Rain hammered against Kamino's facility endlessly as Cain's starship descended through the storm clouds, and land on the platform. The planet's vast oceans churned violently below, waves crashing against the spindly white towers that rose like skeletal spires from the water. Lightning split the sky, illuminating the sterile architecture in harsh flashes of blue-white light.
The ship touched down on a designated facility platform with a soft thud, hydraulic struts locking into place as the wind howled around them.
The hatch opened, and rain immediately poured in. Cain, Anakin, and Derren sprinted from the ship, boots splashing against the slick surface as the storm soaked through their robes in seconds. The air smelled of salt, ozone, and hints of antiseptic.
A tall Mandalorian in dark-blue Nite Owl armor was already waiting for them near the entrance. A woman from what Cain could tell. She stood firm against the rain, blaster rifle slung across her back, posture straight and alert. As they approached, she gestured them to close by cover from the rain. Once they were covered she reached up and removed her helmet.
"Nice to see you again, Cain," she said. "I'm Ursa of house Wren. We are a house under Clan Vizsla."
Her face had sharp features with tan skin, dark hair pulled back tightly, brown eyes that had a fierceness to them.
Cain froze for half a heartbeat. She's Ursa Wren. Cain's visible eye widened slightly. She's Sabine's mother, and she's so young… and tall. Me and Anakin just hit 6 foot but I believe she's 6'1. Damn talk about Mandalorians being built different.
Cain quickly recovered and extended a hand. "It's good to meet you again, this time properly Ursa."
Ursa shook his hand firmly. "Likewise." Cain could tell from her gaze she was studying him closely, not unkindly, but with the scrutiny of a seasoned veteran measuring a green horn. "When I learned you were Selene's son, I knew Clan Wren was meant to support you. Follow me Bo-Katan is waiting. "
She turned and led them inside. The doors hissed shut behind them, cutting off the roar of the storm. Inside, the corridors were bright, white, and eerily clean—long sterile halls lined with curved walls and bright ambient lighting.
The contrast between the chaos outside and the calm inside was jarring. Cain glanced around, no one was in the halls, minus roaming Nite Owls.
As they walked, Cain spoke quietly. "Ursa… does it bother you? That I wasn't born into Mandalorian society? Or that I'm half Sephi, and now I am causing a civil war in death watch, and that I am planning to overthrow Pre to lead them and house Vizsla?"
Ursa stopped abruptly.
Anakin and Derren paused behind them, sensing the shift.
Ursa turned to face Cain fully. Rainwater dripped from her armor as she regarded him with a serious expression. " Listen Cain. I'd be lying if I said I didn't had doubts. I was devoted to Death Watch and it's cause. I followed Pre Vizsla loyally, hoping to return Mandalore to it's former glory, and not be some pacifist and shells of our former self. "
Ursa continued. "But I also followed the True Mandalorians. I followed your mother, and like Bo, I forgot her and their teachings." Her voice softened just a fraction. "And if Bo-Katan is teaching you—and if she believes you're the future of House Vizsla ,and you can help all of Mandalore, then that's enough for me to give you a chance and judge you with my own eyes."
She met his gaze evenly. "As for you being half Sephi… I don't really care. You carry Selene's blood. Your a foundling and a jedi as well as a descendant of Tarre Vizsla. I be stupid not to see the symbolism behind all that. So you being part Alien is the least of my concerns. Take that however you want."
Cain exhaled slowly. "That's… more than fair. Thank you. By the way do you have a partner or husband ?"
Anakin and Derren eyes widen their as jaws almost dropped. Ursa only smirked. "Your way to green to think you can handle woman like me. I have no one right now, but gain the darksaber and then we will talk."
Ursa turned around and resumed walking.
Anakin leaned toward Derren and Cain and muttered, "Well. That went better than expected. I didn't see that last part coming. So you have a thing for older woman Cain?"
Derren whispered back, "Yeah I think he does. That explains Josa, but Cain if Seris finds out your dead."
Cain just sighed and kept walking without speaking.
They continued down the corridor until they reached the holding chamber. As the door hissed open. Inside, Bo-Katan sat in the corner of a wall while another Mandalorian cleaned and treated her face. Cain saw her cheek was bruised and swollen, one eye darkened, and a thin cut split her lower lip.
Cain stepped forward immediately. "Bo are you okay. What happened?"
Bo-Katan smirked despite the pain. "Jango didn't go quietly. Even without his armor or weapons, he's still a formidable man." She winced slightly as disinfectant touched her lip. "But the moment we put hands on his clone son, he stopped fighting. Not that we were gonna hurt the kid."
Cain's gaze then shifted to the side of the room.
The Kaminoans sat there in silence as he recognized them. Lama Su, The Prime Minister of Kamino. Nala Se, The Chief Medical Scientist. Ko Sai, A Chief Scientist and skilled genetic engineer and Taun We, A Kaminoan aide to Lama Su. The long-necked figures composed and unreadable, hands folded neatly, their eyes observing everything.
Cain turned back to Bo-Katan. "We brought someone else."
She raised an eyebrow.
"He's a Zabrak," Cain said calmly. " Right now he's sedated. He's the Sith Lord known as Maul. His lower body is gone. I need him treated and kept under heavy sedation."
Bo-Katan's expression hardened. " Why bring someone like that here, why not just kill him?"
"That's what I said " Anakin interjected.
Cain just sighed. "Bo!"
Bo-katan just sighed and. " Fine. Koska," she said sharply. "Take two others. Retrieve the alien from their ship. Place him in the adjacent med room and tell the the scientists to hook him up and sedate him heavily."
Cain recognized that name. Koska Reeves from the Mandalorian show. So she exists here to. Cain couldn't see her face but he could tell she was fairly young as well. But she still looked young in the Mandalorian.
Which made Cain think. Either the writers didn't take into account the ages of the characters when writing and casting the show. Or some Mandalorians have really good genetics and age like Saiyans. Which means they age a little slower to stay in the prime to fight longer. If they are consistently in stressful battles.
Koska nodded immediately, gesturing to two Mandalorians before heading out. Cain turned to Anakin and Derren. "I need you two to make sure no one tries anything stupid. I'll talk to the Kaminoans."
Anakin nodded looking relieved. "On it. Hopefully I can find some food around here. "
Derren stretched, wringing the water from his sleeves. "As long as I can dry off first. I'm happy"
The door then hissed shut behind them.
Cain moved to the center of the chamber and lowered himself to a seat and sat before the Kaminoans showing as much respect as possible.
"Hello there," he said evenly. "I regret that we're meeting for the first time in person like this, under these circumstances." Ko Sai tilted her head slightly. " Your Mr. Noctis… can you explain what is happening?"
Cain straightened and met their gaze. "Yes, I believe that is the fair thing to do."
Cain explained everything.
The Sith's manipulation of the Republic. The clone army's true purpose. The coming collapse of the Republic. The Empire that would rise from its ashes. Kamino's eventual occupation. The clone army discarded once it outlived its usefulness. And the eventual fall for Kamino.
Lama Su listened without interruption. When Cain finished, the Prime Minister folded his hands.
"You offer dire predictions," Lama Su said calmly. "But do you have any proof of this?"
Cain's voice sharpened. "Look at the facts. A clone army of one man. Billions of credits. Enough soldiers to conquer star systems. You may not see the moral or political danger, but you should have."
Lama Su responded coolly. "The creation of armies and their purpose is not our concern. The credits were paid. What they are used for is irrelevant. The clones were bred to fulfill their purpose."
Bo-Katan scoffed. "You built a weapon that can conquer worlds, and you don't care how it's used. But your happy as long as you get your credits?"
Cain raised a hand. "Enough."
He looked directly at Nala Se. "This army is backed by the Sith."
Nala Se's eyes narrowed. "Why should the ancient enemies of the Jedi concern Kamino, Sith or not , they are paying customers."
Cain leaned forward. "Because everyone suffers under Sith rule. And because your clones carry inhibitor chips, programming with command phrases. Why do you think they can't be used on their creator."
The room went still.
Nala Se stared at him. "How do you know this?"
Cain met her gaze. "Because I know more than you think. And because I need you to trust me."
Lama Su said coolly, "Trust is difficult when one is held at blaster point or at the end of a lightsaber."
Ko Sai turned to Cain. "What happens to Kamino if we side with you?"
Cain paused. "That… depends on you. You will keep your autonomy," Cain said. "You will keep your profits. But you adhere to stricter ethical codes in cloning and their treatment."
"Is that all?" Lama Su asked.
Cain shook his head. " No. I'm forming a new government," Cain replied. "With Outer Rim. Mid Rim systems support. Some Inner Rim allies as well. I'm not forcing you, but this new alliance is to not have the same corruption and issues as the Republic, and not let big businesses, and corrupt officials ruin the galaxy. You will receive funding and more as the lifeline of medicine in this new government."
Ko Sai spoke softly. "I've seen his projections. His hybrid clone army could produce Force-sensitive clones without clone madness. As well as fix the issue with organ and limb replacements."
Cain nodded. "And more. I'll share ancient Force-related knowledge. Alchemy, and the healing arts. Knowledge nearly lost or not seen since the Jedi's golden age."
Nala Se's breath caught. "That may revolutionize medicine in a field we have not yet been able to study properly."
Cain's expression hardened. "It will also help us stop Force-based biological atrocities, and anomalies that threaten the galaxy. Believe me their are a lot of them. Mind you this won't be a Kamino only project. You all will spear head the project with the brightest minds in the galaxy from all walks of life. Consistent funding, knowledge, and security. You may not like the way I am presenting it but its a better deal then the Sith will ever give you."
Cain continued. "Plus, the Sith are two timing you. They are creating a more elite team of clones and outsourcing their production to the Arkanians.
Silence followed.
Lama Su finally spoke. " The Arkanians you say. Fine we will halt the Jango clone production for now. We will proceed with the genetic mapping for this hybrid army."
Cain exhaled deeply. "You won't regret it."
"As long as you have the credits, and guarantee kamino's protection and independence. Then I believe we won't. This other knowledge you promise is yet to be fulfilled. As for this new government I will keep my expectations low for now. I will have to inform Tyrannus about this development. " Lama Su said evenly.
Cain added quickly, "Do not inform Tyrannus. He is working with the Sith and is a Sith himself. If he comes looking for a progress update, make something up, but keep accepting the funding as usual. I will even leave a few Mandalorians and Jedi here for extra security."
Lama Su's eyes flickered. "So he was involved… Consider this arrangement discreet."
Cain nodded. "Send some scientists to Tython as soon as possible. Then we can begin the DNA collection. Also forward me a copy of the officer training program for the clones, I will be making adjustments, as well as send me recommendations for who are capable of teaching Jedi and normal civilians into troopers and officers."
Cain then gestured to the containment unit." This is a Ysalamiri," Cain said. "Study them thoroughly they are the key to cloning Force sensitives, and more."
Lama Su inclined his head. "We will have all this down immediately."
Cain turned to Bo-Katan. "Will you donate DNA?"
She stiffened. "Why would I help create more abominations, and fake Mandalorians?"
"They're people," Cain replied gently. "And your blood matters, you need a heir for your house, especially if your sister doesn't have any kids. I'm not saying now but think of the future ."
Bo hesitated. then sighed "…Fine I will think about it. But you better make sure I don't regret it foundling"
Cain smiled. "I promise. Now take me to Fett"
I met Jango Fett soon after. The conversation was short. I offered him protection and a true standing in a reborn Mandalorian society, with his own house and everything. Along with credits, and is son's safety. I even told him I was Selene's son.
Bo showed him the black pearl necklace. Once he saw my eyes and heard the story, he became a little bit more reasonable. " Listen hear kid. Actions talk more then words. If your serious about all this stuff then kill Pre Vizsla, take the dark saber and disband Death Watch. Until then the only thing you have with me is a contract with credits." Jango said coldly.
He then continued. "I'm sorry about your mother, she was a hell of a warrior and woman. But if you can do all that then you will have my loyalty, no credits needed." Then he looked to Bo-katan. "Threaten my kid again and my blade will go through each and everyone of your hearts."
Bo only nodded.
I nodded. "Pre's time is almost up anyway."
I let Maul remain on Kamino, to be the first patient for healing. As for his destroyed mind, I will have to send Jedi healers for that and also let Mother Talzin know as well. But I want that to be a good surprise.
We landed back on Tython as we saw Seris and the masters by the landing area. As Cain stepped off the ramp, he saw Seris, Fay, and Shaak Ti waiting.
Seris smiled. "I passed Talzin's test. They will arrive to Tython in a few days." Seris then walked up close to me like intimately close. I could smell her, she smelled like spring air and something sweet.
Anakin, Derren along with Fay and Shaak Ti looked at us with interest. Even Barris showed up. I felt nervous with so many eyes on me. I thought Seris wanted a hug so, I extended my hand to relief the awkward tension. Then all I felt was pain.
Seris grabbed my arm, and flipped me clean over her shoulder, with great ease. I slammed into the ground with a loud thud.
"Ow—!"
She then made a quick and smooth transition and locked me in a perfect armbar.
"What did I tell you about lying to me, Cain?" she said sweetly.
Anakin and Derren collapsed in laughter. While Fay and Shaak Ti only walked away. Barriss just put a hand over her mouth to hide her laughter.
"Seris—ow—ow— I'm sorry—!"
She tightened the hold. "OW!"
"How will you make it up to me, cause now I feel like I cannot trust you" she asked calmly as she squeezed slowly. Through gritted teeth, I managed to say, "How about… a date?"
Seris froze. "…What?"
"Off planet.... Just the.... two of us....tomorrow!"
She squeezed once more. "OW!—OW!" I said in pain. I screamed so loudly nearby birds scattered. Then she released me abruptly and stood gracefully. Her ears twitched slightly, she had her back turned to me. "I suppose that's the least you can do. "
Seris walked away smiling.
Anakin and Derren just smirked while Barriss came up and rubbed my armed.
Cain laid there, gasping. She is always so reserved, but she has that cute shy side she tries to hide. Then there's her fierce side. Like she'll kill me and look good while doing it.
I sighed. Yeah… she's definitely my type. God's I should probably give in at this point, but still she's too young... no were still to young.
In the temples work shop Josa sat at work with Huyang near by. Josa's lekku began to twitch. She then looked up removing her goggles.
"What's wrong Ms. Josa?"
Josa looked back and said. "I don't know what it is but I feel something weird. Like a disturbance"
Then a grumbling sound could be heard from Josa stomach. She smiled "Guess I'm hungry, time to eat."