Mace Windu’s eyes snap open and he takes in a gasp of air while clutching the guard rails on the side of his bed. “Wha-” glancing at his surroundings mace quickly calms himself down, “med bay. How did I get here?”
“He’s awake! Go fetch Master Plo-Koon, hurry!” Ahsoka Tano’s voice rings out from next to him and Mace hears a pair of feet scurry out of the room.
Sitting up and rubbing his eyes, Mace turns to Ahsoka and asks, “What exactly happened? Why am I in the med bay?”
Getting up from a sitting position on a bed beside Mace, Ahsoka bows toward him and waves away the medical droid as it tries to approach. “Forgive me for lacking any important details but from what the other padawan’s are saying, shortly after you entered the meditation garden other Jedi started finding it hard to meditate and they complained about being unable to feel the presence of the force. When Master Yoda investigated he found that somehow the force was totally ignoring everyone else in the room and only paying attention to you, as if you were the only life form there.”
“Odd, but that doesn’t explain why I’m in the med bay.” Mace responds.
“For whatever reason your body was burning a large amount of energy,” Pointing toward Maces’s arm Ahsoka continued, “we had to put you on an IV to keep you alive.”
“Well that explains that.” Pulling the needle out of his arm mace picks up a bandage at his bedside and covers the tiny bleeding hole left by the IV, “And do you mind telling me why you’re here? It doesn’t look like you’re hurt.”
“Nothing serious Master, just a check-up.” Ahsoka answers while waving both of her hands dismissively.
“That is quite an understatement padawan Tano,” Jedi Master Plo Koon walks in the room and chimes in.
“I feel much better, I’m serious. There’s no need for everyone to keep worrying so much.” Ahsoka turns to Plo Koon and answers, arms crossed and frustration written on her face.
“It’s the first time in recorded history that a Jedi’s midi-chlorian count has ever changed after birth, let alone fluctuated like yours did, not to mention you passed out from a fever the first time it happened, it’s only natural that we take every precaution.” Plo Koon replies.
“And I keep telling you I feel better than ever, my levels have stopped fluctuating and I’m feeling fine. I’ve even beaten a few of the younger temple guards in sparring matches. You can’t still be thinking about holding back my deployment can you?” Ahsoka explains
“We can discuss this later padawan Tano.” Plo Koon replies dismissively. “For now, Master Windu and I require some privacy.”
“Yes Master.” Ahsoka replies still visibly frustrated but leaves the room anyway.
“How long have I been out? I don’t remember this business with Tano.” Mace asks Plo Koon while standing up and putting on his Jedi robes.
“More than a month Master Windu, did you find what you needed in your meditations?” Plo Koon asks.
“Maybe, but there are some things I need to check first, is Master Yoda available?” Mace replies then force pulls his light sabre from a rack on the wall and starts walking toward the door.
“Master Yoda just returned from a mission, he should be available soon.” Plo Koon answers before noticing Windu grab his sabre and start moving toward the door, “ Master Windu, are you sure its fine for you to be moving?”
“No time to rest, have a padawan inform me when the Grandmaster is available. I’ll be in the library, I need to talk to Jocasta,” Mace answers and starts making his way to the library. Letting out a sigh in response, Plo Koon grabs the attention of the first padawan he sees.
Entering the library mace makes his way to the reception desk. “Greetings Master Jocasta.”
Hearing someone greet her, Jocasta looks up from her holo pad and replies, “Master Windu? Greetings, I haven’t seen you in here for years.” Letting out a chuckle she continues, “You always have a padawan drop off your reports because you’re too busy with whatever requires your attention next.” Slowly shaking her head Jocasta continues, “Remember Master Windu, relaxation is also necessary to achieve balance.”
“Yes Master Jocasta, I’ll keep that in mind.” Mace replies while giving a slight bow, his serious face not moving an inch during the response. He couldn’t help but respect Jocasta, though not powerful, she’s dedicated her entire life to preserving the history of the Jedi and though he was harsh and strict toward most in the order he couldn’t help but become a bit more respectful when speaking to her.
“As serious as ever.” Master Jocasta replies with a smile, “now what brings you here personally?”
“Back when he was a padawan, Master Obi Wan went on a mission to Mandalore with Master Qui-Gon, I need to review those reports.” Mace replies.
“Not a problem, just give me a minute.” Jocasta disappears deep into the back of the library, returning a few minutes later holding two holocrons.
An few hours later mace is interrupted by a panting padawan grabbing his attention. “Master Windu, Grandmaster Yoda is available.”
“Good, notify any available council members that I want to call a meeting.” Mace stands up, walks back to Jocasta and hands her the holocrons, “thank you Master Jocasta, this has been a tremendous help.”
“Not a problem Master Windu” Jocasta bows with a smile, “do try to put what I told you into practice will you? It’s never a bad idea to take a step back and truly let yourself be at peace.”
“Even in these times of war Master Jocasta?” Mace replies with a raised eye.
“Especially in these times of war Master Windu.” Jocasta replies with a rarely seen serious expression.
Entering the council chamber mace is met by Grandmaster Yoda, Master Plo Koon and Master Kit Fisto via hologram. The rest of the council was either on mission or unable to join them due to various reasons. “Apologies for calling a meeting on such short notice but I thought it prudent to discuss what I’ve found while the knowledge is still fresh.”
“Fruitful your meditations have been yes?” Yoda inquires.
“Yes, like you said it took longer than I expected but I finally have some answers that might get us somewhere. More than a decade ago Master Qui-Gon told me about an experience he and Obi Wan had on one of his missions, I dismissed it at the time but my meditations led me to review the reports he and obi wan made upon their return.”
“And? What did you find?” Master Plo Koon inquired, but before Mace could answer the door of the chamber opened and a padawan walked in.
“Apologies for the interruption masters but we have an urgent transmission from Captain Rex.” The padawan was visibly frightened at the sight of Mace and instantly lowered his head after making eye contact.
“No need to apologise, this is war time. A little bad manners is to be expected, put him through.” Mace responds to the shaking padawan without batting an eye.
As the padawan walks toward the centre of the room a console rises out of the floor and he presses a few buttons. Moments later and an image of Rex flickers into life and the padawan hurries out of the chamber.
“Captain Rex of the Five-O-First reporting, Sir.” Rex greets the council members and stands at attention.
“At ease Captain, what do you have to report?” Mace replies.
Lowering his arm and putting his hands behind his back Rex replies, “As per the special orders from Grandmaster Yoda, any suspected Sith Artefacts or weaponry found are to be reported to the highest ranking Jedi available at the temple immediately upon discovery.”
“Discovered this during the investigation of Raxus Prime yes?” Yoda inquires.
“Raxus Prime? What are we investigating on Raxus Prime?” Mace interrupts with a slightly shocked expression that Yoda didn’t fail to notice.
“We sent Kenobi and Skywalker to investigate suspected separatist activity, it seems our suspicions were proven correct.” Master Plo Koon explains to mace.
“Apologies for the interruption Captain, carry on with the report.” Mace faces the hologram of rex and states, Nodding Rex continues and recounts the events leading up to when Atin explained his plan to get rid of the force harvester when Mace speaks again. “This might be a strange question but this boy Atin, did he only have one arm?”
“Well, yes,” Rex replies, eyes widening as he continues. “But how did you know that?”
“That’s not important right now,” turning to Yoda Mace continues, “Master Yoda. I propose an immediate blockade of Raxus Prime and that we provide whatever support necessary to help with the disposal of the artefact, if it does indeed prove to be of sith origin.” Mace speaks up.
“Agreed,” nodding his head Yoda replies.
“One last thing commander, this plan the Atin boy cooked up…….” Mace looks toward the hologram with an unsure expression.
“I was sceptical of it as well commander but after asking his droid for details it actually seems viable with a good enough pilot, and we do have Skywalker with us.” Rex replies and salutes.
“Thank you Captain, inform obi wan that we await his findings, dismissed.” Mace waves his hand, the image of a saluting Rex disappears and the centre console sinks back into the floor.
“Your interest in the boy, has something to do with your findings yes?” Yoda turns toward Mace and asks with his ears perked up and a mischievous look that sent a shiver down maces spine.
Pushing the old memories of Yoda’s pranks back into the corners of his mind, Mace replies, “yes Master, there is much to discuss in regards to the boy. It would be preferable if the entire council heard me out but I find it necessary to discuss them anyway.”
“What matter could be of such importance?” Kit Fisto replies from the empty seat occupied by his hologram.
“To give you the best idea of my findings I have to start almost 15 years in the past.” Mace closes his eyes and takes a deep breath before leaning forward. “Upon his return from a mission on Mandalore, i attended one of master Qui-Gon’s lectures.”
“Quite interesting, that must have been.” Yoda chimes in with a chuckle.
Nodding mace replies, “as you’ve no doubt already guessed we got into an intense debate that gathered quite a crowd of younglings, padawans and Masters alike.” A rare smile forms on maces face before he continues. “Following that he told me about his time on Mandalore and the trials he and Obi Wan faced, telling me about Obi Wans thoughts of leaving the order and how he left a woman he had fallen in love with to continue serving.”
“Trails on our path to Master, we all experience.” Yoda looks toward Mace with a raised eyebrow. “Doubts in obi wans faith, you have?”
“This is probably the best time to bring up the elephant in the room isn’t it?” Master Plo Koon interrupts before mace can answer.
“The Boy. If his parentage is to be believed..” Kit Fisto interjects.
“That’s where what I saw during my meditations and what I looked up in the library comes in.” Mace replies, breaking the short silence that took hold of the chamber. “The best way to explain would be that I saw someone’s destiny in the process of being forged. The destiny of a one armed boy on Raxus Prime, a boy born of the Jedi and Mandalore.” Taking in a breath, Looking around the room and seeing serious expressions on the faces of the few surrounding him, mace continues. “The destiny of the boy was in constant flux, what I could see where only a few po-“
“Stop.” Yoda taps his staff on the ground and interrupts mace with a serious expression on his face. “Dangerous such visions can be, know this we all do.” to spite the noise of wood tapping on the floor being almost inaudible, the 3 hardened Jedi masters instantly sat up straight and paid rapt attention to Yoda as he spoke. “Mindful with your next words, you should be. Knowledge of possible events, always tricky to manage they are. Hmm.”
Nodding in Yoda’s direction then looking toward Mace, Plo Koon speaks, “I think what master Yoda means is that you should be careful with what you tell us when destiny is involved, often just knowing about your own or someone else’s destiny can lead to drastic changes or catastrophic consequences, our interference could even be the catalyst for the worst possible outcome. For the sake of making a call on what to do though, I think we need to at least be moderately informed no?” turning back to Yoda, Plo Koon questions.
Seeing Yoda nod in confirmation, Windu closes his eyes and gathers his thoughts for a few seconds before he starts speaking again.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Atin was currently in his workshop hunched over the remains of Sparky’s body, constantly blowing smoke away from the tip of his fusing pen as he made the final connections amongst the cluster of wires occupying the space between Sparky’s head and body. “Alright, should be ready.” Turning Sparky’s head to face him, Atin Flicks the first in a series of lined up switches and the red glow of Sparky’s faceplate flickers into life. “Morning sparky,” Atin puts his hands on the table and leans forward, resting his chin on the back of them bringing him face to face with sparky. “I think we should have a talk about the future.” giving sparky a toothy smile Atin continues. “And seeing how I literally have control over how much you can do, I figure now’s the perfect time.” A series of sparks erupt from the red visor. “I see your processors and sensors are working properly, looks like you heard what I said.” After waiting a few minutes and seeing no end to the sparks Atin started worrying, “Okay now I’m starting to think this might be my fault, did I cross your wires or something?”
Flicking the next switch in the line-up, Sparky’s Voice booms out of the visor. “THLESS ONE AR-” before Atin quickly flicks the switch back off. “So just your normal reaction, should have guessed.” Letting out a sigh and turning a fan toward Sparky’s head Atin comments, “that’s so you don’t overheat, I’ve still got most of your body left to fix though. So while you waste time and rant ill just keep repairing you.” Picking up the fusing pen, Atin starts repairing Sparky’s broken limbs, about 10 minutes later the sparks coming from the visor gradually die down. “Ready to talk now? I can’t have you screaming when I turn your voice modulator back on.” Lifting Sparky’s head aloft and pointing it toward the corner of the room where Miilo was curled up in a blanket Atin continues, “don’t want to wake her up.”
Putting Sparky’s head back on the table, Atin flicks the next switch in the line-up. “Just repair me so I can get back to looking after her.” Sparky grumbles with a tiny burst of sparks lighting his visor to spite the lowered volume of his voice.
“That’s what we have to talk about.” Atin replies, his expression turning serious.
“What do you mean?” Sparky questions after seeing the look on Atin’s face, the sparks on his visor stop and a steady dim glow replaces the normally erratic lights.
“By my estimations you’re almost 4 thousand years old, the fact you’re still operational is a miracle in and of itself.” Pointing toward the rest of Sparky’s body Atin continues, “most of your servos are burnt out, a bunch of features you have are completely disabled, your power source is a repurposed piece of junk on its last legs and your CPU is on the verge of bursting into flames. Simply put even the best engineer in the galaxy wouldn’t be able to keep you going for much longer.”
“Not much I can do about that.” Sparky lets out a long robotic sigh, “I figured it was almost time anyway.”
“Well that’s going to be a problem for me.” Atin remarks, grabbing Sparky’s attention.
“Huh? I thought you’d be happy at the prospect of me not being around.” Sparky remarks.
“What kind of ungrateful bastard do you take me for!?” Atin hits the table before flinching and turning to check on Miilo. “Good, still sleeping.” Turning back to sparky he continues, “you and floaty saved my life, we may have our arguments but I’m not the type of person to wish death on someone for irritating me, and besides I already promised Miilo id fix you.”
“You said it yourself didn’t you? Not even the best engineer in the galaxy can keep me going.” Sparky replies, scepticism clear in his voice.
“That’s right, not even the best engineer in the galaxy could do that, but even an amateur could move all your data to a new body.” Flashing sparky a smile he continues, “Not that I can do that here, we need much better equipment if I’m going to try that with hardware as old as yours.”
“A new body? You plan to put me in a new body!?” Sparky questions.
“Yes, and I intend to send you with Miilo to live with my mother on Concordia, she should be relatively safe there and get the best upbringing possible but….” Atin starts explaining.
“But what? And what does this have to do with my new body?” Sparky questions.
“As I’ve mentioned before, my mother is the duchess of Mandalore. And although Mandalore may be considered pacifists that doesn’t mean there aren’t any dangers.” Atin explains, “The type of danger you can’t point a blaster at. For that reason I’m designing your body to be a bit different to your current one.
“How Different?” sparky questions., Atin Holds up a holo pad showing sparky the image of an unassuming droid, so pedestrian you wouldn’t be able to pick it out of a crowd, a droid that shouldn’t be anywhere near a battlefield. “What the hell is this!? How am I supposed to intimidate or destroy my enemies with a body like that!? I’d rather you put me in the basilisk!””
“Hush!” holding his finger on the switch Atin answers, “Don’t make me turn it off again. Now look, being incognito has its perks, also a battle droid would cause a lot more problems than it solves on Mandalore, we have kind of a history with droids being used to kill us in the past. Also, I refuse to put your malfunctioning brain inside a body that literally has a gun for a face.” Hitting an option on the holo pad the image of the droid changes, its armour plating had shifted, it was now 3 meters tall, two large blasters had replaced its hands, two extra arms also holding blasters had sprung from its back and it now had a visor that closely resembled Sparky’s current one, albeit closer to the traditional Mandalorian style than it had been before. “That’s the combat mode.” Flashing sparky a smile he continues, “Feel better now? This one is still just a concept though, I plan to add a few more modes besides straight up combat as well as install a few new protocols that can take advantage of the new processing power you’ll have access to. Sparky was silent in response, “And? what do you think?” Atin asked only to be met with more silence, “Hello? Did you burn out already?
“beautiful..” sparky said in a gentle voice, a few seconds of silence passed before his visor came to life and started flickering, growing ever more erratic before a series of sparks erupted and he started speaking, “Can you add more arms? A set with buzz saws and a set holding shock batons, auto targeting, a mini turret, shield gen-”
“Calm down or you’ll destroy yourself before we can even get this done. We can make changes later, glad to see you like it but there are some things we need to put in place to make this a possibility.” Looking around Atin leans in closer, “I’m going to need your help with something if I’m going to pull this off.”
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Anakin and Obi Wan enter the cargo bay to see Atin meditating in the centre of the room, noticing their arrival he stands up and faces the two, “So was I right? Is it sith?”
“Yes,” Obi Wan nods, “it seems the Republic owes you a debt of gratitude.”
“So about your plan to get it out of here, clearly that thing can’t fit through the tunnels. How do we move it?” Anakin chimes in.
“Leave that to me,” Atin smiles and continues, “I take it you have a communicator on board your ship?”
Nodding with a look of realisation on his face Obi Wan speaks, “yes, you should probably call your mother.”
“I will, but only a fool would face the Duchess of Mandalore unprepared. I have a few things to take care of before facing her.” Atin turns his head as he hears the cargo bay doors open, “looks like your companion is back.”
“What do you have for us Rex?” Anakin questions as Rex Approaches.
“The Jedi council has ordered a blockade of the planet, as well as to provide support with the disposal of the artefact. This is of course only if the artefact is of sith origin. So? Is it?” Rex replies.
“I’m afraid it is,” Obi wan replies, “I take it the council is waiting for my report?”
Seeing Rex nod Atin chimes in, “Let’s get going then, sparky is running an errand for me with the speeder truck so we’ll have to leave now if we want to make it to your transport ship before dark.
