"Yes, Duchess?" The Jedi Master turned and cast a gentle gaze upon her.
"Satine," she corrected, with unique firmness in her tone. "You can always call me Satine."
"Satine, is there something you need?"
She shook her head slightly, then approached the man she loved and placed a gentle kiss on his cheek. After pulling away, Satine smiled softly at his confused expression.
"Even after all this time, you remain as emotionally oblivious as ever, my love," she whispered, running her fingers gently through his beard. "Thank you, Obi-Wan, for giving me the strength I needed today."
Obi-Wan regained his composure. "You're welcome."
At this moment, solving the occupation problem at hand seemed considerably simpler. Perhaps if the Mandalorians could establish more cohesive defensive positions, with Republic ships and fleets remaining on standby, this would provide strong support.
However, this thought was interrupted when he spotted Anakin's expression—complete with knowing wink.
"Care to explain who that was, Obi-Wan?"
Kenobi turned his gaze to his former apprentice. "Anakin, please. Not now."
Anakin's eyes sparkled with excitement as he raised his hands dramatically in a gesture of surrender. "Alright, next time. I want hearing about your romantic adventures with Satine."
"She is not mine—at least not presently." Obi-Wan glanced at Satine helplessly. "I won't argue with you about this."
Elsewhere, Bo-Katan was communicating with her fellow Nite Owls, hoping to persuade wavering Death Watch members. A moment later, she stood alone, as if isolated from the world.
"There was never a proper conversation between us."
The sudden voice made Bo-Katan take a step back, raising her head slightly to regard Matt. He wore his armor, though his mask was retracted, his sightless eyes somehow still focused and penetrating.
"About what?" Bo-Katan asked bluntly.
"Last time," Matt stated plainly, "I asked if there was anything you considered besides your life as a Mandalorian and Death Watch member. You never gave me an answer."
Their gazes met. Silence stretched between them. Bo didn't respond with her usual sharp retort or sarcasm, but fell into contemplation. She'd had considerable time thinking during her detention.
"I know nothing except being Mandalorian." After a moment's silence, she finally spoke these words honestly. Deep helplessness threaded through her voice, as if her entire existence revolved around this identity. "My whole life, this is all I've known. All I've wanted, really. I just hope everything goes well for my people." She whispered, her eyes revealing confusion about the future and nostalgia for the past.
"What about your oath to Death Watch?" Matt pressed.
"It may have dissolved with my departure." She answered without hesitation, determination in her tone. "I disobeyed my leader's direct orders, stepped into territory I shouldn't have entered, and joined forces with the woman he despises most."
Bo hummed softly, as if weary of the galaxy's complicated machinations.
"But have you considered what kind of person you want being besides Mandalorian?"
"I don't know." She rolled her eyes, seeming annoyed by the question's repetition. "You know what I mean."
Matt shrugged in a more relaxed manner. "As a lawyer, I've always helped people, both in court and daily life. I'm a defender and advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves, now and forever." His words revealed firm conviction.
The red-haired woman nodded slightly, seeming to accept his words.
"Everything you're experiencing now can become a weapon protecting your people," he continued. "It'll take time finding your new footing, but this is at least a beginning."
Bo-Katan sighed, confusion and helplessness flashing through her eyes. "I know, but sometimes change is difficult, you understand?"
Matt replied in a more profound tone. "Change is never smooth. But through change, we better shape our own destinies. Like what happened after the Mandalorian Civil War—though changes came suddenly and caught people unprepared, it now appears things are moving in positive directions, creating a new era for your people."
"Let's hope this new era brings a future where Mandalore can survive and thrive in this galaxy," Bo said. Though great pressure and burden weighed in her voice, her eyes held firmness and hope.
"Stay strong, Bo," Matt approached her, his voice revealing deep concern and encouragement. "No matter what happens, you're not alone." His words were like warm sunlight, illuminating the shadows in Bo's heart. Under the night sky, he gently placed a hand on her shoulder and whispered, "Your determination's stronger than you realize." Surprising respect colored his voice, and she returned it with a grateful smile.
"Thank you," she responded softly. The quiet night sky seemed connecting them through some invisible bond, their thoughts intertwining in darkness.
Suddenly, an idea flashed through Matt's mind. He took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. "You know, it'll be extremely difficult for you and your squad being truly isolated from Death Watch. Vizsla won't remain silent about what happened today. He'll issue challenges to your team. How long do you think before news reaches them?"
Bo-Katan shook her head slightly. "Soon. That's my best guess." Helpless resignation threaded through her tone. "We're not departing impulsively."
"You—" Matt started speaking, but was interrupted by Bo-Katan. "This will be our fight." Her words were firm and powerful, stopping Matt from even attempting to help.
"You've done enough, for me and my people. Thank you, Matt." Her voice carried sincerity and gratitude.
"You're welcome," he answered genuinely, warmth in his sightless gaze. "If you ever just want talking..."
"I'd genuinely like that," she said. "Having someone to talk to, someone I can vent emotions to occasionally."
"What about your fellow Nite Owls?" Matt asked curiously.
"They're different," she chuckled, "and not as annoying as you."
"I think I'm considerably more professional than them in that regard."
"Your professionalism reminds me of myself, idiot." Bo-Katan rolled her eyes and flicked Matt's forehead lightly.
"You seem determined making me irritating," Matt snorted. "Ms. Kryze, I hope you understand that questioning a lawyer like me is like opening Pandora's box. Once words leave my mouth, they're difficult reclaiming."
"Well," Bo-Katan puffed out her chest with pride, "I'll accept that as a personal challenge. Mandalorians run toward conflict, not away from it."
Matt simply gave her a meaningful smile. "We'll see." His words carried anticipation.
Bo-Katan then coughed awkwardly and shifted uncomfortably, which confused Matt.
She stepped forward and gently pressed her lips to Matt's cheek, then quickly pulled away, which genuinely surprised him. Their eyes met in the night, as if in that moment, all troubles and worries had been forgotten. In the sudden stillness, she stammered, "I... I'm sorry, I didn't mean to do that." Her face flushed as red as her hair. Then she continued stammering, "I have to go."
He said in a teasing tone, "At minimum, buy me lunch first."
"Shh, shut up, bye." Bo-Katan quickly secured her helmet and flew away, leaving the lawyer alone.
He whispered to himself, "Hmm, what an interesting person." His voice revealed both surprise and contemplation. The blind hero was so absorbed in his thoughts that he didn't notice two people beside him.
"Well, well, well," Prince T'Challa's voice carried both majesty and amusement. "On our way back, we witnessed quite the entertaining story, correct, Peter?"
Peter grinned and responded, "Oh, absolutely."
The observation made Matt release a startled laugh before horror dawned as he realized what his two companions had just witnessed.
"Oh god," Matt whispered, feeling genuine panic.
At this, Peter warned in a more serious tone, "Hey, you're a devout Catholic. Don't use the Lord's name casually."
T'Challa joined the teasing. "So how do we keep this secret? Perhaps ten Hail Marys?"
However, Matt responded, "I don't surrender easily to blackmail."
They touched shoulders and laughed together.