Shattered Stars (TCW)

Chapter 11 -- The Duchess

An inner threat! The Duchess Satine Kryze of Mandalore has been made aware of the Clan Wren’s thoughts of aligning with the Separatists. In an effort to protect her people from war, she wants to negotiate with the clan and keep them neutral. She contacts the Jedi Council, asking for a Jedi escort to keep the peace in what could become a violent interaction.

“Hello, Master Rokanh,” Plo Koon’s voice came over the holo-call.

“Master Plo,” Taska said, offering a small bow. She had always had a soft spot for the kind Kel Dor. “I hope you come bearing more cheerful tidings than our last encounter.”

“Indeed,” he said. “The Council has decided to assign you a mission on Krownest.”

“Krownest?” her eyebrows raised. “The one with the Mandalorians on it?”

“Yes, that one,” Plo replied, a smile in his voice.

“I thought Mandalore was neutral space,” she argued. “Why would the duchess want a Jedi in her territory?”

“Duchess Kryze was the one who requested a Jedi escort,” he informed her. “Apparently, Clan Wren has been having Separatist leanings and the Duchess is trying to convince them to remain under Mandalore’s control and neutral. She was hoping a Jedi would protect her and facilitate calm negotiations.”

Taska’s eyes sparkled. “That’s exactly the kind of mission I’ve been waiting for, Master Plo.”

“I know, little one,” he said. “Though I’m sure everything will be fine, I would recommend bringing a squad of clones with you. You never know what might happen.”

“Yes, Master,” she said, bowing once more before ending the call.

“I hope the men like snow,” Taska smiled as Commander Ace walked in. “We have a mission on Krownest.”

“Fun,” he said flatly, but he smiled back. “So they finally decided to align with the Seppies or—”

“Not yet,” she corrected. “Myself and a squad of men are supposed to be a sort of security detail for the duchess while she tries to convince Clan Wren to stay neutral.”

Ace gave a small chuckle. “Ironic that she wants to stay neutral and asks a few warriors' help in doing so.”

“Hopefully, you won't even have to draw your blasters,” she grinned. “Think of it as a sort of vacation.”

* * *

“This is not a vacation,”Ace said through the comms, and Taska could practically see him bracing his teeth against the strong winds.

She laughed. “Do you need some sort of wipers for your visor?”

“Very funny,” he responded before discreetly wiping the snow off his helmet with a gloved hand. He looked over to his general, who snuggled deeper into her long coat, her nose and mouth covered by a muff. Only her bright brown eyes were visible as they squinted through the snow. “Can you even see?”

“Sort of,” she replied with a chattering breath.

Without another word, he took her elbow to guide her through the frigid conditions, grateful for his specialized helmet.

They drew close to the partially-enclosed main landing bay, where a large, sleek ship awaited them.

“Duchess Kryze,” Taska said, removing her muff as they stepped inside, though she kept her hood raised. Ace discreetly removed his hand from her elbow.

“Hello,” the duchess replied. “Are you my Jedi escort?”

“Yes, Your Grace. Taska Rokanh. I’ll be here to protect you as best as I can.”