Gates of Hell

Chapter 35 - Mandalore

Author's Note: I, apparently, lost my ability to check the calendar properly. Lol. So, you're getting this chapter earlier than you're expecting! ^-^

The next update should be on September 14th. :)

~ Amina Gila

Vader is on the landing platform at the Senate when the starships from Mandalore arrive, bringing Duchess Satine Kryze and Fenn Rau, the leader of the Protectors, a group of Mandalorian warriors exiled to Concord Dawn who have been helping the Republic during the war. Anakin would have been there, too, but he's otherwise occupied with ensuring everything on Tatooine is secure and helping Rael get used to the planet and people.

"Welcome to Coruscant," Vader greets them formally.

This is bound to be a very... interesting meeting, to say the least. Duchess Kryze is a pacifist, ardently against warfare of any kind, and Feen Rau is the kind of person that she has banished from Mandalore. If he's being honest with himself, he admires her spirit, her idealism. She's a strong leader, bold and courageous, not afraid to take steps that many would have fought against. Her planet and people have suffered so much over the years and decades, and while Vader personally does not think pacifism is the right path, that doesn't mean he doesn't fully understand why she's chosen what she has. Perhaps, it was her choices that led her people to endure as long as they did – even if it simultaneously made it easier for Sidious and the Empire to crush them. It was truly a double-edged sword for Mandalore.

"Thank you," she answers formally, casting a brief, inscrutable look towards Fenn Rau. Outwardly, she shows no distaste or antagonism though she must have feelings about seeing a warrior, especially given the way she was raised and where her sister has gone.

"We will speak in my office," Vader tells them, gesturing to them to follow him. The clones cluster in around them, protectively, not taking any chances of a possible attack. Though Vader does not think anyone would truly be foolish enough to make an attempt on either of the Mandalorians who are present, he has no doubt that there are many who are thinking of it; if he is successful in this deal, it will only increase the power of the Empire even further.

"I have been watching you," the Duchess admits freely once they're in the office, sitting in a seat opposite Rau. "You know my stance on violence, and I cannot condone it, but I admit that I admire your actions. You have done something that very few would have been capable of."

Vader pauses, his respirator cycling as he processes her words. Somehow, he'd expected something different from her. Maybe this will actually be easier than he thought. "Now that I have brought an end to the war, do you still intend to remain a neutral, independent entity?"

Her expression is shrewd. "That depends on what you have to offer me," she tells him. "I will always do what is best for my people."

"I admire that," Vader replies, "And I know that your views and actions have not always been popular." He glances pointedly at Rau. "There are some Mandalorians, such as the Protectors, who have offered aid to the Republic during the war."

"They are no longer under my jurisdiction," Satine answers, shaking her head. "I do not condone their actions. War has destroyed my people, and when I saw what it would lead to, I did what I had to do."

"I understand." He looks at Rau. "Do you support the Empire as you did the Republic?"

"Like Duchess Kryze, I will do what is best for my people," Rau informs him guardedly. "What are your intentions for us? If we do not go along with you, do you intend to force us to comply?"

Vader lets his respirator cycle once before answering. "No," he assures firmly, tone leaving no room for doubt. "I would never. I united the Republic and the Separatists; it was their choice to bring me to power. It will be your choice whether or not you choose to aid me, but I called you here, because I have a proposal which, I think, will benefit both of you."