A return to the Jedii

Authors Note: This story is of my own creation; based on characters and situations created, and owned, by Lucas Film Ltd., Disney Corp., and/ or the various authors. No copyright, or trademark, infringement is intended.


      Chapter 000 - Yaimpar at Te Jetii [Mandalorian for: A Return to the Jedi]

Location: Ossus

Time:  Present: 45 years ABY (After the Battle of Yavin 4)

The Jedi Master sat in a meditative, crossed legged, position overlooking the Jedi Academy. Though only a few hundred yards away; the ancient stone building still looked as close as ever.  He used the Force to see the various life forms walking to-and-fro off to who-knows-where. For reasons, known only to the Force, he began to remember his youth on…. No he was not going to remember his past; a past he vaped more than 33 years ago.

“Master,” said the voice of Nahdar; Tan’mar’s latest Padawan.

“Yes, Nahdar, what is it,” Tan’mar’ replied.

“It is near the appointed hour, master,” Nahdar replied.

“Then let’s not keep the Force waiting,” Tan’mar’ finally said smiling. This was a joke Tan’mar’ had with his Padawan.

The two walked, from their current location, to an area 50 meters away. In this location younglings were practicing with their practice sabers. As Tan’mar’ approached the area Master Vao ordered her students to turn off their sabers.  She then looked toward Tan’mar’, and Nahdar, and gave them a nod; greeting them.

“Younglings, for many weeks know a Master has stopped by to show you the many forms of lightsaber combat…,” Master Vao began.

The younglings started to look bored.

“Today we have a Master who will show you how to fight with not one, but with two lightsabers,” Master Vao continued.

The youngling’s interest perked up.

“I would like to introduce you to Master Dioro,” Master Vao introduced.

“Good afternoon Master Dioro,” the younglings said together.

“Good afternoon; fellow children of the Force,” Tan’mar’ replied.

     After two hours of instruction; the class was dismissed. As the younglings left, to their homes, Tan’mar’ walked up to Master Vao to talk to her.

“Juno, I have been tasked to deliver those of my blood to our home,“ Tan’mar’ said.

“Of course Tan’mar’,” said Juno.

So it was that Tan’mar’, and Nahdar, took Tan’mar’s seven bu'ad [grandchildren] and headed to the Dioro household.

Several hours later, in the Dioro home, we find chaos in the living area.

“But Ba’buir [grandparent],” Ala, Tan’mar’s oldest grandchild, began, “I am sh'ehn [eight] years old and my buir [mother] said….”

“My ad [in this case daughter] has placed your well being in my charge, while she and your buir [father] are out serving the Order you will ijaat [honor] my status as your Ba’buir and Jetii [Jedi] Master,” Tan’mar’ strictly countered.

“Yes, Ba’buir,” Ala finally said dejectedly; bowing her head.

With that Tan’mar’ went on to the subject at hand, “Know my kih verda [small warriors] it is time for you to head to bed.”

Ten minutes later (with all of the children in bed) Tan’mar’ asked them, “What story do my kih verda wish to hear tonight?”

From the far end of the room a small voice said, “Ba'buir I wish to hear how you joined the order.”

As if the very words were a spark (of fire); the rest of the room voiced their agreement.

“Why am I not surprised that one named Amidala; would be the spark of agreement,” Tan’mar’ relented.

Looking at his bu'ad; Tan’mar’ began, “Well, it started almost 33 years ago on the planet Taanab; I had just tracked a bounty in the area. They had got the drop on me and in the resulting blaster fight I had got wounded.  By the time I reached my ship I had to start the healing trance.I passed out three feet from my ship. When I woke up I was not on the planet…”

Location: New Republic Imperial II-class Star Destroyer Freedom
Destination: Yavin 4
Time: 11.9 ABY

The first thing that stuck out about Tan’mar’s surroundings was the noise of the area around him. Instead of the blowing of wind (or the sound of animals); he heard the beeping of machines and the sound of beings whispering to one another. The second thing was the smell of his surroundings; no smell of nature. In fact there was no smell at all.

Using the Force Tan’mar’ stretched out his senses; to get a better perspective of his surroundings. He found out that there was: a group of (six) beings 10 yards to his right, another five to his left (at uniform intervals) and there was a great brightness in front of him. Yet it was the brightness that concerned him the most. It was in the shape of a man, but that was it.

Before he opened his eyes Tan’mar’ hear a voice coming from the brightness.

“I see you are wake,” the voice said.

Tan’mar’ still “played” the unconscious sleeper.

“Please, I don’t need the Force to see that you are awake,” the voice then continued, “sure you are fooling everyone else, but I can see you are assessing possible threats in the area.”

Tan’mar’ decided to open his eyes. What he saw; was not what he was expecting. The brightness was actually man a little older than him, Tan’mar’s, self.  The man had blond hair and a face that looked wiser than it should be.

“Good, know for introductions,” the man started, “I am Luke Skywalker, Master of the New Jedi Order and the person who found you on Taanab.”

Tan’mar’ just stared at this Luke Skywalker.

“Anyway,” Skywalker continued, “I found you and brought you, (your ship and your R4-unit) to this vessel; the Imperial II-class Star Destroyer Freedom. You are currently in the Freedom’s medbay.”

“Why am I here,” Tan’mar’ began in his native Mando’a.

“Am I your prisoner,” Tan’mar’ said again in Mando’a.

Skywalker looked at Tan’mar’ as if confused.

“You know (as well as I) that you can speak Basic,” Skywalker started, “even I can see (thought the Force…. mind you) that you wanted to speak to me in Basic.”
Tan’mar’ was stunned this man before him was truly a Jetii.

“You have not answered my questions Jetii,” Tan’mar’ finally said in Basic.

“True,” Skywalker said, “You are here because your injuries were beyond what any Force trance could repair. Second no you are no one’s prisoner.”

“That is not the whole truth is it,” Tan’mar’ countered, “There is more you want from me.”

“Again that is true statement,” Skywalker started, “I can tell you have been trained as a Jedi…. though not as well trained as I have seen.”

Tan’mar’ just stared at the Jedi Master.

Skywalker finally got to his point, “What I want do is to finish your training and possibly have you join the New Jedi Order.”

"What of my family,” Tan’mar’ started, “I have a wife and two children that depend on me. What of clothing, food, & a home that I need to provide them. Is it not the will of your Order to not have such ‘attachments’”?

For a few minutes Skywalker looked at Tan’mar’ and then he replied, “That was the Order of the Old republic. As the Master of this New Jedi Order I have seen that such old tenants were one, of many reasons, that may have lead to the down fall of the Old Order.”
Tan’mar looked at Luke unconvinced.

“One of the candidates; that I have found,” Luke began, “Has such an ‘attachment.’ Thought he is from Corellia isn’t a factor in the decision for this subject.”

Luke continued, “The fact is there are few, right know, whom I can find to restore the order and cloning is NOT an option.”

Tan’mar’ laid in bed thinking about the Jedi Master’s words.

Sometime later Tan’mar’ finally spoke, “I will go with you to your Order. IF I am convinced that your Order is worthy of my time; I will talk to my riduur [spouse] to accompany me.”

++++

Time: Two weeks later
Location: Grand Temple, Jedi Praxeum, Yavin 4

     Master Skywalker was the last to walk into the Grand Audience Chamber. The assembled Knights watched as their Master took his seat.

“You are no doubt wondering why I have called you here,” Luke began.

Most of the Knights nodded their heads.

However it was Kyp Duron who answered “Let me guess it has something to do with the Empire?”

“No,” Luke continued, “This has to do with the fact that I found a Force user in the Taanab System.”

The Knights interest was piqued.

“However this Force user is of a unique background,” Luke continued, “His family is from the Corellian tradition… with a twist.”

Tionne then spoke up, “A twist….Master?”

“I can’t really explain it,” Luke started, “Let’s let the candidate best explain it.”

Luke then reached for the comlink and activated it.

“You may come in,” Luke spoke into the comlink.

The eyes of every Knight looked toward the Council chamber doors. For most the doors didn’t slide open up fast enough. However when the doors finally did open; what they saw surprised them. Tan’mar, in his Mandalorian armor, walked into the council chamber a strait to Luke.

Tan’mar’ finally spoke, “Master Skywalker you asked for me?”

For the first many, of the Jedi Knight, became visibly agitated. Some turned to another Knight and spoke in whispers. But it was one Knight who, finally, spoke up.

“Master,” Streen, began, “Is this some type of joke?”

“With all due respect,” Streen added.

“Master Skywalker,” Tan’mar’ interrupted, “With due respect can I answer Jetii Knight Streen’s... question?”

“You may,” Luke simply answered.

“Knights of the Jetii Order,” Tan’mar’ began, “I am Tan’mar’ War-on Dioro; son of  Edor Alder-Drayson, Corellian Jetii Knight, Captain of the Venator-class Star Destroyer, Corellian Hand. He was one of five Jetii survivors, aboard ship, of Palpatine’s execution of Order 66.”

“My father,” Tan’mar’ continued, “Along with his Clone First officer, and friend, Nexer (NEKS-ur); escaped to Mandalore to hide among the Mando’a.”

“Why would your father hide among the Mandalorians,” Kam Solusar asked.

“He hid among the Mando’ade [Children of Mandalore],” Tan’mar’ started, “Because it was
the last place that the Empire would have looked.”

“With due respect Master Skywalker,” Kam began, “I believe that we should test Candidate Dioro.”

The majority of the Jedi Knights agreed.

“Master Skywalker,” Tan’mar’ began, “I accept Jetii Knight Solusar’s challenge.”

Tan’mar’ continued, “As the one being challenged; I challenge Jetii Knight Solusar to a duel.”

“What,” Kam excitedly said.

“Simple the fist to yield, in a lightsaber fight, will lose the match,“ Tan’mar’ began,

“If I win I will be admitted to the Praxeum; if Jetii Knight Solusar wins I will leave
this place.”

“Well Kam,” Luke started, “Do you accept the terms of Tan’mar’s challenge?”

After several seconds Kam replied, “Yes I do…. however this is not the place to have such a fight.”

“If I may master Skywalker,“ Tan’mar’ interjected, “I believe that the front of the Temple would be an ideal place.”

“That is a good idea Tan’mar’,” Luke said.

With that taken care of Master Skywalker, the Jedi Knights and Tan’mar’ walked down to the front of the Temple. Once they reached the area, everyone else stayed close to the Temple, while the two combatants walked further from the Temple.

“Since Tan’mar’ doesn’t have a saber,” Kam started,”Could someone please….”

“Jetii Solusar,” Tan’mar’ began, “In fact I do have a lightsaber; of my own.”

As Tan’mar’ was talking to Kam he, Tan’mar’, reached behind, to the small of his back, and pulled out a lightsaber. This stunned many of the Jedi Knight’s. Tan’mar’ then placed his saber on the ground and then started to take off most of his equipment.  By the time Tan’mar’ was done all he had on was his jumpsuit and the armor that couldn’t come off.

“Jetii Solusar, shall we begin?” Tan’mar’ said as he ignited his saber.

Everyone was surprised to see Tan’mar’s saber blade. The whiteness of the blade reminded them of their comrade Keiran Halcyon, who later turned out to be Corran Horn, who left a few months earlier. The men then started to circle one another.  Finally it was Tan’mar’ made the first move.

For the first few minutes the men were dead even. Each probed, the other, to find weaknesses. To those who were watching it looked like the two were fighting for their life. Finally when Kam’s saber came down, at a steep angle, Tan’mar’ Force pushed, himself, backward.

After a few seconds, to catch his breath, Tan’mar’ finally spoke, “Jetii you are good.”

“Thank you,” Kam replied.

“Jetii Solusar, do you know what my family was known for in the Corellian system,” Tan’mar’ stated.

“No,” Kam replied.

“Our prowess with two sabers,” Tan’mar’ stated; as he reached behind his back (again) and pulling out a second saber.

As the saber cleared his person Tan’mar’ ignited the blade.  A Red-Orange color shot from the emitter. This startled many of the Jedi. Tan’mar’ then, calmly walked toward Kam Solusar.

When Tan’mar’ was within striking distance; Kam resumed his attack.  However with two blades, to defend against, Kam quickly started to tire.  As Kam stepped back his heal hit something and he started to fall back. Then Kam felt a push, from in front of him and he completely lost his balance.

  Kam was able to stop his rolling; in a favorable position. He then looked up and saw that Tan’mar’ was close enough that he, Kam, was contemplating yielding. Then what he heard next baffled him. Tan’mar’s sabers were extinguished.

Kam looked toward Tan’mar’ and saw that he, Tan’mar’, was on his knees. What shocked everyone was what Tan’mar’ said next.

“Jetii Solusar,” Tan’mar’ began in a loud voice, “I…. yield.”

With that said; Tan’mar’ got up and walked to his equipment. When he had finished putting on his equipment, minus his helmet, Tan’mar’ walked toward Luke Skywalker.

“Master Skywalker,” Tan’mar’ began, “Per my word; I will leave the Praxeum.”

“However,” Tan’mar’ began, “I ask that when my children, when they are of age, be allowed to join the Jetii Order.”

“Tan’mar’, why did you yield,” Luke asked.

“I simply lost to the better man,” Tan’mar’ explained.

“Tan’mar’ I will honor your request,” Luke relented.

With that Tan’mar’ headed to his ship. A few minutes later, as he walked, he heard someone running toward him. Then he felt resistance, through the Force, as he walked. Tan’mar’ then turned around to see who was trying to stop him.

Tan’mar’ was shocked to see that Master Skywalker was the person following him. Tan’mar’ then stopped; so Master Skywalker could reach him. A few seconds later Luke had reached Tan’mar’.

“Tan’mar’ tell me the truth,” Luke started, “Why did you yield to Kam?”

“I yielded Master Skywalker; because my actions were leading me to the Dark Side,” Tan’mar’ stated.

All that Luke could say was, “What?”

“I had used the Force to trip Jetii Solusar,” Tan’mar’ began, “And as I was walking toward him all I could think of was how I was going to win.”

“Then it hit me,” Tan’mar’ continued, “Were my actions something father would approve of?”

“It was then I yielded to Jetii Solusar,” Tan’mar’ finally said.

“Please, come with me Tan’mar’,” was all Luke said.

With that the Tan’mar’, and Luke, walked toward the gather group.  In the several minutes, that it took to join the group, neither man talked. The group of Jedi Knights watched the scene in confusion.

“My students,” Luke began, “After talking to Tan’mar’ I believe an error would occur if we let Tan’mar’ to leave us.”

Luke raised his hand, to quell any argument, from his Knights and continued, “Tan’mar’ has shown a maturity in recognizing that he has touched the Dark Side of the Force.”

“I believe,” Luke continued, “That we should admit Tan’mar’ to join the Order.”

Location: Dioro house hold, Ossus

Time: Present (45 ABY)

“… And that, my kih verda, is how I joined the Order,” Tan’mar’ finally said.

As Tan’mar’ looked around the bedroom many of the older children had fallen asleep. Tan’mar’ quietly laughed at this.  Finally, one by one, Tan’mar’ tucked in each of his grandchildren.

For those (who were still) awake Tan’mar’ whispered, ”Goodnight my kih verda.”

When Tan’mar’ reached Amidala he was surprised to that she was still awake. Then an even bigger smile grew on his face. He then started to tuck her in.

“Why are you still awake my ori tracyn [big fire],” Tan’mar’ said.

“Ba’buir I told you,” Amidala started, “I wanted to hear how you joined the Order.”

“That is well,” Tan’mar’ said, “But it is time to sleep.”

“Yes, Ba’buir,” Amidala finally said.

With that Tan’mar’ walked out of the children’s bedroom. He then walked to the roof of the house and sat in a meditative position. For the first time, in many years, Tan’mar’ looked to the sky and remembered his past. Two hours later Tan’mar’ finally stood and headed to bed.

       Before he left the roof Tan’mar’ said (in Mandalorian) to no one, “I'm still alive, but you are dead. I remember you, so you are eternal." [A Mandalorian daily remembrance; of those who had passed on.]
As he left, the roof, Tan’mar’ started to list those, loved ones', who had passed.

The End