It's So Hard to Say

Gar, Sol, and Natalie walked into the fort together like three convicted criminals about to face judgment. The cafeteria doors opened and gathered before them were the masters, Zarron, Phil Coulson, and Boba Fett.

"Shouldn't we face a jury of our peers? In that case, I nominate Sol and Natalie as the Jury, I will serve as a member of their jury," Gar nodded looking as if he reached a hard decision. 

"Cute," Master M'tz said.

"I take it that you understand what we want to talk about?" Master Shang-Chi looked at the three.

"I do, mostly because Master M'tz and I had a conversation about this. Do I need to be here for this?" Gar asked.

"Yes. As the instigator, you must remain," Master M'tz said. 

"I don't understand why we're here," Natalie said. 

"You recklessly confronted enemies you didn't know, understand, or were prepared for. As a trained assassin, I'm surprised by your rashness," Master Shang-Chi said. 

"It's a good thing they're paying me so much," Boba Fett said. This puzzled the three.

 "Each of you knew we planned a coordinated attack for tomorrow. Instead of waiting, seeking our advice, or doing anything relatively intelligent; you chose to attack tonight on your own," Master M'tz dressed down the three.

"Natalie, you knew that this attack was intended to rescue your sister Widows safely. I expected you to be the most level-headed given the situation, and yet you brainlessly rushed in to confront the unknown forces. I am disappointed. Luckily, we can fix your recklessness during our training. We will safely extract the remainder of your sisters, wherever they will be. If we encounter a situation that is too much for us to handle, I will call in backup. If you accept to follow all of my orders without question, I will take you as my disciple as we previously discussed. If not, then let us part ways here," Master Shang-Chi said. Natalie looked shocked but got on her knees and bowed.

"I will follow your orders, no matter what, Master," Natalie said. 

"Good, we will conduct the disciple ceremony later. As I understand things, your friend, Jedi Padawan Gar has created four buses, each with an astromech, carbonite freezing chamber, and armor. The armor will remain in its locker until you finish your apprenticeship under me, understood?" Master Shang-Chi asked.

"Yes, Master. May I ask a question?" Natalie asked nervously.

"You may," Master Shang-Chi answered. 

"1D is a droid, is it allowable for it to accompany us? It could be useful," Natalie commented. 

"I will allow it to come with us, but it will not help you during your training. It will accompany the astromech," Master Shang-Chi answered.

"Yes, Master," Natalie bowed and returned to her place in line. 

"Go and get your meal, your friends will join you in a few minutes," Master Shang-Chi said.

"Yes, Master," Natalie bowed and glanced at her friends. 

"Sol, you have 30, and we'll take your Tie Bomber to rendezvous with my ship, Slave I," Boba Fett said.

"Sir, are you going to help me become a Mandalorian bounty hunter?" Sol asked.

"I've been hired to train you as a bounty hunter, but I'm not a Mandalorian. However, when your training is complete, I'll introduce you to a Mandalorian. Go join your friend," Boba Fett cut his comments.

"Yes, sir," Sol said excitedly.

After Sol left, Gar looked at Master M'tz for a few moments and waited for him to speak until he couldn't wait any longer, "You intend to split us up so soon after the battle?" 

"It's better to separate the three of you, those two are too easily swayed by you," Master M'tz replied.

"I would have liked to spend more time with them before they left," Gar said.

"I would have liked it if you informed us before rushing away," Master M'tz replied.

"Fine. Who did you find to be my master? You already said it won't be you," Gar reigned his anger in. It was hard because he realized that Master M'tz was cutting his time with his friends short as punishment.

"It isn't time for you to meet your Master. For now, you will help me clean up our camp. I'll leave tomorrow. Agent --"

"What do you mean you're leaving tomorrow?" Gar asked, surprised.

Master M'tz shook his head, "You can't expect me to hang around on this planet. I have other responsibilities. I look forward to meeting you again someday if that is our destiny. After I leave, Agent Coulson will be in contact. He'll take you on a few missions until your Master is ready for you. Now, run along or you won't have enough time to spend with your friends."

Gar's eyes were a little red, but he turned and quickly chased his friends. The adults sat quietly.

"Are you sure it's appropriate to separate the children so quickly?" Zaran asked. 

"It is entirely appropriate and necessary. I have made arrangements for you to become a SHIELD agent. You will redeem yourself. If your friend is interested he can join you. If he chooses not to, then there may come a time when the two of you will meet. Are you willing to become an agent and pursue redemption, or will you continue to choose the path of a villainous criminal?" Master M'tz asked. 

Zaran looked at Coulson who deadpanned at him, "I don't want to be a criminal anymore. I never did it for myself, anyway. The young girl, Natalie, inspired me to use my skills for something more than what I've done in the past. Thank you for your help Master Jedi," Zaran stood up and bowed.

Master M'tz smiled, "Think nothing of it, I feel we have become friends during these difficult days. I always take care of my friends. I wish you success." Bowing again, Zaran left the cafeteria.

"I'll see how everything is going with the prisoners," Coulson said. 

"Phil, the boy is young but be patient with him. He was given a great deal of power and responsibility suddenly," Master M'tz looked concerned.

"Of course, I can tell he's a good kid. I'm pretty sure he's the one who sold us the AI and took advantage of us." Coulson laughed good-naturedly. 

"He did and he didn't. He may have charged you twice as much as Stark, but he also gave you an AI ten times better than the one he gave Stark," Master M'tz said. 

"I'll let the director know, he'll be pleased to hear that," Coulson said.

"I don't think he did it for SHIELD's benefit. I don't think he likes Stark for some reason," Master M'tz said.

"Mr. Stark is rich, a genius, handsome, arrogant, and is ten times better at picking up women than Mr. Finn. I can imagine his problem with Stark."

"Perhaps, but I hope in time he will grow beyond such pettiness. The boy has unlimited potential, he could be the key to saving this world and many others," Master M'tz said.

Phil nodded and left after saying, "I'll take care of him, don't worry."

Boba Fett left a couple of minutes before to prepare to leave. Now, Master M'tz and Master Shang-Chi were left alone. 

"I hope to meet you again someday. Although the meeting was brief, I feel like I've found a kindred spirit," Master M'tz said. 

"I feel the same, perhaps when Natalie's training is complete I can visit you?" Master Shang-Chi asked.

"If that is your will, then I will make arrangements. I can't guarantee your safety, and the journey is to a galaxy far far away. It might take time to arrive," Master M'tz said. 

"It's fine, I have raised my strength on this planet to its peak. There aren't any more opportunities that I'm aware of here. I would like to test myself in the greater universe."

"It is here that I will disagree with you, my friend. There is a place that you can go to and raise your strength. Take Natalie and then both of you will be ready for the future. I will send you the coordinates before I leave, but I suggest you wait until Natalie's training is complete. Where I intend to send you is far too dangerous. You won't be able to keep yourself alive much less Natalie. She must be as strong as you are now to go to that place," Master M'tz said. 

"I look forward to finding this place. You have motivated me to help Natalie raise her strength as efficiently as possible," Both masters smiled at one another. "Let us part here, I must get ready to depart.

"May the Force be with you," Master M'tz said. 

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal, it is the courage to continue that counts," Master Shang-Chi smiled and bowed to his friend. Master M'tz returned the bow. 

"Well said, my friend," Master M'tz, now alone, smiled as he watched his friend leave. 

Gar and Natalie gathered at Sol's Tie Bomber. They didn't have time to look inside. Gar was insanely curious about the inside of a modified Tie Bomber. Natalie's eyes were a little misty.

"Sol, I don't know when we'll see one another again. I can't promise to wait for you, but rest assured that my heart goes with you," Natalie smiled and gave Sol a hug and a passionate kiss. He blushed in surprise, but returned the kiss." When she pulled away there were tears. "I'll never forget how you saved me and my sisters. I'll cherish our date. Goodbye Sol," Natalie stepped away. Gar walked forward.

"We've known one another since we were kids. You're my brother, I want to return home with you one day. If that isn't possible, I want us to marry a good woman, or several for you, and get a house next door to one another."

"Shared yard with a big pool?" Sol asked. 

"Yeah, maybe we'll buy a mansion or a series of mansions and live together. If any of your kids can use the Force, I'll be their master, and if any of my kids aren't you can train them to become the best Mandalorian bounty hunters!" Gar said passionately.

Sol couldn't help but smile, he felt Boba Fett's stare on his back. "I better go." He hugged his friend for the last time and walked up to the lift. 

"Wait!" Gar said as Sol nearly pushed a button.

Sol looked at Gar, puzzled, "I love you!" 

"I know," Gar said with a cheeky smile.

Boba Fett slammed a button on his end and the lift started rising, but as it ascended Gar and Sol both laughed.

"This seems so familiar for some reason, and it's irritating," Boba Fett muttered. After Sol ascended it wasn't long before Fett and Sol lifted into the sky and departed Earth. 

Gar thought wistfully for a while before his thoughts were disturbed, "Does this mean the two of you are dating? Did I waste my tears on a man who already has someone special?" Natalie asked.

"Cute. Rest assured, we're both straight. It's just man love, the platonic kind. Alright, let's get you to your busses, I'm sure Master Shang-Chi is waiting for you," Gar said as he guided Natalie away. 

"Sol, I also wanted to thank you. You're also my dear friend," She said.

"Since we're both remaining on Earth, I'm sure we'll see one another again," a rare and sincere smile spread across Gar's face. He walked the young Widow to the busses and watched as she boarded Bus 1 and left. The other three busses, piloted by their astromechs followed. 

He watched his friend leave and sighed. Not a long sigh, but a lonely one. 

"I'm sure you will see her again," a voice from behind spoke to the lonely young man.

"Master M'tz, thank you for all you've done for us," Gar turned to look at the older man.

"No need for thanks, it is I who am grateful to you. We don't have much time left. Before I go, I will teach you how to use a very important device. It is my special gift to you. It's called, The Star Wars System," Master M'tz smiled while Gar felt a well of excitement burst and rise.