In the arena's center, representatives of three Mandalorian factions sat around a circular arrangement of chairs and tables.
When the Protector leader's helmet was placed on the table and his face revealed, the atmosphere grew solemn.
"A clone?!" a soldier exclaimed, obviously confused.
"An avatar leading the Protectors?" someone questioned.
"His voice sounds familiar."
Spar scoffed at the clone trooper's reaction, his eyes showing disdain. He stood and said loudly, "I am a free man who made my own choices and decisions. These weren't determined by long-necked, indifferent creatures from some rain-soaked planet. I have never served the Republic, nor have I ever betrayed the Mandalorians. Those dying, corrupt bureaucracies should have been eliminated centuries ago."
Many Mandalorians present felt uncomfortable hearing him reference the disastrous war from centuries past. The Jedi Knights remained silent, their postures stern and unreadable. Anakin particularly kept his arms crossed, hands clutching his robe sleeves whenever he thought of the Republic's historical atrocities.
Barriss and Ahsoka kept their heads down, unwilling to meet their new friends' gazes. At that moment, the Duchess's voice broke the silence. "We stand on sacred ground," she said. "Let us speak respectfully and not disturb those resting here."
This made everyone present pause in reflection. Finally, Almec broke the silence. "Can we officially begin this summit?" he asked.
The blonde matriarch of Mandalore took center stage, her voice carrying across the arena. "Mandalorians," Satine said clearly, ensuring everyone could hear. "We hold our own beliefs and follow our own paths in this galaxy. Today, we will discuss our future and destiny together."
Her voice carried strength and determination, as if she could lead the Mandalorians into a new era. Satine continued passionately, "We exist in turbulent times. The conflict between Republic and Separatists intensifies daily, and countless systems are gradually being drawn into this endless war. Ultron's participation will undoubtedly escalate the already chaotic situation further. Mandalore stands on disorder's precipice."
"Though we appear removed from the war currently, I know the Protectors and Death Watch have suffered untold losses at this insane artificial intelligence's hands. Mandalore seems to have survived Ultron's galactic onslaught initially, but this doesn't mean we can rest comfortably."
"Multiple worlds have been attacked, including those once guarded by Protectors and Death Watch. Though they've repelled invading forces, information has leaked, and the entire galaxy has witnessed Ultron's ambitions—he targets not one faction but everyone, regardless of allegiance."
"Though Mandalore has been spared Ultron's wrath thus far, war will eventually reach our homeland," Satine predicted. "Though I'm reluctant accepting this reality, I ask all of us to prepare for coming challenges."
In the silence, Spar stood and paced beside the conference table. Though no one noticed, deep in his mind, he carried Jango Fett's vital memory—Jango had returned to Mandalore to carve his mentor's name into the arena, ensuring his own name would endure.
"We thank the organizer of this meeting, Satine Kryze," Spar said, "but this situation far exceeded our expectations."
Almec corrected firmly, "You will address her as the Duchess."
"We do not accept royalty as our way, Prime Minister," Spar responded. "Our path is one of conflict, war, and self-improvement through those conflicts. We don't accept this dynastic ruling method. We follow the Way of the Mand'alor—a code of honor and resolve."
The Protectors chorused, "This is the Way." Their voices rang loud and proud.
"Whatever alliance you hope achieving, understand its foundation is fragile," Spar stated.
"Why do you believe this?" Satine asked challengingly.
"We are not pacifists," Spar stated firmly. "We never have been, and we never will be. Your so-called rule of a single planet, and those systems following it, is simply evidence of how few accept the New Mandalorians."
"You're nothing more than Republic puppets, the same government that destroyed our homeworld," Tobbi accused.
In response, Dax crossed his arms haughtily. "Clearly, your view of this threat isn't practical, Kryze. You're about to embrace what you consider most hypocritical."
However, Satine didn't flinch in her response. "I know exactly what I'm doing, Mr. Odo. People close to me have explained I'm not acting from pride, but for my people. If my people's safety is threatened, I will never prioritize my pride. If necessary, I'll surrender it entirely, provided there's a future for Mandalore and its people."
"That's easier said than done," someone retorted.
However, Satine countered, "Aren't you all here? If I weren't desperate or foolish, I wouldn't have invited you. This is no longer about my beliefs or anyone else's. This concerns our entire people's future, and whether there will be a future for Mandalore at all."
Under the crowd's gaze, silence enveloped the scene. Everyone silently exchanged thoughts.
"Man, this is like watching a championship debate," Sam commented, observing them.
"Wanna place a bet?" Matt asked lightly, his hand resting on his cane.
Sam shrugged his disinterest.
"This might devolve into fighting," Vision said worriedly.
"Perhaps they need to fight," Gamora observed. "Our Mandalorian companions constantly discuss their traditions. Ritual combat is part of that."
At this, Mantis asked curiously, "Does that mean Fenn has to participate?" Though slightly worried, she remained curious.
Amid the tension, Hope muttered to herself, "The atmosphere here's much better than Senate meetings."
"Why's that?"
Hope explained, "Things are actually being resolved here, rather than endlessly delayed. They're genuinely seeking compromise."
The Wakandan prince sensed a unique spiritual presence in this place, a feeling reminding him of the heart-shaped herb garden back home.
"Statement: Besides myself, the Mandalorians excel at handling meatbags," HK observed.
"Where'd you guys find this psycho?" Peter asked curiously.
"On an abandoned spacecraft drifting through space for four thousand years."
"You reactivated him?" Peter asked with slight alarm.
"That's an excellent question," Gamora murmured. "Rocket mentioned something was preventing HK from functioning until he repaired it. HK, do you still have that compartment in your chest?"
Vision's gaze turned to the HK droid, beginning to carefully examine the compartment.
"HK, could you please—"
"Apology: Perhaps later," the droid seemed to say regretfully.
The atmosphere was growing increasingly tense. Some Mandalorians had begun reaching for weapons.
"Oh boy," Sam was nervous now, looking back at the meeting before them.
"So what about the Republic?" Axe Woves, one of Bo's lieutenants, asked. "What say do they have in all this? Another bombing of our people? Another annihilation because we choose unity?"
Tobbi responded sharply, "I won't endanger our people again for their benefit." He shot a glare toward the Jedi and clones, his eyes filled with anger. "They've established a garrison here, practically declaring their rule."
Almec countered, "We do not serve the Republic."
"Oh? Then please explain what form of government you currently have?" Koska Reeves, Bo-Katan's deputy, asked.
Jedi and clones shifted uncomfortably, but their defiant gazes remained fixed on the Mandalorians.
"We argue in this sacred arena, and why? Because those who led to our destruction are even permitted here."
Many Mandalorians from both Protectorate and Death Watch murmured agreement, all eyeing the Jedi with suspicion and distrust.
"We're not here provoking further conflict with Mandalorians," Luminara calmly explained.
Anakin smiled wryly. "We're already stretched impossibly thin. We really don't want starting another war."
However, Dax countered, "But what happens afterward? If Mandalorians unite, who guarantees the Republic won't target us again?"
"If you'd just give us a reason not to," Skywalker responded defiantly.
"Anakin," Obi-Wan cautioned sharply.
"Are we here bickering like politicians, or reaching some agreement?" Bo-Katan wondered aloud. She emphasized further, "At the end of the day, we're still Mandalorians and should follow our own path."
Boba Fett muttered, "Death Watch is a relic. Don't forget the last conflict between Death Watch and the True Mandalorians who followed Jaster Mereel. Your group realized they couldn't defeat the Mandalorians led by my father, so they resorted to treachery and dishonorable methods."
"House Vizsla was once respected by all Mandalorians, but now we're led by a false Mandalorian," Fenn said. "Tor Vizsla was a cruel man. Pre Vizsla is a deceived fool. True Mandalorians like Shae Vizsla and Tarre Vizsla deserve respect and following."
"What's the Supercommando Codex?" Ahsoka asked, confused.
Luminara guessed it might be some doctrine the Protectors believed in.
However, Bo-Katan saw it differently, stressing, "The past is the past."
"And yet, the past often haunts the future," Matt observed.
"Did you hear what that blind man said?" Bo-Katan shouted, gesturing toward Matt. "My Owls and I cannot represent Death Watch officially, as we came without Vizsla's knowledge. We're here for all Mandalorians, not just ourselves. My sister summoned us for this purpose, so can we stop bickering like children?"
After Bo-Katan finished speaking, everyone fell into thoughtful silence. No one refuted her point. All the Mandalorians sat or stood quietly, lost in contemplation.
In this silence, everyone seemed to sense something. The ground and surrounding air began trembling slightly. Everyone looked around, trying to determine what was happening.
Soon after, rumbling and explosions began being heard.
Instantly, everyone stood and looked over the arena wall toward the ancient city. Panicked screams and shouts erupted.
When asked what happened, everyone heard one name: "It's Ultron!"
An explosion cut off the clone's transmission, ending his life.
After hearing the news, HK was delighted. "Exclamation: Glorious violence!"