The weeks following Bo-Katan's escape had been anything but peaceful, though they'd fallen into a grim routine. Her days filled with training, recruiting, and the necessary functions of eating, sleeping, and basic maintenance. Day after relentless day.
They operated like machines, earning credits to fund their organization.
Due to recent galactic chaos, available contracts had become paradoxically both more difficult and less rewarding. Though the war increased overall opportunities, suitable missions grew scarcer. Many had been claimed by their sworn enemies, the Protectors, adding insult to injury. Even more frustrating, their nominal allies the Ravagers had gradually gained considerable influence and resources, transforming into new competition.
Consequently, they'd been forced to accept lower, more degrading work few others would touch. Though these contracts paid well, they were...
After assassinating a governor who'd simply refused the Pyke Syndicate's spice shipments, Bo-Katan had been consumed by guilt. She felt indescribable sickness carrying out such missions, especially when memories of her conversations with Daredevil and Kase Vo surfaced unbidden.
In desperate circumstances, people resorted to desperate measures. They needed to survive.
However, these missions began haunting her like recurring nightmares. She grew particularly angry imagining the questioning, disapproving looks Daredevil and Kase would give her.
One topic they'd discussed extensively was her loyalty and allegiance to Death Watch. Faced with this distressing dilemma, Bo-Katan had begun spontaneous research. Little more than a means of distracting herself or attempting to resolve her internal troubles.
So what was she researching exactly?
Ever since her conversations with the lawyer-avenger in prison, a burden had been weighing on her heart, sinking into her mind, refusing to dissipate. This burden centered on what she didn't understand about her own organization. Death Watch. Whether she truly understood Death Watch at all. She tried finding answers, her own direction. However, as she continued investigating, answers seemed increasingly elusive. She grew more confused.
In this internal torment, Bo-Katan felt ready to explode. She had to find her own path forward. Every step carried confusion and struggle, but she kept moving, searching for possible light.
Now, she possessed a completely different understanding of Death Watch. Not all groups pursuing greater interests under the banner of noble intentions remained pure and spotless. People with corrupt hearts still existed, pursuing selfish interests, even perpetrating injustices against others. Even if no shadow existed presently, darkness might emerge in the future.
Loyalty and betrayal, like the sands in an hourglass, would shift or solidify with passing years. When people least expected it, doubt would quietly breed. This concept was something no one could easily forgive or escape, regardless of status. From those living in obscurity to those leading masses, none seemed immune.
While she continued pondering, two members of her Night Owls visited her quarters.
"Koska, Axe? What's wrong?" She studied her two lieutenants. "You look exhausted."
Koska Reeves panted slightly, hands on her knees. "We ran all the way here. Finally made it."
Bo-Katan raised an eyebrow, keenly aware of the unusual atmosphere. "You know we have jetpacks, right?"
"Shut up," Koska snapped, causing their leader to chuckle.
"So what's happening?" Bo-Katan asked, confused. "You seemed desperate to get here."
"Did you hear, Bo?" Koska's voice carried obvious shock.
"Hear what? I've been occupied lately."
"Pre Vizsla recently received a message. An invitation to Mandalore from none other than Satine Kryze," Axe Woves said with a bewildered expression.
Bo-Katan's eyes widened as if struck by sudden information. She needed time processing this. "Sorry, you just said Kryze? I..." Bo-Katan stammered. "Can you repeat that?"
"You heard correctly, Bo," Koska emphasized. "We've been invited to Mandalore to speak with the Duchess."
"Satine Kryze," Axe corrected impatiently. "This could be a trap."
However, Bo-Katan's attention wasn't caught by their debate. In her mind, all other voices seemed silenced. Her sister had reached out to Death Watch, the organization with such antagonistic connection to the New Mandalorians her sister led.
Satine Kryze wanted them returning to Mandalore, but what motivated this action?
Mandalore remained occupied by the Republic. Death Watch was obviously hostile to the Republic. If they attempted reaching Mandalore, they might be arrested or attacked during approach.
"Who will Vizsla bring with him? Or who goes in his place?" Bo-Katan asked.
She understood their leader had to approach this meeting cautiously. If this was a trap, any rash action could endanger their entire organization and severely weaken Death Watch.
What if it wasn't a trap? Or someone was willing to risk it? Bo-Katan felt convinced Vizsla would send someone else to represent them all.
"He said he's not going," Axe replied curtly. "He told us none of us should accept that traitor woman's invitation."
"Bo, what do you think?" Koska asked.
This prompted Bo-Katan's consideration. What did she think about all this? Was this genuinely a trap?
She shook her head, eyes reflecting internal conflict. Her sister, a woman who despised violence so deeply, would set a trap? That seemed impossible.
But whatever Satine's motives, this had to be extraordinarily important. She wouldn't take such risk without substantial reason.
Though Bo-Katan struggled expressing emotions, Satine remained her sister. They were still family. Despite the massive ideological chasm separating Death Watch from the New Mandalorians' philosophy, she still loved and cared for her sister.
During these difficult times, it seemed all Mandalorians had learned putting aside differences, willing to work together for their people's greater good.
If her sister was willing taking such a step, Bo-Katan couldn't bear being the cowardly sibling who refused doing the same.
"Tell the Night Owls to prepare for departure. We're going to Mandalore," Bo-Katan announced decisively.
This wiped the relaxed expressions from Koska and Axe's faces. The two stared at their leader and asked seriously, "We're actually going to Mandalore?"
Bo-Katan nodded solemnly.
Her two lieutenants watched in amazement as their leader moved past them, saying nothing more.
They exchanged glances, then hurried after Bo-Katan, uncertain whether this was wise but choosing to follow their leader resolutely.
Loyalty and faith drove them to follow Bo-Katan, even without complete certainty this was correct. But they knew they respected and trusted their leader, believing her decisions would lead to optimal results. They believed all their sisters felt the same way.