By assigning Maul the task of gathering as much information as possible about Duchess Satine Kryze, Revan was counting on the Zabrak's experience. As the red-skinned acolyte himself recounted, his previous master often used his natural talents for espionage and eliminating undesirables. Once, Sidious even sent him to eliminate his own Master, but unfortunately, the Force was on the target's side that day. Revan didn't tell his student that Sidious, not Maul, should be pitied, as Maul might have avoided his own death. After all, with his current level of training, confronting an experienced Sith would not have been the wisest action. But it was the Master's order.
Maul was not to blame for that failure, and Revan did not doubt his abilities. He only gave some instructions and advice regarding his approach to fulfilling the responsible assignment. However, he could not have imagined that his student would be able to unearth such interesting information about the Duchess.
"So, what did you manage to find out?" Revan asked, hiding his interest.
In the captain's cabin aboard the Eagle, besides the ship's owner and the Zabrak, Tyra Nomad was also present. Her presence was necessary to better understand the current situation surrounding the ruler of Mandalore. Revan would have preferred Sevras Nomad to be present, as he was more experienced in political matters. But the clan leader was busy and preparing for a meeting with the Duchess, where he intended to take Revan as well. So, it wasn't worth pulling him away for a short conversation.
"Thanks to your advice, Master, I was able to obtain some very interesting information," Maul began.
The former Sith nodded with satisfaction, noting his student's resourcefulness. Before his training with Revan, Maul would likely have preferred to use force, through intimidation and eliminating witnesses. That's how he was taught, turning him into a ruthless tool that didn't ask unnecessary questions. That's why Maul wasn't taught complex Force techniques, as it required developing the student's mind and self-discipline, making him stronger and... more dangerous. From what Revan learned about the Sith of that era, he remembered the tradition of inheriting titles and the necessary proof of the student's readiness to surpass the master. Namely, the absurd rivalry between mentor and follower, which was supposed to lead to the death of one of them. The former Jedi considered such an approach foolish and wasteful, especially given the already small number of Dark Side followers. It was no wonder that knowledge was reluctantly passed down, and often even hidden from students, leading to the gradual degradation of the Sith. Only a few reached heights of power comparable to the ancient Sith. And even then, for the most part, they were elevated by the Force itself, bestowing talent or raw power. And it was very rare for newly minted Sith to achieve everything on their own, gathering scraps of information from ancient holocrons and tombs, restoring ancestral records, and conducting countless experiments on the Force, living beings, and even themselves.
All this led to the fact that knowledge of Sith alchemy had practically disappeared. At least, Maul knew nothing about it, although that was not an indicator. However, there were no records of the use of this dark art in the Jedi archives for more than a thousand years.
Revan, on the other hand, wanted his student to use his head for its intended purpose. He was not concerned about the threat of an assassination attempt on his life. At least not yet. Maul was clever enough to understand the benefit for himself. And he felt the difference in power almost instinctively.
And so that the Zabrak could independently verify the effectiveness of a more "delicate" approach, Revan, even before sending his student on the information-gathering mission, conducted a small but very interesting lesson with him. The former Sith demonstrated that sometimes credits worked no worse than Force suggestion. And Mandalore, which had changed after the pacifists came to power, was an excellent "visual aid." After attempting to create a democratic government and abandon centuries-old traditions, class stratification in society had significantly increased, leading to an increased influence of each resident's personal well-being on social relations. Simply put, for some, credits became more important than traditions. Corruption flourished, spreading like a virus and infecting everyone who encountered it in one way or another. Even the law enforcement forces thrown into the fight against this problem eventually found themselves "tainted" in one way or another.
All that was needed was to find someone from the Duchess's residence who needed cash. And there were plenty of such people.
However, now was not the time for reminiscences and philosophical discussions, so Revan hurried his student.
"What did you find out?"
"I managed to bribe the head of one of the palace guard shifts," Maul replied. "He told me some very interesting facts about the life of Satine Kryze and her entourage. One of the maids confirmed the information."
"Not very reliable sources," Revan frowned.
"I checked the information by all available means, Master. I even managed to obtain one of the surveillance recordings from the Duchess's chambers. Most of the information was confirmed," the Zabrak continued.
The mentor nodded, accepting his student's arguments.
"Continue."
"Some time ago, due to the danger of an assassination attempt on the Duchess's life, Parliament requested help from the Republic Senate. They responded by sending two Jedi to protect the Duchess and investigate the situation."
"Master Qui-Gon Jinn and his Padawan, Kenobi," Revan finished for Maul. "We received the same information from another source. So, this information can be considered reliable."
Maul was momentarily thrown off by his mentor's awareness but quickly regained his composure.
"The very fact of the Jedi's visit and their mission is not so important, Master," the Zabrak smirked almost imperceptibly, anticipating his teacher's reaction.
The former Sith raised an eyebrow questioningly.
"What important thing did you find out?" Revan encouraged his student.
"During the Jedi's stay on Mandalore, the Duchess developed romantic feelings for the Padawan," Maul reported, baring his teeth. "And he reciprocated."
Revan struggled to maintain his composure. He could have expected something like this... but not from Kenobi. Qui-Gon's student gave the impression of a convinced follower of the Order's dogmas. For him to risk going against rules and traditions?
"And Satine, it turns out, has a weakness for city boys with swords," Tyra chuckled. "And she looks like a saint, like she's never even held anyone's hand."
The former Sith thoughtfully rubbed his chin.
Or was it something else? Perhaps Kenobi became such a stubborn "righteous man" precisely after the incident with Kryze? Something went wrong, the boy got burned and shut himself off? It would be worth talking to Qui-Gon about this. The boy's mentor couldn't possibly not know about it.
The information was indeed valuable.
"Are there any details about this story? Are they still in contact? How far did their romance go?" the mentor clarified.
"Unfortunately, further information is based only on rumors and servants' tales. However, judging by everything, it went quite far."
"How far?"
"The lady-in-waiting's security at night behind closed doors?" Nomad asked suggestively. "So that no one would disturb her sleep."
"Exactly," Maul nodded. "If the rumors are to be believed, Kenobi guarded the Duchess... around the clock. And Kryze clearly wasn't sleeping alone in her bed. At least, that's what the servants responsible for cleaning the Duchess's chambers claimed."
"Ho-ho, the Duchess decided to have some fun with a Jedi?" the mercenary chuckled. "Not the most honorable behavior. Especially on Mandalore."
"Love is blind," Revan remarked almost "automatically," lost in thought.
The information turned out to be very interesting and potentially useful. But to apply it effectively, some preparation was required. In particular, Qui-Gon's student, along with his mentor, needed to be returned to Mandalore.
"But that's not all, Master," Maul spoke again.
Revan looked up at the Zabrak.
"I'm listening."
"The Duchess is actively interacting with someone from the Republic Senate, effectively following his instructions. Even the pacifist party that brought her to power has faded into the background and has almost lost any control over her."
"Interesting. Is there any information about who she's communicating with?"
"There's no precise information," Maul shook his head. "But I suspect it's my former master."
"Sidious?" Revan asked with slight surprise.
"Yes, Master," the Zabrak confirmed grimly. "There's no proof, but it's his style. He acted similarly when preparing Nute Gunray for the invasion of Naboo."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, Master. Much indicates this, but unfortunately, only indirectly. The periodicity of communication sessions, the type of encryption used for the holocommunication channel, and other minor details."
In principle, Sidious's involvement was quite possible, but Revan couldn't understand why the Sith would need this. Judging by their last meeting, he should be busy confronting his teacher, unless he decided to resume a subordinate position again. Which was unlikely, given Sidious's ambition.
Then, what could the Sith want from Mandalore? To remove him from the path? To ensure that the Mandalorians were finally "de-fanged" and "tied hand and foot"? After the "Purge," they no longer posed a real threat.
Then what? Another attempt to shake up the Senate, as with Naboo? Quite possible. This option was worth considering.
"And it would be good to know the Order's opinion on the events on Naboo," Revan thought. "If Qui-Gon can't say anything, I'll have to contact Yoda. The Grand Master seemed quite rational, unlike the hot-headed Council members."
"Master?" Maul was still awaiting some comment from his mentor.
"Until it's proven, we can't rely on this information," Revan shook his head. "But thank you anyway."
"That's not all, Master," Maul added hastily.
"Anything else?"
"Yes."
"Speak, don't delay."
"When I was in the palace, I almost ran into the Duchess and her retinue."
"You weren't noticed?" Revan frowned.
"No, Master. I was careful... unlike someone in Kryze's retinue," Maul flashed his golden eyes.
"Explain," the former Sith demanded, guessing the meaning of his student's words.
"There is a gifted individual among the Duchess's entourage," the Zabrak revealed, looking directly into Revan's eyes.
"Who?" the mentor asked in an icy tone.
"I couldn't determine the source of the disturbance in the Force, but I clearly felt the presence of a Force user nearby. And a very strong one, clearly trained and hiding his abilities, as we shielded ourselves from each other almost simultaneously," Maul confessed, lowering his eyes to the floor.
"Were you detected?"
"I apologize, Master, I didn't react quickly enough, and my presence was surely felt," the Zabrak knelt.
"Get up," Revan snapped irritably. "I think I've already said that I don't like formalities and blind subservience."
"Yes, Master," Maul immediately stood up. "I apologize."
"It's alright," the mentor softened. "Your information is indeed useful."
"Thank you, Master."
Maul was pleased that he had fulfilled his mentor's assignment. For the first time since the beginning of his training, when he was taken from Dathomir, he genuinely wanted... to follow instructions, carry out orders, and receive praise and new knowledge for it. After all, unlike his previous master, Revan truly "taught" the Zabrak. He didn't break him, seeking only unconditional obedience, but made him think and learn something new. He explained Force techniques and gave valuable advice on handling a lightsaber... And, among other things, his mentor was Revan himself! The very Lord from ancient legends who managed to subjugate the galaxy... twice!
Revan marveled at the power his new apprentice possessed, and yearned for such might himself!
Revan sensed the apprentice's thirst for knowledge for the sake of personal power. It was characteristic of all Sith. The thirst needed to be curbed, otherwise, one could lose oneself and descend into madness. And so, in his teachings, the former general primarily focused on developing his apprentice's mind.
A dangerous path. But Revan felt he was acting in the only right way. Only then could the apprentice unlock his potential and accomplish what the Force had destined for him.
"You've tried excellently, apprentice," Revan praised the Zabrak. "Rest, I'll have a new assignment for you later."
"As you command, Master," Maul bowed.
"Go," the mentor gestured towards the door with a nod.
The apprentice had already turned and was heading for the exit when the mentor spoke again.
"And one more thing. We have a prisoner in the cargo hold, an officer from the Death Watch, and by coincidence, the Duchess's younger sister."
"I know nothing about a younger sister. No one at the palace even mentioned her, as if they didn't know of her existence," the Zabrak replied immediately.
"I see," Revan nodded. "Go. Do not make contact with the prisoner. HK is guarding her."
"As you command, Master," Maul bowed once more and left the captain's cabin.
As soon as the door closed, Revan turned to Nomad. The mercenary stood leaning against the wall near the terminal table, thoughtfully rubbing one of the clasps on her helmet.
"He's strange," she said after a few moments of silence.
"He was a student of a Sith who adhered to orthodox teaching methods for a long time," Revan shrugged. "And those methods are... to break and subjugate."
"Sounds more like training."
"It is. For many Sith, apprentices were just 'pets,' weapons, and tools, not someone to whom knowledge and experience should be passed on. And there were reasons for that."
"For example?"
"For example, fallen, dark Jedi, and simply savages who found themselves in a place with a strong concentration of the Dark Side of the Force. Any representative of these categories is too susceptible to the influence of the Dark and easily falls into a rage, succumbing to emotions. They cannot be taught by conventional methods... Or rather, they can, but it's difficult and extremely dangerous."
"Maul doesn't seem like a madman," Nomad noted.
"He's a talented Force-sensitive with a tendency towards the Dark, but he's excellent at controlling himself. I don't know if his restraint is natural or if he managed to develop it through training and pain, but it's considerable. He's not stupid and has great potential."
"And he's dangerous."
"Without a doubt."
"But you continue to teach him," Tira stated.
"Yes, I do."
"Isn't that foolish?"
Revan thought for a few moments, choosing his words.
"It's hard to explain. I just know it's necessary."
"Your magic again?"
"Not only," the former Jedi shook his head. "Also intuition."
"As you say," Nomad shrugged. "But if one day a crimson blade enters your back, remember – I warned you."
"Oh, I'm touched by your concern," Revan chuckled. "I promise I'll appear in your nightmares every year."
"Thanks, I'll pass," the mercenary snorted. "What are our next steps?"
"We wait for Sevras to arrange an audience."
"Then I suppose I'll rest."
Night was falling on Mandalore.
"Sweet dreams, Tira Nomad," the former Jedi said to the Mandalorian as she left the cabin.
"And to you, Revan."
The message from the head of the Nomad clan arrived three days later. Revan spent the waiting time productively, finally dedicating more time to checking Anakin's progress in his initial training. The boy showed excellent results, and the mentor decided that full-fledged training could begin in the near future. That's when Skywalker would understand why Maul and HK had pushed him so hard. After all, in addition to the mental load when studying the simplest Force techniques, there would be a colossal physical load when fully mastering the first form of lightsaber combat. Moreover, the boy would first have to wield a heavier vibroblade before the mentor would give him permission to use a training lightsaber.
Maul, meanwhile, received a new assignment. Revan ordered him to find out as much information as possible about the Duchess's secret patron and to make sure he was truly connected to Sidious.
The prisoner behaved quite quietly, mostly lost in her own thoughts. It seemed that some of the information Revan had shared with her had raised many questions for the girl regarding the Watch and its leader. This was beneficial to the former Sith, so he did not rush her for a new conversation, only visiting her place of confinement once. And that was only to hand over a datapad with the information that HK, Maul, and the Mandalorian clans had managed to gather on the Death Watch.
Now, this was his second visit, not counting the interrogation. And he had only one goal.
"I'm going to meet with Satine Kryze," Revan announced from the doorway. "Should I pass anything from you?"
Bo-Katan gave the guest a surprised look, as if wanting to clarify if she had heard correctly.
Revan remained silent, waiting for an answer.
No matter how brave the younger Kryze was, the clan and family were not an empty sound to her. This thought struck the former Sith thanks to Tira, who had been indignant for a long time about the prisoner's behavior during their first conversation. Bo-Katan had joined the Watch to defend the Mandalorians' right to observe their traditions. And caring for family was one of the pillars of their society.
A full minute passed before the prisoner decided to answer.
"I'm alive," she said curtly. "She doesn't need to know anything else."
"Alright," Revan nodded and left the cargo hold, leaving the younger Kryze under HK's supervision, who was lamenting the prisoner's lack of initiative.
"HK, no foolishness," the former Jedi warned, hearing something like "Proposal: Accidentally forget a blaster in the compartment and don't lock the door..." in the droid's quiet muttering.
"Affirmative: I am vigilance itself, Master!" the mechanical killer responded cheerfully.
"She is a valuable prisoner."
"Understood... Master," HK confirmed the change in the guarded object's status, his voice drooping.
Mentally, Revan asked the Force to at least spare the droid from foolishness today and let him go to the meeting with the Duchess in peace.
For the meeting with Satine Kryze, the former Sith chose the guise of Avner Van, concealing armor elements under the traditional robes of the Order. He had to forgo the mask.
At the appointed time, on Heritage Square, not far from the spaceport, a young Jedi Knight in simple gray-brown robes emerged from a rented aerocar and began to wait for his escort. He was accompanied by a droid. A simple R2 series astromech.
Even on Mandalore, which had changed after the pacifists came to power, such a sight was rare. Therefore, the Jedi inevitably attracted the attention of passersby. However, this did not bother him at all. He waited.
"If I had appeared in such company thirty years ago, I fear neither of us would have reached the palace alive," Sevras Nomad, who appeared a few minutes later, assessed Revan's appearance.
"Times change," Revan smiled.
"Not always for the better," Nomad replied grimly.
"Perhaps. It's not for me to judge."
"But you do judge, don't you?" the Mandalorian chuckled.
The Jedi nodded, spreading his hands. There was nothing to argue with.
"Well, let's go," Nomad indicated the aerocar on which he himself had arrived at the meeting place, but noticed the droid. "You have an astromech with you?"
"Yes, this is R2D2," Revan introduced his little assistant.
"This could be a problem," Sevras shook his head. "The droid won't be allowed to see the Duchess. The guards will ask you to leave him in the reception area."
"That's acceptable," Revan nodded.
"Also, you cannot come to the meeting in armor. You're not wearing any, are you?"
"Separate elements, the power source is not connected, the power circuit is not closed, so the scanners won't detect it."
"But what's the use of it in that state?"
"An extra moment can save a life," Revan shrugged. "Even in this state, it will protect better than just a Jedi robe."
"That same robe, made on the principle of thread armor?" Nomad drawled sarcastically. "Not every blaster will pierce it with the first shot."
"A simple knight cannot afford such a luxury," the Jedi shook his head mournfully. "And I am far from a master."
The Mandalorian just rolled his eyes in response.
"Get in. Droid back."
The journey to the capital residence did not take long, as Mandalore was a sparsely populated world. Especially when compared to Coruscant.
The landing platform for members of parliament and high-ranking guests was separated from the civilian aerocar parking lot. The platform itself was patrolled by two... hmm, guards? Revan looked closely at the unfamiliar gray uniform. It looked light, without reinforced plates made of duraplast, let alone beskar or polymer steel. The picture was completed by dense vests of the same fabric and helmets of a strange shape, completely unlike the traditional ones for Mandalorian soldiers. Among the equipment, the shield mounted on each of their backs and a short baton, similar in shape to the weapons of the Coruscant Justice Corps, immediately caught his eye.
"Who are those on the platform?" he asked Sevras.
Nomad followed his interlocutor's gaze and grimaced contemptuously.
"This is what our armed forces have turned into. The so-called 'Mandalorian Police' or, if you prefer, the Mandalorian Guard. Although, you will still see the latter guarding the Duchess. They look a little different. But in terms of combat capabilities, both of them... are ridiculously weak."
"What kind of armor is that? Threaded?"
"Fiber. A further development of almost forgotten Echani technologies. The result, however, turned out not as strong as the original, but much cheaper and simpler to produce."
"Will it withstand a blaster?"
"Only a hand blaster and from a great distance. A carbine will pierce it through."
"And what is your police armed with?"
"A duraplast shield and a stun baton," Nomad replied briefly.
"And blaster weapons?"
"None."
"What do you mean?" Revan was surprised.
"Just like that. In the government's opinion, the new policy of a peaceful Mandalore should be demonstrated starting with law enforcement agencies."
"Making them 'toothless' and weak for the amusement of any passing gang?"
Nomad just shrugged in response.
"Don't ask me. Their main task is to maintain law and order and deal with minor incidents among the population. Carrying weapons is forbidden for civilians on Mandalore, so the 'police' are more or less coping with their duties. They have some skills."
Revan shook his head and put his hand to his face.
"How has your parliament not been stormed yet?"
"If that happens, the result will be complete chaos. I wouldn't risk making precise predictions, but a new civil war will inevitably begin," Sevras explained, lowering the aerocar to the platform. "There are more people who have kept their beskar'gam and weapons, hiding them well in their homes, than many think. If they decide to remember their heritage, Mandalore faces a not-so-pleasant future."
"Not to mention the inevitable intervention of the Republic, since your world actively interacts with the Senate. And that would mean intervention and suppression of the conflict by the Justice Corps, after which the planet could lose its sovereignty. All, of course, for the sake of the stability of the galactic community," Revan recited sarcastically, imitating the manner of speech of some senators.
"Everything is exactly like that," Nomad agreed. "Therefore, neither the Watch nor we are taking active measures. At least, not openly."
"This is the situation we are trying to rectify. But first, we need to understand what Satine Kryze is and who is behind her."
By this time, the aerocar had landed and the engines had been shut down.
The police patrol had already approached and was waiting for the passengers to disembark.
"Good day, Deputy Governor," one of the guards respectfully greeted Sevras. "We are glad to see you. Who is your companion?"
"Good day, Lieutenant. This is a representative of the Jedi Order, Knight Avner Van, who arrived with me to meet the Duchess. The visit has been coordinated with the parliamentary chancellery."
The guard checked the records on a small datapad.
"And the droid?"
"My assistant," the Jedi clarified.
"He will have to be left near the entrance."
"That is acceptable."
"Welcome, Knight Van," the policeman greeted Revan with a slight bow, then turned to Sevras. "Deputy Governor, you are expected."
"Thank you."
Gesturing for Revan to follow him, Nomad moved towards the high doors leading from the platform into the Duchess's residence building.
Near the entrance, on both sides, stood two more... apparently, guards. Apparently, Sevras had mentioned them earlier. Unlike the police officers, these Mandalorians wore more imposing armor, although it still bore little resemblance to traditional beskar'gam. The chest, part of the torso, and shoulders were covered with reinforced duraplast plates with cortosis coating, judging by the specific shine. The arms and legs, however, were covered only by woven armor, which was good for mobility but was a serious vulnerability. The helmet, crowned with a wide "fan," was particularly striking. Revan could not guess why this particular image was chosen. As for weapons, these guards only had a strange spear with a blunt tip, in which Revan recognized the same modified stun baton that gangs on Taris used to favor.
"The very Mandalorian Guards?" Revan clarified as he and Nomad passed through the welcomingly open doors.
"Yes," Sevras replied briefly.
"Not impressive," the former Sith declared.
"Unfortunately," Nomad agreed.
"They remind me of the Senate Guard. They're fine as an honor guard, but as a means of defense... questionable."
"As regrettable as it is."
Immediately beyond the doors, Sevras and Revan were met by an escort who offered to proceed to the official meeting hall. R2 had to be left in the care of local technicians, who arrived just a few minutes after the escort sent them a request.
"R2, behave yourself," Revan uttered the code phrase instructively.
"D-dit!" the astromech confirmed the order.
Soon, the local network will face a small attack. But that's already the security service's headache. Revan was confident in the droid's abilities.
Inside, the residence turned out to be quite spacious. Halls with high ceilings and wide corridors with transparent roofs did not fit Revan's perception of Mandalore as he remembered it. He was accustomed to the military practicality of Mandalorian buildings, which resembled fortifications and bunkers more than palaces.
But what he saw now would have been more fitting for the royal house of Naboo. However, it was worth remembering that Mandalore now also had a monarch, albeit one whose hands were tied by parliament.
And the official meeting hall reminded him of this... in spades. Revan would have compared it more to a throne room than to a government official's reception room.
"Pompous," the former Jedi uttered almost inaudibly.
"A credit to Republican architects. The palace was built fifty years after the Purge," Nomad replied just as quietly.
"Well preserved."
"Mandalorians built it," Sevras stated with pride.
The Duchess sat on a throne elevated above the entire hall, surrounded by a small retinue and guards. All as befitted a monarch.
The extent to which Mandalore had changed greatly surprised Revan.
"Your Highness, Deputy Governor Sevras Nomad and Jedi Knight Avner Van have arrived to meet with you," the escort proclaimed.
Satine Kryze... Despite the obvious similarity in appearance to her sister, the contrast between the Duchess and Bo-Katan was striking. If the younger looked like a true Mandalorian and behaved like a warrior whose honor had been tarnished by defeat, then Satine appeared as a hereditary aristocrat. Elaborate clothing and makeup that resembled traditional Nabooian monarchical images more than Mandalorian armor, a stern and commanding gaze, and a complete lack of emotion on her face.
"Thank you," the Duchess acknowledged the escort's words with a nod. "Gentlemen, I am pleased to welcome you. Knight Van, it is pleasant to see that the Order has not forgotten us, although the purpose of your visit is unclear to me."
Despite the girl's face remaining impassive, the tone of her voice had subtly changed. Notes of displeasure were clearly audible.
"Merely a gesture of courtesy, Duchess Satine," Revan bowed. "I have arrived on Mandalore to visit my friend and deemed it necessary to pay my respects."
The Duchess raised an eyebrow almost imperceptibly, expressing surprise.
"It is gratifying to know that Mandalorians have been able to forget past feuds with the Order and have followed my example by making new acquaintances with the guardians of peace," Kryze said with a hint of suspicion in her voice.
"We serve as an example for the people, as their chosen ones," Nomad stated. "If this is Mandalore's new path, then there is nothing wrong with giving the relationship between the Order and the Mando'ade another chance."
"I am glad that you hold such views, Deputy Governor," the Duchess nodded benevolently.
The next moment, Revan felt something that made him divert his attention from the politicians' speeches and focus on the Force.
A Force-sensitive. He was nearby! But as soon as he tried to grasp the trail of the Force user's presence, it disappeared. All Revan managed to understand was that whoever it was, they were not in this hall.
The former Jedi cautiously "probed" the Duchess's surroundings. They were all ordinary Mandalorians, without a trace of Force abilities. No, the Force-sensitive was definitely not in this hall. The echo of presence was much further away, but it led here. So, he was somehow connected to the Duchess? Quite possible.
"Well, since we have finished with the official greeting, I suggest we move to my office and discuss trade matters," Satine Kryze's voice, already rising from her throne, brought Revan back to reality.
"Certainly," Sevras agreed with the proposal.
"Will I be intruding?" the former Jedi inquired.
"Not at all," the Duchess waved her hand. "We have no secrets."
Revan nodded gratefully and followed the Duchess and Nomad into the adjacent room.
Kryze's office turned out to be much cozier than the ornate throne room and did not shine with gold from every inch of the surrounding space.
The setting was much more practical and familiar to Revan, which earned the elder Kryze a few "points" in the former Jedi's eyes.
"Would you like something to drink, gentlemen?" Satine offered, pointing to a table with several elegant bottles filled with undoubtedly noble beverages from all over the galaxy.
"Thank you, but no," Sevras declined.
Revan supported Nomad in this decision.
After offering the guest to sit and wait while they finished discussing urgent matters with the Deputy Governor, the Duchess and the head of the Nomad clan began to analyze the trade policy of the Keldabe region.
Revan, despite his detached appearance, listened attentively to every word and caught Kryze's slightest gestures and facial expressions, forming a "portrait" of the Mandalorian Duchess for himself. She could not be denied strength of spirit; she held herself confidently, and there was no trace of acting. All her movements were rather instinctive, which spoke of strict upbringing or long training. Whoever prepared Satine Kryze to become the head of Mandalore's government did a good job.
The Duchess was a true proponent of pacifism, to the point of fanaticism, and at the same time sincerely considered herself a patriot of Mandalore, leading her people to a bright future, unaware of the abyss into which her new path led. And this caused alarm. Revan did not want to deal with fanatics.
Moreover, based on the trade decisions... or rather, judging by the phrases and intonation with which they were spoken, Satine was not getting closer to the Republic of her own free will. Something or someone was pressuring her, forcing her to bow to the Senate, exacerbating relations with Mandalore's opposition. She did not like this, but she took no measures to counteract it.
Either the Duchess was satisfied with the ultimate goal of this strange game, or she simply didn't know whom to trust. And alone, she lacked the strength, resources, or experience to resist the manipulator.
Any option was possible.
"Thank you for waiting, Knight Van," Kryze's voice drew Revan's attention, as she finished discussing business matters with Nomad.
"I'll wait in the throne room," Sevras politely bowed to the Duchess and left the office, leaving Revan alone with the Duchess... as planned.
"Avner is fine," the Jedi smiled.
"Well, then you can also address me by my name," the Duchess replied to his smile.
"If propriety allows."
At this remark, the royal personage let out a melodious chuckle.
"You remind me of another representative of your Order who visited our world a few years ago."
"Are you perhaps referring to Master Qui-Gon?" Revan asked casually.
"Yes, precisely him," Satine confirmed with slight surprise. "Are you acquainted?"
"Yes, he was the one who brought me into the Order in due time," Revan almost did not lie.
"And how is Master Qui-Gon?"
"As far as I know, he is well now," Revan mused, as if recalling something. "However, quite recently he was seriously injured on Naboo. He and his apprentice were opposed by a very well-prepared opponent."
"Apprentice?" a distinct note of anxiety crept into her voice. "I hope he is also alright?"
"Yes, Kenobi is a tough guy," the former Sith smiled, noting the changes on Kryze's much more emotional face.
"Kenobi?" she repeated. "Is Obi-Wan still a Padawan?"
"Yes, although he is already ready for trials. However, I don't know the details. The decision on a student's readiness is made by his mentor."
"I understand," the Duchess said with a hint of sadness.
Revan sensed the girl's mood. Apparently, Obi-Wan and Satine had joint plans after the young man became a Knight. Was Kenobi perhaps considering leaving the Order?
"'This would free Qui-Gon's hands'," the thought flashed through the former Sith's mind.
"I heard that Master Qui-Gon and his Padawan then flew to Mandalore to investigate the assassination attempt on you?" Revan asked a new question.
"Oh, yes, as regrettable as it is."
And Satine Kryze recounted to the former Jedi a story he already knew, adding a few details known only to her. Revan skillfully led the conversation, asking seemingly ordinary questions that, however, compelled the Duchess to share more and more detailed information.
"And how are things with the radicals on Mandalore now? I heard there was an explosion on Concordia recently?" Revan changed the subject, having learned all he wanted about the Duchess's acquaintance with Kenobi.
"Everything is stable. Our law enforcement forces are successfully coping with their duties. As for the explosion, it was an accident in one of the old mines," Kryze gave the official version.
"I'm glad to hear that," Revan smiled, "I was already about to offer my help."
"Thank you, but that won't be necessary," Satine politely declined the offer, pausing for a moment.
"Well, if that is your path, then I can only accept it," Revan shrugged.
For a brief moment, Kryze's face turned to stone, but the Duchess quickly regained her composure and smiled.
"You are well-informed about our traditions, Avner."
"Much connects me to Mandalore."
"For example?"
"It's a long story, and I wouldn't want to take up your time," the former Jedi shook his head, "Especially considering you have a retinue waiting."
And in the next moment, there was a knock on the door, and then a girl in a strict dress with a datapad in her hand peeked into the office.
"Mistress, it's time for you to prepare for your trip... Oh, excuse me, I didn't know you had a meeting."
"Thank you, Antis, I'll be right there," Satine dismissed her subordinate with a nod.
"I told you. You don't have time to listen to me," Revan smiled.
"From where... Ah, yes, the Force. Am I right?"
"Absolutely."
"Well, I suppose it's time for us to go."
"I wouldn't dare keep you any longer," the Jedi rose from his seat.
They left the office together. A retinue, which had grown considerably during the conversation, awaited the Duchess by the throne. It seemed many were expecting new instructions or were preparing to report on completed tasks.
And again, the Force felt the presence of a gifted individual! Significantly closer!
Revan instinctively began to probe the space around him. Unlike the unknown opponent, he had no reason to hide. Everyone already knew he was a "Jedi."
The former Sith trusted the Force and followed the direction his intuition pointed. A wave of surprise, then panic, came from the unknown, and the contact broke. However, Revan managed to understand something. He had met this gifted individual before... And recently.
And it was someone from Kryze's retinue. Someone from those who arrived after Sevras, Revan, and Kryze had retired to the office. And there were many of them. Too many to determine for sure without thoroughly checking each one. And he didn't want to scare off the unknown. This could prevent Maul from gathering information about him. He had to act cautiously.
"Tell me, Satine, do you happen to have any Jedi among your retinue?" Revan asked, half-jokingly.
"Among my retinue are only natives of Mandalore. Gifted individuals haven't been born among them for a very long time," the Duchess replied politely.
"Perhaps you should invite someone then?"
"Are you hinting at yourself, Avner? Is that some kind of flirtation accepted in the Order?" Kryze replied ironically, turning it all into a joke.
"Unfortunately, I have taken vows. But perhaps we should call some old friends?"
"There's no reason for that," the Duchess waved him off, but her tone became much more serious.
"As you wish," Revan shrugged, "Just remember that you have someone to help you."
"Thank you for an interesting conversation, Knight Van."
"And thank you for your hospitality, Duchess Satine."
After bidding farewell to the thoughtful Kryze, Revan joined Nomad and headed for the exit.
"Successful?" Sevras asked quietly.
"Later."
They walked out in silence. They picked up the droid without a word and got into the aerocar.
"R2?" Revan addressed the astromech.
"Beep-boop!"
"Excellent," the former Sith smiled.
The network intrusion at the Duchess's residence was never discovered. Only on Satine's terminal, a single email from an unknown sender appeared, containing only one phrase: "I am alive."
The very next day, a Padawan at the Temple on Coruscant received a letter from an old acquaintance. She asked for help.