A Match for the Mandalore

The bastard took his time eating breakfast. I finished not long after he got to the table. By this time, Mira and Disciple had disappeared to parts unknown. I had made the mistake of mentioning the match to her. I was certain she was now gleefully gathering up the Ebon Hawk crew to witness my slaughter.



Canderous ate as steadily as I did, and didn’t chat. Big surprise. I left him there, his smug expression getting on my nerves. I headed back to the dorm and found an empty footlocker under my bed. I pulled out a training outfit, and stowed the remainder of my pitifully few possessions in the locker, shoving it back under the bunk. I changed, and attended to my hair.



I kept it pretty short, just about chin length, but it was long enough that I wanted it out of the way. I’ve considered from time to time just cutting it military-short, but it was curly and I ended up looking I had Bantha beard stuck to my head. Privately, I admitted it was one of my small vanities; I did like to look like a girl now and then. I would love to grow it long, but it’s too much a hassle to take care of and too easy a handhold for an enemy. Looking in the mirror on the wall of the dorm, I decided at least it was a nice color. Not as gorgeous as Ladria’s dark red, or Mira’s flaming copper, but a nice, caramel blonde that didn’t clash with much. Realizing I was trying to distract myself again, I scraped it back into a ponytail and secured it firmly. Then I used the ‘fresher (nothing worse than fighting on a full bladder), and headed outside to start stretching.



Outside, a few of the crew were starting to gather. I was right, Mira had been busy. Atton was front and center, Ladria sitting next to him and Mira on the other side of her. They’d even brought chairs. Atton looked up as I exited the ship, gave a little wave, and grinned impudently at me. I responded with a rude hand gesture and he laughed. Mira gave me a wink, and Ladria called, “Go get him, girl!’ a wide, genuine grin on her face. She’s so perfect, it’s startling when she acts like a real person. Which, come to think of it, really is most of the time. I couldn’t help but like our illustrious leader, love her a little, even. I couldn’t believe that I’d known these people less than 24 hours and they already felt like family. I guess it really isn’t, in a way. A nice side effect of being Force sensitive is that you can learn a lot about the character of a person in a very short time. The best part of not having to hide it myself was that I knew others were doing the same with me, and seemed to like me anyway.



I wonder if they feel that way about me, being family, I thought, a little wistfully.



As I stretched out, thought about this odd mixture of personalities I found myself with. Atton acted like a clown and liked everyone to believe he was, but I’d seen those black streaks, heard his story, and knew there was a lot more intelligence and introspection there than he was comfortable showing. Despite his antics and ogling, he made me feel safe, like a big brother. Mira was the same, although she shielded herself with the “kick-ass bitch” sign plastered to her forehead. Bao Dur was every girl’s big brother, every guy’s best man, and a hell of a lot more passionate than most people noticed. I saw it there, when he looked at his General. That he was in love with Ladria was painfully obvious, to anyone that cared to see. That she did see, and not allow him to feel awkward or less a man because it wasn’t returned was remarkable. I wished I could be like that, and knew I didn’t have the tact or class to pull it off.



Visas and Disciple were both puzzling. I hadn’t quite figured out their niche yet. Disciple, I decided, was put in this universe to remind people to wash their hands before eating, and be nice to Gizka pups. When you’re around him, you just want to be on good behavior, because he so naturally did himself. Visas…there’s a woman who feels her penance would never be over, and was serene about it. Strange combination, but it worked for her. I did admire it. I liked them both well enough, but I couldn’t help but think that of them all, those two needed the most to wake up in a strange place, naked, with an agonizing headache and blackmail material in their friend’s datapads. Trying to be perfect is exhausting, and those that do tend to snap eventually. I made a mental note about looking for this sort of opportunity, if we lived through this mission. Atton and Mira would probably help me. I grinned wickedly at the thought.



Ladria. She was an incredible woman, and had done so much in such a short time. I was pretty sure she was only a few years older than my own twenty-five. But she was so poised and lovely and smart and capable that she was a mother to everyone.



Canderous, though…to me, he was the easiest to figure out, but the most puzzling of all. I liked that he was straightforward, and you always knew exactly where you stood with him. He either respected you, or didn’t. If he didn’t, and couldn’t kill you, you were off the grid, not worth his time. He said what he thought, usually only when asked, did what he thought needed done, and there was no fuss about it. He was intelligent, but not particularly intellectual, and had loads of common sense. He dressed comfortably, ate when hungry, talked when he had to, and didn’t care what anyone thought of him. He admired courage and honor, and liked it when you weren’t afraid to stand up to him; he had no use for cowards. You could say anything to him and not worry about hurt feelings, because he was so secure in himself that a different opinion doesn’t faze him. He might get mad, but he’ll always be honest in return.



I figured most people would say he’s got anger issues. I didn’t think so. Sure, he has a temper, and I’d bet my last credit that he could hold a grudge like no one’s business, if he felt it was warranted. But I could sense that it wasn’t anger or hate that drove him. It was exactly as he says: honor, courage, and battle. When battle isn’t available, he prepares for it. Simple. He makes no bones about it, and saw no reason to be anything other than what he is. In a lot of ways, I was most comfortable with him, because he was the other misfit. The only other non Jedi of the group, the only one not Force sensitive at all. He was completely alone, and didn’t have an ounce of self-pity over it.



The fact that he was good looking in a craggy sort of way hadn’t gone unnoticed, either. Or the fact I was spending so much time thinking about him. I decided it was time to stop, and just go kick his ass.



For all the thoughts that had been churning around in my dizzy little brain, not a whole lot of time had passed. I had a sudden worried notion, and dashed back in to the ship. Coming back with a small pouch, I snagged Bao Dur, who had just arrived for the festivities.



“Does the merchant by the docks sell kolto packs?” I asked anxiously.



“Yes, I think so,” he replied, puzzled.



“Here, take this and buy as many as he’s got, the strongest you can get.” I handed him the pouch, and he took it automatically.



“Expecting trouble?” Bao Dur raised an eyebrow.



“I just feel better if there’s plenty around. Call it a security blanket. My contribution to the infirmary, whatever. But hurry, or you’ll miss the show,” I winked, and he trotted off on his errand.



Bao Dur returned with a small bag just as Canderous was finishing up his own stretches. I waved, and he gave me a thumb’s up. I felt happier knowing there was plenty of kolto on hand. Then he made a ‘follow me’ gesture. Canderous looked like he expected it, and I hurried after them, wondering what was up. Bao Dur led us to the center of the open area of the docking bay and had us face off.



He turned to me, face serious but eyes twinkling, and asked solemnly, “Jennet, do you vow that you will fight under the rules agreed: no combative or defensive Force powers, and no weapons other than yourself?”



“I do so vow,” I answered, just as solemnly. I drew myself up, and glared over at Canderous. He stared back implacably. He had asked Bao Dur to officiate, making this match a lot more significant than simple sparring. It told me two things: One, Canderous was taking this very seriously, and he wanted to make sure I was too. Two, he didn’t entirely trust that I’d keep my word on the terms of the fight. The first, I didn’t blame him; Mandalorians take challenges very seriously, even minor ones. Most other races don’t, at least not to their standards. The second, I was going to kick his ass twice for.



“Mandalore, do you vow you will fight under the rules agreed as well?”



“I do so vow,” he said seriously.



And so the fight began. I tried something new; I just stood there. No defensive posture, no circling, no advance or retreat. I stood, and made him come to me.



I don’t know if I can explain how my fighting works; I’m pretty sure you have experience it to really understand. My dad’s gift in fighting was a knack of being able to slow down what you see, yet still live and react in real time. He noticed early that I had reflexes similar to his, and worked with me to develop this technique. It wasn’t the Force; it was a state of mind. It was as if things were in slow motion, and it gave me time to get out of the way and/or make a strike where my opponent had left themselves open. It’s the best way to put it, I guess; I’ve never tried to use words to describe the experience. It’s gotten me through more fights than I can count. It’s not like using the Force to sense your opponent’s intentions, but it looks the same. I usually use a combination of both Force sense and my sight in battle; it never does to be completely dependent on only one thing to keep you alive. Flexibility is a fighter’s friend, in more ways than one.



I also used this because I wanted to be absolutely within the letter of the law on our agreement. I wasn’t using the Force at all; just me. I knew that normal Force sense was allowed; I’d fought in a Mandalorian battle circle before. But my pride was pricked; he’d pissed me off by not trusting me to keep my word.



I waited, arms loose at my sides, ready. He moved carefully, looking for the catch. Finally, he took a test swing, and I got my face out of the way. I didn’t move my feet, just shifted my torso back and the fist whizzed by. He followed up with the other, aimed where my head now was, and I shifted back. I let him drop back into position, and waited again. His face was calm. Damn.



With a grunt, he came at me again, and this time, I engaged. He tried to sweep my legs, and I leaped over like a jump rope. While he was still in that awkward pose, I kicked back, catching him on the side. He grabbed my foot, quicker than I thought he could, but couldn’t hold it. I pulled free and turned around as he sprang to his feet. He came at me again, fast, and I blocked a punch to my ribs with one hand, sweeping it aside while punching him in the gut with the other. Very little effect, but it got his attention. His other hand got me in the side with a decent blow, but I’d seen it just in time to avoid getting my ribs broken. I ducked under his arms, set my hands firmly on the ground, and kicked my legs up, one after the other, catching him under the jaw as I flipped. His head snapped back, but I was too busy getting upright to make use of the opening. I saw too late that I should have kept tumbling



He had gotten closer than I expected when I was up, but my sight was still working, and I saw his foot as it whipped around and caught me in the side. He’d swung around in a spinning back kick while I had been doing my pretty little maneuver. It would have been my gut, but I dodged just enough to take it on my hip. That hurt like a bitch, but at least I was still breathing. I felt my hip give way though, and went down. I threw my body into the fall, rolling sideways and getting my hands on either side of my head when I was on my back. He was advancing, and I heaved with my arms and feet, kicking up when I was arched enough to flip over. By luck, one of my feet clipped his chin. He grunted, but kept coming. I danced closer, and spun, trying for a spinning kick. He stepped in to the move, and stopped me cold while my back was to him. I smiled. Quick as thought, I changed the kick straight upwards, and got him full in the face. I heard his nose crunch. Ew. I hate that sound.



My foot swinging back down, I used its momentum to slip it between his legs, and got a feeble blow to the ass. Oh well, no one could say I hadn’t, now. While it was down there, I kicked his right knee hard, throwing him off balance. At that, he loosed his grip on my arms, and I elbowed him in the gut, putting all my force behind it, whirled around, and landed a good one square under the jaw. He went down on one knee, and I used mine to hit him there again. I followed it with a kick to the head, and that was that.



I stood still, made sure it was over, then signaled to Bao Dur. He tossed me the bag of kolto packs, and I broke one open, applying gently it to the side of Canderous’s head. He was conscious, and groaning a little. He must have steel plating for a skull if that kick didn’t knock him out. Bao Dur had approached and took over, tossing a couple of kolto packs to me as well. I could use my healing now, but I wanted to keep my energy high. I used one on my hip, slipping it into the side of my shorts and holding it there until I felt the effects. Once the pack was useless, I tossed it at Bao Dur, who put it in the bag. I ached a bit, but otherwise was fine. Suddenly I felt a wave of Force energy wash over me, and looked up to see Ladria standing next to me, smiling. I felt wonderful.



“Better?” She asked.



“Yeah, thanks. I’m good.” I looked at Canderous; he was coming around. Ladria healed him too, and he gruffly thanked her.



I went over, and held out my hand. “Good fight,” I said, and he actually smiled. I thought for sure he’d be mad, or at least irritated. He reached up, and clasped my hand, grabbing my wrist while I grabbed his. He shook it firmly, and I helped haul him up.



“Great fight,” he answered.



He was grinning. He had drying blood all over the front of his shirt. His nose was healed, but had a new, interesting bump adding to its collection, and I had given him a concussion. I don’t think I’d seen him happier. Men.



I hadn’t heard the others cheering until now. Atton was whooping on the sidelines, Mira right along with him. Ladria grinned at both of us, and even Disciple and Visas were clapping. I gave a theatrical bow, and they applauded in appreciation. I turned back to Canderous, and to my amazement, he was clapping too.



“Why are you being so nice about this?” I asked.



“There’s no shame in being defeated by a worthy opponent. You deserve to be praised,” he said simply. “Look, kid, you’re good, I don’t mind saying it. I’ve heard that the Force gives you clarity in battle. I’ve seen it before, but you were extraordinary.”



“That wasn’t the Force,” I said.



He stopped clapping. “No?”



“No.”



He thought about that for a moment. “Is it something you could teach me?”



I didn’t know what to say at first; I’ve never been asked. “I don’t know,” I said finally. “You have great reflexes, you might be able to learn. But you’d have to be open-minded, and trust me. It will seem a lot, to you, like learning to be a Jedi, I think.”



“I can do that.”



“Be open minded, or trust me?”



“Yes.”



“It’s a deal, then.” I stuck my hand out, and he clasped it, warm and hard. “I can’t promise results, but I’ll try.”



“It’s all I ask.” He grinned again, and said, “So what is your forfeit?”



I checked quickly to make sure no one could hear us. I looked at him and said “I want you to tell me why you haven’t told anyone your given name.”



He looked taken aback at that, but nodded. “Done. But later, when I we have time, and privacy. Ready for round two?”



I was so happy that for the moment I had forgotten that we still had another match to go.



“Sure,” I said.



“Good.” He went over to a small pack I hadn’t noticed before and got something out of it. He turned to me with an almost evil smile, and injected something into his thigh.



I was in such deep shit.



I don’t use stims, myself. Something about my healing ability makes them either go wonky, and I have no control, or pass out, or they simply don’t work. But Mandolorians practically invented stims. They don’t use them to excess, or depend on them like many half-assed fighters do to try and get an edge. A good Mandolorian is trained in the selective use of them from almost birth. They make a high quality, powerful product that make the usual stuff feel like a mild buzz from a shot of Juma Juice, or so I’m told. All it does to me is make me go insane, and usually someone gets dead, and I won’t remember a thing once the crash hits. A Mandolorian hyper-battle stim in the veins of a high caliber warrior used to is effects is deadly.



Well, at least the rules say he can’t kill me, I thought grimly.