Much to fulfill in this chapter that I need to do.
It's a bit of a milestone for me cause… I've worked on many chapters on my stories but this is one of the ones that I know for sure will reach triple digits of Chapters. Think on this, there are still SEVEN arcs I need to do until we get to Season 3. And even though certain arcs only dictate one chapter at times, with everything that I've planned out thanks in no small part to Jebest co-writing with me, I know that without question that it is a more than likely chance arcs involving a single chapter are gonna become less and less as time goes on.
Without question, there's maybe only one arc in the seven planned out for this season that only has one chapter and you guys may have a guess as to what it is but it will more than likely be a long one.
But now, with 40 chapters in, it's time to truly begin to shake things up. I've had small instances here and there but now? Now things are gonna be shifting.
So without further ado…
Rate Read and Review and as Always Have Nice Day.
Avengers Infinite Wars Chapter 40: Never as Simple.
Matt, Cap and Widow were gone for the time being.
Scott and Hope were with Mr. Rhodes, working on their equipment while looking out for… they still hadn't decided on the name of the baby-Yoda that constantly waddled to their rooms. Was it Kevin? Or had they chosen Dylan? Maybe it was Jake. Whatever the name was, those three were busy.
Pietro had left earlier. Something about a date.
'A date.' Peter mused internally. 'With an alien. Might as well be Star Trek by this point.'
Ahsoka and Barriss were somewhere in the temple but he couldn't find them.
And Sam was… also somewhere.
Which means that it left Peter all to his own devices for the time being.
So then, what to do?
The young web-head was perched high above the Jedi temple, overlooking the entrance to the grand structure. Before him was the city planet that the Avengers called their temporary home since arriving here. He was suited up with his mask in hand.
Were they in their home galaxy of the milky way?
Or somewhere else entirely? Was it another galaxy or… another universe.
The aspect of the multiverse was certainly something that greatly intrigued him as it did in terrifying him. In theory, the multiverse was one that was a realm of infinite realities and possibilities where anything and everything that can happen does happen. So to be in it wasn't something that Peter would like to assume.
Not really ready for something like that.
Shaking his head, Peter gazed at his mask before slipping it on over his head. He jumped forward and fired a web line, swinging away at full speed.
If he was gonna be here for a while, might as well get to know the planet a bit better. Sounds a lot better than just sitting around in a temple of emotionless monks.
It was a bit of a refreshing feeling really, swinging around the buildings of Coruscant. He should honestly do this more often whenever he was here and not out in the middle of a battlefield or looking for the other missing Avengers.
Just thinking about them made him hope that the Prince of Wakanda was alright. Brief as their time spent together was, the guy used his powers to help him and Matt try to get the enhanced criminals that had come to New York out of there.
And now he was out there, somewhere lost in the stars. Then there was also Wanda Maximoff and Vision that were still missing. The Avengers had been here for some time now, with their suits telling them that it was only a few days away until Christmas and New Year's back home.
Just thinking on all this matter made Peter cringe internally, stuffing those thoughts down for the time being.
Right now, he just wants to swing around for a bit and possibly clear his head… and maybe run into some trouble to keep himself busy but that was coming from the back of his mind.
Doing a triple accel spin in the air, Spider-man certainly had the attention of any and all who spotted him with some openly pointing him out. They were rather astonished to see someone like that jumping and weaving through the many flying speeders and ships while swinging around with such ease. Some assumed him to be a Jedi.
With the fancy moves and such on top of the seemingly easy grace that seems to allow him to perform such feats was the only plausible idea.
For Spider-man, it was as easy as breathing.
When he first got these powers and began web swinging, it took him some trial and error, none of which involved slamming face first into a few billboards…
Ok, maybe one or two… three tops.
Landing on a terrace with civilians all jumping back in slight shock at his sudden appearance, he rose up to wave at them.
"Sorry 'bout that, guys." Peter said sheepishly. "Just passing through, no need to worry. Avengers business."
At the mention of the Avengers, some were curious, others gawked while some were confused. It was clear that the Avengers were beginning to garner more and more attention across the galaxy with their actions.
Naturally, there were some that were unaware of them but over time, they would hear the team name.
Still, for some to see one of these Avengers that have been all over the holo-net in person was certainly a surprise. And what bizarre clothing this one wore. It looked like tight spandex.
Spider-man was looking around, ignoring the looks he was receiving until his lenses widened with a smile blooming on his face. With a small chuckle, he jogged over to a small booth where its owner was currently serving up a few people some of his own original recipes.
"Hey Garun." Peter said aloud, waving his hand at him.
The Twi'lek he had met when he first arrived on this planet jolted at the sound of his name and turned to see a brightly colored individual walking up to his booth. Blinking, a grin began to grow on his face upon recognizing the one who had saved him a few weeks ago from those damn thugs that had been harassing him for months.
"Well, well, if it isn't my personal hero." the Twi'lek said boisterously. "How've ya been, Spider-man?"
"Oh you know, the usual." Peter said with a shrug.
"Sorry, to say kid, but I wouldn't know your definition of the usual." The Twi'lek said in a dry tone, making Peter chuckle.
"True enough. Good to see you're doing well, Garun." Spidey said, leaning against the food stand. "I'm surprised you still remember me to be honest."
"How can I forget the brightly colored weirdo who saved my life?" Garun asked with an amused huff. "Hard not to forget someone like you."
"Well that's a backhanded compliment if ever there was one." Spider-man muttered with Garun chortling.
"So what can I do for ya, kid?" Garun inquired. "Feeling a bit peckish today?"
Peter shrugged. "Not yet. Just wanted to get out for a while to be honest."
"I can imagine." Garun nodded understandingly, while cooking his next order. "Saw you on the holo-net recently. You were deployed to Geonosis again."
"You saw that?"
"Hard not to." Garun remarked with a shrug of his own. "All that's ever on the holo-net is news of the war, one after another with its updates. Though I've been hearing more and more about these Avengers that have been out there on the field with the Jedi and the Clones. The Chancellor has been talking a lot about you guys personally."
"Huh, didn't know that." Peter murmured underneath his breath. "What does he say?"
"I dunno." Garun admitted. "Don't really pay attention all that much to begin with. Just hear your names and all."
"Right." Peter nodded. "So, got any new grub this time? Got credits now to pay for it."
Garun smirked. "Well, been experimenting with a new porg recipe if you're willing to try it out."
"Sure thing." Spidey stated. "Anything is better than some of the rations I've had to eat."
The Twi'lek nodded, beginning to cook for the web-head.
As time went on between the two, Peter and Garun chatted with the latter informing the former about a greater amount of detail in regard to the planet of Coruscant.
Turns out, this entire planet was a genuine metropolis, built upon layers and layers of levels that continuously added to the city. When asking about the planet's surface, all he got was a light laugh about how he was unsure if Coruscant even had a surface other than the thousands of levels of cities.
That was certainly astonishing to say the least.
He had been so busy with learning of the Jedi, the galaxy's history as a whole that he actually hadn't had time to learn of the planet he currently resided on with the other Avengers. To think that there were 5000+ levels of city on this planet was crazy for him to comprehend.
What was the bottom like?
These thoughts and conversations dominated the time he had spent with Garun until…
"There you are." Said a familiar voice from above.
Blinking, both looked up to see none other than the Falcon flying down to them.
"Hey, Sam, what's up?"
"What's up? Where'd you go and run off to?" Sam asked, landing in front of him with his arms crossed.
"You know, around. Had to get out of the temple at some point."
Sam would argue against that but quite frankly, he had been itching to do the same if he were being honest with himself. All this travelling and fighting on other planets wore him out at times.
"Alright, so what are ya doing out here anyway?" Sam asked, looking to the Twi'lek vendor.
"Oh you know." Peter shrugged, holding up his meal. "Just eating the local cuisine."
"Huh… is it any good?"
Peter turned to Garun who got the hint and pulled out another prepared food tray and held it out for the aviator.
Sam was about to take the food when the telltale sounds of Coruscant sirens blared. The two Avengers looked up to see a few ships speeding by with Coruscant police and even two LAAT gunships flying after them.
"Whoa." Peter blinked. "That looks serious."
"Yeah." Sam said slowly. "It does."
The older Avenger turned back to the young vigilante hero and it was clear for him to see that he was rather anxious right about now.
"If it means so much to you-"
"Oh good, thanks!"
Without another word, Peter fired off a web line into the sky. In a quick moment, he leaped into the air as he soon swung towards where the action was located.
Sam blinked before he himself couldn't help but shake his head with a grin on his face.
"Crazy kid."
Throwing his arms out, his wings folded out and his pack thrusters flared at full force. Rocketing up into the air, Falcon flew after Spider-man at full speed with the two now in pursuit of the action.
Sam had to admit to himself.
This sure was better than just sitting around in the Temple doing nothing all day.
Earlier in the day...
Pietro Maximoff can say that very little could make him speechless.
He lives a crazy and hectic life after all. From taking on giant robots to showing up on alien worlds now, Quicksilver could say very little surprises him.
"Well, I do say Mr. Maximoff, I did not think you would be able to pull off such a dashing look." Chuchi said with a small smile and light blush dusting her cheeks.
For the Sokovian, this was the first time he was wearing anything this fancy in his entire life. The galactic equivalent to a really nice Earthen suit if he were to compare. It was clearly odd for the life of him as all he wore in the past were all sorts of simple civilian attires to his Avenger uniform.
Now this suit he wore was actually a gift he received from Cham Syndulla of all people.
When the Twi'lek resistance fighter turned senator came to Coruscant, the man needed a new wardrobe in order to fit better with his new position. And while the senator could go by himself, he decided to drag Pietro with him in order to help give him a suit to repay for his help on Ryloth.
Ever since receiving the suit for final touches, the Sokovian never wore it since… well until now.
"Pietro?" Chuchi's voice cut through his stupor.
The speedster shook his head, trying to form words through a jumbled mess of emotions before at last blurting out…
"Sorry. It's just that… you look beautiful." Pietro bluntly stated.
Riyo's eyes widened at that before she blushed profusely with a small smile worming its way onto her expression. Giving him a beaming smile a moment later, the shorter Senator approached the Avenger and hooked her arm around his own.
The Pantoran currently wore a slim purple dress with several nice stitching's along the edges. It went over her shoulders and dipped a little down her neck, front and back. And she wore some simple accessories around her wrists and one hanging around her neck.
"And you have a great way with words, Pietro." Chuchi said with a cheery tone, making Pietro grin weakly.
"I try." Pietro shrugged, turning his gaze up at the clearly decadent and ultra-fancy restaurant before him. "Geez, what is this place?"
"My dear friend Padme suggested I try this place out." Chuchi said, moving forward with Pietro walking with her since they did have their arms linked.
Pietro internally gulped to himself. He had a good number of credits with him right now but even he was unsure if they were enough to cover the expenses of this place. It looked way too pricey for him.
The front usher saw Chuchi and nodded with a smile, gesturing towards a waiter for them to follow to a personal booth next to the window that overlooked the senate building.
Seating themselves, the Pontaron Senator let out a tired sigh.
"I do admit, I'm certainly glad to be out of that stuffy office for the day."
Pietro scoffed lightly. "Stuffy? That office is the size of a two bedroom apartment. All those offices are."
"Well, I'm in that room almost every day." Chuchi said knowingly. "It does get dull after a while, seeing the same room over and over again with hardly anything interesting happening."
Pietro couldn't argue that. "True. Hope you haven't been too busy."
"Asides from the usual senate meetings, you mean."
"Yeup."
The Sokovian glanced at the menu and did his best to translate what is written from the galactic "basic". He could order the same thing she was having, but he could end up having something he might not enjoy eating at all. It sounds cute to do, but in reality it wouldn't go anywhere at all.
"Been meaning to ask, but have your people elected a new chairman yet?"
"They have, fortunately."
"That's good. You were getting stressed out as of late, taking up those duties."
"Yes, was honestly counting down the days for when the elections ended so I may properly relieve those duties to Chi Cho's replacement."
"And who would this lucky man be?"
"Baron Papanoida." Riyo took a sip of her drink. "He's quite respected and will do all he can to make things better than what Chi Cho had done."
"Right." Pietro nodded. "Heard from Sam and Steve about that mission he had with you and that other Chairman guy."
"Yes… not a great moment, but it had to be done as my first act as senator."
Pietro hummed in thought. "I don't think I would ever be one for politics. Don't have the mindset for it."
"With what you've been doing these past few weeks, it shouldn't be that surprising." Chuchi said, her tone showing signs of approval. "Rushing into the heat of battle while protecting the troops and Jedi of our Republic. Your actions on Ryloth have also gotten coverage."
"Just didn't want to sit by and let all that happen, you know. Already dealt with a similar scenario once. Didn't want to see that happen on a more escalated scale."
"Yes, you told me about that." Chuchi said, giving a nod to a waiter who poured her an alcoholic beverage. "Sokovia was it? Your home."
"Used to be." Pietro said, crossing his arms and leaning them against the table. "But you already know that."
"Yes." Chuchi nodded. "And this Avengers Headquarters. What is that place like?"
Before Pietro could respond, the waiter came by. "Hello."
"Hello." Said the Avenger.
"Greetings." Spoke the senator.
"Are you two ready to order?"
In fact they were. They gave their requests before the waiter went off. Once gone, the Sokovian remembered his date's question, giving his response right there.
"The Avengers Headquarters used to be a large business tower until my sister and I joined the Avengers. It then moved to this one facility at this far off warehouse location Stark's father once owned."
"Really? A warehouse?"
"It's far better than what you're picturing, I assure you."
"Wasn't there a better location than that?"
Pietro thought for a moment. "I believe Stark was planning on having this one enormous family estate of his redesigned into another Avenger base before we ended up here."
The two shared a long conversation and dinner, sharing laughs and small contemplative moments as they both regaled each other with more stories about each other's pasts. Pietro continued to tell her more and more about the mixed bag that was Earth while she answered his questions on the galaxy to the best of her ability. They had had these conversations a number of times up to this point already, Pietro speaking with Chuchi whenever he or she were both on the planet.
Anytime he was not, Pietro made sure to contact her whenever he believed she needed someone to talk to and more often than not it turned out to be true. Chuchi at one point had even noted jokingly that he always seemed to know just when to call when she needed someone to cheer her up or brighten up her day. She joked that maybe he had developed the foresight some Jedi had in regard to her specifically.
Pietro only jokingly stated that it was all natural intuition and instinct.
They were eating dessert up to this point now, the two having been here for nearly two hours up to this point.
"I must say, Pietro." Riyo gave him a kind smile. "You never know how much you need time like this but you have certainly given it to me."
"I've been told by Wanda that I need to slow down instead of rushing past everything."
"I can imagine." Chuchi giggled at the mention of his sister. She hesitated momentarily. "Has… has there been any word in regard to your sister or those other two people that you and your team are looking for."
Pietro slumped slightly, shaking his head.
"Sadly no, Riyo." Pietro said glumly, looking out at the window of the restaurant. "My sister, along with Vision and this Prince guy are still lost out there somewhere in this galaxy and we have no clues or ideas where they might be."
Seeing his mood dampen, Chuchi reached out and placed her hand over his own, making him look at her.
"You will find them. You'll find your sister." Chuchi assured. "I know you will."
The corners of Pietro's lips curled upwards, slowly turning his hand over so he may properly grasp hers.
"Thanks, Chuchi." Pietro said with a warm tone, squeezing her hand which in turn made her face turn a deeper shade of blue.
They both sat there, gazing only at one another…
*VRRRMMMMM*
*THWIP THWIP*
*SSSHHHVVVRRR*
Both turned their heads at the sight of several ships flying by being that of a civilian variety with LAAT gunships and Coruscant guard vessels in hot pursuit.
And on their heels...
Chuchi's eyes squinted. "Aren't those-"
"Yeup~"
Falcon and Spider-man were chasing after the action.
Riyo looked back to Maximoff and saw the look on his face as his eyes were locked on to the two Avengers that were getting further away.
She blinked but it didn't take long for her to recognize that look on his face. And she also knew that it was also high time she got back to the Senate as is with what is to come in the senate meeting today.
"Go on." Chuchi said, making him look at her.
"What?"
Chuchi nodded her head in the direction of his two comrades. "Help them obviously."
"You sure? I don't want to be rude and-"
"I'm fine, Pietro."
The Sokovian fidgeted in his seat, thinking it over. Looking back between his date and the window.
"B-But what about-"
"I can handle a small bill like this, Pietro." Chuchi said. "You on the other hand…"
Pietro's face cringed. "Are you sure?"
The raised eyebrow she gave him was all he needed to see. Much as he loathed to go against the gentlemanly lessons that his father and Clint had taught him, right now, there were more pressing matters at the moment.
"I'll pay ya back, somehow. I promise."
In a blur, Pietro ran off leaving Riyo alone at the table.
She sighed soon after. The Senator was about to signal the waiter over so she may pay for the meal when she suddenly felt a rush of air caressing her face.
"Oh, almost forgot something."
"Forgot wha-"
She suddenly felt something pressed against her cheek. Turning over, Riyo saw him pull away with a smile on his face before disappearing in a blur once more.
As he left, the Pantoran Senator still had the feeling on her cheek. Bringing her fingers to the spot, she realized what her date just did, making her blush a deep blue. And without realizing, she started to smile.
Rubbing her cheek with a flutter in her heart, Chuchi stood after paying the bill and departed from the establishment a few minutes later.
-Several hours later-
"Heroism on Coruscant!" Spoke the newscaster. "In a stunning display of action, the Avengers known now as Quicksilver, Falcon and Spider-man were seen today within the cityscape of Coruscant assisting the police and guards of the planet in apprehending a large group of marauding criminal that have been seen harassing the people of Coruscant. With their astonishing skills and powers, the three Avengers were quick to help the men and women that keep the planet safe in stopping these violent criminals from enforcing their will upon the innocent populace any further."
"This news broadcast brought to you by Calamari fla-"
"You boys have sure been busy." Natasha said, arms crossed with an expectant look at the three that were the headline of the holo-net news on Coruscant. Currently, six Avengers stood within the personal chambers that the Jedi had given to them.
"In my defense, these two did most of the work." Admitted the Sokovian, thumbing at Falcon and Spider-man.
"Well, least you were… productive." Matt stated making Rogers huff in amusement.
"How long did it take for you guys?" Steve asked Sam, his "wingman" giving a so-so hand gesture.
"Bit of a chore catching up to them, but once we did, it didn't take long." Sam said. "Then Pietro showed up and it was a clean house in a few seconds."
"Good to hear." Steve nodded.
"And what'd you guys do?" Pietro asked.
The look that Matt, Nat and Steve all shared was enough.
"Boy… the flight back…" Natasha began.
"That bad, huh?" Sam said expectantly.
"Oh you know, assassination attempt on a major political figure. Droids attacking our transport." Nat listed off.
"Was there anything else?" Peter inquired.
"Durge was there."
"...You serious?"
Nat only pulled up her left sleeve as far back as the material allowed, yet it was enough to show half of her bruised armor.
"That was one of the luckier hits that didn't shatter my arm and body." Nat said wryly, rolling her sleeve back down.
"Jesus." Sam murmured.
"Well, much as we're done for the time, figure that our Jedi allies and our newest… friend may have their hands full for the next few days." Matt said plainly when his head looked down next to Nat.
Nat soon felt something small brushing her leg. Looking down, she saw the young Yoda child looking up at her.
"Still odd to see him sneak up on me of all people."
"He does that to everyone." Pietro remarked.
Nat picked up the little kid and went to take him back to his room. As she did, she didn't notice the child closing his eyes, placing his small hands onto the spot where the bruise on her left arm was located.
"What's the matter little guy?"
The baby only grunted, leaning its head forward as its little clawed hand pressed itself more onto her bruised arm.
"H-hey, hey." She was about to remove his hand when moments later, the bruise slowly disappeared as if it never formed there in the first place.
Bewildered, Nat quickly adjusted the child and carefully pulled her sleeve up as much as she was able to.
Her eyes widened briefly, seeing the bruise was gone.
"Nat?" Steve saw her not moving with the child in hand who now appeared to be entirely knocked out. "What's the mat-"
"It's gone."
"I'm sorry?"
"It's gone."
"What's gone?"
Nat showed her flawless skin where her bruise once was. "The little guy; he put his hand on my arm and the bruise was erased."
"Huh… Well that's… something. Must be another one of those Force abilities or something." Steve mused. "I do remember Peter and Rhodey talking about Barriss having the ability to use the Force to help with injuries and speed up the process. Said that it was a rare talent among the Jedi."
Looking down, she ruffled the sleeping green child's head. "Thanks little guy."
-Scene Cut-
A day has passed since the Duchess of Mandalore had arrived in Coruscant. What was once a bright sunny day was now darkened with thick clouds hanging overhead. One could think it was rather foreboding, as if something was stirring on the horizon.
Inside of the Senate Building, a meeting was currently held with many senators and representatives in attendance. The large circular room with its repulsor pods filled to the brim with over 1000+ delegates and representatives from all corners of known galactic space.
In the center of all these senators and delegates, the lone platform elevated for the Chancellor to stand upon as he addressed the thousands of politicians for the matter concerning the latest developments with the Mandalorian people.
"It grieves me to say it, but Death Watch is now a significant, deadly threat." Said the Chancellor as he held the attention of the senate.
No sooner had he finished that opening statement did Satine's repulsor pod float and come in close to the central one.
"Mandalore is making great strides to find the leaders of this terrorist movement." Spoke the Mandalorian Duchess. "They are not powerful enough to destabilize our government. We will resolve this without conflict. If the Republic gets involved in our affairs, it will only lead to further violence. Thus, I shall reassert our position of neutrality."
"Talk of an idealist." Said Mas Amedda, a Chagrian who served as the Vice Chair to the Chancellor.
"No, those are the words of a pacifist and a people who have chosen nonviolent action." Was Satine's defensive plea.
"That may be so, Duchess. However, this message was delivered to my staff just this morning." Palpatine said, gesturing his Vice Chair to insert a disk into the console. "I think you shall find it most illuminating."
Moments later, a hologram was projected onto every hover station within the meeting hall. Someone Satine recognized with the reaction she held.
The man spoke in a calm but clearly concerned tone as the message played out before the senate.
"The actions by our government have taken us into a period of civil war. To acknowledge it would be to invite panic in the streets."
Coming up beside Satine's repulsor pod platform, Padme spoke to her. "Duchess, do you know this man?"
"Yes, Deputy Minister Jerec. He's a dear friend." Satine stated in a tone of disbelief.
"And so we hid the truth from our people. And finally this government knows it is more than a mere possibility, more than eventuality. It is here."
"STOP!" Satine yelled out, causing Mas Amedda to pause the holo-message. "Deputy Minister Jerec is an honorable man. He would never commit such lies to the record. The Mandalorian government holds no secrets from its people."
"If only that were true." Said the Chancellor, giving his Vice Chair to resume playing the message.
"Death Watch is far stronger than we once thought. If we are to combat them effectively, we must have Republic assistance. Instead, this government acts out of pride and rejects the help of the Jedi."
"It's not true. It's not true!" Satine argued back fiercely with her fists clenched with angry defiance.
"The Duchess Satine will ultimately cause our defeat. Make no mistake. Republic intervention is absolutely necessary."
As the message came to an end, Satine looked directly towards the Republic's Chancellor. "This isn't right. Something here isn't right. I wish to speak to Jerec immediately." The Duchess murmured aloud.
If this weren't bad enough, what was spoken next made Satine's request for neutrality much more difficult.
"Sadly, Deputy Minister Jerec perished this morning in a Death watch bombing on Kalevala."
Hearing Palpatine's words made the Duchess' chest feel tight as it briefly made it quite hard to breath.
"No." Was the only word she could breathe out from utter dread.
"Let us ensure that his death was not in vain. Let us commit our military might to defending the Mandalorian people." Said Palpatine.
Satine soon got out her feeling of dread and mustered much strength to blurt out her response. "Defending? You mean to occupy our home. You would trample our right to self-determination."
"We mean to save your people."
"You will turn our planet into a military target, which will bring the war to us. Mandalore must remain a neutral system."
"In some way, I would agree with our esteemed Duchess."
The entire crowd of the Senate went deathly silent as before them was a new projection. The projection of three men dressed in the classic Mandalorian armor that is known throughout the galaxy. The trio of Mando's all held a similar armor set yet each had a distinct design or addition to their suit to stand out enough to be distinguished from one another. The one in the center had a small cape draped over his right shoulder and arm with the symbol of the Mythosaur engraved upon his chest plate. To his left was one who wore standard armor though his shoulder pauldron and gauntlets looked as though they were recently cleaned and Jaig-eyes painted over his helmet. The Mando to the right of the center one had a plainer set yet both shoulder pauldron supported separate curved tusks of the Mythosaur skull.
They faced the large assemblage of politicians, their helmets keeping their faces hidden from them all to see.
"Who is this? How did you get into our systems?" Palpatine demanded, clearly surprised, on this intrusion event.
"Ladies and gentlemen of the Republic." The Mandalorian in the center said, his condescending voice sounding extremely familiar to those who know it. Yet it was different at the same time. "Hope you don't mind the interruption. I would like to introduce ourselves to you all as the True Mandalorians. The True followers and representatives of our people. Not that maniacal death cult nor these weak minded fools that portray themselves as pacifists."
Satine's eyes grew wide with many in the Senate chamber murmuring to themselves. The Clone Troopers that were stationed in and around the many entrances of the Senate hall chamber began looking at one another in confusion.
That voice… it couldn't be…
"For thousands upon thousands of years, we, the Mandalorian people have been followers of our ancient warrior traditions. Traditions that had brought the republic to its knees on multiple occasions and also held as the vanguard against certain annihilation. We have been enemies to the Republic as well as allies. That much is not to be disputed."
The air around the central Mandalorian became intense and dangerous, something the senators couldn't deny that they felt.
"However," The growl he let out reverberated off the walls. "You would be wise to remember just who bombed Mandalore into the dust ball that it is today. We remember. We sing the songs of the great annihilation your pathetic Republic had inflicted upon our ancient home world. You, Duchess," Satine flinched at the venom this Mandalorian directed towards her. "Have the audacity to call yourself a friend of the Republic. You spit on the ancient ways of our people. We are not ones of kings or queens, but of individuals who can come from nothing and arise to be the leaders of our people. Our Mandalore."
Silence reigned as the Senators continued to watch the transmission.
"Know this. We, the True Mandalorians, will fight the Death Watch in due time. We will lead our people back to our former glory. But if you come picking a fight in our sector, we will beat you back. Not even your clone bred slaves nor your Republic Jedi dogs can take us out. So please, Chancellor, Grand Republic, try us."
The trio of Mandalorians stood there for a brief moment to let the message sink in, before blinking out.
With the transmission ending, the entire Senate erupted into a large clamor. So many representatives calling out to stamp out the Mandalorian menace just as much as an equal amount not wanting to get into the conflict.
Seeing the chaos around him, Palpatine didn't know if he wanted to savor it or feel threatened by the threat of the new Mandalorian faction. Things were changing further than what he initially planned. All he could do now was keep up his facade and have things play out.
"The vote shall commence in the next session." Decreed the Chancellor as the Senate kept clamoring about.
-Scene Cut-
Walking towards her shuttle, Satine felt like everything was crashing down on her.
How did this happen in such a short amount of time? First, the rise of Death Watch on Concordia or really the resurgence of the group followed by those that are calling themselves the True Mandalorians.
Assassination attempts on several fronts in just a few shorts days and now this insanity with the Senate. Jerec's falsified message and the True Mandalorians making themselves known to the Republic with the blatant challenge thrown out to them.
It was amazing she was even conscious right now and not in a bed. If it weren't for her wanting to go to the Ministry of Intelligence to get to the bottom of this right away, she would be doing just that.
As her speeder was making its way, she heard someone running towards her.
"Duchess!" Kenobi called out to her. "Satine, wait!"
As he came in close, Satine's guards whirled around and aimed their weapons towards the Jedi. She held up a hand, ordering them to stand down.
"I just heard what happened in the Senate." Kenobi said calmly, Satine's eyes darting down. "Are you alright?"
Satine couldn't help but smile slightly at the question. "You're sweet to be concerned, but I promise I'll be alright."
"I am concerned. We're…" Kenobi hesitated momentarily. "We're friends, are we not?"
Hearing this made Satine feel… sad. She hoped to hear something other than that.
"Yes, friends and… nothing more."
Obi-wan soon realized what he said, making him feel doubt now. He can still remember her confession back on the Coronet with her hearing his. The Jedi general thought they would stay close friends, but it seemed Satine wanting more than that.
Old memories stirred for a brief moment yet he quickly pushed it down. Now wasn't the time for that.
"Satine, as your… friend… I just don't want you rushing in or doing anything that would bring harm upon you."
Satine couldn't help but chuckle. "Obi-wan, I think you and I both know that as soon as I took up this responsibility that my life would always be in immediate danger."
"True… but…"
"And is it no different for you as a Jedi in this war?"
Kenobi knew he couldn't really dispute that rhetorical question.
"Just… Just be careful, Satine."
The Jedi general wanted to say more, wanting to express what he was currently feeling. But he couldn't do it as it might lead to some… unsavory factors and consequences.
Satine couldn't help herself as she gently placed a hand against his cheek. "Ever my eternal knight, rushing to my rescue. When I need you, I know you'll be there."
Boarding her shuttle, the Duchess took her seat with her guards entering soon after. She gave one final look to her old friend as her driver, Aramis, took off into the skies and towards the Ministry of Intelligence.
It was only a few minutes after her departure from the Senate Building did her craft pass by a lone figure wearing Mandalorian armor, bearing the colors of Death Watch, was hiding from the shadows of a skyscraper. Seeing the vehicle passing by, the person pulled out a remote and pressed the button on top.
In an instant, the engines of Satine's speeder became compromised and malfunctioned.
"What's happening, Aramis?" Satine asked in alarm as the shuttle began to shake about violently.
The pilot gripped the controls tightly while trying to keep the sip steady.
"It's the navigation system." Aramis reported.
Noticing the shuttle was descending down with no means of landing safely, the pilot made his decision.
"Get her out of here." Aramis told Satine's guards. "There's a platform ahead. I'll try to get closer."
The guards complied to the order, grasping Satine's form. She struggled to break free, all the while looking towards the driver.
"No, stop! Aramis!" Satine pleaded with her friend only waving at the guards to do their duty.
Maneuvering the ship closer to a nearby platform, Aramis angling the shuttle for the guards.
"Jump!"
As the shuttle got in close, the guards leaped out of the airborne craft and huddled together with Satine in between them all. They plummeted towards the platform with the guards breaking the fall of each other. With them all rolling on out, Satine was soon released from their hold. The moment she got onto her feet; she could only look on to see Aramis crash the speeder into a nearby building as it exploded upon impact.
Back with Kenobi, he stood alone within a meditation chamber of the Jedi Temple with his arms crossed and eyes closed. A troubled expression was clear as day upon the Master.
"Hey Obi, what's eating ya?"
Obi-wan turned to see Colonel James Rhodes enter the chamber, slightly sweating with a canteen of water in hand.
"Rhodey." Kenobi greeted with a neutral tone, something that was not missed by the Avenger.
"Alright, what happened?" Rhodey asked. "Did it have something to do with the Senate meeting today on your girlfriend?"
"G-Girlfri-" Kenobi groaned. "Have you been talking to Anakin?"
Rhodey only snorted. "Come on, wise one. What's bothering you so much?"
Obi-wan didn't reply at first.
"Old wounds?" Rhodey guessed with a more serious tone. "Old feelings."
The Jedi sighed in slight defeat. "You could say something like that."
He felt the colonel pat him on the shoulder. "We've all been there, Kenobi. It's not something new to us Avengers. Or you. Come on. Just talk about it if need be. Sam's really good with stuff like that."
Obi-wan gave the man an appreciative nod. "Thank you Rhodey, but I-"
He paused; eyes glazed in thought.
"Colonel." Kenobi slowly turned to the Avenger. "Is it possible for you and your team to do… a small favor for me?"
-Scene Cut-
Within the office of Sheev Palpatine, Duchess Satine was having a sudden meeting with the Republic Chancellor himself.
A sudden meaning that had put her in a rather foul mood when she learned of the results in regard to a particular scene earlier in her day.
"What do you mean, 'no charges are to be filed'? None at all? Someone tried to kill me. The controls on my speeder were compromised."
"Sadly, my dear, there is no proof anyone tampered with anything." Reported the Chancellor. "I'm afraid it might've been just an accident."
"An accident? And it just so happens to coincide with me defending my home world?" Came Satine's argument.
"I agree with Satine."
Both the Duchess and Chancellor looked towards the Vice Chair as both leading political leaders were partially surprised on what was spoken.
In some parts of her, Satine was feeling a bit of relief, which was voiced. "Well, finally."
"It proves what I've been saying all along. Death Watch is out of control. The Republic must step in and help."
Mas Amedda's statement surprised Satine while Palpatine fought the urge to quirk a smirk by the marginalist of inches.
"No, wait. I didn't-"
"You can't keep them reined in, obviously. So we will." Interrupted the Vice Chair. "And let us not even begin to bring up these True Mandalorians who have so brazenly challenged the Republic in such an open manner."
"This is patently offensive. You can't do this." Said the Duchess.
"Unfortunately, it's up for the Senate now." Said Palpatine. "I'm sure they'll make a reasoned and thoughtful decision."
Storming out of the Chancellor's office, Satine was stressed beyond belief now. All she wanted was to get out of this waking nightmare. Yet she couldn't, only bottling up all these emotions inside, which only wanted to be released.
As what felt like Deja Vu today, Kenobi came rushing towards her side.
"Satine, I just heard about your accident."
Soon some emotions came pouring out, which the Duchess clearly expressed.
"Those two are… Ugh! This government will… UGH!"
Obi-wan reached out and grasped her arm, turning her around so he could properly talk to her face to face. "Satine, please, tell me what happened."
"Ugh, I'm fine. I wasn't hurt. I didn't want to worry you." She said, defensively.
"Well, I'm afraid, on that count, you've failed spectacularly." Kenobi could see the bland look aimed towards him on his attempt to lighten things up. "Sorry." She started walking away, prompting him to follow her. "Satine, please. Look at what happened."
"Look what happened? This attack proves I've upset someone. I must be on the right track then."
"This attack proves your enemies are here even on Coruscant. They are willing to go through a great deal to see you dead." Kenobi then noticed the particular look in her eyes. "You're not going to let Republic authorities handle this, are you? You're not backing down."
"Republic authorities? Certainly not." Satine resumed her walk with her mind focused on her previous destination. "I'm on my way to the Ministry of Intelligence right now to meet my contact."
Concerned for her, Obi-wan gently grasped her shoulder and turned her around as they now looked at each other. "Satine, you need your friends with you, not held at arm's length." She broke away from his gaze, but this didn't mean he wanted to stop talking. "In your quest to be self-reliant, have you decided to cut your friends out of your life? Even… me?"
Satine swallowed an aching lump in her throat as she gritted her teeth. "I… I don't know."
"Master Kenobi, Duchess Satine."
The two looked over and saw Padme Amidala approach them and saw a nervous look on her face.
"Senator Amidala? Is something wrong?" Kenobi asked.
"The Senate completed its vote." Padme began, quickly drawing looks of confusion between the pair of old friends. "They've decided in favor of occupation."
"When did this happen?" Satine questioned in dismay. "The vote was supposed to be tomorrow."
"It was during your meeting with the Chancellor. The unforeseen transmission by those rogue Mandalorians coupled with your "accident" accelerated the Senate's decision. Republic forces are set to leave for Mandalore at sunrise tomorrow."
This made Satine pale upon hearing this. She could only look at Kenobi with her hands tightening into fists. "I was right before… They were right. Counting on the Republic is a mistake."
With that said, she walked away from the Republic Senator and Jedi as Satine had to do things her way now.
As the Duchess left, Padme and Obi-wan shared a concerned look.
-Scene Cut-
On a secluded alleyway of Sector GL5, Satine was waiting for her contact to arrive. It's been hours since she spoke to him as she couldn't do a thing at the Ministry of Intelligence. This resulted in her having to use another method.
Wearing a cloak, Satine pulled the hood further over her head so she wouldn't be recognized.
She soon heard someone coming towards her. Satine saw the source coming from Davu, her informant from within the Ministry.
"I don't have much time. They're following me."
He ushered her to walk further into the alleyway, hoping it can throw off his pursuer.
"You've put yourself in great danger, Davu. I will never forget it."
"I had to come. But this is worth it." He said, pulling out a disk from his pocket which he handed over to the Duchess.
"Where did you get this?"
"Buried deep in the evidence facility at the ministry. It was not easy to find, believe me."
Unbeknownst to the two, they were being watched.
"You were right. Someone faked the evidence. The recording presented to the Senate was not the full recording, but this disc is. You must show the Senate-"
Before he could say more, the man was shot.
"Davu!" She gasped out loud. "Oh, no!"
She could hear many civilians screaming, who heard the shot. Out of reflex, she pulled out her electronic disruptor and frantically looked around to see where the shot came from. And before she could make a break for it, a security droid appeared some feet away from her.
"We have a shooting in sector GL-5." Reported the droid before scanning Satine's face from underneath her hood. "Subject identified as Duchess Satine Kryze."
This was not going as planned, not by a long shot.
Not waiting any further, she fled the scene as she didn't want to be caught by either who shot her informant or the authorities. Though the latter option would bite her sooner or later with her action rather than turning herself in. But with the heat of the matter, her mind wasn't working properly.
She needed to escape and regroup. The last thing she wanted was to be captured and persecuted for a crime she did not commit.
Running along the sidewalks, pushing and avoiding civilians left and right, Satine had to find the means of escape.
About to turn on one intersection, a series of shots almost came into contact with her head. Whirling around, she looked up on high and saw her attacker and Davu's killer: a member of Death Watch with a sniper.
She more than wanted to pursue the man and question him, but she did not get the chance as security droids were coming after her. Not to mention there were several Republic Clone Guards joining them in hopes of capturing her.
Whirling around, she used her disruptor and fired upon a security droid. It crashed onto the ground, causing her pursuers to follow suit in a domino effect. With the action successful, she rushed further onward and dived into an alleyway.
Looking around, hoping to find another route to take, she spotted a speeder.
For the briefest of moments, Satine thought on taking the vehicle, but chose against it. For one, someone was already boarding it and was moments away from leaving. Two, if she were to take it, it would make things more difficult for any possible charges aimed towards her. And three, she may or may not get far with taking said vehicle.
But things seemed to go her way the moment the speeder took off.
From the alley's entrance, Satine could hear one of the Republic Clone Guards speak out. "Oops, cancel that. The Duchess is escaping in a speeder, heading for section IG-44."
Satine thanked her lucky stars, despite the circumstances.
For a brief moment of reprieve, she ventured further into the alleyway and hid into the shadows. Once coming to a comfortable spot, she hunched over and kept an eye out for anyone coming nearby.
"Obi-wan, come in." Satine said quietly into her comm link.
At the Jedi temple, Obi-wan stood alone within a room when he heard Satine's call.
"Obi-wan, are you there?"
"Satine." Kenobi said in relief, turning to face her holo transmission. "Where are you? Mas Amedda has demanded that you turn yourself in."
"I know. I need you to listen to me." She hesitated for a moment. "I need your help, Obi-wan. The guards are after me here and… and there's an assassin pursuing me. I'm sure of it."
"How can you be certain?" Kenobi asked in concern.
"I saw the man with my own eyes. Wearing armor of Death Watch."
"I see. Where are you now?"
"I… have no idea. I lost track of where I was going. Last I know, I was in Sector GL5."
"Stay where you are." Obi-wan stated.
"I'm not sure that's possible." Satine said, looking as though she was hiding behind something. "Staying in one place would just have me caught."
"You're right." Obi-wan muttered out. "Then head towards a public square if you can. And keep your comms on so I may track you."
"Are you sure?"
Kenobi only nodded. "Satine, please, trust me on this."
"...Alright. I will."
"We shall see you soon."
"Yes… wait, we?"
"You'll see. And trust me, it won't be Republic authorities."
After what felt like hours of traversing through alleyway after alleyway, Satine was coming closer and closer to a public square. It was a heavy risk getting here, but what other choice did she have.
It was large with four structures that served as either bars, lounges or restaurants. It was semi crowded at this point in the night with Satine weaving through the many civilians of Coruscant. She kept a wary eye out, spotting Coruscant Clone guards and security droids.
Approaching a bench, Satine sat down, tugging her hood to make sure her face remained hidden from the guards and droids.
Within the square, Obi-wan Kenobi had arrived and took a moment to look around. Though it didn't take long for him to spot her.
"Nice disguise." He said to himself with a bemused smile.
She spotted him a moment later, her lips twitch upwards for a moment as he approached her and sat down next to her with both having their backs to each other.
"Seeing you all right is… Well, it's a relief." Said Kenobi.
It was a relief as well, having him beside her again.
"You should turn yourself in. We've both sworn loyalty to the Republic."
"Believe me, neither one of us is breaking our oath." Satine pulled out the disk and slid into Obi-wan's hand. "And this will prove it. I need to get it into the proper hands."
"But the Republic guards are hunting you, which means…"
"Whoever doctored Jerec's message is likely in the government itself."
"If you set foot inside the Senate, they'll take you."
"And the disc will be destroyed before anyone can see it, which is why you must take the disc to Padme."
Seeing some Republic guards coming their way, Satine quickly stood up and took Obi-wan's hand. He was forced to come along with her as they made their way towards an alleyway.
"Where will you be while I'm in the Senate?" Kenobi inquired, the two continuing through the alleyway. "What if they find you?"
"They won't." Satine assured. "I-"
"Guards." Kenobi sharply said, clone troopers entering the alley way from the direction they were headed towards.
Satine's eyes widened, knowing that if they turn back now, it would all but confirm their suspicious nature.
Acting quickly, she pushed Kenobi up to a wall.
"Satine, wha-"
He was silenced. It was rather sudden and unconventional. Not with a hand covering his mouth… but with something else.
Satine slammed her lips against his, pressing her body against him while making sure to wrap her arms around his hooded head and tilted it down to cover both their faces. Hearing the footsteps of the guards drawing closer, she deepened the kiss and moaned. And she kept at this for several moments.
Satine pulled away as soon as the Clones were out of sight and hearing, coughing into her hand as she blushed profusely. She was certainly glad for the more darkened lighting and hood she wore that hid her more embarrassed expression.
Taking a moment to compose herself, she checked their surroundings once again just to be clear.
"Seems we're in the clear now." Satine muttered out. "We need to get moving now, Obi-wan."
…..
…..
…..
"Obi?"
She looked up at the Jedi and could barely reign in her giggle at the sight of a wide-eyed, flabbergasted Obi-wan Kenobi who stood stock still before her.
The strong and powerful general of the Republic, who seemed unbreakable… was apparently broken after a kiss.
'Just like last time.' Satine shook her head in amusement.
The Duchess reached up and lightly tapped his cheek several times, breaking him out of his stupor.
"Glad to see that that old trick still works." Satine remarked with a devious grin growing on her face, laughing a moment later at the reddening expression of the Master Jedi.
*Thud… beep, beep*
Both had their heads turned down to the sight of a thermal detonator rolling up towards them.
In an instant, Obi-wan used a Force Push to send Satine out of harm's way. A moment later, he dived in an opposite direction just as the thermal detonator went off.
*KABOOM*
Smoke filled the area with a loud ringing filled the ears of many within the vicinity. Shaking out of her daze, Satine saw a member of Death Watch coming towards her as he pulled out a blaster. Before he got the chance to fire, Obi-wan charged right at the Mandalorian terrorist as they both fought against each other.
"Satine, go!"
"But-"
"GO!"
The Duchess complied, taking off while momentarily looking back in seeing Kenobi trading blows with the terrorist.
All she could do now was try to get to the Senate Building. If she can, Satine could turn herself in so things can possibly run smoothly than things initially are. All she hoped now would have Obi-wan getting that disk to Senator Amidala in time so Mandalore can be safe.
It was when she almost reached the end of the walkway did she come to an abrupt stop.
The reason? Why seeing four members of Death Watch descend down to the ground, all having their blasters pointed at the Duchess.
Satine was cornered by several Death Watch members, guns trailing on her.
"It's over Duchess." One of the members said snidely.
Satine leaned back, though her face remained defiant even with the fear of what was about to happen present as well.
"Is it?"
Everyone looked up to see a greyish-silver armored man flying straight down towards them with a metal fist clocking the closest Death Watch member in the head. The man felt his head rattle before collapsing onto the ground, unconscious.
A moment later, a silvery-blue blur dashed by with the momentum of the speed striking another Death Watch member away and into the air. The Mandalorian however quickly activated his jetpack, righting himself in the air.
He didn't stay airborne for long as a red and blue force from above tackled him down to the ground and quickly ensnared him in webbing.
One had tried to escape yet suffered a similar fate like his comrade, a winged man from above tackling him down to the ground.
The last standing Death Watch member looked around frantically when two people quite literally appeared by growing up from the ground and punching him on both sides of his helmet. The Mando collapsed into a heap on the ground.
"Duchess Satine?"
Satine looked over and gaped slightly at the sight of one Captain America being accompanied by Black Widow. She then glanced back and saw that it was the entire roster of the Avengers… except for one.
"Sorry it took us so long." Steve said calmly. "We're still learning how to get around the city."
Satine couldn't help but smile kindly at the collection of heroes gathered around her.
"My, my. Being saved by the illustrious Avengers once again."
"You can thank Kenobi." Natasha stated with a knowing smile. "He's the one who called on us to help him out."
"Did he now?" Satine asked slyly, gazing at the Jedi who displayed a truly rare instance of bashfulness. The Duchess then frowned for a moment. "Are there not nine that make up your team?"
"Oh Matt?" Spider-man spoke up. "Uh, he said something about taking care of a separate pursuer."
Satine only nodded silently.
"Believe it would be best if you would come with us, Duchess." Steve suggested, holding out his free hand.
The Mandalorian ruler eyed the group with apprehension.
"Would you rather be handled by Republic authorities?"
"...I'll be most gracious to be escorted by your colorful lot, Captain Rogers."
Up above, high on one of the rooftops of a nearby building, one single Mandalorian let out a sigh of relief at the sight of Satine Kryze being saved once more.
This lone Mandalorian watched as she was surrounded in a protective manner by these Avengers that have been getting so much attention these past few months.
Seeing the Duchess was safe and sound, the Mandalorian was about to take off when she suddenly felt a presence behind her.
"Well now, this is certainly a surprise to find you way out here ma'am." A calm voice said.
The Mandalorian froze at the feeling of an electrified bo staff being held at her neck.
"Don't try anything. Drop your weapons, now."
She cursed herself under her breath. How did this guy sneak up on her so easily? And why did he sound kind of familiar?
"I can feel you're moving towards your blasters." The man spoke up, lightly tapping her shoulder which made her jolt and the shock from the bo staff. "I'd rather not use this on you in full force. Otherwise, it would take too long to wake you up."
She grit her teeth now in anger. Who in the hell did this guy think he is?
In a snap second, she whipped around and held up her right arm. A second later, a torrent of fire streamed out towards the opponent she now saw.
He wore a red and black, form-fitting almost metallic looking suit with a blood red helm that had two small horns on top. Almost making him look like a Devaronian.
The man ducked beneath the fire and swung his electrified bo staff horizontally into the helmet of the Mandalorian. She inclined her head back in time, cancelling the flamethrower.
She quickly took off into the air with her jetpack yet it appeared this man was quite reckless. Running forward, he jumped and grabbed onto her legs making the two plummet down though she quickly utilized her jetpack to keep them steady in the air.
The man held on tightly when his ears picked up on a bunch of heartbeats that were all too familiar to him by this point. Utilizing the advanced systems of his new suit, he contacted the ones he recognized.
"Kindly look up." he grunted out.
She was now trying her best to shake him off, spinning and jolting in the air but the damn bastard just kept his grip on her legs with no sign of loosening his grasp.
Reaching for her blaster, the man's hand shot up to grasp her wrist with the two now struggling in the air with neither being able to get the advantage over one another.
"So~ nice to see you hanging around here, Matt."
She had finally stopped flying around and hovered in the air, looking around from left to right to see that she had not one, but two flying Avengers surrounding her.
"Very funny, Rhodey.." the one clinging to her grunted out. "Now can you kindly help me apprehend her so we can get some answers."
In response, War Machine's shoulder gun activated with it pointing straight at the Mandalorian who was running the numbers through her head on how to get out of this situation.
"If you think you can get away." Falcon said aloud. "Just know that you got another six that can chase you down."
She tightened her fists, taking a moment to gauge her situation once more. She stopped at the sound of a whirring sound, looking over to see the one in the flying armored suit raise his hand with the middle of his palm glowing with energy.
"There is the high risk of me unintentionally shooting your jetpack with you moving around." Spoke the Armored Colonel. "So would you so kindly surrender?"
The pride of the Mandalorian roared, telling her not to do so and fight. But another screamed for survival, making her want to stand down as she needed to keep watch of Satine.
Begrudgingly, the Mandalorian began to descend down to the ground with the two flyers having their weapons trailed on her.
"You know, Matt, you could let go of her." Falcon called out to him.
"I'd rather not take any chances by this point."
"Either one of us can catch you." Rhodey pointed out
"I repeat my earlier statement."
"You are literally a few feet off of a solid surface at this point. Let go."
Matt wordlessly dropped, landing in a crouch and rose up as the Mandalorian touched down before the Avengers. He looked to his side at the Duchess Satine stepping forward with Obi-wan Kenobi beside her.
There was a moment of tense silence as the Death Watch member stared at the blond woman before her before she released a sigh. Reaching up to her helmet, she removed it to reveal red hair, green eyes and a facial structure and look that was a bit too similar too...
"Hello, Satine."
"...Hello, Bo." Satine said after a moment of silence. "It's… good to see you after so many years."
"Is it?" 'Bo' inquired wryly with a raised brow.
Nobody said anything for a moment, all exchanging glances at the familiarity these two girls shared apparently.
"Forgive us, Duchess." Steve interrupted politely. "Who is this woman?"
Satine's eyes bore into the red-haired Bo. "May I introduce you all to Bo-Katan Kryze. My sister."
The present Avengers were quite silent upon this reveal as the two siblings looked back at each other.
"...Well, this ain't awkward at all."
-Scene Cut-
The trip back to the Senate Building was relatively easier than intended. With the Avengers having the Duchess in their custody, she wasn't rough handled as she was brought inside for "questioning".
Same can't be said for Bo Katan.
Once the Duchess' sister was brought into view, the Republic guards took her in. She didn't resist at all, unlike her comrades.
Said Death Watch members did not want to give up information on their group, forcing them to promptly resist in their own respective manners. For the majority of them, they used poisonous pills hidden in their mouths and died soon after. The final one almost committed suicide, but Steve was quick to knock the man out so he too can be questioned once the pill was safely extracted from his mouth.
Despite this, the group hastily made their way to the Chancellor's office in order to present the legit holo-message instead of the one shown earlier that day. There was no time to call in an emergency meeting as they hoped Palpatine would overturn the Senate's decision of Mandalore's occupation.
Captain Rogers, Natasha, Murdock, Kenobi, Satine, and Padme (who they ran into along the way) stood in silence as they all watched the real message from Deputy Minister Jerec before Palpatine and Mas Amedda.
"The actions by our government have taken us into a period of civil war. To acknowledge it would be to invite panic in the streets. Death Watch is far stronger than we once thought. But we have been training for this. We can stop them. But if we are to combat them effectively, we must have the temerity to stand strong in the name of peace. And if we are to do so, we must reject any Republic assistance. Instead, this government will act. It acts not out of pride but for safety. Intervention by the Republic will inflame the opposition. And this is why our government rejects the help of the Jedi. We must listen to the Duchess Satine. If we do not, we will ultimately cause our defeat."
As the message came to an end, silence filled Palpatine's chamber as he looked towards the people before him.
"There you have it." Padme said with a hint of triumph. "This is more than enough proof that the message was tampered with and falsified in an attempt to challenge and destabilize Satine's rule."
Standing behind them, the Avengers with Obi-wan and Satine watched as Palpatine held a stoic visage for a few moments. He did not respond at first, his expression portraying deep contemplation.
"This does indeed change a great deal of what has been presented to us earlier." Palpatine admitted out loud, hope swelling within Satine when…
"But the decision has been made and still stands." Palpatine said with finality. "The Republic will be occupying Mandalore."
Both Satine and Padme jolted at the statement with Obi-wan looking to the former in worry. The three Avengers stood silently, merely watching the exchange become a bit more intense.
"But you can't! What of what you've seen?" Spoke the Mandalorian.
"Duchess Satine, you are forgetting a crucial detail that in all honesty does not assuage my concerns over your sector." Palpatine said with a firm stare directed at Satine. "While I am thankful and truly grateful that we have a strong supporter of peace and democracy like yourself, you fail to realize the severity of your case. There are three factions of Mandalorians running about within your sector; one of which is supported by the Separatists. The other has made it blatantly clear on where they stand and can prove to be an even greater danger if they are truly like the Mandalorians of old that had plagued the galaxy once."
"But they do not represent all of us." Satine vehemently argued back. "You saw the full message that Jerec recorded, you know we are prepared for this."
"Are you?" Palpatine countered sharply. "It's one thing to be ready for a rogue, splinter faction but two? One of which sent a direct message to all of us here while the other had attempted to kill you already on numerous occasions. And let's not forget, it is only your single planet of Mandalore that we know is allied with the Republic. Concordia was shown to harbor Death Watch right under your nose and your capital has been attacked during the visit of Jedi Master Obi-wan Kenobi. As much as you can argue against such matters, this is not something that can be so easily reversed."
"Yes, because you went behind my back the moment you had the chance to get your way rather than upholding the principles you falsely represent, it seems." Satine said with a snide look as she leaned against the table.
Palpatine let out an exasperated sigh, giving her a sympathetic look. "I am sorry, Duchess, but this is truly out of my hands now."
"What do you mean by that?" Satine asked, fists clenched.
Mas Amedda spoke on the Chancellor's behalf. "Because of your dramatics earlier, you have been labeled as 'being on the run'; an odd choice for someone vying for peace."
"But I wasn't." Defended the Mandalorian. "My friend was shot and-"
"Most of the Senate didn't see it that way." Interrupted the Vice Chair. "It doesn't matter as the fleet has already departed to Mandalore to take care of your problems… All in order to hamper you from sabotaging the task at hand."
Satine's visage was crestfallen only to morph into one of pure fury. The glare she leveled at Mas and then at Palpatine did little in getting a reaction out of them both.
"You do not know what you're doing. This will only embroil the Mandalore sector in war. War we had been recovering from for decades." Satine stated, lightly slamming her fist against the table for emphasis.
"Which is what the occupation is for." Mas Amedda said as if it were the most obvious thing.
"Then I hope you realize that as soon as the occupation arrives, the death of innocents will be on your hands and choices." Satine scoffed. "Though I believe it won't bother you all that much considering the war you failed to prevent."
Satine whirled round with her face showing barely restrained fury. Padme remained where she stood with the Chancellor only giving his fellow Naboo senator an apologetic expression.
Kenobi moved to follow after the Duchess with the three Avengers trailing after them though at a more respectful gap.
"What do you make of him?" Steve asked silently.
"He's too much like Pierce." Natasha stated with a frown.
"You too, huh?"
"Pierce…" Matt said aloud. "If I recall correctly, wasn't that the man in charge of SHIELD for a time?"
"Yes, until it was revealed he was actually the head of HYDRA."
"I remember hearing about that over the news last year." Matt said. "A mastermind parading as a man of righteousness."
"Sound familiar?" Nat remarked. "While HYDRA wasn't publicly seen in decades, they were maneuvering events across Earth so one day they can take over. Even planting their agents within SHIELD itself to make it happen as smoothly as possible."
"Fortunately for us, they couldn't work through with a number of us." Said the First Avenger.
"And what do you make of all this then, Captain?" Murdock asked with Steve remaining silent for a moment. "What should we do?"
Steve had his eyes on the Duchess and the Jedi who were in deep conversation.
"We'll need to take our time here." Steve said with a tone brokering no argument. "Our main objective is to find our missing friends and get home first. We're still in unfamiliar territory with this whole republic situation."
"Best to tread cautiously then." Matt stated with nods from both Nat and Steve.
All the while, Obi-wan and Satine were engaged in a heated discussion in an empty room. It would've been done in the hallways, but Obi-wan didn't want to make a scene to make things worse for Satine. Hence he pulled her into the closest room he found with no one present.
"Satine, please, you mustn't act irrationally." Obi-wan said in a slightly pleading tone.
"Act irrationally?!" Satine yelled out angrily. "I'm well beyond that notion with what your Republic just pulled on my people without me even being there!"
"I know, I kno-"
"All that running around, you coming to my rescue, the Avengers helping was all for nothing." Satine was barely managing to restrain herself. "Now I have to deal with what the Republic has done to my people."
"Satine-"
"Obi, I have to go home. I need to be there for my people." She stated. "They're going to be worried, scared. I need to halt the unrest that'll rise with the Republic knocking on our doorstep."
Kenobi opened his mouth to speak yet he felt Satine's hand upon his cheek with her gazing at him lovingly, greatly causing him to squirm.
"It's alright, Obi-wan. This was beyond your control." Satine said in an understanding tone which did little in helping Kenobi feel better about the situation.
"I'm sorry…"
"You've… You've done all you could. I appreciate it, but now I need to do things on my own for the time being."
She left the room, making her way to get off world and head back to Mandalore. Her people needed her now more than ever.
Kenobi, meanwhile, could only stand there in silence as he failed in preventing this problem to occur.
As soon as the Duchess had left, the three Avengers that had come with him to the Chancellor's office.
"I take it your conversation didn't have as good as you'd had hoped." Nat said knowingly.
Obi-wan only went over to a nearby chair and sat down with a tired sigh.
"How ya holding up, Obi?" Steve asked, walking over to pat the Jedi on the shoulder.
"Could be better." Obi-wan admitted. "Maybe a night's rest is what I need."
"Maybe." Steve mused. "What of Satine?"
"She has left to return to Mandalore and lead her people." Kenobi answered.
"And the Duchess's sister?" Murdock inquired. "Has she left without her?"
"She is being kept here." Obi-wan stated with Nat nodding.
"Ideally, we hope she can tell us what she knows of Death Watch." Said Natasha. "But that's highly unlikely. It'll take time for that to happen. Something we don't have now."
Matt only hummed in thought. "With what is to come, I feel that a good night's rest is what we could all use right about now."
"Agreed." Steve said. "Come on Obi-wan. You said you wanted more than we did."
"That I did, Captain. That I did." Obi-wan said, giving the good captain a nod as they exited the room and went back to the temple.
It was a long day.
Whew, another one finished but first things first. Before we get to the author's note.
-Training days I-
Currently inside one of the training rooms, Peter wore a very large helmet. It almost swallowed up his entire head.
"Do I have to wear this thing, Obi-wan? It's too big." Peter complained slightly, tapping the side of the helmet.
"Yes, you have to, Peter."
"Any reason why?"
"Well, if we are to test this spider-sense of yours we must see how and where it can be applied." Kenobi replied simply.
"But I can't see a thing."
Peter attempted to pull the helmet off, but his hand was smacked away by Kenobi's.
"It's better to do it without seeing your surroundings."
"I would've preferred using a blindfold."
"Where's the fun in that?"
Though his expression was hidden, the flat look Obi-wan received was enough to make the master laugh.
"Oh, I don't know. Not having to deal with a clunky piece of headwear, for starters."
"Well it's tradition for one being trained in this exercise, Peter."
"I'm not a Jedi, Obi-wan." Peter emphasized.
"That may be but your senses are proclaimed as one."
"What? How?"
"Well… alright, not exactly. But the familiarity to a sort of warning is one I am familiar with." Kenobi argued. "Even though they are unique to one another, if my hunch is correct, the similarities it shares can help in bolstering your control over this sixth-sense."
Parker was silent for a moment before sighing.
"Alright, let's do this."
Pressing a button on a remote, several probes floated into the air and hovered around the teen Earther.
"Now, be sure to dodge the lasers."
"I'm sorry, but wha-"
The first probe fired off a round right into Peter's arm.
"OW! That hurt!"
"Be glad that's in the lowest setting." Kenobi said with a small grin on his face.
Peter grumbled to himself, lightly slapping the helmet. "Come on you stupid tingle, work."
For a while, he kept being zapped by the probes floating around him. It was a little amusing at first for the Jedi master, seeing Peter doing his best to avoid the hits. But now it was just a little hassle.
Peter fell onto his bum, growling as he took the helmet off and tossed it aside.
"Alright, that's it! I'm not wearing that oversized bucket."
"Yes…" Obi-wan stroked his beard. "Perhaps this wasn't the proper way to begin your training."
"Gee, ya think?!" Peter snapped before reigning himself in.
The Jedi Master adopted a thoughtful expression. "Maybe some alternative methods are in order."
"Like what exactly?" Peter asked.
Obi-wan hummed in thought. He gazed at Peter intently, looking at the helmet before back at the boy.
"Tell me something Peter, what was it like when you first received these powers?" Obi-wan asked in an inquisitive manner.
Peter stared at the Jedi master, crossing his arms as he recalled the first few weeks of the time when he got these powers. It was always a bit hard talking on this matter as it was always close to a darker time in his life but for the sake of this training...
"Well… Whatever happened, happened. It's like all of my senses are going off at once, dialed up to eleven."
"Pardon?"
"Sorry. Earth meaning. What I mean to say is… my senses are extremely heightened and it's hard to properly maintain them." Peter elaborated. "There's way too much input coming at me all at once so it took a while to get the hang of it."
At that little tidbit of information, Obi-wan hummed thoughtfully with the gears in his head turning as he went over what he was just told.
"Perhaps we have been going about this the wrong way." Kenobi admitted. "We up and jumped to something you were just beginning to grasp without going over the previous set you had only just gotten used to."
"So~ what should we do then?" Peter asked, standing up as Kenobi went over to the young teen and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Now, we start with the basics." Kenobi stated with a small smirk. "You have the foundation but once you've mastered it, nothing is out of reach."
"Like what kind of basics?"
"Let's get creative." Kenobi said with a growing smile. "This could be a test for the both of us, incorporating teaching methods from your Earth that you know and the Jedi way. Perhaps we can create something new and innovative unique to yourself."
Alright, now that it is all said and done, lots to go over in the chapter.
So… Satine failed and Republic occupation is coming. With everything happening within the Mandalore sector, the Mandalorians are gonna have to be dealing with a lot of crazy shit.
Jebest4781: Far sooner than what we saw at the end of Clone Wars right before Order 66 commenced. There is a reason why this happened and we basically stated this earlier. With the appearance of the Protectors, things will prove far more difficult to contain the problems of Mandalore from the rest of the galaxy. In a realistic approach, a third faction to a people will force the Republic to come and give "aid" to Mandalore instead of canon with it just being the Death Watch faction.
FMW: Which is why we had the chapters focusing on the Protectors as now, we have another faction at play. The Mando's and the three teams within, the Avengers, the Jedi, the Republic, the Sith and the Separatists. And this is just the beginning. Let's not forget the Guardians of the Galaxy and the coming arcs we have planned for them.
So aside from that, just wanna say, loving the reviews and PM's the story gets and I always encourage more cause while the story is planned out from beginning to end, there's a lot of gaps that can be filled in.
Thanks again.
Rate Read and Review and as Always Have Nice Day.