Chapter Text

Mircirru Kar'ta

Captured heart

Chapter 1; The Subtle Art of Negotiations gone Horribly Wrong - (Beta read)

Maybe Quinlan Vos was right after all. 

Not a sentence Obi-Wan ever thought to consider normally but in this case, maybe he was.

Maybe Quin was right when he said that Obi-Wan’s missions would always go off track, never according to plan. 

He always ended up in trouble in one way or another. 

It was rarer for a mission to go completely according to plan, rare to the point that the Temple became suspicious if Obi-Wan got back to the Temple unharmed, unadopted, unmarried or without a political incident.

So when the Council made the decision to send Obi-Wan over to the Mandalorian Empire to assist in negotiations and protection of one of the local political groups, things were bound to go horribly wrong.

Things had started off with troubles already. The New Mandalorians were a faction that didn’t agree with the Mandalorian Empire. That made them interesting to the Republic, especially when they were responsible for most of the trade routes between the Empire and the Republic. 

The Senate had decided to send a Jedi to negotiate terms between the New Mandalorians and to protect them from the terrorist group known as Kyr’tsad or Deathwatch in basic. Not to mention the fact that the Mand’alor– the Emperor of the Mandalorian Empire– did not agree to meet with the Senate.

So they send Jedi. You know, the ancient enemies of the Mandalorian Empire. 

It was meant to go wrong from the very start.

When Obi-Wan got to the planet of Mandalore, he had almost been shot out of the sky. There was a siege on the city of Sundari. Kyr’tsad– a political group of traditionalists– had all but declared war on the New Mandalorians by the time Obi-Wan crash-landed.

He managed to get into the Sundari dome, where many New Mandalorians were preparing for the worst. So, he met up with Duke Kryze and his young daughter Satine to figure out what was happening.

The Haat’ade, the followers of Mand’alor Fett, son of Jango Mereel, had refused to aid the New Mandalorians due to the fact that they tried to negotiate with the Republic unsanctioned. Obi-Wan couldn’t really blame them, especially not when he learned that the New Mandalorians were pacifists who didn’t know how to defend themselves.

Obi-Wan was ready to call the mission a bust and attempt to leave when Kyr’tsad broke through the few defences the New Mandalorians did have. He ended up being forced to protect the Duke’s family as they tried to get off Mandalore. 

Things went from bad to worse at that point. No ships dared to take off with the enemy ships surrounding Sundari. Enemy forces were moving into the cities rapidly, with no defences to hold them back.

To Obi-Wan’s credit, he did manage to get the Duke and his daughters out of the city. And they managed to get a good distance from Sundari before they eventually ran into Kyr’tsad. 

Kyr’tsad was a tough enemy, and Obi-Wan was starting to get tired.

That fight was also the fight the Haat’ade decided to show their faces. Or at least, that is what Obi-Wan assumed because before he could truly observe the newcomers to the fight, he was violently electrocuted. 

Now, Obi-Wan had just awoken, pondering on the decisions that got him where he was lying currently.

He had yet to open his eyes, pretending to be unconscious, as Obi-Wan tried to assess his situation. They hadn’t killed him so far, which was hopefully good. 

For a moment, Obi-Wan tried to get an idea of how much trouble he might be in. Obi-Wan’s hands were cuffed behind his back. They hadn’t bothered treating his wounds as far as he could tell. He was also lying on the ground, which usually meant a cell of some kind. 

That didn’t bode well.

Not too long after, his cell was thrown open, and he was picked up by his arms and made to walk despite his legs not functioning yet. They all but carried him and set a pace he could never hope to keep up with.

They dragged Obi-Wan along, through hallways upon hallways before reaching large doors. The doors opened into a large and crowded hall where Obi-Wan was dragged into and onto the raised platform. 

There they kicked the back of his knee, forcing him to kneel before the throne. Just when he had slightly regained his footing.

They spoke in Mando’a.

Great, Obi-Wan had no idea what was being said.

“Let the trial begin.” The Mandalorian on the throne waved his hand. 

From what Obi-Wan gathered, there was one Mando seemingly more on his side while the other was borderline violent. They shouted at each other, prodding the crowd to shout along. The Mando on the throne remained quiet and looked slightly bored– not a great sign in Obi-Wan’s humble opinion.

Frowning a little, Obi-Wan felt the hairs on his arm rise up and a shiver travelled down his spine, as he felt himself stiffen. 

Something was off. Obi-Wan hardly needed the Force to sense that. 

His breath wavered a bit. 

As subtle as he could, he glanced around, seeing if others noticed it too. They didn’t, not to his perception at least. 

They were more focussed on Obi-Wan rather than whatever was approaching.

“What do you plead, Jetii.” The second in command, who had been arguing against him from what Obi-Wan gathered, demanded. 

The Mando walked past him menacingly, but Obi-Wan’s focus returned to the large set of doors behind him. 

The Mandalorian clearly lost their patience as they marched up to Obi-Wan and grabbed him by his hair, pulling his head back to expose his neck, “I said–”

“Something is coming.” Obi-Wan breathed, wincing at the pulling of his hair.

Just as he finished his sentence, the doors were kicked open, and Mandalorians dressed in black and blue opened fire on the beings inside the room.

Immediately, Obi-Wan rolled off the raised platform where he had been and crouched beside it.

Out of the rain of fire, Obi-Wan’s eyes widened as he came face to face with a Mandalorian youngling, dressed in some kind of training armour, probably around seven or eight.

They stared right back at Obi-Wan with wide eyes, only moving to take a place against the podium beside Obi-Wan as blaster fire took over the room. Flinching from the repeated impact sounds, Obi-Wan snapped out of his shock and winced.

Their hiding place wouldn’t last long, Obi-Wan knew he needed to move and take the kid somewhere safer. 

“Do you speak Basic?” Obi-Wan glanced at the child, moving to get his tied hands from behind him and out in front.

“ Elek . Yes.” The kid breathed, clearly scared.

“Alright, good. That’s good. We need to move from this spot and join them over there.” Obi-Wan nodded his head to the side where Mandalorians were crouched behind an overthrown metal table, “I am going to cover you, is that alright?”

“ Ele – Yes.” The kid nodded, though hesitance was clear in his expression. “W– Wait! We should go to the door there. It will lead to the courtyard!”

Obi-Wan moved his gaze to the door that was closer but had no cover to hide behind. It was risky, there was no way they wouldn’t be shot at. “What is in the courtyard? Is there somewhere safe for you to go?”

“Yes.” The kid replied, “The Goran is there, in the Forge! It is where we have to go when it is dangerous.”

Alright then, get the kid to whoever the Goran was, Obi-Wan could do that. 

That was doable. 

He had been in worse situations before. 

“Okay. I’m going to pick you up now.”

Moving his arms up a little, he encircled the young kid with his arms still bound in the Force restriction cuffs. Pulling the kid towards him, Obi-Wan tugged them against his chest and ensured that they were hidden behind his body mass.

“Is it a pull or a push door?” Obi-Wan asked as he got to his feet, preparing to cross the distance. 

“Pull.” 

Nodding his head, Obi-Wan breathed in deeply and lunged forwards.

As expected, they attracted a lot of blasterfire as soon as Obi-Wan left their little cover behind. Without the Force, it was impossible to move quickly enough to dodge. 

It was pure luck that when they moved, the Mandalorians who had been inside the hall opened fire to push the intruders back.

Obi-Wan reached the doors, but not before a blaster bolt cut through the side of his arm, leaving an angry and painful injury. Cringing as he felt the fabric of his tunic burn into his skin, Obi-Wan yanked the door open with the little strength he could currently gather and slipped through the crack, ensuring he closed the door behind him.

“Where do I go?” He asked the kid in his arms who was cowering against him.

“Further– down– door ‘s at the end.” The kid seemed shocked and shivered from fear as Obi-Wan ran with him.

Kicking the door out of his way, Obi-Wan stumbled outside into the icy night air. How long had he been unconscious?

As the kid had said, there was a large courtyard that seemed to be used as training grounds as well. At the end of the courtyard stood a singular but great circular building that was well-lit up.

“Is that it?” Obi-Wan asked, already running over as he heard a commotion at his rear.

“ Elek .”

Obi-Wan prayed to the Force that ‘elek’ was the Mandalorian word for yes because there was nowhere else to run.

The door behind him was thrown open, and Obi-Wan forced himself to sprint faster. “Go inside.” He instructed, nearing the door and setting the shaking kid down.

“ Jetii! ” A growl came from behind him as Obi-Wan pushed the kid towards the door and out of the way before dodging the incoming blade by leaping to the side.

A Mando dressed in black and blue armour had followed them all the way out here and attacked Obi-Wan with unforgiving blows. If one of them connected, Obi-Wan would be in a lot of trouble.

Thankfully, due to years of training with lightsabers and experience in other forms of bladed combat, Obi-Wan could guess Mando's movements by paying close attention to his tics. He dodged and weaved through attacks before gaining enough confidence to take a risk.

Obi-Wan pushed his arms forwards as he dodged back. The blade barely missed his hands and instead hit the connector of his cuffs, breaking them.

The sheer strength of the Force, now flowing through him, almost toppled him over. Obi-Wan wasn’t sure if the cuffs would stop working when the connector was broken, but he had hoped for it. 

Reconnecting with the Force after days without it was always something that both hurt and relieved. While he had been without plenty of times before. Obi-Wan would rather be aided by it than go without it in combat. It was mandatory for Jedi to get them removed at the Temple after a tough mission or at a safe house so they could crash in a safe environment. However, Obi-Wan was still in the middle of danger, the Mandalorian wasn’t slowing down their swings for him to catch a breath, and he needed the Force now to allow him to get out of this.

With renewed determination, Obi-Wan rolled out of the way of another heavy blow and started parrying moves rather than dodging alone.

It worked in his favour when he finally managed to even the odds, catching the blade between his hands and holding it in place while he kicked the Mandalorian away. Throwing the blade up, Obi-Wan caught the hilt and moved back into Soresu's opening stance.

Predictably, the Mando switched to blasters once he realised Obi-Wan was the superior sword wielder. 

Luckily for Obi-Wan, the blade of this beskad was forged from beskar. 

Much like his lightsaber would, the blade deflected blaster fire. Obi-Wan was rather good at batting them away, even if the blade was much heavier than his saber.

It took a few tries, but Obi-Wan managed to hit a blaster bolt just right and hit the Mando between his chest plate and shoulder brace. He went down not too long after that.

Cheers came from the Forge, where some of the Mando kids and an adult Mandalorian were standing and watching. Obi-Wan’s eyes landed on the visor of the Mandalorian’s helmet in wonder, they had a touch of the Force in them. It seemed to surround the Forge in a way Obi-Wan had never felt the Force behave.

A nod was shared between the two as the older one ushered the younglings back inside and shut the door behind them.

“Is there a second way out of that building?” Obi-Wan asked as he covered his temporary ally in defending the kids within the Forge.

“There is. But they wouldn’t get far.” The Mando shook their head, shooting another enemy point blank. “We have been betrayed.”

“I don’t have enough knowledge of Mandalorian politics to remark on that.” Obi-Wan breathed, cutting down a Mandalorian that had gotten too close for comfort. “Can you call for aid?”

“ Elek .” The Mando replied, “It is already done.”

Even if they had been warned, the reinforcements took longer than Obi-Wan had hoped to arrive. He started to fear the enemy numbers would overwhelm them. 

The fight seemed to have moved from the hall to the courtyard, as more of the Mandalorians living in Keldabe fought against the ones in blue and black armour.

Then, a metal cord lashed out, the Force too late in warning Obi-Wan of the danger as his leg was caught and he was pulled off his feet and into the middle of the battle. Strangely enough, none of the other Mando’s attacked him– whether they were his captor or the attacker, except for one.

Obi-Wan was off his feet for a moment before the Force pulled his attention, causing him to dodge an incoming attack from a humming blade. He threw himself back and watched a strange black glowing blade barely miss his head.

A Mandalorian, also dressed in blue and black armour lunged at him, slashing their blade down in an attempt to hit him. It was another one of the intruders– one that seemed to be enough of a coward to go after the children rather than fight honourably. The attack on the hall had to be a distraction, as more enemies were closing in on the Forge.

The beskar blade was holding its own against the lightsaber, thank the Force for that. It would be much easier for Obi-Wan to wield a lightsaber, as he was used to the weight or rather lack thereof. However, that didn’t mean he wasn’t skilled in a regular blade.

They circled each other, crossing blades when the Mando beat down on Obi-Wan’s solid defence. 

They didn’t get past it, and Obi-Wan let them wear themselves out while he familiarised himself with the blade in his hands. 

Eventually, the opportunity arose and Obi-Wan could kick the saber out of the Mando’s hand like he had done with the first one to attack. Obi-Wan called it to him with the Force and leaped back to the entrance of the Forge. 

As soon as the blade made contact with his hand, Obi-Wan felt the Force light up. Its streams and waves washed over him once more as the kyber’s melody beat deep in his heart.

Unlike most kybers Obi-Wan had heard, this one had a deep beat that seemed to mirror the sounds of marching. The melody sounded like a thousand voices, singing on their way to battle, a chanting that Obi-Wan couldn’t quite translate. His grip on the hilt tightened as he felt himself move without actually thinking about it.

It was like he was watching without being able to control his movement. He heard himself speak as the Force seemed to form around him. The Force– or maybe something else– was speaking through him, and it seemed to put the battle to halt as he did so.

Obi-Wan doubted they were seeing his form, but rather whatever the Force projected. His vision darkened as he was pulled into his own mind, opening his eyes on the wide stretch of a desert.

As far as Obi-Wan could see were sandy dunes, the sands texture coarse against his skin. The sky was a mixture of purple, pink and orange. Two suns on the horizon, about to vanish below it. Obi-Wan had seen this scenery before, in some of his visions. 

Except, this time he wasn’t in old, worn-down Jedi robes. He was in the wide dark blue tunic he had been wearing for the past mission. There wasn’t the lingering feeling of sadness, regret and loss.

“ A Jetti. ” A deep voice behind him called for attention.

Another thing that suggested that Obi-Wan wasn’t stuck in a vision, that this was something else all together. 

Behind him stood a tall Mandalorian, taller than any base human or near human Obi-Wan had ever seen before. They wore the same colours as the attackers, but Obi-Wan didn’t think they were here to hurt him.

He stayed silent as the Mandalorian approached and stood in front of him, looming over his smaller form. 

Obi-Wan tried and failed to hide a flinch as the being reached out and grabbed his shoulders. “Let me look at you, Jetii.” They said as they looked Obi-Wan up and down, grabbing his chin and moving his head as if to observe every inch of him. “It has been too long since my blade accepted another.”

“W– Who are you?” Obi-Wan asked, trying not to show his discomfort too much.

“ I am the one that created the blade. The first Jetii’Mando’ad .”

Obi-Wan’s brain had to think hard before he finally caught on, “ Mand’alor Tarre Vizsla, the only Mandalorian Jedi.” He muttered with wide eyes. “I have heard of you.”

“ The first, not the only. ” Tarre corrected, “ For at last another has risen .”

“I am not a Mandalorian.” Obi-Wan frowned, slightly relieved when he was let go.

“ You will be. ”

Before Obi-Wan could continue his protest, the desert faded slowly. The spirit of the Mandalorian vanished out of sight. 

He blinked, and the darkness of his mind was gone. 

He blinked again to see the battlefield, now calmed and clearly at its end. Obi-Wan wavered on his feet, his head killing him as he lost his balance.

He blinked once more, two Mandalorians looming over him.

He blinked again, bright lights blinding him completely. 

Then he was gone again.

—-------------------------------------------

Jango entered the fight in the courtyard, relieved that they had reached their allies in time. 

The Goran and the Jetii stood at the doors to where the ade were hiding behind. Miraculously, they had been holding back the enemy forces while Jango and his people cleared out the hall.

It shouldn’t have been too surprising that the Jetii was skilled in fighting. And yet, it was truly something else to witness the Jetii fight with a rarely seen deadly amount of grace. Fighting shouldn’t be that graceful, really.

“Leave the Jetii be, focus on Kyr’tsad ,” Jango ordered as he jumped into the fray and started to surround the enemies.

His attention was again pulled to the Jetii, when a grappling cord pulled him into the middle of the fight.

Tor Vizsla, the coward himself, attacked the Jetii with the dha’kad’au. It was then that Jango noted that the cuffs they had put on the Jetii had been cut and the Jetii was able to fight using the Manda.

The fighting halted when the Jetii got his hands on the dha’kad’au.

Suddenly, a wave of energy, the Ka’ra rushed over the battlefield. 

All eyes were drawn to where the Jetii had stood. He still stood there, but he was no longer alone. A tall shape stood by him and spoke through his mouth, an older version of Mando’a. It's a figure standing behind the Jetii, looming over him.

“ You have disgraced the name of Vizsla. The honour you once held slipped through your grasp. Your delusion has caused you to become dar’manda. A Mand’alor you will never be, now that the Ka’ra has denied you the right of rule. ” 

The ghost of Tarre Vizsla swung the kad’au, looking at it, 

“ This blade is not meant for Mando’ade alone. The Jetii will wield it as it should be wielded. Jetiise are no enemy, not now that another has risen once again. ”

“Who? Who is this enemy that the Jetiise and us share?” Jango frowned as he stepped forwards.

Now that Jango stood a bit closer, he could see that the Jetii was still where Tarre stood. Tarre looked at Jango and nodded his head, a fist to his chest, “ Greetings , Mand’alor Jango be Aliit Fett-Mereel . The Ka’ra sees you .”

“ And I greet the Mand’alor’e of the Ka’ra. ” Jango replied, “What enemy has risen?”

“ All in time. ” Tarre turned, seemingly swirling around the Jetii whose name he still didn’t know. “ The Seer will reveal when he sees. ”

Seer? What Seer? 

Before Jango could ask more, Tarre faded, “ Ret'urcye mhi, Mand’alor Fett-Mereel, may your reign be true. ”

Tarre faded, leaving the Jetii in his place. His hand was still around the hilt of the lit dha’kad’au. The Jetii’s eyes were wide but unseeing, his breathing heavy and his posture tense. 

Then he collapsed.

The Jetii gasped, his body convulsing in what looked like painful shocks. From the corner of his eyes, Jango watched Mij move forwards to help the Jetii lay on his back, Mij’s cape soon folded and below the Jetii’s head. 

“He’s having a seizure.” Mij called, “Get me my kit!”

—--------------------------------

Only last evening had Mand’alor Jango Fett-Mereel been watching the interrogation of the Jetii that had been captured by his second in command, Walon Vau. They had been on Mandalore, with New Mandalorians, unsanctioned.

To say the least, that wasn’t taken too kindly.

Walon was certain the Jetii knew where Kyr’tsad was and was trying to get it out of him when the dar’manda hut’uun in question barged into their meeting.

In all honesty, Jango had missed the fact that the Jetii had made his way out of the hall until he was rushing to the courtyard to aid the Goran in protecting a few of the ade that were in the palace today. 

His own ad was with them and Jango felt like he had a heart attack when word came in that the Goran was in dire need of assistance.

He was more than surprised to see the Goran holding Kyr’tsad back with none other than their loose Jetii. The show of skill and Manda’karla that followed was simply a treat. The Jetii was pretty, but now knowing how skilled in combat he was, made him now every Mando’s wet dream. Jetii or not.

And then the Jetii got his hands on the darksaber, won in battle from Tor Vizsla. Jango didn’t quite know what to make of that but it did something with him.

It was later that day, after they had gotten the Jetii into one of the medbay’s that footage of the Jetii’s deeds made its way through Jango’s ranks. Which brought Jango here, sitting in the medical room of the Jetii until he woke up. 

They had put a watch on the Jetii, to make sure there was someone with him should he seize again. The nurses had put it up and Jango had volunteered to take on one of the shifts. Both to stay in the loop as well as to hide away from the many unanswered questions his verde were sure to have.

So far, nothing had changed in the Jetii’s state; He had been put under until the medics thought he was ready to be woken up.

Jango didn’t know much about the details of the Jetii’s diagnosis but if he had to go off the Baar’ur’s reaction, it was bad. Old wounds and scars, exhaustion, bruises and broken bones. 

“So how long until he wakes?”

“Difficult to say,” Mij Gilamar looked down at the datapad he was holding, “In his state? Could be weeks. We have not been able to retrieve his medical file from the Jetiise .”

“What is the holdup?”

Mij Gilamar pursed his lips, “No one bothered to ask him his name when they dragged him in here. Our slicers have to find files on the mission rather than directly search for him, and those are well protected.”

Jango sighed; what a mess. 

“And the injuries?”

“He had them while in holding, never asked for medical aid.” Mij glared, “Can’t say I blame him. Listen, I respect Walon Vau– more than most– but he needs to be kept in check. If captured prisoners are treated in such a way, I would hate to call myself Haat’ade . We can’t say for sure why he seized, but his current state can’t help with that.”

It was true, the man had gone too far with his violence this time.

“Walon went too far.” Jango easily agreed, “I will speak with him set him up for an appointment with the Mir’Baar’ur . What else?”

“Nothing.” Mij shrugged, “We can do very little without background information, seeing the fragile state of the Jetii . If our slicers find his medical file, we can create a treatment plan for him. Until then, we need to wait until he awakens or we get the files, whichever one happens first.”

Jango ended up sitting through his shift, alternating between watching the Jetii breathe with slight difficulty and reading off his datapad. An old Mandalorian tale about a Mando’ad and a Jetii. It was old and probably not very accurate to Jetiise culture, but Jango felt it was on topic.

Nothing happened in his shift, so when one of the Baar’ur’e came to relieve him, he was all too glad to join Mij and get a well-deserved cup of caff to start his morning schedule. “No changes?”

“None at all.” Jango shook his head, nursing his cup, “He just slept, no sign of another seizure.”

“That is good for now.” Mij nodded, “The slicers say they’re closing in on his file, but the Jetiise’s system is better than they give them credit for. It’s likely they noticed that we’re trying to break in, because it is hard to find any files in basic. Everything is in some other language we’ve never seen before.”

“Keep trying, helping him is the least we can do after what he did.”

Mij nodded, “I still can’t believe the Jetii rescued your ad and got him to the Forge. It feels so surreal.”

Jango halted for a moment. “He did what?”

“Your ad .” Mij frowned a little, “Boba was in the hall when Kyr’tsad attacked. The Jetii got him out of the hall and to the Forge, then moved to protect the Forge instead of vanishing in the chaos. Haven’t you received the footage yet?”

“There’s footage?”

“Boba was filming part of it, the Goran got the rest. One of the verd’e put them together. It’s been making its rounds. You will be beating wannabe ven’riduur’e away with a stick.” Mij replied, “I will send you the file, it’s a real treat to watch.”

Oh kriff. 

From the little Jango had witnessed of the fight, he had seen how skilled the Jetii was. Now that Jetii was no longer seen as an enemy, the Mando’ade had unanimously decided to claim him. Be that through marriage, adoption or other means. 

Jango would need to deal with that one too. “Is that going to give me a headache?”

“Probably,” Mij grinned, “However, you can’t pretend not to find the Jetii attractive either.”

“Just send the video.”

Jango found himself watching the video several times. 

He hadn’t known his ad had been in direct danger. He had thought that Boba had been in the Forge for the learning trials, as he should have been. To find out that he had been in the hall when Kyr’tsad opened fire stung. His ad could have been killed and he wouldn’t even have realised it.

The footage continued for some time, showing how the Jetii moved to pick up Boba, tugging him against his chest. For a moment, nothing happened, then the Jetii moved fast– very fast. Boba’s footage became too blurry and chaotic to follow. Then the camera quality and scene changed, to what Jango assumed was the Goran’s footage.

Jango had hoped that the incident with Tarre Vizsla had been on holo as well, but it was not meant to be. The mysteries of the Manda remain undocumented once more. Jango had thought of what his predecessor had told them and couldn’t help but wonder who the Seer was.

Shaking his head, Jango tried to pretend that he wasn’t absolutely smitten by what he knew of the Jetii. He was in his age range, a bit younger than him. An undefeated fighter, good with ade and handsome. Part of Jango longed to care for the clearly mistreated man.

An urgent knock forced him out of his musing of how he would court his ancient enemy. “ Enter .”

“ Mand’alor .” Mij barged in, “He’s gone.”

—-----------------------------------------

Typing in the coordinates for a nearby planet, Obi-Wan flew the ship up into the sky, breaking through the atmosphere and into space. 

He wasn’t being pursued, not yet at least. It was likely they hadn’t sounded the alarm yet, that combined with the fact that no one knew Obi-Wan spoke a tiny bit of Mando’a had helped him in his escape.

Still, he didn’t relax until the stars around him started to blur and his ship jumped into hyperspace.

He wasn’t out of the woods yet, but he was close to freedom.

One quick jump later, Obi-Wan was out of Mandalorian space and in Belsmuth. It was a strategic jump, as he suspected the Mandalorians might close off the Hydian way once they realised his departure. 

Once out of hyperspace, Obi-Wan dialled a familiar com code.

“ Who the kriff– Oh! Kenobi! My good old friend! ” Hondo Ohnaka’s glare turned into a grin, “ How can I be of service to ya? ”

“Are you near the Demestras system by any chance?” Obi-Wan suppressed a smile as he heard Ohnaka shout a chance of directions to his crew.

“ We’re a half cycle away. Need a ride again? ”

“A ride in exchange for information,” Obi-Wan confirmed.

Ohnaka narrowed his eyes, “ A tough bargain you drive. ”

Playing along to the ‘hesitation’ Obi-Wan grinned, “You know my information is good.”

“ Indeed, indeed, ” Hondo nodded solemnly, “ I suppose I could agree to that. Information first– give me a freebee too, are you injured? ”

“I am a little beat up.” Obi-Wan admitted, “Also, on a totally unrelated note, don’t use the Hydian Way.”

“ Unrelated huh? ” Hondo grinned knowingly, “ Let me guess, your information is on the reason why we shouldn’t use the Hydian Way? We’ll have some bacta for ya, got the Kenobi emergency packet all ready. ”

“I am unsure if that is a good thing or should have me worried.”

Obi-Wan shared his current coordinates and the name of the planet he was going to land on to sell his stolen ship. 

A small kriff you to the Mandalorians that would hopefully buy some time for Hondo to get him into Republican space again.

It wasn’t the first time Obi-Wan had called Hondo for assistance; however Hondo still owed him, and he was amused by Obi-Wan to the point that he would drop whatever he was doing to help the younger man out.

Hondo ended up beating Obi-Wan to the planet they had agreed to meet on and helped him out by selling the damned ship, for a small fee of course. 

Then they forced him into the medical bay to get a proper check-up before sending him to bed like he was a youngling.

Then again, he didn’t have the energy to protest.

When he awoke, he was thrown food and a com, the pirate knowing full well that he needed to inform the Temple of the current situation. Obi-Wan did manage to sneak away to make the call, and was met by a very annoyed Master Windu who was rubbing his head to fight off a migraine.

The time between escaping, being picked up and dropped off on Coruscant blurred together and before he knew it, he was in yet another medbay. This time the one in the Temple, the one that was basically his second home, since he had to be there so often.

He mostly slept, letting his wounds heal while being glared at the minute he tried to stand up. No one messes with healers. 

No, Obi-Wan was blissfully unaware of the chaos he had instigated on the planet he had left behind him.

—-------------------

“ Jetii or not, he picked up the dha’kad’au and channelled Mand’alor Vizsla , that alone should make him Mando’ad. ”

“He is neither adopted nor married. He may have used the Dha’kad’au but he is not Mandalorian!” The counterargument came. “You heard Mand’alor Vizsla , the Dha’kad’au was never meant to symbolise the rule of a new Mand’alor .”

Jango rubbed his temple as his advisors argued about how to deal with the cultural implications of the apparition of the Ka’ra.

They were demanding that the Jetii be dragged back to Mandalore so he could do it again but Jango highly doubted the Manda worked that way. In fact, he was so sure of it, that he dragged the Goran down with him, forcing them to listen to this mess of a meeting.

“ UUR! K’uur! ” The Goran had finally had enough of the petty squabbling of the advisors and called attention. “Arguing about what is and is not the will of the Ka’ra is doing nothing but wasting precious hours. The Jetii slipped away when we were busy cleaning up Kyr’tsad’s mess and all we have done about it so far is pointless arguing and daring to call it ‘advising the Mand’alor’ . I would like to end this meeting on one agreement. We can all agree on one thing. The Jetii should be returned to Mandalore.”

“ Oya !” Most of the advisers replied.

“Then Mand’alor Fett, we as the council of advisors advice you to get that Jetii .”

For a moment, everything was blissfully silent. Jango enjoyed it for the moment before announcing, “Set off to the Jetiise Temple , put a bounty out within our channels alone. A hefty reward for any verd that returned the Ge’tal Jetii to me.”

“ Oya! Oya! Oya !”

Let the hunt begin.

—-------------------

Obi-Wan: *Not having a great time on a solo Knight mission*

The Force: Oh you are going to love what comes next.

Obi-Wan: *Tired as hell but fighting* I will fight until the bitter kriffing end, try me bitc–

Haat’ade: That’s actually kind of attractive.

Haat’ade: *Learn of the Jedi saving the Alor’ad and channelling Mand’alor Vizsla* That’s it, he’s ours.

Obi-Wan: Nahhh. *Dips*

Obi-Wan: *Calling his go-to ride home* Hondo whatsuppppp I have some prime information.

Hondo: Are you the reason the information is relevant?

Obi-Wan: *Definitely the reason the Mandlaorians are closing down a space lane* You will have to give me that ride to learn about it.

Obi-Wan: *just wants to go home to sleep*

Haat’ade: We need to retrieve the hot Jetii!

Jango: You all will riot if I don’t and I kind of want to court the man that saved my child, let’s hunt him down.

Obi-Wan: *Feels an odd shiver trailing down his spine*

Obi-Wan: *Narrowed eyes* I have a bad feeling about this.

Chapter Text

Chapter 2; Another Day, Another Mission - (Beta read)

Of course, Master Che kept him locked up in the medbay for longer than strictly necessary in Obi-Wan’s humble opinion. The second he was released, Quinlan cornered him– his Creche Clan sibling who he hadn’t seen in months.

Quinlan had somehow managed to convince Obi-Wan that going to Dex’s dinner for a creche clan outing would be a good idea despite Obi-Wan being on Temple rest. He regretted it the moment he stepped outside and was hit by a wave of dizziness.

At least Quinlan seemed excited, “Garen and Bant are there already, they were in Temple. Siri is coming back from a mission today, so she’ll join when she gets back. Until then, we can catch up with the four of us. I want all the details on those pesky Mandalorians.”

“I don’t think ‘pesky’ is the right way to describe them.” He muttered, remembering how fierce they were both in battle and in that damned trial.

Quinlan laughed at Obi-Wan’s deadpan tone and annoyed expression as he wrapped his arm around him. They had just gotten out of the speeder they had claimed for the day and parked it somewhere it wouldn’t immediately be stolen. 

Dex’s diner was near the end of the ‘nice part of town’ and bordering on the lower levels. Come to think of it, it wasn’t too far from Little Keldabe, the last place any Jedi should be right now. 

Mandalorians tended to drop by Dex’s from time to time, not staying long enough to sit down but they did often pick up food. It was why Obi-Wan had insisted on forgoing their Jedi robes and going incognito. That, in turn, had resulted in Quinlan dressing them both up in their clubbing clothes, probably with the hope that they would go out after dinner.

Obi-Wan doubted he could stay awake that long, but maybe they could drop in one or two clubs on their way back to the Temple.

“Obi-Wan!” Dex exclaimed as he grinned at the two Jedi that walked in, “Come here my friend!”

Smiling, Obi-Wan hugged Dex, who wrapped him in his four arms. “How have things been, Dex?”

“Things go,” Dex nodded, ushering Obi-Wan to the back of the diner where a table had been set for five. Like Quinlan suggested, Bant and Garen were already there. Quin didn’t hesitate to hug the other two Jedi while Obi-Wan kept back to speak for Dex for a moment.

“Any news?”

“I don’t know what ya did, kid, but Mandalorians have been crawling these parts recently.” Dex muttered, “They’ve been polite, not bothering no one. I have contacts in high places with them. Want me to poke around for ye?”

“Only if you can do so without calling trouble down on yourself.” Obi-Wan replied, “While it is appreciated, it is unwise to tell them you are in with Jedi.”

“You ain’t no Jedi to me.” Dex shook his head, clearly a compliment even if Obi-Wan didn’t really see it as such, “Saved my skin, you. I will not betray that.”

Obi-Wan smiled at Dex, “Thank you, my friend.”

“Now sit down and eat, yer way too thin.” Dex ordered as he followed Obi-Wan and stood by the table to take orders.

Garen and Bant hugged Obi-Wan before letting him slide in the round booth first. He sat between Bant and Quinlan, near the back of the booth so he couldn’t sneak away easily. Dex took their orders, told them it was on the house and waddled off to prepare the food.

“Now, I’m sure we all have the same questions~” Quinlan all but sang, “And we all want to know why there has been a strict ban on Little Keldabe ever since you returned to the Temple. But before we start the interrogation, is there anything you want to tell us, Obi?”

Obi-Wan took a sip from his drink and replied, “Any and all mission-related information is highly classified and can not be discussed with beings not directly involved.”

“Oh come on! You can’t just use that excuse now.” Quinlan whined as he pulled Obi-Wan against him. “Don’t you tell us everything? Come on Obes.”

“Not if I ever want to leave the Temple again.” Obi-Wan sassed back, “Since this issue is still ongoing, I am under strict order not to talk about it outside of the Council. Sorry guys, no juicy mission story from me.”

“Awwhh, killjoys the lot of them.” Quin grumbled. “Always in the way of good fun.”

They laughed a bit before shooting off into stories they were allowed to share. Quinlan’s latest mission to spy on pirates in the outer rim, Bant with her duties in the Healing Wing of the Temple, Garen with his Knight duty, helping refugees get off a planet safely.

There was a lot to catch up on now that all of them were Jedi Knights. They rarely saw each other in real life anymore, being sent off to all the edges of the galaxy on a whim. Obi-Wan missed going out together like this.

It took a while still before Siri joined them, but when she did she was warmly greeted. She looked about as weary as Obi-Wan himself felt, but wore a bright smile on her face regardless.

Food at Dex’s was always great. Even Obi-Wan, who to this day struggled with eating because of his mission to Melida/Daan, ate plenty before he felt too full to eat more. They sat for hours, catching up, enjoying each other's presence. 

At some point, Obi-Wan had nodded off into a nap, leaning on Quin’s shoulder. Not deep enough to not hear the typical sounds of a diner, but also not aware enough to follow the line of conversation. It also meant he completely missed that his Clan had gone silent and tense.

“Obes, look alive.” Quin muttered as he jerked his shoulder to stir Obi-Wan from his sleepiness.

“Hmm?” Obi-Wan frowned as he squinted his eyes open, “What is it?”

“Mando’s.”

That awoke Obi-Wan rather quickly and he slowly moved to sit straight, looking at the door where four Mando’s had stepped through. It wouldn’t have been that much of a concern, considering that they did drop by every now and then, except that the Mando with black armour that had captured him in the first place was with them.

Not to mention the one in grey and blue, the Mand’alor himself was here.

“We have to go.” Obi-Wan breathed while frowning as he nodded to Quin and Garen. They got to their feet instantly. Bant and Siri soon followed, all understanding the need to remain unseen.

Siri and Garen were already heading for the exit near the back, Bant and Quin were turned to walk through the kitchen when Obi-Wan looked at the Mando’s. Dex greeted them broadly, as he did with good friends. It sure looked like they knew each other.

Higher-up friends indeed– Dex could have told him he was so familiar with the Mand’alor.

Obi-Wan didn’t have time to wonder about it when he was pulled into the kitchen by Quinlan. Just missing the turned visor of the Mando in black armour. “Focus, you can disassociate back at the Temple.” He ordered, pulling Obi-Wan along.

They moved through the kitchen, greeted and bid Siri and Garen goodbye before exiting through the back door. “Our speeder has room for two,” Quin muttered, “You two go, I can take the public train.”

“No, I will.” Obi-Wan narrowed his eyes, “You two take the speeder, I’ll get back on my own.”

“After whatever you’re not allowed to talk about? Over my dead body.” Quin glared. “You and Bant take the speeder, I’m better trained than both of you.”

“You haven’t dealt with Mando’s, I have,” Obi-Wan argued, but before he could continue, a noise attracted their attention. 

Obi-Wan winced as he heard the familiar sounds of jetpacks firing up. “Kriff. Just take the others back, I will be able to–”

Quin threw the access key of their speeder to Bant who caught it, “Go. If we aren’t back within an hour, sound the alarm.”

A quick nod later, Quinlan dragged Obi-Wan along and pulled him into the busy streets.

Walking along as fast as he could without being too obvious about it, Obi-Wan stole Quinlan’s shawl and started to cover up his hair with it. His hair colour was not one that blended in too well– one of the many reasons Obi-Wan would never become a Shadow like Quinlan.

“How good at tracking are they?” Quinlan gritted, pulling Obi-Wan into one of the many famous clubbing streets of Coruscant.

His question was answered as their path was blocked by a Mando in orange armour.

“Too good.” Obi-Wan lamented. “This way!”

Leading Quinlan into one of the many clubs, Obi-Wan narrowly avoided being caught and ran past the bouncer who was a little too familiar with the two Knights entering his club. 

Thankfully, they were kind enough to halt the Mando before they could chase them inside. “They know what we look like.” Quin groaned, “Hiding is not an option.”

“Any good ideas?”

“We could use the droid passages?”

Obi-Wan pushed through the crowd, “While not a bad idea, their Jetpacks might allow them to give chase.”

“They won’t know the way.”

Changing their direction, Obi-Wan and Quinlan exited the club through the kitchens and started running to their favourite shortcuts. 

Droid passages were notorious for being impossible to traverse by speeder. Only droids could fly through them. Back in their Padawan days, Obi-Wan and Quinlan had quickly figured out that with a few wall runs and Force leaps, they could also use them without plummeting to their untimely deaths.

It started out as a challenge but now they knew the shortcuts like the back of their hands. 

Taking the Mandalorians by complete surprise, the two Jedi launched themselves up and into the narrow passages, hopping wall to wall.

With their clunky armour, they could never follow but that didn’t mean they were out of hot water yet.

Those Mandalorians understood their destination.

When Obi-Wan and Quinlan got near the Temple they were once more spotted and chased. Running up the stairs faster than either had ever before, Obi-Wan and Quinlan ran for the main set of doors.

Getting past the Temple guards, Obi-Wan all but threw himself into one of the halls and out of sight. He heard the sounds of the Temple guards crossing their spears to deny entrance. 

Completely out of breath, Obi-Wan heaved as he and Quinlan laid on the cool Temple floor for a moment.

“That–” Quin breathed, “That was too close–”

“Agreed.” Obi-Wan sighed, forcing himself to sit up. “Let’s change before the Council inevitably calls for us.”

Quinlan grumbled but did sit up and got moving towards his apartment to change back into his mandatory Jedi robes. 

Obi-Wan did the same. He used a few Temple shortcuts he had no business knowing, before reaching his apartment and letting himself in. Washing up a little, Obi-Wan had barely changed into a clean set of robes when a knock on his door called his attention. 

A Temple guard stood in front of his door, “Knight Kenobi, the Council summons you.” He stated before breaking protocol to say, “What have you gotten into now, little brother?”

Sighing a bit, Obi-Wan shrugged, “Nothing outside of the usual amount of trouble I reckon.” He replied, “I am glad to see you too, Knight Feemor.”

“Come on.” He pulled Obi-Wan with him, keeping his hand on the younger Knight’s shoulder to bully him into walking in front of him. They headed up to the Council and Feemor halted at the door, “Good luck, little brother.”

Obi-Wan shot him a dirty look at the clear sarcasm in his tone before straightening himself out and entering the High Council Chamber.

He walked to the middle of the floor and bowed to the Councillors present, “You called for me?” He asked innocently as if he wasn’t just hunted down by Mandalorians.

“We have indeed.” Mace deadpanned, already annoyed at the entire situation, “What about ‘Temple rest’ is unclear to you, Knight Kenobi?”

“As far as I am aware Temple rest means I am to stay on Coruscant for the time being to recover from my latest mission.” Obi-Wan informed dutifully, “It was quite unforeseeable that we would run into trouble on home soil, Master Windu.”

Windu narrowed his eyes, “With your luck–?”

“What Master Windu means–” Master Koon cut in, “–is that it was unwise of you to tread near Little Keldabe so soon after the events of your mission.”

“Dex’s dinner is hardly ever visited by Mandalorians, no more than any other place near the Temple, Master. While I regret the fact that I have once more had a run-in with them I am quite certain that it would have happened eventually.”

“Luckily for us, you won’t get the chance to run into them on Coruscant for a while.” Mace muttered.

“Send you on a delivery mission to Alderaan, we will.” Yoda hummed, “Asked for you personally, Senator Organa has.”

Ah, Senator Bail Organa. He had mentioned wanting to call upon the Jedi to negotiate a way to help the Freed slave refugees when he aided Obi-Wan in returning to Coruscant. 

Since the Jedi weren’t officially involved, the reason for the meeting was to visit Alderaan as a seeker, so inhabitants with Force Sensitive children could ask for aid or send their children off to be taught in the Temple.

“You will travel to Rishi to meet with the Freed there and gather the intel Senator Organa needs for his plans.” Mace explained, “After your visit there, you will head directly to Alderaan under the guise of a Seeker mission. He is expecting you sometime within the next month.”

Alderaan was a peaceful planet, and though they were not afraid of battle they had been in a long period without conflict. It meant that it was meant to be an easy mission, perfect to slowly get back into action.

Then again, no mission was ever easy when one of Yoda’s lineage was involved, Obi-Wan mused. 

Bowing to the council, Obi-Wan turned and headed back to his room. Quinlan was outside the Council room, clearly waiting for Obi-Wan. 

“What did they say?” He demanded as Obi-Wan walked out.

“I have gotten an intel and Seeker mission to Alderaan.” Obi-Wan replied, allowing a slight hint of amusement in his tone. “A simple mission, if you will. It should take a month or two at most.”

Catching on, Quin pursed his lips, “So they are sending you off until things here calm down, which will inevitably result in you finding trouble anyways.”

Sending a deeply unamused look to his Creche Clan brother, Obi-Wan shook his head, “I am leaving in an hour.”

—------------------------------------

It was interesting to see how the Mandalorians kept an eye on what they believed were all the Jedi ships available to the Temple. Obi-Wan was glad that they were seemingly unaware of the hangar located within the Temple itself as he boarded his small incognito ship and prepared it for take off.

Rishi was pretty far away– a nine-day journey through Hyperspace if Obi-Wan travelled without pause. He would likely need to add a day for refuelling before he exited the Inner Rim if he wanted to avoid the more ‘shady’ hangars.

There was a contact on Rishi who would meet with him and who would tell Obi-Wan the information he needed to know. They had refused to write anything down so far, always demanding a being that could deliver their information to whomever had reached out. 

Obi-Wan had been briefed on the mission months ago– they thought since Obi-Wan was familiar with the Freed contact might be smoother if he went. They had been waiting to hear from a messenger from Rishi to see if it was alright to move to the next step when Obi-Wan headed off to Mandalore.

Sleeping through most of the first part of the journey, Obi-Wan tried to catch up on lost sleep before taking manual control of the ship again and landing it on Wroona for a quick stop.

Ahead of schedule, Obi-Wan decided to take the opportunity of his stop to buy some more supplies on the local market. It was nice to get some fresh air while he got the chance. Some dried fruits would go a long way as well.

Drawing his hood, Obi-Wan watched the droids of the hangar fuel his ship for a moment before heading off for his errands.

Wroona was not very high-tech, the locals preferred it that way, but it had some of the best natural resources available in the Inner Rim. Obi-Wan discovered that blue was a very popular colour and smiled as he spotted the many handmade wares available on the stands.

The life on the planet made him smile constantly– this was nice.

Wandering the market for a while, Obi-Wan found one selling what he was looking for and purchased his dried fruits as well as whatever supply he was missing. It was there, when he was picking what fruits he wanted that Obi-Wan felt eyes on his back.

Someone was following him. 

As an uncomfortable feeling crept up on him, Obi-Wan adjusted his hood ever so slightly and headed off.

The feeling didn’t leave him as he walked over the market, deeper into the city. How long had they been following him? Did they know where his ship was? If they did, they must have trapped it in some way.

Especially if these beings were who he thought they were.

No time to figure that out, the sooner he was off planet and en route to Rishi, the better. Ducking into a narrow alleyway, Obi-Wan shrugged his robe off and discarded it. He was glad he had brought two spare sets of clothing now.

Out of the alley, Obi-Wan hid against the wall and listened.

Two armoured beings stepped into the alley. 

“ Wayii , di’kut , I told you not to let him round the corner.”

“ Haar’chak !” The other replied, “We were so close. Split up, we can still catch him.”

Catch– catching suggests taking alive– that was something Obi-Wan was going to take advantage of to its fullest.

Pushing off the wall, Obi-Wan headed to the nearest stand, took a blue poncho that just so happened to match his eyes and wrapped up in it, pulling the hood over his head before paying the seller. He debated a scarf to hide the slight stubble he had started to grow but decided against it. He didn’t even bother to try and haggle the price and started to blend with the crowd.

As Obi-Wan neared the hangar, he spotted two different Mando’s keeping an eye out but instead of backing down and hiding, Obi-Wan straightened and walked right past them confidently.

There were no obvious traps on his ships, no trackers he could find. It was likely they spotted him on the market and followed him. They had left his ship untouched– incognito Jedi ships remained pretty well hidden in most systems, including this one.

Still, Obi-Wan remained on edge until his ship launched into Hyperspace, feigning the illusion of safety.

—--------------------------

“Report.”

“ These di’kut’e lost him on Wroona. He was there one moment, gone the next. ”

Jango sighed. First his Jedi managed to slip away right under his careful watch, now he slipped away again. “Do you know how?”

“ Discarded his Jetii robes and blended in with the locals. We were looking for daryc, not kebiin. ” Another one of the group of four grumbled.

Glancing at the datapad as it updated, Jango observed a still image from one of the buy’ces of the verd’e who had an actual run-in with the ge’tal jetii. Not one of the many false leads but an actual lead.

“What was he doing on Wroona?”

“ Unknown. We didn’t exactly get to ask him .”

Jango smirked as he watched the footage provided with the report.

Ge’tal, dressed not in his Jetii robes but in a bright blue poncho, walked up to the Mandalorians and right past them. Neither of the di’kut’e keeping out an eye for him even noticed him slip past.

Werdla. 

The blue poncho matched with the blue of his eyes and, coincidentally, the clue of Jango’s beskar’gam. That colour looked good on him.

“Find out where he went– what his mission is. Let the verd’e know that I am on my way.” Jango’s eyes had a glint of amusement in them. “He can’t run forever.”

—--------------------------------------

Obi-Wan just knew that the planet Rishi had sounded a little too familiar. It was the damned pirate planet Hondo would go on and on about.

They had attempted to board Obi-Wan the second he arrived within range of the atmosphere. Let’s just say Obi-Wan was able to dissuade him from that idea. 

Very politely. 

In a very, very, civilised way.

Clever enough to hide his ship rather than docking in the local hangar, Obi-Wan slipped into the town he was supposed to meet with his contact and looked around. Unlike Wroona, Rishi didn’t have bright colours, making the blue of his newly acquired poncho a tad too obvious, meaning he was back to his favoured robes.

Unlike most Jedi or even the Council, Obi-Wan was familiar with the Way the Freed Walked. He knew how they marked their save havens because he had been taught how to look out for them down in the Mines of Bandomeer.

Obi-Wan walked through the busy marketplace. Was it a black market if everything on Rishi was likely illegal? Either way, he casually strolled across the street while pulling the ‘notice-me-not’ around him in the Force. The less pirates noticed him, the better.

His way of walking changed. It went from his usual effortless and flowy glide to something timid and careful. His posture was more sacked and his head kept low. Unlike how he held himself when he was amongst his own people, Obi-Wan looked like he could vanish without a trace at any time. Others seemed to recognise Obi-Wan’s movements and see him as one of theirs.

He was looking for the entrance to the Home of the Freed. It changes often, but Obi-Wan knew what he was looking for. The Freed needed to keep moving if they wished to remain Freed.

Strolling in the market, Obi-Wan stopped at many of the stands to look at the products before moving along again. He did it for hours, subtly looking for the clues he knew were hidden somewhere in the city.

Near the evening, Obi-Wan finally perked up a little, alert and seemingly relieved.

Obi-Wan saw it– the one small carving next to a door frame. It could be easily dismissed as scratches– as was the way the language was meant to be– but to Obi-Wan it stood out, he could read it.

Zuri

Safe.

So small and so subtle that one wouldn’t see it unless they searched for it. Obi-Wan walked up to the place and tapped the door. It wasn’t a knock with his fist like he usually would when knocking on a door but a soft tapping with one finger.

It took a while, but the door was pulled open and someone completely covered in cloth peeked through the opening. “Can I help you?”

“ Mi’su at sul cho bani Ar-Amu. ” Obi-Wan’s tone was quiet, the language only spoken in a whisper.

The figure froze before looking Obi-Wan up and down, “ Te masu Lukka? ”

“ Seka, mi’su Lukka. ”

More hesitation before the door was opened more widely. It allowed the two of them access and they stepped into the dark and much cooler house. Well, the house would be a bit of a stretch, it was more of a hut. 

Inside were a considerable number of people. Some looked injured and exhausted, others looked just relieved. 

They had all one thing in common. 

The expression of pure and utter relief. 

There was a lot going on, kids running around and elderly sitting in circles. Obi-Wan was guided to another room, one that was cool but the air was thick with some kind of incense. He was guided to where an elderly man was seated. He looked weary, with cuffs around his wrists but the chains broken. He had a tattoo on his chest that trailed up into his neck, one that reminded Obi-Wan of his own tattoo on his spine– a reminder that he was Freed.

Standing in front of the man, Obi-Wan kept his head bowed slightly in respect but never going low enough to be considered bowing or even nodding his head. 

“ I have a story. Will you listen to it? ” Obi-Wan spoke the language of the Freed again.

The old man’s voice came out in a rasp. “ I will. ”

“ Will you learn from it? ”

“ I must. ”

The room had become quiet as others sat down and turned their attention to Obi-Wan. It was unnerving how quickly the room just turned from a bustling place to how silent it was now. Even the children had stopped their playing and quietly sat down.

Obi-Wan sat down on the opposite side of the low table. 

He spoke again after a moment. 

“ Then let me tell you about a boy. Born free. Once drowned, then saved, then captured and enslaved. His hands were bound, his neck restricted within the clutches of the Depur. Freed by his own hands, captured again, freed again, over and over and over. A boy that grew up and now wishes to lend aid to others. ”

It wasn't the first time he told this story to one that understood, one that dared to listen.

“ You too are a child of the Ar’Amu, she brought you here to us. ” The old man stated. Ben could feel the Force reside in him– however weak the connection was. 

Slaves were usually better at listening to the Force, they always listened.

“ I too have faced the turmoil and trauma of bound hands, yes .” Obi-Wan agreed solemnly. “And I have come here to take a message to those on Alderaan willing to aid. ”

The proud Freed raised his chin, showing off his ink patterns. “ At what cost? ”

“ At the price of alliance. ”

“ Speak, Child of the Freed. ” He nodded, knowing Obi-Wan was one of his own people. Knowing he had been a slave and offered to share his found freedom now.

“I am Obi-Wan Kenobi, Knight of the Jedi Order. I am familiar with Prince Bail Organa of Alderaan who you have been in contact with. I am here to pick up any message you may wish to deliver.” Ben started, switching to Basic. “We wish to help you Free those bound–”

—-----------------------------

“Sitrep!” Jango demanded, arriving at where his verd’e had gathered.

They were on Rishi of all places. A kriffing pirate planet known for smuggling weapons. What his Jetii was doing there he would hopefully soon learn– when they finally managed to catch him.

“The Jetii was spotted a few hours ago wandering the market.” Myles informed, looking up from the map of the city. “We are not sure but we think he was looking for something. We lost him in this area, it’s being surveilled by our verd’e as we speak”

“Any details on why he is here?”

“Still slicing the mission files– same problem as before.” Myles replied, “We can’t read the language they are using for their documents.”

“I suppose we will have to ask him then, huh?” Jango smirked. “How many are on the planet at the moment?”

“Three squads, two of them here for the bounty. We agreed to work together and split the rewards.” Silas piped up, heading over to Jango to greet him with a steady grip on his wrist. “It’s good to see you, Mand’alor .”

“Let’s get ourselves your ge’tal Jetii .” Myles hummed, smirking.

Jango matched his friend's smirk, “ Oya !”

—-----------------------------------

Hours later, the meeting with the leader of the Freed had concluded successfully.

Obi-Wan discussed the situation with Bail, that he was en route to deliver his message as well as for his cover mission as a Seeker.  He called the man while walking across the upper levels of the market, gliding across the metal floors with ease.

Bail was delighted to hear from Obi-Wan and seemed excited to pick up a project that had gone quiet due to a lack of knowledge around Slave culture.

“As I said– I am currently on my way towards Alderaan, it should only be a couple of days from now.”

“ We are more than happy to house a Jedi on his mission to aid our children. ” Bail replied, “ Are your travels going well? ”

“So far so– kriff!” Obi-Wan yelped as he barely ducked away and rolled out of reach of a blaster bolt flying his way.

For a moment, time slowed as Obi-Wan watched the stun bolt pass his face by a hair and hit the wall behind him. “Let me call you back, Bail!”

“ Obi-Wan what was –”

Hanging up, Obi-Wan moved back up to his feet and took a step back. Several Mandalorians landed around him, surrounding him.

What Obi-Wan didn’t expect, was to be tackled off his feet by an incoming form he had failed to notice due to the surprise of being charged at rather than shot at. 

They weren’t hostile to him, as the Force exploded in pleased excitement instead of warning.

Damned Force– where were its warnings when he needed them?

He landed on top of the figure, his back against the beings chest as their arms were wrapped around him. They had taken the blow of their fall and held onto Obi-Wan tightly. 

A yelp left Obi-Wan as he was turned over, the being now all but stuck on his back as he was pushed onto the ground.

They worked kriffing quickly.

Obi-Wan’s wrists were captured and manhandled above his head as the being shifted. Trying to look at who the kriff was holding him, Ben froze as he saw the familiar silver-blue buy’ce.

The Mand’alor.

Breathing heavily, Obi-Wan turned back and stared at nothing as he tried to process the fact that the Mand’alor was on top of him, literally. 

Moving his hands in one of his own, the Mand’alor reached back and fumbled a little. Obi-Wan only realised what he was doing when he felt the man’s breath against his neck.

“ Ge’tal .” He muttered as he brushed his nose against the back of Obi-Wan’s neck. Blushing as he finally snapped out of his frozen state and tried to free his hands.

To his surprise, the Mand’alor let go of his wrists and allowed Ben to turn to face him. It had been over three months since he had seen the man and he had never seen him without his helmet. 

The Mand’alor looked tired, there were circles under his eyes. His tan skin and deep brown eyes observed Obi-Wan carefully. He had a scar on his cheek going down his neck. His hair was slightly mattened but Obi-Wan could tell it was supposed to be curly. Obi-Wan hated how much the man matched with Obi-Wan’s usual type of partner.

Well he wasn’t dead yet. Was that good or bad? Obi-Wan had no idea at this point. He had noticed Haat’ade sneaking around before, but he never guessed the Mand’alor himself would catch up to him.

The Man was hovering over him, keeping his eyes on Obi-Wan as he slowly lowered his head to press against Obi-Wan’s forehead.

‘ Oh…This is nice. ’ Obi-Wan thought as he breathed a little as he let his hands rest against the Mand’alor’s chest. ‘ Wait no, this is not–’

“You are kriffing hard to find, meshla .” The Mand’alor muttered, watching as Obi-Wan’s eyes popped open again from where they had closed. 

Feeling his cheeks flush a little, Obi-Wan went to sass the Mandalorian when the man leaned down and pressed his lips to Obi-Wan’s. 

Obi-Wan melted into the soft kiss for a few moments, still confused as hell, before he came to his senses and punched the Mand’alor in the nose before kicking him back with the Force. 

Whatever it was that had just happened had thrown Obi-Wan completely off his game but after a few startled seconds his rational mind finally won back control. 

Flipping back to his feet, Obi-Wan shook his hand for a moment and clenched it, making sure he didn’t accidentally break any bones in his hand before looking at the Mand’alor.

Several of his warriors surrounding them were too busy chuckling about the whole situation to realise Obi-Wan was about to take off. The ones that did were clever enough to take a shot.

Ignoring the Mand’alor getting up while whipping his bleeding nose with a damned attractive smirk on his lips, Obi-Wan straightened, dodging the incoming bolt meant to shock him– just like the one used on Mandalore. 

Yeah not again.

Obi-Wan punched his hand out and pushed the stun bolt coming at him back to whomever shot it, trapping them instead. Getting into position, Obi-Wan pulled his saber and lit it up. If they wanted a fight, Obi-Wan would give them one.

Or well, that is likely what they hoped judging the excited and gleeful expression on the Mand’alor’s exposed face.

He tilted his head as he smirked at Obi-Wan and got into position with the saber Obi-Wan had wielded many weeks ago. Except, Obi-Wan was not planning on fighting him, especially not now.

Returning the smirk on the Mand’alor’s face, Obi-Wan moved his saber down and turned in a circle, cutting the metal below him and letting himself plummet through the floor and down to the ground floor.

Laughing slightly at the noises of disbelief above him, Obi-Wan landed on his feet and shot off, hiding his saber in his robes again even as he ran with force enhanced speed. 

Not naive enough to believe his ship hadn’t been found this time around, Obi-Wan moved towards the hangar– the complete opposite way the Mandalorians likely expected him to go. He ran through the crowd and into the sector they kept the cargo ships.

One of them was bound to go to the inner rims and Obi-Wan would rather jump ships to Alderaan than be caught by Mandalorians while trying to escape on his own ship.

He was already sorry for Master Windu when he would inevitably need to report his ship that was left behind on an Outer Rim planet.

—---------------------------------

Jango watched the footage again.

His werdla ge’tal jetii was an overgrown clever feral tooka. He fought dirty and somehow managed to shake three squads of trained verd’e with relative ease. 

“ He still isn’t back at his ship. ”

“He is not going to.” Jango huffed a laugh, “He is too clever to take that risk.”

“ Kriff, now what? Finding him will be impossible. ”

“Did they pick up who he was calling?”

“ Elek. He called them ‘Bail’ .”

“Bail.” Jango repeated thoughtfully. “I know that name from somewhere.”

Mij piped up, “Are you actually considering that offer Alderaan sent out?”

Alderaan.

Jango huffed a laugh, “Of course. Bail Organa of Alderaan.”

‘ You want to play, ge’tal’ika? We can play. ’

—-----------------------------

Dex: I don’t like Jedi.

Obi-Wan: *Is a Jedi*

Dex: I like one Jedi.

Bear Clan: *Getting dinner in town*

Haat’ade: *Hunting Obi-Wan down and decided on asking their contact, Dex*

Bear Clan: For kriffs sake.

Obi-Wan & Quinlan:  *Take routes no sane being would ever take*

Jango: For kriffs sake.

Jedi Council: Let’s send Obi-Wan off so the Temple won’t be overrun by Mando’s

Obi-Wan: *Nodding along* Sounds like a good idea.

Everyone else: No it doesn’t.

Obi-Wan: *Is stalked*

Obi-Wan: *Loses Mandos*

Obi-Wan: *casually avoiding capture while continuing his mission as if nothing happened*

Obi-Wan: *escapes being surrounded by punching the Mand’alor*

Jango: Kriff that is hot.

Chapter Text

Chapter 3; Alderaan - (Beta read)

“ Again?! ”

“Fourth time.” Obi-Wan deadpanned before taking a bite off his food. “None of them are approaching though– they are just… there.”

Two weeks after his run-in with the Mandalorians on Rishi, Obi-Wan had managed to make it to Balmorra and was about to enter a public ship to Alderaan for his meeting with Bail Organa.

“ They just won’t give up, will they? ” Quinlan was more than glad to speak with Obi-Wan when he called out of boredom.

“I don’t like it, it’s like they’re waiting for something.” Obi-Wan mused. “They may not approach but it’s not like they’re being secretive about following me. I don’t like it.”

“ Remind me again what happened on Rishi ?”

Obi-Wan cringed, “Got tackled, kissed and ended up with me punching that Mando off me.” Obi-Wan summarised without mentioning that that particular Mando just happened to be the Mand’alor of the Mandalorian Empire.

“ But they didn’t try to kill you? ”

“Not that I’m aware of.” Obi-Wan replied wryly. 

“ What do they want then? ”

“I didn’t stick around to ask.” Out of the corner of his eyes, Obi-Wan spotted the Mando’s again. He narrowed his eyes as they waved at him. “It’s like waiting for the inevitable. I don’t like it.”

“ Call me if they start trying to kill you. ”

Obi-Wan’s expression turned to one of annoyance, “Thanks Quin, much obliged.”

“ Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do~ Especially not something like finding that Mando and kriffing them– ”

“Bye Quin!” Obi-Wan ended the call before Quin could even finish his sentence and shook his head.

He glared at the Mandalorians for a moment before doing his best to lose them in the crowd. If it worked or not, he would likely never know.

While he didn’t see any of the Mando’s that had been keeping an eye on them recently he wasn’t completely sure they hadn’t guessed his next halt. Alderaan was not difficult to reach from Balmorra and there were plenty of ways of travelling between the two planets.

Sooner rather than later, Obi-Wan was landing on Alderaan where he was merrily greeted by Bail Organa.

“Knight Kenobi, welcome back!” Bail Organa reached Obi-Wan who bowed as he greeted his old friend.

“Prince Organa, thank you for allowing the Temple to make this visit.” Obi-Wan thanked the man, referring to their cover-reasoning behind this visit.

“We are more than happy to honour the kind request, join us for dinner? I have some other guests that shall be there for some important meetings. You wouldn’t mind sitting in on one of those meetings between your searches, Knight Kenobi?”

“Not at all, dear friend.” Obi-Wan smiled serenely. “When can I expect them to be?”

“Tomorrow morning will be the first one. It is to my understanding you wished the remainder of the day for your mission?” Bail hummed. “We have a few meetings planned that are all scheduled in the early hours of the day.”

“Sounds very good.” Obi-Wan nodded, “I hate to ask this of you, but is there any possibility for me to retire to my lodgings before dinner to freshen up?”

Bail smiled at Obi-Wan, “Certainly.”

—------------------------

It was more than nice to shower after weeks of not being able to.

Obi-Wan enjoyed the hot water in the fresher as he cleaned his hair thoroughly for the first time in weeks.The gleam of his copper hair was finally visible again and his skin was clear of dried sweat and dust.

Wrapping a soft towel around his waist, Obi-Wan stepped out from the steamy cabin and whipped some condense from the mirror. His light stubble had come in and was starting to grow into a short beard.

Rubbing it thoughtfully, Obi-Wan wondered if he could get away with trimming it and letting it grow out. His hair was getting awfully long again also– it had always grown at a rapid pace, especially in warmer climates.

In the end, Obi-Wan ended up deciding to just trim his beard and clean it up, leaving it to grow out rather than going out clean shaven. He tied his hair up in a bun with a blue ribbon and ensured it looked presentable. Having planned ahead, one of his sets of Jedi robes was clean and ready for use.

When he walked out into his room, Obi-Wan noted that his dirty clothes had been taken away and washed– including his blue poncho he had decided to keep as a souvenir of this trip. The maids must have dropped by to take them away when he was in the fresher.

The dinner with Bail and Breha was scheduled to be in three hours which means Obi-Wan needed to be ready and in the dining hall in two to take part in the pre-dinner mingling. Enough time to take a lovely and well deserved nap.

A couple of hours later, Obi-Wan found himself walking through the halls of the Palace and on his way to greet the Queen and Prince Consort of Alderaan.

“Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi. It is amazing to see you again.”

“Queen Organa.” Obi-Wan bowed to Breha and pressed a kiss on the back of her hand, “You are as graceful as ever.”

“Flatterer.” Breha smiled, raising her hand to caress her friend’s cheek, “Growing a beard?”

“Perhaps I will finally be taken seriously by my Council now.” Obi-Wan joked. “How have the two of you been?”

Bail joined his wife's side and hummed, “We have been rather good. I don’t believe I can assume the same for you?”

Obi-Wan just smiled, “Whyever not?”

Both Bail and Breha shot him a look which had Obi-Wan choke back laughter. To his credit, he kept his innocent and serene smile on his face despite his urge to laugh.

“I assume your– objective– before this had been achieved satisfactorily?”

“Certainly, but forgive me, I cannot speak about it at this time. It is sensitive– if you will.”

“Understandable, join us at our table?” Breha tilted her head.

“If you will have me.”

For a Jedi, it was important to understand which culture had which customs. Obi-Wan had learned that a long time ago and in a hard way. 

It was polite for guests to show up early whenever invited to any  event orchestrated by someone of Alderaan. That was important to know since most of the Core planets had the tradition of showing up an hour after the starting time of any event. It was considered rude to show up late on Alderaan, which is why Obi-Wan made sure to be one of the first present.

Obi-Wan had been given the seat next to Bail, one reserved for guests. Since Obi-Wan held no title other than Jedi Knight, Obi-Wan was seated next to the Prince rather than the Queen. Jedi were well respected in the Core planets but not that well.

He and Bail conversed as the hall started to fill up with several guests. Their conversation was interrupted every time a guest came up to present themselves to the royal pair so they didn’t really get past discussing the weather on Alderaan while beings showed up.

As the hall filled out and the first round of drinks were filled, Obi-Wan couldn’t help but notice the empty chairs on Breha’s side of the table.

“If I may, Prince Organa?”

“Yes, Knight Kenobi?”

“Who are the other guests you are still waiting on?” The Queen of Alderaan never had an empty seat at their table. It was not done, yet the hour before the start of dinner was passing by rather rapidly.

“Oh those would be reserved for the–”

The doors were opened again, and Obi-Wan barely avoided spitting out his wine, choking instead on the sip he had taken as he watched the doors open and the Mand’alor of the Mandalorian Empire marched in. 

Bail looked over, clearly startled, as he patted Obi-Wan’s back to help him get rid of the wine in his lungs. 

“Are you alright?” He whispered.

“Certainly, thank you.” Obi-Wan replied quietly, clearing his throat. 

Thankfully, his reaction hadn’t been noticed by anyone else because all attention was on the approaching planetary leader. 

The Emperor of the Mandalorian Empire, the Mand’alor that rebuilt the Mandalorian Empire back up from the ground.

The man who Obi-Wan had pissed off by punching him. 

It would be really bad for the Jedi if this caused a political incident. Obi-Wan was here as a guest, both to negotiate and to keep established relationships on the right track. He was here as a Seeker above all, they had to keep a good reputation if they wanted to be invited to planets.

If Obi-Wan screwed this up– the consequences could be worrisome. He had not expected the Mando’s to be on Alderaan, they had no business on the planet nor any alliances as far as Obi-Wan was aware.

Obi-Wan was still recovering from his surprise as the Mand’alor walked up to stand in front of the table of the Alderaanian royals and removed his helmet. “Queen, Prince Consort, su cuy’gar .”

Breha stood to greet her guests, her husband joining her. “ Mand’alor Fett, welcome to Alderaan. We are more than happy that you have reconsidered our invitation and were able to join us on such a short notice.”

The Mand’alor nodded his head at her, his eyes wandering to the side where Obi-Wan sat. “Thank you for the invitation, we were honoured to be considered.”

Holding the man’s gaze, Obi-Wan silently dared him to pull something when all the attention was on the man. Obi-Wan zoned out as the Mandalorian entourage split up, two of them joining the table on Breha’s side while the others took a seat at a table nearby.

“Bail, what are they doing here? I was under the impression the Mandalorians refused to make contact with the Senate?” Obi-Wan whispered.

“They are here for the Queen, not for my Senatorial duties. Their space sector is next to one of the biggest Slave Trade lines in the Galaxy. In all honesty, we suspected that they would decline and they had initially until about four days ago. We got a call that the Mand’alor reconsidered and would be joining us very last minute.”

“I see.”

Bail caught on to Obi-Wan’s apprehension and closed his eyes for a second, not allowing his face to tip off any of the other guests, “You have– history?”

Obi-Wan hummed. “Very recent history.” 

“Anything that I should know about?”

“Perhaps, yes.” Obi-Wan agreed, “Do you have a moment after dinner?”

Bail nodded in agreement before turning to Breha as she spoke to him. Obi-Wan pointedly ignored the visors of the guards of the Mand’alor staring at his back as well as the few Mando’s over at their table who were not being subtle about peering at him. 

Instead of giving them the satisfaction of him paying them any attention, Obi-Wan ate his food, spoke with Bail and excused himself as they neared the end of the evening.

—---------------------------

Obi-Wan caught Bail up in his predicament with the Mandalorians and Bail then made preparations to assist him should the Mandalorians be here for revenge. However, Bail had decided to give the Mandalorians the benefit of the doubt and decided to go on with the meetings as scheduled, regardless of the information he had received.

After their short meeting, Obi-Wan retired to wake up early the next morning for the meeting. Again, he arrived early and greeted the royal pair before taking a seat at the table. More beings showed up, most of them were familiar with Obi-Wan as a Knight too.

As everyone, including the Mandalorians, entered and took their respective seats the meeting was called to a start with short introductions.

“–as well as Jedi Knight Kenobi, who will be advising on this matter,” 

“I thought the Jedi had refrained from accepting the invitation.” One of the other Senators involved in the project pointed out.

“Knight Kenobi is here on a Seeker mission. I have regrettably put him in the unfortunate position by requesting his advice on the matter at hand.”

“I can not speak for the Order,” Obi-Wan confirmed, “However, I can advise and share potential steps for the upcoming project.” 

“I.. see…”

Officially the Jedi were nowhere near this project for several reasons. Everyone at the table understood that Obi-Wan’s presence was by design rather than coincidental, but no one pointed it out.

Bail’s plans of a new route to Free slaves had been on hold for years, but now that the Freed had finally answered their calls, they were more than ready to start their project.

Having gotten the practicalities out of the way, Obi-Wan listened to Bail’s introduction of his project and the details they had come up with. In turn, Obi-Wan shared the message the Freed had sent to them and their beginning trust in them to move along with this project. Communication would still be conducted through beings rather than droids or other forms of messaging and they would never be allowed near an actual safe haven but they would try to trust the Free-born’s.

“–then there is the lack of information about the trade line. We know where it is, we know what route they follow but we know little about those that frequently travel upon it.”

“The Jedi Watch-Being of that sector might be able to supply answers. I shall see if the Order is willing to put you in contact with them.”

“What is a Jetii Watch-Being?” Mand’alor Fett inquired, speaking up for the first time at that meeting. 

Bail was the one to reply before Obi-Wan could, “Jedi Watch-Beings keep an eye on Space Sectors to ensure that they are aware of local situations. They live outside of the Temple in order to be the spokesperson of their Order in that area of the Galaxy. Core Planets don’t have them since the Temple is on Coruscant but many other Space Sectors have one, am I correct, Knight Kenobi?”

“Indeed. Jedi Watch-Beings are meant to report back to the Temple on local culture and political events in order to educate and provide aid when asked for. It is why Jedi are usually the first to hear about any planetary disasters and will send our beings to aid in whatever way they can.” Obi-Wan agreed.

The Mand’alor hummed, “I see.”

Obi-Wan narrowed his eyes for a moment before moving back to the topic at hand, “I will inform the Order of your request, Prince Organa, it might take a day for them to get back to me about it.”

“That should be fine, we will revisit the topic in two days' time then.”

The first meeting went over all the topics Bail wanted to discuss, just to see which topics needed extra time for discussion the following week. The second topic Obi-Wan spoke on behalf of was the matter of providing housing for the Freed after their rescue.

“Temporary housing can be provided by the Jedi Corps, they can teach newly Freed and help them recover, however, the Jedi are unable to provide permanent housing for Force Nulls.”

A scoffing sound came from the Mandalorian corner, one of the Mand’alor’s companions. “Why? Because they don’t have your wizardry.”

“Yes, indeed.” Obi-Wan agreed, secretly taking pleasure in the feeling of shock that came from the Mando in question, “As the Order follows the Rusaan Reformations as agreed upon with the Republic Senate, the Order is only allowed to house Force Sensitive beings as they fall under our protection. On top of the fact that the Jedi Order is a Religious one, Force Nulls cannot feel the force and thus are unable to truly practise it according to Republican law.”

A rule the Order regretted to this day, amongst many others.

“So no permanent housing on Coruscant or Jedha.” Bail summarised.

“Actually, Jedha’s Temple is not in the hands of the Order, they are a separate Force Sect we are allied with.” Obi-Wan corrected, “I cannot speak for them at the moment, however, I can make contact with the monks of the Temple to inquire if they can offer such a thing. They may be able to lend aid.”

“Alderaan has many allies that could aid as well. Rescuing the Freed after their escape and providing them with safe shelter is.” Bail stated, pulling attention back to the topic at hand. “As the Republic, we are unable to rescue slaves, even if they escaped and even if slavery is illegal in our Space. Mand’alor Fett, you have replied to my request with a proposal, will you state this proposal?”

“ Elek .” The Mand’alor nodded from his side of the table, the helmeted man starting to elaborate on the plan. “Mandalore has a strong hatred for slavers. It is unacceptable to only be learning now that one of their largest trading routes is next to our Sector i. We have verd’e who are more than willing to patrol the Hyperlane to pick them out and rescue the ships. Temporary aid can be provided by Concord Dawn. We are willing to remove chips and get the Freed on their feets before aiding them to whatever permanent housing you are able to provide.”

“It is dangerous to attack ships. What is to stop them from executing the slaves?”

“Knight Kenobi, the Temple has experience in this too, yes?”

Subconsciously, Obi-Wan brushed his hand past the scarring around his neck as he replied, “Our people are prime targets for Slavers, trained Force Sensitives– especially our younglings– are targeted often. We have to be careful with our people. That being said, it has happened that one of our own is captured and enslaved. In those cases, the Order is allowed to interfere and stage a rescue. Sometimes these are more… on purpose compared to other times.” 

Obi-Wan had to be very careful with the way he stated these types of things. 

In these circles, it was not unknown that the Order sent spies into Slavers operations to be able to stage a rescue. It was dangerous and damaging to their mental health, but it ended up rescuing a lot of beings. 

These missions were only for volunteers, strictly those in peak condition and have been cleared by the Mind Healers. On top of that, they are pulled off the mission rooster for an extended amount of time to recover from potential trauma.

“I am afraid we are unable to promise aid on that part however we may be able to share out process of locating and infiltrating these targets.”

It was around midday that the meeting concluded and Obi-Wan was able to slip away while Bail kept the Mand’alor and his beings busy for a moment. Sadly, Obi-Wan had no time for lunch as he boarded a ship to visit the local Jedi Corps.

Seekers were known to find Force Sensitives on planets all over the Galaxy but allied planets tended to make things easier on them. Any parent suspecting their child to be Force Sensitive could come to one of the Jedi Service Corps’ bases and ask for aid. Provided the child was Force Sensitive they would be aided in caring for their child. 

Contrary to common understanding, Jedi didn’t steal kids, but Force Sensitive children were tougher to deal with then nulls for Force Null parents, and many decided they were not worth the amount of trouble it was to raise one. The local EduCorps could educate the kids as well as the parents and provide options for them.

In a lot of cases, the kids were not strong enough to be considered for the Temple and could join the Corp to learn about and control their abilities. The stronger kids were advised to be taken to the Temple but it was up to the parents to make that decision. They could leave their kids there in safe hands if they decided that they couldn’t raise their kid themselves without having to dump them somewhere.

Obi-Wan had learned that many had come to the local EduCorps after hearing about a Seeker mission and wanted to speak with him about options. Many of them believed the Corp to be ‘unworthy’ or not fully ‘Jedi’ despite the fact that they were. They just hadn’t trained to be in the Knights like Obi-Wan had.

Bowing to the Head of the Alderaanian EduCorps, Obi-Wan smiled, “Master Emui, it is an honour to see you again.”

“Little Obi, still not regretting joining the Knights I see? Pity, we could have used your skills.” Emui teased as they bowed to Obi-Wan in return. “I am glad you made it so hastily. It has become quite busy and we are currently almost full. It would be great for you to speak with parents on our behalf.”

“That is why I am here.” Obi-Wan agreed. “Where do I start?”

—----------------------------------

What put Obi-Wan on edge was the fact that the Mandalorians had plenty of opportunities to corner him on Alderaan, yet hadn’t taken them when they arose. It was starting to make Obi-Wan feel very paranoid.

Still, another day on Alderaan came and went without incident and the day after went the same as well. It was after the fourth meeting that something changed.

Bail had been kind enough to involve the Mand’alor in conversation so Obi-Wan could slip away for his duties as a Seeker so far. That day, the Mand’alor spoke up, and his guards stepped into Obi-Wan’s way, before he could exit the meeting hall.

“Excuse me, I have to conduct my duties–” Obi-Wan started, taking a small step back to look up at the man that had interrogated him and led his trial on Mandalore– Obi-Wan found that he was wary to even have the man so near him, even if he couldn’t do anything here without consequences.

“We will come along.” The Mand’alor insisted, “Lead the way.”

“I must insist–”

“Worry not, Prince Consort, we will not harm any Jetii .” The Mand’alor promised before nudging Obi-Wan forwards, “We are just interested to see what this ‘Seeker’ duty entails.”

Cringing on the inside, Obi-Wan shook his head at Bail, who seemed tense, but let them leave without further interference. 

“Very well then.” Obi-Wan hummed, “But I ask that you not startle the kids.”

He cringed as he made his way to the EduCorp facility, a group of five Mandalorians at his heel and looming over him. Obi-Wan shot a tight smile at Master Emui as he entered and they shot him a look of ‘What the kriff did you do now?’.

Instead of walking up to them, Obi-Wan moved to the meeting room he had been set up in and greeted the woman in there with a fuzzy toddler in her arms. She was attempting to play with her child, but the child was too busy sniffling and crying to pay her any mind.

“Good afternoon.” Obi-Wan greeted, “I am Jedi Knight Kenobi of the Coruscant Temple.”

“Thank the heavens.” The woman sighed, “Please, I don’t know– I think he–”

Laying a comforting hand on her shoulders, Obi-Wan motioned the Mandalorians to take a seat against the wall as he kneeled next to the woman and her child. “You believe your child is Force Sensitive?”

“He won’t stop crying.” The woman despaired. “The Healers said there was nothing wrong but I know– a mother knows.”

Humming softly, Obi-Wan turned to the kid who was already peering up at him and reached out to him through the Force.

A small but very bright Light greeted Obi-Wan.

Big green eyes stared at Obi-Wan’s blue ones as their cries finally calmed down. They sniffed, rubbing their eyes before struggling in the hold the woman had on them, reaching out to Obi-Wan.

Reaching out, Obi-Wan caught the child as they all but toppled over the woman’s arms and into Obi-Wan’s. 

“Hello there.” He muttered, smiling down at the child who was staring in awe.

The woman let out a sigh, “Heavens.”

Adjusting his hold on the child, Obi-Wan sat down with them in his lap and took out the midichlorian counting device. “Is it alright for me to take a few drops of blood to check something?”

“Yes.” The woman consented.

The child didn’t even move as Obi-Wan gently took their finger and poked it to draw a pinch of blood for testing. He already knew the child was Force Sensitive, he didn’t know if the count was high enough for them to be accepted into the Temple.

“I– I– He’s never been quiet before.” An older woman, sharing the same green eyes as the little boy now in Obi-Wan’s arms. 

“He wasn’t shielded from the projections of those around him.” Obi-Wan calmly explained. “The galaxy is a loud place, isn’t it, little one?”

“So he is Force Sensitive?”

Obi-Wan didn’t need to check the Midichlorian count to know he was, but he needed to in order to decide if the child was eligible for Temple training. Obi-Wan checked the read out from the device.  “He is.” Obi-Wan agreed, “And quite strong as well. What is your name?”

“Taria, his name is Opal.”

“Little Opal is Force Sensitive. It has likely caused him discomfort. Taria, what do you know about Jedi?”

“Will you take him from me?” Taria sniffed, looking down at Opal with a deep sadness in her eyes.

Shaking his head, Obi-Wan held Opal out for Taria to take. “Not if you don’t wish to. However, considering how strong Opal is in the Force, I must advise you to consider allowing Opal to be trained within the Temple. There are a few options that can help you in this case. Jedi never take children without permission unless their situation calls for it but I can see the love you hold for him in your eyes.”

Taria sighed, “But it would be better for him?”

“Not necessarily.” Obi-Wan shook his head, “As I said, there are multiple options. Opal will not survive without training of some kind, that is for sure but there are different ways of going forwards. How old is Opal?”

“Three.”

“One of your options is to allow the Jedi Temple to take Opal in within three years. Your contact with him will be limited due to the amount of training he will require, but it will not be cut. From there he will be trained up until his twelfth birthday, at which point he might be chosen as a padawan, can choose  to join a Jedi Corp, or if he wishes to leave the Temple, he can then go back home to you.” Obi-Wan started. “Another option would be for you and Opal to remain here in the facility of the EduCorp on Alderaan, they will train both him and you on the details you need to know when raising a Force Sensitive child. There are training modules and courses that you can follow to allow you to educate Opal. These will be provided by the Temple, so no need to worry about finances.”

“That is– must I decide now?” Taria took a breath.

Obi-Wan shook his head again and smiled, “Certainly not. I shall ask Master Emui to take charge of your case. The Temple will accept him for training until his sixth birthday. You have three years to decide what you wish to do.”

Taria sacked in on herself, weeping in relief and Obi-Wan comforted her. “This is a tough situation for you and a difficult decision to make. Our people will not force you to give up your child, but we do urge you to follow the courses to aid in your decision and your journey of raising your little light.”

“Thank you.” Taria wept.

Obi-Wan let her cry against his shoulder for a while before requesting one of the Mando’s to find Master Emui to guide Taria through the next steps. Opal was brabbling happily and patted Obi-Wan’s growing beard for a moment before Taria carried him off.

He watched them with a soft smile. His mother loved Opal enough to have give him up if Obi-Wan had told her that that was the best option for him. That love was rarely seen.

Ignoring the eyes on his back, Obi-Wan called in the next beings and started to work through the many beings here to see them. From beings with kids that weren’t even Force Sensitive in the slightest to beings dropping their offspring off in Obi-Wan’s arms and promptly walking out, Obi-Wan continued his work while the Mandalorians scrutinised him from somewhere behind him.

One of the latter cases was quite bad.

A crying baby was all but thrown at Obi-Wan. “Take it. It won’t stop doing that, and I can’t take it anymore. Do with it as you please.” They said before turning on their heels and walking out.

“Wait a moment–!”

Obi-Wan bounced the fussy baby as he stood up and comforted them while walking after the being. “I need to know–!”

“Figure it out!”

Left in the hall, Master Emui and Obi-Wan shared a look before Obi-Wan returned to the private room and settled down with the kid. Master Emui would inform the medics and tell them to help Obi-Wan with processing the child.

“What was that?” The Mand’alor demanded.

“That was one example of a parent not wanting their child.” Obi-Wan replied grimly. “Excuse me, I have to–”

“What will happen to them?”

Obi-Wan looked up to the helmetless Mand’alor who was peering down at the kid. “We will do a medical checkup on the child and test them for Force Sensitivity. If they are Force Sensitive, they will be taken to the Temple and raised in a Creche Clan amongst others like them. If not, we are to hand him over to the local orphanage.”

“Why not keep them?”

“We can’t.” Obi-Wan replied, “Even if we wanted, we can’t. Due to the same law as I referred to at the beginning this week. We are not allowed to keep them or help them. Luckily for this one, Alderaan had a good and healthy system so–”

“If they aren’t blessed with the Manda , we will take them.” The Mand’alor announced. “Our verd’e will adopt him. In fact, from now on we will adopt any ade unwanted in this facility.”

“They are not unwanted we–”

“I mean no disrespect.” The Mand’alor kneeled next to Obi-Wan and cradled the baby’s little sleeping face for a moment, “We will give them a home, a aliit .”

Relaxing a little, even if the Mand’alor loomed over him, Obi-Wan nodded, “You should discuss that with Bail and Master Emui, they are the ones able to speak on this wish.”

It was widely known how much Mandalorians cared for children. Seeing a parent throw their child into a stranger's eyes must be hard to watch.

“I will.” The Mand’alor growled.

To end the day, Obi-Wan showed the Mandalorians the temporary Creche where the kids who would  be taken to the Temple in a few days remained. There were two Temple Padawan’s currently with the EduCorp and they were aiding the locals in helping with the Force Sensitive kids.

Seeing the Mando’s flinch a little as one of the kids leapt off a table only to be caught by the Force was a little funny. It was more than normal for Jedi but it must be startling for them to see.

At the end of the day, Obi-Wan and the Mando’s headed back to the Palace. The day had gone pretty much without a hitch and Obi-Wan found himself slightly relaxing despite being surrounded by Mando’s.

It was nice to know that they wouldn’t try something on Alderaan, likely to keep the locals’ good will. For now, Obi-Wan let his guard down and let his head rest against the back of his seat while he closed his eyes.

He was overstimulated, as he had used the Force alot todayand the brightness of the lights in the vehicle was too much for him.

Fingers grabbing onto his chin made him flinch as his eyes sprung back open to see the Mand’alor crouched down in front of him. “You alright, Jetii ?” He asked as he moved Obi-Wan’s head while looking at his eyes. “You seem a little dazed there.”

“Just a headache,” Obi-Wan replied, nudging the Mand’alor’s hand away, but the man didn’t let go.

“Mij, take a look.”

A golden Mando stood up and got in Obi-Wan’s face, making the Jedi flinch back a little. “I assure you I am more than–”

“I will be the judge of that, Jetii .” Mij didn’t hesitate to take a hold of Obi-Wan’s head and start his check-up. 

Uncomfortable but knowing there was little he could do to deter the apparent medical expert, Obi-Wan winced as the Mando poked and prodded at him. He was actually in better health than he usually was so the medic shouldn’t–

“Malnourished, clearly dehydrated, some injury he is compensating for, but I can’t quite see without a proper evaluation–” The Mando summarised a list of all the things he deemed to be wrong with Obi-Wan.

“So much for patient confidentiality,” Obi-Wan muttered, finally pushing the Mando out of his face. “I am more than fine.”

Obi-Wan couldn’t see Mando's face but he didn’t need to to feel the side-eye of annoyance. “If this is your ‘fine’ I fear your ‘bad’ days.”

If there was any doubt that ‘Mij’ was a medic it was all washed away by the typical sass that seemed to come with the profession. Both confused and annoyed, Obi-Wan leaned back in his seat and crossed his arms.

“You don’t know half of it.” Obi-Wan muttered under his breath. If the man heard him he didn’t reply to Obi-Wan’s comment. 

The rest of the trip back, Obi-Wan found himself wondering why they would care but ended up finding no answer for his questions. The Mandalorians had been acting strange– well they had been strange before, but Obi-wan couldn’t figure out why they were showing… concern? No, why would they be concerned? It didn’t make sense.

—----------------------------

“You heard what I said, if that is his ‘fine’ I will never let him out on our medbay again.” Mij scowled. “I should have taken him in when we had the chance.”

“Peace, Mij.” Jango hummed, “You will get to treat your patient in due time.”

“I better.” Mij sighed, “What are you doing? We could have easily taken him in this afternoon. Why go back to the Palace?”

Jango smirked, “Our Jetii had friends in high places here.”

Walon spoke up, “The Prince Consort.”

“The Prince Consort.” Jango agreed. “If we were to take my Jetii here, the Prince would become an issue, not to mention the remainder of the Jetiise .”

Mij scrutinised Jango for a moment, “You have a plan.”

“ Jetii Knight Kenobi is skittish.” Jango smirked, “We have tried force, he ran and hid. There are other ways to hunt prey. More– politically inclined ways, as I have come to find out.”

—-----------------------------------

To Obi-Wan’s utter surprise, the rest of the week on Alderaan passed without any issue. The Mandalorians had been– close– but never tried anything. It should have been an omen Obi-Wan could have recognised if he had not chosen to remain ignorant to the bubbling excitement of the Force. 

Soon, Obi-Wan found himself warming his engines, ready to head back to Coruscant after a successful diplomatic mission. Both his mission as Seeker and his part in the new Freed evacuation project had gone well. 

Of the seventy younglings who were found to be Force Sensitive enough for the Coruscant Temple, twelve had been taken to Coruscant the day before. The other fifty remained on Alderaan, either still considering the offer the Temple gave to their parents or the parents having declined to give their child up. 

Obi-Wan’s part as the messenger between the Freed and Alderaan had got the project to the next stage– preparation and negotiation with third parties. That was something Bail would be heavily involved in.

With the permission from the hangar, Obi-Wan lifted off and started to make his way out of the atmosphere. 

He almost groaned when he realised two of the three Mandalorian ships that were visiting were in pursuit. 

Of course.

Obi-Wan had been willingly naive and shouldn’t have assumed he was out of trouble yet.

Feeling a mixture of worry and resignation, Obi-Wan switched on his comm, suspecting he would soon be contacted by the Mando’s on his tail. Maybe he could manage to go into hyperspace before anything too drastic happened.

His hope was relinquished when his ship left the atmosphere only to reveal one of the Mandalorian flagships waiting.

“Kriff.” Obi-Wan muttered, attempting to open up a comline to the Temple.

No one answered, of course. 

In a last-ditch attempt, Obi-Wan pulled up a comline to Quinlan and let it connect.

“ Vos. ” Quinlan muttered as he picked up. Time differences, right.

“Quin, I might be in some hot water at the moment.” Obi-Wan cringed as he watched the comm of his ship light up, someone was trying to communicate.

“ Wha–? Those Mandos? ” Quinlan sounded more awake as soon as he realised what the last report Obi-Wan sent over had said.

“I think I’m about to be hailed in.” Obi-Wan admitted, “Tell the Temple I am delayed on my return home, if you don’t hear from me by the end of the week, tell them to contact Prince Bail Organa of Alderaan and tell him about the Mandalorians. He knows enough to be able to help out in a worst case scenario.”

“ Obes! Wait, don’t– ” Obi-Wan closed the line to Quin and opened up the one to the nearby ship.

“This is Jedi Knight Kenobi, Jedi vessel Delta-7, can I assist you?”

Answer came immediately, “ You are required to follow our guidance onto the flagship. Resistance will not be accepted. The Mand’alor has ordered your presence. ”

“Is there a reason for this… development?”

“ Orders. ” Came the one-word reply. 

Yikes.

The comm flicked off and Obi-Wan sat in silence, listening to the warning beep of the ship protesting being hailed in. They waited for him to be in space– clever– there was not an easy escape from this one.

Once hailed in, Obi-Wan got up and made the spur-of-the-moment decision to take his Kyber out of his lightsaber hilt. He didn’t want to hand his soul over to the Mando’s again. Getting it back last time had been too much of a risk. A hilt he could replace, his Kyber was unique. 

Obi-Wan clenched his jaw as he moved to leave his ship. 

There were Mandalorians patiently waiting for him as he opened the hatch and climbed out with grace. Using just a little bit of the Force, Obi-Wan slowed his descent as he jumped the small height from his ship down to the ground and smiled charmingly at the Mandalorians.

“Hello there.” He said as he crossed his arms inside his sleeves, an old habit to calm his nerves that he never could get rid of.

The Mando in gold– Medic Mij if Obi-Wan remembered correctly– seemed… antsy as Obi- he walked up to Obi-Wan. “ Jetii ?”

“Mando?”

“Follow, the Mand’alor is waiting.”

Stoic bastards. And they say Jedi are emotionless. 

Stiff and highly uncomfortable, Obi-Wan walked behind the Mij but kept his eyes on the Mando in black. From the haze of the events before the battle in the Mandalorian Palace, Obi-Wan remembered him surprisingly well. He got the distinct feeling that the Mando in question didn’t really like him, and the feeling was mutual.

The deeper they walked into the ship, the more Mando’s peeked around random corners to watch Obi-Wan walk by.

He could feel their eyes– hidden by visors– follow him as they marched past. Deep in the ship, Mij halted at a door and typed in a code. The doors slid open to reveal a larger room with the Mand’alor seated behind a desk.

“ Jetii .” He greeted, his piercing eyes lifting from his datapad. He looked at Obi-Wan like he was prey– Obi-Wan felt like prey in this instant.

Nudged inside the room, Mij shut the door behind Obi-Wan, leaving him alone in the room with the leader of the feared Mandalorian Empire.

Yeah, this seemed to be about the right amount of trouble that had been lacking over the past week.

“Sit.”

Tilting his head, Obi-Wan wondered about how much sass he could get away with before ultimately deciding that, if he was going to die, he might as well be as much of a nuisance to the Mandalorians as he could be.

Walking over to the desk, Obi-Wan circled it and sat on the desk rather than the chair in front of it. “Certainly.”

Instead of the annoyance of anger Obi-Wan had expected, the Mand’alor just smirked. “I was wondering when you would drop the ‘perfect pretty Jetii ’ act.”

“You think I’m pretty?” Obi-Wan pushed. He refused to be surprised by the Mand’alor.

“ Ori’meshla .” The Mand’alor replied, “ Jetii Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi. It took us a while to get your file, I have to admit.” 

Obi-Wan stiffened for a moment, “My file?”

“ Elek , Ge’tal , your file.” Jango hummed, peering up at Obi-Wan as he leaned back in his chair. “Quite the record really.”

It had to be the Senate's records– they lacked information but was enough to keep the Republic satisfied. All Jedi files were in Dai Bendu, and there were no translations available to the public.

“Good things I hope?”

“Certainly.” The Mand’alor hummed, “ Dar’Jetii Killer– quite the title for a Diplomatic Jetii .”

Obi-Wan’s jaw clenched, “We are peaceful, not harmless.” He hated that nickname.

He absolutely despised that his entire career– all the good he had been doing– it all got overshadowed by one damned incident.

“Oh we know you’re not harmless.” The Mand’alor leaned in slightly. “Let’s get to the point of this meeting, shall we?”

“The part where you let me go on my way?” Obi-Wan hummed.

“ Jetii Watch Being’s– explain the concept to me again.”

Again, the Mand’alor threw Obi-Wan for a loop. “ Mand’alor Fett –”

“Jango.” The Mand’alor interrupted. “Call me Jango. Now tell me how they work again.”

Leaning away as the Mand’alor stood up, Obi-Wan watched him like a hawk as he moved, “Jedi Watch Beings keep an eye on Space Sectors from outside of the Temple in order to–”

Letting out a hitched breath as the Mand’alor leaned his hands on the desk on either side of Obi-Wan, he continued, “–protect and aid the locals. They act as a contact between the Republic and the Space Sector and–”

“What about Space Sectors without one?”

“The Sector can request the Jedi to look at the Sector and potentially deem it in need of a Jedi Watch Being.”

“Vau,” The Mand’alor interrupted Obi-Wan, looking over his head to the door. “Take off is a go. We head for Mando’yaim .”

“ Elek, Mand’alor .” A rough voice replied.

“Wait what?” Obi-Wan startled as the Mand’alor backed away and sat in his chair again.

“You said it yourself, a Jetii needs to look at a Space Sector before it’s deemed in need. Since you are now available~”

Sliding off the desk, Obi-Wan felt the ship start its engines and he could hear the Hyperdrive starting up.

“I– I can’t just go to Mandalore.” Obi-Wan insisted.

“Congratulations, Knight Kenobi, we do hope you will deem Mandalore a fit for a Watch Being’s position.” The Mand’alor Fett smirked with just a bit too many teeth.

Oh dear.

—-------------------------------

Obi-Wan: *Still being stalked but not attacked*

Quin: You could just kriff that one Mando that pinned you before.

Obi-Wan: *Knowing he was pinned by the Mand’alor* Seems unwise.

Obi-Wan: So who are the other guests?

Bail: Oh just the leader of the Mandalorian Empire.

*A wild Jango appeared*

Jango: *Grinning ferally* Ner Jetii.

Obi-Wan: *Chokes on his drink*

Obi-Wan: No we can’t take any Force Nulls if we want to remain funded by the Republic.

Jango: Seems unfair, I will put it on the schedule of things to fix in the future.

Jango: In the meantime, let us adopt them.

Mij: *vibrating as he is forced to wait to treat the patient that escaped his medbay*

Mij: *sedatives in hand* We can take him.

Jango: No Mij, not yet.

Obi-Wan: *Getting captured*

Obi-Wan: Kriff! Activate being-a-huge-nuisance self defence!

Jango: *Seemingly into that* Such a pretty Jetii

Obi-Wan: *Thrown off* Change of plans, activate flirting self-defence!

Jango: *More into that* 

Obi-Wan: Oh come on!

Obi-Wan: *Outwits Jango in his field of expertise* You won’t be able to get me.

Jango: Bet *Uses politics and law to create the perfect trap for Obi-Wan*

Obi-Wan: No wait.

Jango: You wanted to play a game, I played by your rules.

Obi-Wan: Wait what? Game?

Jango: Jetii Watch Being’s huh? What a convenient way to trap you on Mando’yaim for a while. Legal too! 

Obi-Wan: *Squawking at the audacity of politics being used against him*

Chapter Text

Chapter 4; To get to know a culture (Beta read)

Arrival Mandalore - Courting issue - Jedi Council meeting - Jango show’s Obi-Wan Mandalorian Sector - Run in with slavers leave them stranded - Hondo picks them up - Jango and Obi-Wan grow closer

It felt like a cosmic joke to be back here once more, Obi-Wan mused as he walked behind the Mand’alor and his people towards the Keldabe fortress. Only this time he was less scorched, not delirious and not as weary as before.

The Mandalorians seemed to enjoy Obi-Wan’s misery; they kept looking back at him with a lot of excitement  that just didn’t seem to fit what Obi-Wan understood of the situation. 

Observing Keldabe, Obi-Wan found it bustling with colour and life. There was a warm feeling to the city and it smelled nice, especially compared to outside of the Keldabe dome. Mandalore was a cold planet so the warmth  was a nice surprise for Obi-Wan, who was wearing robes more suited for hotter climates.

Taken into the fortress of a palace, Obi-Wan let himself be guided through the building and into the courtyard, where he was promptly handed over to yet another Mando in golden armour. Not the medic from before; this was the being Obi-Wan had met when he fought to protect the Forge.

For a moment, Obi-Wan tried to recall their name and realised he never had caught it. The kid from before had called them the Goran– a title, not a name.

“ Su cuy’gar, Jetii .”

Obi-Wan bowed in greeting, “Forgive me if I am wrong, but we were never properly introduced. Goran?”

The Mando tilted their head, “ Goran be Keldabe, elek .”

Cringing on the inside, Obi-Wan slowly admitted, “I am afraid I am not able to speak or understand Mando’a .”

A tense silence fell over them for a little too long for Obi-Wan’s liking. Then the Mando nodded and moved to enter the structure Obi-Wan knew to be the Forge. “Come Jetii. ”

Slightly hesitant, Obi-Wan walked forwards, hiding his arms in his sleeves as he stepped across the threshold.

Immediately, Obi-Wan was hit with flashes of a vision, making him stumble. There was a lot of history in this place, and the Force is intertwined with it.

“ Jetii ?”

“Pardon?” Obi-Wan blinked, “Yes, sorry.” He muttered.

“What did you see, Ven’haa’taylir ?”

Tilting his head, Obi-Wan frowned as he repeated, “Apologies, I do not speak Mando’a .”

The Goran seemed to freeze, “No Mando’a at all?”

“I am afraid not, no. Could you be so kind as to translate what you asked?”

“ Ven’haa’taylir , it roughly means ‘Who Sees the Future’ or ‘Seer’.” The Goran informed, “It is what the spirit of Mand’alor Vizsla called you when the Ka’ra spoke through you.”

Mand’alor Vizsla… that name rang a bell. There once was an artefact in the Archives that belonged to the Mando before it was stolen. Obi-Wan had stumbled upon the documents of the theft when he was doing some research on the Mandalorians. They didn’t have much information on Mandalorians that was in Basic, but they did have some information on the Jedi-turned-Mand’alor.

Shelving the questions about the ‘Ka’ra’ for the time being, Obi-Wan focussed on the first part. “I am no Seer.”

“What did you see?”

“Possibilities. No certainties.” Obi-Wan replied, praying to the Force that the Goran would drop it. “If I may? I am quite unaware of why I am here exactly.” For all that the Mandalor had mentioned the sector needing a Watch Being,  Obi-Wan had expected to be locked up or even killed the moment they entered Mandalorian territory. Yet, they had not taken his saber and they had not cuffed him.

“Your courting with the Mand’alor amongst other things.” The Goran sounded confused.

“My what?!”

“ Jetii , you saved the Mand’alor’s ad and gave him the Dha’kad’au .” The Goran deadpanned, “There is no greater courting possible. You are aware that you started this courting, correct?”

“No?!” Obi-Wan squeaked, “When did I– Oh no, not this again. I can’t put Windu through another annulment, how do I undo that?”

“How did you not know? You gave the Mand’alor your weapon.” The Goran groaned, “If this gets out, it might mean the end of Fett’s rule.”

“What? Why?” Damn, more politics Obi-Wan had no understanding of.

“The Dha’kad’au was yours, by giving it to Jango, you showed your willingness to court him as well as your belief that he is the true Mand’alor .”

Obi-Wan blanched, “I am a Jedi, your enemy, what weight does my opinion hold on this matter?!”

“You stopped being the enemy the moment you got Boba to safety. You became something more when Mand’alor Vizsla appeared through you.” Jango walked into the Forge with an unreadable look on his face. “Just how much do you know of Mandalorian culture? Surely the Jetii Order didn’t send someone completely unaware of our traditions.”

Scowling, Obi-Wan crossed his arms, “It is hard to learn of a culture when the culture in question hates what you are.” He pointed out. “No, I don’t speak Mando’a, and no, I had no idea what your way of courting entails. I didn’t mean to– How do we fix this?”

Ignoring the slightly saddened and embarrassed look on the Mand’alor’s face, the Goran spoke up. “Don’t marry Fett; become Mand’alor and let him challenge you for the Dha’kad’au . You will duel and if Fett wins, he gets to keep the Dha’kad’au .”

As much as Obi-Wan thought that Jango was a skilled fighter, in one-on-one combat, Obi-Wan would win if he was allowed to use the saber and the Force. “That seems unwise.” He said instead of explaining his real fear.

“Second option is to run with the common perception that you started to court the Mand’alor . Fett will keep the saber, you two marry, and this whole situation is cleared up.”

“I am a Jedi, I can’t just marry– well unless– no, that is–”

“It wouldn’t get in the way of your duties.” Jango offered, “ Together when apart , one of the marriage tendands. You don’t even need to be here most of the time.”

Jango seemed to dislike the idea, but offered it as an option regardless. He looked properly upset but it was not pointed towards Obi-Wan but more so to himself.

“I– I have to discuss this with the Council.” Obi-Wan announced, “I cannot make this decision without their aid.”

“Do so quickly, we need to get our story together before beings start asking questions.” The Goran hummed before walking out of the office, leaving Obi-Wan with the Mand’alor.

Obi-Wan peered at Jango, who was actively avoiding his gaze. “What is this? Can’t look at me anymore? You seemed so confident before.” Obi-Wan tried to tease the Mand’alor to lighten the mood, but his playfulness didn’t seem to come across.

“ N’ceta . I apologise.” Jango blurred instead.

“For what?”

“Acting on assumptions.” Jango cursed under his breath, “If Jaster learns of this– kriff.”

For a moment, Obi-Wan cracked his brain trying to come up with what Jango was apologising for exactly before realising, “Oh, Rishi?”

“Yes Rishi! What else?!” Jango groaned, “I was under the impression that you– I thought– why would the Jetiise send a Negotiator unaware of the culture of Mandalore?!”

“We have no one that ‘knows’ about the culture on Mandalore.” Obi-Wan admitted, “I had some prior experience with the New Mandalorians, which is why I was sent to negotiate with them on the Republic's behalf. We were never supposed to cross paths in the first place.”

Jango cursed again, “ N’ceta , I was wrong to steal a cya without permission.”

Obi-Wan swallowed and looked away, “I appreciate your ability to see the flaw in your action without being prompted to. Thank you for your apology, I recognise and accept it. I also apologise for accidentally causing this confusion.”

“It is not your mistake, you were not informed.” Slumping a little, Jango looked at Obi-Wan, “I wasn’t lying before. You don’t have to marry–”

“But it would cause a political incident?”

“Likely. But it is also something the Ka’ra said to me. That we have a common enemy hiding in the shadows. Many think you are the key to uncovering that.”

“Me?”

“You’re a Seer.” Jango hummed, “ Mando’ade don’t take Seer’s lightly.”

That was something Obi-Wan was not going to touch on yet. He needed to get his bearings and contact the Jedi Council first.

“Let me get this straight before I go and call the Order to explain this predicament.” Obi-Wan tried to wrap his head around the situation. “I accidentally started courting you when I saved your son and left the Darksaber here for you to find rather than taking it with me. You and your people, under the impression that I was aware of the Courting process of Mandalore, saw this as a sign and are now under the assumption that we are going to marry. Explaining the situation or if I were to take the saber without marrying you, might anger some of the more traditionalist groups and they may turn against your rule which would weaken your rule. Correct?”

“And you are a Seer, meaning you are a gateway for the Ka’ra to speak to us. We would have tried to get you back on Mandalore regardless of the courtship.” Jango muttered. “But yes.”

“Alright,” Obi-Wan breathed, “I will update you as soon as I hear more.”

—----------------------------------

“ Processing the request of a political marriage this important will take some time. Let us know if you decide on entertaining this ‘mishap’ rather than causing a political incident.  The sooner we know the more we can do on our end. ” Windu explained with a groan. “ For now, stay on Mandalore as the official Jedi Watch-Being. Do not confirm or deny that you are in a courtship with the Mand’alor and whatever you do. Do. Not. Cause. More. Trouble. ” 

“Never, Master Windu.” Obi-Wan smiled serenely.

Having explained the entire story, poor Mace seemed to take it the worst. There must be a huge shatterpoint around these events since the Master was barely able to look at Obi-Wan without wincing. 

The Council decided that the best course of action would be to play along and not inform the Republic unless and until they absolutely had to. The Council would never force a Jedi into a marriage, especially not if they didn’t know what the marriage would ask of the Jedi, but they would look into the vows and cultural aspects before allowing it if Obi-Wan decided that would be the best course of action. He was the one to accidentally make the mess, he would need to make the critical decision to clear it up. Marry the Mand’alor or deal with the political consequences. 

Obi-Wan would have to discuss it with the Mand’alor, which would be his next course of action.

He decided it was best to get that out of the way and sought Jango our in his office. 

“The Council will need to see the marriage vows before they can give their blessing. Marriage is not common for Jedi, but it is not illegal.”

“Do you want to marry?” Jango asked carefully.

“I want to keep our options open,” Obi-Wan replied honestly. “I don’t like the alternative option and the consequences that may come with it.”

The Mand’alor looked uncomfortable, so Obi-Wan straightened and walked up to the him.

“ Jetii ?”

“How about we start over?” Obi-Wan offered. “We clearly got off on the wrong foot, and since I am going to be around for the next few weeks, so at the very least, it is important that we get along to a certain extent.”

“Start over?” Jango tilted his head, finally looking at Obi-Wan again.

“Hello– Su cuy’gar? I am Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi. I will act as the representative of the Jedi Order to see if the Mandalorian Space Sector is a suitable posting for a Jedi Watch-Being.”

A startled laugh left Jango as he accepted the hand held out to him and grasped it by the wrist. “ Su’cuy, Jetii , I am Mand’alor Jango Fett. Welcome to Keldabe.”

—-----------------------------

It was clear that the beings of Mandalore had a little trouble comprehending that Obi-Wan knew little to nothing about their culture. Luckily for Obi-Wan, they were more than happy to teach him.

The Goran had explained in broad detail how Obi-Wan’s accidental courting had been understood and how that would influence how Mandos approached him. He explained that some might call him ‘Jetii’, which translated to Jedi and not some kind of slur like Obi-Wan had always thought it was. Others would call him ‘Ven’haa’taylir’, which meant Seer, or ‘ven’Rid’alor’, which meant future spouse of the Mand’alor.

He also made it clear never to let anyone call him ‘Auretii’ as that meant outsider or, in worst case scenarios, traitor– such an insult should not be made to him now that he was ‘courting’ the Mand’alor. Then the Goran proceeded to name a list of profanities and insults Obi-Wan should be aware of.

Why did most locals, who were kind enough to teach him their language, start by teaching him swear words?

Obi-Wan quickly started to understand the hierarchy of Mandalore as well, something rarely anyone who was not a Mandalorian understood - due to a lack of information.

The Mand’alor was the highest ranking Mando– of course. He was closely followed by his second in command, Myles. 

Then there were the advisors and Clan Heads of Mandalore– Jaster of House and Aliit Mereel, the Mand’alor who united the clans despite all odds before his assumed death on Korda VI– Jango’s adoptive father. 

Kal of House Skiratta, spouse to Jaster Mereel, which also made him Jango’s adoptive father. 

Baar’ur Mij of Aliit Gilamar, not a Clan Leader but the Head of the Medical division and also the Mando that threatened to lock Obi-Wan up in the medbay if he didn’t comply with the diet the Mando had set up for Obi-Wan.

Walon of Aliit Vau, also not a Clan Leader but acted as Fett’s War advisor. He was a stern and dangerous man that Obi-Wan would hate to be at odds with again. Vau was also one of the advisors the traditionalists were loyal to. As long as he was on Jango’s side, his followers would also be.

Ursa of House and Aliit Wren, Clan Leader, traditionalist and rather influential with the traditionalists. She was the first to turn from Tor Vizsla and swear to Mereel back in the day.

Silas of House and Aliit Ordo, his clan  firmly loyal to whomever holds the title of Mand’alor. They had been neutral in the Clan Wars before Mereel’s rule as Mand’alor the Reformer and had followed Fett since he took over. It helped that he was friends with Jango when they were younger.

Pat of House and Aliit Werda, also a neutral clan, only swore to Fett after he had gained three non-Haat’ade clans. They were usually the tiebreaker in arguments, even if they were the least known clan amongst the advisors. 

This brought up several questions from Obi-Wan, mostly about how Mand’alor Mereel was alive and well when his information stated that he had died years prior.

“Mereel was thought to be dead for years before we found him.” The Goran admitted, “When we did, Fett had been in charge for just as long as he had been missing. He refused to pick up his title and gave his blessing to Fett. Nowadays, he is mostly moral support for the Mand’alor and enjoys his retirement with his riduur .”

“So he has a passive role in the governing structure?”

“All advisors and Clan Leaders do.” The Goran sighed, “ Mand’alor Fett is the sole ruler, he makes decisions and can go against any advice given.”

“I see…” 

Not a democracy then– not in the traditional sense at least. A stark difference from the Republic, but not a dictatorship or a monarchy either– anyone can challenge the Mand’alor for his title, and noone was forced to swear loyalty to him. An interesting structure that would likely not work well in most other places.

“If you think of more questions, write them down and ask me once you’re back.”

Obi-Wan frowned, “Back from what?”

“Did no one tell you?”

“Tell me what?”

Another voice spoke up from behind him. “That I am taking you out to see Keldabe today.” Turning around, Obi-Wan watched as Jango lifted his helmet and got near Obi-Wan. “ Su’cuy . Are you ready?”

Pursing his lips, Obi-Wan jabbed, “Perhaps we should work on your communication skills. I suppose I am.”

“If you find the patience, please do.” The Goran deadpanned before walking off.

“Is this a good time to say that there is going to be a small tour of our space sector leaving tomorrow?” Fett mused.

—------------------------------------------

It felt as if Fett was rushing his duty, Obi-Wan mused as he got off the ship.

Yesterday, Obi-Wan was given a tour of Keldabe. He learned much, saw more and started to understand more about the culture of Mandalore. Now he was getting off a ship and stepped onto the Planet,Ordo. One of the planets on the edge of the Mandalorian Space Sector.

Tomorrow they would go to Kalevala, and the day after - to Concord Dawn– it was like Fett was trying to get Obi-Wan out of the Mandalorian Sector as soon as possible.

This little touring trip seemed highly impromptu. Considering that no one knew of their arrival on the planet and the lack of guards beside the six following them, there was no one. It seemed lax for the leader of an Empire, but Fett had waved him off when Obi-Wan asked him about it.

It was strange because Fett had wanted him on Mandalore, and now that he was within the Mandalorian Empire again, it seemed like he couldn’t wait for Obi-Wan to be gone again. 

Still Obi-Wan listened when the Mando explained the situation on different planets and followed when the man guided him through the city. Ordo was a barren planet, mostly left unattended which made it a dangerous location.

“May I ask, why are there so few of your beings here, Mand’alor ?” Obi-Wan inquired, realising there were more non-Mandalorians than Mandalorians.

Even for a border planet, Ordo was still in the Mandalorian Space Sector– Obi-Wan never expected this many shady beings. Ordo was located near the trade lanes, and with its lack of natural resources, it relied heavily on that trade to thrive.

“We have recently regained this territory of the Evaar’ade .” Jango replied, “It’s been a lot to clean up.”

“I see.” Obi-Wan hummed. “What are the plans for this planet?”

“First, we need to finish cleaning  it up.” Jango sighed, “There’s a lot of things going on behind closed doors– it is one of the reasons Alderaan called on us.”

Ah. So there was more to their appearance on Alderaan. “Are they bold enough to move through here?”

“Ordo has been in the hands of Kyrze’s House for too long.” Jango sighed, “They won’t be allowed to make their way back into the Sector if I have anything to say about it.”

There were a lot of implications with that single sentence. Implications Obi-Wan really didn’t like. He would ask about that once they were out of the public eye.

As with most trade planets, the markets were bustling, as were the hangars, but Obi-Wan could see the dark alleyways and the shady beings moving in the corner of his eyes. He had a bad feeling about this, something was happening, and it was making Obi-Wan restless.

There was a shiver trailing down Obi-Wan’s spine as he moved with the squad, Jango showing him some of the watchtowers and guard posts from which his warriors were clearing up the planet.

“Wasn’t there a Clan Leader from Ordo?”

Jango nodded, “Silas is from Aliit Ordo, he is on my council.” He confirmed, “I don’t think he’s ever been to Ordo’s surface.”

“Did their Clan leave the planet?”

“The planet was not worth how much it cost the Clan. They joined my buir in his early days. I met Silas when I was a teenager.”

“I see.” Obi-Wan nodded, “Are there any recent reports on violence or suspicious events on the planet?”

“Why?”

“I just– I have a bad feeling about– something is coming.”

Fett stopped walking and turned to Obi-Wan. He had uttered those words months ago, just before Keldabe was attacked. Opening his mouth to reply to Obi-Wan, Jango’s eyes widened subtly.

It wasn’t much.

But Fett’s expression, combined with the odd vibrations in the Force, were enough for Obi-Wan to move.

His reflexes were the only thing that allowed him to dodge the searing red blade threatening to slice him to shreds. His own blue saber lit up and deflected the second attack. 

A Dathomirian woman snarled at him, “Jedi!”

Looking for the guards, Obi-Wan only saw them on the ground, their armour scorched and melted under the unbearable heat of the saber the woman wielded.

A few blows were traded, but it soon became clear that the woman was not focussing on him. She was going for the Mand’alor.

Pushed back in the Force, Obi-Wan yelped as he was thrown back against a wall unexpectedly as the woman focused on getting close to the Mand’alor. The Mand’alor’s chest plate took the brunt of the attack, but it didn’t go through all the way. 

His breath stolen, Obi-Wan gasped before noticing that the wall behind him had become unstable.

Obi-Wan’s reflexes failed him, and he was too late to dodge the wall coming down on his head. He dashed forwards, but his leg didn’t escape the sheet of metal slicing through his upper thigh.

Crying out, Obi-Wan almost dropped his saber as his thigh was cut open. Losing his footing, Obi-Wan stumbled and was glad for the Mand’alor as the Mando deflected a blow that would surely have ended his life.

With shaking hands Obi-Wan put pressure to stop the bleeding– if the woman didn’t outright kill him then the injury she caused would.Obi-Wan proceeded to rip his robe’s lining to create an emergency pressure bandage.

As he was doing this, the Mand’alor managed to get the upper hand in the fight.

The Dathomirian growled, stepped back and bared her teeth. “This isn’t over.” She warned before stepping back. The woman retreated, no one daring to give chase. 

For a moment, the market fell still.

Four Mandalorians, his people, were dead on the ground, and despite his skill, a Jedi Knight sat off to the side heavily injured, but still the Mand’alor stood, alone but victorious.

“ Jetii ?”

“Alive,” Obi-Wan replied. “We shouldn’t linger. She will return if she realises–”

Neither of them was in any state to fight. Obi-Wan’s leg refused to move, and he could tell  the Mand’alor was clearly injured too.

“Let me call–”

“I think we shouldn’t– not at this time.” Obi-Wan swallowed. “The– she knew who to attack– I don’t think–”

The Mand’alor seemed to understand what Obi-Wan was getting at. “I… See. What is your plan?”

Groaning as the Mand’alor helped Obi-Wan up and supported his weight. “I may be able to get us a lift if you promise not to shoot before asking questions.” Obi-Wan sighed.

—----------------------------

The shit-eating grin on the Jetii’s face should have been a warning, Jango realised that as he watched the ship land the notorious Hondo Ohnaka, ‘pirate extraordinaire’.

“You keep interesting company, Jetii .” Jango clenched his jaw as he kept his hand on his blaster but never moved to aim it at the group of pirates approaching.

“I have no clue what you are referring to.” The Jetii replied, moving forwards to greet them. “Hondo–”

“My my! The Mand’alor himself! I should have never taken your first deal.” Hondo laughed. “Let me guess, your ‘information’ is about a stranded planetary leader?”

“How did you know?” Obi-Wan feigned surprise as he gasped. “I could have sworn it was a scoop.”

Hondo smiled at Obi-Wan’s shenanigans and shook his head, “If he were any other leader I would have ransomed the both of you.”

Obi-Wan hummed, “Unwise when dealing with Mandalorians, or so I have heard. Anyways, temporary immunity, some information you actually want and my much-desired presence for a game of sabacc for a lift to Mandalore.”

“Very well, friend.” Hondo hummed, “But first– your usual kit. Oh, and we don’t have a room free so he needs to bunk with you. See you at sabacc!”

Catching the case, after Hondo threw at Obi-Wan before walking back onto the ship, Jango frowned, “What is this?”

“Medical supplies,” Obi-Wan replied as he stole the case meant for him. “It is not the first time Hondo has been kind enough to pick me up.” He shrugged.

Helping the Jetii on board, Jango kept the few valuables he had on him close. Pirates had sticky hands and would take anything they could– Jango knew their type all too well.

It was rather worrisome that Obi-Wan had been amongst these crowds long enough for them to get him a medical kit. It was a special one for him because from the short look Jango had, the pirates had engraved his name on the handle of the case, and it was filled with bacta that worked with his particular biology.

Obi-Wan knew the way on the ship and guided Jango to a room on the other end of the ship. “This is us.” He hummed, opening the door of the small room and setting the case down on the bed. “Code to the door is 40923. Leave anything important under the mattress, anything left behind is for whoever finds it, so don’t lose anything.”

Jango looked at the single bed in the room and sighed, he would be sleeping on the floor then. Obi-Wan was the most injured of the two of them, it was only right he would get the bed.

For a moment, Jango watched Obi-Wan slowly settle down on the bed and uncover his injured leg to replace the emergency bandages with proper bacta ones. Then he shook his head and started to undo his beskar’gam. His HUD was defective and he needed to see what else was damaged during the attack they endured.

“I need to call someone.” Jango realised as he saw the damage done to his chest-plate. “They will think you killed me if I don’t.”

“What? Why would– oh.”

The Jetii looked at the gash in Jango’s beskar’gam, one right over his heart. Deep enough to damage the armour but not deep enough to do more than burn Jango’s skin. “It cut the sensors that show my vitals.” Jango explained, “They will think I died and since you were the last person I was with–”

Obi-Wan kept his gaze on Jango’s chest momentarily before he cleared his throat, “Ce– certainly, let me lend you my comlink.” He said, handing the device over. “Be quick about it, Hondo will likely order our departure soon.”

Taking the device from the Jedi, Jango turned and typed in the only com-number he knew by heart.

The first time he called went unanswered, the second was picked up with a, “ Who the– Jan’ika! ”

“ Jas’buir .” Jango greeted, “I just wanted to call to tell you that we are still alive.”

“ Haar’chak ad’ika! ” The older man explained, “ Your– we thought you– ”

“Attacked by a dar’jetii near Ordo. We had a bit of a skirmish but both me and Obi-Wan are relatively unharmed. I can’t say the same for my protective detail.”

“ The Manda and Ka’ra are with you. ” The older man had never sounded more relieved, “ We are– it might take us some time to reach you. ”

Jango smiled, “No worries. As it turns out, our Jetii had a lot of interesting contacts. If you see a pirate ship that happens to be one owned by Ohnaka, don’t shoot them. They are giving us a ride.”

“ Excuse me, Hondo Ohnaka?! ” Jaster clarified.

“The one and the same.”

Jaster looked outraged, “ How in haran did you manage that? ”

—----------------------------------------

Obi-Wan wondered if the knowledge that he had a direct line to Hondo Ohnaka worried Fett’s father. As far as he was aware, Jango never told the man about the accidental proposal, and the man is likely under the impression that Obi-Wan was to marry Jango.

He had seen the look on the man’s face, which keyed this line of thought. Jango had shown his injury and assured his father that he would be alright and that he should keep an eye on things on Mandalore until he returned.

While he thought about it, Obi-Wan finished his bandages and tested his muscles for a moment. It would be a pain to walk the coming weeks if he didn’t get better treatment, but there was no way in the Force that he would give Jango’s medic a reason to lock him up in the medbay, so he would need to deal with it. 

Fett was about to put his undersuit back on when Obi-Wan stood to stop him. “Wait, you need to treat your burns.”

Lightsaber injuries were dangerous, no matter how trivial they may look. The heat of a saber could easily cause issues let alone burns like the one Fett bore on his chest. Lightsabers took limbs or killed, and injuries like the surface burns Fett had suffered were uncommon.

“Just a scratch, Jetii ,” Jango waved him off but Obi-Wan insisted.

“You need to treat them.” Obi-Wan stood his ground. “Here, let me–”

Picking up a bottle of bacta, Obi-Wan bullied Jango to sit and looked at the injury on the toned chest of the Mand’alor. It was not deep and looked like just a small burn but Obi-Wan found it a miracle that Fett had not gone into shock yet, he mentioned as much.

“I have had worse, Jetii .” Was all he replied with.

Still, Obi-Wan carefully cleaned the injury and covered it in a healthy coat of bacta before plastering bandages on top of it. “If you start feeling dizzy, let me know.” He warned. Sometimes the effects of a lightsaber burn hit the being later, that delayed reaction might come any moment.

“What was that promise about sabacc you made to Ohnaka?” Jango asked as Obi-Wan stepped back and turned away while clearing his throat.

“We play sabacc whenever we can.” Obi-Wan hummed, “They have been trying to figure out how I cheat for years now but never managed to. It’s become a challenge for them to figure it out.”

Jango raised his eyebrows, “You cheat at sabacc? Not very Jetii -like.”

“On the contrary. My Master taught me the art.” Obi-Wan smiled, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes, “It isn’t cheating if no one catches you.”

Flabbergasted, Jango blinked, “You can’t be serious?”

“Of course I am.” Obi-Wan laughed, “I have been winning Temple sabacc competitions since I started playing because of it. It is hard not to cheat when you can feel emotions in the Force– guessing if a hand is good or bad is not hard and that combined with some other ‘techniques’ make it pretty hard to beat me unless I let you.”

“ Jetiise cheat at sabacc?!” Jango gasped, “So much for the ‘holier-than-thou’ act you all keep up. What is next, you’re not actually celibate?”

“Oh~ Let me assure you, we are not.” Obi-Wan laughed. “Many of us choose not to marry, certainly– we have to ask permission to ensure we can say the marriage vows to a potential spouse without interfering with our duty as a Jedi. As for other activities– there are plenty that indulge in them.”

Before Jango could ask more, Obi-Wan pulled on a fresh tunic that was stored in the room and walked to the door. “I am going to join the sabacc tournament now, you are more than welcome to join.”

The only reason Obi-Wan left his robes behind was because he was well aware of how one of Hondo’s parties usually went. It never ended well for his robes so it was better to leave them in his locked room just in case.

Pirates were rowdy folks and ale tended to be spilled all over the place, not to mention the smell of smoke from death sticks that would never quite wash out of his wool robes if he did wear them.

Walking was a bit of a challenge, but Obi-Wan felt like his exit was too good to go back and request aid from the Mand’alor so he stubbornly hobbled off. He didn’t need to anyway since the man in question was on his heels in no time and bullied Obi-Wan in a position where Jango could support him.

“You shouldn’t be walking.”

“I am not going to be carried.” Obi-Wan shrugged, “A left here.”

They walked until they reached what would typically be a mess hall but looked more like a cantina. It was crowded, hot, filled with smoke and the smell of cheap ale. The place was filled to the brim with Ohnaka’s crew and they were singing and laughing merrily.

Obi-Wan and Jango waddled over to Ohnaka’s table and Jango set him down on one of the chairs before standing behind his seat.

“Not sitting down, Mand’alor ?” Hondo asked with enough sarcasm in his tone, making Obi-Wan ponder if Jango would punch the man or let Hondo get away with it.

“I ain’t playing.” Jango replied in a gruff tone.

“Shame.” Hondo gruffed.

“Indeed, how am I supposed to win more credits if beings refuse to play with me?” Obi-Wan asked cockily, entirely at ease despite being surrounded by pirates.

Hondo raised an eyebrow, “Do you even have credits to play with?”

Ignoring the sound of surprise and the movement behind his chair, Obi-Wan revealed a small bag of credits he had liberated from Jango’s belt as they walked. He set them down on the table before tilting his head up to look at Jango. “Don’t worry, you’ll get everything back with the added bonus of half of whatever we win.”

If Obi-Wan was going to be playing sabacc he might as well win some credits for his non-authorised mission funding. Force knew it was useful to keep that account decently funded.

“You little–” Jango started but Hondo’s laughing cut him off.

“Stealing from the Mand’alor , are we?”

“Borrowing.” Obi-Wan corrected, waiting patiently for the dealer to start the game. “He will be well rewarded for the inconvenience. Buy-in is 100 credits, correct?”

—----------------------------------------

“What do you mean Obes might get married?”

“Have you really not heard yet? The entire Temple has been talking about it.” Bant exclaimed as she caught her fellow Bear Clan members up in the latest Temple gossip. 

“After the disaster that was the Mandalorian Negotiation mission, the Senate sent him off for a delivery and Seeker mission to Alderaan.” Quinlan grumbled. “I knew it was a kriffing bad idea. He called me, you know? Before he got taken by those Mando’s.”

“About what?”

“They stalked him! And now this? Nahh, I ain’t buying this. I am getting him back.”

Siri shook her head, “If he was really in trouble, he would have called.”

Quinlan shot her a look, “Like on Bandomeer?”

“This is not–”

“Or like on Melida/Daan?” Quinlan added. “I am not buying it. I will go to speak with him in person. No comline to hide behind and assurance that no one is making him talk.”

—------------------------------------------

“You cheat!”

“Of course he kriffing cheats! That's the whole reason we keep playing him!”

“Teach us, Master, show us your ways!”

Obi-Wan ignored the outrage at the sabacc table as he pulled his winnings towards him. “I think it is about time to call it a night.”

More sounds of protest echoed through the room, but Obi-Wan already bagged his newly earned credits and handed Jango back his cut.

“Remind me to never play against you.” Jango hummed, weighing the bag before storing it in his belt and locking the pouch.

“I will.” Obi-Wan hummed. “Want a drink before we head back to our room?”

“Sure.” Jango hummed, helping Obi-Wan to the makeshift bar. 

They both got a simple ale and sipped from it. “So… ‘Sith Killer’ huh?”

Obi-Wan observed Jango from the corner of his eye, “I am not sure what you are getting at.” He slowly replied, downing half his drink, thinking about how he gained that title in the first place.

“Yellow eyes, red dar’jetii’kad , you do the calculations.”

“First– she was Fallen, not a Sith. It wouldn’t add up.” Obi-Wan corrected, thinking about how the Nightbrother had felt in the Force. He killed the Apprentice, the Dathomirian might be the replacement but she was not the Master. That was something he needed to call the council about– he hated the idea already. “Secondly, that woman was not out to kill me. She was surprised to see that I was a Jedi– she was there for you. She was tactical when she took down your guards and I just happened to be standing in front of you when she attacked us.”

For a moment, the Mand’alor was quiet, then he lifted his helmet enough for him to be able to drink and downed his entire cup in one go. “She knew how many of us there were.” Jango noted. “She killed four then turned to us immediately.”

“Inside job?” Obi-Wan tilted his head.

“Perhaps.” Jango mused.

At the end of the night, the Mand’alor was kind enough to help Obi-Wan back to the room they were forced to share and set him on the bed.

“Sleep, Jetii .” He ordered, moving to take one of the extra blankets and preparing to settle on the harsh metal floor.

“Where are you sleeping?” Obi-Wan frowned.

“The floor will do.” Jango didn’t look at Obi-Wan as he started to undo his armour.

Obi-Wan hummed, “Why? There’s plenty of space on the bed.”

“I don’t want to make you uncomfortable.” The Mand’alor admitted.

“Then you take the bed.” Obi-Wan said, already pushing himself up.

Jango turned to Obi-Wan and frowned, “ Nayc , you are injured.”

“So are you.” Obi-Wan raised an eyebrow. “I am not sleeping on the bed if that forces you to sleep on the floor.”

Clearly annoyed and seemingly too tired to make a convincing argument, the Mand’alor stepped up and towered over Obi-Wan. “If Gilamar found out I allowed you to sleep on the floor with that injury, he would have my head.”

“Well I don’t see an issue with sharing a bed for one night,” Obi-Wan argued.

Jango grumbled, “Take the bed, Jetii .”

“The way I see it, there are two options. Either you sleep on the bed and I sleep on the floor or we both take one side of the bed. It is your choice.”

Their standoff continued for a while, but both refused to back away. Obi-Wan was the first to break the show off, but not in the way Jango had likely hoped because he moved past the Mando and to the blanket on the floor

Wincing quietly as he kneeled down, Obi-Wan moved to prepare the blanket when hands lifted him and deposited him back on the bed. 

“Fine. You win.” Jango gruffed before sitting on the other end of the bed to undo his boots.

Obi-Wan refused to smile at his victory and instead carefully settled on the bed and pulled the covers over him. He was quietly mourning his second blanket– space was always too cold for him– but at least neither of them was sleeping on the floor now.

—--------------------------------------

The Goran: So about your courting–

Obi-Wan: *Sweating* What courting?

The Goran: 

Obi-Wan:

Jango:

Mace Windu: *On the other side of the galaxy narrowing his eyes as he feels several shatterpoints snapping.* Kenobi.

Jango: Sorry for kissing you without consent.

Obi-Wan: *having been more worried for fearing about his life* Huh?

Jango: Rishi?

Obi-Wan: *Has been kissed many times by random beings out in the galaxy* Ohhh, yeah no worries. Thanks, no one apologised after they stole a kiss before.

Jango: *Concerned* Imma tell a mir’baar’ur you said that. They will likely want to have a chat about that.

Obi-Wan: So I may accidentally started to court the Mand’alor but don’t worry they said it can be undone– it might cause some political issues but–

Mace Windu: *Sighing loudly* Get to the point.

Obi-Wan: You may as well start the process of asking permission to marry because I am not sure I should decline it right now.

Mace Windu: *Deeper sigh* Fine.

Jango: *Not happy about the miscommunication and slightly ashamed of his actions*

Obi-Wan: *Happy not to be dead or in danger of dying* So our options are pretty good.

Jango: I am just going to rush this process– today Keldabe, tomorrow Ordo then on to–

Obi-Wan: It’s almost like you want me gone.

Jango: *Unable to look Obi-Wan in the eyes* Whatever makes you say that? 

Obi-Wan & Jango: *Get ambushed and lose their protective detail*

Jango: ‘Sith Killer’ huh?

Obi-Wan: Nuh uh dear, they were here for you, not for me.

Jango: Kark.

Obi-Wan: I will get us a lift if you promise not to shoot.

Jango: *Suspicious* Fine.

Obi-Wan: *Calling Hondo* I need a lift but you need to accept the deal before you show up.

Hondo: *Suspicious* Fine.

Jango & Hondo: *Upon seeing one another* What the kark Kenobi?!

Obi-Wan: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Obi-Wan: *Steals Jango’s money but doubles it*

Jango: I don’t even know if I am still mad or just slightly turned on.

Obi-Wan: *Is stubborn af*

Jango: *At the end of his non-existent patience* Fine you win.

Chapter Text

Chapter 5; Planning (Beta read)

It was rare to wake up as warm as Obi-Wan was right now. As a Force user, Obi-Wan ran naturally cold– it was why he wore so many layers and tried to keep his outer robes within reach at all times.

Waking up warm and comfortable was uncommon, to say the least.

Burying his face against the warmth, Obi-Wan slowly recollected the events of the day before and snapped awake. He was lying against the Mand’alor. Obi-Wan’s arms were around the man, and he was pressed tightly against the Mando’s back– soaking up his natural body heat.

Startled, Obi-Wan’s hands twitched before slowly freeing them from where he was big-spooning the Mand’alor of the Mandalorian Empire. In his sleep, Obi-Wan had immigrated from his spot on the bed and had gotten into Jango’s space, likely because of the warmth.

Feeling embarrassed, Obi-Wan froze as Jango shifted in his sleep but managed to retrieve his arms without waking the man.

Completely awake himself, Obi-Wan moved to sit on the bed and rubbed the sleep out of his eyes. Judging by the sound of the hyperdrive they were still on their way to Mandalore. Obi-Wan needed to clean his bandages and add a new layer of bacta so he started his day there.

Unwrapping the injury was uncomfortable, but it thankfully didn’t reopen the ragged cut. It looked bad– that sheet of metal had done a number on him and it would likely scar unless Obi-Wan got a bacta bath. It wouldn’t be the first scar Obi-Wan carried with him, it wouldn’t be the last.

While the wound was not actively bleeding it was still too sensitive to use a sonic. Obi-Wan ended up cleaning himself and the wound with some water and bandaged up again. It still hurts but all of the painkillers in the Kenobi-Kit would dampen his connection to the Force and that was the last thing he wanted while feeling so vulnerable.

Once he was done and exited the fresher he was met by Jango suiting up again. “Morning.”

“ Jate’vaar’tuur .” Jango replied. “Sleep well?”

Pushing a blush away, Obi-Wan hummed, “Yes, thank you. Did you?”

“Surprisingly.” Jango hummed, “Do you know how long it is until we land?”

“I commed Hondo, he says we’re an hour away.” Obi-Wan replied. “He agreed to drop off food here upon my request.”

Jango frowned, “Why, don’t feel like walking more than you already have?”

The pointed jab at Obi-Wan’s stubbornness was ignored as he replied, “I noticed you didn’t remove your helmet yesterday. I figured it would be more comfortable to eat without having it on.”

Obi-Wan had noticed that some Mando’s never took their helmet off. Jango hadn’t taken him off from when they landed on Ordo until they got into Obi-Wan’s room on Hondo’s ship. He figured it was some kind of tradition or something cultural.

It seemed he was correct since Jango halted his movements and turned to Obi-Wan. “I am not in friendly territory– no offence– it is better for me to keep my features hidden and my head protected. Anyone could take a shot at me and kill me instantly if I go without a buy’ce . Some don’t take their buy’ce off in public ever, and others don’t while in unfamiliar territory; it’s personal for every Mando’ad .”

“I see.” Obi-Wan hummed. “I hope I haven’t offended you by assuming?”

“Not at all.” Jango shook his head, “The less time I spend around these pirates, the better.”

—---------------------------

Mij seemed a little too excited when Obi-Wan was carried into the medbay.

Jango and him had been dropped off by Hondo about an hour ago and despite Obi-Wan’s bargaining, the Mand’alor made a beeline for the medbay. He wasn’t simply supporting Obi-Wan’s weight either, he was fully carrying the Jedi through the halls.

“This is excessive.” Obi-Wan protested, crossing his arms as Jango carried him effortlessly throughout the palace.

“It is good for the verd’e to see that you haven’t killed me.” Jango shrugged. “It’s unlikely word of the attack hasn’t already spread.”

“That’s a poor excuse.” Obi-Wan pointed out but didn’t struggle against Jango’s grip.

“Fine. You want the truth?” Jango asked before admitting, “ Baar’ur Mij Gilamar would kill me if he knew I let you walk with that injury in the first place.”

“Well– you could just not take me to the medbay, and we won’t speak about it again.” Obi-Wan tried to negotiate, “I won’t tell if you don’t.”

Laughing, Jango shook his head and tightened his grip as if worried that Obi-Wan would leap out of his arms. “I think not. If Mij found out– and he would find out– there is no saying what he would do to me.”

While Obi-Wan was tempted to taunt Jango as to the fact that the Mand’alor was scared of his medic, he realised that he too was scared of his own medic, Healer Che, and couldn’t blame Jango for his fears.

They got to the medbay and were immediately ushered into a side room. It was the room Obi-Wan had first woken up in before he decided to check himself out. There was something new in the room, the door had a motion sensor.

Obi-Wan wondered if they added that after he snuck out.

“About time, I was about to send Myles to drag your shebs in here, Mand’alor .” Mij appeared out of nowhere. “Set him down and take a seat on the other bed.”

“I am not–”

“I saw the beskar’gam you tried to hide.” Mij cut Jango’s attempt of escape down immediately, “Sit your shebs down and let me see the burns.”

Grumbling, Jango set Obi-Wan down on one of the two beds in the room and plopped down on the second.

A grin rested on Obi-Wan’s face as he laughed to himself.

“Oh, shut up.” Jango glared at Obi-Wan.

“Should have taken my offer after all.” Obi-Wan retorted. “Now we’re both stuck.”

If Mij knew of the deal Obi-Wan had tried to make he didn’t mention it. The man moved to Obi-Wan first and motioned for him to show his thigh, Obi-Wan did with little hesitation and let the man undo his bandage work.

“Who did these?” Mij asked as he unwrapped the bacta-soaked fabric.

“I did,” Obi-Wan replied. A small amount of pride in his tone, as he knew his bandage wrapping skills  had improved since his younger years. Even Che had told him he was decent at field medicine, something she hated to admit as she thought it encouraged his habit of avoiding medbay.

Mij nodded, “Indeed. A lot of practice going without a medbay?”

“I am a Jedi Knight, basic knowledge of medicine can save many lives.” Obi-Wan smiled serenely.

The medic just narrowed his eyes at him. “Any other injuries?”

“A few bruises.”

“And a light concussion,” Jango added. “A wall fell on top of him.”

Glaring at the traitor across from him, Obi-Wan stuck his tongue out at the man, only to be laughed at by the perpetrator. 

Mij just shook his head, “I will give you something for the headache.”

“No!” Obi-Wan cleared his throat, “No. No, thank you.”

The reaction was noted by both Mandos, but neither commented on it. Instead, Mij moved to Jango and made him strip too. Jango’s burns were healed well thanks to Obi-Wan’s bacta.

Another nurse bullied Obi-Wan to strip his outer robe and lay down on the bed, which he begrudgingly did. “I am fine.” He protested.

“You will be fine when you can actually stand to prove your point.” Mij deadpanned. “Bed rest for both of you. I am sure Jaster and Kal want to see you, Jango, give them the chance to visit before you try and fail to escape.”

Snorting at the implication, Obi-Wan rested against the pillow on the bed and watched as Mij fussed over Jango despite the latter’s protests.

—---------------------------------------

Quinlan was not pleased.

He was meant to go fetch Obi-Wan, instead he was on Ordo since he ‘happened to be nearby’. Apparently Obi-Wan had reported suspicious figures when he visited the planet and the council had determined they needed a Shadow to do the further investigation.

Of course they chose to send Quinlan to do it. According to Obi-Wan, there was a Darksider on the Planet who was out to harm the Mand’alor. Besides that, he wanted Quinlan to uncover if there was a branch of the Slave trade Obi-Wan had been working against there, to confirm a suspicion he had. He could report his findings to Obi-Wan before going to Alderaan, should he find something on the latter objective.

On top of all that, the Mandalorians were heavily involved in Alderaan’s planning to rescue more slaves since one of the few known ports was likely located on Ordo. At least– that is what Bail and Kenobi suspected.

Mandalorians hated slavers more than they hated Jedi. At least there was that. Not that it ever helped them– Mando’s and Jedi had a long and troubled past and a Mandalorian never forgot.

Quinlan was incognito when he got to the planet– the cover of a simple freighter pilot on a pit stop. Moving around without being noted was much easier when not wearing Jedi robes of any kind for obvious reasons.

Jedi were not seen as beings– they were a symbol, they were expected to aid and serve– bound by duty. Jedi were not individuals in the public eye, they were either all foe or friend and nothing in between. The Mandalorians had made it clear as to how they thought of Jedi and if they thought for even a single second that Quinlan would allow Obi-Wan to marry one of them they were mistaken.

If Obi-Wan’s intel was correct– and if the implications the Mand’alor made were correct– then this might be difficult to deal with.

Quinlan had heard that the New Mandalorians were not far from aligning with the Republic and he couldn’t help but wonder if they had something to do with this as well.

—------------------------

Obi-Wan didn’t know when he had slipped into a light slumber but he quietly awoke when he heard voices.

They must have been here for a while since it seemed Obi-Wan zoned out in the middle of a conversation.

“–were you thinking, Jan’ika ?” An older man– from the sound of it at least– scolded, “First the Jetii – which we will be having a long conversation about because I raised you better than to behave like that– now running off to Ordo in hopes of sending him off. You do realise your trip was scheduled a week later? And half a squad, Jango? Really?”

The more he spoke the louder the man’s voice got. Never shouting but the slight raise was notable regardless. 

“Give him a moment to breathe, Jaster.” Another voice laughed quietly. “He’s injured.”

“Oh hardly, Kal,” Jaster replied, “I have seen him shrug off plenty of injuries more severe than these, for better or worse.”

Obi-Wan wondered if he should announce the fact that he was awake or not, mostly because this seemed a rather personal conversation that Obi-Wan should have no part of.

“I already apologised!” Jango argued, “We spoke about it and agreed to start over.”

“I’ve read the reports, you said he wouldn’t mind marrying you if it was ‘convenient’ which means a political marriage.” Jaster clarified as if Jango didn’t know that. “While it might be good for your image– Jango you should really think about it carefully.”

No, ‘waking up’ now would be incredibly uncomfortable for everyone involved and–

“Oehf–” Obi-Wan grunted as a weight landed on his chest, barely missing his injured thigh. His eyes sprung open to see a young child clinging to him.

“ Jetii !” He cheered, grinning up at Obi-Wan.

“Boba!” Jango scolded from his side of the room but it did nothing to deter the young boy.

“You’re back!”

One of the newcomers in the room moved to Obi-Wan and picked Boba off of him only to set him down on the bed beside Obi-Wan. “Careful Boba, the Jetii is hurt.” 

“Sorry Ba’buir .”

“Don’t apologise to me, apologise to the Jetii. ” The man hummed.

Boba’s full attention turned back to Obi-Wan as he grinned up to him again. “Sorry, Jetii .”

“That is alright.” Obi-Wan replied, his voice still rough from his nap. “How are you, Boba?”

“I am fine thanks to you!” Boba cheered, “How are you?”

“I will be fine.” Obi-Wan smiled before turning his attention to the other two Mando’s in the room, “ Su cuy’gar, I don’t believe we have met yet?”

The Mando in black and red shook his head, getting to his feet to stand near to Obi-Wan, “Jaster Mereel, I apologise for my son’s actions. It is unbecoming of a Mandalorian.”

“ Buir !”

Ah. The former Mand’alor. “Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi.” Obi-Wan accepted the arm the man held out to him and squeezed it. “It is an honour. I have started to read the Resol’nare – your codex has been a great help in understanding the interpretations of the modern day Mandalorian.”

“A scholar!” Jaster grinned while the second Mando and Jango groaned in the background. “I have long since been interested in the Jetiise ways and the archives on Coruscant.”

“Have you visited them?” Obi-Wan asked politely.

“I have never managed to get past the archivist.” Jaster grumbled, “That woman is a menace I swear.”

Obi-Wan laughed, “Ah, Madame Nu must have given you a hard time then. I suppose she was not pleased when you showed up in full armour. There is a strict rule against weapons in the archives.”

“Are you acquainted with the Archivist?” Jaster perked up. 

“Certainly, Madame Nu was the clan sibling of my Grand Master. Our paths have crossed on multiple occasions.”

Jaster seemed more excited, but the other Mando cut their conversation off, “That’s enough for now, Jaster, you can continue to try and get into the archives later. Leave the kid be.”

“Oh, come on, Kal!”

“Mij said not to bother him.” ‘Kal’ argued. “Sorry, Kenobi, I am Kal– this idiot’s riduur .”

“Well met.” Obi-Wan nodded his head.

Kal picked a squirming Boba up and set him on his hip, “I will take this one home with me. I fear Mij may kick us all out if we continue being this loud. Continue to talk for a while, will I see the two of you at dinner too, Kenobi?”

Was… Was Kal inviting Obi-Wan for dinner? “I can not speak for the Mand’alor but if the invitation is extended to me I certainly will.”

“Very well, I shall see you then.” Kal nodded his head and left the room.

Jaster turned his attention back to Obi-Wan, his expression serious. “There is still some confusion we should clear up. If I may ask, why did you align yourself with the Evaar’ade ?”

“Forgive me, Evaar’ade ?”

“The New Mandalorians.” Jango translated, “You were with them when we came across you and you helped the Kryze’s escape too.”

“I was in negotiations with the New Mandalorians on behalf of the Republic. Aligning is not something a Jedi can do without permission of the Senate as well as the Order’s Council.”

Jango and Jaster shared a look.

“Were you under the impression that I was aligned with the New Mandalorians rather than a negotiator?” Obi-Wan frowned, “And you put me on trial for that without questioning me first?”

“Walon did question– oh no–” Jaster cut himself off. “Obi-Wan, you weren’t aware that you were questioned?”

“No?”

Both Jango and Jaster shared another look before groaning in frustration. “I will speak with him.” Jaster excused himself and headed off. “I will see you at dinner, Knight Kenobi.”

“Damn Vau.” Jango growled, “I owe you yet another apology, Ni ceta , Obi-Wan.”

Trialled due to a misunderstanding. That seemed about right. At least it seemed like neither Jaster nor Jango had known the full situation. “It seems it is not you who was responsible for it.” Obi-Wan replied politely.

“I will have you know, Vau was already in hot water for your treatment during the trial. He is already facing the consequences.” Jango sighed, “We were under the impression you spoke Mando’a back then too.”

“It wasn’t the first time, it likely won’t be the last.”

That reality seemed to anger Jango. “That is not– that is not who we are.”

“I realise that.” Obi-Wan acknowledged.

“It is just– you are a Jetii and we thought–”

“That Jedi are all knowing? That it is somehow different to trial a Jedi rather than any other political prisoner because of who we are?” Obi-Wan pointed out. “That is different because it’s a Jedi whom you are dealing with. Believe me, I am more than aware of the misconceptions others have about my kind.”

“Obi-Wan I’m–”

“I shall see you at dinner, Mand’alor .” Obi-Wan bowed and got out of bed. 

His leg was hurt but he could walk just fine. He would deal with the medic’s consequences later but for now he felt the need to be alone for a while.

Wandering alone for the first time, Obi-Wan decided to explore some areas of the palace before going to look for Jaster and Kal’s apartment. Now that he could look around freely he wanted to get an idea of the layout of the palace.

Hopefully they could clear up any other miscommunications.

—-------------------------------

There were clear signs of a lightsaber battle, Quinlan noted with a deep frown. Obi-Wan had said the Darksider had used a lightsaber with great skill. He was injured by them which instantly put them on Quin’s naughty-list.

Quinlan had tracked the fallen Mando’s, their bodies collected by Mandalorian guards to have a proper funeral. It was a hectic mess but strangely organised. They had dealt with surprise attacks before.

Yet, they didn’t close the planet's port.

A strategic move if any. If they shut the port, the slavers would find another one. If that one was outside of Mandalorian Space– which is most likely would be– the plan Organa was putting together would fall apart. 

It proved something– Quinlan didn’t know what it proved but it proved something.

Being the competent Shadow Quinlan was, the Jedi slipped into the chaotic mess of a fortress and managed to find the victims of the Darksider.

Touching them was unpleasant on many levels but Quinlan needed to see. He needed to confirm and gather information. He had long since learned to control his psychometry abilities but it was still tough to break free from a vision when Quinlan was pulled in.

Quinlan learned that Mandalorian armour held much history– as much as a lightsaber did– which made things even tougher for him.

He watched the events Obi-Wan had described and carefully observed the Darksider. He could sense their force presence– the imprint they left when they stole the life of this guard. Quinlan would need to make a report to the Council on this matter, if there was a Darksider on the loose, it would be better to deal with them quietly. 

None-Jedi never understood, they didn’t know the difference between a Darksider, a Sith and a Jedi. Any wrong move could mean trouble for the Order and that was the last thing they needed now that things were tense.

“Who is there?”

Quinlan blended with the shadows at once.

A Mandalorian wandered in, worriedly checking on the bodies and seemingly relieved a moment later. Quinlan didn’t stick around to try to understand why, he left the way he came.

—-------------------------------

Finding the apartment was not that difficult, many Mando’s were more than pleased to provide directions and even offered to guide him themselves. In the end, Obi-Wan managed to make his way there alone. 

He was a little early and hoped he wasn’t crossing some unwritten rule as he knocked on the door to announce his presence.

There was a bit of shuffling on the other end of the door before it was all but thrown open, “ Jetii! ”

“ Su cuy’gar, Boba.” Obi-Wan smiled down at the child. “Is your father here?”

Boba shook his head, “Just my Ba’buir, but my other Ba’buir and Buir will be here soon. You’re here for dinner, right?”

“That is right.”

A voice from another room inside called out to Boba, “Who’s at the door?”

“The Jetii , Ba’buir .” Boba called back.

Kal Skirata poked his head out of another room and shot Boba a look, “Well, don’t be rude, invite the nice young man in.”

Boba just opened the door a little wider and waddled back inside. Obi-Wan smiled at the boy’s antics and let himself in, gently closing the door behind him. Nervously, Obi-Wan hid his hands in the sleeves of his robe and followed Boba through the open arch leading to the kitchen.

It smelled wonderful in the room and there were a lot of pans being heated. Alor Kal was cutting some vegetables and pointed the knife to a barstool nearby, “Take a seat, Jetii ,” He ordered. “You’re early.”

“Obi-Wan, Alor ,” Obi-Wan politely nodded, almost forgetting that bowing was frowned down upon. “I am still learning Mandalorian customs, is it usual for guests to show up later than invited, Alor Skirata?”

“There is no real rule on that. As long as you show up around the invitation time it doesn’t matter if you’re late or early.” Kal hummed, “Call me Kal, I’ll perhaps become your father-in-law in the future, might as well act like it.”

Obi-Wan flushed and cleared his throat, “I understand you were also unaware of the confusion?”

“We all were, I think.” Kal hummed, “An eye opener if anything. We should be more aware of cultural differences.”

“I am sure we can figure out what we should do next.” Obi-Wan figured this dinner was all about that after all.

“Business after skraan'ikase ,” Kal scolded. “Eating together is considered an honour and a sign of respect to one another. Anything to do with business comes after.”

Ah. “I see.” Obi-Wan nodded, “Thank you for letting me know.”

“ Vor’e. ” Kal informed, “ Vor’e means thanks.”

“ Vor’e, then.” Obi-Wan nodded again. “Is there anything I can help with?”

Kal looked up from multitasking between cutting vegetables and stuffing different pots. “How good are you with a knife?”

Obi-Wan smiled, “More than decent.”

“Do you know how to butcher?”

“ Elek ,” Obi-Wan nodded again, already taking his robe off and rolling up his sleeves.

“ Jate !” Kal returned the smile.

Most Jedi who ate meat knew how to butcher, as they often found themselves without any credits left for food on missions and thus being able to hunt and butcher your own meal was a necessary skill especially for those who could not subsist on plants at all.  Plus it was Temple protocol to know how to prepare a few more formal dishes just for this sort of situation. 

Obi-Wan was skilled with a knife, it showed. He could feel Kal’s surprise in the Force as Obi-Wan skillfully did what Kal needed him to do. They talked about small things– Kal’s work, Obi-Wan’s knowledge on different things and some neutral topics.

As it turned out, Kal was the only cook in the family and he enjoyed it. Neither Jaster nor Jango could cook and would either go to the main hall or just eat rations when Kal couldn’t cook.

Kal taught Obi-Wan how to mix a good spicy sauce while Obi-Wan explained how the Jedi brewed tea. It had been a long time since Obi-Wan had spoken to a non-Jedi as casually as he spoke with Kal. It was nice.

Caught up in his work, Obi-Wan didn’t notice the Mand’alor and his father walking in until he looked up when he was done. 

They had quietly walked in, and it was clear they had been watching Obi-Wan work. They snapped out of it when Obi-Wan’s hands stilled and looked up at him.

“ Su’cuy, Kenobi.” Jaster greeted with a smile, “You’re quite good at that.”

“ Vor’e ,” Obi-Wan stifles a smile at the noise of approval from Kal, “I apologise for not greeting you, I fear I was caught up in helping Alor Kal.”

“Just Kal, Obi-Wan.” Kal reminded Obi-Wan. “There is no need to be that polite.”

Obi-Wan had long since realised that– but it was better to have a witness when getting permission to call a higher ranking official by their name rather than by their title. A lesson hard learned.

“Indeed.” Obi-Wan replied.

Not long after that, the five of them settled at the table and started dinner. Boba was excitedly brabbling to Obi-Wan, gushing about his skills and begging him for lessons. Obi-Wan, who has always enjoyed teaching, had nodded along and mentioned he would teach him if his father agreed that it was alright. That requirement shifted Boba’s attention to his father and he started begging his buir for permission.

Obi-Wan didn’t get to feel guilty as he was distracted by Jaster, “You mentioned something about ‘clan-siblings’ before? I was unaware Jetiise had clans?”

How observant, Jaster was a good listener– that made him more dangerous than most. 

“Indeed. Jedi raised within the Temple grow up in something we refer to as Creche Clan’s. A group of Younglings being raised by a Creche Master until they are old enough to become a Padawan or move to one of the Jedi-Corps.” Obi-Wan explained, “A Creche Clan is essentially a group of siblings. You are referring to our conversation about Madame Nu, correct?”

Jaster nodded, ignoring the glare from his husband, “So there is a difference between these ‘Clans’ and the ‘Lineage’ you referred to?”

“That is correct.” Obi-Wan confirmed. “A Clan is where a Youngling is raised, a Lineage is when a Youngling is taken on by a Master for training. Lineages is the line of Master-Padawan’s throughout the generations. For example, I am of Grand Master Yoda’s Lineage. My Master was Qui-Gon Jinn, his Master was Yan Dooku and his Master before that was Yoda. Master Dooku grew up in a Creche Clan with Madame Nu and thus she is close to my Lineage.”

Boba, who had followed the conversation after his father told him they would discuss a potential training session with Obi-Wan at a later time, frowned, “So all Jetiise are family?”

“That is one of the interpretations one could have.” Obi-Wan vaguely replied. 

Jaster blinked, “The Grand Master of the Order is your ba-ba’buir ?!”

“Familial terms are a little complicated within Temple norms.” Obi-Wan winced, “But essentially, yes.”

The man turned to Jango who had mostly been quiet and peered at him, “You know how to pick them, don’t you?”

“What is it you were looking to find in the Archives, if I may ask?” Obi-Wan changed the subject away from his Lineage.

Jaster’s eyes lit up, “I heard rumours that the Jetiise have more information on the Mandalorian Wars and on a few well known Mand’alor’s throughout history.”

Obi-Wan hummed, “Oh certainly, the artefacts are in quite–”

“Artefacts?!” Jaster leaned forwards, his eyes wide, “Not just documents but artefacts as well?!”

“Jedi have a collection of a lot of different times in history, especially if the Order was involved with whatever was going on in the Galaxy.” Obi-Wan stuttered, “We tend to collect artefacts of historical worth to learn from and well– archive. A lot of different planets have granted us their collections for safekeeping and so there is quite a bit of artefacts from the war you are referring to.”

Jaster was almost vibrating in excitement but Kal snapped him out of it. “You can’t go.”

“But–”

“No but’s.” Kal cut him off, “Your son was just attacked on Ordo, what do you think they will try if you, the former Mand’alor and father of the current one, goes outside of the Mandalorian Sector?”

Jaster pouted.

Dinner continued quietly. Obi-Wan learned a little more about Mandalorian culture and the Mereel’s learned a little about Jedi culture. All in all the dinner ended up being several hours. 

Obi-Wan stood to help with cleaning up but Kal ushered him towards the sunken living area and sat him down, “Clean up is for those who didn’t help with making the food.” He explained, “What do you need for tea? I want to try it.”

Within a few moments, Kal had retrieved the supplies Obi-Wan would need for brewing tea in the Jedi way and proceeded to make a cup for the older man. He liked Kal,he seemed a good man, kind, stern but fair.

Once the others were done with cleaning, Boba said goodnight to the adults and was brought to bed by Jango. Straightening up a little, Obi-Wan realised that the conversation coming up would be an important one.

“Obi-Wan,” Jaster started, “First of all, I would like to apologise for the actions of my fellow Aliit’alor Walon Vau . His behaviour towards you was unacceptable on many levels but I would like to share some context that may put his actions in perspective so you understand that what happened is not something that was because of your heritage as a Jetii .”

“Shouldn’t we wait for Mand’alor Fett ?” Obi-Wan asked.

Jaster shook his head, “He knows what happened and will be here soon.” He replied, “A few months ago it was brought to our attention that the Evaar’ade – the New Mandalorians– were trying to align with the Republic behind the back of the Mand’alor . That is traitorous to the highest degree.

“It is mandatory to investigate possible reasons for betrayal of that kind and so the Haat’ade – my company of mercenaries and bounty hunters– were sent to apprehend the Evaar’ade . During this investigation we discovered that the Evaar’ade were involved in the trafficking of Slaves. Mandalorians don’t condone slavery nor do we allow it in our Space Sector. With this second betrayal of trust and the Mandalorian code, we were– emotional when we apprehended them.” 

“The Evaar’ade have been funding their operations with the money they get from the slavers and used Ordo as a port.” Kal set his cup down, “When we arrived to take the Evaar’ade into custody, we were under the impression that you were a Republican official that was involved in the Slave trade and that reflected on your treatment during your initial capture. Then you saved Boba and the other ade from death– another betrayal we’re still investigating.”

That was a lot to take in. “Bail Organa asked Mandalore for aid in his project to take the trafficking line down once and for all. How did he know–?”

“We informed Organa in hopes that his influence would make the Republic back off from the Evaar’ade . I highly doubt the man informed the Republic.” Jaster replied, “It was a long shot, but it got Jango a seat at the table and a way to get in contact with you, without you running. This was back when we thought you had put up an actual offer of marriage.”

Obi-Wan nodded, “I see. Alor Vau was under the impression that I was involved in slave trade. I can understand his intense feelings towards me.”

“That and you are a Jetii , there is a lot of history there.” Kal sighed, “Hopefully that will change now.”

“I spoke with the Freed and delivered a message they wanted Organa to have. It is the first real communication between the project and the Freed helping the slaves to escape.” Obi-Wan informed in turn. “I was unaware that Ordo was used as a port, but it makes sense I suppose. It is a big trading port and it’s seedy enough for issues like that to slip past.”

“What happened on Ordo?” Kal asked.

Obi-Wan straightened as he gave his report. “Mand’alor Fett showed me around the port after we agreed that I would pretend to observe the Mandalorian Space Sector to see if it is eligible for a Jedi Watchbeing. Not long after our arrival a Darksider attacked our group and killed the guards. We fought them off.”

“Were they there for you?” 

“No.” Obi-Wan shook his head, “They attacked Mand’alor Fett , I was simply in the way.”

“So a Dar’jetii attacked Jan’ika ?”

“ Dar’jetii ?”

“Sith.”

Obi-Wan shook his head, “No, no Sith.” Obi-Wan clarified, “A Darksider is not the same as a Sith. It is hard to explain, but it is not the same.”

“Alright, let’s come back to that later, for now, continue your story.” Kal prompted.

“We fought the Darksider off and quickly decided that there may be a breach– Mand’alor Fett was supposed to arrive later that week yet the Darksider knew where to look and when to be there.” Obi-Wan continued, “I called in a contact to get us a lift back to Mandalore, and then we returned here.”

“You forgot to mention that that contact is Hondo Ohnaka.” A voice from behind Obi-Wan mentioned, his tone dryer than the dessert.

Both Jaster and Kal wore a wide-eyed expression at that, “The pirate?!”

“The pirate.” Jango dropped down into the Karyai and sat next to Obi-Wan. “Where did you meet him anyways?”

“That’s a long story for another day.” Obi-Wan deadpanned, “We have a business relationship. He has taught me some things, I helped them out with some other things. Information for a lift, that’s usually the deal. It is besides the point.”

Jaster moved on from the subject, filling it away for a later investigation and summarised the course of events, “So the Evaar’ade’s betrayal, the slave trafficking line that goes through Ordo, now an assassin out for Jan’ika’s head and the Republic on our doorstep. Not to mention the proposal.”

What a disaster.

“I have informed the Order of the Darksider, they have likely sent a Sha– a Jedi to investigate my report. Once I get more information on that I will inform you about it.” Obi-Wan added, “We need to know who was responsible for sending her.”

Jaster scrutinised Obi-Wan before nodding. “Alright, I trust that you will.” He turned to Jango, “Now about that marriage.”

“Our plan is to keep the proposal in place.” Jango informed his father, “Not only would it strengthen my position as Mand’alor but it also helps give the Republic a reason to allow Kenobi to remain on Mandalore rather than having him sent off on another mission. We spoke about this briefly before and we need to keep close contact with the Jetiise .”

Obi-Wan nodded in agreement, “Political marriages aren’t to unusual for Jedi. Rare but not unheard of.” He summarised. “And if that wouldn’t work out, we can always call it off once we dealt with the slave trafficking and the assassination attempt.”

“It is unusual for Mandalorians though.” Kal sighed, “Family is important, Aliit is everything to a Mandalorian. Obi-Wan, I need you to make a decision on if you are really up for that. Do not let outside influences mess with your decision on this. We don’t care about political implications nor if it will help us out in the future. Keeping the pretence up for a while is fine but if you are serious about this we expect you to be really, serious about it.”

“I will think about it.” Obi-Wan vowed.

—--------------------------------

Obi-Wan: *Wakes up comfortable for once*

Obi-Wan: This is nice.

Jango: *Moves in his sleep*

Obi-Wan: Oh Force.

Quinlan: *Investigates Obi-Wan’s intel*

Quinlan: Damn you, Kenobi– kriffing chaos magnet.

Obi-Wan: ¯\_ (ツ)_/¯

Jaster: *Scolding his son*

Jango: I already apologised, okay?!

Obi-Wan: It’s quite alright.

Jaster: *Liking Obi-Wan immediately* If you hurt this nice young man, Jango, you will never hear the end of it.

Kal: *Cooking dinner*

Obi-Wan: *Politely asks if he can assist*

Obi-Wan: *Is actually decent at cooking*

Obi-Wan: *Impresses everyone with his knife skills*

Kal: We’re going to get along just fine.

Obi-Wan: ｡^‿^｡