AKwxlady Obi Wans Daughter Part four Chapter seven

A year later Mereel surprised the family when he returned from a trip to Nubia with a wife. He had flown Bev’ika to the Nubia Star Drive, Inc. to purchase parts and upgrades, while he was on the planet he met a Nubian ex-pod racer and fell head over heels for her. B’tok Ch’oon was a tall, graceful Nubian woman, with dark skin, long dark hair and slanted dark eyes.

Ki’tia found B’tok charming, and her Force presence was pleasant and trustworthy. She didn’t understand why there was resistance to accept her into the family.

“Ordo, what is wrong with everyone?” Ki’tia asked as they were sitting in bed. “Why is the family so unwilling to accept B’tok. I find her wonderful.”

“I want you to watch her. Through the Force,” Ordo was serious.

“Of course I will,” Ki’tia assured him, “but, why?”

“It was another woman Mereel brought home to Kyrimorut, years ago,” Ordo started to explain. “She was the one who betrayed Ny and Besany. She planned the ambush that murdered them and many of the Kyrimorut children. Mereel killed her with his bare hands. We’ve never spoken her name since.”

“Poor Mereel,” Ki’tia gasped. “I didn’t know.”

“I’m glad he’s found another wife,” Ordo shook his head. “Most of us never thought he would. But, this has brought back so many harsh memories.”

“The family cannot blame B’tok for what that other woman did,” Ki’tia stated. “Mereel deserves to be happy. I’ll speak with the women, and if I have to I’ll speak with your brothers.” She was determined B’tok would be given every chance to be a part of this family.

Ordo smiled at her. “There’s my Lady Skirata. I know you’ll make this work for them.”

“I will,” Ki’tia affirmed.

The next day she sat down with B’tok over mugs of shig. “Are you comfortable in Mareel’s suite? Ki’tia inquired. “Do you need anything?”

“Everything is fine,” B’tok answered, sipping the hot tea. B’tok was distant. Ki’tia decided to get right to the point.

“Did Mereel explain to you about the problems with the last woman he brought home to the family?” she asked bluntly.

“Yes he did,” B’tok looked Ki’tia in the eye. “But I am not that woman. What is the problem with you people?” Ki’tia smiled at her.

“It was a tragic episode, and Mandalorians have very long memories,” Ki’tia tried to explain. “I wasn’t with them at the time.” She reached out and took B’tok’s hand. “Give them time, they will come around to loving you. When I first arrived on Munin the Nulls, Kal’buir and Walon all wanted to kill me. Several times as I remember.”

“They wanted to kill you!” B’tok repeated. “Why? How?”

“I was a threat to their family,” Ki’tia remembered. “Mereel wanted to blast me out of the sky before the escape pod I was in even landed. Then they threatened me with blasters and knives. It went on for over a year, as I recall.” She patted B’tok’s hand. “Eventually, I was accepted into the family. You don’t have nearly the baggage I came with, and I’m on your side. The rest will come around in no time.” B’tok reached out and hugged Ki’tia.

“Thank you!” B’tok smiled, she was stunningly beautiful. “Is it true you crashed an Imperial cruiser on Ord Mantell?”

Ki’tia laughed. “I’m never going to live that down.”

Very soon B’tok became a part of the family. She even started working as part of the training program for the X-wing pilots, using her skills as a pod-racer to give them enhanced defensive maneuvering abilities. Jorj joined Tango Squadron when he was seventeen, the youngest of the pilots, his Force abilities making him exceptional in the cockpit.

Early in the year little Kal turned four, Ki’tia’s past once again intruded on the peaceful life on Munin. Ki’tia and Ordo were playing with little Kal in the atrium in their suite when the call came in over Ordo’s comlink.

“Ordo, Fi in Planetary Defense. We’ve got an unidentified starship entering the system.”

“Scramble Tango Squadron,” Ordo responded. “I’m on my way.” He turned to Ki’tia. “You stay here, it’s probably nothing.” Ki’tia nodded. She didn’t feel anything through the Force, yet.

When Ordo reached Planetary Defense, located within the Lake House for convenience, Tango Squadron had already cleared the atmosphere of Munin.

“Tango Leader, report,” Ordo commanded over the comm line to the squadron. Fi was standing behind him. Kal had joined them and a few other of the Nulls and Omega that were not part of Tango.

“Tango Leader here,” Kom’rk reported back, “ETA to target twenty-two minutes. About to begin standard greeting across open channels.”

“Keep it open to base,” Ordo requested. “I want to hear this.”

“Tango Leader to unidentified vessel entering system,” Kom’rk transmitted over the open channels. “Identify and state your intentions immediately.” There was silence on the line for a few moments, then an accented male voice spoke in standard Basic.

“Munin Starfighter, Tango Leader, this is the Chiss Defense Fleet vessel Chaf Envoy.”

Ordo turned to Fi, “Ki’tia is in the atrium, go get her.”

“On my way,” Fi sprinted out the door.

“Kom’rk,” Ordo commed on a secure channel, “let me know as soon as you get a visual on that ship. I’ve got Ki’tia on the way.”

“Repeat, Munin Starship, Tango Leader, this is the Chiss Defense Fleet vessel Chaf Envoy. Do you copy?”

“Chaf Envoy,” Kom’rk opened the channel to the alien vessel. “Stand by.”

Ki’tia entered the Planetary Defense room. “Fi says there is a Chiss vessel in the star system. What do they want?” She asked Ordo.

“They have not made any demands or requests,” Ordo answered. He directed her to a chair next to him at the comm console.

“They are speaking Basic, are we sure they are Chiss?” Ki’tia questioned.

“Good point,” Ordo noted.

“Jorj is part of Tango Squadron,” Ki’tia reminded Ordo. “Have him speak to them in Cheunh, to see if they understand him.” Ordo nodded in agreement.

“Tango Leader, put Tango seven on this comm channel,” Ordo asked. There were several clicks.

“Tango seven reporting,” Jorj sounded over the secure channel.

“Jorj, can you ask our visitors in their language to state their intentions?” Ordo inquired of the young fighter pilot.

“Yes, sir,” Jorj replied crisply. There was another click as Jorj opened the channel to the Chiss vessel. “Chaf Envoy. Ber veo cn’can’si,” Jorj requested in perfect Cheunh.

“He asked them to ‘state your intentions,’” Ki’tia translated.

“Munin cacasi’tat, nah cart rass’ah ch’a ch’ao’becusei bah in’a rsah veah Ki’tia,” the alien voice replied.

“They said, ‘Munin starship, we are seeking an audience with one known as Ki’tia,’” Ki’tia translated. She looked at Ordo, his jaw was set firmly and his arms crossed in front of his chest. “If they are not Chiss, they speak the language very well.”

“Jorj,” Ordo went back to the secure channel, “asked them the name of their ranking officer.”

“Yes, sir,” Jorj answered. He returned to the open channel. “Chaf Envoy. Vea cart veo ves g’ekesami?”

There was a delay in the reply. Finally the alien voice spoke. “Nah csarcican’t ttezutah nah cssin’rehn csei en’jusci rot’ar ran’bin’he’ar nah vucon’evib.” Ordo looked at Ki’tia.

“That didn’t sound like a name and rank?” He asked.

“They said they would rather not transmit that information over unsecured communications,” Ki’tia translated for him.

Ordo opened the channel to the Chaf Envoy. “Chiss Defense Fleet vessel Chaf Envoy, this is Munin Planetary Defense. You have permission to land. Coordinates are being transmitted to you now. Our fighters will escort you through the atmosphere. Two fighters will precede you in landing, the remainder will follow. Do you understand these instructions?”

“Munin Planetary Defense, this is the Chaf Envoy. We understand your instructions for landing, and thank you for you gracious permission to visit your planet.”

Mereel rubbed his hands together, “This should be interesting!”

“Ordo,” Ki’tia put her hand on his arm. “The Chiss are a very structured people. Their society is very rigorously ordered by ceremony. We need to do something to welcome them. Something to impress them.”

“What do you have in mind?” he inquired.

Ki’tia smiled, “the Dha Werda Verda.” She raised her eyebrows.

Kal laughed and slapped Ordo on the back. “That should impress them,” he smiled. “Let’s get everybody together and show them how the Mando boys do it!”

They were bringing the ships down on the landing pad near the Lake House. The squadrons wore their beskar’gam in flight. The rest of the Mando warriors waited for the ships in their armor. Ki’tia wore the dark blue long tunic Ordo bought for her on Coruscant, the rest of Clan Skirata dressed in their best. The first two fighters of Tango Squadron landed, followed by the Chiss vessel, Chaf Envoy. The remainder of Tango Squadron landed, squeezing onto the landing area near the Lake House.

Ordo, Ki’tia, Kal and Walon waited to meet the visitors. The remainder of the warriors in their beskar’gam formed into rows on the tarmac. Ki’tia, Ordo, Kal and Walon advanced to the Chaf Envoy as the ramp lowered, the men removed their helmets and clipped them to their belts. A male and female Chiss descended the ramp. The Chiss were blue skinned, with very dark blue-black hair and glowing red eyes. The male was dressed in a black uniform of tunic and pants with burgundy red markings, the female was dressed entirely in white. They stopped at the end of the ramp. Ki’tia and Ordo stepped forward.

Ki’tia bowed deeply from the waist. “Ritot,” Ki’tia said. Hello in Cheunh. She used the Force to help her pronounce the words correctly. “Bun’zan’i ch’at neo vamci ch’un’bi, Munin.” Which translates to ‘Welcome to our home world, Munin.’

The Chiss pair returned the deep bow. The male spoke, “By your knowledge of Cheunh, and your beauty, you must be Ki’tia. While your command of our language is impressive and there is at least one other among you with such skill, it might be beneficial to the others to continue our conversations in Basic.”

“Yes, I am Ki’tia Skirata,” she smiled at the Chiss and turned to Ordo. “This is my husband, Ordo Skirata, leader of Clan Skirata.” Ordo inclined his head. Ki’tia next indicated Kal. “This is my husband’s father, Kal Skirata, the founder of our planet.” Kal nodded his head at the Chiss. “And this is our dear friend, Walon Vau.” Walon made a partial bow from the waist toward the Chiss.

“I am General Prard’ras’kleoni,” he bowed to them, “of the Chiss Defense Fleet. You may call me by my core name, Drask.” He turned to the woman. “This is Admiral Ar’alani,” she inclined her head toward the group. “Of the CDF Defense Hierarchy.”

“It is an honor to meet you, Admiral, General,” Ki’tia smiled. “We have planned a brief welcome in your honor.”

“Excuse me, Ki’tia,” Drask interrupted, “there are two more in our party we would like you to meet.”

“Yes, of course.” Ki’tia noticed another tall Chiss man coming down the ramp escorting a repulsorlift chair. Seated on the chair was a very elderly Chiss woman, dress entirely in dark burgundy.

The two stopped next to Drask. “May I present Captain Brast’alshi’barku,” Drask indicated the man, “who you may call by his core name, Talshib.” Talshib bowed from the waist. He was dressed in a black tunic and pants with flashes of dark green in various places on his uniform.

Ki’tia noticed the elderly Chiss woman was watching her closely, almost smiling. Drask continued the introductions. “And this,” he said placing a hand on the elderly woman’s shoulder, “is Mitth’ruz’saoza.” Ki’tia was surprised to hear her family name was the same as Thrawn’s. “Her core name is Thruzsa, and she is the mother to Thrawn.” The woman smiled and held out her hands to Ki’tia. Ki’tia went to her.

“Ki’tia, my child,” Thruzsa took Ki’tia’s hands in hers, “I can’t tell you what it means to me to finally meet you.”

“Thruzsa,” Ki’tia exclaimed. “I had no idea. I am so pleased to meet you.”

“Ki’tia,” Ordo touched her arm, she turned to him, “perhaps we should start?”

“Oh yes,” Ordo left to join the rows of warriors. “As I was saying, we have prepared a welcome for you. I know the Chiss are a very formal people, with many rituals and ceremonies. We are much simpler people, but we would like to share with you a traditional Madalorian warrior chant, the Dha Werda Verda.”

The warriors began the beat of their gauntlets against their beskar’gam and soon the chant of the Shadow Warriors filled the landing field. The percussion of the blows reverberated through the ground as the men and women turned and kept time to the chant on their own armor and that of the warriors standing next to them. Each blow given with the full force owed to the memory of the noble Mandalorian heart. Memory of the vengeance, memory of the rage of the Shadow Warriors in a night of flame.

The Dha Werda Verda was impressive every time Ki’tia saw it, and she could tell the Chiss audience was duly impressed by the power and skill of the Munin warriors. When they were finished Ordo returned to her side.

“Most impressive,” Ar’alani stated. Ordo inclined his head in her direction.

“Would you like to meet your grandson?” Ki’tia asked Thruzsa.

“Oh, yes,” Thruzsa answered, almost breathless, “most certainly.” Ki’tia gestured toward the group of Munin warriors in beskar’gam. One of them stepped away from the group and walked toward the Chaf Envoy. “You mean Jorj was one of the warriors in that chant?” Thruzsa looked at Ki’tia, almost in shock.

“He was one of the pilots that escorted your ship into Munin,” Ki’tia told her. “He spoke to the Chaf Envoy when they were out system.”  A warrior now stood next to Ki’tia. She held out her hands and nodded at him. Jorj removed his helmet and gauntlets. “Jorj, this is your Grandmother, Mitth’ruz’saoza.”

“Ritot Ch’azen’i,” Jorj said in perfect Cheunh [Hello Grandmother]. “Ch’ah cart vun’ur ch’at csan’vun’t vah [I am honored to meet you].” He bowed low to her.

“Perfect,” Thruzsa’s red eyes glowed. “You do so resemble your father.” She tilted her head and gazed at him a little longer. “Except through the mouth, I think. Yes, your mouth is more like your mother’s. She has such a lovely smile.”

“Would you care to come inside our home?” Ki’tia asked the Chiss. “We have prepared refreshments, and I’m sure you did not travel this far just for familial acquaintance.”

“You are correct,” Drask agreed. “We have serious matters to discuss.”

“Then follow me,” Ordo indicated the path to the Lake House and the others followed.

Once inside Admiral Ar’alani spoke, “Is there somewhere private we can discuss matters of grave importance?”

“Of course,” Ordo replied, “follow me to our central office.”

“And,” Ar’alani continued, “is there somewhere Mitth’ruz’saoza may rest? She is not party to our discussions.”

“Jorj,” Ki’tia said, “would you show Thruzsa our atrium and introduce her to your brothers and sister? Ask Laseema to bring her some refreshments in there, also? Thank you, son.”

“Certainly, Mother,” Jorj replied. “Grandmother, may I?” He bowed slightly before taking control of her repulsorchair.

Ordo, Ki’tia, Kal, Walon, Mereel, Kom’rk, A’den, Prudii, Drask, Ar’alani, and Talshib went into the main office of the Lake House. Laseema followed them in with a tray of refreshments, then she left. Ordo introduced his Null brothers to the Chiss Defense Fleet members.

Admiral Ar’alani produced a small device from her robes, when activated it displayed a holo image of an oddly shaped, organic form. “This is a very old image of a Yuuzhan Vong warship, called a Miid Ro’ik,” Ar’alani indicated the image.

“It looks like something from our ocean,” A’den commented.

“It is organic in nature,” Ar’alani looked toward A’den, “but the size of standard Star Destroyer.”

Someone in the room was heard to whisper, “Fierfek!”

Ar’alani glanced about the room. “If that is your expression of dismay, then it is likely apt,” she commented. “The Chiss confronted the Yuuzhan Vong long before your Clone Wars. We were able to repel them, at that time. I have no other images to share with you from that confrontation. General.” She nodded in the direction of Drask.

Drask stood, “The Yuuzhan Vong are on route to this galaxy. They should arrive in a about year.” The men in the room exchanged serious glances. “They are enemies unlike any you will have encountered. They are religious zealots, caring little for the individual warrior and only for their ultimate survival as a species. Their technology is organic in nature and fearsome in its abilities.”

“What do you ask of us?” Ordo came right to the point.

“We have shared this information with the New Republic and the Empire,” Drask continued. “The Chiss had hoped the two would join us in a coalition to stand against the Yuuzhan Vong.”

“That’s not likely,” Mereel laughed quietly aside.

“I see you understand our problem,” Ar’alani turned to him. “Mereel, wasn’t it?” Ki’tia hid a smile behind her cup of shig. She had failed to mention the Chiss enhanced hearing abilities.

“Yes, Admiral,” Mereel replied loud enough for all to hear. “The Empire and the New Republic are still engaged in territorial disputes.”

“That is why we are here,” General Drask spoke. “Ki’tia has connections to all three entities.” He nodded in her direction. “To the Chiss through Thrawn. To the New Republic through her father, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and to the Empire through you gentlemen.” He swept his hand across the room. “We are hoping she would consent to act as arbiter between the groups, to bring us together.” He looked at Ki’tia. “It is only as a combined force that we will stop the Yuuzhan Vong, and they do not merely conquer alien worlds. They consume them, to feed their organic war machine. If you are not Yuuzhan Yong, you are seen only as material.” Drask’s red eyes flashed as Ki’tia had seen Thrawn’s and Jorj’s do under stress.

Ordo started to stand and Ki’tia held up her hand to him. He nodded to her and resumed his seat. “General Drask, Admiral Ar’alani, Captain Talshib,” Ki’tia addressed the Chiss, “there are circumstances that make what you request impossible.” Drask’s lips pressed tightly together and Ar’alani’s eyes flashed. Ki’tia sensed anger growing from the Chiss. “Please, allow me to explain. You know Munin’s location is held in secret to all but a few.” The Chiss nodded in agreement. “There are very good reasons for this secrecy. The Empire sees my husband, his brothers and the rest of the clones as deserters. More than that, they are viewed as property of the Empire. There are substantial bounties offered for their capture, or proof of their deaths.” The Chiss looked at the men around the room, who were nodding in agreement. “As for myself, there is a Terminate on Site order issued by Empire, from when I left Thrawn. It is still in effect. As soon as I am recognized by any Imperial, I will be killed. There will be no questions, no trial. I will be shot, immediately.” Admiral Ar’alani’s eyes flashed again.

“As for the New Republic,” Ki’tia continued, “the resolution to recognize the clones simply as men with the rights of other sentient beings, has stalled in the Senate. They fail to view these men even as human.” She gazed a moment at the Chiss. “I appreciate the gravity of the situation, but, as you can understand, I am not in a position to bargain with the other parties.”

Captain Talshib hung his head and whispered, “Ktah.”

“Captain!” Drask admonished, his eyes flashing.

“I apologize General,” Talshib replied. “But, sir, we have traveled so far, needlessly. Why can’t we make these humans understand if they fight the Yuuzhan Vong singly they will lose?” He was standing and angry. “We will all lose!”

“Captain Brast’alshi’barku!” Ar’alani stood to address him formerly. “You will control your temper.” He bowed formerly from the waist and returned to his seat.

“If I may,” Ordo stood. “Clan Skirata will join in the battle against the Yuuzhan Vong.” There were mummers of agreement from the rest of the Nulls. “If you agree we can share information on their strengths and movement. We would, also, be willing to share this data, and whatever else might be beneficial, with both the New Republic and the Empire, as an anonymous source. While they will not trust the information at first, they will, eventually.” He paused to let the Chiss consider his offer, then he continued. “I believe our fighters can adequately protect the area from Munin to the Mandalore Sector. Since you know how to contact us, you may request our assistance as needed nearby. Or make that request on behalf of others.”

“This is a very generous offer from Clan Skirata,” Drask commented. “We cannot guarantee changes to you current situation.”

“We are not asking you to,” Kal interjected. “You are asking us to fight, and we will fight. The other matters are our own.” Kal’s face was hard, his tone serious.

“Very well,” Drask nodded and almost smiled. “We have an alliance.”

Ki’tia and Jorj were able to spend a little more time with Thruzsa, while the others prepared strategy for fighting the Yuuzhan Vong. By early evening the Chaf Envoy lifted from the Munin atmosphere, and the first alliance between Clan Skirata and the outside galaxy had been established.

X-wing patrols of the Munin system were now to be regular, and training increased in combat protocols. Orders were placed to increase the stockpile of weapons arsenals. Kyrimorut was informed of the approaching danger. Clan Skirata was preparing for war.

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