Alright so we have the official introduction of the True Mandalorians IE the Protectors out of the way and now we can move over to these Mandalorians. Now I just want a reminder that this is AU so I'm utilizing multiple elements from both franchises to make this story.
Someone pointed out that the Protectors were allied with the CIS in the original Legends but I feel that with Spar having Jango's memories and knowing about Dooku, it'd make more sense for him and the Protectors to be independent. Trust me when I say this, the Mando's are gonna be pivotal to come later on especially with the growing threats on the horizon.
Anyway, hope everyone has been doing alright in these maddening times.
I hope that these stories we write can at least alleviate some of the stressful aspects of life as small as these moments can be. Take care of yourselves and all, you know the usual.
So, in spirit of Monty Python, GET ON WITH IT!
Rate Read and Review and as Always Have Nice Day.
Avengers Infinite Wars Chapter 38: Old Flame
Natasha sat within the chambers that the Avengers occupied within the Jedi Temple with an unreadable expression as she stared unflinchingly at the small growing baby on her lap.
"You know, if you keep staring at her like that, I'm afraid you're gonna break it." Sam Wilson said from his own seat, eating a small meal.
Said baby only happily gurgled a moment later, hands outstretched towards the former spy who had a small smile as she hefted her up into the air. Little Mara Jade laughed making Nat's smile widen.
"If she did, I'd put her back together again." Natasha promised.
"Would worry if she'll becomes a carbon copy of yourself." Sam though aloud.
"And what's that supposed to mean?" Nat asked incredulously.
Sam hummed aloud with a wry grin coming on. "Hmm, let's see. Your demeanor, attitude, scary feel about you-"
"One more word and you'll find things a bit unpleasant."
Mara laughed soon after, making Natasha smile at the toddler.
"Seems it's already too late in saving her from-WHOA!"
Sam had to avoid what can essentially be a paperweight thrown directly at his head. He soon left, not wanting to get potentially hit by another.
Seeing Falcon leave, Natasha resumed her focus on the child sitting on her lap. The little one clapped slightly, laughing all the while making Nat pull her closer while poking at her little tummy. Mara Jade giggled now with Romanoff gaining a slightly devious look as she began to mercilessly tickle the babe with the toddler laughing uncontrollably.
"You seem to be enjoying yourself."
Nat paused in her tickle attack, looking over to see Steve gazing at her with a fond look in his eyes at the front entrance of the room. She only shrugged.
"I've had some practice with Clint's kids." Nat stated.
Steve only hummed in thought, walking over to her and sitting down beside her. Mara's attention shifted over to the captain, looking up at him in curious wonder.
"Hey there, I don't think we've had the time to properly meet one another." Steve said, holding out a hand for Mara which she grabbed immediately. "I'm Steve Rogers, a friend of Nat here. And you are?"
Mara Jade only scrunched up her face as her stubble little hands roamed over the much larger one.
"She's pleased to meet you." Nat remarked, lightly bouncing her knee up to illicit a small laugh out of MJ. "So, where are the others?"
Steve mused to himself. "Well, just saw Sam, Rhodey I think is over by the base with the Clones. Hope and Scott… I think they took the little green one to one of the Jedi here in the temple. Something about trying to figure out what he eats."
"Did they go to Yoda?" Nat asked with Steve shaking his head.
"He seems busy for the time being."
"Hmm, well what about the others?"
"Pietro is over at the senate building." Steve said with a knowing look that Nat recognized.
"That blue lady that caught his eye, huh?"
"Senator Chuchi. And he's always been persistent in that regard."
"Right." Nat said with a shake of her head. "And what about our two recent members? Haven't seen the kid or Matt around."
"Matt?" Steve repeated in slight surprise. "Wasn't aware you two were on a first name basis."
Nat didn't respond at first. "We've met before."
Steve was now slightly bewildered. "Did you?"
"Long time ago." Nat said blankly. "A different lifetime ago after everything that's happened."
Now Rogers was beyond curious yet the look in his friends eyes made him hesitate in asking for more details on this matter. So for now, he would leave it be.
"Well, if you're wondering, last I checked those two are at the library right now."
And at said library the two native New Yorkers were indeed there.
Peter Parker sat with Matt Murdock at the Jedi library with the latter having head pieces on as he listened to a verbal narration of the many laws and rules of the Republic.
Occasionally taking his eyes off the datapad, Peter saw Matt patiently sitting. With the way he looks, the teen sometimes wonders if the lawyer is apparently sleeping in his seated position.
"You sure you're not getting tired of listening to all of that?" Peter asked after several moments of silence.
"I'm certainly fine, Parker. Almost reminds me of the audiobooks back home."
Peter scratched his cheek. "Yes, but those are supposed to be entertaining, not… well…"
"I get your point, but what else can you do in my shoes. There's no proper means of reading braille in this galaxy. Not that I know of, mind you. So all I can do is listen to everything there is offered."
Nodding, Peter felt tired from reading for so long today. Standing up, he placed the datapad back where it belonged. Heading back to his seat, he picked up some of his belongings and headed on out.
"Where are you going?"
"Out."
"Out where?"
"See if Ahsoka or Barriss are up to hang out."
"And if they're not?"
"Then I'll go out myself. I'm getting stir crazy here for so long."
Matt wanted to object but he found himself closing his mouth before he could make an argument against it. To be honest, he himself was rather feeling a bit cooped up at the moment even with all this new material he had been reading these past few weeks. It's been a while since Geonosis and he along with most of the Avengers have spent their time mostly at the temple.
Sure they went out to the city itself from time to time but never strayed too far from the Temple as a whole.
Hearing Peter head out to do his own business, Matt contemplated a bit more if he should maybe follow the teen's example and do something. Not exactly on his own as he was highly unfamiliar with the districts of Coruscant outside of the temple. And the only other place he could remotely go would be at the Senate building, where he could feel he's in familiar grounds… sort of.
Matt was pretty sure that being a galactic lawyer was a bit above his pay grade so to speak.
It's one thing to help those in need down the block from his Law Firm in Hell's Kitchen. But planetary and cosmic disputes were another matter entirely.
These thoughts were brushed aside as his senses picked up on someone coming towards him.
"Master Obi-wan." Matt said politely to the Jedi Master that came up from behind on the right.
"Mr. Murdock." Kenobi greeted him in return, though he had a quizzical look on his face. "I must ask, how did you know it was me that was coming?"
"A litany of ways. Heartbeat, scent, footsteps." Matt listed off, removing the headpiece and standing to face him. "What can I do for you, Master Kenobi?"
Obi-wan only smirked slightly. "There is no need for formal, Mr. Murdock. Just call me Obi-wan."
"If you say so. So what can I do for you?"
"Just wanting to properly acquaint with you since your arrival." Matt nodded at the Jedi's excuse for being here. "May I ask what you are doing here all on your lonesome, Matt?" Kenobi inquired politely.
"Learning." Matt stated plainly. "This is a new galaxy and government that I have entered into unknowingly. Better to be knowledgeable and prepared than rushing in foolhardy and all."
Obi-wan could only nod approvingly.
"I had heard from my men of the 212th something rather fascinating." Obi-wan said. "During the battle of Geonosis, you mentioned something quite astonishing. They told me that you heard the plans of attack while in the middle of battle. How were you able to accomplish such a feat?"
Matt simply shrugged. "When one loses their eyesight, they gain a different sort of… perspective."
Obi-wan stroked his beard with intrigue. "So when you went blind, your other senses were enhanced?"
"To degrees I had never anticipated." Matt stated. "My smell, hearing, taste and touch give me various means of helping receive information that give me a "visual" of everything around me."
"Sounds quite useful."
"Most of the time it's an annoyance. There are things one should not hear at all. Especially coming from the city that never sleeps."
Obi-wan could already imagine what the Earther meant, picking up on his rather grim tone letting the matter drop.
"You know, these capabilities of yours remind me of the species Miraluka."
Matt nodded. "Yes, I have heard of this comparison. My friend Chirrut mentioned this."
"Ah yes, the follower of the Force." Kenobi said. "I have heard of him. Did he not come to the temple with you when you were brought from Jedha?"
"He did, for a time. Yet he had to return to Jedha with Baze to resume their work there." Matt said.
"I see." Kenobi said. "Did they at least say goodbye?"
"I keep in touch with them every now and then." Matt stated. "Spending time with them for so long before running into the rest of the Avengers would not be good to simply no longer talk with them."
"Understandable. There are people I've known in my life who I wish I could've reconnected sooner instead of more awkward times." Kenobi ran his hand through his hair, releasing a sigh. "Unfortunately, it seems that it is rearing its ugly head towards me."
"What troubles you?"
"Oh, let's just say that I'm revisiting a past I thought I would not ever return to." Kenobi remarked.
Matt tilted his head down as he allowed his senses to take over. He began picking up on Kenobi's heartbeat at the mention of his "past" as well as an underlying tension with his posture on top of the tone in which he was familiar with all too often.
"Did you burn any bridges when you last left this past?"
"With how things are now… it's hard to say."
"Ah, what can you tell me about her then?"
Kenobi blinked.
"Why'd you assume this past was a woman and not a man?"
"Mr. Kenobi, I am a Lawyer. Let's just say I have a familiarity with what you may be dealing with."
Obi-wan quirked a brow, crossing his arms challengingly. "Oh, and how would you figure this?"
"I'm trying not to be entirely biased, for one. Two, it's sad to say this kind of situation is universally the same with how it's worded out mostly by the opposite gender. You don't have to be a professional to really figure that out. Third, I can tell by the inflection of your voice and little heartrate makes me believe this past is rather personal."
Kenobi now shifted about uncomfortably. Coughing into his hand to clear his throat, he nodded slightly.
"Well… when you put it like that."
"Believe me when I say this, Obi-wan, I understand what you're going through." Matt said knowingly. "I've had my own series of relationships that could have ended on… better terms."
Obi-wan had to try not voicing what presently came through his mind, not wanting to reveal anything truly personal.
"With how it went, it's something I hope it had."
Matt only nodded in understanding. "Where are you off too?"
"Mandalore. Homeworld of the Mandalorians."
"Mandalorians." Matt murmured to himself. "I have heard the term several times. It seems to hold great importance."
"More than you would like to know." Kenobi said a bit tiredly.
"Any reason why you're talking to me about this?"
"I'd… like to know that myself." Obi-wan said to himself as he crossed his arms for a moment. He thought over what he was heading into.
He couldn't deny a feeling of growing tension at the thought of seeing Mandalore again. Of seeing her again.
The Jedi looked to Matt who was standing there patiently, expression conveying nothing yet Kenobi couldn't help but feel an unexpected kinship with the blind lawyer appear.
"Matthew," Obi-wan began. "Would you like to join me on this matter?"
Matt could only blink on this request. "Why's that?"
"It's a political manner and I wish to have someone helping me who's more familiar in that kind of field."
"Why me instead of another politician?"
"In some ways, the situation might need another party not tied down with the Republic. After all, Mandalore has a series of neutral systems. If I were to bring a Republic Senator to help address this matter, there might be some hostility." Kenobi stated.
"So coming to me, who knows their way around laws, even if it's not entirely with the galactic governments, to give some insight and consultation." Matt surmised.
Obi-wan nodded. "There's also the matter of the Avengers being quite varied in their views and a perspective from a man of law may be useful in what I may have to confront."
Matt Murdock momentarily contemplated on this matter, silently thinking over Obi-wan's words and offer. There was a great deal of information he felt that he was missing yet the Jedi Master could possibly fill him in on the way.
And frankly, he had been getting rather tired now of just sitting around in the temple and waiting for something to do.
Seems he's finally gonna be able to get out of the Temple and do something productive today and possibly the next several days after all.
"So what's the situation?"
-Scene Cut-
Sitting in a carrier, Matt was listening to another series of "audiobooks" pertaining to Mandalore. And during the trip over to the main planet the neutral systems gave him quite a lot to catch up on.
"These neutral systems don't appear to be all that neutral most of the time."
Obi-wan only nodded. "Yes, the war has forced the hands of many unwilling participants into choosing sides. Mandalore is no different."
Matt didn't have to look outside of the carrier to possibly see the barren landscape the central planet was currently like. Wars of fighting and through a series of circumstances made the planet primarily uninhabitable. The only way the Mandalorians can properly live here would be through one of many domed cities with controlled environments behind their metal barriers.
Both men soon arrived at the docking bay to the capital domed city of the planet, exiting their transport ship.
Rising from his seat, Matt grasped onto a large suitcase containing some of the bare essentials he brought onto this trip. From a handful of clothing, traveling items and some other items.
Yet the main essential suit lay beneath the one he wore right now. Say what one may have against Tony Stark, but the suit he had gifted to him when he accepted the offer of being an Avenger was certainly a step up then the usual that he had. One press to the chest and his entire suit would form around him.
Walking down the ramp, Matt had his walking stick out to help him along the way. Sure he didn't need to essentially have it on him now, but after years of having one with him at all times made the habit hard to get rid of. Not to mention in recent years, it's better to sell a facade towards many around him to think he's someone not trained in certain manners.
Stepping out of the transport ship, Obi-wan and Matt were met with a guard wearing a helmet that only revealed his eyes.
"The Duchess is awaiting your arrival, General Kenobi." The guard said, looking over to Matt. "And who would this be?"
"An associate to help in these matters."
"Matt Murdock. Lawyer, neutral party.
"If you say so." Spoke the guard. "Just no funny business from you."
"Wouldn't dream of it."
"Come." The guard gestured for them to climb aboard the platform that would take them to the palace. "Duchess Satine awaits."
"Would hate to keep the Duchess waiting."
Stepping onto the hovercraft, Matt felt the wind brushing against his face as he and Kenobi whirled through the city. He heard all sorts of things from the faint chatter to the hover cars zooming past them. The Earther did have to hold onto the nearby rail at one point as one of the transports came a bit too close to them.
Soon enough, he heard the engines of the hovercraft slowing down, making him realize they had finally reached their destination. Coming off the ramp, Matt and Kenobi were soon escorted to where Duchess Satine presently resides. Once going through a series of hallways and corridors, Matt's senses told him the next room had a few more people there as they chatted amongst themselves.
Stepping into the grand hall, it was a large and spacious chamber with windows adorning all sides. On the right was a glass image of a woman with a peculiar head dress next to a corridor.
On the left side of the chamber was a small lounge of sorts that jutted out and gave a clearer view of the city outside. Obi-wan and Matt moved past the two guards at the entrance and were immediately approached by a middle-aged man with slicked back blond hair and violet eyes.
"General Kenobi." the man greeted cordially.
"Thank you for meeting with us, Prime Minister Almec."
The two men soon shook hands before the Prime Minister soon took notice of the Jedi's companion."
"And who might you be?"
"Matt Murdock." Said the lawyer. "Let's just say I'm an attorney and neutral party here to assist Master Kenobi on the matters pertaining to Mandalore."
Almec nodded his head in understanding. "Then I welcome you both as a servant of the people, but I am troubled by the false rumors that brought… you both here." The Prime Minister walked beside them towards the far end of the chamber. "Mandalore would never turn against the Republic."
"Doing so would have you declared for possibly siding with the CIS. If not, then hostilities will come towards your people." Stated the Earther. "Hard to make yourselves neutral if that were the case."
"I am aware of that matter but this is a New Mandalore." Almec stated firmly. "Siding with either faction in this war would only lead us back down the path to the destructive warrior ways of old which lead to the death of millions. We are a changed people. The Duchess Satine values peace more than her own life."
"Oh, I'm aware of the Duchess' views." Commented Kenobi.
"Master Kenobi, Mandalore's violent past is behind us. All of our warriors were exiled to our moon, Concordia. They died out years ago."
"Have they?" Matt inquired. "Prime Minister, on my way here, I had learned of a litany of Mandalorian factions that are still known bounty hunters and follow the warrior cultures of old that are not on Concordia as you have said. A warrior culture as deeply rooted as yours is not one that can be so easily killed off."
"With me, I had encountered a man who wore Mandalorian armor before the war started." Said the Jedi. "A man named Jango Fett."
"Jango Fett was a common bounty hunter." Snapped Almec. "How he acquired the armor is beyond me."
"Jango Fett is the last person one should refer to as a common Bounty Hunter if he is the template that was used for the Clone Army of the Republic." Matt pointed out.
Kenobi looked over to Matt with a clearly impressed look upon his face. He really had done his homework on the way here.
"Well, Master Kenobi," Obi-Wan and Matt looked over to see a woman stepping out of a nearby hallway with several individuals following her. "My shining Jedi Knight, off to the rescue once again."
Matt didn't really need to try to figure out the tinge of sarcasm that permeated out from the Duchess's tone. She walked over to the seat in the center with her guards and a man in robes surrounding her defensively.
Focusing a bit on the man beside him, Matt could hear Kenobi's heart hitch up a little.
"Duchess Satine." Obi-wan said pleasantly. "After all these years, you're even more beautiful then I remember."
"Kind words from a man who accuses me of treachery." she said with a slight edge in her tone.
This earned some questionable looks from many Mandalorian around the room.
"I would never accuse you of personal wrongdoing, Duchess." Obi-wan said honestly. "However, a Separatist saboteur attacked one of our Republic cruisers recently." He pulled out a holo-disk and played a video feed that was captured. "A Mandalorian saboteur."
The holo-clip showed a Mandalorian in Beskar armor fighting and dodging against a volley of blaster fire before retaliating with their own.
It was clear that judging from the reaction of most within the room, they were certainly not expecting this. Their heart rates and body reactions said that much to Matt. Even from the Duchess of her tightening her grip on the sides of her throne.
"You must be mistaken." Almec argued. "No Mandalorian would engage in such violence. Not anymore at least. Where is this prisoner?"
"From what I was told, he took his own life rather than submit to questioning." Matt informed the Prime Minister. "And if you are unaware, Prime Minister, there are Mandalorians out there that have not conceded to this ruling government. They still follow the old ways."
"I know these commandos fought in many wars, often against the Jedi." Kenobi stated. "One need look no further than the Mandalorian Wars four thousand years ago."
"Every one of my people is as trustworthy as I am." Satine stressed out.
"That is a rather bold claim, Duchess." Matt said. "Every Mandalorian?"
Satine then took note of the man, finding his rather attire slightly unusual.
"And may I ask, who are you?"
"Matt Murdock. Neutral Attorney here to assist Master Kenobi."
Satine only stared intently at both Matt and Obi-wan now.
The man standing beside the Duchess soon spoke. "I know we sound defensive, but-"
"Clearly your investigation was ordered because the Senate is eager to intervene in our affairs." Satine cut off the representative.
"General Kenobi's investigation was ordered by his Jedi Council. Not the Senate." Matt stated.
"And to my knowledge, the Jedi Council represents the Republic, much less report to them." Satine stated.
"This investigation is entirely separate from the Republic." Matt said firmly. "We have gone over this topic many times to be sure. All we want is to clear up this matter rather than having the Republic intervene upon your neutral system. The assailant may or may not be from your people. Could be perhaps someone wearing your people's ancestral armor to discredit you all. It wouldn't be the first time this happened to any one person and culture. In all intents and purposes, you are innocent on this matter until proven otherwise."
To say that Satine was rather taken aback by the man's clear and concise argument would be a bit of an understatement.
"It appears, I stand corrected." Satine graciously admitted. "Master Kenobi, Mr. Murdock. Would the two of you care to join me on a tour through the city?"
She had raised her hand towards Obi-wan and held it there.
Telling by the way she's looking at him, it was more of making him comply rather than out of respect.
Walking towards the throne, Obi-wan gently took the given hand as she rose from her throne. Descending down the steps, they soon made their way out of the chamber with Matt following behind, not seeing the questionable look the Prime Minister gave them.
Following after the Duchess and Jedi, Matt was soon led out into the city walking along a pathway high above with flying vehicles flying all about with civilians walking all around him.
Satine and Kenobi walked alongside one another with her guards not far behind and Matt standing in between them from the back.
"It is so good to see you once more, Obi-wan." Satine stated earnestly. "Despite these circumstances, I am glad to see you are doing well."
"Your peaceful ways have paid off." Kenobi said with a small smile. "Mandalore has prospered since the last time I was here."
The Jedi could practically see the chances and differences already. His mind briefly flashed images of a war torn landscape with destruction present all around. People from both sides fighting with others trying to make it out alive.
"Not everyone on Mandalore believes that our commitment to peace is a sign of progress." Said the Duchess.
"It often isn't." Matt commented. "And who is it that generally doesn't like the way you're helping your people?"
With a tired look, Satine answered. "There are two groups that we are aware of. One calls itself Death Watch. I imagine these are the renegades you're looking for with a name like that."
"And the other?" Kenobi asked.
"They refer to themselves as the Protectors." Satine said. "They… are not necessarily aggressive towards our people."
"Who's to say now you gave us the groups' names. Our saboteur could be from either of them. One could be biased this person was from Death Watch, given how they call themselves. Or could be one of these Protectors. Their title could be a false flag or someone from their group is acting irrationally."
Satine only shook her head. "That is not the case with this one, Mr. Murdock. We have met with the Protectors and they follow something called the Super Commando Codex, written by the previous Mandalore Jaster Mereel. They follow a stricter guideline and code that adheres to the old ways of Mandalore. We have met with them and tried to change their ways but they refused before sending us back.
Death Watch, on the other hand, idolizes violence and the warrior ways of the past. Mandalores like the Indomitable and Ultimate are easily some of their heroes with the destructive wars they had waged against the galaxy just to show the power of the Mandalorians."
"Is there anything being done about them?" Matt asked.
"There are those among us, certain officials, who are working to root out these criminals. It has been an ongoing investigation." Satine replied.
Obi-wan soon adopted a thinking posture, stroking his beard as he digested this bit of information. "How widespread is this Death Watch movement?"
"It's… hardly a movement. It's a small group of hooligans who choose to vandalize public places, nothing more."
"And the Protectors?" Asked Murdock.
Satine sighed. "That… may be a greater problem then I had realized. From what Almec has told me, they are far more organized and have a Mandalore that they follow that they call the Resurrector."
"So what of the Death Watch investigations then?"
"Hopefully, we shall soon have them in custody. We have tracked Death Watch down to our moon, Concordia."
"I hope you're right, Duchess." Kenobi said softly.
Matt opened his mouth to ask further questions when he heard footsteps on an adjacent walkway to this one. Footsteps that he has now heard several times with a scent to go with it.
At first he had passed it off as just another passerby, from the way that this person walks and the patterns in which they had used to stay out of sight...
'Who might you be?' Matt internally asked himself as he concentrated on his target.
"Seeing" Obi-wan and Satine so engrossed with each other, Matt decided to fall back a little so they wouldn't notice his departure. After hearing their conversations get into other details, like the means of them catching up for old times sakes, Matt realized he can now do his own thing.
He had slipped away more or less undetected, waiting for the guards that trailed after them to look away while making sure at least one was aware of why he needed to leave. Giving a vague excuse that he would catch up and wished to take a moment to rest, Matt waited until they were completely out of sight and hearing.
Suitcase in hand, Matt began walking towards a less populated area before he began quickly scaling up a building nearby and made his way over to the one that tailed after them.
He was now walking behind her, yes this person was she now that he was closer to her with Obi-wan and the Duchess not far off ahead on the opposite pathway. This woman wore similar garments to the civilians of the city overall yet a hood to obscure her face and large pack on her back.
Drawing closer, Matt drew upon his training to be as discreet as possible.
A moment later, he was now right next to this mystery woman.
"So…" Matt began making the woman jolt abruptly. "This may seem sudden, but may I have the pleasure of knowing your name?"
She had faced the man with her eyes widening for a moment as she appeared to recognize him. She momentarily looked back over to Satine and Kenobi before back over to him. Was he not with the retinue that followed after the Duchess a short moment ago?
How in the world was he next to her so suddenly?
"It's alright, I'm not here to hurt you." Matt said calmly, walking beside here with his walking stick in hand. "I just wanna know why you are following us."
"I beg your pardon?"
"Oh, did I come on too strong with that question?" Matt said innocently. "I apologize. This is a new planet that I've never been to and I'm only just starting to meet the natives here."
"Who are you?" The woman asked with a slight sharp tinge in her tone.
"Matt Murdock. Attorney at law and here on behalf of a neutral party for the sake of galactic peace." Matt stated. "And you are?"
She was at an impasse for the moment when suddenly a large explosion caught the attention of all those present in the area.
In an instant, the man who had snuck up on her suddenly jolted forward and sprinted towards the commotion leaving her standing alone again. She wanted to slip away yet her eyes remained fixed upon the sight of smoke billowing out from where the explosion just took place.
Her heart and mind was riddled with conflicting emotions as she wanted to go over there and see if she was alive and well...
But she knew what she had signed up for when she disagreed with the pacifist ways of the New Mandalorians. Bo Katan knew that much. For now, she needed to get away.
In the events leading up to the explosion...
"A peacekeeper belongs on the front lines of conflict. Otherwise, he wouldn't be able to do his job." Obi-wan stated as he had continued his walk with Satine. He had momentarily glanced back to see that Matt had gone but he figured it was for a good reason.
"The work of a peacekeeper is to make sure that conflict does not arise." Satine argued back.
"Yes, a noble description, not a realistic one." Kenobi countered.
"Is reality what makes a Jedi abandon his ideals? Or is it simply a response to political convenience?" Satine asked challengingly.
Kenobi was just about to give his response when an explosion occurred not far away from them. The blast shook them both a little as many citizens cried out in terror.
"Are you alright?" Obi-wan asked, placing a protective hand upon her shoulder.
"I'm fine."
Satine broke away from Kenobi and rushed towards the explosion. She saw several people injured and buried under rubble. Without a word, she got on her hands and knees and started helping them get out of the debris. Even Kenobi joined soon after alongside other civilians.
Obi-wan surveyed the destruction and gave his thoughts. "Hooligans couldn't have arranged an attack on this scale."
"Then this must be the work of an off-worlder."
Kenobi soon spotted behind the Duchess, having a grim look on his face. "Are you sure of that?"
Satine was confused at what he meant, more so upon seeing the look on his face. Following his line of sight, she looked behind her and saw an orange hologram spinning around for all to see.
"The sign of Death Watch."
"This goes far beyond vandalism." Obi-wan sadly informed. "This is a political statement against your government and against you. You're not safe here. I'm taking you back to the palace."
When some of Satine's guards arrived, Kenobi handed her off to them before addressing the guards. "I want to interview everyone here. Nobody leaves this scene."
From the corner of his eye, Kenobi saw someone pushing past some of the people away as he soon fled the scene. Without a word, Kenobi took off in order to catch him. Leaving the garden area, they ran down a flight of stairs before going through a hallway. Eventually coming towards a closed off ledge, the man Kenobi was chasing no longer had anywhere else to run.
"Please. I only want to talk."
The man didn't see it that way, pulling out a blaster and fired upon the Jedi.
Kenobi dodged and rolled away from the shots before pulling out his lightsaber. He blocked and rebounded the shots with one of them hitting the offender's weapon out of his grasp. Seeing as the offender had nothing else, he charged right at Kenobi, which he was soon caught and thrown to the ground not far away.
"Like I said, I don't want to hurt you." Kenobi soon heard steps coming towards them. Looking over, he saw Satine coming towards them. "Stay back!"
With Obi-wan's attention misplaced, the runaway used this chance to flee… in an unattended fashion. Getting towards the ledge, he stood on the railing and spoke in another language. "Calhava bru'chun dralshye'ran!"
By the time Kenobi and Satine heard this, they saw the man fall and land on the floor below. Running towards the ledge, they saw it was quite the large drop as spider-cracks were seen around the man with people looking onto the scene.
The pair soon made their way to the lower level, brushing past many civilians as they came towards the prone man. Satine was the first to approach, kneeling towards the man who was soon dying due to the fall.
"Se solu," he spoke weakly, "se kad, se darasuum kote. Kadi, se norm'iim."
"What's he saying?" Kenobi inquired.
Satine didn't answer right away, only leaning forward and softly spoke to the dying man. "Ki, kadi norm'iim." Once the man closed his eyes, no longer breathing, Satine addressed the Jedi. "He was speaking in the dialect they use on Concordia, our moon."
"I shall like to visit this moon of yours. Perhaps I may accompany the body."
"The Concordian moon is a province with its own governor. You need me to escort you."
"That won't be necessary."
"Actually, it will. You won't make much progress without me there, especially since you've just been involved with the death of a Concordian."
"I didn't kill him." Kenobi said defensively.
"I know. That's why I'm still talking to you."
"Obi-wan."
The Jedi Master turned to see Matt rushing over to him.
"Matt, where did you go off too?" Kenobi asked.
Matt momentarily looked at the recently deceased, eyes narrowing behind his shades.
"I picked up on someone that was tailing after us." Matt answered. "Soon as I got to her, an explosion went off several moments later near you. What happened here?"
"I'll explain it to you on the way back to the palace." Kenobi answered. "We must make our way over to the moon, Concordia."
-Scene Cut-
Matt and Obi-wan were now within a Mandalorian transport ship, leaving the dock where it was stationed outside the domed city and flying towards Mandalore's moon.
It was a strange feeling for Matt, thinking on the casualness of interplanetary travel he was experiencing when this was only a recent all still developing breakthrough back on Earth. To be out in the cosmos was still a bit surreal.
"So what's this Concordia moon like?" Matt asked aloud.
"Isn't Concordia an agricultural settlement?" Kenobi looked to Satine who had changed out of her fanciful clothing and settled for something simpler.
"Before the end of our wars, they turned it into a mining base. The sheer number of mining facilities here nearly destroyed our forests. They are finally growing back." Satine said with a sense of pride.
The transport ship flew down towards a lavish city, entering the hangar bay of the largest building. It landed with a ramp descending down with Satine, Kenobi and Matt standing around the coffin of the Mandalorian that took his life back on Mandalore as well as two guards.
Stepping off the ramp, the three were soon greeted with a man with several guards standing behind him. And trailing behind the new arrivals was the coffin of the Concordian.
"Duchess Satine, you are most welcome." The man greeted with a pleasant smile.
"Thank you, Governor Pre Vizsla. May I present Master Obi-Wan Kenobi, representing the Jedi Council and Matthew Murdock. Governor Vizsla is one of the officials I spoke of. He has been working to find the members of Death Watch." Satine said.
"I take it you've heard the rumors about Satine, about how she's supposedly leading Mandalore into an alliance with the Separatists." Vizsla stated with a small twinge in his voice Matt picked up on.
"My only instructions are to seek the truth." Kenobi stated plainly.
Vizsla looked towards the coffin as it was being moved by Satine's men. "This was the man who bombed the memorial shrine?"
"Yes. He was apparently part of Death Watch."
"A worrisome prospect." Vizsla said to himself. "If you'll pardon me, General, we must attend to the body."
While Vizsla and his guards left to attend to the matter of the body, Kenobi stopped Satine.
"I need a favor from you."
"Which is?" Satine asked.
"Please keep Governor Vizsla occupied at dinner." Obi-wan said.
"And where are you going?" Satine questioned.
"Just a look around. I'd like to see one of these mining facilities for myself." Kenobi said.
"You mean you want to determine if they're still… operational." Satine said with a more accusational tone.
"I hope to determine they're not." Obi-wan then pulled out a few earpieces as they were presented towards Matt and Satine. "I want you to wear this so that we can stay in contact in case you run into trouble while I'm gone. Matthew, I trust you can keep Satine safe."
Matt only nodded while Satine shook her head in exasperation.
"Remember that you are here under my protection. Please try not to cause problems when none yet exist."
"Think of me as searching for solutions." Kenobi remarked, going over to one of the speeder bikes within the hangar.
"I have to tell you I'm opposed to all of this." Satine huffed.
"I'd be disappointed if you weren't." Obi-wan quipped as he flew out from the Hangar.
Satine only shook her head once again.
"Glad to see he hasn't changed much since I last saw him." Satine said in a dry tone.
"People seldom ever do, Duchess." Matt said.
"True enough." Satine said with a tired sigh. "Come, let us not keep Governor Vizsla waiting."
The two entered the lavish building proper, with Satine leading Matt down a corridor towards the room in which Vizsla waited for them. Entering, they saw Vizsla holding up a datapad while typing away on it.
"Forgive me, Duchess. I'm writing a condolence letter to the dead man's family and making arrangements for them to retrieve his body."
"Of course, Governor. Very proper. General Kenobi will join us shortly." Satine informed Vizsla.
"He said he needed to meditate." Matt added in.
"Ah, the ancient Jedi tradition of meditation." Vizsla said with a light chuckle. "In the days of old, there were some that had picked up on that practice. I myself used to do such a practice. I unfortunately dropped it due to the demands of running a government."
"Perhaps you should try an attempt at it." Matt said conversationally. "I've learned to manage to do it throughout the day when I need it most. Occasionally helps relieve stress."
"Oh? And may I ask for your profession, Mr. Murdock?"
"I'm a lawyer."
Vizsla now laughed aloud. "My word, you've chose a stressful position indeed Mr. Murdock. I do not envy the work you must endure."
Matt only smiled cordially yet in his thoughts, he began noticing a few unusual cues and gestures of this Governor Vizsla. Something was off here.
And he was gonna find out what it was.
Meanwhile, over with Master Kenobi...
Arriving at one of the mining facilities, Obi-wan made his way inside. Traversing through the dark tunnel, he was soon met with light. Scanning the area, he saw the place was not abandoned as he was led to believe judging by the lighting of the mine. And upon looking at a nearby wrack, he saw it was also operational, given the number of Mandalorian armor and weaponry freshly made.
Looking back towards the center of the mine for a brief moment, Kenobi approached the newly made line of jetpacks and helmets.
Picking one up, he examined the familiar T-shaped visor of the Mandalorian helmet when he heard someone running towards him from behind.
Obi-wan turned around in time to see a fully armored Mandalorian running at him while firing his blaster. The Jedi raised the helmet as a means of a makeshift shield before the Mando tackled him to the ground.
Kenobi quickly got back up and ignited his Lightsaber only to find his assailant had vanished.
Slowly walking forward, Obi-wan called out to the Mandalorian hoping to avoid conflict. "I am here on a diplomatic mission under the protection of Duchess Satine."
"We do not recognize her rule." The Mando rose up from his cover and ran at Obi-wan, firing at him with the Jedi deflecting the bolts.
As the Mandalorian drew closer, Kenobi performed a spinning kick to the man's blaster and knocked it out of his hands.
Yet not a moment too soon did Obi-wan's one weapon get shot out of his hands from another Mandalorian that stood on an elevated control terminal.
Obi-wan quickly engaged the Mandalorian closest to him, landing a series of successive strikes yet was subdued only moments later with both Mandalorians grabbing his arms and punching him back. As soon as he looked up, he was met with a boot to the face and was rendered unconscious.
Back with Satine and Matt.
Both sat at the table with Vizsla pouring them both a drink of alcohol.
'Alien alcohol.' Matt mused to himself with a light laugh. 'This is a first.'
"Someone is feeding misinformation directly to the Republic Senate, saying that Death Watch is taking over Mandalore. Who stands to gain from these lies?" Satine asked with a somber tone.
"Death Watch, of course." Vizsla said as it was obvious to him.
"They could not engineer all this." Satine stated. "The problem has clearly grown much larger than we thought. And I suspect some external force helped it along."
"Hard to believe. It would have to be someone at the highest level of influence among the Separatists."
"The Separatists?" Matt said aloud. "Why would the Separatists want to get themselves involved in all of this?"
"And why would they target me?" Satine asked.
Vizsla only laughed at her question. "Duchess, I'm surprised that you don't see it. You lead the Council of Neutral Systems. Thus you threaten the Separatists' goals." He raised his glass towards her direction. "Take it as a compliment. Someone very powerful is working towards your downfall."
They all shared in their drink, entering into a lull of silence.
"Governor Vizsla." Matt spoke up. "With respect, what do you personally know of Death Watch?"
Vizsla grunted, wiping his mouth. "I know they are a threat with the bombing that had occurred on Mandalore. Attacking civilians. Nothing but barbaric. I may be proud of our ancient warrior culture and traditions, but the death of innocence is inexcusable."
Matt heard the passion but did not feel it.
"Agreed." Matt played along. "And what do you know of the Protectors?"
The man's flinch was so subtle, it was barely noticeable. Yet Matt picked up on it all the same. He immediately noticed the shift in tone and inflection of the man before him.
"I haven't heard much of these other Mandalorians with Death Watch being so close to home." Vizsla said slowly. "Only from what I have been able to pick up on every now and then. That they follow a different set of codes and ethics that differ from Death Watch and The New Mandalorians."
The man rubbed his arm with a slight twitch of his brow that went unnoticed by Satine yet for a man like Matt…
Judging by the way he was reacting, that arm… yes it was bruised. As a matter of fact, Governor Vizsla's body seemed slightly strained now that he paid attention to his breathing and heartbeat.
Though it was controlled, Matt recognized the breathing of a man who had been in a fight recently. He was aware of the wonders of Bacta technology but even still that did not always heal ones' self fully.
"And what have you heard about them, Governor?" Matt probed as amicably as possible. "I find myself growing curious at the number of Mandalorian factions."
"This one… is different." Was all Vizsla stated before changing the subject. "General Kenobi's meditation is taking a rather long time."
What they were unaware of was Obi-wan's current predicament.
"You know the Jedi. They never do anything by halves." Satine remarked.
Without warning, Matt and Satine heard Kenobi's voice on their earpieces. "Duchess, Matt, please acknowledge."
"May I offer you another drink?" Vizsla asked.
"Yes, certainly."
"I'd rather not." Matt said. "I'll save some for Dinner. Don't want to start without Obi-wan."
"I'm in a bit of an awkward spot. I'm being held by the Death Watch."
When he was over at the bar, Vizsla made himself and the Duchess a refill before turning back with an apologetic smile. "Sorry, Duchess. We're out of ice."
"Sorry to hear that."
"There are times I usually go without it."
"Perhaps we should begin dinner without General Kenobi."
"There's a tracking function on your commlink, Satine. Or, if needed, have Matt accompany you as his is better suited. Follow it due east to my location."
"I don't know if I can do that at the moment."
Pre was a little confused on what Satine just said.
"It's extremely urgent."
"Are you not feeling well, Duchess?"
Getting up from her seat, Satine gave a small smile. "Perhaps some fresh air would do me good."
"Shall I escort you outside?"
"Take a speeder. It's rough terrain."
Standing up, Matt soon followed the Duchess. "I'll accompany her. I need some fresh air myself."
"You sure?"
"Most certainly." Matt tapped his shades. "Sometimes I get migraines."
Pre only looked at them with slight confusion as they departed with the two exiting the room and as soon as they had some distance away began running towards the hangar.
"Satine, just so you know, I don't know how to drive a speeder." Matt declared. "I'm blind, much less have not gotten around to learning how to operate one of them."
Satine wanted to ask how this could be since he seemed to be moving about as any normal person would be but brushed that aside for a later time. Right now, Obi-wan needed their help.
Getting onto the speeder, she patted the spot behind her. "Just hang onto me."
Once getting on, he wrapped his arms around her waist. "I promise not to do anything funny."
"I'll hold you to that."
Wasting no more time, she took off as Matt was flung back a little.
As the speeder sped across the Concordian terrain, Matt was silent for the most part when…
"Governor Vizsla is hiding something from us."
"What?" Satine looked back at him momentarily in bewilderment.
"Back at the estate, he kept favoring his left arm and was seemingly tired. He was in a fight recently."
"And how is it possible you would know this?" Satine asked in a slightly affronted manner. "Didn't you say you were blind?"
"Let's just say I have my ways. Kenobi compared me to a Miraluka with how I sense things."
"Sense things?"
"I'll tell you more later, we're here."
Arriving at the mining facility, Matt and Satine got off their speeder with the former holding her back for a brief moment. Removing his clothing, Matt revealed the black and red vest piece he wore underneath his suit with two red intertwined D's on his upper right peck.
Before her eyes, Satine watched as a black and red metallic suit of some kind materialized around the blind man with a horned helm snapping around his eyes and nose with only his mouth and jaw being visible.
"Let's go." Daredevil gestured for her to follow after him with the two cautiously entering the dark tunnel.
As they stepped inside, they heard Obi-wan's voice once more. "This is not good."
Hugging the nearby wall, Satine spoke into her wrist-com. "Where exactly are you?"
"Listen for the loud metallic clanging sound. That would be the machine about to smash me into bits." He said exasperatedly with said clanging sound being heard in the background.
Hugging the wall beside the Duchess, Daredevil heard several heartbeats. One was climbing up while the others were calm.
"We need to get the Death Watch members out of the room." Matt commented.
Seeing a nearby panel, Satine started fiddling around with it before she activated the alarm. With it going off, Satine and Matt saw a pair of Death Watch members rushing past them as they soon hid behind a conveyor belt. As they drew near, Matt pounced.
He caught them both off guard with a spinning split kick that knocked them both to the ground with a quick jab to the one to his left in the neck to knock him out before flipping about and knocking out the other.
"Was that really necessary?" Satine asked with a frown marrying her face.
"Would you rather have them come back when we're in the middle of saving Obi-wan?" Daredevil said.
Satine's silence merely gave him his answer.
Rushing towards the captured Jedi, they were soon addressed by him. "Well, it certainly took you long enough." Kenobi said aloud from his containment field as he was hung upside down.
"You know, we haven't saved you yet."
"Yes~ no need to remind me of that."
"Be patient."
"I happen to be a bit short on patience right now."
Wow… by the way they're speaking, Matt figured they seemed to argue like a stubborn married couple.
Climbing up towards the console, Satine started fiddling over the controls. "Now let's see. One of these should work."
"Satine, turn the machine off!" Kenobi said more desperately now as he drew closer to the crushing portion of the contraption.
"I'm trying."
"Satine!"
"Will you stop yelling at her? She's trying as fast as she can." Matt growled out, feeling his ears slightly ring from the yelling and the noise of the machine.
"And what are you doing?" Kenobi yelled back, earning a flat look from the blind hero making the Jedi realize his words. "Right… apologies my friend."
"There!" Satine pressed down on a control, preventing Obi-wan from being crushed.
"Why is he not out?" Matt asked, "seeing" the contraption still being operational.
"Trying to free him now."
"HEY."
Matt whipped his head around to see the Mandalorians he had knocked out run back in.
'Huh, they recovered faster than I thought.' Matt mused aloud.
"We're gonna gut you first, you bastard." the lead Death Watch member shouted, tilting down to fire off a missile which Daredevil flipped away from as fast as he could. The shockwave still caught him in the air and he fell to the ground.
The Death Watch Mandalorian rushed at Matt with the Avenger getting to his feet and kicking the first one in the chest before blocking the others fist, swatting it aside.
Not wanting Obi-wan grinded into a meaty paste, Satine kicked over a nearby canister into the grinder. As it bounced on the grinders, Obi-wan was freed from his confinement.
He soon used the canister as an impromptu springboard as he soon drop kicked the Death Watch member that attempted to attack Matt from behind into the ground.
Matt grabbed the wrists of the one he currently fought and twisted them before flinging him with all his might over to the other unconscious Mando, making sure the man hit the wall helmet first to knock him out.
The trio soon made it to the nearby elevator and made their way up.
"For a man sworn to peace, you take an unseemly pleasure in the injuries of others." Said the Duchess.
"For a woman sworn to nonviolence, you don't seem troubled that I could have been killed back there." Spoke the Jedi.
"But you weren't. And yet I still haven't heard my thanks."
"Well, you certainly haven't changed much."
Matt was silent, merely observing how much angst these two had. Something he'll no doubt want to learn at a later time once everything wasn't trying to kill them.
He shook his head with a small smirk.
"What amuses you so much?" Satine asked, having seen the smirk.
"Nothing." Matt waved off. "By the way, you'll be wanting this back."
Kenobi blinked when he saw Matt holding out his lightsaber.
"Thank you, Matt." Kenobi said graciously, taking his Saber out of Matt's hand. "How did you get this back?"
"Got it from those two down there when we came to get you."
Before Obi-wan was able to thank him once more, the elevator stopped with the door opening to reveal another Death Watch member standing guard.
The Death Watch Mandalorian could barely look back in time to see two fists coming straight at him.
He fell to the ground in a heap a second later with Kenobi taking stock of where they were.
"This is not the way we came in." he noted, hand hovering near his lightsaber.
"Clearly it was back down where we came from." Matt jabbed in.
They stood in front of an encampment of some kind. An encampment filled with Death Watch.
"Look there. It's the Jedi." one of the members yelled out, pointing to them.
Obi-wan quickly ignited his lightsaber, blocked and rebounded the incoming blaster fire.
Daredevil dodged and moved around, blaster bolts sailing past him. Kenobi had pressed one of the controls only to see that it wasn't working.
"We'll have to stand and fight." Obi-wan then looked over to the Duchess. "Or in your case, Satine, just stand and hide."
"Of course you would-"
"If you two, would please." Matt cut in irritably. "Just stop bickering like a pair of exes."
"We are not." Chorused the two.
"Sure." Daredevil said dryly as he hid behind some rocks with Satine while Obi-wan continued deflecting blaster bolts.
Down below, a Mandalorian Death watch member with three yellow marks over his visor pointed to some nearby Mando's.
"You three, stop them."
The trio of Death Watch Mandalorians activated their jetpacks and took to the skies with them firing at the Avenger and Jedi.
Obi-wan was deflecting the blaster bolts but Daredevil had no means of defending himself in that capacity. That was by no means meant that he was defenseless.
Whipping out his Billy Club, he adjusted the makeup of his tool and had it morph into a curved boomerang. Using the tech in his helmet to zero in specifically on the three Death Watch flyers, Matt rolled out from his cover and flung his weapon.
The boomerang whirled about with a small whistling sound that clipped the jet packs of the Death Watch Flyers. They all fell to the ground yet quickly got to their feet, charging at the two.
Daredevil lunged forward, ducking beneath the blaster fire and rolled forward. As he got to his closest target, Daredevil delivered a powerful upwards strike with his legs kicking the man in the chest. He sailed up into the air and fell hard on the ground, unmoving.
Obi-wan all the while was blocking blaster bolts, sending one back that killed its sender while the other successfully disarmed the Jedi.
He ran at Obi-wan and tackled him to the ground, getting up to his feet with his blaster raised for the kill.
"You there!" The Death Watch member looked over before having a rock collide against the visor of his helmet, courtesy of Satine. As she made a break for it, the Death Watch member opened fire on her. Being distracted, he was knocked off his feet by Kenobi before being kicked some distance away.
With him indisposed for the moment, Kenobi rushed over to where the Duchess was presently hiding. "Satine!"
"I'm alright." She spoke out, hugging against the rock wall.
Seeing his men being humiliated by both the Jedi and the man posing as a Devaronian, the Death Watch leader gave out an order. "I'll deal with this. Get to your ships and evacuate."
Upon his command, the other Death Watch members present in the facility quickly made their way towards their transport ships and went to the rendezvous base of operations.
"Obi-wan." Daredevil said aloud with the Jedi looking up to the Avenger and then to what he was facing.
Seeing everyone else was leaving, the Death Watch leader made his way towards the intruders' position with three of his men behind him. As he drew close, he spotted the downed member of his group, who tried getting back up onto his feet.
Drawing a pistol, the leader spoke a single word. "Failure."
In an instant, Matt recognized the voice after the leader fired a shot into the newly deceased Death Watch member.
'Of course it was him.' Matt internally mused. As both he and Obi-wan stepped out to confront the Death Watch leader and his men, the Daredevil addressed him. "Should have known it was you, Vizsla."
Removing his helmet, the leader revealed himself to Obi-wan, Matt and Satine.
"Governor?" Satine spoke out of utter confusion and disbelief..
"For generations, my ancestors fought proudly as warriors against the Jedi." Pre Vizsla spoke with pride before sneering in the direction of Satine. "Now that woman tarnishes the very name Mandalorian. Defend her if you will."
"I intend to." Obi-wan stated, calling for his Lightsaber back to his hand. Igniting it once more, he spun it around once and got into his usual Soresu stance. Saber overhead with free hand raised horizontally with index and middle fingers raised towards his opponent.
Matt said nothing, merely getting into a battle stance with his Billy Club split in two and at the ready.
Vizsla looked at his two opponents before reaching towards the hilt on his jetpack and drew out the lightsaber blade.
As the Darksaber ignited, Obi-wan took on a look of utmost surprise. Not just because Pre Vizsla held a Jedi weapon, but because the lightsaber was utterly black in color. Something he had never seen, let alone heard of before in his life.
"This lightsaber was retrieved back from your Jedi temple by my ancestors during the fall of the Old Republic before the seventh battle of Ruusan. Since then, many Jedi have died upon it's blade." Whirling his weapon towards his opponents, Pre Vizsla growled. "Prepare yourself to join them."
"Not today." Kenobi declared. "Matthew, stay back. This is my fight."
The Daredevil complied, stepping back but was ready to intervene if anything were to go awry.
Vizsla grasped the Darksaber tightly before jumping high into the air with a war cry.
Pivoting back, Obi-wan raised his lightsaber overhead horizontally and blocked the downward strike from Pre.
Pushing him back, Kenobi inclined his body back to avoid another swing, ducking down from another before clashing his blade against Vizsla's once more.
For a series of blows, blue and white met and clashed against black and white. Both combatants avoided the coming swings when they couldn't be blocked. At one point, Kenobi grabbed Vizsla's wrist, leaning back to dodge the man's free fist.
Avoiding the man's Darksaber several more times, the Jedi Master spun round for a surprise Force push that sent the Mandalorian sailing through the air.
Breaking Vizsla's fall, the three Death Watch members caught their leader. Back onto his feet, Pre shoved his men away before charging back into the fight. Spinning around while in the air, the Darksaber came down with Kenobi avoiding the blow. Acting quickly, the Jedi kicked the Darksaber out of Vizsla's hands as it skidded against the rocky earth.
Unarmed from his prized weapon didn't mean Pre wasn't gonna end the fight. Coming in close, the Mandalorian kneed and punched his opponent. With the Jedi falling back, the Death Watch leader made a break for it for the Darksaber.
Obi-wan got up to one knee with Daredevil standing by him. He waved his hand down with Matt begrudgingly standing back. Facing his opponent again, the Jedi saw the Mandalorian utilize his jetpack in the battle and sailed into the air.
However, this maneuver left Pre wide open. Exploiting it quickly, Kenobi rolled forward to springboard himself up into the air.
Reaching Vizsla in the air, he delivered a swift uppercut to the chin followed by a left hook. With a Force enhanced spin, he grabbed the governor and spun round, throwing him towards the other three Death Watch Members.
Landing hard on the ground between them, the Darksaber retracted as Pre got on all fours with a spiteful glare leveled at the Jedi master who stared back with a focused expression.
Rising back to his feet, Pre pointed straight at them. "Warriors, finish them off!"
Wordlessly, the three Mandalorians fired off their missiles.
Seeing the missiles coming towards them, Obi-wan avoided the incoming projectiles. He expected them to explode some distance behind him. Unfortunately for him, they appeared to be homing missiles, curving around the sky and redirected themselves towards him and his two companions.
Without any warning, Obi-wan grabbed ahold of Satine's arm and rushed towards the elevator shaft. And soon enough he used the Force to pull the Daredevil in along with them. The three soon fell down the shaft, landing hard on the ground though unscathed by the fiery debris that fell in from behind.
Back up above, the Death Watch Members scanned the ruined elevator shaft.
"Should we go after them, sir."
"No." Vizsla commanded. "There's no time. But don't worry. We'll catch up with the Duchess soon enough."
Coming out of the mining facility from where they once entered, Satine, Obi-wan and Matt were covered in soot. They walked towards the parked speeders with the Duchess being the first to speak.
"I suppose we're even now." Satine remarked, watching as Obi-wan was helped over to his speeder by Daredevil.
"How so?" Kenobi questioned.
"I saved your life. You saved mine." Satine said
"Yes, well, mine was the more daring of the two rescues."
"If you two are done showing off." Matt cut in. "I'd rather get back and rest after a long day. Need to also inform Satine's people back on Mandalore on this latest development."
"On that much, we can agree." Kenobi said with a light smile.
Satine only clicked her tongue in clear amusement at the two with the trio departing from the mine.
"So… who am I riding with this time?" Matt questioned, looking towards Satine and Obi-wan, respectively.
-Scene Cut-
Obi-wan Kenobi and Matt Murdock walked with Prime Minister Almec, Advisor Tal Merrik and the Duchess Satine towards the Duchess's personal ship on the dock.
The dock was bustling with activity, Clone Troopers, Mandalorian guards and Senator officials all over the dock. The latter were present because of the coming discussions they wished to have with the leader of the neutral systems.
"But if Pre Vizsla fled, we have no way of learning how widespread Death Watch really is." Spoke Tal Merrik, the senator from Kalevala.
"It's obvious the Separatists are supporting Death Watch." Kenobi stated.
"I disagree. I told you I wanted to stay out of this conflict." Satine said with a slightly cold tone.
"Given the current situation, I'm afraid that this may no longer be possible." Kenobi said
Satine tightened her fists and practically growled at Kenobi. "I thought you of all people would understand my position on this matter. I will never be a part of this war."
She left him there, walking towards her ship with Kenobi hanging his head slightly. He felt a hand on his shoulder and looked over to see Matt with his helmet off giving him an understanding look.
"Thank you Matt." Obi-wan said appreciatively.
"So~ I take it there's a story here."
Both men turned to see Steve Rogers and Natasha Romanoff along with Anakin Skywalker, Captain Rex and Commander Cody all approaching.
"Reporting for escort duty, General." Anakin remarked with a slight grin.
"Oh, Anakin. Am I glad to see you." Obi-wan said with a small smile. "Steve, Natasha, you are both welcomed sights as well after everything Matthew and I had endured."
"Hmm. You sound tired." Anakin noted.
"The peaceful ways of the locals wore me out a bit." Obi-wan stated, walking with the group while patting Commander Cody as a small gesture of greeting with the Clone nodding in return.
"For men of action, like us, that's quite understandable." Steve commented, earning wryly grins from the others.
"So what happened here?" Natasha asked.
"Do you want the long version or the short version?" Matt presented the options.
"The medium version."
"How about the Lawyer version?"
"Then we'll be here all day." Anakin joked as they boarded the ship which took off moments later, departing from the planet of Mandalore.
Alright, this chapter is all done, but before we get to the AN, a little something that has occurred in between Geonosis up to now.
"A spider-sense?" Obi-wan Kenobi repeated in slight confusion. "What is that supposed to be?"
Before him stood the young New York Queens native Peter Parker who was rubbing the back of his head.
"Well, ya see, I have like this sixth sense sort of thing that kinda warns me when danger is about to strike." Peter elaborated. "Cept the problem is sometimes it works, others, not so much. It's weirdly inconsistent."
Obi-wan rubbed his beard with clear interest.
"How would you explain this exactly?" Kenobi asked. "What do you feel when this spider-sense occurs? How does it happen?"
Peter scrunched up his face in thought, thinking over all the instances whenever his warning sense occurred.
"Well… it's sudden. Random at times." Peter said. "Usually happening when I don't expect it but always like it's pointing me in the direction where the immediate danger is coming from."
Obi-wan hummed in thought, gazing at the young boy in an analytical manner. Out of all the Avengers he had met thus far, young Peter Parker was by far one of the more unique of them all. Each was a sort of void within the Force when stretching out his connection to it yet Peter was distinctly different.
He had no connection to the Force and was empty of it but his presence was much more different. The one time Obi-wan had meditated on the matter of the Avengers, Parker's presence was felt in terms of… branches? Or was it webs? Whatever it was, Obi-wan couldn't deny the growing curiosity he had on this subject.
The Jedi was unsure but Spider-man stood out from the others.
"Before I ask how this works, why come to me, Peter?" Obi-wan inquired with intrigue.
"Well, I do practice with Matty sometimes since his powers are kinda similar to mine but not exactly. He lost one sense when I gained another." Peter explained. "I spoke with Cap and the other Avengers and even Ahsoka, Barriss and Anakin about it and Anakin and Ahsoka suggested I go to you."
"To me?" Obi-wan said in a bemused manner. "Whatever for?"
"Something about you being the master of Sorsu. How you have the ultimate defense as a Jedi."
Blinking at that, Obi-wan couldn't help but chuckle at the mispronunciation as well as the feeling of humility that both Anakin and Ahsoka would direct Parker to him.
"It's pronounced Soresu." Kenobi corrected politely. "And it's one of the seven forms of lightsaber combat, the one I prefer."
"Yeah, Ahsoka and Anakin told me about that too." Peter said. "So, you think you can help me out?" Obi-wan's hand brushed through his beard once more before nodding a moment later.
"Yes, I do believe I shall help you." Kenobi said, making Peter's expression brighten up.
"Really? Ya mean it?!" he asked excitedly with Obi-wan nodding.
"I had been wanting a new pupil for some time, to be perfectly honest with you." Obi-wan freely admitted. "And I believe it is the will of the Force itself that I take you on as a student. You Avengers have begun to show me that I need to broaden my perspectives. Perhaps with you Peter, I can learn a bit more about myself in helping you."
"If you're offering, who am I to decline?" Peter said cheerfully. "When should we start?"
Smiling once more, Kenobi placed a hand on his shoulder and guided him towards one of the many training grounds of the temple.
"No time like the present, let's get started."
Peter only beamed, being jittery with excitement at the thought of having an actual teacher help him master this new power.
This was too awesome to put into words.
He would not let his new teacher down.
AAAAAANNNNNDDDD DONE.
That was a freaking breeze!
J and I knocked this one out in a matter of hours! Holy crap this was an easy one to write.
Jebest4781: We had gotten this done rather quickly if I'm being honest. One of those rare days of doing it all in one sitting rather than multiple days. Wish this was possible more often, but that's not meant to be.
FMW: Yeah, I wish that we can have consistency like this but I know that it's never always going to be like that so we'll take the chances that we can get whenever we do get these literal lightning writing moments.
Whew, well that was crazy awesome still that we got down.
OH, be sure to check out my DeviantArt account under the same name, just slightly different.
FreeManWriter is how you search it up and it has multiple cover posters that focus on arcs that are already out. Just giving you a visual of sorts of what's to come in the arc so to speak.
Other than that, I'll see you all later folks.
Rate Read and Review and as Always Have Nice Day.