Mandalore (I)

A.N: Sorry about not updating, I forgot to notify all of you that I am currently on vacations, still I did find some time to write this. Hope you enjoy :)

A few weeks had passed since the climactic battle on Geonosis. Lelouch vi Britannia sat alone in his command post aboard his flagship. His eyes skimmed over a holo-report detailing the status of the countless campaigns, insurgencies, and worlds he kept tabs on. It was an endless stream of data, some lines more grim than the rest. 

The matter of the Geonosian High Queen did pique his interest ever so slightly, even if only because it reminded him of the myriad of possibilities and variable that existed out there, but it was only to that point. He had promptly crushed her from his ship through the force before leaving to oversee the rest of the campaign. 

One line amidst the report caught his eye: Captain Bacara – application for ARC training submitted. 

Lelouch's lips curled into a slight smile. So, Bacara is taking that step, he mused, his thoughts briefly wandering back to their tense encounter during the Geonosis campaign. Bacara had been forced to bend to the will of the Zero Legion, but now it seemed that experience had pushed him to better himself. Perhaps he would turn out to be a more valuable pawn in the future than Lelouch had anticipated. 

Satisfied with the report, Lelouch tapped a button on the console, shutting down the holo-pad. But before he could stand and stretch, a soft chime echoed through his quarters, indicating an incoming communication. His hand hovered over the console as he saw the alert — Priority One: Immediate participation required in ongoing holo-conference. 

Lelouch raised an eyebrow but didn't hesitate. "Patch me through," he ordered, his voice calm and authoritative. His officer acknowledged the command with a quick nod, signaling the communications officer. A moment later, the air in front of Lelouch shimmered, and he was connected to a large holo-conference. 

The familiar blue glow of the holo-figures materialized in front of him, displaying the figures of the Jedi High Council, a few Republic Senators, and several military aides. Their faces were grim, their postures tense as they discussed the matter at hand. At the center of the gathering, Grand Master Yoda's small form loomed, despite his stature, commanding the room with his quiet authority. Beside him stood Mace Windu, stern and composed, while the holographic forms of several Senators flickered in and out. 

Lelouch stepped forward, his image shimmering into focus. His black robes flowed as he crossed his arms, the eyes of the room now falling on him. "High-General Lelouch," Windu greeted him, his tone carrying both respect and caution. "You're just in time. We were about to introduce you to the current situation." 

"Forgive my delay," Lelouch replied with a slight bow. "What urgent matter requires my attention?" 

The group exchanged brief glances before Obi-Wan Kenobi, his arms crossed and expression thoughtful, spoke up. "It's Mandalore." 

Lelouch's eyes sharpened. He had heard only whispers regarding the political tensions on the neutral world, but nothing had drawn his attention—until now. 

"The rumors have become too numerous to ignore," Kenobi continued. "There are reports that Duchess Satine Kryze, leader of the Council of Neutral Systems, is planning to raise an army to support the Separatists." 

Lelouch frowned slightly, processing the information. Duchess Satine was known as a pacifist, vehemently against Mandalore's involvement in the war. Yet the idea that someone with her influence could be mobilizing a military force in secret was... troubling. Especially since the Council of Neutral Systems had over 1,500 worlds aligned with its ideals. 

"She leads the Council of Neutral Systems," added Senator Bail Organa, his voice steady but filled with concern. "If Mandalore takes up arms in this war, it could mean over a thousand neutral worlds siding with the Separatists." 

Lelouch's mind raced as he considered the implications. If true, this would mean a significant shift in the war—a tide of new systems joining the Separatist cause... however Lelouch knew better... 

"Not necessarily. She maintains her position due to her steadfast stand on neutrality and peace. Should she try to side with either side, she would see her position come under heavy scrutiny. A broad guess would see at most 100 worlds actively joining her... still, it would set for a precedent that we cannot afford to let go through. And what of Duchess Satine's personal intentions?" Lelouch asked, his voice sharp. "Is there any concrete evidence that she herself is moving toward this... betrayal?" 

Mace Windu shook his head. "Not directly. The rumors are persistent, but Satine has publicly denied any intentions of raising an army. However, we've intercepted intelligence that suggests otherwise. There are Separatist agents operating in and around Mandalore, and reports of weapons shipments—shipments large enough to supply an army." 

"Satine's position as a pacifist has been unwavering," Obi-Wan added, his voice more conflicted than the others. "I've known her for many years. If she truly is raising an army, then something has changed. Either she's being coerced or there are forces at work that we do not yet understand." 

Lelouch raised an eyebrow, noticing the slight hesitation in Kenobi's voice. He filed that away for later. "And what do you propose I do?" 

Yoda, who had been silent until now, slowly leaned forward, his wise eyes fixing on Lelouch. "To Mandalore, you must go. Investigate the truth, you must." 

"General Skywalker and Commander Tano are currently en route to Mandalore to conduct an investigation, and Kenobi will shortly be on his way meet with Duchess Satine under diplomatic cover" Windu said. "We'll need you to conduct a parallel investigation, in case... things take a darker turn." 

As he prepared to leave, Lelouch's gaze shifted back to the holo-console. His thoughts lingered on Obi-Wan Kenobi's hesitant tone, his personal connection to Satine obvious. 

He paused, then turned to face the Chancellor and the Council one more time, asking a question. 

Lelouch began, his voice calm yet direct, "I require clarification. Am I merely to investigate, or is my mission to prevent Mandalore's defection to the Separatists by any means necessary?" 

Kenobi's face tightened slightly. "Your mission is to gather the facts and report back to the Jedi Council." 

Lelouch's violet eyes narrowed ever so slightly. "And should the situation escalate?" 

A pause. Then, with a sigh, the Chancellor, quiet until this moment spoke "The Senate and the Council has... confidence that you will handle the situation appropriately." 

It was the subtle answer Lelouch was expecting. His role wasn't just that of an investigator. If Mandalore posed a threat to the Republic, they were entrusting him to act. It was a dangerous assignment — one that could end in chaos depending on how events unfolded. Lelouch gave a single nod. 

"Understood. I will proceed accordingly." 

The connection cut, and Lelouch turned on his heel, his mind already made up. His orders were clear — but how he would carry them out, that was up to him. 

-------------------------- 

The starfield shifted as the Venator dropped out of hyperspace, the dry and stoic world of Mandalore now in view. Lelouch stood at the viewport, arms crossed behind his back. His mind raced with possibilities as the ship's officers conducted routine landing protocols. 

"Hold position above Mandalore," Lelouch ordered, his voice cutting through the murmurs of the bridge. "I want a minimal presence in orbit. No unnecessary attention." 

The bridge crew responded with swift compliance. Lelouch turned his attention to Thorn, who stood nearby, his helmet tucked under his arm. The clone's sharp gaze never left his general. 

"Thorn, you will be on standby with a team," Lelouch commanded. "Prepare for any sudden developments. This will likely not be a simple diplomatic mission." 

Thorn gave a firm nod. "Understood, sir." 

Lelouch shifted his gaze to Fordo, standing at attention. "Fordo, you'll accompany me planetside. Prepare a landing party — just enough men to provide security, but not enough to raise alarms." 

Fordo saluted crisply. "Yes, sir. I'll have the men ready in five." 

Satisfied, Lelouch gave them both a final glance before striding toward the shuttle bay. Mandalore awaited, and as opposed to the other parties, Lelouch knew exactly what he was walking into. 

-------------------------- 

Mandalore – Duchess Satine's Palace 

The pristine halls of Duchess Satine's palace were quiet and peaceful, a stark contrast to the chaotic battlefields Lelouch was used to. The air was still, but there was an underlying tension in the way the Mandalorian guards stood at attention, their eyes watching every movement carefully. 

Inside the throne room, Obi-Wan Kenobi stood before Duchess Satine, his face calm but his eyes betraying a hint of personal concern. Satine's elegant figure sat regally on her throne, her cool blue eyes regarding Kenobi with curiosity and just a touch of suspicion. Behind her, several members of the Mandalorian ruling council stood in silence, their expressions unreadable. 

Kenobi raised his hand slightly, his voice gentle but firm. "My investigation was ordered by the Jedi council." 

"... My ..." 

Before she could finish, the large double doors of the throne room opened with a soft hiss. Lelouch strode in, his white robes sweeping behind him as he moved with brisk purpose. The sound of his boots echoed off the polished floor as the room's occupants turned their attention to him. 

Lelouch didn't wait for an invitation to speak. 

"Contrary to General Kenobi," Lelouch said, his voice cool and commanding, "I was sent by the Senate." 

His words immediately shifted the atmosphere in the room. The subtle tension that had been present before now thickened, the council members exchanging brief glances. Duchess Satine's gaze locked onto Lelouch with cold scrutiny, her composure unshaken but her interest clearly piqued. 

Kenobi turned his head slightly, masking his surprise. "Lelouch..." 

Lelouch gave a brief nod to Kenobi but directed his focus to Satine. "The Senate is concerned about recent developments on Mandalore, particularly the rumors regarding your possible alliance with the Separatists." 

Satine's eyes narrowed ever so slightly, though she kept her voice level. "Rumors are just that, rumors. I have made it clear that Mandalore remains neutral in this war." 

Lelouch's expression didn't change, but his gaze was sharp as he studied her. "Rumors often have a basis in truth. The Senate does not take such accusations lightly, and neither do I." 

The Duchess's jaw tightened slightly, though she remained composed. "My stance on pacifism has not wavered, High-General. Mandalore has no interest in joining either side of this destructive war." 

Lelouch's cold, calculating eyes remained locked on Satine. He could sense her determination, but also the fear she hid behind her defiant words. This was a woman who was losing control, trying to keep the storm at bay. The question now was whether Mandalore would bend or break. 

"Perhaps," Lelouch said, his voice as smooth as ever, "but the galaxy has a way of pulling even the most determined of us into its struggles. You cannot keep the war at bay forever, Duchess." 

He slowly approached the Duchess at her throne. Climbing the steps, he stood at full height in front of her, looking down at Satine as he smiled, observing the approaching and tense guards. 

"And should I find you on the other side... I will not hesitate to burn this entire planet."