Several days had passed since the Avengers and Jedi arrived on Mandalore.
Most of that time was spent waiting for the eventual arrival of the Protectors and Death Watch, if either faction appeared at all.
During those days, the Avengers and Jedi had learned, or at least gained, a reasonable grasp of Mandalore's situation and the entire Mandalorian system's dynamics.
The planet's current status, power, and influence was negligible at best.
Following the Mandalorian Civil War, Satine's faction represented one of the only groups remaining on the planet, as they were among the few who hadn't actually fought in the conflict. They'd simply gained power through survival and established a new governmental form that drastically altered how Mandalorians traditionally governed themselves.
An aristocracy stood in stark contrast to the warrior culture that had defined Mandalorians for millennia. And it wasn't universally accepted by all Mandalorians.
"So only Mandalore itself follows Duchess Satine's government?" Barriss Offee asked as she sat in an empty classroom with Ahsoka, Peter, and their new friends.
Korkie Kryze had taken a liking to them, mainly fascinated by Earth food, culture, and music he'd learned about through Peter. He'd introduced them to his closest friends.
Amis, Soniee, and Lagos found themselves captivated by this new culture while also enjoying conversations with their peers and learning extensively from these three extraordinary teenagers.
"Whether it's Mandalore or the systems our people inhabit, even what my aunt manages remains difficult at best," Korkie said.
"However, not everyone considers the Duchess their sovereign ruler," Lagos observed. "Death Watch exemplifies this."
"So do the Protectors. From what I understand, they actually follow the proper Mand'alor, not a monarch or elected official."
"Isn't the Mandalorian leader elected?" Ahsoka asked, not being entirely familiar with Mandalorian culture.
"In some ways, they're chosen by the people," Korkie explained. "It's somewhat like an election, except without extensive campaign speeches or funding. It's more about proving yourself on the battlefield and earning the people's respect."
"I'll admit there's value in Mandalore's old ways," Lagos conceded.
"Lagos, how can you believe that?" Amis asked. "Isn't it precisely that approach that dragged our people into countless wars causing our numbers to decline?"
"That's exactly it," she said. "Earn leadership, don't simply be chosen for it."
"If there's one thing I've learned from experience, ideas are often the hardest things to kill," Barriss began in a sage-like manner. "They branch into ideals and philosophies, which in turn inspire groups and governments. In many ways, this becomes a double-edged blade that can either strengthen or overthrow them."
"My aunt feels that way about our lifestyle," Korkie admitted, frustration evident. "She knows not every Mandalorian will accept this change, especially now more than ever. It's something she's long accepted, though she hopes they'll remain open to the possibility."
"Introducing new ideas and lifestyles doesn't always sit well with cultures thousands of years old," Ahsoka said. "Even the Jedi aren't strangers to this challenge."
"We almost had one, actually. A Mand'alor who could have led us toward a better future," Soniee revealed, causing several people to look at her in surprise. "On my mother's side, my grandfather fought in the Mandalorian Civil War. He sided with the self-proclaimed True Mandalorians, following a man named Jaster Mereel. They called him Mand'alor the Reformer. He wanted ushering in a new era for our people, but was betrayed and killed by Death Watch's leader from House Vizsla at the time."
"Speaking of House Vizsla, I recall a Mandalorian who was apparently once in our Order," Barriss brought up, causing surprise among the Avengers and four Academy students present.
"Wait, what?" Amis blurted out.
"Who? I've never heard anything about this," Lagos asked, leaning forward expectantly.
"Tarre Vizsla, Jedi Knight," the Padawan elaborated. "I discovered this through my studies. He was the only Mandalorian chosen to serve in our Order. At some point, he left to lead your people until his death. Later, his lightsaber was returned to the Temple for burial with his body, but his clan broke in, reclaimed both body and blade, and gave him proper burial—not as a Jedi, but as a Mandalorian."
"How did we not know about this?" Korkie asked, confused. "This feels like something all Mandalorians, new and old, should be aware of."
"Cover-up, most likely. Keep it quiet," Peter's guess came immediately. "I mean, I don't know your history well, but that's probably what people would choose when trying to make others forget someone existed."
"Or perhaps only those who care to look actually know," Ahsoka suggested. "If Barriss discovered it, who's to say others haven't."
"How did you hear about this in the first place?" Korkie asked, studying the hooded Barriss.
"After hearing Obi-Wan mention fighting Pre Vizsla, who wielded his ancestor's lightsaber, I spent time researching this myself once I learned about our Mandalore mission."
"I've certainly seen numerous paintings of your people fighting Jedi," Peter pointed out.
"Our peoples have complicated history with one another," Korkie said, addressing the two Padawans particularly, who simply nodded agreement.
While they weren't as familiar with Mandalorians as some Jedi within their Order, their shared history with this warrior culture was well documented and taught on both sides.
"Have you ever considered becoming Mandalorian?" Ahsoka asked suddenly, causing the four natives to look at her in confusion.
"What do you mean—"
"Oops, sorry," Ahsoka realized her mistake and shook her head at her own blunder. "I mean, have you four ever considered learning traditional Mandalorian ways?"
"Oh," Korkie nodded in understanding, shaking his head. "I actually haven't thought about it. I was more focused on my aunt's actions and wanting to follow her path."
"I have, sort of," Soniee admitted, rubbing the back of her head sheepishly.
"Really?" Amis said in surprise. "You've never mentioned anything like this before."
"I've dreamed about it since I was little, before I was even old enough to understand properly," Soniee said. "My grandfather's armor's still in our home, you know. He always talked about the old ways and stayed true to them."
"So what now?" Peter asked. "After everything that's happened, I really wouldn't blame you if you at least wanted learning how to protect yourselves."
"On that point, I agree," Lagos gestured toward Peter. "At minimum, learning self-defense should be mandatory for all Mandalorians. It could be our way of honoring the past. Appeasing the old Mandalorians while earning at least some respect from them."
"You sound like a qualified leader already," Ahsoka smiled approvingly. "Knows how to find compromises and everything."
The other students offered their friend small giggles and smiles, causing Lagos to blush shyly.
However, their gathering came to an abrupt end as the Padawans and Avenger received word from their superiors that three ships had entered the Mandalore system.
The Protectors' vessels.
"Wow, they actually came," Amis murmured in surprise.
"I could barely believe it myself," Korkie admitted.
"Let's get moving then," Ahsoka announced, rising from her seat.
"We should inform the Duchess."
"She probably already knows," Peter pointed out. "Want to come with us?"
The students seemed hesitant.
"I wonder if Auntie would—"
"I believe if they represent the Old Mandalorians, you all should be present representing the New Mandalorians," Barriss interrupted Korkie. "You're being groomed as future leaders of your people. Consider this a learning experience."
"She's not wrong."
"Then what are we waiting for?"