Chapter Text
Jedi master Zayura Alaria sat opposite of Duchess Satine Kryze and next to senator Lexi Dio, doing her best to argue in favor of Mandalore joining the republic with little success.
“With all due respect, duchess, surely you do not mean to remain neutral forever? Threats are rising in the galaxy and the republic cannot help protect you and your people unless you formally join.” Alaria proposed before taking a sip of her drink. She thought the mission was a waste of time; believing Mandalore would never align themselves with the Republic, but that didn’t mean she wouldn’t try her hardest regardless.
“Doing that could put my people at just as much risk, not to mention joining the republic so quickly makes me seem like a weak leader - or worse, someone who lied to her people. If Mandalore is to remain peaceful then we cannot join the republic.” Alaria eyed the purple liquid in her glass as she pondered Satine’s words. She didn’t entirely disagree; but she had been given a mission by the council.
“And how do you plan to defend Mandalore without a proper military or substantial allies? There are rumors the trade federation will retaliate against the republic due to the senate’s new tax bills.”
“Yet as of now, those are just rumors. If the trade federation acts, we will respond accordingly.” The new duchess effortlessly countered the Jedi’s point, causing her to be unsure how to continue.
For a moment she sat silently in thought, wondering what to bring up next when something interrupted her. Master Alaria suddenly felt a ping of something in the force - someone’s desperation. An unusually potent echo, especially for a society so devoid of other force users.
Unless…
“My apologies, duchess. I must take my leave early. I hope Senator Lexi Dio can convince you better than I.” Alaria bowed as she stood while flattening out her dark brown robes.
“Is something the matter, master Jedi?” Both the senator and duchess eyed her with confusion and concern, though she had no time to fully explain the situation.
“No, all is fine, Duchess. Please ignore me, and congratulations on your position.” Alaria gave a formal bow before exiting the throne room, hopping over the railing and into her parked speeder. The Mirialan closed her eyes and focused - holding one of her hands in the air and entirely still, like one would measure the wind - trying to hone in on what she felt. Even after tuning everything else but the force out she only felt the faintest tug in the force. It was hardly anything to go off of, but it did at least give her a direction.
Down.
She reopened her eyes and grabbed the flight stick - piloting down to the streets below.
Despite the hundreds of feet in distance it only took half a minute to descend all the way down with the speeder. The ground level streets of mandalore paled in comparison to the palace she had just left, but compared to the underbelly of Coruscant they may as well have been one and the same.
Alaria received many odd looks from the citizens of Mandalore that she passed. Whether it was just due to her appearance as a Mirialan or because they actually recognized her as a Jedi by her robes or the weapon on her belt she couldn’t tell; but their lingering stares were felt regardless. The crowds passing her by on every direction weren’t any indication of what she was looking for, unfortunately, and the trail was seemingly cold.
Once again the Jedi closed her eyes and focused on the force - doing her best to ignore the noise and people all around her - after several moments of concentration sensing whatever she felt earlier once more but far more potent.
Whether it was more intense or just closer she wasn’t quite sure yet; but at least she had another direction now.
She turned to the echo and opened her eyes, revealing a narrow alleyway ahead. It wasn’t littered with trash or shady vendors like the ones on Coruscant, but clean was a gross understatement. Still, she had to appreciate that it was less filthy than what she was used to. If nothing else it made searching for whatever she was after easier.
Further into the alley and around the corner she finally found something other than litter and trash receptacles. Though to her surprise it was a small person or animal who was on their hands and knees while digging through the trash.
“Excuse me?” The figure jumped at her voice, almost falling backwards over themself. Now that they were no longer hunched over she could see them properly.
A child, no older than ten and extremely emaciated. Their short black hair and face were dirty - pale skin being littered with tiny scars. There was no colorful part of the child or their clothes, even the irises of their eyes were closer to a light gray or white.
“Are you hurt, child?” Alaria knelt down, slowly offering her hand and feeling a pang of guilt in her heart when they flinched away and covered their head with their hands. “I will not hurt you - you’re safe with me.” Those words seemed to calm them down, but only slightly. The child was now all but hiding behind their knees and holding onto them tightly.
“Thirsty.” Was all they said, their voice was ragged and scratchy - instantly making Alaria worry about a possible respiratory condition - and now that they opened their mouth she could see a sizable gap between their two front teeth. She reached into the belt under her robes and pulled the small canteen from it before offering it to the child. Even still they were nervous, reaching out for it but retracting their hand at the last second.
“Here, it is purified water.” Alaria’s gentle words seemed to finally convince them - either that or desperation had overpowered their distrust. Once they took a single sip their caution seemed to entirely vanish, taking large gulps of water like they were in the Tatooine heat. “What is your name, child?”
“Xiv. O-of clan Strasi.” They stuttered, still taking in large drinks between breaths. Now that the Jedi was closer and heard the child’s voice she could tell that they were a young boy.
“Where is your clan, Xiv?”
“…I was kicked out when I was really young.” Alaria gave a look that was as sorry as it was questioning - still unsure just what the situation was. “They said I was cursed…” Xiv looks away, visibly upset by the memory.
When master Alaria felt that sudden, desperate echo once more everything clicked into place.
“Do you have any family here, Xiv? Any friends or people looking out for you?”
“No, ma’am.” The child sulked and balled both of their hands together tightly.
“I see.” Alaria sighed, second guessing herself. Who was she to take this child away from his home planet? But…when they are treated poorly and force sensitive is that not an obligation of the Jedi? “Do you know what I am, Xiv?” The child shook his head again as the question seemed to bring back some nervousness. “Well. Believe it or not, I think I may have been guided to you.” Alaria smiled, gently holding out a hand to Xiv.
“By what?”
“The force.” The child’s eyes began to glow with a new light. Recognition, familiarity - and the brightest of all, hope as he took Alaria’s hand.
~~~~~
She was surprised by how few questions the child asked. In fact, she expected to be bombarded by him, but for the entirety of the ride they were both nearly silent.
It was a short enough trip back to the docks in the speeder - only hopping out when they got to the landing platform, leading Xiv by holding his hand - though the two did get plenty of odd looks from citizens and guards alike no one seemed to question Xiv being with her.
Xiv’s eyes once again lit up at the sight of the T-6 shuttle, pure awe all over his face as the ramp slowly lowered. Senator Dio had her own ship, which normally Alaria would have considered wasteful to bring - though in this specific scenario she had to admit it would have been problematic if they shared a single vehicle.
The force truly did work in mysterious ways…
“Careful.” She whispered, ensuring he didn’t stumble over the lip of the ramp as he started walking up it - following closely behind. The senate trooper nearby tilted his head (and helmet) in curiosity, and for once Alaria was extremely glad she didn’t have to explain herself to the senate. Once inside the ship proper he looked around in awe at his surroundings, practically bouncing in place at the opportunity to see it all.
“One quick thing first, Xiv?” The child instantly stood at attention, awaiting Alaria’s words. “Here, hold out your palm.” He did as instructed - initially without any doubt or nervousness, though was overwhelmed by it briefly when Alaria held out a cylinder with a small needle on one end - retracting his hand and holding it close to his chest. “I promise it will only hurt for a moment, it may help if you close your eyes.” It took several seconds of visible hesitation and fear, but eventually Xiv did as asked; despite his whole body trembling.
Alaria felt a pang of guilt that she was adding to the child’s pain, regardless of how small it may be. She had never been so thankful that a blood test was so quick.
“There, we’re done.” Xiv slowly opened one eye - as if unsure that was the truth or not - slowly looking over the tiny dot on his palm.
Before Alaria had the chance to sit down in the pilot’s chair, Xiv hugged onto her leg tightly through her robes with both arms - causing the Mirialan to smile once again while patting his head.
“Get some rest, Xiv. Even through hyperspace coruscant is some ways away. We can talk when we get there.” He smiled and hesitantly walked off to explore the ship while Alaria began firing up the ship and began to contact the temple. It wasn’t long until she received her answer; a hologram of Mace Windu lighting up the display.
“Master Alaria, you’re early. I take it that negotiations with the Duchess haven’t gone well?” The Mirialan grimaced, realizing she would have to explain that she had entirely forgone her primary mission.
“They were not, but I left early and placed it in Senator Lexi’s capable hands; though truly Satine does not seem remotely interested in joining the Republic.” Mace sighed, folding his hands behind his back.
“Unfortunately this was expected. The Duchess and most Mandalorians don’t have favorable views of the republic, but we had to try...though I sense that’s not all you have to report.”
“Yes…I found a child on Mandalore, one I believe to be force sensitive.” Her words gave Mace pause, the Jedi master taking a moment just to ensure she hadn’t misheard them.
“Are you positive? A force sensitive Mandalorian hasn’t been known to live for many years.”
“The blood test was positive, though we both know it’s not always accurate. And…given that they were disowned by their family and clan, I thought it best to bring them back to the temple with me.” Mace considered things for a moment, no doubt wondering if it would be wise to train a child with such a background.
“Very well, I’ll convene the Jedi council. If they pass the trials they may become a padawan. If not, then at least the child can be sent somewhere safer. Have a safe journey, master Alaria - and may the force be with you.” The hologram of Mace bowed and Alaria returned the gesture.
“May the force be with you, too, old friend.” With their goodbyes said she shuts off the comm, thinking about how the council would react. Alaria stares into the infinite blue light of hyperspace with no company but her thoughts for a while before setting the controls to autopilot to check on the child.
When Alaria enters the small ‘quarters’ section of the ship she finds Xiv curled up in a chair - fast asleep already. Again she feels a small pang of pain in her chest when she realizes the child completely ignored the small bed, likely leaving it for her. It made her wonder for just how long that he had been without a bed, or even the most basic of shelter like a roof.
That simply would not do.
As carefully and gently as a Jedi master could she scoops Xiv up, trying her best not to wake the child as she sets him on the bed and lightly pulls a blanket over his sleeping form. She returns to the cockpit, closing her eyes as she leans back in the captain’s chair with a smile, hopeful to catch some sleep before they get to Coruscant.
~~~~~~
Xiv’s reaction to Coruscant was truly enough to make the entire trip worth it. His eyes lit up with unhidden excitement and awe as they neared the temple. Even inside as she led him by holding his hand they excitement didn’t dull.
The only thing that seemed to dampen it in any meaningful way was nervousness as they both stood outside of the council’s chambers. Despite sitting in silence his racing thoughts were rather loud to Alaria, who did her best to dissuade his worries.
“It will be alright, Xiv. The council just wants to talk with you for a bit.” The jedi gently placed a hand on his shoulder to reassure him as the large doors to the council chamber opened, doing her best to calm him down. It seemed to work well enough in the moment since he took a large breath and then entered the room, not needing any further encouragement. The collective gaze of the council fell upon them both as Alaria stepped forward.
“Members of the council; this is Xiv Strasi of Mandalore. He tested positive for a high m-count and I believe I could sense him through the force while I was on the planet.” The masters turned to each other for a moment, the silence enduring until Windu addressed the child directly.
“Can you perform a quick test for us, young one?” Xiv just barely began to speak but turned to Alaria before trying anything, as if asking for approval - the Mirialan giving a subtle nod to the child in return. She was about to mention that he was being tested before a proper meal or medical screening when Mace held up the small screen the Jedi used for testing. “Please describe the images on the screen as best you can.” The child nodded, closing his eyes and focusing for a moment.
Beep
“A moon.” Despite it being against proper protocol, Alaria used her senses to see if his answers were correct. The image displayed was in fact a small moon - so far, so good.
Beep
“A blaster.” Correct again.
Beep
“A…spaceship?” Technically correct, it was a space station - though Xiv likely didn’t know the difference.
Beep
“An animal.” A small Tooka cat, unsurprising that he didn’t know the exact name since they weren’t native to Mandalore.
“Very good, last one.”
Beep
“The…the temple.” A perfect score, unless you took a point off for the space station. The council members all exchanged looks while discussing the matter in silence until Plo Koon addressed Xiv directly.
“Very good, child. Do you mind waiting outside for a moment while we discuss this with master Alaria?” Again, the small child turned to Alaria for confirmation before acting.
“It’s alright, Xiv. We won’t be long.” He nodded, giving the council a nervous wave before exiting and the chamber doors shut behind him. As soon as they did the council members began turning to each other and whispering in discussion; though it was short lived. Only moments after the talking had begun it ended and silence filled the room once more.
“Has the council reached a verdict?” Alaria asked and the masters turned to each other, subtly nodding and gesturing to one another before all of their gazes fell on her once more.
“The child passed the tests and will be allowed to train as a padawan.” Alaria internally celebrated, happy that Xiv would no longer be alone and that something positive came out of her trip to Mandalore. “We also think that you should be the one to mentor the child.”
That part was…not as expected.
“Me? May I ask why, masters?” The oldest member of the council chuckled and shook his head as though the question were foolish.
“Obvious, is it not? Guided you together, the force has.” It was always hard to argue with the will of the force, and it did seem to have a strong opinion in this matter.
“Are you all in agreement on this?” It wasn’t that she didn’t want to mentor Xiv, but her own upbringing as a padawan and her strict master had soured any prospect of having a padawan of her own.
“It is the council’s consensus. We know you have not trained a padawan yet despite your rank, but we believe you are ready; and that now is the time.” Master Plo’s kind words did inspire some hope in her despite her hesitations.
“We also know you and your master had..” Master Mundi stopped mid sentence to ensure he had the right words, though still ended up choosing wrong. “Disagreements, but this is no reason to not want a padawan of your own.”
“…Very well. I accept, and vow to uphold our teachings.” She bowed respectfully before the council, trying to calm her nerves and balance her emotions once more.
“One last thing, master Alaria.” Master Windu addressing her directly made that much more difficult as worry washed over her.
“Yes?”
“Please ensure that the child is discrete about their…‘heritage’.” Mace warned while leaning forward in his seat. Alaria knew what he meant, a Mandalorian among Jedi would certainly be treated better than the opposite; though they’d still likely be an outcast. Even if they were in the order.
“Taken, great care must be.” Yoda spoke while putting both hands atop his cane.
“Indeed. We don’t want to risk Xiv being alienated once more.” Plo Koon adds, his voice somewhat muffled by his mask - Alaria noted that he was the only other Jedi to refer to the child by name so far.
“I understand, masters. Thank you.” She gave one last bow to the council before exiting the chamber and shutting the door behind her. Xiv was still waiting outside on a small bench and eagerly ran up to her as soon as he noticed her.
“What did they say?” Alaria knelt down, resting her hand on the child’s shoulder with a gentle smile.
“You passed the initial test, and I am permitted to train you as my padawan - if you’d like. It is your choice.”
“What’s a padawan?” Xiv asked while tilting his head, briefly stumping the Jedi. It was such a core concept to her that describing it never really came up.
“It’s like…a student. I would teach you about the force and the ways of the Jedi here at the temple, for the most part.” Once he understood it, Xiv smiled and nodded multiple times, almost tripping over himself as he hugged Alaria.
“…Will I get one of those swords, too?”
“In due time, my padawan. In due time.” The Jedi master chuckled, gently hugging her new apprentice back as thoughts and hopes of the future flooded her mind.
It seemed the mission wasn’t a waste of time after all.