A Match for the Mandalore

Canderous

The flight back to Dxun took a while. The Ebon Hawk was packed; fifteen on board was too much. I was in the common area with Jennet, Visas, Ladria, Bao Dur, Jarxel, Kelborn, and Disciple. The historian was reading Rikes’ diaries, mumbling things like “Fascinating” and “Brilliant” under his breath every so often, and once in a while reading aloud things he found particularly interesting. Finally, I glared at him.

“Son, I just started to really like you. Don’t make me regret saying so out loud.” I was giving him my stare that usually makes people walk away quickly.

Disciple didn’t look afraid, but he did flush a little. “Sorry,” he said, and wandered off to read where it didn’t bother me.

I’d spent only a few hours in Rikes’ company this time but I didn’t need to read his journals to know how twisted he had been. He was a cold remorseless bastard when I knew him before; the years had made him worse. He hadn’t been sane, and he had enjoyed torturing me. Before Jennet arrived, he had described in detail what he had planned on doing to her; gang rape was just the beginning.

No, I didn’t regret his death, only that it had been too quick. I didn’t need to hear what else he had done.

I also didn’t want to read or listen to them because it was too close to what I might have become. I knew it would probably be good for me to read through them eventually. Facing down the worst of who you are, or could have been, is the best way to exorcise that part of you. I wasn’t ready to yet, though. I still thought it would be better to simply destroy the journals, but maybe Disciple had a point, and some good could come of them.

Jennet was staying close to me, not speaking, even mentally. She healed the rest of my hurts without comment, and I had showered and ran my clothes through the laundry. She was following her usual pattern of getting the job done, and quietly going to pieces after. She didn’t shake or throw up, much to my relief, but she was reluctant to let me out of her sight. I understood; if it had been the other way around I wouldn’t have let her go to the ‘fresher alone for at least a day. I let her work things out on her own; she didn’t seem to need or want my reassurances, only my presence.

I also knew she was still mad at me for shutting her out. That was something that we were going to have out, eventually. I didn’t regret it a bit, and she knew it. I can’t protect her from most things, but I could keep her safe from the worst they did to me. I was reasonably certain she would have done the same. So I waited patiently for the eventual explosion. I knew she wouldn’t want to start a fight with me in front of everyone, so I took care not to provoke her. One wrong look or word and she wouldn’t care if she skinned me alive in a marketplace at high noon. I do love that about her.

The chatter around us was lively, and people were wandering in and out. I was thinking about how to get the rest of the Mandoa population to Dxun, and discussing it with Jarxel. Jennet listened for a while, then finally secure that I was safe, got up and left the main cabin. I gave her about five minutes, then followed.

I found her in the cargo hold, alone. I was surprised at that; there were people all over the small ship. But the energy coming off Jennet was such that anyone with sense would avoid her. What that said about me, I refused to think about.

“Hey, Wildcat.” I touched her arm, and she turned to me with a tight smile.

“Hey yourself.” She looked away.

“Do you want to yell now, or wait ‘til we’re back on Dxun, with soundproofed walls?”

She snorted, and glared at me. “Would it do any good?”

“Probably not. Might make you feel better, though.” I eyed her. This wasn’t a mood I’d seen her in before, exactly. She was mad, sure, even without our bond I could see it. But she wasn’t yelling, or wanting to hit anything. She was simply seething quietly, and I wasn’t sure how to deal with that.

“I’m not going to apologize for blocking you,” I finally said, simply to provoke some sort of response.

“I know,” she said. “I’m not mad about that.”

I looked at her, surprised. “You’re not?”

“Well, yeah, I am, but since I would have done the same, I’ll get over it.” She looked thoughtful. “I’m mad because you don’t trust yourself. And by extension, me.”

“What the hell does that mean?” I asked. I was not only surprised by her statement, but starting to get irritated.

“This bond we have…it lets me in your head in ways I couldn’t imagine were possible,” Jennet said.

I looked at her, trying to see where this was going. She wasn’t blocking me, but her own thoughts were confused enough that I wasn’t picking through the tangle well. So I just eyed her, not without some suspicion because I had a feeling I wasn’t going to like what she had to say, and waited for her to make herself clear.

She seemed to understand that, and looked at me, straight on. “I’ve seen more of what you were than you think I have,” she said, her brown eyes serious and troubled. “I know, I think, how far you sank into rage and despair, how close you were to going to the dark side forever.” She put up a hand as I started to speak. “You can’t ever be Jedi, I know, but everyone lives by the Force, whether they know it, believe in it, or not. And everyone has the choice to live by the dark or light side. Some are born evil; I really believe that. Some are born so good they’re never in question as to what side they’re on. Most of us get there by choices.”

She looked up at me, and I realized that along with her anger, which in any case was fading, she was sad; not pity, but a deep well of compassionate sorrow. I shifted uncomfortably, and looked away. Suddenly, I wished she was just blazing mad at me; this I didn’t like at all.

“You don’t trust that you’re a good person, a compassionate man, or worthy to be mine,” she said softly. “You don’t trust yourself to come through for me as I have for you, either. When I was stupid and nearly died, you blamed yourself for not being able to heal me. You’re mad that you fell into Rikes’ hands, and I had to come get you. And you’re starting to think that when it comes to it, I don’t need you, and you can’t do for me what I’ve done so far for you.”

“What makes you think that?” I growled.

“Oh, please. You’re very good at burying your feelings, but I have an inside track to your head. I’m sorry if this seems like I’m exploiting it, but you’re not being honest with yourself, entirely. You really are wondering what I’m getting out of it, or if I’m with you because I see you as some sort of redemption project. Well, I don’t. I didn’t ask to be your Mate, but I am. And if the Force chose me, it’s because you deserve it, and need it. As I deserve and need you. I did the best I could without you, but I had no direction, no home, few friends, and no one that I trusted to understand. You gave me that.”

“And in return, I nearly get myself killed by a Hutt, have to watch while others heal you after saving my ass, put you on trial, get you into a duel, and put you in danger because my past caught up with me,” I said bitterly. “How do you deserve all that?”

She looked at me seriously. “Do you know what I thought, when I saw you in the cantina, just before I got knocked out?”

“What?”

“I thought, oh, there you are.” She said quietly. “I didn’t know why, but I saw you standing there, and had to get you out of the way of the plasma blast. I knew, just for that second, that you were mine, somehow. I didn’t remember thinking that for a while. When you told me about Mates, I fought it at first, not because I didn’t want it, but because nothing I’d tried before worked out, and I didn’t want, this time, to lose that sense of belonging again. I knew, deep down, that losing you would break me.”

“Having me is not helping your chances at a long and peaceful life,” I said sharply. “I’ve been nothing but trouble, and it’s not likely to stop.”

“And that’s where the trust part comes in,” she said calmly. “You’re not trusting that I want this, or that I know what is best for me. I had a pretty dangerous life before you came along, you think whatever you can get us into is going to bother me? I may not have made as many enemies, but I’m perfectly capable of getting into trouble all by myself. And I trust you to help me out of it, when it happens.”

“I will,” I said shortly.

“Yes. But most of all, you’re not trusting that how I see you is true. I checked your aura the second I opened my eyes back on Nar Shadaa. I knew then that you had done some very bad things, but you were on the side of the Light. It’s gotten brighter since, and you think it’s because of me. Well, you’re wrong. It’s because of the choices you’re making. You started making them well before you ever met me, or I wouldn’t have come with you to the Ebon Hawk.”

I was stumped as to what to say. I just stared at her, silent, thoughts churning around in my head. I felt her there, watching, but not commenting. I really would rather her just start yelling and throwing things at me; that I could deal with. But this sense of compassion was unnerving, and I couldn’t even find the energy to get angry about it.

“Just think about it, okay?” She stood on tiptoe, and kissed my cheek. “I love you, all of you, and you deserved it from the start. That’s what’s true.”

She left me there, staring at the wall, totally unable to respond.

After a minute, I sat down on a barrel and just thought about things. She was right, but I wasn’t ready to admit it, at least not out loud. I was questioning if I was good for her, or deserved to be happy. Happy isn’t an emotion I was used to anymore. I couldn’t change the things I had done, and if I spent the rest of my life tracking down those I betrayed, or the families of the ones I’d killed, I wouldn’t have a spare minute to do anything else. No matter what I might want to do, I could only go forward, and try to help my own people. I hoped it was enough. I realized that there were only two things that scared me now; losing Jennet, and never being worthy of her.

Maybe she was right, and I did deserve her now. I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life trying to, anyway. What I didn’t get was she knew what I had been, and it really didn’t faze her a bit. I also realized that something like this would take time. I hoped she had patience enough for both of us.

I was about to leave when Bao Dur came in, quiet as a cat.

“Everything okay?” he asked, seeing my face.

“Yeah,” I said shortly. “Just thinking.”

“Sure,” he said, and proceeded to check the cargo area, tightening down a load here and there. I was about to leave when I heard him make a noise of startlement. I turned around to see him step back with a look of surprise. I swiftly moved to his side, and stared.

Hiding behind some containers was a woman and young girl, looking frightened, but defiant. They had made a nest for themselves with a couple of blankets and pillows.

“What the hell - ?” I said, surprised.

“It’s okay,” Bao Dur said gently to the pair. “We won’t hurt you.”

The woman stood, keeping herself in front of the child, and spoke in a language I didn’t understand. Her voice was low and raspy, barely above a whisper; I wondered if something was wrong with her vocal cords. I glanced over at Bao Dur and saw a look of pure astonishment on his face. He said something I didn’t understand, and the woman relaxed a little, but still stood, protecting who I assumed was her daughter. The little girl clung to her mother’s skirts. They both were a bit bedraggled and wore simple long tunics, belted with good quality leather, and sandals on their feet. Servant’s clothes; I could guess where the pair of them had come from.

It occurred to me that perhaps Bao Dur and I weren’t the most comforting people to look at; Bao Dur was a gentle soul, but he was big and ferocious looking, and even when I’m in a good mood, I can look fairly scary. I gave the Iridonian a glance and he nodded, understanding what I was thinking.

Wildcat, I need you and Ladria in here; something’s up. I gave her a mental picture of the stowaways, and felt her surprise.

On our way, she answered simply.

The woman was human, and pretty in a fierce sort of way. She wasn’t tall, but stood at least eight centimeters taller than Ladria or Jennet. Her long brown hair was in a braid down her back, and she had purple eyes, a startling color, that were currently blazing at Bao Dur. Her daughter looked to be about three, and was a miniature of her mother. They both were frightened, but defiant, and it was obvious the woman was prepared to do anything to defend her child. I was impressed with their courage.

Jennet and Ladria came in, approaching with caution, friendly smiles on their faces. Bao Dur continued to talk to the woman softly. Ladria looked a bit startled at that, and looked from him to the stowaway with some confusion.

“She speaks Iridoni?” She asked in surprise.

“Looks like,” the Zabrak said. “I’ve never met a human that does, not even you.”

He said something to her again, and translated her answer. “She says she was a captive of Falken Rikes, her and her daughter. She was afraid when we attacked the compound but figured we were safer than staying, and slipped out while the battle was going on. She found our ship and came aboard, hoping they could sneak away when we got to where we were going.”

“Can she speak Galactic Basic?” Ladria asked. Jennet was smiling at the little girl reassuringly, and looking at the woman, trying to project a sense of safety and calm. The woman seemed to understand, but didn’t relax much.

“I can,” she answered with difficulty. “But not comfortably. Rikes strangled me a month ago; it damaged my throat. Is he really dead?”

“Yes,” Jennet confirmed. “He really is. Canderous,” she pointed to me, “and our friend Dax killed him. He won’t hurt anyone ever again. You’re safe with us; no one will harm you or your daughter.”

“What is your name?” Ladria asked gently. I saw the woman relax visibly; when Ladria sets out to charm, no one is immune.

“Megari Bar,” she said. “My daughter is Danni.”

Bao Dur looked even more confused. “How is it as humans you speak Iridoni?”

“I was raised by an Iridoni family,” she said in her raspy voice. “When I was no older than Danni, my people were killed by Mandalorian raiders,” at this she glared at me. “They were traveling performers, and we were on Iridon when the raiders came. I survived, and was taken in by Dahn Varda and his wife Kana. They moved to Telos to escape the ruins of their planet. I met my husband there.”

“Where is he?” Bao Dur asked quietly.

“Dead,” Megari said flatly. “Rikes killed him. He was a Telonian militia officer. Rikes came for revenge against the Exchange; the militia arrested him for smuggling before he could do anything. He escaped, hunted down the three officers that had taken him into custody, and took me and Danni. We’ve been with him a year.”

I could only imagine the hell she’d lived in for the last year, and was impressed all over again that she’d survived relatively unbroken. No one that could face down me and Bao Dur as fiercely as she had was weak. She couldn’t have escaped Rikes, as remote as the estate was.

Then it occurred to me that she wouldn’t really view Bao Dur as a threat, if she had been raised by an Iridonian family. I was the threat; one of the race that killed both her people, and her adopted race. Hell, it might even have been me; I was there on Iridon when the attack was made.

I took a breath, and stood straight. I looked at her, and said as non-threateningly as I could, “I am sorry for what my people did to yours.”

She eyed me with deep suspicion. “I doubt that,” she said scathingly.

“I don’t blame you,” I answered.

Bao Dur said something to her, and she looked skeptical. She answered rapidly, and he nodded. She looked at me and said stiffly, “This one says you are a friend, and you are trustworthy. Are you really the leader of your people?”

“Yes,” I said simply.

“You are too young to have been so when my people were attacked.”

“I took the Helm five years ago,” I confirmed. “We are still a warlike people, but I’m trying to channel that to be useful, not merely destructive.”

She made a disbelieving noise. “I think you have an impossible task,” she observed.

“Possibly. But times are changing,” I said, giving her a small smile.

“I will give you the benefit of the doubt,” she said generously.

“Thank you,” I said gravely. She had spirit, and I saw Jennet smile.

“What can we do to help you?” Ladria asked quietly. Megari looked at her, and shrugged a little helplessly.

“I hadn’t thought beyond getting to whatever space port you docked at, and trying to find work. My parents are gone; they died just after my marriage. My husband had no family either. I’m afraid Danni and I have nowhere to go. But we’re no longer slaves, and Rikes is dead, so we’re better off now than we were yesterday.” She gave a fatalistic shrug. “If you allow me to work for you for a time, perhaps I could earn enough to settle us somewhere?”

Ladria smiled. “How about we say you’re an honored guest for now, and we’ll work something out?”

“There’s what we took from Rikes’s estate,” I pointed out. “If anyone deserves those spoils, I’d say it was Megari here.”

She looked down her nose at me. “You can’t buy me off,” she said, regal as a queen.

“I’m not trying to,” I said carefully. “But I knew Rikes, and I have an idea what he put you through. Think of it as back wages.”

Bao Dur said, “I think that’s fair, and I know everyone will agree.”

Ladria nodded. “If Megari agrees, it’s done.”

“I…” she seemed at a loss for words. “That’s very kind,” she said finally.

“It’s settled, then,” Ladria said briskly. “Where would you like us to take you?”

“I don’t know,” Megari said slowly, purple eyes troubled. “I’ve only lived on Telos, but there’s nothing for me there now.”

“Well,” Jennet said, “We’re going to Dxun now. You’re welcome to stay with us as long as you like. It will give you some time to think about what to do next.”

“What is on Dxun?” Megari asked, curious. “Where is it?”

“It’s a moon near Onderon,” Jennet said. “Some of the Mandalorian survivors have a camp there. We’re hoping to bring the rest of them together soon and rebuild the people.”

Megari’s eyes sparked. “Why would I want to live among Mandalorians?” she spat.

“Well,” I said easily, “You don’t have to. We can stop on Onderon first, and get you set up there. But you’re welcome to stay, and I guarantee you will be treated with respect.”

“Look,” Jennet said with a friendly smile, “I completely understand that staying with us could be uncomfortable, even frightening, for you, and you have no reason to trust Mandalorians. But I am the Mate of the Mandalore, and I can assure you that you’ll be perfectly safe and treated well. If anyone mistreats you, which is extremely unlikely, they will answer to me, or Canderous. You have my word.”

Megari looked at her, and me, then at Bao Dur. She spoke again in his language, and he answered with a reassuring smile. She looked doubtful, but nodded slowly.

“I accept your hospitality with thanks,” she said formally.

“You’re more than welcome,” Jennet said warmly, and I nodded as well.

Bao Dur touched the woman gently on the arm. “Would you like to come out and meet the rest of the crew?” he asked quietly.

She put her arm protectively around Danni, and shook her head. “I don’t wish to seem rude, but this has been a bit overwhelming for us. Would it be terrible of me to stay in here for a while?”

“Of course not,” Bao Dur said with a smile. “I’ll bring you something more comfortable to sleep on.”

“Thank you,” Megari said gravely.

The four of us left, and appraised the others of the new development. I warned my men to tread carefully around the new companions, and to be on their best behavior. There were nods all around, and Jarxel looked sober.

“We’re getting old, Canderous,” he joked grimly. “Since when did we care if someone feared us?”

“Speak for yourself,” I answered with a smile. “I still don’t. But I’ll think of it as a lesson in diplomatic relations. If we’re to ally ourselves with the Republic, we’ll need some practice.”

“I hate diplomacy,” he growled.

“Maybe we won’t need it,” Dax said helpfully. “We could let Jennet speak for us, and they’ll surrender just to shut her up.”

That got a laugh, and I left my men in the garage, chuckling.


Jennet

I need a vacation, I thought to myself as I went in to the galley in search of something to eat. Maybe Canderous will agree to a nice long honeymoon, somewhere safe and boring.

The Mandalorians were in the garage with Canderous, so the ship, for the moment, felt almost normal. Visas had retreated to the dorms, Disciple was in the med bay, pouring over Falken Rikes’s journals. Atton of course was in the cockpit, Ladria with him. Bao Dur was presumably keeping our newest guests company, and Mira was in the common room, looking over the light saber I had given her. Somewhere along her travels, she had acquired ‘saber parts; the blade of the dead Dark Jedi was now a deep violet. Atton had done the same, and his blade was now blue. I’d seen them during the fight at Rikes’s complex; they both were very good with their ‘sabers.

Mira looked up at me when I came in, a sandwich in one hand and glass of water in the other, and smiled. “How you doing?”

“Tired,” I said, and groaned a little as I sat.

“I can imagine,” Mira said sympathetically. “Being tortured even second hand has got to be a bitch. I could see tracking Canderous was pretty draining too.”

“The tracking wasn’t, really; it was the long-distance healing that wore me out,” I said, taking a bite out of my sandwich. I chewed, and swallowed. “I think I’m on overload. To think two weeks ago the only worry I had was the Exchange or the Hutt finding me.” I gave a sarcastic grin, and finished eating my sandwich.

“Things do seem to happen around people like us,” Mira observed. “Half the shit I find myself in I had nothing to do with starting.”

“No nice, safe, boring life for us,” I agreed.

“Thank the Gods,” Mira said fervently. “I’d throw myself into a supernova in a week.”

“Me too,” I said, smiling. “So, what’s the deal with Dax?”

Mira started at the change of subject, and amazingly, came as close to blushing as she ever did. “He’s nice,” she said, and examined her light saber as if it were the most interesting object in the universe.

I snorted. “He’s Mandalorian. ‘Nice’ isn’t in their vocabulary. It’s not my business, I know, but you’re my friend. I just want to know you’re happy, that’s all.”

“So far,” she said with a small smile. “It’s nothing like you and Canderous have.”

“Be grateful,” I said, smiling. “That’s no piece of cake either. But I wouldn’t change it,” I added, smiling dreamily. I sat back, hands behind my head, feet propped on a nearby chair.

“Can I ask you something?” Mira looked at me seriously, and I sat up.

“Sure.”

“Was there ever anything between you and Dax?”

It shouldn’t have, but the question took me by surprise. I looked at her blankly for a second and shrugged.

“Is there anyone on board that doesn’t think I slept with Dax?” I asked rhetorically.

“Megari,” Mira said instantly, then smiled. “Actually, I don’t think anyone does, really. I know you didn’t.”

I looked at her in surprise. “You do?” I tried to think back on when the subject had ever come up; both times I’d spoken of Dax in those terms, it had been to Canderous, and we’d been alone.

Her amber eyes were direct. “I asked Dax about it. I also overheard the conversation between you two before he left Telos, at least part of it. So I know you never did.”

“Wow, asking directly. Smart idea,” I said, only a little sarcastically. I could only imagine the world of frustration I would be living in if I didn’t have the mental communication with Canderous. I am direct, and so is he, but not always at the same time.

Mira was still looking at me thoughtfully. I smiled reassuringly, and told her the same thing I’d said to Canderous by Cressa’s grave; the only thing between Dax and me had been the ghost of a possibility. Mira nodded, obviously this was what she had expected to hear from me. But her eyes were a little troubled.

“What’s this really about?” I asked.

“I don’t know, really,” she said honestly. “It’s just that…well, he talks about you, and he’s your Champion. And he insisted on going with you to Rikes’s front gate. He admires you and Canderous almost to the point of hero worship. I know he wouldn’t try anything…” her voice trailed off a moment. Then she looked straight at me, her hawk’s eyes gleaming a bit. “I just won’t be anyone’s second choice, no matter how much I care. If I am, it’s certainly not your fault.”

“You’re not,” I said firmly. “He asked about you, just before he left Telos, when he was giving me a hug goodbye. I told him you could kick his ass in ways I never thought of, and he approved.”

“He did?” Her face brightened.

“Yes,” I answered. “Look, let me explain a little about the Mandalorian mindset. Dax and I were partners, and yes, at the time we considered taking that a step further. But he didn’t pursue when I turned him down. Then a couple months later, I seem to abandon him to the tender mercies of a Hutt. He manages to escape, and spends four years looking for me out of revenge. Upon meeting up with me unexpectedly, he immediately tries to kill me. When All Is Explained, he becomes my Champion.”

“There’s a point in there, somewhere, right?” Mira asked.

“Yes. Mandalorians don’t tend to do things by half. He put himself in the mindset of partner and friend, and he was very good to me as both. He expected the same loyalty and respect in return of what he gave me. When I seemed to betray that, he wasn’t going to be satisfied until I was dead. And when it turned out I hadn’t abandoned and betrayed him after all, he set out to make up for his own disloyalty of thinking I had.” I paused, and Mira was nodding slowly.

“So you’re saying that he’s not pining away, not just because he wouldn’t betray Canderous by making a play for you. That talking about and trying to protect you is simply because he takes your friendship and being your Champion seriously?”

“Exactly. And remember, I didn’t appoint him Champion; Canderous did. Dax would do anything for the Mandalore.” I smiled, and looked at her. “If he’s with you, it’s because he wants to be, and you’re important to him. I’ve seen him look at you; I’m not even a blip on the nav chart.”

She looked happy at that, and the conversation turned to other things. Canderous came in, kissed me briefly, and wandered into the galley to get something to eat. He was even more tired than I was. Shortly afterwards, Visas joined us, and she and Mira decided to make dinner for everyone. We still had a couple of hours before we hit Dxun, and while I really wanted to sleep, I was too keyed up to crash yet. The galley was too small to try and help with dinner, so I stayed where I was, Canderous comfortably beside me, finishing the sandwich he’d made himself.

Dax, Jarxel, and Kex made an appearance, and were told dinner would be ready soon. They looked happy at that. Jarxel and Kex went back to the garage, but Dax remained, talking easily to Canderous and watching Mira when he thought no one was looking. Oh, he was far gone, and I smiled to myself.

I heard Dax ask Canderous a question, and I sat straighter, alert.

“The bounty hunter Travik was with; do you think he’s going to be a threat?” Dax looked concerned.

“I doubt it,” Canderous answered, and I echoed the thought.

“For most bounty hunters, it’s just a job,” I said. “He took the commission, caught Canderous, got paid. Nothing personal.”

“Rikes paid him as soon as I was brought in, and he left,” Canderous said gruffly. “Too bad, though, his ship would have come in handy,” he added pragmatically.

“Did you ever find out if Regar Dunne was his real name?” I asked curiously.

“That’s what Rikes called him.” Canderous said. “Anybody’s guess if it really is, though.”

“Would you know him if you saw him again?” Dax asked.

“Oh yes,” Canderous said grimly. I shivered, but agreed wholeheartedly with the sentiment. I wasn’t going to try and hunt Dunne down, but Gods help him if we’re ever in the same room together.

“With Falken Rikes dead, it’s unlikely Dunne will have reason to cross our path again,” I said, a little hopefully. “Unless someone else puts a bounty on you.” It was half a question, and Canderous nodded.

“It could happen, Wildcat,” he said seriously. “I haven’t made many friends, and there’s a hell of a lot of people that have reason to hate me. I don’t expect there’s too many left alive that know my name, though, or could afford a bounty. But I traveled in some pretty dangerous circles for quite some time. The Exchange has let me go, and while I don’t entirely trust that organization’s word, they aren’t likely to pursue revenge; I helped them, after all. The only thing I did against them was with this crew, so if they want revenge, it would be against all of us.”

“And they wanted Ladria and her party to fix the rip in the Force, so they’re off the hook too,” I said thoughtfully.

“Right. I’m not saying I won’t be cautious, but I doubt there’s much reason to worry.”

“I guess not,” I said as optimistically as I could.

He kissed me hard, and set me gently away from him. “You worry too much.”

“Someone has to,” I retorted, but without heat.

Dinner was ready then, and I volunteered to take food in to Bao Dur and our two guests. Visas loaded a tray with four plates, glasses, and flatware, and I carefully took it into the cargo hold. As I left, I saw Mira and Dax taking similarly loaded trays toward the garage. Disciple, Atton and Ladria joined the rest of the crew just as I got to the hallway.

I elbowed the door mechanism, and entered the cargo hold. I almost dropped the tray when I saw the scene before me. Bao Dur and Megari were standing very close together; I could see Danni asleep on the mattress the Iridonian had brought in. Megari was looking at him with a mixture of trust and fear, and he said something too low for me to hear. She went limp, and he gently caught her, laying her down on the mattress next to her daughter.

I set the tray on to a nearby barrel and he looked up, startled. Seeing it was me, he gestured and I went over, bewildered as to what was going on.

“I’m going to try and fix Megari’s throat,” he said quietly. “I could use your help.”

“I wondered about that,” I answered. “I was going to offer to try myself, when she got used to me. What did you do?” I waved at the sleeping woman and child, a question in my eyes.

He looked a little uncomfortable. “My language is very complex; I just told her to sleep, that’s all.”

“I see. Well, what do you need me to do?” I didn’t pursue the questions I had, it felt intrusive.

“Could you keep Danni away for a bit? Just hold her while I tend Megari. She isn’t likely to wake up, but I don’t want to take the chance.” The gentle concern flowing off the big Iridonian was a low electric current in the air.

“Sure,” I said simply, and carefully went over to pick the sleeping child up. She was so small, and hardly weighed more than my armor. I cuddled her in my lap a short distance from Bao Dur. She sighed in her sleep, and snuggled. My heart turned over, and suddenly I felt close to tears.

The Zabrak gently arranged Megari so she was flat on her back. He straightened her head, propping it between a couple of rolled pillows so her neck was perfectly straight. Then he took a deep breath, placed a large hand around her throat, and squeezed firmly.

I was tuning in, ready to help if needed. I felt the damaged vocal cords crush again, immediately followed by healing warmth from Bao Dur. Megari’s breathing stopped for a heartbeat or two, and I held my breath as well. The healing took, though, and she was breathing again, relaxed and without wheezing. I saw Bao Dur’s shoulders slump, and he took his hand away.

“Nice work,” I said approvingly. “Couldn’t have done it better myself.”

“Thanks,” he said, not looking at me, but at the woman on the mattress. I smiled. Unless I missed my guess, Bao Dur had found someone to adore besides his General. I wished him luck.

I got up, and lay Danni next to her mother, covering her with a blanket. I patted Bao Dur on the back as I passed, took my dinner off the tray, and quietly left him there, watching the sleeping family.


Canderous

We arrived at Dxun without incident, and all of us staggered to our respective beds, utterly exhausted. Jennet was practically asleep on her feet as we had stumbled through the dark jungle to the camp. It had been nearly 36 hours since any of us had slept. We had paused only long enough to assure the guards that we were unhurt (at least now I was) and to have them alert the Elders of our return. I was so tired I didn’t remember undressing and falling into bed.

When I woke, it was late morning. I had slept almost twelve hours and was ferociously hungry. Jennet was stirring next to me, and opened her eyes, blinking sleepily.

“Good morning, cyar’ika,” I said, kissing her the rest of the way awake.

“Morning,” she mumbled, with a glance at the clock. She kissed me back. Her stomach growled noisily and she grimaced.

We were both too hungry to linger in bed. Quickly showering and throwing on clothes, we made our way to the mess hall, where Lorna and her kitchen crew were cheerfully feeding the last of the diners. Visas and Jarxel were seated at the high table, chatting quietly. Ladria was talking to Elder Evana, Atton beside her, Disciple on his other side. Megari was seated near them, but not speaking to anyone, a half eaten plate of food in front of her. Danni was playing with some kitchen utensils in a corner. Her mother was watching carefully. She was clearly uneasy being among Mandoa. Bao Dur emerged from somewhere, and she looked calmer when she saw the big Zabrak.

Jennet and I took our seats at the high table and ate our breakfast, joining Visas and Jarxel. After taking the edge off my hunger, I turned to my second.

“If we’re going to bring all the Mandoa survivors to Dxun, there’s a lot that needs to be done,” I said without preamble.

Jarxel nodded. “Agreed. We’ll need sleeping quarters, for one. More ‘freshers, and the mess hall will have to be enlarged considerably. We’ll also need to build a few airstrips, docking areas, more hangers and repair shops.”

“How many will come, do you think?” Jennet asked curiously.

“Well, we know of close to 6,000,” I said consideringly, “including the colony the Elders were in. No group is more than 800 or so. I’ve been in contact personally with the leader of each. The plan has been for everyone to stay where they were until we could find a place for all of us to gather and rebuild. Well, we’ve found a place; now it’s down to logistics. When it’s time, all of them will come.”

Jennet whistled through her teeth. “That’s sixty times what is currently living on Dxun. It’s not going to be easy.”

“Exactly,” Jarxel said.

Visas said quietly, “It would seem easiest to bring a group at a time, use that manpower to prepare for the next, and so on.”

Jarxel nodded approvingly. “That’s what I’ve thought. We can’t sustain six thousand as we are, even if we could get them all here. The problem is, even doing it in stages, we don’t have the ships to get a large group to Dxun at once. None of the colonies have more than a few ships, and we don’t have any but the shuttle. Some individuals here have personal ships, but none bigger than the Ebon Hawk. Even packing theirs and ours to capacity, it could take weeks to get just one group here.”

Ladria, Elder Evana, Atton and Disciple had joined us and were looking interested.

“If you had the supplies, and transport, how long would it take to build enough housing and amenities to sustain the survivors?” Ladria asked.

I looked at her, calculating in my head. “A few weeks if we’re talking barracks, bathhouses, kitchens, and workstations. Six months to a year for more permanent housing.”

Bao Dur had joined the table. “With a team of good engineers, and the right equipment, we could cut that considerably,” he said thoughtfully.

“True,” I answered. “But our biggest problem is financing it. I have a several accounts, and by most standards, I would be considered moderately wealthy. Working for the Exchange paid exceptionally well, and I don’t spend much. But even my credits can’t cover the cost. The colonies can contribute, according to the leaders. We’ve run the numbers, and we’re still very short of enough credits to purchase enough supplies to build. Even with the raw materials the colonies will be bringing.”

“Perhaps the Republic could help,” Ladria said thoughtfully. “If you promised a few thousand seasoned and well trained soldiers in the fight against the Sith, in exchange they could provide transport and building supplies.”

“That could work,” I said slowly. “But who in the galaxy would listen to that sort of deal?”

Ladria looked at me, amused. “You’re a Hero of the Republic. And you know several others personally. Can’t you think of anyone you could start negotiations with?”

Light dawned. “Carth Onasi,” I said. “Bastila Shan, too, if she’s still alive.”

“Last I heard, she was,” Ladria said quietly. “Where she is, I have no idea, but I bet Admiral Onasi might know.”

“The Jedi may be severely depleted,” Jennet observed. “but the Republic relies on them. If Bastila vouches for you, and Ladria, and Carth Onasi, the Chancellor would listen. The Republic needs all the help it can get.”

“There wouldn’t be any problems promising the troops,” Jarxel said positively. “Most of us would jump at the chance to fight again. The only real problem would be convincing enough to stay behind to actually have enough manpower to build.”

“If this is to work,” I said carefully, “I would need to lead the Mandoa personally in battle.”

“True,” Jarxel mused. “It would be necessary on many levels. It would be the best assurance to our soldiers that this is what is best for us as a whole, and it would reassure the Republic of our intentions.”

“So we fight for a while, come home, and finish rebuilding. Necessary evil.” Jennet said.

“Not we, Wildcat. Me.” I said.

Her eyes narrowed. “Like hell you’d go without me.”

“I need you here,” I said firmly. “There’s nothing I’d like better than to have you with me, but someone needs to supervise the rebuild while I’m gone. Once we’re proved Mates and married, you would be Regent in my place.”

“Could someone else be appointed?” Jennet asked, very carefully. I could see her temper rising, and sent her a thought that it had nothing to do trying to keep her safe. She relaxed a little, but was still unconvinced.

“Possibly. But it would be better if either the Mandalore or my Mate was in charge.”

“I’m an asset in battle, and if the combined battle ecstasy works with our link, that could be invaluable. Does it center on the Mandalore?” Jennet asked.

“It usually centers on the best fighter present,” I said slowly. “Often that’s the Mandalore, yes.”

“So my presence could be a definite contribution.”

“Yes,” I said. “But we don’t know that for sure.”

“Well, one of our tests is to prove that. I know very little of building things, but I know a hell of a lot about fighting. I should be where I’m most useful,” Jennet said, not quite smugly.

“You may have a point,” I said gruffly. “Why don’t we see what the test says, and we can discuss the logistics then?”

She gave me a swift suspicious look, but agreed.

“I could start drawing up blueprints,” Bao Dur offered. “If you let me know what sort structures you need, that is. That would give us the baseline for materials needed, as well. Do you have records of what the other colonies could provide?”

“Yeah, they’re all in the databanks. You could link to the Ebon Hawk too, if you wanted,” I said, pleased he was offering to help. I’ve seen the man build things out of seemingly thin air and could think of no one better to head up the project. “Would you consider staying with us, at least long enough for the actual building to start? We’re a handy people, but short on the engineering genius department.”

“It would be my pleasure,” Bao Dur said sincerely. “I expect the Jedi will want help with rebuilding the conclave at Dantooine as well, if they choose to keep their headquarters there. But I could easily juggle both projects; with that one, it’s mostly clean up and rebuild. Yours would be a real challenge; I’d love to be a part of it.”

We spent the day discussing plans, with various parts of the population wandering in and out, offering opinions. We decided that the best plan was to build six to eight apartment-style complexes. There would be at least four that could house two to four people – they would be comfortable enough, and individuals that didn’t mind a roommate over a barracks situation could live there, or childless couples. One or two to house families; another for those in higher positions that lived alone. The barracks could remain, both as bed space for soldiers and guest quarters; several rooms could be walled off in that building, and still leave room for on-duty personnel.

We’d need a space port, and several more hangers, at least one more machine shop, and an infirmary. Bao Dur was positively excited with the prospect of designing and building what was needed. When we’d exhausted our creativity for the day, I took him aside.

“I have something I’d like you to see,” I said seriously.

“Sure,” the big Iridonian said instantly. “Where?”

“It’s downloaded on the computer, come on.” Jennet had wandered away to work out and after, meditate. I was glad; this was a surprise.

Bao Dur and I went to my quarters and I downloaded the plans I’d discussed with the builder on Onderon, just before I got snatched.

“They’re a good start, I think,” I said as the Zabrak studied the blueprints I’d had drawn up. “But I want a little more personalization; this was a basic floor plan. I want to add a gym, a landing strip, and a receiving hall.”

“You’re right, it is a good start. The landing strip takes space, but it’s easy enough to build. You could have a private hanger behind the house. I’d say a good-sized gym could be incorporated easily enough here,” he pointed to a spot on the plans, “And if you simply reduce the size the front door, and add a room the length of the front, you could have a great combination receiving and feast hall, separated from the family quarters with soundproofed walls and holo windows so it seems less cavelike. It would add about a third again the floor space, but that front hall wouldn’t be part of the regular living space.”

“I like it,” I said. “Don’t tell Jennet, this is her wedding present. How soon do you think we could build? This is my private project, paid by me, and I have the means to start right away, if we can.”

“We could do that, sure. You’d have to clear out a few acres first, of course. That would require some heavier equipment than you have here, but something could be arranged on Onderon, I’d bet. I’d say you’d be living in it in a few months. Have you picked out a site yet?”

“I checked with the architect on Onderon to see if land movers can be rented; he said they could, pretty reasonably. And yeah, I picked a place. Want to see it?” I couldn’t help but have a note of pride in my voice; I’d seen this spot ages ago and thought it would be a great place to build. Of course, I hadn’t met Jennet then. I was sure she’d love it, but wanted Bao Dur to make sure it was suitable for what I had in mind.

“Absolutely,” the Iridonian agreed.
“Well, gear up, it’s a short distance from the camp, but you never know what will wander by. No point getting our legs chewed off.”

He chuckled, and agreed to meet me at the gates. Kelborn and Xarga came along. I was getting used to having an escort, not that I liked it any better than when Jarxel started it. That he was right about protocol was beside the point.

I led the three of them through the jungle, after telling Jennet I was off to scout for a building site. It was true, after all, and I carefully kept the particulars buried so I didn’t have to block her. She was one sharp lady and that would alert her something was up. Reaching the spot I had marked in my mind months ago, I halted our little party and swept an arm at the scenery.

“What do you think?” I asked.

Bao Dur whistled in appreciation. There was a small lake, bordered with outcroppings of rock. A large flat area was to the East; there were trees and thick vegetation everywhere but I had walked those few acres myself and knew it wouldn’t need much leveling. The spot was enclosed on three sides by high hills of stone interspersed with plant life, and across the lake was a natural waterfall, sending up a churning spray and making rainbow glints in the sun. It was scenic, accessible, and defensible.

“This will work,” Bao Dur said. “And Jennet will love it.”

“I know,” I said smugly.