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Amped up wasn’t strong enough to convey the emotions stirring inside. He knew that he was under even more scrutiny than any other verde. A few years ago, his buir successfully battled his father for the title of Mand’alor. It was an epic fight that was the biggest event in the Empire’s recent history. Ben stood off to the side swaying and bobbing along with his buir as he battled Jaster. He loved his ba’buir but this was their third spar. Jango had suffered brutal defeats and incessant ribbing. Myles very well could have been sent marching with the amount of osik he spouted at Jango.
The grin on his buir’s face when he claimed the Darksaber from Jaster was priceless and made the cover of every piece of media in the Empire. As Jaster had to be supported by Silas to leave the field, Jango removed his helmet and raised the darksaber in the air in victory. He immediately made eye contact with Ben and gave him the largest grin. Jango appeared even more dangerous with the facial scar Ben gifted him all those years ago. He had managed to acquire a few smaller scars since then. Ben’s, however, remained the largest and most impressive. Jaster was brimming with pride and love. Ben didn’t need to connect with Jaster in the kara to know his feelings.
Myles bumping his pauldron brought him to the here and now. He shuddered when he thought that. It was one of Qui-Gon’s most repeated quotes to Obi-wan during his padawanship. Mentally shaking his thoughts of Qui-Gon off, he honed in on Myles’ osik ribbing. Buir wasn’t in the system to see him off on his first hunt, but he had Myles to fill in with their love and support.
He was wearing what would be his final beskar’gam. The baar’ur assured him that he had achieved his final growth spurt, and to the annoyance of buir, Ben was slightly taller than him. It took a few years of following a rigorous diet for him to reach his full physical potential. All the mass and muscle definition he had lost during his prior life had been regained and refined.
Shaking out his arms and legs, probably looking like a total dork, he cracked his neck. It was time for his rousing speech to his verde. This was his first hunt that he would be leading as Commander. It was also the first hunt he wouldn’t have a superior officer on the ground with them. He was nervous but excited. He had researched for months trying to determine where and what he would do for his first hunt. He had to consider the prestige and expectations that came with being the Mand’alor’s son and heir. He and buir had discussed it to ad nauseum for months brainstorming the parameters and goals he wanted to achieve.
He had proven his resiliency when he first arrived. His little adventure with Jango spread throughout the palace like wildfire. Once he moved in with buir, and officially completed his integration, it was circulated in the gossip around the palace.
Taking that into account, he knew that his goal was to establish his leadership, his ability to maintain calm, and finally, prove that he was worthy to bear his buir’s legacy.
Myles excitedly waited for Ben to compose himself. He had rehearsed this speech repeatedly yet his mind suddenly blanked. Panicking he turned to Myles who just slapped him on the back and pushed him toward his squad.
Clearing his throat to buy himself time to recall his speech, he moved his eyes amongst the group before him. Most of these verd had graduated from the academy with him either one year before or after he did. There were a few that were significantly more experienced, and they made him the most nervous.
He flashed back to his time on Melidaan and channeled the General to the forefront. He wasn’t that same person, but the core competencies were ingrained in him.
“Good morning. We have discussed the mission parameters, and we are going to review them once more. Everyone knows their position. Kryze is going to be taking the lead on the ground with back up from Skirata. Our objective is to establish the newest citizens of the Empire. We will be assisting those planet side to keep the peace and help ease the transition. Based on experience, we will need to remain vigilant. These are our people now and they need our support. Eldar will take point with the Journeyman Protectors and fill in any deficiencies in their patrols and integration processing. Ordo will be back up where needed. I will be at base and can be deployed where necessary. Oya!”
“Oya!” chorused all the verde.
He could feel their excitement and eagerness and it invigorated him. He took a deep breath and exhaled slowly to calm down.
“Al’verde, we are making final approach. Brace for landing.” The pilot warned as he lit the landing sign for all to see.
Ben took his seat at the front and swept the planet below with the Force. He was overwhelmed by all the force signatures he found. His focus today was in the capital city as support to a larger operation on the planet. He needed to focus on his goal and maintain an air of professionalism. He sat up straighter, held his head up and faced forward.
As always, the pilot made a smooth landing in the hangar without any turbulence. As Ben stood, he squeezed the pilot’s right shoulder in acknowledgment before heading to the command center onboard the ship.
The ramp lowered and he could feel the blank spots of his men descend into the hangar en route to their assigned locations.
Ben stood next to Myles as they listened to each team check in. Ben coordinated with the ground operations for a sitrep. As of yet, they had not had any runners or much resistance. Of course, they had only begun the integration process two days prior. It had taken at least that long to attempt his escape. As his buir did, there was a ship in orbit to catch any escapees before they could reach hyperspace.
After several hours, Ben was bullied to take a break to eat and relax. Grumbling, he made his way to the galley where there was food set up. He made himself a plate and grabbed an empty place at one of the tables. He nodded at a few verde, clasped forearms with several, but ultimately wanted to eat alone. Everyone respected his wishes and didn’t approach while he scarfed his food. His buir always ribbed him about the speed with which he ate while ba’buir would roll his eyes and remind him that he was just as bad. Buir would scowl at ba’buir and Ben would laugh. He loved his little family. He was honestly surprised his buir hadn’t sent a message checking in. Maybe Myles was heading Jango off. Kara knows Jango was more nervous about this hunt than Ben.
He reviewed his communications and played a game while waiting for his required rest time to end. Heaving in exasperation as he looked at the chrono for the millionth time to see it was time for him to return to command.
He took the tray and slipped his buy’ce back on. As he slipped the tray into the cleaning slot, he began listening to the chatter. As his wrist comm pinged, he heard his name mentioned over the channel. He made his way to command quickly, and Myles turned to him as soon as he entered.
“Sitrep.” He called out.
Myles gestured to one of the communications officers to alert Ben to the situation.
“Alor, we have an individual that is attempting to enter the hangar without proper identification and clearance. They are requesting to speak to the person in charge.”
Ben and Myles looked at each other, Myles made a slight tip of his helmet deferring to Ben’s decision about how to proceed.
“You know I can handle things here while you handle this.” Myles reassured, as he knew Ben was already set to take point. Nodding, Ben worked his way to the ramp, he checked his inventory of weapons to ensure he had everything in its place. Feeling assured, he exited the ship and made his way to the main entrance of the hangar.
He faltered as he caught sight of the person standing at the entrance holding themselves as imperious and attempting to intimidate his men.
“Siri,” he muttered below his breath.
As if she heard him her head snapped up and eyed him.
He recovered quickly and continued his approach. He told the men over comms to return to their post, and he would speak with her in private. Switching his microphone to external he invited her to join him in his ship. She eyed him speculatively but followed. Now that he swept out with the Force he could recognize her presence. He was surprised he hadn’t pinged her sooner.
Prior to ascending the ramp, he turned to her, swept her person seeking weapons, then scanned the immediate vicinity for any verde.
Addressing Siri he said, “give me your lightsaber and any other weapons.”
If she was surprised by his demand, she hid it well. That infamous Jedi serenity mask falling flawlessly in place. He was struck with the distaste he felt from receiving that look.
They stared one another down until finally Siri conceded and handed him her lightsaber. Seamlessly opening a hidden compartment in the thigh of his kute, he hid it inside.
“Let’s go,” he commanded.
His buir would kill him if he knew he had turned his back on a Jedi, but he trusted Siri to maintain civility while in the presence of others. He nodded at a few men and informed Myles over comms that he was escorting an integration candidate to a private meeting. Myles seemed concerned but acceded to Ben’s decision.
Ben swept for life forms as he led Siri to his private quarters aboard the ship. Not sensing or seeing anyone, he stepped aside as his door opened and, placing his arm along her back, he gently led her inside.
She immediately whirled on him attempting to disarm him. He wasn’t surprised as he remembered how desperate he was to escape in the beginning.
He easily caught her arm and blocked the force push she sent his way. One of the benefits of beskar.
“Siri,” he sighed exasperatedly.
She froze and he could feel her prod his force presence. He released his shields and met her halfway. She fumbled back as if struck.
“Obi wan…what? How are you here? We thought…” Siri quickly spouted.
Removing his buy’ce he gave her a sheepish smile and gestured she take a seat at the table.
“Hey Siri, long time no see.” He attempted to joke but it only fell flat as she continued to stare at him in shock.
It was slightly awkward as they both took one another in. He had never been as close with her as he was with Bant and Quinlan, but they had been friends. She had grown into a striking woman with her medium length blonde hair, symmetrical nose and high cheekbones. Her presence was more haggard than he remembered but he was just as, if not more so, than her now.
Thinking quickly, he activated the scrambler and sound proofing to his quarters. Using the Force, he engaged the lock that would let anyone who came that he was unavailable.
“Well.” Siri stated with expectation
.
Ben looked between her eyes and decided where to begin in his life and to what extent he should inform her.
“As I’m sure you remember, Qui-Gon and I had been sent to extract an informant and return him to Coruscant for testimony. Qui-Gon left me behind for my safety while he went into space near Mandalorian territory. Little did we know, the planet I was on peacefully surrendered to the Mandalorian Empire and we all became integrators. I was fresh off of Melidaan and sought the comfort of hiding in the sewers while attempting to contact Qui-Gon. The local Mandalorians caught the outgoing message and were tipped off by the level of encryption. They sent a Journeyman Protector to the location of where the message had been sent, and he found me. Long story short, he wrangled me to his ship, and they recorded an intake interview. I didn’t give them anything. All I knew was that I needed to leave, the sooner the better.
I managed to make it to a private ship and make it out of airspace before a ship appeared above me. Before I made the jump to hyperspace they managed to latch onto the ship. That’s when I met my buir. My dad. We had a rough few days together, but I was comfortable with him by the time he had managed to drag me to Mandalore. Better the enemy you know. He was the son of the Mand’alor and the Mand’alor insisted he bring me to the palace for integration. I kept my force abilities hidden and waited for a chance to escape. Damn if my dad wasn’t persistent in keeping me, and he managed to track me down every time.
I had received communication from Qui-Gon that he was trying to reach me by following our bond.”
Swallowing down the sorrow and the phantom of pain from the breaking of the bond, he continued.
“One day the bond was broken suddenly. I knew instantly that he had died, and it was the single most painful day of my life. I don’t remember much but I came to a few days later. I told my buir what I was. He looked me in the eye and told me that he wanted me and adopted me on the spot. He’s Mand’alor now and I’m his heir.”
He stopped for breath to allow his story to sink in with Siri. As he spoke, he could see the slight shifting of her face as she took in what he said. She dropped that serene mask and seemed curious at first, then cautious, then surprised, and finally she appeared uncomfortable.
“The reason I pulled you aside here and told you my story is because I want to give you the choice I wasn’t. I didn’t realize at the time, but the Force wanted me here. Every step led to me being where I was when I was. Every time I attempted to deviate from this path, I was steered back. My question to you is, is the force leading you to stay or is it telling you to leave?
Before you answer that, I want to tell you some things to take into consideration. There hasn’t been one single fully trained Jedi that has survived the integration process in over a century. It is not something to be taken lightly and you need to be sure this is the path you will pursue to completion. I only managed because of my inexperience, age, and Jango and Jaster.”
He waited as Siri absorbed what he said.
“I’ll leave you here for an hour to meditate and determine how you want to proceed. If the Force is telling you to leave, I will do everything in my power to make that happen. If it wants you to stay, I will sponsor you and be with you in your integration journey. You will not be alone. You are my friend, my family, and that will not change.”
He stood up and replaced his buy’ce before disengaging the lock. He left the scrambler and sound proofing in place for her safety. He noted the look of concentration on her face as he made his way out, locking the door behind him as he headed back to command.
Myles tilted his buy’ce to enquire about his visitor and Ben signaled the all clear. He could feel Myles’ confusion but he nodded.
“Jango is driving me crazy. He has commed at least a million times. Please put me out of my misery by calling him or send me marching now. Honestly, I don’t care which.”
Ben laughed and bumped his shoulder as he left to give his buir a call from one of the conference rooms.
Entering the room, he engaged the scrambler and sound proofing and removed his buy’ce before dialing his buir.
It barely rang once before Jango picked up.
“Ben’ika” he breathed, relieved to see him.
Jango coughed and visibly straightened to slip into his official Mand’alor posture.
“Al’verde, report.”
Maintaining eye contact, Ben rolled his eyes affectionately at his buir’s ridiculousness.
“Hey buir, I’m doing well, thanks for asking. Myles begged me to contact you. What are you doing to that poor man?”
Jango snorted. Ben suspected that his buir and Myles’ physical relationship was deeper than they let on. He was just waiting him out to admit that their relationship had progressed and they were going to say riduurok.
“Hush. How is it going? Any runners?”
Feeling slightly guilty, he told his buir the truth from a certain point of view.
“No buir, no runners. It’s been relatively smooth. It’s early yet.”
At that last statement, he meaningfully eyed his buir to drive the point home. He was fine and they just started.
“Alright ad’ika, alright. Can’t a buir check in with his ad without getting this attitude?”
“Yes buir, you can. Doesn’t mean you’re going to with me though.” Ben teased.
“Shabuir,” Jango affectionately said.
“Is that all Mand’alor?” Ben asked.
“Well, Myles mentioned you pulled an integrator aside and he hasn’t seen them since. You want to fill me in?”
Swallowing, feeling his Adams apple bob, he told his buir, “yes I pulled them aside but there’s nothing to report at this time. I will give you a thorough debrief when I see you in person.”
His buir understood what he wasn’t saying, he could tell his buir wasn’t satisfied with his answer, but he did drop the subject.
They caught up and his buir started peppering him with reminders until Ben had had enough and moved to disconnect the call.
“Ben’ika, I am proud of how far you’ve come, and I trust you. Be sure to check in before the end of the cycle or I may send Jas’buir on you.” He mock threatened.
Ben just sighed and gave his buir a genuine smile. As much as Jango was ridiculous, he loved his buir and he knew Jango loved him.
“I love you buir and I’ll check in, haat ijaa, haa’it.”
Jango nodded and muttered a love you before Ben disconnected.
Disengaging the scrambler and sound proofing, Ben checked his chrono noting he had half an hour before he needed to check in with Siri.
He made his way back to command and checked in with Myles. The whole time he surveyed his team; his mind was with Siri. He began to feel antsy as to her answer. He would respect her wishes but a selfish part of him wanted her to stay. He missed connecting with his Jedi siblings. Jaster was a touch force sensitive, but it wasn’t the same. Ben had discussed it with Jaster and Jango, but they didn’t quite understand what he was trying to tell them. Force sensitives needed other force sensitives. Jedi could be solitary, but they had others through bonds they could connect with. They could also go home to the Temple to socialize. Ben had lost his entire Jedi support system when Qui-Gon died. He had managed to stabilize but there was only so much interaction that would fill that gap. Maybe he could build a bond with Siri regardless of her decision so that he would have that connection. He would discuss it with her, it had been some time since he had built a bond, and he didn’t know how to do it.
Jerking at the feel of his chrono alarm, he looked to Myles and informed him he would return. He could feel Myles’ irritation. He knew he couldn’t get away with this much longer.
At Myles’ acknowledgment he made his way back to his quarters. He disengaged the lock and engaged it upon entry. Siri was snooping through his cubby as he entered.
“Seriously?” He huffed.
She shrugged as she met his eyes.
He gestured she joined him at the table, after she was seated he cut her off before she could speak.
“Before I hear your answer, can you tell me how everyone is doing? What have I missed?”
He couldn’t help but to be curious about his former family.
Siri looked thoughtful for a moment.
“Well, Bant has officially been knighted to the Halls of Healing. Quinlan was knighted a few years ago and is spreading chaos in his wake. This was my second mission since my knighting.”
She hesitated before continuing.
“Master Tahl was devastated by Qui-Gon’s passing and your disappearance. She saw Bant knighted before returning to the Force. Bant never really recovered from your disappearance and Quinlan…well, you know how he is. He takes everything in stride while internalizing his emotions. He’s still emotionally stunted but Master Tholme has tempered his hyperactivity. I missed you too. We thought the worst. After Melidaan our bonds were weak, and we didn’t know where you were or if you were even alive.”
As she spoke, he could see the emotion coming to the surface. The serenity gave way to frustration, anger, and then sadness.
“It’s good to see you Obi-wan.”
“Ben.” He gently corrected. “I go by Ben now. Ben Fett. Obi-wan Kenobi died with Qui-Gon.”
She looked aggrieved.
“You were never forgotten. Now, let me tell you the dirt on Quin and his antics…”
Ben was ecstatic to hear about them, but also melancholy that he had missed this. They spoke for some time sharing stories of their life and catching up with one another.
As the conversation came to an end, Siri gave Ben a sheepish glance which told him what her decision was. He was slightly disappointed, but he understood.
“I think you know what I am going to say. The Force is telling me that this is not my path.”
“Yeah, I get it.” He gave her a slight smile as they gazed at one another.
“Before you go, would you mind making a bond with me? It’s tough not having a force sensitive that I can connect to. As I mentioned, we don’t get any full temple trained Jedi.” He felt nervous asking but he felt that he should at least try.
She hesitated before nodding. They moved to the floor taking a traditional meditative pose.
“It’s been some time since I have done this, so you’ll need to lead me.” He told her.
He cleared his mind and imagined the mental space of his meditative state. He felt Siri reach out and they met in a nebulous space. Grey surrounded them but it was calm.
Siri felt nervous but outwardly she appeared calm, purposeful.
He indicated for her to start and waited.
She held out her hands palm up and Ben immediately placed his palm down on top. He felt a gentle prod to his shields, and he carefully lowered the beskar plates he hardly ever brought down. He was hesitant at first but his desire for connection overrode his fear.
She seemed pleased with his actions and began weaving what appeared to be a braid between their force presences. This braid was interwoven with such care he felt like he could cry. It was layered in multiple levels until he felt it strongly regardless of their close physical distance. A part of him was at peace knowing he could have this, filling a need he had repressed for years.
Siri carefully withdrew after sealing the bond with layers of her presence. They continued to meditate in comfort together to strengthen it further before emerging from their state together.
Ben gave her a soft smile before standing up. He offered her his hand and helped pull her up as well.
Rebuilding his walls, he turned back to the door, disengaging the lock, the scrambler and sound proofing. With their new bond they didn’t require speaking out loud. He was able to send impressions of his actions to her through the bond.
Before opening the door, he swept through the ship and ensured his path was clear. He gave her a look to remind her to stay close and follow his lead.
They were halfway through the ship when his luck ran out. Myles had left another verd in charge to seek Ben out. Ben could feel his frustration in the force and knew he was projecting for his “benefit.” Ben had told him several times he didn’t need to do that, but Myles insisted when he did project it was because he wanted to ensure Ben understood the severity.
The frustration quickly turned to confusion and then betrayal as he saw Siri over Ben’s shoulder. Myles had inadvertently managed to block the direct path Ben was on to exit the ship.
“Ben, is there something I should know?” Myles said slowly with significance.
Thinking quickly, Ben decided to include Myles in his plans.
“Actually, you were just the person I was seeking.”
As he spoke, he could feel the concern from Siri. He sent back the impression to trust him.
Myles appeared suspicious before turning and allowing them to pass before bringing up the rear. He could feel Myles’ scrutiny of Siri as they exited the ship.
Ben led them over to the side of the hangar that was currently unoccupied and turned to Myles to head him off before he spoke.
“Myles, as I am sure you’re aware, Buir has given me leave to make decisions based on the feelings in the kara.”
Myles’ suspicion built, but he hoped that Myles believed his lie. He indicated he continue.
“The kara has informed me that this individual is not meant to be a member of the Mandalorian Empire. Therefore, based on the approval of the Mand’alor, I have decided to grant her passage out of the system to her location of choice.”
Myles immediately began to protest when Ben calmly placed his hand on Myles’ arm. He could feel the spike of fear from Siri and he sent soothing impressions to her. He dare not do the same to Myles as he was specifically entrusted not to do so without permission.
Even though he couldn’t see Myles he knew the facial expression he made as his resolve to follow Ben solidified. Ben couldn’t fault Myles for his continued skepticism, but he gestured them to a small personal ship and took up sentry outside as Ben brought Siri onboard.
He led her to cockpit and disabled the trackers, making sure she knew where they were. He informed her to take the ship to her destination, re-engage the trackers, and set off on her way immediately.
With an air of finality, they briefly embraced.
“May the Force be with you, my friend.” He wished before pulling her lightsaber from the hidden compartment and handing it to her.
“Thank you, Ben, may the Force be with you.” She said before he turned and left the ship. It was fully stocked with rations and the water tanks were topped up so she should be set for her journey. He looked back once more, and they made brief eye contact as he gave her a soft smile before he turned back.
Immediately after he disembarked, he issued a command to the orbiting ship to allow passage for Siri’s ship under his authorization codes. The communications officer promptly acknowledged and informed the bridge of his order.
He stood and watched the ship leave orbit before Siri engaged the hyperdrive then turned to face Myles.
He stood still, waiting for judgment from whom had become his family, but to his surprise, Myles clapped him on the shoulder and walked back to the command ship.
Sighing in relief he followed Myles and took over command of the deck. His thoughts drifted to Siri as he was caught up on current progress. He could feel her in the bond, and despite the distance it was just as strong as it was when it was formed.
~*~*~
As night began to fall and they were preparing for the night shift to replace the day shift, Ben began his walk through the hangar expecting at least one attempt to flee the planet.
He could sense her before he caught sight of the girl stalking her way through the ships, peering around seeking her means of escape. She had dark greasy hair, with a slight frame leaning toward malnourishment, a gaunt face, and wore grubby ill-fitted clothing. He had already decided to pursue her even before the Force alerted him that he needed to interfere, that she was important. Children were the future, and this girl looked barely older than 12. Based on a quick search he could feel her force sensitivity. It didn’t seem strong enough for the temple, not that that was an option, but it was more than enough for him. He saw the similarities between them when he was about her age, and he knew she would need him.
Maintaining stealth, he managed to quickly come up behind her.
“Going somewhere?” He asked in a teasing tone.
He took delight in her wide eyes and frozen stance before she turned and sprinted.
‘Let the hunt begin,’ he thought, as he pursued her. He was looking forward to it.