A Match for the Mandalore

Jennet

There was a lot of shouting and some cheering among the crowd after Cressa issued her challenge. The Ebon Hawk crew wisely kept out of it, limiting their involvement by patting my shoulder or back as they passed me to gather together, out of the way. The Elders were conferring furiously, and Canderous stood, not quite grinning, but definitely with a light in his eyes as he surveyed the chaos. Cressa stood, quite alone, looking daggers at me. I gave her my sweetest smile and a finger wave before joining Canderous.

If anything, the loathing in her face increased with my gesture, which was of course my intention. Mandalorians are just too easy to bait.

I went up to my big scruffy Mate and took his hand. Truthfully, he wasn’t very scruffy at the moment; his armor was beautifully polished and he was freshly shaved. He’d even trimmed his hair. He smiled down at me, and I grinned back.

“I seem to have caused an uproar,” I commented.

“You’re good at it,” he agreed, chuckling.

“Is this what you had in mind?” I asked curiously.

“Pretty much. The Elders may try to find a loophole, but with Cressa issuing a challenge, they don’t have much room to maneuver. You showed admiral restraint until she grabbed you; no one can accuse you of provoking her, even with your little speech. She had been caught in a lie; you had every right to speak to her any way you wanted at that point.”

Unobtrusively, the honor guard had reformed around us, faces carefully blank. Cressa remained standing, back straight, her face as devoid of expression as theirs.

The Elders finally stopped talking and Elder Gregor approached, the other two in tow.

“Cressa Dae has issued a challenge to Jennet Jax; this cannot be disputed. Her challenge is to the death, by her own words. This will take place in one hour’s time, with the Mandalore and Elders as legal witnesses. The matter of the Mandalore’s Mate will be addressed pending the outcome of this match.” Elder Gregor looked grave. “Mandalore, it is your responsibility to appraise Jennet Jax of the rules of engagement. We will meet in the battle circle at the appointed time.”

Canderous inclined his head, and the Elders did the same. They turned and left, presumably to their quarters. Cressa left as well, leaving her belongings scattered on the grass. I fought the urge to go toss them after her.

The Ebon Hawke crew approached, full of questions. Canderous gave them a ‘just a minute’ gesture, and they subsided.

“Right now, we need some privacy,” he said. “My quarters are soundproofed; come along.”

The Jedi trooped after us, as well as the honor guard. Almost everyone took care to tread on Cressa’s property as we headed in. Atton and Mira even paused to wipe their boots on a particularly fine-looking tunic, earning an admonishing look from Ladria and a grin on the sly from me.

Canderous looked at his men and said mildly, “You all are no longer on detail, you know.”

“With respect, Mandalore,” drawled Jarxel, “We’d just as soon stay close until that viper is either dead or off the planet.”

“I know when not to argue with you,” Canderous said, resigned. “All right, but for the Gods’ sake remember who’s in charge here.”

“I’m thinking she might be,” someone muttered, but it didn’t sound disrespectful; rather, it sounded almost admiring. I looked around, but couldn’t see who had said it.

Canderous laughed. “Say that again after the fight,” he tossed over his shoulder. “Now, Jarxel, Dax, I need you two in here. The rest of you, if you must hang around, go ahead and guard the door; make sure we’re not disturbed.”

His quarters were spacious, but did double duty as the main computer terminal and communications center, plus workbench and makeshift lab. His actual sleeping area consisted of one smallish room that had obviously been walled off as an afterthought. It was starkly furnished with a bed, a table, a lamp, a chair, and a footlocker. I noted the bed was at least a decent size; no squishing for us in a tiny bunk. The hidden room was closed up; I’d carefully made sure of that after I’d raided it for Cressa’s stuff. There was obviously no room for ten in the little bedroom; we all crowded around the working part of the quarters.

“Before we discuss anything else, I need to make sure you understand the rules of combat for a death match, Wildcat.” Canderous said without preamble.

“Fair enough,” I agreed. “What if I don’t want to kill her, though?”

Jarxel looked at me, astonished. “Cressa is an accomplished and experienced fighter,” he said seriously. “She is half again your mass, a head taller, and has reach on you. I have been told you’re good, but you should not be overconfident. I would worry more about surviving the match than sparing Cressa.”

Dax spoke up. “I’m sure Jennet appreciates your concern, Jarxel,” he said seriously. “But you haven’t seen her fight yet. If she says she wants to win, but spare Cressa, she will. She’s beaten me, more than once, sparring; I understand she nearly killed Canderous once.”

“But those weren’t death matches,” Jarxel argued. “They were simple sparring. And what do you mean, she almost killed you?” he glared at Canderous.

“It was an accident,” I said defensively. “I was crazy with battle ecstasy at the time.”

Jarxel appeared to start to argue again, when Mira spoke up. “Look, Jarxel...we’re all Jedi, and you’ve seen us fight. Together, we probably could bring Jennet down. But any less than four of us, I wouldn’t like the odds. And no offense, I wouldn’t pit her against less than four of yours, either.”

Jarxel bristled at that. “This tiny thing could bring down three Mandalorian warriors at once?” he almost shouted.

“Probably not,” I said honestly, but the rest of the crew were all nodding. I scowled. “With fists and feet, probably not,” I amended.

“With blades, Jennet’s deadly,” Canderous said in his deep voice. “Cressa might be a little bit of a challenge; she’s angry and has everything to lose if Jennet bests her. She wouldn’t believe that Jennet doesn’t want to kill her. Plus, she fights dirty.”

“Can we get back to the point?” I asked irritably. “I need rules, and to know if I choose not to kill her, what will happen.”

“She will be exiled,” Canderous said simply.

“I can live with that,” I said.

“Try it sometime,” Ladria murmured.

I turned to her, stricken. “I’m sorry; I wasn’t thinking.”

“No, no,” she waved off my apology. “I wasn’t either. I would have some sympathy for Cressa, but she has made her own choices, and fully intends to kill you. Your way, she has a chance to redeem herself. I won’t say I believe she will do so, though,” Ladria said, almost wickedly. I started, then grinned.

“Well, I really don’t want to kill her, so let’s just leave it at that. Now, rules, please?” I looked up at Canderous, who was looking a little bemused.

“There really aren’t many,” he said. “No poisoned weapons, no blasters.”

“That’s it?” I asked, incredulous.

“That’s it,” Jarxel confirmed.

“If I was Jedi, I could use Force abilities?” I persisted, looking for some catch.

“Yes.” Was the simple answer from all three Mandalorians.

“But then…we’ve never had a Jedi challenged to a death match before,” Jarxel said in his grumbly voice. “So there are no rules against that.”

“I see.” I looked around, but no one seemed to have anything to add. “Well then, any advice?”

“Don’t die,” Dax said helpfully.

“I’ll keep it in mind,” I said, smiling. “So what’s the big meeting for? I assume you brought us in here for something,” I looked up at Canderous.

“Can’t you read his thoughts to find out?” Jarxel asked seriously.

“At the moment, no,” I said. “He’s blocking me.”

“Actually, I brought us all in here to discuss what will be coming up, namely the Mate trials,” Canderous rumbled. “And I will have to block you during the fight, Wildcat; I’m supposed to be an impartial witness.”

“I understand,” I said calmly. “I don’t need help, anyway.”

“I know you don’t, that’s why I’m not particularly worried. I don’t know what they’re going to do for the trials yet; they seem to be assuming we won’t have to. But they will, and that’s what I need all of you for. The biggest test I see is the combat to prove the battle ecstasy; they’d need a way to do that without anyone getting killed, and we don’t have energy dampeners on Dxun. Also, they’ll likely want to give Jennet a full physical, which we’re not equipped for. On top of all that, Jennet’s already offered to give a family history. Do you have papers for that?” He turned to me, a question in his eyes.

“Not on me anymore,” I answered regretfully. “But they can be retrieved from Jedi archives, if any exist, and there’s probably stuff in the Republic database. At worst, there will be records on Onderon and Telos.”

“I could check the records I have with me,” Disciple said eagerly. “And I would be happy to comb Republic records, too. The Ebon Hawk has adequate computer capability, and I have clearance.”

“That would be great,” I smiled at him.

“I could probably rig energy dampeners,” Bao Dur said thoughtfully. “I’d have to see what you have by way of equipment and parts, though.”

“Kex will help you there,” Canderous said. “The Ebon Hawk’s infirmary is adequately equipped for a physical examination, but I don’t know if it’s capable for in depth lab tests.”

Disciple spoke again. “It can handle almost anything, and if there’s a procedure that is required that it can’t, I could probably manage to improvise.”

“The biggest thing is to win over the rest of the populace,” Canderous said. “Winning the challenge against Cressa will go a long way toward that. I don’t want you to behave any differently than you usually do, Wildcat. Just be yourself; they will come around, believe me. What I need from you two,” he nodded at Dax and Jarxel, “is your support. Dax, I you already know Jennet and are her official Champion; I know we can count on you. Jarxel, you’ve only just met Jennet; I don’t expect you to sing her praises untried. What I do want is a united front; show your loyalty to me, if nothing else.”

Jarxel looked at Canderous, his face unreadable. “Are you accusing me of disloyalty, Mandalore?” he asked carefully.

“Absolutely not, old friend,” Canderous said seriously. “You are the most loyal man I know, and the best friend I have. All I’m asking is for you to trust me, and show others you do.”

“You all ready have that, Canderous,” Jarxel said, just as seriously, “I’m just offended that you had to say anything.”

“I shouldn’t have, then,” Canderous said in his deep voice. “It’s important to me that Jennet feels she has friends among my people; I apologize if I seemed I was questioning your friendship or loyalty.”

Jarxel looked consideringly at Canderous. “I could see as soon as I met Jennet that she was something special, different from Mandalorian women but with the same sort of warrior spirit. I can also see that you love her deeply, although we don’t usually speak of such things. I like your Jennet, Canderous, and I’m already mostly convinced she truly is your Mate. I will do everything I can to see to her acceptance here. I will excuse your clumsiness because we are friends, and she obviously means more to you than anything, perhaps including your people. I might question the wisdom of it, but I’m not fool enough to argue.” He smiled suddenly. “Besides, I don’t think she will let you leave, and I think you’re our best chance of uniting us again as a race.”

He turned, and bowed to me. “Jennet Jax, I am honored you are the Mate to my friend. If there is anything I can do for you, you have only to ask.”

“Thank you, Jarxel,” I said sincerely. The gruff warrior grinned at me.

“I am looking forward to seeing you fight,” he said sincerely. “I think you’re foolish to want to spare Cressa, however.”

“I probably am,” I said soberly. “But I can’t do otherwise.”

“She’s going to take some getting used to,” Jarxel said generally.

“You’re telling me,” Canderous said ruefully. “Wildcat, I’m not sure why you’re so set against killing Cressa. She’s clearly a threat, and I know you’ve killed before in similar circumstances. What about the battle circle on Nar Shadaa?”

“That wasn’t really different, I suppose, but in a way it was. I didn’t have a choice; if I hadn’t killed the two the Hutt sent against me, I would have been killed out of hand; the Hutt had been paid to see me dead. As it was, I barely managed to escape. But I really don’t want my first official act among your people to be killing one of you. Let her be exiled; at least then she has a chance of redeeming herself.” She paused. “Besides, it’s a much worse punishment; she can’t come back, even if she does change.”

“I can see your point,” Dax said slowly. “But I will be watching your back; that one cannot be trusted. As your Champion, I have the right to finish a fight for you, if Cressa is proven to cheat.”

“You argue well, Jennet,” Jarxel said. “I bet it drives Canderous crazy.”

“Occasionally,” I grinned. I turned to Dax. “With only two rules, how can she cheat?” I asked, puzzled.

“I wouldn’t trust her not to poison her blade. If you die, it might not be proven; if you survive long enough to suspect a trick, I will intervene and kill her.”

“I appreciate it,” I said. “But it won’t be necessary; I know it if I’m poisoned, and can neutralize it.”

“But,” Canderous said, a gleam in his blue eyes, “Cressa doesn’t know that. If you feel yourself poisoned, Wildcat…”

“I’m way ahead of you; I’ll make sure it’s known.” I said.

“I have to tell you though; if she’s caught cheating during a death challenge, the punishment is execution.” Canderous warned, his voice deep.

“Oh.” The implication stopped me. “Well, shit.”

“You said it,” Atton said ruefully. “Looks like, if she cheats, you might not have a choice.”

“Yeah, either I kill her, or Canderous does.” I looked up at him, hoping for another answer. “Is that right?”

“Yes.”

“Do I have a right as the challenged to ask for exile, instead of death?”

“You do. But if I grant it, it still doesn’t look good. You’re an unproven Mate; it would be assumed I was granting you favor that most don’t yet believe you deserve.”

I thought about that a while. “But if I ask it, and you refuse, you could look like you’re trying to get rid of a problem…your ex-lover.”

“If it’s proven she cheated, no one would question the punishment.” Canderous assured me.

“Well, damn.” I said hopelessly. “I suppose we’re just going to have to hope she plays fair.”

The snort that rumbled through the room was loud.

There didn’t seem much else to discuss; we spent the rest of the time until the match was scheduled to start talking about general things, and telling Jarxel and Dax about meeting me, and the mission Ladria had led us on. The minutes passed quickly, and it was soon time to go to the battle circle. Canderous and I, along with our friends, were escorted by the honor guard. I wasn’t nervous, but I was anxious for this to go as well as it could.

When we arrived, Cressa was already there, a blade on her hip and a calm, detached look on her face. I slipped my blaster out of its holster and handed it to Dax. Elder Gregor motioned us into the middle of the circle, and started the ceremony.

He turned to me. “Jennet Jax, do you swear to abide by the rules of this match, using only blades, no blasters, and no poison upon your blades?”

“I do so swear,” I answered gravely.

“Cressa Dae, do you also swear to abide by these rules?”

“I do so swear,” she said. I tuned in to her, trying to get a read. She wasn’t very Force sensitive; I could only get a glimmer, and it told me nothing that I didn’t already know, or guess. She wanted me dead. I looked at her carefully, and realized that she was on stim. Well, it wasn’t against the rules, but I wasn’t thrilled.

“Fight with honor,” Elder Gregor said, bowing to each of us. We returned the bow, and he left the circle. Immediately, we both drew our blades and went on guard.

I watched her carefully as we circled each other. There was a gleam in her eye that wasn’t entirely from the stim, and I was almost sure Canderous was right, and her sword edge was tainted with poison. No matter, really; I hadn’t found a poison yet that I couldn’t flush. Finally, Cressa got tired of circling, and her blade came at me, low and quick. I blocked it easily with my right sword, shoving it aside and aiming for her gut with my left. She leaped back, avoiding the thrust, whirled around and got me a glancing blow with the flat of her blade high on my right arm. I ignored the bruise as I turned to face her.

I didn’t give her time to recover her stance; I beat aside her sword again and got in a nick in the same place she hit me. First blood. Her face contorted with anger, but she countered amazingly fast with a feint to my left, which I ignored, and a met her long vibrosword with my both my blades, shoving upwards. I shot a foot out and kicked her in the gut. She staggered, but managed to disengage and whirl away to regroup. I followed, swords ready, one low, one high. Using her momentum, she dropped low and tried to sweep my ankles. I jumped over her leg, landed solidly, and surprised her by jumping again, straight over her head. I smacked downward with the hilt of one sword as I passed, getting a solid blow to the top of her head, hard enough to have stunned her if she hadn’t been on stim. As it was, she merely shook it off, leaped to her feet and was facing me as I landed, having twisted in midair so I was facing her. With a snarl, she came at me, faster than I could have believed, blade held low. I crossed my swords over hers, pushed down with all my might, and trapped it, quickly kicking her in the face hard enough to make her stagger back. Her nose was broken and blood was running freely down her face.

I disengaged my blades quickly, leaped back, and she followed. I was using my sight; but it wasn’t much help, and she was, as I had noted earlier, Force dead enough that I wasn’t able to anticipate as well as usual. It didn’t matter; she was good, but it was obvious from the start I was better. As she charged me, blade moving in a silver blur, she made a fatal mistake; she followed my right hand, which hooked the underside of her blade, throwing it up, and the left blade took her full in the gut, all the way to the hilt. Her eyes went wide - it was a mortal blow; but I had aimed carefully. We regarded each other, eye to eye, her almost black gaze filled with rage. I saw pain, and fear, part of me wanted to enjoy that look. The rest of me pitied her and I didn’t trouble to hide it.

I looked her in the face and shoved her off my blade, hard. She fell, dropping her blade and clutching her stomach. I approached, and placed my blade at her throat. There was a murmur of anticipation; the crowd was waiting for me to finish her off. I looked around, seeking the Elders.

“Is the match over?” I asked generally. It was obvious she wouldn’t live without a kolto tank, and I knew they didn’t have one.

Elder Gregor nodded. “You have won; you should finish her quickly.”

I stood over Cressa, face impassive. She snarled at me, “You may have killed me, but my people will remember, and never accept you as the Mate of the Mandalore.”

“Wrong.” I said coolly. I looked her in the eye, and smiled. “On both counts.”

With that, I healed her.

“Let her punishment be exile, not death.” I announced in a clear voice. Cressa’s face registered astonishment, then absolute hate.

There was a storm of voices at that, and I turned to leave. With a growl of pure rage, Cressa leaped from the ground, moving faster than I thought possible. I heard her come and turned to meet her. She slammed into me, and I felt something pierce my thigh.

“Let’s see them accept you now,” was the last thing I heard before madness engulfed me.