A Galaxy Freed (Book 4)

Chapter 5: To Build A Rebellion

          The heat and the sounds of several people fighting only increased as Ahsoka guided us closer and closer to the palace where the explosion went off. "We can't get to close to the fighting, or we'll become a target," shouted Ahsoka over the ensuing battle. "My contact is waiting for us on the eastern outskirts of the palace perimeter. She promised it should be safe and I trust her with my life."

From what I could see over the blurs of bodies that were flying through the air with jetpacks, there were two opposing sides. They seemed to be both Mandalorians, but one group had blue armor and the other had red. "Do you know why exactly they are fighting one another?", I asked Ahsoka. I wasn't too knowledgeable on the Mandalorian culture so I couldn't think of a reason for a civil war like this to happen.

"That's something my contact will know more of the specifics about; however, what I can say is that they are fighting for the control of all of Mandalore. The previous leader was killed, and a new one was required to take her place. But another problem came about when determining who had the power to lay claim to the throne. Let's just say it's not the usual smooth transition of power."

I was beginning to understand. I think. I guess I'll just have to wait until we meet Ahsoka's contact. "Watch out!" Fives pushed me to the ground and covered me with his body as a Mandalorian came crashing towards us. The Mandalorian quickly got up, not even noticing us, and took back towards the fight. As soon as it was safe, he got off of me and picked me up. "Are you alright?", he asked.

"Yeah," I replied, a little dazed from the sudden escalation of events. "Thanks."

"We should hurry," advised Ahsoka. "The conflict seems to only be worsening at this point. Gotta get to safety fast."

"You sure this is a job for a senator?", Rex joked towards Padmé.

"I'm more used to being in situations like this than you think, Captain," she quipped back.

           "She should be just behind that wall," Ahsoka said as she pointed to a grey permacrete wall that was part of a barrier that surrounded the palace. She then proceeded to press a button on her wrist. I assumed it was a signal of some kind for her contact to know we were approaching so she didn't shoot at us.

We may have been further away from the fighting, but the noise didn't seem to get any quieter. I began to question what it would take for us to bring peace to this planet so that they could join us. Both Ahsoka and Padmé can see the importance in this alliance so I shouldn't question it. Even still, what will we have to do to quell this conflict? "It doesn't seem like Mandalore has the time to make an alliance," I mentioned.

"Ahsoka knows these people," replied Padmé, who caught up to run beside me. "They are a warrior people. Uprisings like this happen quite often actually. It's how they solve their problems. This one does seem a little more hectic than the ones I read about back at the library on Coruscant but once it ends, they'll be open to joining us. I'm sure of it."

I couldn't grasp the idea of all problems being solved by way of the sword, with me being a Jedi and all. However, I didn't have the time to think on it. I was here to form an alliance, not learn the ways of the people.

           Ahsoka shot out her arm to get us to stop. The sound of a jetpack could be heard nearing us. "Don't make any sudden moves," she warned. "She's went through a lot during the Clone Wars. Doesn't trust as easily as she once did."

We could make out a figure of one of the blue-armored Mandalorians flying to greet us. She looked different than the rest. Her armor was decorated. This must be Ahsoka's contact. Ahsoka walked up to her when they landed. "Sorry for taking so long," she said. "I wanted to be careful to not shift any attention to us."