Chapter 16 Unity or Division? (Part 2)

Landing Platform, Coruscant...A Few Days Later…

Haron with annoyance stood with the Chancellor as they waited for Duchess Satine to arrive, he was hating this and wondered if Palpatine had made him come to greet her for his own amusement. He was more right than he knew in this but it mattered little.

The other house leaders had been arriving over the last few days and were remaining apart prior to the meeting. The only one he had spoken to personally was Takan who had given him the proof he needed to show the senate that the Mandalorians were not allied with the Separatists. The place he had found was a skyscraper near the senate which was often hired out for corporate events, more warriors from Reijar were present to oversee security and keep watch in case Vizsla did something stupid. Din had even come with them for the once in a lifetime chance to see all of the House Leaders together.

Seeing the ridiculous looking Coronet coming in Haron gritted his teeth as for the first time in years he was going to be face to face with a woman that irritated him no end.

As the ship carefully manoeuvred itself into position and extended its landing ramp a large party including Obi-Wan, Anakin, a lot of senators and clones disembarked. Haron gave Anakin a nod in greeting which was returned while Obi-Wan spoke to Palpatine.

"A job well done master Jedi." Palpatine said with a nod of his head that was almost respectful.

"Thank you Chancellor." Obi-Wan said with a return of the nod while Anakin nodded himself and said.

"Your excellency."

Haron was troubled by the hero worship Anakin seemed to give the Chancellor and hoped his hold over him wasn't as great as it appeared. He knew he should probably try and sow some doubt between them but he knew all it would do in the long run was drive a wedge between Anakin and himself so all he could do was try and advise Anakin as best he could and when the time came hope he made the right choice.

The Jedi stepped aside and the Chancellor left with the Senators for the session of the Senate which will begin soon. That left Haron and his guards with the Jedi and the Duchess on the landing pad.

She shared a few words with Obi-Wan which definitely made him think there had been some very strong feelings between them before turning to face him.

The air instantly seemed to become thicker with tension as they faced each other, his guards and her guards too and the Jedi present alongside their clones all shared looks as if not sure why things had become so awkward all of a sudden.

"Duchess." Haron said tensely, his tone sharp.

"Duke." She replied with a glare, not liking the mask he was wearing or the armour that went with it. The Protectors who were aware of the significance of the mask all shared a look of not being sure what to do but content themselves at looking at him with awe.

"The Meeting is tonight, at the top floor of the Shan Tower. I would advise you not to be late, there is much to discuss." Haron said with a pressing tone that she resented and she replied with just as much distrust and intensity.

"I will be there."

"Good, I have evidence that proves Pre Vizsla is the only one collaborating with the Separatists. I will be presenting it to the Senate shortly. Good day." Haron said and left the landing platform before Satine could say a word.

Anakin he noticed was following him and when they arrived at the speeder he got in with them.

"If I can ask what is it between you and the Duchess?" Anakin asked, confused at why there was all this tension between them and Haron decided to answer him so at least Anakin could understand.

"She and I have very different views on the galaxy and indeed the way Mandalore should be run. She is a pacifist while I am not. She did nothing to help my family when we were attacked by two other houses, she did nothing to save the colonies that were attacked by the Separatists and she devotes all her attention to supporting humanitarian and artist projects on Mandalore ignoring all our other worlds. We have come to blows verbally before and if you do not think as she does then you are wrong and there is no middle ground." Haron told him and Anakin seemed to understand as he was if the opinion that swift action was a better solution most of the time than debate and pacifism was a dream that rarely worked as he had seen in this war.

He was a little amused at how easily Satine riled people up. Wondering briefly if Satine was either arguing or making out with Obi-Wan on the landing pad.

- x -

"I see I am not the only person you at odds with." Obi-Wan said with a slight smile as Anakin and Haron Ordo left. Satine frowned intensely which surprised him a little but she did explain herself which he knew from personal experience was rare.

"He is a war monger. He fought a brutal civil war without even trying for a diplomatic solution. Then he steals ships from the Separatists and kills their personnel, when I tried to negotiate a deal to ease relations he rejected it out of hand. He is a barbarian and a murderer. And wearing that mask! A symbol of all that is wrong of my people's past in front of everyone, it is just a revolting display." She said with bitterness.

Obi-Wan frowned now himself, knowing the situation was a lot more complicated than that but knew Ordo had a far more connections here now and could be quite dangerous if he was against Satine.

"Then perhaps I can introduce you to someone who might be willing to help you in securing peace with the Republic." Obi-Wan told her which seemed to make her feel better. "A Senator I know who is a staunch proponent for peace, Padmé Amidala of Naboo."

- x -

In the Senate Hall with most of the Senators or their aides present Haron stood in one of the pods which was unusual but he presented them with holographic recordings of meetings between Vizsla and Dooku.

"As you can see Senators, this is not a case of my people being against the Republic. Merely of one very opportunistic fool who is nothing more than a puppet on Dooku's strings. It is a matter of internal security, it need not concern you all further." Haron told them and while many were satisfied with his explanation one spoke up.

"And what do you intend to do with this Pre Vizsla? Despite your claims that he is no threat he might well succeed in taking over Mandalore." A Senator from Taris said and Haron nodded.

"I understand your concerns, while the Duchess Satine will do no more than talk myself and the other house leaders will take action against him. Vizsla is a small house and one which boasts of its history but has little else to its name. He will not be able to take over Mandalore now we have learned of his alliance." Haron said knowing his support whatever he had would drop significantly when the news got out that he was tying himself to the same state that had attacked their colonies.

- x -

In Padmé's apartment Satine sat with the younger woman sipping tea, both looking worried.

"So you see my position." Satine explained with concern on her face. "If the war mongers gain power on Mandalore they will bring my people back to the savage warlike ways of our past. I am afraid that they will likely strike at the Republic should this come to pass." Satine said with fear from the devastation it could reek on not only her own world but others too.

Padmé frowned, she had known Duke Ordo might have been been understating the chances of this Pre Vizsla gaining power but the way the Duchess told the story made her think it was far more likely that he was saying. She thought, not liking this but had an idea which hopefully would make him think again especially if the one person standing in his way was the Duchess.

"I will get a bill in motion it should have enough signatures by tonight, that if you are ever unseated then the Republic will be forced to invade to restore you to the throne as a matter of our alliance. It will be a bluff but the Death Watch don't need to know that." Padmé said knowing this was dangerous but it was all she could think of that might ensure the Duchess stayed on the throne.

The Shan Tower, Coruscant...That Night…

The tower that had been named for the famous dynasty of that name stood tall among all the others of Coruscant and was made out in fairly luxurious standards. Hired out to different corporations and political functions that needed a separate venue it was a magnificent tower and some had tried to purchase it but the owners had always refused.

The top floor had a massive open space which was protected by a reinforced transparent dome which offered incredible views of the Coruscant skyline. It was one of the building's best selling points.

Tonight however that view wasn't going to be that useful, as fifteen chairs sat in the centre of the space in a circle in the well lit floor. Haron had arrived first and checked security, smiling in satisfaction as he saw things were secure. Din came up to him, seeming to have grown since they last saw each other even if it was only a couple of weeks ago. He must be having a grown spurt Haron thought as the boy he had adopted was turning into a man before his eyes.

"Well, tonight you get to see some of the most powerful people in Mandalorian Space." Haron said with a smile and Din nodded with a smile.

"Thank you for allowing me to be here, I know this is important." Din told him and Haron just told him.

"You have been doing well in your training and have shown to be far wiser than your years. You deserve to be here." Haron told him. "Just observe though okay? These people will be prickly given the matter we have to discuss tonight."

Din nodded and just then the first of the house leaders arrived, Haron smiled as he saw Deera representing House Qarl in their younger sister's stead. The little girl was only just turning six and still much to young to manage the meeting on her own so Deera was here to vote in her place.

They shared a smile before she went over to the chair that had been put in for House Qarl and then after a short wait the next house leader arrived.

The Mandalorian armour was distinctive enough to be recognised all over the galaxy but did follow the same basic form and shape in all houses and clans but this one was different in a couple of ways that made it look far more intimidating.

Like the Samurai of Ancient Japan on Earth they had kusazuri plates made of leather and some light alloy over the legs, arms and chest. They also had long thin horns attached to the helmet and a ceremonial vibroblade katana at the waist.

The warrior who walked in flanked by four of his own guards and all in similar armour in shades of dark green and blue with gold marking the leader, Duke Ijaa Yusagi, head of House Yusagi. The house that commanded the largest numbers of all the houses and were very traditional in their values.

Ijaa took his helmet off and revealed an older man with grey hair that fell down his back. Haron along with Din who followed his lead bowed in respect to the older man who if he was surprised to see Haron wearing the mask of the Mandalore said nothing just raised an eyebrow before bowing in return.

When Yusagi had taken his seat the next two guests arrived together, hardly surprising given they were publicly allied and might soon become one. Also they unlike many of those attending tonight did not wear armour although their guards did.

Duke Sel'ban Yarlten was a human man in his forties wearing a smart tan and white suit and shirt along with his son Kyle while his guards behind him wore armour in shades of light blue and purple.

Standing with them was a young woman in a business suit in black with a white shirt, flanked by her guards in armour of dark grey and crimson. Her name was Duchess Amili Ti'harn, she was of age with Kyle Yarlten and after an 'incident' last year when someone had tried to kidnap her and Kyle to extort money from their families the two had been dating and now where formally engaged.

While not warriors by large these two houses did stick to the Old Way in the hard training they gave to their people, instead though turning their energy towards business and commerce. High finance in particular and they traded far and wide as well as functioning as the bankers of Mandalorian space, making them the wealthiest families of all.

Haron walked over and gave a nod in greet to the newcomers.

"Duke Yarlten, Duchess Ti'harn welcome and thank you for attending at such short notice." Haron said and extended his hand. Sel'ban took it and they shook hands before Haron then did the same with Amili.

"We understand the need given the situation, it is a pleasure to finally meet you." Sel'ban said and Haron replied.

"Likewise, I just wish it were under better circumstances and congratulations on your engagement Duchess, young Yarlten." Haron said and the two young adults nodded proudly.

"We hope that you might attend the wedding, our dealing with your house have always been profitable." Amili said politely and he smiled.

"If it is possible then I will be there."

They nodded and went to take their seats with Kyle standing at his father's side.

The next arrival arrived with warriors in armour of yellow and dark orange, led by a man in his thirties, tall and muscular beneath his own armour. Duke Sarek Ralmiz was a very stern man that was also very rich since he and his clans controlled areas rich in natural resources but was also known for having some of the fiercest warriors in all of Mandalorian Space along with the most devoted too. Seeing Haron had the mask he blinked for a moment before bowing slightly which Haron returned. Satisfied the man then with his guards flanking him took his own seat.

The next man to arrive was like them wearing armour in red, white and blue although the blue were in patterns along the chest and arms. Based on tattoos that marked them to show their profession, family and accomplishments. The man that led them was Duke Ge'hark Orius, of House Orius, a man in his fifties was greying hair that he wore loosely around his shoulders. Of all the houses they were perhaps more tribal but with easily the strongest sense of community amongst them always wiling to help each other. The man shared a nod with Haron before taking his seat.

After the only non-human house leader appeared, a male with deep violet skin and silver eyes. He was Sakiyen, a species known for their brain power and far better senses, reflexes and ability to see more of the electro magnetic spectrum. A colony of them had been conquered by the Mandalorians in the past and they were now fully integrated members of their society even if racist houses like Vizsla excluded them for merely being non-human which included all their clans too. Led by Duke Vorxel N'Val they were among the best pilots, scouts and gunners you would find anywhere, who was accompanied by his Kage warriors who had settled and been integrated into their society to flee the oppression of their people on their own world.

Haron put an arm across his chest and nodded to them, the traditional form of greeting which Vorxel returned before taking his seat.

Finally though more familiar faces arrived as the allied house leaders arrived, Haron greeted them as they came in. Ceta Farr, Harlan Cadoruso, Mors Lok, Yal Takan and Lila Kast all gave him their greetings before taking their seats. This now left only three seats empty.

Arriving later than was planned was two of the last faction leaders, first to come was the Duchess of House Kane, Eliza Kane. She was a striking woman in her thirties who had a sharp face but very intelligent and cunning eyes. Her warriors in rather stunning white and gold armour followed her in and she smirked widely. She was known as an eccentric but was very sharp minded and her warriors although not as big in number as other houses were highly skilled and punched well above their weight. She looked him up and down with appreciation in her eyes but he just ignored that and gestured to her seat which she sighed seeing he wasn't interested and took her seat.

That left Duke Alain Ma'Gard, an older human man with perhaps the roughest reputation of all present. His house were almost borderline criminal and had very strong ties to the Underworld not to mention many contacts across the entire galaxy. They pushed the boundaries of their laws but always stayed within the tenets of their culture. The Duke was Haron noticed accompanied by not only his guards in red and purple armour but also his three grandchildren Katale, Tyr and Andre wondering if the duke had finally chosen just which of the three to hand his title and position too.

They took their seat as did Haron and now they were just waiting for the guest of honour, the air was too tense to speak or make casual conversation as they waited which only made them and especially Haron more irritated.

When the Duchess Satine finally did arrive she was nearly half an hour late, Eliza Kane was the first to vent their mutual displeasure.

"If you are going to indulge in pointless power plays like a bitch why don't you find yourself an excuse for being late at least rather than simply deciding on making us wait." Eliza said and Satine was immediately insulted by the words but Haron eager to finally get down to business spoke up.

"Just take a seat so we can get this over with! You've wasted enough time already."

Satine looked affronted and walked forward telling them in a voice that she assumed was stern.

"I see good manners are not important enough to be taught off Mandalore." She said but Ceta was far from impressed and said drily.

"If you had good manners then you wouldn't have kept us waiting for over half an hour, if you want respect then you have to show it in turn." She told Satine off and then saw to her irritation that Satine had not just brought some of the Protectors in their silly ceremonial garb but also was accompanied by Padmé, Anakin and Obi-Wan.

"This meeting is not for foreign eyes." Sel'ban said with irritation at a further delay and the intrusion. Satine answered back with a firm and annoyed tone.

"I am permitted advisors. Might you actually show some respect for a senator and two Jedi?" She said and the Dukes and Duchesses all looked around before Ijaa spoke up.

"She has the right but they must speak only to her and quietly."

"Then get on with it." Vorxel said now visibly annoyed. "We've wasted enough time having come very long way."

Satine finally took her seat after huffing while her guests looked at the gathered crowd with interest, never having seen so many different Mandalorian factions together in one place.

"Yes, now we are here to discuss what to do in regards to House Vizsla and their alliance with the Separatists." Haron said trying to get the meeting back on track but Sarek had something else to say.

"Yes and your alliance with the Republic needs to be addressed too."

"I work with the Republic for many reasons Duke Ralmiz." Haron said now getting more frustrated with the slow progress being made which honestly made him wish he could just use the force to keep their mouths shut but he resisted.

Din was now looking angry at him being talked down too but thankfully held his tongue as Haron continued. "Namely as it helps keep an eye on both of them and keep the Separatists from continuing their raids on our colonies. It is not easy but it keeps our people safe and I would rather you remember that before accusing me of being a Republic puppet." Haron told him with a glare which Sarek did stand up to a bit but then seemed to be unnerved and sat back down quietly.

"Yes, unlike this Vizsla fucker!" Alain said suddenly which at least to Haron's gratitude got the meeting back on subject. "The miserable fart is only joined up to nasty pricks to gain power so are we going to fuck him up or what?" Alain said without a care for his bad language.

A sudden beeping on the console attached which drew everyone's attention, Haron with annoyance at the interruption blinked for a moment before telling them.

"Speak of the devil, Vizsla is calling." Haron told them with a suspicious voice, they all shared looks of disbelief before Lila said.

"Then let us see what he has to say for himself." She said with angry eyes, clearing having not forgiven him for stealing her great niece away. Haron nodded and activated the holoprojector, a blue hologram of Pre Vizsla appeared in the centre of the room.

"Well, the traitor who would make us nothing more than puppets of the Sith again." Haron said sharply at the sight of the prick that he despised.

"The coward who wouldn't even come in person and hides behind a hologram." Sarek added and Vizsla snarled at them.

"I am-" He started talking but Ge'hark interrupted.

"We already have our warrior tradition, this is all about you making secret deals to gain power Vizsla." He snapped at him and Alain already enraged spoke.

"And sucking at Dooku's feet to to do it! What a pathetic little bastard you are!"

"I am not the only one who is making deals!" Vizsla snapped, enraged at their insults but knowing this was the best opportunity he would ever have to use the piece of information Bo Katan had given him, pointing at Satine who frowned, not sure what he was going on about. "That woman has made a secret little deal of her own. Tell them Duchess! Tell them about Trilla Suduri!"

The room became confused as no-one present knew that name and they all looked around in confusion. Seeing Anakin and the other visitors looking confused as did Din Haron spoke.

"I assume that this 'Trilla Suduri' is an orphan from Sundari?" Haron asked and Vizsla as much as he hated Haron nodded in confirmation. Seeing Anakin look confused Haron decided to explain to him and to Din too who was equally confused.

"While it is rare for children to be abandoned in our culture it does happen." Haron said with sadness for those that had to face the world alone. "Either through accidents, unwanted pregnancies or even love children are abandoned sometimes and for those that don't have a family name it is the custom of our people to give them one derived from the place where they were born, so Sundari would become Suduri for example." Haron explained and Din nodded as did Anakin now understanding a little. "But what has an orphan girl from the capital of Mandalore have to do with Duchess Satine?" Haron asked now interested to see just what Vizsla was up too.

Vizsla smirked, knowing the damage the next part would reek on Satine when he told them.

"Because currently she is in the Jedi Temple as a padawan, having been given to the Jedi along with at least three other force sensitive orphans by the Duchess in an exchange for their support in the Republic." Vizsla told them, smirking as he waited for the grenade to drop.

The shock in the room brought total silence to the room as they all processed the words Vizsla had said and Satine Haron noticed suddenly looked rather pale. He shut off Vizsla's hologram before calling up the database he had access to of Jedi and searched. While he had looked at most of the knights and masters he hadn't considered many of the padawans and soon found her name. Accessing her file he read it and saw that for once in his life, Vizsla had been telling the truth.

"It's true." Haron said after calling up the data to show them all. A picture of a young girl with light brown skin and dark hair. Her blue-green eyes looking back at them and Haron felt so sorry for her, knowing what had been stolen from her.

"You pathetic bitch!" Alain said from his chair, seething as was everyone in the room at what she had done. His grandchildren likewise looking ready to shoot her on sight.

"I was trying to give them a better life." Satine said trying to defend herself from all the hostility now being aimed towards her, the Senator and especially the Jedi present who didn't truly understand the sudden aggression. "A future serving the galaxy." Satine insisted.

"They would have had that on Mandalore!" Haron said with a new found hatred for Satine who had given those children and who knows how many more to the Jedi for her own benefit.

"Indeed." Ijaa said with a stern voice so cold it would have chilled you on Tatooine. "Orphans rarely stay orphans for long in our culture as well you know. They are frequently adopted by those that have already raised children and like birds find themselves with an empty nest, or couples who are unable to have children of their own. Even then it is the duty of the state to watch over and protect those defenceless children so they might find their own path in life, not enslave them to the Jedi." Ijaa said looking at Anakin and Obi-Wan with great hostility, causing both to step back a little and keep their hands close to their sabers.

"You have broken the biggest social taboo of our entire culture." Yal Takan said darkly and Satine felt a chill run up her spine at the way they were all glaring at her, knowing that her enemies had now multiplied.

"I will not tolerate your complete disregard for our beliefs and way of life any longer!" Haron said getting up from his chair and saying loudly and clearly for all to hear knowing this was the final thing they needed to depose her. "I challenge you Satine Kryze for the title and position of Mandalore!"

- x -

Those words were met with silence as they sunk in, the other house leaders all looked to him some a little annoyed that he had beaten them to the punch but then his allied houses started speaking.

"Supported." Harlan said.

"Supported." Yal agreed.

"Supported." Ceta added.

"Supported." Deera said with a smile on her face.

"Supported." Lila said with vicious grin.

The other houses were slower to agree but they too signalled their agreement to support Haron's challenge.

"You can't do that." Padmé said bursting in and she was suddenly hit with a glare from Alain.

"Of course we can you stupid tart!" Alain shouted at her which struck her like a blow to the face and made Anakin glare in turn for the insult aimed at his wife. "She is the most pathetic leader the Mandalorians have ever had! She is so weak and ineffective that we have been forced to deal with our own affairs because we know we can get no help from her!"

"She takes all the revenue we pay in tax and spends it on Mandalore, she does all these stupid art and peace projects of hers but spends nothing on any other world in our space, especially those that suffer." Eliza said with a vicious smirk, knowing she was at last going to see this bitch torn down.

"She allowed my family to be killed rather than fight to protect them!" Din yelled, tears flowing from his eyes as he saw the woman that had done nothing to protect his home and people when the droids had come for them. Haron seeing Din was pain put a comforting hand on his shoulder to let him know he wasn't alone. Din's words had the most effect and Ijaa, seeing what this woman had cost the poor lad spoke albeit more calmly than the others.

"The only reason we allowed you to remain in power was because while you were incapable you didn't give us grounds under the code of our people to challenge you, but now that has changed." Ijaa said with coldness.

"I refuse." Satine said with a desperate voice. "I refuse to be be held to some ancient barbaric code that should have been discarded for more civilised ways centuries ago and I am appalled that all of you would support it." She said looking around the room as if to shame them but none would back down and in fact looked even more angry at her insult and rejection and Haron replied.

"If it weren't for that code we would have removed you long ago. You have kept us weak and divided, well no more." Haron said and Satine then said something that really would get them riled up.

"The Senate has recently passed a motion that states due to my alliance with the Republic if I am unseated they would send a force to see to it that I am restored or my chosen heir put on the throne in my place." She said feeling more secure with that even if it was supposed to be a bluff.

Padmé was horrified as it was merely supposed to be used against Death Watch but was powerless to say anything as the room descended into an uproar and she, along with the Jedi and Duchess made their retreat.

- x -

"She would hide behind the Republic!" Yal said with fury and Haron spoke with great bitterness.

"It would seem so! I suspect it may have been written as a bluff but there are many in the Senate who would use it as an actual excuse to invade us." Haron said with the corrupt business leaders in the Senate and the Chancellor in mind. The former would love to exploit their resources for their own profit and the Chancellor would want to make sure they were suppressed before the Empire rose. "Hence why I am severing my relationship with them immediately." Haron then added which seemed to satisfy most of them.

"Good, if those bastards think they can threaten us! Then we need to show them we are not to be messed with." Alain said clearly intent on going after her now. Ceta meanwhile asked Haron who knew the Republic inside and out at this stage.

"Could they mount an invasion? If so could we win?"

They all turned to Haron who thought about it before saying with regret.

"Yes, they can...they have the clones to do it and at present we are not ready to deal with them. We are still getting our fleet together and our army. What we need is time." He said with frustration.

"So we play their game." Duke Vorxel said with a small but sinister smile which made all of them look at him strangely till he told them his idea. "We don't invade, we let her sit pretty on Mandalore but only on Mandalore. We cut all lines of support to her and all revenue, let her rule but cut off all food and resources. We don't get rid of her, we let the people of Mandalore do it for us."

They all were surprised given they would be starving an entire planet for this plan but if Satine were torn down it would be without any need for action on their part. All the resources and revenue could be diverted to other projects of their own choosing. Ceta did bring up a rather thorny issue though.

"We can't crown a new Mandalore until the last one is dead. What do we do for leadership in the meantime?" She pressed knowing if their unity broke they could be in real trouble and potentially civil war could follow. However Eliza Kane spoke up with a solution.

"Well its not so difficult to deal with is it? We just form a council of our own, at least until a new Mandalore can be crowned." She suggested and they all looked awkward at that, democracy? It could get very messy and still result in civil war.

"That would difficult to sustain. But if we can't name a new leader then that is our only real option." Harlan said and so Haron said with a nod to his distant cousin.

"If that is our way forward then at least we can move together. The Mandalmotors Keldabe project is coming along and we have a few other projects in the works that will enable us to create not only a balanced fleet but a large and powerful army to go with it. We all put in enough investment and we should be prepared within two years." Haron said with a careful estimate at them running their facilities full pace.

The non-allied House Leaders looked confused and Haron decided to take a risk since they were now alone and would hopefully get them aboard.

"A year ago a scout ship I sent out discovered the Katana Fleet." Haron told them and eyebrows were raised all around by not just the outsiders but the ones he was allied with at the risk he was taking. "So far we have sixty of them refitted and in service but it is slow going getting the rest into useable condition. If you want some, then join with us. Receive the worker droids, ships and advantages we have so when this war ends we are prepared for the next one."

They all looked shocked at his announcement not to mention his 'next' war comment wondering if he knew something they didn't. But the sound of having the same advantages and heavy cruisers at their command certainly peaked their interest.

"So we agree, from now on at least until we have a new Mandalore the council made up of us will rule?" Yal said and a look around from him was answered with a nod from each of them showed their agreement. "So a meeting will be held on Graavis in a couple of months time to ratify the new alliance."

"Absolutely, the remaining ships will be divided between us and allocations for the worker droids and other resources considered." Haron said but then added something else. "But I think our very first action will need to be to declare House Vizsla as traitors and to excommunicate them right now." He said looking pressingly around the room.

They all nodded immediately, excommunicating a house was rare but it would effectively mean that Vizsla and by extension all the clans under them were outcasts in Mandalorian society. Legally they wouldn't even be Mandalorians any more and those clans that traded with others outside Vizsla would suffer.

"Then there is the matter of our potential leader." Ijaa said which surprised him especially especially as he was looking at Haron with an expectant look. "If you are to be our leader and deserve to wear that mask then you need to understand us all and show your devotion to our causes so we knew you are worthy of our support."

Haron realised to his own shame that Ijaa was right, he had only met half of the house leaders before today and beyond the basic details knew exceptionally little about them. Why should they support him he realised and then made his decision about what he was going to do next clear.

"Then I will be visiting you all in turn soon enough, if I am to win your support then Duke Yusagi is right. I must show you that I deserve it." Haron told them and then added. "Revan left us broken four thousand years ago, we've been broken ever since and I intend to change that. To not only for us to be united once again but for us to be stronger than ever as a people. The Basilisk war droid will soon be a sight all the galaxy will know to fear again since at last we found one and are in the process of upgrading and recreating it. Alongside our warriors and the Skytrooper combat droids we will be a force to be reckoned with once again." Haron added and all of them looked in surprised awe, knowing that things were about to change.

- x -

"What were you thinking?!" Palpatine said with a look of incredulous fury on his face as he confronted Senator Amidala, Anakin, Kenobi and Satine. All of whom were slightly scared by his angry stare and the intensity with which he glared at them. "If I had known about this bill I would have blocked it! You have put us at odds with nearly all the Mandalorian people and more crucially my military advisor!"

"I was merely bluffing to prevent the Duchess from being unseated by the Death Watch. I didn't know that Duke Ordo would be the one to challenge her." Padmé said trying to defend herself but knew she would probably have done the same thing even if she had known. Palpatine put his head in his hands and Obi-Wan who was torn about this turn of events and not knowing what to think just said.

"I am just confused as to why the Mandalorian house leaders reacted so strongly to not only the threat but giving children to the Jedi, many homes are only to glad to give up someone who has the potential." Obi-Wan said and the Chancellor just stared at him balefully stating in a very annoyed voice.

"Because they see it as abusive." Palpatine said like he was talking to a child. "To deny a child their family and in fact any emotional bonds is so against their culture that they publicly executed the last Jedi Recruiter sent into their space Master Kenobi before sending his broken body to the Jedi Temple for all to see." He told them which shocked all of them at the harsh message they sent. But Palpatine was not finished yet.

"As for why they would react so strongly to the threat of invasion? Master Kenobi do you know any culture which would react positively to such a thing?" He asked pressingly which Kenobi just stayed silent and then Palpatine revealed another reason.

"Not to mention their people have long memories, they haven't forgotten the Mandalorian Excision, where seven hundred years ago the Republic and the Jedi invaded their space without provocation just because they felt they were growing too powerful and slaughtered millions of their people. They rebelled and forced the Republic to leave but they haven't forgotten to this day, nor have they forgiven Master Yoda who led that invasion." He said bitterly.

They all looked surprised, even Satine who had never learnt about the execution of the last recruiter.

The door suddenly opened and Duke Ordo came through with his guards and sister at his side, the Jedi all reached for their sabers but it wasn't necessary, Haron just gave a nod in greeting to Anakin before he walked up the Chancellor and placed a datapad on his desk.

"I am sorry Chancellor but I cannot support a government that would threaten my people with invasion for living our lives our way. I therefore must tender my resignation." Haron said knowing he was likely to get some flack from Luna over this but he had to take a stand.

Anakin and Padmé looked at him with shock although Anakin had at least suspected it was coming and was surprised when Haron turned to him before Palpatine or anyone else could say anything.

"Anakin, I am afraid this means I will be leaving Coruscant. I will miss our sparring sessions, take care of yourself. You are without a doubt the finest Jedi I have ever met. Stay true to who you are and don't let them change you." He said with regret to Anakin and extended his hand which Anakin reluctantly took.

"Safe journey Duke Ordo." Anakin said and Haron just sighed a little in regret as to his own shock he had begun to think of the other man as a friend before turning to Satine with a stormy face. She stepped back and Obi-Wan actually put himself between them. Haron nearly scoffed but didn't as he delivered his message.

"Satine Kryze." He said coldly which sent a shiver down nearly all their spines. "Due to your complete disregard for our culture, breaking of our law and refusal to answer the challenge I presented you with it is the decision of all the house leaders that you are to be excommunicated. Since we have no wish to be invaded by the Republic we will allow you to rule Mandalore, but Mandalore only!" He said with a harsh edge to his words. Satine did not seem to realise just what he meant yet as she seemed to relax which both Haron and Deera knew was about to change as they revealed just what they were about to do.

"All tax revenue and supplies to Mandalore from the rest of our space will therefore be cut off immediately." Deera continued which instantly made Satine pale as she realised just what they were doing. "We aren't going to remove you. The people will do that for us, no leader after all stays a leader for long if she can't feed her people."

"No...no please...please don't do this." Satine said knowing full well that Mandalore was dependant on outside sources for its food and resources, without them or revenue to buy from other worlds they couldn't sustain themselves.

"Duke Ordo please!" Padmé said, shocked at the ruthlessness being employed here but Deera snapped at her.

"You have no say in this! Now good night and farewell." Deera said and with that the Ordo party left the room to go down to the spaceport where their ships were waiting.

- x -

Palpatine watched the Mandalorians leave with satisfaction, granted this hadn't been what he had foreseen but it stopped his rather foolish apprentice's plans to gain control of the Mandalorians for a private army of his own and damaged Amidala's reputation in the process.

So far the war had been going well for the Republic, they had not only protected their own borders but managed a number of significant territorial gains but that was down largely to the tactical and strategic planning of Duke Ordo and his good choices for command. Without him Palpatine knew the war was about to take a dramatic turn for the worst for the Republic which he would make sure happened and it would be all her fault he thought smugly. She might not be a true threat to his plans but her bothersome morals and influence over the senate might become an irritation in the future, seeing what her actions had brought down on the Republic would make sure her reach was contained.

It would also he thought with enjoyment help stick a wedge between Anakin and the Jedi now he knew of their underhanded actions and get both of them credit for fixing it when enough time had elapsed.

But he had another reason to celebrate he thought hours later while in private as he meditated with a carefully crafted crystal and metal in the shape of a pyramid. He felt his knowledge flow into the device and smiled cruelly as he became the first Sith lord in centuries to make his own holocron.

The Jedi method while nowhere near as effective as the Sith way of constructing holocrons had finally filled in some of the blanks for him and meant he could make an attempt. He held the object proudly in his hand and smirked with pride in himself for creating it.

- x -

The Jedi Temple, Coruscant...

Anakin was still trying to wrap his head around all changes the day had brought and was confused as to how he should feel.

He had been very uncomfortable with how the Jedi separated children for a long time before this but the underhanded deal the Council had made with Duchess Satine to take orphans just seemed so wrong to him he was unable to put it into words. The fact that Padmé and her had driven Duke Ordo and his people to such lengths and they were prepared to starve a world to get rid of her?

He was just feeling so lost, not even the friendly face of Master Tuwan could ease his mind. The old master immediately saw the expression on his face and put an arm around him.

"I know, a lot of hard events have knocked you the last couple of days. The Jedi need to think very carefully about their recruitment policy and in my day such an underhanded deal would never have been done." Tuwan told him, and Anakin felt a little better that he was not alone in these thoughts.

"But whatever happens is the will of the force and I think you will be seeing your Mandalorian friend soon enough." Tuwan said which surprised Anakin. "People like him are rarely gone long. Now I believe I promised to teach you some force forging." Tuwan said to Anakin which improved his mood a little as Tuwan produced a pile of fabrics and light alloys for their little lesson.

"Now, reach out with the force and let the shape of the armour form in your mind." Tuwan said as he and Anakin closed their eyes, sinking deep into a meditative state and began to shape the materials between them. The fabrics and thread. "Let all your thoughts and feelings free, let them help you shape the armour and fuse themselves within it."

Anakin was finding it easier with all he had learned from Revan's writings and Master Tuwan to see past the limits of what he had previously considered possible with the force but never had he used it to change or forge an object before. He was struggling to not let himself think it was impossible and just let the force and Tuwan guide him.

It seemed to go on for hours, the sun peaking over the horizon when they finally finished. Anakin opened his eyes and saw to his amazement what had been created.

The pile of materials from before now had been shaped with the force into a suit of armour that likes of which he had never seen before. The dark cloth and leather had become a cloak and suit of almost Jedi robes but over the chest, thighs, arms, legs and boots plates seemed to have almost fused with the fabrics seamlessly. He picked it up as Master Tuwan smiled proudly and felt it, the plates were far more dense than they had been before and yet they were lighter. So too was the clothing they were attached to Anakin thought with awe.

As he put on the suit he was amazed at not only how light it was and yet so comfortable, fitting him perfectly but also the warm aura of the force as it wrapped around him. It was like it was wrapping him in a warm blanket Anakin thought with a smile and it moved just as easily as the robes he had been wearing. Yet he could feel it augment his connection to the force at the same time.

"This is incredible." Anakin told Master Tuwan who nodded with a smile.

"It is a better way and I am hoping the Jedi might begin to adopt this practice when they see the results." Tuwan said smiling.

Anakin personally was now excited to get back out there and see just what this new armour of his could do.

- x -

Yoda had just returned to the Jedi Temple with Celeste Morne who had gone into deep meditation as she tried to come to terms with the fact that everything and everyone she knew was gone. He felt sad for her but the events that had happened in his absence only made that feeling grow.

The Mandalorians were now at odds with the Republic and Duke Ordo had left, without his skills Yoda knew the war was about to get a lot more violent which worried him deeply for the great losses of life that were going to result.

In need of something to cheer him up he went down to the nursery and paid a visit to someone that he and the rest of the Jedi Order had great hopes for.

Walking around the young children always made him smile, the pure presence in the force they created was soothing and he wished he could get down here more often but his duties often kept him away.

Arriving at the small pod he smiled wider as young Grogu looked up and gave a happy giggle at seeing his face. Yoda smiled and allowed the younger member of his species to hold his hand while humming a tune native to their people. Grogu immediately laughed which lifted Yoda's mood and they stayed that way for awhile till the little one finally drifted off to sleep.

Yoda smiled at the little one for a moment before leaving, having something very important to discuss with one of the returned Jedi Masters. He soon found Master Sabla-Mandibu sitting in the Holocron Vault looking through the different holocrons recovered since her time in the hopes that they might find something previous unnoticed. The sightless Miraluka turned to face him and he smiled.

"Master Mandibu, enjoying yourself I hope." Master Yoda said pleasantly and she smiled back before saying.

"Indeed Master Yoda, I have already discovered several pieces of information that I think you will find most interesting." She told him with her husky low voice but Yoda carried on with his point.

"Then discuss them I will with you later but a task I need of you. Make copies of all the temple's holocrons you will so the originals can be hidden away in case the temple is lost."

"Master Yoda." She said surprised. "That is a very delicate task and could not be rushed. Where would you hide them anyway?" She asked and Master Yoda told her with an almost conspiratorial whisper.

"A potential safe haven for the Jedi that has now been potentially revealed to us. The old home to our order...soon Master Mandibu, Ossus might harbour Jedi again." Yoda told her and her gasp of surprise made him smile again.

Jedi Temple, Ahch-To…

The windy and uncomfortable conditions of the abandoned Jedi Temple were hard but the group was still glad to be here, at least the masters were.

"I haven't been here for centuries." Fay said with a smile as she and others all sat in meditation, watching the sun go down. Yaddle hummed in agreement.

"Long has this temple been a place of spiritual cleansing and living with only that which you need. A place to clear the mind." Yaddle said with pride. K'kruhk was truly enjoying the peace of this place and nodded in agreement.

"I can see why, a Jedi could learn a lot here about themselves and the force." He said before looking to Master An'ya Kuro who was just sitting silently.

Masters T'ra Saa and Rak too were enjoying the view while Master Glaive was becoming bored with the quiet planet as were the young padawans Maris Brood and Zule Xiss.

"I think the young ones should get in some saber practice, come on you two." He said and the two padawans eagerly got up to go with him to the base of the cliff where they would spar under his direction.

Thankfully this place had held together very well and needed little work to it although they had expanded it with more huts and turned some of the caves underneath into training halls and dorms, not to mention a store room for some of the lore and relics they had recovered from the last temple they had restored at Lettow. Spreading it out a little across several temples so that if one temple was lost it would not mean they had lost everything.

The Lanei who lived here and maintained the village were not exactly thrilled at their presence but since they hadn't destroyed any parts of the temple and were dedicated to preserving the place they were tolerated. The temple would be safe in their care and hopefully it would not be needed the group reassured themselves.

Master Fay and Master Yaddle had even started recreating the scrolls and books they'd found, leaving copies in each temple they went to and sometimes returned to as the case might be to ensure it was preserved.