During the heated political debate above, the clone troopers continued their methodical security sweep of the lower decks while the luxury diplomatic vessel smoothly transitioned into hyperspace, carrying them toward their crucial Senate destination.
The Avengers and Jedi had gathered in the comfortable quarters that Anakin and Obi-Wan shared during this diplomatic mission, seeking privacy for a more personal conversation.
There was a palpable awkwardness in the air, with Obi-Wan being unusually quiet and contemplative while everyone else's attention remained focused on him with obvious curiosity.
"What? Why are you all staring at me like that?" Kenobi said with obvious discomfort.
"So..." Natasha began with her characteristic directness, "what exactly is the history between you and Satine?"
"Nothing significant," Kenobi attempted to dismiss the question, though his deflection only earned him a knowing smirk from his former Padawan.
"Please, Master, don't try to avoid this topic, because we all know this behavior is completely unlike your usual diplomatic composure," Anakin pressed. "What is your personal history with the Duchess?"
Obi-Wan didn't respond immediately, choosing instead to remain stubbornly silent while considering his options.
"Your heartbeat just increased significantly, Obi-Wan," Matt pointed out with clinical precision, causing the Jedi Master to visibly tense at having his emotional state so easily detected.
Obi-Wan sighed deeply and finally acquiesced to their persistent questioning.
"During my youth, Master Qui-Gon and I were assigned to an extended protection mission. We spent nearly a full year on Mandalore, safeguarding the young Duchess and her family from various insurgent groups that threatened her world and her right to rule," he began in a distant, reflective tone. "They sent countless bounty hunters and assassins after us. We were constantly on the move, living a completely nomadic existence, never knowing what dangers the next day might bring or where we would find safe shelter."
"That sounds incredibly romantic," Anakin quipped with obvious amusement, earning a withering look from his Master while Natasha and Steve chuckled knowingly. Matt simply smiled with quiet understanding.
"That's quite enough from you," Kenobi said with mild exasperation.
"Well, what's not romantic about that scenario?" Natasha asked with a mischievous grin. "It sounds exactly like a classic romantic adventure from Earth cinema—the dedicated bodyguard responsible for protecting the beautiful, strong-willed woman. She's initially resistant to his presence before they inevitably fall in love despite the impossible circumstances."
Matt again noticed Obi-Wan's heart rate spike dramatically, but chose to remain diplomatically silent about this observation.
"A devastating civil war had killed most of Satine's people, and she developed an absolute abhorrence of violence in all its forms," Kenobi continued, deliberately ignoring Natasha's commentary. "When she finally returned to power, she undertook the monumentally difficult task of rebuilding her devastated homeworld completely alone, with no outside assistance."
"Didn't you consider staying to help her with such an enormous undertaking?" Steve asked with genuine curiosity.
"No, absolutely not," Obi-Wan said firmly. "My duty as a Jedi Knight required me to serve elsewhere, wherever the Council deemed necessary."
"A duty? But it's obvious to everyone here that you had developed genuine feelings for her. That must have significantly influenced your decision to leave," Anakin said with characteristic bluntness.
"Perhaps," Obi-Wan admitted reluctantly, not bothering to deny what was clearly evident. "However, I am bound by the Jedi Code in all matters."
The Jedi Master couldn't miss the disapproving expressions that the Avengers shared among themselves.
"Of course you are. As Master Yoda always says, 'A Jedi must not form attachments,'" Anakin quoted in a rather bitter tone that definitely didn't go unnoticed by the observant Avengers.
"Yes, that's the fundamental principle," Obi-Wan agreed. "Though he typically fails to mention the undercurrent of regret and loss that accompanies such strict adherence."
"Why didn't you at least try to make it work?" Natasha asked with genuine concern. "Why simply run away from something that could have brought you happiness?"
"Because attachment inevitably leads to suffering," Kenobi explained with the weight of years of conditioning. "The Jedi Code explicitly states that emotional attachment creates inner conflict within oneself and may ultimately lead you down the treacherous path toward the dark side."
"Honestly, that philosophy sounds completely contradictory to me," Steve said, crossing his arms with obvious skepticism. "How can you simultaneously forbid personal attachment while emphasizing universal compassion and caring for others?"
"Our compassion and care extend to all living beings, not just one specific individual," Obi-Wan countered with practiced reasoning. "Personal attachment interferes with that broader, more universal concept of service."
"Gentlemen, you're fortunate that Tony isn't here for this discussion," Natasha said with obvious amusement. "If he were present, he'd probably challenge your entire philosophical order and annoy every single one of your Masters with his relentless questioning."
"That actually sounds like it would be quite entertaining," Anakin said with a mischievous grin.
"Anakin," Kenobi gave him a stern, disapproving look, but his former Padawan simply shrugged with obvious indifference.
"What? The Jedi Order needs to lighten up occasionally," Anakin said matter-of-factly. "All these rigid rules and restrictions are eventually going to create serious problems for all of us—"
"Something's wrong," Matt interrupted suddenly with a sharp, urgent tone. "I just detected a clone trooper whose heartbeat completely stopped—no medical distress, just sudden termination."
"What?" Anakin said in alarm. "Are you absolutely certain about that?"
Steve immediately raised his wrist communicator. "Captain Rex, Commander Cody, please respond."
"Yes, Captain Rogers?" Rex's voice came through clearly.
"Initiate immediate accountability protocols—gather all personnel and confirm everyone is present and accounted for," Steve ordered with military authority.
"Red Eye, acknowledge the order," came Echo's voice over the comm system.
All they heard in response was complete, ominous silence.
"We need to investigate that area immediately," Obi-Wan declared, and as he moved toward the door, Anakin raised his hand to stop him.
"I'll handle this, Master. If there's something genuinely dangerous in the lower levels, the clone troopers and I are better equipped to deal with it effectively."
"Mind if I accompany you?" Steve stepped forward to join Anakin's investigation team, and the Jedi nodded his approval. "Natasha, Matt, do you think you can maintain security here with Obi-Wan?"
"We'll handle our responsibilities," Natasha confirmed.
Steve and Anakin acknowledged the plan and departed for the lower decks, leaving Natasha to turn her attention back to Obi-Wan.
"What's our next priority, Obi-Wan?"
"Now we must focus on our primary mission—keeping the senators and the Duchess safe from whatever threat has manifested on this ship," Obi-Wan said, recognizing that protection was their most obvious and critical responsibility.
The distinguished group of senators was currently seated around an elegant dining table when the Jedi Master and his two Avenger companions arrived to join them for what had been planned as a routine meal.
Cham Syndulla sighed quietly to himself as he gazed upon all the luxurious and exquisitely prepared foods, mentally comparing them with the meager scraps and military rations he had subsisted on not long ago during the brutal fighting on Ryloth.
It remained a jarring and somewhat uncomfortable experience, to say the least, for the Twi'lek freedom fighter who was far more accustomed to battling for his people on dangerous battlefields than arguing for them in elegant conference rooms. However, he wasn't here representing only his own interests—he was here for his beloved wife Hera and their young daughter, hoping to use the political influence he had earned through combat to help shape the galaxy into a safer, more just place for future generations.
"Syndulla," came a voice that interrupted his contemplation.
The Twi'lek Senator blinked and glanced toward Satine, who was observing him with polite curiosity and genuine concern.
"Is everything acceptable? Are you finding the meal to your liking?" Satine asked with diplomatic courtesy.
Cham offered her a slightly self-conscious smile.
"Everything is excellent, Duchess," Cham admitted honestly. "However, I'm still adjusting to this level of luxury and formal protocol."
Satine turned as the dining chamber's doors opened and Obi-Wan entered with Murdock and Romanoff, their expressions indicating serious business.
"Pardon the interruption, Senators, but our security teams are currently investigating a potential situation in the lower sections of the ship," Kenobi announced to everyone present, causing some visible nervousness among the diplomatic party. "I must ask that you remain here in this secure area until the matter is completely resolved."
However, with the presence of the experienced Jedi Master and two proven Avengers, the situation seemed manageable and under professional control.