Two moons later...

Chapter Seventy-Four
Obi-Wan

I sat in the quiet of the library, lost in the texts I'd been studying, when the holotransmitter buzzed. I picked it up, and Master Yoda's face appeared, his wise eyes crinkling as he greeted me.

"Master," I said, inclining my head.

"Good it is to see you, Obi-Wan," Yoda replied. "A mission for you and her highness Mira, I have—if she is in condition to leave and move around."

I nodded, though I felt a twinge of concern. "I'll ask her," I replied, knowing how close she was to her due date. Yoda nodded in understanding before ending the transmission, and I quickly gathered my things, heading toward the med bay where Mira had been stationed.

It had been months since she received the news that she was pregnant, and now, with only a few weeks to go, it was hard not to feel a complex mix of emotions every time I saw her. The ache of knowing she was carrying Anakin's child—my best friend's child—had taken time to accept. But now, that feeling had softened into something else, a quieter pride in her strength and grace. Mira was a queen, a warrior in her own right, and balancing her roles as a Jedi and royal had only made me admire her more.

When I entered the med bay, she looked up and offered me a warm, tired smile. I noted the faint shadows beneath her eyes, the toll that carrying a child while still serving her people and the Jedi was taking.

"Obi," she greeted, her grin lighting up her face despite her fatigue. I stepped forward, leaning down to kiss her cheek, and she returned the gesture. Her eyes searched the room instinctively.

"Where is Anakin?" she asked, and I felt that familiar pang of longing and loss, though it was easier to bear now.

"He's out training with Ahsoka," I replied gently, seeing the slight deflation in her posture. "But he'll be back soon."

"Of course," she murmured, recovering her smile quickly as she tilted her head, curiosity brightening her eyes. "So, why are you here, Obi?"

I took a deep breath and pulled out the holotransmitter, Yoda's small, green form flickering to life between us.

"It is good to see you, Queen Mira," Yoda said, his tone warm with respect.

"As it is you, Master Yoda," she replied, bowing her head with a gracious smile. "Now, what's this mission you have for us?"

Yoda's expression turned serious. "To Mandalore, you must go," he said, "and speak with Duchess Satine. Darkness, I sense, broods in every corner of that planet."

Mira's expression turned thoughtful, her hand absently drifting to rest on her belly. I felt a protective instinct surge within me, and I gently placed a hand on her shoulder. "Mira," I began, my voice gentle but firm, "I know you're dedicated to your duty, but you're due in a few weeks. You shouldn't push yourself."

She looked up at me, her eyes warm and unwavering. "I appreciate your concern, Obi-Wan, but I can do this," she said, her voice steady. "Besides, Duchess Satine and I have a lot in common—we're both leaders, and maybe I can help her see things from a new perspective."

Yoda nodded approvingly. "Careful, though, you must be. Danger lurks close to Satine and her people."

She placed her hand over mine, a small smile on her lips. "Don't worry, Obi-Wan. I'll take every precaution."

I nodded, knowing that there was no stopping her when she'd set her mind on something. "Then let's get ready," I said, feeling the familiar anticipation of an impending mission and the calm that came from knowing we would face it together.

-

Mira

After a tense argument with Anakin, I stormed onto the freighter that would take us to Mandalore, trying to shake off the frustration lingering from our heated words. I knew he was only concerned for me and the baby, but sometimes his protectiveness felt more like a cage than comfort.

Obi-Wan stepped aboard not long after, casting me a sympathetic look as he approached. He seemed to understand without me even saying a word. "Be careful, alright?" he murmured, his tone light yet laced with genuine concern. "I'd rather not have your husband breathing down my neck for this."

I couldn't help but laugh softly, the tension easing a bit. "Don't worry, Obi-Wan," I assured him with a small smile. "I won't give him any reason to haunt you."

Obi-Wan chuckled, but the worry in his eyes didn't quite vanish. "You know I'm always here for you," he added quietly, a steadying presence in the flurry of emotions that had surrounded me all day.

"Thank you," I replied, feeling a familiar warmth settle over me. In moments like these, his friendship felt like an anchor—a reminder that I wasn't facing all of this alone.

As the freighter took off, I took a deep breath, readying myself for whatever waited on Mandalore, grateful for the support by my side.

-

Soon enough, we touched down on Mandalore, the landscape of the planet stark and beautiful beneath the thin light. A guard approached us as we disembarked, his headdress adorned with delicate lilies that caught my attention—it was an unexpectedly beautiful touch amid the austere surroundings.

"Greetings, Master Jedi," he said, inclining his head respectfully. "Come, the Duchess awaits."

Obi-Wan and I exchanged a quick glance before following him. The Mandalorian guard led us through the grand halls of Sundari's palace, where elegance and power merged in a way that only Mandalore could master. I could feel Obi-Wan's calm resolve beside me, though I knew that this mission carried a particular weight for him, given his shared history with Satine.

As we approached the throne room, I took a steadying breath, hand instinctively drifting to my belly. Mandalore had always been a place of tension, and the Duchess's role here was as fragile as ever. But if we could help her keep the peace, maybe we could prevent the shadows gathering here from spilling over into the rest of the galaxy.

The guard stopped in front of the throne room doors, nodding for us to enter. "The Duchess Satine will be pleased to see you," he said, bowing as he stepped aside.

With Obi-Wan beside me, I entered, ready to face whatever challenges awaited us.

Satine sat regally on her throne, exuding a calm, dignified presence that filled the room. Her gaze was as steady as I'd heard it described—piercing yet warm, a ruler's gaze that seemed to see everything at once. I stepped forward with Obi-Wan by my side, bowing respectfully.

"Duchess," I greeted, letting my voice reflect the respect I held for her, both as a leader and as a woman who'd faced countless challenges in maintaining peace on Mandalore.

Satine inclined her head, her serene expression softening as she glanced between Obi-Wan and me. "Welcome, Master Jedi, your Highness," she replied in a graceful voice. "It's an honor to host you both here on Mandalore." Her eyes lingered for a moment on Obi-Wan, a flicker of familiarity warming her expression.

Obi-Wan inclined his head, returning her look with a slight smile, though his stance remained formal. "It's always a pleasure, Duchess," he replied, his tone calm but filled with a depth that hinted at the history between them.

"I understand you've come on a matter of urgency," Satine continued, her gaze shifting back to me. "What is it I can do for the Republic this time?"

I took a breath, choosing my words carefully. "We've received reports of increasing unrest here, possibly influenced by outside forces," I explained. "Master Yoda believes it would be wise to ensure that Mandalore remains stable—and if we can help, we're here to offer any assistance we can."

Satine's gaze turned thoughtful, shadows crossing her eyes. "Mandalore has been peaceful, but I fear that peace is more fragile than ever," she admitted. "I've heard whispers of insurgents operating in the shadows... and there are few on Mandalore who would not take any excuse to return us to a warrior's path." She sighed, her shoulders dipping for just a moment before she straightened once more. "If you are here to help, then I welcome it."

Obi-Wan gave her a reassuring nod. "We'll do everything we can to keep that peace, Duchess. You have our word."

Her lips curled into a faint smile. "Thank you, both of you. Mandalore is grateful for your help."

Satine rose from her throne with a graceful ease, extending her hand instinctively to Obi-Wan. He took it without hesitation, his face softening as he looked at her. With her hand resting lightly in his, she descended the steps of her throne, her poise and elegance making the entire hall seem to still around her.

When she reached me, she smiled warmly. "Come," she said, her voice inviting and gentle. "Why don't we have dinner together? I'm sure you're both famished after your journey."

I exchanged a quick glance with Obi-Wan, who gave a slight nod of agreement, and I couldn't help but smile in return. "Thank you, Duchess. We'd be honored to join you."

Satine led us through the winding corridors of her palace to a private dining hall, the atmosphere warm and inviting. The table was set with care, the golden lights casting a soft glow over the room.

As we sat down, Satine looked at me with genuine curiosity, her eyes drifting briefly to my belly before returning to meet mine. "How is the child?" she asked, her tone gentle and sincere.

I placed a hand on my stomach, smiling. "Healthy and active, thank you," I replied. "Though I'll admit, traveling feels a bit different these days."

Satine chuckled softly, glancing at Obi-Wan. "Well, it seems we all find ourselves in unexpected places." She poured us each a glass of wine, her eyes twinkling. "To unexpected paths and to the bonds that sustain us, no matter where they lead."

We raised our glasses, the three of us sharing a quiet toast. As the meal began, I felt a sense of peace settle over us, a rare respite amidst the tension and chaos that had followed us all for so long.

Satine smirked as she looked between Obi-Wan and me, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "So, how have you two been getting along?" she teased lightly.

Obi-Wan flushed, and I felt my own cheeks warm. "Ah—n-no, it's not... us," I stammered, clearing my throat quickly. "There's someone else, but thank you." Obi-Wan cleared his throat as well, awkwardly looking away. "And, of course, I... well, that life isn't an option for me," he added softly, looking toward Satine, who met his gaze knowingly.

"I do understand, Obi-Wan," she replied gently, her voice carrying a hint of bittersweetness. I looked between them, sensing a deeper history than I'd realized, a story written in the small glances and the lingering silence between them.

To break the tension, I smiled and complimented the food, "My compliments to the chef. Everything is exceptional."

Satine returned my smile, pride flickering in her eyes. "Thank you, Queen Mira. We have some of the best chefs here on Mandalore, I assure you."

As she took a sip of her wine, I leaned in slightly, steepling my fingers. "Now, this darkness on Mandalore," I began cautiously, "do you know anything about its source?"

Satine sighed, her expression darkening slightly. "There is... a group that calls themselves Death Watch. They've been causing disturbances, small attacks here and there, defacing our murals and monuments." She waved a hand dismissively, but there was an edge to her tone. "Nothing truly dangerous yet, but they seem to be escalating. Their ideals oppose the peace we've worked so hard to build."

I glanced at Obi-Wan, noting his frown. Death Watch. The name carried a sense of foreboding, and I could feel the concern weighing on both of us. Satine's voice dropped slightly, and she looked out at the city lights beyond the palace windows. "They seek a return to Mandalore's warrior past, something I fear could unravel all we've done."

"We'll do everything we can to help," Obi-Wan assured her, his voice steady. "The Republic won't let Mandalore fall into chaos."

Satine nodded, her gaze lingering on him for a moment longer before she looked back at me. "Thank you. For now, we watch, we prepare, and we continue on this path of peace."

Dinner continued with a lighter conversation, but the shadow of Death Watch lingered in the back of our minds, a silent reminder of the fragility of the peace Satine had fought so hard to keep.