Entering the palace, we were directed to a conference room—a long silver table with many chairs stretched across the hall. At the far end, a large glass window displayed the tumultuous streets of Mandalore. As we sat down, the discussion resumed.
Master Windu spoke again in a firm tone:
"Duchess Satine, your faith in ideals is... admirable. But ideals don't protect the streets. They don't stop violence from growing. Your government is built on shifting sands."
The Duchess sat with a serene yet unyielding expression.
"My government is built on the will of the people. Mandalore has rejected centuries of war and militarism. We want peace. I will not corrupt that choice with bayonets and intimidating patrols."
Master Windu leaned forward, his voice growing more serious.
"The desire for peace does not erase what Mandalore once was. You've suppressed militarism, but you haven't extinguished it. Radical groups still exist. Frustrated. Hiding. Waiting for an opportunity."
The Duchess clasped her hands in her lap, her voice hardening.
"They are being monitored. They do not represent the spirit of the majority."
Master Windu replied with a piercing gaze:
"Maybe today. But tomorrow ? The instability that corrodes Sundari is already visible. Slums, hunger, fear in the streets. People look around and ask, 'Where is the order we were promised ?' It is at times like this that dark voices rise.Armed groups. Militias. Avengers nostalgic for Mandalore's 'ancient glory. 'And they do not ask permission to act."
The Duchess, her eyes cold, carefully choosing each word, responded:
"If I authorize the Republic's presence now, Master Jedi, those voices will only grow stronger. We will be seen as puppets of Coruscant. A foreign army marching through our capital is the perfect symbol radicals need."
"And while you hesitate, how many more will suffer ? Young ones like Ravan are left to fend for themselves while gangs control entire districts." He gestured toward me; I was sitting beside him, so it wasn't hard to notice.
"And what does your government do ? Declarations. Hope. But no concrete action." Master Windu said impatiently.
"Do you think I don't see it ? Every attack, every victim weighs heavily on me.But ruling at the tip of a sword is the path for Mandalore to collapse—again. I'd rather be remembered as the one who tried to heal and failed, than as another tyrant who chose easy violence." The Duchess said, her voice trembling slightly with contained emotion.
"Sometimes, not choosing to act is also a choice of violence, Duchess." He said, his voice sharp and merciless.
A deadly silence filled the room; no one dared to speak for a few seconds.
Duchess Satine stood up with grace, though clearly shaken, and said:
"I do not ignore my people's pain. I have plans to reinforce the Civil Guard.To decentralize authority and reconnect the government to the streets.Training, social justice, giving a voice to the marginalized. Not sabers. Not soldiers." Mace Windu raised an eyebrow, skeptical.
"Meanwhile, rumors of a new order spread in the shadows.Men and women who believe Mandalore must return to its warrior roots to survive. They are recruiting.Training. Arming themselves."
The Duchess closed her eyes briefly, as if feeling the weight of centuries upon her shoulders.
"If we allow fear to dictate our actions, we lose who we are before even being attacked.I choose to trust. Trust in my people. In change."
"Then know this: if Mandalore falls, it won't be because the Republic didn't warn you." He said with final hardness.
The Duchess opened her eyes, a spark of defiance in her blue gaze.
"When Mandalore triumphs, Master Jedi, it will be a lesson for the entire galaxy: that peace can prevail without the weight of armor or cannons."
The Duchess turned, her cloak flowing with authority.Mace Windu watched her leave, a shadow of concern crossing his eyes before he turned toward the gray horizon of Mandalore.
"Let's go, we need to leave." He said, standing up in his usual serious tone.
"But what about the Duchess ? Don't we need her permission for me to go ?" I asked, uncertain as I followed him.
"The Duchess will be informed about you. The Jedi Order usually collects Force-sensitive younglings with parental permission, but given the situation, we can take responsibility for you from now on."
He said, walking toward the exit, his arms crossed behind his back.
"Don't I have a say in this ?" I said, quickening my pace to keep up.
Hearing that, he stopped, looked at me with his usual tone, and said:
"You don't want to go to the Temple ? You prefer to go back to the streets ?" He asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Well, n-" I tried to say.
"Then the case is closed. Let's go." He said, walking ahead of me.
'This guy is going to be a pain,' I thought with a sigh, following him, my head hung low in defeat.