Avengers: Infinite Wars

by free man writer

The Clone Wars are in full swing with the galaxy divided. The Jedi lead the clone army against the infinite droid army of the Separatists. Yet a wild card enters the fray. The Avengers. From there, newer, more sinister and deadlier threats emerge and The Galaxy, no, the universe, shall never be the same again. Co-written by Jebest4781 and BulletStormX. Now in Season 4.

68. Mandalorian Summit

And thus, we've reached the end of this Mandalorian Arc.

Let's get this show started.

Rate Read and Review and as Always Have Nice Day.

Avengers Infinite Wars Chapter 68: Mandalorian Summit

"So let me get this straight. When you were younger, you and this Duchess lady traveled together during their Mandy civil war or whatever, yeah?"

"Mandalorian Civil War, yes."

"Yeah, Mandalorian, thanks Hope. And in that time, you both fell in love, right?"

Obi-Wan Kenobi, master of the Jedi order and council member let out a sigh that conveyed just how much he was "invested" in this conversation.

"Don't forget the part where you apparently dropped her Master and gave her a second scar."

Kenobi only gave his former Padawan a dubious look, huffing as he looked away from Anakin who was barely able to reign in his laugh.

"I'm really starting to regret telling you about my younger days with Qui-Gon and Satine." Kenobi almost grumbled out. The Jedi Master refused to grumble.

"Aw come on~ Obi." Hope said with a laugh, throwing her arm around his shoulder. "Despite these circumstances, you should always be grateful to see your lady love at every chance you'll get. And we know she's always going to be happy to see you."

"Didn't she kiss you or something on Coruscant or was Padme embellishing things?" Sam questioned getting Anakin to choke on his laugh.

"Wait, What?!" There was a manic gleam in Skywalker's eyes. "I didn't know that!"

Obi-wan now looked up at the ceiling with half-lidded eyes, wishing to the Force for this torment to stop. Or better yet, just to kill him already to save him from the embarrassment.

He didn't need the Force to tell him that this likely wasn't ending any time soon.

"It's not like it wasn't easy for us to figure out you and her had a fling, Obi." Hope placated.

"Anakin mentioned something about your "beard" covering up your handsome face." Sam tacked on, grinning maddeningly.

Behind him stood Commander Cody and Captain Rex, both of whom were attempting a herculean effort to not laugh.

They are professional soldiers through and through but seeing the normally calm, composed and controlled General Kenobi in such a state was, well… words could not describe the sight so clearly.

Normally they would be dead serious and focused on the mission at hand, that being their deployment to Mandalore.

But with everything that's happened with the escalation of the war, Ultron's hand and god knows what else to come, perhaps some levity was needed in all this madness. And unfortunately or fortunately for some, Obi-wan is the one who has to suffer for this levity.

"So~~~ on Earth, this is what we call star-crossed lovers or in this case, the most literal representation of it." Hope said with a false, swooning sigh. "Oh Sam-"

She fell back into his arms, the aviator catching her with ease.

Hope had lifted her leg up and had the back of her hand on her forehead in a dramatic fashion.

"Whatever shall we do for these two who were never meant to be?" She asked operatically with Sam lowering her as he too looked up to the ceiling in the same fashion.

"I do not know, my dear Hope but what I do know is that love will prevail. And maybe Obi-wan can shave so he won't tickle her too much when she kisses him again."

If Obi-wan was going to have an aneurysm, now would be the opportune time with the headache he was dealing with now.

Anakin watched on with a gleeful grin, nudging Rex who was unable to hold himself any longer and burst out with laughter.

Cody couldn't help it either, releasing a few chuckles as Sam and Hope with Anakin occasionally, continued to relentlessly tease the wizened Jedi who was seriously having second thoughts about going to Mandalore.

"How do you think he should greet her?" Sam mused aloud. "Flowers? Sweets?"

"Nah, too tacky and predictable." Hope hummed in thought, rubbing her chin. "Poetry? That often helps."

"Yet I haven't done such a thing since we've been together."

"Probably because you never bothered to."

"...Was I supposed to?"

Hope's look was all the answer he needed.

"Attachment-"

"Is what helped you through that mission long ago, right?" Sam cut him off before he had a chance to continue that statement. "So this time around, you'll be the man Satine needs to lean her shoulder against in her time of need. This ain't about Jedi code and Mandalorian culture, Kenobi. It's about strutting your stuff and bein' the man for your woman."

"She's not my woman." Obi-Wan muttered, brow twitching.

"Not with that attitude." Hope reprimanded.

Kenobi was a man of great patience and endurance. It was something that even reflected in the form that he utilized when wielding his lightsaber.

But these two were determined to get him to break.

They continued rambling on with the Jedi trying his best to remain unaffected by their comments.

"I'm not a man who would ever say I hate something or someone." Obi-wan stated.

Anakin clapped him heartily on the shoulder. "And you wouldn't cause as you know, 'Hate leads to the Dark Side', remember?"

"Fairly certain that would disappoint Duchess Satine." Rex spoke up. "With respect, General."

"No need to fret, Rex." Cody assured. "If anyone is the least likely to fall to the Dark Side all in the name of his lady love, it's our General Kenobi."

"Rex… Cody… why…?"

While this group was jovial and joking at the expense of one Jedi, another group of Force users and Avengers were… less so, so to speak.

"So this Mandalore was bombed by the Republic?" T'challa inquired with a disapproving frown.

"One of our greater mistakes." Luminara Unduli stated with no hesitation.

"From what I am to understand," Matt's hands trailed over a braille translation of the events they were referring to. "I had read this before but I wish to make sure I didn't miss anything. The Republic believed that with the revitalization of the Mandalorian people, they feared that war would come once again to the galaxy should these people organize themselves and unite under one banner."

"Yes." Barriss softly answered.

"But they attacked them without any proof?" Peter questioned with a clear hint of anger at such actions.

"The Mandalorians once brought the galaxy to its knees during the Mandalorian wars." Ahsoka stated.

"Over 4000 years ago." T'challa rebuked. "You can't truly believe the sins of the past will always follow us into the present."

"It was a lapse in judgment, a severe one at that." Luminara conceded. "One, looking back on it now, led to only more tumultuous conflict and death with division in all."

"And an occupation the people of the planet are rejecting from what Captain Rogers and Colonel Rhodes have said." T'challa reminded her.

The group fell silent for the moment, an uncomfortable silence at that.

Murdock cleared his throat, speaking up to continue. "Let's just review the purpose for our visit, no?"

Peter nodded in agreement, propping himself to sit on the wall.

"Makin' sure Tap and Karen can get their defensive net around Mandalore so Ultron doesn't have any means of getting in." Parker declared, tapping his spider emblem on his chest.

"Surveying the present status of the Republic occupation." Barriss spoke next.

"Being present with the upcoming Mandalorian faction meeting Satine orchestrated in case things go down." Luminara stated.

"Investigating any other matters that may come up while we're here." Ahsoka finished off before looking down. "I'm still unsure as to why Duchess Satine sent for the other Mandalorian factions to come to Mandalore. The Protectors are… well, they haven't had any assassination attempts on the Duchess from what I've heard. But Death Watch? Haven't they tried to kill her a few times already? Why them?"

"Desperate times." T'challa stated, arms crossed in thought. "She wants to reach out to every person out there for a united front in order to protect their people."

"But is it wise to trust extremists like Death Watch?" Barriss asked, clearly unsure about such actions. "Satine is taking a big gamble with what she's doing with inviting them."

"That is likely the case but at the very least, if one shows up and some accord is struck, two known factions of Mandalorians can present a united front for their people." Matt firmly pointed out. "Perhaps even convey that the occupation of the Republic is no longer needed."

"That will be up to the Senate to decide." Luminara reminded him. "However… it is likely that will happen. Mandalore and its systems are still officially neutral. With the escalation of the war that has transpired, the Republic will be more keen to have a greater concentration of our military in areas that are aligned with the Republic."

"Doesn't sound very nice to leave Mandalore undefended then." Ahsoka murmured.

"If this meeting of Mandalorians goes smoothly, this planet will not be undefended." Matt said with his hands still trailing over his braille. "All Satine needs to do is convince the Protectors and Death Watch to conform or at the very least make a pact of protective unity until the storm of war passes by."

"I don't believe either of these separate factions will conform to the Duchess." Barriss stated in an unsure tone.

"At the very least, they should try for a compromise." The Prince of Wakanda argued. "This is a matter of survival. The entire galaxy is under threat. If they can show unity despite what has happened, it might be the needed message and visuals the rest of the galaxy needs in these trying times."

"We can only hope this goes well."

"Fingers crossed." Peter said, holding up one hand with his index and middle fingers crossed together whilst knocking on the metal wall he was sitting on.

"Why'd you knock?" Ahsoka asked.

Peter shrugged. "We usually knock on wood for luck but we don't have any so… metal."

Barriss and Ahsoka only stared at their friend in confusion whilst Matt 'hmphed' with a small smirk in place.

"Attention all hands." Spoke a Clone pilot over the comms. "We're now exiting Hyperspace over Mandalore. All parties make their way over to the hangar bay for departure."

"That's our cue, I believe." T'challa said, his Panther habit forming around his body save for his head as the rest of the group he was with all nodded.

The Avengers, Jedi and Clones from three different legions and corps soon gathered at the Hangar bay of the ship leading this mission, The Negotiator.

All boarded on LAAT gunships as the small fleet exited Hyperspace not far from the planet of Mandalore.

The gunships flew out of the hangar, flying right past a number of Venators that was the occupational fleet of the planet and went down through the atmosphere.

The large group of exceptional individuals soon arrived at one of the many docking bays of the capital city of Mandalore, Sundari.

Exiting the gunships, many from the Republic were greeted with the sight of Duchess Satine and Prime Minister Almec being present with a dozen guards behind them standing at the entrance into the domed city.

The newly arrived group walked towards the Mandalorians awaiting their arrival, Satine stepping forward with a pleasant smile.

Matt Murdock stepped forward as he had been asked to speak first on the behalf of the group.

"Duchess Satine. Prime Minister Almec." He greeted them cordially, inclining his head forward slightly.

"Mr. Murdock. Good to see you again." Said the Prime Minister.

"Likewise. I wished it was in better circumstances."

"The galaxy seldom ever operates under our whims and desires, Matthew." Satine replied with a strained smile.

"It's how we hold strong that allows us to overcome such endeavors." Matt politely remarked.

"Well said." Almec said in approval, eyeing the rest of the contingent behind Murdock, particularly four individuals. "Ah, so these are more of the Avengers that have become famous across the galaxy. Pleasure to meet you all and let me be the first to say, late as it is, to personally thank you for keeping Duchess Satine safe during her time on Coruscant."

"Just doing our job." Peter Parker said with a thumbs up.

"But it does come at a cost." Sam spoke up in grave seriousness, laughing upon getting elbowed in the arm by Hope.

"He's fooling around." Wasp quickly said. "Hi, pleasure to meet you Prime Minister. I'm Hope Van Dyne. Hope or Wasp if you prefer."

"A pleasure."

"Peter Parker, Prime Minister. Or Spiderman."

"Sam Wilson, Falcon."

"T'Challa. I am the Prince of Wakanda and the current Black Panther."

Almec's brow rose upon hearing this.

"A prince you say? Gallivanting across the galaxy as a hero?"

"What of your people?" Satine queried, looking upon the Prince with great intrigue.

"So long as my father remains King, I have nothing to fear." T'challa assured.

Satine nodded until she turned her head to the Jedi contingent in this group, focusing on one in particular.

"Quite the large entourage you brought with, Master Kenobi." She stated.

Obi-wan stepped forward, shooting a small smirk at the Duchess. "Given the circumstances with the upcoming assembly, we need as much as we can possibly muster."

"And once again, my Jedi Knight comes to my aide." Satine said with a fond smile.

Kenobi lightly cleared his throat, simply bowing his head to avert her eyes. "I live to help where I can."

He heard some kissing sounds followed by a grunting laugh from the Avengers, the Jedi Master really wanting to Force Push them off the platform. Consequences be damned.

"I do admit, this is a rather large group." Almec spoke up in a musing tone. "Why bring such a large force when Mandalore is already under occupation?"

"Ultron." Came the blunt response from Sam, Matt and Hope.

"That metal bastard is rampaging across the galaxy, hacking into systems without anyone realizing it." Sam said in deadly seriousness now.

"We're here to make sure he can't get through to Mandalore through cyber warfare." Hope added on.

"We have our own AI to create a defensive wall to make sure Ultron can't catch you off guard." Peter said with confidence. "You know… unless he goes for a full on attack. That sort of thing."

Satine only shook her head in bemusement at the young teens stuttering after comment, looking to the rest of the Jedi now.

"Skywalker, a pleasure to see you are well." Kryze greeted. "And this is…"

"Luminara Unduli." Spoke the Mirialan Jedi Master. "And my Padawan Barriss Offee."

"Here to serve you, my lady." Barriss said almost regally.

"And this here is my Padawan." Anakin stated, placing a proud hand upon his students shoulder. "This is Ahsoka Tano."

"Nice to meet you, Duchess." Tano said in a kind manner.

"The same for you all." She nodded. "I know that the last time I had spoken with Jedi and Clones, it was tense and not in the best light. But now? I thank you all for coming with everything that has transpired."

"The Republic will not abandon a system like Mandalore." Obi-Wan declared. "Not again."

Satine only smiled at her once Jedi lover, someone she still very much held dear to her heart to this day and turned away from them.

"Come along." She said, beginning to walk towards the domed city. "Our transports are waiting for us."

Entering into the dome capital, the large group saw two large open roofed transport ships that would help in getting them to their destination being the central palace of the city.

"Whoa." The webhead muttered, taking his seat in the ship with the others and it soon took off.

They flew by a number of structures, bridges, pathways and buildings with the Mandalorian people and the sprinkling of Clone Troopers here and there to be seen by all.

"I gotta ask, Duchess, but how have you been fairing given the present occupation?"

"It's… complicated, Mr. Parker." Satine answered. "Regulation of who can and can't arrive has been heavily controlled, twice over after Ultron's assault on the galaxy. The people are unrestful, the sentiment and resentment at the Republic being here at an all-time high."

"Before Ultron, a great deal of our people had left Mandalore all together." Almec somberly revealed. "From what I've been told, some had actually chosen to join the Death Watch whilst a majority have flocked to the Old Mandalorians."

"Old Mandalorians?" Anakin parroted.

"What we call the Protectors." Almec clarified. "The Protectors follow the ancient canons and Resol'nare, the old ways of our people."

"I had heard a rumor that they outnumber both your Mandalorians and the Death Watch to a considerable degree." T'challa said, having read up on the situation in this system prior to their arrival here.

Satine sighed, hanging her head down slightly. "Yes… that is true."

"Is that why you called them here?" Anakin inquired.

She didn't respond at first, silently tilting her head up to gaze ahead with a solemn expression.

"We can only hope and see what will come of this… summit."

As they continued their flight towards the central building of the capital, the Avengers took notice of some rather distinct and common traits many of the Mandalorian citizens possessed.

"Uh… I can't help but notice all the blond hair and blue eyed folks here." Hope pointed out.

"Very Aryan." Sam commented, getting a dirty look from Van Dyne. "What? You were thinkin' it. Just saying."

"Aryan?" Several people from the group repeated in confusion.

"It's a description that comes from a very dark place in our planet's history." Matt vaguely answered. "One that would require a great deal of time and effort in explaining."

"Noted."

Soon enough, the group arrived at the central palace of Sundari, the transports docking themselves on a number of platforms.

There, awaiting the group, was another set of guards along with several young teens.

"Korkie." Satine greeted warmly, approaching the lead teen of the group, a young man with blond hair and blue eyes.

"Auntie." He said in return, smiling at the Duchess as the two hugged.

"Korkie?" Peter said underneath his breath. "That a nickname or something?"

He was silenced by Ahsoka nudging him with her shoulder.

Satine turned back to the group, arm around her apparent nephew.

"Everyone, I would like you to meet my nephew, Korkie Kryze." She said to them all. "He's a cadet at the royal academy of Mandalore."

"Hello everyone." Korkie bowed in respect. "Nice to meet you all. Thank you for coming in Mandalore's time of crisis."

The young teen then spotted Kenobi and his eyes widened slightly.

"You're Obi-Wan Kenobi." Korkie said in astonishment.

The Jedi eyed the teen inquisitively.

"Do I know you?"

Korkie shook his head. "No, but I know you. Auntie Satine owes you her life. Thank you for saving her life so many times before. I wouldn't have her without you."

Satine's cheeks heated up slightly though she remained strong, patting the young man's back.

"After the Civil War, I took Korkie in after his parents…" She struggled out from the bit of remembrance flooding her mind before composing herself. "He's basically my son."

"Huh." Peter mused, a faraway look in his eyes, a slight smile worming its way onto his face.

"Come along." Satine gestured for the large group to follow her. "We have dinner prepared for your arrival. I imagine you may have worked up an appetite on your journey here."

Not seeing a reason to decline, the group walked after Satine whilst the Clone officers opted to separate themselves and get an idea of how the occupation had been going for the past few months.

They all sat in the main hall of the palace, eating some rather exotic looking food with some familiarity to the Avengers by this point.

"Hey~" Peter said, holding up a slice of heaven. "I didn't realize pizza made its way over to Mandalore."

"Oh?" Korkie, sitting adjacent to Peter, perked up. "You eat that too?"

"Eat it?" Parker snorted. "Korkie, my planet is the place that invented this slice made from the Gods."

"Really?!" The young Mandalorian teen asked in astonishment.

"Glad to see some foods of home found their way here." Sam remarked, holding up the closest galactic equivalent of Chicken Alfredo pasta.

"Begging your pardon," Almec spoke up now. "But are you telling me the litany of new dishes and foods sweeping across the galaxy that originate from Coruscant were done by the Avengers?"

"Well, not exactly." Peter said.

"More like we took what we knew from our home planet and brought it to the rest of the galaxy." Hope explained. "Music, food, some customs, games and all."

"Oh!" Korkie perked up, pulling out a datapad he had on him. "Music like this?"

He turned on the song he had loaded onto it and the familiar riffing guitar of an Earth band began to play.

"ACDC." Matt nodded approvingly. "Good choice."

Korkie Kryze then launched himself into a near endless stream of questions about everything that the Avengers had introduced to the galaxy from earth with the heroes answering with what they know as a whole.

Overall, despite the circumstances at hand, the dinner was a pleasant and peaceful affair.

-Scene Cut-

Satine stood alone in the grand hall, her guards having been dismissed and the table being removed from the room.

The Duchess gazed out at the capital city from the furthest window from her throne, a forlorn expression on her face.

"I haven't seen that look in many years." Said a voice that both grated on her nerves at times yet she loved unrequitedly.

"These hard times have been forcing them out of me quite constantly now." Satine airily said. "You're just not around much to see it."

"Apologies, Duchess. Forgive this Jedi for the crime of not being able to gaze upon your beauty as you wished for him to do so."

The blonde ruler of Mandalore shook her head, a serene smile gracing her features as she turned to the man who she had called for.

The Jedi she still loves with all her heart.

Obi-Wan Kenobi.

"If you think flattery will work on me, my dear Obi-Wan, then you will have to try harder than that." She teased, shooting him a faux-smug smirk.

"Oh dear, I must be losing my touch." Kenobi said, a hand over his chest in a display of false heartache. "Normally I am known to make women swoon at my compliments."

She playfully glared at him upon hearing this. "Oh? And am I not special to receive such treatments?"

"Perhaps not." Obi-wan went along with the game. "There is an entire galaxy out there that has yet to experience my charm. Who am I to rob them of their chance to be wooed by yours truly?"

Satine scoffed. "What would your Master Qui-Gon say? Was it not he who told you your mouth was equally responsible for getting you into trouble as it did getting you out of it."

"All traits and lessons I learned from him." Kenobi said, proudness lacing his tone.

"Is that pride I detect in your voice, Master Kenobi?" The Duchess questioned disapprovingly. "That's unbecoming of a Jedi."

"I believe you are mistaking my factual statements for false Pride." The bearded Jedi countered with certainty.

Satine huffed, looking away from him with her head held high.

He only smiled, lightly shaking his head as he moved to stand next to her.

Neither of them spoke for a few seconds until the Jedi Council Member broke the silence.

"You wanted to speak with me alone, Duchess?" He cordially asked.

"Y-yes." She stammered. "I did. I just… I wished to see you alone. Just between the two of us."

"What for?"

The ruler of Mandalore looked down now, hands folded together.

"I just… I just wished to see you. Be with you again. Without all the troubles of the galaxy weighing upon our shoulders." She whispered.

The Jedi realized what she wanted but opted to remain silent.

"Obi-Wan." Satine turned to him, a longing look in her eyes. "I told you that I have loved you with all my heart when I was held at blaster point by Merrik. That I always have and always will. You remember this, yes?"

Kenobi glanced down at the ground briefly, recalling that day.

"Yes, I remember." He murmured.

She stepped forward, within arm's reach of him. "And you told me that had I asked, you would have left the Jedi order for me."

The Jedi Master couldn't find his voice to respond as she moved closer now.

"If I were to ask now…" Satine reached out to him and placed her hand on his cheek, gently lifting his head up for her to look him in the eyes. "If I asked for you to stay with me now, would you?"

He was unable to muster up an answer but his eyes said it all for the Duchess.

"I see." She softly said in disappointment and heartbreak.

Kenobi's own heart clenched up tightly upon hearing her broken tone.

She turned to leave yet he instinctively reached out to grab her wrist.

Satine halted and slowly turned back to him, a hopeful look in her eyes.

"Satine… I…" Obi-wan was searching for the proper way to respond but ended up falling silent, releasing her hand.

Satine only sighed, expecting something like this. "I know… I still wonder to this day what could've been if that were to happen."

"I'm sorry, Satine." The Jedi quietly said.

She gave him a pained smile. "I know, my love. I know."

Without warning, she threw herself into his arms, holding him tightly whilst shuddering.

Obi-Wan was certainly caught off guard by this action yet made no moves to pull away as he felt Satine trembling whilst clutching him tightly.

She heard a sniffle and looked down to see tears streaking down her face and his heart was torn upon seeing this.

Without any prompt, Obi-Wan wrapped his arms around the woman he had fallen in love with many years ago and held her close.

The Jedi Master felt her tightening her grasp upon him, almost desperately as he felt some dampness on his robes.

"I'm terrified, Obi-Wan." She whispered, tone practically broken. "You and I both saw what devastated my people in our youth and I wanted to make sure something like that would never rear its head at my people once more. But now, not only is it still happening, I'm welcoming the prospect of war with this summit. I've… I've failed my people."

"No." Kenobi firmly said without hesitation. "You have not, Satine. I know how this makes you feel, how it burns at your very being but you've done something few leaders in the history of this galaxy have willingly done. You've set aside your beliefs, your pride and what you wish to represent for the safety, security and freedom of your people. You're allowing history to dictate you to perhaps be a hypocrite all in the name of making sure your people can have a tomorrow for themselves."

She pulled away slightly, looking him in the eyes to see if there were any falsehoods or embellishments to find nothing but genuine earnest radiating from his gaze.

"Oh Obi-Wan." She whispered, damning their situations and pulling him in for a deep, passionate kiss that almost shut the Jedi Master down.

After a few seconds, Kenobi felt his resolve break and soon reciprocated the embrace, the two former lovers holding one another close.

They broke after a few minutes of a rather intense session with each other, gasping for air.

Satine, while red faced, gained a glow around her as she smiled sensually at the Jedi who only looked down in shame at his lack of control yet made no moves in pulling himself away from her.

She continued smiling, reaching up to cup his face with both her hands, caressing his beard and cheeks lovingly before wrapping her arms around his neck and laying her head against his chest.

Obi-wan simply placed his hands on her lower back and remained where he stood, his head gently leaning against hers.

"No matter how much I try to turn away from it, my heart will only ever be yours, my love." Satine quietly said. "Now and always."

Though he didn't vocalize, Kenobi could never truly deny it much as he had wanted to.

'And you will always have mine.' He internally said to himself, the two simply standing there in each other's arms simply relishing in their embrace and doing nothing else but that.

-Scene Cut-

Several days had passed since the arrival of the Avengers and Jedi on Mandalore.

In these last few days, it was mostly a waiting game for the eventual coming of the Protectors and Death Watch and that's really if any of them even appear.

In that time, the Avengers and Jedi have gotten to understand or at least grasp the situation here on Mandalore and in the Mandalore system at large.

The whole planet's position, power and influence was tenuous at best.

After the apparent Mandalorian Civil War, Satine's faction was one of the only ones left standing on the planet as they were amongst the few that didn't actually participate in the war. They attained power simply from survival and installed a new form of government that was a drastic change in the ways the Mandalorians usually governed themselves.

An aristocratic government was a far cry from the warrior culture that has defined the Mandalorians for thousands upon thousands of years. And one not universally accepted by all Mandalorians.

"So it's just Mandalore that follows Duchess Satine's government?" Barriss Offee inquired, sitting in an empty classroom with Ahsoka, Peter and their new group of friends.

Korkie Kryze had taken a liking to them, primarily through the Earth foods, culture and music he had been taking in via Peter and had introduced them to his friends.

Amis, Soniee and Lagos found themselves deeply enraptured by this new culture while also excited in speaking with Jedi around their own age, learning a great deal from the three extraordinary teens.

"Both Mandalore and the systems our people reside in, even if it's difficult at best with what my aunt manages." Said Korkie.

"Yet not everyone views the Duchess as their sovereign ruler", spoke Lagos. "Death Watch being an example."

"The Protectors too." Soniee tacked on, hand rubbing her personalized display vizor on her head. "From what I hear, they actually follow a "proper" Mandalore as opposed to a monarch or elected official."

"Isn't a Mandalore technically elected?" Ahsoka inquired, not fully familiar with the Mandalorian culture.

"They're chosen, technically, by popular choice." Korkie stated. "Sort of like an election except there aren't many campaign speeches or funds. It's more like on the battlefield and earning it through battle and respect from the people."

"I do admit, there is value in the old ways of the Mandalore." Lagos admitted.

"Lagos, how can you believe that?" Amis asked. "Has it not been due to that method that our people were led into countless wars that drove our numbers down?"

"It's the idea of it." She stated. "Earning the right to lead over being chosen over it."

"If there's one thing I know from my experience, ideas are often the hardest to kill." Offee spoke up in a sage-like manner. "They branch off to ideals and philosophies, which in turn inspire groups and governments. And in a way, it's often a double edged sword which can either strengthen or topple them."

"My Aunt feels that way with our way of life." Korkie admitted, slightly downtrodden by this. "She knew that not every Mandalorian would accept this change and now more so than ever. It's something she had long since accepted yet wishes they could be open minded to the idea."

"Introducing new ideas and new ways of life isn't always going to go over well with a culture that is thousands of years old." Ahsoka said. "Even the Jedi are no stranger to this topic."

"We actually almost had one. A Mandalore who could have led us into a better future." Soniee revealed, making a few look at her in surprise. "On my mother's side, my grandfather, he fought in the Mandalorian Civil War. He was on the side of the proclaimed True Mandalorians, following a man named Jaster Mereel. They called him Mandalore the Reformer. He wanted to bring about a new age for our people but was betrayed and killed by the overlord of House Vizsla at the time."

"Speaking of House Vizsla, I do remember one Mandalore, who apparently was once in our Order." The Mirialan Padawan brought up, eliciting surprise from the present Avenger and the four Mandalorian academy cadets.

"Wait, what?" Amis blurted out.

"Who is it? I never heard of such a thing." Lagos asked, leaning forward in anticipation.

"Tarre Vizsla, the Knight." The padawan elaborated a little. "Found this out through my studies. He was the only Mandalorian inducted in our Order and at one point he left to lead your people until his death. It was afterwards did his lightsaber be brought back into the temple to be buried with his remains, yet those of his House broke in by his followers and took both body and lightsaber to give him proper burial rights; not as a Jedi but as a Mandalorian."

"How is it we didn't know of this?" Korkie asked in bewilderment. "This feels like something all Mandalorians, new and old, should be aware of."

"Cover ups, most likely and being hush hush about it." Came Peter's guess. "I mean, I don't know my history but that's probably the option most people would have tried to make people forget he existed."

"Or possibly it's only known to those who are willing to look." Ahsoka said. "If Barriss was able to find out about it, who's to say others can't."

"And how was it you heard about this in the first place?" Korkie inquired, looking at the hooded Padawan.

"Hearing things from Obi-wan on fighting Pre Vizsla who wielded his ancestor's lightsaber. I simply took some time to research this on my own after hearing about our assignment here on Mandalore."

"I did see a lot of paintings about your people fighting against Jedi." Peter noted.

"Our people and yours have a complicated history." Korkie said, specifically towards the two Padawans who simply nodded.

Though they were not as familiar with the Mandalorians as some Jedi were in their Order, the history they had with this warrior culture is well documented and taught on both sides.

"Have you ever thought about being a Mandalorian?" Ahsoka suddenly asked, making the four natives of the planet look at her in bewilderment.

"What do you mean by-"

"Oops, sorry." Ahsoka realized her mistake, shaking her head at her blunder. "I mean, have you four ever considered learning the traditional ways of the Mandalorians?"

"Oh." Korkie nodded his head in understanding, bobbing his head from side to side a bit. "I actually haven't considered it at all. I've looked up more on my aunt's actions and wished to follow in her footsteps."

"I… kind of have." Soniee admitted, sheepishly rubbing the back of her head.

"Really?" Amis said in surprise. "You never came across like that."

"I was a little girl, fantasizing about such things before I grew up." Soniee stated. "My grandfather's armor is still in my household, you know. He always spoke of the old ways and always stayed true to them."

"And what about now?" Peter asked. "With all that's going on, I wouldn't really blame ya if you at least wanted to know how to defend yourselves."

"On that much, I concur." Lagos said, pointing at the webhead. "At the very least learning self-defense should be a prerequisite on Mandalore. It can be our way of honoring what has come before. Appeasing the Old Mandalorians to at least respecting us a bit more."

"You sound like a proper leader already." Ahsoka remarked with an approving grin. "Knowing how to find compromise and all."

The other cadets gave their friend small smirks and grins of their own, making Lagos bashfully blush at the attention and praise.

Their little hangout session came to an end, however, as the Padawans and Avenger received messages from their seniors that word had come of the arrival of three ships entering the Mandalorian system.

These ships were that of the Protectors.

"Whoa, they actually came." Amis murmured in astonishment.

"I can't believe it myself." Korkie admitted.

"Let's get going then." Ahsoka declared, standing up from her seat.

"We'll be sure to inform the Duchess."

"She probably already knows." Peter pointed out. "Wanna come with us?"

The cadets appeared hesitant.

"I don't know if Auntie would-"

"I believe that if they represent the Old Mandalorians, you should all be there to represent the New." Barriss cut Korkie off. "You're considered future leaders of your people. Think of this as a learning experience."

"...She's not wrong."

"What are we waiting for then?"

-Scene Cut-

Upon the same platform that they had arrived upon, the five Avengers that had come with the Republic forces all stood by Satine's faction of Mandalorians.

With the Duchess was her nephew and his three friends, Prime Minister Almec and a number of guards and high ranking Mandalorian aristocrats.

The Jedi and their Clone officers with a select number of their best troops stood behind them were to the left of the Duchess whilst the five Avengers were to the right.

All had eyes on the skies above, awaiting the arrival of the Protectors.

Soon enough, seven ships were seen coming down from the clouds above.

Three were of the Firespray-31 attack class interceptor with the other four being the Kom'rk-class transport.

"That's a lot of ships for just one meeting." Sam noted, frowning slightly at seeing them.

"A show of strength." T'challa remarked. "One meant to convey that they are here for peace yet ready for war."

"Let us hope it will not come to that." Matt plainly said, grasping his walking stick tightly.

The ships began to land one by one with the ramps opening up to reveal well armored men and women, a number of them humans with a mixture of other species coming out from the ship.

The lead firespray, named the Slave-1, landed closest to the greeting party and it opened to reveal a Mandalorian in fresh coated green armor, being flanked by a number of other Mandalorians, a droid, a green skinned woman, a woman with large eyes and antenna's.

And the last person who came out from behind the group was-

Sam and Hope walked forward in disbelief, jaws dropping with Peter also taking a moment to squint at the person in the back before he too had his mouth gaping.

The others were confused by this action as the two wing-based Avengers walked ahead of the Duchess and appeared to be ignoring everything and everyone else.

"Holy Shit!"

"Is that-"

"Oh my god!"

"VISION!"

The two Avengers rushed towards the Mandalorian Protectors, some of which all tensed at the two running at them.

However the one they had shouted for walked forward, phasing through some of them and stood in front of the Protectors in wide eyed astonishment.

"Sam, Hope." Vision, the artificially created Avenger said aloud in disbelief and complete relief at the sight of friendly faces he hadn't seen in a very long time. "I can't believe how good it is to see you-Oof!"

Hope and Sam nearly tackled the synthetic being in a vibranium crushing hug, one which the Mind Stone bearing Avenger reciprocated.

"I can't believe it's you!" Hope shouted joyfully, pulling away from him. "I can't believe this is happening!"

"You basically came gift wrapped to us, man." Sam said, patting the synthetic on the back.

"And I never would've expected to meet you all at a place like this." Vision said, a grateful smile as he had a hand on both their shoulders.

"Oh my God, Cap is gonna have a field day when he hears about this." Sam guffawed.

"So will the rest of the team." Hope added on, nearly jumping in place. "We've almost got the whole gang back together now."

"Oh, you haven't found the rest of the team?" Viz said in slight concern. "Who else is missing?"

"Wanda's the only one left to find." Sam revealed. "Other than that, everyone is accounted for.

Vision gave them an even smile with a brief nod. "She's no doubt out there. I can feel it."

"Wow, I can't believe how lucky we are." Said a young voice from behind Sam and Hope and they turned to see Spider-man, Daredevil and Black Panther having come up to them.

Vision tilted his head at these heroes, feeling an odd familiarity to them as they reminded him of home. The black suited one especially as the synthetic Avenger immediately recognized the material that this man wore.

"And who are these three?"

Wilson stepped back with a wide grin.

"This here is Peter Parker, Tony recruited him after our sudden departure." Sam said, patting the young teen on the back. He then nudged his head to the Wakandan. "T'Challa, however, we inducted him… given he got roped along for the ride when he, Peter and another found themselves in this galaxy."

"The other being…?"

"Matt Murdock." The blind lawyer stepped forward, hand offered which Vision accepted. "Lawyer and new Avenger."

"A lawyer, you say?" Vision said in surprise. "Is this… due to Mr. Starks-"

"We had the exact same thought." Hope interrupted with a laugh. "But no, he has his own special abilities and skills that Tony and Barton saw and brought him on board."

Vision simply nodded his head, a friendly smile in place. "It is good to hear that the Avengers are always open to more defenders of our home. Pleasure to meet you three."

"Nice to meet you." Peter said, almost giddy at shaking Vision's hand before T'challa did the same soon after.

"AHEM."

It was at this point that the Avengers realized that they had essentially hijacked what was supposed to happen and now found themselves surrounded on both sides by Mandalorians and Jedi.

"Hey, Viz." Spoke up a green armored Mando with Jaig eyes on his helmet. "Mind telling us what we just watched?"

"Oh, forgive us." Spoke the Mind Stone bearer. "We ended up derailing this planned meeting. I'm merely greeting some old friends and comrades."

"We can see that." Spoke the lead Mandalorian of the Protectors and the Clones, Jedi and even some of the Avengers turned their heads in his direction. "So these are your friends that you've been looking for all this time."

"Yes, Spar." Vision confirmed. "These are my friends and allies, the Avengers."

"The Avengers?" The green skinned woman in the group of Protectors spoke up now. "The ones that we've been hearing about all over the holo-net news? You didn't tell us you were part of them."

"It never came up."

"A clone cadet." Captain Rex's voice was heard in the crowd, cutting through the chatter.

Everyone's heads turned to a young boy standing amongst the Protectors who was indeed a Clone Cadet.

"Hello, Rex. Long time." The Boy said with a huff.

"What are you doing off Kamino, cadet?" Cody now asked. "Moreover, with these Mandalorians?"

"I'm not a cadet.' The boy rebuked. "I'm Jango's son."

"Alpha…"

"Boba Fett." Stressed out the young clone. "Be sure to remember that."

"Fett." Kenobi muttered, looking at the young Mandalorian in astonishment.

Boba looked at the Jedi and glared at him slightly.

"Yeah, I knew you would remember, Kenobi." Boba spat out the name.

"Alright, alright, enough." Anakin stepped forward, voice sharp and authoritative. "Let's not start up a fight here. Duchess Satine invited the Protectors for a talk so let's do just that."

"Really?" The green armored Mandalorian now walked forward. "Us being here makes sense but this is a bit of an excessive force on the Republic's part if you ask me."

"It was necessary in the event that violence were to break out." Luminara Unduli cut in in her calm voice. "That and other motives."

"That being?" Boba said, crossing his arms with a distrustful gaze thrown at the Republic representatives.

"Ultron." Sam grimly said. "We're here as insurance so Ultron doesn't catch anyone here flat footed."

"So he really has returned." Vision whispered, a forlorn and remorseful expression now plain to see.

"Mandalore Spar." Satine now had stepped forward, standing directly in front of the leader of the Protectors. "If you would please. Accommodations have been prepared for this meeting."

Spar looked between her, the Jedi, Clones and then the Avengers, looking back at his people and then at Vision before turning back to Satine.

He silently nodded and they all followed after her.

All but the Avengers who stayed at the back of the group as they conversed with each other.

"So how in the hell did you wind up with Mandalorians?" Hope asked straight away.

"Yeah, never really would have guessed that's how we would've found you." Sam murmured.

"I met some of them on the planet I was stranded on. The rest came afterwards."

"That's not really much of an answer." T'challa remarked

"It is a rather abridged answer." Vision conceded. "One can't be choiceful with one's encounters."

"Boy do we have a lot to catch you up on, Viz." Sam said.

"Same with you, my friends." Vision stated. "In fact, I am most surprised but grateful that I found you amongst the Jedi."

"Really?" Matt's curiosity was piqued. "And why is that?"

"Let's just say in my own travels among the stars, I had… a mentor of sorts who has taught me much about the Force, about the balance of power and even about this." Vision reached up to brush his fingers over the Mind Stone.

"Sounds cryptic." Peter quipped. "Cool."

Vision 'hmphed' with a small smirk. "Yes. I do admit, it is kind of cool."

"And what of them?" T'Challa asked, nudging his chin ahead at the large group in front of them.

"Who?"

"Those three." The Prince of Wakanda clarified, pointing out the trio of oddballs in the Protectors. "The two women and the droid. They do not seem like Mandalorians to me."

Vision eyed the three that Panther had pointed to and frowned thoughtfully. "You would be correct in saying they're not Mandalorians. They're Guardians."

"Guardians? Like the Protectors?"

"Not exactly. They're allies. The rest of them are elsewhere at this time. C'mon, let me introduce you." Vision said. "Gamora, Mantis, HK."

The three in question turned to the synthetic humanoid who was waving them over.

Curious, they separated themselves from the Protectors, not before Mantis kissed the green armored Mandalorians helmet, flustering the man and eliciting teasing laughs at his expense.

They came up to the Avengers, eyeing them momentarily before looking upon Vision.

"What is it?" The green skinned woman asked.

"Gamora." Viz said, nodding at her. "Mantis, HK, I would like for you to meet my friends and comrades, the Avengers. Everyone, these are the Guardians of the Galaxy."

"Guardians of the Galaxy?" Several of the heroes parroted.

"That's a hell of a moniker." Sam said in bemusement.

"Statement: From what Master Quill and Mistress Gamora have told me, it was given to us in an ironic fashion from their first outing together as a team." The Droid spoke up. "The outing in question was that of killing a genocidal Meatbag. Sadness: Oh the sorrow of being unable to meet someone of that caliber."

The Avengers stared blankly at the bloodthirsty droid.

"Uh… what?" Peter said.

"Don't mind him, he has a few screws loose Rocket refuses to fix." Said Gamora.

"Hi everyone." The large eyed woman spoke next, giving them an awkward smile.

"What… what's she doing?" Sam asked, leaning his head back.

"Smiling." She said happily. "It is said that's what you must do to convey joy when meeting new people."

"...Well aren't you just a big ball of sunshine." Hope couldn't help but say, shaking her head with a smile of her own. "And you are?"

"Mantis." She said, "It's a pleasure to meet people who are also from Earth."

"Whoa, wait a minute." Peter held up his hands in a T-shape. "Timeout. Also from Earth? Wait… are you guys from Earth too?"

Gamora shook her head. "No but Peter is."

"Me?"

"You?"

"Yeah, I'm Peter. Peter Parker."

"Oh, no, I'm referring to our team leader Peter Quill." Gamora clarified. "Peter Quill is also from Terra or Earth, as you all call it."

"Feels like there's a story we're missing here." Wilson spoke up.

"Let's have it after the meeting then." Vision said. "We need to catch up to the group anyhow."

-Scene Cut-

Rather than having the meeting done in the main palace as one may usually have one, the large assemblage of people were led to a different part of Sundari.

It was a circular arena-like place, almost gladiatorial really with multiple statues, paintings and murals decorating the area.

"What is this place?" Ahsoka asked, looking upon all the art pieces that were all over the place.

"An Ancient Mandalorian training ground and ritualistic sight." Spoke a silver armored Mando. "This is also the rumored location of the burial ground of the First ever Mandalore though that claim is disputed as it is over 7000 years old."

They all filed into the open arena, finding multiple seats and tables already set up signifying this to be the planned meeting spot.

Upon entering, a number of the Protectors split off from the large group, some in groups of two, three or more and went over to specific locations within the arena.

They all went towards either a slab with inscriptions on it, a painting of an ancient battle, a statue or even a spot in the arena and all bowed their heads, hands placed upon where they stood.

"What are they doing?" Peter asked.

"It looks like they're praying." Anakin murmured.

"This sight holds great significance to all Mandalorians." Satine explained. "A majority of the clans were formed here when the ancient Mandalorians first came to this planet. Some new ones were formed outside the planet but every single one made a journey here at some point to mark their clan upon one of the stone slabs here. Kryze, Wren, Ordo, Awuad, Vizsla and countless others. You can say this is a holy, neutral ground where no violence is to be enacted lest they invoke the wrath of the fallen."

"So this is why you chose this place." Obi-Wan mused, nodding in agreement at the location.

"Yes." Satine looked over to a statue of an armored Mandalorian that held the crest of her clan. "This is a holy site and if anyone were to act in violence here, they would no longer be called Mandalorians for defiling such an important sight."

"Quite the gamble, but one well played."

"If either of these other factions choose to try to kill the Duchess here, they would be branded as the worst of our people. Demagol's as they are called. Those who commit atrocities." Prime Minister Almec informed the group.

"At least our history has not been forgotten by you." The Jaig eyed Mandalorian remarked. "That's good to see."

"And you are?"

"Fenn Shysa." The Mandalorian removed his helmet to reveal a young man with blond hair and blue eyes. "Lieutenant to the true Mandalore of the Mandalorians."

There wasn't anyone who responded to that claim.

Many were moving about to take their seats save for the Jedi, Clones and Avengers, opting to stand to the side and observe.

"Obi-Wan, Luminara, do you feel it?" Anakin quietly asked the two Jedi Masters, both of whom nodded.

"Feel what?" Sam looked at them. "Is there like a Force presence here or something?"

"There is…" Obi-Wan confirmed, stroking his beard. "It's… an old one at that."

"Perhaps the spirits and echoes of past Mandalorians." Luminara mused.

"I feel it too." Ahsoka whispered.

"As do I." Barriss affirmed for them.

"Huh…" Peter raised a hand to his head, rubbing the side of it.

"Are you alright Peter?" Matt asked.

"Don't tell me you have the Force too now." Hope jokingly threw it out there.

Peter huffed in amusement, shaking his head. "No, it's not that but… I don't know how to explain it. My sixth sense is kinda buzzing here."

"Fascinating." Kenobi remarked. "Perhaps we can discuss it at a later time then."

"Sure Master Kenobi." Peter said with an appreciative smile.

"Oh so you have gotten a new apprentice." Anakin petulantly said, clearly not serious. "I guess my former Master is eager to cleanse himself of the uncontrollable greatness that is his former Padawan."

"Hurtful, Anakin, hurtful."

Before they were able to speak any further, a thrumming sound was heard from above.

The thrumming buzz of jetpacks in the air.

Looking towards the source of the sound, they all saw a number of new arrivals flying straight towards them.

It was a group of around three or four dozen armored Mandalorians that came down to the arena. Upon making their landing, a number of attendees were able to recognize their colors and markings.

"Death Watch." Dax Ordo whispered aloud in mistrust, hand trailing over his blasters, something a number of Protectors imitated.

Satine, several Jedi and Avengers, however, were able to know who was leading this representative party. More so when they pried off their helmet.

"Bo." Satine whispered, unable to hide her smile at the sight of her sister.

The Kryze clan member walked forward with her head held high as she now stood before the gathered Mandalorians.

"I am Bo-Katan of Clan Kryze." She announced aloud for all to hear. "I have come here on behalf of Death Watch as its representative."

Many looked upon her in suspicion and open mistrust.

Satine however was unperturbed, approaching her sister with a kind smile.

"I'm happy to see you again, Bo." Satine stated, placing her hands upon Katan's shoulders.

"Aren't you surprised I'm not in a jail cell on Coruscant." Bo said in a dry voice.

"There were many who escaped after Ultron's attack." Kenobi said in a neutral tone. "So for a skilled warrior such as yourself to escape…"

The Jedi Master left the sentence incomplete yet the subtle implication was obviously heard.

"I'm surprised Pre allowed anyone from Death Watch to even come here." The Duchess admitted.

Bo coughed into her hand, looking away from her sister.

"Erm, yes, he was difficult to convince in the beginning but we talked some sense into him in the end." She said stoically.

Matt, however, spotted something amiss when he sensed her heartbeat and breathing pattern.

"You're lying."

Bo-Katan whipped her head around at the voice and visibly cringed in agitation as to who she had just spotted. "Excuse me? Lying?! Better yet, why are you here?!"

"Intermediary moderator." Matt smoothly said. "And you aren't here to really represent Death Watch, are you Ms. Kryze?"

She sent him a glare. Not really happy at all in seeing him here.

"Bo." She heard her sister next to her whisper softly. "Is this true? Are you not here on behalf of Death Watch?"

Bo looked at her sibling to try and deny this but found her voice being caught in her throat. The rest of her Nite Owls didn't really help as they had all turned away from their leader when she needed them most.

'Traitors, all of them!' Bo comically raged in her thoughts.

Seeing as Daredevil ousted her, she had to reluctantly come clean.

"Pre Vizsla didn't want any of us to attend." Bo-Katan openly admitted now. "We are here of our own violation, whether he likes it or not."

"I'm sure your boss won't take it too kindly on your actions." Said the lawyer.

"We know the risks and we'll take the punishment upon our return." One of the Nite Owls behind Bo spoke up with resolution.

"That's if he allows you to return." Dax Ordo wryly commented. "We've met the smug bastard. To him, you're already traitors in his eyes."

The Nite Owls all shifted about uncomfortably upon hearing this.

"We shall see…"

"I believe we have delayed this summit for long enough." Satine declared. "Come, let us all sit. We have much to discuss."

The Representatives of the three factions of Mandalorians all sat at the circular set up of chairs and tables in the center of the arena.

Helmets were removed and placed upon the table and once all saw the face that belonged to the leader of the Protectors, the reaction was one the man had expected.

"A clone?!" Several of the Clone Troopers exclaimed.

"A clone is in charge of the Protectors?"

"I knew his voice sounded familiar."

"What's a clone doing outside of the Republic army."

"Traitor."

"How dare he abandon the Republic when it needs him most."

Spar scowled at the Clone Troopers' comments, shooting them a dismissive glare.

"I am what none of you will ever be." The former Arc Trooper shouted. "A free man who made his own choices and decisions that didn't come from some long necked, apathetic freaks on a rainy planet. And I never abandoned the Republic because I never served it. My loyalty was always to the Mandalorians, not some dying, corrupt bureaucracy that should have been put out of its misery centuries ago. Especially after the Annihilation of our people."

Many Mando's on all three sides shifted about uncomfortably at the mention of the excision that devastated the planet those many centuries ago.

The Jedi were silent, remaining stoic and unreadable yet if one looked closely enough, Anakin had his arms crossed which allowed him to grip the sleeve of his robe tightly at the thought of the Republic committing such an atrocity.

Barriss and Ahsoka kept their heads down, not wanting to catch the looks of the new friends they had made who had looked over at them.

"Everyone please." The Duchess's voice cut through the commotion. "We are on sacred ground. Let us speak respectfully for all our sakes and not disturb those resting here."

That got them all to fall silent.

"May we begin this summit properly now?" Almec dryly asked, looking at the gathered parties, almost daring one of them to speak up. "Wonderful. Duchess."

Almec bowed in her direction, stepping away to take his seat as the blonde matriarch of Mandalore took center stage.

"Mandalorians." Satine said aloud, making sure for all to hear her. "We are facing grave times in this galaxy. The war between the Republic and the Separatists is growing only more chaotic and widespread with more systems falling into the war unwillingly. Ultron's entry into the war only escalated an already insane situation with Mandalore on the brink of anarchy. We may not have been attacked but I am well aware that the Protectors and Death Watch have suffered at the hands of this mad AI."

She got no arguments there as they all only murmured in between each other.

The planet of Mandalore went untouched in Ultron's onslaught across the galaxy but that did not mean the sector went Scot free.

Multiple worlds had been attacked, those that were occupied by Protectors and Death Watch.

They had repelled his invading army but still, the message was sent, one the entire galaxy was well aware of by now.

Ultron was coming for them all, regardless of allegiances.

"I know that Mandalore had been lucky in not incurring Ultron's wrath but it is only a matter of time before war comes to our ancestral home." Satine declared. "Loath as I am to admit it, I ask that we all prepare ourselves for what is to come."

There was a beat of silence for a moment, nobody speaking up until Spar stood and began walking around the circular setup of chairs and tables.

Though none were aware of it, memories of Jango Fett's life flashed through the clones' mind, one being Jango's return to Mandalore to carve the name of his mentor into the arena to make sure his name was never forgotten.

"We appreciate the arrangement of this meeting, Satine Kryze. Yet there is more to this than we all know out front."

"You will refer to her as Duchess." Almec firmly stated.

"We do not recognize royalty as our way, Prime Minister." Spar snidely snapped back at him. "Our way is that of conflict, war and self-improvement through said conflict. Not this dynastic means of rule. We follow the true way. The way of the Mandalore, the canons of Honor and Resol'nare."

"This is the Way." The Protectors all said in unison, loud and proud.

"Whatever alliance you seek from us will be fragile at best." Spar said dismissively.

"And what makes you believe that?" Satine challengingly asked.

"We are not pacifists." Spar firmly declared. "We never were and never will be. Your sole rule upon a single planet and the few systems that follow this idea is proof of the rejection of the New Mandalorians."

"One's who were simply propped up puppets by the Republic." Tobbi said accusingly. "The same government that devastated our home world."

"Clearly your views to talk sense to this menace will not work, Kryze." Ordo stated, arms crossed condescendingly. "You will have to go through what you find hypocritical the most."

"I am well aware of what I am doing, good sir." Satine fired back, eyes ablaze now. "Someone very close to me told me that what I am doing is not for the sake of my pride but for the sake of my people. I care little for my pride if the safety of my people are at stake. I am willing to throw it away if need be if Mandalore and its children have a future."

"Saying it is easier than enacting."

"You're all here, aren't you?" She countered and many of the Protectors and Death Watch that wanted to rebuke her statement fell silent. "I would not have invited you all here if I wasn't desperate nor foolish. This is no longer about what I believe or any of us for that matter. This is about our future as a people and if there's going to be one."

There was a moment of silence between the Mandalorians, all silently conversing with one another whilst the spectators watched on.

"Jeez, this is like a sporting event." Sam commented, watching them all with a scrutinizing gaze.

"Are you going to be taking bets?" Matt airily asked, grasping his walking stick that he lightly leaned on.

Wilson shrugged. "Might as well."

"This may turn violent." Vision said in concern.

"Maybe they need to fight it out." Gamora remarked. "Our Mandalorian companions always talk about their customs and ritualistic combat is an aspect of it."

"Would that mean Fenn would have to participate?" Mantis questioned, curious though a hint of underlying concern.

"At least this is far better than the Senate meetings." Hope murmured.

"How so?"

"Things are actually being done here rather than dilly dallying for too long." She said, "They're actually trying to think of compromise."

"That and if they shoot at each other, their ancestors would curse them forever." T'challa tacked on, eyes trailing over the ruins of this arena.

He didn't say it earlier, but the Prince of Wakanda had felt an underlying spiritual presence here akin to the gardens of the heart shaped herb back in his home kingdom.

"Hopeful statement: This droid hopes to see blaster bolts fly. If there are any who are exceptional at killing meatbags other than myself, the Mandalorians are quite good at it. Oh, what would Canderous say?"

"Where'd you guys find this guy?" Peter couldn't help but ask.

"Derelict craft drifting in space for 4000 years."

"And you turned him back on?" Parked asked now in slight astonishment. "How hasn't he collapsed by that point?"

"That's… a good question." Gamora murmured. "Rocket mentioned something was keeping him together forcefully almost before he fixed him up. Wait… HK, do you still have that storage unit in your chest?"

Vision looked over at the droid, squinting his eyes at him and began to sense something strange within its chest.

"HK, would you kindly…"

"Apologetically: Maybe later. Wish to see these proceedings further if violence arrives." The Assassin droid said. "Some Mandalorians have their hands on their weapons."

"Oh boy." Sam was now tense, looking back at the meeting at hand.

"And what of the Republic?" Axe Woves, one of Bo's Lieutenants, spoke up. "What is their say in all this? Another bombing of our people? Another annihilation because we would choose unity?"

"I wouldn't put it past them to take out our people once more in their own self-interest." Tobbi scathingly said, shooting a glare in the direction of the Jedi and Clones. "They're already having their occupation here, which is pretty much declaring their rule."

"We do not serve the Republic." Almec argued.

"Oh? What form of government do you have now?" Koska Reeves, another of Bo's Lieutenants challengingly said. "If not a form of it, at least their presence is felt."

The Jedi and Clones shifted about now yet they stared defiantly back at the Mandalorians.

"We're spitting on the grounds of this sacred arena for allowing those that brought about our ruin to even be here."

Many of the Mandalorians from the Protectors and Death Watch all murmured in agreement, all eyeing the Jedi specifically with suspicion and distrust.

"We are not here to instigate further conflict with the Mandalorians." Luminara calmly stated.

"We've got our hands full as is." Anakin wryly inputted. "Not really game to start another war."

"But what about what comes after?" Dax retorted. "Who is to say that if the Mandalorians unite the Republic turns their sights on us once more?"

"Only if you give us a reason to." Skywalker challengingly shot back.

"Anakin." Obi-wan admonished.

"This is getting us nowhere." Bo-Katan spoke aloud now. "Are we here to bicker like politicians or can we come to some kind of accord? We are all still Mandalorians in the end. We follow the Way, no? That must mean something to us."

"We follow the Way." Boba piped up. "Death Watch is an archaic form of it. Don't forget the last time Death Watch clashed with those who followed the Super commando Codex as written to us by Jaster Mereel. Your group knew it couldn't best my father's Mandalorians so they resorted to treachery and dishonorable means of taking them out."

"It's not exactly easy to trust the clan that orchestrated such a deception." Fenn stated. "House Vizsla. A clan once revered by all Mandalorians brought low by one who wished to point us in a different direction with a false Mandalore at the helm. Tor Vizsla was a brute and Pre Vizsla is a deluded fool. Vizsla's like Shae and Tarre would be rolling in their graves with their successors."

"The Super commando Codex?" Ahsoka repeated. "What's that?"

"Perhaps the doctrine in which the Protectors abide by." Luminara surmised.

"The past is the past." Bo vehemently argued.

"Yet the past often haunts the future."

"You heard what that blind bastard said." The red head Kryze shouted, pointing dramatically at a nonplussed Matt Murdock. "My Nite Owls and I do not represent Death Watch by now since we came without Vizsla's knowledge. We are here for the sake of all Mandalorians, not just ourselves. My sister called us here for just that, so can we please stop arguing like children?"

There was a beat of silence by all, no one speaking up or out against Bo as all Mando's sat or stood in quiet contemplation.

In that silence did the entire group soon hear or really, felt something.

There was a moment of the ground and really the air shaking around them.

All looked around, trying to figure out what was going on.

Rumbles could soon be felt with explosions heard.

In an instant, everyone stood up and looked out past the arena walls to the city scape past them.

A moment later, the comms of practically all in attendance erupted with panicked screams and shouts of an attack.

When asked just what was happening, one word, one name was able to be heard by all.

"It's Ultron!" Came the shout of a Clone Trooper before an explosion cut him off and likely ended his life.

Unsurprisingly HK practically leapt in joy.

"HOORAY! VIOLENCE!"

-Scene Cut-

In orbit above Mandalore, a large fleet of ships numbering around two dozen had come out of hyperspace and instantly began an assault upon the Republic fleet.

And this one was especially shocking as, rather than stopping a good distance away from the defensive fleet, the ships all basically appeared right in between the formation of the blockade.

Several rammed right into the Venators, destroying each other and killing the unfortunate crews of the destroyed Republic ships.

A battle coupled with panic ensued as the attack had come out of nowhere and all scrambled to mount a counter offensive.

In the center of all this madness was a specially made starship that was that of an old era of the galaxy.

One from 4000 years ago used during the Mandalorian Wars and Jedi Civil War.

One that Ultron had taken a liking to and one that felt appropriate given the target of his assault.

The Interdictor-Class Sith Destroyer.

A relic ship that was used thousands of years ago by old Sith legends such as Darth Revan, Darth Malak and Darth Nihilus.

A ship that once signaled the end of a fleet and almost brought the galaxy to its knees.

It failed in its purpose many millennia ago but it would not fail in its mission here.

"Let's have some fun." Ultron said to himself, seated at the bridge of his ship with many of his drones at their stations.

Really, he could have controlled everything on his own but with the workload divided up properly, even an advanced AI such as him doesn't mind less work. It helped him to focus on much more important matters like leading this attack and killing more sentient life in his mission.

He sought to invade their servers, yet he met with numerous firewalls. It was a clear sign he was met with Avenger interference.

Thus he had to come to the planet to acquire the Beskar personally.

"The home of the greatest warriors in the galaxy." Ultron mockingly mused. "Now a barren wasteland due to fear. Typical."

He used a few ships to bulldoze through the blockade. One getting past, he had several vessels head straight to the mines while others headed towards certain cities to distract the locals.

"Let's test to see if their resolve will prevent further destruction."

-Scene Cut-

Chaos reigned upon the capital city of Mandalore as civilians ran for their lives whilst Clones rushed headfirst into the oncoming attack.

They weren't alone as Mandalorian Protectors and Bo-Katan's Nite Owls were flying overhead along with the Avengers Falcon, Wasp and the Vision.

Spider-man and Daredevil swung overhead and Black Panther ran alongside Gamora, Mantis, HK-47, Anakin, Ahsoka, Obi-wan, Luminara and Barriss as they led the charge against Ultron's invading army.

The two forces collided and pandemonium simply escalated with explosions, beams, lightsabers, blaster bolts, Vibranium shockwaves, webbing and all went off in every direction.

"We gotta focus on getting the civilians out of harm's way." Sam shouted through the comms. "Fenn, right?"

The Mandalorian in question was flying by the Avenger, looking up at him.

"Yeah?"

"Are you from here?"

"Born and raised."

"So you know your way around this place."

Fenn nodded, dodging a blast of energy from an Ultron drone, shooting it down with his blaster bolt a moment later.

"Get a squadron of your Protectors to get the people out of the way. Lead them underground and into secure bunkers, got it?"

Fenn normally wouldn't take orders from people who weren't Mandalore but this Avenger was right in the regard of protecting the people.

They had the name of Protectors so it was time they lived up to that moniker.

"Tobbi?" Shysa reached out to him over the comms.

"Yeah?" Came the grunted response.

"Get a squad of your best men together." Fenn instructed. "Get the people to the underground tunnels. It leads to the southern district of bunkers they can hole up in once this blows over. Do you copy?"

"Loud and clear, Fenn." Was Tobbi's response.

Fenn looked at Sam, the two sharing a nod before they both pivoted downward into an oncoming group of drones from below.

Up on one of the many walkways of the city, Captain Rex was leading the 501st with Commanders Cody and Gree by his side and their own legions.

"Move up, move up." Rex ordered, firing with one hand whilst gesturing rapidly with the other.

A drone flew right up to the Captain yet was met with a reflexive spinning heel kick that broke off its jaw.

Rex kicked it in the chest and shot it in the head, ducking a blaster bolt and perking up to shoot down the bot that tried to kill him.

Cody ran up to a drone, grabbing one of its antenna and pulling it down upon his blaster rifle, firing a bolt straight through its head. He hefted up the drone body and flung it into a group of other Ultron bots with Cody chucking a thermal detonator after them.

Gree ran headfirst into one, tackling it with his shoulder, riddling it with holes a moment later. A nearby drone was quickly disabled by him before being used as a shield against enemy fire.

Several 41st legion Clone Troopers rushed in to alleviate their Commanders position.

He nodded at them in gratitude until he paused, watching rockets sail overhead and smash into the near endless waves of Drones.

The humming of lightsabers and thwipping of webbing followed suit and the Clones were joined by Koska and Dax Ordo from the Mando's and Barriss, Ahsoka, and Spiderman from the Jedi and Avengers.

"Push forward boys." Ahsoka yelled out. "Turn these drones to scrap. They're just fancy clankers!"

The Clones roared aloud with invigoration, the men all running forward, being led by the Jedi Padawans.

Cannon fire went all around in the airspace. Aircrafts were being bombarded from the assault from both sides, yet the enemy forces were persevering due to the materials used in their construction.

Over with Anakin, the Jedi had now been joined by Spar, Fenn and Sam, the knight cutting through drone after drone. "They've already taken the docks. We need to get them back."

"I'll send a detachment of my men to press them back." Spar said.

"Do we have any to spare?" Sam asked, looking at Skywalker who paused in brief thought. He soon thought of something and held up his wrist Comm.

"Ahsoka, Jesse, do you copy?"

"We're here, Master." Came Ahsoka's response.

"Ahsoka, I need you to take Jesse and his squad and get over to the docks." Anakin ordered.

"Yes Master." Ahsoka replied.

On her end, she turned to Jessie who was next to her, having already heard the order.

"On your leave, Commander." Jessie encouraged the Padawan, feeling his smirk underneath his helmet.

She grinned back at him. "Let's get to it then."

Spiderman swung over to her, flinging a piece of rubble at some drones, landing next to her.

"Permission to join you, Commander." The wall-crawler cheekily asked, one of his lenses winking at her.

Ahsoka smirked, shaking her head at his request. "Granted."

As the pair rushed off with a contingent of Clones and Protectors, in a lower district of the Sundari was Black Panther fighting in front of a gateway that led to the underground of the city.

He was joined by Axe Woves, Dax Ordo, Tobbi Dala and Koska Reeves, holding back the near endless wave of drones.

The Prince leapt into the air, his suit glowing with built up kinetic energy, unleashing it in a shockwave that cleared the area around him.

Landing on the ground, he turned back to the Mandalorians and saw some were about to be swarmed by the drones until a small yellow and black figure zipped around and shot the Ultron bots apart.

Wasp proceeded to grow to full size, pointing at the entrance to the underground.

"Be sure the citizens are safely kept in the Undercity while we keep the fighting above." She ordered.

Tobbi nodded. "Dax, come on, we know it better than the others."

Gamora was fighting with Obi-Wan Kenobi, the deadliest woman in the Galaxy, grabbing a drone and throwing it at full force into another. The two collided in the air and shattered upon impact.

"Most impressive." Kenobi complimented. "I had no idea you possessed such strength."

"Looks can be deceiving." Gamora said with cheek, whirling about to slice through a drone with her sword. "Mantis, how are you doing?"

Over with Mantis, the Guardian was with HK and Luminara Unduli, wielding a specially made blaster pistol gifted to her by Fenn. She couldn't use her powers to put mechanical drones to sleep so she would just shoot them down.

She was glad to have practiced with Quill, HK and Fenn.

"I am doing well." Mantis cheerfully said.

"Correction: More than well, Mistress Gamora." HK cheered on. "Statement: Mistress Mantis has all the makings of a proper Meatbag killer."

"No, no, don't even think about it." Gamora quickly said, rolling her eyes at her bloodthirsty teammate.

"Observation: I can clearly tell that Drax will be most unhappy not coming with. He's missing out on all of this."

"Yes, he would be upset." Mantis confirmed.

Elsewhere, Bo-Katan flew about, shooting down Drones left and right until she landed on the ground.

"Good to see you again."

The red-haired Nite Owl jolted, instantly recognizing that voice.

She dreadfully turned to see none other than Daredevil, twirling his elongated billy club, having it extend into a full staff with electrified edges.

He swatted away a number of drones, stabbing the bottom edge of his weapon into the eye of a drone while looking at her.

"Are you ready to pick up where we left off?" He asked in an overly calm manner.

Bo stared at him beneath her helmet, eye twitching rapidly.

She heard a drone land behind her and she casually held her blaster up and shot it in the head.

"I hate you."

"That's no way to talk to a lawyer. Anything you can say or do can be used against you."

She only groaned, turning away from him to resume shooting at these Ultron bastards.

"Of all the people in the galaxy who had to come here, why'd it have to be him." She quietly mumbled to herself.

"Maybe it's the Force." Matt answered, making her whip her head around in his direction. "Or God. Or a cosmic coincidence."

"How'd you even hear me?" Kryze asked in alarm.

"I'm a really good Lawyer. It means I have to listen."

Oh she clearly wanted to drive her lightsaber through his chest and be done with him.

"Hmmm?" Matt tilted his head in her direction. "Where'd that lightsaber come from?"

'Oh Mandalore's sake, is he a mind reader now?' Was the internal raging thought of Bo.

"Spoils of war." Bo-Katan snidely stated, igniting said lightsaber and slicing a drone in half.

"Do you know how to use it?"

"Do you know how to shut up?"

"Clearly I don't, much like you with your new toy."

"Kill you…" Bo growled, repeatedly stabbing an already destroyed drone. "Kill~~~~ You~~~~"

"There are anger courses that I know of that can help you with that rage." Matt casually retorted. "As a lawyer, I low-key qualify as such."

"Please… keep talking." Bo said through clenched teeth. "Give me more reasons to stab you."

"Hey, can you two lay off with the flirting and help out like the rest of us?"

Hearing this caused Bo-Katan to sputter and hatefully glare at Spiderman.

"HOW IS THIS FLIRTING!?"

"I've seen weirder foreplay." Peter called back. "Ever been to New York? Matty knows."

She heard the blind hero snort next to her.

Okay, not just Murdock is on her kill list but this… spiderling as well.

Vision flew around rapidly, phasing through every Drone that got close to him whilst shooting down others from a distance with his Mind Stone. Even phasing his arms through the enemies and ripping them apart one by one.

It was at this moment did an Ultron drone act differently. It faced the one Avenger with a familiar voice speaking out to him.

"Ah~ My Vision… Good to see you again. Here to take away what I desire once more?"

Hearing this, Vision glanced over to the drone and addressed it to the puppetmaster.

"If it means I can help others from your means of "peace", I most certainly will."

"It'll be much harder for you to lock me out from the rest of my forces. You don't have Stark, Thor and Wanda here to finish me off like last time."

"Then we'll just have to be creative."

Vision soon blasted the drone apart before he went to continue on with the fight.

-Scene Cut-

"That's rather rude to end a call like that." Ultron muttered to himself.

The eight foot tall AI stared out at the domed capital of Mandalore, watching his army attack Sundari.

Ultron turned back to see his Drones passing by with multiple crates of a special ore unique to this planet.

He was presently in one of the Beskar mines and was having a litany of his forces pilfer as much material as possible. He didn't know how long he could properly distract them before they realized he had a different agenda in invading Mandalore; not like it would matter at this time.

Picking a piece of unrefined Beskar up, he analyzed the metal at an atomic level, smiling to himself as he figured out the means needed to melt and shape this metal to his designs.

"Oh all the wonders I can work with you." He muttered in satisfaction.

If he really wanted to go big, he needed far more Beskar than this "simple" raid.

He then recalled there was a Beskar deposit on the local moon of Concordia. He should definitely have his forces take that either immediately or a later time and run it as low as possible.

Still, what he initially wanted to achieve has been done by now.

Though it was only a single mine, Ultron had acquired a substantial amount of Beskar for himself.

He already had enough Cortosis and Phrik metal so why not round out the set with the supposed greatest metal in the galaxy.

"Fools." Ultron muttered, a dark grin in place now. "You have no idea how little time you all have left."

-Scene Cut-

The battle raged on for nearly an hour until all the drones were either shot down or destroyed altogether.

Ultron's fleet that had come in suffered the same fate or were now in retreat.

The abrupt and sudden fleeing of the drones certainly came as a shock to the Republic, Mandalorian and Avengers present in the city.

"They're… retreating?" Fenn said in slight disbelief. "We won?"

"Doesn't feel like we won." Dax muttered, looking ahead at the ships and drones moving to escape the Mandalore system.

There was a regrouping of the collective forces, gathering on the docks of the capital.

The Avengers, Jedi and heads of the Mandalorian factions were all assembled to discuss the recent attack on the homeworld.

Spiderman was the first to speak up. "So does this count as a victory or…"

"We didn't win, we only survived." Vision stated firmly. "Ultron came here for a reason. We need to find out the reason why. No action he does goes without purpose."

"He's right." Sam said. "Everything Ultron has done since he revealed himself always had an ulterior motive. Sowing fear and discourse, getting materials for his war effort…"

"Material." Satine said in dread, looking out at the barren landscape of Mandalore. "No."

The other Mando's were quick to pick up on her worries, Spar clenching his fists tightly.

"He was after our Beskar." The Mandalore said through gritted teeth.

"What?" Bo-Katan said in alarm. "But… what would he gain from it? The means that are used in crafting Beskar is a secret only we know."

"Maybe he wishes to sell it on the black market." Tobbi Dala suggested.

"No, Ultron already has likely figured out the means in which to use the Beskar to his advantage." Vision declared.

"Having Beskar armor is quite durable against, well, nearly everything… but as a weapon…"

"Wait, but how could he figure out how to shape Beskar?" Dax spoke up. "That's a secret all Mandalorians swear to uphold."

"He's a creative bastard, that's what." Hope pointed out. "And an AI with the ability to analyze the anatomical structure of virtually anything. He probably scanned a piece of Beskar just once and already knows several methods he could use to restructure the metal to his designs."

"So the secrets to Beskar have now fallen into enemy hands." Koska Reeves said, arms falling limp at her sides.

"An enemy that wishes to bring about extinction across the galaxy." T'challa said with a deep frown.

"I fear the situation has only gotten worse." Luminara murmured, slightly dejected at now realizing the loss they had all just suffered.

"No." Satine proclaimed, turning to face the group, specifically her kin. "We may have lost some Beskar but the city remains standing, our people are alive and we have all fought together."

She stepped forward to stand between Spar and Bo-Katan, looking both of them in the eye.

"We can be one people again." She whispered, sounding almost desperate now. "I implore you, please… we must stand together, more than ever."

The two Mandalorian leaders exchanged glances with each other before Spar spoke first.

"We follow the old ways. The Resol'nare, Canons of Honor but above all else, the Super commando Codex." Spar said. "And in that, we shall work with you, Satine, to bring our people under one banner again."

Satine exhaled shakily in relief, bowing her head in gratitude at the Mandalore.

It was Bo who spoke next and addressed her sister.

"Satine, will you allow our people's return and actually accept your heritage?" She quietly asked.

Satine gave a strained smile at her sibling. "For your Nite Owls and those willing to follow you, yes. For Vizsla and Death Watch? They have made their message clear. No. Unless they break away from their present path, then they aren't welcome."

Bo's lips twitched upwards. "I can live with that. It's good to see you again, Satine."

"I'm just happy to have you back, Bo."

Their moment was interrupted by Spider-Man of all people, speaking up with a satisfied tone.

"Alright, Karen and Tap just told me that their firewalls are fully set up now so Ultron can't get through your systems." Peter happily said.

"We've got copies of these programs for you and your followers if you're willing to take it." Sam said, addressing Spar and Bo.

"We'll take it." Spar said without hesitation. "Thank you. I am glad to know that Vision has honorable and true friends like he is."

"We try." Hope said offhandedly.

"The Nite Owls graciously accept this gift." Bo humbly said, hand over her chest as she bowed her head slightly.

"I thank you." Satine said, stepping before the Jedi and Avengers. "All of you for coming to the aid of my people and protecting them."

"Happy to help." Ahsoka said with a proud smile.

"Don't get ahead of yourself, Snips." Anakin remarked, nudging his Padawan's shoulder.

As the Avengers and Jedi walked away, the Duchess stopped one in particular from leaving.

"Obi-Wan."

The Jedi Master turned to her. "Yes, Duchess?"

"Satine." She corrected. "You can always call me Satine."

"...Satine, is there something you need?"

She shook her head, going right up to the man she loved and placed a chaste kiss upon his cheek.

Pulling away, Satine giggled at the bewildered look he gave her.

"Even after all this time, you still don't know how to react to affection, my love." She sweetly said, brushing her hand through his beard. "Thank you, Obi-Wan, for giving me the strength I needed for this day."

Blinking his shock away, Obi-wan managed to regain some of his composure. "You're welcome."

Now if only resolving the issues with the present occupation would be simple. Perhaps the Mandalorians putting on a more united front coupled with the Republic needing more ships and fleets on standby could work as an argument.

These thoughts were cut off by the sight of a knowing grin he saw being sported by his former apprentice.

"Mind explaining what that was back there, Obi?"

Kenobi shot his former Padawan a flat look. "Anakin, please, not now."

Skywalker raised his hands in mock surrender. "Alright then. Next time. Wanna hear all about your time with your girlfriend."

"She's not my-never mind. I'm not gonna have this argument with you."

"And with that, victory for Anakin has been achieved." The younger Jedi boasted. "Snips, hey snips, you won't believe this, Obi-wan just admitted defeat to me. Take a picture."

Elsewhere…

Bo-Katan was speaking with her Nite Owls, telling them to see who else they can sway from Death Watch to her side, leaving her alone a second later.

"We never had our talk, you know."

Bo flinched, seizing up slightly before slowly turning to Murdock who stood there in his suit though his helmet had been retracted.

"About what?"

"Last time." Matt plainly said. "I had asked you if you ever had anything to consider outside the life of a Mandalorian and Death Watch. You never gave me an answer."

Rather than give him a snappy retort or snide comeback, Bo was silently contemplative as she had now had a long time to think of the time spent in her holding cell.

"I… don't know anything outside of being a Mandalorian." She finally admitted after a few seconds of silence. "My whole life… this is all I've ever known. All I've ever wanted, really. I just wish the best for my people."

"And your commitments to Death Watch?"

"Are likely dead and gone with me being here." She said straight away. "I went against my leaders' orders and went straight into the woman he despises more than anyone."

"Your own sister."

Bo snorted. "Funny how this galaxy works, huh?"

"But have you ever thought of a life outside of being a Mandalorian."

"I don't know, have you?"

"Being a Mandalorian?"

She rolled her eyes. "You know what I mean."

Matt shrugged. "Being a lawyer, being a man who helps people, either in or out of this suit is who I am now. I am a defender of those who can't defend themselves. An Avenger, now and always."

The red haired Mandalorian only nodded, appearing to be satisfied with what he said.

"With what's happening now, you can help protect your people as you presently are. It'll take a while for you to find your new footing, but at least it'll be a start."

"I know." Kryze sighed. "But that's how change is sometimes, you know?"

"Change is never meant to be easy." Matt stated. "It's through change that we grasp our character better. Take for example what happened after your civil war. The change was done so suddenly with many being unprepared. Now things are being made up for it, despite circumstances, for a new era for your people."

"Let's hope it'll lead to the future Mandalore needs to survive and thrive in this galaxy when everything is all said and done." She said, a great weight coming over her.

"Stay strong, Bo." Matt came up to her, placing a hand on her shoulder. "You have greater resolve than you realize."

The Nite Owl stared at the man in surprise which turned into appreciation.

"Thank you." She softly said.

The pair shared a comfortable silence with each other until a thought crossed Murdock's mind.

"You know it'll be a really hard time for you and your group to be truly cut off from Death Watch. Vizsla won't take it too kindly with what happened today. He'll call out hits on your team." Spoke the lawyer from Hell's Kitchen. "How long do you think it'll be before word reaches them?"

"Soon is my best guess." Bo sighed in resignation. "Our departure wasn't exactly subtle."

"Do you-"

"This is going to be our fight." Bo firmly said, preventing him from finishing what he was about to offer. "You… you've already done enough. Both for me and my people. Thank you, Matt."

"You're welcome." He sincerely said. "If you ever just want to speak with me…"

"I'd actually like that." She graciously accepted. "Can use someone to vent to from time to time."

"And not to your fellow Owls?"

"They're different. Also not as annoying as you."

"I'd like to think I'm more professional than that."

"It's your annoyances that got me to think about myself, dummy." She cheekily said, flicking his forehead lightly.

"So you want me to be annoying." Matt hummed. "Ms. Kryze, I hope you understand the can of worms you're opening with me being a lawyer. Words will only flood out from my mouth. Only Mr. Parker is one I have met thus far that can match my lingo."

"Well then I'll just take it as a challenge for myself." Bo puffed her chest out with pride. "Mandalorians run towards conflict, not away from it."

Matt only smirked at her gusto. "We shall see."

Bo then coughed into her hand awkwardly, shifting about back and forth, confusing the Devil of Hell's Kitchen.

"Katan?"

She surprised him by stepping forward and lightly pressing her lips on the side of his face before instantly pulling away.

"I'm-I-I, s-sorry, didn't mean to do that." She stammered, face matching her hair color. "I-I-I just… um… I need to go."

"At least take me out for lunch." He called out a tease.

"Sh-shut, URGH, goodbye." Bo quickly slid her helmet on and flew off, leaving the lawyer by himself.

"Well… you know how to pick them." He muttered to himself with a snort.

The blind hero had been so caught up in his conversation, he failed to realize that two individuals were now standing next to him.

"So then." Said the regal voice of Prince T'Challa. "There's a story for us to hear on the flight back, isn't that right Peter?"

"Yeah, you didn't even try to keep it private." Peter Parker quipped, causing Matt's head to fall.

"Oh God." He said in dread, realizing what his two friends had just seen happen.

"Hey, you're a good Catholic boy, don't say the Lord's name in vain." Peter jokingly admonished with a stern wag of his fingers.

"What is it that you must do in this instance?" T'Challa played along. "Ten Hail Mary's?"

"I'm not one to pray for damnation."

"You love us too much to do so, Matty." Parker joked, bumping shoulders with him.

Hoo boy, this was a ride, let me tell ya.

Jebest4781: And thus the Mandalorian arc has come to an end. Granted there will somewhat be another down the line.

FMW: Yup. One chapter of the Mandalorians closes whilst others have yet to be opened. And hey, Vision is back with the Avengers! The whole team in space is almost back together again. All that's left is Wanda. Whew, these arcs in Season 3 are just breezing by. Then again, this is one that is gonna have so many giant moments that are yet to come and it will only get crazier from here.

Jeb: The next arc about to come in will, quite honestly, be a bit difficult to change up on a number of fronts.

FMW: But challenges is where we put out our best work and it's one that's gonna be a crazy arc to put out for certain. Then again, that's the whole track record of Season three so hey, who doesn't love a bit of more insanity? Ultron's still loose in the galaxy, causing mayhem wherever he goes and I gotta smile with evil intent cause I really cannot wait to revel in the madness Jeb and I are gonna unleash on you guys and the revelation that's gonna rock you guys in the next arc. Oh it's gonna be awesome. It's funny, thus far, it's something that we've spoken about before. Something only ONE PERSON has correctly predicted. What that is? Well, you'll find out in the next arc.

Thanks again for readin folks.

Rate Read and Review and as Always Have Nice Day.