Author's Notes: So, after way too many months (nearly a year, actually) of radio silence, I finally received some unexpected inspiration for this story here recently. Jango refused to talk about his initial conversation with Dooku, but instead told me about this, with Obi-Wan and Tayn chiming in. This is the first of at least several (between three and five parts) taking place on Kamino … there was supposed to be a third section to this particular section, but Merit wanted me to end it here. As in, she absolutely refused to say anything more, so we'll pick up with her first official interaction with the clones in the next chapter. This particular arc will end with the birth of Obi-Wan and Merit's daughter … and with Sidious' first attempted strike against those who would keep the Chosen One in the Light.

Chapter Fourteen

Kamino-Part One

"Obi-Wan, I hate to say this, but I have a really bad feeling about this."

It was bad enough when he had one of those bad feelings … but when his (heavily) pregnant partner said the same thing, that was definite cause for concern. He thought very briefly about teasing her about how that was his line, but instead, observed, "You as well?" He wasn't sure if it dealt with Merit herself or what they would find on Kamino. In truth, he wasn't particularly happy that the Council directed Merit to accompany him, even if this was supposed to only be a fact-finding mission. As the Jedi Council well knew, those missions could quickly go pear-shaped, and while Merit was a force to be reckoned with (no pun intended), she was also extremely near to her due date.

"Yes … the Force is very clear that I need to be here, but I still have a bad feeling about it. And the little one doesn't like it here, either," Merit added, drawing the hood of her cloak up over her head and arranging said cloak more fully around her body. Obi-Wan didn't blame his daughter at all. He thought briefly about asking Merit if she knew anything about Kamino in the future but chose not to. If she knew something, she would have mentioned it, and she told the Council on more than one occasion that much was lost after the first Jedi Purge. It was likely that whatever Kamino held was included in that. She paused, then added, "The Force is being clear that we both need to be here, but if Master Jinn and Anakin are already here, as well as Master Ti … that leads me to believe that there's something we need to see, rather than do."

"Agreed. Have a good hold on your mum's hand, Bran?" Obi-Wan asked the five year old clutching at Merit's free hand. The little boy nodded solemnly and Obi-Wan ruffled his hair. Bran had no Force sensitivity whatsoever, but even he seemed uncomfortable. He rested his cheek against his mother's hand. Obi-Wan exchanged a look with his troubled partner, and when she nodded, Obi-Wan knelt in front of the child, asking, "I have a better idea. Why don't I carry you?" Bran looked up at Merit questioningly and when she smiled, Bran held his arms out to Obi-Wan. The knight scooped him up, settling him on one hip and draping his cloak protectively over the youngster.

With Bran safe in his arms, Obi-Wan took Merit's hand and together, they made a mad dash from their ship through the rain. By the time they reached the safety (?) of the facility, the two were soaking wet, and Merit rather closely resembled a grumpy, drowned lothcat. He briefly considered reminding her that she enjoyed the water, but she normally wasn't clothed at those times. Besides, he was fairly sure that his own expression wasn't much better. And he couldn't imagine being soaked to the skin while so heavily pregnant was particularly comfortable.

They were met at the entrance by a very familiar face … Master Tayn Sione, who grinned broadly as he welcomed them into the facility and to Kamino. It was a measure of just how uncomfortable Bran was with the entire situation that he didn't move from his position on Obi-Wan's hip. In fact, the boy was imitating an octopus at the moment, completely wrapped around Obi-Wan, with his face buried against the Jedi's neck … and not even the sound of Tayn's voice could move him. Tayn's dark eyes flickered to the Bran-shaped lump, and there was an expression Obi-Wan couldn't quite place. But his smile held only warmth as he ushered his three wet fellow humans inside the facility and down the hall.

He said as they walked, "I'm glad they sent you two. Master Jinn is not who I would have chosen to send in the first place, and Padawan Skywalker is driving the Kaminoans utterly insane with his reprogramming of droids. Not that I mind, really … Padawan Skywalker, that is … but this requires more delicacy than either possess. And Merit … you look amazing. How much more time? And is that an insult? And can I …?" He gestured nervously to the bump protruding out from the wet cloak as he led them into what appeared to be a conference center.

Obi-Wan would have rolled his eyes, but after the last several months of hearing the exact same question from every other Jedi in the Temple (which the notable exception of Pong Krell, who sneered at Merit every time she passed him in the halls), he was used to it. And Merit, as ever, was gracious. She took his hand and rested it gently on the underside of her swollen abdomen, where the baby tended to be most active any more. And judging from the look of wonder on Tayn's face, as well as the mild grimace on Merit's, it seemed that his daughter was proving him correct. Tayn whispered, "That's … I have no words, gentle knight."

Merit blushed, answering, "She is a blessing to us, just as Bran is. Tayn … do you know why the two of us were sent? I understand why Obi-Wan was requested … the man could charm anything and anyone … but I'm a little unclear about myself. The Force is insistent that I'm needed here, that I need to see something here … but I was hoping you could shed some light on that." Tayn's expression changed again and he removed his hand from Merit's body, using it to rub his face instead. Oh, that didn't look promising. While Tayn achieved Master status after their return from Rattarak, he was still someone who had no issues with demonstrating his feelings. There was a reason he was often on protective, rather than diplomatic, duty.

"There's a lot that I can't tell you, that you'll need to see for yourself. But I can tell you a few things. First, and foremost, with my assignment here as an instructor, the Council has told me the truth about your background, Merit. They thought it would be necessary, and I'm beginning to believe that. Which leads me into the next part of what I can tell you … Master Dooku has not Fallen at all. Rather, he has been playing a very dangerous game, allowing the Sith Lord to think that he is his apprentice. He is here now, but can't see you, or Master Jinn," he answered.

"Instructor … of what? To whom?" Obi-Wan asked and Tayn expelled a breath. And because he was becoming uncomfortable, the younger knight sat down, holding Bran in his lap. Merit remained standing, at least for the moment … she looked around nervously, hands cradling her middle protectively. It was extremely jarring for Obi-Wan, the first time the Dark Woman asked almost shyly if she could touch this infant Jedi … the Dark Woman, who never made her disapproval of Obi-Wan's mate a secret.

"Some time ago, according to the Kaminoans, a Jedi placed an order for clones, to be used as soldiers in a war he foresaw," the elder Master explained. Obi-Wan exchanged a look with Merit, who was frowning thoughtfully. A moment later, that thoughtful frown turned into a horrified look when Tayn added, "These clones, or Clone Troopers, have spent the last half decade being decanted, taught to fight and taught that they're being made for us, to protect us. Merit, what is it?"

"It … it's foolish. But the rank and file of the Empire that my grandparents and great-uncle fought, the average soldier … they were called Stormtroopers. And clones? Why would a Jedi do that? That's creating a slave army, for all intents and purposes!" Merit exclaimed. Tayn nodded soberly, and Merit shook her head, muttering under her breath … it was either one of the languages that Obi-Wan didn't know, or something neither he nor Tayn really wanted to hear coming out of her mouth. The odds were equal either way. She asked next, "You said clones … who are they clones of?"

The Force whispered to Obi-Wan, warning him that the next words out of Tayn's mouth were very important indeed, and Tayn answered, "The phrase they use is 'template,' and the template is a Mandalorian bounty hunter named 'Jango Fett.' According to Master …" His voice trailed off as the color drained from Merit's face. She sat down heavily into a chair, waving at Tayn to continue, and he did after exchanging a concerned look with Obi-Wan, "According to Master Dooku, he was either the sole survivor or one of the few survivors of Galidraan. Merit, does the name mean something to you?"

Merit inclined her head, answering, "It does. It means a lot. A favorite bounty hunter of the Empire's was one Boba Fett. My grandfather had more than one run-in with him. This Jango Fett must be his father. You mentioned Galidraan a minute ago. I've heard that before, but was never told the full story." Obi-Wan looked at Tayn … he was the one who introduced the topic, he got to explain to Merit about that whole bloody mess, that absolute disaster.

With a sigh, Tayn did so, outlining everything he knew … which wasn't much more than what Obi-Wan knew, for all that he was ten years older, and was a young knight when Galidraan occurred. Merit rose to her feet once more, rubbing absently at a spot on her right side. She murmured, "That explains Boba Fett's hatred of the Jedi, his father must have told him about that. By the time I was born, there was no more Mandalore. It … it didn't exist. We can't do anything about Galidraan, but there may still be a way we can help Fett."

"I think that's part of why you're here, actually. In fact … Obi-Wan, would you mind terribly if I borrowed your mate for about an hour or so? I have a class to teach in about fifteen minutes, and I think the boys should meet Merit. You and Bran can warm up and dry off, and let the Council know that you're safely arrived," Tayn observed. He was telling the truth … but he wasn't telling the entire truth. Obi-Wan looked at Merit, who inclined her head ever so slightly.

With a smile, he answered, "Just mind that you take care of her … she doesn't need to be demonstrating any moves for your students." Merit rolled her eyes, but didn't bother disguising the fond smile on her face. She shrugged out of the wet cloak, bent to kiss the top of Bran's head (which also allowed him to 'kiss' his little sister), then brushed her lips across Obi-Wan's. Down their latent bond came a gentle, 'I'll be fine. Tayn will look after me, and my boys will look after each other.'

SWSWSWSWSW

It was Tayn Sione's greatest hope that he and Merit would be able to avoid Qui-Gon Jinn and Anakin Skywalker during the walk to Jango Fett's quarters. The elder Master didn't get along well at all with Jango, and Tayn's stubborn cousin seemed to take pleasure in poking at Jinn. He'd learned how Skywalker came to be Jinn's padawan, and that seemed to further denigrate his opinion of jetii. It was nothing for Jango to mock the Master, telling him that the only time Mandalorians turned on their family was when they were no longer worthy to be considered Mandalorians … what a pity the jetii couldn't say the same. And when Jango learned that a woman was involved, the mockery intensified.

Strange … Fett actually had more respect for Shaak Ti and for Tayn himself than he did for Jinn. His resentment for Dooku was understandable, though it seemed to be tempered by his unexpected affection for Dooku's new padawan, Asajj Ventress. But Jinn … Tayn shook his head as he led Merit to Jango's quarters. The man gruffly bid them to enter and Tayn entered first, followed by Merit, the former saying, "Jango, this is the Jedi I promised you would meet … Knight Merit Solo. Merit, this is Jango Fett, the template for the clones."

Jango nodded to Merit, dark eyes flickering over her gravid form, saying, "I didn't think I would ever even hear the term 'pregnant Jedi,' much less meet one. How long until the little one makes his or her appearance?" Merit offered a shallow bow, and grimaced a little. Jango scowled, adding, "And none of that … don't tell me that your Council demands that a pregnant woman bow to them? Sit down." Tayn bit back a smile … Jango still hated Jedi, but while Merit was a Jedi, she was also pregnant, and children were important to Mandalorians.

Merit smiled at him gratefully and Tayn explained, "I took the liberty of telling Merit about Galidraan … she's from another galaxy entirely, so she wasn't familiar with our blunder there." And really, blunder was an understatement. He'd already decided to use the cover that Thane Solo utilized when he and his younger sister first arrived in the past. Merit bowed her head respectfully and a muscle in Jango's face tightened. Tayn took the seat beside Merit, keeping a gentle hand on her shoulder as he added, "She was a twelve year old padawan at the time."

"What … no words about how sorry you are?" Jango directed the taunt at Merit, who merely stared at him unblinkingly. She didn't say a word, which seemed to make the Mand'alor more than a little uncomfortable. He rose to his feet, clearly agitated, added, "Or, maybe you think as some of your fellow jetii do, that your brethren did nothing wrong?" Tayn tightened his grasp on Merit's shoulder … more to anchor himself than anything else. As the great-granddaughter of the fabled Chosen One, she was powerful … just in a different way than the annoying padawan.

"Would it help if I did tell you how sorry I was … how much I wish it never happened, how much I wish I could go back and prevent the whole thing from happening? Would it ease any of your pain or grief or guilt? Don't look at me that way, Jango Fett … I know far too much about survivor guilt, and yours is even worse than mine is," was Merit's quiet response. For a moment, Tayn feared that Jango would lash out at Merit, pregnant or not. But after a moment, he collapsed into a chair opposite hers and Merit went on, her voice still very quiet, "I am beyond sorry for what was done to your people. To what my brothers and sisters did to your people."

Jango bowed his head and asked in an equally quiet voice, "May I ask where you were and what you were doing at the time?" Tayn looked at him quickly, and then looked at Merit. The young knight's face was thoughtful, as if trying to decide how she should answer him. Or rather, seeing how far she could come to the truth without actually telling him that she was from the future. A delicate balance, that.

At last, she replied, "As Tayn mentioned, I was twelve year old … one of perhaps ten Jedi remaining in the galaxy." Jango's head came up at that, and Merit smiled tightly, a hand drifting to her side. Tayn recognized the gesture … her daughter was reacting to her mood, and Merit was trying to soothe the baby. And herself. Merit went on, "You see, my father was … I believe the term in your language is dar'jetii. He Fell, apparently to protect my older sister. Ironic, because he ended up killing her a few years later when she got between him and me." Fett hissed at that, not just at the mention of the death of Merit's older sister at the hands of their father, but at the reference to the dar'jetii.

But Merit wasn't finished, saying, "By the time I was twelve, my older brother, great-uncle, second cousin and I were really all that was left of the Jedi Order. There were two others, but we didn't know that at the time … didn't know them. We were constantly on the run, always looking over our shoulders, always trying to stay one step ahead of our father and his men. It was … there were so many people who needed help, and so few of us, so very few of us. If I'm doing the calculations right, at the time of Galidraan … we were trying to help people evacuate from a dying planet. We got all but a thousand to safety, but it wasn't enough, it was never enough, because with our power, we should have been able to stop the destruction altogether." Tayn bowed his head, not just at the words (words he'd heard far too often himself), but at the pain in Merit's voice, the grief that she couldn't save more people. And even with the power Jedi possessed, not even the entire Order could have saved the planet. They could only buy time.

Merit drew a deep, shuddering breath and she looked up at Jango, blinking back tears as she said softly, almost wonderingly, "That was almost twenty years ago. And I can still see the accusation in the eyes of the survivors, the ones we managed to save, because we couldn't save everyone, because we couldn't save their planet." She was almost thirty years old, but for a moment, Tayn could see that twelve year old Merit, traumatized and exhausted, taking refuge in her brother's arms from the accusing stares.

There was a long silence, then Jango said softly, "I know you want me to trust you. But I can't. Not yet. Jetii cannot be trusted. But I am sorry for what happened to you." There was a frisson of … something. Something that Tayn couldn't quite touch in the Force, but it came from Merit, as if she was figuring something out, something that eluded her up until now. Smoothing her tunic over her unborn daughter, Merit nodded slowly.

"Then the dar'jetii has succeeded," she said. Jango jolted at that, staring at her in shock, and Tayn felt more or less the same way. What … what was she saying? Merit nodded slowly, murmuring, "I should have seen it before. Divide and conquer, that's the way the Sith operate. The True Mandalorians wouldn't have to stand with the Jedi to be a threat to them, they need only be themselves. They aren't easily ruled, and so stand in his way. If it wasn't Sidious who pointed the Jedi in the wrong direction on Galidraan, then it was Plagueis."

That made a terrifying amount of sense, and judging from the dawning horror on Jango's face, it seemed likely that he'd come to the same conclusion as Tayn. However, Merit shook herself, murmuring, "That doesn't matter now. You said you had a class to teach, Tayn? Then we should be on our way." She began to push herself to her feet, but Tayn recovered his wits in time to help her the rest of the way. Merit made a very small bow to Jango, adding, "It was very good of you to meet with us, Mr. Fett." She paused and said, "Ret'urcye mhi." Her pronunciation wasn't the best he'd ever heard, but she'd made an honest attempt, and deserved respect for that alone. Jango inclined his head, looking more than a little shocked.

As they left Jango's quarters, and headed for the instruction rooms, Tayn asked softly how much Merit knew about the past run-ins between the Jedi and the Mandalorians. He suspected not much, since Mandalore didn't even exist in her time. He was proven correct … Mandalore no longer existed by the time Merit was born, and she hadn't had the chance to investigate that part of Jedi history. It fell to Tayn to tell her about what went before, leaving his pregnant companion quiet and horrified. Unfortunately, that was only the beginning. He did find it a little odd that Obi-Wan hadn't told his mate about his time on Mandalore and his past with Satine Kryze. Then again … well, he had no way of knowing.

And unfortunately, he was about to make things a lot worse for his sister Jedi. As expected, the instruction room was already filled with his students, countless little boys, all with the same face. This was why he'd requested Obi-Wan and Merit, these children. He was looking at Merit as they entered the room, and saw the shock … and then the horror, and then saw her hand leaving her abdomen to cover her mouth. He heard her whisper brokenly, "Bran?" She looked at him and asked, "Tayn … why do all of these boys look like my son?"

TBC