))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
The Republic Executive Building was forever a constant hive of activity of a political nature. Padme had spent more time in this place locked in never ending meetings and discussions with various delegations or committees, than anywhere else on Coruscant. Representing Naboo, and to a further extent the Chommell sector, was a great honour and duty she took with great solemnity in knowing she was working for the good of not just her own people, but of all citizens of the Republic. There was one tiny part of her that wondered if a more normal life away from the decision making that had trillions of lives riding on each ruling in favour or not, depending on the point of view, was a better option.
The thought of a normal life brought Padme's gaze up to the clear, crystalline skies of Coruscant as she stood outside on the Executive Building's landing pads, ignoring the comments from C3PO over how beautiful of a day it was. She mused over her husband out there fighting on the front lines of this detrimental war splitting the galaxy apart. Despite proving over and over again of his excellent leadership and fighting skills as a Jedi Knight and General, Padme always worried for Anakin's well being. His track record of getting caught by unsavoury characters and borderline suicidal plans to achieve victory did little to sway those fears. All the same, she knew her Ani was doing his best to bring peace to the galaxy.
Padme would've preferred to have been back at her apartment suite right about now welcoming Anakin home, after news had reached her over the Republic's reclamation of Xagobah. There was never any doubt of the success of the battle going the Republic's way with him in charge. She only wished such battles were not necessary and diplomacy would resume to end this conflict.
"I see you got the same call also?" The inquisitive voice of Bail Organa broke her out of her musing and spectating of the fleets of speeders and ships flying all over the capital world.
"I did. Do you know why the Chancellor has summoned us out here?" Padme asked, switching her gaze to her friend.
"I'm afraid not. I was in the middle of a discussion with Senators Christo and Mot-Not Rab over redirecting aid to sectors hit the hardest by the recent Separatist's offensive when Amedda contacted me."
"He was quite insistent we meet the Chancellor at the landing pads as soon as possible. And yet neither he, nor the Chancellor are here." She told him. Padme thought back to her own interruption by the Chagrian whilst she was speaking with Queen Neeyutnee over the public attitude and goings on of her beloved homeworld. Her inquiry over what Chancellor Palpatine wanted came with the usual stoic, and almost condescending, vague response often spoken by the Vice Chair.
"Well, I hope his Excellency doesn't take too long to disclose his reasons. I find it curious he called on us." Bail said, looking out to the vast ecumenopolis that was the beating heart of the Republic for millennia.
It also drew her interest as to why Palpatine called specifically her and the Alderaanian Viceroy. Usually, Padme found when he did call on her and like minded Senators for their attendance to attend internal matters, it was in the hope of finding more peaceful resolutions to a particularly troublesome case. Many of the Bills or Acts that passed in the Senate were more in favour of increased hostilities, furthering additional funds taken from basic needs of the people to the ever growing GAR war machine. He often said behind closed doors he would've liked more cordial proposals pushed forward. However, he had often found his hands were tied with the majority in the Senate choosing to prolong the fighting.
"It would be a welcomed relief if he has indeed requested us out here because we wouldn't go about rushing to the resortment of force as a solution to handle sticky situations." She said, hoping this was the case.
"Sadly those kinds of solutions are becoming a real probability in regards to Umbara." He sighed with a gloom filled breath, over this new problem joining the endless list tugging at the Republic.
"The Umbarans think the Senate cared little and were ineffective in the investigation over Senator Deechi's death. I've heard reports of widespread anger and calls for secession amongst their population." Padme sighed in frustration over the issue.
In a time where unity was important now more than ever to keep the Republic together as one, problems arose in every direction making this increasingly difficult to accomplish. Planetary governments from member worlds became more vocal of the ineffectual running of the centralised power to sort this war out.
"There's rumours of Separatists involvement in the protests. The loss of Umbara would give a boost to their advancement militarily." Bail stated. The advantage of Umbaran technology would give the CIS, if they opted to join them, a boosted edge over the Grand Army's clone armies. It was a dread that did nothing to stow her worries.
"Further thinning our forces and increasing the calls over the support for raising expenditure of more resources and credits directed to warfare." She exhaled glumly.
"With all peace offers rebuffed it seems this crisis will only be solved by blasters and bombs. Unless a miracle materialises, this war will drag on with no end in sight."
"Senators." The voice of the man responsible for their being at the Executive Building's land pads for no clear reasoning yet, called out to them.
Padme turned away from her colleague to find Chancellor Palpatine with an entourage of other political and Jedi figures, as well as a small contingent of Senate guards in tow. Unsurprisingly, Vice Chair Mas Amedda was by his side as always, carrying the long, wooden scepter that was the Speaker's Staff. Walking a few steps back from the Chancellor, Padme saw Senators Riyo Chuchi and Sweitt Concorkill accompanying the Republic Head of State, alongside Jedi Grandmaster Yoda and Jedi Master Luminara Unduli walking with the small party.
"Excellency." Bail greeted the head of state first with a respectful bow.
"Chancellor. May I inquire as to why we are meeting out here?" Padme asked about the chosen settings of their meeting.
"I'm glad you asked, my dear. You may find this peculiar situation quite an intriguing and welcome change to what is now the norm in the Senate." Palpatine said with a warm grin.
"Which is, Excellency?" The Senator of Alderaan questioned.
"Three days ago our clone units on Bakura stumbled across a probe of unknown origins." The Vice Chair reported, producing a small handheld holographic device. An image projected out of the 'probe' rotating slowly, unveiling its strange shaped body and mechanics. Padme thought it looked more like a wheeled droid than a probe. "A communique was established with an organisation calling themselves the United Nations Diplomatic Coalition. They claim to be of the same planet the Earth soldier is from."
"Good news for Corporal Matthews, this is." Yoda said standing up straight, placing both his three fingered hands on the top of his gimer stick.
"So am I correct to assume, Chancellor, this is a first contact initiative?" Chuchi asked curiously.
"Officially yes, but with the governance of the planet belonging to these remarkable race of humans. Corporal Matthews holds the honour of being the first of his species to greet us." Palpatine answered her with the admission of the soldier's presence on Coruscant to the other Senators.
"I must say I'm a little confused, Excellency. From what I recall from my last conversation with the Corporal, his people do not have the means to traverse across the galaxy on our level of advancement. How did this probe reach Bakura and was able to open communications from a system nobody possesses the knowledge of?" Padme questioned him, puzzled by this information.
"It may appear the Earth soldier wasn't being truthful with us." Amedda sneered.
"The probe apparently came through the same way our visitor did. How exactly, is one of many fascinating questions we will be asking in our meetings with the Earth representatives once they arrive." Palpatine said casually as he went to walk further out to the open top hangar bays.
"Hold on, Chancellor, are you saying they are coming here, to Coruscant?" Bail asked, glancing at her then back to the Supreme Chancellor with his face twisting into an expression of shock.
"A consular ship is on its way from Bakura with a delegation from this United Nations Diplomatic Coalition. They too travelled through this gateway, they so curiously called it." He said with a look, Padme could best describe as ardent fascination. "Master Yoda, I trust Corporal Matthews is in good health?"
"Recovering well, he is." The ancient Jedi said.
"Wait, what's happened? Is the Corporal alright?" Padme asked frantically.
"A rather unfortunate incident occured involving the Earther warrior." Master Unduli elaborated. "Thankfully everything has been resolved for now." Padme didn't quite fully believe the Mirialan Jedi's words, despite the smooth assurances. She'll have to remember to poke Anakin later for more information over this 'incident'.
"I'm glad it has. It would be a great shame if relations would be hampered by a grave misunderstanding before they can be established."
"Guarantee personally, I do, this will not affect any link with these humans, it will. Great hospitality shown and understanding of our ways with their soldier, we have." Yoda said in his usual chequered speech.
"Excellent. Then we should have a good chance of things going fluently in our image." The Supreme Chancellor said with a confident grin.
"Yes?" Amedda answered a call from his holocomm. Padme looked at the Vice Chair as he was distracted in the short conversation with whoever was on the other end of his comm link. The holo image disappeared back into its unit soon after and the Chagrin placed the comm back into a pocket. "They have arrived, your Excellency."
"Good." Padme heard Palpatine say as she turned her focus back to Coruscant's skies.
She gave a wary glance over at Bail then back at the other chosen delegates in the Supreme Chancellor's company. It wasn't lost on her that all Senators present were from the more vocal faction in wanting de-escalation of the war. Having the more peace inclined members of the Senate in attendance spoke volumes in her eyes of the trust Palpatine had for the party present, compared to those with preference of prolonging the war. Truthfully it was deceptive. As much as Padme appreciated the trust of conducting the talks with the Chancellor, there was a larger majority who favoured fighting the Separatist through arms.
In the flowing stream of speeders and starships going about their own business, Padme searched for the ship making its way down to the Executive Building. Out of the mass of different designed craft she caught sight of the familiar body shape of a Consular class cruiser. The ship itself was another grim reminder of the war. Before the Separatist Crisis, she often saw these ships used for diplomacy, transporting important individuals and Jedi to conduct commerce or peacekeeping. Now many of them were refitted to a fighting role in service to the Republic Navy in far off battles.
The gleaming sunrays of Coruscant Prime glinted on the red painted, long curvature body of the cruiser as it flew closer. The three engines at its back guided the ship through the countless different and varied flying vessels going to and fro from the Executive Building. The only one that mattered to their head of state in this current moment in time was this particular Consular cruiser.
Padme faced many theatres of the political front, however, it was a first she was going to be included in first contact with another civilisation. The ship reached the landing pad directly in front of them, carefully hovering over and gently setting down on its landing gears to the flat surface. The clattering of metal footsteps for a moment gained her attention as the Senate Commandos walked in two separate columns flanking the path.
The Captain of the Guard gave them all orders to stand to attention in crisp disciplined, simultaneous fashion. Each commando spun on their heels then faced each other in two columns, their blaster rifles held closed resting on their shoulders in a respectful salute. The show was akin to a state visit, suiting this occasion. Their dark blue armour was spotlessly clean and each member was deathly still.
Back up ahead to the cruiser, Padme saw a pair of clone troopers and a familiar face emerge out first down the ramp. She watched on as the friendly and unforgettable figure of Obi Wan momentarily turned back as if to talk to someone aboard the ship. A few seconds passed before more beings exited out from the vessel. This time it was a woman wearing clothes Padme had never seen before. The Earther woman wore a long black skirt that stopped at her knees and a matching coloured light coat covering an inner white shirt. Following after her, came a group of other humans in more strange attire. The most notable out of the bunch were the six fully armed soldiers in a protective detail flanking the seemingly unarmed ones, carrying a type of blaster she was unfamiliar with.
There was a smile on Obi Wan's bearded face as he conversed with the woman, who looked around in astonishment at the surroundings she clearly was not accustomed to. The rest of her retinue were similarly perplexed, except for the soldiers who at least tried keeping to a professional manner. Their wandering eyes did betray some of that professionalism at walking at their perception of an alien environment. Standing closely by the woman were three men, all of which had her situated in front meaning she must be the leading emissary.
Out of the quartet, it was the man taking up the Earth woman's right side that stood out the most. It didn't take a genius to figure out he was a military officer of some kind due to the decorative green uniform, boots and cap covering his head. The remaining non combatant men appeared to be her assistants, dressed in a light black coat not too different to the woman, besides it obviously made bigger for male sizes and style, covering white clothing beneath it and pants in the same shade as their coats. The pair of them were each carrying what looked to be their version of a Datapad.
Obi Wan lead the delegates through the honour guard, walking right beside their new guests. They had stopped within a foot of the Chancellor who waited patiently for the new arrivals. Giving a respectful bow, Padme listened to her husband's former Master introduce the diplomats.
"Chancellor, Master Yoda, allow me the pleasure to introduce Dana Rimando, Acting Ambassador of the United Nations Diplomatic Coalition. Dana Rimanda, this is Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, leader and Head of State of the Galactic Republic."
"On behalf of the citizens of the Galactic Republic, I humbly welcome your people into the galactic community." Palpatine stately welcomed the representatives.
Stepping forward from her gathered entourage, the woman Obi Wan called Dana gave a wide smile as she extended a hand out to their leader. "And on behalf of the peoples of Earth, it is to our great honour and pleasure to be welcomed graciously by such an advanced and diverse civilisation."
Padme noted at the word 'diverse' the Earth Ambassador glanced to the non human Senators. She examined the woman the Earthers had bestowed as their chosen envoy. Acting Ambassador Rimando was only an inch taller than herself, olive skinned and possessed a pair of hazel colour eyes. Her black hair was tied into a bun not far off the way Naboo women styled their own. If Padme had to guess her age she put the Ambassador in her late thirties. The Ambassador's composure was straight and purposeful, like one would expect of a politician who took pride in their duty serving their people.
"It pleases me to know you have been treated well. My only regret is for this occasion to be damped at a time our Republic is locked in the unfortunate business of war." The Chancellor shook her offered hand. His expression turned to that of sorrow in regards to the rampaging conflict.
"That it is. I'll be honest, Chancellor, our leaders back home had some reluctance for this meeting of our worlds to proceed once it was known to us. Suffice to say, the thought of an intergalactic war possibly spilling over to our planet raises alarm bells." Dana explained the hesitancy amongst their leadership.
Padme understood their worry and caution. Being embroiled in their war just as they entered the galactic stage wasn't a good way to start off diplomatic relations.
"Then allow me to allay those fears that we will do our utmost to prevent such a thing to befall you. Allow me to introduce Senators Bail Organa of Alderaan, Padme Amidala of Naboo, Sweitt Concorkill of Sembla, Riyo Chuchi of Pantora and Vice Chair Mas Amedda." He indicated his arm out to them all. "And here representing the Jedi Order, Jedi Master Luminara Unduli and Grandmaster Yoda."
"Ambassador. It is good to be meeting more of your people." Padme greeted her.
"Thank you. It is equally satisfying and of great interest to not only be talking with other humans from different worlds, which is shocking enough, but to be opening a dialogue with alien beings." Dana said with a warm smile.
"To our understanding, non human lifeforms are new to your people, yes?" Yoda asked.
"Uh, yes, that is correct." Despite herself, Padme allowed an amused grin to form at how awkward the Earthers looked speaking with the old Jedi. "To an extent."
"How so?" Bail quizzed over her last remark.
"That is something we prefer to keep low key for now. Especially in such an open space." The Earth Ambassador said, taking a small step to the side to reveal the men standing patiently behind her through the exchange. "Now, allow me to introduce the rest of our envoy. This is Roman Zhirkov of the Russian Federation, Yan Shenchao of the People's Republic of China and Major General Nigel Wallace of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland."
It was to her presumption the last part following each of their names were of the nation state they came from, as the last mentioned clicked in Padme's head. The United Kingdom was the same nation Corporal Matthews said he came from. Looking over at the General it made her ponder as to why this nation state in particular had sent a high ranking military officer as a diplomat. She looked over at the Earthers' guard detail and caught a glimpse on one soldier's shoulder pad, the same red cross on a blue landscape flag emblem matching that Corporal's own.
All three of the men the Ambassador introduced gave a nod as the spotlight was brought on to them.
"Gentlemen, ladies. Perhaps we can better acquaint ourselves inside and go about laying the foundation of an era of cooperation between us." Palpatine said in inclination to carrying on this private conference in a better fitting venue.
"Chancellor, if I may request the closure of a matter that is of great importance to not only myself and my branch of the armed forces, but to a fair number of people back in my country?" The Major General asked in an accent that sounded similar to those of the high echelons of Coruscant society.
"Of course, General."
"I wish to know of Corporal Jacob Matthews whereabouts at this moment in time. I very much like to know our marine is safe and in good health?" There was a flicker of nervousness in the Jedi's eyes at the request. They were hiding something for sure.
"Your soldier is at the Jedi Temple. Taking good care of him, we are. Many interesting things he has told us of your peoples ways, he has."
"Is that so?" The delegate, said to be from a place called the 'Russian Federation', asked in a heavily accented voice. Padme could detect some suspicion in the man's tone.
"I think it wise to continue this discussion in better surroundings than a hangar bay."
"Indeed, Mister Kenobi." Ambassador Rimando said in agreement with the Jedi.
"Please, this way." Palpatine indicated for her to follow him.
Padme watched on as the Chancellor spoke with the Earth Ambassador in front with the other diplomats close behind, chatting with the Senators. Bail was walking beside her on one side and the Major General a few steps ahead. The Senate commandos took up the right side edging close up to Palpatine, whereas the Earth troops covered the left side.
"General Wallace?" Padme called over to him.
"How may I be of service Miss Padma Amidala?." The Earth General asked, mispronouncing her name.
"It's Padme." She corrected the error.
"My apologies, Ma'am. The ears aren't as good as they used to be, you see." Wallace said with a friendly grin, giving a small tap the side of his ear.
"It's quite alright." Already Padme got a sense she was going to take a liking to the man. "I don't mean to sound impertinent but I was wondering if it is common practice for your government to send military officials on diplomatic affairs?"
"Only when things get a little hairy and guns are involved." Wallace said in dry humour akin to the type she often heard being muttered by Obi Wan. "No, truth be told I have other business that requires a less political mind. Plus, I very much like to see how Corporal Matthews is doing and see about bringing our man home."
"You seem to have a personal interest in the Corporal, General." Bail commented.
"Matthews is an outstanding marine, and one of whom I owe a debt to personally. Don't get me wrong, I'd make it my top priority retrieving any of my marines lost in some far distant land, be it overseas or, in this case, the stars. His family is of good warrior stock. He is the grandson of a Royal Marine legend of my old unit known as the Mad Tommy of Sarawak."
"I didn't know Matthews was of military royalty." Obi Wan's voice piped up, to another good natured chuckle from Wallace.
"I may be romanticising it a tad. I do however, very much look forward to these talks, Miss Amidala. We certainly live in interesting times. Regardless of choice of representation."
"That we do, General." Padme said nodding in agreement. "That we do."
))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
Jake was starting to question whether this was the universe's idea of a joke as of late for dumping him in hospital beds. It felt as if he spent more time being checked over by doctors than anything else. It had been three days since he was rescued from his imprisonment by Kreet and his lunatic, rogue followers by a group of Mandalorian warriors and the 'normal' Jedi. The idea of being rescued by a woman he met at a bar made Jake silently laugh to himself, especially when thinking of the dozen or so questions he would get off Kate accompanied with a likely scowl.
The injuries he sustained under the crazy Jedi's 'care' weren't pleasant to say the least. Five cracked ribs, a fractured ulna, bruised muscles all across his torso and some minor aches and pains in his pelvic bone were borne out of the assault from the beatings Kreet's blue ape enforcer. Jake was surprised that was all he got. The lumbering brute hadn't pulled back on his punches. Nema put it down to his body's impressive durability, but as far as he was aware he was no different than any other normal human being. Still, despite her claim there was a big bandage wrapped across his stomach and chest. He had spent time in some clear glass container called filled with a healing liquid called 'Bacta'. This was apparently what helped mend most of his other injuries. The stuff worked like magic, repairing the damaged tissues and muscles like a charm.
Jake sat up on the medical bed looking around the all too familiar sterile surroundings of the brightly lit Temple medical ward. His thoughts dwelled on Parjar and those that broke him free from Kreet's shackled grasp. He was eternally grateful for what she and her fellow Mandalorian warriors did. It remained confusing however, on why she did it. Jake barely knew the woman. She went out of her way to release him from a horrible fate, one of which after hearing the details made him shudder. Before leaving with her cohorts to return to 'important business elsewhere', he questioned the Mando woman over her purpose for doing it, considering they lacked any proper acquaintance. Parjar told him she had her own personal reasons for doing it that'll she divulge the next time they were to meet in a more friendlier environment away from unwelcome ears.
The reasoning she did was a matter in regards to honour. Being bested by a mercenary by cheap and cowardly means with a traitorous Jedi at your back was considered an unjust fight that needed correcting in her eyes. Whilst it was debatable if chivalry was dead back home, it was showing signs of life in the wider galaxy. Jake remembered the cowboy looking alien. The bounty hunter by the name of Cad Bane, which Parjar had identified as his kidnapper, was at the museum in a ruse to scout him out and make subtle contact with Kiplee then moved on after to capture him away from the eyes of the authorities.
Anger boiled in Jake every time he thought back on his fight with the alien, and for not going with his gut instinct at the first sign something was off at the sudden change of heart from the Councillors allowing him to venture out the Jedi Temple. The large white bandage strapped all around his upper body, the small cast on his arm and the blotches of bruised skin were the not so kindly reminder of his misjudgement.
"Lost in the stars again are we, Corporal?" The soft accented voice of Jedi Doctor Rig Nema said coming to the side of his hospital bed.
"Nothing else to do." Jake sighed, rubbing out an itch in his left eye.
"Well if you didn't have the habit of finding yourself in chaotic situations and winding up in my infirmary in the aftermath, then you wouldn't be needing regular medical care and getting bored out your wits." She replied sarcastically, scrolling through the touchpad, which she never seemed to put down for long.
"Yes, mum." He rolled his eyes.
"If you wish to put me in that category then I suggest you sit up properly and allow for your ribs to heal in a more inclined position." Nema told him. Doing so at the doctor's orders, Jake sat up wincing at his damaged ribs complaining at the movement. She went over to a flat screen monitor by the side of his bed attached to numerous other medical instruments. An image of a human body loaded up with different parts highlighted on the same areas his injuries were at. "Let's see."
"All good?"
"Your pelvic bone has fully recovered and the muscle groups in your abdomen are healing quite well. Another sitting in a bacta tank should heal your remaining injuries. Your ribs will be sore for a week after, however, I suggest no strenuous activities in the meantime."
"I don't know about that. Like you said I am an attractor of chaos." Jake gave her a small grin, receiving a less than humoured sigh in response.
"Most people look for ways to peacefully solve it or avoid it altogether. Not encourage it." She said peeking up from her touchpad at him.
"Well I didn't ask to be abducted and tortured by those fanatic friends of yours." He saw Nema's face grimace at the subject of the rogue Jedi.
The news of Kreet's actions had spread fast amongst the Order and there had been much speculation as to how one of their own could perverse themselves into doing such things. Their most believable conclusion was his closeness to this 'Count Dooku', prior to the man's turning to a Sith was the likely reason behind his fall. It actually annoyed Jake at how the Jedi so easily waved off one of their own going off the deep end as just somebody who had become seduced by darker powers.
"Yes, what has happened with Master Kreet is deeply unsettling. Only the corruption of the Dark Side would sway his mind to believe what he did was just."
"That's it?"
"What do you mean?" Nema asked in confusion.
"As easy as that is it? Pass it off as one of your own members turning bad because he was mates with someone else who used to be a Jedi?, nothing to do with something perhaps in your code or teachings that could've been misinterpreted to the extreme?" Jake questioned her, seeing as there were running parallels when it came to religious fanaticism here and back on Earth.
"We do not believe in bringing harm to others, Corporal." She frowned in response, clearly bristled at the suggestion. "The Jedi respect all forms of life, Force and non Force sensitive alike."
"You sure about that? Kreet was driven in his belief that me and my people are some kind of unholy threat to you Force possessors."
"And he is misguided in that belief. You have been here for a little while now, Corporal. I would've thought in all that time you have learnt of our code and what it permits we do and don't act on."
"Ahsoka taught me a lot on what the Jedi believe, doctor." He said, watching as Nema fiddled with a piece of medical equipment above his bed. "From my own world's experience, all religions have their extremists because they take their teachings too seriously and are willing to go against their own to put their point across at the expense of innocent lives."
"Kreet and those who follow him do not represent the views of the Jedi Order. He will be held accountable once he is under our custody." Nema stated defiantly.
"Bloody hope so." He mumbled.
"You'll be pleased to know I have stabilised your potassium levels for now. The substitute supplements are holding up and your heart rhythm is steadily returning to a more regular beat. However, I can't say for sure how long they'll work without a proper intake of potassium to raise them back to normal levels."
"I don't suppose one of those worlds you said has it, have now been liberated from the Separatist control yet?"
"Regrettably, no. They're still all deep within Separatist Alliance territory." She replied with a sympathetic shrug.
"That's a shame." Jake said with a quiet yawn.
"I suggest you rest up, Corporal. It'll do your ribs some good."
"Cheers, Doc. I might as well have a kip for an hour or two since there's nothing much else I can do." He said, doing his best to relax more into the bed without twinging his damaged ribs.
When Nema left his bedside to go about her other duties with the other patients, his eyelids started growing heavy. Jake guessed she gave him a mild sedative whilst toying around with the medical apparatuses on the wall above his head. For the first time in ages Jake experienced a dreamless sleep. There were no recollections of past memories, strange battles on alien worlds or any conversations with the Orb. Jake couldn't remember the last time his mind was reprieved from being messed about by external forces, be it friendly or hostile.
Slowly his eyes blinked open from his uninterrupted sleep, glad for a change he woke up on his own accord. Jake's vision quickly cleared up from the grogginess as he looked around the largely inactive infirmary. The medical droids were busy with their tasks monitoring different patients or meddling with computers or other pieces of medical equipment. He hoped none of the boney robots would come his way and start prodding at him again like some lab rat repeatedly being used in experiments.
"Well good afternoon, Corporal Matthews. I trust you slept well." The voice of Jedi General Kenobi drew him to the foot of the bed.
"For a change, sir." Jake said, seeing the grinning Kenobi and Nema standing opposite to him.
"Master Nema has informed us that your injuries are healing quite substantially. You'll be out on the mend in next to no time."
"That I will be, General. If that's the best they can inflict you have nothing to worry about catching the crazy buggers."
"Are all Marines under your command as hardy as the Corporal, General?" Kenobi turned his head to the side, asking someone coming up from behind them.
"Only the best. Which I must say is all of my men, Mister Kenobi." For a second Jake thought his ears and eyes were playing tricks on him, or the Orb was messing about with his mind again. Maybe he was wrong and he was still dreaming. Emerging and standing beside the Jedi was a tall and recognisable figure he had not seen since the man's ordering of him and his squad to protect the then unknown Orb.
"General Wallace!?" Jake spoke in shock, having trouble believing his eyes that the Boss himself was here in the flesh. The noticeable difference to when he last saw the Major General was he was kitted out in wears more fitting in a ceremonial or state event, instead of the more common khaki uniform he opted for his position as head of the Royal Marines.
"It is I. I must say it is very good to see you again, Corporal. We thought the worst had happened when...Well you know." Wallace told him with a smirk that twitched his greying moustache upward.
A whole mix of emotions went through Jake then and there, not only of seeing General Wallace himself but the fact another one of his people had made it here. He was no longer the only human originating from Earth in the galaxy outside the Sol system. This acknowledgement also began to flood a hundred different questions.
"Sir, how did-I mean, how are you here? How did you get here?" He blabbered and was going to ask more rushed questions assembling in his head when the Major General raised a gloved hand.
"Easy lad. Don't want your head exploding now. Although it looks as if you've already been in an explosion or two." Wallace said, turning his head to Kenobi. Despite his tone being non belligerent, Jake could hear and see the subtle accusation in the Major General's voice and steely glare.
"As we have explained, General Wallace, this was not of our doing." The bearded Jedi Master said.
"But those who are responsible belong to this Jedi Order of yours, do they not?"
"Jedi Master Gerrus Kreet is not a representation of our Order and beliefs. You have the assurances of the Jedi High Council we will be on the hunt and he will face justice for what he has done." Kenobi promised, unknowingly repeated the same argument Jake had with Nema beforehand.
"I should hope so. This does not bode well with our leaders if there's deranged extremists out in the universe threatening harm upon our world and her people." The old veteran Marine said. "All the same you have my gratitude and those dozens more back in the United Kingdom for rescuing the Corporal. If you don't mind however, I wish to speak with Matthews... Alone."
"Of course, General. If you need anything else, don't hesitate to let us know." With a small bow the Jedi departed from their company, leaving Jake alone with Wallace.
"General?" Jake asked his superior. "Is things all good between you and the Jedi?"
"Oh, things are a little tense at the moment, I'll admit." Wallace told him as he moved over to take a seat on the only chair next to his bed. "That's mainly down to finding one of our own in less than top shape. The politicians may overlook this without much fuss in the goal of establishing diplomatic relations with these aliens beings. I will not, however."
"Wait, there's more of us?"
"Oh yes, there's ambassadors from the four largest investors and also the founding members of the United Nations Diplomatic Coalition. There's me representing ol' Blighty herself, one from the United States who's leading the delegation team, another from China and one from Russia. We're all of course acting on behalf of humanity, not national interest." He explained, though judging by his voice the General didn't fully believe that part.
"The who, sir?"
"It's an organisation cobbled together by all the nations participating in the research of that oversized bulbul. It was formed not long after you disappeared from off the face of the Earth, literally. As you can imagine there's a great deal of squabbling. What in God's name drove you to touch that thing when it was going haywire anyway? Didn't your mother ever teach you not to play about with electricity?" The Major General questioned him over the past incident that lead him all the way out into the outer galaxy.
"It's hard to explain, General. I wasn't in control of my own actions. It felt like I was possessed." Jake said remembering what he could from that night in the dockyards. He had speculated what made him do it, whether the allure of the Orb drove his body to act independently to his mind or the Orb had indeed taken control of him briefly. The latter idea was never a comforting thought.
"Possessed?" Wallace arched a brow at his claim.
"Yes, sir. I heard some weird voice in my head, then the next thing I knew I was walking over to it."
"Interesting. Very interesting. As far as I'm aware that thing hasn't done anything of the sort to anybody else. Then again I'm not privy to the information regarding what has been discovered about the Sphere." The old man mused aloud, pondering to himself for a moment.
"General, if I may ask, how exactly did you get here?" Jake quizzed again on the subject without fumbling his words this time around.
"Why the same way you did, Corporal. The Sphere teleported us to some planet these people called Bakara, or some odd name like that. It's my understanding it tells of a facility on that world possibly still in operation once built by Its creators long ago. Though where it is located remains a mystery. But it explains how it is able to transport us so easily. Only from what I gathered the teleport coordinates were more precise for us and didn't cause a deal of mayhem to those on the other side, compared to you." Wallace smiled, apparently hearing of his not so friendly burst on the scene on a Republic warship. "Quite the adventures I've heard you've been having, Matthews. Battles in space and under the oceans of some far away water world against alien machines, fighting beings with Godly superpowers and getting yourself kidnapped by individuals of this extraordinary order." He continued, glancing back at the Jedi having their own conversation at the main computer terminal.
"Boredom isn't in an abundance around here, sir. Well, when you're not confined to a bed." Jake said, earning a good natured chuckle from the General.
"That it would seem. Now, Corporal, I want the truth between us now." He gave a quick backward glance over his shoulder then turned back with a more serious look on his face, speaking in a lower, hushed tone. "What do you make of these Jedi fellows?, do you think they are a trustworthy bunch?"
Jake shifted his eyes over to Kenobi and Nema before contemplating his answer. Had the Major General arrived a week earlier his answer could've been a definite yes. The latest events that occurred with his capture by Kreet and his ilk however, clouded that judgement. Sure he couldn't penalise everyone in the Temple for the actions of a few but it still made him think if there were others of a similar mindset.
"Honestly, General, I'm not too sure anymore."
"Is that down to the horrible business of your abduction?" Wallace inquired. Jake gave a reluctant nod of the head in reply. "I understand. Trust me when I say I and the men were furious when we found out what transpired. These space wizards are adamant it was some rogue sect that were responsible and they did everything in their power to retrieve you once your whereabouts was discovered. Suppose we should be thankful for their efforts."
"Not all of them are bad, sir. Most have been more than welcoming and gone out of their way to help me accommodate in their temple and way of life." Jake said in their defence. He didn't feel right completely writing them off over Kreet's traitorous dealings.
"I believe you, Matthews. All these aliens in one place must've got some getting used to after a while."
"I don't know about that, sir. It's still kind of weird being here amongst so many races, including the alien humans."
"Indeed so. Never in a million years would anyone back on Earth would think coming into first contact with an extraterrestrial government was run by humans. I still can't get my head wrapped around it." Wallace said looking around the infirmary at the different people residing in it.
Jake was silently amused at the old General's amazement. If news of the Republic's existence was made public knowledge then it was a reaction no doubt will be mirrored by billions of faces all across Earth. It would silence all speculation they were the only sentient living creatures in existence from sceptics of life beyond their own world. How two very distinctly, very similar looking race of people evolved away from each other was a question whizzing through the heads of xenocologists for a long period of time.
That thought suddenly drew an attaching question of its own considering this monumental event in human history on Earth.
"Sir, do the public know we're opening talks with the Republic?"
"No. The negotiations, the Sphere itself and even the Coalition's true purpose are kept from the public light. Our leaders think it best for us to set the ground running first before revealing to the public that we're not alone out in the universe." Wallace told him. "Personally, I think it's for the best. Especially if these people are locked in some titanic war with another galactic power. Keeping the peace in our respective countries is now a high priority."
"You're probably right, General." Jake said, slowly sitting up with slight struggle with the complaints from his aching ribs. The answer he found wasn't at all surprising. His mind registered everything Wallace said when one bit came back to him. "Sir, you mentioned other marines? Who else came along with you?"
"I brought six along as the security detail. There was a bit of an argument on who was to supply the protection. As you can imagine the Yanks were quite insistent on wanting their own forces in charge. However, with me being the military official on this trip, there was no question on my preference. I have Captain Phillips heading the detail with Sergeant Campbell acting as second. There's a few other scoundrels that didn't need much convincing to volunteer for this cross galaxy adventure." Wallace replied with a wide grin.
On cue to the humoured smile of the Commandant General, the doors to the infirmary opened up to a party of three in full Osprey armour and MTP fatigues. The Insignia of the 42 Commandos and the 3 Commandos Brigade were on their arms, below the colours of the Union flag. Seeing fellow marines was one welcoming, but seeing the three faces of the 'scoundrels' Wallace mentioned was one step better.
"Check out this lazy sod."
"Yeah, here we are worried sick and he's getting everything given to him hand and foot."
"Perhaps we should've stayed home since he's in such luxury accommodations." They all poked fun at Jake.
"Christ above." Jake said, shaking his head in disbelief at his own squad appearing before his own eyes.
The more than welcoming faces of Adam Palmer, Tom Cameron and Dave Ighalo were not what he was expecting to wake up to, or possibly ever see again. None wore their standard issued Mk 7 helmets, making Jake think if they were temporarily confiscated by Temple security for the time being considering they lacked weapons either. All three walked over with wide smirking faces, equally pleased to see him as he was them. Over by the main computer he caught a glimpse of Kenobi and the Jedi healer looked on the marines with a quizzical glare.
The latter didn't seem happy by the loud approach of his friends unsettling the overall quiet nature of her infirmary. This sentiment was shared by a couple patients whose faces morphed into a frown at their lacking subtlety.
"I think I'll leave you lads to it. There's much more talking to be done with these Jedis. I shall be seeing you later on, Corporal." Wallace stood up looking amused by the marines lack of decorum entrance into the medical wing.
The Major General straightened himself and his uniform out of any creases caused by his sitting. All three of his squadmates gave him a sharp salute, to which the Boss nonchalantly told them to be at ease with a nod as he went over to where Kenobi was patiently waiting.
"How have you been, Corp? You looked as if you been through one mighty shit storm." Adam asked, the first to reach a hand out to him.
"You can say that again mate." Jake said happily, clasping the hand of his best friend.
He repeated this with Dave who accompanied it with a man hug, sending a painful jolt up his back, and Tom with the same amount of joy. The emotions Jake felt at seeing his friends again momentarily gave him a lump in the feeling. His eyes started watering up a little as Jake tried clearing his throat from the imaginative obstacle blocking him from speaking.
"You ain't crying now are you?" Tom asked, raising a brow.
"No, it's the stuff they've been giving me for the pain. Makes your eyes well up sometimes." He said with a poorly thought up excuse.
"Uh huh. We believe you." The marines exchanged a glance with disbelieving smiles, chuckling amongst themselves.
"Nah I'm good. Just can't believe you guys are really here." He said, wiping his eyes with his arm. "You crazy bastards actually volunteered to come along?"
"Of course we did you daft bugger." Adam said, giving him a friendly shove on the shoulder. "You didn't think we'd jump at the chance to bring your sorry arse back home?"
"Yeah, it's not like getting the chance to go out into the galaxy is a common offer." Dave said, giving a small shrug.
"And all these aliens, Corp. It's like we're in one of those Stark Trek films. There's bloody loads of them!" Tom exclaimed, twisting his head from side to side, marveling at the non humans.
"You're as alien to them as they are to you, Tom." Jake told him.
"Yeah, you do look like a Sontaran." As per usual when it came to Adam's quips, Jake saw Tom glare angrily at the marine.
A retort looked to be ready to burst out from Tom over the comparison, setting off one of their famed spats. Their verbal jousting wasn't something Jake missed. Luckily, whatever insult infused reply Tom was about to say was stopped by a small cuff to the back of the head by one of Dave's large hands.
"Oi, stow that shit for one day will you. We didn't come millions of light years for the Corp to listen to your crap." Dave scowled the two. The pair looked to protest futilely then kept to his advice. Arguing with the big man was never a wise move.
"Cheers, Dave." He nodded to his squadmate.
"So what's this we hear you been fighting in some massive alien war?" Adam quizzed, sounding almost in awe.
"Not by choice. I was dragged into it most of the time."
"Right." Tom said, drawing out the word in disbelief to his claim.
"That's why you were kidnapped?" Dave continued the interrogation line style of questioning.
"No, that was some crazy arse fucker who thinks we'll bring doom to the galaxy." Jake told them all.
"Well, you certainly made some interesting friends here. We hear you've been fighting robots and laser sword wielding, demon girls." Adam said.
"And fighting a war at some ocean world."
"And being kidnapped by these people's version of Al Qaeda." Dave and Tom brought up too, obviously recalling whatever hearsay they've been told by whoever transported them here.
"Yeah, as you can see I haven't had a lot to do to kill time." Jake said dryly, struggling to prevent a smirk from taking shape.
"Hear that lads?, this just a normal day for ol' Jakey here."
"It'll make a good film series. I can see it now; The Adventures of the Space Marine." Tom followed after Dave, spacing his hand out dramatically after each word.
"Bellends." Jake shook his head, to the laughter of his squadmates at his response.
Opposite to the petty squabbling between the marines, the jokes and banter was something Jake did miss immensely. He had a good laugh and joke with Ahsoka, some of the clones and on one rare occasion with General Kenobi but it wasn't quite the same. New friendships had been formed, ones Jake hoped would last, however, having his squad, those that he who were not just marines and friends but those he viewed as family too. If there were a group of people he wanted backing him up in this massive world outside of their own star system, these three would unquestionably be on top of his list.
The sound of the infirmary ward's door opening up again drew Jake's attention away from his reunion with the marines for a moment. The new visitor was another welcoming face that made him smile again, both of her appearance and that of her expression changing from a look of concern to bewilderment at the trio. Ahsoka eyed his friends with equal but less blatant expressed scrutiny. The chatter and laughter quieted down when they turned to see what he was looking at.
Jake found the sudden silent confrontation funny as they seemed to size each other up. Ahsoka and his squad were both unknown entities to each other and both equally curious to one another's purpose for being here.
"Hey, Ahsoka. Good to see you're alright. How'd the battle go?" Jake asked casually, breaking the lull that descended on their little corner of the infirmary.
"Xagobah is back under our control, but never mind that, I just got word what happened to you on Ord Kanto." She said stepping over to the opposite side of his bed to his squadmates, exchanging a cautious glance at him and the marines.
"It was quite the adventure, kid. As you can see I came out looking like a human pinata, without spilling any goodies mind you." He gestured to his injuries.
"I don't know all the details, only Kreet was in on this. It was stupid of me to leave you here in a suspect's care, even with Anakin's assurances you'd be safe."
"Don't blame yourself, kid. That Kiplee girl fooled me and your Masters pretty good. At least we found out who they are now."
"Not at the expense of risking your life." Ahsoka said displeased, folding her arms over her chest. "I leave you alone for five minutes and you end up getting yourself into trouble again."
Giving the Jedi teen a sheepish shrug, Jake looked back at his squad having noticed their absent voices during the exchange. All three were staring at the Togruta girl with inquisitive expressions etched on to their dumbfounded faces. It was a realisation that as much as this seemed normal to him now all things considered, this was the first time his friends were interacting with an alien up close.
"Oh right, guys this is Ahsoka Tano, an apprentice to the Jedi Order and the one who's been taking care of me since being dumped on this part of the galaxy." Jake introduced her to his squad then turned back to her. "Ahsoka, these three amigos are my squadmates, Marines Adam Palmer, Dave Ighalo and Tom Cameron."
"Hi there." They each greeted the Padawan slowly in awkward fashion. Jake saw Ahsoka roll her eyes at their fumbling attempts but smiled all the same and nodded in acknowledgement.
"It's a pleasure to meet you all. You must be beyond relieved Earth has finally made contact with the Republic, Corporal?" She asked, looking to his squad then back at him.
"You have no idea, kid."
"Jake, she's an alien."
"No shit, Sherlock, what gave that away?" Jake closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose, keeping in the annoyance of Adam and Tom's childish arguing antics coming to air again over the latter's dumb statement.
"Ignore them two, they can't stay together long without getting into a tiff." Dave brushed past the two, stepping forward as Jake watched him extend a hand out to Ahsoka.
"It's not a problem, there's a couple people I know who can't stave the habit either." She said as she willingly took the big guy's hand in a firm handshake.
"Yeah, sorry about that. I meant no offence. Just you know, never seen anyone non human before and talking with a human so casually." Tom said copying Dave's actions with Adam not far behind.
"It's okay, really."
"I can say without question on behalf of the Four Two, thanks for everything you've done for the Corp. I hope he knows in future touching alien objects isn't the wisest of actions." Adam jested a private joke, earning a quizzical look off the Jedi youngster.
"The same thing that burnt my hand. Bastard thing." Tom said cursing, holding up the very gloved covered hand the Orb had struck, clenching it once.
"Sounds like quite the story." Ahsoka said shifting her gaze between each of his squad.
"One I'm sure you know you're not allowed to discuss." Jake reminded them with a veiled warning, recounting what Major General Wallace had said.
"We're not, but there's no mention of not speaking of the other crap that's gotten you, and to the larger extent us, into trouble." His best friend of 15 years said with a smirk that warned of the spreading of tales.
"Oh, I'd like to hear this." Ahsoka said. "He's caused a fair bit of havoc here, intentional or potentially, I hope, unintentional."
"Why don't we have a cultural exchange of some sort? You know, we share a story and you give us one in return?" Jake looked at the four, seeing a glint in each of their eyes at the suggestion. Bonding over his past misfortunes, or fortunes depending on the point of view, was not his idea for starting relations between these distinct groups of people.
"I hate you lot sometimes."
))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))