"Master Obi-Wan," Matt said politely to the Jedi Master who was approaching from behind and to his right.
"Mr. Murdock," Kenobi greeted him, though a puzzled expression appeared on his face. "I must ask, how did you know it was me?"
"Pattern of approach, heartbeat, scent, footsteps," Matt removed his red glasses and stood to face Obi-Wan. "What can I do for you, Master Kenobi?"
Obi-Wan smiled warmly. "No need to be so formal, Mr. Murdock. Just call me Obi-Wan."
"If you insist. Then what can I do for you?"
"I simply wanted to check on you since your arrival," Matt nodded at the Jedi's stated reason for being there. "May I ask what brings you here alone, Matt?" Kenobi inquired politely.
"Learning," Matt said simply. "This is a new galaxy I've entered without any prior knowledge. It's better to be informed and prepared rather than rushing in blindly."
Obi-Wan nodded approvingly.
"I've heard some rather interesting reports from my men in the 212th," Obi-Wan said. "During the Battle of Geonosis, you accomplished something quite remarkable. They told me that you detected enemy battle plans during the fighting. How did you manage such a feat?"
Matt simply shrugged. "When one loses sight, they gain another... perspective."
Obi-Wan stroked his beard thoughtfully. "So when you lost your vision, your other senses became enhanced?"
"To a degree I never imagined possible," Matt said. "My senses of smell, hearing, taste, and touch provide me with countless ways to gather information, giving me a 'different vision' of everything around me."
"That sounds incredibly useful."
"Most of the time, it's more of a burden. Some things simply shouldn't be heard, especially in a city that never sleeps."
Obi-Wan could easily imagine what the Matt meant, and given his rather somber tone, he let the subject settle.
"You know, these abilities of yours remind me of the Miraluka species."
Matt nodded. "Yes, I've heard that comparison before. My friend Chirrut mentioned it."
"Ah, yes, he's a devotee of the Force," Kenobi said. "I've heard of him. Wasn't he with you when you were brought to the Temple from Jedha?"
"Yes, he was here for a while. However, he had to return to Jedha with Baze to continue their work there," Matt explained.
"I see," Kenobi said thoughtfully.
"I keep in touch with them regularly," Matt continued. "After spending so much time with them before meeting the rest of the Avengers, it wouldn't feel right to just cut off contact."
"Understandable. There are some people I've known throughout my life that I wish I could have reconnected with sooner," Kenobi ran a hand through his hair and sighed. "Unfortunately, things don't always work out as we hope."
"What's troubling you?"
"Well, let's just say I'm about to revisit a past I thought I'd never have to confront again," Kenobi said carefully.
Matt tilted his head and let his enhanced senses take over. He began to notice the change in Kenobi's heartbeat at the mention of his 'past,' and the underlying tension in his posture, along with the familiar tone of regret in his voice.
"So, what can you tell me about her?"
Kenobi blinked in surprise.
"What makes you think this past involves a woman rather than a man?"
"Obi-Wan, I'm a lawyer. Let's just say I'm familiar with the kind of struggle you might be facing."
Obi-Wan frowned and crossed his arms defensively. "Oh, and what led you to that conclusion?"
"First, I try to eliminate personal bias from my assessments. Second, unfortunately, this particular emotional pattern is most commonly expressed in relation to romantic complications. You don't need to be a professional to recognize that. Third, I can tell from the inflection in your voice and the subtle changes in your heartbeat that this past involves a woman."
Kenobi was now shifting uncomfortably. He coughed into his hand, cleared his throat, and nodded reluctantly.
"Well... when you put it that way..."
"Trust me, Obi-Wan, I understand what you're going through," Matt said with genuine empathy. "I've had my own share of relationships that could have ended on... better terms."
Obi-Wan had to resist voicing his current thoughts, not wanting to reveal anything too personal.
"I hope yours worked out better than mine seems to be heading."
Matt simply nodded in understanding. "Where are you headed?"
"Mandalore. Homeworld of the Mandalorians."
"Mandalorian," Matt repeated thoughtfully. "I've heard that term several times now. It seems quite significant."
"More than you might want to know," Kenobi said wearily.
"Why are you telling me this?"
"I... I wonder that myself," Obi-Wan muttered, crossing his arms as he considered his next words.
He couldn't deny that he was growing increasingly anxious at the thought of returning to Mandalore, because it would mean seeing her again.
The Jedi Master looked at Matt, who stood there patiently saying nothing, and Kenobi couldn't help but feel an unexpected sense of kinship with the blind lawyer.
"Matt," Obi-Wan began carefully, "would you consider accompanying me on this mission?"
Matt could only blink in confusion at the unexpected request. "Why?"
"This is a diplomatic assignment, and I could use someone with legal expertise to assist me, given your familiarity with that field."
"Why me and not an actual politician?"
"In some ways, this situation may require a neutral third party that isn't tied to the Republic. After all, Mandalore leads a coalition of neutral systems. If I bring along a Republic senator to assist with this, there might be some... hostility," Kenobi explained.
"So you come to me—someone who understands law, if not exactly galactic politics—to offer insight and counsel," Matt summarized.
Obi-Wan nodded. "There's also the fact that the Avengers bring different perspectives, and a legal mind's viewpoint might prove valuable in matters I may have to address."
Matt Murdock considered the proposal for a moment, silently weighing Obi-Wan's words and request. He sensed that he was missing some crucial information, but perhaps the Jedi Master would fill him in during the journey.
Frankly, he was growing tired of sitting in the Temple waiting for something meaningful to do.
It looked like he could finally leave the Temple and accomplish something productive today, and possibly over the next several days.
"Alright," Matt said finally. "I'll help you."