{"id":20964,"date":"2023-05-17T07:55:10","date_gmt":"2023-05-17T14:55:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/?page_id=20964"},"modified":"2023-05-06T10:33:52","modified_gmt":"2023-05-06T17:33:52","slug":"fic-marriage-in-disguise","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/the-generals-office\/afternoon-fic\/fic-marriage-in-disguise\/","title":{"rendered":"Fic: Marriage in Disguise"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/span><\/p>\n

Title:<\/strong> Marriage in Disguise<\/span>
\nAuthor:<\/strong> Bj Jones<\/span>
\nRating:<\/strong> R<\/span>
\nSummary:<\/strong> To end the war between the Mandalorian Empire and the Republic it was agreed upon that Kote Fett, the Mand’alor’ oldest heir will enter a political marriage with Master Obi-Wan Kenobi of the Jedi. As the two learn about each other, they must stop those who seek to start the war again. Will they survive this marriage or will it all just be a disguise.<\/span>
\nAuthor’s Note: This was written for CWBB (Codywan Big Bang) – one of the first I’ve ever done.<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

Being summoned by the Council was never a pleasant experience.<\/span><\/p>\n

Usually, he had a good reason why he was going to be yelled at, but no amount of contemplation had him any closer to figuring out what they wanted.<\/span><\/p>\n

Obi-Wan would admit he had been distant the past few weeks, but not enough to disrupt his teachings. His thoughts dwelled on personal matters, and he had been more reclusive than normal. But then that wasn’t really out of place, he always had moments when he just needed away from the hustle and bustle of the Temple.<\/span><\/p>\n

He paused when he came around the corner to the main doors of the Council Chambers to see two Guardians flanking the entrance. It wasn’t normal to see them inside the Temple, they were always stationed at the entrances, unless there was a special guest or were needed for their services.<\/span><\/p>\n

Giving them a nod, as the doors opened to let him into the room. A quick glance told him they didn’t have any special guests, which meant it was possible the Guards were there for him. He took a calm breath, straightened his shoulders, and felt himself slip into Negotiator mode.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Masters.” He bowed, though didn’t lower his eyes taking in the council.<\/span><\/p>\n

Those who sat on the Jedi Council were not always the oldest, but those the Force called to speak for their order.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Master Kenobi.” Mace Windu, one of the youngest to have the position as Head of the Order, took a deep breath, sat back in his chair trying for casualness, and failed miserably.<\/span><\/p>\n

Obi-Wan glanced around the room, Depa was frowning and extremely tense. Ki-Adi Mundi had a neutral expression, but was gripping the seats of his chair. Shaak Ti, held Obi-Wan’s gaze, never one to hide, she gave him a half smile and nod, her lekku twitching lightly. Dooku wasn’t in his seat, but instead standing by one of the window’s staring outwards, his back to the Council.<\/span><\/p>\n

It would seem his Grandmaster was beyond pissed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Yoda was fidgeting with this glimmer stick.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Just spit it out.” Obi-Wan knew whatever this meeting was about, it was not going to end well for him. “I can feel your apprehension, yet determined resolve. Though it’s countered by the anger flowing off Master Dooku.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Let go of your anger, you should.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Dooku turned slightly, and uncharacteristically snarled at his Master. “Kindly, fuck off Master Yoda.” He turned towards his Grandpadwan. “Obi-Wan please understand that I was voted down, and think this whole thing is ridiculous!”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Will someone explain how you’re going to destroy my life in the next five seconds?” He crossed his arms, hand slipping into the long sleeves of his robe, to keep himself from showing his nerves.<\/span><\/p>\n

“I was contacted by Mand’alor Fett.” Mace started the conversation, keeping his focus on Kenobi. He had been right, they would be destroying his life and the least he deserved was to be respected enough to be looked in the face. “We’ve come to an agreement to finally bring Peace between the Mandalore Empire and the Republic.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Well I give him credit for reaching out to the Jetii, considering how much he really despises us and perceived crimes committed against the Mandalorians.” Obi-Wan was one of the few in the Jedi order, who understood the Mandalorian culture, language, and history. It was something he had been fascinated by, since he was a young Padawan, and met a Mandalorian on a mission. “But then he also isn’t stupid, and going to the Republic Senate would be a waste of time, as we both know they have no interest in working with Mandalore \u2026 they want the Empire destroyed.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Observant as always.” Ti gave him a soft smile. “Mace brought the terms to us to discuss. All of the terms were negotiable, and we were able to find a good neutral ground for both sides. Retributions paid for destroyed Republic territories, we’ve offered the service of the Agricore to help heal their farming lands that were destroyed from previous wars, and declared a ceasefire as of two days ago.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“These are all good points.” He focused back on Mace. “If you want me to go to the Senate \u2026 “<\/span><\/p>\n

“The Senate wasn’t happy that we made the deal, and wanted a guarantee that the Mandalorians wouldn’t start the war again. They of course pointed out that they hadn’t started this one, it was the Republic’s screw up, by sending the Jedi to a situation that wasn’t any of our business.” Mace’s gaze shifted to Dooku, who sighed and returned to his seat.<\/span><\/p>\n

“I’m not a fan of the Mandalorians, and they like me even less.” That got a few humorless chuckles from around the room, even Obi-Wan gave a half hearted smirk. “But I made a point of apologizing for my mistake, which was taking information from the Senate so blindly, then pointed out to Fett that we might have been there under false pretense, but we didn’t attack first.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“I’m sure Fett took that well.” Obi-Wan hadn’t met the man, but knew of him and had read the history of Jaster Mereel, the man’s buir.<\/span><\/p>\n

“As about as good as could be expected.” Dooku folded his hands on his lap. “It was Jaster that suggested making a good will gesture, something that would guarantee both sides would keep their agreement.”<\/span><\/p>\n

He was beginning to have a really bad feeling about this.<\/span><\/p>\n

“And what was this good will gesture?” He asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dooku glared at Yoda.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mace closed his eyes, took a deep breath centering himself, letting go of all the negative emotions that he had been feeling for days, let alone the ones that were accumulating in the room. He opened his eyes, and gave Obi-Wan his full focus. “It was the Chancellor’s idea of a political marriage. Less likely that one side would start a war, when ‘family’ was involved.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Obi-Wan felt his world shift.<\/span><\/p>\n

Anxiety overwhelmed him as he felt his control over his life slip through his fingers.<\/span><\/p>\n

Again.<\/span><\/p>\n

It was Shaak, who helped him to the ground, then sat next to him, running a hand through his hair. “I’m not going to give platitudes.” It was something he loved about her, she was always honest, but kind. “I’m sure a few of us here could tell you all about duty, honor and that our lives are to help others. All true, but they aren’t the ones who just got married off, and well it sucks.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Obi-Wan snorted, laying his head on her shoulder not really caring that he was on the floor of the Council Room. He was going to be asked to sacrifice everything. His life in the Temple, his students, training his grandpadawan, friends and loved ones.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Why me?” He tried not to sound like a petulant child, but there were over a thousand Jedi that would qualify, hell two of them were on the council.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mace settled in front of Obi-Wan, hands resting on his knees. “Fett offered up his heir for the marriage. His one stipulation was that the spouse be male, as well it’s his son’s preference, and any child adopted\/born from Fett will be Mandalorian not a Jedi.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“So I’m the only Jedi who prefers men?” Hell most of the Jedi didn’t care about the sex of their partner, more connected to the soul of the person.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Since it was going to be the heir, the Chancellor suggested that the future spouse should come from the longest and strongest lineage.” Mace watched as Obi-Wan absorbed that piece of information. “Yoda just wouldn’t do.” Mace continued, getting them both to snort. “Dooku would be killed before he got to the front door.” Dooku rolled his eyes, but agreed with the statement. “Your Master is handsome, but we all know he would go off doing something stupid ‘following the will of the Force’, and start the damn war over again.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Accurate.” Obi-Wan saw where this was going. “Anakin eloped with Padme, the bastard. And no way would I let you send Ahsoka, she’s too young.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Plus you’re the only one who speaks Mando’a.” Mundi stated as if that would help the situation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mace and Obi-Wan just gave each other a look. “It’s a stupid reason, but accurate. You know the culture, understand the language. You are also a damn good fighter, and we know that will be helpful. I’m sorry we’re doing this to you, but in truth Obi-Wan, you are the only one who could handle this situation, with a grace no one else could.” He paused, then stood up and held out his hand. “Let’s walk, just the two of us.”<\/span><\/p>\n

He let Mace pull him up, and the two left the Council Room. “Did you have to bring in the Guardians?”<\/span><\/p>\n

“It was Yoda’s idea, he really thought you would make a run for it,” Mace shrugged. “I told him you would go out the window, with Dooku’s help, but he was insistent.”<\/span><\/p>\n

They found themselves in one of the side gardens. It was one of Qui-Gon’s favorites, filled with lush green grass, plentiful trees, and flowers as far as the eye could see. Obi-Wan settled next to one of the trees, head leaned back as he stared up at the canopy. “I’m going to be honest, I’m not liking any of you right now.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“I know.” Mace stood near the small pond, just watching as the fish swam around. “I also know about your lover.”<\/span><\/p>\n

It was an open secret that Obi-Wan had one, but no one knew who it was. The only one who had any clue was Quinlan, and that was because he was a sneaky bastard.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mace glanced over at him. “And I’m hoping, considering Fett’s own political marriage and children that were not born of his wife, that no one would really care that you have a lover.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Obi-Wan gave him a look. “I don’t know if I can do that. It’s not fair to me, him, or my future riduur.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“That is a decision only you can make.” Mace settled in front of his friend, despite their differences in age, the two had become close over the past years. Obi-Wan’s insight with war, and leading armies had been helpful. The Senate had pushed hard to make Obi-Wan a General in the war, but the Council pushed back that he was more valuable as teacher and diplomat, to the point he became famous for his negotiation skills even getting the name ‘The Negotiator’. “I’m sorry.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Will of the Force, it is.” Kenobi mocked the oldest of his lineage as he rolled his eyes. “How is this going to work? No way in hell, is the Mand’alor going to allow his son to live at the Temple. Nevermind answered my own question, how long do I have before I’m shipped off to Mandalore?”<\/span><\/p>\n

“You have two days.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Well that limits the crazy plans Quinlan will come up with.” He ran a hand over his face, then stood, pulling his robe tightly around his body. “Don’t take this personally, but I have just enough time to pack, and drown myself in alcohol, before I’m married off to a culture that has hated the Jetii for centuries, not just the last two decades.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Mace squeezed his shoulder, then let him go. “May the Force Be with You.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Obi-Wan didn’t want to tell him that he wanted to tell the Force to go fuck itself, so instead he nodded and headed back into the main Temple. From the looks of pity he was getting from some, those who refused to even look at him, and others who just shook their heads as if Obi-Wan was at fault for the situation, it was obvious his ‘engagement’ had reached the Temple gossip mill.<\/span><\/p>\n

Which meant, he was not likely to get peace and quiet to meditate or scream at the Force for being a fucking bitch. As he rounded the corner that led to his room, he wasn’t surprised to find Qui-Gon and Anakin, though Padme was a bit of a shock.<\/span><\/p>\n

She pushed past the two men, who looked awkward and uncomfortable, pulled him into her arms. “This is fucking bullshit, and I tried to get anyone to see reason, but \u2026 “<\/span><\/p>\n

He held her tightly, then stepped back giving her a half smile. “I’m sure you were up for aggressive negotiations.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Sabe refused to let me have a blaster, so I may have actually tossed my shoe at one Senator. Though, Rabe did suggest if you need anything they are willing to help.” She gave him a wicked smile, then handed him a bottle of some of the best Naboo Wine. “This is for later, pack it away and when you need a reminder that people do love you, down the whole damn thing while taking a hot bubble bath.” She held up a bag of some of the finest bathing salts.<\/span><\/p>\n

“And if this future husband gets handsy when he’s not supposed to, toss the salt into his face and hit him over the head with the bottle.” Anakin suggested with a smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

He was sure Padme had the same horrified expression. “One does not waste good salts or wine on morons. I would just shank him with a knife and step over the body to head for my bath.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“I’m not sure where I went right or wrong in raising you.” Qui-Gon pulled his Padawan into his arms, engulfing him in his robe and strong arms. During his apprenticeship, when anxieties flared up, it was one of the few things that calmed him down. “I don’t care what the Senate says, if you need us, we’ll be there.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Thanks.” He held on for a bit longer then stepped back, wiping the tears from his eyes. “I appreciate it, but this isn’t the worst thing that has happened to me.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Qui-Gon gave his Padawan a look, then sighed. “I’m sorry to say that being forcibly married off, actually is mild in comparison to some of the things that have happened in your life.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Where is Ahsoka?” He asked, hoping to change the subject.<\/span><\/p>\n

“We haven’t told her yet.” Anakin rubbed the back of his neck, a sign of his nervousness. “I’m not quite sure yet how to, but will before you leave. She would never forgive me, if she didn’t at least get to say goodbye.”<\/span><\/p>\n

He could only nod, losing Ashoka was going to hurt the most. She was such a bright student, and a pleasure to teach. “Please don’t take this personally, but I really need time to deal with all of this.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Master\u2026” Anakin paused, then stepped forward then yanked him into his arms. “I \u2026 tried to talk to the Chancellor, and even pulled the Chosen One title.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“It’s not your fault. I do not blame you.” Obi-Wan patted him on the shoulder, then cupped his cheeks, pulling him down slightly looking him in his eyes. “I hate leaving you, but you’re a fine Jedi, surrounded by those who love you. And just because I’m not here, doesn’t mean I won’t love you any less.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“I hate this.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Join the club.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Anakin laughed, holding his Master tightly. “Okay. Go scream and get drunk. Tomorrow, dinner with all of us. Don’t scoff at me. We’ll need it.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Invite Dooku and Yoda, it should be fun!” He rolled his eyes, before turning to his door. He felt the others hesitate, then left him to his misery.<\/span><\/p>\n

His mind was already contemplating what he wanted to pack, mostly his books, a few personal items, all of his weapons, and he was going to need his meditation gear \u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

“Quinlan.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Garen has a transport ready, your bags are packed, Luminera has cashed out the emergency fund, and Bant will cause a distraction.” Quinlan had two bags at his feet, and was deadly serious.<\/span><\/p>\n

Force, he loved his friends.<\/span><\/p>\n

“I can’t and you know it.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Fuck that shit.” He shook his head, refusing to listen to Obi-Wan self sacrificing bullshit. “They have no right to force you to marry someone who fucking hates you.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“You don’t know\u2026”<\/span><\/p>\n

“He’s a Fucking Fett. Of course he hates you. He’s a damn Mandalorian, who was raised from birth to hate all things Jedi and Republic. You are a freak of nature, who takes shit like this with a sense of calm, that isn’t normal! Damn it Obi you’re prepared to sacrifice everything because the Council said so.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“I’m a Jedi, Quinlan, it’s my duty for the Republic to help bring peace.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Last I checked that didn’t include whoring yourself out.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Well it sure as fuck wouldn’t be the first time!”<\/span><\/p>\n

“FUCK!” Quinlan moved across the room in seconds, and once again Obi-Wan found himself locked in a pair of strong arms. The sad part was that it wasn’t the arms he wanted, but he cut that thought off, there was no going back.<\/span><\/p>\n

He wasn’t even sure if his lover wanted him anymore.<\/span><\/p>\n

At their last rendezvous he hadn’t shown up.<\/span><\/p>\n

Obi-Wan had waited for two days, then had to leave. It was possible something happened, but he had no way of knowing or finding out. And their next rendezvous wouldn’t happen, as he would be in Mandalore, preparing to be married.<\/span><\/p>\n

“If this stops the war, and people from dying.” Obi-Wan held tightly to his friend, so grateful that he actually planned an escape. “I have to do this.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Quinlan stepped back, but held onto his friend. “What’s the worst that can happen? They send someone else.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Yes.” Obi-Wan pulled out of his grip, slipped off his robe and tossed it on the couch, then headed straight for the Corellian whiskey. “I want you to name one person in this Temple who can do this, without losing their mind or starting the war over again, because of a perceived insult from either side.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“I could.”<\/span><\/p>\n

He gave his friend a hard look. “Did you miss the part about not starting the war again?”<\/span><\/p>\n

Quinlan shrugged sheepishly. “I hate it when you use logic. So because you know and understand Mandalorian culture you are fit to marry into it.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Pretty much.” He grabbed two glasses and poured generously. “They aren’t going to kill me, might make me uncomfortable, but I’ll likely mostly be left alone. I can fight, Quin, and you know it. Just because I’ve taken the role of teacher, doesn’t change I’m damn scrappy in a fight, and vicious if need be.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Remember that when hubby gets handsy.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“The hubby getting handsy is the least of my concerns. I am more concerned for Death Watch, trying to pull some political bullshit by challenging the Jetii. At this moment the advantage I have is playing up on the scholar, who is more concerned for books than weapons.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“So what you’re saying is we need to hide all your weapons with your books.”<\/span><\/p>\n

He downed the drink in one gulp then poured a second. “I love you for doing this, but you and I both know there is no other option.” He flopped onto the couch, downed the second glass, ran a hand through his hair then gave him a contemplative look, one Vos knew well, this was the General that very few saw. “I need you to do me a favor.”<\/span><\/p>\n

He shoved a few things off the coffee table, ignoring Obes’ exasperated sigh, then settled on it, taking his friend’s hands. He felt the surge of determination, some fear, but mostly a righteous anger. Vos didn’t let go, but gave his friend a concerned look. “Anything, you damn know I would kill for you, or at least help hide the body as I know you can kill your own enemies.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Let’s not talk about the mission to Thelnia.”<\/span><\/p>\n

It got a snort out of both of them.<\/span><\/p>\n

“I need you to watch Anakin.” The only reason Quinlan didn’t argue was because he knew Obi-Wan was deadly serious.<\/span><\/p>\n

The two had never really gotten along.<\/span><\/p>\n

Anakin was a slave kid, who had dreams of saving the universe installed in his head by Qui-Gon, who upped and almost got himself killed, leaving a floundering ten year old. Obi-Wan took him under his wing, it was supposed to be temporary until Qui-Gon healed, but everyone, even the big oaf – who many times throughout Obi-Wan’s Padawanship bulldozed over his needs to follow the ‘Will of the Force’ – saw that the two had a strong bond.<\/span><\/p>\n

The problem was Anakin tended to get jealous of anyone who, as far as he was concerned, ‘stole’ his Master’s attention. Quinlan gave no fucks about the ‘Chosen One’ and at times pushed the kid to face some nasty bent up emotions. Considering he was a slave at one point, it was no wonder the kid exploded, and blew out half the windows in the education section of the temple.<\/span><\/p>\n

Obi-Wan had yelled at Quinlan, then dragged Anakin to the healers, stating his Padawan needed a Mind Healer. Bant took the advantage and ordered one for both.<\/span><\/p>\n

So in theory, Quinlan got them both into therapy because he was an asshole.<\/span><\/p>\n

“You trained him well.” Quin tilted his head slightly, trying to figure out what his friend was asking. “He turned out to be a good Knight. And despite getting secretly married, learned how to let go of those he loves. If he didn’t, his plan to save you would make mine seem rational.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“I’m not worried for Anakin. He has grown in these last years. I’m worried about the Chancellor.” The way Quinlan stiffened, that had got his attention. “It was his idea for the marriage, and suggested so kindly that I be the one to do it. He’s hated me since I refused him access to Anakin when he was twelve. Like I was going to let a creepy old man near my former slave of a Padawan!”<\/span><\/p>\n

“And you’re now conveniently out of the picture.” Quinlan stood, moving towards the windows. It was one of the few locations in the Temple that could get a clear view of the Senate building. “What do you think he wants?”<\/span><\/p>\n

“No idea but whatever it is. It’s not good.”<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

Obi-Wan watched as the last of his trunks were stored into the ship’s cargo hold. It was early morning, the dawn light was starting to spread across the capital. Despite the fact Coruscant never slept, it was still fairly quiet, the sounds of the awakening city were faint in the distance. He had requested to leave early, not wanting any fanfare or grand speeches. He wasn’t sure if he wouldn’t smack the Chancellor, actually he would be able to restrain himself – Quinlan on the other hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

The two Mandalorians that were securing his gear, hadn’t given him a second glance through the whole event. The colors showed that they were from Clan Wren, loyal to Mereel and the True Mandalorians. Someone hadn’t actually briefed them that Obi-Wan spoke the language as the few comments that were made, weren’t repeatable in polite company.<\/span><\/p>\n

He glanced around, noticing that Yoda wasn’t with the rest of his lineage. “Where’s the old troll?”<\/span><\/p>\n

“The coward couldn’t watch his favorite being sold off, even though he agreed to this whole charade.” Dooku stated with an air of coldness, it was obvious the two had argued after last night’s dinner. “Obi-Wan\u2026”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Don’t.” He held up his hand, stopping whatever emotional thing his grandmaster was going to say. “Let’s not embarrass ourselves.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Dooku bowed his head, then stepped back to let Qui-Gon have a private moment. He had been very surprised that his Padawan had chosen such a quiet, reserved, yet insane, child as a Padawan. Obi-Wan had a sharp tongue, sharper knives, and the ability to lay a combatant down with just a hard look. He was good for Qui-Gon, who wasn’t always the best master for Obi-Wan.<\/span><\/p>\n

The two had made it work, but their relationship grew after Obi-Wan had been Knighted. While Qui-Gon had recovered in the Healing Ward, he had told Dooku how awed he had been at his Padwan’s fighting skills. It was beautiful, and downright scary. The man had no fear, and was the center of calm.<\/span><\/p>\n

The dark user never stood a chance.<\/span><\/p>\n

The fight and subsequent healing was what got Obi-Wan Knighted.<\/span><\/p>\n

It was years later, Dooku discovered the dark user had survived the attack. How, he had no idea. It had been decided by the Council not to tell Obi-Wan, another thing he had disagreed with.<\/span><\/p>\n

Yan glanced over to see Anakin holding onto Obi-Wan. For a moment he wondered if the young Knight would just pick him up and run away. He didn’t like the boy, he was too brash and undignified, but Obi-Wan trained him well. Despite all the signs of the boy being too emotional, too attached, he turned out to be a well rounded Knight. For Anakin it was his love for his Master, and later his wife that settled him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Qui-Gon settled next to his Master. “He told me once that he was meant for infinite sadness.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Dooku glanced over at Obi-Wan. “He gives so much, there’s not much left for himself.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“And we sold the rest to the highest bidder.” Qui-Gon took a calming breath, then headed back into the Temple. He couldn’t watch him leave, they had said their goodbyes, and Obi-Wan knew that he could call upon him at any time. He needed to meditate, and release his own emotions, before he did start the war over again, to save his Padawan.<\/span><\/p>\n

Obi-Wan watched Qui-Gon head back inside, then gave a glance to Dooku, who gave him one last bow, and followed his Padawan.<\/span><\/p>\n

He huffed when Quinlan suddenly grabbed a hold of him. Last night at the dinner party, he had gifted him with a shiny set of stiletto knives, something he could keep hidden easily, in case of emergency. He frowned when he felt something slip into his pocket.<\/span><\/p>\n

“It’s a secure comm.” Quin breathed into his ear. “You need me, for anything. I mean anything. Contact me and I’ll be there. I don’t care about the Republic, Jedi or Mandalorians. You need me, I’m there.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Obi-Wan wrapped his arms around him and held him tight. “Thank you for being my friend.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Oh Obes, the pleasure is all mine.” He kissed the top of his head, then let Ahsoka slide into his place.<\/span><\/p>\n

“This is stupid and wrong.” She laid her head on his chest, her lekku’s twitching in agitation. “And I’m with Master Vos, I don’t care about protocol.”<\/span><\/p>\n

He stepped back and wiped her tears. “You have a beautiful soul, and a good heart. Thank you for watching out for me. But you have a lot of years ahead of you, and I want you to remember what I’ve taught you.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“I will still kick some ass if you need me to.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“I blame Anakin.” He ignored the scoff from his Padawan, as he hugged her tightly for a few more seconds, then kissed the top of her head, before handing her off back to Anakin. He looked at Quinlan. “Take care of her.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“I’ll be the best uncle she’s ever had and teach her how to prank the Council. More importantly, how to get away with it.” He gave him a smirk and wink, with one last pat on the shoulder he stepped back, letting his friend go.<\/span><\/p>\n

Obi-Wan took a deep breath, looked back at the Temple, then at his friends and family. Without hesitation, he turned and made his way to the ship.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Aliit?” One of the Mandalrian’s who was standing at the ramp asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Obi-Wan couldn’t get a good read on him through the beskar armour, but the tone despite filtered through the helmet was curious. “In a way. I was raised with Quinlan, he’s my vod and Ahsoka, is my Padawan’s Padwan, so she’s my bu’ad.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“At least you know some of cuun joha.” The other snarked as they gestured for him to keep walking. “May want to hibirar more than a few words.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Obi-Wan gave him a smirk, and then in perfect Mando’a. “Ni kandir gar koora.” (I will take into account your advice) He could feel shock from both men, that should teach them not to assume. He turned and walked up the ramp.<\/span><\/p>\n

The first Mandalroian laughed heartily, as the second grumbled.<\/span><\/p>\n

The ramp had been closed, and nothing further had been said. The one who laughed showed him to a small room, he would be staying for the duration of the trip. He thanked him, tossed the small bag he had on him, and settled onto the bunk.<\/span><\/p>\n

As the ship lifted away from the platform, taking him away from everything he knew, he settled into Meditation, trying to let go of all the negative energy. He had fallen asleep just as they jumped into hyperspace.<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

It was going to be a few days’ travel before they reached the Mandalorian Empire.<\/span><\/p>\n

The first day, he stayed mostly in his room, meditating, reading, and writing out a few things in his journals. But he knew he couldn’t avoid his companions for the whole trip, plus he needed food, so he ventured out of the room, in search of the galley.<\/span><\/p>\n

He found one of them, finishing up his meal. It was the same one that had questioned him about his family at the port. The buy’ce was off, showing that he was a male humanoid, with blondish hair, and seemed so very young. No doubt despite the youthful appearance he knew the man was a seasoned warrior. Obi-Wan gave them a warm smile. “Hello there.” The man gave him a wary look, so he held up his hands indicating he wasn’t armed. “I don’t bite, I was trained out of it when I was five.”<\/span><\/p>\n

It at least got a small smile out of the young man. “I’m Kal of Clan Wren.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Master Obi-Wan Kenobi,” he bowed.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Is Kenobi your Clan name?” Kal asked with a curiosity of someone who hadn’t felt the brunt of the war, which was likely why he was escorting him. He stood to fix the Jedi some food, the last thing he had wanted was to upset the Mand’alor for not taking care of the heir’s future Riduur.<\/span><\/p>\n

“It’s from my home plant of Stewjon.” He answered, maybe he could at least have one ally when he arrived at Mandalore.<\/span><\/p>\n

“You do not know your aliit?” There was a hint of distaste from the warrior, a man who likely was raised surrounded by family and clan.<\/span><\/p>\n

“I was given to the Temple when I was a mere baby.”<\/span><\/p>\n

As were most Jedi children.<\/span><\/p>\n

Many parents didn’t know how to handle a child that could move toys around when they were upset, or would never stop crying as they felt the stress, anger, frustration of their parents. So they sought out help, handing their child over to the Jedi to raise, some stayed in touch others were never seen again.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Buir shouldn’t abandon their children.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Some don’t know how to handle a Force sensitive child, and it’s better they leave the child then worse, kill them.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Kal looked at him in horror.<\/span><\/p>\n

“I would like to say it’s rare, but happens more than any of us would like.” He was actually one of the lucky ones, considering how Master Tholme found Quinlan.<\/span><\/p>\n

“I was always told you Jetii were baby snatchers.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“You know.” Obi-Wan gave him a half smile, as he settled at the table. “We heard the same rumors about Mandalorians.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“We would never \u2026 ” He paused for a moment, eyes narrowed at the Jetii. “You Jetii are crafty.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“I prefer handsome.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Kal shook his head, but chuckled, then set the bowl of stew on the table. “So you were raised in the Temple. Those who saw you off, they are your aliit. Eat up. Be careful it is spicy, most non Mandalorians can’t handle it.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Yes, my lineage is my aliit. Basically my Master, is my buir, his Master, my ba’buir and so on, it goes back to one of the oldest members of the Jedi.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Obi-Wan smiled at the kid, acting like he had no idea what he was eating. Kal watched him intently as he took a bite of the tiingilar, it wasn’t as spicy as he’s had, but was good. If there was one upside of this whole situation, the food. He missed the spicy food of Mandalore. “This is good, though a little light on the spices.” He laughed at the shocked expression. “Hate to disappoint those who were hoping for a different reaction. I was introduced to tiingilar back when I was a Padawan, and fell in love with it instantly. Plus, I have years of diplomatic events under my belt, where I had to eat things you don’t want to know about with a smile and compliment.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Kal laughed, taking a seat across from him. “You might not be too bad for a Jetii.”<\/span><\/p>\n

The two ended up talking over the rest of the journey. Obi-Wan learned about the history of Clan Wren, while he gave him some stories from his Padawan days. He doubted Kal would seek him out once in Mandalore, but it was reassuring that maybe, just maybe it wasn’t going to be the worst case scenario.<\/span><\/p>\n

They landed in a private bay near the palace, which was located at the new Mandalore Capital Sundari. It was one of the compromises Fett had made with the New Mandalorians. It was now the home of the Mand’alor, along with the Mandalorian Government. Though it would seem Fett wasn’t quite prepared for everyone to see the Jetii, so his arrival was quiet and unobtrusive. Kal and Jik, who Obi-Wan had gotten about three words out of the whole trip, escorted him over to the waiting guards.<\/span><\/p>\n

It didn’t feel like a prisoner exchange at all.<\/span><\/p>\n

The guards were in full armour, the Mythrilskull prominent on the pauldrons, indicating they were True Mandalorians, and loyal to Fett. The Captain of the Guard stood in front, buy’ce under his arm, looking annoyed and impatient. The man was taller than Obi-Wan, and had the build of a warrior. The physical scar across his eye reminded him of Anakin’s – he was sure both had been received in battle – though the Captain’s eye was a high quality prosthetic.<\/span><\/p>\n

“I’m Captain Wolffe.” He stated with only a small hint of a growl in his voice. “You will follow the rules we’ve set forth, or I’ll find other accommodations for you.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“I’m not being hidden away in the tallest tower, with the only thing to do is grow my hair out?” He gave the Captain a small smirk, only to get an eye roll in return.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Follow me.”<\/span><\/p>\n

It was obvious the Captain wasn’t much for small talk. Obi-Wan bowed his head in acknowledgement, and kept up with the longer strides, years following Qui-Gon and chasing after Anakin finally paid off.<\/span><\/p>\n

As they entered the city, he took time to admire the surroundings. He had heard about Sundari, been told about the beauty of the dome, which was made of beskar and stainworked glass. It was beautiful as he imagined, yet practical as a protective shield. He had been worried that with all the beskar, his connection to the force would be muted, but it was the opposite, it was thriving.<\/span><\/p>\n

From what he could see the city was bustling with life, so filled with tantalizing smells, array of colorful storefronts, and a wide cultural representation. The Mandalorians were known for adopting outside their culture, as far as they were concerned the children were the future.<\/span><\/p>\n

One of the biggest misconceptions between the two cultures was the myth of ‘baby snatching’. While in truth both cultures were devoted to their children and accepted all cultures.<\/span><\/p>\n

If both sides could get past old grudges, misconceptions, and their own damn stubbornness – the Jetii and Mandalorians would find they were very much alike.<\/span><\/p>\n

Then again having them at each other’s throats was politically strategic.<\/span><\/p>\n

No one wanted to get into a fight with a Mandalorian or a Jedi.<\/span><\/p>\n

Force help them if the two were working together.<\/span><\/p>\n

Wolffe led them through a secondary set of gates, Obi-Wan instantly noticed the heavier security. In comparison to the bustling thriving market they had just passed by, this area was quiet. He could hear the sounds of training nearby, likely the Palace Guard. He didn’t get much time to linger, instead escorted into the palace and straight to the throne room.<\/span><\/p>\n

The whole building was airy and bright. Not what he had expected, but then despite knowing aspects of the culture, he still had his own misconceptions. He heard Wolffe introduce him, then step to the side, leaving Obi-Wan standing in a very open room, being stared down by the Mand’alor.<\/span><\/p>\n

He gave a small bow, though didn’t take his eyes off the armored Jango Fett. The man was deadly, had killed six Jetii with his bare hands, in one of the bloodiest battles between Mandalore and the Republic. This was not a man, Obi-Wan planned to turn his back on, nor was he going to cater to his every whim.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Manada’lor Fett.” He tossed back his hood, gave a small nod in greeting. His hands slipped into the sleeves of his robes as he settled into an easy stance. “On behalf of the Republic, I bring goodwill and peace.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“You’re okay with being married off?” He stood from his throne and stepped down the few steps, coming only a few feet away from the Jetii. He took off his buy’ce, and clipped it onto his belt.<\/span><\/p>\n

This was the first time he had actually laid eyes on the man. No one had been able to get a holo of him without his buy’ce through the years. And it was obvious that Captain Wolffe was related in some aspects.<\/span><\/p>\n

They had known about Fett’s political marriage. It gave Manadalore ties to the outer rim, with a strong trade route, making them independent from any Republic planets and the Trade Federation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Obi-Wan was all for not working with the Trade Federation.<\/span><\/p>\n

“I thought Jetii were devoid of attachments.” He settled not far from the Jetii, dark eyes accessing him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Obi-Wan held his gaze. “A misconception. We are not devoid of emotions or attachments. Matter of fact my crechemates, vod, for a better word, plotted at least four outrageous scenarios to help me escape my fate.”<\/span><\/p>\n

One of Jango’s eyebrows went up at the statement. “Yet you are here.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“As a Jetii I was raised to let go of my own selfish needs and embrace my duty to just not the Jetii, or the Republic, but for the good of all people. So, yes, Mand’alor here I am. I’m sure your son feels the same sense of duty.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“His brothers plotted at least six outrageous scenarios, and I’m sure he had ten.” Jango glanced over his shoulder to another Mandalorian, who was standing just to the right of the throne. His armor was slightly different from the Mand’alor, instead of the greens and blues, it was dark grey with a beautiful orange sunbeam across the chest. “Kote.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Obi-Wan took a deep breath and calmed his anxiety as Fett’s only true heir moved down the stairs until he stood just behind his father. He took off the buy’ce, holding it under his arm. He looked much like his father, maybe an inch or two taller, which made him taller than Obi-Wan. His eyes were amber in color, and had an intensity that could be intimidating. The dark hair was cut shorter than Jango’s, but the most distinguished difference was the scar that wrapped around his left eye.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Obi-Wan Kenobi.” He gave a small bow.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Kote Fett.” He put his arm to his chest and bowed.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Well now that introductions are out of the way.” Jango ignored his son’s side-eye. “How about a walk in the gardens. Just so you know, there’s no escaping the guards.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Kote snorted. “I trained them.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Obi-Wan smirked slightly, but kept quiet about the many escapes out of the Temple to go drinking with Quinlan.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Oh one last thing. I need your jetii’kad.” Jango held out his hand, expecting to be obeyed.<\/span><\/p>\n

“No.” Obi-Wan was not giving up his lightsaber in enemy territory.<\/span><\/p>\n

The fact that the Mandalorians assumed it was his only weapon was not his problem. Nor his concern that no one checked to see how well he was armed. If they had, they would’ve discovered not just his lightsaber, but a vibroblade in his boot, along with a set of throwing knives tucked into his utility belt. The stilettos were hidden away in his trunk, along with a few extra knives, and a small blaster that was a gift from Hondo.<\/span><\/p>\n

Kote blinked, his focus suddenly on his betrothed, not many told Jango Fett no, and lived to tell the tale. Hell he had said no, yet here he was standing next to his buir watching his ven’riduur, who was apparently taking on the Mand’alor.<\/span><\/p>\n

“It’s a condition of \u2026.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“No.” Obi-Wan held Fett’s gaze, refusing to back down. He had negotiated with some of the worst terrorists, war criminals, the Senate, and some insane pirates, this was a walk in the park. “As someone who read through every piece of paper concerning my betrothal, it is not part of the agreement. My lightsaber is a part of who I am. It’s not just a shiny sword or weapon. The Kyber Crystal resonates within me, it’s part of my very essence.” He refused to back down or cower under the Mand’alor’s glare. “What would you do if someone demanded your armour?”<\/span><\/p>\n

“I would kill them.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Obi-Wan tilted his head slightly. “That’s how we feel about our lightsabers. So no, I will not hand it over, so it can be held as hostage to keep me in line. Now, I do understand the idea of Jetii wandering around carrying it isn’t feasible. So it will be hidden on me or kept in the room I’m provided. I will not use it against another Mandalorian unless I am under threat of my life.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Kote held his breath, not quite sure how his buir was going to handle the situation.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Should I be thankful we never faced each other on the battlefield?” Jango studied the Jetii for a few moments.<\/span><\/p>\n

“If we did, this would be a whole different conversation.” Obi-Wan responded, the truth heard in his tone. He glanced over to Kote. “Would you care to show me around the gardens? I am a bit of a geek, as my Padawan has stated on many occasions, and do enjoy learning new things.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Kote stepped back, arm gestured towards the back of the room, where there was a door that led out of the throne room. “We have one of the finest.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“So I’ve heard.” Obi-Wan once again bowed towards Jango. “I would be very agreeable to discussions in the future, about how much the Mandalorians and Jetii are alike and what we could learn from each other.” He waited until the Mand’alor nodded in return, then followed Kote out of the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

Jaster stepped out of the shadows, the moment the door closed. He took off his buy’ce, and gave his son a contemplative look. “Oh that one is going to be a handful. He’s perfect for our Kote.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Not sure I like him.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Of course you don’t.” Jaster laughed, patting his adi’s shoulder. “He challenged you, and more importantly you liked it. I think you’re more upset that your son will be the one who gets to bed him.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Buir!” Jango glared at his father. “It’s dangerous to let a Jetii roam free, especially armed.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Is it?” He challenged. “A Jetii can do damage without it, so unless you want to put suppression cuffs on him, and we both know that would be breaking the agreement. We worked too hard to get this deal, so I suggest you let him be. Especially as there are Clans who would see him dead, to destroy this fragile peace.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“I’m not sure this was a good idea.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“It was the only option. We can’t continually be at war, and making the deal with the Jetii made the most sense, as they were the ones who had more to lose. The Republic was using them as their Generals and soldiers. The Republic would’ve just kept going until nothing was left, Mandalorian or Jetii. Which is something you need to remember, Jango. The real enemy isn’t the Jetii. This Kenobi will be an ally. I talked to his escorts, he’s been nothing but polite. He speaks Mando’a, and it’s obvious he knows our culture. He’s been ripped from his home, family, and safety to be put in a world where half of the population will actively see him dead, the other half would want to watch. You wouldn’t send Kote to the Temple for that very reason, and you want the Jetii to be unarmed. Besides, I did my research, he’s a scholar. He teaches and does research, man after my own heart. I’m pretty sure he’s the least offensive Jetii they have.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Jango glanced at the door, hoping he had made the right decision. Kote had not been happy about his ‘marriage’. He wasn’t kidding that his son had come up with ten escape plans, and that wasn’t including what he cooked up with Fox. The only reason his boy was still on Mandalore, was likely to do with the fact Wolffe had stuck to him like glue, and his underline sense of duty.<\/span><\/p>\n

Jango frowned, not used to his oldest challenging one of his orders. “This isn’t a request. This will be good for our people.”<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

“I have given you everything.” He held his ground, shoulders held back, buy’ce tucked under his arm. “I have fought countless battles to protect our people, lost friends and vode. I would willingly give my life.”<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

“Then this shouldn’t be too much to ask.” Jango stepped down from his throne to stand in front of his Kote, his glory.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

“You promised me peace. Promised I wouldn’t have to follow your path.” He held the hard gaze directed at him. “And now you stand before me, asking me to sacrifice my freedom, my choice, my peace.”<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

“It is for your people.”<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

“No, it is for you. You got us into this war, and now you’re sacrificing me to end it.” He snarled, letting his anger show. “I will not do this.”<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

“Why?”<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

“Because I have given my promise to another, and you will not make me break it so you can marry me off to the highest bidder!” He refused to back down on this, his cyare had kept him sane through this war, the promise of a future by his side. <\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

“You can keep your lover.” Jango shook his head, laughing lightly. “It’s a political marriage.”<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

“I’m not you or mom.” He barely was able to restrain the eyeroll. <\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

There was a reason he was standing in front of the Mand’alor, being asked to sacrifice everything. He was the only one born from Jango and Li, his mother, a political wife to make sure Mandalore had open trade routes. He had many half brothers, most of them born of affairs from both. <\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

“Kote, you have no choice. This is a rare opportunity to finally make peace with the Jetii.” <\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

“How about we just stop trying to kill each other over a horrific fuck up.”<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

“They murdered our people!”<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

“And we murdered theirs!” He snarled at his father. “Ironically, you want two enemies to marry to make you feel better!”<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

Jango grabbed Kote’s neck and pulled him closer until their foreheads touched. “I would never put you into harm’s way.” They ignored the battles he had led and fought. “This is a rare opportunity \u2026 “<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

Kote closed his eyes, thinking of his people, his vode, all those who depend on him. A tear fell down his cheek, as he stepped back, holding his Buir’s war hardened gaze. “I do this under duress, but I need to talk to my cyare \u2026 “<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

“I’m sorry, Kote.” Jango looked over to his Captain of the Guard, and waved his hand. “You’ll be under house arrest until further notice.”<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

“Do what you need to do.”<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

Kote didn’t fight against Koon or Wolffe, he walked out of the room with his dignity.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

Obi-Wan could easily see himself meditating in the gardens, they were beautiful and rich with life.<\/span><\/p>\n

The two hadn’t talked much, Kote answered a few of Obi-Wan’s questions, but overall they were both lost in their own thoughts. They ended up sitting in one of the back sections, enjoying the quiet. Obi-Wan hadn’t missed the guards that were tailing them, nor the ones stationed at all the exits.<\/span><\/p>\n

“They’re there for me.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Obi-Wan glanced across the way at his betrothed. “Didn’t take the news well?” There was a bit of humor in his voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Did you?” Kote gave him a pointed look, with a small smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

“I may have had an epic tantrum in front of the council, it wasn’t pretty.” Obi-Wan smiled at Kote’s snort. “It’s not an ideal situation.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Far from it, but peace between our people is a good thing. I’m very tired of war, it’s the only thing I know.” He glanced over to see Rex watching him intently, he gave him a quick sign to indicate he was fine.<\/span><\/p>\n

Obi-Wan glanced over his shoulder to see the blonde soldier. “Family?”<\/span><\/p>\n

“I’ve lost track of how many siblings I technically have. Despite the fact my parents only had me, they had enough of their own to make for loud family dinners.” Kote focused back on his betrothed. “What about you?”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Dinners were far and few between, only because my ba’buir would start fights with my buir. The oldest in our line, would shit stir any argument because he could. My Padawan always spoke first before thinking, usually starting something that had been settled ten dinners ago. My grandpadawan was the sane one, well she did agree to be Anakin’s Padawan so there is some debate, we would usually sit off to the side and watch the games and run a snarky commentary.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Kote chuckled easily, imagining the moment especially as he had lived through enough of them. “Sounds like a normal family dinner, though ours usually come with someone challenging someone to a fight.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“That’s when we bring in Mace’s brood.”<\/span><\/p>\n

That got both of them chuckling.<\/span><\/p>\n

“We’re both in the same predicament. This isn’t ideal, but peace for our people is worth the awkwardness. I don’t want the farce that is my parent’s marriage, but I have to be honest that there was someone else.” Kote ran a hand through his short hair, a rare sign of his nervousness. “I also realize you’ve sacrificed more to be here, and if there is anything I can do to make this easier.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Thank You, Kote.” Obi-Wan gave him a half smile, appreciating that his betrothed was willing to at least work on being cordial to each other. It was better than he had hoped. “I would like to at least work towards a friendship. If you want to keep seeing your lover, I understand.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Kote glanced away, not wanting to have that conversation. “Is there anything I can do now? I know they dragged you straight to see buir.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“I would like to get clean, and rest up. Do I need to be at dinner tonight? I honestly don’t think I can handle a room full of Mandalorians, even if only half want me dead, the other half isn’t going to handle a Jetii easily.” Obi-Wan hated feeling awkward, he could feel his anxiety spiking and wanted a place to just be himself. Meditate so he could get his focus back.<\/span><\/p>\n

“You have a room in the family wings, not far from Jaster and Fox.” He stood and held out his hand, waited until Obi-Wan felt comfortable enough to take it. “There will be sections you can’t go without an escort, but we’ll figure that out as we go.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Will I be able to communicate with my family?” He took Kote’s hand as he stood.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Family is important, but I’m sure they’ll want to make sure you’re not sending state secrets.”<\/span><\/p>\n

He nodded, but didn’t say anything.<\/span><\/p>\n

The two walked back through the gardens, into the palace. Kote made sure that his betrothed knew how to get back to the gardens, plus pointed out a few highlights. He noticed instantly that Obi-Wan brightened up at the mention of the library, making note to hand him off to Jaster, the two would likely get along.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Well here you are.” Kote stopped and gestured to a door. “It’s a good size, and has an ensuite bathroom. Your trunks should be inside.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“You mean the ones they checked beforehand?” Obi-Wan gave him a half smile. There was a reason his chests that contained his favorite books had a false bottom hiding his weapons, no one – NO ONE wanted to go through all the books, let alone put them back in order.<\/span><\/p>\n

Kote only gave a shrug. “How about I show you the library tomorrow?”<\/span><\/p>\n

“I would like that.” Obi-Wan reached out, then pulled back. “Talk to you tomorrow, Kote.”<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

Kote sat next to his buir, watching his family. Boba was in the thick of things, being his normal annoying self, getting into things he shouldn’t, while playing up that he was buir’s favorite. Fox and Wolffe were talking quietly at the far end of the table, likely discussing security for their guest. As much as they had to keep an eye on Kenobi, they needed to protect him also. The Jetii was right, there were those who wanted him dead, some for revenge of lost loved ones, others just because he was a Jetii.<\/span><\/p>\n

Wooley was talking animatedly with Jaster, likely a new book he discovered. He would need to introduce Obi-Wan to both of them, it would be good for him to have someone he could talk to whose instincts weren’t stab first and ask questions later.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rex poked him, getting his attention.<\/span><\/p>\n

He smiled at his vod, Rex was the closest to his age and they were practically raised together. He was Kote’s confidant, and advisor in many aspects, he trusted Rex to tell it to him straight. Also the one they practically moved into his rooms, when Jango announced his marriage. All afraid he would sneak off with his cyare, one no one knew about. That had actually shocked him, that he had been able to keep that secret for as long as he did.<\/span><\/p>\n

“How are you holding up?”<\/span><\/p>\n

“How do you think I’m holding up?” The tone usually had his men scurrying away.<\/span><\/p>\n

“He’s handsome.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Kote stared at him with complete disdain.<\/span><\/p>\n

Though he hated that Rex was right, Obi-Wan Kenobi was very handsome. The red hair was shocking, as there weren’t many redheads on Mandalore, he was going to stand out in a crowd, and not just because he was a Jetii. The blue eyes were stunning, filled with knowledge, curiosity, and mischief. The beard was neatly trimmed, and looked soft. When he took Kote’s hand, he could feel the calluses of a man who had worked hard, which was a contrast to the image of a scholar. The robe had concealed much of his body, but he moved in a way that showed his confidence.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Then you can marry him.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Yeah no.” Rex gave him a smile. “I talked with Jaster, he informed me that the Jetii is more scholar than warrior, and that he is famously known for his negotiation skills.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Kote gave him a look, hand gesturing for him to get on with what he was saying.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Basically, it might not be bad to have a diplomat, let’s face it, Fett blood isn’t good at being subtle or calm during talks. Kenobi might be able to take the brunt of it, leaving you to handle everything else.” Rex shrugged, not sure if he was helping. If Kote was one thing, he was practical. “Though I have never kissed a guy with a beard.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“You’ve never kissed a guy.” Kote snorted, Rex’s dalliances were pretty famous around the palace.<\/span><\/p>\n

“True.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“At least I know I’m not the only one who got trapped into this political nightmare, and he seems admirable. He gave up his family and life to come to a hostile environment, I don’t think I could’ve handled being away from my family, despite the pain in the shebs you all are.” He shifted in his seat, leaning closer to his brother. “I would like to at least build some type of relationship, and not have seperate lives like my buirs.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“You were always a romantic at heart.” Rex gave him a soft smile as he patted his arm. “What about \u2026”<\/span><\/p>\n

“We’re not discussing that.” Kote stood, gave a nod to Jango then left the dining hall, and with that the conversation was finished.<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

The room wasn’t bad, only slightly smaller than what he had back at the Temple. There was a good size open area that had a kitchen against the far wall, big enough to fix a simple meal, but more importantly he would be able to brew tea when he wanted it. There was a sitting area, along with a desk tucked into a corner. Plenty of natural light from the balcony and two large windows. The bedroom was separated from the living area, and had a nice ensuite bathroom. Obi-Wan would sing praises for the bathroom, just for the soaking tub.<\/span><\/p>\n

He unpacked his trunks, noticed that a few of them had been rifled through, except for the books. He placed a couple holos on the dressing table in the bedroom, to have his family close at hand, a few books ended up next to the bed. The bath salts and bottle of wine from Padme, found a home next to the tub.<\/span><\/p>\n

As he had no idea what his job would be while in Mandalore, right now he would focus on studying their history and culture. It was something he had always wanted to do, and at least now he had access to the library and archives.<\/span><\/p>\n

The meditation cushion found a home by the windows. It would be a perfect spot to recharge, especially with the view of the gardens. Hopefully, Kote would stop by the next day so Obi-Wan could get a feel for the land. Find out the places he could access without too much worry, the areas forbidden to him, would also be good to find out how to get some necessities for his room, and if food was provided or would he need to find a great hall of some sort. Honestly, all he wanted at the moment was to be able to stay in his room, meditate and read, and get used to the idea of being married.<\/span><\/p>\n

It wasn’t something he had ever contemplated.<\/span><\/p>\n

Well that was a lie.<\/span><\/p>\n

He contemplated it, but knew it was never going to happen. Not with the war going on.<\/span><\/p>\n

The last thing on his list was to secure his lightsaber and other weapons. In an act of good faith, his lightsaber would stay in the room, when he was out and about in the Palace. If he was to leave the premises, guards or not, he would have it on him. Of course, that didn’t mean he would go out unarmed. Most of the weapons he had, could be carried without notice and he wasn’t stupid enough to go amongst Mandalorians without some protection.<\/span><\/p>\n

One of the knives was placed under his meditation cushion, another tucked near the bed, both easily grabbed in case of emergency. The Lightsaber was placed on the dressing table, amongst the small holos and a few personal items, nestled in a wooden box that could be locked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Just as he was about ready to take a bath, there was a knock on the door. Obi-Wan was surprised that he could feel the person on the other side of the door, instead of the murky blob he felt when someone was in armour. He was also surprised that he could open the door, and that it locked from the inside.<\/span><\/p>\n

The person held out a tray. “Dinner.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Obi-Wan took it and the person turned and walked away. “Thanks.” He got no reply. With a sigh, he closed the door and set the tray on the small counter. The food smelled delicious, and though he hoped an assassination attempt wouldn’t happen on the first night, he still reached out with the Force not sensing anything unwanted. It was then he realized how hungry he was, and quickly downed the food and was glad to find some tea.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Bathed.<\/span><\/p>\n

He settled onto his cushion to sink into a deep meditation, hoping to get rid of the negative emotions and underlying anxiety that had built up during the day. There was so much still unknown, he hadn’t even met the rest of the clan, and had no idea what was expected of him, and there still was the fact there were people who wanted him dead.<\/span><\/p>\n

It took a few seconds to realize what pulled him out of his meditation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Then he heard the noise again, coming from the balcony.<\/span><\/p>\n

A dark figure crept into the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

Obi-Wan pulled the knife from underneath the cushion, flipped it in his hand keeping it in a defensive position. He wasn’t going to start this fight, but he’ll finish it if need be. As the figure moved closer, trying to stay quiet, it was obvious it was a Mandalorian, the armour was rough and didn’t have any noticeable clan symbols.<\/span><\/p>\n

His grip tightened on the knife, the moment the intruder noticed him by the window, instead of being asleep in his bed. Obi-Wan moved, rolling away from the sweep of the arm. Back on his feet instantly, he blocked the second swing, then flipped the knife around arcing it towards an exposed area. The Mandalorion grabbed his hand, yanked him around, tossing him across the room. Obi-Wan found his balance just in time to duck away from the attacker, using the momentum to vault over the chair, then used it to force the Mando up against the wall. With the much needed space, he did a quick search for his weapon and called it to his hand, then settled into a defensive position.<\/span><\/p>\n

“I know I’m a new commodity, but I’m already spoken for.” Obi-Wan gave them a small smirk.<\/span><\/p>\n

There was no answer, instead the chair was pushed aside and the attack was continued. Obi-Wan found himself trapped against the wall, the attacker’s arm at his throat, but not enough to choke him. His knife was pressed against the Mandalorians side, causing a stalemate.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Mandorlian reached up and pulled off their buy’ce and dropped it to the ground. “Ben.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Obi-Wan let go of the knife and pulled him into a heated kiss, god he missed this. Being in his lover’s arms settled all the anxieties. “Hello there, my dear Cody.”<\/span><\/p>\n

The two clung to each other, words and emotions pouring out of them, as neither had expected to see their cyar’ika ever again. Cody stepped back, cupping his love’s cheek, running a thumb across plumb lips. “I’m not even sure how this is possible or even how to handle it.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben laughed even if it sounded like a sob. “I’m not sure this is real. I knew you were a Mandalorian, I mean \u2026 why didn’t you tell me who you were?”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Like you did.”<\/span><\/p>\n

He gave him a pointed look, stepping away from the wall bending down to pick up the knife. He turned on some lights, enough of a soft glow so he could see his lover, his hand reached out to trace the scar that curled around his eye. He remembered when Cody showed up with the bandages still fresh, for the first time Ben had felt fear for him.<\/span><\/p>\n

“You knew I was a Jedi.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Cody grabbed the buy’ce and set it on the table, then focused on Ben. When you flipped back your hood, all dramatic like by the way, I was thankful for my damn helmet. The way your eyes shifted towards me, I figured you knew it was me.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“The shock gave you away, plus your armour is similar to what I recognized, which gave me enough warning to center myself, so I wouldn’t respond. I figured you had a reason not to say anything, so followed your lead.” He put the knife down next to the buy’ce. “When I saw Captain Wolfe, I thought you were related to him, as I had never seen Jango, and there had been no intel on his many sons. Probably a good thing or I would’ve figured you out a lot sooner, my dear.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“I didn’t hide it on purpose.” Cody sighed as he pulled the chair that was used to push him away, back into its spot then sat down. It was surprising none of the furniture was destroyed, but then neither had been fighting that hard. “Too you, I was just a Mandalorian. It was nice. I knew you were a Jedi, but I never realized you were The Negotiator.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Well that explains why you didn’t show up for our last rendezvous.” Ben settled on the couch, smiling over at him. “I take Jango announced our marriage.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Seems I shocked my whole family, as no one knew about my cyar’ika.” Cody laughed lightly. “I had no idea how I kept that a secret, as they are a bunch of busy bodies. When he told me he sold me off for peace, I refused. He didn’t take it well. I ended up on house arrest.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“I am sorry my dear.” Ben ran a hand over his face and through his hair. “I’m trying to figure out the odds of this actually happening.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“I honestly don’t care.” Cody shook his head and smiled bright. “I get to marry the man I love, all in the name of politics.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“How do you want to play this?” Ben wasn’t quite sure how to handle the whole situation. On one hand, he was going to be with the man he loved, yet there was still the issue of him being a Jetii. He had no idea how Jango would take the fact his heir was in love with a Jetii, versus just being married off to one.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cody stood and held out his hand, smiling when Ben took it without hesitation. He pulled the redhead into his arms, kissing him deeply. “As much as I want to be open about us, part of me is hesitant and I’m not sure why, but my instincts have never done me wrong.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“You think there’s more to this, than just keeping the two factions in line.”<\/span><\/p>\n

He looked at Ben contemplatively. “What’s going on that we don’t know about?”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Technically, nothing.” He ran his hand over the scar then pulled him into another kiss. “I don’t trust the Chancellor of the Republic, he was a bit too happy to ship me off to Mandalore. He seemed almost gleeful, which was terrifying. He hated that I wouldn’t let him ‘mentor’ my Padawan at the tender age of twelve, and was almost livid when I refused to be one of his General’s. The amount of ‘Diplomatic Missions’ I went on that had me in the middle of war zones was insane.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Are you telling me the Chancellor of the Republic wants you dead?”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Send me off to enemy territory. Death Watch is likely just itching to come after me, hell if he isn’t paying them.” Ben stepped back, started to pace the room. “I’m killed by anyone here, the war starts back up.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“But why you? Why not some random Jetii?” The two settled easily into a strategic session. They had many times before. Ben was a damn good General, and despite the fact he never wanted him in the war he was thankful for his people he wasn’t. He always thought if the two of them worked together, they would end the war quickly, ironically they were \u2026 just by getting married.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Anakin.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“You’re ade? What does he have to do with this?”<\/span><\/p>\n

“I’m not sure, honestly. Many want to believe he’s the ‘Chosen One’ to bring balance to the Force. While he was a teenager, I had to smack his ego down daily. And if anyone really knew my Padawan, balance is not a word they would use to describe him. But the one thing he is \u2026 is powerful. He’s got raw energy and is like a supernova in the Force. If that ever turned dark, I don’t even want to think about it.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“He would destroy Mandalore.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“And Mandalore would destroy the Jedi.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Leaving the Republic free to do what they want \u2026” Cody’s eyes went wide. “… Or is it the Chancellor who would be free to do what he wants.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“This is all speculation. When I left I asked Quinlan to keep an eye on him.” It didn’t take long for Ben to find himself back in Cody’s arms. “I do have an encrypted comm that goes to him.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“I would be surprised if you didn’t have more than one. Quinlan is insane, but a good guy.” He was the only one Cody had met, the man was protective of Ben, and had followed him to one of the rendezvous when they first started seeing each other. “Hell, I wouldn’t be surprised if he shows up.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“As much as I would love to drag you into the bedroom and reacquaint myself with your body.” He moaned as Cody took his mouth into a hard kiss, showing how much he wanted. “Stop that or my good intentions will be left on the floor along with our clothes.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Not really helping if you don’t want me to fuck you senseless.” Cody’s hands slid under the loose tunic, fingers caressing across smooth skin. He kissed him and then painfully stepped away. “I have to get back soon or they’ll assume I fled the building for my cyare.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Ironic. Though this is the last place they’ll look.” Ben closed his eyes, pulling himself together, moving away from temptation.<\/span><\/p>\n

“You know I was going to propose on our last rendezvous.” Cody picked up his buy’ce and headed for the balcony. “Ask you to run off with me. Leave all this behind. I was so tired of it all, still am. All I wanted was a life with you.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben gave him a soft smile. “I would’ve said yes.”<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

A few days later, Obi-Wan opened the door to a grumpy Mandalorian who was obviously related to Jango in some fashion. The hair was longer, showing off the curls. The dark eyes were assessing him as if he was some specimen to be studied, but the caf in hand was the only indication that it was too damn early to be having any type of conversation.<\/span><\/p>\n

“I’m Fox.” He sipped his caf as he entered the room. “Head of Security. Yes, I’m another of the many kids as buir obviously didn’t keep anything in his pants.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Obi-Wan, though I’m sure you already know that and have a docket on me.” He closed the door and headed for the small kitchen area, to fix a cup of tea. “So are you older or younger than Kote?”<\/span><\/p>\n

Fox sighed, dropping a few datapads onto the small coffee table, then sat down. “Since you’ll need this information to survive this farce. Wolffe and I are the oldest, born before he set eyes on Mandalore, and became the Mand’alor. Kote is next in line being the one true heir<\/i>.”<\/span><\/p>\n

The air quotes and sarcastic tone pretty much indicated that Obi-Wan was going to get along with Fox with no problem.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Rex is about a year younger than him, shocking he kept in his pants the whole time Li was pregnant, but I digress.” He sat back in the seat and sipped his coffee. The fact the cup had the words ‘No Foxs to Give’ just made Obi-Wan adore him more. “Wooley and Kix are technically only related to Kote, as they were both Li’s and we have no idea who their father is or if there was more than one. Kote is protective of them, Wooley, who you would like, is a bookworm, and Kix is a doctor. Don’t let that fool you, they can fight, but prefer not to.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Should get along well with both.” He finished fixing his tea and sat across from Kote’s ori’vod. “Though admittedly I am not fond of medical facilities.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Ahh.” He set his caf down, picked up a tablet to write down a note. “I have warned Kix.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Obi-Wan rolled his eyes, but couldn’t help the small chuckle.<\/span><\/p>\n

“We will introduce you to Jaster, our ba’buir. The man is a geek how he actually wrangled the super commandos, wrote the Resol’nare, fought his way through clan politics, set up the foundation for the Mandalorian Empire, while raising Jango \u2026 when most of the time he just wants to read and discuss philosophy. I have no idea. Hell, I have no idea how he is sane, after raising Jango.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Man after my own heart.” He was pretty sure most of the negotiation and contract was Jaster, as some of the finer details took into heart the philosophy of the Jedi. Mainly the fact Obi-Wan didn’t have to give up his weapon or be forced to wear suppressants. If it had he would’ve denied the proposal. “Any others I should be aware of?”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Bly and Ponds are Arla’s kids. She’s Jango’s ori’vod.” Fox sat back with his cafe and gave Obi-Wan a hard look over the cup. “Anything I should know as I’m the one taking care of your security.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Obi-Wan sat back in his own chair and sipped his tea. “I am, what was the phrase used, the ‘least offensive’ Jetii.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Eyes narrowed, Obi-Wan smiled back. He had spent the last few days exploring the gardens and sections of the library. He had a few meetings with Kote, but overall he had been left alone, which he was thankful for, as was able to meditate and settle himself.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Seriously though, I am a scholar and a researcher, put me in the library with Jaster and Wooley and I’ll be fine. I was honest with Jango about having discussions on how the Mandalorians and Jedi are not that different. There have been too many rumors, stories, and stubbornness on both parts to actually sit down and have a conversation like normal rational people. Am I happy about being forced into a situation I have no control about, no. Will I do what I can to ease the awkwardness, yes.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Fox handed him one of the tablets. “Here is our history, culture and language modules. I am curious how you know as much as you do, as I doubt Mandalorian history isn’t part of the curriculum.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“It is. I teach it. Though not many take the class.” He set the cup down and took the tablet, delighted at all the information. “What do you really want to ask me?”<\/span><\/p>\n

Fox chuckled. “I am either going to like you or want to cry every time your name comes up.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“That’s normal,” he answered with a wink.<\/span><\/p>\n

“If Kote had been sent to the Jetii Temple, at least four of us would’ve worked our way to Coruscant to make sure our vod was safe.” He looked directly at the Jedi. “How many should we expect?”<\/span><\/p>\n

Obi-Wan gave him a wide smile. “Expect at least a few care packages on the feeding and caring for one Obi-Wan Kenobi, courtesy of my crechemate, Bant, who is a healer and you might want to go ahead and introduce her to Kix now. Garen and Luminera will be diplomatic about checking in, or sneaky depending on their mood. Quinlan, I’m pretty sure was on the transport right behind me, good luck finding him.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“I’m going to go grey because of you.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“My Master has some nice streaks of silver, courtesy of my Padawan days. Though training Anakin aged me considerably. I am actually only a few years older than your Kote.”<\/span><\/p>\n

That had startled Fox.<\/span><\/p>\n

The beard aged him. He had grown it after the fifth time someone treated him like a kid and not a Knight training a Padawan. It was amazing the amount of dignitaries, senators, and even Masters refused to acknowledge his skills because he looked like a sixteen year old.<\/span><\/p>\n

“If I shaved you would have to watch out for slavers.” He picked up his tea and sat back. “Oh and you might want to check for pirates. I’ve made a few frenemies over the years.”<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

“Least offensive Jetii my sheb!” Fox tossed down the tablet in front of the family, that excluded Kote and Jango. They were meeting to understand what security was needed, and exactly who Jango invited into the family. “I did a bit more research than Jaster here. Did you even do a check on him? Just asking for my sanity.” The man in question, raised an eyebrow but didn’t comment. “Obi-Wan Kenobi is a deadly, snarky son of a bitch who will either bring peace to this Empire or destroy it from within, then take over.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Is he dangerous?” Wolffe asked with concern.<\/span><\/p>\n

“No. That’s the sad part. He actually is willing to work with us to make this situation less awkward and stressful. Oh, I’m sure he can be dangerous if provoked, but he really does seem to have a calm disposition.” Fox sat down at the table, head in his hands. “Kix, I suggest you contact this Bant, she’s his medical provider.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“I was going to ask if we could reach out to the Temple. I do not have knowledge on how to handle someone who is Force sensitive. Let alone if he has any allergies or medical history I should be concerned about.” He glanced at Jaster. “When you came up with this plan, not one of you took this into account. It’s bad enough DeathWatch wants his head, just because, but we could kill him with a salad and not know it.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“His vod seems to be as protective as we are with Kote.” Though it was going to make his life more insane, he was happy to see that the Jetii had aliit that cared. There were so many rumors of soulless emotionless Jetii, and he had seen some on the battlefield, nothing seemed to phase them. So, it was refreshing if not slightly surprising to see that Obi-Wan was far from it, and had vod that cared. “We may have to keep a lookout. We all know what we would do.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“We’re checking all incoming ships from the core.” Wolffe gave him a hard look. “I do know how to run security.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Kote seems accepting if not resigned to the situation. I saw them earlier having lunch in the garden. They at least don’t look like they want to kill each other.” Rex added to the conversation.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Anyone found out about this boyfriend of Kote?” Jaster asked, and hadn’t that shocked the family. “We don’t need that hassle.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Nothing.” Rex shook his head in frustration. “Not a damn thing. I can’t believe he’s been seeing someone for that long and I didn’t even notice. Don’t get me wrong I knew when he got laid, calmed the boy down. But figured it was just a thing, not \u2026 ” he waved his hands around trying to indicate what he was saying.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Jaster I am sure you will get along with the Jetii splendidly, and suggest you start building bridges. We may learn more about the guy to make sure we’re protected.” Fox suggested with a small shrug, he seriously needed more caf for this. “Wooley, same with you.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“I actually have questions about Stewjon and the Jetii temple so that wouldn’t be too hard.” He smiled brightly at the prospect of having someone else to geek out with. “What about Jango and Boba?”<\/span><\/p>\n

“If he drop kicks Boba, I’m okay with it.” Wolffe grumbled, having not liked the annoying brat since he popped out of the latest bedmate of their father.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Jango has a man crush. He won’t admit it, but he does. Kenobi refused to hand over his jetii’kad, did not back down and challenged him every step. I’m sure my boy was ready to take him over the throne. Kote will have to watch him.” Jaster had no problem embarrassing his boy. “I wouldn’t put it past him to make a move.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“He’s about the same age as Kote.” Fox stated then blinked a few times. “Never mind like that would stop him.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“He doesn’t look that young.” Wooley cringed when he said that. “I mean \u2026”<\/span><\/p>\n

“It’s the beard.” Kix stated as he worked on his own tablet, already reaching out to the Temple and this Bant. “Are there any holos of him when he was younger?”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Well that could be fun to find, give them to Kote.” Rex suggested laughing lightly. “How many death threats has he gotten?”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Ten.” Wolffe answered, with a growl. “I sent Buir Koon to talk to him. Also, I might suggest some training sessions to assess his fighting style and if he can fight against Mandalorians as he was never on the battlefield.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“The way he handled Jango, makes me wonder why he wasn’t. That man knows how to stare an enemy in the face and show no fear.” Jaster stood and motioned a hand towards Wooley. “Let’s plan some bonding in the library.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Okay.” Wooley followed Jaster out of the room, both talking excitedly about the prospect of another person to talk to.<\/span><\/p>\n

The rest soon wandered off, to take care of their own duties. Rex paused, waiting for everyone to leave, glancing at Fox. “What’s on your mind?”<\/span><\/p>\n

“He stated that one of his friends is likely already on Mandalore. This worries me as we have no idea a Jetii is running around, but at the same time a weird sense of reassurance.” He glanced at Rex. “We all heard the stories, how cold Jetii are, show no emotions, just attack dogs for the Republic. This Obi-Wan is none of that, he’s genuinely kind yet cheeky and obviously has friends who would go to the lengths we would for Kote. Why are we fighting them?”<\/span><\/p>\n

Rex opened his mouth to give the spiel they have heard for years, only to shut his mouth. “Besides ego, I honestly don’t know ori’vod.”<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

Lunch with Kote had been a simple affair. It was obvious someone was trying to make their meetings more romantic, with the picnic lunch under the large tree. Both had eyerolled at the set up, but accepted it. Obi-Wan had put out a ‘do not look here’ type of Force Suggestion so they wouldn’t be overheard. They talked about a few different things, the biggest one of the upcoming ‘Engagement’ Party. It was a sign to unite all of the Clans, including Vizsla who everyone knew was Death Watch.<\/span><\/p>\n

Kote walked him back to his room, and assured him he was still free from family dinners.<\/span><\/p>\n

Obi-Wan laughed lightly, then entered his room.<\/span><\/p>\n

He paused for a second, then closed the door behind him and locked it. The last person he had expected to see was standing by the window staring out.<\/span><\/p>\n

“I was at your funeral, ten years ago.” Obi-Wan walked over to the kitchen putting on tea, as this was going to be a long conversation. “So imagine my surprise when I felt your force presence when I stepped off the shuttle.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“It is good to see you, Obi-Wan.” Plo Koon turned around, giving him a slight bow. The Kel Dor’s mask and goggles covered most of his face, but there was only warmth within the Force.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Plo what are you doing here?” He asked, trying to hold back the emotions he was feeling. “I mourned you. Ahsoka was devastated. I sat with her for hours, trying to assure her. She became so familiar with myself and Anakin, it’s likely why she agreed to be his Padawan.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“I have missed so much.” He settled into one of the chairs. “I owe you, and others apologies. I was on a scouting mission when I ended up in a battle with a small group of Mandalorians. This whole conflict is idiotic, as you know. The Republic escalated a situation that was horrible, but fixable. In the middle of the conflict, a dark user by the name of Ventress attacked, she killed most of the Mandalorians, it was my interference that saved the Commander and two of his unit. I couldn’t leave them, and worked hard to heal their commander, lucky he only lost his eye.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Wolffe?” Obi-Wan’s head tilted at the news. “And the two that are always behind him?”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Stinker and Boost, also known as the Wolf Pack.” It was obvious Plo adored the three men. “When aid came it was from the Mandalorian side. I was prepared to die, but all three lied saying I was just a merchant who was pulled into the battle. Unfortunately, I could not correct them, when they said a Jedi had attacked, so instead I mentioned innocently about the red lightsaber, and Jaster knew that was a dark user or Jango would have gone off on the injury of his first born.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Wolffe knows you’re a Jetii?” It made sense of some of the small interactions he had with the Commander.<\/span><\/p>\n

“The pack has protected me. Wolffe even took my last name, claimed me as Buir, as the other three have. We have our own little Clan.” The love and pride shined through the Force. “I have spent many nights in meditation wondering why I was here, what I could do to help my fellow Jedi. I ended up befriending Jaster, talking about my ‘travels’ and how the Jedi have helped, not this atrocity they had become under the Republic. While talking with him I discovered that some of the encounters with the Jedi were dark users, who murdered indiscriminately. It was then I had a sudden realization that there was more going on than a petty argument that escalated. We were being manipulated, as were the Mandolorians.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“I agree with you there.” Obi-Wan sat back taking it all in. “You got Jaster to convince Jango to approach us.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“May have led him down the path but it was his own idea. I was not surprised to see you, and thankful it was you, my young friend. There is no other Jedi I would rather have here to help negotiate peace. Right now the Mandolarians and the Jedi need you. You understand both sides, one of the best negotiators and I’m hoping you are still scrappy in a fight.”<\/span><\/p>\n

He grinned holding up his tea cup in a salute. “That’s me.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Obi-Wan it may seem unfair and I am sorry for the fact your life was upended. But the Force chose you for a reason.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“The Chancellor picked me.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Plo Koon gave him the same look, when he was a young Padawan. “My dear child, you would not be here if you felt you shouldn’t be. Wolffe is working to make sure I have time with you to discuss security. He knows I have missed the comradeship of my fellow Jedi.”<\/span><\/p>\n

He set the cup down and took a calming breath. “How about a joint meditation?”<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

Sadly, it had taken Jaster weeks before he got to meet with the Jetii. Jango had called him into meetings upon meetings, something he had hoped he was finished with after Jango earned the title of Mand’alor.<\/span><\/p>\n

But, alas, he was one of the few \u2026 only diplomats in the family.<\/span><\/p>\n

Honestly, he had never set out to build a new Mandalorian Empire. He had been content with those who followed the Resol’nare and sworn loyalty, and had been more focused on raising Jango. Then Montross betrayed him, and if it wasn’t for Jango he would’ve been dead. The event had opened his eyes to the real threat Kyr’tsad was to Mandalore, especially the fact they wanted everyone to follow their twisted and extreme views.<\/span><\/p>\n

To counter Tor Vizsla’s influence, he reached out to the Clans and in time began to build a united front. It was when Duke Adonai Kyrze contacted him, asking about a treaty between the True Mandalorians and the New Mandalorians, that he realized how many he had gathered under him as Mand’alor, and with that came strength and power. The two had met quietly, talking out the sticky points before officially negotiating.<\/span><\/p>\n

Kyrze wanted his people to live in peace, not be a part of war and violence. Mereel wanted his people to live peacefully with their way of life. The two found a common ground. The New Mandolrians would work on diplomacy, economics, education, and when called up by their Mand’alor, would help as support not in battle. In the same way the True Mandalorians, would protect their homelands, build a safer community, and make sure everyone is treated equally. When it was announced they had come to an agreement, it was discovered Kyrze had his own betrayer, who had tried to kill him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Seems his council weren’t all pacifists.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mereel saved Kyrze’s life, but as they were reeling from the attack, Tor Vizsla came after Jaster, hoping to destroy the treaty and use the chaos to take over Mandalore. He demanded a fight to the death, to prove he was the true Mand’alor!<\/span><\/p>\n

To this day he had no idea what possessed Jango to step into the arena, taking on Vizsla. The fight was horrific, especially with all the underhanded techniques Vizsla had used. He was sure it was Jango’s pure unadulterated rage, that he had been holding back since Montross, that gave him the edge he needed to take on the Vizsla’s bulk and strength. Jango used his smaller stature to get into his opponent’s defense, taking the blows with ease so he could get close enough to use his vibroblade and get between the armour plating. He had slammed the blade into Vizsla’s wrist, forcing him to drop the Darksaber. Vizsla clocked him one, but he shook it off, grabbed the Darksaber, and before anyone could react had taken Vizsla’s head.<\/span><\/p>\n

The New Mandalorians had been horrified at the display of violence, while the True Mandalorians cheered.<\/span><\/p>\n

Kyr’tsad wasn’t quite sure what to do, most of them recognized the fact that with the Darksaber Jango was now their leader.<\/span><\/p>\n

And then everyone turned towards Jaster, waiting for his response. Without hesitation, he put a fist to his chest, gave a bow, and called his son Mand’alor.<\/span><\/p>\n

Jango cursed a streak when he realized what that meant, Myles had laughed for days until he was assigned as leader of the Haat Mando’ade and then had to make sure Jango didn’t do anything stupid.<\/span><\/p>\n

Which was a full time job, one he still had. Myles made sure that Jango understood every grey hair he had was his fault.<\/span><\/p>\n

Jaster worked with Kryze to set up an actual working government. They moved the capital from Kedable to Sundria to show willingness to start anew, not falling back into their violent past. Jango, freaked out over his new role, and ran off with his Haat Mando’ade to visit all the Clans, those who had already sworn loyalty to Jaster and Resol’nare, and those who had followed Vizsla. When he came back not only had he secured loyalty from the clans, he got most of them to stop warring with each other. Plus, it would see him boy had been ambitious and started recruiting surrounding planets, building back the Mandalorian Empire.<\/span><\/p>\n

But the most emotional moment was when Jango introduced Jaster to his sister Arla. She had been taken by Kyr’tsad and brainwashed into their views. It had taken time, but she healed from the ordeal, and was very loyal to her family.<\/span><\/p>\n

As Jango’s ‘Empire’ grew, it had been Jaster who was the one working with the governments, honoring the agreements made. Mandalor provided protection, while they helped provide needed essentials, as most of the planet had been destroyed centuries before, making providing food for a growing population difficult.<\/span><\/p>\n

And just when Jaster thought his ade couldn’t shock him any more, he came home with a wife. Li was the middle daughter of a nearby planet that was looking for strong trade agreements with the newly founded Mandalorian Empire. Their marriage provided Li’s sector protection, and Mandalore had trade routes in place for food and goods.<\/span><\/p>\n

It was a bit of a surprise as Jaster had never seen Jango settle with anyone, his boy had different bedmates on a weekly basis. He already had two bu’ad from two different women. Wolffe’s mother had wanted to be the mother of the Mand’alor’s first born. Fox’s mother dropped him off at the doorstep and walked away. Wolffe had adopted Fox instantly, and when Kote had been born the two hadn’t hesitated to be ori’vod.<\/span><\/p>\n

Wolffe’s mother wasn’t happy with the new ade, seeing him as a threat to her son, especially as he was being proclaimed as Jango’s heir. It had started to become enough of a situation, that guards were added to the nursery, to protect not just Kote, but all the kids. When Myles informed him that she had been found dead, and it looked to be Death Watch, Jaster sought his ade out, as there was no reason why Death Watch would take her out, she was in her way helping them by causing problems. Jango had been horrified at the news, he hadn’t liked what she had been doing, but she was still his oldest boy’s mother. They had set out to hunt down the bastard who killed her, only to discover Li didn’t take to competition.<\/span><\/p>\n

‘I do not care that you have other children.’ She gave both of them a hard glare. She was a strong woman, who had worked hard to get a good standing for herself. ‘I do not care who you bed. I know this is not a love match, but it is one made of power. Our son will be your only heir.’<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

‘Mandalor doesn’t have succession by heir.’ Jaster pointed out, just because Jango became Mand’alor didn’t mean Kote would. <\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

She sighed as if talking to children. ‘My dear husband won the Darksaber and created this new Empire by the sheer strength of his stubbornness. My Kote will be just as strong, but smarter. When the time comes he’ll take control.’<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

‘By killing me?’ Jango smirked as wife, though it wasn’t a love match, the two did care for each other.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

‘No, but he will kill the one who will come for you.’ She kissed his cheek. ‘You’ve made enemies my dear. One day someone will come for your throat. Kote, much like his father, will step in to protect his family.’<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

‘So taking out Wolffe’s mother, what did that bring you?’ Jaster asked, wondering how his life ended up like the old histories he read. <\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

‘She wanted to be the mother of the next Mand’alor. Wolffe is a dear child, I have nothing against him. He takes care of Kote, but she was a threat to my boy and had to go.’ She moved away from them, pausing at the door to see Wolffee playing with Kote. Rex, the newest family member was happily cooing on the blanket. She rubbed her belly, waiting for her latest child to be born. ‘I have nothing against your children or my own, as far as I’m concerned, they are all family. But I will not tolerate anyone, that includes the father of this little one, endangering Kote’s position.’<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

And a family they had created.<\/span><\/p>\n

Kote was surrounded by vod, and was well protected.<\/span><\/p>\n

Until his own father sold him out to stop a war that should have never been started. Galidraan was a big mistake, everyone had fucked up. How they went from that to war, he never quite grasped. It just kept escalating, both sides lost loved ones which made it personal, and here they were twenty years later and Kote was being married off to stop the endless fighting.<\/span><\/p>\n

He wondered what Li would have thought of the situation.<\/span><\/p>\n

They had lost her, just over ten years ago \u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

Jaster paused not only in the middle of the hallway, but also in the sudden trip down memory lane. Li had been killed, just when Jaster had been working on a ceasefire, he arranged a sit down with himself and one of the Jetii. Hell, it had worked with Kyrze, who unfortunately had been killed early on in the war, his oldest daughter fled Mandalore and last he had heard, was trying to claim royalship in exile.<\/span><\/p>\n

He had set up a meeting on a neutral planet, with Master Sifo-Dyas, who had contacted Jaster saying he saw only darkness for all, if things were not solved. Before he left, Li had been killed in an attack, later he got word that a ‘Mandalorian’ had murdered Master Sifo-Dyas.<\/span><\/p>\n

At the time he just figured it was Death Watch as they had caused problems throughout the war, despite the fact Pre Vizsla had sworn loyalty – though he questioned that particular swearing. The war had escalated severely after both deaths.<\/span><\/p>\n

Jango wanted revenge for his wife’s death.<\/span><\/p>\n

While the Jetii were upset one of theirs was murdered under a flag of truce, it had been the Republic who called for blood.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Are you done having a crisis in the hallway? If you would like, I could fix some tea and you continue inside in a comfortable chair.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Jaster shook his head, startled that he had been that lost in his thoughts. The Jetii stood in the doorway to his room, a small smile on his face.<\/span><\/p>\n

“I wasn’t reading your mind, Jedi can’t actually do that, though it doesn’t stop the rumors. Your shock was strong enough to get my attention.” He gestured into the room. “I do promise the tea isn’t poisoned it would look bad to kill off the ba’buir of my fianc\u00e9 within the first month of being here.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Who says I won’t be doing the poisoning?”<\/span><\/p>\n

Obi-Wan chuckled before turning and heading back into the small apartment. “You would be the fifth to try so far.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Jaster stepped inside, laughing then sobered. “Tell me you’re kidding?”<\/span><\/p>\n

“I don’t kid about murder attempts \u2026 well not usually. But it’s almost as if it’s become a morning ritual.” He prepared the kettle, cleaned two mugs and set them on the counter. He then moved to one of the side cabinet, brought out a large tin, rummaged through it to grab tea. “Don’t worry I’m not holding the Mand’alor responsible. If Jango wanted me dead, he would do it himself and I would know it.”<\/span><\/p>\n

There were days Jaster wished he never got out of the bed. As he sat down in one of the chairs , he noticed the tablets with Mandalroian modules. There were books from the library, plus papers that were filled with notes. “Been studying.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“I have a rare opportunity to have mostly free access to the Mandalorian library.” He fixed the tea and set the mugs down on the table. “I’m pretty sure if we were at the Temple, Master Jocasta would have adopted you by now just by the amount of time spent in the Archive.”<\/span><\/p>\n

It was an accurate statement.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Is that how you became a scholar?” He had been curious about the Jetii. Obi-Wan Kenobi wasn’t like anything any of them had expected. The man was a scholar, an educator, but the way he handled himself showed a warrior underneath.<\/span><\/p>\n

In Fox’s quest for information, he had started asking about the Jetii from those who had fought in the war, and no one mentioned Kenobi. They were only able to discover a few things, without breaking into the Temple – which Fox was working on – one was that he was famously known for being the Master of the ‘Chosen One’ Knight Skywalker, who a few had recently tangled with on the battlefield. Rex dealt with him a few times, and declared that particular Jetii was insane. Sources outside of Mandalore had stated Kenobi was an excellent diplomat and was known as ‘The Negotiator’.<\/span><\/p>\n

“I became a scholar because it was where I was meant to be.” He answered with ease, friendly yet gave no information.<\/span><\/p>\n

Jaster reached over and sipped the tea. They didn’t have a lot of variations on Mandalore, it was one thing he had been desperate to import or work a trade agreement to get, but the best teas were from planets well inside the Republic. “This is quite good, I’m not familiar with the blend.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“It’s from Alderaan, one of my favorites. Bail made sure I had enough to last a while.” He sipped the tea then set it back on the table. “I’ve been wanting to talk with you for a while, not just since I got here.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Should I be concerned that you are that familiar with the Consort of Alderaan’s Queen?” Fox may have been on to something about the Jetii.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Misspent youth.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Fox was definitely right.<\/span><\/p>\n

“What are your intentions?” Mereel put all pretense to the side, and just wanted to have a frank conversation with the Jetii.<\/span><\/p>\n

“I thought I was here to marry your ba’ad, Kote?” The expression hadn’t changed nor the tone. It was still very polite, accent soft yet sophisticated. “I have no other intentions but to make sure that peace is achieved. I do not wish for more war. I have buried too many of my fellow Jedi.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Can we forgo with the diplomatic back and forth.” He watched the Jetii go from contemplative to understanding. Jaster could just about see the mask fall, and was truly seeing Obi-Wan, not Master Kenobi. “While heading here to talk, I was on a weird path down memory lane. When I had the sudden realization, about ten years ago we were on the cusp of peace, and it fell apart before it even began.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Master Sifo-Dyas.” Obi-Wan leaned back in his chair. “Murdered by a Mandalorian, it kicked the war into high gear. Before that, the war was rough but nothing truly destructive. I had argued that it was Death Watch, but I was barely knighted and had pissed off most of the Council by taking on Anakin.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“How did you come to understand Mandalorian culture?” It was something he had wondered for a while. Most people outside Mandalore only got a glimpse of what their culture was, and usually the wrong impression. Kyr’tsad and Duchess Satine were the most notable of ‘Mandalorians’ and both showcased an extreme version.<\/span><\/p>\n

Obi-Wan paused for a few moments, not sure if he was ready to talk about something so personal. He then took a calming breath, and gave him a small smile. “I meant one while I was a Padawan. I had been separated from my Master, it was supposed to be a simple diplomatic mission. I’ve come to experience when anytime I’m told ‘it will be a simple mission’ it is far from it, and this was no exception. The group had lured us to the planet to sell us off to the Mandalorians, for favor.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Jaster frowned at the comment. It wasn’t common, but there had been a few times that planets aligned with Mandalore would give them Jetii as tribute. As much as he would like to say they were left unharmed it was far from the truth.<\/span><\/p>\n

“That was their plan until they realized I was a teenager, with red hair and a baby face that would get a high price in the sex trade. I ended up being sold to slavers, who got raided by pirates, which started my love-hate relationship with Hondo Osaka. Who actually sold me to a different set of slavers, though he forgot to mention I was a Jedi, and they never checked to see if I was armed. I may have started a small slave revolt, mind you not the first time.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Jaster was pretty sure Fox was going to stab him while he slept. “Do go on.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“During that time I met a Mandalorian who had also been enslaved. At the time they hadn’t realized what I was, so we worked together to get out of the situation. Once they discovered I was a Jetii we were too exhausted to actually care. A truce was formed, and our focus was on freeing the slaves and taking down the organization.” There was a soft smile on his face. “They taught me the language and traditions, I explained the philosophies of the Jedi, we worked well together and realized we were not all that different.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“What happened to them?” He was curious to know who the Mandarlorian was, it would be interesting to get their perspective.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Sadly, when the war escalated they were sent to the front lines.” Obi-Wan looked away, taking a moment to get his emotions under control. “The situation was what motivated me to talk to the Council, Master Sifo-Dyas was the only one who listened to what I was saying. Later he approached me asking about the Mandalorian culture, language, and who I thought was the best person to reach out to. We lost him a few years later, by that time I had been knighted, took Anakin as my Padawan, and my pleas for diplomacy were ignored by the Republic.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Is this why the Council chose you?” It would make the most sense, as he was likely the one Jedi who understood Mandalorians, yet sadly there were very few Mandalorians who understood the Jetii.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Partially, they knew I wouldn’t start the war again by accident, and I am known for my diplomacy. But I’m also pretty sure the Republic or more like the Chancellor wanted me gone. He’s likely hoping beyond reason that some random Death Watch member will take me out.” Obi-Wan leaned forward and grabbed his tea, sipping it, just so he had something in his hands. “I do not plan on letting some di’kut kill me. I’ve faced worse threats than some brainwashed kid who needs a good smack.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Fox was right about you.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“I’m sure he was, you should give him a raise.” Obi-Wan grinned over his tea. “So Jaster, what are we going to do to make sure this war doesn’t start all over again?”<\/span><\/p>\n

“One last question?” He set down his own tea, and leaned forward in his chair.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Only one?” Obi-Wan followed suit, setting his tea down, focusing on Mereel.<\/span><\/p>\n

Jaster chuckled. “For now. Why weren’t you on the battlefield? I understand you, like my ba’ads, were ade when this started. Sadly, most of the boys Verd’goten was centered around this war, and I’ve seen the Jetii put out young ones on the field. Your ba’buir was part of the whole nightmare from the beginning, and despite the fact I know your buir works in humanitarian efforts, we’ve even seen him in battle. Even seen your ade, though not until he was older. But not you. Why?”<\/span><\/p>\n

“My mind healer flat out told the Council that if they tried she would shred them in their seats. One tends to listen to an irate Wookie.” Obi-Wan held his gaze, which made Jaster uncomfortable for reasons he could not put into words. He then sighed and leaned back in the chair. “When you spend your thirteenth birthday in the sewers, being a general of an army of children, fighting against the adults to stop a hundred year old Civil War – it stays with you.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Melidaan” Jaster knew the planet, and the war with the Young.<\/span><\/p>\n

The leaders of the planet had reached out for protection about ten years ago, not trusting the Republic to keep their treaties. Their only request was that they would not be asked to enter the war. Jango, at first, accused them of being cowards. It was then the Mandalroians realized the full council was armed, and had them surrounded.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ned, their Prime Minister, stepped up to Jango, with no fear or hesitation.<\/span><\/p>\n

‘I was twelve years old when I picked up a weapon to stop the civil war our parents, parents, and a few more parents started. I will not hesitate to pick it up again to defend my people.’ He held Jango’s gaze. ‘I requested joining the Mandalorian Empire, from a recommendation from a man I trust more than you. Which is the only reason, I am not having you and your men tossed out on their asses for making light of our history. We will provide medics and medicine, as we have some of the best. Plus, we will provide trade and goods, for protection. But we will not fight the Jedi.’ <\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

“You were the one who suggested they join the Empire.” Jaster shook his head in shock. “Why?”<\/span><\/p>\n

“I had just escaped from the slavers with the Mandalorian, and knew that despite the war going on, the Empire would take better care of Melidaan, than the Republic, who was looking to exploit the planet.” Obi-Wan shrugged. “I had no idea the Mand’alor would be stupid enough not to do his research before accusing a group of war weary veterans as cowards.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Not his finest moment.” Jaster had to admit, there was a reason Jango didn’t do diplomacy. “Should we expect Ned to raid Sundari to help his friend?”<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

Jaster handed Fox a caf, who took the offered drink eyes narrowed in accusation. “Melidaan.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“The kids who kicked the adult shebs?” He sipped the caf, wondering where this was going.<\/span><\/p>\n

“One of their generals was a barely thirteen year old Kenobi.” He stated as he took one of the seats in front of his ba’ad’s desk.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fox set his caf down and stared at his ba’buir. “Are you fucking kidding me.” He shook his head. “No you’re not. That could explain a few things, actually a lot. Anything else?”<\/span><\/p>\n

“When he was eighteenish he was sold to slavers, met a Mandalorian. It’s how he knows our culture. Find out who that Mandalorian was, I think it would give us some more insight.” Jaster stood and headed for the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

“You want me to find some random Mandalorian from over a decade ago, who may or may not have been sold into slavery?” Fox gave him an incredulous look. “Do we know anything about this Mandalorian? Age, sex, species?”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Guess you’re going to have to figure that out. All he told me was that they took down that particular slave trade, and he later discovered the Mandalorian ended up on the front lines.” Jaster had to admit that it was a long shot, but if there was anyone who could find them it was Fox. He was a wiley sneaky bastard who had connections no one wanted to talk about. “Also he mentioned that it wasn’t the first slave ring he took down.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Of course it wasn’t.” Fox rolled his eyes, but still took notes. “I’ll get in touch with Melidaan. Anything else?”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Get Wolffe to set up a spar with him, we need to know what he is capable of before someone does it for us.” Jaster gave him a quick salute then closed the door, ignoring the cursing coming from within.<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

Wooley wasn’t sure what to do.<\/span><\/p>\n

This wasn’t what he had planned.<\/span><\/p>\n

All he wanted to do was to get to know his future ori’vod. Jaster had sent him a message, telling him that it would be a good idea to stop by and invite Kenobi for a walk around the palace. Something he had wanted to do for weeks! So he showed up at Obi-Wan’s rooms, invited him out for a walk, wanting to show him the art gallery, specifically the paintings of Tarre Vizsla. They had wandered through areas of the palace, Wooley pointing out the older architectural highlights, plus the new additions over the years. The Jetii had opened about the Temple, and how elements reminded him of home.<\/span><\/p>\n

They ended up in the Art Gallery, Obi-Wan studying the different pieces with joy. They discussed philosophy and history about the different artworks and the creators. Wooley was surprised to find out that the Jetii knew some of the Mandalorian artists, and even pointed out one of the paintings they had was made by a Jedi, who used art to express what the Force was saying to them.<\/span><\/p>\n

The two had been so lost in conversation, that Wooley hadn’t realized where they had wandered, until Obi-Wan came to a complete stand still. He paused in what he was saying, and looked around realizing they were in the Memorial Gardens.<\/span><\/p>\n

“It’s where we list those we’ve lost.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Nu kyr’adyc, shi taab’echaaj’la.” Obi-Wan stated as he stepped closer to one of the tall steel columns. His fingers slid across the names, as he whispered them adding his own prayers. “Ni ceta.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Wooley watched in stunned amazement as the Jetii went to each column, whispering words of sorrow and asking for forgiveness. By the time he got to the last one, he fell to his knees, head bowed as tears streaked his cheeks.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Obi-Wan?” His voice was soft, not wanting to upset the Jetii. He remembered reading that they can be empaths, and feel others emotions. He figured that’s why many thought they could read minds, when in reality they were sensing the emotions and reacting to them. “Can I … are you okay?”<\/span><\/p>\n

He didn’t say anything instead kept his head bowed, hands were clenched into a fist and rested on his knees.<\/span><\/p>\n

Wooley sent a message to Kix, figured he would be best suited for the situation, then contacted Fox to secure the area. The last thing they needed was for someone to take advantage of the Jetii’s vulnerability. It didn’t take long for either of his brothers to show up, Fox took in the situation instantly and had his team take point at the entrances, then stood guard as Kix took care of the patient.<\/span><\/p>\n

All of them had seen war, and knew a panic attack when they saw one. It wouldn’t have made sense if Fox hadn’t received information about Kenobi’s time on Melidaan. A year, a whole fucking year, as a child general. It had been Kenobi’s plans that had the Young get the upper hand against the adults, then demanded they surrounder. The constitution, the planet still lives by, was partially written by the Jetii, the rest of it hashed out under the watchful eye of Master Sifo-Dyas and ironically, Master Yan Dooku.<\/span><\/p>\n

‘What do you want?’ Ned gave Fox a bored look, then focused on whatever was on his desk.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

‘Tell me about Obi-Wan Kenobi.’ <\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

Ned paused in what he was doing, set his pen down and deliberately moved until he was looking directly at the comm. ‘Why do you want to know? I would answer honestly and carefully.’<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

‘I’m sure you saw the news about the treaty.’ Fox liked the guy, he didn’t take shit from anyone. <\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

After Jango’s epic screw up, Fox had decided to learn more about the Young. The now adult population were all at one time members of the Young, and all veterans before they were twelve. They had worked hard to rebuild their planet, and keep the peace. They had focused on healing, many trained to become doctors, and made astonishing advancements in the medical community. <\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

‘Yes.’ Ned closed his eyes, fingers pinching his nose as if to stop a headache from coming. ‘Obi-Wan is the ‘bride’.’<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

‘It just came to our knowledge that he was on Melidaan during the war.’ Fox was trying to be diplomatic, though he was pretty sure it wasn’t working.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

Ned’s laughter was unexpected, the fact it lasted for about five minutes was a bit annoying, but he sure as hell wasn’t going to piss the guy off.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

‘This is me calling, not on behalf of my buir.’ Fox interrupted the laughter. ‘How does a Jetii’ade end up alone on a planet torn apart by civil war?’<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

‘Obi-Wan has mandokar I think that is the right word in your language. He’s the genuine thing, if you want to know what a true Jedi is supposed to be – you have him right there. I am not happy he’s being forced into this situation, as it’s not fair that he has to give up everything to stop a damn war your buir should’ve never gotten into. Ego is no reason to get into a fucking war, believe me I know. The Republic is no better, but we all know they are corrupt as fuck.’ Ned gave him a pointed look. ‘A Jedi had been sent to try and negotiate a peace no one wanted. She was captured and tortured. Master Jinn and his Padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi showed up. He got it. I don’t know how, but he got us, understand what we were trying to do. Jinn found the other Jedi, she was on death’s door, and they needed to get her to safety and back to the Temple. Obi-Wan didn’t want to leave, he knew that the moment they did the Republic would ignore us.’<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

He paused, reached for the bottom drawer of his desk and pulled out a bottle and glass, pouring himself a healthy amount and downed it in two gulps.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

‘They argued but Jinn knew Obi-Wan was right. So the two came up with a fucking stupid idea. He left Obi-Wan behind, stating he would get the other Jedi back to the Temple then come back with help ‘to rescue his Padawan’. It took him a year to get back, because the Republic refused to ‘let them interfere with internal politics on a planet’ despite the reason they were there in the first place was on behalf of the Senate.’<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

‘The fuck!’<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

‘Obi-Wan never gave up hope that his Master was coming back. Cerasi and I figured he was stuck with us and we were okay with that.’ Ned poured a second glass then held it up as if toasting someone. ‘It was his insane plan that had us finally getting the upper hand, and demanded a truce. When we lost Cerasi, it almost fell apart, but he held on. He stood in the destroyed square with her blood staining his filthy torn jedi tabards, demanding the adults to put down their weapons and for once look at what they were doing and you know for the first time they did. He then got a hold of a working comm, made a call to the Temple and politely asked if they could send some negotiators and he would like to come home now that his mission was finished.’<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

‘Why do you think he told you to join the Mandalorian Empire?’ He couldn’t help but wonder why a Jedi would convince a planet he fought to free, to join the ‘enemy’.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

‘Because he knew we would be safer with you.’ Ned shook his head as if he was tired of dealing with idiots. ‘The older the Young got, the less the Republic trusted us. We do not have a standing army, but everyone is trained in defense. We do not want to see war, we do not want to be soldiers, hence we told your Mand’alor that we will not fight. And it’s not just because we still owe the Jedi for our freedom. The Republic has gotten darker these past years, and Obi-Wan wanted us protected.’<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

It gave Fox a lot to think about. ‘He mentioned that when he was eighteen he took down a slave ring, he worked with a Mandalorian, do you know who it is?’<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

Ned shook his head. ‘No, but that doesn’t surprise me. It wasn’t the first one he took down.’<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

‘Do you know of the others?’<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

The annoying laughter was back. ‘I’ll let you find that out on your own.’ Ned focused his gaze on Fox. ‘I was honest when I said that we do not want to be soldiers, nor do we want to fight. But if you harm him, Mandalore will understand how the Young won the war.’<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

He wondered what the hell was it about this Jetii that pulled such devotion from random people. He still had no idea if this Quinlan was around, or if Hondo was the frenemy that he had mentioned. As he stood in the Memorial Garden watching Kix work to get the Jetii focused back on his surroundings, seeing the real effect being a child general had on him. Knowing the emotions he was having were true, yet he was mourning the very people who killed his own.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fox was adamant that Kenobi was going to be their saving grace or destruction.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Thank You.” Obi-Wan gave Kix a soft smile. “I didn’t mean to upset anyone.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Everyone here knows how war can change a person.” The medic gave him a soft smile. “I talked to your Bant, she sent detailed notes on how to care and feed you. Also a long list on how to counter everyone one of your self sacrificing tendencies and inability to see a medic.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“I feel so betrayed.” He put a hand to his chest gasping in shock.<\/span><\/p>\n

Wooley chuckled. “I’m sorry our day ended so negatively.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Obi-Wan gave him a smile. “I enjoyed the tour, and long discussions on art and would like to do it again.” He let both of them help him stand, making sure his legs held before stepping back. “I hope I didn’t cause any problems.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Fox shrugged. “I can honestly say my life has not been boring since you got here.”<\/span><\/p>\n

He laughed softly. “I feel as if I should owe you a caf or two.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“More like a half-dozen.”<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

After the events of the afternoon he needed the time to meditate. He was supposed to attend his first family dinner, but Kix had suggested he take the evening, and would make sure Kote and Jango understood.<\/span><\/p>\n

So he had dug out the bath salts, enjoyed a glass of Naboo wine and took a long soak. After a quick meal, and a fresh cup of tea, he settled onto his cushion and dropped into a meditation, releasing the anxieties and old memories back into the Force.<\/span><\/p>\n

He blinked a few times, coming aware of his surroundings to find Cody, settled in front of him. It wasn’t the first time his cyare had watched him meditate. “Are you supposed to be here my dear?”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Kix told us what happened, and why you weren’t at dinner.” He reached over and cupped Ben’s cheek. “What happened?”<\/span><\/p>\n

“What did he tell you?” He leaned into the touch, letting the warmth settle the last of his anxieties.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Well after Jango made some snide comments, he let Fox loose.” Cody stood, and held his hand out, smiling as Ben took it, letting himself be pulled up.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Fox doesn’t like Jango much.” The few times he talked to him, the man had very few nice things to say about his buir.<\/span><\/p>\n

“No.” Cody shook his head, as he made his way across the room to make a cup of tea. He had been able to sneak into his cyare’s rooms only a handful of times. Though there was the spectacular make out moment in the dark niche in the library. Rex had glared at him, when he ducked out of the political section of the library looking like he just had Ben up against the wall, which he had. Rex assumed he had snuck off to see his boyfriend \u2026 accurate, yet not. “Wolffe is not a big fan either, but he’s better at hiding his contempt. Fox doesn’t give a shit, that buir knows.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Why? If you don’t mind me asking.” Ben settled into the couch, watching Cody move around the small kitchen area, smiling remembering their long weekends over the years.<\/span><\/p>\n

“I’m not sure.” Cody shrugged, glancing over his shoulder. “I think it has something to do with the fact that the two of them are alike, maybe too much. We’re vods and our strength is with each other.” He set the tea down on the table, then settled next to Ben. “I don’t want to waste our very little time talking about my idiot vod. Are you okay?”<\/span><\/p>\n

“I talked to Jaster, and Melidaan came up, along with how we met.” He shifted until he was leaning against Cody, sighing contently when his arm wrapped around his shoulder. “Though he had no idea it was you.”<\/span><\/p>\n

He snickered. “That explains Fox’s random questions about slave traders. I never told anyone about that moment. I had been so embarrassed that I had been captured so easily. I was lucky the slavers didn’t know I was Jango’s ade.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“You were fifteen, my dear. You shouldn’t have been in that situation.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“None of us should’ve been in that situation.” He kissed the top of Ben’s head. “Go on.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Despite Wooley’s great distraction with the art, my mind was reliving memories that should be long rested.” He sighed, releasing the residue negativity. “It was one bad loop: Bandomeer, Melidaan, Zygerrian, then adding in Naboo, Christophsis, and Umbara \u2026 it just wouldn’t stop. The moment I stepped into the garden, I could only feel the pain, grief, and anger of those who lost loved ones.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Ne ceta.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“It’s not your fault, my life has been one dramatic tragedy. You have been the light in some of the worst moments.” He sat up, shifting until he straddled Cody, cupping his face then giving him a soft kiss. “And when I thought the Force was going to fuck me over one more time, it actually gave me what I wanted.”<\/span><\/p>\n

He wrapped his arms around Ben and pulled him closer, giving him a deeper kiss. “The two happiest moments in my life were finding you again after the slavers incident, and seeing you standing in the throne room, as my ven’riduur.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“What would your buir do if he discovered we’ve been lovers for ten years?” he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Not like he can say shit, not without breaking the treaty.” Cody laughed lightly. “Can you imagine him contacting the Temple asking for another Jetii, one his son wasn’t in love with?”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Mace would be like ‘sorry there’s no return policy’.” Ben laughed lightly, as he tilted his head until he rested his forehead on Cody’s. “Ni kar’tayl gar darasuum.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Ni kar’tayl gar darasuum.” Cody held him tightly. “I wish I could stay, just to hold you tonight as I know it won’t be a good night.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“It will be okay. I’ve lived on less sleep.” He shifted off him and settled back on the couch, then grabbed his tea. “Tell me all the juicy gossip so I can be prepared for our ‘Engagement Party’.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Well first off I’m sure Vizsla will try something.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Well that’s a given.” He sipped his tea then smiled. “So should I bring my new shiny knives?”<\/span><\/p>\n

Cody gave him a look, then smiled. “I’m surprised Fox hasn’t tried to steal you yet.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben laughed which made his cyar’ika smile at the sound. “I’m loyal to you my dear. Plus, I think he would get along with Quinlan splendidly.”<\/span><\/p>\n

He blinked a few times, mouth opened then closed before he just glared. “No.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben just sipped his tea, smirking.<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

The engagement dinner was going well.<\/span><\/p>\n

Well as good as one could, considering he was a lone Jedi in a room full of Mandalorian warriors that still held old standing grudges, and some new ones from the war. Many did not agree with the treaty, even less that he was to marry into the Fett family, adding that he was a ‘scholar’ not a warrior was like the final insult.<\/span><\/p>\n

He also stuck out like a sore thumb. The pants were black, a fancier version of his normal Jedi attire, and instead of the typical tunics, he was wearing a simple blue undershirt, with a long black coat that was a softer silkier material. It was a traditional Stewjon design, showing his personal heritage.<\/span><\/p>\n

Surrounded by everyone else wearing armour, if not full sets enough to be noticeable, and all of them heavily armed. Since Kote and him were still in the early stages of the ‘relationship’ no armour had been exchanged, so he was technically naked and weaponless.<\/span><\/p>\n

Well he wasn’t really unarmed, just all his weapons were hidden yet easily accessible if needed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Obi-Wan had been placed at a secondary table, until he was truly a Fett he had no place at the family table. Seriously, traditions were the reasons most idiots went to war over stupid insults that no one ever remembered.<\/span><\/p>\n

The problem at the moment was clan Vizsla was tossing out insulting comment after insulting comment, towards Obi-Wan. He wasn’t stupid to show any reaction, instead kept reading his book, ignoring the fights that broke out and blood stains on the floor.<\/span><\/p>\n

“It’s an insult to all Mandalelorians, that you picked a weak pathetic being to Mate with the ‘heir apparent’.” Pre stocked over towards Jango who only gave him a low burning gaze that would send most men running for the hills.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pre was an di’kut, at least that was Obi-Wan’s assessment over the years of hearing about him, it was proven how much of an idiot within minutes of meeting him. He was immersed in the old Mandalorian ways of war, war mongering, and more war, much like his father. Never one to think about other aspects of society like how to feed his people, or raise children. His child rearing skills were more along the lines of brainwashing them to his war mongering ways.<\/span><\/p>\n

Add on the fact it was pretty well known that he was still head of Death Watch, just sealed the deal on how much he was an di’kut. Pre was eyeing the Mand’alor with contempt and so much envy. It would only be a matter of time before he breaks the fragile peace, and goes after Jango.<\/span><\/p>\n

Like an di’kut.<\/span><\/p>\n

“You know it wouldn’t actually hurt to read a book.” Obi-Wan muttered, glancing only slightly over at the burly Mandelorian. The man was huge, one of the tallest in the room, the dark armour made him intimidating.<\/span><\/p>\n

“You think a book will save you!?” He laughed, grabbing the item from the Jetii’s hand and tossed it onto the table, landing in the platter of leftover meat.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Anyone who doesn’t think knowledge is power or can be used as a weapon is an di’kut.” He leaned back in his chair and glanced up at the warrior. “A good warrior doesn’t have to brag about his conquest. They know how to protect the innocent, not try to corrupt them.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“What do you know about being a warrior, they sent over their weakest, most pathetic Jetii.” He leaned down, trying to intimidate the smaller man. “Not even a warrior, but a ‘teacher’.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“I train young minds, the next generation. Who has the most influence, one warrior on the battlefield, or the one who trains the warriors?” He folded his hands in his lap and held the hard gaze through the helmet. “Don’t make the assumption that just because I haven’t put you on the floor, doesn’t mean I can’t.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Oh by using your force osik.” He waved his fingers in Obi-Wan’s face, getting his men to laugh, a few others joined in, but he could start to feel the tension in the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

Taunting the future spouse of the Mand’alor’s ‘heir’ wasn’t really a good way to approve one’s standing.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Pre.” The growl was low, coming from Wolffe.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fox was watching intently, a small smirk on his face, likely wanting to see the Jetii beat the living shit out of Vizsla.<\/span><\/p>\n

“I have the right to know if this Jetii can defend himself. This is our heritage, family, way of life!”<\/span><\/p>\n

Well that was dramatic.<\/span><\/p>\n

There were so many voices, yelling over each other, sending the noise level of the room into near impossible. Half the room wanted to see Obi-Wan bleed, he could feel their blood lust, wanting to make the Jetii pay for their crimes against their sons, daughters, cousins, parents … those killed in the war.<\/span><\/p>\n

The one thing most people never understood was while they demanded retribution for their lost loved ones \u2026 the other side was crying for the same retribution.<\/span><\/p>\n

Neither willing to bend, until only two stood on a destroyed field, blood soaking into the ground.<\/span><\/p>\n

He was no stranger to war, blood, death or destruction. He had lived it first hand and tried to bring about peace in war torn worlds, too many times to count. What most people never understood, was just because he preferred to be a scholar didn’t mean he couldn’t take on a loud mouth asshole who thought because he wore armour it made him invincible.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hell, Obi-Wan didn’t even have to use the force to do it.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Pre sit down before you embarrass yourself.” Jaster gave him a hard look, hand gesturing to an empty chair near him. Provoking the Jetii was not a good idea, and honestly he wasn’t sure who would come out on top of the fight and he did not want that headache. “This is not the time nor place \u2026 “<\/span><\/p>\n

“It is!” He pulled a knife and slammed it into the table right next to Obi-Wan. “I have the right as a Head of the Vizsla Clan to demand retribution for past grievances.”<\/span><\/p>\n

He really tried not to roll his eyes. “I’m sorry, was I supposed to be impressed or fearful over the big knife now stuck in the table?”<\/span><\/p>\n

He could just about hear Quinlan snickering, as he passed bets with Anakin, while Yoda sighed dramatically, Windu would give him a resigned look, then added his own bet when no one was looking.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rex snorted at the comment, and he was pretty sure money was being passed between the family. Fox was going to rake in some credits, he would have to get at least a percentage of the proceedings. He glanced towards the head of the table to see Kote, who was moving to defend his ven’riduur, only to be held back by Jango.<\/span><\/p>\n

“I challenge you Jetii.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Fett was in a tight spot, he couldn’t deny Vizsla, but at the same time getting your son’s fiance\u00e9 killed wasn’t a good way to showcase their want for peace. Though Obi-Wan was pretty sure, the Mand’alor was hoping to see the Jetii get his shebs handed to him, or at least find out if the ‘scholar’ could truly fight.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben shifted slightly, catching Cody’s attention, he gave a small questioning head tilt. Cody bit back the smirk, and gave a barely there affirmative nod.<\/span><\/p>\n

“I accept.”<\/span><\/p>\n

The room went completely silent.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pre looked down at Obi-Wan who was still sitting in his chair completely relaxed. “No force osik.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“All else goes?” He asked with an air of a man who had done this before.<\/span><\/p>\n

Jango stood, giving Vizsla Clan a hard look. “No interference, this is between Kenobi and Pre.”<\/span><\/p>\n

The room was thirsty for blood.<\/span><\/p>\n

Obi-Wan, who still hadn’t moved, noticed money exchanging hands. He also wasn’t blind to see some of Pre’s men were moving into position. He was sure this was a Death Watch set up, take out the Jedi and make it look like an official Mandalorian challenge. If Obi-Wan loses, Jango would declare Clan Vizsla exiled, which he wanted, and hand Pre’s head over to the Republic.<\/span><\/p>\n

Obi-Wan was more afraid of Anakin’s reaction, than the Republics.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pre pulled the knife out of the table, took a few steps back twilling it in his hands, egging Obi-Wan to attack.<\/span><\/p>\n

With one last glance at Cody, Obi-Wan stood using his memento to slam the chair backwards into one of Vizsla’s men who was coming up behind him. He then grabbed a heavy silver tray, and with a step slid into Pre’s defense using the item as a shield pushing the knife away from him, then pulled it around following through the swing slamming the heavy object into the side of Pre’s helmet. When the man shook his head, Obi-Wan stepped back and kicked him straight into the chest, sending the man back a few feet.<\/span><\/p>\n

He turned, shifted the tray to block the knife from another one of Vizsla’s men, this one larger than most. Taking a couple of steps back, he threw the tray like a disc, sending it straight for the vulnerable section between the waist and groan, making the man grunt at the impact.<\/span><\/p>\n

It gave him time to grab the downed chair, flip it around feet first and rushed the big guy’s friend, with a sharp kick knocking the man’s feet out from underneath him, the two went down. Obi-Wan on top of the chair, the other pinned.<\/span><\/p>\n

He followed the momentum, the back of the chair slammed into the guy’s chest, letting Obi-Wan roll off and back onto his feet. This time he grabbed one of the serving forks, flung it behind him, he heard the yelp of the first guy he had taken out.<\/span><\/p>\n

Obi-Wan sighed when he saw at least two more waiting, both holding daggers. He could pull his own weapons, but the last thing he wanted was for the Mandalorians to know he had been armed this whole time.<\/span><\/p>\n

He held up his hand as if asking them to hold for a moment.<\/span><\/p>\n

Turned back to the table, gave everyone a quick bow. “Excuse me I’m going to need this.” With a flair of the dramatic he pulled the tablecloth off the table, leaving behind all the trays, utensils, plates, and decorations standing in their original position.<\/span><\/p>\n

He twisted the cloth securing each end in both of his hands. They attacked at the same time, Obi-Wan watched intently, before he stepped to the left, whipped the cloth outwards, startling the one in front of him, forcing him to dodge out of the materials’ way. Before he could counter Obi-Wan’s move, the material ended up wrapped around his wrist. The first tug had him off balance, a secondary pull had him being yanked closer, and with the last twist, he fell flat on his face.<\/span><\/p>\n

Obi-Wan let go of one end of the material, pulling it back towards him. He gave the second fighter a smirk, then a wink. The man growled and rushed him. The Jedi slid into his defense, used the material to deflect the knife, then took the advantage that this particular attacker wasn’t wearing his helmet. In an instant he let go of the material, gave the guy a hard right, followed by a stinging backhand, then finished him off with a powerful left.<\/span><\/p>\n

He stood in the middle of the room, at least two men down at his feet, the third had pushed the chair away from him and scrambled to get up using the item for support, a fourth found a seat and was pulling out a serving fork from his upper thigh.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Ben!”<\/span><\/p>\n

In an instant, he turned dogging the first swipe of the knife, then reached out and grabbed Pre’s wrist pulled him in close, as he pushed down, he used the man’s leg as a launching pad, and lifted himself up so he could wrap his own leg around the large neck, then used the momentum to twist them around 180 and forced Pre to the floor face first, while he landed on his feet.<\/span><\/p>\n

He casually kicked the knife away, and ran a hand through his hair as if he had taken a simple stroll through the gardens.<\/span><\/p>\n

Obi-Wan turned to face Jango. “Well that was entertaining. If the Mand’alor doesn’t mind I would like to retire early.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Jango gave him a nod, along with a hand wave.<\/span><\/p>\n

Obi-Wan bowed, then with a grace very few could match, he walked out of the dining room. The guards opened the door, both bowing respectfully. He should thank Pre for being an asshole, because of his attack Obi-Wan had proven he was just as much a warrior as the rest of them.<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

“What the fuck where you thinking?”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Hello dear.” Obi-Wan stepped out of the washroom, wearing just the dark pants. Holding a blood stain towel to his side. The shirt had been destroyed, he hadn’t even realized that he had been nicked until he got back to his rooms, and felt something wet and sticky on his side. At least the coat could be fixed, the shirt would need to be burned. “Are you supposed to be here?”<\/span><\/p>\n

Cody gave him a hard unimpressed look, then held out his book. “I cleaned it for you.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben smiled as he took it from him, it wasn’t as ruined as he thought it was. “Thank you, my dear.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Ben \u2026 Obi-Wan.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“I’m fine.” He ran a hand over the scar that curved around Cody’s left eye. “It was nothing I couldn’t handle.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“I had to sit there and not act, when all I wanted to do was shank him from behind for daring to touch you. Yet at the same time sit back in my chair with a glass of wine and watch with glee knowing the bastard had no idea what was coming. I was fucking turned on watching you take out members of Death Watch with a fucking table cloth.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben chuckled lightly, as he was pulled into a heated kiss. “I did it for you.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“I know.” Cody held him close for a few moments, then stepped back. “Kix will be here soon, as Plo had noticed the blood as you left.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben nodded, set the book down on the table, then headed back into the washroom to get himself under some control. “He’s as bad as Bant.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“That’s a good thing, considering you are a reckless adorable di’kut who takes on Death Watch with a chair.” Cody chuckled lightly. “I’m sure Fox is cackling in glee while crying in his caf, yet counting his winnings.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“He’s becoming my favorite in-law.” Ben grimaced as he shifted, the pain from the wound making its presence known. “How much backlash will this cause?”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Not much. You defeated him in battle, without any ‘magic’ tricks and you didn’t even have your jetii’kad.” Cody stepped closer, hand reaching out to the wound. “Let me look at it.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“I’m fine.” Ben gave him a tight smile, staying at a distance to keep up appearances.<\/span><\/p>\n

“I hate this.” He pulled his cyare close, their foreheads touching as they just breathed for a moment.<\/span><\/p>\n

Obi-Wan pulled away, taking a few steps towards the bathroom, as the door to his rooms opened.<\/span><\/p>\n

“I see Bant wasn’t kidding about self-sacrificing di’kuts who don’t report to medical!” Kix ignored the weird tension in the room, and headed straight towards Kenobi, then dragged him into the bathroom. He pulled the towel away, tossing it into the sink, and assessed the damage. “Clean slice, will only need a few stitches. You should likely rest.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“I’ll meditate, finish up the healing.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Can Jetii really do that?” Kix asked curiously, forcing them further into the bathroom for better light and to make sure the wound was clean. “She told me to ignore you when you suggest meditation as a healing factor.”<\/span><\/p>\n

He cringed slightly at the first prick of the needle. “Meditation is a good thing, not just for healing but to help mend the mind and soul.” He glanced outside the door to see Wolffe talking with Kote, Rex stood between the two, no one looked happy. “Despite what Bant says, it helps with exhaustion or getting oneself balanced. It will help with a simple wound like this, matter of fact I could’ve healed it in time. I didn’t get time to ask earlier, how much did she tell you?”<\/span><\/p>\n

Kix gave him a contemplative look. “Enough to treat you when necessary. Mostly allergies, medical history that was important, in case of injuries or illnesses. Plus was kind enough to send documents on treating someone who is Force Sensitive. She also told me to ignore your bullshit.”<\/span><\/p>\n

He laughed openly. “She’s my crechemate, and just to let you know, I am not as bad as she says.” He got a snort from the medic so he counted it as a win.<\/span><\/p>\n

“She said you would say that, and that it was all lies. Though she did nicely threaten me with harm if I hurt you in any way. She cares for you.” He paused for a moment, as he cut the string, then slapped a pain patch over the wound. Obi-Wan noticed it was one of the few brands he could use. Kix turned Obi-Wan slightly to take a look at his back. “Fox told me about Melidaan, which was also in your records or at least a condensed version. I can tell some of these scars are from that, but this,” his hand slid across a thin line around his neck, just at the collarbone, “is from a slave collar.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“I was used as a tool for revenge against my Master.” He answered with a pained smile. “Sold off as a slave to the mines in Bandomeer.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“It’s an old scar, how old were you?” Kix stepped back as he put his tools away.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Twelve.”<\/span><\/p>\n

The Medic paused, then took a deep breath. “Was that the first slave ring you took down?”<\/span><\/p>\n

He chuckled as he left the bathroom to find a shirt to put on, he didn’t like being on display. He heard Wolffe pause in his discussion and Rex’s gasps, so he was pretty sure the rest of the family was starting to realize that the least offensive Jedi was actually a trained warrior.<\/span><\/p>\n

Well then he did leave Pre Vizsla on the ground a few hours ago, and likely that was going to bite him the ass later on.<\/span><\/p>\n

He slipped on one of his standard undershirts that go with his tunics, turned to see the four staring at him. He could see the acceptance in Kote’s eyes. He knew how he got each scar, and what they meant to him even all these years later. Rex looked a bit shell shocked, Wolffe was contemplative, and Kix had that look all Healers have, itching for a full exam with questions.<\/span><\/p>\n

“So how pissed off is Vizsla?” Obi-Wan asked, hoping to move the conversation away from him, and back on the situation at hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Watch your back.” Rex shook his head. “I’m pretty sure they will be gunning for you.<\/span><\/p>\n

Wolffe growled slightly. “You enjoy making our lives harder.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Obi-Wan gave them a bright smile, none of them fell for it. “Now for the most important question. How much money did Fox make, and where do I find him to get my percentage?”<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

Obi-Wan had taken to meditating in the gardens in the morning. It helped settle his mind, and prep him for the day. It had been a couple of months since the engagement party, and so far all he heard was grumbling from Wolffe about upping his security, and Fox for losing 20% of his profits.<\/span><\/p>\n

He’s had a few talks with Jaster, trying to work out what exactly has been going on not just with the treaty, but everything. Including how the whole thing started with a horrendous miscommunication and manipulation to saber rattling to full on war. Also to look into why every time peace was contemplated either by the Jedi or Mandalorians something happened that escalated the situation.<\/span><\/p>\n

The fact Obi-Wan wasn’t dead and they didn’t have the Jedi on Mandalore’s front door said a lot about Wolffe’s security team. The oldest of the Fett family, admitted his team had been working non stop, and so far had foiled at least two kidnapping plots, and captured one assassin.<\/span><\/p>\n

He had started spending more time with Kote, especially after the gift of vambraces. His ven’riduur had gone to the armourer himself and had them picked out. How the hell anyone didn’t know they were already lovers was beyond Obi-Wan, as the vambraces screamed devout cyare (or at least it did to him).<\/span><\/p>\n

They were having a private dinner in Obi-Wan’s rooms, a rare moment of being alone that didn’t contain one of them being sneaky, when he was gifted with them.<\/span><\/p>\n

“How did you arrange this?” Ben settled back in his chair smiling at Cody.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

“After your take down of Vizsla, Fox brought up that you proved yourself a warrior and that I should man up and start the true courting process.” He sipped his wine, smirking slightly. “Rex agreed instantly, as he thinks the few rendezvous we’ve been able to have, was me meeting my secret boyfriend.”<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

Ben tipped his glass at his cyare. “Well he’s not wrong.”<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

“Nope and the day he figures that out, I’m going to have to run.” He laughed while putting down his drink. “Both were right, you showed that you can hold your own. Proved that under that scholarly geek side is someone who can kick some di’kut’s shebs.” <\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

“Why thank you my dear.” He stood, holding out his hand. “So do we get to have more of these private dinners?”<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

“You have me to thank for that.” Cody stood pulling him into his arms. “I said if I was going to start the courting process, then we should have time to get to know each other without family watching from the sidelines.”<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

“Hence you made sure the place wasn’t bugged and closed the drapes.” Ben settled into his lover’s arms, enjoying the moment.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

“That’s just a good habit to have under normal circumstances.” He kissed him softly, walking him back towards the couch. “So now we have at least sometime where I can legitly make out with you on the couch.”<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

“Only make out?” Ben turned his lover around and pushed him onto the mentioned piece of furniture. “I was hoping for more than that.” He straddled Cody, cupping his face and kissed him with a passion that had been locked away for too long.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

“If I show back up looking like I got laid, Rex will lose his mind thinking somehow between having dinner with you, I met my lover and got a blowjob.” He kissed along the elegant neck, making sure not to leave any marks, while his hands slid under the soft tunic top desperately searching for warm skin.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

“You only had to ask my dear.” Ben gave him a sassy grin, then shifted until his knees hit the floor. He opened Cody’s pants, thankful he wasn’t wearing his armor. As hot as he was in it, there were times it was a mood killer trying to get it off. “I’ve missed you. I hate being next to you and not able to hold your hand or make some snide comment I know you would laugh at. I know we lived apart and only had short moments, but I miss sleeping next to you.”<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

“I hate this and I’m thankful all at the same time.” Cody slid his hand through the red hair, gripping the hair slightly. He liked the cut Ben had been wearing the past few years, which made him look distinguished. “I love you.”<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

“I know.” Ben gave him a smile as he pushed Cody’s thighs apart as he took the hard cock into his hand stroking it a few times. <\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

“Please.”<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

Ben pushed up on his knees, and licked across the head getting a quick taste before taking it fully into his mouth. The grip in his hair tightened as he moved gently, just enough to pull the small needy moan out of Cody. He pulled off, licked up the hardness, twirling his tongue around the head before taking it fully back down, swallowing around the head. It didn’t take long for Cody to come down his throat. He swallowed everything, then sat back running his tongue over his lips. A laugh escaped when he was pulled from the floor back into Cody’s lap kissed within an inch of his life. It wasn’t long before he was flat on his back, with his cyare’s hand down his trousers. Sadly, it hadn’t taken long for him to come, with a strangled moan ripped from his throat. <\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

The two held each other tightly, knowing they would have to go back to the roles they were playing too soon. Cody was the first to move, shifting slightly to give Ben a deep kiss before setting up and getting himself presentable. Ben on the other hand, just tucked things away as he didn’t have to walk through the halls acting like he hadn’t just gotten off.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

“Before I go.” Cody stood then grabbed the box he had brought with him. “I’m sure the armorer is suspicious, when I went to them to have these made I handed them exactly what I wanted.”<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

Ben looked at the box, instinctively knowing exactly what it was. “So when you said courting you meant \u2026 “<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

“Courting.” He leaned over and kissed him quickly then sat next to him on the couch. “I’ve had these in my head for years.”<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

He opened the box to see a set of vambraces that showed how much Cody loved him. They were blue in color, the right had the Jedi Symbol, while the left matched the Sunbeam he had seen on Cody’s armour, as well as Kote’s. Ben’s hands were shaking slightly when he picked them up, he could feel beskar in them but not enough to impede his connections to the Force. With help from Cody he strapped them on, and was not surprised they fit perfectly and moved with him, not at all impeding his fighting style. <\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

“My dear these are perfect, and you may have given away our secret.” He reached over and kissed him soft, pouring all his love into that moment.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

“You’ll be surprised at how blind my vods are.” He rested his forehead against Ben’s. “I’m at peace when I’m with you.”<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

“Oh Cody. You are my peace.”<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

He started wearing them the next day. Rex had seemed happy to see them, though he was giving his ori’vod a glare on occasions. Wolffe had only nodded, and Fox narrowed his eyes suspiciously. Jango had nodded, though seemed contemplative over the design.<\/span><\/p>\n

It had taken him a couple of days to get used to them, by doing kata’s in the garden to get himself recentered and balanced with the extra weight. He had noticed that Rex kept an eye on him, but nothing unsettling. Obi-Wan was determined to get to know him, but so far he had been more elusive. Fox on the other hand, had taken to talking to him daily, asking a lot of questions about the Jetii and trying to figure out who Obi-Wan really was.<\/span><\/p>\n

A few times he caught Boba watching, but the youngest Fett hadn’t warmed up to him. The kid had a mouth, and at times Obi-Wan swore he was a little clone of Jango.<\/span><\/p>\n

They mostly left him alone while he meditated or did his Kata’s understanding that it was a morning ritual, and he needed the quiet. So it was a surprise when he was pulled out of his meditation by the sound of small feet. The sudden shriek in the Force had him opening his eyes to see a very young child staring at him. What was more surprising was the fact the child was obviously the same species as Yoda.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Hello there.”<\/span><\/p>\n

It waved his arms, cooing slightly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Obi-Wan smiled at the images and feelings the young one was sending through the Force. “Grogu.”<\/span><\/p>\n

He smiled brightly, waddling over to Obi-Wan, and climbed into his lap.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Thank you.” The child must not find many other Force sensitive people, no wonder Obi-Wan felt like a nice warm blanket to nap on. “Where is your buir?”<\/span><\/p>\n

An image of a young boy with dark hair and eyes was sent with so much love, it was obvious they were Grogu’s family.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Does he have a name?”<\/span><\/p>\n

“It’s Din.” Another voice spoke up. “I’m sorry he distrubed you. He ran off and for something so small he runs very fast.”<\/span><\/p>\n

The boy was maybe twelve, but felt older. He had a slight twitch, as if wanted to pick up Grogu and run away, but didn’t, as not to be rude.<\/span><\/p>\n

“He’s welcome.” Obi-Wan gestured for Din to take a seat. “He loves you dearly.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“I can feel it sometimes.” He answered, settling on the ground, copying Obi-Wan’s position. “I know he has the Force, I try to teach him not to use it in public. I don’t want to lose him.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Why would you?” He asked, concerned. The Mand’alor might have an issue with the Jetii, but Obi-Wan couldn’t see him harming a child. One of the strongest connections in Mandalore culture was protecting the children.<\/span><\/p>\n

“My wards do not like the Jetii.” He looked down and away. “They didn’t take in Grogu, but I did and made him my ade.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“You care for him just as much.” Obi-Wan could see the bond between them, it was strong. Grogu wouldn’t go to the Temple to be trained now without Din. It wasn’t a weakness for either of them, especially as young as Grogu was, at this stage in his life he’s more of a toddler and would be for some time. It’s likely Din would grow up, live a life, and die before Grogu truly started his training.<\/span><\/p>\n

“I do.” Din inched closer. “Are you going to take him away?”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Why would I do that?”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Isn’t that what Jetii do, take away children to be trained.” The boy sounded sure and hesitant at the same time.<\/span><\/p>\n

“We do not take children away. When we find a child who is Force Sensitive we approach the parents, talk to them about raising a child who can access the Force. Some do not want to lose their child, so we help them understand, others decide it is best for the child to be raised in the Temple, and sadly some we save from the parents who do not understand and try to harm the child.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Din frowned at the last one, gaze steady on his ade.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Grogu is content with you, and there is no reason to send him to somewhere he would not be happy.” Obi-Wan motioned for the boy to come closer. “Besides it’s likely I’ll be here for a while, I can help him understand his connection to the Force and to you.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“I want what’s best for him, but he’s so small.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Spoken like a true buir.” Obi-Wan gave him a warm smile. “Even for one so young.”<\/span><\/p>\n

They sat for a few more moments, Obi-Wan teaching Din how to meditate so he can help Grogu do it, which would help calm the young child down when he’s sensing too much around him. When Grogu woke up, he made his way to Din, babbling excitedly about the warm blanket. Obi-Wan wanted to make sure they were safe, so escorted them out of the gardens back into one of the public areas next to the palace.<\/span><\/p>\n

He wasn’t supposed to leave the palace, but at the same time he didn’t want the kids to get in trouble. Obi-Wan gave a nod to the guards at the gate, Boil and Waxer if he remembered correctly. They had a soft spot for kids, having a few of their own. They waved at Din and Grogu, letting them out the gate. They gave Obi-Wan a sharp head tilt, but instead of stopping him they went with him.<\/span><\/p>\n

It was obvious something was wrong by the way Din kept getting nervous and looking around. Obi-Wan glanced over to Boil, who had also picked up the twitchiness from the kid. Sending out a few hand signals, indicating to be ready.<\/span><\/p>\n

When they were far enough away from the palace, but not quite into an area that was crowded, they ended up surrounded by members of Death Watch. Din held Grogu close to him, tears in his eyes. “Ni ceta.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Di’dunar.” Obi-Wan assured him as he made sure both children were safely behind him. He glanced at the two guards. “Make sure they are escorted back to the palace.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“We’ll make sure all three of you are.” Waxer tilted his head indicating no one was being left behind.<\/span><\/p>\n

“By any chance, do you have your jetii’kad?” Boil asked, as it would be very helpful at the moment.<\/span><\/p>\n

He shook his head, instead pulled out a knife from his boot and went into a defensive position.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Did he always have that?” Waxer asked, his own gun raised aiming at the closet terrorist.<\/span><\/p>\n

“I have no idea but I’m very grateful at the moment.” Boil turned his back towards his partner and the Jetii, so all three were protecting the children.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Step aside and we’ll let you live.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Waxer rolled his eyes under his buy’ce. “Yeah no, what else you got.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“You would protect a Jetii who has killed our people!?” It was yelled in that not quite stable way.<\/span><\/p>\n

“And how many of my people have you killed?” Obi-Wan asked, voice low and deadly, something neither had ever heard in the weeks the Jetii had been wandering around. He had always stopped to talk to them, asking about the kids. They hadn’t seen the take down at the party, but heard about it from Echo and Fives who had been on guard duty. Well now they were about to get a front row viewing, with audience participation.<\/span><\/p>\n

The attack was quick, all rushed in sending everything into chaos. Waxer was pulled away from Boil, and ended up taking on two at the same time. In typical fashion, they fought with brute strength instead of calculated finesse. He was able to get both of them down but had lost his own weapon in the process. He snagged one gun, then turned trying to locate Boil in the mess.<\/span><\/p>\n

His riduur was backed against a wall with the kids behind him. While the Jetii was pulling most of the attackers away. Making a decision, Waxer moved to Boil’s side and between them they quickly dispatched the attackers.<\/span><\/p>\n

Waxer took a moment to check on the older kid, who held onto the smaller child with a look of determination. “You okay?”<\/span><\/p>\n

He nodded. “I didn’t want to.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“No one blames you.” Boil added to the conversation, grabbing weapons off the downed enemy. “I need you to stay behind us, so we can protect you, while you protect your vod.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Waxer glanced at his riduur. “Get the kids back to the palace, I’m hoping we made enough of a commotion to get Wolffe and his team out here.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“I’m not leaving you here against these di’kuts.” Boil shook his head, as the two moved towards the remaining Death Watch members, who had cornered the Jetii. “Besides, Fox will skin us alive if something happens to Obi-Wan.”<\/span><\/p>\n

They rushed back into the fight, slightly impressed at the body count the Jetii was leaving behind with only a knife and pure stubbornness. Just as they rounded the corner to give Kenobi back up, they came to a halt wondering if the very fragile peace that had been acquired was going to fall apart in front of their eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Four of the attackers remained, and they were obviously done with the Jetii’s tricks and all had their blasters raised. They had both been fought in the war, and had seen how much fire power a Jetii could deflect with their jetii’kad, but without one they were defenseless.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“You will die now, our families will be avenged!”<\/span><\/p>\n

Everyone froze when they heard the snap swoosh sound of a jetii’kad. The battle was over in moments, any members of Death Watch that were still standing had fled, the rest were left for Wolffe and Fox to fight over killing.<\/span><\/p>\n

Boil and Waxer stood there, not sure how to handle a second Jetii.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Quinlan?” Obi-Wan turned and stared at his friend, then cried with joy as he was pulled into his arms. “I have missed you.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Hello Obes.” Quinlan held him tightly then stepped back. He glanced down at the vambraces, then tapped them with his gloved hands. “I see it’s official.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“I’m trying to make this work.” He gave him a smile, knowing there was so much to tell him. “But you shouldn’t be here.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“I was not letting my best friend walk into the viper’s nest without backup.” Vos glanced over to see the two guards. “I haven’t done anything to jeopardize this treaty, was just keeping an eye on those idiots.” His head tilted towards the downed attackers. “They’ve been bragging for days about a plan to take him out, especially after Obi-Wan took down their oh wise leader. I want details, Obes, details.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Would someone care to explain?” Fox broke into the reunion, staring at the two Jetii. He wasn’t as shocked as he should be, but what concerned him was the destruction surrounding them.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Well hello.” Quinlan smirked over at Fox, then sent him a wink. “Don’t mind us, just making sure my vod here didn’t get killed by some terrorist group. I can disappear back into the shadows.”<\/span><\/p>\n

There wasn’t enough caf in the universe to deal with this.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Everyone back into the palace.” Fox pointed at the gate as if he was sending errant school children back to the classroom. He glanced at Waxer and Boil. “We’ll have words later.” They were wise enough not to say anything but scurry quickly away.<\/span><\/p>\n

Obi-Wan ignored Fox, making his way to Din and little Grogu. “Are you okay?”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Ne ceta.” He cried holding onto his adi tightly. “They were going to take Grogu away.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“You have nothing to be sorry for.” He knelt down in front of them. “Do you have any other family?”<\/span><\/p>\n

He shook his head. “We only have each other.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Obi-Wan nodded, stood and held out his hand. Din looked down at Grogu who was smiling at him as he patted his small hand against his buir’s cheek. Din then reached up and took the Jetii’s hand, letting him be led back into the palace.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Not even married yet and already have kids. I’m so proud.” Quinlan followed Obi-Wan. “I hope future hubby doesn’t mind them green.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“You are annoying.” Fox muttered as he followed the group, sending orders to his men to clear out the bodies and if any of them were alive to get them into interrogation.<\/span><\/p>\n

“It’s like you know him.” Obi-Wan looked over his shoulder at the Commander. “By the way. Fox this is Quinlan Vos, Quin this is Fox. He’s been in charge of keeping me alive.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Ah.” Quinlan patted Fox on the shoulder, then slid an arm around him. “Not an easy task. Though just a thought, next time let him carry his lightsaber so he doesn’t get shot by a faction of your people who are war mongering assholes.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Fox wanted to glare, but hated that maybe the Jetii had a point.<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

Kote and Rex heard the commotion before they even arrived. Fox had sent messages to all the vod, telling them to get their shebs to the throne room, as everything had gone to shit. Wolffe’s messages were barely audible over the growling.<\/span><\/p>\n

It was chaos.<\/span><\/p>\n

Obi-Wan and Jango were toe to toe, neither backing down. Jaster was trying to pull Jango back, while Fox shockingly enough was trying to get Kenobi to take a step back.<\/span><\/p>\n

“I have done nothing to upset this delicate balance.” Obi-Wan’s tone was starting to show his frustration. “Out of respect, Mand’alor<\/i>, I do not carry my lightsaber, despite the fact I know there have been death threats against me. And that was a decision that came to bite me in my shebs. If it wasn’t for Quinlan, this treaty would be dead along with myself.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Rex gasped glancing over to his vod, who pushed his way into the middle of the situation. He physically got between his buir and ven’riduur. “I think everyone needs to take a damn breath.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“A Jetii has been running around Mandalore for\u2026”<\/span><\/p>\n

Kote glanced back to see a Kiffar standing next to Obi-Wan, the man smiled and waved.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Seriously!” Fox yelled at Jango. “If Kote had gone to Coruscant, at least two of us would be on that damn planet, one of us would be trying to figure out how to get into the Temple.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Actually, I would’ve just invited you in.” Quinlan spoke up, sending Fox a cheeky grin. “I never realized how hot Mandalorians were.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Quinlan!” Obi-Wan snapped at his friend. “Not helping!”<\/span><\/p>\n

“The point I’m making.” Fox ignored the Jetii, his attention on Jango. “You would have ordered us to go to make sure he was okay, so you do not get to bitch that one showed up to check on their aliit.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“And how do we know the two of you haven’t been working together this whole time, plotting to overthrow the government!” Jango snapped, his deadly gaze settling on Obi-Wan.<\/span><\/p>\n

“If I was going to take over Mandalore I would’ve just challenged you to a damn fight!” He snapped, just tired of the whole damn thing. “And you might have killed six of us with your bare hands, but you can’t use the Darksaber worth shit. It’s not comfortable with you, though it hates Vizsla even more, so there’s that.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Jaster stepped in front of his son, making sure he wasn’t stupid enough to attack. His focus was on the Jetii. “You can feel it?”<\/span><\/p>\n

“It’s a Kyber Crystal.” Quinlan commented, his tone serious. “It resonates with us, like your armour. I would put my money on Obes. It’s one thing to fight someone who doesn’t know how to use it, but another to fight someone who has their own lightsaber and is the best duelist in the order.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Kote could tell Jango was ready to take up Obi-Wan on the challenge. “You would lose.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Jango startled and stared at his boy. “I think\u2026”<\/span><\/p>\n

“You would lose.” Fox added into the conversation. “Besides, he doesn’t need to challenge you. He’s marrying Kote, and could wait until Kote finally takes you out.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Jango ignored Fox, and glanced at his oldest.<\/span><\/p>\n

Wolffe shrugged. “You would lose to either of them. You’re not twenty, and both are skilled fighters.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“You all lie!” Boba yelled as he ran into the middle of it. “Buir is the best, and can defeat any stupid Jetii!”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Kid, he just took out five attackers, with a knife and a snarky commentary.” Boil added to the conversation, then shut up when everyone glared at him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Obi-Wan took a calming breath, then pinched the top of his nose trying to curtail the headache. “I have no intention of overthrowing any government.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“At this time.” Fox gave him a side-eye. “Ned told me all about you.”<\/span><\/p>\n

The sigh had the weight of the universe on it. “Mand’alor Fett. I do not want this war to continue, and have done everything you’ve asked. But, I will not apologize for protecting children.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Children?” Kote turned his back on Jango and faced Obi-Wan.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Congrats it’s a boy and a baby yoda.” Quinlan smirked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Kote ignored him and focused on his ven’riduur. “What children?”<\/span><\/p>\n

Obi-Wan stepped to the side to show Din, along with Grogu. “The attackers threatened to separate the two, if Din didn’t lure me out of the palace. Considering they took no care not to harm them, it’s likely they would’ve abandoned or separated them anyways.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Grogu cried out, and held onto Din.<\/span><\/p>\n

“We’re not mentioning that the little one is the same species as General Yoda.” Wolffe commented from the sidelines.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Is it a Jetii?” Jango asked, though the initial anger had faded he was still weary.<\/span><\/p>\n

“No.” Obi-Wan sighed ignoring the now pounding headache. “He’s a child who is Force Sensitive. If this was a normal situation, I would talk to Din who has claimed him as his ade, if he wanted to let him be trained. But this isn’t a normal situation, and I’m pretty sure even someone who doesn’t have the Force can see the Bond between the two. Grogu needs guidance to help him not get overwhelmed from what he’s feeling through the Force, but he belongs with his buir.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“I thought Jetii took gifted children.” Jango glanced over to the young boy who was giving him a death glare. It would seem he was on the Jetii’s side of the argument.<\/span><\/p>\n

“We’re not fucking Death Watch.” Quinlan rolled his eyes. “We don’t ‘steal’ children from their parents. When a child is identified as Force Sensitive, they are tested first to see their strengths. Then there are long conversations with the family, giving them a variety of options that range from the child staying at home with information on how to help them with their abilities, to bringing the child to the Temple. That is when we’re dealing with loving families. The not so loving families range from abandoning the kid in front of the Temple to drowning them in the local river because they think the kid is evil.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“How often does that happen?” Rex asked, horrified at the very thought someone would kill their child because something they couldn’t control.<\/span><\/p>\n

“More than anyone wants to admit.” Quilan glanced at Obi-Wan, then back at Rex. “Master Tholme, who trained me, saved my life. When I found my Padawan Aayla, I saved her from a bad situation.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Rex glanced at Obi-Wan, the question was obvious.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Depends on who you ask.” He answered not wanting to talk about it, but knew it needed to be said. “I’m from Stewjon, a planet that still has a tribal mentality. My parents loved me, they didn’t know what to do with me, but were trying to figure it out. The Jedi who brought me to the Temple, made sure I understood my parents loved me enough to let me go. I later discovered that they gave me to the Jedi to save my life. The town blamed me for everything that had gone wrong in the past year, and was demanding me to be sacrificed for the good of the village.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Did you ever go back to Stewjon?” Jango frowned at the information, it went against everything he had ever thought about the Jetii.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Yes. My Master took me so I could learn about my culture. My parents were lovely people, they never had any other children to afraid of what would happen to them.” Obi-Wan sighed, suddenly exhausted. “My own Padawan was a slave, my Master had to make a wager to get him. No one has the same story, but the Temple encourages all members to learn about their heritage.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“I wear my traditional tattoos, and another of our crechemate has her cultural tattoos. Bant, who is a healer, spent time studying back on her planet to learn from them about medical practices.” Quinlan added into the conversation. “We’re not clones or all act a specific way. The Jedi have members across species and culturals. Obi-Wan has always stated Mandalore and the Jedi were similar. Your armor makes you all seem the same, yet it’s personalized and a part of you. We all seem the same because of our ‘uniforms’ but we show our uniqueness through our lightsabers and our cultural practices.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“And why are you here?” Jango demanded.<\/span><\/p>\n

“You wouldn’t let your kid alone with the Jedi, what makes you think we would let one of ours.” Vos gave him a hard look. “Besides you will thank me. Obes here attracts the crazy. If there is an impossible situation, he’s in it. The hot one there.” He nodded towards Fox, who rolled his eyes. “Has likely already started going grey from dealing with my dear Obes.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Accurate.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Obi-Wan looked heavenward contemplating his life choices, yet he didn’t actually disagree.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Besides, we have a bigger problem than your wannabe terrorist organization.” Quinlan became deadly series. “Before I left Croscount, I was working on a task Obi-Wan asked me to check into. What I discovered is going to be a problem for all of us.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Kenobi turned towards his friend. “Vos?”<\/span><\/p>\n

“You were right.” He shook his head. “This was all intentional, the attack, the war, all of it. More importantly, there’s a plan in the works to invade Mandalore.”<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

All Obi-Wan wanted was to settle onto his meditation pillow and try to pull himself together. His emotions and thoughts were all over the place, especially after Quinlan’s bombshell. There had been more yelling, accusations, and then finally they settled into a reluctant truce.<\/span><\/p>\n

Kote had ordered Jango to calm the fuck down, and asked Jaster to deal with him, and Boba. The way the youngest of the Fett’s was acting, he was sure the new kid, Din, was going for a smackdown. Speaking of the kids, Kix took Din and Grogu to get looked over, Plo Koon followed saying he would make sure the children found a safe space.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fox wandered off with Wolffe to start looking into the information Quinlan had easily handed over. While Rex went to go check his own contacts. Obi-Wan dragged his crechemate to his rooms, stating he needed some time, and disappeared out of the throne room.<\/span><\/p>\n

“How does no one know?” Quinlan asked as soon as the doors closed. “The moment I saw the vambraces I knew it was Cody. Did you know he was Jango’s heir?”<\/span><\/p>\n

“No.” He took off the vambraces, placed them on the dresser, next to his lightsaber, then went straight to the bathroom, stripping out of his clothes. “It was a bit of a surprise.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Is there a reason you’re not telling anyone?” He asked as he explored the room, making sure everything was secure.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Cody’s gut instincts, which I’m agreeing with.” Obi-Wan moved under the hot water, sighing as it pounded against the sore muscles. “So we’re playing strangers who are getting to know each other over small dinners and walks in the park.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Again I ask, how do they not know?!” Quinlan stepped into the bathroom, tossing a towel at him as he exited the shower. “You two can’t sit next to each other without oozing ‘love of my life’ vibes all over the place. It’s disgustingly sweet.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“They had no idea Kote even had a lover stashed away on some far off planet.” He ignored Quin’s laughter, instead tossed the towel into his face as he moved to the bedroom to change into a set of under tunics. “I’m surprised they haven’t figured something is up, considering the amount of times we’ve found dark niches to make out in. The number of lectures Cody has gotten from Rex on not fucking up this treaty by getting caught with his pants down, makes me wonder if everyone assumes the ‘boyfriend’ is close at hand.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“He is.” Quinlan pointed out.<\/span><\/p>\n

“This is the first time in my life that I’m not getting fucked over.” Obi-Wan sighed as he fell onto the couch. “I get to marry the love of my life for political reasons. Part of me has no idea what to do with this.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“You deserve happiness.” Quin smirked at Obi-Wan’s exasperated sigh when he shoved everything off the coffee table and sat in front of him. “I’ve been watching the palace for a month. I’ve kept to the shadows, hiding myself in the Force, but I could feel your presence. It has shown brightly, despite everything, so I knew you were safe. But now I can see that you’re thriving. Being near Cody has helped, but I can tell you have slept and put on some weight that you needed. Despite everything they are taking care of you.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“I’ve been able to meditate better being here. Also happily ensconced in the library.” He laid his head against the back of the couch, staring up at the ceiling. “I’ve been happy. I miss everyone, but the stress and pressure is gone.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Give me the lowdown on the inner workings. I need more information on this side, so I can put it all together. If we’re not careful this treaty is going to fall apart.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Wolffe is an ally to a small extent. He’s the one that Plo saved, and then promptly adopted.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Wasn’t going to mention the suddenly not dead Jedi Master who was standing in the corner of the Throne Room.”<\/span><\/p>\n

That got a snort out of them.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Fox doesn’t like Jango. At all. I’m not quite sure why, but his animosity is thick. He adores Kote, won’t say it outloud, but he would do some serious damage to anyone who hurts him. Rex is loyal to Kote not Jango. I haven’t seen him fight, but from what I have learned he’s very scrappy. Kix is a medic, and is already best friends with Bant, which is not fair. Wooley is adorable, also deadly. I watched him spar with some of the guards. It’s the whole, I’m a geek no one will notice when I stab you, while I’m reading.” He sat back up and sighed. “Jaster is the smart one. He set the foundations Mandalore is built upon. Jango was needed to strong arm it all into a working government and functioning Empire. But in reality it’s still Jaster who’s keeping the alliances working.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Any chance of Jango being overthrown.” Quinlan asked, already getting a picture of the ‘Royal’ family.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Vizsla would like to, but he has no chance. It would likely be Kote, and if he took him out at dinner, his vod would back him, well except Boba, he would likely try to shank Kote in the liver. That kid is totally Jango’s. From what Cody has told me, Wolffe and Fox practically raised him and Rex. Kix and Wooley were raised by Li, their mother, in connection with Kote. He’s the center point of all the vod. Boba has been solely raised by his buir, hence the mini Jango.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“I have a feeling the new kid you adopted would kick Jango Jr’s ass given half the chance.” Vos shook his head as he stood and made his way to the small kitchen, noticing instantly all of Obi-Wan’s favorite teas. “Outside the family, who do we need to watch?”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Vizsla. Everyone know he still runs Death Watch, even if he’s playing nice to the Mand’alor. He’s aiming for the Darksaber, he wants to make Mandalore into a warring culture.” He smiled at Quin when he handed him a tea. “I’m sure he’s working with someone else. Talking with Jaster, the biggest thing he couldn’t figure out was how Death Watch was being funded. Their numbers have dwindled over the years, they do not have any trade connections, and they lost control over the Beskar mines when Tor was killed.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“It’s through the Banking Clans.” Quinlan settled in the chair across from him, with his own tea. It was one of the few blends he actually liked. “I spent weeks after you left pulling thread after threads. I hated that you were sold off, and knew that I was too emotional and couldn’t trust myself not to do something stupid. So I focused on what you asked. Masters Tholme ended up finding me deep in the Archives, I guess was worrying Master Jocusta. I showed him everything I had, and the picture wasn’t pretty.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“The Chancellor?” It’s something he had expected, even discussed with Jaster, but there had been no proof. He had never liked the fact an old man was interested in his young Padawan, liked it even less when the interest grew when Anakin became a teenager.<\/span><\/p>\n

“I couldn’t put it all together. He wasn’t Chancellor when this damn thing started. It would make sense of his involvement since Naboo, as he profited from that moment.” Quinlan set the tea down and leaned forward in his seat. “I ended up showing my research, which was a lot of threads that led to a lot of theories, but nothing concrete, to the Council.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Quinlan presented his findings, knowing full well they could feel his frustration and simmering anger. At the moment he was sure that if one of them told him to calm down, it was the will of the Force his best friend got sold off to make nice with the Mandalorians, he would be tossing them out the window. <\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

“What does this have to do with anything?” Mundi asked, the only reason Quinlan didn’t toss him out the window was the tone wasn’t condescending but actually legit in asking.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

“I don’t honestly know.” He sighed in frustration. “Obi-Wan asked me to check on the Chancellor, and at first I wasn’t sure why. So I started where it all began, hoping I could see a pattern or reason. But then the more I dug the more things didn’t make sense. We all know I’m not the diplomat or the one you send in to arrange anything, I’m the one who gets the info and sends in Obes.” There was a collective snort across the room. “But even I couldn’t figure out how we went from bad Intel to a fucked up situation to full out war. Let alone, every time we would try to take a step back and be like ‘hey let’s talk this out’, something made it worse. To the point that the past three years have been devastating to us and the Mandalorians.”<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

“The Mandalorians are a warring nation.”<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

“No!” Quinlan snapped back, refusing to fall into old arguments. “No one wants to be in a twenty year old war, sending their kids to die over a miscommunication. Master Dooku stated in his report that despite the fuck up at Galidraan, at the end both sides discovered there was more going on than old grudges.”<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

“Fett was pissed, and yes both sides had losses, but once it was realized Death Watch was involved, even he took a step back. I was astonished, yet not, when the committee who had given the assignment escalated the situation, it was as if they didn’t read a thing I wrote. Next thing I know they were declaring Fett an imposter, and refusing to allow trade ships into the system, creating an embargo. Mandalore reacted by stealing the items they had already purchased, and the Senate declared war.” Dooku sighed in frustration over the whole thing.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

“At that time you were still a Padawan, as was Kenobi.” Mace added to the conversation. <\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

“Actually at that time he was being sold off as a slave in Bandomeer, by Qui-Gon’s previous Padawan.” Dooku pointed out. “Then there was the child war not long after.”<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

Tholme shook his head. “Moving back to the subject. I’ve been working with Vos to try to get this timeline put together, and the more we dig into it the worse it gets. Just over ten years ago Master Sifo-Dyas was working with Jaster Mereel to start peace talks. At the time Jango’s wife was murdered, and so was Master Dyas. The war escalated from small battles, attacks on ships, fights here and there between the Jedi and Mandalroians to full out war.”<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

“At the same time the Trade Federation attacked Naboo.” Mace looked around the room. “No one paid attention as they were more concerned about the escalated attacks, especially down in Little Keldabe.”<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

“Elected the Chancellor the Senator of Naboo was.” Yoda ears twitched as if contemplating new information. “Rhetoric escalated. Jedi sent into battle they were.”<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

“More disturbing was the rumors of Dark Jedi being seen on the battlefield, mostly attacking Mandalorian troops.” Adi spoke up, her own mind racing with everything. “It was concerning since Kenobi had killed one on Naboo.”<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

“Not quite.” Dooku ignored Yoda’s distractions with his glimmer stick. “How the bastard survived I do not know, but reports have come back he’s working with Ventress and is out to get Obi-Wan.”<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

“And no one has told him?” Tholme glanced at his Padawan, not liking how quiet Vos was at the moment. That was never a good sign.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

“It was decided by the Council that he needed to focus on training Anakin.” Mace put it in the best diplomatic way he could. He hadn’t agreed with the decision, but had been outvoted. <\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

“I take it Qui-Gon doesn’t know either.” Tholme crossed his arms over his chest, showing his displeasure.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

“No.” Mace glanced at Vos, who was still quiet \u2026 to quiet. “Quinlan.”<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

“Who was on the committee?” He asked a glance towards Dooku. “The one who after reading your report practically clutched their pearls and screamed ‘someone think of the children’.”<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

“I’m sure it’s listed somewhere.” He frowned not following Vos’ train of thought.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

Quinlan grabbed one of the many readers he had, searching until he found the actual report. “Holy fucking shit, Obi-Wan was right.”<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

“Master Vos.” Mace gestured with his hand. “Like to fill the rest of us in.”<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

“As I stated, Obi-Wan wanted me to check on the Chancellor. He didn’t like how focused he was on Skywalker.” Most of the council grimaced, so it wasn’t just Obi-Wan. “He was concerned now that he was out of the picture, he would have more access to Anakin.”<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

“He has requested Knight Skywalker often to get updates on the war, we’ve always sent someone with him or someone else entirely.” Mundi frowned. “Anakin is gifted, but he’s only been in the war for the past couple of years, and not one to discuss strategy.”<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

“He demanded we make him a General.” Shaak Ti stated, having been very contemplative the whole session.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

“A Master he wanted us to make.” Yoda waved a small hand at Vos. “Continue you should.”<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

“Despite his weird old man obsession with a young boy, a lot of people have been concerned with his rise of power and the fact he’s been elected for a third term and seems to be on a power grab.” Vos was thankful for Bail and Padme for the long talks about politics. “It’s obvious he’s a power hungry creepy politician, but I didn’t think beyond that. Until now.” He held up the pad and shook it a bit. “As I was pulling everything together on how this whole shit storm happened, that included the report from Galidraan. And how shocked would any of us be, to see that a certain Senator from Naboo was on that committee and was the one to call for the repreminds against Mandalore.”<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

Dooku shifted in his chair. “Are you saying he manipulated this whole thing to get power?”<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

“There’s a lot of conjunction and random things that would have had to come about for it all to work.” Ti added, though she was leaning towards there was something more going on.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

“The Banking Clan is funding Death Watch, we all know it.” Vos was flipping through his readers, pulling up evidence as now he knew what to look for. “He was on the committee to regulate the banks, not that it worked. And it was the Trade Federation that attacked his homeworld, that gave him the edge he needed to get elected. The Trade Federation who wanted full access to the Mandalore system, forcing the new Empire to buy their products and their prices, and were pissed Fett married Li who gave them trader connections to the outer rims.”<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

“Even if this was all true, we have no proof.” Mundi pointed out, still not sure about accusing the Chancellor of these misdeeds.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

“And who’s idea was to hand over Obes?” Quinlan asked. “And the moment the boy was on his way to Mandalore, the Chancellor was sniffing around Skywalker.”<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

“Plus we have evidence that Death Watch has been paid to kill Kenobi, the goal likely to start the war back up.” Tholmes dropped the bombshell that they had saved. “Money leads back to the same account that paid them along with the governor of Galidraan.”<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

“I bet if we work hard enough it will all tie back to the Chancellor.”<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

“What is the goal?” Dooku asked, despite the fact he was starting to see the larger implications. <\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

“He’s gained a lot of power,” Adi commented. “And will start to lose it with the war over.”<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

“If we’re not fighting the Mandalorians, we’re back to doing what we’re supposed to do,” Ti added. “Fixing problems instead of causing them.”<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

“This is under the assumption that we’ll want retaliation for Kenobi’s death.” Mundi gave everyone a look. “A Jedi doesn’t not seek revenge. We know Death Watch is a terrorist group, and would not hold the Mand’alor responsible.”<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

“Like we didn’t when Sifo-Dyas was killed?” Tholme gave the Council Member a pointed look. “And we don’t have to want anything, it would be enough for the Chancellor to declare the war back on, and declare Satine Kryze as true ruler of Mandalore, setting off a Civil War within the Empire.”<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

“Guys you’re thinking way too lofty.” Vos folded his arms over his chest. “The Chancellor wouldn’t have to do shit. Death Watch kills Kenobi – Skywalker goes off the rails.” He let that sink in for a moment before the final blow. “And then he can get rid of Mandalore and the Jedi, the only ones who would have the power to stop him from creating his own Empire.”<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

“And how did they take that?” Obi-Wan was curious to see exactly who the Council would handle the situation.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Well let’s just say I was sent on a Mission to blah blah, and no one would question if I ended up on Mandalore, to make sure there was no assassination attempt and looky I did just that.” Quinlan smiled brightly at his friend. “Though on my way here is when I discovered that the Trade Federation is still pissed off about that whole deal with the Outer Rim and planning an invasion.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Wasn’t part of their punishment after Naboo to get rid of the droids?” He shook his head. “Though we all knew they didn’t, I’ve seen them in use a few times since then. Christophsis comes to mind. You know one of those diplomatic missions I went on with Bail to make sure they were loyal to the Republic, as rumors had they were being courted by the Mandalorians. Come to find out they weren’t, more like buying a droid army to gain political power against their citizens.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Can the Mandalroians hold against a droid army?”<\/span><\/p>\n

Obi-Wan contemplated the question for a moment. “They could if they worked with the Jedi.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Obes what is going on in that head of yours?” Quinlan asked with a glee that likely wasn’t healthy for anyone.<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

“You want us to do what?” Kote stared at his ven’riduur as if he was insane. Which he was, he could account for it, considering the plan he came up with when they were escaping Zygerrian slavers.<\/span><\/p>\n

“We’re practically family.” Obi-Wan grinned at the vod. “You’ve vetted Quin’s information. The Trade Federation is going to force an embargo, by blocking all trade in the system. Then launch a landing party to conquer Mandalore, and make you sign a trade agreement, that you will only trade with them, and allow their ships through without any compensation. The Republic isn’t going to do shit about it, because as far as the Senate is concerned Mandalore is its own Empire and can deal with it.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Which is why they aren’t going to send Jedi to help.” Rex pointed out what seemed to be the obvious. “Those di’kuts are likely to sit back and watch the destruction.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Did I mention asking the Republic for anything?” Obi-Wan crossed his arms over his chest, hands disappearing up his robe sleeves.<\/span><\/p>\n

“You said to contact the Jedi.” Wooley stated, glancing around at his vod to make sure he was hearing this insane plan.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Yes. The Jedi, not the Republic.” He looked between the vod, who were all staring at him as if he was insane. “I’m a Jedi. Which means I can call up on my people to help. Considering the last time I dealt with the Trade Federation, I stopped their attack on Naboo and ruined their quest for power, it’s likely they don’t like me very much.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Who have you not pissed off?” Fox asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Quinlan pulled out a tablet and took a moment to look through it. “Well there’s, wait, no you won that scarbac game and took all their money. Oh there’s \u2026 yeah no you stole his fiancee, of course he was an abusive asshole and she was fleeing for her life, but still. Yes, here we go \u2026 oh no he’s a pirate.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“You are an asshole.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“It’s like you know me.”<\/span><\/p>\n

The two glared at each other, which actually got Wooley to snicker, even Rex smiled. “Spoken like true vod.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“So you want us to contact the Jetii and ask them to help us against the Trade Federation?” Kote asked to make sure he was actually following this idea.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Yes.”<\/span><\/p>\n

The two stared at each other, as if having a full conversation without any words. Kote sighed, closed his eyes, and counted to ten. “I’ll go talk to buir.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Take Rex with you, for safety.” Fox called out as Rex followed his ori’vod out of the room. “So now what?”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Have any of you dealt with droid armies?” He asked, knowing that at least Wolffe and Fox had seen battle.<\/span><\/p>\n

“No.” They both shook their heads.<\/span><\/p>\n

“I have.” Wooley actually raised his hands. “So has Boil and Waxer, we were working together on a smaller planet just on the edge of the Mid Rim. We were liberating supplies, when we came upon a group of droid sentinels. It was one of the toughest battles I had ever faced. They just didn’t stop, we ended up blowing the joint quite literally, and made a run for it.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Fox commed Stone to get the two guards into the meeting. “Do we know when they’ll arrive?” He looked over at Quinlan.<\/span><\/p>\n

“My contact will let me know when they make their move. By now it’s gotten back to them that Obi-Wan is still alive, this will escalate fast.” Vos took a deep breath. “It’s possible that dark force users will be involved.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Sith.” Obi-Wan said the word in a way that showed he had said one too many times. “The Council doesn’t want to admit that Maul was a Sith. Xanatos was a Jedi gone rogue, using his abilities for greed and power, making him dark. Maul was a Sith, likely not the Master but he was steeped in darkness.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Is.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Obi-Wan looked at Quinlan, blinking slightly. “What?”<\/span><\/p>\n

Vos sighed hating the fact he was the one who was going to have to tell him. Before he left for his mission, he agreed with Dooku that Obi-Wan needed to know, as did Qui-Gon. He wondered how that conversation went.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Maul survived.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“How the ever living fuck did he survive getting cut in fucking half!” Obi-Wan’s voice rose at least an octave. “I cut him at the waist, both halves fell down the damn incinerator shaft. And why am I just finding this out now!”<\/span><\/p>\n

“You cut a dark user in half?” Wooley sounded impressed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Kix, who had just stepped into the room with Waxer and Boil, stopped midway trying to put together the conversation. “If he got medical treatment instantly, what species was he?”<\/span><\/p>\n

“He’s Zabrak.” Quinlan answered as Obi-Wan was still dealing with the idea that the Sith was still alive. “The footage we have shows him with metal legs. Once the Council dropped that bomb on me, Master Tholme headed out to Dathomir to see if can get any more information. We know he’s working with Ventress.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Wolffe stiffened, there was barely a low growl. “That bitch shows up I’ll kill her myself.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Ahh it would seem others have met the lovely lady.” Quinlan gaze went to the scar on the oldest Fett’s. “There’s rumors of another, but so far no one has seen them.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“What’s the difference between a Sith and a dark user?” Kix tried to get Obi-Wan out of the spiral he was falling into.<\/span><\/p>\n

“A Sith is trained in the dark arts.” He answered almost taking on a lecture type tone. “A dark user is a Jedi who turned against the teachings, and used their powers for personal gain. A dark user can become a Sith, by embracing the teachings of the Sith.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“The use of a red jetii’kad is a sign of a Sith or a Darkuser?” Fox asked as he took notes, as this was first hand knowledge they had never known.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Both, part of falling to the darkside is that they bleed the Kyber Crystal.” He continued with the lecture, falling into a rhythm so he wouldn’t focus on the horror of discovering Maul was not just alive but out for vengeance. The Sith wouldn’t come after Obi-Wan, instead he would go after those he cares for, and that worried him. “Basically focus so much negative energy into the crystal it bleeds causing it to go red. It’s painful to feel the crystal calling out in pain and seeking death.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“That’s horrifying.” Wooley frowned at the idea. “Many times you’ve mentioned how much those crystals mean to a Jedi, that they are sentient to an extent, commune with you – for someone to basically torture it to death is wrong.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Is that why the Darksaber is black?” Fox had always wondered why it wasn’t like the other jetii’kates.<\/span><\/p>\n

“No, it’s a specific Kyber Crystal. In this whole situation, both sides seem to forget that Tarre Vizsla was a Mandalroian Jedi. Hence he created the Darksaber. Myth and legend has been passed down, to the point of who controls it, runs Mandalore. Except you can’t control it, you have to work with it. Fighting with a lightsaber is not the same as a sword. You need to be trained with one to understand how to use it.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Jango stormed into the room, heading directly for Obi-Wan. Quinlan’s hand went to his lightsaber, but his friend held out his hand to stop him.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Jetii didn’t flinch as the Mand’alor stalked straight towards him. He simply crossed his arms over his chest, hands disappearing into the sleeves, and held his ground. Jango settled in front of him seething in anger, wanting nothing but to strike. He wasn’t sure exactly what Jango had against him, if it was personal or the fact he represented the Jetii who were the ‘enemy’.<\/span><\/p>\n

“If it would make you feel better, go ahead and hit me.” Obi-Wan’s voice was controlled, his gaze steady and deadly. “You’ll get a free one, make it count.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“You think I’ll allow Jetii on this planet.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“I think you’ll do what is right for Mandalore, to protect your aliit.” He answered calmly, which seemed to piss Jango off more. “This is beyond some bullshit that happened twenty years ago. This is the invasion of your Empire. If you refuse the help of the Jetii, because of your ego, then you’re not the Mand’alor I thought you were.”<\/span><\/p>\n

The room was deathly silent. Everyone knew they were on a cusp of something, just not sure what that something was or how it was going to play out.<\/span><\/p>\n

Jango’s eyes narrowed, his fist unclenched from around the hilt of the Darksaber as he stepped back. Obi-Wan nodded, then pulled his arms out from his robes, the barely widened eyes showed Jango’s shock when he saw the jetii’kad in his hands.<\/span><\/p>\n

“That was your only chance, Mand’alor Fett.” Obi-Wan gave him a small cheeky grin. “You come at me again, we’ll see who has the Darksaber afterwards. Though what is it about me, that just sets you off?”<\/span><\/p>\n

“You’re not what I thought you would be.” Jango answered honestly. “I was informed you were a scholar, a diplomat, which lets be honest the Fett family could use a diplomat.” That got a few snorts from the vod in the room. “I expected you would be happy in the library, doing what you geeks do. Yet you challenged me the moment you walked in that door.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“He has a way of doing that.” Quinlan huffed slightly. “You are right Mand’alor, Obes is a scholar prefers the library, the amount of times I had to drag him out of the Archives was insane, but as you’re learning he’s more than that.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Jango nodded. “I put my own experiences with Li, and figured you would be the same. Ironically, you are more like her than I thought. She was very protective of her aliit, and didn’t mind calling me on my osik.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Obi-Wan gave him a small smile. “I’m sure that is a very high compliment and will take it as one.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Jaster may have lost ten years of his already long life. “Jango next time just fuck him.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“He’s my ven’riduur.” Kote growled at his buir. Jango gave him a sharp look, but Kote refused to back down. “Can we actually start planning a defense?”<\/span><\/p>\n

“How soon before we can get any of your Jetii here? Preferably the ones who have seen battle.” It was a slight dig on the fact Kenobi had not fought in any of the battles against Mandalorians.<\/span><\/p>\n

Kote snorted. “Did you miss the smack down he gave to Vizsla and members of Death Watch?”<\/span><\/p>\n

Fox outright laughed. “I’ve been waiting to drop this particular piece of information since I discovered it. Remember Melidaan, the war weary veterans you insulted.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Jango frowned at his second oldest, the two of them never got along. The kid was too much like him, yet so much like his mother. “Admittingly not my finest hour, but in my sad defense the war had barely ended twenty years ago, and normally one doesn’t expect children to be warriors.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“When they are the only ones who are willing to end the cycle of war and destruction, they do what they must.” Obi-Wan’s smile was sad yet challenging.<\/span><\/p>\n

Jango’s focused back on him. “And how would you know?”<\/span><\/p>\n

“He was one of their General’s, at the ripe age of twelve.” Fox’s tone showed his disdain, if it was for the situation or towards Jango no one was sure.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Obes has more military background than most of the Jedi. The Chancellor had tried to order him into the field a few times, but no one wanted to cross a Wookie Mind Healer who takes their patients’ mental health seriously. Not pretty.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“We should probably thank her.” Jaster commented dryly from the sidelines. He had wondered if the mind healer would be showing up on Mandalore to cause havoc, as it seemed Kenobi’s aliit were damn loyal. As loyal as the vod was to Kote.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Actually you should thank me.” Quinlan grinned in a way that usually meant they would be jumping out of a window to escape a bar fight. “I annoyed his Padawan until he went off, getting both of them into therapy. If it wasn’t for me, Obes would likely be highly suppressed and would’ve already taken over Mandalore.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“You are not helping.” Obi-Wan glared at his friend, then sighed. “Can we focus on the situation at hand.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“How many Jetii can help?” Kote ignored his aliit, and focused on the situation at hand. “And, are they willing to work with Mandalorian troops?”<\/span><\/p>\n

“We’re good at putting our personal emotions to the side to get things done,” Quinlan simply stated.<\/span><\/p>\n

“How many Jetii?” Rex asked, already putting units together in his head. “Once we know, we can start to figure out which teams would work best with which Jetii. I’ve seen you guys fight, and one Jetii with a strong Mandalorian unit would be hard to beat. Even against those clankers.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“We have two already here\u2026” Fox started.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Three.” Wolffe spoke up, holding his ground when everyone but the two Jetii looked at him. “Buir Koon is a Jetii. He saved Stinker, Boost and I from Ventress. It was his healing skills that saved my life, instead I only lost my eye.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Four.” Kix smirked at the sudden looks, noticing that the Jetii didn’t seem that surprised. “I’ve been having many conversations with Healer Bant, she arrived yesterday with a freighter filled with medical supplies. She figured we were going to need them.” He gave a pointed look at Quinlan, who only smirked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Kote wasn’t sure if he wanted to laugh or cry. “Are there any others hidden away?”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Don’t look at me.” Obi-Wan shrugged, throwing his hands up. “Though if I was betting man, I would say at least \u2026 ” he started muttering names and counting them out on his fingers “… at least four could be hiding.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Jango glanced at his buir. “I just want to state this was your idea.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Jaster broke out into a beaming smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

Come to find out four was a low estimate.<\/span><\/p>\n

Qui-Gon Jinn had opened up a small shop in the marketplace, selling odds and ends without anyone noticing. His daily walk from his small room to the stall, went right by the Palace Gardens, and at times he would have his morning tea on a rooftop, watching his Padawan during his meditations.<\/span><\/p>\n

Obi-Wan was impressed. His Master had never been subtle. He had been happy to see him, settled into his warm embrace for a few moments, letting the anxiety flow off of him. The two had talked over tea, almost treating like the past six months had been a ‘mission’ and he was being debriefed. He thought at one point his Master was going to go after Jango personally, but after a few calming breaths, even Jinn saw that this situation was the will of the Force.<\/span><\/p>\n

Qui-Gon ended up talking with Wooley and Wolffe about the droid armies, as he was the only Jedi, outside Obi-Wan, who had the most experience with the clankers, as the vod had started to call them. Qui hadn’t even blinked at Plo, the two chatted as if they had seen each other a few days earlier.<\/span><\/p>\n

Knowing both Masters, they likely had been having tea for the past few weeks.<\/span><\/p>\n

Aayla Secura, refused to be left behind, knowing full well what trouble her Master was capable of getting into. She had always loved working in the creche, and knew that being amongst a population’s children was one way to learn about the culture. So she got a job in one of the smaller schools, teaching self defense. Without trying she had three suitors, only one caught her attention: Bly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Jango had not been impressed that his nephew had started courting a Jedi. Fox, quite literally, pointed to Kote and Obi-Wan, hands waving and everything. Jango had tried to glare, but after everything that had transpired in the past few days, a small smile broke out.<\/span><\/p>\n

Quinlan, on the other hand, was upset that his best friend and Padawan were getting all the hot Mandalorians. So he kicked up the flirting with Fox. The bets around the palace were outrageous, ranging to see if Quinlan would get his hands under the armour, or if Fox would shoot him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Obi-Wan hedged his bets by stating both.<\/span><\/p>\n

Garen had been in and out of the city as a trade pilot. He was flying goods from the outer rim, into Mandalore, making deals with the traders and bureaucrats who kept the port running. Ended up becoming good friends with Oddball, one of the Mandalorians top pilots. They ended up working on a few supply runs, including hijacking a trade federation convoy. Oddball only shrugged stating it was obvious the guy was a Jetii. No one pulled off those stunts without some help or a healthy dose of insanity.<\/span><\/p>\n

Luminera was on vacation with her ‘daughter’, Bariss. The two were enjoying a six week holiday learning about new cultures. End up talking with Gree, who was an educator at one of the Universities. At one point Bariss forgot they were supposed to be checking on Obi-Wan and got wrapped up in her studies. Luminera took the opportunity to learn the culture and language, and once she got the time to sit with her crechemate, was understanding what he had been advocating all these years.<\/span><\/p>\n

Jaster didn’t seem all that shocked about Plo, a bit weary but it was as if everything suddenly made sense. In a rare show of open defiance, Wolffe informed Jango that if he made a threatening step against his buir, there would be words.<\/span><\/p>\n

‘You’ll try to claim the Darksaber?’ He gave his oldest a contemplative look, wondering if Li’s manipulations to make sure Kote inherited would not come to fruition.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

‘No. I don’t want that damn thing.’ Wolffe shook his head, with a soft snort. ‘I’ll let Fox at you, then we’ll plot to make sure Kote deals with the political bullshit.’ <\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

Master Tholme just showed up in Jaster’s office one day, introduced himself and promptly apologized for everything that was Quinlan Vos. They two had drank shig for hours, discussing stubborn ade and how to fix this whole farce so everyone could just get some damn sleep.<\/span><\/p>\n

The shocking one was finding Padme, who at least was smart enough to leave her husband at home. Though her assistant, a young Tortuga was sneaky, snarky and seemed to make friends with Rex quickly.<\/span><\/p>\n

‘Senator.’ Obi-Wan gave her a hard look, though she ignored it. ‘What brings you to Mandalore?’<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

‘I’m on a diplomatic mission from Naboo.’ She smiled brightly, soothing down the skirt of her over the top outfits that showcased Naboo style. He was sure there were at least three weapons under the layers. ‘The Queen sent me to discuss a possible deal with Mand’alor Fett. Rumor has it that the Trade Federation is looking for more power, and has their eyes set on Mandalore. Now if you ask me, it’s a stupid endeavor, but we all know that Viceroy Nute Gunray will never be the brains of the situation.’<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

‘And what does the Queen of Naboo want with the Mand’alor, and what is she willing to give for it?’ He gave her a contemplative look, ignoring that his grandpadawan was a few feet off to the side in an animated conversation with Rex, who was laughing lightly. It was more emotion he had seen from Kote’s vod, and it was a good look on him.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

‘As you know the Republic gave the Trade Federation a slap on the wrist for their invasion of Naboo. The Chancellor didn’t want to look vindictive.’ Her tone and look indicated she had more to say about that particular situation but moved on. ‘The Republic may have let him off with a warning, but Naboo actually still has a warrant out for his arrest. The Queen felt that if he was stupid enough to invade Mandalore, then we could bring up the fact there’s a warrant, which comes with a bounty. If by any chance a Mandalorian gets a hold of the Viceroy and hands him over, Naboo would gladly pay the reward.’<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

‘I take this bounty, was paid in advance?’<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

‘Well we couldn’t be seen paying anyone to hunt down the Viceroy, but considering there’s a treaty in play between the Mandalorian Empire and the Republic – it didn’t mean that Naboo as an independent planet couldn’t aid another planet with weapons.’<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

‘Does your husband know where you are?’<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

‘On a special mission for the Queen of Naboo.’<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

‘Does he know you stole his Padawan?’<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

Padme glanced over at Ashoka cringing slightly. ‘I had no intention of bringing her, she snuck onto my ship and I didn’t realize it until we were already half way here. Sadly, it meant I had to call Anakin, who freaked out when he couldn’t find her, ranting about how you were going to hunt him down for losing his Padawan.’<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

‘Tell me Anakin isn’t on his way\u2026’<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

‘I told him not to, but well you know how he is.’ She closed her eyes and sighed. ‘Besides it would be good for him to see you alive and not locked up in some tower.’<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

Obi-Wan pinched the bridge of his nose, this was not a complication he needed. <\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

‘You asked for help, he would’ve come anyway.’ She pointed out, frowning slightly.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

He gave her a disappointed look, there were times Padme was too naive for the position of power she was in, and circumstances she had lived through. ‘I asked the Jedi, not the Republic. You must know the Republic wants to see Mandalore destroyed, so they can put their puppet in place.’<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

‘Satine isn’t the monster\u2026’<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

‘Look around Padme.’ He waved his arms around the area. ‘Notice the difference between Satine’s New Mandalorians and the citizens here.’ <\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

She nodded, having instantly noticed the diverse culture.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

‘Ironic that the pacifist wants the Republic to overthrow a government so she can take over. Also, how does she feel about you handing them weapons so they can capture the man who invaded your planet.’<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

Padme grimaced but had to admit Obi-Wan was right. ‘The Republic has no say in the situation.’<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

‘Yeah like that’s stopped them before.’ He shook his head, then held out his arms, smiling when she hugged him. ‘This isn’t going to be good, and I wish you were safe.’<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

‘I’ll actually stay back in the palace, with Ashoka.’ She stepped back giving him a smile.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

‘That my dear, I do not believe!’<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

Mace sent a message that they had snagged Anakin before he did something stupid, and were on their way to Mandalore, as far as anyone was concerned a group of Jedi were heading for the outer rim on a humanitarian mission.<\/span><\/p>\n

Obi-Wan hid back in his room. The fact Cody was with him, calmed him down. It was the first time they had been alone with each other in days.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Your aliit is very protective.” Cody glanced at his cyare who was meditating by the window. “Ba’buir finally gave in and laughed at the audacity of how many have been living in Sundari these past months and no one knew. Buir is horrified and oddly impressed. Family is important to him, and the fact your aliit broke the rules and descended into Sundari to make sure you were safe, impressed him. Though you staring him down as he charged in like an angry gundark helped.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Gundarks are less scary.” Obi-Wan commented from his position on the pillow.<\/span><\/p>\n

“He asked me how I was handling the situation.” He enjoyed watching Ben meditate, in a way it calmed him. “I told him we had more in common than we expected, and we’re finding a solid ground.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“I’m pretty sure he thinks we’re fucking.” He sighed and opened his eyes, focusing on the present. “He wouldn’t be wrong.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“I doubt he’s thinking we’ve been together for ten years.” Cody got off the couch, and settled in front of Ben. “I think Fox is starting to suspect. Quin is not helping, the amount of hints he’s dropped is astounding. The fact no one has picked up on them, is even more astounding. Wooley thinks we’re a romance novel, that we’re falling in love despite being forced together.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Are you happy?”<\/span><\/p>\n

Cody’s head tilted, as he was studying his cyare. “Where is this coming from?”<\/span><\/p>\n

“We met when you were fifteen, in the worst situation imaginable.” Ben sighed, releasing the negative emotions that had been circling, or trying to. “We met again five years later, taking out a spice ring. We went from tolerating each other to escape, then to reluctant partners, and straight to lovers.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“I loved you the moment we met,” Cody admitted. “You were adorable, cute, snarky, sassy, a di’kut, smart, and passionate. Everything I wanted in a partner, then I found out you were a Jetii. For a hormonal teenager who just got sold into slavery, it sucked. You were the enemy, yet at the same time you weren’t.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“You never told me that.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Like I said, a hormonal teenager. We agreed to work together, and as I got to know you my feelings just got stronger. I knew it wasn’t going to work, there was so much against us. I fully expected never to see you again. You would always be a fantasy for those dark nights.” And he had a few hot fantasies, none of them lived up to the real thing. “Then suddenly there you were. Leaning against the bar, flirting with the bartender for information, looking like a pirate. Damn those pants looked good on you.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Still have them.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Please tell me you packed them.”<\/span><\/p>\n

They both laughed lightly. “The feelings were still there, but as we worked to take down the spice ring, they became stronger, more solid on a better foundation. I wasn’t a hormonal teenager, and I still wanted you, and hated that we couldn’t be together.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Why did you kiss me?” He had always wondered what had inspired Cody to take the chance.<\/span><\/p>\n

The slave ring had been destroyed, the daughter of an influential family that had gone missing found and on her way back home. It was the reason he had been sent on the mission, even though Qui-Gon had been recovering and Anakin was still adjusting. Bail had asked him as a favor to find the young girl, for a friend of his.<\/span><\/p>\n

“I wanted to.” He smiled remembering the moment. “We were in sync through the whole fight, easily shifted and moved around each other, as if we had fought countless battles together. Then to watch you light the place up burning everything to the ground, with that self satisfied smirk, had me wanting to take you right then and there. But to finish it off, afterwards when you were so kind and caring to the young woman, who just cried in joy and relief. When you got her to safety, you had this small smile, I knew that was the real you. So I pulled off my buy’ce and kissed you, I never expected you to kiss me back.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“I believed that weekend would be it.” Obi-Wan gave him a soft smile. “I had Anakin to train, the war was escalating, there was no way we could maintain a relationship.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Yet they had, beyond all expectations.<\/span><\/p>\n

“I knew you were it for me, and made you swear to meet me again, to not let politics get in the way.” Cody took Ben’s hands into his own. “We agreed to meet six months later. I figured you wouldn’t show, but I had hoped, so I went anyway.”<\/span><\/p>\n

He laughed lightly. “Thought the same thing. And there you were, in the middle of a bar fight.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Was not my fault.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Sure it wasn’t dear.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Cody leaned forward and kissed him lightly. “I was terrified I would see you on the battlefield. I honestly wasn’t sure how I would handle it. But I never did, it took me a few years to realize no one had ever seen you on the field.”<\/span><\/p>\n

It was when he discovered more about his cyare’s history. He had opened up, told him about his aliit but left out details as not wanting Ben to see him as Fett’s ade, but as Cody. Over the decade they met at least twice a year, or tried to. The one year they didn’t get a chance to meet was one of the worst, he had been worried sick about Ben. Later he learned Ben had been on Umbara, trying to stop a civil war from breaking out, and ended up facing a Jedi who had gone dark.<\/span><\/p>\n

When the two of them had been reunited, Ben had new scars as did Cody. He had ended up tangling with Ventress, it was the skills he learned from Ben that had him walking away with just the scar around his eye. Seemed she had a thing for blinding Mandalorians. The two curled up with each other and just held on, both relieved the other was okay, yet terrified of losing the other.<\/span><\/p>\n

But they got up and did their duties.<\/span><\/p>\n

It was the last battle, where they almost lost Rex and Jaster, which had sent Jango to make peace, and Cody to ask Ben to leave with him. He knew Ben’s ade had been Knighted, and there was nothing holding either of them back.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Mhi solus tome, mhi solus dar’tome, mhi me’dinui an, mhi ba’juri verde<\/i>.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben startled slightly, then smiled brightly. He leaned over and cupped Cody’s cheek, then pulled him into a Kedable Kiss. “Mhi solus tome, mhi solus dar’tome, mhi me’dinui an, mhi ba’juri verde<\/i> “<\/span><\/p>\n

Cody laughed, kissed him deeply then stood pulling his riduur with him. The next kiss deepened, quickly became passionate. Ben pulled back slightly, giving him a sassy grin. “Let’s see how oblivious your vod are, and take me to bed.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Cody didn’t have to be told twice.<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

The first droid ships appeared in the atmosphere two weeks sooner than they had expected, yet they had been ready. Garen, along with Oddball had given them much needed Intel of where the Trade Federation had been lurking. They had been sniffing around sections of the Mid Rim, and Outer Rim hoping to become more dominant in the Trade Routes. Especially since most of the planets in that area were not part of the Republic and couldn’t seek help. They discovered, quickly, that many of the planets had aligned with the Mandalorian Empire, so for them to take root in the area they had to tackle Mandalore.<\/span><\/p>\n

“We’re talking about an invasion force.” Qui-Gon commented as they all stood in the war room, going over the plans. “There are thousands of droids. The only way we stopped them in Naboo was because Anakin accidentally took out the droid ship.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“I can do it again.” Anakin shrugged, it wasn’t that hard.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Except they learned their lesson from being taken out by a ten year old.” Obi-Wan commented, giving his Padawan a pointed look. “So now they travel with at least two, and a third most of the time is lurking somewhere within range but out of sight. So if some kid, who wasn’t supposed to be in a ship in the first place, crashes into the droid ship and accidently shoots their core. It won’t bring their whole army to a halt.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“You make it sound like a bad thing.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Obi-Wan just stared at his Padawan, then focused on the task on hand. “As Qui-Gon stated this isn’t a small invasion, they are going full scale. With the advanced droids this will not be easy. You must understand, they will not stop. They don’t feel fear, just follow the objective.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“How do we get them to stop?” Kote asked, glancing over at his riduur. The two of them had discussed a variety of battle plans over the years. Gone over old battles, to see what could’ve been done differently to showcase other outcomes. He knew Obi-Wan was a brilliant strategist, he saw the larger picture, while Kote was exceptional at getting shit done. They made a good team, and for once they were on the same side. He smirked slightly, “besides sending insane pilots?”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Each Mandalorian unit needs a Jetii with them.” Obi-Wan leaned over the table to point out the locations the droid landing crafts were likely to touchdown. “The Jetii can keep the verde safe while they use every inch of fire power, including heavy blasters, and droid poppers. The Droideka’s have shields and you need to get right on them, same with the tanks. There should be a group of pilots to go after the droid ships, and even a boarding party to get to the Viceroy, he won’t make the same mistake of being planetside.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“He would likely get shot a lot faster.” Fox commented with a snarl. “Why didn’t you shoot him back then?”<\/span><\/p>\n

“He was to be brought to justice.” Qui-Gon rolled his eyes. “He’s figuring he’ll get away with this invasion with no one to stop him.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Nothing but Mandalorians.” Wolffe’s grin was wicked.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Working with Jedi.” Mace’s own smirk matched.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Dangerous combination.” Plo put a hand on his ade shoulder giving it a squeeze.<\/span><\/p>\n

“And why do you think the Republic never wanted us as friends?” Obi-Wan gave everyone a bored look. “The Viceroy is an di’kut and is not running the show, so be prepared for the Sith to be in the midst of the fighting. Do not engage, let the Jetii handle it.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“A few of us owe Ventress.” Stinker growled low and deadly.<\/span><\/p>\n

“I’m sure this Maul is going to be in the midst of it.” Fox focused on Obi-Wan. “Are you ready?”<\/span><\/p>\n

“We are.” Vos answered before Obes could. “He’s not going anywhere without me.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Kote frowned, his goal had been to stay close to Ben, he knew they worked well together.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Take Waxer and Boil with you.” Jaster added to the planning session. “They’ve already fought with Obi-Wan so have some idea of how to work with the two of you. Kote stays close to us, as I’m sure Vizsla is going to use this as a distraction.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Jango snarled. “He’ll go the cowardly way out and have one of the dark users fight for him.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Should we keep a Jetti at the command center?” Fox suggested, glancing at the few that were in the background.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Qui-Gon will be staying at the Command Center.” Mace stated glancing over at his friend. “He’s a damn good fighter, but better on his own than leading a team of Mandalorians.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“What he’s trying to say is my Master has a problem of running ahead.” Obi-Wan gave Jinn a look, who took it with ease, but didn’t quite disagree. “He’ll be able to handle a dark user.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“It’s just not droids you’re going to have to watch.” Jango spoke up. “Death Watch will be in the midst of using the destruction to wreak havoc, especially on the citizens. The Dome and shields will hold external barrage from the clankers, but Kyr’tsad will infiltrate.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Jetii Luminare and Baris will be working with Fox’s men on protecting the city.” Rex glanced over to the Jedi who returned a nod. “Along with the Senator and Ashoka.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Ashoka looked ready to argue, but the glare she got from her Master, Grandmaster, and great Grandmaster was enough for her to not say anything \u2026 yet.<\/span><\/p>\n

“I want everyone to be prepared.” Jango glanced over at his ade, all standing by a Jetii, ready for battle. “Mandalore will not fall to those demogokla’s of the Trade Federation or fall into place for the Republic. This has gone on to long, and it’s time to show the fire power of an alliance between Mandalorians and the Jetiiese.”<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

Bly stood next to Aayla looking out onto the valley, watching as more and more droids matched towards the city. They had already taken out one battalion, by blowing the ridge and crushing them under the rocks. The tanks had survived and had blown the debris clear for the next wave of clankers.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Any ideas?” he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Finding out the teacher, he had started to court, was a Jetii at first had been devastating. Bly couldn’t believe that she was one of the enemy, Aayla was kind, had a wicked sense of humor, and could kick serious shebs. Ponds was the one who told him he would be an di’kut if he walked away, and pointed out their cousin was marrying a Jetii, so why not him.<\/span><\/p>\n

“I can lure them towards the canyon entrance, straight towards your men.” She pointed out the location. “I’ll jump down, rile them up and lead them into the trap.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Jump down the cliff?” Bly stared at her in disbelief.<\/span><\/p>\n

Aayla gave him a grin, leaned over, kissed him on the cheek, pulled her lightsaber and jumped.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Got yourself a wild one there.”<\/span><\/p>\n

He glared at his second, then shoved on his buy’ce, rounded up his men, and charged after her.<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

Rex glanced over the barricade to the group of droids that were heading directly for the Command Center. He couldn’t believe he was working with Skywalker, the two had tangled in a few battles, which usually ended with a fast retreat from either side. Skywalker didn’t quite have the finesse as the other Jetii, and was not a military tactician, as matter of fact he was brute force. The first time they ended facing off, Rex had barely got his men out of the area and to safety. The second time, he countered the full frontal assault by sending Domino Squad straight for his blind spot on the right side. Skywalker, not prepared for the assault, lost a portion of his men before fleeing.<\/span><\/p>\n

And now he was next to the guy, staring over a barricade, down at a bunch of clankers, arguing about the best tactical response.<\/span><\/p>\n

“I say we just head straight at them.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Shocking.” Rex muttered, giving the Jetii a side-eye that he couldn’t see.<\/span><\/p>\n

“I faced you didn’t I?” Anakin looked up at the Jaig Eyes on Rex’s helmet. He knew the helmet, and had seen it a few times. “You kicked my ass.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Twice.” He shifted slightly, taking a more lay of the land.<\/span><\/p>\n

He knew the area, it was one of the valleys that they would come and do field maneuvers. The planet had a wide variety of open areas, just most of it was dead, desolate and inhabitable. Supposedly part of the deal buir had made, was that the Jetii Core that dealt with Agriculture would help rebuild, Rex wondered if that would happen now they were ‘friends’. Hell he wondered if Kenobi and Kote still had to marry, it would be something to discuss \u2026 later.<\/span><\/p>\n

“The clankers are heading directly towards the command post.” Rex noticed, it wasn’t a good situation. “It’s pretty much an open field between here and the outcrop of rocks the post is nested into.” He paused, glanced at Skywalker, then grinned. Maybe frontal assault would work nicely. “How about you do your crazy Jetii thing, while we come up the flank and rear to take as many of these clankers out as we can.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Skyguy is a good distraction. I can assist Rex and his team, make sure they have cover while going after the tanks.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Both men looked at each other, then turned their heads to see Ahsoka settled next to them. “How the fuck?!”<\/span><\/p>\n

Ahsoka rolled her eyes. “Like I was going to get left behind.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Obi-Wan is going to skin me.” Anakin gave his Padawan a hard look. “No really, he is. The one thing he made me promise was never to have you on the battlefield. ‘Anakin no child should learn by trial of fire in battle. You already understand the horrors of war and slavery, do not inflict that on your Padawan.’ And he was right, there was a reason I never took you on missions the Chancellor sent me on.”<\/span><\/p>\n

She looked slightly sheepish, but not repentant.<\/span><\/p>\n

“The Chancellor sent you out?” Rex asked casually. He had talked with Kote a few times about Kenobi’s history and a few things Fox had learned.<\/span><\/p>\n

“After I was Knighted, he pushed to make me a General.” He shook his head, frowning slightly. “I thought at first I could be the hero with no fear, save the galaxy and end this war, but reality set in pretty quickly. After my first battle, I thanked Obi-Wan for giving me the skills, yet let me grow up. So it was no problem for me to swear never to take Ahsoka to battle \u2026 yet here she is.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“You need me, Skyguy.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“No, I don’t Snips.” He argued back but knew sending her back was pointless. “I’ll let you deal with Obi-Wan’s disappointed look.” Anakin took a moment, letting his senses reach out towards the group of droids, trying to figure out the best option, when he felt a dark presence. “We have a bigger problem.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“What?” Rex looked down using the HUD on his buy’ce to focus tighter onto the group, cursing when he saw the Sith. “I don’t recognize him.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Anakin had to stop every instinct to grab his lightsaber and jump into the fight. “Rex, contact the command center, and tell Qui-Gon that Xanatos is not just alive but heading his way. In the meantime, let’s take out as many clankers as we can.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Who the fuck is Xanatos?” He asked while sending a message to Kote, barely having time to signal the men as Skywalker moved over the barricade and went for a frontal assault. “Fucking insane Jetii.” He glanced at the kid. “You’re Master is batshit.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Yeah.” She gave him a smile then followed him down into the fight.<\/span><\/p>\n

“I thought it would be less stressful fighting with them.” Fives commented as he locked and loaded his weapon. “Though I have to admit this is way more fun!”<\/span><\/p>\n

Rex sighed, pulled his guns, stood and made sure none of the di’kuts were killed.<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

Plo openly carried his lightsaber for the first time in a decade. He had never got rid of it, instead hid it away for protection. It felt good to have it back in his hands, like coming home to an old friend. These past months, having Obi-Wan nearby, the ability to meditate and feel another Jedi had soothed shattered edges of his consciousness. He hadn’t realized how tired and strained his connection to the Force had been, having to stay hidden.<\/span><\/p>\n

Wolffe, Stinker, and Boost were next to him, along with other members of Wolffe’s security team. When a few of them had shown their displeasure that Koon was a Jedi, Wolffe reminded them why he bore that name. He had placed a hand on his ade’s shoulder, soothing him until he calmed down. The men were allowed to be upset over the deception. He apologized for lying, but made sure they understood that he would do no harm to those under his care.<\/span><\/p>\n

A few quit the Security Team, which Wolffe was thankful for as he didn’t trust them being near his buir. The rest were loyal and now follow them into battle.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Never thought I would be following a Jetii into battle.” Boost stated with his weapon raised as they moved carefully over the terrain.<\/span><\/p>\n

They had Intel that Ventress was orchestrating an attack on Sundari. Most of the security team, along with some of Fox’s Palace Guard were setting up a perimeter in and around the city, working with many Mandalorians who lived in the city. No one was just going to let invaders walk into their city.<\/span><\/p>\n

“I feel honored that you would fight at my side.” Plo gave his boys a nod. “Let me handle Ventress.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Buir I will not let her hurt you, and I owe her.” Wolffe’s growl was low and deadly.<\/span><\/p>\n

“How adorable to see a Jedi with their pets.” Ventress stood on a nearby boulder, sneering at the small team. “Should’ve killed you when I had a chance.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Plo moved into a defense position, his sons behind him in a protective circle. “I will give you time to surrender.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Not on your life.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Then it will be yours.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Plo ignited his lightsaber, taking the blunt of her attack.<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

Obi-Wan was not surprised Maul was playing with them. The Sith had pretty much screamed into the Force, his location. He was thankful Quinlan was by his side, as much as he hated his friend was in danger. The Shadow glanced over and gave him a half smirk and a quick nod. He felt Quinlan’s presence, their bond settling around both of them.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Fox I have no doubt your pure tenacity would hold against the enemy, but Maul is a Sith, do not engage.” Obi-Wan glanced over to his now ori’vod, not that anyone knew that he and Kote had actually gotten married. When this whole thing was done, he was looking forward to just dropping the bomb on everyone that they had been lovers for years, and now married with kids. Not that they had officially adopted Din and little Grogu.<\/span><\/p>\n

Speaking of his future ade, both were andament to fight with him.<\/span><\/p>\n

“It’s not your place.” Obi-Wan knelt down to focus on Din, who was holding Grogu’s hand. Both didn’t look happy being left behind. “I’m sure you will be a fine warrior, but you are still a child.” Din’s eyes narrowed in stubbornness. He could almost hear Kote in his head claiming Din was Obi-Wan’s ade. He changed tactics, before the two followed them out into the battle. “I need you to protect Grogu, he’s too young to be in the middle of war.”<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

Din glanced down to his ade, then nodded. “This is the way.”<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

“I will do everything I can to come back.” He knew not to promise to come back, as he had no idea of the horrors that the battle may entail. <\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

“Do or do not, there is no try.” Din gave him a pointed look, which just made Quinlan laugh hysterically.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

Obi-Wan smiled as he pulled both ad’ikas into his arms and held them tight. “Defend each other.”<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

It was hard walking away, almost worse than parting from Cody. They had only a few moments privately, and that was only thanks to Quinlan who blocked everyone to give them a moment. <\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

They held onto each other tightly. “When this is over, we’re announcing our marriage and add in the fact we’ll be raising Mandalorian Jetii.” Kote wiped the tears from Obi-Wan’s cheek. “I’m sure Fox has a betting pool going on somewhere.”<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

“I get 20% of his winnings, we have an understanding.” He traced the scar, before kissing Kote deeply and stepping back. “Ni kar’tayl gar darasuum.” <\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

“Ni kar’tayl gar darasuum.” Kote then gave him a pointed look. “K’oyacyi!”<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

Ob<\/i>i-Wan responded with a smirk. “Ib’tuur jatne tuur ash’ad kyr’am.” With a last look, he made his way to Quinlan, and the two set out to find Maul<\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n

“I’ll shoot the asshole in the face.” Fox shrugged, ignoring the eye roll from the two guards.<\/span><\/p>\n

“That’s kinda hot.” Quinlan winked at him.<\/span><\/p>\n

“How do you put up with him?” Fox glanced at Obi-Wan.<\/span><\/p>\n

“The same way you put up with your vod,” he shrugged. “With love, devotion and a healthy dose of ignoring the bullshit.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Fox sighed. “So what is the plan?”<\/span><\/p>\n

“The plan is to kill the bastard. Make it stick this time as it didn’t take the last time.” Obi-Wan grumbled as they moved across the terrain, avoiding the clankers.<\/span><\/p>\n

“We can get up to the high ground, and set up a long ranger sniper.” Waxer suggested. “Boil is quite talented at taking out the enemy from a distance.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Are you the Sniper the Republic practically put out a hit on?” Quinlan asked, quite impressed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Waxer frowned slightly. “That was Longshot, we lost him about five years ago, though Crosshair was just about good, had less of a conscience as his predecessor.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“That explains a few things.” Vos paused, hand reaching out to Obi-Wan. “Hold on.” He pulled off one of his gloves and gently touched the rocks, he yanked his hand back and shivered at the onslaught.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Quin?” Obi-Wan laid a hand on his friend’s arm sending warmth through their Bond. “What did you see?”<\/span><\/p>\n

“So much hatred.” He shook his head trying to shake off the hatred dripping with disdain, pain, with everything on the verge of insanity. “He reeks of it. He blames you for all of his suffering.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“What just happened?” Fox asked, not liking how pale Vos was.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Quinlan has the ability of psychometry, basically he can feel emotions, by touching items of people.” Obi-Wan explained offhandedly while he took care of his friend. “It’s a rare gift for a Jetii, and not an easy one to handle. Hence he always wears the gloves.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Fox frowned, taking a step closer to the Jetii. “Maul came through here, and he was able to feel him by touching the rocks?”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Yeah.” Quinlan gave him a half smile as he put his glove back on. “And he’s a pissed off angry Sith.”<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

“I’ve got a bad feeling about this.” Kote kept his DC-15 at his side as he scanned the perimeter.<\/span><\/p>\n

“You have obviously gotten to know my Padawan well these past few months.” Qui-Gon gave the young man a quick glance before focusing on the open field that was now filled with clankers.<\/span><\/p>\n

Kote ignored the comment. “Why do you think they are just standing there?”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Waiting for orders.” He closed his eyes, reaching out with the Force only to pause when he felt an old presence. “Stay here.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Where the fuck are you \u2026 ” The Jetii was gone before Kote could finish the sentence. “Well now I know where the di’kut got his di’kut tendencies!”<\/span><\/p>\n

‘KOTE!’ Rex screamed through the comms. “First off, there’s a huge group of clankers heading your way.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Got them vod, they are just standing there. Jinn just took off after something, what I do not know.” He took a few steps back, noticing Thire and Stone, taking point. Fox made sure his best men were at Kote’s side, as back up.<\/span><\/p>\n

‘According to Skywalker there’s a dark user or Sith, I don’t know, who goes by Xanatos. He said to warn Jinn. Also we got Ahsoka with us. Don’t ask. She’s as bad as her Master.’<\/span><\/p>\n

Kote sighed heavily. ‘Keep the di’kuts alive. K’oyacyi.’<\/span><\/p>\n

‘Back at you!’<\/span><\/p>\n

He turned to Thire and Stone. “Prepare the perimeter and check our long range firepower. Take as many of those clankers out as possible before they get too close.” The two nodded following his orders, yet continued to stay close.<\/span><\/p>\n

Kote stepped into the make shift command center. “We got clankers out front, and Jinn took off after a dark user.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Wolffe has reported contact with Ventress.” Jaster added to the conversation, looking down at the holo table, adding in all the information they were getting from multiple battles. “At the moment Koon seems to be holding his own, while the Wolffe Pack is dealing with the clankers. They have kept them isolated in their section.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Bly reported two battalions destroyed.” Jango pointed towards the cliff faces in the North. “Might be clearing up debris and droid parts for a few decades, but they stopped the advancement and buried the droids.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Any word from Fox?” He hoped the worry he had for his riduur hadn’t seeped into his voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Last transmission received was from Boil, stating they were being led around by their noses. Maul was playing with them.” Jaster tossed one of the data pads onto the table. “He’s leading Kenobi into a trap.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“He’ll spring the trap.” Kote muttered under his breath.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Ponds just went radio silence as they approached the Droid Control Ships.” Myles added to the conversation as he entered the area. “Jetii Garen and our Mandalorian pilots have engaged the Droid Starfighters, the distraction gave Ponds and Master Windu the cover they needed to sneak onto the Control Ships.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“The attacks on Sundari have been held back. Jetii Luminera has taken on the droids, while citizens have been fighting off Death Watch members. No sign of Pre.” Jango glanced over to his Buir. “Arla is taking care of Boba, I’m half surprised he hasn’t shown up here.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Kote snorted. “If there was any of your ade that was a clone of yourself, it’s Boba. He might not get his whiny annoying shebs here, but I’m sure he’ll do damage to any di’kut that tries to raid the palace.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Fett!”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Speaking of di’kuts.” Jango put on his buy’ce and headed to the front of the tents. Pre Vizsla and his cronies had formed a semi circle around the front entrance. “Pre I’m honored that you would fight for the good of Mandalore.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“You have brought dishonor to our people. Going soft by making a deal with the Jetii, and now our planet has been invaded!” He advanced onto Jango. “I challenge you for the Darksaber, to see who the true ruler of Mandalore really is.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“For once in your pathetic life look at the bigger picture.” Jango waved his hand around the bustling command post. “We’re fighting for our lives and you want to cause a civil war?”<\/span><\/p>\n

“I’m going to make Mandalore an Empire!” Forgetting that it already was, as he advanced onto Jango full of his own self arrogance that he was the rightful ruler.<\/span><\/p>\n

Jango growled low in his throat, he did not have time to deal with theatrics, yet he had been itching to put Pre down for years. “If you have the balls, come and get it.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Vizsla stopped, everyone could feel the contempt and hatred pouring off of him. “I have chosen a champion.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Everyone froze, as the dark user stepped forward with an evil smirk on his face. He was older, dark haired with silver streaked through it. He had a nasty scar along the side of his face and burn marks along his neck. The yellow eyes were blazed with insanity.<\/span><\/p>\n

“I would have preferred a challenge but you will do.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Kote didn’t hesitate, he rushed in, grabbed the Darksaber and took the defensive position that Ben had taught him.<\/span><\/p>\n

‘Why do you do that?’ He asked after they had taken on another slave traffic ring. It seemed to be part of their courtship. Meet at some far off location, discover some illegal type situation. Get involved either by accident or purposely, usually both, destroy said operation and then hot sex. Cody had no problem taking out slavers, but one day he would like to have just a quiet weekend. <\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

‘Do what?’ Ben gave him a seductive smile.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

‘That move, thing.’ He mimicked the one pulled back and the other straight in front of him with two fingers pointed. ‘Usually with some snarky comments.’<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

‘It’s Soreso, a lightsaber form based on defense. Basically, I settle back and let them attack me until they get tired. It works better with blaster fire than the more aggressive lightsaber moves.’ He stepped into position then went through all the forms. <\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

‘And the snarky comment?’ Cody asked with humor in his tone.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

‘Oh that’s just to piss them off. Get them angry until they aggressively attack, wearing themselves out even quicker.’ Ben leaned over and gave him a quick kiss. ‘Now how about we practice a few other forms in our room.’<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

‘Show me.’<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

‘Oh I plan to.’<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

Cody laughed then kissed his Jetii deeply, before stepping back. ‘That I have no doubt, I meant the forms, Soreso. Show me how to do it.’<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

‘Are you planning on stealing my lightsaber?’ His head was tilted slightly, watching Cody intently.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

‘Maybe I’ll steal the Darksaber.’<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

‘Please do, it would make our lives easier. You can declare this damn war over, and make me your war prize.’ Ben smirked, then took Cody’s arm. ‘I’ll teach you. As long as you teach me how to counter a Mandalorian with a jetpack.’<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

‘Deal.’<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

Jango was pulled back by Jaster. “Let me go. I will not see my son fight my battles!”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Welcome to the club.” Jaster gave him a pointed look. “Look at him Jango, look at your Glory.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Kote held his position, the Darksaber throbbed in his hands, not happy.<\/span><\/p>\n

‘Look I know your sentience, and that you would like a Jetii to handle you.’ Kote couldn’t believe he was having an internal conversation with a rock. ‘Right now it’s me or this dark user, who really looks like a bastard. Or you could have that pathetic excuse of Mandalorian. I know Pre is technically a descendant of your chosen, but he’s an di’kut and you know it.’<\/span><\/p>\n

It stopped vibrating, and suddenly felt lighter as it actively stopped working against him. Ben told him during their lessons, that a lightsaber is not a sword, the weight was in the wrong place. The handle was heavier while the blade was light, yet held strong in battle.<\/span><\/p>\n

‘Work with it, not against it.’ Ben came up from behind, fixing his stance. ‘When a Sith or dark user bleeds their crystal it’s in agony. They are always fighting it. It’s like having bad fitting armour, it will hinder during a fight rather than help.’<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

Xanatos stared at the Mandalorian for a few moments, then laughed. “You think you’re a Jedi?”<\/span><\/p>\n

Kote smirked under his buy’ce. “No you asshole I’m a Mandalroian!” He made Ben’s familiar come hither gesture, knowing it would piss the guy off.<\/span><\/p>\n

The fact that Kote shifted and blocked the attack, pissed him off more. He moved, ducked, weaved, working through all the forms Ben taught him. Always keeping the dark user on the offense, working to tiring him out.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Well I can see why you left the Order, you kinda suck at it.”<\/span><\/p>\n

The roar echoed as he upped his attack, but Kote held on working with the Darksaber to block every strike, using his own skills to dodge and roll away from the brutal attack. It wasn’t until Xanatos used the Force to push him back, that he faltered. And just as the red saber came for his head, he saw green across his visor.<\/span><\/p>\n

Qui-Gon Jinn blocked the blow and pushed Xanatos back. “Hello Padawan.”<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

Fox signaled for Boil and Waxer to move onto higher ground. “See if you can get a better angle. The Jetii may have ordered us to not engage, but that doesn’t mean we can’t take pot shots at the asshole.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Waxer snorted as they scrambled up the rocky hill crop. Boil reached the top first, getting himself settled to get the best angle on the fighting Jetii. Waxer checked his weapons as he took point to protect his riduur. From his position he could see Fox moving around the massive battle, he was staying out of the way, yet making sure to give back-up.<\/span><\/p>\n

As far as the Mandalorians were concerned Maul was insane.<\/span><\/p>\n

He made his appearance by standing on top of a pile of rocks, screaming Kenobi’s name. He was spewing hate, damning the Jetii for his state.<\/span><\/p>\n

“I lost everything because of you!” Maul screamed down at Obi-Wan. “I was going to be the best. Defeat my Master and rule in his place.” His red eyes bore down on the Jetii. “You took that away from me.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Obi-Wan gave him a bored look, then sighed as if he was talking to a five year old child. “If you had stayed dead, this wouldn’t be an issue.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Maul hissed flailing around like he lost all control. “My hatred for you has sustained my life.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Well I can add that to my many accomplishments.” He pulled his lightsaber, but had yet to ignite it. “Come down here and face me. Let’s finish this. You and me, Maul.”<\/span><\/p>\n

The mad laughter echoed across the canons. “You will die.” He jumped down landing easily on metal legs. With a snarl he pulled two sabers, advancing on Kenobi.<\/span><\/p>\n

Obi-Wan took a step back, held one arm back with his ignited lightsaber, the other forward with a come hither gesture, which just enraged the Sith to attack. The two moved almost as one, attack \u2026 block \u2026 perry \u2026 repeat. Obi-Wan moved with grace, barely working up a sweat while Maul’s blows were filled with hatred. The crackling of lightsabers echoed through the area.<\/span><\/p>\n

Obi-Wan was so focused on the fight on hand, he missed the secondary threat. A warning in the Force had him barely dodging the second attacker. He stepped back into a defensive position only to see a taller and much broader Zabrak next to Maul. “My brother Savage \u2026 “<\/span><\/p>\n

“I got this one Obes.” Quinlan stepped next to his friend, his own lightsaber ignited. “Take care of the walking cliche.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Savage growled and rushed straight towards Vos, who easily dodged by jumping onto higher ground. He played cat and mouse with the wannabe Sith, pulling him away from Obi-Wan. The attack was uncoordinated, it was obvious the brother wasn’t trained. What he lacked in skill, he had in brute strength. Quinlan sighed when the Zabrack ignited the second half of the double-sided lightsaber.<\/span><\/p>\n

Savage barely blocked the shot that came from his side, he turned to stare down the Mandalorian who was moving towards him. Quinlan took advantage of the distraction and attacked, pulling the Sith’s attention back to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fox used his jetpack to take a higher ground, continuing firing at Savage as Quinlan pressed the advantage. The two easily moved across the battlefield, taking the advantage against their opponent. Vos saw an in, stepped into Savage’s defense, slammed his lightsaber upwards, splitting it in half – thank you Obes for teaching him that move. Fox landed a few feet away and continued to take aim at the Sith, as Quinlan moved in for the kill.<\/span><\/p>\n

Maul’s scream of rage echoed through the canyons, when his brother’s lifeless body slumped to the ground.<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

Xanatos growled at his former Master, though stepped back to reassess the situation. “It’s good to see you again, Master.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“I doubt that.” Qui-Gon gave him a sad soft smile. “I mourned when I heard of your passing.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“I doubt that.” He mimicked his Master.<\/span><\/p>\n

“I still care for you.” He kept calm knowing his former Padawan would only try to piss him off. Xanatos was always his biggest sorrow and regret. He knew he was too lenient with the boy, but he also knew that his Padwan’s fall to the Dark Side was not his fault. He held responsibilities for it, but the decision to embrace the dark was fully on Xanatos. “You can walk away.” Qui-Gon hoped he did, but knew he wouldn’t. It hadn’t been Qui-Gon who had given him the ‘killing’ blow last time. Instead Mace had removed him from any situation with his former Padawan, especially after he kidnapped Obi-Wan.<\/span><\/p>\n

The rage he had felt seeing the young twelve year old child wearing a slave collar, who had not only started a slave revolt, but was willing to sacrifice himself for others. He refused to allow a child to die for the greed of an adult. He also knew at that time despite Yoda’s mendling, who he had a word with about, Obi-Wan was meant to be his Padawan.<\/span><\/p>\n

He was so different from Xanatos, yet Qui-Gon had found it harder to relate to the youngling. Obi-Wan challenged him in good ways, and he had gone grey over their years together. He was his greatest accomplishment, despite the fact he practically raised himself.<\/span><\/p>\n

Obi-Wan had always settled in the light, despite what the universe threw at him, including the shit Qui-Gon put him through. He could honestly admit, though it had taken weeks of contemplation in the healing ward to finally come to terms, that Obi-Wan was the right choice for him. He opened up to his Padawan, loved and cared for him, his smile made his day better, his antics with Quinlan had made him laugh again. He had healed from Xanatos because of the wild redhead. But, he had not always been the right choice for Obi-Wan.<\/span><\/p>\n

The two of them had found a better footing after he was Knighted. He got to enjoy watching his Padawan become a great Jedi, a Master in his own right. He raised Anakin in a loving environment, and had no problem taking on the Chancellor himself to protect him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Yet none of them had protected Obi-Wan.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sadly he was used to it, and made himself a home on Mandalore.<\/span><\/p>\n

And now his fallen Padawan aimed to destroy it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Qui-Gon had seen his Obi-Wan suffer loss too many times, he was not going to let a greedy vindictive child destroy one more good thing in Obi-Wan’s life.<\/span><\/p>\n

“You were always pathetic, Master.” Xanatos snarled as he looked for an opening in his teacher’s defense. “Not willing to see the bigger picture, to understand that there needs to be order and control. We will build a better Empire \u2026 “<\/span><\/p>\n

“Spare me the rhetoric.” He noticed that Kote had moved away from the two, but was more focused on Pre’s attack on the Mand’alor. Behind them was a wall of clankers, they still hadn’t engaged, likely waiting for orders. “My dear Padwan, when are you going to realize you will never be the son your father wanted, and licking the boots of the Sith isn’t going to change that.”<\/span><\/p>\n

That pissed him off.<\/span><\/p>\n

Kote ignored the whining coming from the dark user.<\/span><\/p>\n

He honestly wasn’t one of Qui-Gon Jinn’s biggest fans, as he had been the one who held Ben through nightmares and talked him down from anxiety attacks. If he could, he would break the di’kut’s nose, and would even suffer Ben’s disappointed look. Though he had a feeling Quinlan would cheer him on, and well Ben couldn’t stay mad at him for long.<\/span><\/p>\n

Despite not liking his ‘father-in-law’, he had full confidence in his ability to kick the dark user’s shebs across the battlefield. Xanatos was all anger, no finesse, and he had seen Jinn on the battlefield, the man knew how to fight, dirty if need be.<\/span><\/p>\n

Kote’s focus was on Death Watch and Pre’s inability to see the bigger picture.<\/span><\/p>\n

Death Watch members had attacked the Command Center, while Pre was in a fight with Jango. It was a hellish fight, and his buir was holding his own, but it was obvious Vizsla was not fighting fair, not that anyone was shocked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Jango went down from a blow from one of Pre’s men. Death Watch cheered as Pre declared himself the Mand’alor and that he would \u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

“I have the Darksaber you di’kut.” Kote growled holding the weapon at his side, sliding into a defense position. “You want it, come and get it.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Vizsla’s body jerked towards his position, almost as if in shock that Kote was still alive. Members of Death Watch focused on their leader, to take control one had to have the Darksaber, and even if Jango had been defeated, they did not have the Darksaber.<\/span><\/p>\n

“I’ll just kill you like I did your buir.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Kote’s smirk under his buy’ce was deadly. “Pre when will you learn fucking with the Fett aliit is a bad idea.” He slid into the familiar position, then added Ben’s famous come hither gesture. “Or are you not man enough to fight me in true combat?”<\/span><\/p>\n

That pissed him off.<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

Obi-Wan groaned in pain when he hit the solid rock wall. He steadied himself, settling back into a defensive position. The first time he had fought Maul it had been intense, dark against light. The two were evenly matched, at the time he could admit that Maul was more of a skilled fighter, Obi-Wan had motivation and stubbornness. He also at one point had been a child general who knew how to survive and do whatever was necessary to win.<\/span><\/p>\n

After he won the battle, and saved his Master, the reality of the fight set in. It had taken days of meditating and reviewing the footage that was found to come to terms with the moment. As he trained Anakin, the one thing he did was up his fighting skills. He had done something similar after returning from Melidaan. About the same time Quinlan’s antics forced him to see a Mind Healer, which helped him put into perspective his need to always be two steps ahead.<\/span><\/p>\n

He excelled at military strategy, was a damn good fighter, probably one of the reasons he understood the Mandalorian culture. But he was also a scholar, loved teaching, and didn’t want the bloodshed of endless battles and war.<\/span><\/p>\n

Obi-Wan took some calming breaths and watched Maul as he paced nearby. Hatred crackled in the air, pain, suffering was thick to the point he was almost choking on it. For the first part of the battle he had kept to using defense tactics. Maul’s anger was not going to wear him down, it was energizing him.<\/span><\/p>\n

‘It’s okay to be a survivor.’ Healer Rricci growls were soothing yet forceful. ‘At any time in those battles you fought to live or help others. You never fought to conquer or destroy. Know the difference between a warrior versus a conqueror.’<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

‘Why do I feel guilty?’<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

‘Because you lived, it’s not uncommon for survivors, especially the tragedies you have endured. Obi-Wan you are not destined for great sorrow, but I admit you have had to fight for everything and it’s made you stronger.’<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

‘I don’t want to be a warrior.’<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

‘Fate rarely calls upon us at a moment of our choosing.’<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

For a moment he closed his eyes and centered himself within the Force. He felt it swirl around him, boosting his strength and senses. The only way to truly fight such hatred and darkness, was with love and the light. He focused on his riduur, their future ade, and aliit.<\/span><\/p>\n

His eyes snapped open, and for the first time in the fight he went on the offensive.<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

Cody had decided he was going to thank his riduur for teaching him how to use a lightsaber especially with blaster bolts coming at him. He now understood how the Jetii could look so calm on the battlefield – it was because they didn’t have time to panic! Instincts were kicking in, as he moved to block another blaster fire, and it was starting to become annoying that Pre was that much of a fucking coward.<\/span><\/p>\n

He could hear Stone and Thire moving around him, taking out Death Watch members, while he focused on Pre. A few times his gaze drifted off to the distance to see the clankers still waiting, and it worried him but at the moment he needed to focus on the di’kut in front of him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Vizsla was smart enough to stay out of the Darksaber’s range, and continued to barrage him with firepower. Kote took a step back, quickly surveyed the battlefield.<\/span><\/p>\n

Kix was treating Jango, with Jaster and Myles taking point and protecting him from Pre’s onslaught. He could hear his buir arguing that he was fine, and let him up so he could put Vizsla down like a rabid animal.<\/span><\/p>\n

He had no idea where the Jetii and the dark user had stormed off to, but at the moment he had more things to worry about. Specifically the di’kut in front of him.<\/span><\/p>\n

The one thing he did notice was due to the Haat Mando’s excellent fighting skills, most of Death Watch was dead or dying. He watched as the realization hit Pre. Kote knew the exact moment Vizsla was going to retreat like a coward, but still be under foot – always there like an annoying bug.<\/span><\/p>\n

He was done with all of it, with a twirl of the Darksaber he moved, took the shot to the chest, ducked under the raised arm, and with a move Ben would be proud of he took the bastard’s head straight off.<\/span><\/p>\n

Kote stood over the body, taking in much needed deep breaths. He powered down the Darksaber and clipped to his belt, who knew the added accessory would come in handy. Ben had given him one after he picked up his riduur’s lightsaber for the dozenth time. How the Jetii had survived all the years considering the amount of times he lost his lightsaber, he had no idea.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Report in?!” He called through the comms, wanting to gauge the whole battlefield not just the small section he had been focused on.<\/span><\/p>\n

“We’re talking about your abilities later.” Rex’s voice sounded awed and pissed at the same time. “The problem we have now, those clankers are gearing up.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Kote moved towards the front of the Command Post, barely registering Master Jinn settling next to him. The sound of all of them moving at once echoed across the valley. “Fuck.”<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

Obi-Wan jumped back, moving easily out of Maul’s reach. He reached up, using his arm to wipe the sweat from his face, though the soaked tunics didn’t help much. With a determination he settled into a loose stance, watching for another opening. He ignored the pain and blood dripping down his leg, along with the pull in his left shoulder.<\/span><\/p>\n

He would be thanking his riduur for the vambraces as they had saved not only his hand, but likely his life. The blow would’ve taken his hand, along with his weapon, leaving him defenseless. Maul had looked down at the armour with confusion, which Obi-Wan had used to his advantage and kicked him hard in the chest sending him reeling backwards.<\/span><\/p>\n

Now the two faced each other like feral Tookas. Obi-Wan had given up any pretense of being civilized, and was fighting for his life. He knew there was only one way out of this situation and that was with Maul’s death.<\/span><\/p>\n

“I will have my revenge.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Will it be worth it?” It was an honest question. Obi-Wan learned early in his life revenge wasn’t worth the emotional trauma that went with it. “You can walk away. Just leave and find a life somewhere. I really don’t care what you do Maul, no one does.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“You took everything from me!” He yelled, rushing his opponent, the anger strengthening each blow. “I would rule an Empire.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“You are nothing but a pawn in the Sith’s schemes.” Obi-Wan pushed against the attack, ducking the twirling around swinging downwards, taking out one of the metal legs. Before Maul could respond he took the second. Maul fell to the ground snarling in rage at losing his legs once again.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Kill me.”<\/span><\/p>\n

A single shot echoed across the canyon as Maul fell dead at his feet. Obi-Wan looked up to see Waxer with a pair of binoculars, Boil next to him with a sniper rifle. He sent him a tired salute.<\/span><\/p>\n

Quinlan jumped down next to him, with Fox landing close by. “Clankers are attacking the Command Center.”<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

They were fighting for their lives.<\/span><\/p>\n

When the Jetii had stated that the droids did not stop, it didn’t really state the reality of the situation. Kote had never been so thankful the Jetii were on their side. Jinn was staying in front of the Haat Mandoes taking most of the firepower of the clankers, allowing the men to take as many of the bastards out.<\/span><\/p>\n

Kote was using the information across the Hud screen on his buy’ce to change maneuvers and update battle plans. Bly and Aayla had arrived, flanking the clankers taking away the pressure from the front lines. Rex and Anakin were systematically destroying tanks and droid’kas from the rear, causing some of the clankers to turn and defend their flank.<\/span><\/p>\n

Just when they were getting an upper hand, more would arrive.<\/span><\/p>\n

‘How many of these fuckers are there!?’ Rex snarled into the comms. ‘Skywalker\u2026 okay so he’s crazy but in a good way?’<\/span><\/p>\n

The explosion that ripped through a section of the clankers must have been something Skywalker had done. ‘He’s Kenobi’s ade what do you expect?’<\/span><\/p>\n

Rex’s laughter was inches from crying.<\/span><\/p>\n

Kote growled when his weapon was empty, tossed it to the side as he ducked, rolled and grabbed one from a fallen verd. He sprang back up shooting as many of the damn droids as he could, when that weapon ran out of bolts, he resorted to physically attacking the few clankers that were too close. He kicked one, knocking it back into those behind it, sending them all crashing to the ground. He took a bolt to the shoulder which knocked him back, causing him to trip over one of the downed droids. He dove to the right, grabbed one of the guns, only to pause when a green lightsaber came across his sight.<\/span><\/p>\n

This was the second time Qui-Gon Jinn saved his life.<\/span><\/p>\n

He might have to rethink smacking him in the face.<\/span><\/p>\n

Qui-Gon dispatched the droids near them, then held out his hand helping Kote up. “Thanks.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“My Padawan would not be happy with me if I let his lover get killed.” Qui-Gon gave him an all knowing look. “Do not worry I’m sure at the moment I’m the only one outside Quinlan who’s figured it out.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“How?” He asked as he pulled the weapon he grabbed and shot at a few clankers in their area.<\/span><\/p>\n

“I knew Obi-Wan had a lover before he got shipped off.” Qui-Gon easily held the conversation as the two were back to back taking out clankers. “It was one more thing that had pissed me off about this whole situation, as he was going to have to give up someone he loved. My boy loves easily, but I knew he gave his heart to his lover and I figured it was a Madalorian, considering how much history and knowledge he developed for your culture.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“I was told the council figured he learned it from the time he spent in slavery \u2026 “<\/span><\/p>\n

“With you.” He glanced over at the new Mand’alor though he had a feeling Kote hadn’t figured that out yet. “I’ve got inside information, which is how I figured it out.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Kote grabbed his last droid popper, trusted Jinn to cover him as he made a run for the approaching droid’kas, rolled the popper into their midst then divided behind an on crop of boulders, just as it exploded.<\/span><\/p>\n

Qui-Gon powered down his lightsaber and glared over at Kote. “I see how the two of you got along.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“So tell me exactly how you figured it out?” He asked, easily vaulting back over the boulder.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Oh it wasn’t obvious, once I knew what I was looking for.” Jinn gave him a wink. “You used the Darksaber with skill, not something you would’ve learned in the months Obi-Wan has been here. Well, that and you used his signature move.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Kote shook his head, laughing lightly. “I’m sure the dark user and Pre were as shocked. Speaking of\u2026”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Xanatos is dead.” Qui-Gon turned away slightly, the grief evident in his voice. He shook his head, then looked out back onto the battlefield, to see another wave of clankers working their way towards them. “We still have a war to win.”<\/span><\/p>\n

The two of them moved towards the rest of the warriors, who were gearing up for the second wave. Jinn gave Jetii Aayla a nod, who returned the greeting with a tired smile. Bly slapped Kote on the shoulder, then settled into a defense position.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Ib’tuur jatne tuur ash’ad kyr’amur.” Kote called out as the Mandalorians moved into position. They all stood strong, with stubbornness and determination. As the clankers started up, he heard the sound of weapons, jetpaks, and calls to fight across the lines.<\/span><\/p>\n

The only sounds heard were the crash of the metal of the droids, explosions in the distance, the swoosh sounds of the lightsabers mixed with the firepower from both sides. The battle raged on, it felt as if there was no end in sight. Kote wasn’t sure how much longer they could withstand the onslaught.<\/span><\/p>\n

He found himself behind some rocks, Jinn wasn’t too far protecting as many Mandalorians as he could, but he could tell the Jetii was tiring, they all were. Then he heard it, sound of an incoming missile. The first one hit the side of the cliff raining debris upon their heads, causing them to flee from the shelter. A second landed behind them, and he had no doubt the third would be on mark \u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

Kote stood there staring at Obi-Wan who had appeared out of nowhere in front of him, lightsaber slicing through the missile, there was a snarl on his face as he faced the oncoming tanks. With the Force he pulled two towards him, then flung them back. Three others exploded, just as Quinlan hopped off them, running to Obi-Wan’s side. The two of them stood back to back ready to take on the rest of the clankers.<\/span><\/p>\n

Damn that was hot.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fox landed next to him, just as Boil and Waxer ran onto the battlefield. There was a large explosion towards the back of the valley, scattering droids and tanks alike. Fox pulled his vod off the ground, noticing the blood dripping down his leg. “Kote?”<\/span><\/p>\n

“I’m fine.” He growled out as he steadied himself against his vod. “Kix can yell at me once we finish this.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“How much more can we take?” Fox asked, wondering if they should’ve put a call out to neighboring planets, seeking help.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Until it’s done.” He answered by tossing the destroyed gun, taking the one Boil tossed at him. “We’ve kept them out of the command post, where the wounded are being looked over. Kix is working with the Jetii Healer to move as many out of the area. The last transmission we got from Gree, was the capital was still standing. We’ve got nothing from those aiming for the Droid Command Ships.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Well Maul’s dead.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“As is Xanatos.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Fox turned towards his vod. “Who the hell\u2026 you know never mind don’t care. As we made our way over here, Rex and Skywalker were doing some damage, as was the Padawan, Ahoska.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“We just need to hold on\u2026” More explosions rocked the valley. He could see that Obi-Wan and Quinlan were moving through the clankers, aiming directly at the tanks and droid’kas. “I’m going to kill him.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Fox stared at Kote for a few seconds, then followed him as he chased after the Jetii. The two brothers ended up caught in the middle of the onslaught, fighting through clankers that were all around them. Kote yelled out as a bolt sliced across his shoulder, he felt Fox grab him then took out the droids as they approached. He was seconds from dumping the weapon and using the Darksaber, when the droids just stopped.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fox reached out and pushed on over and the rest followed suit. “Fucking finally!”<\/span><\/p>\n

‘You’re welcome!’ Ponds answered, breaking into their comms. ‘Seems the Viceroy has a few things to say, well after Mace killed the Cyborg that was running around. I never want to do this again.’<\/span><\/p>\n

“Are you okay?” Bly asked concerned for his vod.<\/span><\/p>\n

‘I’m fine. Mace is accepting the Viceroy’s surrounder. The droids are down, I made sure they can’t be reactivated. Master Tholme is digging through files and between the cackling and wheezing I’m sure he’s found some pretty nasty stuff.’ There was some yelling and sounded like someone smacked something. ‘We’ll keep you posted, I need to talk to Jango.’<\/span><\/p>\n

Rex’s voice broke through the comms. ‘Someone should mention that Kote is the new Mand’alor.’<\/span><\/p>\n

Kote was ignoring his vod, instead focused on finding his riduur. “Where’s Ben?”<\/span><\/p>\n

Fox shook his head. “Who the fuck is Ben?”<\/span><\/p>\n

Kote ripped off his buy’ce and looked around the devastated battlefield. He spotted Obi-Wan near the tents, Quinlan and Jinn close at hand. He called out to his riduur as he forced his tired and wounded body to move.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben heard his name and instantly turned, missing his Master’s smirk. He yelled for Cody and quickly made his way through the verd until he found himself engulfed in Kote’s arms holding him tightly. There were words of comfort and love, before he took his mouth into a deep kiss.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fox stared at the two of them, when everything suddenly made sense. He ripped his own buy’ce off and just started laughing hysterically. When he was able to get a few breaths he straightened up, looked directly at Jaster who was holding Jango, both staring at the scene in confusion.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Jaster!” Fox yelled at his ba’buir. “Found him.” He waved his hands towards Kote.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mereel looked at him in confusion, until it dawned on him. This whole time, the Mandalroian they were looking for, the one Obi-Wan had worked with to escape slavers, was none other than their Kote.<\/span><\/p>\n

“I don’t understand.” Anakin stared at the two who were still whispering softly to each other content in each other’s arms.<\/span><\/p>\n

“What about Kote’s boyfriend.” Rex asked as their team made their way past the dead clankers. He had heard Kote’s call out, and despite the fact that they were likely friends with the Jetii, the last thing they needed was for him to make out with his unknown boyfriend in front of his betrothed, only to stop and stare as his vod who had started making out with Kenobi.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Or Obi-Wan’s?” Anakin nodded along with Rex. “He’s had one for about as long as I’ve known him. It sucked that he had to leave him behind to come here \u2026 “<\/span><\/p>\n

“Oh I’m going to kill the fucking bastard!” Rex took off his buy’ce and sent a death glare straight at his vod. “This whole fucking time you asshole!”<\/span><\/p>\n

Anakin glanced between the Captain and the couple, trying to figure it out. “No\u2026 really?”<\/span><\/p>\n

Kote ignored all of them, just content to hold Obi-Wan in his arms. “I think the secret is out.”<\/span><\/p>\n

The chuckle was wicked but Ben refused to leave the warm embrace. “Oh we have a few more we can drop on them later. Though my dear I’m a bit confused as to why you have the Darksaber.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Oh yeah \u2026 ” He looked up to see his buir, not sure what was going to happen next.<\/span><\/p>\n

Jango understood exactly what Jaster had felt when he took on Vizsla all those years ago. With pride in his heart, he pulled his fist to his heart and bowed his head. “Mand’alor!”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Fuck.” Kote buried his head in his riduur’s shoulder.<\/span><\/p>\n

Obi-Wan couldn’t help the laughter that escaped. “Well my riduur \u2026 “<\/span><\/p>\n

“YOU’RE MARRIED!” Rex and Anakin yelled at the same time.<\/span><\/p>\n

Obi-Wan couldn’t help the laughter as he held onto Kote. “We could make a run for it.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Kote laughed then pulled him back into a soft kiss, ignoring the cheers, yelling and laughter around them. At the moment he had everything he wanted in his arms.<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

The past six weeks had been nothing but chaos. There had been no way for Kote to get out of being Mand’alor, he had used the Darksaber in battle and defeated Pre Vizsla, despite the fact Master Jinn had pulled Xanatos away from him.<\/span><\/p>\n

The first thing he did was announce officially his marriage to Obi-Wan, and welcome the Jetii as allies. That particular piece of news had mixed reactions from Mandalorians and the Republic. The Jetii welcomed the new alliance, and those that had been on Mandalore and had fought alongside against the clankers had found new friends and family.<\/span><\/p>\n

Death Watch had splintered, some still following Vizsla’s edict and refused to acknowledge Kote, let alone his new riduur. Other’s had put down their weapons, and were done with the fighting. They didn’t truly acknowledge Kote as Mand’alor but they didn’t speak out against them.<\/span><\/p>\n

The New Mandalorians that were exiled and held positions of power in the Republic denounced Kote’s claim on the planet, stating that he couldn’t marry a Jetii as they were not allowed to marry. Ignoring the fact that the Republic had arranged the marriage in the first place. Satine had been quite shocked when Senator Amidalla pointed out that she was married to Knight Anakin Skywalker, had been for years and despite the fact they eloped their marriage was registered at the Temple.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ned had showed up on Mandalore, completely ignored the Mand’alor and pulled his old friend into a strong hug. ‘I’ll take you with me right now, just say the word my friend.’ Obi-Wan held him close, laughing lightly. ‘Thank you, but I truly love him.’<\/span><\/p>\n

Ned kissed him on the cheek then looked at Kote and with a smile threatened his life if his friend was ever harmed. Fox had laughed for hours, then promptly set up stronger security.<\/span><\/p>\n

A week after the battle, they added the names of those they lost on the walls in the Memorial Garden. Obi-Wan had taken the time again to say his own remembrances, not just for those lost that day, but for all lost over the war, Jetii and Mandalorian.<\/span><\/p>\n

Wolffe informed them that Ventress had escaped, but at the moment they weren’t worried about her plans, she may have escaped with her life, but she had lost everything. With Maul finally officially dead, and yes Quinlan did chop his head off to make sure, much to Obi-Wan’s dismay, and the discovery of Xanatos’ involvement it was revealed that there was a strong player in the midst of the war. A true Sith.<\/span><\/p>\n

Master Tholme discovered deep corruption inside the Republic, not that anyone was that surprised. Obi-Wan was even less surprised that most of it came from the Chancellor’s office. Once the Viceroy realized no one was coming to save him, he started talking. The more he talked the worse the situation became.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Jetii on Mandalore took time to figure out what to do, and how to handle the situation. They had to tread carefully or everything would fall apart. They worked closely with their new allies, and in time they all learned how right Obi-Wan was \u2026 no one wanted the Mandalorians and the Jedi working together.<\/span><\/p>\n

Kote doubted he would ever become accustomed to sitting on the throne as Mand’alor. He was very thankful for his riduur’s patience and diplomatic skills, even if his tongue was sharper towards their enemies. No one seemed surprised when they adopted Din and Grogu, both settling in the palace. Boba had finally gotten over his perceived insult to his father, and stopped trying to shank Kote any time he saw him, and had actually enjoyed having someone his own age living within the palace.<\/span><\/p>\n

Grogu was usually found sleeping in Obi-Wan’s lap as he meditated or tucked into Master Koon’s robes. Most of the Jetii had finally departed back to the Temple, putting into motion the plans that had been worked out. Koon refused to leave Wolffe, and Kote wasn’t shocked that Quinlan Vos stayed behind. He had always known the two had a strong friendship, and despite Quin being well Quinlan, Kote was happy to see someone stand by Obi-Wan’s side.<\/span><\/p>\n

Watching Vos court Fox was just a bonus.<\/span><\/p>\n

Kote settled into the chair, hands resting on the arms, back straight positioned in such a way the Darksaber could be seen. It was damn uncomfortable and he didn’t care what Obi-Wan said, it was awkward and not menacing.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Ah Mand’alor.” The Chancellor of the Republic gave a fake smile. “I am thankful you have finally found the time to grace us with your presence.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“I had more important things to deal with then a summoning of a government that had ordered my people’s destruction.” There were no diplomatic genes in the Fett family line.<\/span><\/p>\n

“I was assured the treaty was still in place.” The smile slipped into a fine line. “Or has the Jedi not lived up to their end of the bargain. I would not be surprised \u2026”<\/span><\/p>\n

Kote held out his hand, not taking his eyes off Palpatine as Obi-Wan took it and settled next to his riduur. “I’m sure you missed the news despite the fact it’s been blasted all over the Holonet, we officially married a while back.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Then I do not understand your accusations.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Obi-Wan could feel the hatred and anger just under the skin, even at these distances.<\/span><\/p>\n

“He’s referring to the documents and testimony from the Viceroy Nute Gunray.” Kenobi spoke up, getting the Chancellor’s attention.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Considering he once attacked my own dear peaceful planet, I’m sure any accusations made upon me is all hearsay and nonsense.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Funny how I never said anything about you.” Kote gave him a half smirk. “But now that you brought it up, I think the Republic would be fascinated by all the underhanded dealings, plotting of overthrowing governments, along with the multiple assassinations and murders.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Any false pleasantries were dropped. “How dare you accuse me, on heresy of a money hungry creature.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Obi-Wan’s smile was down right viscous. “It’s not hersey when you have the documents to back it up.” He paused for only a moment. “Documents I might add we just dropped onto the net and along with all the inboxes of the Senate and Judicial members. Oh and one more thing \u2026”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Shev Papaltane you are under arrest for being a Sith.” Mace’s voice came from behind the Chancellor, along with the sound of a few lightsabers and weapons being fired up by Mandalorians.<\/span><\/p>\n

The growl and red lightsaber proved their point just as the connection was served. Kote gripped his riduur’s hand. “They’ll be fine.” Obi-Wan nodded but didn’t let go of Cody’s hand. The throne room was deathly still and quiet, everyone waiting for the next call.<\/span><\/p>\n

Obi-Wan knew it was over when there was a shift within the Force and everything felt lighter. He sagged into his cyare, letting him hold him close. A few moments later their comms lit up and everyone sighed in relief when Mace appeared, with Ponds standing next to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

“It’s done.” He stated gruffly. “My head is pounding from the many shatterpoints that just exploded but for once in a good way. Mand’alor thank you for the extra protection.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Casualties.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“We lost Master Mundi, and two of your men are severely wounded but are being taken to the Temple’s Healing Wards. The rest of us are walking wounded but good. There’s a lot to be done and we’ll contact you when it’s more settled. Obi-Wan, your Master is fine, though Dooku has lost his arm. I’m sure they would want to hear from you once Master Che gets them settled.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Thank you Master Windu.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“May the Force be with you.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Kote pulled Obi-Wan into his arms holding him tightly. The war was finally over, and he had his cyare in his arms. They had a future and would raise warriors together.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben stepped back, smiled at his riduur then pulled him into a deep kiss. They ignored the hollers and cheers only pulling apart when their children latched onto their legs. Cody laughed lightly and kissed his Jetii quickly then reached down to pick up Din, while Grogu settled in Ben’s arms. “How about a picnic?”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Sounds perfect.” Obi-Wan answered with a smile.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Title: Marriage in Disguise Author: Bj Jones Rating: R Summary: To end the war between the Mandalorian Empire and the Republic it was agreed upon that Kote Fett, the Mand’alor’ oldest heir will enter a political marriage with Master Obi-Wan Kenobi of the Jedi. As the two learn about each …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":7378,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-20964","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/P2Da1M-5s8","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":11230,"url":"https:\/\/www.sylumclan.com\/sylumblog\/the-generals-office\/bj-jones\/random-stories\/a-choice\/","url_meta":{"origin":20964,"position":0},"title":"A Choice","author":"Nicolaus Meridius","date":"July 7, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"Title: A Choice Author: Bj Jones Rating: FRT Summary: He had a choice to make *** He was amazed how long a few seconds truly were. He had a choice. One that would change his life forever. 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