Premonition. Those gifted with Force sensitivity rely entirely on this phenomenon. And sometimes it's just vague images and vague sensations of approaching danger, but still, both Jedi and Sith listen to them.
Many lives were saved thanks to premonitions of danger or foresight of the future. But even more destinies were ruined due to their misinterpretation, an error in identifying the source of the threat.
Revan was wary of foresight. After all, visions had a huge impact on his life... and not always positively. But the former Sith was accustomed to trusting premonitions. They had never failed him, and Revan hoped they wouldn't fail him now.
This morning he woke up from an inexplicable feeling of anxiety, as if someone was already standing over his sleeping body with a weapon raised for a strike. The awakening was abrupt. Revan jumped out of bed to the limit of his capabilities, simultaneously infusing his body with the Force and summoning his lightsaber into his hand. His heart pounded wildly in his chest, blood pounded in his temples, and his lungs seemed ready to draw in all the air in the cabin in one breath. Only after a few seconds of focused and wary inspection of the room could Revan calm down.
Not a minute passed before Maul burst into the cabin without knocking, his staff activated, ready for battle.
"Master, are you alright?" the Zabrak asked with concern, trying to suppress the notes of anger in his voice that had overcome the young Sith, involuntarily succumbing to the powerful Force flow of his master.
"Yes," Revan replied curtly, calming the storm of emotions that had risen in his mind after such a sharp awakening and the still-present feeling of anxiety.
The Zabrak put his weapon on his belt. Revan, realizing that he was still standing in a combat stance with his blade activated, hurried to do the same.
"Go back to your quarters. On the way, calm Anakin down, he surely felt the same as you," the former Sith ordered, sending his student away.
The threat was close, but its source could not be determined.
Sinking back onto the bed, Revan focused on his sensations and plunged into a meditative trance, following the Force flows that had brought the morning's anxiety.
His consciousness was clouded. His mind drifted away, trying to reach the farthest corners of the galaxy. Revan tried to focus on Mandalore, but it was very difficult... as if someone was trying to interfere.
Something was definitely moving towards the homeland of the Mandalorians. Something big and dangerous. And this "something" was being hidden. Someone's will was causing the Force to blur images... to hide the approaching fleet in a dense fog...
A fleet?!
Revan sharply opened his eyes and fell onto the bed, above which he had unconsciously levitated while meditating. However, the former Jedi did not attach much importance to his fall. He was more concerned about the vision.
A fleet was moving towards Mandalore. Small, but enough for the Mandalorians. And someone gifted was commanding this new threat.
Had Sidious decided to act? Or his master? Or that stranger from Obsidian?
Too many questions and so few answers...
The former Sith got out of bed and dressed. Straightening his cloak that covered his armor, Revan left his cabin and headed for the mess hall.
Maul had already taken one of the chairs in the common room of the Eagle and was waiting for his master, nervously tapping the hilt of his staff resting on his knees.
"Master!" he jumped up as soon as Revan appeared in the doorway.
"I'm fine, student," the former Sith said, raising a hand in a calming gesture.
The Zabrak nodded with relief, but the next moment shook his head and looked at his master with anxiety again.
"I feel something... strange. Anxiety," Maul said uncertainly.
"I know what you feel. Be prepared for us to soon meet someone from the Force adepts. And it's quite possible that this meeting will not be friendly at all."
"I am always ready, Master," the Zabrak bowed, a look of anticipation appearing on his face for a moment.
"Remember what you have learned. Control your emotions, do not let them control you. Otherwise, you will not notice when you lose your sanity, and with it, your caution, which will inevitably lead to death," Revan said instructively.
"Yes, Master. I remember your instructions."
Meanwhile, Nomad entered the room.
"Another brainwashing session?" she smirked, glancing at the kneeling Zabrak.
"Hello, Tyra," Revan nodded to the mercenary.
Maul glared angrily at the girl. She, however, ignored his gaze.
"Bo-Katan sent a coded message. She managed to return to Concordia," Nomad announced the reason for her appearance.
"They took her back?" Revan inquired.
"Yes. Just as you and she predicted. Vizsla needs the support of the clans, and the image of Kryze is suitable like no other. And the leader of the Watch is not going to refuse a powerful ally in the face of a Sith."
"Everything is according to plan," Revan nodded with satisfaction.
"Almost," Tyra agreed, "An invitation to the palace has also arrived. The Duchess wants to talk about something."
"It's about time."
After the Kryze sisters were finally reunited almost two weeks ago and talked alone for over three hours, Revan had not visited the Royal Palace. For some reason, Satine did not want to see him. Whether it was due to the Duchess's sister, or the negative attitude of an infatuated Padawan towards the former Jedi, Revan did not know, but he suspected.
He only managed to talk properly with Satine a few days later at a meeting with the clan leaders. Despite the fact that the Duchess's convictions had clearly cracked, making the ardent pacifist look at the situation more realistically, the elder Kryze was not ready for decisive action. This was expected, after all, it's not so easy to get rid of one's established views. But at least the Duchess was ready for dialogue with representatives of the opposition clans. Now their desire to preserve the military heritage of their ancestors no longer seemed like such a... wild relic of the past. These Mandalorians had their families taken away and were tried to be subjugated. And with her policies, Kryze had deprived them of the opportunity to fight back... at least openly and legally. Little by little, Satine Kryze began to understand that a mere wish to reject violence was not enough. You can't just order everyone to live peacefully. And even more so, you shouldn't establish new rules without gaining the support and respect of the people. The Mandalorians would only listen to her if she proved her power and strength... if she were the chosen of Mandalore. But the Duchess did not accept this title, considering it a relic of her people's bloody past. And she tried to get rid of such a past with all her might. And only after the recent meeting with the clan leaders did she realize what disrespect she had shown to her own people. Should a ruler act like this? Would the words of such a leader even be heard?
Despite the fact that the elder Kryze did not want to communicate with him, Revan was pleased with what was happening around. The Duchess was changing, and all her entourage, which was supposed to provide comfort and confidence, only pushed Satine in the direction the former Sith wanted. The Duchess's younger sister never tired of pointing out Mandalore's dire situation, both in the galactic political arena and from the perspective of the Mandalorians themselves. Meanwhile, the elder Kryze's beloved, while trying to support her, could not hide his true attitude towards the situation. Kenobi shared the ideas of pacifism, but at the same time was a warrior... a guardian of peace, as he... as all Jedi liked to call themselves. In his understanding, the threat of the Watch should have been eliminated. And if violence was required for this, the Padawan saw nothing wrong with it. And he involuntarily instilled this same thought in Satine. It is difficult to communicate so closely with a person without adopting some of their ideas and beliefs, even unconsciously.
And yet, the Duchess still believed in the Republic and Mandalore's new course, but she began to look at it from a different angle. The beginning of changes had been laid.
"Has Qui-Gon been in contact?" Revan asked, putting aside thoughts about the Duchess's changes.
"No. And, for the record, I'm not your secretary," Nomad snorted.
"But a comrade," the former Sith replied calmly.
The Mandalorian gritted her teeth. So much so that the sound was audible even from under her helmet.
"Don't get worked up, Nomad. I value our alliance and have no intention of belittling your talents."
"I don't care," Tyra waved her hand with feigned indifference.
Revan shook his head with a smile. If only the young Chiss girl knew how much she reminded him of Canderous Ordo right now. Stubborn, rebellious, but at the same time loyal.
But it was not time to indulge in nostalgia. The plan to change the regime on Mandalore was in motion, and now it was important to control the process. Even a small detail overlooked could become a threat to everything planned. And against the backdrop of the morning vision, it was worth being doubly vigilant.
"Maul, how is Anakin?" Revan asked, turning to the Zabrak.
"He's fine, Master. He's in class with your droid now," Maul replied.
A blaster carbine shot was heard from one of the cargo bays, followed by a child's cry. Revan listened to the Force, but did not sense any threat to his student. Anakin was fine. Scared, but unharmed.
"Faster, meatbag!" HK-47's voice was heard.
Revan winced.
"Endure it, Anakin. These training sessions will help you not to die in the future. And perhaps, you will have to test the results very soon," the former Jedi said.
At these words from his master, the Zabrak tensed as if an inevitable battle awaited them as soon as they left the ship.
"Maul, find out what you can about what's happening near the Mandalorian sector. Look for suspicious activity of ships converging on a single point a short hyperspace jump away from Mandalore," Revan ordered.
"Yes, Master."
"Tyra, I'll ask you for the same. Maybe the clans noticed something."
"Are we expecting trouble?" the mercenary asked with interest.
Revan nodded.
"Our opponents should make a move any moment now. It's important not to miss it."
"Understood. I'll contact the clan scouts. Is there any information from the Claws?"
"I was just about to contact them."
"Then I won't distract you."
The Mandalorian turned and headed for the ship's exit.
Revan activated his holocommunicator.
Not a minute passed before the light-woven figure of a young man, whom the former Sith had left on Coruscant to coordinate the actions of the Claws, appeared above the projector.
"Master," Ran Fevro bowed respectfully to Revan, "How can I be of service?"
"I need information about the movement of ships controlled by the Senate or the Judicial Corps near Mandalore or even heading towards it," Revan said in a level voice, showing no emotion.
Fevro, judging by the change in his expression, was surprised by such a request.
"It so happens, Master, that I can provide the information you need right now," Ran replied with a bow.
"Speak."
"In accordance with your instructions, our agents are monitoring the Senate, noting any anomalies. So yesterday, one of the informants in the Senate chancellery provided us with information about a rather strange request from the Trade Federation."
"What did the Neimoidians ask for?" the former Sith asked thoughtfully, mentally answering the question himself.
Revan suspected the Trade Federation of having ties with the Sith. And if so, they would most likely try to distract the Senate's attention from Mandalore.
"The Trade Federation requested security for its most important trade routes. It would seem like a reasonable demand, but the number of routes exceeded four dozen."
"Which, given the Neimoidians' own fleet and armed forces, is even more suspicious," the former Sith finished Fevro's thought.
"Exactly, Master. However, the Senate, despite the absurdity of the demands, approved the use of the Judicial Corps fleet to ensure the safety of the trade routes of a 'loyal member of the Republic'," the head of the Coruscant Bloody Claws added to his report.
"To fulfill such an order, the Corps would have to recall part of the ships from patrols and use all available reserves," Revan concluded, recalling the information about the Judicial Corps' resources that Maul had given him a few days earlier.
"The Senate also approved the involvement of volunteers and mercenary forces."
"Mercenaries?"
"Yes, Master. According to preliminary reports, a separate unit of the Corps will be responsible for working with mercenaries. According to rumors, unfortunately unconfirmed, a Jedi will be sent to support them."
"A Jedi?" Revan could not hide his surprise this time.
"The information is not yet confirmed. It is difficult to get any information from the Jedi Temple. You understand," Fevro spread his hands.
"The Claws have already managed to find out a lot. What about Mandalore? Is there any information about ship movements in that sector?"
"That's what I'm getting to, Master. The Federation's list of routes includes quite a few that pass near the Mandalorian sector of the galaxy, but no help was requested for their protection."
"So, the Federation is drawing the Corps away from Mandalore closer to Neimoidia and allied planets?" Revan guessed.
"It looks like it, but there's another strangeness."
"What?" the former Sith tilted his head slightly.
"The actions of the Judicial Corps. Specifically, that very unit responsible for working with mercenaries."
"What's wrong with it?"
"Besides the fact that several corvettes belonging to the Black Sun are listed among the recruited ships for the operation, the approved patrol plan includes..."
"The Mandalorian sector," Revan guessed.
"That's right, Master. The Corps is showing suspicious interest in peaceful Mandalore," Fevro finished with a smile.
"Good work," the former Sith praised Ran.
"Thank you, Master."
"Continue to monitor the Judicial Corps and the Senate. Send me everything related to Mandalore immediately."
"Yes, Master."
Revan nodded and disconnected the call.
The information turned out to be useful. It turned out that a fleet of mercenaries was moving towards Mandalore, under the guise of an operation for the Judicial Corps. This means that even if a full-scale war broke out on the Mandalorian homeworld, any request for help would be intercepted... and officially at that. The Corps would deal with the problem itself, and no one on Coruscant would even find out about it.
Only one point stood out from the overall picture. The Jedi.
Was a Jedi really sent to assist the Corps? And, if true, was he acting on the Council's orders? Perhaps the Masters already knew about the presence of a Sith agent in the Senate? Or was he acting on his own initiative? Or... Could a Jedi side with the Sith?
Revan chuckled at the thought.
Of course, he could! It had happened many times in the past and would happen many more times in the future. Light and Darkness are too closely intertwined. And, unfortunately, it has always been easier to lure a Jedi to the Dark Side than to pull a Sith to the Light. And most importantly, the transition is sometimes not immediately noticed not only by others, but also by the fallen himself.
But, what is the case now? Did the Jedi sent to Mandalore betray his Order, or not? This could only be found out in a personal meeting. If there was even a chance to meet.
Immersed in his thoughts, Revan contacted Qui-Gon and arranged a visit to the Palace. In passing, the former Sith asked why Kryze had sent the invitation through the Mandalorians and not through Jinn, to which the latter replied that the Duchess wanted to emphasize that she cared primarily about her people, not the Jedi.
In Revan's opinion, the gesture was debatable. It looked more like Kryze was keeping the clan leaders as her errand boys. Qui-Gon, judging by his gloomy face, thought similarly.
Revan reached the Duchess's residence in less than an hour. Jinn, as last time, met him at the landing pad.
"Avner," the Jedi greeted his former Order brother.
"Qui-Gon," Revan returned the courtesy with a nod.
Jinn gestured for him to go inside the Palace, and the former Sith, accompanied by the Jedi, headed for the Duchess's office.
"Have you heard anything from our friend in the Watch?" Qui-Gon asked cautiously.
"Yes. Everything is fine," Revan replied.
"Thank the Force," Jinn exhaled with relief, "The Duchess is very worried about her sister."
Revan barely managed to refrain from slapping himself on the forehead... or Qui-Gon on the head.
"It would be better not to mention names or family ties until we reach a place where we cannot be overheard," the former Sith said emphatically.
"Yes, I think you're right," Qui-Gon realized, "But I assure you, after the last incident, we checked all the staff and all the Palace inhabitants. There are no traitors among them."
Revan just shook his head.
If Jinn did not mention a Force-sensitive in the Duchess's retinue, then they either checked everyone, or checked poorly. After all, Revan knew for sure that there was someone in the palace who was sensitive to the Force, and who skillfully hid their abilities.
"Better tell me, what's the Duchess's mood?" the former Sith changed the subject.
Qui-Gon pondered the answer for a few seconds. It was obviously difficult for him to find the words.
"She... is worried. It's hard to give up a dream," the Jedi replied diplomatically.
"Did the cruel world suddenly shatter illusions and reveal itself in all its glory?"
"Yes, something like that. I can understand her, and frankly, her ideas are beautiful in their essence."
"But unfeasible," Revan cut in.
"Rather difficult to implement," Jinn corrected him.
"Perhaps, but to implement them, it is not enough to order the people to be pacifists. It will require changing the entire galaxy... But even so, one cannot be sure that someone will not appear outside its limits. Someone who disagrees with quiet and peaceful coexistence. How to react to this? Can one resist who cannot physically fight back?" Revan mused aloud.
"Diplomacy is invented for this. To find common ground without resorting to violence," Jinn stated confidently.
"For diplomacy to work, the parties must agree to listen to each other. And if one party considers itself inherently stronger and is not going to negotiate, preferring a forceful takeover, or even genocide?"
Qui-Gon frowned and shook his head.
"As regrettable as it is, there is truth in your words. Sometimes negotiations have to be conducted through force. How I wish everything could be resolved with just words and wisdom."
"Not everyone is ready to accept wisdom. Unfortunately."
"Unfortunately," Qui-Gon agreed.
Already approaching the throne room, Revan decided to clarify the question that was tormenting him.
"Qui-Gon, does the Order often send Jedi to assist the Judicial Corps?"
"Hmm, why such a question?"
"Just answer, it might be important in our situation."
"It's a common practice."
"And working with mercenaries?"
"Mercenaries?"
"Yes, for example, with the Black Sun?"
"The Order has never sent Jedi to cooperate with the Black Sun. And in general, we try not to interact with mercenaries. They love credits too much. There is no trust in them," Jinn stated confidently.
"And no precedents?"
"Except for isolated cases with the Council's sanction... or if a Jedi decides it's necessary for the mission."
"So, everything is possible," Revan grumbled discontentedly.
"Yes," Jinn agreed.
Qui-Gon's answer did not clarify anything. Thus, the information would have to be obtained closer to the source.
"Did you manage to talk to the Grand Master? Did you tell him about the situation and our suspicions?" Revan spoke again when Jinn had already opened the doors that closed the passage to the throne room.
"Yoda is concerned about our observations. The Council will closely monitor the Senate's activity, but it will have to be done cautiously, and therefore the effectiveness may be very low."
"Nevertheless, the very fact of monitoring the Senate may force the Sith to lie low and postpone their plans," Revan suggested.
"Or, on the contrary, provoke them into active action," Jinn objected.
"In either case, there will be some result. For now, we are wandering in the dark, trying to discern our own shadow, while the enemy is playing his game."
"The Sith have always used intrigue and deception to achieve power," Jinn concluded philosophically.
"Not only. Sometimes it was violence that was the key to that very power. Strength, might, victory," Revan replied to this statement.
Qui-Gon looked intently at the former Jedi, as if trying to see something in him. Perhaps glints of gold in his eyes or a grayish hue to his skin. But no, Revan looked the same as at their last meeting.
I'm afraid our discussion will have to be postponed. The Duchess is already expecting us," Djinn pointed to the far corner of the throne room, to the door of Satine Kryze's office.
"Then let's not keep her waiting."
The first thing that struck Revan about the Duchess's appearance was her outfit. The dress had given way to a pantsuit, the cut and style of which was more reminiscent of a military uniform. The suit was made in the colors of House Kryze with embroidered clan symbolism. Satine had clearly moved closer to the opposition. The next step could be family armor... However, the Duchess was unlikely to go that far. And the armor was already promised to Bo-Katan.
Kenobi was positioned next to Satine. He stood confidently, diligently demonstrating that his injury was a thing of the past and that he was now in perfect order. There was no denying his resilience. As well as his stubbornness. The former Jedi looked at the former Sith with dislike. However, Obi-Wan was indifferent to his own person.
"Duchess," Revan greeted Kryze.
"Knight," she nodded coldly in response.
"'Not even by name?'" the former Sith thought with a smirk.
The Duchess, meanwhile, rose from her seat and walked away from the table. Kenobi followed her.
Satine came almost close to Revan and looked him in the eyes.
"I invited you here because I need your help," the Duchess declared.
There was no hint of a request in her voice. The imperious tone of a monarch, clearly long practiced on her subjects.
"And how can I be of service?" Revan asked calmly.
"Although I do not share your views... And I will never forget that you held my sister captive..."
Everything suddenly fell into place. So that was the reason for the Duchess's dislike! Apparently, the younger Kryze had told her sister all the details of her journey from deputy commander of the Death Watch to an informant for the clan council. Well, that made it even easier.
"The clans trust you. My friends... they despise. Even though you are a Jedi, they are willing to follow your plan, the details of which no one has ever revealed to me," the Duchess finished with displeasure.
"It's for your own good," Revan assured her.
"I can decide for myself what is best for my own good," Kryze blurted out irritably.
"With all due respect, you have no idea about the scale of what's happening, nor about who is behind it all," the former Sith explained insinuatingly.
"Then tell me," Satine demanded.
"No," Revan replied categorically.
"No?"
"No."
The Duchess exhaled loudly, suppressing her anger, but still stepped back. Apparently, securing Avner Van's support was more important than her own pride. It was commendable that she managed to overcome herself.
"All right. Then, what is required of me now?" the Duchess asked a new question.
"Wait. You just need to wait until the Watch and whoever is behind them make their move."
"And, I suppose, I should be ready for countermeasures?"
"If you want to save your people and preserve Mandalore's independence, then yes. You need to be ready for decisive action. Perhaps even against your convictions and policy of pacifism," Revan explained calmly, looking into the elder Kryze's eyes.
For a few long seconds, they stared at each other, as if trying to look into each other's souls, until finally Satine closed her eyes and nodded.
"I understand," she replied quietly.
"Sometimes one has to sacrifice one's own ideals," Qui-Gon said.
"I understand, Master Djinn, I understand. But it's still not easy to accept," Kryze shook her head.
The Jedi wanted to say something else, but Revan interrupted him.
"We have guests," he announced, pointing to the door.
The former Sith felt the approach of someone from the Duchess's retinue. At the same time, the person was practically overflowing with anxiety.
The secretary, who burst into the office a few seconds later, immediately blurted out that a representative of the Jedi Council wished to speak with the Duchess.
The gazes of all present were fixed on the young man from Kryze's retinue, after which they unanimously switched to Qui-Gon.
"Do you know anything about this?" Revan was the first to ask, a fraction of a second ahead of the Duchess, which caused her displeasure.
"No," Djinn shook his head.
"Could they have sent someone to help you?" Satine now overtook Revan.
"I would have been warned," Qui-Gon shook his head.
"Do you have a way to contact the Temple? Preferably the Grand Master," the former Sith asked a new question.
"Yes," Djinn nodded.
"You can use my communicator," Kryze pointed to her desk, "I will take the call in the throne room."
"I'll go with you," Revan approached the Duchess.
Kenobi instantly found himself between Satine and the former Sith.
"I don't object," Kryze replied, placing her hand on Obi-Wan's shoulder.
The Padawan was forced to obey and allow Revan to follow the Duchess, but he still didn't let him get close to her.
The Padawan's behavior only amused the former Jedi, but he didn't show it.
Taking her place on the throne, the Duchess activated the holocommunicator, accepting the incoming call.
A hologram of a man dressed in the traditional robes of the Order appeared above the projector. His open face expressed friendliness. The man showed no trace of hostility. The narrow slit of the unknown Jedi's eyes reminded Revan of Sifo-Dyas, but it wasn't him. Focusing on the image, the former Sith tried to locate the Order's envoy using the Force. And the response was found high in the planet's orbit. Unfortunately, it was impossible to reveal his presence, and therefore, nothing specific could be learned, except for superficial emotions.
"Duchess Satine," the hologram began.
Revan stayed behind the throne so as not to fall within the projector's sensor range.
"Yes, it's me. With whom do I have the honor?" Kryze replied, maintaining an impassive demeanor.
"Master of the Jedi Order Ronar Kim," the interlocutor introduced himself with a bow.
"I am pleased to welcome you, Master Kim. But what brings you to Mandalore?"
"I am here on behalf of the Order's Council to assist my brother, Qui-Gon Djinn. Information about increased activity of the terrorist organization Death Watch has reached the Masters. The Council decided that one more Jedi would not hurt," Ronar Kim explained with a smile.
"Well, we will be happy to receive you at the palace, Master Kim. How large is your ship?"
"A small passenger shuttle."
"In that case, there is no need to send you to the spaceport. Contact the capital's dispatch center. You will be directed to the Palace landing pad," the Duchess gave instructions with a friendly smile.
"Thank you, Duchess. See you soon," the Jedi bowed again.
"See you soon, Master Kim."
The hologram disappeared.
Kryze quickly gave instructions to her secretary, who immediately rushed off to convey the orders to the dispatch center. After that, the Duchess hurried back to her office, where Qui-Gon was already waiting for her.
"Were you able to contact the Temple?" Satine asked without even entering.
"No," Djinn shook his head.
"Why?" the Duchess and Kenobi asked simultaneously with surprise.
Revan had a guess as to the reason for the communication failure.
"I couldn't establish a connection with Coruscant. It's as if something is interfering with the signal."
"Or blocking it," Revan remarked.
"Have they cut off our communication with the outside world?" Djinn came to the same conclusion.
"That's the first thing I would... I mean, what an invasion fleet would do before establishing a planetary blockade," the former Republic fleet commander corrected himself in time.
"You think a blockade will be established? Without the Senate's sanction?" Qui-Gon frowned.
"It would significantly ease the lives of both the Watch and those sent to assist them."
"So, Kim... betrayed the Order?" Kenobi voiced.
"Let's not jump to conclusions," Qui-Gon objected, "I know Master Kim and I am not ready to declare him a traitor without proof."
"Do you want to talk to him in person?" Revan asked.
"Yes," Djinn nodded.
"Well, you'll have that opportunity soon. But it's still worth preparing for the worst-case scenario. Do you agree, Duchess Satine?" Revan turned to Kryze.
The young ruler of Mandalore shifted her gaze from Revan to Djinn. Then back.
"Yes, we will prepare for the worst," she said confidently.
"Excellent," the former Sith nodded, "Then I'll invite someone to our meeting."
"I don't object," the Duchess agreed.
Revan took out his communicator and opened the communication channel.
"Mol, Tyra, HK, you are invited to the Palace for a meeting with the Duchess and her new guest. Dress accordingly. We need to give them a warm welcome."