Edge of a Coin

By: Bubbajack

Beta: Grammarly, Self-proofread

Disclaimer: I do not own Teen Titans or Star Wars, they are owned by DC Comics and Disney respectively.

Ch.6: Challenged Convictions.

As Slave I traveled through hyperspace towards its destination, the current Mandalore called his protégé to his side from where he was currently engaged in a holo-chess match with his son, the huntress watching in fascination, to speak to him privately for a moment. Jango sat in the piolet's seat helm on the dash beside him as he stared out into hyperspace. He didn't turn or even acknowledge the changeling as he approached just nodded to the co-pilot's chair. The two sat in silence for a time. Jango was quietly trying to gather his thoughts, and the shapeshifter, sensing his need for peace, stayed silent for the moment, amusing himself by staring out into hyperspace.

Finally, Fett turned and spoke to the Mandalore in training, "Gar, did Skirata ever tell you about the Mandalorian Civil War?"

Seeing the verdant-skinned boy shake his head, Jango elaborated, "It was a mess. I was just an eight-years-old farm boy growing up on Concord Dawn when the war came right to my doorstep. The man who would eventually raise me, Jaster Mereel leader of the True Mandalorians and a few of his loyal men took refuge at our homestead, after a vicious ambush by the Death Watch. Death Watch was a splinter faction of Mandalorians who refused to give up their marauding and raiding ways and embrace the Super Commando Codex written by Mereel. They hid in our cellar until the Death Watch lead by their own leader, Tor Vizsla."

The changeling blinked in surprise, "You mean?"

Jango nodded, "Yes, Pre Vizsla's father. Anyway, once the fighting started, I ran, following my father's orders…I ran, but not before I saw my mother and father shot to death by one particular soldier. Then, Death Watch started burning fields where I hid. One came across me, but I was saved by the True Mandalorians. I led them to a drainage tunnel before we took refuge in the nearby city of Moonus Mandel and laid a trap, Jaster knowing they would head that way on a 'celebratory raid.'"

Jango took a moment to collect his thoughts before he continued, "Once they arrived they were met with a hail of blaster fire. In the confusion, I managed to steal a thermal detonator and blow up the super tank Death Watch had brought with them. Then, I grabbed the blaster of the man who killed my parents, and shot him dead."

Gar patted Jango on the shoulder comfortingly before saying, "Sorry about your folks. You know that I know what that's like. But at least you could get some form of closure."

Giving the changeling an appreciative nod, Jango jumped forward in his dialog. "After that, Jaster took me in. Practically raised me like I was his son. I was with him for six years, until the very end of the Battle of Korda Six."

Again, Jango had to stop to collect himself, and when he continued, his countenance was grim, "We were contracted by the Korda Defense Force to extract a team of rookie security personnel pinned down under fire by a group of local hostiles, supposedly poorly armed and with no formal army. We were lied to. When we got there we found ourselves outnumbered by the KDF, then, Vizsla revealed himself, along with his new Death Watch." The former Mand'alor spat angrily.

Jango clenched both his fist and his teeth in suppressed anger as he continued, "Jaster ordered my men and me to retreat. I sent my men back and returned to the field just in time to watch Jaster was hit by a grenade. A grenade which Montross; a fellow True Mandalorian, avoided with the use of his jetpack. When Jaster called for an Evac, Montross abandoned him, saying he would no longer follow his orders. I raced to save him but was too late, Tor fired on him from atop a Super Tank he took four rounds right to the chest. By the time I got there, there was nothing I could do."

Taking several deep shaking breaths so as to steady himself, Jango continued yet again, "By the time I returned to our landing pad with Jaster's body in my arms, Montross was spinning a tale about how Jaster and I both died in battle and how he should lead them now. I proved him wrong by showing up and then revealed his betrayal. He was exiled from then on, and I became the new Mand'alor. Over the next eight years, I lead the True Mandalorians, and with me at the helm, we hunted Death Watch like Cathar on the scent of prey. We scored several significant victories against them, but never managed to kill Vizsla himself. Then, then Galidraan happened."

"We received a job from the Governor of Galidraan, he needed us to take care of some rebels. We took care of them quickly enough, and as I went to collect payment, I found Vizsla in the Hutt-slimes mansion. I confronted them only to have blaster fire rain down on me after the greasy politician told me how he planned to contact the Jedi Council and inform him that my group had been 'killing political activists.' I escaped by jumping out the window but couldn't reach my men and warn them of the coming Jedi."

He shook his head at the loss before he said, "By the time I showed up, the lead Jedi was ordering my men to surrender, with his cheeky little Padawan adding if we resisted we would be killed. I wasn't about to go to jail for a crime I didn't commit, nor were my men. So, I ordered them to open fire. By the time it was over, twenty Jedi were dead, seven by my own hand…literally. I was the last of Mandalorian standing. I was taken into custody by the Jedi, stripped of my armor by the Governor and then, sold into slavery."

Hearing the changeling hiss in rage, Jango said, "Yeah, I was a slave too. Just like you were back on your home planet for a time. Eventually, however, I escaped, stole my armor back, and confronted and killed Tor on the planet of Corellia, letting him get eaten alive by dire-cats."

The changeling was silent for a time, slowly digesting everything that he was told before he said, "So, what you're saying is, I shouldn't trust Pre Vizsla?"

"I wouldn't, though I might be being a bit bias here."

The Je'daii nodded, "I'll give him a chance, as everyone deserves one."

Jango nodded, "But if it turns out he is trying something?"

Gar turned to look Jango in the eye then, holding his gaze for a moment before he replied, "Then I'll kill him myself…how much longer till we're to Ryloth?"

Jango looked at a readout on his console before he replied, "We should be coming out of hyperspace right about…now!"

True to his word, Slave I's view screen was suddenly filled with the image of a crimson red planet that immediately reminded him of Mars. Clouds covered its bottom half, and by the looks of things half the world seemed to be in a perpetual day, the other in a constant night. "How can anyone live on such a planet?"

"Very carefully. That's partially why the slave trade still exists here, to get their people off this all but inhospitable rock." Jango told the verdant.

"I thought slavery was outlawed by the Republic, which correct me if I'm wrong, they are a part of?" Gar thought with a frown etched on his features.

'I shouldn't have brought up slavery, the kid just won't stand for it.' Jango had thought to himself before he said, "Yeah, that's true, but they lack space-faring technology and slavery is a big part of their economy and the easiest way to get them off the planet like I said."

When Gar didn't respond, he said, "Keep your head in the mission kid. We're here to find drug smugglers, not free people."

"Not today, no." He then looked at Jango and promised, "But I will be back."

Seeing there was no dissuading the kid from this point of action, Jango just raised his hands in submission and said, "Fine. You'd best go get ready we'll be landing soon. Tell the others."

Gar had nodded before he sauntered off. His thoughts heavier than before. 'Yet another planet full of slavers. I hate slavers. Keep it together Gar, like Jango said, focus on the mission.'

With that thought in mind, he went over to his locker and, opening it, took out his purple Je'daii robe throwing it on over his cuirass and greaves, because both his Kama and cloak were in ruinous tatters. He then donned his gray belt about his waist to keep the robe from moving about too much. Clipping Avalon to his left side, he turned to Kara'Teel and Boba saying, "Jango said we'll be landing soon, better get ready."

The two stood, nodding, as they made their way to their seats Boba asked, "Gar is something bothering you?"

Giving his little brother a reassuring smile, he ruffled his hair before he replied, "Nah Boba, it's nothing important."

He noticed the Dathomirian giving him a disbelieving look, but he was glad she didn't comment, lest he risk offending her by bringing up his views on slavery.

"What the kriffing hell does he think he's doing?!"

Making his way to the cockpit, Gar asked, "Jango what-What the hell is that massive ship doing here?"

Handing him a headset, Jango replied, "That's what you need to talk to Skirata about."

Putting it on while filled with confusion, he spoke into the mic, "Kal, mind tellin' me what you're doing here, in a huge ass ship?"

"Hey kid, feast your eyes on a Mandator-class Dreadnaught. As for why I'm here, something…interesting happened on Kamino after you left."

"Define interesting." The changeling deadpanned.

Kal chuckled on his end before he said, "A sort of philosophical rebellion has happened amongst the clones. Since you arrived, a rumor spread about your training to become the next Mand'alor, then they got to know you. You ate with and trained with them. You proved you have both the compassion and the competency to lead, this lead a fair portion of the clones to decide to defy their conditioning and follow the Resol'nare instead."

"What?"

"I know, surprising, right? Then again, maybe because you're a Jedi that their able to do this."

Shaking his head, Gar replied, "No back up, the Resol'nare, it's the six tenants of being Mandalorian right? Education, Armor, Self-Defense, Tribe, Language, and Leader?"

"Oh, so you were listening when I was trying to teach," Kal said approvingly.

"No, not really, I just memorized the rhyme."

Static could be heard as Skirata sighed into his mic before he carried on, "Anyway, sixty-seven percent of the GAR have decided to follow the Resol'nare and by extension, you."

Gar felt his mouth dry. 'That's more than two million troops. What the hell am I supposed to do with two million soldiers?'

Voicing as much, Kal replied, "Whatever you want."

Sighing Gar said, "We'll figure that out later. For right now, how many troops did you bring with you Kal?"

The changeling ran a hand down his face slowly upon hearing the answer. 'A battalion, he brought almost ten thousand troops with him?'

"This was supposed to be a covert-op Skirata," Jango replied upon seeing his Mand'alor struck speechless.

"Not anymore it ain't." The fellow Mand'o shot back.

Giving a heavy sigh, Gar spoke into the mic again, "Follow us to the meeting point and await further orders Skirata. Stay quiet, stay off the radar, and don't get into any fights. We don't need the locals thinking we're invading." 'Yet.' The Mandalore had thought to himself before he cut the connection.

'They're late.' Padmé Amidala Naberrie thought, scowling ever so slightly as she kept an eye out for the Mandalorian ship. The Weequay transport vessel had already arrived carrying with it not only the transport crew, but also a famed Jedi Master and, most surprisingly of all, the elder sister of Knight Secura.

She watched with a smile as the two interacted now, sitting close trying to talk about how their lives have changed after all these years apart. She was just close enough that she could hear what they were saying, but far enough away that she didn't appear to be eavesdropping.

"San'dara how long has it been since we've…" The Jedi Knight trailed off unsure how to continue.

"Seen each other? About eighteen years I think."

This caused Padmé to realize how long it's been since she's seen her own family. As her thoughts turned to father Ruwee, her mother Jobal, her older sister Sola, and her twin nieces' Ryoo and Pooja, she realized she hadn't seen them in months. 'After this is resolved, I think I'll take some time off and visit them.' She had decided before she tuned back into the conversation.

"You've never met Astraal have you?" San'dara asked her younger sister.

Aayla gave her elder sister a curious look, before shaking her head, "Who is that?"

San'dara smiled at her younger sibling, "That would be our little sister."

The Rutian Jedi was dumbstruck. "I have a little sister?" She looked around while asking, "Is she here?"

The older of the two shook her head, "No, as much as I would've liked to have shown Astraal her homeland, I didn't think bringing her into a potential firefight was a good idea. So, I left her back on Mandalore where she'd be safe," She then added hurriedly, "Had I known you would've been here, however, I might've-"

She stopped when Aayla raised her hand and soothed her, "No, no you did the right thing. Breaking up a drug ring is no place for a youngling. You said you left her on Mandalore?"

"Yes, Master Fay's Padawan freed both of us and several others from slavery before gaining permission to train in the Mandalorian combat arts."

"Can you tell me anything about Master Fay's Padawan?" Aayla asked, curious about such an individual.

San'dara smiled wistfully as she nodded, "Garfield is…a complicated person. He is strong, yet gentle. Childish, but he has an air of command about him when he chooses to show it. He is usually laid back, but, if he's angered, he can quickly become a force to be reckoned with. He's like, like the wind, or an ocean, usually calm but can turn in an instant."

"Is he violent, has he hurt you or Astraal?" Aayla asked concerned.

San'dara rapidly shook her head, "No, no that's not it at all." She sighed, "I'm not explaining this correctly, but it's not exactly easy for me to put into words. It's like, when he's around you, you can feel his power. When he's happy, you can't help but feel happy too. But when he's angry you either want to freeze in place and pray he doesn't notice you, or run and hide until he calms down. He's like a predator one you don't want to anger. I would suggest you keep that in mind when you meet him." She told her sister.

'This Garfield sounds like a volatile person.' Padmé thought.

Her musings were interrupted when she noticed the elfin Jedi Master look to the heavens and say aloud, "He's here."

The elder of the two Rutian Twi'leks stood up looking expectantly toward the skies as she asked, "Are you sure?"

"I am, and he's not alone," Fay said ominously.

Her words heralded by the sudden appearance of a small craft, but what caused her to gape openly was the eight-kilometer-long massive warship that followed it down. 'This was supposed to be a covert political mission! With that, that thing we'll be lucky if we're not accused of invasion!'

"Boss got a new ship…Think he's trying to compensate for something with this one?" A flamboyantly dressed Weequay asked the group at large.

San'dara spoke her mind while staring up at the ship, "Considering he's a shapeshifter, I doubt he has anything he needs to compensate for."

"I didn't need to think about that." The Weequay replied, running a hand down his face.

"I think we should go greet my Padawan. No doubt he has a reason for having a Kuat Star Dreadnaught at his back. It had better be a good one. " Fay muttered to herself before making her way towards the ships that had landed a ways away due to the size of the warship.

Padmé and her Jedi escorts followed quickly behind wanting to know what exactly what was going on. San'dara followed at a more sedate pace shaking her head at the ridiculousness of it all. The group arrived at the landing zone to find both vessels surrounded by the Twi'lek militia. The Jedi of the group used the Force to rush past them and to the fore of the assembled Twi'leks.

"Excuse me, but who is in charge here?" Fay asked.

"That would be me, what brings you to Ryloth now of all times Jedi?"

Turning to the source of the voice, finding it belonged to a middle-aged peach-skinned well-built male Twi'lek. He was clad in black leather armor, his lekku trailing down to the middle of his back, and he looked at her with blatant distrust. Bowing politely she replied, "Greetings, I am Jedi Master Fay. This is Master Vos, and Knight Secura, we would like to handle the situation from here if we may."

Scowling, the Twi'lek replied, "And why should I allow this when we have asked for the aid of Jedi before now, and they did nothing?"

At this point, Aayla interjected saying, "Who are you and what are you talking about?"

The two Twi'leks stared each other down silently for a moment before the older one said, "I'm Cham Syndulla, leader of the Free Ryloth Movement."

"Free Ryloth from what? She asked her fellow Twi'lek. This merely earned her a scoff as he replied, "This just proves how deaf the Jedi have become to our pleas and how uncaring some are to their own."

Aayla flinched as he continued, "My people and I have been fighting Orn Free Taa's corruption for years now. He represents us in the Senate, and yet, he is corrupt as they come. To the point that me and mine became the only real justice to be found Ryloth these days."

"I-I'm sorry I didn't know." Aayla apologized.

Cham rolled his eyes and scoffed, "Of course you didn't, you Jedi are too busy dealing with things deemed more important to help us."

Aayla was about to open her mouth to retort, when Master Fay spoke, "Regardless of how you feel about us, this is not helping the current situation. The fact that you and your men are aiming blasters at my Padawan."

"Padawan," Cham looked out across the plains and saw a figure clad in a purple robe emerge from the smaller ship, "You can't be serious? What kind of Padawan shows up leading a warship?"

"That's what we would like to find out if you would be willing to hold your fire long enough for us to do so." Fay requested of the rebel leader.

Cham looked out across the sand-filled plain again, noting how her padawan practically stomped up to the warship. 'Apparently, he didn't expect company.'

Nodding he said, "Alright, you Jedi can go and investigate," He then pointed to the Senator and the other's in their party who were not Force-sensitive before saying, "Provided the others stay back here with us."

"Hostages, really? You think us apart of this?" Quinlan Vos asked, his eyes narrowing slight anger.

At this point, Padmé intervened, "If that is what it takes to ease your mind then so be it Cham Syndulla, we agree to your terms on the condition you treat us with kindness and dignity while in your care."

Looking over at the human he asked, "And you are?"

Smiling sweetly, she replied diplomatically, "Padme Amidala, Senator of Naboo."

He looked her over for a moment before saying, "Very well Senator, I accept your terms." Turning to the Jedi, he said, "Go."

Needing no further prompting the three Jedi took off towards the two vessels using the Force the speed them along. As they neared, Fay could hear her Padawan shouting towards the warship, "Skirata, if you don't open up this glorified tuna can and explain what you're doing here with an entire legion of troops, I'm gonna do it. Then do other horrible things to you when I get my hands on you."

"No need for that Mand'alor, I'll be right down." The voice of an older man she didn't recognize replied.

"Mand'alor?!" Vos said looking at the legendary Jedi Master, his former padawan doing the same.

The gangplank lowered which was large enough for ten men to walk abreast from and an older man with slicked back gray hair wearing golden armor walked forwards carrying a T-visored helmet under one arm. He was followed by hundreds of soldiers each wearing purple armor with the Mandalorian skull sigil etched in acidic green on their left breasts. She watched silently as the older man stopped in front of her Padawan before taking a knee, one fist planted into the earth, and declared, "Your troops stand ready Mand'alor! Give the word, and your will, be done."

The changeling was silent for a time, gazing out over those who called themselves 'his troops.' Pointing to one at random, he said, "Your name soldier."

Taking a single step forward so as to distinguish himself, the clone spoke, "CT-ARC-03, sir."

"I asked for your name, not your number soldier." The Mand'alor retorted.

The clone was quiet for only a moment before he replied, "Trio, sir."

The Je'daii nodded, "Trio, do you and your brothers choose to follow me of your own volition?"

The ARC-trooper nodded replying swiftly, "Sir, yes sir!"

"Why?"

Cocking his head to the side, the clone asked, "Sir?"

"Why do you wish to serve me, why not help the Republic," the Mand'alor clarified, before adding "Feel free to speak freely on the matter."

Nodding Trio replied, "Thank you, sir. To be frank sir, we choose to follow you because we know."

"Know? What, what do you know Trio?" Gar prompted.

"That you'll do right by us. We know we could die. But we've decided, that if we're gonna die, it'll be for something and more importantly someone who sees us as more. If we're to die, we want to be as soldiers, not as a jumble of letters and numbers, or as a bunch of statistics. We want to be remembered by our names, as men, not a disposable resource." Trio finished.

Gar looked down in thought digesting this information for a moment before snapping his head up and looking out over the rest of troops before asking, "Is it the same for the rest of you as well?"

He received mutters in answer, causing him to shout, "What was that, I can't hear you!"

"SIR YES SIR!" the troopers intoned as one while coming to attention.

He looked out amongst his sea of troops, asking again, "Are you sure this is what you want?" The clones shouted their affirmative, "Very well then, from this day to the ending of the galaxy, we, you, shall be remembered. As the few, the happy few, a band of brothers; for he that sheds his blood with me from henceforth, shall be my brothers!"

Garfield paused, and the troops cheered, "Be you vile or righteous of heart, may this day be remembered, may this day gentle the condition of both."

Again Garfield paused, allowing his words to sink in. The men did not cheer this time but became solemn understanding that though they were warriors war was a horrible thing.

Seeing he got his point across, the Mand'alor finished, "And to those men who chose not to stand with us, may they think themselves accursed they were not here, and hold their manhood's cheap while any speaks that fought with us from this day forth! For from this day on, we are Voda'lo'jurir!"

The cheering of the troops reached a feverish pitch, at which point, Titania Fay watched as he Padawan Gar drew his lightsaber and ignited it while holding it aloft. As he did so, the men chanted "Mand'alor! Mand'alor! Mand'alor!"

The changeling raised his hands for peace and was obeyed. "Thank you my Voda'Io'jurir, but now we have a job to do. Two jobs if I were honest. The first has us work with the Republic and the Jedi in tracking down an illegal drug ring on this planet. Our reasons for doing so are simple…they sought to use our own as pawns to transport these drugs. We'll find the person who did this, and make them pay!"

"OYA! The clones yelled out wanted to be unleashed, wanting to hunt down their leaders' foe.

"Not quite yet my Voda, for we have a secondary more personal mission here as well. We come here, to Ryloth, not only as hunters but as liberators. For here on this planet of Ryloth, slavery is the backbone of the economy."

Making a crushing motion with his fist, he said, "I firmly believe this is a backbone that deserves to be irreparably shattered!"

A roar went up by his troops before he continued earnestly, "I shall not force any of you to help me in this secondary endeavor, but I would appreciate any help you would be willing to offer."

Skirata who had long since stood up spoke then, "Any cause deemed worthy by the Mand'alor is one that shall be carried out by his troops."

The changeling looked towards his troops only to see them nodding. He nodded solemnly as well, "Very well then, your mission since chosen to accept it, is twofold. Your primary objective is to track down any and all information leading the arrest of the person who is using our people to smuggle drugs from Ryloth to Naboo. Our secondary yet much larger objective is to end the practice of slavery on Ryloth through political or physical means. Do you all understand your orders?!"

"OYA!" The clones roared out.

Gar spun on his heel as he said, "Alright then let's move out!"

Upon turning around ran face first into Aayla Secura's chest. She had been marching up to him to speak to him about his potential hostile takeover of her home planet. When he bumped into her, he grabbed her by the shoulders to prevent both himself and her from falling over. Steadying himself, he looked at who he collided with only to say, "San'dara, is that you?"

The Mand'alor gave her a once over first making a note of the lightsaber on her hip then noticing that her signature in the Force was different as well as more potent than the other Twi'leks. Letting go of her and stepping back, he said "You're not San'dara… just who are you, Jedi?"

Taking a step back at the sudden frigidness that had entered his tone, Aayla was about to respond when someone else beat her to it. "Garfield, please be kind to your fellow Force-user, and need I remind you that I am a Jedi?"

"Master?!" he said, turning to face his teacher, his tone changing in an instant, now jovial and excited.

Managing a smile of her own, she said, "Hello Garfield, how have you been?"

In answer, the changeling rushed over and swept his teacher up in a hug, he spun her around while saying, "I missed you, Master!"

Laughing at his exuberance, she replied, "Well I can see that," Once the changeling set her on her feet she returned the embrace lightly, adding, "I missed you too my crazy little padawan."

Letting him go she placed her hands on her hips and said in a sterner tone, "Now, what exactly do you think you're doing, bringing a small army to this planet, and where did you find them anyway?"

The changeling looked back at his troops before turning back to his Master and replying, "Their volunteers master."

"Volunteers?" She echoed.

Nodding the changeling continued fabricating his lie, "Yeah, there Mandalorian volunteers. Here to help with the political problem. Why do you think it took so long for Jango and me to get here? We were rousing the troops."

"Hmm…" Fay stared her apprentice down. While she couldn't detect any deception coming from their bond, he kept his mind closed off to her to the point he couldn't even tell he was directly behind her. So for all she knew, he was lying to her right now.

Frowning at him she asked, "You wouldn't lie to me, would you Garfield?"

"Yes."

She blinked in surprise, "You would?"

He nodded, "If I thought it would be in your best interest not to tell you something, yes, I would lie to you about it. If only for your own peace of mind."

Scrunching her brow in thought, the Jedi replied, "That is…an interesting way of looking at things Garfield. One I can't say I totally agree with." She then sighed and changed tack, "But before we continue, I do believe some introductions are in order. You have already met Knight Secura San'dara's younger sister, and this-"

She then motioned to a dusky-skinned man with a head full of long black dreadlocks, the bridge of his nose was adorned with a yellow strip tattoo which also encircled his right arm. In the changeling's opinion, these two looked less like Jedi and more like two punk guitarists but to each their own right?

"This is Jedi Master Quinlan Vos." Fay finished.

Banging his fist against his chest, the changeling said by way of greeting, "Sup dude?"

"Garfield, bow and introduce yourself properly please," Fay said with a hint of exasperation in her tone.

She could practically feel him rolling his eyes at her through their shared bond, yet he did as she requested. Inclining his head ever so slightly, he said, "How do you do Vos?"

"He's a Jedi Master. Show him proper respect." Aayla demanded stepping forward to defend her old mentor only for the Kiffarian to raise his hand and say, "No need. For the Mand'alor to merely acknowledge my presence is a high honor."

"But, but Master, he's just a-"Again, Vos interrupted his former Padawan this time speaking to her directly, saying in his deep timbre, "Aayla, enough!" From their mental connection they once shared, he said, 'This boy young though he is, has been named the Mand'alor. That means he is the toughest son of a rancor out of an entire race of warrior people. We know nothing about his mentality, and until we do, I suggest you do not antagonize him, lest Ryloth becomes the next Serroco.'

The two Jedi stared each other down for a moment, before the Twi'lek looked away, "I'm sorry Master."

Turning to the Mand'alor Vos bowed and said, "I apologize for my former padawans outburst Mand'alor."

The young man merely waived it off, "It's fine, and partially my fault. Just because I do not agree with the Jedi's recruitment method does not mean I should antagonize all Jedi in my sight."

Seeing Aayla once again opening her mouth, this time to defend the Order, Vos spoke up again, "You demonstrate wisdom beyond your years Mand'alor. Would that all could be so wise." He finished while looking at his former apprentice, silencing her with a look.

Turning to his troops, the changeling replied, "I don't know about wise, but I'm certainly not stupid enough to piss off potential allies when I see them," Gar then addressed his troops, "Aten-shun!"

All the clones snapped to attention, awaiting his command. "Form ranks!"

At his word, the legion of nine-thousand-two-hundred-sixteen clones formed up into four regiments of two-thousand-three-hundred-four troops each. After they had formed up, he said, "Stand at the ready!"

He then turned and made his way back towards Slave I, where Kara'Teel and Boba were standing off to the side out of the way. Coming to a stop near them, he said, "Ready to go you two?"

Boba was grinning from ear to ear nodding enthusiastically, while Kara'Teel looked stunned. Snapping his fingers in her face to bring her out of her daze, he asked her concernedly, "Yo KT, you alright?"

The tribal girl shook her head coming out of her daze and snapping, "Did you just call me Katie?"

The changeling shook his head replying, "No, I said K.T. as in Kara'Teel. It's your nickname," He then smirked at her teasingly before saying, "Unless of course, you want me to call you Katie… cause that can be arranged." He finished with a smirk.

The warrior-woman looked away in a huff saying, "Not on your life."

"Uh-huh, so what was with the thousand yard stare?" he asked her, and he led them back towards the waiting troops.

Giving the changeling a mild glare that didn't faze him in the least due to living with a nigh unfeeling empath, she said, "I was unaware you were a leader of your own tribe."

"Neither was I till about half an hour ago." He said honestly, causing the tribal woman to gape like a fish.

After a moment she got herself under control and asked, "But how, that speech was-"

"Written by someone else centuries before I was born and paraphrased by me. Remind me to tell you about Shakespeare sometime, ok?"

Boba spoke up, "So basically, you're winging it?"

"Yep." The Je'daii affirmed before he picked the smaller boy up and placed him on his shoulders. He then jogged forward a bit before spinning on his heel and saying, "C'mon KT, keep up."

"Yeah, hurry up you slug-rat!" Boba crowed from atop Gar's shoulders.

A smirk overcame the huntresses' face as she said, "I'll show you slug-rat!"

She proceeded to chase the duo down, playfully poking at them with the point of her spear from time to time. The two Jedi Masters watched this interaction with varying looks of amusement on their faces, while the Knight, however, watched on, her face soured by such a childish display. The Mand'alor quickly hid behind his mentor saying, "Look out Master, this one is extremely temperamental."

Fey smiled kindly at the tribal girl who was looking at her uncertainly, before saying to her Padawan, "Are you sure it's not your unique personality Garfield?"

An awkward chuckle came from behind her, and the 'fearsome' Mand'alor poked his head out from behind her shoulder, saying, "Nuh-uh not me. She likes me. I think Boba did it."

"Ori'vod!" The young boy protested from his shoulders, only for the Rutian Twi'lek to finally lose her cool, saying, "If you're finished fooling around like a bunch of younglings, we have a job to do here."

"What crawled up this one's ass and died?" Kara'Teel commented taking a moment to look the Twi'lek over.

Gar shrugged, jostling Boba before he said, "I dunno, I think it might be her time of the month though."

Aayla choked incoherently on her own anger and the changeling's audacity as he continued, "But she is right though, it's time to get the show on the road. Ride's over buddy." He said before placing Boba back on the ground.

The changeling then marched up to his waiting troops and igniting his lightsaber, barked out, "Let's get this human train moving people!"

He then turned to the Jedi Masters and said, "You'd better go and tell those idiots over there to hold their fire. Jango, Kara'Teel, go with 'em make sure nothing happens." He ordered.

"Hang on Fett, this could feel a little uncomfortable," Fay said before she took hold of his arm and took off in a burst of Force Speed. With Vos having to do the same with Aayla due to her anger at the changeling, while Kara'Teel easily kept pace with them.

Paying them no mind, said changeling turned back towards his men and commanded, "Forward, March!"

The Voda'Io'jurir all marched in concert, taking one step for every two steps of their leader. Once the pace was set and the group was moving, Trio called out, "How 'bout some marching music sir?"

Sure, anything in particular?" the Mand'alor called back.

"No love songs!" Someone called out.

Chuckling, the changeling called back, "You're killing me here guys, but I think I can come up with something…" A moment of silence before, "How 'bout this?"

After four steps, Gar smacked the guard of his lightsaber against his armor, setting a beat that the clones quickly took up. After a moment the changeling began to sing, his troops chanting along with him, "We will, we will, rock you…"

Cham Syndulla couldn't believe what he heard from the Jedi once they returned. "You mean to tell me that this, this young upstart thinks he can just come here and dictate what's going happen? That he can tell an entire people what they can and cannot do? Like he knows anything about our people and their struggles?" Syndulla shook his head, "No, I refuse to accept this."

"It doesn't really matter if you choose to accept it or not, it's going to happen either way."

The Jedi turned to find the leather wearing huntress standing behind them, her black hair blowing in the wind ever so slightly, her spear resting lightly on her shoulder. Fixing a hard gaze on the newcomer, Cham said coolly, "And just who are you girl, and how do you know this?"

"I am Kara'Teel Djo, former Huntress of the Singing Mountain Clan of Dathomir and now, envoy and spokeswoman for my people. As for how I know you won't be able to stop him, it's because my own people were unable to."

Becoming concerned, his Master inquired of the girl, "What exactly do you mean…Kara'Teel was it?"

"Yes, ma'am. As for what I mean, on Dathomir, we are or were, a matriarchal society of what you would know as Force-users that used our menfolk as slaves for breeding and menial labor. Your student, however, refused to accept things as they were. After stopping group known as the Nightsisters, or what you know as the Darksiders, and a slaying a great evil, he abolished our way of life and put an octarchy in its place."

"Darkside, Great Evil?" Fey then turned to the Bounty Hunter, and raising an eyebrow asked coolly, "What exactly has my Padawan been up to while under your care, Jango Fett?"

"Eh a little bit of this, a little bit of that." The Mand'o replied with a nonchalant shrug.

Fey narrowed her storm-grey eyes at the merc, but he said nothing more, causing the Jedi Master to sigh and prompt a clearer explanation from the Dathomirian, "What of this 'Great Evil' my Padawan ended up vanquishing?"

"That would be a crazy Sith-bitch."

Everyone turned to see the Mand'alor standing before them surrounding him were a group of nine troopers, their hands lightly grasping the blaster rifles slung around their shoulders. The Jedi, along with Syndulla tensed. None of them, not even his Master, felt his approach through the Force, nor heard their footsteps.

'He can mask himself and others in the Force?' Filing this away for later, Fay inquired of her primary student, "A Sith, you killed a Sith?"

"Oh, of course, he did. Next, he'll say he made the Kessel Run in twelve parsecs." Aayla muttered under her breath.

Snapping his gaze to hers he replied coolly, "No not yet, but I'll put it on my to-do list." Gar paused for a moment before continuing, "Anyway, like I was saying, yeah, killed a Sith."

"How, who?" Fey asked her apprentice, who replied, "As to how I'm not entirely sure. She was a Holocron that 'somehow' managed to suck the life out of people using a weird ritual to reconstitute herself. And I recall one of them calling her Lady Darzu."

"Hmm, she was probably referring to Belia Darzu. A Sith Lady that lived well over a thousand years ago during the Sictis Wars. She was known for creating horrible hordes creatures utilizing a unique brand Sith Alchemy." Vos supplied while looking at the boy before him with profound respect.

'If he indeed killed her as he said, then he likely saved the galaxy.' Vos thought.

"Lemme' guess, she turned people into cyborg zombies out of a bad horror flick, is that about her MO?" he inquired.

Slowly, the Kiffarian Jedi Master nodded, "Yes, I believe so. You actually did fight and kill her didn't you?"

"I sure hope I killed her, I mean, I cut her clean in half, I'm hopeful she can't come back from that, but who knows with her," Gar replied with a shrug before turning to a woman that had been standing on the fringe of their group. She was clearly human, and that alone made her stand out amongst the rest of those assembled.

Walking up to her he asked, "Am I to presume you're the Nabooian Senator?"

The strange woman stood, gracing him with a warm smile before replying kindly, "Yes hello. I'm Padmé Amidala, pleased to meet you Mand'alor."

"No way." The changeling said disbelievingly.

"Yes?" Padmé said confused.

"You're the Padmé Amidala?" Seeing her nod, the Mand'alore continued, "You're awesome! I read about how you took back Naboo in a recent history book. That was so cool, how you united the Gungans and all."

To say Padme was caught off guard was an understatement. Not only was she not at all expecting such high praise from the Mand'alor, but for him to have such a childlike personality…it was nigh inconceivable! Yet, it made him easily approachable in a way. Also, if what little she knew of Mandalorian culture held true, being forthright was one of the core tenants of their society. That along with never backing down from a fight.

'So I suppose I've garnered his respect if not outright admiration.' Padmé was warmed by that thought this could help her in the future should she have troubles in the-'Wait'- she shook herself, 'What am I thinking? I have been in the Senate for too long if I am thinking of taking advantage of someone's respect for me.'

"You ok?" he asked both seeing and feeling her distress through the Force. Giving him a warm smile, Padme replied, "Yes, I'm fine. I just have a lot on my mind at present. With this drug trafficking going on and all." She clarified.

Gar nodded, not entirely convinced but let the matter drop, "Right, speaking of that-"

Padme watched as a change took place right before her eyes. Garfield stood straight, no longer slouching. The air around him changed, and he excluded an air of confidence and control the likes of which she was taught to project while in political school. But his was more. It didn't just ask for your attention and respect, it demanded it. The closest thing she could describe it to would be that of an Alpha predator, like that of an Opee Sea Killer her father took her to see as a child. It was as majestic as it was terrifying.

Then he snapped out a command as easily as a Sea Killer snapped up prey, "First mate Hondo, report!"

Snapping to attention, the Weequay replied, "Boss. As you know, Miss Satine was kind enough to get us a shipping job while you were gone. It simple, we paid to transfer Ryll from Ryloth to Naboo. It's a medicinal plant, and so it was a pretty easy gig. We didn't bother to check the crates as we assumed everything was on the up and up. I mean, it was set up by the Duchess and all so why be suspicious right?"

Seeing the boy nod he continued, "So we did this for a few months until one of the boys found a Wampa Rat down in the hold one day. He attempted to shoot it with his blaster and shot open one of the crates, where we found not Ryll, but Glitteryll a potent psychedelic drug derived from Ryll. You know the rest."

The changeling nodded taking a moment to digest this information before asking, "And what else can you tell me of this Glitteryll Hondo? Who is its principal manufacturer? Who do I need to 'talk to' to get answers and shut this shit down…permanently?"

Tapping his chin the Weequay thought aloud, "Well I got two possible ideas on that boss. The first is someone here on Ryloth is making this stuff. Quite possibly Tee Poo himself. The other option is…" Hondo trailed off hesitation and fear entering his usually confident and cocky visage.

"Hondo?" Garfield pressed.

"The Hutts boss. The Hutts are the only ones I can think of who would try and pull something like this off." The pirate finished after which he glanced around nervously as if one of these so-called Hutts was going to jump out of the shadows and stab him to death for even daring to speak their name.

"The fuck are Hutts?"

Aayla stared at him gobsmacked, "Your kidding right? The Hutts are the largest Cartel in the galaxy! How could you not know about them?"

"I told you, I'm not from around here." The changeling replied before addressing his first mate, "Hondo, am I to assume that these Hutts deal in everything from drug to human trafficking, and illegal arms dealing?"

"Yes sir, there's an old saying. That if it doesn't exist, it can be found in Nal Hutta." Hondo replied with a reluctant nod.

"I see," He then shouted over to Skirata, "Kal, add 'Taking over Hutt Space' to our to-do list."

The wizened Mando'a look flabbergasted for just a moment before a look of sadistic glee spread across his face, and he asked, "Are you serious, sir?"

"Yeah. Do we have enough troops and transport for that?" Gar asked offhandedly as he walked up the gangplank to his own ship where the massive stores of Glitteryll were being stored. The moment he entered the storage bay he stopped feeling a familiar presence before saying to the elder of the two Secura sisters, "San'dara, what is Astraal doing here?"

"What are you talking about? I left her back on Mandalore, this is no time for her to visit home." The confused Twi'lek replied.

In response, the Je'daii levitated a nearby crate with the Force bringing it to his eye level before upending it, revealing not only Astraal but a certain dark-haired Tamaranean princess as well.

San'dara was quick to rush to her little sister's side and help her up. Once she knew she was alright, she began grilling her. "Astraal, what are you doing here?! I told you to stay back on Mandalore where it was safe."

"I wanted to see Big Brother and give him back his chrono," Astraal said producing his Titan Communicator from the pocket of her pants.

"I caught the little squirt sneaking onto the ship as it was about to take off," Blackfire supplied.

"And you didn't stop her?" San'dara spat, glaring at the Tamaranean while pulling Astraal close to her.

Rolling her eyes, Blackfire replied, "I'm sorry, I thought I was the only one who could survive in a vacuum. My mistake. Next time I'll just fly through the cold void of space just so you don't have to worry about her safety alright?"

Seeing the two about to come to blows, a fight San'dara would undoubtedly lose, Garfield intervened. Stepping in between the two he said, "That's enough!"

Looking over to the smug Tamaranean he said sternly, "That's enough Komand'r."

Pouting for just a moment the exiled princess nodded before smirking and throwing her arms around her paramour. Kissing him on the cheek while keeping her eyes focused on the fuming Twi'lek she asked, "So dear, how your trip?"

The changeling paused in thought before he finally said, "Educational."

Raising a bemused eyebrow, she inquired, "Really, you fight a Sith, bring democracy to a matriarchy, and all you can say is that it was 'educational?'"

As she said that the Tamaranean gave the tribal girl an appraising look. Kara'Teel glared back at her refusing to be cowed. That earned an amused smirk from the exiled princess.

"Yep." Giving a shrill whistle, he called over some of his troops which by now had caught up with him. Pointing to nine of them at random, he said, "Your job is now to make sure nothing happens to them."

He pointed at Astraal and Bobba before continuing, "If they so much as stub their toes or get stomachaches, you nine are going to be on latrine duty until further notice. Understood?"

The Clone troopers snapped to attention before surrounding their charges in a diamond formation.

Giving him an appreciative smile the eldest of the three Twi'lek sisters said, "Thank you Gar, this puts my mind at ease."

Giving her a thumbs up the Mandalore replied, "No problem."

He then kneeled down till he was at Astraal's height and said, "Thank you for bringing this back to me Astraal. I appreciate it. But next time, please don't put yourself in danger like that. If something had happened to you, I would've felt awful and blamed myself."

Starring at her shoes, the young Rutian Twi'lek muttered, "I'm sorry, Big Brother. I wasn't thinking."

Rubbing her head affectionately, he replied, "Don't worry about it. Now, I want you to stay with Bobba and these guys. You'll be safe ok?"

"Ori'vod, I can take care of myself!" Bobba protested indignantly.

Kneeling down, so he was eye level with the young clone, Gar said, "Boba you only have the light-shoto I gave you which, I would like to remind you, you don't know how to use properly at the moment."

"You could teach me! The boy protested. "You gave me these powers anyway so shouldn't you?"

Sighing, the Mandalore nodded, "Your right, I should show you a thing or two. But now is not the time. Not when we're in the middle of something. So chillax and let these guys do their jobs yeah? If worse comes to worse, I expect you to keep Astraal safe understood?"

Adopting a serious visage that Gar was slightly sad to see on the face of a boy so young, Boba nodded, saying, "I won't let you down Ori'vod."

Clapping the boy on the shoulder, the changeling replied, "I know you won't."

He then stood and turned to face the stern gaze of his master whose eyed drilled into his own as she said, "Garfield, what did that youngling mean when he said you 'gave' him force abilities?"

"It's a long story. I'll tell you on the march. Speaking of." Garfield turned to his troops, which had caught up by now, and, drawing his lightsaber he held it aloft saying, "At-ten-shun!"

His small army snapped-to and he barked out a command, "Forward march!"

Before the army could take a single step, however, they were met by a veritable wall of armed Twi'leks. At their head was a peach skinned Twi'lek in combat armor with a blaster in his hand, a sharp glare being directed at the changeling, that was only matched by the firm scowl on his face.

"Stop right there! I don't know who you think you are, but you can't just land here and start dictating our way of life!"

Holding up a closed fist, the Mandalore brought his people to a halt before taking several steps forwards only to stop when a blaster bolt landed next to his foot. "That's close enough Jedi. Now explain yourself!"

Frowning at the Twi'lek from beneath the hood of his cloak, Garfield replied, "It's kinda rude to demand answers from someone without introducing yourself first dude."

Gritting his teeth, the Twi'lek bit out, "Cham Syndulla…The leader of the Free Ryloth Movement."

The Changeling smiled invitingly, "Well Cham, can I call you Cham? Correct me if I'm wrong, but Ryloth is a part of the Republic and has been for about ten millennia right?"

Seeing the Twi'lek nod, the verdant shapeshifter continued, "And in all that time, slavery has been frowned upon if not outright illegal correct?"

"Yes, but our people sign contracts." Cham defended weakly.

This earned a mirthless laugh from the Je'daii, "That's a flimsy excuse to veil what's really going on here. You and I both know that. And you claim you want to Free Ryloth? How can you free anything if you're not willing to advocate change on the most basic of levels for your people, and follow the rules of the very Republic your people joined millennia ago?"

His face twisted into a wrathful visage, Syndulla spit venom, "What would you have us do Jedi? We lack the means or the space to build spacefaring ships, our 'Senator' is a corrupt and greedy tub of lard who profits off of this very thing even if it is the only way our people can get off this planet."

Pointing to Senator Amidala, he inquired, "Did you ever think about asking someone, for help?"

Cham scoffed, "The Jedi do not care. You all are the Senate's lapdogs."

Frowning upon seeing the two Jedi wince, the changeling ticked points off on his fingers. "Firstly, I'm not a Jedi, so I answer to no one and nothing but the Will of the Force. Secondly, did you ever actually get in contact with a Jedi Temple and ask for help or did you just assume they knew what was going on here? Lastly, when did I ever say to call for a Jedi for help? I was thinking more along the lines of the Senator here. I mean she united and liberated her people. Though I don't and can't speak for her, I think she'd be willing to lend a hand if you asked."

Nodding fiercely, with determination burning in her eyes, Padmé took her queue, "Yes, had I received any mention of something of this nature going on out here I would've done anything in my power to help. I will do everything in my power to help."

At this, the verdant chimed in again, "Also, barring that, I have a huge ass warship. My men would be willing to ferry you all to someplace more…hospitable. Right, Skirata?"

"Your words are our orders, sir," Kal affirmed.

The Twi'leks anger seemed to deflate a little upon hearing that. Taking a moment to collect himself, "That is a kind sentiment. But sentiments will not get us far I'm afraid. Not so long as Orn Free Taa speaks for my people in the Senate."

The gears began to turn in the changelings head, "He's not here right now?"

Scoffing, the rebel leader replied, "Free Taa never leaves Coruscant if he can help it. He profits off his people's misery in the lap of Republican luxury."

Cutting him off before he could really get going, the changeling interrupted, "Ok we get it, you don't like the guy." The changeling spoke more to himself than the others present then, "But if he's not here, then his house must be guarded by someone. If I can get past them, we may just kill two birds with one stone. Syndulla, would Free Taa deal in Glitteryll?"

"I wouldn't put it past him, why?"

Turning to the Nabooian Senator, the changeling said, "I do believe we have a lead in our investigation."

Turning to the rebel leader, he quickly explained, "We came here because someone was using my men to smuggle Glitteryll to Naboo. Knowing what we know now, I've got an idea…no, even better. I've got a plan."

Seeing the Cheshire catlike grin on the verdant's face, Cham almost hesitated to ask, "What kind of plan?"

"Just follow my lead. Master, take the Jedi and Senator Amidala and follow Cham to Free Taa's home. I'm sure he knows where it is."

"Why are we going to his compound?" Padmé inquired.

"To find enough dirt on this guy to convict him in a court of law of course. Or, failing that, blackmailing him into becoming our little puppet. One who will dance to our strings." Garfield moved his fingers around like he was working a marionette for emphasis.

"Mandalore, I-that's illegal," Padmé stated slowly.

To which Aayla added, "Highly illegal. The Senate would never condone this course of action, much less the Jedi High Council."

Nodding the Mandalore retorted, "So is setting up a blockade around a planet and slavery but that doesn't stop some people from doing the right thing, now does it?" Looking first to Amidala then to Syndulla in turn before allowing his gaze to rest on the Jedi.

Pausing for a moment, he continued, his eyes still locked with his fellow force-users, "All it takes for evil to triumph is for good men and women to do nothing…what'll it be?"

The two Jedi looked at one another, the younger hesitant and uncertain, "The Council will not like this Master."

Vos nodded agreeing with his former apprentice, "Be that as it may, we cannot in good conscious turn a blind eye to such things. That is not the Jedi way."

Sighing, the Twi'lek nodded, "You're right, of course, Master. So, if we'll be sneaking around, what'll you be doing?"

Giving her a sly smirk the changeling replied, "I'll be…providing you all with a…distraction."

An involuntary shiver raced down Aayla's spine as she thought, 'I don't like the sound of that.'

But like it or not, she was a Jedi, and it was her duty to see justice done for the people of the Republic. So she swallowed the questions rising in her throat and asked, "When do we start."

"Right now." The changeling had replied before he began issuing orders to his troops Syndulla doing the same.

'What kind of man is he really?' Aayla thought as she watched him bark out orders. 'One moment he's hugging his Master, the next he's ordering around a warband like it's second nature. Then he chastises my little sister, comes up with a plan to either blackmail and or convict a corrupt politician, bring down a drug ring, and possibly end slavery on Ryloth all in one fell swoop by getting the cooperation of a renowned Senator or promising to do it himself.'

"You were Right San'dara…he is dangerous," Aayla muttered to herself as she prepared to leave with the others on the infiltration mission.

Giving her sisters' one last look she thought, 'Please, stay safe.'

Chapter Length: 10,000 words Number of Pages: 20 Date Completed: 5/4/17

AN: Alright, I got this done in time for Star Wars Day this year. Sorry for the delay everybody but RL is a bitch and has been to me for quite a while. But as a wise man once said, "It all comes out in the wash." Sorry for the lack of action this chap but I just couldn't find a place for it. I hope the action I intend to pack into the next chapter will make up for it. Till then May the Fourth be with you all, and till next time, Bubbajack out! Peace!