Dedicated to Siinn_zoneee

     After reaching Yavin 4, the Phoenix Squadron split into two teams: Captain Hera Syndulla and Captain Garazeb Orrelios staying on Yavin's fourth moon while Jedi Knight Kanan Jarrus, Lieutenant Commander Ezra Bridger, Lieutenant Commander Sabine Wren, General Kyra Kryze-Kenobi, and Chopper went to Mandalore to rescue Sabine's father, Alrich Wren. Kyra had strenuously opposed being given the rank of general, but Senators Mon Mothma and Bail Organa both agreed that her actions during the Battle of Atollon had warranted a promotion. So, now, she found herself leading a portion of her cell to Mandalore, the homeworld she had not visited in seventeen years.

     At the moment, she was crouching in a trench next to Kanan and Fenn Rau – the last remaining Protector – the trio waiting while Sabine surveyed the Imperial complex off in the distance.

     When Kryze's comlink beeped, she answered, and Sabine said, "Kyra, I've got a squad of stormtroopers in front, plus multiple cannons."

     "Copy that, Spectre-Five," Kyra replied. "Moving to your right flank."

     As they made their way to Wren, Ezra, and the members of Clan Wren, Kanan asked, "Sabine, doesn't it seem suspicious that the Empire would move your father so far from the capital?"

     "My father has many friends. He's not just important to me," Sabine explained as Kyra peered over the trench and lowered her rangefinder. "The Empire probably locked him up out here to prevent someone from attempting to do what we're about to do."

     "That may be true, but I'd put nothing past these Saxon clan traitors," Rau countered before informing Sabine that they were in position.

     They watched as Sabine climbed out of the trench, Clan Wren and the rebel forces following her lead when she ignited the Darksaber. Kyra activated her jetpack and ignited her lightsaber as she flew to Sabine's side, the two women gunning down several stormtroopers and cutting through one of the gun turrets that helped defend the prison. As she heard the roar of engines off in the distance, Kyra found an Imperial Gozanti-class freighter flying towards them, carrying two All-Terrain Defense Pods. Quickly after the walkers were deployed, Kyra slashed through the first AT-DP's legs with her lightsaber, causing it to fall over and explode.

     When Sabine tried to launch the missile that was built into her jetpack at the second walker, it opened fire and she fell from the sky.

     Kyra flew to Sabine's aid but was stopped by a trio of stormtroopers, their commander ordering, "Stand down, Jedi, or she dies. Now!"

     When the AT-DP aimed its gun turret at Sabine, Kyra deactivated her lightsaber and held up her hands in surrender. The Imperial commander chuckled, but his laugh quickly faded when their last walker was shot down by a trio of Mandalorians who had seemingly appeared out of thin air. While the troopers were distracted, Kyra shot down two of the three Imperials that were surrounding Sabine, their commander retreating as the base was captured by the rebels. Kyra and Kanan cleared the top of the prison, taking care of any stormtroopers who had not been able to escape in time.

     When Sabine joined them a moment later, she said, "The outpost is empty. There's no one here."

     "This was a trap set to lure you in," Bo-Katan Kryze answered as she took off her helmet, having led her comrades to the prison in support of Clan Wren. "Your mother received this intel, but she couldn't get word to you. The Empire was jamming all transmissions. She sent me ahead to reinforce you. I understand she's on her way."

     Sabine, who knew of Kyra's history with her aunt, glanced at Kenobi – who still wore her helmet – as Ezra asked who the newcomers were.

     "Kanan and Ezra, this is Lady Bo-Katan of House Kryze," Rau answered. "Her sister, Satine, once ruled Mandalore. Bo-Katan was made regent by the Jedi before the end of the Clone War. She's still seen by many as Mandalore's rightful ruler."

     When Ezra asked Bo-Katan why she had stepped down from the throne, Kyra finally removed her helmet and said, "Because after the Empire took over, my aunt and I refused to obey the Emperor and were betrayed by Clan Saxon."

     Bo-Katan's eyes widened with recognition as she held Kyra's gaze, finally saying, "Before you left, you promised to return with the Darksaber and the means to liberate Mandalore from Imperial occupation. I see that you have kept good on both of those promises."

     "We have brought the forces necessary to free Alrich Wren from captivity and the Darksaber belongs to Sabine Wren," Kyra replied coldly.

     "Did she win the Darksaber in combat?" Bo-Katan asked, and when Kyra did not answer, Kryze smirked. "Then, technically, the blade still belongs to you. You could take it from her. Lead your people. That was your plan the last time we saw each other, was it not?"

     "It was," Kyra acknowledged. "But I was a child then, angry at the galaxy for what had happened to my mother and the Jedi Order, and angry at you for casting me aside at the first sign of trouble. When you took me in, you knew that, sooner or later, the Empire would discover who I really was, but when the Empire came calling, you acted as though it was my fault. My loyalty is to Mandalore, yes, but also to the Rebellion. I believe that, in time, I will be able to help free Mandalore through my work in the Rebellion. But I have no desire to rule my people when they do not wish to be ruled, when they believe that fighting is the solution to everything."

     As Bo-Katan marched into the prison complex, the others slowly followed, leaving Kyra alone on the platform as she stared out at the barren landscape.

     After a moment, Ezra appeared at her side and said, "You know, your home is very different from mine."

     Kyra sighed, "Once upon a time, these plains were covered with grass, but I never saw it. This destruction happened before I was born."

     "And it never grew back?" Ezra asked.

     "It was never given the chance," Kyra replied. "This is what continuous war has done to my world."

     "Well, maybe this is your chance to help change things here," Ezra suggested.

     Before Kyra could reply, she saw the rest of Clan Wren gathering below the Imperial prison and went to join them, gesturing for Ezra to follow her.

     When Sabine asked Countess Ursa Wren if she had any news, her mother answered, "The Empire's changed their plan. They're moving your father back to the capital for a public termination."

     The rebels and Mandalorians gathered on a nearby ridge overlooking the canyon below and waited for Ursa and Tristan Wren's diversion, hoping they could distract the Imperial convoy transporting Alrich and free him before they reached Sundari. After several moments, a plume of smoke soared into the air, an explosion rumbling the ground beneath them.

     Ezra smirked as he turned to Sabine, "Blowing things up definitely runs in your family."

     "It's a Wren specialty," Sabine replied as her comlink beeped.

     "Sabine, we've engaged Tiber Saxon's Imperial dogs," Ursa informed her. "The prisoner convoy has changed course toward the canyon."

     "I'm scanning a single passenger, no armor, in the center transport," Rau reported, "the one most heavily guarded."

     "If we attack the lead vehicle, my father's transport will fall back," Sabine said. "Then someone could sneak up and sabotage its controls, forcing it to stop."

     "By then, the rest of the convoy will be too far ahead to do anything about it," Kyra finished. "So who's going in?"

     When Ezra volunteered for the mission, Sabine arched an eyebrow and skeptically asked, "Are you sure? You haven't exactly mastered that jetpack yet."

     Ezra assured Sabine that he would be fine as Chopper grunted his disagreement and jammed the Imperial comm channels. Sabine jumped off the ledge and ignited her jetpack as she blinded the middle transport with a blast of purple paint. At Sabine's signal, Kyra and the others flew down to intercept the Imperial convoy, Kryze gunning down several of the stormtroopers located on the side of the transport. As Kanan landed on top of the first armored vehicle, Kyra headed for the last vessel, staying low so the troopers could not see her.

     When Rau appeared at her side, Kyra said, "You take the troopers on the left, I'll take the ones on the right."

     Fenn nodded as they split up, Rau shooting the three Imperials who were protecting the vehicle's port side while Kyra took care of the troopers inside the craft. She slashed through the transport's controls with her lightsaber and activated her jetpack, retreating with the rebels and Clan Wren as Ezra finally managed to free Sabine's father, not realizing that the convoy was rapidly approaching a cliff. Alrich flew out of the transport on Ezra's jetpack as the three Imperial vehicles plunged over the edge. Ezra leapt from transport to transport as they fell, using the Force to propel himself upwards and gripping a small outcropping when he came just short of the cliff's edge.

     Sabine ran over to the ledge and grabbed Ezra's hand, grunting as she pulled him onto solid ground.

     "Thank you, young Jedi," Alrich said, returning Ezra's jetpack before rushing over to his daughter and pulling her close. "When I got word that you had returned, I did not believe it. I was pleased then. Even more now."

     "Well, we would never leave you in the hands of the Empire," Sabine replied as she stepped back.

     "Oh, that was fine," her father replied as he gestured to her armor. "I meant your artwork. You've progressed. Your use of color and line is better."

     Sabine arched an eyebrow, "Better? What do you mean, better? It's great."

     "It—It's getting there," Alrich countered. "Your design aesthetic is still derivative of the Pre-Exile Masters."

     "Oh, Tojnun was an influence, obviously," Sabine agreed, "but I made it my own. I thought you had a sharper eye."

     "Now I see where Sabine gets her creative side," Ezra claimed, but Alrich shook his head.

     "Oh, no, young Jedi. Sabine's artistry comes from her mother," Alrich explained. "Ursa knows how to destroy her enemies in so many creative ways."

     Ezra chuckled, "And here I thought we were rescuing another warrior."

     "My dad fights with his art," Sabine stated as Rau informed the countess that they had rescued her husband.

     "Then we have two victories today," Ursa replied. "Saxon's forces are in retreat."

     "Hold on. They're not all running," Tristan corrected. "Looks like we've got an incoming Imperial transport. They've deployed a single scout walker, with no other support. It's moving into attack position."

     "Laughable," Ursa sneered. "Destroy it."

     When an electronic humming buzzed over the comlink, Sabine muttered, "The sound—It can't be. Mother, Tristan, get out of there! Now!"

     When an explosion went off in the distance, Sabine activated her jetpack and flew towards the detonation site, quickly followed by the others. They arrived at the battle field and found the melted remains of an Imperial transport, as well as the disintegrated bodies of several members of Clan Wren, their armor crumbling to dust when touched by the slightest breeze. Sabine had told Kyra about the weapon she created for the Empire, but Kenobi had not realized the destructive power the weapon possessed.

     Kyra took her helmet off and said a silent prayer for the Mandalorians who were now one with the Force as Bo-Katan asked, "Where are the survivors of this battle, the wounded, the victors?"

     "I see only the defeated," Alrich answered. "A weapon did this, a weapon created by my daughter."

     As Sabine fell to her knees near one of the fallen Mandalorians and sobbed, Bo-Katan whispered, "There were rumors the Empire was working on a weapon to neutralize Mandalorian armor, that it had even been tested on our people. I-I didn't believe it."

     "Not the Empire," Sabine clarified as she got to her feet and faced Bo-Katan. "Me. This is all my fault."

     "Sabine, you can't blame yourself for this. You tried—" Kyra started, trying to reason with the young Mandalorian, but Wren cut her off.

     "Everything my father said was true, Kyra!" she yelled. "This is my work! I created the weapon that did this, and because of me, the Empire is going to turn our world into a graveyard! Because of me, Mandalorians are going to die! My mother and brother are—"

     This time, Sabine was interrupted by Ursa, who called out to her daughter as she and Tristan limped away from the destroyed Imperial transport.

     When Sabine admitted that she thought she had lost them, the countess explained, "We were caught at the edge of the weapon's range. Thanks to your warning, we made it out."

     Suddenly, the rebels and Mandalorians were shot at from above, a squadron of Imperial Supercommandos returning to finish what Sabine's weapon had started. As the Jedi Knights, Rau, and Sabine intercepted the Imperial forces, Kanan instructed Ezra to move Alrich and Ursa away from the fight, seeing as they were either injured or unarmed. When Ezra ran for the speeder bike that Sabine had stolen earlier, one of the Supercommandos launched a missile of his own and demolished it. The traitorous Mandalorians surrounded the rebels as a trio of TIE fighters raced overhead, a Kom'rk­-class starfighter managing to shoot down a portion of the enemy forces.

     Rau hopped into the co-pilot's seat and informed Sabine that they were losing power as the two remaining TIE fighters pursued the Mandalorian vessel.

     "I can keep us in the air but we can't take another hit like that," Sabine replied as she began to work on the starfighter's dashboard.

     Kyra put her helmet on and lowered the main ramp as the fighter flew through the air, and when Bo-Katan followed suit, Ezra asked, "Where are you going? Rau said our weapons are down."

     "A Mandalorian with a jetpack is a weapon," Bo-Katan stated as she and Kyra jumped out of the ship and went after the TIE fighters.

     Kyra let the first TIE fighter race past her before pursuing the Imperial vessel, opening its hatch and dropping a thermal detonator into the cockpit. As Kyra flew away, Bo-Katan lowered her rangefinder and launched her missile at the last enemy fighter, debris raining down as both of the TIE fighters went up in a ball of flame.

     As Kyra boarded the Kom'rk fighter, she heard Tristan say, "You told us you destroyed it."

     "I did. The Empire must have rebuilt it. They—" Sabine started to explain, but she was pinned against the wall by Bo-Katan.

     "You're a Mandalorian!" Kyra's aunt growled. "Why would you create such an abomination? This is the weapon of a coward."

     Ezra tried to intervene, but Kanan stopped him as Sabine said, "I was young. It was a challenge and I was arrogant. But when I realized the Empire tested it and actually planned to use it, I sabotaged the prototype and destroyed the plans. I thought that was the end of it, I swear to you!"

     Bo-Katan hesitated for a moment, then scowled and released Sabine as Ezra asked, "Okay, so this weapon only targets Mandalorian armor, right? So why not make your armor out of something different?"

     When every Mandalorian turned to glare at Bridger, Sabine replied, "Ezra, the armor I wear is five hundred years old. I reforged it to my liking, but the battles, the history, the blood all lives within it. And the same goes for every Mandalorian."

     "This armor is part of our identity," Alrich agreed. "It makes us Mandalorians who we are."

     "And now it's going to make us dead," Bo-Katan added coldly, glaring at Sabine as she marched away.

     Shortly after, they arrived at the Nite Owls' camp, the members of Clan Kryze drawing their blasters when they saw Sabine.

     "We know you built that weapon. You betrayed us all!" the nearest Nite Owl stated accusingly. "You're a traitor to Mandalore!"

     "Lower your weapons!" Alrich ordered. "Sabine did everything she could to stop this from happening. You must believe us."

     "Any attack on my daughter is an attack on Clan Wren," Ursa declared as she and Tristan Wren drew their own weapons.

     After a moment, Sabine threw her helmet down and stopped Ezra from igniting his lightsaber, "No. I'm prepared to take responsibility for my actions. It's true. I designed the weapon as a loyal student at the Imperial Academy. The Empire is using my prototype but it's only functioning at a fraction of its capacity. At full power, it will destroy armies. So you've got a choice to make. We can fight each other or we can destroy this weapon once and for all."

     When the Nite Owls did not lower their blasters, Bo-Katan stepped forward and said, "I understand your anger. In many ways, I feel the same. But Sabine is right. Now is not the time for us to be divisive. She knows the most about this weapon and how to destroy it. We need her."

     The members of Clan Kryze finally holstered their weapons, the rebels doing the same as Bo-Katan turned to Sabine, "It's time for you to prove your loyalty. Not just to your family, but to all of Mandalore."

     As two Nite Owls remained outside to stand guard, the rebels went inside one of the tents and Alrich Wren said, "Saxon has worked hard to keep the weapon a secret, so he likely has it aboard his Imperial Star Destroyer outside of Sundari. Needless to say, it will be very well guarded."

     "Once we get inside the ship, we'll need two teams, one to find the weapon and one to wipe out every shred of data on it from the Imperial computer systems," Sabine continued.

     "This weapon...Is there any way it could be turned against the Empire?" Rau asked.

     "I've studied stormtrooper armor and while the thought has crossed my mind, that—that isn't our mission," Sabine replied. "No, we have to destroy it."

     When Ursa offered to lead the attack team, Rau countered, "With respect, Countess, you can barely hold a blaster."

     "I'm just as good with my other hand," Ursa assured him.

     "Yes, Mother, but we'll need you for tactical support," Sabine explained, and the countess reluctantly nodded. "If I can get to the weapon, I can make sure it's destroyed."

     Kyra volunteered to help Sabine destroy the weapon while Kanan stated that he and Ezra would get Chopper to the data core to erase the intel on Wren's creation. Shortly after, the rebels set out for Tiber Saxon's Imperial Star Destroyer under the cover of darkness, Gar Saxon's brother having taken over his efforts to keep Mandalore under Imperial control.

     As they snuck through the hangar bay, Rau whispered, "I can't help but notice the weapon's core isn't here."

     "Thank you, Fenn Rau. That's helpful," Sabine replied sarcastically as she lowered her rangefinder and pointed to the observation deck above the hangar. "Best bet, they're working on The Duchess up there."

     "'The Duchess?'" Kyra asked incredulously. "You named your weapon after my mother? The former ruler of Mandalore?"

     "It was a series of bad decisions, okay?" Sabine said defensively as Kyra shook her head, only noticing the TIE pilot climbing out of his fighter when it was too late.

     Bo-Katan grabbed the Imperial pilot and threw him to the ground, Kyra kneeing him in the stomach and knocking him out when he tried to stand.

     As a squadron of stormtroopers opened fire, Sabine turned to Rau and instructed, "Hold them off! Kyra and I will get to the weapon."

     The Protector nodded before leading Clan Wren, Clan Kryze, and the rebels into battle, the troopers too distracted to notice Sabine and Kyra making their way to the observation deck. As they ran behind a pair of AT-DPs, Kyra activated a thermal detonator and dropped it between one of the walker's feet, knocking it over. Sabine and Kyra rode a lift to the upper deck, where they found the arc generator that powered Wren's weapon. As Sabine approached the generator, it began to whir, activating and electrocuting the two women before they could take cover. Kyra groaned as she fell to the ground, writhing in agony as Tiber Saxon strolled into the room.

     He instructed his captain – who wore beskar – to stay back as he took off his helmet, the new Governor of Mandalore wearing Imperial armor.

     Tiber smirked, "Sabine Wren. You truly are brilliant, except for thinking you could infiltrate my ship unnoticed. Sadly, as much as I would like to end your life, I need you alive. You are going to upgrade your little experiment and deliver a weapon that operates at its full potential."

     Breathing hard, Sabine tore off her helmet and claimed that she would never help the Empire.

     Tiber frowned, "Let's see if I can persuade you."

     Before he could activate the weapon again, his captain said, "Governor, stop! This is too much. I understand using the weapon against rebels, but if she makes it more powerful, how will we prevent the Empire from using it against all Mandalorians?"

     "I am the Empire!" Tiber stated. "Palpatine has shown me the way to true power."

     Tiber reactivated the arc generator, this time electrocuting his own man along with Sabine and Kyra.

     "This is not enough power to kill you, just to teach you a lesson that in the end, all of Mandalore will bow to me," Tiber declared as he turned off the generator and a pair of stormtroopers entered the room. "Are you impressed by how well your weapon works? I believe you can do better."

     Kyra finally took off her own helmet, gasping for air as her armor smoldered.

     As the troopers drew their blasters, Tiber raised his own weapon and aimed it at Kyra, "Help me to increase the range of the weapon or she will die."

     Sabine managed to pull herself to her knees, raising her hands as she pleaded, "Stop! I'll do what you want."

     When Kyra tried to stop Sabine, Wren glanced at Kenobi and winked before getting to her feet, her hands still raised.

     "You're doing the right thing, Sabine," Tiber assured Wren. "This weapon of yours, it can unite the houses. It can bring peace."

     "As long as our people are on their knees before you and your Emperor," Sabine sneered as she recalibrated the arc generator.

     "Mandalore must adapt to survive," Tiber claimed. "Would you rather we destroy ourselves in a fight that cannot be won?"

     "At least we'd die free, as true Mandalorians," Sabine replied as she activated the weapon and slowly stood. "It's done. The weapon is at full power now but I'm begging you, don't use it."

     Tiber smirked, "I'll take that into consideration."

     When he tried to electrocute Sabine and Kyra once more, he and the stormtroopers were stunned instead, Wren having turned the Empire's own weapon against them. The Imperial captain ran out of the room, not bothering to try and help the governor who had betrayed him only moments earlier. As Kyra got to her feet, she saw that the weapon was targeting every officer and soldier wearing Imperial armor, disabling the enemy forces.

     Sabine moved closer to Tiber, looming over him as she echoed his own words, "This isn't enough power to kill you, just to make you suffer. How does it feel?"

     When Kyra told Sabine to deactivate the weapon, Wren stated, "Mandalore must be free!"

     "At what cost?" Kyra asked quietly, keeping her voice calm.

     "To beat the Empire, this is the only way," Sabine claimed.

     "But it isn't our way. It's theirs," Kyra replied. "You came here to make things right. Will the future of Mandalore be one of honor or cowardice? Hope or fear? The choice is yours."

     Sabine turned to face Kyra and held her gaze, sighing as she ignited the Darksaber.

     She looked down at the blade, then at the arc generator, raising the weapon over her head as she declared, "For Mandalore."

     Kyra nodded and agreed, "For Mandalore."

     Sabine brought the Darksaber down and destroyed the weapon she had built during her days in the Imperial Academy – the weapon she had used against her people – with the ancient blade of her people. When Kyra heard the lift whirring behind her, she drew her blasters and pivoted to face the intruders, Sabine quickly doing the same.

     Instead, they found Ezra deactivating his lightsaber and raising his hands in the air, "Whoa, wait! No, it's me!"

     As the arc generator began to overheat, Kyra grabbed her comlink and informed Kanan that the power core had been breached.

     "Well, the data's wiped but the stormtroopers are recovering and heading this way," Kanan Jarrus replied.

     "Don't worry about them because this entire place is about to blow," Sabine stated as she, Kyra, and Ezra Bridger boarded the lift.

     The Mandalorians and rebels ignited their jetpacks and flew out of the hangar bay as a series of explosions brought Tiber Saxon's Star Destroyer down, the labyrinthian vessel acting as a symbol of Mandalore's resistance as it fell from the sky.

     Back at the Nite Owls' base, Kyra pulled Sabine and Ursa aside as she said, "This is only the beginning. The Empire will send everything they have to crush Mandalore."

     "That is why you should lead us, my lady," Sabine reiterated.

     Kyra shook her head and countered, "You had the courage to make a difficult decision."

     "With your guidance," Sabine claimed. "You have the wisdom of a ruler. There's no one I trust to wield the Darksaber more than you. And I am not alone."

     Sabine and Countess Ursa Wren led Kyra out of the tent to show her that several of the clans had gathered outside. One by one, Fenn Rau, Clan Vizsla, Clan Rook, Clan Eldar, and Clan Wren voiced their allegiance to the Mandalorian Jedi, the members of Clan Kryze avoiding Bo-Katan's gaze as they did the same.

     Sabine held out the Darksaber, and when Kyra hesitated to take it, she said, "You told me this saber came into my possession for a reason. Now I know why. It came to me so I could pass it to you."

     Kyra locked eyes with Sabine, and after finally taking the Darksaber, she said, "I accept this sword for my mother, for my clan, and for all of Mandalore."

     As Kyra held the ancient weapon over her head and ignited its black blade, the clans knelt before her, all except for her aunt.

     "The Darksaber is not a gift to be given, but a weapon to be won in combat," Bo-Katan reminded her niece in an icy tone.

     "When I was ten years old, I won this saber in a short-lived battle with Darth Maul," Kyra replied. "The blade came back into Maul's possession before being found by Sabine Wren, but neither won the saber in combat, so, as you said earlier, the Darksaber still belongs to me. Even if I hadn't won the saber in combat, maybe war isn't the answer. Look around you! This is what constant infighting between clans has done to our home. We destroyed our world long before the Empire ever came along."

     "You're the one who brought the Empire to our world!" Bo-Katan claimed. "Once they knew you were alive, they doubled their forces and tightened their already suffocating grip on our home. You led the Empire to us and look what it's done. You walked away from your own people."

     "Only because you abandoned me!" Kyra retorted, sighing as she looked down at the ancient weapon in her hands. "I will not fight you, Bo-Katan Kryze, and I will not attempt to peacefully lead my people when I know there will be Mandalorians who follow you in opposition to my rule. I will not draw my people into another civil war."

     As Kyra gave the Darksaber to Bo-Katan, she said, "If you wish to rule Mandalore with this weapon, you must do so while knowing the blade does not truly belong to you."

     As Kyra Kryze-Kenobi turned on her heel and walked away from her aunt, she was surprised to find that every single member of the five clans followed her, all telling Bo-Katan Kryze that even though she possessed the weapon that would supposedly unite all of Mandalore, she was not their leader.