On this unusual occasion, the gathering wasn't held in the familiar palace but moved to a unique location in Sundari—an amphitheater designed like an ancient gladiatorial arena, decorated with statues, paintings, and frescoes.
"What is this place?" Ahsoka asked curiously, her attention drawn to the artwork everywhere.
"This is an ancient site where Mandalorians trained and held ceremonies," a Mandalorian in silver armor explained. "This is also the location of the rumored first Mandalorian cemetery. Though its authenticity remains debated, it has over seven thousand years of history."
Everyone entered the open arena and discovered numerous seats and tables already arranged. Clearly a carefully planned gathering space. Several Protectors separated from the main group, moving to specific locations in the arena in pairs, trios, or larger groups.
"What are they doing?" Peter couldn't help asking.
"Looks like they're performing some kind of prayer ritual," Anakin whispered.
"This place holds special meaning for all Mandalorians," Satine explained further. "When the ancient Mandalorians first arrived on this world, many clans formed here. Though new clans appeared on other planets, every Mandalorian would eventually come here and mark their clan on stone tablets with inscriptions."
"Kryze, Odo, Vizsla—these are all significant clans in Mandalore's history. You could say this is sacred, neutral ground. Here, any form of violence is forbidden."
Obi-Wan considered this, nodding in understanding. "So that's why you chose this location."
"Precisely." Satine gazed at a statue of an armored Mandalorian bearing her clan's emblem. "This is a holy place. Anyone committing violence here would no longer be considered a true Mandalorian, for they would have defiled this sacred ground."
The entire gathering seemed like a gamble without gunpowder smoke, yet everyone found their own position and meaning within it.
"If anyone from opposing factions attempted harming the Duchess here, they'd be profoundly despised by our people and labeled the worst kind of traitor," Prime Minister Almec explained.
"At least our history hasn't been forgotten," the Mandalorian with Jaig eyes stated, his voice carrying deep emotion. "That's encouraging." His words resonated with relief.
When asked about his identity, the Mandalorian removed his helmet, revealing a young face with blonde hair and blue eyes. "I'm Fenn Rau, Lieutenant to Mand'alor," he said plainly. However, those present didn't seem to react much to this revelation.
Besides the Jedi Knights, clone troopers, and Avengers, many others chose sitting down to observe quietly. Anakin quietly asked Jedi Masters Obi-Wan and Luminara, "Do you sense it?" Both nodded affirmatively.
"Sense what?" Sam looked at them curiously.
"There appears to be a Force presence here," Anakin clarified.
Obi-Wan nodded slightly. "Yes, this place is quite ancient." He stroked his beard thoughtfully.
"Perhaps the spirits and echoes of past Mandalorians," Luminara suggested after contemplation.
Ahsoka and Barriss expressed sensing the same thing.
At that moment, Peter suddenly interjected, "Um..."
Matt asked with concern, "Peter, you alright?"
"Don't tell me you sensed the Force too," Hope quipped, half-joking.
Peter smiled and shook his head. "Not like that. It's just my spider-sense feels weird here."
"That's fascinating," Kenobi observed. "Perhaps we can discuss this phenomenon later."
Peter smiled in response. "Of course, Master Kenobi."
Anakin joked, "Oh, seems you've acquired a new apprentice. I suppose your former master must be eager washing away his uncontrollable 'greatness,' just like his former Padawan." His jest lightened the atmosphere slightly.
However, while they continued talking, a sudden roar from above broke the brief silence. The distinctive sound of jetpacks in flight.
People looked up, curiosity evident. Soon they spotted the newcomers—a group of approximately thirty to forty Mandalorians dressed in armor, appearing quite imposing. As they slowly descended, many attendees immediately recognized the colors and markings adorning them: Death Watch.
Dax Odo gripped his blaster tightly, distrust clear in his posture.
However, Satine, the Jedi, and the Avengers could recognize the leader.
"Bo." When Satine spotted her sister whom she hadn't seen in considerable time, a smile crossed her lips.
A member of Clan Kryze strode toward the gathering. She was Bo-Katan, and she announced, "I am Bo-Katan of Clan Kryze, and I'm here representing Death Watch."
Though many regarded her with suspicion and distrust, Satine greeted her with a genuine smile. "I'm pleased seeing you again, Bo," she said softly, placing her hand gently on Bo's shoulder.
Confusion flickered in Bo-Katan's eyes. "Aren't you surprised I'm not in a cell on Coruscant?" she asked.
There was subtle tension in the air. Though Jedi Master Kenobi didn't finish his thought, he obviously understood its implications.
The Duchess expressed surprise that Bo-Katan had escaped Ultron's attack. "I'm more surprised Pre Vizsla allowed anyone from Death Watch coming here," she said with evident doubt.
Bo-Katan took a deep breath and looked away from her sister. "Well, yes, he was definitely difficult convincing initially, but we managed persuading him eventually," she said firmly.
However, Matt noticed something unusual in her heartbeat and breathing patterns. "You're lying," he stated bluntly.
At this, Bo-Katan whirled around with an uneasy expression. "Excuse me? Lying?! More importantly, why are you here?!" she demanded.
Matt responded calmly, "I'm the intermediary. And you're not here for Death Watch, are you, Ms. Kryze?"
"Bo," Satine said softly beside him, unease threading through her tone.
"Are you genuinely here attending this summit? Not representing Death Watch?" Satine asked again, uncertainty now evident in her voice.
Bo tried denying it but found her voice caught in her throat. Her fellow Night Owls didn't seem willing offering much support.
"Traitors, all of them!" Bo-Katan was furious, feeling extreme anger and disappointment.
Just as Matt was about to escort her away, she reluctantly confessed everything. "Pre Vizsla doesn't want any of us participating in this gathering," Bo-Katan stated plainly.
"We've crossed a line here, whether he approves or not," she continued.
"I have no doubt your leader won't appreciate your actions," the lawyer responded dryly.
"We understand the risks and will voluntarily accept punishment when we return, provided we can stay," a Night Owl member said firmly.
"That depends," Dax Odo said with a wry smile. "What if he doesn't even give you the chance returning? We've dealt with that arrogant bastard before. He's probably already marked you as traitors."
At this, the Night Owl members exchanged uneasy glances.
"Alright, let's sit down and discuss this properly. We have considerable ground to cover," Satine suggested, revealing a calm and rational tone.