many there who serve only their own self-interests or serve at the behest of external influences.”

“Like the Trade Federation,” I said as I took the glass he offered me.

“Yes,” he said with a nod. “I swear to you and my people that I’ll do all in my power to ensure Viceroy Gunray gets the justice he deserves for his heinous acts here, but I fear it will take me far longer than it should.”

“If you have need of me, I’ll do what I can to help, uncle.”

He smiled widely, enjoying me using the familial term. “For that, I’m grateful, nephew.” As he raised his glass in thanks, I knew he planned to use that connection, that friendship to spin how he had more influence on what had happened here to free Naboo than he truly did. That though, had nothing to do with being a Sith, and everything to do with being a career politician. “However, I feel you have already helped more than enough and paid dearly for it.”

“Aye, there does seem to be a pattern developing here,” I remarked with a dark chuckle after taking a sip of the fruity wine “First it was almost losing an eye, and now an arm.” I paused and shook my head. “I’m not sure I can survive another wound.”

“Will you return to the Temple to have a prosthetic limb attached?” His tone was sombre now the topic had shifted to my injury.

“I’m unsure of the Jedi’s position on the matter, so I’ll have to wait and see.”

Palpatine frowned deeply. “That is simply unacceptable.” He placed his glass down and turned. “Sate,” he called and a moment later his aide appeared from behind a pillar as if he’d been spying on us while we talked. “Compile a list of the best companies and figures in the field of limb replacement.”

“Th-there is no need for that,” I said, acting as if I’d not expected him to make this offer even as Sate nodded at the order.

“But there is, Cameron,” Palpatine said as he turned back to me. “In my opinion, and that of our young Queen, you are almost wholly responsible for Naboo being free. For that alone, I shall do everything in my power to ensure your injury is handled and treated by the very best in the Republic with no expense spared. To do otherwise would be unworthy of my position as a citizen of Naboo, Chancellor of the Republic and, though it is not by blood, your uncle.” He smiled widely as he finished.

“I,” I paused and licked my lips, acting as if uncertain of the offer. Which I was, though not because of the offer, but because of who was making it. I knew he might make this offer, but I was still uncertain about accepting it. “I wouldn’t wish to impose on your duties as Chancellor. The Senate must be divided after the unexpected removal of Chancellor Valorum and your elevation to the position.”

“It is, however, I insist that you are rewarded for your actions in gathering the force to correct a mistake made by the Senate,” he replied, his tone firm and unwavering. “To me, regardless of if I was the Chancellor, a Senator or simply a concerned citizen, to do otherwise would undermine everything the Republic stands for.”

“I cannot accept the offer from the Chancellor,” I said, keeping going before he could argue, “but I can if it comes from my uncle.”

He smiled widely and raised his glass again. As my glass chinked against his, I wondered how I was going to get out of this. Or at least turn it fully to my advantage. I’d been expecting the offer or a replacement, but not for him to seek out the best in the business for the limb. That meant I’d be hard-pressed to reject the offer, and certainly couldn’t leave it in a random location.

That was something I was concerned about as the odds he’d place some form of tracker inside the limb were high. Now, I knew he’d spin it as simply wanting to keep track of me out of concern for my well-being, but that would allow the Sith to track where I went, which wasn’t something I could allow.

Sipping my wine and keeping a smile on my face, I realised that there were ways I could use this to my advantage. I already planned for the replacement limb to be coated in beskar, so whatever he had designed I should, in theory, be able to either have it examined closely by Mando’ade engineers, or built from scratch by them. The latter would also allow me to ensure the OS in the limb was one I knew of and wouldn’t, in theory, have any hidden features that might work against me.

Of course, there was the chance Palpatine wouldn’t have done anything to the replacement limb, simply using the extreme quality and cost of it as a way to further ingratiate himself with me. For now, I’d just have to wait and see how this latest development played out.

“Now,” Palpatine began, leaning back on the sofa, “perhaps you might enlighten me not just to how your battle with this Sith went, but how you managed to gather so many allies in such a short amount of time.” He paused and looked around almost conspiratorially before leaning forward. “I’ll admit that the reaction of Masters Yoda and Windu upon seeing the Mandalorian warship was one I shall treasure for some time.”

I laughed at that, wishing I could’ve seen it as well. “Aye, that would’ve been something to see. Though I admit that I only learned of the Ne’tra Tal’ade’s presence after the battle as she didn’t arrive at the rendezvous before we developed our plans for reaching Naboo.”

Palpatine settled in, getting ready for the story of how the battles went. As I began, I already knew a few details that I’d be holding back, though so long as he didn’t prod too much, there wasn’t that much I wanted to keep from the Sith Lord.

… …

… …

“And again, Cam, thank you,” Padmé said as she smiled at me through the holo-display. “If not for you…”

“You and your people would’ve found a way to regain your freedom even without my assistance, Your Majesty,” I replied, as Raven swept past the wreck of the Vuutun Palaa, the first scavenger vessels – Mando’ade controlled – already working to begin stripping the massive hulk for parts.

“Perhaps, but without your help, and of those you called to your side, the death toll would’ve been catastrophic,” Padmé countered. “I…” she paused and looked away for a moment. “Naboo owes you a debt we can never repay.”

“Nor will you ever have to.”

She smiled warmly at my words. “I hope that is true, but if not, then you have only to contact myself or Chancellor Palpatine and Naboo will do what we can. Until then, please, be safe, and may the Force be with you, Master Jedi.”

“And with you, Your Majesty,” I replied with a nod. A second later, as the faintest hints of her emotions reached me through the Force, the channel closed.

“Where to now?”

I looked over at Simvyl, seeing a smile on his face.

“First, we’ve got to meet up with Bo. I’ve got a Padawan and son to collect. After that, I’ll need to contact HK and arrange a rendezvous. Where though, I’m not yet sure. I need to find somewhere out of the way to store the Scimitar; perhaps even masking its presence from the remaining Sith.”

Anakin had departed with Bo aboard the Ne’tra Gal early this morning, though they’d be waiting a system or two away for me to collect the boy. While he’d wanted to head down to the celebration yesterday, I’d not allowed it. He’d not been happy, but I’d promised to explain why once we met again, though I’d only be going into the fact that the Jedi Council wouldn’t allow me to train him now that he was my son and not that I wanted to keep him hidden from the Sith Lord that remained on Naboo.

HK and R2 had managed to gain enough control of the Scimitar that, during the festivities last night, with me keeping Padmé, Palpatine and the Jedi Council as distracted as I could, they’d managed to slip from the bay under the Royal Palace. Luckily, the Scimitar possessed a cloaking device, so they’d been able to slip past the Naboo and Republic scans with ease. While that would help keep the ship hidden, I still needed a location to store it.

The other issue that remained unresolved was Serra. While she’d been released from the bacta tank, the High Council had taken her into seclusion. It was possible that they were only trying to help her recover from Master Drallig’s death, but a part of me wondered if the move was also about keeping distance between her and me. There was no way the Council wasn’t aware that she’d snuck away to join the forces I’d assembled, and that would be something she’d have to face the music about. The Council hadn’t, when I’d spoken to them, mentioned that to me, but I was sure the matter was one they were considering. Along with a few others linked to me and my choice of allies.

“Perhaps we could head to Obroa-skai? That’s where the Celebratus Archive is located.”

I considered Simvyl’s suggestion. I’d heard of the Archive, as it was listed as one of the twenty wonders of the galaxy, and had existed for over sixteen thousand years. It was claimed that the navigational charts there were more detailed than even those held by the Jedi, but since the Jedi wouldn’t let anyone prove or disprove that, it was merely a rumour. Regardless if the claim was true or not, it was a possible place to head to search for files I’d rather not have the Order now I was looking at.

While there was a Jedi Praxeum on Obroa-skai, it only helped handle the insane amount of data added to the Archive – and likely routed anything unknown to the Jedi Temple’s Archive – and wasn’t a full training facility. That meant that even if I interacted with the Jedi there, it was unlikely they’d be anyone of importance.

Still, I’d do what I could to keep clear of them, lest they report my searches to the Jedi, and the Sith through whatever means they had for monitoring the Temple, would also learn of my searches. I already had a location for both hiding the Scimitar and evolving my Interface in mind, but I’d have to first see if the system had been discovered by now.

Still, as Naboo slowly fell away behind me, I couldn’t help but smile.

Anakin was now my Padawan and son, though while the latter hadn’t been planned I could see how it would be useful. With him kept from the Jedi and Sith sight, I had the chance to train him the way he was meant to be. I just had to first train myself to ensure I didn’t fail him as Obi-Wan had.

Maul was defeated and secured, on his way to a Mando’ade prison designed specifically for restraining Force users. Eventually, I would visit and begin speaking with the Zabrak. Perhaps he could be turned to my cause, perhaps not, but it was an avenue worth pursuing. His vessel was now mine, though it would take time to access all its files, and even when R2 did, I half-expected them to be empty. Any decently trained and skilled assassin wouldn’t keep detailed records of where they’d been. Still, there might be technology or hints on the Scimitar that I could use for either Raven or other starships, or that might lead to unexpected threads regarding the Sith I could pull on.

With Natural Evolution just around the corner, I’d soon have full access to my Force connection, for all the good and bad that would bring. Still, it would remove my limits with the Force, and with a year or two of training, I should be at a point where I could, at the very least, challenge Dooku in a duel. Taking on any member of the Council was out of the question as news of that would reach the Sith, but if I could, before the Clone Wars – or whatever they became here – started, then I’d feel I was as ready as I could be to fight those who stood in my way.

That, however, was for further down the road.

As Raven’s hyperdrive engine drew power from her core, I focused on the present, and on the steps I had to take.

The galaxy had changed on Naboo, but even with my knowledge of how events had played out in the other timeline, I couldn’t be sure what effect my presence had made. All I did know was that the drums of war were beginning to sound, and the storm that would soon sweep over the galaxy was slowly forming, slowly gathering, readying itself to unleash chaos on an unsuspecting Republic.

… …

… …