"No no no!" I pull the lightsaber off my belt, but don't activate it. Instead, Iwan and I try to push past the guardians blocking our path. "Stop! Koraline, what are you doing!?"



Despite the excitement of the hive, we are still confused and taken aback. How can that be? If the hive is happy, we should be happy. We are all of one mind, and adding a joiner is good, so this is a time of celebration. The Song of Joining rings in our ears, but we do not dance the Dance. "Wait wha... This is...." From below, the little Killik drone carries the bowl of White Membrosia up the mouth and offers it up to Koraline. We did not summon it.



"Thanks!" I pluck the orb from the bowl and hold it up. I look into Luci's dead eyes. "Together forever, baby!" I lift the orb of membrosia to my lips... and a blue hand seizes my wrist.



"Stop, Koraline." I say. My face is twitching more than ever, and I am shaking like a leaf. The Killiks have stopped dancing. They are now staring up at the mound, confused that the mind of the Night Herald is not fully there anymore.



I smirk. "Luci?"



"Not...for...long." Convulses a little as Oroboro tries to force it's way back into my mind. "Are you...?"



I shake my head. "Olfactory dampeners. Can't smell a thing."



Smiles, despite the great pain I'm in. "You...sneaky...bitch." I can hear the Killiks buzzing with anger, and hear the Song of the Night Herald in my brain. That did it. They are about to attack. "R.... run...."

Before any thing else could go absolutely insane, I jet straight up into the air above the pair and unleash a twin jet of flame, discouraging an attack from the kiliks before landing next to Koraline, twin lightsaber hilts sliding into my hands, but remaining inactive. "Slow down folks! No need to me to roast and toast if we can help it!" His tone falls to a much quieter one every so briefly, "Even though I'd love to."

Speaking up again, he looks at the bugs around him. "Your Night Herald made this choice on her own and I sure as hell didn't know that Koraline was coming, though, again, I'm hardly surprised. End of the day, we aren't your enemy, the man named Jorg Sucal is. He wants to destroy the Living Force, rip it from every living thing in the galaxy, including you. Luci is a friend and a member of our family, and frankly, you bugs and I both know she wasn't given a 'choice' in her Joining, because she was injured and unconscious when you found her. What would you do if a member of the Hive was similarly taken from you?" I let that sit in silence for several minutes, not really sure that the Kiliks understood the implications, before continuing.

"We just want a member of OUR Hive, our family back. You allowed your Dawn Herald to leave, to regain some sense of self. Why not your Night Herald? And, failing that, perhaps we can bring you a replacement or find someone willing to take her place."

Iwan and I raise our lightsabers, preparing to fight the surge of Killiks about to attack. However, no attack comes. Instead, the Killiks step back and begin to quietly chitter among themselves. "Oh, stars and moons. Please tell me that actually worked."



"It did... sort of." I can hear them speaking in my mind as well. I am still partly joined, but the hive mind isn't trying to force itself on me anymore. "The nest is... considering Jerus' words. They do not... want to lose us, I mean ME. They... need a Night Herald." My eyes widen as I realize I can finally say it. "They are going to invade Organa Lands. The Night Herald is... like their Chief of War. They hope that, by having a Jedi in the hive... it would give them the strength they have been lacking in... previous expansion attempts."



"Shit. So we're caught in the middle of a turf war between bugs are nobles. Tales as old as time."



"Can you redirect them? You're still Night Herald, right? Just tell them to expand in the opposite direction."



"I'll try. They are... considering replacing me." I look at Koraline. "I'm going back in. If I somehow forget who I am again, remind me." I allow the hive mind to take control of me again, though I try my best to keep at least a fraction of myself still awake. In my head, I command the hive to march in the opposite direction, away from Organa Palace and towards the mountains. "We... Oroboro will... delay it's invasion. But they request... a new bargain. The nest will release us, and call off it's expansion plans.... but in return, we must find them a new Night Herald. One who is willing... and able to lead their expansion army."

"They're fully aware that we're preparing to go into a giant ass battle ourselves, right?" I shake my head. "Fine, agreed. Just, see if we can get some time. Maybe one of the Jedi will do it, if we're not entirely honest with them about what they'll do as Night Herald." I send a thought to Luci telepathically, "Not to mention dad would burn them out before allow them to invade an old friend's home."

I inform the nest of Jerus’ agreement to their terms. A moment later, they tell me something that makes me gasp in surprise. “They said I should go with my mate. I am released from the role of Night Herald... but they want me to remain partially connected to the nest.” Listens to more of what they say. “They find Koraline’s words and actions fascinating. They want to know what drives a being to act so foolishly.”



“Basically they want to know what love is and they want you to show them?” Smirks. “Alright. As long as most of you is Luci, and you are in complete control of your actions, and the bugs keep their comments to themselves, I’m willing to share.” I pull Luci into a passionate kiss, and the Killiks around us suddenly perk up, their antenna standing on end.

I glance around us and then back at the two women and shake my head. "This is all great and good, but Koraline, we got a flight path to plot in an area you're familiar with, not to mention, I'd like to get back to base."

Breaks off the embrace. “Of course. Let’s get out of here.” Takes Luci’s hand and leads her towards the exit. As we pass the sons of Sucal, I wave them along. “Come on, boys.”



“I have to say, Koraline, That was a very impressive trick. I honestly thought you were crazy enough to join the hive just to be with her. How did you know it was gonna work out though?”



Shrugs. “I didn’t really, but I had a feeling, and I’ve learned to trust my gut in most situations. I must confess that it wasn’t entirely my idea. My brother helped come up with it. I told Ryder everything that happened via commlink, and he talked me through my feelings and helped me clear my thoughts. Afterwards, we both formulated this super risky, but super worth it plan.” Smiles back at Luci. “And see? It totally worked out!”

I frown at that bit about Ryder and decide it might be time to tell her. "Koraline...that...that wasn't through the COM like you think it was." I hadn't wanted to tell her on our way from getting her first love back, but there seemed to be no avoiding it now.

“What do you mean? Granted, there was a lot of interference and I couldn’t get a clear signal, but it was his voice in the static. I’m sure of it.”

I shake my head as we go back into the tunnel leading up to the surface of the planet. "Koraline, he's...he's dead. The exact circumstances are still pretty unsure, but...he's gone."

“Oh...But I just... I just talk to him. How could...” I go silent for a little while. I feel more confused then sad. Like it doesn’t feel real.



My eyes widen with realization. “That’s right. We lost Ryder. I remember Xan telling us, but... Oroboro was still suppressing much of my feelings. I’m sorry for your loss, Koraline.”



“Don’t be sorry. Jerus is wrong.” I look at Jerus. “Maybe he is dead like you say, but... he isn’t lost. He’s here. I just talked to him. I don’t... feel that he’s really gone. He’s... what did the Jedi used to say? Part of the Force? I can’t believe I’m saying this, but... I really think it’s true now.”

"It's how dad would put it. I suppose," I say as we finish the climb out of the tunnel and the sun hits us again, "I should have known better with as powerful in the Force as he was, dad would understand that process better though. Maybe talk to him when we get back inside?" The walk back had been relatively short and before long, the group was walking back into the base, which had autoturrets sweeping back and forth from their various positions along the small wall outside it.

"Right, well, I'll go find HJ and dad if you all want to head to the briefing room. Jude, why don't you tell Koraline where the Tempest Eye is located along the way so she can start plotting our route?" Without waiting for any answers, I head off down a hall in the opposite direction, where I run into HJ about half way down. "Son! You get in contact with Ava yet?"

“I have, Dad. She agreed to help us out, and what’s more...” Leans in. “She has the Greshh twins. She found them half dead in the tomb of Freedon Nadd. She’s keeping them prisoner, but.... I don’t know how I feel about that. Part of me wants to help them, but they’ve also betrayed us so many times. Ava said she’s making sure they are being treated well, but I don’t trust the other Mandalorians to stick to that. Especially after everything that’s happened.”

I sigh deeply. "This is not what we need..." Beckoning for him to follow me, I point down the hall. "I gotta go get dad, but you can count on the Mandalorians following the orders of Mandalore, no matter their personal feelings on the matter. We'll worry about them later, for now, we need to plan for getting to the Eye; we have it's location."

"Oh, good. Maybe now we can finally make some progress." I start to head off, but turn. "And I'll try not to worry about Cosen. Honestly, I feel like I should be more worried about Ava. She's running head first into the heart of the Republic." Sighs. "I just hope she understands this isn't the new Mandalorian Crusade."

END OF SCENE



"It'll be like a new Mandalorian Crusade!" I am standing in my ready room, putting the finishing touches on my ceremonial armor. I face a mirror, adjusting the short cape slung over one shoulder. Behind me sits Kam Ordo, otherwise known as Hunter Twilight (though only I among the Mandalorians call him that). "The clans have been itching for a fight like this. Attacking Republic outposts is fun, but unrewarding. Striking at the Republic captial? That will be a fight to remember."



I hold a small camera droid in my lap. As Ava talks, I fiddle with its insides with a screwdriver. "I've heard some of the warriors talking. At least among Clan Ordo, they grow tired of fighting an aruetii akaan. They want to fight for a Mandalorian cause again."



I turn abruptly. In the months that Hunter has been among us, he has become more and more like a Mondo'a. He's even started using our language unconsciously. Part of me wondered if perhaps some traces of Kam's personality were still intact, and bleeding into Hunter's thoughts. But, then again, Kam was basically brain dead by the end, so maybe this was all Hunter, and he was just maturing faster than I expected. "And how do you feel about this? Are you tired of fighting an 'outsider's war' too?"



Shrugs. "It doesn't matter how I feel, or how anyone else feels. You are the Mand'alor. We fight for whatever cause you tell us to fight for. And, if any other warrior has a problem with that, he'll challenge you, and you'll kill him. No one has challenged you, so they clearly still trust your judgement." I close the cam droid's control panel. "There we are. We're all set to transmit to the whole fleet whenever you are ready."



I nod. Though much of the army was on Dxun, the majority of the Mandalorian fleet was scattered across the galaxy, as to not draw too much attention to one location in particular. "You sure that little thing can transmit my speech to the entire fleet?"



"More or less. The ships at the edge of transmission range can just forward the recording to the ships that missed it. See, I rewired the droid to bounce it's signal off of every ship in range, Mandalorian or not. The signal is encrypted though, so only the people we want to see it will see it." Pauses a moment, looking down nervously. "At least...I hope so. There is a chance the Republic might be able to break the encryption."



"And then all of the Republic will know we're coming." Grins wolfishly. "Perfect."

I leave my ready room with Hunter close behind. Together, we stride out of the main building of the Dxun base camp to find hundreds of Mando'ad gathered. When they see me, the pound a fist to the breastplate of their Beskar'gam armor and call 'Hail Mandalore the Risen!'. I salute them back, and the group parts so that I may walk to the center. A platform has been set up, a stage so that I may stand slightly above my warriors. I do not wish to lord over them, only to be seen by all in attendance. At the foot of the stage stand my parents, Torian and Mako. My father does not break rank, and offers me the same fist pound salute as the others. My mother, not born among the clans, gives me an encouraging nod and a proud smile.

At my signal, Hunter activates the cam droid, then goes to join with the other warriors of Clan Ordo. As I climb atop the stage, I take a moment to look out at all the men and women gathered to hear me speak. I stand at the center of an ocean of warriors, all dressed in painted armor and carrying the banners of each loyal clan. Taking a deep breath, I turn in a 360 degree circle so that I may address each of my warriors. "Nar vode'an! Brothers and sisters! Listen to me!" The camera droid sweeps around me, capturing both my image and my words:

"Before the Republic or the Empire, before the Jedi or the Sith, there were the Mando'ad! Before Coruscant, there was Notron; a vast jungle world ruled by our precursors, the Taung! Our way of life, our warrior culture, our sense of honor and our lust for glory, it all traces back to the days of Notron!" The crowd gives a short cheer, punching their fists into the air. "We have not forgotten those days! When the Nations of Zhell rose up and usurped our throne, and drove us from our home, we did not forget! We built a new empire on a new jungle world! We conquered the great Mythosaurs, and branded their skulls onto our armor!" Another round of cheers, along with a few shouts of 'Long live Manda'yaim!'. I pause a few seconds to allow them to fire themselves up, then I continue:

"When the last of the Taung died out, we did not forget! We, the Humans, Twi'leks, Zabraks, and more, we became the Mando'ad! We dawned the beskar'gam of our fallen ancestors! We took up their weapons, and we drove them into the hearts of our enemies!" Yet more cheers, even louder than before. As if to prove my words were true, some warriors began pounding their armor plates, or waving their Beskad swords in the air. "Today, the Galactic Republic sits upon the ashes of Notron! They have cut down our forests! Built dams in our rivers, and walls through our valleys! They have stolen every centimeter of green, and buried it under kilometers of durasteel! They have stolen the very name Notron, and replaced it with a new name; one that drips of decadence and self indulgence: Coruscant!" I say the name like it is a curse, and my warriors hiss and boo at the name. "Galactic City!" I spit onto the stage, like saying the words left a bad taste in my mouth. More hissing and more booing from the clans. "The Heart of the Republic they call it... But WE! HAVE! NOT! FORGOTTEN!!!" I emphasize each word with a stomp of my foot, and the jeering falls silent.

My blood is up now. I talk back in forth on the stage like an animal, turning in every direction so that I may look all of my warriors in the eye. "Notron is OURS by right of blood! Today, we reclaim what is ours, once and for all! We will plunge into the Republic's Heart and tear it to shreds! We will string their Chancellor up by his own banners! We will parade the Senate through the streets in chains! We will but out the guts of their soldiers, and use the to grease the gears of our Basilisks!" I slash my arm through the air, pantomiming cutting somebody open and pulling our their entrails. Feeling the same passion as me, the crowd throw up their blades and scream in agreement. Drawing my own sword, I raise it to the sky. "We will make certain the Republic NEVER forgets who we are. WHAT we are!"

At the base of the stage, my father steps forward and says "I, Allit'alor Torian of Clan Cadera, pledge myself and my clan to you!" Following his lead, others begin to step forward:

"I, Allit'alor Carridan of Clan Ordo, pledge myself and my clan to you!"

"I, Allit'alor Khomo of Clan Fett, pledge myself and my clan to you!"

"I, Allit'alor Lydi of Clan Viszla, pledge myself and my clan to you!"

"I, Allit'alor Marcogar of Clan Wren, pledge myself and my clan to you!"

"I Allit'alor Enra of Clan Rook, pledge myself and my clan to you!"

"I, Allit'alor Zarka of Clan Saxon, pledge myself and my clan to you!"

I try my best to suppress the grin on my face. Fully embracing my role as Mand'alor, I step to the edge of the platform and raise my voice to be heard above all. "You are all with me?! Then follow me to victory! For honor and for glory! FOR MANDALORE!!!" Those last words are echoed by everyone in attendance. The cheers have become the screams of savages, thirsting for blood.

I planned on slaking their thirst ten times over.

END OF SCENE

Back on Alderaan

As soon as Jerus and company had returned, Zar'kun had made the call to Lord Organa to inform him that they had the information they needed and would commense with the briefing as soon as a family member had mapped out their path. It was only a couple of hours before they were ready...



I stood at the head of the briefing room as the others filed in, Lord Organa having taken a seat with an honor guard and several officers on one side of the room while the members of the Sith Hunters who were here filled the other side. I couldn't help but smile softly as old memories of operations briefed during the War came up, and even during the Cold War, before the spectre and Thul had forced us to abandon the base here on Alderaan for Hoth.

I quickly turned away from the past though, as the future was far more relevant and needed me to be in the present. Once I was sure everyone was seated, I began speaking, the holoprojecter coming to life with the appropriate images and locations as I speak. "Everyone, welcome to the first briefing this base has seen in many years. And as is the norm, we're here to stop the end of the galaxy." I chuckle slightly. "First, everyone, this is Armond Organa, Lord of the House Organa and their leader. He's also an old friend and ally. Thanks to Luci, who I'm glad to welcome back from the Kiliks control, we now know that the Tempest Eye, something Lord Trayus views as a crucial part of his plan to destroy the Living Force, is located in the Maw Cluster at the coordinates T-10. Apparently, according to communication between Oroboro and another Nest near the Maw, this was done intentionally."

"We also know the locations of the Foundry, the Garden, and the Genesis Engine. The Garden is a terraforming construct, used to make inhospitable worlds safe for a chosen species by changing everything from it's atmosphere to it's geological make. The Genesis Engine is a Xenoforming Construct, used for making landscapes safe for the same species who use the Garden. Respectfully, the Garden is found in Wild Space, in a forgotten star system called Chrelythiumn, coordinates T-26, and the Genesis Engine deep within the Galactic Core, at the brightest center of known space, coordinates L-11. According to Oroboro, the Sith Empire had a passing interest in both these locations but never acted on them. The Foundry is located in the Kurost Sector, but I can provide an exact location thanks to SIS. The Empire took it from Revan, but after their defeat, the Republic took it over." Jerus speaks up at this point.

"I have reason to believe the Sith Hunter droid the Republic has been fielding is being designed and built there and if we're going to have any chance of beating Sucal on the ground, at any point, the production of these things has to be stopped." I nod to him and continue.

"All these locations are important, but none more so than the Tempest Eye. Koraline, I've been told you can get us through the maw?"

I nod and stand up. “Yes. I’ve been working it out with the boys here.” Indicates Tren and his snuggling crew. “For anyone present who is not aware, the Maw is a massive cluster of black holes at the edge of the Outer Rim. Any ship larger than a freighter will be torn apart, and anything without a fast enough engine will be unable to escape the gravity wells the black holes create. So if we are going to get anywhere close, we’ll need not only a small ship, but a fast ship. To top it off, you need a pilot who can make split second maneuvers, and operation on console alone. The Maw is a zero visibility area. You can’t actually SEE a black hole.”



“Right, so it’s a very risky plan. I assume you are the pilot to pull it off?”



“I mean, I could do it. But to be honest, after reviewing all the notes we have on the Maw... you’re gonna need better than me to pull this off. I’m gonna need adult crew; the best co-pilot, the best engineer, the best navigator. We can’t afford to rag tag this operation. Literally one mistake and we’re less than space dust.”

"And the navicomputer you...acquired during the Cold War? Couldn't that help with navigation? I know it was meant for the Long Shadow, but..."

"If it weren't for that nevicomputer, this operation would be impossible instead of just improbable. But the Long Shadow was a massive black hole, while the Maw is hundreds of normal sized to small black holes. A lot more complicated. Plus, when I did the Long Shadow run, I wasn't alone. I had a co-pilot and a... well, I guess Bowdaar was more a less a passenger on hat op. So I had ONE other crew member. For the Maw, I'm gonna need a full crew." I look at Tren. "There is how you squatters make yourselves useful."



I stand up. "I can fly co-pilot. Jakito used to let me co-pilot the Cora back in the day. I know my way around a starship."



"Sounds good to me. I have a rough idea of the course we'd be following through the Maw. As long as none of the black holes have shifted and no other space anomalies have entered our path, we should be able to pull this off."



I look around at everyone. "And what about Korré? Some of us will have to stay here and keep an eye on her."



"I offer my assistance with that, if you will accept it. House Organa would be more than happy to welcome her into our home. Our doctors are some of the best on Alderaan."



"A few soldiers will not be enough to protect her. We saw what happened the last time my father sent his men to your palace, Lord Organa. She will need special trained guards." I look at Zar'kun. "I volunteer myself."



I stand. "Me as well!"