Marvel crosses Star Wars, and everyone attacks the galaxy

A few days have passed since the Avengers and Jedi arrived on Mandalore.

Most of these days were spent waiting for the eventual arrival of the Protector and the Death Watch, if either of them showed up.

During that time, the Avengers and the Jedi have learned, or at least gained, a grasp of the situation on Mandalore and the entire Mandalorian system.

The status, power and influence of the entire planet is negligible at best.

After the apparent Mandalorian Civil War, Sardin's faction was one of the only ones left on the planet, as they were one of the few that didn't actually fight in the war. They simply gained power from surviving and established a new form of government that drastically changed the way the Mandalorians normally governed themselves.

The aristocracy is a far cry from the warrior culture that has defined the Mandalorians for millennia. And it's not universally accepted by all Mandalorians.

"So only Mandalore follows the Duchess of Sardin's government?" asked Barriss Offee, as he sat in an empty classroom with Ahsoka, Spider-Man, and their new friends.

Corky Kreiz took a liking to them, mainly the Earth food, culture and music he learned about through Spider-Man, and introduced them to his friends.

Amis, Soni, and Lagos found themselves mesmerized by this new culture, but also had the pleasure of talking with their peers and learning so much from these three extraordinary teenagers.

"Whether it's Mandalore or the galaxy our people inhabit, even the things my aunt manages are difficult at best," Corky said.

"However, not everyone considers the duchess to be their sovereign ruler," Lagos said. "Death Watch is one example of this."

“So do the Protectors. From what I understand, they actually follow the “proper” Mandalore, not the monarch or elected officials.

"Isn't the Mandalorian leader elected?" Ahsoka asked, not being entirely familiar with Mandalorian culture.

“In some ways, they are chosen by the people,” Corky said. “It’s a little like an election, except without a lot of campaign speeches or money. It’s more like being on the battlefield and winning it through fighting and the respect of the people.”

“I admit that there is value in the old ways of Mandalore,” Lagos admitted.

“Lagos, how can you believe this?” Amisi asked. “Isn’t it because of this approach that our people have been dragged into countless wars that have caused our numbers to fall?”

“That’s what it is,” she said. “Earn the leadership, not be chosen.”

“If there’s one thing I know from my own experience, it’s that ideas are often the hardest to kill,” Barris began in a sage-like manner. “They branch out into ideals and philosophies, which in turn inspire groups and governments. In a way, this is often a double-edged sword that can strengthen or overthrow them.”

“My aunt feels that way about our way of life,” Corky admitted, somewhat frustrated by it. “She knows not every Mandalorian will accept this change, now more than ever. It’s something she’s long since accepted, but hopes they’ll be open to the idea.”

“Introducing new ideas and new ways of life doesn’t always sit well with a culture that’s thousands of years old,” Ahsoka said. “Even the Jedi are no strangers to this topic.”

“We almost had one, actually. A Mandalore that could have led us to a better future,” Sony revealed, causing several people to look at her in surprise. “On my mother’s side, my grandfather, he fought in the Mandalorian Civil War. He was on the side of the self-proclaimed True Mandalorians, following a man named Jaster Merrell. They called him Mandalore the Reformer. He wanted to bring about a new era for our people, but was betrayed and killed by the Overlord of House Vizsla at the time.

"Speaking of House Vizsla, I do remember a Mandalorian who was apparently once in our order," Barriss brought up, causing surprise among the current Avengers and the four Mandalorian Academy students.

"Wait, what?" Amis blurted out.

“Who is it? I’ve never heard of anything like it.” Lagos asked, leaning forward expectantly.

"Tal Vizsla, Knight." Padawan elaborated. "I have discovered this through my studies. He was the only Mandalorian chosen to serve in our order, and at one point he left to lead your people until his death. Later, his lightsaber was taken back to the temple to be buried with his body, but his family was broken into by his followers, who took the body and lightsaber and gave him a proper burial; not as a Jedi, but as a Mandalorian.

“How come we didn’t know about this?" Corky asked, confused. "This feels like something all Mandalorians, new and old, should be aware of.”

“Cover up, most likely keep quiet about it.” Spider-Man’s guess came in. “I mean, I don’t know your history, but that’s probably what most people would choose to try to make people forget he existed.

"Or maybe only those who care to look know it," Ahsoka said. "If Barriss can spot it, who's to say others can't."

"How did you hear about this in the first place?" Corky asked, looking at the hooded Barris.

"Hearing from Obi-Wan about fighting Pre Vizsla, who wielded his ancestor's lightsaber. I just spent some time researching this myself after hearing about our mission on Mandalore.

"I've certainly seen a lot of paintings of your people fighting the Jedi," Spider-Man pointed out.

"Our people have a complicated history with your people," Korki said, addressing the two Padawans in particular, who simply nodded.

While they were not as familiar with the Mandalorians as some of the Jedi within their order, their history with this warrior culture was well documented and taught on both sides.

"Have you ever thought about becoming a Mandalorian?" Ahsoka asked suddenly, causing the four natives of the planet to look at her in confusion.

"What do you mean—"

"Oops, sorry." Ahsoka realized her mistake and shook her head at her own blunder. "I mean, have you four ever considered learning the traditional ways of the Mandalorians?"

“Oh.” Corky nodded in understanding, shaking his head from side to side. “I actually hadn’t thought about it at all. I was more paying attention to my aunt’s actions and wanted to follow in her footsteps.

"I...sort of," Soni admitted, rubbing the back of her head sheepishly.

"Really?" Amis said in surprise. "You've never encountered anything like this before."

“I’ve dreamed of things like this since I was a little girl, before I was even old enough to do it,” Soni said. “My grandpa’s armor is still in my house, you know. He always talked about the old ways and always stayed true to them.”

"So what now?" Spider-Man asked. "After everything that's happened, I really wouldn't blame you if you at least wanted to know how to protect yourself."

“On this point, I agree.” Lagos pointed at Spider-Man. “At the very least, learning self-defense should be a prerequisite for Mandalore. It can be our way of honoring the past. Appease the old Mandalorians and at least respect us a little.”

"You sound like a qualified leader already." Ahsoka smiled approvingly. "Knows how to find compromises and all."

The other cadets gave their friends small giggles and smiles of their own, causing Lagos to blush shyly.

However, their little gathering came to an end as Padawan and the Avengers received word from their predecessors that three ships had entered the Mandalore system.

These ships are the protectors' ships.

"Wow, they're really here." Amis murmured in surprise.

“I couldn’t believe it myself,” Corky admitted.

"Let's get started then," Ahsoka announced, standing up from her seat.

"We will be sure to inform the Duchess."

"She probably already knows." Spider-Man pointed out. "Want to come with us?"

The students seemed hesitant.

"I wonder if Auntie will——"

“I believe that if they represent the Old Mandalorian, you all should be there to represent the New Mandalorian.” Barriss interrupted Corky. “You are being considered the future leaders of your people. Consider this a learning experience.”

“…She’s not wrong.

"Then what are we waiting for?"