Chapter 139: Expectations(2/3)
“Why didn't you contact us? You are not the first Jensaarai to come under attack by the CIS. We could have retrieved your family.” Lash said, and took a moment to Telekinesis throw a breakfast plate at the other Acolyte at the speed of sound. Which resulted in the target loosing his head.
“Master Lash, I'll get Tambor!” Unduli shouted and chased after them. Rikri glanced at her, but kept his body towards Lash.
“They said if I did they would kill them. They showed me communication logs. I... There are spies in the Order.” Rikri said as he hesitantly deactivated his red light saber.
“Yes, I am aware of their existence.” Lash said as he pulled his red daggers away. His statement was clearly a shock to the boy.
“You... I... Then I could have...?” Rikri dropped to his knees and started to cry. “They sent my mothers fingers to me.”
“I'm sorry...” Lash said as he walked over to the boy, he knelt down and pulled him into a hug... Then snapped the boys neck.
“If you had asked for help I would have moved worlds for you. But this... We all have a part to play.” Lash said, as he recorded the boys information he'd send word to the Order on Venura to look for the kids family. He'd do the same as Enfarious. But more than likely the boy's family was already dead.
Lash retrieved the red light saber and pulled the kyber crystal out. This was one of Enfarious crystals. He pocketed that one. Retrieved the other Acolytes crystal, the same. Then chased after Unduli, though he made sure to clean any video footage of him from any camera in the room. Again there was absolutely nothing. This places security was sloppy.
An alert went through his communication line. Obi-Wan had arrived with the ground forces, and the plasma bridge was activated. Lash sent a quick data-packet about the x-crossed prisoners and their set to explode restraints. Horrifically the droids on the walls started firing into the shanty town. Bombers in the main hanger flew out in every direction. Orders from the tactical droid to destroy every citizen controlled village. Blissfully Anakin, and Ahsoka were on site with star fighters, and a wing of clones to take them down.
Lash found Unduli at the primary shuttle pad with a look of defeat on her face. Tambor was dead on the ground with a blaster wound in the back of his head. Lash ran up and looked at her. She pointed at the tactical droid. Ah, the droid must have had orders to kill Tambor instead of being capture. Well, no matter! Lash used Corpse Repair, Sooth, Nature's Supplement, Nature's Kiss, and Kiss of the Grave. One by one Tambor's injuries faded away. The hole in his head repaired, then with a stuttering breath he returned to life. Yes, he may have acquired a 5k (Just barely) midi-chlorian count. But he was alive!
“What happened to your student?” Unduli asked, as Lash restrained Tambor.
“He's dead...” Lash said simply, but put a detached cold tone into his voice.
“I'm sorry. Losing someone you taught to the other side can be hard.” Unduli said, as she came up to him and placed her hand on his arm.
“I taught them better than that. I knew that several Jensaarai joined the CIS. But to be a dark acolyte? That isn't what we teach. We are to find balance, not...” Lash said with a tone of indignation. He received several points of experience in Acting. What little good it would do till the developers were done.
“What of his family?” Unduli asked.
“We'll look for them. They more than likely dead. That may have been why he joined the CIS. But that isn't why he stayed.” Lash said, as he pulled Tambor to his feet and got him moving.
Despite the distressing moment they were still in a battlefield. More than once a rogue droid came around the corner and attempted to shoot Tambor. Lash used his Deflection field to keep the man safe. While Unduli, and Lash moved him towards a secure location away from stray blaster fire. Within a few hours clone troopers rushed towards their location along with padawan Barriss Offee. She arrived with a smile that soon wilted at the tense mood in the room. Unduli gave her a slight smile and a bow. While the clones secured Tambor.
Lash excused himself, he went to retrieve the body of his dead student. He said as much out loud, and across the communication line. A few surprise questions were sent his way, especially from the Jensaarai defenders. As soon as they had reconnected with the galactic wide network Lash would send a role call through the Jensaarai students. Get a list of people who were under duress. If they chose to join the CIS, more power to them. If they were forced? Well, we all had our parts to play.
Some bit of good news. The solar sailors that they had tagged had escaped the fight and flew off towards their destination. Every stop they made a single tight beam of data went back to Militia HQ, and there for went to Republic command. A little over thirty two standard hours Master Windu's fleet showed up to find Ryloth more or less liberated. Small pockets of droids remained. But they didn't have any reinforcements, and no central command.
Lash had thrown himself into his work and went to secure Ryloth for its reformation. Militia soldiers, technicians, and relief workers moved into the scattering villages, and towns. While Kala'uun the spaceport was renovated to stellar class. Turned out there were different grading to spaceports. Which made sense of course.
Landing Field: Often nothing more than a leveled area of dirt or duracrete, this kind of spaceport had little to no services or flight control, often not even a beacon. What was available was often affordable by the average spacer, but lacked in quality. (Wookieepedia!)
Limited Services: Included a control tower with landing beacon, small sheds with docking, storage and maintenance areas for only the most primitive repairs. Often nearby areas were used as landing fields if the spaceport was full. Supplies and goods had to be purchased from outside the port. (Wookieepedia!)
Standard Class: These spaceports had fully staffed and equipped flight-control centers and on-site restocking services. The spaceport often had a small shipyard and was capable of minor repairs and modifications. Costs for these services could go up to double the normal price and took twice as long to finish. Quality ranged from mediocre to very good. (Wookieepedia!) This was what Kala'uun was currently at.
Stellar Class: Spaceports had landing and docking for nearly any kind of vessel. Shipyards and repair facilities surround the port and were capable of any repair job or modification, assuming that the customer was willing to pay. The quality of service was very good and affordable. Stellar Class spaceports often had a Customs office on site and a large Navy presence in the system. (Wookieepedia!) Unfortunately, Ryloth would not have that for a long while. But this was the level that Lash wanted to bring it to.
Republic: Spaceport were the most luxurious and modern spaceports in the galaxy. A wide array of docking facilities and the most lavish and advanced amenities and services were available for spacers. The system's companies and merchants had offices directly at the spaceport. A captain often didn't even need to leave the port to conduct all of his or her business.
Customs offices were often staffed by highly competent officers, and the government kept a high presence at these ports. Troublemakers, such as smugglers, could expect thorough searches and checks and to feel the full extent of the law. (Wookieepedia!)
Lash's first objective along with any Jensaarai Defender capable of Elemental Manipulation – Earth was to create a shield wall around Kala'uun. By his side were Ahsoka, Barriss, and surprisingly Luminara Unduli, or just Luminara. As she had insisted after their mission at Lessu. More than likely it would be many months or even years before he would see either of them again. As the Republic Army, and Navy was expected to leave in a few days.
The natives of Ryloth were...Surprised to say the least when a the city of Kala'uun received a new wall over the course of several days. Thanks to Ability Trainer, Lash received a lot of experience and many of his defenders, and present Jedi learned to manipulate Earth. However, unlike a duraconcrete wall. This wall could be dug through. So they would have to place seismic sensors in case any native predators decided to burrow through.
Presently Lash was on top of the wall as he used Material Shaping to carve a section out. By his side was Luminara as she watched him work. Since the mission at Lessu she would go out of her way to spend time with him. Though Lash believed she was worried about him. Some part of him had wondered why he had killed the boy. While his his partner, Saurian argued it was a practical solution to the problem. The big lizard had been oddly silent for most of the Rift. It had been good to hear from him.
“So a building made from Force energy attracts the Force. While the inscriptions you gave me can be inscribed with the Force. To create a medium?” Luminara asked, as she looked through an old leather bound book that Lash had given her.
“Correct, there is dark side, light side, and neutral in the manual. I would highly encourage you to read the whole manual before you try any of the inscriptions. Only using light side on a building can lead to an messy imbalance to the energy currents in the area.” Lash said, as he carved another rampart section to the wall.
“Example?” Luminara asked, as she kept pace with him on the wall. A fierce wind whipped by and pulled on them both before they planted their feet. Luminara raised a hand and created a simple shield until the wind died down.
“When you saturate yourself with a single aspect it increases your absorption rate. This may seem like a great idea in the short term. The longer term issue is that you become numb to any kind of energy. Now, one could argue that the Light, and the Dark sense each other just fine. But what about the gray?” Lash pointed out, then continued to speak before she could respond.
“Did you know that on Coruscant alone there are over a dozen Sith temples?” Lash asked, and this time waited for her reply. This brought Luminara up short.
“Master Lash I believe the Jedi would ha-” Luminara began but stopped when she remembered what they just discussed. “But we sense the dark just as much as they do us?” Luminara questioned.
“Yes, but Coruscant is covered in gray energy. Light, and dark mingled together. The Sith and Dark Side Force users, use this to their advantage. The Jedi are so use to the Sith waving a sign around that they are here to fight. So that is what they expect.” Lash replied, and continued to carve the wall.
“So by the simple fact that the temple is infused with the light. We have become blind to what is around us?” Luminara questioned.
“Yes, which is why the Sith can hide in plain sight. It also helps that the Jedi rarely travel to the lower levels of Coruscant. That planet is so corrupt. Even leaving the senate out of the equation. There are so many crime lords who live, and thrive on that planet its disgusting. Did you know Coruscant has a thriving slave market?” Lash pointed out another sensitive subject for the Jedi.
“No, I didn't.” Luminara conceded.
“This is why Jedi who spend there time on the outer rim are far better at hunting Dark Side Users, then Jedi who spend so much time on the inner, and mid rim. They are exposed to all the currents of energy. Many Force Users could argue that the Force doesn't have a light, or a dark. It just is a law of the universe. Like gravity!” Lash said, as he smiled at the dancing midi-chlorians above him.
“Then how do you explain the different aspects of the Force?” Luminara asked, a slight smile on her face. There was a spark of curiosity now in her eyes. Like a student absorbing knowledge. It had been many years since Luminara had last been taught.
“A reflection. The Force reflects the User. The Jedi seek knowledge, they seek peace, to be of service. So the Force a universal truth, and in many ways a sentient energy provides. While the Sith seek power, control, and greed. The Force provides. That is also the fundamental flaw of wielding the Force. Technically both sides of the spectrum are in fact the truth. Of course this is all up to theory, and debate. Simply because you ask a Jedi. Do you follow the will of the Force?” Lash asked, and pointed at Luminara who responded.
“Of course!” Luminara replied with a smile.
“So do the Sith.” Lash said, and Luminara stopped in confusion.
“No, Master Lash. The Sith work to bend, and control the Force.” Luminara said.
“Aha, remember what we just discussed. The Force reflects the individual User. The Force it self is alive. When Sith barely begin their training, or even Dark Side Users. They have no real control over the Force. If the Force was truly alive. Then couldn't it just cut it self off from the newly initiated?” Lash asked and Luminara stopped again in thought.
“The Sith masters help their apprentices.” Luminara pointed out.
“Right, one could argue that point. But what about those that don't have masters. You don't need a teacher to learn the Force. It definitely helps! But what about people were are self taught. Why doesn't the Force squash those that seek to manipulate it? Unless, it doesn't want to? Unless the dark, and the light are part of the same current. Just different reflections of the individual User?” Lash asked, as he finished his section of the wall and looked up to see a torrent of midi-chlorians in the air. They were stepping into theory, and philosophy right now. However, this was all things that the Jensaarai would discuss.
“But if they are reflections of the User, shouldn't each wielder of the Force be different?” Luminara asked, as she chewed on her lip a bit.
“Not necessarily, students are molded by their masters. If their masters say something. Then the student has no reason to doubt them. This way the reflection changes from the perception of the User. But this is also why students of the Force have natural talents. Because the Force reflects what they know about themselves.” Lash replied, and moved on but soon turned around to see that Luminara wasn't following him anymore.
“Luminara, remember this is all just theory. It has prominence of course. How many times have you heard, or come across a primitive planet with a tribal society that has shamans? Spirit callers? These are people who have learned to wield the Force. But oddly enough they are light or dark. Such a balance doesn't even come up for them. Because one could argue that the fight between the light and the dark are all just a reflection of the User.” Lash said, then came to Luminara and cast Calm Emotions. The poor Jedi was frozen stiff with indecision. She blinked as the spell took effect.
“We are just talking Luminara. I'm not trying to covert you.” Lash said with a chuckle.
“I know that. I... Just never thought of it that way.” Luminara said in a cool voice.
“Master Lash! Master Luminara!” Ahsoka Tano called out. The two of them turned to see Ahsoka, and Barriss running up to them.
“Padawans did you finish your patrol of the city?” Luminara asked, as the two young girls came running up.
“Yes, Master Luminara. The people are uneasy. They fear they traded one military occupation for another.” Ahsoka replied with a grimace.
“Right, cause between all the medical aid, food, and building supplies. We are secretly killing people?” Lash growled out in irritation.
“Many of the people we spoke to wish for us to leave as soon as possible. It's not out world they said.” Barriss supplied another response.
“It's technically a Republic world. But one could argue that the Republic hasn't been there in the past. Thousands of years of miss treatment won't be erased in a few days of well wishes.” Lash said with a dismissal tone.
“Either way we'll be on our way soon enough. Though I worry for you Master Lash. Or maybe I should worry about the fool who tries to stop you from helping?” Luminara asked Lash with a smile on her face.
“I've done this before. The locals will begrudge change. They may even fight us. But many will come to enjoy the benefits of the change. We'll of course reinforce the cultural knowledge of the people. That is one of the greatest issues when one tries to uplift a society. They forget who they were, and accept outside influence. I've fallen for that before and refuse to do so again.” Lash said, and had stumbled through a memory from one of his past lives. His voice had grown distant and the Jedi had looked at each other in question.
“Forgive me, I went off topic. I believe there is a evening feast from Senator Syndulla tonight? I trust you'll all be attending?” Lash asked, thankfully Syndulla knew to say thank you. Though that pool had already grown putrid just a bit.
“We are! I mean, we are right?” Ahsoka asked Luminara, and Barriss.
“Yes, we will be. As will Master Skywalker, Kenobi, and Windu.” Luminara said with a teasing smile at Ahsoka.
“So, what are you two wearing?” Lash asked the young padawans who looked like deer caught in the headlights.
“Wh...what?” Ahsoka asked? Lash began to rub his hands together gleefully.
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The grand festival / celebration was held at the capital of Lessu. Though every city, town, and village across the planet held a feast of some sort. The Republic splurged and provided the food. While the natives provided the entertainment. It actually lasted three days, this way the Army, Navy, and Militia could take proper rotations to attend. Lash had made some well designed, and provocative sheer belly dancing outfits for the padawans, and any one else who asked.
Then Lash imprinted a skill Dance – Belly Dancing. In an assortment of Twi'leks, and nervous padawans. Much to the surprise of many Lash pulled off his suit of armor and put on a pair of pants adorned with bells on his hips, ankles, and wrists. He joined the group on stage and danced the night away. It was surprisingly a big hit. Though Lash assumed he got more attention simply because he took his armor off. Most of his fellow companions had never seen him without his armor on. Though of course Mil'Gix told the story of how she first met Lash.
On the third, and final night Lash was horrified to find out that a holographic recording had been made of his dance routine with Ahsoka, Barriss, Luminara, and Obi-Wan who was surprisingly good dancer. Was now on the galactic wide net. Though he should have suspected it. Lash took it with poise and grace by drowning his sorrows in a tub of alcohol and vowed to never take his armor off again. But it only got worse.
The next day bright and early in the morning he discovered above the city of Lessu, and Kala'uun was a giant holographic display the dance routine on repeat. It had over one billion views, and counting. Lash could almost hear his Cosmic Patron cackling at him. Or maybe it was Dawn? Or perhaps the people of Ryloth? Though he definitely received a lot more positive attention from the Twi'lek females he walked by.
Ahsoka, and Barriss had refused to look at him after the video had gone up. The dance had been a silly little thing that they had thoroughly enjoyed but were now severally embarrassed. Anakin took every moment to give them a playful jab to the point that Ahsoka nearly attacked him with a light saber. Luminara had actually asked for a holovid for more intensive training in the dancing art. She found the exercise enjoyable. Lash provided it of course and offered to teach her next time they saw one another.
“I'm sorry for the part I played in this debacle. It was meant to create a lively atmosphere, and perhaps a bond with the people of Ryloth.” Lash said to both padawans as they stood on the landing pad towards the Accalamator Class starship.
“We know Master Lash... It's just... I.. didn't even know I could get a fan club.” Ahsoka said, as she continued to blush and refused to look at him.
“Master Luminara has decided to put dancing into my daily training. I rather enjoy the flexibility it provides. Though I will admit to never wishing to dance in public ever again.” Barriss confessed as wrung her hands a bit.
“That is a great idea! We should-” Anakin said from his spot on the landing pad but was interrupted.
“Shut it sky-guy!” Ahsoka shouted at him, turned on her heel and stomped off.
“I'm not sure what the big deal is? It was an enjoyable time. After all I've done far worse, and even more embarrassing things in my path as a Jedi.” Obi-Wan said with a suave smile on his face. He shook Lash's hand and strode off towards the ship.
“Your better man than I am, Obi-Wan!” Anakin said with a smile, then turned to shake Lash's hand. “Could you teach Padme that dance?” Anakin whispered softly.
“Yes, next time I'm in I'll drop by.” Lash said with a chuckle. Anakin smirked and a gleam was in his eyes.
“See you around, Master Lash.” Anakin said with a skip in his step.
“Goodbye, Master Lash.” Luminara said with a bow from her waist.
“Goodbye Master Luminara. Padawan Barriss.” Lash said, and bowed to both of them.
There were of course other Jedi who had attended the siege of Ryloth and Lash made sure to say goodbye to them as well. Even dropped by Master Windu and paid his respects. Who begrudgingly did the same. Then the Republic Army, and Navy pulled out of Ryloth. While the Galactic Militia remained behind. Now the real work could begin.
Less then a day had passed since the military pulled out. When the Chieftain of Clan Rahl showed up. Several Kom'rk fighters flew towards Kala'uun and landed at the spaceport that was under construction. Taking one of the few landing pads inside of the mountain. They brought supplies to the Rylothian people, while the chief came to talk. Lash was on the shield wall placing sensor beacons. The next storm was due in about a week or so depending on wind changes. They needed the shield wall complete by that point.
Chieftain Til'Nix showed up on the wall with Mil'Gix, Vi'Lon, and several others. He wore a standard Mandalorian armor set with a base green color (Duty) with stripes of blue (Reliability). Given there environment on an unfinished wall he did not remove his helmet. He stood at approximately 6'2” with a wide frame. On his back was a streamlined rising phoenix jet pack. In fact all of Clan Rahl had jet packs.
The delegation of Mandalorians stopped a few feet from Lash and waited for him to finish the wall he was working on. Three Jensaarai defenders came to stand off to the side, as did several militia officers on patrol. Once finished Lash came over and placed his right fist over his left chest, his left hand behind him and gave a bow from his waist. But kept his face tilted up so he keep his eyes on the Chieftain. One of Til'Nix's guards stiffened but didn't say anything.
“Grand Admiral of the Republic Militia, Master Jensaarai, and Chieftain Lash of Clan Ghost Claw greets you.” Lash said to them. Lash used his several titles to politely inform them that he was here as all three. So be mindful of what they said.
“Chieftain Til'Nix of Clan Rahl greets you.” Til'Nix said in return and slammed his fist to his chest but didn't bow. His voice was rough around the edges, more of a guttural growl.
“So, are you here for business or pleasure?” Lash asked, as he pulled up a camera feed on his helmet's UI.
“Bit of both.” Til'Nix said as he looked towards one of his men who pulled out a holographic pad and produced a very lively dance routine. Lash hung his head, and his shoulders drooped.
“How far as my reputation fallen?” Lash asked with a deep throat growl. Til'Nix, Mil'Gix, and Vi'Lon laughed a little. While the rest of the guards tried to politely muffle their own humor and failed.
“I would say your reputation has seen its highs and lows. But that is not the only reason we are showing you this.” Til'Nix gestured and the holographic image changed to a video of Pre Vizsla speaking.
'This is who you have called to be the next Mand'alor ? This creature that is less than a man? Who parades himself before those that are lesser than us? Mandalorians use to span the stars, and bowed to no one!' -The holographic image continued, and Pre Vizsla spit on the ground.
'This Jensaarai is no Mandalorian, and has corrupted our time honored traditions! Death Watch is the new future. We will make the Mandalorian people great again! I hear by challenge Chieftain Lash of Clan Ghost Claw to a trial by combat! Here on Concordia by standard months end!' -The holographic image shut down and Lash took a slow deep breath.
“I didn't realize I was being called the next Mand'alor ?” Lash said, as he tried to digest that video. He sent a request back towards Ghost Industries HQ for clarification. It would take about a day or so, unless Nazvo had no idea.
“It's being whispered among the younglings. Some of the fractured clans you have given home to have reinforced these whispers into rumors. While a few prominent Clans have neither confirmed or denied an interest in you becoming the next leader.” Til'Nix said, as his guards put the holographic away.
“It also helps that several young Mandalorians have become Jensaarai themselves.” Mil'Gix said softly from her Chieftain's side. Now that they stood side by side. Lash understood they were parent and child.
Lash stepped away for a moment and went to the edge of the shield wall he had been working on. He searched through his memories and tried to remember. This was not how the Star Wars lore went in the novels. Pre Vizsla didn't publicly announce he was the leader of Death Watch for another year. But, Mandalore was different now. The planet was on the mend. The different clans had a place to train and grow stronger. Beskar was being given out to those that proved themselves. Lash was in the middle of it all.
“This was not my intention. I wanted to help my people, not lead them.” Lash said as he turned to look back at them.
“Often those that don't want to lead are the ones most suited for it.” Til'Nix said to him. Lash turned towards the Chieftain.
“What does Clan Rahl think on this matter?” Lash asked, but he felt he knew the answer.
“What better time than a galactic war for a new Mand'alor to be chosen.” Til'Nix said with cool confidence, and all of his people nodded in agreement.
“You said it yourself, Master Lash. A war is coming. Having the Mandalorians united would make it that much better.” One of his defenders said to him. This caught Til'Nix and his people off guard.
“A vision of the future granted by the Force. However prophecies can, will, and have been changed by the actions in the present.” Lash gave them a vague answer, but that was enough for now.
“By months standard end? That's in three or so weeks. He does not know that I'm participating in a war?” Lash pointed out a flaw in Pre Vizsla challenge. But knowing the man, that may have been the point.
“It's to show where your loyalties lie. The Mand'alor would put their peoples needs before any others.” Vi'Lon said next.
“What does Duchess Satine Kryze have to say about this?” Lash asked, as he received a data packet from Nazvo. Apparently she had received permission from the Supreme Chancellor to allow Lash to meet on Concordia if he so wished.
“The Duchess has not deigned to speak to those beneath her station. Such as those who still follow the warrior traditions of her peoples ancient ways. However, how people in the capital says she is nervous. Even going so far to request Jedi assistance in a diplomatic matters should things go wrong.” Til'Nix replied with an aggrieved tone of voice as he crossed his arms over his chest.
“Which they will publicly deny, but still send someone in secret. The Duchess is the leader of the neutral faction in the war. Unless they agree to pick a side they can not obtain public resources. Qui-Gon Jinn is training on Venura and is no longer a Jedi. So they'll send Obi-Wan Kenobi on the mission.” Lash said as he pulled up a holographic display and started to read through some information.
“Qui-Gon Jinn is training to become a Jensaarai?” Til'Nix asked in surprise.
“Yes! Have you met him?” Lash asked, as he turned to look at him.
“We've... 'met' on occasion.” Til'Nix replied, more than likely they had fought.
“Well I've received permission from the Supreme Chancellor to accept this challenge in order to ensure a peaceful transition between opposing parties.” Lash said as he pulled up an official notice and showed to anyone who wanted to look.
More than likely the duel would come under CIS attack. Or Palpatine wished for Lash to use the Mandalorians in the war, or the unification of the galactic empire. Or, better to have all your targets in a single place. Who knew with that man? Lash still wanted to visit Dathomir to return the books he retrieved. Did he go d-->>