The Shadow of the Jedi

23. A New Shadow Rise

When the Brotherhood lost its leader, Operation Shadowfall was launched, and Director Sakura Namada was ordered to remain on Ord Mantell with any confederacy while all Brotherhood members fled, taking their belongings with them to the shuttles. One by one, each Mandalorian, including Kaydron, gathered their personal shuttle and boarded the "Dominator," Darth Mirage's former capital ship.

Right before I was about to leave, I apologised for expressing my own emotions to the director, who seems to be depressed, even though I was aware of my own inadequacies. She regrets not saying something to Darth Mirage, much as I regret not saying anything before getting off the jedi to help Anakin with geonosis. Oh, Serra Keto, how would I give anything to feel her grin and her light beaming on me when I was the Jedi? During the Battle of Corellia, she was extremely close, yet my role has not grown.

Until I was told to rejoin Count Dooku, Darth Mirage's final directive was for me, Vexar Mor, to lead the Brotherhood and escort them to their final safe haven. Mandalore. The Mandalorians' homeworld. Prior to the battle, there was rumour that Darth Mirage made a contract with Mandal Hypernautics in which, if he died, the Brotherhood would be returned home to serve as the Duchess' personal mercenary army.

Although the Duchess was vehemently opposed to this goal, their rationale was to combat pirates and maintain control of the Kyr'tsad, whose headquarters, according to current intelligence, are located on the moon Concordia.

When we originally landed in Mandalore, there was some resistance, but after careful consideration and negotiation with the Mandal Hypernautics, they determined that we were only hired because they had had enough of pirate and Kyr'tsad raids and wanted our assistance. The duchess was obviously averse to our beliefs, but she eventually agreed, and as a sign of my trust, I placed her safety under the cautious eye of Knave and his Elite Honour Guard.

She didn't want it, but I insisted that we prove our worth by challenging her royal guard. Kaydron indicated that one of the Royal Guards should move forward as soon as she accepted. The lone Honour Guard raised his Electro Blade, giving the Royal Guard a menacing look as they moved into combat position.

The honour guard made the first move, surging forward with such vigour that even the royal guard and his staff were taken aback as they circled each other in combat formation, waiting their turn. It defeated the lost royal guard by combining Jedi and martial arts skills. He was disarmed and made unconscious by the electroblade's pommel.

The duchess and her advisor, Minister Almec, were intrigued by how fast and effectively the battle unfolded. She hesitated throughout the presentation but eventually gave in and agreed to have the Kaydron serve as her protectors in addition to the elite guards. According to convention, only four royal guards are intended to protect the duchess; two royal guards and two elite guards will now watch over her, with the remaining guards protecting Minister Almec and the royal family.

I respectfully bowed before her and prepared to leave with Minister Almec, who intended to remove the Kyr'tsad for their recent despicable actions and give us favour following our recent demonstration of our powers.

I ordered General Verdant, General Kalani, and Knave to take command of our soldiers and assets in order to ultimately defeat the Death Watch, as their recent heinous actions have defiled the Mandalorian brand and reputation. Going to my fighter, I immediately left General Verdant in command because Dooku had given me orders to watch the defences on geonosis due to the Republic's attempt at another campaign.

Even after I put on the cloak and departed Mandalore, I wasn't sure how Dooku would react to seeing me, and I may have doubts after betraying my master, Darth Mirage. But they will abandon me to die, knowing them. I'm by myself. Even if I am stronger than the agony of suffering, their choice to betray me could be their last. To the best of my knowledge, they are afraid.