Silence filled the cockpit as the small shuttle was pulled into one of many hanger bays situated onboard the massive ship. Each being aboard that shuttle was in a state of shock, the voice still echoing through the now silent ship.
"It's good to hear your voices, Generals."
Now, to the average galactic being, that voice would be like the million some beings that had recently entered the galaxy's history. Yet, to the five aboard that ship, it was unique, belonging to a man whom they had believed dead for many years now. His reappearance, if that was what it was, meant that something was not right, and it certainly was not.
The feelings aboard that ship were a mix of confusion, joy, betrayal, bewilderment, fear and a complete sense of the galaxy falling off its rocker. As the shuttle was lowered onto the hanger bay floor, soldiers entered, forming ranks leading to two massive blast doors, which were slowly sliding open. Obi-wan was the first to arouse from his deep thoughts," Come, let's see what's going on."
He stood, pointing to the doors. A man in Jedi robes was walking towards them, his brown, bald head odd among the shining white helmets. The others followed Obi-wan to the ramp as it was lowered. Mace Windu stopped a few feet away, his arms crossed and his feet a shoulder width apart. Obi-wan stopped at the bottom of the ramp, assuming a similar position. They watched each other for a few minutes, the silence ringing clear through the hanger as the others watched tensely.
"What's going on?" Obi-wan's voice was low, his eyes searching Mace's face.
"I could ask you the same thing. I'd love to know what that ship was, but I probably have a better idea than you," Mace nodded, relaxing slightly.
Anakin stepped forward, his arm protectively around Padme," What's going on, Mace?"
Mace looked around," I have a better place that we can discuss the situation at length. "He turned on his heel, glancing over his shoulder as he strode to the doors. The others followed, eyeing the men around them cautiously. It had been many years since an army of this size had been gathered, not since the Clone Wars had ended. This was not a good thing, to say the least.
Mace led them up to the bridge, nodding to the men situated at the different stations. One being caught their eye. The familiar green lined armor of Echo could be seen across the bridge, leaning over the shoulder of another clone to point at something on the screen. Mace continued on, leading them to a conference room. The door slowly slide open and Mace ushered them in.
It was a spacious room, with a large round table in the middle with twelve chairs stationed around it. On the far side of the room was a massive viewport, showing the remnants of the battle that had taken place earlier. The most surprising object in the room stood by the viewport, his arms behind his back, watching as crews scoured what was left of the mystery ship. As they froze just inside the room, he turned slowly, his white armor only broken by orange-gold commander's stripes. A blaster lay on the end of the table closest to him, within reach and he had pistol resting on his hip, yet he didn't reach for either. His arms stayed behind his back as he turned to the people waiting for him. He stood there for a long time, just staring at them, watching as their faces went from shock to surprise to confusion. Mace moved into the room, sitting at one of the chairs, glancing at the being, who nodded. He slowly lifted his armored hands to the sides of his helmet and carefully revealed his face. It was weathered, with a scar cutting through his left eyebrow and over his eye. He looked no more than 25 years old, yet his eyes held wisdom beyond his years. His skin was a very dark tan and his hair was as black as the vacuum of space. His eyes, although a plain brown, were intense, taking in everything.
He set his helmet on the table next to his rifle, crossing his arms, a frown creasing his face," They okay, sir?"
Mace smiled, nodding," Give them a moment, Commander. As I'm hoping Echo explained, or at least Alpha, you were believed dead for sometime."
"We don't have time for this," the man growled, sitting, slightly glaring at the immobile beings before him. "As we speak, he's getting ready to strike. Palpatine won't wait for them to get over their old age."
Anakin stirred, frowning," Who are you calling old!?"
The man smiled slightly," Always worked on you, Skywalker. Things haven't changed much. You and Amidala snuggling up, Rex and Ahsoka hanging out, Kenobi babysitting all of you and Palpatine twiddling his thumbs."
"What do you mean, Palpatine twiddling his thumbs? He's dead!" Obi-wan raised an eyebrow.
"So was I, but I'm right here, breathing in recycled air and all," the man leaned back.
"Cody?" Ahsoka took a cautious step forward.
"Hey, sweetheart, you get extra brownie points for stating the obvious. Sorry I missed the big day, how are the kids?" Cody smiled slightly. Oh, he missed it. He'd love to talk with them, find out what they'd done in his absence, but now wasn't the time. "Look, I'd love to have tea and all, but it seems I've got another mess to clean up. Care to lend a hand?"
Obi-wan sat down," When haven't we?"
"Well, if it is you and not some strange dream that we'll wake up from any moment, sure, why not?" Rex and Ahsoka sat down, followed by Anakin and Padme.
Cody nodded to Mace," I can handle it from here. Alpha should be back soon with whatever they've found."
Mace stood," Good. I'll send word to Echo if it's any good."
As soon as the door slide shut behind Mace, Cody stood, rubbing his legs," So, how's the galaxy?"
"Where were you?" Padme voiced the question they'd all been thinking.
A haunted look entered Cody's eyes as he turned away," Someplace you don't want to ever go to."