The Kenobi Saga Book One:The Clone Wars

39. Homecoming

"They say to land at the far side of the dome," Lore-Val pointed to a dock on the edge of the city after translating the Mando'a coming over the speakers.

Solitaire frowned, taking the ship down, "Why are there so many people down there?"

Lore-Val shrugged before standing suddenly, pressing herself towards the viewport, "Look at that," she pointed to a large hole in the dome that covered Sundari. She kept watching through the viewport, looking for other changes since she'd left, while Solitaire dealt with landing.

"I better go out first," Solitaire said standing from his seat, looking at the small army of Mandalorians surrounding the ship.

Lore-Val reached out to stop him, "No, I'll go. They're my people."

"Lore-Val, you were chased off the planet. Your people may not be particularly welcoming."

She frowned at him before noticing someone in the crowd, "Look, do you see that blue helmet? That's my aunt. She won't let them hurt me."

Solitaire wasn't particularly happy about it but he nodded his agreement.

The door opened and Lore-Val stepped out with her hands up.

Bo-Katan lowered her blaster and removed her helmet, "What are you doing here?"

"I'm here to help. Well, we're here to help."

"We?"

Lore-Val motioned for Solitaire to come stand beside her in the doorway. As soon as the Mandalorians saw his face, a dozen blasters were trained on him.

"No!" Lore-Val shouted, backing up the steps quickly to put herself in front of him, "He's a friend! Tomad! Tomad! (Ally! Ally!)"

"He's an Imperial!" Bo-Katan shouted back, her helmet dropped so she could hold a second blaster.

"A what? No, he's my Republic Guard," Lore-Val told her confused.

Bo-Katan stepped closer and waved Lore-Val down the ramp. Lore-Val looked at Solitaire who nodded to her. He raised his hands, as Lore-Val walked towards her aunt, hoping to appease the people and not get himself killed.

Bo-Katan wrapped an arm around Lore-Val, keeping her eyes on Solitaire, "The clones are dangerous," she said low enough that only Lore-Val could hear her, "They were ordered to kill the Jedi."

Lore-Val backed out from under her aunt's arm. She glanced back at Solitaire who still had his hands atop his head while he watched her with concern.

Her blood was rushing in her ears. She felt her stomach churning as she asked, "What the hell happened?"

AN: Epilogue coming soon.