(Note, now we are getting to the fun part. I know I took my time, but I need to do some world-building. I also need to take a break because of personal reasons. I read this while listening to the Star Wars movie opening title song.)
The year is 22 BBY, and there is growing unrest in the Galactic Senate.
Several hundred solar systems, under the leadership of the former Jedi Master Count Dooku, have declared their intentions to secede from the Republic.
This growing Separatist movement has made it increasingly difficult for the limited number of Jedi Knights to maintain peace and order across the galaxy.
As debate rages on Coruscant over the creation of a Republic army to assist the overwhelmed Jedi, disturbing rumors spread beyond the Senate halls.
Whispers speak of activity in forgotten systems. Of ships vanishing near the jungle moon of Dxun, and ancient Mandalorian strongholds being reclaimed and rearmed.
Some dismiss the stories as fear and exaggeration.
Others remember that Mandalorians once waged war against the Jedi and nearly won.
Meanwhile, Senator Padmé Amidala, former Queen of Naboo, returns to Coruscant to cast her vote on the critical issue of creating an army for the Republic…
Unaware that forces long thought dormant are already preparing for war.
Sunlight streamed through the tall windows of the Jedi Temple, spilling across smooth stone and polished seats. Coruscant moved far below endless traffic, endless noise, but the chamber remained insulated from it, a place where decisions were weighed carefully and spoken softly.
"Senator Amidala's ship will arrive shortly," Mace Windu said. "Security is in place."
"As it should be," Ki-Adi-Mundi replied. "The Senate grows increasingly volatile."
Mace inclined his head but did not linger on the subject. With a subtle gesture, a holoprojector flared to life at the center of the room.
Dxun rotated slowly in the air.
"The rumors continue," Mace said. Reports of armed activity near the jungle moon. Merchant vessels rerouted. Scouts choosing not to linger."
Obi-Wan Kenobi studied the image. "Dxun has always been hostile. Dense terrain. Dangerous wildlife. Smugglers use it as a warning sign more than a destination."
"Exactly," Mace said. "Which is why these rumors are likely exaggerated."
Plo Koon tilted his head slightly. "Still, there are claims of armored warriors."
"Mandalorians," Obi-Wan said. "Or those pretending to be."
A faint edge of skepticism colored his tone.
"They are fractured," Ki-Adi-Mundi said. "Scattered clans, bound by politics they barely control. Under their current leadership, they pose no threat to the Republic."
Yoda shifted in his seat, cane resting against the floor.
"Quiet, they have been," he said. "Long has it been since Mandalore stirred."
"And it remains quiet," Mace replied. "No fleet movements. No declarations. No Force disturbances."
The projection shifted briefly, grainy sensor images, half-confirmed silhouettes, nothing concrete.
"Likely mercenary activity," Mace concluded. "Or warlords playing at history."
Obi-Wan allowed himself a small, wry smile. "Armor does have a way of making people feel important."
A few Council members shared the sentiment.
Yoda's ears twitched, but he did not press the issue.
"Watch, we will," he said at last. "But intervene… no."
"Agreed," Mace said. "The Jedi are already stretched thin. We cannot chase rumors into jungles."
Outside the chamber, Coruscant's traffic lanes adjusted, diplomatic clearances flashing green.
Senator Padmé Amidala's ship entered the atmosphere.
Mace turned back to the Council.
"Our focus remains here," he said. "In the Senate. On preventing fracture."
The holoprojector dimmed. Dxun vanished.
To the Jedi, the jungle moon was nothing more than an old scar in a dangerous region of space—irritating, but harmless.
They had no idea that it was already awake.