The Mandalorian and the Jedi: Book One of the Mandalorian Series

Chapter 10: Redemption

Dedicated to Guaritrice_Celeste

     Sitting behind the Client's desk in the now-ruined Imperial safehouse, Moff Gideon smirks.

     The Jedi have always been so predictable.

     Knowing Kenobi will likely turn herself in before nightfall if it means saving the lives of her friends, Gideon adjusts his uniform and brushes an invisible speck of lint from his impeccably pressed cape. Rising from his desk and preparing for the Jedi's imminent surrender, Gideon is hit by the familiar pang of heat that has haunted him for nearly four years now.

     Since he began his hunt for Kyra Kryze-Kenobi.

     He had initially attributed this feeling to the hatred he held toward the Jedi General, who had wrought such destruction upon his beloved Empire that they were forced to hide in the shadows for far too long. Then he wondered if this insistent burning was simply what one felt during the thrill of the hunt.

     Gideon sighs.

     While his previous theories may both be contributing factors of this...longing—of sorts—he knows they are not the actual cause, and he is loath to admit the true reason behind this damned ache in his—

     "Sir, we have a situation," a trooper reports as he rushes into the safehouse, breaking Gideon from his thoughts.

     The Moff sighs.

     "What situation?"

...

     The surrounding battle fades from existence as Kyra locks eyes with Moff Gideon, and even the searing pain in her chest dims to a throbbing ache as she pushes to her feet. Carefully stepping over the rubble at her feet, Kyra remains deathly still as Gideon weaves around his fallen men, clearly displeased with the chaos that has ensued since he left. After a moment, Kyra slowly begins circling the Imperial, who matches her movement.

     With her lightsaber still hanging at her side, Kenobi drops her helmet at Din's feet, wanting Gideon to see the blazing hatred in her eyes. Eventually, Kyra stops, her back to the ruined cantina. When Gideon glances at his men—who have also stopped and now look questioningly to their superior officer—he gestures for them to stand down.

     Reluctantly, they lower their blasters. Gideon's gaze briefly darts to the death troopers as they emerge from the cantina before returning to Kyra. He takes several deep breaths, trying to quell the insatiable hunger coursing through his veins.

     Finally, he says, "General Kenobi. I thought I made myself quite clear earlier. Surrender by nightfall...or die."

     Kyra smirks, "I'm disappointed, Moff Gideon. You claim to know so much about me, and yet you expected me to obey your orders. Seems those three years were a waste. I'll bet your superiors are pleased."

     "I answer to no one."

     "And yet you must, given how desperately you've chased after me and the child."

     The corner of Gideon's eye twitches, "I serve only myself."

     "Ha! A common theme amongst all Imperials. And here I thought you were unique to your counterparts."

     Gideon takes several calculated steps forward, "I can assure you, General, my intentions are quite unique to those of my fellow officers. But you should already know that. After all, very few of my colleagues can say they single-handedly decimated an entire planet, especially one that was home to the Mandalorian race."