SOLEMNITY – HIGH JEDI GENERAL YODA'S FLAGSHIP – ORBIT OF RUGOSA

This ship is way too clean.

It was the first thing that came to Elyse's mind when her and the Paladin Unit had been brought aboard Master Yoda's (and she couldn't believe those words) mass-produced cruiser class ship. The fact that it was half the size of their carrier-class vessel made the woman acutely aware of the kind of industrial and military power this "Republic" could wield.

The second thing was marveling at the size of the ventral hangar, with hundreds of troopers performing duties or milling about awaiting their next assignment. Vehicles of many shapes and sizes awaited combat, while strange little robots slide here and there as they poked, prodded and tinkered at a dozen different tasks.

When the aged alien took them further into the ship, the surroundings had stayed mostly the same: smooth metal surfaces, more troopers and robots, and a few officers in plain coats walking around with bulky data-pads, giving curious or confused stares at the seven pilots accompanied by the small green alien and an escort of soldiers. Soon the soldiers and Pilots bar Elyse were led to the medical wing of the ship for health check-ups, leaving the Jedi and commander to make their way by themselves to the communication room of the warship.

"Mm. Surprised, are you?" asked Yoda cheerfully, the tapping of his cane echoing loudly amidst the hallways. "Unfamiliar with common things, you all are. A most curious thing, indeed."

"Well, I can tell we have none of… Well, this back home," replied the Pilot, waving at the metal surrounding them. Just then, a tiny blocky robot passed by, making little whistling tones as it skidded around and away from the two. "… Case in point, of course…"

At that, Yoda could do little but laugh. "Hmm, yes, yes. And many questions this raise, many indeed. But first, a meeting we shall hold, yes? Agreements, we shall come to."

"Sounds good to me."

Not a moment later, Elyse and Yoda came upon a set of large doors guarded by four clones, who promptly saluted their general and stepped aside to allow him and the commander entrance. Inside the room were several non-descript computers and machines, with blinking lights and beeping sounds, like something out an old child's toy, and upon the middle was a circular table with a sunken-in center apparently made of glass, surrounded by a circle of metal. Elyse walked beside the table and watched as Yoda walked up a small ladder beside the table and tapped at a few buttons on a small panel on the metal, bringing to life the hologram of several people sitting on small chairs in a circle, all of them with varied appearances and physical traits: there was one with an elongated cranium, another who looked like a literal insect, a woman with two striped horns on her head with two striped tentacles hanging from the base of said horns, even one with several tentacles instead of hair, and two large pitch-black eyes.

In summation? It was possibly the most exotic gathering of her life. And she once had gone to an IMC brothel-city on a special ops mission.

"Master Yoda, I see you have bested the Separatists' ambush," spoke the bug-head alien in a low, gravely voice.

"Mm. Cunning they believe themselves to be, but not that cunning they are."

"And with this, we've gained yet another powerful ally in this war," continued the one with the horns-slash-tentacles, before turning and motioning towards the conspicuous Elyse standing beside the small alien. "Though it would seem you have encountered another ally in this endeavor."

Taking that as her cue, Elyse removed her helmet and held it under her arm, feeling the cold air of the ship finally touch her face. "I'm Commander Elyse of the Frontier Militia's Fifth Fleet, team leader of the Paladin Unit. It is an honor to meet you all." After her introduction, another of the seated Jedi, a bald man with a stony, professional expression nodded towards her.

"The Jedi Council thanks you for the assistance in this endeavor… But the question remains, to whom are you aligned with?"

"Indeed," intoned the alien with the elongated head. "I have yet to meet a group that call themselves a 'Militia'. Are you refugees from a planet captured by the Separatists?"

Well, this was it. Game time.

One chance to convince them of the truth, with the fate of her entire fleet hanging on this.

No pressure.

"Yes, Jedi Master, we are refugees… But not of the Separatists." Elyse took another steadying breath and adjusted her stance before facing the council members once more, her cybernetic eyes meeting holographic ones. "I, and by extension my entire fleet, do not hail from this galaxy. We arrived here through a… Freak accident, act of God, whatever it may be. Me and my team had just been scouting for a possible colony when we came across Master Yoda being attacked." Elyse put the helmet onto the table and withdrew from one of her vest's pockets a coin not unlike that which she had gifted Master Yoda with, turning each side for the gathered Jedi to see. "I come to him, and to all of you, to request asylum for my people… Or whatever other path you can offer."

And for the longest moment, none of them replied. The council members simply stared at her, their eyes (or at least, the ones she could read) scrutinizing every inch of her being, looking for tells or signs that what she had just spoken was a lie. Finally, the bald man turned towards Master Yoda, who had yet to stop smiling. "Master Yoda, are you certain of their claims?"

"Mm… Connected to the Force, permeated and immersed in it, all living beings are. Sense and feel this connection, we can… But on them, nothing can be felt." And when the small alien elder turned his eyes toward her, Elyse felt that his gaze went beyond that of her physical body… And was aimed instead at her soul. "Surround them indeed, the Force does. But reside in them, it does not. An empty space, they are to my senses. Alive they are, but not to the Force."

Those words seemed to be enough to the Council, who each nodded at the words of their elder Master before returning their attention to Elyse. "If Master Yoda believes your claims, then we have no place in doubting that trust," spoke the horned woman once more, her tone now carrying a more comforting tone to it. "We offer our condolences for the situation you and your people find yourselves in."

"Thank you, Jedi Master," replied Elyse as she re-pocketed the coin. "If possible, I'd like to request a meeting with a representative from the Republic, to discuss political asylum for us."

"Hmm… Easily arrangeable a meeting would be. However, uncertain is its success."

"Indeed. While the Jedi Council has some sway in the political landscape, the actual decision would come down to the Supreme Chancellor, and the process would fall to the Galactic Senate," spoke the bug-headed alien as he caressed his chin. "… A physical meeting would certainly earn you favor, if you'd so be inclined."

"A meeting… At your capital city?"

"Indeed. Provided you brought a representative of your fleet, and one of your vessels, it would certainly serve as a show of good faith. That you have already provided assistance to a general of the Republic Army and Jedi Grand Master will serve as proof to trust you."

"Hmm… Council, if I may leave for a moment? I need to contact the fleet."

"Very well. Await your answer eagerly, we do."

"Thank you." And with one final nod, Elyse walked out of the communication room, giving a respectful nod to the guard troopers as she passed them, before withdrawing a secure radio from her pockets. "Hippolyta? Elyse here. Get me a line with the Fifth Fleet… Yeah. We got some talks to get ready for."

-O-

SOLEMNITY – HIGH JEDI GENERAL YODA'S FLAGSHIP – FOURTEEN DAYS LATER, ENROUTE TO CORUSCANT

These quarters ain't half bad… thought Elyse as she once more found herself laying atop the bed in one of the passenger quarters given to them by Master Yoda for the travel to the planet Coruscant.

A planet that, apparently, was entirely the capital of the Republic.

As expected, the council of captains had been apprehensive of their first contact having already devolved into a shootout, but if nothing else one possible ally had been met. And when the offer for a diplomatic meeting was mentioned, they agreed that at this point, they had little to lose. The plan was then made: Elyse and the chosen mediator would travel alongside Master Yoda and his ship, while the Fifth Fleet would trail behind using staggered jumps, making sure to avoid detection as well as possible.

Along for the ride with the Venator ship were the Hippolyta, and their chosen "diplomatic vessel": the Defender-class Assault Carrier Chronos, and its captain, Lance Howe. If there was one man she trusted to negotiate a deal that would favor them, it was "The Deal-Broker" Howe. He had also taken the liberty of procuring a few more things for their travel: a few Titans, robotic infantry, talented engineers and even another full Pilot team, one she knew from quite a few years: Golem Unit.

The catch? They were being towed. According to them clones, their FTL drives were quite different from jump-drives. Rather than compressing two points in space through quantum and time/space manipulation into a microscopic distance, their so-called "hyperdrives" actually accelerated starships through a higher dimensional plane at true faster-than-light speeds by following pre-existing "lanes" in space.

The pros? A more well-mapped galaxy, and with more well-defined paths, so they wouldn't end up affected by something like the Battle of Demeter.

The cons? Their movements were restricted by those same pre-planned lanes, limiting flexibility, while the travel time could cause quite a few problems.

Nevermind the fact the Fifth was always acutely aware of their positions, thanks to quantum-entangled tracking beacons.

Shatterglass and ARIES had already sent her a few simulated scenarios utilizing comparisons between their jumpdrives and the native hyperdrive for combat utilization, and while she appreciated the zeal, Elyse would rather keep all of this until after they had properly prepared a treaty or agreement between both parties. They didn't even know about the Fifth Fleet's size and composition, especially on their trump cards: the Avalanche, and Titans.

And they would stay that way for quite some time, thank you very much.

But for now, with her duties fulfilled and still awaiting the arrival to Coruscant, Elyse just wanted to remain in this surprisingly comfortable bed and sleep the rest of the trip away…

Knock-knock-knock

"Commander Elyse?"

… Then again, this was too good to be true.

With a groan, the Pilot threw herself off the bed, slowly making her way to the door to fumble with the control panel until finally the door slid open, revealing a clone trooper captain standing at attention on the other side. "Commander Elyse, Captain Neik," said the soldier as he saluted.

"At ease, trooper, you're not in my chain of command…" she almost slurred out of tiredness, rubbing one of her eyes in an honestly futile effort to somehow get the sleep off her face. "Is there a problem?"

"Well… Not a problem per se, commander, but…"

"Yes, captain, what is it?"

"… It's your unit, ma'am, they are… Educating some of our men in the hangar."

"… Goddammit…"

-O-

HANGAR BAY – THREE MINUTES LATER

"C'mon Tusk, put your back into it!"

"Let them have it, Rek!"

"Speak for yourself, Bre, you didn't last five seconds—GAH!"

"Less talking, more fighting, boys!"

Clone troopers were no strangers to physical training. Sometimes, they'd organize a few controlled brawls between squads, to both promote some friendly competition between clones, and to expand their combat experience.

Unfortunately, today, the only experience the 34th Legion had to learn was that being tossed like ragdolls really, really hurt. Especially when the ones dishing out said ragdolling were enhanced humans equipped with Jump Kits.

And so it was that Natalia and Gardner found themselves jumping, weaving and even twirling around the twelve clone troopers that had stepped up to fight the Pilots, making liberal use of throws, grapples, punches and kicks to floor the dozen soldiers trying and failing to land any solid hits on the much nimbler opponents.

And all around, clone troopers cheered and shouted, encouraging their many brothers to put up any kind of fight. Their incentives, while appreciated, were far from effective.

A fact punctuated by Natalia putting the last clone standing's neck on a leg lock, before flipping him over her body in a boosted spin and flinging him into the ground.

"And that's… Game," said Gardner through a few labored breaths as he took his helmet off and wiped the sweat off his brow, fist-bumping Natalia in victory before carefully helping the beaten clones off the ground, while off to the side Harper, Wolfe and Jacob readied themselves to assist with any wounds, and ADAM finished compiling the recordings of all the matches. "Phew… Alright, five rounds, that should be about enough, right?"

"It certainly stops here, that's for sure."

The steely tone of the words drew the full attention of the crowd towards it, and to the Paladins' dread, it was indeed their CO approaching with arms crossed and a disapproving look in her eyes, while beside her a clone captain his gaze solely on the troopers groaning in pain off to the side.

"Oh, uhh… H-Hey there, commander, good to… See you?"

"Gardner, what was the first thing I warned you of before we even came aboard this ship?"

"Yes ma'am, and I understand very well what this looks like, but! I have a perfect explanation for all of this."

"And what would that be, lieutenant?"

"This… Is just a teamwork exercise. See, we thought it'd be better to teach them how to operate together against highly mobile enemies… You know, just in case."

"…"

"…"

"Forty laps around the hangar. Just for that shitty excuse. You as well, Nat. Get to it."

And with the most miserable whine a human being could utter, both Natalia and Gardner dragged themselves into a jog, leaving their squad mates to snicker behind their backs. Just then, a voice called out on the ship's internal broadcast system.

"Attention, Commander Elyse and Paladin Unit. Please report to the bridge. I repeat, Commander Elyse and Paladin Unit, please report to the bridge."

"Paladins, pack up. Natalia, Gardner, you too."

"Oh thank God…"

"Don't worry, you'll pay my laps after this is done. Now move it."

"Aye aye, ma'am…"

-O-

BRIDGE – FIVE MINUTES LATER

When the seven Pilots arrived on the bridge, they found the usual bustle of the crew working diligently at their stations, but this time two figures stood at the forefront of the bridge's main walkway, staring at the distorted blue-and-black vortex. One was Master Yoda, now sitting upon a small hover chair, with his cane carefully laid atop his lap. The other was clad in a jet-black uniform not unlike that of the high echelon of the ARES Division, but with the red highlights replaced with green and golden ones, the Frontier Army skull emblem proudly etched on the back of the long coat, and several medals adorning his chest.

With neatly trimmed short white hair, a veritable mane of a beard wrapped around his face, one deep hazel eye and one milky-white one, the only reason Lance Howe did not look a day past his fifties when he had already hit his seventies was due to the amazing medical advancements by Vinson Dynamics.

Both elders turned to the approaching Paladins, with Yoda letting out a cheerful chuckle at the sight of the two more disheveled Pilots further at the back, while Howe simply raised an eyebrow in curiosity. "Commander Elyse."

"Captain Howe, Master Yoda," she replied, giving both a respectable nod.

"I assume there is an explanation to this."

"There is, captain, but we have more important things to think about, do we not?"

"Mhmhmhmhm. A valuable lesson, they most likely learned, no?" asked Yoda cheerfully, his laugh returning even stronger when Natalia and Gardner's response was to groan loudly. "Still, thankful for your arrival, I am. Arriving onto our destination, we soon will."

"All hands, brace for hyperspeed deceleration."

Not ten seconds after the announcement was made, a faint rumble made all in the bridge lurch slightly forward just as the vortex ahead of them gave way to normal space, revealing their destination.

It was unlike anything the Militia members had ever seen.

The planet was larger than any they had seen in the Frontier, with its surface covered in massive continuous lines of artificial lights, and not a single body of water visible from orbit. Thousands of small light dots, each likely a different spaceship hovering in orbit of the capital, moved slowly in a mesmerizing dance, while far closer to them were several tens of Venator-class warships, arranged in perfectly orderly patterns, no doubt to safeguard the great capital of the galactic government. On each side of the Solemnity, both the Hippolyta and Chronos hovered into view, their organic-shaped hulls contrasting heavily with the far more angular vessels that hovered about, huddled close enough to their guide ship that they would not be lost on the chaotic interstellar traffic.

"This is… Surreal…" muttered Elyse as she stared wide-eyed at the moving spectacle unfolding in front of her. Behind her, the rest of the Paladin Unit watched just as intently, with ADAM's head swiveling to and fro as he meticulously recorded all into his data banks.

"It is quite a sight indeed," replied Lance beside her, hiding his own surprise with a mask of professionalism. "To think such a sight was possible in the cosmos… It is a sobering thought. A reminder we are not alone."

"A sobering thought, indeed," added Master Yoda with a smile, turning his hover chair to face the commander and captain standing beside him. "Much, the Force teaches all Jedi. That we are all connected, its most basic teaching is. Even if not a part of it, together the Force has brought us." And with a final bow of his head, Master Yoda smiled softly at the gathered humans. "And assist as best we can, we all shall."

"And we are most grateful, Jedi Master."

"Mhm. Now, to our transport, let us go. Keep our hosts waiting, we should not, hm?"

-O-

CORUSCANT AIR SPACE – ENROUTE TO REPUBLIC EXECUTIVE BUILDING

The flight to the central offices was shockingly smooth and silent, at least to the Milky Way humans. When one travelled solely in air and spacecrafts with roaring engines, finding themselves aboard a shuttle with a propulsion system as silent as a whisper, it led to some initial apprehension. That feeling quickly vanished once the diplomatic party broke through the atmosphere and reached the planet-wide city beneath the clouds.

It was a horizon of steel and glass, with flying vehicles all traveling down perfectly ordained pathways, disappearing around and behind massive high rises that seemed to be a mix of dozens of different architectures. A few times, a military gunship would fly past them,

Throughout the travel, captain Lance and Yoda calmly talked with one another, sometimes gesticulating towards something outside, or just to the open air between the human and the alien. The Jedi Master, for his part, seemed content to answer the many casual questions the man posited to him, taking away the attention from the only two other representatives from the Fifth Fleet aboard the shuttle: Elyse… And ADAM.

And while the commander busied herself by simply looking out the window and taking in the sights, ADAM had a far more important role: transmit data back to the Fifth Fleet, and maintain both Lance and Elyse updated on their situation. For now, the latest update from Shatterglass confirmed that the fleet had successfully avoided detection, just jumped to three systems away from Coruscant, and were now holding position awaiting further instructions.

If things did not go as planned, at least they would not need to travel far to return "home".

Still, optimism was important. And necessary.

"We'll be arriving on the Republic Executive Building shortly, please standby," called out the pilot through the comms, prompting Lance and Elyse to look out through the windows of the shuttle and gaze at the approaching building near the apparent ground-level. And curiously enough, bar its obvious and massive size, the "Executive Building" was nothing more than a dome, with several open layers around its center where dozens of different ships were either landing, moored or taking off. Nevertheless, the sheer scale certainly pointed to its purpose: to show the opulence and power that the Galactic Republic wielded. Further in the horizon, behind the executive building was a far more grandiose building, this one mushroom shaped and higher into the air. Perhaps a meeting ground or related?

"Alright, let's get ready for this," spoke up Elyse as she rose from her seat, ADAM promptly joining her as the two moved to the front of the ship alongside Master Yoda and captain Lance as the shuttle gracefully and carefully lowered itself onto the open-air dock, landing with a soft thud onto the metal runway. Once the exit ramp was lowered, the four passengers quickly filed out of the transport, with Master Yoda calmly motioning to an approaching entourage of several people.

Six of them wore long blue robes and fully concealing helmets, with metallic rifles slung over their shoulders with a strap. Clearly, they were a personal guard of sorts, here to protect the other three members of the group: a man with crystal blue eyes, short brown hair and a beard of equal color that seemed to challenge Howe's for mass. He was dressed in simple-looking cloth robes, and a large, thick brown cloak draped around his body.

The second person was a young woman dressed in a gorgeous violet dress with branch-like jewel patterns, a purple cloak over her dress and an ornate golden neck brace and ornament holding her hair into a bun shape. She had a peaceful, amicable and almost disarming look to her, and her smile seemed to come naturally to her.

The final member of the entourage was one that Lance and Elyse quickly realized was the reason for the guard detail present: an old man, dressed in plain black robes and with a long crimson vest hanging from his shoulders. His hair line had long receded to the back of his head, and his silver-white hair both meshed perfectly with his almost pale skin tone, and served to reinforce the age this man had. His expression was peaceful, his stance relaxed, but there was an air of authority around him that made clear this man held power, both personal and bureaucratic.

"Chancellor Palpatine. A surprise it is, to have you meet us," spoke up Yoda as he approached the group, his hover chair stopping a few paces away from meeting them. Said chancellor, in response, simply smiled and gave the small alien a respectful nod, folding his hands calmly in front of himself.

"Master Yoda, news of your safety and success are reason for much rejoicing, it felt only appropriate to personally greet your return to Coruscant," replied Palpatine, before turning to face the two Pilots and ship captain standing to the side. "And of course, to both thank your saviors, and properly welcome them into our home."

"It is an honor to meet you, Supreme Chancellor," spoke Howe impeccably, giving the man a respectful bow. "I am captain Lance Howe of the Militia's Fifth Fleet. These are Commander Elyse, leader of our fleet, and ADAM, one of the Pilots under her direct command." Both Pilots gave equal bows, and when they raised themselves, found the bearded Jedi watching the latter in deep curiosity as he stroked his beard.

"A droid soldier? It is certainly a unique choice," he spoke calmly. With a slight twitch to his head, ADAM turned to face the Jedi, his singular large glass eye reflecting some of the sunlight off of it.

"Similar classifications were given by clone troopers during our travels. However, I am not an artificial intelligence. I am a simulacrum, a human mind uploaded into a robotic chassis."

"A human mind?" asked the woman in surprise, now eyeing the simulacrum just as intently as the bearded Jedi. "So were you a living person before?"

"That is correct."

"Perhaps such discussions would be better left to a more private setting, would you not agree?" asked Palpatine, motioning to the building behind him. "A meeting room has already been arranged for our use. Shall we?"

-O-

REPUBLIC EXECUTIVE BUILDING – NEGOTIATIONS ROOM 12

It had been almost exactly as Lance had expected it to be: a large, plain room, with a large table split into two different sides with six chairs on each side, and a massive window revealing the city skyline outside the building. Simple, effective, and a perfect way to remind any who entered here that they were negotiating with a political titan.

"Before we begin these talks, allow me to say that the Galactic Republic offers both its gratitude for your assistance in such dangerous endeavors, and our most sincere sympathies for the situation you find yourself in," said Palpatine as the group filed into the room, the chancellor motioning the Militia representatives to one side of the table, while he, his chosen entourage and Master Yoda moved to the opposite. "I understand that the loss of one's home is a tragic occurrence, and we stand ready to assist in any way possible."

"We are thankful for your generosity and sympathy, Chancellor," replied Howe as he sat on a chosen chair, with Elyse beside him and ADAM right after.

"Well, let us begin with proper introductions. I am Sheev Palpatine, Supreme Chancellor of the Republic."

"I am Padmé Amidala, Senator and representative of the planet Naboo," said the woman politely with a smile, before turning towards the last person in the room, the bearded man.

"Obi-Wan Kenobi, Master of the Jedi Order."

"And I believe you're already properly acquainted with Grand Master Yoda?" asked Palpatine as he motioned to the small green alien atop the hover chair, earning three nods of confirmation from the Militia members. "Then I believe we can properly begin our negotiations."

"Very well." And with just two words, Howe's entire demeanor shifted: his posture, expression, gaze… All of them hardened into a more professional appearance, as he placed his crossed hands atop the table. "From what we understand, the Republic seems to be in conflict with a Separatist movement. Is that correct?"

"Yes, that is correct," replied Padmé, her expression growing somber as she cast her gaze out the window. "For some time now the forces of the Confederacy have waged war with the Republic, with the stated purpose of seceding from the galactic government."

"Their actions however, speak otherwise," said Obi-Wan. "The Separatists have committed several crimes in their self-declared crusade for independence, endangering the lives of billions in the galaxy in the process. And as I am sure you've witnessed, they are not above utilizing underhanded tactics to achieve these goals."

"Yes, we are… Quite aware," spoke Elyse venomously, memories of her battle with the pale assassin flashing in her mind. "The one we fought in Rugose, the woman wielding the swords. Was she a traitor Jedi?"

"No. Her name is Asajj Ventress, she is a Sith, an order of warriors who seek to destroy the Jedi and always lust for power and dominance. They had vanished for millennia, but have resurfaced in allegiance with the CIS."

"Mm. Traitorous and deceitful, the Sith are. Many they have killed and destroyed in their quest for power. Surprising, their return is, but not their involvement in this war."

Considering the very serious tone both of the Jedi used when describing the woman and her possible associates, Howe found wise to not dismiss such claims. He had received a brief report on the more "mystical" of Master Yoda's abilities, and his talk with the diminutive Jedi on their way down had given him a bit more insight on who and what the Jedi were and were capable of.

And while the term "space magic" was not something he'd use, he did admit the Paladin Unit had some merit calling it so.

The captain took one moment to gather his thoughts, gently stroking his beard as the gears turned in his mind (and Elyse had to stifle a smile when she saw Padmé give Kenobi an amused look for it), until finally he withdrew a small holo-emitter from his coat and gingerly placed it on the desk, pressing a small button on its side. A moment later, a projection of several images appeared, all of them showing the same thing: battles, war zones, and select images of planets and factions.

Most prominently, the IMC and Frontier Army emblems.

"Our home galaxy, the Milky Way, was not as widely explored as yours," began explaining Howe, as small star charts began appearing alongside the many images. "Nor have we encountered sapient civilizations during our expansions. In the end, we humans colonized a great expanse of planets that we came to call the Frontier, a stretch of space teeming with resources and easily-colonizable planets. However, the mega-corporations of the Core Worlds grew too prideful and greedy in their needs, and years after their colonization efforts had bore fruit, they returned to claim it all for themselves, uncaring of the people that had made the Frontier worlds into their home."

As he spoke, the images and videos began scrolling past. Of course, they had been careful to use only clips that featured no Titans, but for the rest? All was left in.

IMC soldiers dragging colonists into mass deportation transports.

Terraforming and seizing of lands.

The Colony G21 Massacre.

With each recording of every atrocity, the expression of the Republicans grew more horrified. Amidala seemed to be the most affected, her eyes wide and mouth agape as she witnessed the IMC's tactics against unarmed civilians. Kenobi and Master Yoda seemed saddened if nothing else, but their expressions remained schooled, with only their eyes betraying their emotions. Palpatine…

It was a strange thing to see. Overtly, he seemed just as appalled as the senator. His body language and expression made that very clear. But there seemed to be… Something else amidst it. And for all the experience both Elyse and Howe had amassed over the years, they could not tell what else the Supreme Chancellor thought of it.

Their answer would only come many, many years later. And too late to make a difference.

"To combat this threat to our freedom, the Frontier Militia was formed," finally spoke Howe as he replaced the recordings with images of the Militia's fledgling fleet and military, and their early battles against the IMC. "Nothing more than dreamers with weapons, doing their best to fight against a foe far greater than them. And for the first few years, all they could do was stall the end. It all changed at the Battle of Demeter, however, where the Militia inflicted a devastating defeat to the IMC that saw the corporation's influence shrink to near nothingness over the period of five years. The subsequent victory in the Battle of Typhon saw the rise of the New Frontier Federation, and the removal of all IMC forces from our space… The war still continued, however."

"Captain… For how long has this war lasted?" asked Amidala in uncertainty, her tone making clear that she dreaded the answer.

"Fifty years."

Elyse's voice was barely above a whisper when she answered, staring transfixed at the holographic images. Her brilliant silver eyes shone, both with their own cybernetic light, and with the pure, undiluted fury burning inside them. It made the Republic representatives painfully aware of what kind of soldier… What kind of warrior sat across from them.

"Fifty years the IMC has haunted us, come for our home time and again. And for fifty years we've beaten them back." The commander turned back towards the delegates, her expression softening the slightest amount. "To you, we would be Separatists. But we don't seek chaos. We wish only for our freedom, to be let be and not under the thrall of any."

"And that leads us to our current conundrum, Chancellor," added Howe as he shut off and retrieved the holo-emitter. "We know of the consequences of our actions upon entry into this galaxy, and that we've angered a political power far greater than us."

"Then what would you request of the Republic, captain?"

"Political asylum. That we be taken as refugees, allowed haven in one of your colonies, or an empty world fit for habitation, so that we may rebuild our homes."

At those words, Palpatine hummed thoughtfully, his fingers splayed together. "While I and the Republic understand your plight, you must understand that colonization is not a simple matter, captain. The Republic represents hundreds of governments, all of them with defined territories and expansion requests. Not to mention the refugees caused by the war itself." Once he finished speaking, the chancellor's expression both grew hardened and saddened, his gaze shifting equally between the three Militia members. "I apologize. While I can acquiesce to our request of asylum, a colony world is beyond my immediate power."

"Would our fleet be allowed port on Coruscant?"

"That is certainly feasible. Centax-3, one of our moons, is currently being utilized as a general shipyard and colony. Your ships would be more than welcome to dock onto its facilities, and your crew would be allowed to utilize its civilian facilities, under proper monitoring of course... But I must be frank to both you and the commander, captain Howe: our charity can go only so far." Hearing the end of his declaration, Senator Amidala turned and watched her superior in shock, almost shooting from her seat.

"Chancellor?!"

"Mmm… Sadly, agree with the Chancellor, I must."

"Senator Amidala, while we are willing to assist refugees, you must understand that we still require to finance both the war and relief supplies. Cruel as it may sound, we cannot maintain long-term charitable efforts for groups that are not direct citizens of the Republic," replied Palpatine, his voice now holding a far greater tone of finality to it. Beside him, Kenobi nodded solemnly.

"The Chancellor is correct, Senator. Many other planets suffer under the ambition of the Confederacy. Republic planets. We must care for our citizens first and foremost, even if our newcomers have their own plight."

"That is why we are open to assist."

The four delegates returned their attention to captain Howe, each staring at the man in varying degrees of surprise.

"Captain…?"

"It… Is of agreement of the fleet that even under asylum, we are targets. And strangers we may be to this galaxy, we could not call ourselves true Militia members if we turned our backs to the suffering of others, especially when they suffer just as we did."

"We come from all walks of life, delegates," continued Elyse as she withdrew her knife from its sheath and twirled it expertly between her fingers. "The Militia refused none. All were accepted: Murderers, pirates, smugglers… Mercenaries." And when she saw the spark of realization in their eyes, the commander grasped that chance with every ounce of her strength, and prayed it would work. "We will not march to our deaths for you. But the Fifth Fleet pledges to fight alongside the Republic to see the end of this war… And in return, the Republic would compensate our services with access to shipyards, certain supplies… And a possible future colony."

Her words, impassioned as they were, served to bring silence onto the table as the four Republic members mulled over their declaration, though none seemed more eager than Palpatine himself, who now stared at the Pilots and captain with a new and strange calculating gaze, almost as if measuring and weighing any and all advantages the Fifth Fleet could grant him.

The silence was quickly broken, though curiously not by any member of the meeting per se, but instead by the melodious chime of Obi-Wan's commlink indicating an oncoming transmission. With a muttered apology, the Jedi Master withdrew his communicator from his robes and placed it onto the table, allowing the image of two distinct people to come to life: one, a young girl with horns similar to the Council member Elyse had met, though wearing a very… Minimalist style of clothing. The other was a young man clad in an armored brown vest, with wavy blond hair, ashen blue eyes and a scar running down his right eye, who seemed to have a very downcast expression. "Master. I apologize for the interruption."

"Anakin. I am glad to see you are well and healed," replied Kenobi with a warm smile, while beside him Amidala's own smile returned quickly at the sight of the young man. "And congratulations are in order, of course. Your resourcefulness has served you well in Bothawui."

"It is very good to see you in better health indeed, Master Skywalker," added Palpatine as he motioned towards the hologram. "Your victory has allowed us to maintain the safety of a very important ally."

"Thank you, master…"

Hearing the sullen reply, Kenobi's expression shifted into one of concern in a split second as he beheld the hologram of his former apprentice. "You look troubled."

"I've… Lost R2 in the field. We couldn't find any trace of him after the battle…"

"A friend you have lost today, young Skywalker. Yet allow it to ground you, let your feelings you should not," said Yoda in a calm and even tone, waving his hand lightly as he spoke. "Allow it to let go, you must."

Hearing those words, the young man's stance perked up, taking a step closer to his communicator. "I could take a squadron out, search and track him down!"

"Anakin, with all due respect, R2 is just a droid. You know attachment is not acceptable for a Jedi."

It was only the fact she had held her peace the entire call that allowed Amidala to see the way Elyse shifted uncomfortably at Obi-Wan's words, something that filled her with both curiosity and worry.

"It's not just that, master…" replied the young man, and for a second his bravado lost its momentum as he averted his eyes from his teacher."Umm, how should I put this… I… Didn't wipe R2's memory banks…"

"What?!"

It was a rare sight to see Obi-Wan Kenobi raise his voice in surprise. Today, the Militia members were greeted with specifically such a sight, as the Jedi almost catapulted the chair he had been sitting on into the wall.

"You mean to tell me he is still programmed with all our strategies and base locations?! If the Separatists find him… Anakin, what possessed you into never erasing that droid's memory banks?!"

"Master Obi-Wan, the information inside R2 has helped us in several situations to this day," spoke up the young girl, in what Howe realized was a quick attempt to cover for the young man. Thankfully, said attempt proved successful at placating some of Kenobi's anger, though dissatisfaction was still present in his face.

"Then find that droid, Anakin. Our necks might very well depend on it-"

"Allow us to assist then."

Elyse's voice drew the attention of the four present and the two calling through the communicator, and to their surprise her face was a mask of determination.

"As our first act to prove our worth and capabilities, allow us to send one of our teams to assist in the search for this droid."

"Indeed," added Howe with a satisfied smile. "After all, recovering critical and sensitive data before it fell into enemy hands is certainly a proper way to showcase our abilities and worth as mercenaries. Would you not agree?"

Once more, Palpatine returned to his pensive state, before finally giving a firm nod of approval. "Very well, I shall allow this. But pray tell, commander, have you any teams prepared?" And to the Chancellor's surprise, Howe merely smiled before withdrawing his own communicator, taping onto it once to reveal a hologram of its own, but rather than a humanoid figure, it instead depicted an emblem of a round, stubby doll, and the word "GOLEM" beneath the figure.

"This is APOLLO. Your orders, captain?"

"You are cleared for launch. Coordinates will be delivered shortly."

"Understood, sir. Golem Unit, moving out."

-O-

G.A.R. WARSHIP RESOLUTE, ANAKIN SKYWALKER'S FLAGSHIP – SPIRANA SYSTEM – TWO DAYS LATER…

"I don't like this…"

"Yes, master, you've stated this a few times now."

"General, with respect, we should trust in the Chancellor's and General Kenobi's decision."

Captain Rex and Ahsoka Tano found themselves yet again attempting to calm down the anxious Jedi Knight pacing inside the bridge like a caged gundark. Ever since the Supreme Chancellor had given the news that a "contracted mercenary unit" would be joining them on the search for R2, Anakin's mood had taken quite a plummet, not helped by the fact his replacement astromech droid, R3-S6 (or as Ahsoka and Anakin had taken to call him, "Goldie" and "Stubbie" respectively), had just arrived a few hours ago.

And now a bunch of hired guns who most likely cared only for money would take part in the mission. How could he trust them?

"I still think we should have left immediately and just left these mercenaries behind," spoke Anakin sourly as he stared yet again at the empty space ahead of his flagship.

"Master, maybe if we give them a chance, they could end up surprising you," said Ahsoka in a more cheerful tone as she stepped forward to stand beside Anakin. "We haven't even seen them yet!"

"I know, Snips, I know… But still…"

"Besides, we know the debris field is recent enough that it won't have been picked apart by scavengers yet," added Rex, giving his commanding officer a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "We'll find that droid, sir. You can count on it."

With a deep sigh, Anakin tried to rub some of the weariness out of his eyes, when suddenly…

"General, I'm picking up some strange energy readings in our scanners…" called out Yularen from where he stood, leaning over the seat of one of the bridge crewmembers. "I've never seen anything like it before." As Anakin made to question the Admiral, something in the corner of his vision caught his attention, while the Force wavered and warned him of something incoming.

And so Anakin, Ahsoka, Rex and Yularen watched as, just ahead of the Resolute, space seemed to warp and distort onto itself, small arcs of lighting erupting from the epicenter of the phenomenon, until finally, in a bright multi-colored flash, a ship simply appeared ahead of them.

It was quite small, perhaps the size of a smaller corvette, but it looked unlike any ship Anakin had ever seen. It was pitch black, angular, and obviously heavily armed. Yet the most striking thing about the craft was its avian shape, like that of a bird-of-prey, ready to strike its target.

"This is the Golem Unit, of the Fifth Fleet's Corvo dropship, requesting permission to dock for rendezvous with General Anakin Skywalker of the Resolute. Please respond."

"… Any comments you want to add, Snips?"

"… They still might be friendly."

~O~

It's finished, fuckos.

Just kidding, I love you all. Anyway, here it is!

I've tinkered with the timeline, as you can see, so the events of "Downfall of a Droid"/"Duel of the Droids" takes place here instead of after the hunt and battle against the Malevolence. Because I am a god-like being and I can do that shit in my own stories, and all of you are powerless to stop me *does Default Dance*

Also I said it would be a shorter chapter, and yet it still ended up being 7k+ words. I need to learn some damn self-control already…

Well, anyways, since all of you folks have been good beans, and because it got a LOT of attention on SpaceBattles (seriously y'all on FanFiction Net, step up your games of praising and adoring me like the folks at SB do… Just kidding, no need for that, I love y'all regardless), I'll be doing chapter 2 of Re-GX already!

…

That is… After I write a special little thing. And what can I say about it… Other than it bites.

Stay tuned~