"Rather rude ending a conversation like that," Ultron muttered.
The eight-foot-tall AI gazed upon Mandalore's domed capital, witnessing the fierce battle between his army and the defenders.
He turned slowly, spotting a drone flying past with several crates of unique beskar ore. He was now deep within the beskar mines, and his forces were doing their utmost plundering resources there. He wasn't certain how long he could distract them before they realized his invasion's true purpose. But presently, it didn't matter.
He picked up a piece of unrefined beskar ore, held it in his hands, and began analyzing the metal at an atomic level. A satisfied smile played across his features as he derived a method for melting and shaping the metal. "Oh, it will be such a pleasure working wonders with you," he whispered to himself, his tone revealing satisfaction.
If he wanted making a genuine impact, he'd need far more beskar than this simple raid could provide. He recalled beskar deposits on the local moon of Concordia, which should be his forces' target, either immediately or later, and controlled if possible.
Though he'd already obtained substantial beskar from this mine, his objective was achieved. So why not use the galaxy's greatest metal perfecting his design? He smiled darkly. "Fools. You have so little time remaining."
The battle lasted nearly an hour until all drones were shot down or completely destroyed. Ultron's fleet suffered identical fates or was retreating. This sudden and unannounced evacuation undoubtedly shocked the Republic, Mandalorians, and Avengers throughout the city.
"They're retreating?" Fenn asked incredulously. "Did we win?"
"Feels like victory," Dax muttered, looking ahead at the sight of ships and drones fleeing the Mandalorian system.
Finally, forces from all parties regrouped and gathered at the capital's docking facilities. Everyone understood this battle's victory was only the beginning of new challenges.
In an urgent meeting space, members of the Avengers, Jedi Knights, and Mandalorian faction leaders gathered to discuss the recent attack on their homeworld.
Peter spoke first. "So, is this the dawn of victory, or..." His words revealed deep concern.
"We didn't win. We survived," Vision replied firmly.
"Ultron's attacks aren't without purpose," Sam continued. "There's deep meaning behind every action. Since exposing his location, he's spread fear and chaos while gathering resources for his war efforts."
Satine's words carried dread. She looked at Mandalore's scarred landscape. "Resources. We..." The other Mandalorians immediately noticed her concern.
Spar clenched his fists, his eyes filled with resentment. "He's after our beskar," the Mandalorian revealed through gritted teeth. "A resource only we know how to forge properly."
"What?" Bo-Katan said with astonishment. "But what does that give him? The methods for forging beskar are secrets belonging only to us."
Tobbi Dala offered a hypothesis. "Perhaps he wanted selling it on the black market."
However, Vision gave a different verdict. "No. Ultron may have discovered a way using beskar to his advantage."
Vision explained further. "Possessing beskar armor means almost everything becomes extremely durable, even as weaponry."
"But how did he learn shaping beskar? It's a secret we Mandalorians are sworn protecting," Dax asked.
Hope pointed out, "Ultron's exceptionally creative, plus he has advanced analytical capabilities processing almost anything. Potentially, just by scanning a piece of beskar, he could determine multiple methods for reshaping it."
Koska Reeves lowered her arms, speaking worriedly. "So beskar's secrets have now fallen into enemy hands."
T'Challa frowned. "An enemy wishing to create disasters throughout the galaxy." His words carried unease about the future.
The meeting's atmosphere grew increasingly heavy as everyone realized the situation could deteriorate significantly.
"We must find a way stopping him," Vision stated firmly, and everyone nodded agreement.
"I'm afraid it's only going to worsen," Luminara muttered, slightly frustrated as she realized the loss they'd just suffered.
"No." Satine stepped forward, facing everyone, especially her kin. "We may have lost some beskar, but this city still stands. Our people remain alive. And we fought side by side."
She moved forward, standing between Spar and Bo-Katan, gazing into their eyes. "We can be united people again," she whispered, her tone almost desperately insistent. "I beg you, please. We must unite now more than ever."
The two Mandalorian leaders exchanged glances, then Spar spoke. "We will follow the ancient traditions. Most importantly, we'll rely on the Supercommando Codex's tactics. We will fight alongside you, Satine, and unite our people once more."
Hearing these words, Satine couldn't help releasing a relieved breath, bowing her head gratefully to the Protector.
Bo-Katan then turned to her sister. "Satine, will you permit our people returning and truly accept your leadership?" she asked softly.
Satine gave her sister a strained smile. "For those wishing to follow you and your Nite Owl squad, I welcome them. But as for Vizsla and Death Watch proper? They've made their position clear. We cannot accept them unless they change their ways."
Bo-Katan's mouth curved upward. "I'm pleased seeing you again, Satine."
At that point, everyone's attention was drawn by Peter. He said with satisfaction, "Good news is Karen and FRIDAY informed me their firewall's now fully established, so Ultron can no longer infiltrate your systems."
"We've prepared program copies for you and your followers, if you'll accept them," Sam said, turning to Spar and Bo-Katan.
"Thank you immensely. We'll accept gratefully," Spar said without hesitation. "I'm pleased knowing Vision has such honorable and true comrades."
Hope responded with a relaxed tone. "We've been working hard at it."
Bo-Katan accepted the gift humbly. She clasped her hands over her chest, bowed her head slightly. "You're most generous. On behalf of the Nite Owls, I sincerely thank you."
Satine approached the Jedi Knights and Avengers. She said solemnly, "I thank you all for helping and protecting my people."
"We're happy helping," Ahsoka replied with a satisfied smile.
Anakin nudged his Padawan's shoulder with a warning. "Don't get too cocky, Ahsoka."
As the Avengers and Jedi Knights prepared departing, the Duchess stopped one person particularly, emphasizing, "Please stay a moment. I have something else to discuss with you."