When Revan instructed Maul to gather as much intelligence as possible on Duchess Satine Kryze, he was counting on the Zabrak's experience. As the red-skinned acolyte had recounted, his previous master often used his natural talents for espionage and the elimination of undesirables. On one occasion, Sidious had even sent him to assassinate his own Master, but unfortunately, the Force had been on the target's side that day. Revan did not tell his apprentice that the only person who should regret that failure was Sidious, while Maul had possibly avoided his own death. After all, with his current level of training, confronting an experienced Sith was not the wisest action, but it had been the Master's command.
The failure was not Maul's fault, and Revan didn't doubt his capabilities. He merely gave him some instructions and advice on the approach to fulfilling the critical assignment. However, he never imagined that his apprentice would unearth such intriguing information about the Duchess.
"So, what did you manage to find out?" Revan asked, concealing his interest.
In the captain's cabin aboard the Dawn's Eagle, besides the ship's owner and the Zabrak, Tira Nomad was also present. Her presence was necessary to better understand the current situation surrounding the ruler of Mandalore. Revan would have preferred Sevras Nomad at the meeting, as he was more experienced in political matters, but the clan leader was busy preparing for the audience with the Duchess, an audience to which he planned to take Revan. Thus, pulling him away for a brief discussion wasn't worth it.
"Thanks to your advice, Master, I was able to obtain some very interesting information," Maul began.
The former Sith nodded in satisfaction, acknowledging his apprentice's resourcefulness. Before beginning his training with Revan, Maul would likely have chosen forceful methods, using intimidation and eliminating witnesses. That's how he was taught; turned into a ruthless instrument that asked no unnecessary questions. This was why Maul wasn't taught complex Force techniques; doing so required developing an apprentice's mind and self-discipline, making them stronger and... more dangerous.
From what Revan knew about the Sith of this era, he recalled the tradition of title inheritance and the necessary proof that an apprentice was ready to surpass the master: a ridiculous rivalry that inevitably led to the death of one of them. The former Jedi considered such an approach foolish and wasteful, especially given the already small number of Dark Side followers. It was no surprise that knowledge was passed on reluctantly, and often actively concealed from the apprentice, leading to the gradual degradation of the Sith. Only a handful achieved heights of power comparable to the ancient Sith. And even then, the majority were elevated by the Force itself, granting them innate talent or raw power. It was extremely rare for newly emerged Sith to achieve everything on their own, collecting fragments of information from ancient holocrons and tombs, restoring the records of their ancestors, and conducting countless experiments on the Force, living beings, and even themselves.
All of this had led to the near-disappearance of knowledge of Sith alchemy. At least, Maul knew nothing of it, though that wasn't definitive. However, even the Jedi Archives had recorded no traces of this dark art's use for over a thousand years.
Revan wanted his apprentice to use his head as intended. He wasn't concerned about the threat of a possible assassination attempt on his life; at least, not yet. Maul was intelligent enough to understand the personal benefit. And he felt the difference in power almost instinctively.
To allow the Zabrak to convince himself of the effectiveness of a more "delicate" approach, Revan conducted a small but very interesting lesson before sending him on the information-gathering mission. The former Sith demonstrated that sometimes credits worked just as well as Force persuasion. And the Mandalore that had changed after the pacifists came to power was a perfect "visual aid." After the attempt to create a democratic government and reject centuries of tradition, the class stratification of society significantly worsened, leading to an increased influence of a citizen's personal wealth on social relations. Simply put, for some, credits became more important than tradition. Corruption flourished fully, spreading like a virus and infecting everyone who dealt with it. Even the law enforcement forces assigned to combat the problem were eventually "tainted."
All that was required was to find someone in the Duchess's residence who was in need of quick cash. And there were plenty of such people.
However, this was no time for recollections and philosophical musings, so Revan urged his apprentice on.
"What were you able to determine?"
"I was able to bribe the shift supervisor for the Duchess's palace guard. He recounted several very interesting facts about Satine Kryze's life and her inner circle. The information was confirmed by one of the serving maids," Maul replied.
"Not exactly reliable sources," Revan frowned.
"I verified the information using all available means, My Lord. I even managed to obtain one of the security camera recordings of the Duchess's private quarters. The majority of the information checked out," the Zabrak continued.
His Master nodded, accepting the apprentice's reasoning.
"Continue."
"Some time ago, due to the danger of an assassination attempt on the Duchess's life, the Parliament requested assistance from the Republic Senate. They responded by sending two Jedi to protect the Duchess and investigate the situation."
"Master Qui-Gon Jinn and his Padawan, Kenobi," Revan finished for Maul. "We received the same information from another source. So that intelligence can be considered reliable."
Maul was momentarily thrown by his Master's awareness but quickly composed himself.
"The mere fact of the Jedi visit and their mission is not so important, My Lord." The Zabrak smirked barely perceptibly, anticipating his Master's reaction.
The former Sith raised an inquisitive eyebrow.
"What is this important thing you discovered?" Revan encouraged his apprentice.
"During the Jedi's stay on Mandalore, the Duchess developed romantic feelings for the Padawan," Maul reported with a grin. "And he reciprocated."
Revan struggled to keep a straight face. He might have expected something like this... but not from Kenobi. Qui-Gon's apprentice gave the impression of a staunch believer in the Order's dogma. That he would risk going against the rules and traditions?
"Turns out Satine has a weakness for city boys with swords," Tira chuckled. "And she looks like a saint, as if she'd never even held hands with anyone in her life."
The former Sith thoughtfully rubbed his chin.
Or was it something else? Perhaps Kenobi became such a stubborn "saint" precisely after the incident with Kryze? Something went wrong, the boy got burned, and he retreated into himself? He should talk to Qui-Gon about this. The boy's Master could not have been unaware.
The information was indeed valuable.
"Are there any details of this story? Are they still in contact? How far did their romance go?" the Master clarified.
"Unfortunately, further details are based only on rumors and the accounts of the servants. However, by all accounts, things went quite far."
"How far?"
"Security for the Radiant One behind closed doors at night?" Nomad asked suggestively. "The kind where no one disturbs your sleep."
"Precisely," Maul nodded. "If the rumors are true, Kenobi guarded the Duchess... around the clock. And Kryze clearly wasn't sleeping alone in her bed. That, at least, was what the serving staff responsible for cleaning the Duchess's quarters claimed."
"Ho-ho, the Duchess decided to play around with a Jedi?" the mercenary sneered. "Not the most dignified behavior. Especially on Mandalore."
"Love is blind," Revan commented almost "on autopilot," lost in thought.
The information was very interesting and potentially useful. But to apply it effectively, some preparations were required. In particular, Qui-Gon's apprentice and his Master needed to be brought back to Mandalore.
"But that is not the most interesting part, My Lord," Maul spoke again.
Revan looked up at the Zabrak.
"I'm listening."
"The Duchess is actively interacting with someone in the Republic Senate, essentially following their directives. Even the pacifist party that brought her to power has faded into the background and has almost lost all control over her."
"Interesting. Is there any information on who she is communicating with?"
"There is no precise information," Maul shook his head. "But I suspect it's my former Master."
"Sidious?" Revan asked with slight surprise.
"Yes, My Lord," the Zabrak confirmed grimly. "There is no proof, but this is his style. He acted in a similar way when preparing Nute Gunray for the invasion of Naboo."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, My Lord. Many things point to it, but unfortunately, only indirectly. The frequency of the communication sessions, the type of encryption used for the holographic channel, and other insignificant details."
In principle, Sidious's involvement was quite possible, but Revan couldn't yet figure out what the Sith would need from Mandalore. Based on their last encounter, he should currently be occupied with confronting his own Master, unless he had decided to take a subordinate position again, which was unlikely given Sidious's ambition.
Then what could the Sith want with Mandalore? To remove it from the path? To ensure that the Mandalorians were completely "defanged" and "bound hand and foot"? After the "Purge," they posed no real threat anyway.
Then what? A new attempt to shake up the Senate, as he did with Naboo? Quite possible. This option was worth considering.
'And it would be good to know the Order's opinion on the events on Naboo,' Revan thought. 'If Qui-Gon can't say anything, I'll have to make contact with Yoda. The Grand Master seemed quite rational, unlike the short-tempered members of the Council.'
"My Lord?" Maul was still waiting for a comment from his Master.
"Until it is proven, we cannot rely on this information," Revan shook his head. "But thank you all the same."
"That is not all, My Lord," the Zabrak added quickly.
"Something else?"
"Yes."
"Speak, don't drag it out."
"When I was in the palace, I nearly ran into the Duchess and her entourage."
"Were you spotted?" Revan frowned.
"No, My Lord. I was cautious... unlike someone in Kryze's entourage." Maul's golden eyes flashed.
"Explain," the former Sith demanded, guessing the meaning of his apprentice's words.
"There is a Force-sensitive person among the Duchess's inner circle," the Zabrak blurted out, looking directly into Revan's eyes.
"Who?" the Master questioned in an icy tone.
"I was unable to determine the source of the disturbance in the Force, but I clearly sensed the presence of a Force-user nearby. And a very strong one, clearly trained and concealing their abilities, as we both shielded ourselves from each other almost simultaneously," Maul confessed, casting his eyes down.
"Were you discovered?"
"I apologize, My Lord, I did not react fast enough, and my presence was surely felt," the Zabrak knelt.
"Stand up," Revan snapped irritably. "I believe I already said I dislike formalities and blind reverence."
"Yes, My Lord," Maul immediately stood. "My apologies."
"It's alright," the Master softened. "Your information is truly useful."
"Thank you, My Lord."
Maul was pleased that he was able to carry out his Master's instruction. For the first time since the start of his training, since he was taken from Dathomir, he sincerely wanted to... follow instructions, execute orders, and receive praise and new knowledge for it. Unlike his former Master, Revan truly "taught" the Zabrak. He didn't break him, seeking only unquestioning obedience, but forced him to think and learn something new. He explained Force techniques and gave valuable advice on handling a lightsaber... And, moreover, his Master was REVAN himself! The very Dark Lord from ancient legends who had managed to conquer the galaxy... practically twice!
Maul contemplated with awe the power his new Master possessed... and longed to possess the same power!
Revan sensed his apprentice's craving for knowledge purely for personal power. This was characteristic of all Sith. The thirst had to be curbed, otherwise one could lose oneself and descend into madness. And so, in his teachings, the former general focused first and foremost on the development of his apprentice's mind.
A dangerous path. But Revan felt that it was the only correct way. Only then could the apprentice unlock his potential and achieve what the Force had intended for him.
"You have done excellent work, apprentice," Revan praised the Zabrak. "Rest. I will have a new assignment for you later."
"As you command, My Lord," Maul bowed.
"Go." The Master gestured toward the door with a nod.
The apprentice had already turned and was heading for the exit when the Master spoke again.
"And one more thing. We have a prisoner in the cargo bay, a Death Watch officer and the Duchess's younger sister."
"I know nothing of the younger sister. No one in the palace mentioned a word about her, as if they didn't know of her existence," the Zabrak immediately replied.
"Understood," Revan nodded. "Go. Do not make contact with the prisoner. She is guarded by HK."
"As you command, My Lord," Maul bowed once more and left the captain's cabin.
As soon as the door closed, Revan turned to Nomad. The mercenary was leaning her back against the wall near the terminal table, thoughtfully rubbing one of the clasps on her helmet.
"He's strange," she said after a few moments of silence.
"He was an apprentice to a Sith who adhered to orthodox teaching methods for a long time," Revan shrugged. "And those methods are... to break and subordinate."
"Sounds more like training an animal."
"It is. For many Sith, apprentices were merely 'pets,' weapons, and tools, not someone to whom knowledge and experience should be passed. And there were reasons for that."
"Such as?"
"For example, the Fallen, Dark Jedi, and simply savages who found themselves in a place with a strong concentration of the Dark Side of the Force. Any representative of these categories is overly susceptible to the influence of the Dark Side and easily falls into a rage, succumbing to emotions. They cannot be taught by conventional methods... Or rather, they can, but it is difficult and extremely dangerous."
"Maul doesn't seem like a madman," Nomad noted.
"He is a talented Force-sensitive with a predisposition to the Dark Side, but he is perfectly capable of controlling himself. I don't know if his restraint is innate or if he managed to develop it through training and pain, but it is considerable. He is not unintelligent and has great potential."
"And he is dangerous."
"Without a doubt."
"Yet you continue to teach him," Tira stated.
"Yes, I continue."
"Isn't that foolish?"
Revan pondered for a few moments, choosing his words.
"It is difficult to explain. I just know that it is necessary."
"Your magic again?"
"Not only that," the former Jedi shook his head. "Also intuition."
"If you say so," Nomad shrugged. "But if a crimson blade ever finds its way into your back, remember, I warned you."
"Oh, I'm touched by your concern," Revan chuckled. "I promise to appear in your nightmares every year."
"Thanks, I'll pass," the mercenary snorted. "What are our next steps?"
"We wait for Sevras to arrange the audience."
"Then I think I'll get some rest."
Night was already falling on Mandalore.
"Sweet dreams, Tira Nomad," the former Jedi said to the Mandalorian leaving the cabin.
"And to you, Revan."
…
The message from Clan Nomad's leader arrived three days later. Revan spent the waiting time productively, finally dedicating more time to checking Anakin's progress in his preliminary training. The boy performed excellently, and his Master decided that full training could begin soon. That's when Skywalker would understand why Maul and HK had put him through such rigorous paces. After all, in addition to the mental strain of studying the simplest Force techniques, there would be a colossal physical strain when fully mastering the first lightsaber combat form. Initially, the boy would have to swing a heavier vibroblade before his Master allowed him to use a training lightsaber.
Maul, meanwhile, had a new assignment. Revan ordered him to find out as much information as possible about the Duchess's secret patron and confirm that he was indeed connected to Sidious.
The prisoner was quite subdued, mostly lost in her own thoughts. It seemed that some of the information Revan had shared with her had raised many questions about Death Watch and its leader. This suited the former Sith, so he didn't rush a new conversation, visiting her place of confinement only once, and that, only to hand over a datapad with the information that HK, Maul, and the Mandalorian clans had managed to gather on Death Watch.
Now was his second visit, not counting the interrogation. And he had only one goal.
"I am going to meet with Satine Kryze," Revan announced from the doorway. "Should I pass on anything from you?"
Bo-Katan looked at her guest with surprise, as if she wanted to ask if she had misheard.
Revan remained silent and waited for an answer.
However much the younger Kryze might brave it out, her clan and family were not empty words to her. This thought was planted in the former Sith's mind by Tira, who had long been indignant at the prisoner's behavior during their first conversation. Bo-Katan had joined Death Watch to defend the Mandalorians' right to adhere to their traditions. And caring for one's family was one of the pillars of their society.
A full minute passed before the prisoner finally decided to reply.
"I am alive," she said curtly. "She doesn't need to know anything else."
"Very well," Revan nodded and left the cargo bay, leaving the younger Kryze under the watchful eye of HK, who was lamenting the prisoner's lack of initiative.
"HK, no foolishness," the former Jedi warned, having overheard the droid's quiet murmuring, which sounded like, "Suggestion: Accidentally forget a blaster in the compartment and not lock the door..."
"Assertion: I am vigilance itself, Master!" the mechanical assassin chirped brightly.
"She is a valuable prisoner."
"Accepted... Master," HK confirmed the change in the object's status, slumping in resignation.
Mentally, Revan asked the Force to at least spare the droid from foolishness today and allow him to go to the meeting with the Duchess in peace.
For the meeting with Satine Kryze, the former Sith chose the persona of Avner Van, concealing elements of his armor beneath traditional Order robes. He had to forgo the mask.
At the appointed time, in the Legacy Plaza near the spaceport, a young Jedi Knight in humble gray-brown robes stepped out of a rented aircar and waited for his escort. With him was a droid—a simple R2-series astromech.
Even on Mandalore, which had changed after the pacifists came to power, such a sight was a rarity. The Jedi inevitably drew the attention of passersby. However, this did not bother him in the least. He waited.
"If I had appeared in such company thirty years ago, I'm afraid none of us would have made it to the palace alive," Sevras Nomad, who arrived only a few minutes later, assessed Revan's appearance.
"Times change," Revan smiled.
"Not always for the better," Nomad replied grimly.
"Perhaps. It is not for me to judge."
"But you do judge, don't you?" the Mandalorian smirked.
The Jedi nodded, spreading his hands. There was no denying it.
"Well, let's fly," Nomad indicated the aircar he had arrived in, but noticed the droid. "You have an astromech with you?"
"Yes, this is R2-D2," Revan introduced his small assistant.
"That might be a problem," Sevras shook his head. "The droid won't be allowed into the Duchess's presence. The guards will ask you to leave him in the reception area."
"That is acceptable," Revan nodded.
"Also, you can't attend the meeting in armor. You're not wearing any, are you?"
"Only certain elements. The power source is not connected, the power circuit is not closed, so scanners won't detect it."
"But what good is it in that state?"
"An extra moment can save a life," Revan shrugged. "Even in that state, it will protect better than just a Jedi robe."
"The very robe that is made using the principle of fiber armor?" Nomad drawled sarcastically. "Not every blaster can penetrate that with a single shot."
"Such luxury is not affordable for a simple Knight," the Jedi lamented, shaking his head. "And I am far from being a Master."
In response, the Mandalorian merely rolled his eyes.
"Get in. The droid stays back."
The journey to the capital residence did not take long, as Mandalore was a sparsely populated world, especially compared to Coruscant.
The landing pad for Parliament members and high-ranking guests was separated from the civilian aircar parking area. The pad itself was patrolled by two... hm, guards? Revan scrutinized the unfamiliar gray uniform. It looked light, without reinforced plates, not even duraplast, let alone beskar or polymer steel. The picture was completed by heavy vests of the same fabric and helmets of a strange shape, completely unlike those traditional for Mandalorian soldiers. The noticeable equipment included a shield strapped to the back of each one and a short baton, similar in shape to the weapon used by representatives of the Coruscant Justice Corps.
"Who are these people on the pad?" he inquired of Sevras.
Nomad followed his gaze and grimaced contemptuously.
"This is what our armed forces have turned into. The so-called 'Mandalorian Police' or, if you like, the Mandalorian Guard. Though you'll see the latter in the Duchess's personal security detail; they look a bit different. But in terms of combat capabilities, both are... laughably weak."
"What kind of armor is that? Fiber weave?"
"Fibersilk. A further development of the nearly forgotten Echani technology. The result, admittedly, is not as durable as the original, but it is much cheaper and easier to manufacture."
"Will it withstand a blaster shot?"
"Only a handgun, and from a distance. A rifle will punch right through it."
"And what are your police armed with?"
"A duraplast shield and a stun baton," Nomad replied curtly.
"What about blaster weapons?"
"They have none."
"How can that be?" Revan asked in surprise.
"Just like that. In the government's opinion, the new policy of a peaceful Mandalore should be demonstrated starting with the law enforcement agencies."
"Making them 'toothless' and weak, a joke for any passing gang?"
Nomad merely shrugged in response.
"Don't ask me. Their main task is to maintain public order and handle minor incidents among the population. The carrying of weapons by civilians is prohibited on Mandalore, so the 'police' manage their duties more or less adequately. They have some skills."
Revan shook his head and pressed his hand to his face.
"How has your Parliament not been stormed yet?"
"If that were to happen, the result would be complete chaos. I won't risk making precise predictions, but a new civil war would inevitably begin," Sevras explained as he lowered the aircar onto the pad. "There are far more people who have kept their beskar'gam and weapons, carefully hidden in their homes, than many think. If they decide to reclaim their heritage, Mandalore faces a very unpleasant future."
"Not to mention the inevitable intervention of the Republic, seeing as your world actively interacts with the Senate. And that would mean an intervention and suppression of the conflict by the Justice Corps, after which the planet could lose its sovereignty. All for the stability of the galactic community, of course," Revan proclaimed with sarcasm, mimicking the manner of some Senators.
"That is exactly the case," Nomad agreed. "That's why neither Death Watch nor we are taking active steps. At least, not openly."
"This is the situation we are trying to fix. But first, we need to understand what Satine Kryze is all about, and who is behind her."
The aircar had by now landed and shut down its engines.
The police patrol had already approached and was waiting for the passengers to exit the vehicle.
"Good day, Deputy Governor," one of the guards respectfully greeted Sevras. "We're glad to see you. Who is your companion?"
"Good day, Lieutenant. This is a representative of the Jedi Order, Knight Avner Van, who has arrived with me for a meeting with the Duchess. The visit has been approved by the Parliament's chancellery."
The guard checked the records on a small datapad.
"And the droid?"
"My assistant," the Jedi clarified.
"He will have to be left near the entrance."
"That is acceptable."
"Welcome, Knight Van," the police officer greeted Revan with a slight bow, then turned to Sevras. "Deputy Governor, you are expected."
"Thank you."
Gesturing for Revan to follow, Nomad moved toward the tall doors leading from the pad into the Duchess's residence building.
Standing on both sides of the doorway were two more... obviously, guards. Apparently, these were the ones Sevras had mentioned earlier. Unlike the police, these Mandalorians wore more formidable armor, though it still barely resembled traditional beskar'gam. The chest, part of the torso, and shoulders were covered with reinforced duraplast plates with a cortosis coating, judging by the specific sheen. Their arms and legs, however, were covered only by woven armor, which was good for mobility but constituted a serious vulnerability. The helmet stood out particularly, topped with a wide "fan." Revan had trouble guessing why this specific image had been chosen. For a weapon, these guards only had a strange spear with a blunt tip, which Revan recognized as the same modified shock baton that gangs on Taris once liked to use.
"Those are the Mandalorian Guards?" Revan clarified after he and Nomad had passed through the welcomingly-opened doors.
"Yes," Sevras answered briefly.
"Not impressive," the former Sith delivered his verdict.
"Unfortunately," Nomad agreed.
"They remind me of the Senate Guard. They might be suitable as an honor guard, but as a means of defense... questionable."
"As deplorable as it is."
Immediately inside the doors, Sevras and Revan were met by an escort who offered to lead them to the official meeting hall. R2 had to be left in the care of local technicians who arrived only a few minutes after the escort sent a request.
"R2, behave yourself," Revan instructively uttered the code phrase.
"Dee-dit!" the astromech confirmed the command.
The local network would soon face a small intrusion. But that would be the Security Service's headache. Revan was confident in the droid's abilities.
Inside, the residence turned out to be quite spacious. Halls with high ceilings and wide corridors with transparent roofs did not align with Revan's perception of Mandalore as he remembered it. He was accustomed to the military practicality of Mandalorian structures, which resembled fortifications and bunkers more than palaces.
What he saw now would have been better suited to the royal house of Naboo. However, he had to remember that Mandalore now also had a monarch, albeit one whose hands were tied by Parliament.
And the official meeting hall was a stark reminder of that... with a vengeance. Revan would compare it more to a throne room than the reception area of a government official.
"Pompous," the former Jedi whispered.
"A credit to Republic architects. The palace was built fifty years after the Purge," Nomad replied just as quietly.
"It's well preserved."
"Mandalorians built it," Sevras stated with pride.
The Duchess was seated on a throne that dominated the hall, surrounded by a small retinue and security detail. All as befitting a monarch.
The extent to which Mandalore had changed astonished Revan.
"Your Highness, Deputy Governor Sevras Nomad and Jedi Order Knight Avner Van have arrived for their audience with you," the escort proclaimed.
Satine Kryze... Despite the obvious physical resemblance to her sister, the contrast between the Duchess and Bo-Katan was striking. If the younger sister looked like a true Mandalorian and behaved like a warrior whose honor had been stained by defeat, Satine presented herself as a hereditary aristocrat. Ornate clothing and makeup, reminiscent more of the traditional looks of Nabooan monarchs than Mandalorian armor, a severe and authoritative gaze, and a complete lack of emotion on her face.
"Thank you," the Duchess acknowledged the escort's words with a nod. "Gentlemen, I am pleased to welcome you. Knight Van, it is gratifying to see the Order has not forgotten us, though the purpose of your visit is unclear to me."
Although the woman's face remained impassive, the tone of her voice subtly shifted. Distinct notes of displeasure were audible.
"Merely a courtesy call, Duchess Satine," Revan bowed. "I came to Mandalore to visit my friend and deemed it necessary to pay my respects."
The Duchess raised an eyebrow barely perceptibly, conveying surprise.
"It is heartening to know that Mandalorians have managed to forget past disputes with the Order and followed my example in forging new acquaintances with the guardians of peace," Kryze said with a slight suspicion in her voice.
"As elected representatives, we serve as an example for the people," Nomad declared. "If this is the new path of Mandalore, then there is nothing wrong with giving the relationship between the Order and the Mando'ade another chance."
"I am glad you hold such views, Deputy Governor," the Duchess nodded favorably.
In the next moment, Revan felt something that made him step back from the politicians' speech and focus on the Force.
A Force-sensitive. He was nearby! But when Revan tried to grasp the trace of the Force-user's presence, it vanished. All Revan managed to realize was that whoever it was, they were not in this hall.
The former Jedi cautiously "probed" the Duchess's entourage. All of them were ordinary Mandalorians, with no trace of Force abilities. No, the Force-sensitive was definitely not in this hall. The echo of the presence was significantly farther away, but it stretched directly to this location. Did that mean they were somehow connected to the Duchess? Quite possibly.
"Well, since we have concluded the official greeting, I suggest we move to my office and discuss trade matters," Satine Kryze's voice brought Revan back to reality as she rose from her throne.
"By all means," Sevras agreed to the proposal.
"Will I be in the way?" the former Jedi clarified.
"Not at all," the Duchess dismissed him. "We have no secrets."
Revan nodded gratefully and followed the Duchess and Nomad into the adjacent room.
Kryze's office was much cozier than the ornate throne room and did not gleam with gold on every inch of the surrounding space.
The setting was far more practical and familiar to Revan, which earned the elder Kryze a few "points" in the former Jedi's eyes.
"Would either of you care for a drink, gentlemen?" Satine offered, gesturing to a small table with several elegant bottles, undoubtedly filled with noble beverages from across the galaxy.
"Thank you, but no," Sevras declined.
Revan supported Nomad in his decision.
Offering her guest a seat to wait while she and the Deputy Governor finished discussing urgent matters, the Duchess and Clan Nomad's leader began reviewing the trade policy for the Keldabe region.
Despite his detached appearance, Revan listened carefully to every word and watched Kryze's subtle gestures and facial expressions, compiling a "portrait" of the Mandalorian Duchess for himself. Her strength of spirit was undeniable; she held herself confidently, yet there was no trace of acting. All her movements seemed instinctual, suggesting strict upbringing or long-term training. Whoever prepared Satine Kryze to become the head of Mandalore's government did a decent job.
The Duchess was a genuine adherent of pacifism, bordering on fanaticism, and she sincerely considered herself a patriot of Mandalore, leading her people toward a bright future, blind to the abyss to which her new path was taking them. And this was alarming. Revan did not want to deal with fanatics.
At the same time, judging by her decisions on trade matters... or rather, judging by the phrases and the intonation with which they were uttered, Satine was aligning herself with the Republic not entirely of her own free will. Something or someone was pressuring her, forcing her to comply with the Senate's demands and thereby escalating tensions with the Mandalorian opposition. She disliked it, but she was taking no action to counteract it.
Either the Duchess was comfortable with the ultimate goal of this strange game, or she simply didn't know whom to trust. And she lacked the strength, resources, or experience to resist the manipulator alone.
Any option was possible.
"Thank you for waiting, Knight Van," Kryze drew Revan's attention, having finished discussing business matters with Nomad.
"I will wait in the throne room, if you don't mind." Sevras politely bowed to the Duchess and left the office, leaving Revan alone with the Duchess... as planned.
"You can simply call me Avner," the Jedi smiled.
"Well, in that case, you may address me by my given name as well," the Duchess returned the smile.
"Only if decorum allows."
At this phrase, the monarch let out a melodic laugh.
"You remind me of another representative of your Order who visited our world several years ago."
"You don't happen to mean Master Qui-Gon?" Revan asked casually.
"Yes, him exactly," Satine confirmed with slight surprise. "Are you acquainted?"
"Yes, he was the one who brought me into the Order, back in the day," Revan barely lied.
"And how is Master Qui-Gon faring?"
"As far as I know, he is well now," Revan drew out thoughtfully, as if recalling something. "However, he was recently seriously wounded on Naboo. He and his apprentice faced a very well-prepared opponent."
"His apprentice?" Alarm clearly flickered in her voice. "I hope he is also alright?"
"Yes, Kenobi is a sturdy young man," the former Sith smiled, noting the change in Kryze's much more emotional face.
"Kenobi?" she repeated. "Is Obi-Wan still a Padawan?"
"Yes, although he is ready for the Trials. I don't know the details, however. The decision on an apprentice's readiness is made by his Master.
"I see," the Duchess said with a slight sadness.
Revan sensed the young woman's mood. Apparently, Obi-Wan and Satine had plans together after the young man became a Knight. Was Kenobi perhaps contemplating leaving the Order?
'That would free up Qui-Gon's hands,' the thought flashed through the former Sith's mind.
"I heard that Master Qui-Gon and his Padawan flew to Mandalore to investigate an attempt on your life?" Revan asked a new question.
"Oh, yes, as unfortunate as it was."
And Satine Kryze recounted the story, already known to the former Jedi, adding a few details known only to her. Revan skillfully guided the conversation, asking seemingly ordinary questions that nonetheless prompted the Duchess to share increasingly detailed information.
"And how are things with the radicals on Mandalore now? I heard there was a recent explosion on Concordia?" Revan changed the subject, having learned everything he wanted about the events related to the Duchess's acquaintance with Kenobi.
"Everything is stable. Our law enforcement forces are successfully carrying out their duties. As for the explosion, it was an accident at one of the old mines," Kryze provided the official version.
"I am glad to hear that," Revan smiled. "I was just about to offer my assistance."
"Thank you, but that will not be necessary," Satine politely declined the offer, pondering for a moment.
"Well, if that is your path, then I can only accept it," Revan shrugged.
For a brief moment, Kryze's face turned to stone, but the Duchess quickly regained her composure and smiled.
"You are well-informed about our traditions, Avner."
"I have many ties to Mandalore."
"Such as?"
"That is a long story, and I wouldn't want to take up your time," the former Jedi shook his head. "Especially considering your entourage is waiting."
And the next moment, there was a knock at the door, and then a young woman in a severe dress peeked into the office with a datapad in her hands.
"Madam, it is time for you to prepare for your trip... Oh, I apologize, I didn't know you were in a meeting."
"Thank you, Antiss, I will be right there," Satine nodded, dismissing her subordinate.
"I told you. You don't have time to listen to me," Revan smiled.
"How did you... Ah, yes, the Force. Am I right?"
"Absolutely correct."
"Well, I suppose it is time for us to conclude."
"I would not presume to detain you," the Jedi rose from his seat.
They left the office together. An enlarged retinue awaited the Duchess by the throne. It seemed many were awaiting new instructions or preparing to report on their completed tasks.
And again, the trace of a Force-sensitive presence was felt in the Force! Significantly closer!
Revan instinctively began to probe the surrounding area. Unlike the unknown opponent, there was no point in him hiding. Everyone already knew he was a "Jedi."
The former Sith trusted the Force and followed the direction his intuition indicated. A wave of surprise came from the unknown person, then panic, and the contact broke. However, Revan managed to realize something. He had already met this Force-sensitive... And recently.
And it was someone in Kryze's entourage. Someone who had arrived after Sevras, Revan, and Kryze had retired to the office. And there were many such people. Too many to determine for sure without thoroughly checking each one. And he didn't want to frighten the unknown person away. That could interfere with Maul's ability to gather intelligence on them. He needed to proceed cautiously.
"Tell me, Satine, do you happen to have any Jedi among your retinue?" Revan asked half-jokingly.
"My retinue consists only of natives of Mandalore. No Force-sensitives have been born among them for a very long time," the Duchess politely replied.
"Perhaps it is time to invite someone, then?"
"Are you hinting at yourself, Avner? Is this a form of flirtation accepted in the ranks of the Order?" Kryze responded ironically, turning everything into a joke.
"Alas, I have taken vows. But perhaps you should call upon old friends?"
"There is no reason for that," the Duchess dismissed him, but her tone became much more serious.
"As you wish," Revan shrugged. "Just remember that you have people who can help you."
"Thank you for the interesting conversation, Knight Van."
"And thank you for your hospitality, Duchess Satine."
Having said goodbye to the pensive Kryze, Revan joined Nomad and headed for the exit.
"Successful?" Sevras asked quietly.
"Later."
They walked to the exit in silence. Without a word, they collected the droid and got into the aircar.
"R2?" Revan addressed the astromech.
"Beep-Dit!"
"Excellent," the former Sith smiled.
The intrusion into the Duchess's residence network was not detected. Only one single message from an unknown sender appeared on Satine's terminal, containing just one phrase: "I am alive."
The very next day, a Padawan in the Temple on Coruscant received a message from an old acquaintance. She was asking for help.
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