All The Stars We Steal From The Night Sky

by Dghom4him

Summary:

The war might be over, but the fight for what is right has just begun.

Cody is free, but after uncovering a millennia of abuses by the Republic against the Jedi, he's not done just yet with this fight, and neither are his brothers.
Satine comes onto the political stage after five years of rebuilding Mandalore and comes face to face with what the Senate really is and what's been happening to the Jedi. Shocked as the Clone War ends and the horrors grow, Cody proposes an alliance between the newly created Mandalorian Empire led by Jango Fett and Satine and the newly freed Vode Army for sanctuary and the means to rescue the Jedi.
But the key to saving the Jedi will require past enemies and long-seed resentments to be pushed aside on all sides as the Darkness of the Sith rises and time runs out to save the Jedi. Sometimes, to get the best ending, you have to steal it.

Notes:

Welcome to the actual beginning of All The Stars We Steal From The Night Sky!
Due to the interest that my sample chapter and synopsis brought, I've decided to move this project up to active updates (hopefully)!
With that said, this story is not completed and is being written as I speak, so, therefore, continuous regular updates are not guaranteed and hinge on reader interest and my brain power! Please be gracious!
Enjoy!

If this seems familiar, it might be! This is a copy of a work under the same name that needed to be remodeled. Please make sure to tell me what you think so I know what to finish first!

Disclaimer: I don't own any of the fandoms I write for at all. I am not getting paid for this (wouldn't that be nice, sigh.) I am in no way laying claim to anything other than my, items, words, or ideas. Nothing but the stories are mine.

Chapter 1

The day the war ended was the day Cody discovered the true face of desperation. After years of war and living with constantly losing Vode, he thought he'd known it. No, after growing up with the Kaminoins breathing down their necks in constant fear that they would be the next to disappear, he had been sure he'd known it. 

He'd always known that the Jedi were too good for the war. Too pure. He just hadn't realized that no one else seemed to share the sentiment. 

What had once been a war zone had now become a party for the close-to 36,000 clones of the 212th. Secret stashes of contraband, from sweets to moonshine, flowed, and Cody indulged. The war was over, and the GAR would soon be gone. What was the point of the rules? 

But he still found he disliked the disconnected feeling and limited himself to the one tumbler he'd snagged. This left him pleasantly buzzed as he wandered over to find the rest of his command staff in various states of inebriation. 

“Cody!” Wooley cheered when he saw him swaying on his feet as he looped his arms around Ulcer, their CMO, who was smiling . 

“I’m glad you could join us.” Obi-Wan greeted him with a smile. Boil and Waxer both drooped over him, completely wasted. 

“Me too. Are you two okay?” Cody asked, eyeing Boil and Waxer with a grin. 

“Codes!” Waxer swung towards him with a grin and went to throw himself at Cody, probably for a hug, but he tripped over his own feet. His flailing arm caught Kenobi as he tried to right himself before bowling into Cody, which made Kenobi stumble, which made Boil sway, and at a moment's notice, all four of them collapsed on each other. 

Ulcer, the shebs, burst out laughing. 

Cody non too gently shoved Waxer off him and rolled out from under Boil, “Remind me to never let you drink again.” 

“I think I lost my comm.” Wazer groaned, fumbling around. 

“I think we all did,” Obi-Wan said warmly, patting his belt. 

Cody groaned when he looked down to find his own comm gone. “Great, it's musical identical GAR-issued comms.” 

“Found one!” Wooly cheered, holding a beat-up one proudly.

“That's mine!” Boil grinned, grabbing.

 “How does that thing still work?” Ulcer asked, eyeing the beat-up state of the comm, judging as handing Waxer his. 

“Luck and duct tape.” Cody deadpanned, grabbing his non-personalized, not-beat-up comm and shoveling it back in his belt. 

“So, what's next? What are y’all gonna do now that it's over?” Wooley asked, a jubilant smile on his face.

 “Not medicine, I'll tell you that!” Ulcer groused, “I've had enough ridiculous injuries to last me a lifetime. No way I'm doing that for natborns, brothers are bad enough.” 

“I'm gonna join the ExploraCorps!” Boil beamed, “See the galaxy without getting shot at!”

 “I guess I'll be going with this buffoon.” Waxer sighed dramatically, throwing an arm around Boil's shoulders. 

“Hey!” Boil shoved him off, making them both teeter.

 “What about you, sir?” Wooley asked, looking at Cody, “What will you do?”

 “I don't know,” Cody said honestly. He hadn't really thought about it. Hadn't had the space to going from war front to war front. Figured he'd figure it out when peace time came. 

But now it was almost here, and for the first time in as long as Cody could think, he had no plan. No purpose. Nothing. It was as exhilarating as it was terrifying.

 “It's kind of fun not knowing.” Cody shrugged and gave Wooley a grin, “Guess I'll find out.”

 “What about you, General?” Ulcer asked, “What are you looking forward to doing again?” 

Kenobi's smile dimmed. His face turned—well, Cody wasn't exactly sure what that game was. Sad? Contemplative? Man, he really shouldn't have had that one tumbler of moonshine. He was normally a lot better at reading Obi-Wan. 

“Going back to the Temple. I'm sure there will be a lot of changes in store there.” Obi-Wan said simply, “And with that, gentlemen, I really should be getting to bed.” 

They all choruses, boos, and pleas to stay but let him go easily. “He is right, though.” Cody sighed, downing the last of the glass he'd been nursing.

 “Awww, come on, Codes.” Boil made a face, “You're no fun.” 

“Hey, we start a new ear tomorrow. Our orders for peace will come in. And if you're wasted tomorrow, you'll still have to do them. Where's the fun in enjoying that?” Cody shrugged, beaming at his brother's, “See you tomorrow.”

 Cody trudged back to his quarters, smiling. The halls of the Ventor were nearly empty. The war was over. Tomorrow would be peace. 

He began pulling off his armor, turning his communication off silent, and tossing it on his bed. His communication immediately began blowing up, and Cody groaned as he shucked off his chest plate. Could his brother not wait 24 hours before starting to pester him?

 He considered turning it back on silent as he yanked off the last of his armor and stepped into his private fresher to change and wash the last campaign off him. 

But eventually, the joy of the day had him grabbing it and blindly opening the first message as he brushed his teeth. He just about choked when he read the message. It was quite explicit, vulgar, and downright nauseating. 

Cody stopped hacking and spat out everything in his mouth before scrolling back to the top of the message. It wasn't from one of his brothers, thank Force; it was from the Senate. 

What the kriff. 

Cody opened another one also from the Senate with similar and more damning results. And then he saw who the receiver was supposed to be. His blood went cold.

This wasn't his comm. It was Obi-Wan's. 

The thought made him even more sick. He frantically scrolled the nearly two dozen messages for some sort of explanation for what the kriff was going on.  

Kenobi might be a charming flirt, but Cody seriously doubted he was having an affair with that many Senators. And the very end of the messages was a comm from Mace Windu. Cody opened it, hope and terror in his chest. 

‘ Obi-Wan,’ it read, ‘Comm me back as soon as possible. I fear our appeal to lengthen the GAR war clause has failed. There were also changes to the service acts cause and Temple watch requirements. 

I'm so sorry.’

What.

The.

KRIFF.

Cody stared at the message with cold terror in his heart as he opened the attached file the read ‘-Refermation Agreement Ammendments-’. There were only three clauses attached in crisp office Republic records print. 

 

  GAR Leadership Amendment 

 

The Jedi as Servants of the Republic shall hereby be placed in control of the Galactic Army of the Republic created by the Kaminoin Cloning Corporation under the direction of the Order of the Senate. 

They will be subject to military law and order as laid out by the Chancellor. They will take on the titles of ‘General’ and ‘Commander’ and lead their assigned troops to the glory of the Republic against the Separatists as ordered by the Senate. 

They will be subject to any and all laws pertaining to the GAR functions from the Senate. If they fail or reject these clauses, they will be subject to military and Republic justice as laid out in the 5th Amendment of the Reformation Agreement. 

For this act of service, they will be exempt from other service duties to the Senate and will be public until the end of the war for the betterment of the war effort. They will remain under this clause until the end of the war, when their act of service will be completed, and normal services and duties will return to effect immediately. 

Cody stared. He'd known the Jedi had been placed in Leadership over the GAR, but he'd always thought they volunteered out of a sense of duty or were intervening so that people like Tarkin weren't in charge. 

But they'd been, ordered to? Not given a choice but ordered to fight? To lead? To obey the Senate? 

What the kriff was going on? 

He moved to the Second clause. 

Services and Duties Amendment.

 

The services and duties of the Jedi Order, Servants of the Republic, will continue as follows:

All services, acts, and duties that pertain to off-world missions performed by Jedi will cease immediately and are forbidden for the sake of public safety. The only exception will be with a permission form filled out by a Senator for the use of specified Jedi for a specified amount of time and specified locations. 

Furthermore, all acts, duties, and services performed outside of the Temple grounds are hereby forbidden and must cease immediately for the sake of public safety. The only exception will be with a permission form filled out by a Senator for the use of a specified Jedi for a specified amount of time and specified locations.

All services and duties as outlined in previous clauses and amendments will continue. 

What the kriff? What the kark ? Did-did the Senate just put the Jedi under house arrest?!

 “What the kriff is going on?” Cody whispered to himself, sinking to sit on the closest surface. Could the Senate even do that? That didn't seem right. 

Cody forced himself to look at the third clause forbidding growing in his gut.

Temple Requirements Amendment 

 

From this point forward, no Jedi adolescents or adults will be allowed off the Temple grounds without having a level 2 Force Suppression administered to them before leaving. 

No acts of the Force are allowed outside of the Temple grounds unless requested via the properly documented and filed form. They are strictly forbidden on Senate Grounds unless the proper form has been submitted by a member of the Senate along with the permission request during the duration of the requested Jedi's use as specified by the fixed form. 

All duties and services of the Jedi Servants of the Republic are still required despite this added security measure. 

Cody was shaking in rage. The Jedi relied on the Force. It kept them sane. It was part of how they perceived the world. 

A level 2 Force Supressor was a level 3 narcotic . They were drugging the Jedi, not letting them leave their own homes, not letting them use part of themselves. 

Cody shot to his feet, rage boiling over, as he grabbed his shoes. There had to be an explanation, a reason that made this whole nauseating affair make rational sense.

 Cody stalked through the empty corridors, grateful that there was no one around. This needed to be a private discussion. He tried to taper down his rage as he knocked on Obi-Wan's door.

 “Cody? I wasn't expecting anyone tonight. Come in.” Obi-Wan answered his door with a bright smile and a relaxed poster that made Cody want to scream or cry.

 “I have your comm,” Cody said stiffly, stepping into Obi-Wan's quaint and cozy quarters. It smelled of tea and radiated safety. Was this the first time you lived somewhere safe? 

“Ah, I see. Thank you for returning it. I take it this is yours?” Obi-Wan took the comm from Cody, scooped up the identical one on his bedside table, and held it out with an innocent smile on his face. 

Cody couldn't bring himself to move, “I didn't realize it wasn't mine when I took it off silent.” 

“Okay?” Obi-Wan asked, slowly setting Cody down and putting his on his bedside table. “If you accidentally read something, I really think we're beyond getting annoyed about such trivial things, Cody dear.” 

“I did read some. I read 3,” Cody said haltingly, unsure of how to express his thoughts.

 “Oh?” Obi-Wan asked, moving to his kitchenette, “That's quite alright-”

 “Two of them were from the Senate.” Cody blurted.

 Obi-Wan stilled back to him, but his shoulders were so tense Cody didn't need to see his face. He'd learned to read Obi-Wan's body language well over the years. He didn't want to be talking about this.

 But they had to. Cody didn't think he'd ever find peace if they didn't.

 “The third one was from Windu. I- I was trying to find an explanation. A reasoning. Something . I can't say I did.”

 “Cody, please-” Obi-Wan choked out, his head falling as he hunched his shoulders back still to him, “Please do not ask.”

“After what I read, do you really think I could not? Who would I be then?” Cody whispered, despair growing at Obi-Wan's reaction. He held suspicions of what those messages meant, but in his heart of hearts, he didn't want to realize it. It was too much. 

“You are a good man, Cody,” Obi-Wan said softly, finally turning to look at him with a sad smile on his face. It was as though he'd aged years in the last few moments. Like he was already slipping from the man, Cody knew until someone else. “You would still be a good man if you did not ask.”

 “Not to me, I wouldn't be.” Cody said gently, “I'd just be one of those millions of people who didn't want to see the war, so they ignored it. Their wilful ignorance made them just as complicit.” 

Obi-Wan nodded slowly, giving in with so little resistance than he would have given a week again a moment ago. “Alright. If you really want to know, I will tell you. But be warned,” Obi-Wan met his gaze. You will not like what you find.” 

Cody watched as Obi-Wan returned to fixing them tea,  I already don't.

Chapter 2

Bly had some choice words for Cody, namely, what in Prime's name possessed him to summon all the Commanders at 2 am in the morning after the war had ended. Bly could be in bed right now in the arms of his cyare asleep. 

Instead, he was standing in his blacks nursing the most disgusting cup of caff ever while his head pounded from a hangover, and he watched as all the other Commanders popped on, looking similarly annoyed. But when Cody called with an emergency comm, they all answered. 

Finally, the man himself connected with the call. “Why in the Force's will did you summon all the Commanders now Codes?” Wolffe gruffed out before Cody could even open his mouth. 

“I second that,” Rex grumbled, looking hungover.

 “There's been a development that could not wait until tomorrow.” Cody said, voice serious, “In 24 hours, we all receive orders to return to Coruscant. They will say the war is over, that we are now free, and that peace has come.”

 “So?” Commander asked, looking confused, “That's what we've been waiting for? What's wrong?”

 Cody looked furious for a split second before his face smoothed over, which brought Bly to attention. Cody had always been slow to anger, even as a Cadet. Always calm and collected it was what made him Marshall Commander. That rage told a different story.

 “What they will not tell you is that all Jedi have been recalled to the Temple, where they will be put under what equates to house arrest.” Cody finished.

 Outrage erupted.

 “They're what?!”

 “ That's outrageous!”

 “They can't do that!”

 “That's not even the worst part.” Fox deadpanned, cutting them all off. 

Bly stared in horror as Cody nodded to Fox gratefully as they quieted down. “I'm sending you all a document file that the Senate uses to justify these actions and others now.” Cody continued. 

Bly’s comm dinged, and he glanced at it before choking, “300 pages?!”

 “Please tell me you have a quick version of this.” Bacara groaned. 

“Fine. You want the quick version?” Cody snapped, anger simmering back to the surface, “The Jedi are slaves. Worse than we are.” 

Shock rippled through the group. Bly's gut went cold. “What?” Wolffe shook his head, “No. They're our leaders that's- that's-” 

“That's what? Ridiculous?” Cody spat, “You think they wanted to lead us? They volunteered? You really think an order of pacifist monks would volunteer to go to war? No, they were ordered the same as us.” 

Keeli looked disturbed, “The Republic wouldn't-” 

“The Republic owns them!” Cody roared, “Oh, they use pretty words and fancy titles, but the Jedi are the Servants of the Republic. Indentured to do the Senate's will and nothing more. They're just exceptionally good at hiding it.” 

The room was spinning around Bly, and not just from his hangover. He fumbled for the document, tuning out the raging argument happening between the other commanders, and began scanning through the outline of the document, desperate for some kind of answers. 

What he found only solidified his worst fears. Aalya had long ago, at the beginning of their relationship, sat him down and explained the nuances of her culture and the vulnerabilities of both her species and her order. 

How her people had carved out their existence despite rampant slavery and objectification. How her Force sensitivity made her even more of a target for her ‘gift.’ For her beauty and power, she wasn't seen as a person but a trophy.

 It had made his blood boil then, but to know her own government was forcing those same horrors on her now because she was born special made him see red. 

“Tell me this isn't true.” Bly blurted looking up desperately to Fox, begging his brother to tell him Cody was wrong, “Tell me he's wrong.” 

Fox didn't look pitying or sorry and somehow that made it all worse, he looks, understanding, “He's not. During the war thier, obligations to the service of the Senate's whims have been lifted to put as many able-bodied Jedi in the war. But that does not stop the Senators from talking.” Fox spat the words a sneer on his face, “They are eager for the pre war regulations to kick back in. For their, party favors and playthings to be returned to them.”

 The sheer rage in Fox's voice was the only thing that stopped Bly from ripping his Vod a new one. Fox was clearly repeating overheard words and hating every part of it. 

“Unfortunately.” Cody continued before any of them could rage at Fox, “With the war ending, they're about to get their wish.” 

Bly couldn't breathe. The room was spinning; his hands were shaking. His breath was coming fast and hard as he tried his best to listen to what was happening before him because Cody had to have a plan. There had to be a way to fix this. 

But trying to see through the red in his eyes of the rushing in his ears was a task. He'd never been this angry before and was burning with it right now.

 “So what are we going to do?” Rex demanded, voice carefully blank, speaking for all of them. 

Cody met Rex's gaze and then did something Bly would not have expected in a million years, he looked away, “We gather our ad vode from Kamino and begin searching for a suitable planet in the outer rim.” 

Screaming and yelling exploded, and never before had Bly wanted to wish harm on a brother, but he suddenly desperately wanted to reach through the holo comm and punch Cody square in the jaw, “We  WHAT!?”

  Fox's shrill whistle made them all stop shouting, “Would you all can it and let Cody tell you the plan?!” 

“He's asking us to abandon them!” Keeli cried.

 “No!” Cody growled, still unwilling to meet any of their gazes, “I'm asking you to plan ahead. If we were to steal away our Jedi right now today, what do you think will happen to their children? To those still on Coruscant? In their Temple? Within the reach of the Senate? What do you think happens to them?” 

Where Bly's anger had one second been hot, it was now burning cold, focused, and sharp, “Can't the Guard handle that?” 

“Unfortunately not.” Fox sighed, “Cody and I have already tried to think of every conceivable way, but we are too small a force to spirit more than 5000 Temple residents away before being caught.” 

“And on a lesser note, we need to consider ourselves also.” Cody said quietly, “If we were to act against the Republic, they would kill all the remaining Vode on Kamino. The tubies and cadets. Maybe even the Jedi because we acted for them. No. We must treat this as a warfornt. One we've never faced before. We must be more cunning, more clever, more inventive than we've ever been before.” Cody finally looked up, determination and shame in his eyes, “the war might be over, but we are now facing our greatest fight yet.”

 Bly hated how right Cody was. And for a moment, he thought he might hate Cody too. But he also knew that the weight and guilt of this decision would stay with Cody for the rest of his life. The choice to do nothing immediately would haunt him. It was almost enough.

“We'll need allies.” Wolffe finally said sounding put out by agreeing with Cody at all, “We won't be able to go to the Republic for anything. Weapons, medical supplies, nothing.” 

“We'll need an intelligence network to smuggle the Jedi out,” Keeli added. 

“Supplies for all of us.” Commander nodded. 

“And a planet.” Cody finished nodding, “I know this is a hard choice, a near impossible ask to leave them there for the time being. But if we want to make a lasting difference for all of them, we must wait.” 

Bly stared down at his white knuckles curled around the holo desk. His anger still roared in his ears, but his mind was clear. And he could see why Cody was doing what he was doing. As much as it hurt. As much as it angered him. He could see why.

 He remembered when he'd brought up Aalya taking on a padawan, and her eyes went tight, and she'd said she wasn't ready for that. Then he had thought she had meant she was not a good enough Jedi. Now, he wonders if she was trying to save them from something worse. Protecting them. 

Every Initiate must be claimed by a Master by age 13 or go into the Corps. He'd researched it before he'd asked her. He'd thought the rule stupid then. Now he wonders who made the rule, the Jedi or the Senate.

 “I am with you, Cody,” Bly said, voice low, but all eyes turned to him despite that. Bly met Cody's gaze firmly, “Not for the one but for the many. I trust you. As much as I don't like it.”

 “Not for the one but for the many.” Commander echoed.

 “Not for the one but for the Many.” the rest of them echoed. 

“Tell us what we need to do, Cody, and we'll do it.” Bacara said solemnly, “We might not like it. But we'll do it.”

 “Just promise.” Wolffe jumped in, “That when your plan is all over, they'll all be free.” 

Cody looked moved by their unanimous support as they all submitted to his plan despite their anger. His face iced over to sheer determination, “I promise.”

 They finished up with the immediate actions for tomorrow, and all signed off. All too soon, Bly was standing alone in a dark conference room with a cold cup of caff sitting next to him. Alone with his rage. Alone with his fear. 

An hour ago, he was free. And he still was. But Aalya was not. 

What would happen tomorrow? Or in a week? When she walked off this ship and back into the arms of her captors? When he delivered her there?

 Bly let out a guttural scream of rage that had been building in him and smacked his cup across the room ,spilling cold caff everywhere and shattering the cup. He couldn't care, rage and fear and sheer helplessness drowning him as he began to sob or scream. 

How long had Aalya chosen not to tell him? When had she decided to keep this from him? Had it really been a choice for her when she'd taken him to her bed, or had it been an obligation? Love or fear? 

When had it gone from not mentioning it to closing not to tell him? When had he become someone else for her to fear? 

He didn't hear her enter or crouch next to him. But he felt the moment her feather-light touch landed on his shoulder. Never in his many years as a soldier or Cadet had he flinched so hard. 

Aalya's big blue eyes filled with concern as she withdrew her hand, “Bly, what's wrong? Do you need me to get Lucky?” 

Her gentle concern only caused a fresh wave of tears and emotion to hit him. He loved her so much. What had he done to deserve her except use her as so many others had? It didn't matter he loved her, that was just words. Just feelings. Many others, he was sure, could say that too. What had he done?

 “Bly.” Aalya said gently, “I'm going to enter your mind now so you can tell me what you need.” 

Part of him wanted to pull away to hide his shame and rage from her, and yet he also yearned for her gentle and calm pretense to make his mind make sense. Was this what those grubby Senators got hooked on? Her peace? 

And then she was there, in his mind, gentle and quiet and Aalya. Bly, what's wrong? Her concern-empathy-worry wrapped around him comfortingly. 

Bly sobbed. Why did you never tell me about the indenture? 

Her confusion trickled in until he shoved that night's heated conversation to her, full of pain and rage. Her confusion drained away to shame-guilt-fear as understanding dawned. Oh.  

Never in a million years would Bly have ever voiced his deepest fear, but here, sharing one mind, his thoughts tumbled about for her to hear easily. Do you love me, or was it duty? 

Her alarm filled his mouth, tasting like sour grapes. Bly. She took his face in her hands, making him look at her. I chose you. I love you. Please never doubt that Cyare. 

Relief flooded him like a drowning man. He tilted his head forward to press it against hers in Keleba Kiss. Why me? Why'd you choose me?

 Her smile radiated in his mind, fading out the sharp edges of her shame-guilt-fear with affection-adoration-love. Because you see me, Bly. You look at me and you don't see my skin or my species or my power, you just see me. And to you, the me you see is the most amazing thing ever. I am not just treasure or beauty or brilliance and brains. I'm just me.

 Just you. Bly echoed, capturing her lips with his gently and carefully; all I ever wanted was just you. 

I know Bly. I know. And I love you for it. Aalya returned his gentle kisses with her own sitting so they were tangled together. 

Eventually, they paused their kissing to catch their breath, and Bly finally asked his other question, “Why'd you never tell me?” 

Aalya leans back but keeps her hand in his, her shame-guilt-fear coming back into their shared bond, “I- I guess- at first, it didn't matter. We were just enjoying each other's company, venting during the war. And then all of a sudden, it was serious. It was real, and I-” Aalya sighed again, and Bly squeezed her hand supportively before tugging her to lean against his chest.

 “I was scared, Bly.” Aalya finally whispered into the dark, their fingers tangled together, “Scared that you'd see me how I see me. Scared you see me as broken and used and leave.”

 “ Never.” Bly pulled her closer, pressing his lips between her lekku, “Never.”

 “I know.” Aalya smiled up at him, her lekku twisting around his nearest arm, tactile creatures, “But I have so little that is my own, and I wanted you. And to risk losing you- it was always so much easier to just not talk about it. To forget it all for a moment. To pretend it was just a distant nightmare. But I suppose that's over now.” 

Bly's rage burst back to life, and he tightened his arms around her and forced the anger back, “I would ask you to run away with me, but I've been informed that would be a bad long-term decision.” 

Aalya let out a small bitter laugh, leaning her head against his chest, “Yeah, probably.” 

They sat there in the darkness together, breathing in unison for a long time, legs and fingers tangled together just breathing. Just being. 

“If I could,” Alya whispered, “I'd run away with you tonight.” 

“Yeah.” Bly rasped out, “I know.” 

Oh, how he knew. 

But their love had never been a selfish one. He'd known who he had fallen for, the Jedi who always put others first. The woman devoted to her Order. 

And despite this new facade, she was still the same Aalya. How could he fight that? Even now, especially now knowing what he did, how could he not love her more? She had not changed; the circumstances had. Who would he be to expect her to change who she was just because of that? 

So he just gave her a squeeze and a kiss and finally rose, “Come on, let's go back to bed.”

Notes:

Please tell me what you think!

Subscribe if you like!

I run on comments and kudos!

Tell me what you think's gonna happen!

Drop me a comment if you're interested in doing an inspired-by fic, collaboration, or fan art! A head's up is all I ask!

Chapter 3

The ship was quiet. They were three days out from Couracant, and Cody was seriously considering sabotaging the hyperdrive. How could he do that to Obi-Wan? 

After he'd dropped the bombshell, reports had come flooding in from all the battalion of admissions and confessions from their Jedi. Disgustingly detailed reports of the many sins and secrets the Senate had hidden. Enough to drown someone, anyone. 

Cody hadn't eaten in days from reading them. His comm hadn't been quiet since, either. So here he was, standing in the hyperdrive control room, having released the engineers with a laser cutter in hand, debating cutting the coils. 

It wouldn't solve anything. It might kill them all. But it would buy them desperate time. 

“Please don't do that.” Obi-Wan's voice made him jump. Obi-Wan stepped into the dark room, face illuminated, but the light blue glow of the hyperdrive cast long, sharp shadows across everything, “It won't help anything. Just delay us.” 

“I know.” Cody nodded shakily, “But it would buy us time.” 

“To do what?” Obi-Wan asked quietly, leaning against the control desk, looking tired.

 “I don't know.” Cody admitted, looking down at the cutter in his hand, “Fake your death?” 

Obi-Wan let out a brittle laugh, “That didn't work so well last time, if you remember.” 

Cody grimaced, recalling the grief and anger he'd felt, “Yeah. I just thought- I don't know.”

 “Things are changing. You don't like it, so you're trying to resist the current. It's natural, but it never works for long.” Obi-Wan said gently, “Change always comes.”

 “‘Change’?” Cody laughed wetly, “You call all this ‘change?’” He looked up to meet Obi-Wan's sad gaze, “This isn't change. It's reverting. It's wrong .”

 “The Senate doesn't think so.”

 “ Screw the Senate!”  

Obi-Wan jumped at his strangled cry, staring at him in surprise, “Cody-” 

“No! You don't just get to be ambivalent about this! You can't just stand by! Don't you want to fight? To rage against them? To try and get out?” Cody cried, his eyes stinging and his heart screaming, even though he knew he should keep his mouth shut. That it was not his place to tell Kenobi how to feel or what to do. 

That, for once, he was the one who didn't understand. The one trying to understand the depravity before him and failing. He did not like being on the other side of the table. 

“You don't think I tried?” Obi-Wan asks softly, eyes sad, watching him pace, “I've tried. It's not worth it.”

 “How can it not be?”  Cody whispered, desperation bleeding into his tone, but he didn't care, “It's your freedom. You'd just give it up?” 

Obi-Wan's eyes flashed in irritation for a moment before his face went sad again, “I did not give up, Cody. But I cannot run. I cannot stop this.”

 “Why not?”  Cody demanded, despite himself echoing Rex's words, knowing the answer even as he stepped closer, searching Obi-Wan's face for something, anything, “We could leave tonight. The who GAR. Take our General's and Commanders and go. They couldn't stop us. We could run for wild space. We could be free . You know we'd go with you.” 

“Oh Cody.” Obi-Wan whispered,d tears sparkling in his eyes as he settled his hands on Cody's shoulders, “You are too smart to think that will work. They will never stop. And what of those in the Temple? I can see it in your eyes. You know it can't work. I am touched by your offer, but you know it can't be done.” 

Cody fought his tears as his throat tried to close, leaning into Obi-Wan's touch, “I know. I know. I- I can't just leave . How can I?” 

Obi-Wan nodded softly, tears rolling down his face, and smiled slightly at his words, “You're a good man, Cody. But it's all of us or none of us. We all leave, or none of us do.” 

Cody stilled at Obi-Wan's words a crazy longshot of scrap of an idea floating through his mind, “How?” 

“What?” Obi-Wan frowned at him.

 Cody grabbed his arms, eagerness shooting through him, “How do we save you all? How does it end? Surely, it doesn't go forever. How do we end it?” 

Obi-Wan smiled at him in grief and adoration as he shook his head, “You can't. It ends in a hundred years, the contract. You can't just steal us all away.” 

“But what if we could?” Cody squeezed Obi-Wan's arms tighter, “The whole Temple. You can't tell me you haven't thought about it. How?” 

Obi-Wan shook his head again, “Cody, nothing could work. I swear on Anakin and Ahsoka-” Obi-Wan froze. 

“What?” Cody urged.

 “The Senate threw Ahsoka out of the Order.” Obi-Wan whispered, staring out into the distance, “She didn't come back. She could- she could-”

 “She could what?” Cody repeated something like hope in his chest, “Obi-Wan!” 

Obi-Wan blinked, looking back at him, something in his eyes, “She can open a Force lock.” 

“What does that mean ?” Cody demanded. 

“Tho Yars.” Obi-Wan breathed out the foreign word, “She could pilot a Tho Yar.” 

“What's that?” Cody asked eagerly, letting go of Obi-Wan, gripping the laser cutter feverishly. Was it possible?

 “It's a story we get told as children. But every story has a grain of truth.” Obi-Wan said, looking off dazed, “They say we traveled here in generation ships. Big enough to carry us all. Some versions even say that the Temple is a Tho Yar.”

 “Is it true?” Cody demanded breathlessly. 

“I don't know.” Obi-Wan shook his head, “As children, we scowered every part of the Temple, but we never found anything; if the Temple was sealed, it is possible. The Temple is sentient in a way. But even then, no one knows how to activate or pilot it. I don't even know if the legend is true.” 

Cody took that in slowly, leaning against the counter next to Obi-Wan, “But it's not impossible.”

 “No. It's not.” Obi-Wan whispered. 

“Where? Where would I start looking?” Cody asked, looking over at Obi-Wan, who looked thoughtful. 

“Tython.” Obi-Wan looked over to meet his gaze, “Legend has it we came there first. There's still a Seeing Stone there. Meditate on it, and it might give you answers.”

 “Tython.” Cody whispered, memorizing it before meeting Obi-Wan's eye again, “I swear to you. I'm gonna find a way to free you all.” 

Obi-Wan smiled sadly at him and took his hand, “Don't promise what you can't deliver. But if you do, I expect this back.”

 A small, rough object pressed into Cody's hand. He looked down to find Obi-Wan's kyber crystal in his palm. “What- no!” 

“They're taking our Sabers when we return. I won't be using it.” Obi-Wan shrugged self-deprecatingly, “This way, maybe it can help you.”

 Cody wrapped his fist around it tightly, “Are you sure?”

 Obi-Wan smiled at him, “Of course I am.” 

Cody stared down at the softly glowing crystal in his hand, beating like a tiny heart, “This will work.”

 “I've learned not to hope for such things.” Obi-Wan said softly, “I hope you're right.” 

Cody looked up at the brother he'd never expected to find and squeezed his fist around the pulsing kyber in his hand, “Then I'll hope enough for both of us.”

Notes:

Please tell me what you think!

Subscribe if you like!

I run on comments and kudos!

Tell me what you think's gonna happen!

Drop me a comment if you're interested in doing an inspired-by fic, collaboration, or fan art! A head's up is all I ask!

Chapter 4

 

 

Get Ahsoka off the Triumph NOW. She is now part of the liberation plan. Get her a secure comm and out immediately. Rex stared down at Cody's message and picked up his pace. 

 

They'd faked mechanical troubles so they were closer to Mando space than Republic which would be safer for Ahsoka seeing as he couldn't get her to the Outer Rim. He could write off one of the shuttles and backdate it to the Siege. No one would question it. But to convince Ahsoka to run would be the hard part.

 

 He knocked on her door and waited a moment before it slid open. A small side bag sat on her bed surrounded by her handful of items. Ahsoka stated back at him with trepidation, “Rex?”

 

 “Already packed.” Rex smiled at her, “Always thinking ahead.”

 

 Ahsoka didn't relax even as she let him in, “I was hoping you could drop me off at a shipping outpost before we get back to Coruscant. I'm still not welcome in the Temple. I'd like to be gone before then.” 

 

Rex nodded slowly, “Not welcome or being rescued from it?” 

 

Ahsoka froze like a deer in headlights for a moment, “What?”

 

 Rex forced himself to relax and appear non threatening, “We know. Cody found the Indenture documents sent to Kenobi. We all know.” 

 

“Oh.” Ahsoka sagged sitting on her bed, “Are you going to make me go back?”

 

 Rex recoiled like he'd been shot, “What? No! No. Cody is already working on a plan to help get you all out but you're a part of it. He commed me to tell me to get you out immediately.” 

 

Ahsoka stared at him in shock and wonder like she'd never met a sane being before, “You want to help us?” 

 

“Of course! We want you all to be free. Not just you.” Rex knelt so they were eye to eye, “I promise.”

 

 Her gaze turned sad as she squeezed his hands, “People have tried getting us out before. It's never worked. The only way you get out is if the Senate throws you out or you convince the Senate to fracture like Dooku did.”

 

 “We haven't tried. Let us try. We're an army that just won a galaxy wide war.” Rex said confidently, “There's nothing we can't do.” 

 

“An army without backing?” Ahsoka shook her head, “The Separatists had Serreno behind them funding them. That's part of why Dooku could convince them. Because he influenced his family who wanted him out. But now they're all dead. They tried and failed.”

 

 “We'll find funding.” Rex shot back, “Steal it from the Pykes or Hutts if we have to.” 

 

“You can't fight a war on two fronts. That's how Mandalore fell the first time. Blazes you'd be better off-” Ahsoka froze eyes going wide before she shot to her feet. 

 

“Better off with what?” Rex asked riding to his feet as he watched her rip open her bag and yank out her datapads. 

 

“Bo said that Satine was thinking of joining the Republic as a trade partner which would gain her a seat in the Senate like the Trade Federation. But she has to stabilize her own Empire first and with her army in fragments from the last war-”

 

 “You want us to ally with Mandalore?” Rex gaped.

 

 “Not ally necessarily. Contract with. The Senate is setting up all free but all you know is war. Why not be paid for it? You offer your services to protect the Empire from external threats while Satine stabilizes the internal. As payment you get a planet for your people they get protection. When she enters the Senate you're one body and you get the backing you need for this war. A backing of an empire of warriors.”

 

 “You think she'll go for it? She tends to be more of a pacifist.” Rex pointed out. 

 

“Tends to yes. But she knows that to keep her people safe she has to fight some battles. She's proven that already with the Nite Owls and the Protectorate. This allows her to do so with honor and uphold her values domestically while you fight intergalactically.” Ahsoka grinned, “And Mandalorian culture demands the protection of the children. If she can unite her people you'll have all the backing up need. It will support her goal of peace and the Mandalorian concept of honor.”

 

 “So you want us to unite Mandalore, the notorious fractured warrior empire to then use it to rescue the Jedi?”

 

 “Basically.” Ahsoka shrugged.

 

 Rex massaged his Temple's, “Cody is either going to love or hate this.” 

 

 

 

Notes:

Please tell me what you think!

Subscribe if you like!

I run on comments and kudos!

Tell me what you think's gonna happen!

Drop me a comment if you're interested in doing an inspired-by fic, collaboration, or fan art! A head's up is all I ask!

Chapter 5

Coruscant shown like a precious stone with all its glittering lights Bly had used to love. One of the few places they'd take shore leave. Now, the sight brought the taste of bile to his mouth. 

He was sure he radiated rage into the Force standing at attention next to Aalya, but she didn't say a thing as the Admiral brought the Liberty in to dock. “We're down, General. Welcome home.” Admiral Nils Tenant nodded as the nav crew powered down systems. 

“Thank you, Admiral Tenant. It was a pleasure serving with you.” Aalya said with a smile and a firm handshake. 

“The disembarking ramp is down, sir.” One of the nav crew reported.

 “Very well.” Aalya turned to him, “Shall we do our final release from duty Commander?” 

How she could be smiling right now was beyond him, but Bly nodded stiffly, “Of course, General. Lead the way.” 

Aalya headed into the halls to the lift that would take them to the hangar, where she'd then release the men assembled there. Normally, this was done for leave, but with the war over and the clone severance and back pay going through tomorrow, this would be her final act as General. And then she would go back to bring just Knight Aalya. Going back under the thumb of the Senate. And there was nothing anyone could do about it. 

All they had left were these few precious moments left and then it was over. Bly tried not to loom with his dark thoughts as they entered the lift, just the two of them, but he didn't think it was working. The door slid closed, and they began to descend, and Bly just wanted it to stop- 

“ Bly?” Aalya asked softly, watching him carefully. 

Bly looked over at her, so full of concern for him of all people in this situation and just couldn't. He lunged over and hit the emergency stop on the lift, plunging them into soft lighting and letting the tears come, “Why does it have to be this way? There's just not enough time!” 

“Bly.” Aalya wrapped her arms around him as he shook, “Sometimes there's not a why. There's not a reason. But look at me.” She tilted his head up to meet her gaze, “This, what we had, it was a gift. And I am thankful for it.” 

“Must be weird being thankful for a war.” Bly croaked out wetly. 

“Yes. There's never enough time, Bly that's why we take it where we can.” Aalya smiled and then slipped closer to captured lips with hers gently and bittersweet. Bly reciprocated hungrily, pulling her closer and knowing they could only go so long. We take what we can.

They both finally came up for air, and Aalya rested a hand over his chest plate, “I'll always be right here, Bly. And no matter what happens, know I love you. No matter what.” 

Bly leaned closer, resting his forehead on hers, “I love you more than you can understand. Never doubt that. No matter what, never forget.” 

Aalya gazed up at him, the steel in her soul showing through, “I won't. I promise.” 

“I'll wait for you however long it takes,” Bly promises a future without Aalya simply unfathomable. “And no.” He cut her off as she frowned and opened her mouth to protest, “You cannot change my mind.” 

“My stubborn Bly.” Aalya sighed, gazing at him lovingly.

 “My heart of gold, Aalya,” Bly whispered, kissing her on her nose. 

The trill of her comm had them both stopping. “The Senate Representative has arrived.” Aalya read softly, “We can't keep them waiting.” 

Bly wanted to insist they very much could, but seeing as this was Aalya's world, he relented and stepped away to put his helmet on and double-check that his armor didn't look like he'd just made out with his General. Their time was over. They'd stolen what few minutes they could, but that was all. 

Aalya flicked the lift back on, and they descended again. The lift opened to the hangar and the sight of nearly the entire company lined at parade stance as professional as ever. Despite it all, pride bloomed in Bly's chest at how professional and honor-bound his men were, “Attention!” 

They all snapped to attention in perfect unison. At the far end of the hanger, Bly could see the open hanger doors and the ramp that allowed them out onto Coruscant. Freedom and damnation. 

“At Ease.” Aalya began voice booming, “Before I release you all I wanted you to know how honored I have been to serve with each and every one of you. You are all brilliant men, and I look forward to seeing what you and your brothers do in the future. I congratulate you on your work and exemplary jobs in ending this war. I could not have asked for a better command. So before I leave you with this, continue to be exemplary. Life without war is hard but worth it. I urge you all to explore who you are outside of the GAR, outside of the war. And always strive to be just as honorable in every aspect of your life so, until we meet again. Command, released from duty!” 

Normally pandemonium would ensue as his vode whooped and hollered and cheered and raced for the ramp. Today, however, they all relaxed out of parade rest in unison and then snapped into a salute but did not move.

 Aalya slowly stepped down from the crate she'd stood on top of, staring at them all with wonder, “What are they doing?” 

Bly smiled over his men, this had been their idea but he was proud to see it accomplished so well, “They're seeing you off properly.”

 Aalya blinked, taken aback by the show of support, “Ah well, I suppose I should get going, shouldn't I?”

 Bly frowned, “Yeah. Probably.”

 Aalya nodded once to herself before turning and squaring her shoulders and beginning to walk toward the door. Immediately, the whole company split for her, giving her a perfect walkway. Seeing her off with honor and dignity befitting their General. Bly fell in line behind Aalya's shoulder as they walked the path closing behind them. 

Sunlight streamed in the open door, illuminating the world outside, and at the bottom of the ramp, awaiting a hovercraft with important-looking people standing with it. The Republic Representative. Bly felt his rage jump back to the forefront but shoved it down. Right now, what about Aalya, not him and his emotions. He could rage later. 

She came to the end of the walkway and stood before the ramp before turning around. Hope jumped to life in Bly's chest. How fast could they unlock and get the engines primed? Coruscant had no laser guns- 

“It has been an honor,” Aalya said softly, but her voice carried as tears welled up in her eyes. Bly's dream died, “May the Force be with you all.” 

“And with you.” The whole company said in one voice, falling out of salute. 

Aalya looked over them all, fighting tears before her gaze landed on him, and she smiled, full of grief and bittersweet happiness. Remember, I loved you first. And then she wiped away her tears, turned, and marched down the ramp. 

Part of Bly wanted to run after her or scream and cry and let the rage from his chest and rip those Representatives apart. But he couldn't. 

So his feet stayed bolted to the ground as he watched her greet the Representatives and be escorted to their hovercraft and sail off into the Coruscant traffic. And watched and watched and watched till her bright blue skin vanished into the metal world. 

And then she was gone.

Chapter 6

Cody had never hated the Senate more, standing in the dome on a visitor pod as the Senate passed the last of the clone bills freeing them from the GAR. They were people now. Citizens.

 

 Cody watched his face stoic as they all congratulated themselves for their humanitarian actions. He wanted to scream. He marched out before they'd finished their stupid speeches. 

 

He'd need to assign a vod to speak for the clones in the Senate but not today. That was a tomorrow problem. Right now he needed to get out of here. 

 

Cody kept his pace even as he strided through the halls of the Senate the two vode Fox had insisted he bring as ‘guards’ trailing behind him. “How'd it go?” Fox asked, suddenly falling in step with him. 

 

“How'd you think?” Cody growled, “They put it through. Now they're congratulating themselves.” 

 

“I saw.” Fox sighed, “Now what?” Cody considered all the different things he needed to do all he had to accomplish.

 

War is easy. Peace is hard. Kenobi's voice echoed in his head. But the hard things are often worth doing. 

 

“I need something from you.” Cody decided putting his bucket on as they exited the building.

 

 “Okay?” 

 

“I need a list of all pro Jedi and anti-indenture parties in the Senate. I figured you'd know.”

 

 “And?”

 

 “And I need any high level contacts you have for the True Mandos. Preferably on planet that I can meet with.” Cody finished turning to face his batchmate as his gunship escort pulled up. 

 

Fox stared at him surprise radiating through his body language, “Why?”

 

 “That's for me to know for now. Get started.” Cody clapped his brother on the shoulder before stepping into the gunship with his guard. 

 

“Yes Vod'alor.” Fox said, making Cody freeze and then whip around.

 

 He was sure Fox was laughing at him from behind his bucket probably recording too. The shebs had just labeled him the leader of their people. Not just implied but stated. Now he was never gonna get out of this.

 

 But two could play this game. “Many thanks Ambassador Representative Fox. You do your brothers a great service speaking for them here in the Senate. My thanks for agreeing.” Fox stiffened rage billowing from him as the gunship pulled away. Neither of them were ever gonna live that down.

 

 Cody brushed off the incident and his grin before pulling up Bly's number and starting a voice recording to send. “Bly, I need you to contact Wolffe. I want you two to draw up parliamentary plans to evacuate Tipoca city and load all our vode into our ships. I want ship infrastructure changes put into consideration also. Anything we need to remove them and keep them healthy, safe and growing while in the ships. I want a plan for brief tomorrow morning and a few versions of infrastructure changes item by item. Feel free to ask others though many will have their own projects. Cody out.” 

 

There worrying about the cadets taken care of. 

 

Now for the rest. He spent the rest of the flight back to the Negotiator sending voice comms to different Commanders given them jobs. 

 

He asked Baraca for a list of outer rim planets or space stations that could hold life but were abandoned so that they could take over and were near hyperspace lanes. 

 

He asked Commander for an audit of all ships from Ventors to fighter craft along with current fuel levels, hyperdrive systems and food longs. How long could they go before figuring out fuel and food?

 

He asked Keeli to begin a deep dive on the clone biology. They'd been surviving up until now but now they needed to thrive. They needed to know everything that it took to support themselves with no one else providing and caring for those that were different and might need more help. Also maybe get rid of the fast aging too. 

 

And to Rex he simple sent, meet me. 

 

Rex was waiting when his gunship touched down in the hangar. 

 

“You still have that bounty hunter armor from your sting operation a while back?” Cody asked, falling into step next to Rex. 

 

“Hi to you too. Yeah why?” Rex asked. 

 

“How fast can you get me two sets of armor for you and me?” Cody asked mentally running through the list in his head, was he forgetting anything?

 

 “Give me an hour. You gonna tell me what's going on Vod'alor?” Rex teased. 

 

Cody glared at him, “Watch it or I'll give you a title like I did to Fox.” 

 

Rex laughed, “Okay okay. But you do know that's already spreading and the vode like it.” 

 

Cody stepped into the conference room that had become his office, “And for them it's fine but for you, for Bly and Fox and Wolffe, I'm just your brother. I'm just me.” 

 

Rex squeezed his shoulder, “You being you if what has them calling you Vod'alor. You're still Cody. And you were always our leader, now they have a title for you.” 

 

Cody sighed heavily, setting his helmet down on the table, “It doesn't feel right. I'm not worthy to lead. I can't even save our allies. I've never led a people. All I know how to do is lead people to their deaths.” 

 

“We all die someday Cody.” Rex said seriously, “But we have a chance to be something between when we were born and when we die. And you've shown us all how to do that with honor and grace. You're the one with the plan. We don't always get to decide we are worthy but your brothers have chosen you. Can't you accept that?” 

 

Cody sighed letting the weight of it all just sit on him, “Yeah. For now. So. Armor?” 

 

Rex stepped back and gave him a look, “Again why?”

 

 “We need to go incognito. I need to ask someone questions and you need to fill me in on Ahsoka's idea.” Cody nodded, turning back to his chair that had mountains of datapads all around it, “Also, did you keep the Twilight?”

 

 “Please tell me we're not flying anywhere in that flying death trap.”

 

 “We'll see. Get the crews started and get it actually spaceport and not whatever it is that Skywalker saw fit and I'll meet you in the hangar in an hour.” Cody ordered before shooting Rex a grin, “And come hungry.” 

Notes:

Please tell me what you think!

Subscribe if you like!

I run on comments and kudos!

Tell me what you think's gonna happen!

Drop me a comment if you're interested in doing an inspired-by fic, collaboration, or fan art! A head's up is all I ask!

Chapter 7

Using public transportation without his normal kit on was an entirely different experience than Rex was used to. Normally, all the civilians gave them a wide berth, letting them all clump together, and stared at them. 

Here, they didn't move at all. They just ignored them. It was strangely refreshing. 

“So, what was this idea Ahsoka had?” Cody asked through helmet comms next to him, “Something about Mandalore?”

 “She suggested that we go and get a contract with Mandalore working security for their sector,” Rex said, watching as a mother let her child toddler a few steps toward him before gently scooping him up. 

“That'll never work.” Cody shook his head, “The True Mandalorian Protectorate requires swearing of the Resol'nare to serve. We'd be subservient to the Mand'alor.”

 “Not necessarily.” Rex shook his head, “Ahsoka took the time to explain a lot of it to me. The New Mandalorians and True Mandalorians melded when the New Mando government began to fail and they've created a safe haven for any wanting peace. But their war with Death Watch wiped out their ranks. They won, but now if a Syndicate or organized movement came against them, they'd be vulnerable.” Rex followed Cody off the train into Coco Town.

 “You think Jaster Mereel would allow an army of clones with his son's face to contract with the Mando Empire and not swear in?” Cody countered, “Would you use an army that didn't swear its loyalty to you?” 

“Would swearing-in be so bad?” Rex asked. 

Cody froze mid stride right there in the middle of the walkway he breath hitching over their comms. Rex whished he could see Cody's face. “Just think about it, Codes.” Rex came around to face Cody unfamiliar helmet to unfamiliar helmet, “We'd have protection, we'd get to keep our identity and a government to back us. We wouldn't have to search anymore.” 

It was impossible to tell if Cody was looking at him with the strange helmet on, but his shoulders held tension Rex knew all too well. “He'd never go for it.” Cody whispered finally, “Not when we all wear the face of his dead son. How could you expect that of him?”

 “We are his allit, aren't we? Shouldn't that count for something?” Rex pressed. 

Cody's shoulders deflated, “Are we?”

 Were they? They were the illegal clones of Jango Fett, the heir apparent to the True Mandalorians who'd gone MIA years before their creation; by even Mando standards, calling them family was a stretch.

Rex hadn't been deployed yet, but he remembered the absolute fiasco that had happened when Jaster Mereel had found out about the army after Geniosis. He'd been irate when he'd failed to take the clones away from the Kaminoins because he couldn't prove the DNA that had created them didn't come from Jango. Without a filed copy and the paperwork, nothing could prove they were from his son. It didn't matter that they shared his face.

 He'd then turned to the Republic, which had predictably refused, stating that they had paid for the army, the order was, therefore, theirs, and they weren't giving it up. One Senator went as far as accusing Jaster of wanting the army for his own war with Death Watch.

 Enraged did not reach the levels of anger Mereel rose to. Rumor had it that it was only due to his battles with Death Watch and the fragile peace he had at the time with the New Mandos that he didn't declare war on the Republic right then and there. But in an impassioned speech to the Senate, he single-handedly condemned the Senate and kickstarted public perception of the clones as people. 

No one in the Republic heard from him again. From then on, the Republic's scant relations with the Mando Empire were through New Mando leader Duchess Satine Kryze, head of internal Mando affairs. 

Cody was right, Jaster was very unlikely to go for it, but Ahsoka wouldn't have known that and what other options did they have? 

“Just think about it, Cody.” Rex finally said, “Maybe apply it to another people group?”

 “Maybe.” Cody sighed, beginning to walk again. 

“So,” Rex changed the subject, “Why are we going to see Dex?”

 “Cause he knows how to find things no one knows where they are,” Cody explained cryptically. 

“Well, yeah, but what are we trying to find?” Rex frowned behind his helmet as they ducked into Dex's Diner. 

“You'll see,” Cody said before clicking off their helmet comms and asking the waitress to see Dex, with his voice garbled by the helmet's voicecoder. That was a good thing, too, with the Diner filled with celebrating clones. They all might have the same voice, but it was only a matter of time before everyone could pick Cody out. 

“Be right over!” Dex hollered from the back. 

Cody and Rex squeezed into a tiny booth in the back corner of the diner, watching their Brothers celebrate and waiting. Outside looking in. It was a strange feeling watching but not being acknowledged. Was this what Cody felt like all the time? 

 “What can I do you for?” Dex asked jovially, lumbering over and sitting across from them. 

“I'm looking for how to find Tython. I believe you can help me.” Cody said simply. 

The Beskerlian paused and eyed them closely, “Tython, you say? Interesting.” 

“What's so interesting about that?” Rex snapped defensively wishing Cody had warned him about what in the world they were discussing because he had no clue.

Dex smiled and leaned closer, lowering his voice, “You'd do well to tell your brother what you're after, Commander. After your stunt on the Senate landing pads, I understand why you're here incognito, but if your partner doesn't know what you're after, he'll blow your cover.” 

Cody sighed next to Rex, “I should have figured you'd recognize us by now, disguise or no.”

 “You came in too often with my good friend for me not to.” Dex shrugged all his arms, “How is he?”

 “Tired.” Cody said, “Defeated.”

 “So you know.” Dex nodded. 

“Are we the only ones who don't?” Rex demanded eyes darting to the non vode in the restaurant, how many were watching them and judging? 

“Oh no.” Dex shook his head, “Most don't know. The Senate keeps it well hidden, and almost all the planet's out there asking for help have no clue why they're being denied. But if you've been smuggling things on Coruscant for as long as I have, you learn.” 

“Can you help us?” Cody pressed.

 Dex sighed heavily, “You need to understand this going in, people have tried what you're asking before. It never works. If you fail you'll make it worse. Do more harm than good. And if you do succeed you'll be chased the rest of your lives as thieves and pirates.” 

“Let us worry about that.” Cody said confidently, “What can you tell me about Tython?”

 “About the same, as you know, the rumored landing place for the generational ships in the time before records. Tradition has it that one is still there.” Dex nodded, “Story also goes that it was erased from record just before contract went through so that the owners couldn't find it. Many have broken contract to go looking. None ever came back.” 

“I looked on modern maps; there's no Tython.” Cody leaned in, listening intently. 

“Then maybe you should look at old maps.” Dex grinned slyly, “Secrets are buried with age. But if you go back far enough, they unveil themselves.”

 “How do we find maps that old?” Rex frowned, “The only reliable ones are in the Jedi Temple.” 

“For that, I can only give you two names of reputable collectors. Kh'ymm and Maz Kanata. Kh’ymm has the maps, most likely, but Maz has the lore. And with dealing things from before recorded times stories are the next best things for navigation advice.” Dex advises, “As for what I know, it's said by the legends that the Order began in the Center of the Universe before they split. Everyone believes that's part of the story. But with how dense the core storms are, who's to say it isn't true?”

 “You think Typhon is literally at the center of the core?” Rex repeated, gaping at the man, “We'd never get through the storms!” 

“Maybe.” Dex shrugged, “Or maybe it's at the edge of the galaxy and the myths of them jumping here are true instead. I don't know. No one does. But if I were to guess by your brother's scheming face,” Rex whipped around to find Cody stone still helmet unmoving, how did Dex know that- “You're about to find out.”

Chapter 8

Of all the assignments Cody could have handed out evacuating Tipoca City was both the best and the worst assignment Wolffe could have gotten. He was far from the others dealing the Kaminoins all day long and logistical nightmares all the rest of the time. 

 

But he was far away from it all and it let his anger hone in, not fade but forge into something sharper and usable. And he got to hold the Tubies that were big enough to be out of their tubes. They soothed something in him, something raw and sharp and vicious. They were so small and innocent and vulnerable and tiny.

 

 He held them in one hand and they pulled to his thumb with complete trust in him to not harm them or drop them. Complete reliance. 

 

Sitting with them in the low blue light cradling one in his arms was the closest to peace he'd had since the news. He was unashamed to say that was where he was every night. 

 

And that's where Bly found him that night.

 

 “I can see why you're down here all the time.” Bly said quietly emerging from the darkness and nearly blinding Wolffe with his helmet light, “Little creepy down here though.” 

 

Wolffe chuckled looking up at towering Tubie trees above them, “They're babies Bly how are they creepy?”

 

 “The shadows everything casts, neon blue and the darkness.” Bly shuddered, “Freaky.” 

 

“Hold a Tubie Bly and you'll forget all about it.” Wolffe huffed careful not to jostle the sleeping one he was holding. 

 

“You being a baby person is something I did not see coming.” Bly chuckled, taking his bucket off its light casting strange shadows around them at the base as he clipped it to his belt.

 

 “It's part of our DNA isn't it?” Wolffe shrugged gently, handing Bly the babe, “The urge to adopt?” 

 

“Maybe.” Bly allowed looking down at their tiny brother, “But even up it wasn't their our vode. Is it really adopting if they're already ours?” 

 

“Good point.” Wolffe turned to open the tube for the tube and spotted a weird shadow and paused, “Hey Bly. Move left.” 

 

“Why?” Bly asked doing so. The outline of a door that nearly blended into the wall appeared in the harsh shows and light. “What's that?” 

 

“I don't know.” Wolffe opened the crib, “Here put him back, let's go find out.” 

 

Bly put their tiny brother back before shoving back on his helmet and coming over to the door, “Okay how do we get it open?” 

 

“Just try?” Wolffe rammed his shoulder into the door and it crashed open. 

 

Darkness, fringed air and low blue light met them, darker than the Tubie room and freezing as fog drifted at their feet. Columns of pale blue light lined the room cloudy and hard to see in as they slowly came in. 

 

“What the kriff?” Bly breathed, “What is this?” 

 

“More Kaminoin science experiments probably. There's hundreds of them.” Wolffe murmured, scanning the rows and rows of blue columns, “They look like bacta tanks.” 

 

“No ones been here in a long time.” Bly said, sweeping his hand over the dust-cake glass of the columns before jumping out of his skin, “Force!” 

 

“What?” Wolffe whipped around to cone face to face to the sight of a brother in the tube unmoving suspended there in the cloudy blue, “What the kriff?”

 

 “Are they all like this?” Bly asked diving to the next column wiping the grime off it to the same result. And the same and the same. 

 

“We need to call Cody.” Wolffe finally snapped back to reality, “We need to call Cody right the kriff now. This,” Wolffe scanned over the perhaps thousands of some sort of pods all with brothers in them in growing horror, “Changes things.” 

Notes:

Please tell me what you think!

Subscribe if you like!

I run on comments and kudos!

Tell me what you think's gonna happen!

Drop me a comment if you're interested in doing an inspired-by fic, collaboration, or fan art! A head's up is all I ask!

Chapter 9

Cody had been neck deep in a meeting with Baraca and Commander on how far they could push the ships and what would be needed when they stopped when Wolffe's initial comm came through. 

That had quickly morphed into an all-hands-on-deck situation, with Keeli weighing in on what long-term cryostasis (who even used cryostasis anymore?) would do to the clone's body and how to properly wake them without long-term issues. 

Thankfully, they could be woken up. Cody wasn't sure what he'd do if they'd found thousands upon thousands of preserved dead vode. Probably go insane. 

And then Bly had to go make it more complicated.  

“Report,” Cody ordered, putting Bly through and not looking up from the flight arrangements, trying to decide which battalions he could redirect to Kamino to help with the sudden influx of vode.

 “You want the weird news, the bad news, or the kriff-this-just-got-unfairly-complicated news?” Bly asked bluntly. 

Cody glared up at Bly. “Let's hear it.” 

“Weird news is the medics have finished going through all the cryo chambers, and we now have a list of all the related data for each. The early ones go back 10 years. The working theory is that they are the early Cloning attempts that didn't work but weren't dead. We have checked these records against the decommissioned lists and all early failed prototype batches. They're all here. Almost a million.” Bly explained. 

“All of them?” Cody gaped.

 “All of them, from failed proto batches to alphas nulls and decommissioned brothers for the last 10 years.” Bly shuddered. “Don't know why the Kaminoins kept them all on ice, but it's pretty freaky.”

 “They think they're scientists.” Keeli cut in with a shrug, “To them those are experiments; they're cataloging the process, examining what went wrong and tweaking, and always having something to compare to.” 

“That's morbid.” Commander grimaced. 

“And the bad news?” Cody asked, deciding he didn't have the mind space to think about early experimental vode.

 “Bad news is a good amount of the vode here have the same reason for being here in their files, ‘Inhibitor chip malfunction.’” Bly looked down at his datapad, “Almost 25% of the vode here have that reason. More than any other.” 

“What does that mean?” Cody frowned. “The medics took a look, it seems every last one of the clones here from early proto to the most recent decom have a organic chip in their brains, and it's not the original DNA. It's something else.” 

“What is it?” Keeli asked, frowning as he rifled through datapads on his end. 

“We're not sure yet, but the medics are conducting a few surgeries on some Wolfpack volunteers to extract the chip that is in them for study,” Bly admitted.

 “It's in all of us?” Baraca demanded subconsciously, rubbing the back of his neck. 

“As far as we can tell with scans, yes.” Bly nodded. “From what we can tell, it's in all of us. The medics are working overtime on it. Waking up the cryo vode will have to wait.” 

“Send me what you have.” Keeli said, now juggling his datapads, “I'll see what my guys can send you.” 

“How long will that take?” Cody decided to retask Neyo to Kamino. Why couldn't they just catch a break? 

“No idea. But that's not the complicated part.” Bly said, shifting from foot to foot, “The complicated part is that when we went to the first cryo pod, it wasn't labeled with a batch number or ID code like the others.” 

“So what was it?” Commander snapped. 

Bly looked uneasy meeting Cody's gaze. “It was labeled Prime.” 

Everything turned to static in Cody's head as pandemonium distantly erupted. He could faintly hear Keeli drop all his datapads and Commander yelling as the static filled his head. Prime . Their legendary doner. The long-dead Jango Fett. 

“Are you telling me,” Cody said slowly, silencing Keeli and Commander and pinning Bly down with just his gaze, “That you found Jango Fett?” 

Bly met his gaze and nodded, “Yeah, and he's alive, Codes.” 

Kriff. 

“Kriff.” 

Notes:

Please tell me what you think!

Subscribe if you like!

I run on comments and kudos!

Tell me what you think's gonna happen!

Drop me a comment if you're interested in doing an inspired-by fic, collaboration, or fan art! A head's up is all I ask!

Chapter 10

Fox was having A Day. Well, more like A Week cause Cody decided to have him the Senate Representative, which fair, and then it was dealing with worry wort Senators fretting about what the galaxy would do without the GAR. As if the galaxy hadn't worked before them. 

He was in the middle of a surprisingly pleasant conversation with Senator Mothma when his comm rang. His comm which was on silent. Excusing himself and mentally cursing out whichever brother had hacked his comm, he answered it once out of the Senator's earshot. “What.” 

“Are you alone?” Cody demanded. 

“No, I was in a meeting with Senator Mon Mothma when you interrupted me! What do you want?” Fox snapped, patience going through. 

“Check your datapad.” Cody ordered, “And get yourself somewhere private.” 

Fox was going to throttle Cody when he got his hands on him. “What am I looking for?” Fox grumbled, pulling out his datapad and accessing his messages as he stepped into the fresher.

 “You'll know it when you see it. Priority messages.” Cody directed. 

Fox pulled up his Priority mailbox, ignoring the rest of his very full mailbox, and opened the one that said OPEN ME. The images and reports that met him made him do a double take. “Is this real?” 

“Yeah.”

 “He's alive?” 

“Yeah.” 

“And you're sure?” 

“Yeah, medics checked him over his medical markers, injuries, antibodies, bone density, and growth patterns. He's not a clone. He's a natborn.” 

Fox sat heavily gut, flipping, “Force.” 

“Yeah.” Cody said softly, “I need those names for the True Mandos contacts here on planet.” 

“Yeah, yeah, sure.” Fox fumbled to pull up a new priority message, “Have you woken him up yet?”

 “No. That'll be too traumatizing for him. I'm hoping we can return him home and let his family wake him.” Cody shook his head. 

“That's assuming you can get into Mando Space without getting shot down first.” Fox pointed out as he typed down the shortlist he had. 

“Which is why I'll be approaching the people on your list first.” Cody sighed, “Hopefully, they can get us an in-person audience with Jaster for this mess.” 

Fox sent the names and then hesitated, “Are you sure this isn't nonintuitive? I mean, this has nothing to do with us or our goal. You could just wake him up and send him on his way. Getting involved with Mandalore is the last thing we need.” 

Cody's gaze sharpened, “I know what I'm doing, Fox. This isn't arbitrary. I wanted to meet Mereel before this; now I have the perfect reason to.” 

Fox suddenly remembered why Cody had been named their leader by the clones and not just the title the Kaminoins had given. He was a leader yes but he was also a planner, he saw a future for them and strived for it. He schemed and organized and played his cards close to himself but always, always for the betterment of them all. Just because Cody didn't tell you the full picture didn't mean it wasn't a good picture. 

“Fine. But if you wanna contact him fast, then I'd contact Bo Katan first.” Fox sighed, allowing Cody to keep his secrets for now.

 Cody frowned, “Why is that name ringing a bell?” 

“She's Satine Kryze's sister. She's also the head of the Nite Owls, the Protectorate's infiltration division.” Fox explained, “She's one of the Captains under Mereel and has direct access to her sister. You wanna get a meeting with Mando leaders? She's how you wanna do it.” 

“Why do I hear a but coming?” Cody groaned. 

“ But .” Fox grimaced, “She was Death Watch as a teenager, so while she is reformed and trusted, She's brutal and has trust issues.” 

“So I need to go find the pacifist leader of the Mandalore interior's ex-terrorist sister who is still paranoid out of this world so I can give the long lost assumed dead heir to her ex-sworn enemies’ leader back to his warrior father?” Cody pinched the bridge of his nose. 

Fox fought a grin. This was so much better than throttling Cody, “Yep.”

 “I hate you.”

Chapter 11

Bail had been an idealistic young man when he'd been elected the Senator for Alderaan. At the time he'd thought it important work that he was going to change the galaxy. 

But with each passing year the more jaded he had become. The Senate had long ago lost its luster. It was not a place of change but a slow moving machine of bureaucracy. A web of injustice and corruption hidden behind a pretty facade. 

Two terms into his service and every day he wondered if it was even worth it working among the misery hidden by beauty. But important work was still done just not on the grand stage as he once thought.

 It was a fifteen or so teenage Jedi he opened his doors to in cycles to allow them respite from the tyranny beyond his doors as aides throughout the year. It was claiming whichever jedi was currently the Senate's favorite to babysit his toddler Winter after the Senate parties. 

It was filing request after request for Jedi on aid missions to every corner of the galaxy and everywhere between as long as it wasn't Coruscant. It was doing everything in his power and it still wasn't enough.

 Put it simply, Bail was tired.

 The last few years of war had been an unexpected respite. Sure it was more work, he'd had to actually hire aides, and more arguing with other Senators on the floor than he'd done in the rest of his senate career combined but it was actually doing something. For the first time he was making a difference. And then it had reverted back so fast and hard it was almost violent.

 Bail gently scooped Winter out of the arms of a sleeping Plo Koon  who had finally fallen asleep a few minutes ago, easing out of the closet he'd changed into a tiny nursery playroom and cracked the door retreating to his desk. Peace hadn't been declared but a week ago and already the vultures had descended. Bail's Intel had said Plo was still injured from his last engagement so Bail had bribed the clerk to file his request first and Plo had been on babysitting duty for the last few days. 

Thankfully Winter took that as ‘sleep on top of the babysitter for as long as possible’ which meant her chosen victim had no choice but to accommodate. Often that included sleeping themselves. Bail would know he'd missed many a meeting falling prey to his daughter's tooka eyes.

He bounced Winter on his knee as she stretched in his arms, “Did you have a good nap with Master Plo?”

 “Oh!” Winter grinned trying to say Plo's name and failing adorably.

 His door softly chimed, making him shift Winter to his hip and answer, “Yes?” 

“Senator Organa, Representative Fox,” Commander- ex-commander Fox's voice came through, “sorry to intrude without an appointment but I was hoping we could speak on a sensitive subject.” 

Sensitive subject? “Of course one moment.” Bail nodded to himself intrigued as he got up, closed the nursery door and then opened his office door. 

Fox and a clone with yellow tattoos on his cheeks he was sure he knew but couldn't find the name for stared back. “Senator Organa.” Fox nodded professionally.

 For the first time in probably his whole life Fox was dressed in something decidedly neither armor or the blacks that went under them. It was a sharp navy suit that looked more like a military uniform than anything else but it wasn't and it was tasteful for the Senate, understated where everyone else seemed gaudy. 

“Representative Fox, I'm liking the change of wardrobe.” Bail smiled and let them in, “Forgive the state of my office, I've had Winter staying with me for a while.” 

“She's yours then sir?” The other Commander asked, shuffling in still in his armor.

 “Yes. We adopted her a few months ago. Down you go Winter.” Bail smiled, setting Winter in the small sunny corner he'd set up a playpen for her. 

“She's lovely.” The Commander smiled softly down at the girl as she stared wide eyed up at him a fist in her mouth.

 “Forgive me Senator, I don't think I've introduced you to my brother Bly. Commander of the 327th Sky Corps.” Fox saved Bail from floundering.

“Of course.” Bail smiled, connecting the name and face finally, “Secura's group. My congratulations on your freedom.”

 Bly flinched at Secura's name but gave him a tight nod, “Thank you.”

 Bail eyed the man before looking back to Fox, “I take it that's not why you're here?” 

“No.” Fox admitted not giving anything away, “During my time as Guard Commander I pulled your file Organa, a staunch supporter of independent plant rights, sentient rights and a fabled family man.” 

Bail schooled his face, “Should I be concerned with this sudden investigation Representative?”

 “Your Jedi request records are almost exclusively for humanitarian away missions.” Bly cut in, “In fact you lead the pack in the number of requests of the sort with Mon Mothma and Padme Amidala in a bidding war for second. And on the rare occasion you do request a Jedi for personal use it is as aides, intelligence gathering or, more frequently, baby sitting.” 

Bail fought not to react. From what littleged seen the clones and Jedi shared a remarkable bond from serving together. A level of loyalty most could only hope for. But to go looking specifically for his Jedi request records was a dangerous step. No one else had ever gone that far. Perhaps the rumors of the clone's loyalty were over exaggerated? 

“I'm waiting for you to get to a point gentlemen.” Bail eyed Fox carefully. 

“You're gaming the system.” Fox said bluntly, “Probably bribing it too though I doubt anyone could prove that.” 

Bail raised an eyebrow, “I have done nothing illegal. I comply with all the rules and regulations in effect for filing Jedi placement requests and sure as the mountains never bribed anyone! Now if all you're here to do is accuse me of outrageous things I think it's time you leave.” 

“We want you to teach us.” Bly blurted. 

Bail froze. “Teach you?” 

“How to game the system.” Bly repeated,  “You've been doing it for over ten years and no one's ever caught you. No one even suspects anything. You're using their system for exactly the opposite thing it's used for and no one suspects a thing. Teach us how.” 

Bail considered Bly's desperate gaze and Fox's determined set of his shoulders and sighed, “For a moment there I was worried your loyalty to the Jedi was just a rumor. Now I see my mistake. Apologies.”

 “Cut the political talk.” Fox growled, “We're talking about committing mass fraud. Just talk straight.” 

“As long as you call me Bail.”

 Bly burst out laughing as Fox fumed, “But-” 

“Nope. If we're going to allegedly commit alleged fraud you're gonna quit calling me Senator and sir.” Bail grinned, “Whaddya say Fox?”

 Fox scowled, “Fine.” 

Bail grinned, “Excellent. Have a seat gentlemen, let's begin.” Bail scooped up Winter again and began teaching ‘How to Commit Alleged Jedi Request Fraud Against the Senate 101.’ And pretended he didn't see Plo Koon slip out of his office silently somewhere halfway through.

Notes:

Please tell me what you think!

Subscribe if you like!

I run on comments and kudos!

Tell me what you think's gonna happen!

Drop me a comment if you're interested in doing an inspired-by fic, collaboration, or fan art! A head's up is all I ask!

Chapter 12

The fake weather systems of Coruscant had decided that today was a great day to downpour on the Little Mandalore sector. Cody almost slipped for the fifth time doging a running child that was cheering at the rain. He really hated wearing a kit that wasn't his. 

 

He eyed the fully kitted up Mandos and ducked into the Hard Helmet Cantina. Where 79's was bumping music and flashing lights and the upper level bars Fox could now get into were low light and twinkling music this was something between. It had a cozy light and felt of laughter as jolly live music played in the corner. It was, nice.

 

 Cody could get used to this. 

 

Unlike almost every other enlistment on the planet the places in Little Mandalore didn't require its patrons to remove their helmets or any part of their armor, something about a lingering difference in factions leftover from the Civil wars or so the info Fox had given him said. Cody didn't really care but it meant he wasn't clocked as a clone immediately which was nice.

 

 He weaved his way to the private booths in the back but was stopped by an absolutely huge Mando in blue armor, “This area's private.”

 

 Cody pulled up the Republic Representative ID Fox had gotten for him, “I'm here to meet with a Captain in the Protectorate. She's expecting me.” 

 

The Mando didn't move for a long moment and Cody for the sense he was being scowled at before finally the Mando stepped away, “Go through.” 

 

Cody slid his Diplomatic Immunity card away and stepped behind the slatted wall that hid the booths from view but let the ambiance of the place seem through. A few were empty and a few were covered by the privacy curtains that closed them off from the world. And one had an armored woman in dark blue and silver with the Night Owl crest on her right shoulder and House Kryze crest on her left with the Protectorate crest and Captain rank across her chest. 

 

“Captain Kryze.” Cody said respectfully and sitting across from her and taking off his helmet. 

 

The woman tilted her helmet up to look at him, setting her datapad down, “A strange way to address me when you're not one of my soldiers.”

 

 “I supposed you'd prefer it to Lady Bo Katan.” Cody said, setting his helmet next to him on the table facing her, “Was I wrong?” 

 

Bo Katan tilted her head at him, “I have exactly 65 minutes before I leave planet so whatever you have to say you better make it quick. I only took this meeting because your Representative ambushed mine at our embassy and wouldn't take no for an answer.” 

 

“I'll tell him you mentioned it.” Cody didn't grin but it was a close thing. Fox had come back declaring that the Mando Representative was the one politician on the planet with a brain along with some fresh bruises and a date to come back and spar. 

 

He reached over and flipped on the privacy jammers that also activated the curtains, closing them off from the rest of the world and jamming any listening devices. “I need a meeting with Jaster Mereel.”

 

 Bo Katan paused at his blunt words, “You want a meeting with the Manda'lor?” 

 

“Yes.” Cody nodded seriously, “And I need it off the books and preferably quick.” 

 

She leaned back crossing her arms across her chest as she scrutinized him, “That smells like a set up. Why do you want to meet him so bad?” 

 

Cody grit his teeth and tried to channel his General's never ending patience when it came to these things, “I have sensitive information, about his son.”

 

 Bo Katan snorted, “That's rich coming from you.”

 

 Cody bristled but forced himself not to snap back, “We've just gained our independence. In doing so we've seized all of the files and assets pertaining to our creation, we've found some things that we'd like to return to the Manda'lor.”

 

 “There is nothing you could tell him that he wants to hear.” Bo Katan said coldly, “He doesn't need to know how his son died or how those dar'manda desecrated his body after to create you.”

 

 Cody did not flinch. He could understand the sentiment, the original clone template had to be taken apart and examined to a microscopic level every part of them before enough data was gathered to begin the Cloning process. It was invasive and violating and downright wrong on every level. Especially if Jango hadn't been a willing participant. “I understand. I'm not here to force that on him. But what I have to tell him he'll want to hear.” 

 

“And what is so important you want to tell the Manda'lor in person then? What's so important?” Bo Katan demanded her patience clearly thinning.

 

 Cody hesitated, Fox had warned him this would probably happen, that Bo Katan was so paranoid she'd demand to know what exactly he wanted. But the more people that knew this the more dangerous this whole endeavor became. But they had agreed there was no other choice. To get to Mereel they'd have to tell Bo Katan the truth.

 

 “When we were offloading our vode that were still in their incubation growth cycles we found a secret laboratory of clones who were failed experiments. In it we found a natborn, a non clone, in cryostasis along with the others.” Cody pulled out the highlighted sensitive health report they'd created along with everything else the many medics who had looked Jango over could think of to prove his identity, “We've run as many non invasive tests as we could. It's Jango Fett. Not a clone.”

 

 Bo Katan took the offered datapad slowly, “Are you saying you found Mereel's son? Alive?” 

 

“Yes.” Cody nodded, “We've compiled the data we have proving that on the datapad you have. From what we know we believe he was kidnapped at some point after the battle of Galidraan by whoever really commissioned the GAR some fifteen years ago. We can't tell if they experimented on him while he was awake or not but he's in relatively good health for being under for ten years at least.”

 

 Bo Katan didn't say a thing for a long time as she swiped through the datapad scanning all the information they had given her before finally setting the datapad down and for the first time taking off her helmet. Her piercing green met Cody evenly her lips pressed tightly together, “You need to speak with Mereel.” 

 

“Yes.” Cody held her gaze not commenting on her action though he knew it was her finally acknowledging him as an equal, “I need an in person face to face meeting with him. I'm not handing over his son to anyone else.” 

 

Bo Katan nodded her short fire red hair bobbing as she did so, “Alright. You've got yourself a meeting.” She held out her hand and Cody grasped the forearm in the Mando way only for her to tighten her grip and yank him forward, “But know if you're yanking me around or lying I will kill you.” 

 

Codu did not flinch or back away; this was what it took for peace. “I would expect nothing less."

Chapter 13

To walk free without robes or armor was the strangest sensation. To get lost in a crowd and just be .

 In the last few months, she'd been free, but Ahsoka still hadn't gotten used to it. To be ignored in a crowd. To be just somebody. To be a nobody. 

She was a fighter without a people, but she was free. That was enough. 

Ahsoka ducked into a cantina in the Mando outpost Rex and the boys had dropped her at before rendezvous with the battalions on Coruscant. On Coruscant with the Martez sisters, there was always something to do to earn her keep, as there had been on the battlefield. Now there was nothing.

  The last time she'd had free time, it had been in transit on the Resolute during her apprenticeship, jumping from battlefield to battlefield with the Vode, and even then, there was the classroom. Before that, there were faint, hazy memories of the creche. This was entirely not that.

 Ahsoka dodged a few drunks and took a seat in one of the alcoves, looking around the room. For the first time in her life, she was a nobody with nothing to do. It felt like she was off balance. The feeling was not ideal. 

She closed her eyes and reached for the Force, letting it blanket her and whisk her worries away, sharpening her senses and soothing her fears. Listenlistenlisten. 

Ahsoka opened her eyes and straightened. To what? 

She looked around the Cantina again, eyes and senses drifting over criminals and civilians alike, from one bounty hunter to the next. She spotted a man wearing baggy clothing over his armor and a gnarly scar over his pale face as he passed her spot, and the Force sharpened, much like her senses did when she let them focus on spotting prey. Listenlistenlisten . 

The man took a seat at a table four down from her in the corner, giving him the full view of the room and back to the wall as he hid in the shadows—someone who was prepared for violence but didn't want to be seen.

 Ahsoka motioned the waiter droid over and ordered something cheap as she pulled out her datapad and hunched over it, trying to look like everyone else as she stretched her senses into the Force and over to his table. 

Another similarly bulky and armored man with baggy clothes and no helmet slipped in the back door and took a seat directly across from him without pausing to check who it was. A prearranged meet then.

 “Are you crazy? Meeting out in the open is a fast way to die, you di'kut.” The new man hissed.

 “So is using that tongue out of the enclave.” The first man responded calmly, “But that doesn't matter anymore. The time has come. We've been waiting for a chance to return to the fight. I've found it.” The first man's comm buzzed, and he set the holodisk between them where Ahsoka couldn't see.

 “Are you secure?” A new voice asked. 

“This connection is, however, right now we do not have a location and are instead anonymous. Speak quickly.”

 “If you screw this up-” 

“We won't. Or honor demands it.” The first man insisted, “What are the details?” 

“The Triellus Trade Route by Molavar to the Corellian Run in the Araknis Sector to the Hydian Way by Denon to the Salin Corridor by Botajef to the destination.” 

“How good is your information?”

 “Very.”

 “How do you know the plan won't change?” The second man finally demanded.

 “My Intel is up to date. If the nav changes, I'll let you know.”

 “And the package?”

 “Confirmed. It will be traveling with three Destroyers as a convoy.”

 “ Three?” The second man hissed, fighting to keep his voice down, “That's impossible!” 

“They know what they have. They're smart to keep it safe, for flesh droids.” 

Ahsoka stiffened, curling around her cup of random liquid and willing herself to focus. Someone had found out the Vode were taking something off Kamino to somewhere near Botajef, if the nav instructions were right. Most likely Mandalore. And with the nav details of the cross-galaxy trip, even with three cruisers, whatever it was was now in danger. As were the Vode. 

What's so important that it gets shipped across the galaxy and with such security? .

“The shipment is confirmed to be sent tonight. Can you get it done?” 

“For a prize of this value, I would make it so even if it could not.” The first man nodded, “We have what we need.”

 “Good. I'll let you know if the nav changes. Good hunting.” 

There was a crackle, followed by a crunching sound, as one of the men destroyed the holodisk. “Is it really him?” The second man asked eagerly, “After all this time? Or is it another one of the clones?”

  “Who cares?” The first man leaned back, grinning, “All that matters is that the pretender thinks he is. That belief will be what crushes him.” 

“I will tell the others. We can be ready to leave in an hour.” The second man rose to his feet, “Revenge will be renewal.” 

Ahsoka watched as the first man finished his drink and then also slipped out the back, the sharpness fading as he vanished from sight. Mandalorians. Most likely Death Watch remnants. Had they taken offense to the Vode offering their services to Satine?

 The Force rippled in warning but not caution as another person slid into the seat across from her, “You're a long way from home.”

 “Home is where I drift now.” Ahsoka felt no warning as she regarded Asajj Ventress across from her, “You look better.”

 “As opposed to what?” The ex-assassin asked, sipping her drink.

 “The war. After.” 

“Mmh. As do you.” 

“Walking free did us both good, I suppose.” 

“Yes.” Ventress set her glass down. “I take it you saw the two Mandos earlier?”

 So the Force was just tight around them in general, not just for her good to know. “Yes. Why?”

 “You should know there's a black market bounty out for whatever your men are smuggling across the galaxy to Mandalore that those jokers were talking about,” Asajj said while playing with her cup. 

Ahsoka considered her, “Are you going to take it?” 

“You couldn't pay me enough to deal with clones again. I've had enough for my lifetime, Force, they're irritating.” Ventress dismissed in an almost amused way. 

“They'd be flattered, I'm sure. Why are you telling me this?”  

“Did you ever wonder how Dooku knew where the Republic was going to be before they were there?” Ventress changed the subject suddenly. 

Ahsoka frowned. “What are you saying?” 

Ventress met her gaze evenly, “You were under the Senate, and I was under Dooku; now neither of us is under anything, but can you say anything really changed? That we are really free?”

 “Are you saying someone was telling Dooku what to do?” Ahsoka breathed, re-evaluating every interaction she'd ever had with the woman.

 “I never saw him. Never met him. But I did go looking once I found an originating cyber ID. The same one who posted the original bounty.” Assaj knocked back the rest of her drink and then stared up at the feeling, “What if the freedom we think we have is just an illusion? What if no one's free? What if we're all just pawns in different colors?”

 It made sense. Too much sense. Ahsoka licked her lips. “Why are you telling me this?” 

Ventress dropped her head to look at her again, haze heavy and tired, “Maybe I'm tired of being told who I should hate. Maybe I'm tired of hating. I don't know. Maybe I'm just tired.”

 Ahsoka leaned forward, folding her arms on the table, “We made a good team, that once right?”

 Assaj snorted dryly, “We both got beat up in that fight separately.” 

“But together we were good.” Ahsoka corrected a crazy idea taking form. Rex was gonna kill her. “What do you say we take that job you were talking about. Together?”

 Ventress looked at her sharply, “Take it?” 

“The closer you are to the danger, the closer you are to the cause.” Ahsoka reasoned, “We take the job and we beat anyone else who tries to take it from us.” 

“You wanna take a black market bounty just to turn around and betray it just to beat other teams to the prize and screw over the man who told Count Dooku, Lord of the Sith, what to do?” Ventress summarized in shock. 

“You said you were tired of being played, of doing as you were set up to do. The only way out of the gameboard is redefining the rules.” Ahsoka grinned, “Whatddya say? Wanna beat up some bounty hunters with me?” 

Ventress laughed suddenly and surprisingly bright, “Anyone ever tell you you're scary, kid?”

 “There's always the first.”

Notes:

Please tell me what you think!

Subscribe if you like!

I run on comments and kudos!

Tell me what you think's gonna happen!

Drop me a comment if you're interested in doing an inspired-by fic, collaboration, or fan art! A head's up is all I ask!

Chapter 14

Distant knocking woke Anakin from dreamless sleep. 

 

“Ani?” Padme's voice drifted from beyond the door softly, “You need to get up now. The Representative will be here soon to take you back.” 

 

Right the blasted Representatives. “Kay. I'm up.” He groaned and rolled to his feet in the small but private room. His body ached in response from the party before. Padme had gotten him off the floor at almost 3 am and he barely remember stumbling into the private room she had for days like these before he'd fallen into the bed and slept. Force he hated the Senate. 

 

He stepped into the small fresher Padme had made for the room and showered quickly before getting dressed in fresh clothes and running a brush through his hair and was grateful for the millionth time for the rooms like this. Padme had had it put into her Senate room to give him and any other Jedi privacy after parties and a few others like organa and Mothma had followed suite. He knew that others appreciated the respite from it all. 

 

He unluocvked the inside lock he caught remembered turning on last night and  emerged from the private room fifteen minutes later to find Padme in a state of chaos. “What's up?” 

 

“Emergency session was just declared to discuss folding the Separatist world's back in. It's gonna be a bloodbath.” Padme grumbled working with her necklace as one of her handmaids worked her hair into whatever elaborate style it was supposed to be. 

 

“Hopefully they don't enslave them. They don't deserve that.” Anakin grumbled darkly, helping himself to caff. “Unfortunately we both know the likelihood of that.” Padme grumbled and then stiffened.

 

 The silence turned thick at her words and Anakin willed himself not to think about the first time they'd met. Padme had been just a naive child unknowing of the Senate's true functions when she'd (suggested) he be taken in with the jedi. And by the time they'd all realized what that meant it was too late.

 

 “I'm sorry I shouldn't have said that.” Padme said softly meeting his eye steadfastly. 

 

Anakin was sure that if the Force Blockers he'd taken yesterday weren't still in full effect he could be able to tast her guilt like his own. Guilt that really didn't get them anywhere. “It's okay.” Anakin tried to give her a smile and failed. He was just so tired, “You're not wrong.”

 

 Padme was always the professional politician but for a bare moment her facade cracked and the pain at his words washed across her face. But it was gone as fast as it came and as much as Anakin wished he could take that guilt and pain from her he knew there were no words in the galaxy to help. They'd done this dance too long to pretend otherwise. 

 

It didn't mean he couldn't wish their story was different. That he could take her guilt from her. That this simple domestic moment was true and that the gentler world they created for themselves here could extend beyond the apartment walls. That they could just be without the guilt or the titles or the obligations. But that was just a fairy tale and Padme was too bound by guilt and too devoted to her duty to consider what either of them felt or longed for was genuine.

 

  There was a knock on the door and Anakin downed the last of his caff, let his dream go and pushed his feelings deep down before going over the answer it. 

 

A Senate Representative in blue armor stood there, “Are you Knight Skywalker?” 

 

“Yes.” Anakin nodded, giving the Representative a cold look, “You my escort?” 

 

“Indeed.” 

 

“Ani, who's there?” Padme asked, swishing over already playing her part, “Oh you. Already?”

 

 “Your allotted time is up ma'am.” The Representative said bluntly. 

 

 “I see. I shall see you again soon then.” Padme said promptly turning to him. 

 

Anakin bowed as was polite, “Senator.” He stepped out into the hall away from relative safety before the Representative could grab his arm and they were off. 

 

Thankfully there were limits to how long the Senate could request Jedi for personal use and Anakin was now required to return to the Temple for a eight hour rest period. Blessed rest. It did not stop the stares in the halls or the passing words.

 

 Today however everyone was in a rush for the emergency meeting and he was mostly ignored as he made his way out of the complex and into the speeder that would take him back to the Temple. He watched the endless traffic as the speeder lifted off and tried not to feel dirty despite having just taken a shower. 

 

This hasn't been what he'd wanted when he'd become a Jedi. Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan had tried to dissuade him, that bright eyed 9 year old who thought that would be his salvation. He had only known the stories of legendary knights that saved people. Padme had only known the same when she'd encouraged him and put through the discovery paperwork. 

 

He hadn't understood why Qui-Gon wouldn't bargain for his freedom when asking for the ship parts. In that moment Padme had been his hero getting the Senate money to pay for his freedom. His but not his mother's. He had been so happy and she had been so proud of herself. 

 

 Qui-Gon had been so displeased and Obi-Wan's grief had come off him in waves. They had gone too far when the truth had come out to go back. Padme had been horrified and apologized profusely but there was nothing that could be done. The Senate knew he existed now because of Padme's intervention and the Senate rarely let go of what they owned. Not unless they were forced to. Not unless they decided to. 

 

Anakin forced himself not to think of Ahsoka, not to worry over her. She was all alone in the galaxy but she was free. The same could not be said of him. 

 

The speeder pulled to a stop at the Temple Hanger and Anakin exited before the Representative could say anything. The Temple was quieter these days after the war yet somehow less peaceful. It was still a comforting presence stepping into the halls ridding oneself of the Force Blockers and coming home. But it was tense.

 

 In some ways Anakin had felt more at peace during the war than he had before or after it. No obligations, no thinly veiled slavery no one watching or wanting or judging. There had been purpose and freedom.

 

 And death. So much death.

 

 Anakin closed his eyes as the Force Blockers began to drain away and Dooku's face flashed in his mind. The way his face contorted in rage and defeat before Anakin had killed him. The face that haunted his dreams. 

 

For his many faults Dooku had done what no Jedi in a hundred years, maybe more had done, he'd split from the Republic. He'd gotten out, gone free.

 

 And then he'd turned around and waged war. He hadn't even done it in the name of justice or to come back for the Jedi; he'd gotten lost in the politics of it. 

 

What about us? Anakin had wanted to scream at him. We're your family, why are you killing us? He'd stared down his blue blades at the man and every night in his dreams asked why didn't you save us? Every night Dooku's severed head doesn't answer. 

 

Perhaps he would gave saved them if he had won. If Anakin hadn't killed him. Dukkra. Death and freedom. 

 

Anakin sighed pushing his thoughts away as the last of the Force Blockers drained away and he could feel again. 

 

What ifs did him no good. Just one foot in front of the other. Forever.

Chapter 15

Jango Fett looked surprisingly young. Rex guessed that wasn't really surprising, he had been young when he'd gone MIA and cryostasis stopped aging but still it was eerie looking at the baby faced man who looked like the shinies Rex had taken on as the evacuated Kamino. 

 

Just a kid. 

 

And yet he had more scars than many of the battle hardened vode. The signs that he really was a fearsome warrior before he'd been captured. 

 

What would it be like for him to wake up so disconnected with the world? At least a decade in the future with millions who share his face? Missing the rise of his people into an empire? Missing an entire Galactic war? 

 

And that also begged the question how much had he been awake for? The long necks were cold beings dedicated to their science but they were not cruel for cruleness sake. Rex could only hope he had been out for the numerous tests it must have taken to get the data necessary to begin the Cloning process. 

 

“Couldn't find you on the bridge.” Bly's voice jolted Rex out of his thoughts, “Kinda surprised to find you down here.”

 

 “Yeah.” Rex shrugged, “Just needed to think.”

 

 “Yeah alright.” Bly closed the door behind him, “We're still two hours out. We got time.” 

 

Rex nodded in the silence the only sounds the soft beeping of all the medical machines, “I keep thinking how young he looks. Did we ever look that young?” 

 

“You know by now we're probably somewhere around the same physical age to him with his slowed aging and are accelerated.” Bly chuckled, pulling a rolling stool over to sit, “Ain't that kriffed up?”

 

 Rex frowned, turning the words over in his head, “It doesn't make sense.” 

 

“Tell me about it, we're somehow older than him-” 

 

“No. No, the timeline doesn't make sense.” Rex cut Bly off, “He's what 21-22 natural?” 

 

“Yeah so?” 

 

“He was what 17-18 when he went missing?” 

 

“I guess?” Bly looked confused, “What are you getting at?”

 

 “Where was he those 3-4 years between then and how he looks now?” Rex asked, staring at the race that predated his own yet was younger. 

 

“Are you saying they kidnapped and experimented on him for 4 years before freezing him?” Bly sounded disturbed. 

 

“Maybe. He was the heir to the Manda'lor. Someone like that doesn't just vanish. Who would do that?” Rex scowled the problem just didn't make sense, “Not the Republic, they don't get involved, the Separatists movement didn't have enough steam back then.” 

 

“Death Watch?” Bly offered. 

 

“Maybe but during that time they'd just gotten decimated on Galidraan by the True Mandos. I think they were too fragile.” Rex thought for a moment, “The Hutts?” 

 

“Where's the profit in that?” Bly wrinkled his nose, “They use Mandos as enforcers. The last thing they need is the Empire coming down and destroying them.”

 

 “Same goes for most crime syndicates.” Rex sighed, “What about the pirates?” 

 

“Like Hondo?” Bly made a face. 

 

“No. Not Hondo.” Rex thought for a moment, “Let's step back from the problem for a sec. What do we know?”

 

 “That someone kidnapped the heir to mandalore, a high risk move, at the height of the true Mando power and used him to create the clone army for the Republic to fight the Separatists, possibly tortured the poor kid for years to do it and then froze him.” Bly listed. 

 

“That's it.” Rex nodded. 

 

“What is?”

 

 “How did the Republic know they needed an army? How did anyone actually?” 

 

“The Separatists didn't become a problem until six years ago and it takes ten to create us.” Bly squeezed his eyes shut. 

 

“Plus three for the actual war.” Rex finished. 

 

“Plus three for the war.” Bly nodded, “He didn't get kidnapped by an enemy to be sold off.” 

 

“No.” Rex shook his head looking back to the sleeping patient, “He got kidnapped by whoever created us and whoever organized this whole war.” 

 

“Which means he might know who that is.” Bly finished the thought shooting to his feet, “We need to talk to him when he wakes up.” 

 

“We need access to Mando records from back then too.” Rex agreed, “Clone templates are carefully chosen for whatever you want to create. Someone chose him. They might have met him.” 

 

Head splitting alarms cut off the moment making both Rex and Bly jump. Rex jammed his helmet on cutting out some of the sound, “What?”

 

 “We dropped out for the final impulse track off the hyperspace lane and straight into an ambush. All light craft looks like at least twenty, pirates most likely.” 

 

“Dank Ferrick.” Bly cursed, “Shields to full send alerts to the Protectorate and Mando space. We're on our way.” 

 

“Man battle stations.” Rex added before signing off. 

 

“Never a dull moment aye Rexy?” Bly threw open the door as they joined the rush of vode in the hall. 

 

“Ask me again in an hour.” Rex growled, “Assuming I haven't shot you for the comment.” 

Notes:

Please tell me what you think!

Subscribe if you like!

I run on comments and kudos!

Tell me what you think's gonna happen!

Drop me a comment if you're interested in doing an inspired-by fic, collaboration, or fan art! A head's up is all I ask!

Chapter 16

Going into battle without Aalya was jarring. All his career he'd had her at his side and now it was like a phantom limb. Part of him expecting her to appear by his side ever steady and bark our orders. 

 

But it was just him and his brothers like old times. Bly pushed away the feeling unbalanced and focused as the lift door opened and he and Rex came onto the bridge. 

 

“Report!” 

 

“Shields holding they've opened fire.” 

 

“Spray them with EMPs. Let's see if we can't cut the numbers down.” Bly ordered. 

 

“Attention fleet, we are under attack, form up. Fighters to your squadrons stay within the premier and do not engage. If the enemy breaches the zone, destroy with prejudice.” Rex announced over the intercom to the others in the convoy. 

 

“Barrage of EMPs away sir.” 

 

Bly looked out the window in time to see flashes of blue as many of the light craft stopped their advance.

 

 “Sir! More ships are arriving behind us.” 

 

“Dank Ferrick.” Bly swore. "It's an ambush.”

 

 “Status of the Mandos?” Rex demanded. 

 

“Incoming they're fifteen minutes out.” 

 

“That's not soon enough.” Bly hisses to Rex so the crew couldn't hear.

 

 “We'll have to stall then. Helm, turn us 180 degrees hull to incoming craft shields to full at full speed ahead. Tell Liberty at the end to do the same block in the Negotiator.”

 

 “Where’d you think of that?” Bly asked as the command was followed and the ship tilted. 

 

“One of Ahsoka's tricks.” Rex sighed, “Let's hope it works.” 

 

“Sir, they're opening fire!”

 

 “Shields?” 

 

“Holding. They're starting an attack run.” 

 

“Battle stations pick them off.” Bly ordered, “Fighters at the ready you're about to have company, remember don't chase. Interior battle stations switch to trackers only. Only though on the outskirts of the zone of action. No friendly fire.”

 

 “Shields beginning to fall. They're firing some sort of kinetics.” 

 

“Kinetics?” Bly frowned, “That's very old school.” 

 

“And unfortunately effective since the shield can't absorb the impact. What's the rate of decay on the shield?” Rex asked, turning to the window as they watched in a truly nauseating angle the fighters who were using a pretty good job not chasing the few enemy craft that got through.

 

 “A one percent drop every thirty seconds we're at 80% now.” 

 

“We should be good till the Mandos get here.” Bly sighed. 

 

“Sir!” One of the crew yelled, “They're powering up some sort of weapons I haven't seen before!” 

 

The ship rumbled under his feet a moment later, “Report!”

 

 “Whatevere it was shields are down to 50% from just it! We can take one more hit but no more.” 

 

“Fire back!” Rex ordered, “Take out that weapon!” 

 

“Sir! More ships just dropped in!” 

 

“Of kriffing course.” Rex growled.

 

 “Sir, I have an incoming transmission, using older GAR codes.” 

 

“Put it through.” Bly ordered with a frown. 

 

The hologram table flickered to life and Ahsoka Tano's face materialized, “Hey Rex.” 

 

“Ahsoka!” Rex gaped, “What are you doing?”

 

 “Saving you apparently." The ex-jedi grinned, “Tell the cruisers to stop firing. We'll take care of the attackers.”

 

 “We?” But Ahsoka was gone. 

 

“Cease fire! Tell Liberty to do the same!” Bly yelled. 

 

A moment later there was a flash of blue from beyond Liberty that reminded Bly of Aalya’s blade and then a single fighter rocketed over Liberty and zoomed over the contact zone diving in front of Tribunal. 

 

“Sir Commander Cody wants to know what's going on.”

 

 “Tell him I'll let him know when Ahsoka is done doing crazy things." Rex snapped back. 

 

There was another flash of blue from in front of them but nearly completely blocked by the hull.

 

 “Any ideas?” Bly glanced at Rex who looked just as puzzled.

 

 “Not a clue.” 

 

“It's Tano.”

 

 “Put her through.” 

 

Ahsoka's form flickered to life, “You're clear. You can flip back over and let your fighters take care of the rest.” 

 

“What was that?” Rex asked. 

 

“Oh just a little something I picked up from the Separatists' incomplete weapons when they fell.” A raspy voice came from off screen. 

 

Ahsoka playfully sighed, “I'll be coming aboard now if you don't mind. My ride doesn't want to stick around.” 

 

“You're always welcome.” Rex grinned. 

 

Bly turned back to the bridge windows as the ship tilted back, “Was that who I thought it was?” 

 

“I'm not asking.” 

 

“Sir Commander Cody is now demanding an answer.”

 

 “And probably swearing up a storm.” Rex laughed, “Tell him Ahsoka's joining us. Release the fighters to clean up and tell Liberty to flip back over.”

 

 “I have Bo Katan from the Protectorate requesting transmission.” 

 

“Put her through.”

 

 A moment later Bo Katan's unimpressed face popped up, “So what the kriff did you need us for? Seems like you had it handled.”

 

Bly glanced over to the windows to check whatever it was she was seeing and gaped. All the ships were cleanly sliced in two like they'd all jumped through a star or hit something in hyperspace fragments everywhere. “What the kriff kinda weapon was that?”

Notes:

Please tell me what you think!

Subscribe if you like!

I run on comments and kudos!

Tell me what you think's gonna happen!

Drop me a comment if you're interested in doing an inspired-by fic, collaboration, or fan art! A head's up is all I ask!

Chapter 17

Rex had picked up Skywalker’s bad habits when it came to communicating unfortunately. Namely that he didn't.

 

 Cody sighed as his LAAT landed. He'd have to work on that. 

 

He stepped off his shuttle and immediately changed course to circle the foreign ship parked in the Tribunal’s hanger. Dark metal, gold highlights and sleek design it was opposite in just about every way to the GAR craft. It was a luxury craft if Cody had ever seen one and was completely out of place sitting next to the fighters.

 

 “Like my new ride?” Cody looked up to find Ahsoka beaming down at him from on top of the ship. 

 

“It's nice.” Cody nodded as she hopped down, “Where's your get it?” 

 

“Liberated it with an acquaintance." Ahsoka shrugged before looking at him intently, “How are you Cody?”

 

 “Sone days good.” Cody nodded honestly, “Some days bad.”

 

 “I'm sorry.” Ahsoka said earnestly. 

 

“Why?” Cody frowned at her, “None of it's your fault.” 

 

“Still.” Ahsoka shrugged, “We dragged you into your first war, nothing says you have to fight ours for your second.”

 

 “You say that as if it was a choice.” Cody met her gaze, “You need help. Your whole people needs help. Who would we be if we didn't?” 

 

Ahsoka tilted her head regarding him slowly before smiling, “I think I see why Master Obi-Wan kept you around.”

 

 Other than the fact he was assigned to him? Cody raised an eyebrow, “That is?” 

 

Ahsoka smiled, “You're a good man.” 

 

“Commander!” A cheer was all the warning they got before Ahsoka was nearly bowled off her feet and then swept off them as Jesse pulled her into a hug and spun her around. 

 

“You do realize that I'm not a commander anymore right?” Ahsoka laughed as Jesse finally set her down, “Between the citizen leader in the siege and the end of the war I would have thought you’d got that by now.” 

 

“You'll always be our commander.” Rex said warmly, extracting her from Jesse's hold, “nothing could change that.” 

 

“Regardless.” Ahsoka smiled, giving Rex a quick hug and moving away from the topic, “I wasn't expecting that welcome, I've only been gone two weeks.”

 

 “That's forever in army time.” Bly said bluntly, coming over at a much more sated pace, “We're still adjusting.”

 

 “Commander.” Ahsoka greeted. 

 

“Commander.” Bly nodded turning to the space craft before them, “Nice ride. What's the weaponry like?”

 

 “Little of this, little of that,” Ahsoka shrugged, “Stole it from one of Dooku’s cache sites, don't think he'll be needing it.” 

 

Cody snorted, “Probably not.” 

 

“How’d you take out both those fleets?” Bly pressed examining the dark panels no doubt looking for evidence of the weapon’s fire. 

 

“Dooku had been experimenting with kyber weapons. Thankfully none of his designs ever made it to fruition but the prototypes that he did have- well, they're in better hands now.” Ahsoka pattern the ship. 

 

“Kyber weapons?” Cody repeated the weight of the crystal, handing on a string around his neck tucked away from sight under his blacks echoing in his skin like a chill in the air, “Like lightsabers?” 

 

“Lightsabers are the most common one but not the only one.” Ahsoka sighed, “The problem with the others is that when it is not constantly tempered, they become unstable and tend to explode. Firing weapons turn on and off that temperament as do most weapons.”

 

 “Is it safe?” Rex asked, eyeing the ship with new suspicion. 

 

“Yes.” Ahsoka laughed, “Everything's off. I'm not gonna blow up the ship Rex. Have some faith.” 

 

Cody's comm beeped and he answered, “Yes?” 

 

“Sir Bo Katan is requesting permission to land for herself and her fighters.” 

 

“Granted. Send her to the Tribunal.” Cody ordered. 

 

A moment later the gears rumbled as the hanger doors eased open to the stars above them. On cue two sharp angular Mando ships descended smoothly into the hangar landing softly uniformly, wings folded parallel to the floor. A rare sight to behold.

 

“Lucky these are the small ones.” Jesse commented, “Not sure we could fit the ones that carry the jetpack units in here.” 

 

He had a point. As it was, they better hope there were no more attacks cause the Mando ships, being three times the size of the fighters, would have to exit first before the fighters could be deployed. 

 

Cody banished those thoughts as the ship ramp lowered in one of the fighters and Bo Katan came out. “Lady Bo Katan.” Cody greeted clasping her forearm. 

 

“Commander Cody.” Bo Katan nodded, clasping his forearm as well, her helmet already tucked under her arm before turning to Ahsoka and softening just a bit, “Tano. Long time no see.”

 

 “Bo Katan.” Ahsoka nodded, “I trust life is going back to normal now?”

 

 “Yes. The damage Maul did was thankfully easily repairable though how deep he was into our sewer system is still being investigated. You have our thanks.” Bo Katan nodded. 

 

Cody mentally facepalmed. He'd forgotten Ahsoka had recently been on mission to Mandalore at the end of the war with everything going on. Rex had even told him. 

 

What had been the situation? Maul had finally been driven into the undercity of Sundari by the Mando forces. Somehow he’d managed to call upon the five crime syndicates to aid him. Only two had shown up, the Crimson Dawn and the Black Sun which had forced the Protectorate and Defense Corp to defend instead of hunt. 

 

Satine had dispatched Bo Katan with a culturally risky move hunting down Ahsoka and enlisting her help asking for the GAR’s help catching Maul for good. Obi-Wan had spun it as a political move and Skywalker had split the 501st giving Ahsoka half to lead while the rest of the war began to come to a close. 

 

Ahsoka had caught him if Cody recalled right. 

 

Jaster Mereel had shot him. 

 

“I'm glad I could help.” Ahsoka said honestly, bringing Cody back to the moment. 

 

“Yes. Don't know why you needed ours today though. The debris fields out there looked pretty decimated.” Bo Katan drawled slowly.

 

 “They didn't know I was coming.” Ahsoka said before and of them could try explaining, “If I hadn't been there I'm sure your assistance would have changed the tide.” 

 

Bo Katan looked unimpressed but allowed it, “Whatever happened it seems pretty clear there's a leak somewhere. No one was supposed to know about this convoy. With all those craft the wreckage suggests your all lucky Tano arrived when she did.” 

 

“That's what I'd be inclined to believe too.” Ahsoka agreed, “That's how I heard about this job. Bounty came out to a specific few, Death Watch remnants by the looks of them.”

 

 “That would make sense.” Cody nodded, “Who else would want Mereel’s heir dead so badly?”

 

 “Actually I think that list might be longer than you think.” Rex countered, “But in this case if Ahsoka says Death Watch I believe her.”

 

 Bo Katan frowned and Cody could practically feel her displeasure and questions coming off her in waves but her comm chirped first. “Well Death Watch or not this discussion will have to wait. We’ve arrived.” 

 

Cody looked up through the open hanger doors and drifting above them coming closer was the pale grey of Sundari. They were finally here.

 

 “Come.” Bo Katan slipped her helmet back on and straightened up like she was standing at attention, “The Manda’lor awaits.”

Chapter 18

There was no word for a parent who lost their child. The pain was simply too deep and yet completely invisible. People often forgot over the years that Jaster had even had a son. It was like he'd never raised an ade, never sworn the gai bal manda. 

The first person who'd asked him about his heir since he had no children, he'd had to restrain himself from punching. The world forgot. Jaster never could. His son deserved that much. 

But he'd also found that hope was just as dangerous and painful for him. In the first few years, the thought that he'd found his son, only to have it not be true over and over again, had nearly destroyed him.

 For the good of his sanity and for Mandalore's fragile state, he'd had to let go of that hope. He'd called off the searches and sang the song of remembrance. For the good of his people, he'd moved on and laid his son to rest. 

And now- now- His heart pounded traitorously in his heart as it had when Bo Katan and Satine had first approached him with the possibility. The possibility that his son was alive and in the possession of the clones of the GAR. The clones who were willing to return him.

 It was almost more than he could hope for. And that was what kept coming back to his mind. 

He'd looked over all the files the clones had given them. He knew the possibilities he was facing. But why would they give him all this, the files, the data, his son, for nothing? 

They weren't that stupid; they would have won a war and gained their freedom by being stupid. Especially not Commander Cody, who led them now.

 For all Jaster had railed against the clones, the men who wore his son’s face were exceptional in every way. A glimpse at the man his son could have become. As painful as it was, it was impressive. 

They were brilliant men, and Jaster would be insulting himself, them, and his son to think differently. So the question remains, for all they freely gave him, what did they want? What payment would be equal to returning his son to him? 

Jaster didn't know, and he didn't like being in the dark about what his opponent wanted, enemy or ally. 

“Jaster.” He turned away from his thoughts at Satine’s call.

 The duchess smiled encouragingly at him, “They're here.” 

He nodded, ignoring his pounding heart, “Alright. Let's not keep them waiting.” 

“Are you sure you're ready for this?” Satine asked the mask of professionalism she wore as Mandalore’s minister of the interior slipping away just for a moment as her real concern peeked through. 

“Were you when we found Bo?” Jaster countered as they made their way to the throne room of Sundari. 

“Fair enough.” The young woman nodded, settling back into the face of leadership. 

“Thank you for being here.” Jaster said quietly as they paused before the doors, “I'm not sure I'd have had the strength to do this alone.”

 “You're more than strong enough.” Satine chided. 

“Perhaps. But one needs the strength of their ade some days to keep their courage up.” Jaster allowed himself a moment of softness for the ad he'd never expected to find, “You've come a long way from that spitfire I rescued on Kelvala. I'm proud of you.”

 Satine ducked her head, “I hold my buir close to my heart always. But you've always been there for me. I'm just glad I can return the favor.”

 “No matter what happens.” Jaster placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, “Nothing changes yet.” 

Jango no Jango, the stability and leadership of their people would not change. Peace had been accomplished; they could not risk it now. 

Satine nodded firmly, “Manda’lor.” 

Jaster straightened up, “Duchess.” 

And they stepped into the throne room. Bo Katan bowed at their entrance, prompting the two clones to turn. 

“Manda’lor Mereel.” The clone is white and orange battle paint, bowed slightly, helmet tucked under his arm, “I hope we did not keep you waiting.” 

“On the contrary." Jaster came forward, trying not to stare at the man’s face, aged as it was and marred with an old scar curled around his right eye, “I think I kept you, Commander Cody.” 

“This was a long time coming. Taking time is understandable. Let's simply say we are even and start anew.” Commander Cody said, offering his hand.

 Jaster clasped it, forearm and all, “I'd be open to that.” 

“Good.” The commander smiled softly, “But let's not waste time with negotiations. That's not what you're here for, I know.” He turned to the floating tube that looked more like a coffin behind him.

 “We've run multiple tests as you've seen.” The second clone in blue and white said, stepping forward, “We are as sure as we can be. This is your son.” 

With a touch of a button, a panel of frosted glass melted away, and Jasper’s breath caught in his throat. It was his son’s face to be sure, as young and youthful as it had been the last time he'd seen him, barely 20 and off to hunt slavers in hopes to make his name as a bounty hunter and bring others to the Manda. The only difference now was the jagged scar across his face and his closed eyes and peaceful expression. “That's him?”

 “Yes.” Commander Cody said softly, “We didn't wake him up. I thought it best if that came from you.”

 Jaster couldn't find it in him to answer his throat so tight as he pressed a shaking hand to the chilled glass over his son’s face. After so long, the years crushed hope and shattered dreams he was right there . 

The clones in blue pressed a few buttons, and the pod folded away, leaving Jango lying on the floating table. “He should wake up in the next few minutes. If you talk to him, he can hear you.” 

“We'll leave your privacy.” Commander Cody said softly, and he and the other clone quietly exited the room, though Jaster barely registered it. 

“Buirb olar. Buirb olar. I'm here. Buir’s right here, Jang’ika.” He breathed, setting his hand feather light on his son’s cold face that warmed at his touch.

 “Do you want us to leave?” Satine asked softly at his side.

 “No. If you do-” Jaster bit off his words, tears finally leaking out. I don't know if I could continue. I'm not brave enough.  

“Tell us about him.” Bo Katan spoke for the first time unusually somber. 

“Jango was always a feisty child. Always seemed to know when you were lying. I remember when I first met him, his parents opened their farm to us in the early days of the Civil War. He was just a boy, and he asked his father who we were. His father laughed and told him we were beggars he was being charitable to.” Jaster smiled at the memory of the boy, dark curls in every direction growing at them, wiping away his tears, “But that night he snuck back out and found us and said very seriously he knew his father was lying and we went beggars but he wasn't sure what we were. I told him that was true enough, we weren't beggars, but I wasn't going to tell him who we were. He smiled and said that was okay. Said we felt good and then ran back home. A day later, and he didn't have a home anymore.” 

“Was he hard to raise?” Satine asked quietly, gazing down at Jango, still asleep. 

“No more than any ade is. They each have their unique traits and quirks. He had a lot of pain from the loss of his family, but over time, he distanced himself from it. Some days I really thought he'd made himself forget it.” Jaster nodded, moving his hand to Jango’s hand, now warm, the pulse beating evenly.

 “Did he ever get into trouble?” Bo grinned.

 “Of course.” Jaster laughed, “He was a boy growing up around plenty of things he probably shouldn't have been around. He tried stealing Montross’ weapons many times. Early on, he said it was cause he didn't like how the man felt. When Montross started being mean to him, it became a pretty common battleground for them.” 

“Didn't he end up betraying you?” Bo frowned. 

“Yeah. If it hadn't been for Jango's seconds' guessing the Intel, he would have led us right into a Death Watch trap.” Jaster nodded, “Saved my life.”

 “Huh.” Bo Katan hummed.

 Jaster raised an eyebrow at the girl he'd watched grow from angry teen to reckless but sturdy young woman, “Something you want to share?”

 Bo Katan frowned a bit more, “It's just, that knowing when people are lying or something’s wrong, sounds like what Maul and Ahsoka can do.” 

A chill went up Jaster’s neck at the thought, his son being blessed by the ka’ra, and he hadn't even considered it. Had he hurt Jango by not addressing it ? 

A groan cut off all those thoughts as Jango shifted in the bed, his clothing rustling. “Jang’ika?” Jaster whispered, leaning over his son. 

Jango blinked away, squinting at him, looking confused and groggy and impossible alive, “Buir?”

Chapter 19

Jango was sore in ways he was unaware you could even be sore. And cold. Manda was he freezing. Oh, and he couldn't remember what had happened to put him in such a state. 

He squinted at his Buir, who was bent over him, grinning from ear to ear, tears in his eyes, making his face wrinkle with age and joy, “Easy Jang’ika, take it slow.” 

What in the Manda had happened? Jango groaned slowly, sitting up with his buir's help, and looked around to find himself sitting on a bed in the middle of a giant room, half encased in the most stunning glass window he'd ever seen, all steel and cool lines. “Where are we?”

 “That's not important now.” His buir brushed off the question, “How do you feel?” 

“Sore. Cold. What happened?” Jango blinked at the light streaming in, feeling oddly unsettled with the situation, but brushed it off. 

“What do you remember last?” A woman with a fire-red bob and blue and grey armor asked, stepping forward.

 Jango doesn't recognize her but considers the question, “I was in a fight in my ship. They were fast. Too fast. They'd breached my shields- I was trying to jump away and then my engine blew and-” Jango frowned closing his eyes and envisioning the moment alard busting smoke trickling in something sparking and the a flash in the window and the ship shuddered and- “I don't think I hit my head. Still, I don't remember anything after.”

 “That's okay. You might remember in time.” His buir soothed as the red-haired woman frowned in disappointment. Like he was supposed to remember, and the fact that he couldn't was a letdown. 

Jango matched her frown, “Why? Was I supposed to?”

 His buir opened his mouth but stopped before he began when a pale hand grabbed his shoulder a pale blond haired woman stepping into Jango's line of sight dressed in finery instead of armor that Jango was unused to. “He needs to know Jaster.” 

Jango’s stare bounced between them, “Tell me what?”

Jaster looked away from the woman and away from him, squeezing his hand even as he did so, “I-I don't know how to say this.”

 Panic climbed up Jango's throat at the words, leaving his mouth dry and heart pounding, “Say what?”

 His buir looked back at him and the feeling that something was wrong and off came flooding back at his Buir’s face, lined with wrinkles and age, and- “You went missing over 10 years ago, Jang’ika. You've been in cryo status. You just woke up. That's why you're cold and sore.” His buir explained softly, running his thumb over Jango's knuckles comfortingly.

  Ten years .

 Jango wanted to recoil or scream or cry or deny it, but staring at his Buir's face, lined with age and wrinkles that hadn't been there before, he couldn't deny it. His buir was old now, and he'd missed it .

 “Ten years?” He choked out tears welling up on him, “I missed ten years?”

 “I'm sorry, Jang'ika.” His father said, gently cupping the back of his neck like he used to when Jango had been young. 

Jango squeezed his eyes shut, trying to will the tears away. He was alive and well, and so was war Buir, what was a little lost time?

  Over ten years is not a little time . A voice chimed in in his head that he resolutely ignored. 

He needed to focus on something, anything, or he was gonna break down right here right now. “How did you find me? Who took me?” 

“We don't know.” Buir said softly, “We didn't find you.” 

“What?” Jango shook his head, nothing in his head making sense, “If you didn't find me, who did? And how would they know to bring me home?” 

His Buir looked uncharacteristically hesitant as he glanced at the blond woman who was also frowning. “You've been gone for ten years.” The woman said carefully, “A lot can happen in that time.”

 “We don't know who took you, but we do know where you ended up.” His Buir nodded, not meeting his eyes. 

“Who?” Jango demanded his eyes, jumping to the blond who looked away when silence met him, “Why won't anyone tell me what happened!?” 

“Kamino.” The redhead cut in bluntly, “You ended up in the possession of the Kaminoins. The Kaminoins are cloners. So they used you as a clone template.” 

“They cloned me?” Jango repeated, stunned, “There's more of me?” 

“A few hundred million of you.” The redhead snorted, stepping forward, face serious, “You're the most recognizable face in the galaxy. The face of the grand army of the Republic. Or the Vode as they call themselves. They're the ones who found you.” 

Jango could feel his heart pounding in his ears so loudly he could barely hear anything else. A few hundred million men with his face. Manda above. “Why? How?”

 “We don't know.” His Buir said quietly, “They appeared ten years ago wearing your face, bought and used by the Republic, and no one knew how they'd come to be or where you were. I- I tried to find you. I demanded answers from them, railed against the Republic when they refused to recognize my claim to their lineage. But nothing worked. I couldn't win. I couldn't find you. I'm sorry, ad’ika. I tried.” 

Jango had been gone for a week and yet ten years, but still he can read his Buir like a book, the grief around his eyes and the shame in his shoulders and the longing in his wringing hands, and he pulls his Buir into his arms without hesitation. His mind might be a mess, and the world might not make sense, but in his Buir's arms, everything was okay. 

“I know you did,” he whispered into his Buir's greying hair as his Buir began to cry, “I know. You wouldn't have left me, I know that.” 

“He made quite the stir when the GAR was revealed.” The blonde woman said fondly, smiling softly at them, “His speech went viral. It's probably the reason the Vode were given their freedom for their service when the war ended.” 

“I slept through an entire war?” Jango gaped as his Buir chuckled, “Dank ferrick. I wanted jaige eyes!” 

“Well, considering the pirate brigade that tried to steal you in transit here, you might still get them.” The redhead laughed, “Pair that with whatever the Vode are cooking up and we might have another war on our hands soon enough.” 

“Yes, well, we just ended our own war, and they ended theirs. I'm not inclined to start another.” His Buir said discreetly, wiping his eyes. 

“I don't think Commander Cody agrees,” the redhead scoffed, “Let's not forget we still owe him and Tano for their service.”

 “Life isn't just about debts, Bo,” the blonde said with a fond shake of her head. 

“She’s not wrong.” His Buir inserted himself into the oncoming argument between the two women with ease, “The commander does want something. But when we are duty-bound to repay him, might differ. It depends on what he asks.” 

Jango stilled at his Buir's words. Life wasn't about debts, true enough, but they were Mandalorians, duty-bound to honor in all aspects of life. And what could possibly be an honorable recompense for the return of only ad and heir to the throne of Mandalore in this new, strange future?

Chapter 20

Jango Fett had not been what Satine had expected. 

 

He was polite where she had expected him rash. Quiet when she'd expected him explosive and his biggest concerns seems not that he had missed 10 years but that he had missed participating in the two wars. Which to be fair was quite mandalorian of him and did match what she had expected. He was taking us all suspiciously well. And shockingly when faced with Commander Cody and one of his vode he didn't flinch. Satine was pretty sure if she cane face to face with clones of her face she'd do more than flinch.

 

 “I believe thanks are in order Commander.” Jaster began stepping off the diss coming to stand before Commander Cody face to face as equals, “You've returned my child to me. You cannot begin to understand how grateful I am for it.”

 

 “I may not understand the return of a child but if it was my family I'd want them back. No matter what.” Commander Cody met his gaze and clasped Jaster’s offered hand. 

 

“You have my deepest thanks.” Jaster said letting his gaze meet the Vode next to Cody with blue painted armor and blond hair, Captain Rex, “All of you.”

 

 “We felt it was our duty. We were glad to do it.” Captain Rex said ernesstly. 

 

And then Jaster turned to the Torguta at the end of the line, Ahsoka Tano, the only Jedi who'd ever cared about those beyond the Republic and their war. “And I believe separated thanks is in order to you Knight Tano. You have saved us from an enemy we were unequipped to handle. You are a rarity among your kind. An example for the other knights in your order.”

 

 Tano clasped Jaster's hand but ducked her head, “I simply did as any of my order if given the chance would have done.” 

 

Satine couldn't resist raising an eyebrow at that her doubt slipping out onto her face. No other Jedi Satine had ever heard of would risk their necks for anyone outside of their precious Republic. Or outside of their wasteful war. No all the Jedi did was hide away in their alabaster Temple claiming to care for all the hurting in the galaxy but only serving the whims of the rich and powerful in the Republic Senate.

 

No none of them would have put their lives on the line to protect non Republic citizens from the demon who has terrorized them. From the red eyes monster who’d ripped through the Protectorate with his army of criminals and taken his offense at Jaster's refusal to join him by nearly taking off Satine’s head. Her hand drifted to the scar she had across her chest from the ordeal. No Jedi other than Ahsoka had ever cared. 

 

“A fact I'm sure is the pride of your order.” Jaster allowed not letting his own doubt show ever the master figurehead. 

 

He turned back to Commander Cody stepping back so he was facing all of them, “But despite your goodwill I have been a leader long enough to recognize when a party wants something. So let us be frank, what is it the former GAR wants from me?” 

 

Satine didn't miss how the Captain glanced at the Commander and then Tano before Commander Cody began to speak. Like he was silently checking if they were all still on the same page. Had they cooked this up together?

 

 “We are not here to negotiate with something as valuable as your ad’s life. We are not so shallow.” Commder Cody said firmly standing at attention, “We came instead seeking a trade. An arrangement if you will.” 

 

Were, were they serious? Satine glanced at Bo who looked just as puzzled. Jaster blinked, “Has anyone ever told you you're a terrible Negotiater Commander?” 

 

Captain Rex burst out laughing and ever Tano snorted as the Commander scowled at them both all of them clearly in on a joke at the Commander’s expense, “I don't follow your meaning.”

 

 “You had leverage when you had me in your possession.” Jango finally stepped into the conversation after watching, “And even after honor would have demanded a debt be paid to you. But to renounce it entirely gives you nothing to bargain with. It's unwise at best foolish at worst.”

 

 Commander Cody nodded slowly, “I see your meaning. But you are a person. You are a life. We would never use that as a bargining chip. For too long we have been seen as nothing more than meat droids. Beings without sentience. Our rights as people non existent our lives nothing but fodder. We would never do that to another. We've fought too hard for our own rights.” 

 

Satine found herself actually coming around to the man to her surprise. For all he was perhaps not a ruthless negotiater he had clearly put much thought into this meeting. 

 

Jaster seemed to also be considering his words, “So what do you come to bargain with?” 

 

“The former GAR.” Cody said simply, “We've come to offer out services. Your Protectorate has just been through a civil war and an attack by the Shadow Collective and while still standing you are in need of reinforcements. With even a fraction of the GAR to bolster your ranks for a time you will be able to safely rebuild your forces.” 

 

“And what would the payment be for such an offer?” Bo demanded clearly unhappy at the insinuation the Protectorate was not enough. But he wasn't wrong, even Satine could see that. 

 

As lothe she was to violence and fighting she'd come around to that for the defense of others and the few hundred they had left spread out across the near twenty planets in Mandalore space was not enough to counter an kind of offensive. Not anymore.

 

 “A place to call our own. I have millions of brothers all reduced to a fleet not built to house so many. Children not even born yet. Vode too injured to fight.” Cody said the care for his people bleeds into his voice, “You have a vast empire of generational lands but in modern times very few people left to care for them. We do not need much, a moon, a stable asteroid belt, space to build a stationary space station. Just a place we can settle. A place we can call home and will care for as such.” 

 

Satine felt she should be less surprised than she was at Commander Cody's request. For years she'd watched the GAR march on and for years she'd heard Jaster ranting about the state of the Vode after he'd failed to gain custody. Now they were free, why was it so surprising they wanted a home? Perhaps because of the cost. Perhaps it was because they were asking them.

 

 “And you,” Jaster turned to Tano, redirecting the conversation and leaving only his tightly clasped hands hidden behind his back, a sign of how shaken he was by the request, “What do you want for your debt?” 

 

“I ask for your aid in the liberation of my people.” Tano said without a moment’s consideration or pause. 

 

They'd planned this. Satine's gaze jumped to Jaster and then Bo. 

 

“What in the blazed does that mean?” Bo demanded. 

 

“You say I am an example of my Order.” Tano nodded to Jaster, “But any one of those in the Order would do the same is only given the chance. If only allowed. We are prisoners to the Senate's whims unable to step out of the Republic's grasp and do when truly wish to. You do not have to fight for this cause, but I ask your aid while I do.”

 

 “While we do.” Captain Rex corrected, squeezing Tano's shoulder.

 

 Satine's head spun with this new information, the story she'd always been told of the Jedi changing with every moment. “Are you saying the Republic is not allowing the Jedi to fulfill their obligations?”

 

 “Yes. In the strictest of terms.” Tano nodded, “The Order entered a Service Contract with the Republic at the Russan Reformation thousands of years ago. It has been a way to ensure we would not wage war against them again and guide us back to our cause of helping all. It also brought the Order and Republic closer as the Republic covered all costs for food, electricity and such. But as the years passed it has become less of an agreement and more of an abuse.” 

 

“Are you saying all those times Jedi are only deployed to high ranking Republic worlds and ignoring the plight of other planets is because they are not allowed to help?” Jaster pressed as his focus zeroed in on Tano his fascination with all things involving political entanglement coming into play. 

 

“Yes!” Tano nodded eagerly, lighting up as if he was the first person to ask the first person to listen, “We want to help. We are called to, taught from birth how to but we are not allowed. Unless it affects the Republic and most often the core worlds we are not allowed to. Trapped in a system that no longer works.” 

 

“But you are warriors!” Bo frowned, “How does the Senate have that much control when they cannot fight you?”

 

 “The same reason you do not bite the hand that feeds you.” Tano said her excitement fading, “The Senate controls the power to the Temple, our food and water and has access to the internal systems of the Temple like heating and air circulation. If we were to rebel, what is stopping them from marching in and taking the children in the creche? Or cutting the power to those in the med bay? Or releasing gas into the Temple and making us submit? Or a thousand other things? We want out but we can't or we risk those we cannot afford to risk.”

 

 “Would they really do that to you?” Jango stared the disgust clear on his face, “To their protectors?”

 

 “We are less their protectors and more their slaves.” Tano spat, “The Senate uses us as their aides or maids, consultants and baby sitters and, other things.” Tano choked on her last words, her hand drifting to her bicep as she curled into herself. Satine didn't want to think of what other things could mean the rescued woman from the last few Death Watch camps flashing through her mind.

 

 “It's legalize slavery.” Jango growled out darkly, his tone making Satine straighten, far more serious than anything she'd heard from him before. He'd been hunting slavers when he'd vanished; she suddenly recalled understanding just a hair better as her own repulsion and anger pumped through her veins.

 

 “In more ways than one.” Captain Rex said darkly when it was clear Tano was not going to continue, “How do you think peace keepers became Generals?”

 

 “Manda.” Satine breathed the swear slipping out without thought.

 

 “How many did you lose?” Jaster asked looking sick. 

 

“Many.” Commander Cody said simply, “The only upside is that their other, obligations, ceased during the war. With the war over those come back.”

 

 Satine swallowed back bile and rage in her throat desperate for some sort of control. The Jedi from the legends were people of justice and honor and peace even if they were not viewed well in the Mando versions of the stories they were warriors with honor. To think of their rich culture that had been around as long as the Mandolarian’s disrespected like that- Satine itched to get her hands on these so called rules and legislation and spend the night ripping it apart. With wine. And possibly a dartboard with the Chancellor of the Republic’s face on it. 

 

“If you are successful would the Jedi be joining you on your settlement here?” Bo asked drawing Satine back to the subject at hand. 

 

“We have been unable to contact them to discuss such things but yes as of now that is the plan.” Commander Cody nodded. 

 

Jaster turned away from their guests making his way slowly back to the dias his face pinched with thought. He wanted to help Satine could tell but it wasn't that simple she knew. They had just united Mandalore and no matter what way they spin this their culture did not like the Jedi or want to meddle is Republic politics. If he went to welcome the Jedi or even state his support they could very quickly have another civil war on their hands.

 

 The GAR was another matter, more of a gray area as they could claim Mandalorian status and Jaster had already made his stance on them clear. But to welcome them would thrust them onto the galactic stage before they hafld finish rebuilding at him putting them squarely on the Republic’s radar for basically stealing their army. 

 

No easy options just right ones. 

 

“Your purposal Commander Cody while unorthodox is reasonable.” Jaster squared his shoulders turning to face them again, “I would be delighted to sign a service contract with you, payment to be an uninhabitade moon in our mid territories with the ability to buy it over the span and service of a period of time we will decide.” 

 

Captain Rex choked on air and the biggest grin came over Tano’s face as Commander Cody blinked stunned before nodding quickly, “It would be our honor to work with you, a’lor.” 

 

“Don't thank me yet.” Jaster cut off their celebrating, “While I can accept your purposal I cannot assist you or make any allowances for your mission. What you do on your own time is yours but I cannot help you free the Jedi. Simply welcoming you here will put me in enough hot water. To aid you would to welcome war from within and outside. I am sorry.” 

 

“I understand.” Tano said quickly cutting off the Commander and Captains protests, her face a war of devastation, grief and understanding, “It was a long shot anyway. I thank you for your time. I'll leave you to your negotiations.” 

 

Captain Rex was at her side immediately seemingly trying to stop her from going as Commander Cody scrutinized Jaster's face like he was coming up with a rebuttal. It seemed they had underestimated how close the bond between the Vode and the Order were. And just how entangled their requests were. How exactly were they going to- 

 

“I'll do it.” Jango’s voice echoed in the hall of steel and glass making everyone snap around to face him. He didn't shrink but straightened under everyone’s attention a true heir on the mantle, “I owe you a life debt, this will be how I pay it. I'll help you free your people Knight Tano and my debt to you will be paid.”

 

 “Jango!” Jaster hissed breaking his facade as calm leader.

 

Jango looked up at him and smiled a by the sure warrior fading away for a moment, “It's as you said Buir, the Manda’lor may not be able to officially offer aid by I'm still technically dead. There's no strings attached and if they catch me they'll assume I'm one of the Vode.”

 

 Jango stepped past Satine next to his father so he could squeeze the older man’s shoulder, “We both know you want to help. We both know it's the right thing to do. But you must chose duty first now. You must chose Mandalore. Let me do this. For you. For me. For what's right.” 

 

She had underestimated him Satine decided watching Jaster cave to his only ad tilting his forehead forward in a Keleba. He was just as cunning as Jaster ever was in the political arena understanding and navigating both it and personal agendas with ease. And the way his eyes darkened at the thought of slavers just as dangerous as any Mandalorian warrior.

 

 Satine watched as he straightened up and crossed the room to clasp hands with Tano in honor of his decision and wondered how he could do it, wake up with everything so strange and different around him and not allow himself a moment before plunging back in. 

 

He was perhaps not what she had expected but he was perhaps better.

Notes:

Please tell me what you think!

Subscribe if you like!

I run on comments and kudos!

Tell me what you think's gonna happen!

Drop me a comment if you're interested in doing an inspired-by fic, collaboration, or fan art! A head's up is all I ask!

Come ask me questions! https://www.tumblr.com/blog/invictusunbrokenunbowed

Chapter 21

Hatred was not the Jedi way. Aalya was pretty sure disassociating was physically unhealthy but at least it wasn't burning rage. It was at the very least less taxing to float away in her mind than to be angry or scared or anything really. 

 

It had been harder than she'd thought to readjust to Temple life after a few years of living on the Liberty. There were checkpoints in the halls that hadn't been there before Senate guards at junctions random body checks for weapons. Someone in the Senate Dome must have thought their years in the army had taught them how to conceal weapons or other things. 

 

To be fair Aalya had entertained it. But they'd thoroughly searched her room and things she was bringing back to the room she'd had since her knighting. If she had packed a knife or blaster they would have found it. 

 

But regardless, being home was good. In the meditation rooms she could almost forget the newest restrictions in the Temple and bast in the light once more. It was weaker than it had been before the war but they were all together again and no one was dying. 

 

It was better.

 

 But adjusting from her year of freedom back to the duties required was, hard. 

 

Aalya wouldn't lie. Harder to fake being fine or being a willing participant in the Senate's whims. Not after Bly. 

 

She'd gotten comfortable. She'd gotten soft. She missed it.

 

 Her and Bly, sharing the quiet. Sitting together watching the camp fires die down. Cozying together in a cot too small for the two of them talking about what happened after. 

 

“What will you do?” She'd asked tucked into his chest listening to the forest alive around them despite the night. 

 

“Anything. Everything. So long as I'm with you.” Bly settled his chin between her lekku sighing contently, “What will you do?”

 

 Aalya swallowed hard and tried not to think of all the things that had been and all that could come. Perhaps things would change, they were generals after all. “I don't know. Mercy missions I think. So some good. Help. No objectives no strings attached. Do good for the sake of it.”

 

 Bly hummed the vibrations from his chest running through her, “I’d like that.” 

 

“Yeah.” Aalya couldn't hide the wistful tone in her voice. That had never been an option even in the before. It would be after. But still- “That'd be nice.”

 

 Bly pulled her closer, banishing such thoughts away with his warmth, “What if we went somewhere no one knew who we were?”

 

 “Have you looked in the mirror?” Aalya giggled shifting so she was looking up at him, “Not sure that would work honey.” 

 

“Into the Territories.” Bly pressed undeterred, “Somewhere they'd never heard of the war. Somewhere we could just be us. Not Jedi, not clone. Just us.” 

 

Aalya thought of all the things they had talked about, the quaint house, the simple life, children. “Yeah I'd like that.” 

 

But she didn't get what she wanted. Aalya had learned that long ago. 

 

Far away she could hear knocking and frowned. That wasn't right there were any doors in the camp to knock on.

 

 Then it was distant, speaking unclear and far away as Bly’s warmth began to seep away from her. Voices closer now her skin cold the sound of the forest going quiet. Weight lifted away and she was left staring at a slate gray ceiling in an unfamiliar bed far from her dreams.

 

 “The Representative is here to take you back.” An aide or perhaps senator she didn't bother learning the name of said as she slowly sat up every part of her sore. And so it went. 

 

She dressed stiffly and shuffled out the door into the even chillier hall where a blue armored Senate guard was waiting as part of the Senate representative force tasked with the care of the Jedi while in the Senate dome. 

 

Whatever that meant. Probably to make sure they didn't jump.

 

 “Are you okay?” The guard unexpectedly asked. 

 

Aalya blinked, “What?” 

 

The guard motioned at her leg. She looked down to find blood looking at the bottom of her leg. When had that happen? “I don't know.” 

 

“You need medical attention.” The guard decided firmly taking her arm, “I'm taking you to medical.”

 

 Aalya didn't make it two steps before her body connected the blood to pain which exploded in her sending her crashing to the floor were a cry. Between the drugs, the beating she took and anything else from when she'd wilfully drifted off she hadn't the foggiest idea what was wrong as the pain made its home radiating through her veins outward for her stomach. Force it hurt worse than getting shot.

 

 “What's wrong?” The guard crouched over her, casting off his helmet to stare at her with scared eyes, his baby face tight with fear. When had they gotten so young? 

 

Aalya squinted up trying to make his face not swim, “You must be new.”

 

 He was yelling in his comm for the medical team as the edges of her vision began to roll in. Static crawled up her neck as the poor guard who clearly didn't know anything about how the Senate worked, Force he looked 19, tried to cushion her head as she wilted into the floor more.

 

 It was nice, Aalya decided, that he cared for now. It'd been a long time since anyone new had cared about them. The clones had cared. Bly had cared. Blessed mercies no one else had ever realized that. 

 

Distantly she could hear footsteps as she slipped away into blissful oblivion without pain or expectation. 

 

Force, she was glad Bly wasn't here.

Chapter 22

Bo Katan did not fancy herself an impulsive person, a captain of the Protectorate could not be with Mandalore in such a precarious position. But it took everything in her not to grab Jaster by his shirt and shake him. What was he thinking, agreeing to this hair brained idea? 

 

An alliance with the GAR is one thing but involving themselves with the Jedi Order? After that sob story?

 

 And suddenly Jaster was all fine with it? What had the Jedi done in the last hundred - no thousand years to eat that? Or even back up such an outlandish claim? Had the Manda'lor really lost his mind?

 

 But of course with their prospective allies right there in the room she couldn't yank him out of the room and demand what in the Manda he was thinking but the urge was certainly there. 

 

She didn't bother hiding her scowl as she watched Captain Rex and Knight Tano pour over near ancient maps of the galaxy without explanation. Satine had left to find Korkie since he had gone through an ancient mystic history phase and Jaster was fetching more maps, the history obsessed man he was. Bo scanned the hall again counting heads, the medic had gone with Jango to do a thorough exam in the palace infirmary and Commander Cody was- nowhere. 

 

Bo scowled, looking down the aisles discreetly looking for the head of the GAR and the other Commander who had come with him. Was this the entire plan? Get into their good graces just to vanish inside the palace? Were they here to kill Jaster? Satine? Steal military secrets? 

 

Bo Katan looked over her shoulder checking on the Captain and Tano as Jaster re-emerged with more maps. They were well handled. Now to find the others.

 

 She silently slipped out of sight of the others and climbed the sleeves so she could see but not be seen as easily. Now where would a Commander of an army go? Military strategy? The locked vault? History of warfare in the region? 

 

Bo silently leaped from shelf to shelf checking each aisle as she went. Instead of the Commanders she found Jango sitting in the job records aisles with the clone medic datapads strewn about. Bo watched the medic carefully, was he going to shank Jango? Not that Jango couldn't defend himself but Bo hadn't seen him fight yet and after all those years in cryo the question was could he still? What were they doing?

 

 “It's just us, Captain.” Jango said, making the medic jump before looking up at her hiding place looking amused, “Why don't you come down and stop imitating a hunting beast?” 

 

Bo scowled, jumping down making the medic jump again, “Stealth requires that the collaborating parties don't put each other.” 

 

Jango smirked, “No it means no one can find you friend or foe. What were you looking for?” 

 

Bo glowered but did not strangle him with the clone sitting right there, “Commander Cody and the other Commander. Seen them?” 

 

“Oh yeah they stepped out.” Jango waves behind him toward the door blithely, “Bly got a comm.” 

 

“And you let them out unsupervised?” Bo hissed.

 

 Jango shrugged already back, looking through his datapads, “They're fine. They're not planning to bomb us if that's what you're worried about.”

 

 “And how exactly do you know that?” Bo snapped, marching toward the door. 

 

“A warning captain.” The medic clone spoke up, making her spin back around with a scowl. “Bly got a comm from Fox on Couracant. It's likely not good news. Tread carefully.” 

 

Bo bit back demanding why that mattered and matched out the door into the hall. “Where'd they go?” She demanded of the guards who pointed to one of the balconies facing the city.

 

 Bo pressed herself against the wall and slipped closer, had they rappelled down the balcony to the ground? Or perhaps climbed up to the residences? Maybe they had a shoulder missile! Though there wasn't anything from the window that was a good target. 

 

But instead of rappel gear or missiles she heard talking. 

 

“- you mean I can't talk to her!?” A loud voice demanded as she tucked herself into the curtain covering the balcony and peaked out to find both Commander Cody and Commander Bly scowling at the comm on Bly’s wrist. 

 

“I mean I can't get in to talk to her and neither can any of my guys.” A clone’s voice snapped back making Bly growl, “Only Senate approved parties can enter and we aren't on that list. I can tell you she's alive but that's it cause that's all I know.” 

 

“What's the point of having you there if you can't do blazing anything!” Bly roared.

 

 “Bly!” Cody chided grabbing Bly’s comm from his wrist, “Go cool off. I get you're pissed but you can't tell at Fox like that!” 

 

Bly turned on heel and marched out of the alcove and thankfully away from where Bo was hidden. Commander Cody sighed, “Sorry Fox he didn't mean it. He's just stressed.” 

 

“Of course he meant it. I get it. We can't do anything and we're not used to it. Blazes the only reason I know she's not dead is the bio tracers they have implemented. Tells me where they are and if they're alive and dead. Which is why we can't just kidnap her cause trust me I considered it.” Fox sounded frustrated even over the comm. 

 

“So if we want to remove any of them we need to find a way to get rid of the bio tracers.” Cody sighed, rubbing his face looking tired.

 

 “Yeah and we can't get into the Temple to do it. Look, I gotta go. Tell Bly he should be able to talk to Aalya in a few days. Bail's teaching me how to rig the request system. I should get her a few days off within the week.”

 

 “Fox-” 

 

“I know okay makes me wanna take a cold shower too but unless you've got a better idea I gotta go.” 

 

Cody sighed again, “Stay safe Fox.” 

 

“I'll try.” 

 

The call ended and Cody leaned against the wall squeezing his eyes shut. Bo stepped back from the curtain and then around before she could think better of it, “Was wondering where you went.”

 

 Cody straightened up hiding his exhaustion behind a mask of professionalism, “Ah my apologies Captain I probably should have told you we were stepping out for a moment.” 

 

“Yes.” Bo didn't push the subject, “The guards said you had a comm?”

 

 “Ah. Yeah. News from Couracant.” Cody nodded notably not using the word home, “Not particularly good news.”

 

 Bo didn't snort but raised an eyebrow trying to think of how Satine would come off to try and get people to talk to her, “That bad?”

 

 “Actually,” Cody sighed, pocketing Bly’s comm, “Better than I think it normally is.”

 

 “Really?” Bo blinked trying to hide her surprise. That call could have meant any number of things but they hadn't known she'd come looking for them so there was no reason to fake what they'd said- or had they? 

 

“Look I know you don't believe us about the Jedi. You're too good a spy and soldier too.” Cody said bluntly, turning to face her, “I understand. But at least consider it. Investigate. Ask Ahsoka. Just don't shut us down yet. Please. You owe your own curiosity at least that.” 

 

Bo scowled as he turned his back and walked after Bly down the hall and resisted the urge to grab Jaster and demand what he was thinking. Cause now she had no clue what to think.

Chapter 23

The Mando maps were amazingly detailed, more than any other flimsi map Ahsoka had ever seen outside of the Temple Archives. And the older they got the more names she recognized from her lessons on ancient Jedi history. Ache To, Seatos, Atallon, Lothal, Jedah and finally Tython. 

“How are we supposed to get there?” Rex grumbled quietly as they stared at the old maps that had circled Tython with an description that said, ‘Core Light - Impenetrable’ 

“Don't know. At least we know where to go.” Ahsoka offered straightening up as Jaster and Satine came back with Satine's nephew in tow. 

“These are from the Early Hyperspace Age  and the oldest I could find. I hope they help.” Jaster carefully placed the last map case on the already crowded table.

 “I see you've made headway.” Satine cast an amused gaze on the maps strewn about on the table, “This is my nephew Korkie. He's studying to be a Mandalorian historian, he might have some insights for you.” 

Ahsoka sized him up quickly a skill she'd mastered long ago. He was lean and taller than her just barely his head ending just above her montrals. He was also begining to fill out his school uniform fitting oddly in places no doubt finishing his growth spurt and now putting on muscle. The mild manner of a scholar and the body of a warrior.

 And worst of all she could feel his eyes lingering on her unlike the others had. Jaster and Satine had glanced right off full of pity and intrigue. Bo Katan’s had lingered but it had been the a warrior sizing up warrior not the lingering gaze Korkie had as he took her in.

 She shifted away tucking more of her body behind her shoulder as inconspicuously as possible and resisting the urge to hide behind Rex as she felt his hot gaze comb over her. She hated the feeling of eyes on her. But that was unnecessary now. 

She looked over at Rex who was shooting her a concerned glance as he carried the conversation, she was a potential ally now. Not arm candy or a wallflower she was a warrior here for a purpose. 

She widened her stance and turned to glare at Satine’s nephew head on. He caught her gaze and his eyes went wide before quickly looked away cheeks flushing. 

That's right. Have some shame. Ahsoka inhaled slowly letting the elation of the moment flow through her and then away. To finally be in control felt ten times more powerful than charging into battle.

 “I must say I am curious what you're looking for in these maps. Almost all their data is woefully inaccurate compared to modern mapping.” Jaster commented leaning over one of the mid core maps with a fond smile, “But they don't make them like they used to.” 

“What do you mean?” Rex asked, eyes widening as Jaster held up the map with gloved hands. 

“Old maps have old period craftsmanship. Art and details lost in the their newer digital versions. Monsters in the between of space disasters of the unknowing in the spaces where the maps end. What they filled the unknown with.” Jaster traced the beautiful art decorating the space between stars and plants full of dragons and ships.

 “It also shows some historical factuality.” Satine’s nephew finally spoke up eyes now respectfully set on the table instead of her, “Some of the first written records of Purgill are from old period maps.”

 “Isn't that also where fuel miners got the first ideas to mine asteroid belts?” Ahsoka frowned trying to remember her old history lessons. 

“Indeed.” Satine nodded, “A kernel of truth in every legend.” 

But not the one I need. “They are certainly the best collection I've seen outside of the Archives.” Ahsoka complimented ignoring the frustration in her chest, "Would it be possible to get scans of all of these? I was hoping to study them and I wouldn't want to hurt them.” 

“Of course.” Jaster nodded. 

“Why?” Korkie blurted shaking his head, “I'm sorry but that doesn't make sense, these are all useless to you. Navigating by these is sure to bring you problems, why would you want them?” 

Ahsoka bristled scowling at him, “My reasons are my own and I have no need to unburden myself to you. Now it's been a long day of travel and if it's okay with you I'd like to retire for the night. I know you have more business to conduct.”

 “Certainly.” Satine nodded, “I'll show you to your rooms and get the scans sent up.” 

Rex shot her a questioning look as she passed but she just gave him a small smile. They'd talk later. Everything was going to plan. 

Ahsoka nodded to Cody as she passed and walked out with her head held high and Korkie Kryze’s gaze on her back the entire way out.

Notes:

Please tell me what you think!

Subscribe if you like!

I run on comments and kudos!

Tell me what you think's gonna happen!

Drop me a comment if you're interested in doing an inspired-by fic, collaboration, or fan art! A head's up is all I ask!

Come ask me questions! https://www.tumblr.com/blog/invictusunbrokenunbowed

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 3 of Idea Factory