Sitting aboard the starship, Matt listened intently to another series of "audiobooks" related to Mandalore's complex political situation. The mechanical voice of the datapad's narrator droned on about trade agreements, territorial disputes, and the delicate balance of power that kept the neutral systems from being drawn into the galactic conflict.
"These neutral systems don't seem to remain so neutral most of the time," Matt observed, pausing the recording with a thoughtful expression.
Obi-Wan simply nodded, his own expression growing distant as he gazed out at the approaching planet. "Yes, war has a way of forcing many unwilling participants to choose sides. Mandalore is no exception to this harsh reality."
Matt didn't need to look outside the ship to understand what the homeworld currently looked like. From the briefings he'd absorbed, war and ecological disaster had rendered the planet essentially uninhabitable. Centuries of conflict had poisoned the soil and stripped away much of the atmosphere's protective qualities. The only way Mandalorians could live safely here now was within one of the many domed cities with controlled environments, each one a testament to their people's resilience and ingenuity, protected by their gleaming metal barriers that rose like beacons of hope from the desolate wasteland below.
The two soon reached the docking bay leading to the planet's capital, Sundari, and disembarked from their transport vessel.
Matt stood up from his seat and grabbed a compact travel bag that contained the essentials he was bringing on this diplomatic mission—a few changes of clothes carefully selected to project the right image, specialized travel supplies that accounted for his unique needs, and other necessities including several legal documents and precedent cases he'd researched that might prove relevant to interplanetary law.
However, his most important equipment was built into the advanced suit he wore beneath his current clothing. Say what one wanted about Tony Stark's ego and personality quirks, but the armor he'd been given when he accepted the offer to become an Avenger was definitely a significant upgrade from his usual gear. The nanotechnology was remarkable—with one tap on his chest, his entire suit would form around him in seconds, providing protection that far exceeded anything he'd worn during his years protecting Hell's Kitchen. It was a strange feeling, knowing he carried such sophisticated technology, but he'd learned to appreciate Stark's genius even if he didn't always appreciate the man himself.
When walking down the ramp, Matt extended his white cane to assist his navigation, the familiar weight reassuring in his hands. Of course, he essentially didn't need it anymore given his enhanced senses, but after years of constant companionship, the habit was hard to break. The cane had been with him through countless battles and investigations, and its presence helped maintain a sense of normalcy in this strange new galaxy. Not to mention that it was strategically better to maintain the façade for those around him that he was simply a blind attorney without specialized combat training. Let them underestimate him—it had served him well in courtrooms and on the streets of New York.
Stepping off the dropship, Obi-Wan and Matt were met by a guard wearing a helmet that revealed only his eyes.
"The Duchess awaits your arrival, General Kenobi," the guard said, then looked toward Matt. "And who might this be?"
"A colleague assisting with these matters."
"Matt Murdock. Attorney, neutral party."
"Very well," the guard said. "You are both expected."
"I wouldn't dream of keeping the Duchess waiting."
"This way." The guard motioned them toward the platform that would transport them to the palace. "Duchess Satine awaits you."
"Then let's not delay."
Stepping onto the speeder, Matt felt the wind rushing across his face as he and Kenobi traveled through the bustling city. The sensation was both exhilarating and overwhelming—his enhanced senses picked up layer upon layer of information as they moved through Sundari's airways. He heard everything from distant conversations echoing off the dome's inner surface to the hum of countless speeders racing past them in organized traffic patterns. The sounds of commerce, daily life, and the constant thrum of the city's life support systems created a symphony of urban existence that was both familiar and alien to someone accustomed to New York's concrete canyons.
The Terran had to grip a nearby handrail at one point when one of the transports came uncomfortably close to them, the wash from its repulsors buffeting their smaller vehicle. He could hear the pilot's muttered apology through the rushing air, along with what sounded like a particularly colorful Mandalorian curse that would have made even the roughest dockworkers in Hell's Kitchen blush.
Soon, he heard the speeder's engines slow down, indicating they had finally reached their destination. Disembarking, Matt and Kenobi were quickly escorted to where Duchess Satine now held court. After walking through a series of corridors, Matt's senses told him there were several people conversing in the adjacent chamber.
Entering the throne room, it was a spacious chamber with panoramic windows on all sides that offered breathtaking views of the domed city below. The architecture was elegant yet practical, reflecting the New Mandalorian philosophy of combining beauty with function. On the right was a large holographic display showing a woman wearing an ornate headdress beside the corridor—likely a previous Duchess or cultural figure of significance, Matt surmised from the reverent way people's voices quieted when they passed near it.
On the left side of the room was a small alcove that extended outward to provide an even clearer view of the city below, where Matt could sense the movement of countless citizens going about their daily lives. The sounds of the city filtered up through the dome's structure—children playing in distant parks, the hum of industrial facilities, the gentle whoosh of air recycling systems that kept this artificial environment habitable. It was a testament to Mandalorian engineering that such a complex ecosystem could function so seamlessly. Obi-Wan and Matt passed the two guards at the entrance and were immediately approached by a middle-aged man with blonde hair and violet eyes.
"General Kenobi," the man greeted cordially.
"Thank you for agreeing to meet with us, Prime Minister Almec."
The two quickly shook hands, and Almec soon turned his attention to Matt.
"And you are?"
"Matt Murdock," the lawyer said. "I'm serving as legal counsel and neutral party here, assisting Master Kenobi with matters concerning Mandalore."
Almec nodded in understanding. "Then I welcome you both to our world, though I'm troubled by the false accusations that have brought you here." The Prime Minister led them toward the center of the chamber. "The Mandalorians would never move against the Republic."
"Doing so would effectively declare you aligned with the Separatists. If not, then hostilities could be brought against your people," Matt observed. "It would be difficult to maintain neutrality under those circumstances."
"I understand this, but this is the New Mandalore," Almec said firmly. "Aligning with any faction in this war would only return us to our old destructive warrior ways that resulted in millions of deaths. We are a changed people. Duchess Satine values peace above her own life."
"I know how deeply the Duchess feels about peace," Kenobi commented quietly.
"Master Kenobi, Mandalore's violent past is behind us. All of our warriors were exiled to our moon Concordia. They died out years ago."
"Is that so?" Matt asked. "Prime Minister, on my way here, I learned about several Mandalorian factions who are still active as bounty hunters and follow an ancient warrior culture—not confined to Concordia as you suggest. A warrior tradition as deeply rooted as yours doesn't simply disappear."
"Before the war began, I encountered a man who wore Mandalorian armor," Obi-Wan added. "A man named Jango Fett."
"Jango Fett was a common bounty hunter. How he acquired that armor is beyond me," Almec said dismissively, though Matt detected a slight elevation in the man's heart rate that suggested there was more to the story than he was letting on.
"Jango Fett can hardly be called a common bounty hunter when he served as the genetic template for the Republic's entire clone army," Matt pointed out, his legal training automatically focusing on the inconsistencies in the Prime Minister's statement. "A man chosen to be the foundation of millions of soldiers would have been vetted extensively. His background, his skills, his connections—all of it would have been scrutinized. The Kaminoans don't make such choices lightly, and neither do those who commission such massive undertakings."
Kenobi glanced at Matt with obvious approval, clearly impressed that he'd done his research during the journey and was applying logical analysis to the political implications. It was exactly the kind of incisive questioning that made Matt valuable in situations like this—he could cut through diplomatic double-speak and get to the heart of contradictions that others might miss or politely ignore.
"Well, Master Kenobi," Obi-Wan and Matt turned to see a woman emerging from a nearby corridor with several attendants following her. "My shining Jedi knight, once again comes to the rescue."
Matt didn't need to strain to detect the hint of sarcasm that colored the Duchess's tone. She walked to the central throne, her guards and a robed advisor positioning themselves protectively around her.
Matt focused on Obi-Wan beside him and heard the Jedi's heart skip a beat.
"Duchess Satine," Obi-Wan said warmly. "After all these years, you are even more beautiful than I remembered."
"Kind words from someone who accuses me of treachery," her tone carried a sharp edge.
This prompted suspicious murmurs among the Mandalorians around the room.
"I would never accuse you of personal wrongdoing, Duchess," Obi-Wan said sincerely. "However, a Separatist saboteur recently attacked one of our Republic cruisers." He withdrew a holodisk and activated the recording. "A Mandalorian saboteur."
The holographic footage showed a Mandalorian in gleaming beskar armor fighting with remarkable skill and precision, evading blaster fire with practiced ease before returning devastating firepower of his own. The warrior moved with a fluidity and expertise that spoke of years of combat training—this was no amateur or impostor fumbling with unfamiliar equipment. Every motion was calculated, every tactical decision sound. Matt could hear the sharp intakes of breath around the room as people processed what they were seeing.
It was clear from the reactions throughout the room that they certainly weren't expecting this revelation. Their elevated heart rates and subtle physical responses—the shifting of weight, the rustle of clothing as people unconsciously moved closer to allies, the barely audible whispers of shock and concern—were all evident to Matt's enhanced senses. Whatever facade of absolute peace and unity they presented, the sight of a Mandalorian warrior in action had clearly struck a nerve.
"You must be mistaken," Almec argued. "No Mandalorian would engage in such violence. Not anymore. Where is this prisoner?"
"From what I understand, he took his own life rather than face interrogation," Matt informed the Prime Minister. "Prime Minister, there are Mandalorians out there who have not submitted to this government's authority. They still follow the old ways."
"I'm aware these warriors have fought in many conflicts, often against the Jedi," Kenobi added. "Consider the Mandalorian Wars from four thousand years ago."
"Every one of my people is as committed to peace as I am," Duchess Satine declared firmly.
"That's quite a sweeping statement, Duchess," Matt said. "Every single Mandalorian?"
Satine then noticed Matt more carefully, finding his appearance somewhat unusual.
"And who are you?"
"Matt Murdock. Independent counsel here to assist Master Kenobi."
Satine studied both Matt and Obi-Wan intently.
The man standing beside the Duchess spoke up quickly. "I realize we may sound defensive, but—"
"Clearly, your investigation was prompted because the Senate is eager to meddle in our affairs," Satine interrupted her aide.
"General Kenobi's investigation was ordered by the Jedi Council, not the Senate," Matt clarified.
"The Jedi Council serves the Republic to some degree and reports to them," Satine countered.
"This investigation is completely independent of Republic interests," Matt said firmly, his voice carrying the authority of someone accustomed to addressing judges and juries. "We've discussed this extensively during our journey here. All we seek is to resolve this matter fairly and thoroughly without the Republic interfering with your hard-won neutral status. The attacker may or may not be from your people—we're keeping an open mind. It's entirely possible this could be someone wearing your ancestral armor specifically to discredit you all and destabilize your government. This wouldn't be the first time such deception has been used against a people and culture throughout galactic history. False flag operations are unfortunately common in warfare, and your neutrality makes you a tempting target for those who would benefit from your involvement in this conflict. For all intents and purposes, you and your people are innocent until proven otherwise, and we intend to conduct this investigation with that presumption in mind."
To say that Satine was taken aback by the clarity and logic of Matt's argument would be an understatement.
"It seems I need to reassess my assumptions," Satine admitted gracefully. "Master Kenobi, Mr. Murdock—would you care to tour the city with me?"
She extended her hand toward Obi-Wan and held it there expectantly.
From the way she looked at him, it seemed more about getting him to acquiesce than mere courtesy.
Rising from her throne, Obi-Wan gently took her hand as she stood. Walking down the steps, they quickly exited the throne room, Matt following behind, not noticing the suspicious look Prime Minister Almec cast in their direction.
Following the Duchess and the Jedi, Matt was soon guided into the city, walking along an elevated pathway with flying vehicles soaring around them and civilians going about their daily business.