Mandalorian Menace

Chapter 17 - Decisions

Author's Note: Two notes to answer comments/questions from several readers. One, yes, there are two Darksabers in this timeline now. Two, no, Plagueis is not alive. It's unknown when he died in canon, according to every single source I've seen, but if Maul was a Sith apprentice and had the title "Darth" (which he did in the PT as far as I know), then Plagueis would have died before Maul became an apprentice. So, he's been dead for while. :) 

If you want something where Plagueis actually survives... well, I've got an idea in my head which I'm planning to (hopefully) start releasing in January. Earlier if I finish it faster. ^-^

Also, I have no regrets for the cliffhanger. *evil grin* 

PS. There is Mando'a in here, and I put all the translations at the end. Let me know if I missed anything! ^-^

~ Amina Gila

The room Eirtae leads them to is... well, it's nothing like anything Din has been in before, but then again, they are in a Palace. The luxury is obvious. It was different in the Queen's chambers because she was the Queen. This is not something Din is used to, and he's almost afraid to be here, lest he ruin something. Not that it would happen because he's not careless, but still.

The silence seems awkward and strained at first as they look around, especially since Din can almost feel the questions and thoughts buzzing around in Shmi's and Anakin's minds. "I considered telling you," Din says finally, if only to get this conversation over with, "But I didn't think it even mattered, really." He sets Grogu down on a plush couch – or tries to anyways, because the kid whines when Din starts to let go, so instead, he sits down, holding Grogu in his lap. Apparently, the talk about Palpatine has left Grogu unsettled and fearful. Unsurprising.

That demagolka. Din would love nothing more than to kill him himself for what he did. Revenge is the way of Mandalorians, and Palpatine hurt his foundlings. ... He might hurt them. He hasn't done anything to them yet other than threatening them, which is bad enough. Obviously, that dar'jetii doesn't know much about Mandalorians. There is little a Mandalorian parent wouldn't do to protect their child and killing someone who threatens them is definitely on that list.

"I understand," Shmi answers, seeming very uncomfortable with her surroundings. Anakin, Din notices, is the same. He can't blame them. They aren't used to luxury or places like this. They were slaves for most/all of their lives. Even he is having a hard time adjusting, and he already knows that he wants to leave as soon as possible. It will be nice to find their own home which suits their needs, so they have a better place to stay. "It doesn't make a difference to me."

"Even though, at this point in time, I haven't been born?" Din returns, half-teasing.

Shmi laughs at that. "Even then."

"It is strange to think about though," Anakin admits. "I'm glad it happened."

Din feels affection swell, and he lets it wash over him. "Me too." For all that he misses the people he used to know, especially with the knowledge that he'll never see them again, he is... happier here. It helps that Grogu won't be in danger here, not with the Republic still existing. Once they deal with Palpatine, none of them will need to worry anymore.

"Do you think the Jedi will change their minds about training Anakin?" Shmi queries.

Din shrugs slightly. "Doubtful. They are... very particular about their rules. I wasn't even allowed to see Grogu when I went to check on him."

"That's not right," Shmi maintains before looking at her son. "Ani, do you want to learn to control your powers?"

"Yes," he answers instantly.