So much to do here, so much to talk about.
And then, Clone Wars Season 7 trailer drops ramping up my love for the Clone Wars and this story as a whole just lighting a fire under my ass to write out as much as humanly possible these next few days. OH MAN, much as I hate the Disney Sequel trilogy, Mandalorian, Clone Wars, Fallen Order and Rogue One have all been just downright awesome. God, Order 66 is gonna be tough to watch when you think about it. All those Clones we all grew to care for turning on their Jedi brothers and sisters.
Do you guys remember when they first announced Clone Wars would get its true final farewell back in SDCC 2018? God, I remember actually crying a bit at seeing that. To know that the Star Wars I grew up with was getting a proper ending is all I want to see from Disney's Star Wars. When you think about it, as much fans were made from the movies, there is a sub-generation of fans that exclusively grew up specifically on the Clone Wars and in extension the prequels. Really, The Clone Wars for me have and always will be, My Star Wars.
But now, there are many answers people seek and all of that as I said will come in time. So many plot lines so little time.
Pretty sure that by the time we reach the end of this story, we'll be in the solid triple digits. And who's to say this won't have a sequel? Who knows, the future is always in motion.
My comrade BulletStormX recently ran an idea by me that's honestly to good to pass up but that won't come until a later date. Like way later unfortunately but that does give time to better form what can come.
Until that time.
Rate Read and Review and as Always Have Nice Day.
Avengers Infinite Wars Chapter 23: Everything in Motion
Count Dooku meditated within his personal chambers of his home world, Serenno.
The Force has been erratic, the second shockwave signaling the arrival of more of these super powered individuals from the planet Earth. His Master had been keeping him informed of the Avengers and their actions and now they had gained yet another of an Enhanced from their planet.
This was beyond troubling for the Count. He had been dwelling on this for some time now since the first batch had arrived and he merely chalked it up to happenstance. But now? A second group had apparently arrived. And who knows what these one's were capable of. And if a second group arrived, who's to say that a third or fourth won't?
From the holo-vids he had seen to what his master had informed him of, these enhanced beings were a power to be reckoned with and not to be taken so lightly. The past few conflicts that they had been directly involved in showed as much.
Each one within their own rights were capable of matching the best combatants they had thrown at them. Ventress, he could forgive. She was completely caught off guard and her training has yet to be finished.
But Grievous and Durge?
Those two were seasoned, battle-hardened warriors. So to be bested by Avengers during their first encounters was testament to their capabilities.
The droid General had been training frantically, having recently killed two more Jedi.
Durge had gone off to seek improvements on his own to add to the upgrades Dooku provided for him. The Gen'Dai bounty hunter had been filled with same fire that Grievous held, especially holding contempt for a particular Avenger.
Since then, Sidious and Tyrannus had been forced in accelerating certain aspects of their overall grand plan in order to counter act and combat this new growing threat. Sidious remained assured that overall, everything will still go as planned. But it would be better to be safer than sorry.
Sidious even believed that eventually, these Avengers might be useful in the long run.
Dooku was unsure at first, yet his master spoke of something that did lend credence to such a claim.
They were highly individualistic with clear strong opinions and morals on how they go about their business.
Morals and opinions that would and indeed will clash with the Jedi. It may not seem like it at first due to them assisting the Jedi and the Republic on a number of occasions now. But Sidious could feel it. As much as the Avengers are allies to the Jedi right now, they will have their own conflict with the Jedi. It was only a matter of time.
However, he had another role to fulfill right now.
He was assigned by his master that preparations must be accelerated and he shall do what he must.
Exhaling, Dooku's eyes opened and he stood from his seat and exited his chambers.
Walking down a corridor, Dooku arrived at his intended destination and the door to the room opened upon him getting near. He entered a large hollowed room, standing upon an elevated platform.
Down below, crimson blades whirling about, was his apprentice Asajj Ventress. She was having a practice duel with a pair of Magna-Guards that he had taken from Grievous and had been retro-fitted for her training.
Currently, she was on the offensive against one of the Magna-Guards while the other stood to the side on standby, her blades clashing against its electrified staff made to resist Lightsabers.
She held the advantage until the Guard reared its head back and twirled its staff until jabbing her in her stomach, knocking the wind out of her.
Dropping to the ground on her knees, wheezing, Ventress looked up in time to have her faced whacked with the Magna-guards weapon.
She flew back, landing hard on the ground.
Growling, Ventress kicked up to her feet and threw both her hands forward. The Magna-Guard sailed back into the wall, smashing into the hard metal.
Just as she ignited her lightsabers, Dooku made his presence known.
"You must be swifter, My Apprentice."
Asajj quickly turned to see Dooku, the Platform he stood upon lowering to the training ground. She kneeled down as her master approached.
"Master." She said as she always did, adhering to the Sith customs between Master and Apprentice.
"You have been advancing well into your training, my young apprentice." Dooku said, beginning to circle round his student. "But I have seen several flaws within your movements, your actions as well as your temperament."
"You must reign in and concentrate." Dooku went on. "When your emotions take control, you gain a greater power but also a greater weakness. You become vulnerable and easy to predict leading to a swifter defeat. Discipline yourself for finding the proper balance between your rage and your focus."
"Yes My Master." Asajj promised.
"There are many new enemies we are facing." Dooku said, standing before her now. "Enemies that have proven to be quite adaptable and much more powerful then we had anticipated."
Asajj clenched her fist in frustration and anger, knowing exactly to what and whom her Master was referring to.
"Quell your rage and save it for later, My Apprentice." Dooku said patiently. "Your initial loss to the Avengers while unwelcomed was unforeseen. An unpredictable element that came in to play that took all off guard, including the Avengers. But we will not be unprepared the next time we face them. They will know of our power when the time comes. Including yours."
Once again Asajj both swelled with pride and confliction.
Pride in knowing her Master held great expectations of her skills and potential yet that's where her confusion came in. When she was found by her master, Dooku spoke of her latent power sleeping within her. How her master's Master sensed the same thing. Yet they could not describe it to her nor could she exactly tap into it.
Force her, she wasn't even aware that she had it. At first, she chalked it up to something involving the Force or her connection to her home world of Dathomir. But after a while, she realized that wasn't the case something both her masters discovered as well. Sidious then simply stated that they be patient and allow the potential to come naturally, with artificial methods may proving to be more dangerous and detracting then helpful.
Now all she could do was train, day in and day out whenever she was able to. Of course she conducted her missions under Dooku but she was growing impatient at the prospect of not being able to access her "hidden powers". Perhaps there are ancient Sith Holocrons, texts or archives that may shed some light on her problem.
"Come my apprentice, there is work to be done." Dooku said, prompting to her to rise and follow after her master.
The two departed from her training quarters, walking down to the lower levels of Dooku's personal estate.
Battle droids were found all around the estate, programmed to guard the Counts home along with his own selection of security forces.
Eventually, they arrived at their destination.
Underground was a series of chambers Dooku had constructed over the past few years since becoming Darth Tyrannus dedicated to studying and practicing the Dark Side of the Force. This was where Dooku furthered his own training along with the ever-growing number of followers to his cause.
His Acolytes.
Upon entering the underground chambers, Dooku and Ventress were greeted to the sight of two blades clashing at once.
This sparring session was conducted between Weequay and Human males, the former being the clear superior in this match.
The human male had tried with vicious aggression to overwhelm his older and more seasoned opponent, yet the Weequay Acolyte side stepped and swatted the human aside with practiced ease.
With his opponent down for a moment, it gave the Weequay time to notice Dooku and Ventress with him promptly deactivating his Lightsaber.
"Skorr." The Weequay said to his sparring partner who had gotten back up to his feet and saw his master and fellow acolyte.
Both fell to their knees as Dooku came up to them both.
"Impressive work as always, Master Sora." Dooku praised. "Soon, the rest shall be elevated to your degree of skills."
"I thank you for the praise, Master Dooku." Sora Bulq responded humbly. "Have you come to us for a mission?"
"In a manner of speaking." Dooku said plainly, momentarily regarding both his acolytes.
Tol Skorr was a tall, blond haired and scarred man who like Sora was once a Knight of the Jedi order. Rescued by Dooku on the ancient Sith home world of Korriban, Tol had devoted an undying loyalty to the Count which rewarded him in being one of Dooku's Acolytes.
Sora Bulq however was a truly great acquisition in the eyes of Dooku. A former Jedi Master renowned in the order as being an exceptional lightsaber duelist, he along with Mace Windu had developed a variation of the most aggressive form of lightsaber forms, Juyo. He himself held great interest in learning of its practices as it would be useful in eventually combatting Sidious.
Fighting his current Master was an eventuality that all Sith faced.
As the four Force-users gathered in a circle of sorts, it was strange that at one point, all four that stood within this chamber followed the ancient ways of the Jedi only to be disillusioned with them as time went on.
"I am here to speak with you of your most recent findings, Bulq." Dooku said, arms crossed with expectation. "You said you may have someone of interest for me."
"I do indeed, Dooku." Sora Bulq said with conviction, reaching for his belt.
Pulling out a display-disk, Sora activated the device showing a holo-projection of an aged male wearing traditional Jedi robes with a cloth wrapped around where his eyes would be.
Dooku recognized the Jedi immediately. "Prosset Dibs?"
"Indeed, Count." Sora nodded. "It appears that he has clashed with Master Windu sometime after the start of the war and has been imprisoned in the lower levels of the Temple on Coruscant. His skills and knowledge would do well in serving our goals."
Dooku thought on the matter, recalling the few times he had spoken with Master Dibs and his perception of the Jedi Order.
While a stout and firm believer in the Jedi Code and responsibilities, Dibs was also very open with his view upon the Orders duty being to the Republic then the Force itself. A Jedi's duty was to the Force, not politics, a resentment that grew over time. He was curious to hear Dibs' story on how he had gone from respected Jedi Master to prisoner within its own walls.
"Go Bulq." Dooku instructed the Weequay Dark Jedi. "Travel to Coruscant and liberate Master Dibs from his cage. He may serve us well should he join us."
Sora Bulq merely bowed forward, turning to depart immediately with Tol Skorr joining him upon Dooku's orders.
Without looking to his primary apprentice, Dooku spoke. "Have you made contact with the leader of Death Watch?"
"I have my Master." Asajj stated. "Vizla awaits a meeting between you and himself. He wishes to personally regard whether or not this alliance would benefit his people."
Dooku nodded. "You have done well, Ventress. Your next assignment shall further test your growth and resolve."
"I am ready, My Master."
Wordlessly, the Count reached for his Lightsaber with barely a visible motion. Igniting his curved hilt, Dooku held it before him before twirling it and slashing at Ventress who quickly held it back with her own two crimson blades.
"Then let us see if those words prove to be true." Dooku said with intense focus.
-Scene Cut-
Captain Steve Rogers was feeling a serious case of mental exhaustion.
Too many thoughts were going through his head all at once, making him wonder how exactly he not passed out from it all.
Tony had apparently been keeping himself busy back home on Earth though that came as no surprise there. The team was fully aware that Stark wasn't a man to simply to sit around, waiting for things to come to him. He did things in his own fast and eclectic ways.
It also wasn't so surprising to hear that Tony was working himself day and night in trying to find them when they had gone missing. Barton and Pym had even joined in to pick up the slack.
In all honesty, Steve found it rather heart warming and reassuring that even as divisive as times that they can be Stark was willing to do a lot for those he considered friends and allies. Nat on the other hand felt grumpy that Clint couldn't stay retired for a few weeks at a time.
And as much Steve and the others had tried to, there was no talking down Nat on her stance of her blaming herself for Clint having to come out of retirement. Then again, she knew she'd do the same for him if their roles had been reversed.
Then there was the new kid Peter Parker or Spider-Man as he called himself. Tony had apparently been eyeing Peter for some time, the young kid telling him that he wanted to take him under his wing and send him up to HQ where he could be trained properly under Steve. This sure as hell wasn't what Steve, Peter and definitely Tony had in mind.
Kid had heart, that was for sure. Young, definitely around Ahsoka's age but determined and optimistic even if he was borderline ecstatic and freaked upon learning just what kind of a situation he had been dropped into. Yet, there was something else to him. Something Steve easily recognized that seemed to be a trait shared amongst the team as a whole. Aside from the kid being from Queens. Kindred spirit and all.
It was easy for a man of Steve's character to see the self-burden and weight the kid carried. It was damn near impossible to detect with how awe inspired Peter was in seeing everything he had these past few days. But a seasoned warrior and hero like Cap found it in the eyes. It's always in the eyes.
Knowing there was story to tell, Rogers thought on the other two that were apparently with Parker when he appeared in this galaxy.
So on top of finding their two missing members, there were now an additional two that were lost somewhere in the stars.
Just great.
So much to do so little ti-
*WHACK*
Steve grunted, holding the side of his head while cringing in pain.
"Oh my." Aayla Secura instantly deactivated her practice blade and walked over to Rogers. "I'm so sorry Steve, are you alright? I did not strike you too hard, did I?"
"Geez Steve, you alright?" Anakin Skywalker voiced his own concerns from the side of the training room they currently stood in.
"Yeah, I'll be fine." Steve said, rubbing the side of his temple. "Nice shot."
"That was more than a nice hit." Anakin remarked.
"Indeed." Aayla place her hand on Steve's wrist, pulling his hand down to reveal the bruise forming on the side. "These blades may be low in power, but they're still physical."
"Guess I just wasn't paying attention." Steve said, wincing slightly as he felt Aayla's fingers trace themselves over his injury.
"Figured as much." Anakin had the same idea. "What's on your mind, Cap? You're not usually distracted that much."
"Does this have to do with young Parkers arrival and what he has told you recently?" Aayla assumed.
Steve could only nod in affirmation. "Pretty much. Got a kid now up here in space while Earth is still vulnerable. I trust Tony and Clint to keep watch but I'd rather they not do it alone. Two men could only do so much."
"From what that kid told us, doesn't seem like they intend on doing it alone." Anakin stated.
"And I'm glad to hear that." Steve admitted. "Doesn't mean I'm any less worried."
"Well, I'd normally say that you should trust in the Force but since your planet appears to be devoid of it." Steve smirked slightly at Anakins comment. "I guess you could only trust in your friends."
"It's all I can do right now." Steve sighed, wishing that he could do more.
"Sometimes, a little faith is all one needs." Aayla said with a reassuring tone. "Besides, I think this is something that can be viewed positively."
This made both men look at the Twi'lek Jedi in confusion.
"If there appears to be other methods of travel between Earth and this galaxy, then there is no doubt a means of getting back there." Aayla stated. "Just have faith and patience in your friends, Rogers. From what you've told me, they have yet to let you down."
Steve blinked before giving her an appreciative smile, Anakin chuckling aloud.
"Where'd that come from?" Anakin asked in bemusement.
Aayla gave her fellow Knight a coy smile. "You forget who my masters are, Skywalker."
Anakin hummed in amusement. "True enough."
"Still…" Steve had a somber look. "I just hate how I can't do more right now. We've got two new guys out in the galaxy on top of Wanda and Vision still not being found."
"Well we did find most of the team so far." Anakin said. "By pure… happenstance…"
"I guess we're just gonna have to wait for more accidents to occur." Aayla wryly said.
"There is a bright side to all this." Anakin said.
Both Aayla and Steve looked to Skywalker in confusion with the former asking, "How so?"
Anakin shrugged. "Easy. If anything goes wrong, blows up or doesn't involve the Force, I won't be blamed for it as much."
Steve deadpanned at the Jedi though he knew that there was merit to Anakin's words. To much tended to end up in flames or scraps involving the Avengers. Its a bit of a bad tendency all things considered.
Anakin and Aayla laughed at Steve's expression, the Twi'lek Jedi patting him on his shoulder to comfort him.
"Don't worry about it to much, Steve." Aayla said. "In war, everything tends to blow up. I could attest to all my plans usually ending up improvised."
"Same here."
"I know Anakin. All to well."
While the trio conversed, one young teenager from Earth was getting accustomed to his new environment.
Peter Parker was bordering on the edge of complete and utter fear, wonder, amazement, excitement, guilt and so on and so forth.
His emotions and thoughts were so raw on the matter at hand that his two Jedi companions that had been assigned in helping him adjust to his new situation were feeling a bit overwhelmed by these emotions radiating off of him. Void of the Force as he may be like the other Avengers, Ahsoka and Barriss were still able to pick up on certain elements like feelings and such.
Since finding and being sort of saved by him, Ahsoka and Barriss had been assigned to helping young Parker adjust better to the temple and the galaxy as a whole. The rest of Earth's heroes would naturally help out as well but the Council agreed with the Avengers, believing it would be better that Peter get more comfortable through people around his age rather than just grownups.
Ahsoka and Barriss found Peter to be strange but interesting. He had way more questions about… well everything. More so then the Avengers when they first arrived. The Avengers appeared to be the type of individuals that would take base level knowledge and add more as time went on or when the situation called for it.
Peter… was like a sponge.
He was obviously a bit nervous about being on an alien planet, alleviated as he may be with the presence of the Avengers.
However, as soon as Barriss offered Peter the chance to go to the Jedi library he was unsure at first but after several days picked up on Galactic basic and whatever open knowledge was available, Peter had thrown himself into it all.
Rhodey made a comment stating how he understood now why Tony would recruit a kid like him. It was like a miniature Stark, something that jokingly terrified the team.
Currently, Peter's head was buried in another set of texts regarding galactic history completely being absorbed into the fascinating tales of this warrior-culture called the Mandalorians.
Apparently, they have a long and storied presence within the galaxy and have had many encounters with the Jedi.
And speaking of the Jedi, he was blown away at how many thousands of years they've been around. It was crazy.
And they had laser swords! With laser guns!
Then there was this whole Hyperspace travel which kinda reminded him about Halo and their version of FTL, Slip-space. Honestly, this was all too much for a geeky nerd like Peter.
It was like every nerd sci-fi dream coming true.
Least this was keeping him somewhat distracted from the fact that he wasn't on Earth and Aunt May would definitely be worried sick about him.
And like that, all the excitement and intrigue he had on learning about this new galaxy switched off with him slumping forward.
"He seems to do that a lot." Ahsoka said in a low voice to Barriss who sat beside her. The two Padawans were seated at the table beside him, conducting their own studies under the tutelages of their masters since they only had a day or two left before shore leave officially ends.
These crazy events that had happened over the course of the last several days has led to many prolonged shore leaves for Jedi and Clone Troopers alike. Honestly, it was clear to see that it was just a means to beef up Coruscant security till the fires die down.
Though with Peter's arrival on top of being notified that there were now two other enhanced to be found, somehow quelled the fires so to speak. The Force had been even more erratic and chaotic these past few days.
Practically the entire order was on edge with some unable to withhold their personal feelings on the matter, the prevailing description throughout being that of an electric sensation bouncing off their skins. The Force had never felt so potent to them before.
Many did not want to admit it, but rather than tempting it was honestly frightening.
Frowning slightly, Barriss cleared her throat aloud making Peter turn back for a moment before fully facing her seeing that she was calling for him.
"Peter." Barriss said softly. "Are you alright?"
"Oh? Oh! No, no, I-I'm fine." Peter said, trying to play off whatever troubled him though it was clear by their facial expressions they didn't believe him.
"Peter, you know that we could sense your discomfort through the Force." Ahsoka stated.
"You could do that?" Peter asked in intrigue and astonishment.
"There's a lot we could do with the Force." Barriss said with a small smile. "Do you remember what you were told of the Force?"
Peter rubbed his chin. "Er… somewhat. Something about how the Jedi use it for their abilities."
Ahsoka giggled slightly. "That's the abridged version of it, but yes, the Force is what the Jedi call upon to use their abilities and duties to the Republic and the galaxy. It is the source of our power."
"The source of your power?" Peter mused. "How exactly?"
"It's… rather strange and bit difficult to explain." Barriss said. "Here, in this galaxy, we are all connected to the Force. Master Luminara told me something Master Yoda once told her. The Force is the ally of the Jedi not the tool. For it is everywhere, surrounding and binding us together. The Force gives life in the galaxy the power to grow and expand, become that which it believed unattainable. It exists in every corner of the galaxy. From me, to Ahsoka, the books, the ships outside these walls, the denizens of this temple and planet to every blade of grass and leaf within the gardens of the temple. Luminescent that we are, not this base crude matter. To feel the Force and adhere to its duty is the responsibility of all Jedi."
She always enjoyed speaking on the power that connected them all. To her, it was her own way of advancing her knowledge and connection to the Force while helping others connect to this all-encompassing energy, even to those void of it.
Once finishing her small little speech, the Mirialan Jedi realized she had gotten caught up in her own little world with Ahsoka and Peter staring at her.
Barriss wasn't one to get flustered or embarrassed but even she couldn't fight the growing heat in her cheeks.
Ahsoka laughed slightly, nudging her friend. "I always knew you were smarter then me, Barriss but you sounded like a master right there."
"I hope I didn't sound to overexcited." Barriss said sheepishly.
"No, I think you sounded like a true Jedi." Ahsoka said praising her friend, comforting hand on her shoulder. "Wouldn't you say, Peter?"
The girls looked to the spider-themed hero, surprised to find a contemplative and fond look over what they had usually seen when explaining this concept to others who didn't understand the Force.
"Responsibility, huh?" Peter murmured, a sad smile stretching on his face. "You know, this who Force thing sounds like Chi and Chakra… or Buddha from my home planet. Other worldly energy that connects us all. I think Earth does have something similar to this Force stuff now that you mention it."
Ahsoka and Barriss perked up at the mention of this, having never heard the other Avengers speak on it.
"You have something like the Force on Earth?" Barriss asked with intrigue.
"From the way you described it, yeah." Peter nodded, thinking back to the few times he brushed over Japanese history and the many, many Anime and Manga he read that spoke on the matter. He was a nerd after all and being a bit of a weeb fell into that category.
"What's it like?" Ahsoka inquired, propping her chair closer. "This, what'd you call it? Chi, right?"
"Yeah. Chi, Chakra, Zen Buddha. Though I think there's some differences." Peter murmured. "Is the Force within you guys as its own separate thing?"
Both girls were now confused. "What do you mean?"
Peter thought on this for a moment. "From the way you described it, everyone has the Force in one-way shape or form. So it's not your own energy itself, right?"
The Padawans thought on his words. The Force was honestly just that. The Force. It existed in every corner of the galaxy until the arrival of these Earthers who were devoid of it. But still, it was everywhere. There were those who were not adverse Force users who used the microscopic organisms known as Mid-Chlorians to explain what the Force is. But that was just an excuse. The Midi-Chlorians were just the method in which Jedi used to measure one's potential in the Force is all. Understanding the Force in it of itself was entirely different.
"No, the Force is not a latent energy within just a person." Barriss elaborated. "All things in this galaxy have it, some just being more connected then others."
Parker leaned back with his arms crossed, contemplative expression. "Then I guess Chi and Chakra are different in their own right. Those types of things are energies that the individual must tap into within themselves. Not an external thing. Wish I knew more on it though."
"Maybe when we find a way back to your planet, we can find out." Ahsoka said, unable to withhold her want for an adventure. Just like her Master.
"That actually sounds like a wonderful idea." Barriss stated, surprising herself a bit at her willingness to go but her desire to learn won out.
Peter was rather flummoxed at the eagerness of the two girls before him. He had only known the two for maybe four days, five tops as the sun was setting on the city world of Coruscant. But he had been spending everyday with the two to large degree and had been learning a lot from them. The galaxy at war, the Jedi order, basic and so on. And he was able to grasp a solid idea on who the two were in character.
Ahsoka was easily the more outgoing and extroverted of the two, matching more to the kind of similarly aged teens he had interacted with back on Earth.
Barriss was much more quiet, reserved and thoughtful and always appearing to choose her words carefully then recklessly. She didn't seem that much older then either him nor Ahsoka. As a matter of fact, he was pretty sure both girls were around his age.
But returning back to what they had said, Peter found himself grinning a bit.
"Sure, we could call it an exchange program." Peter joked. "You guys teach me about this galaxy and I'll teach you all about Earth."
"Deal." Ahsoka said excitedly.
While Peter had continued to foster new friendships, Natasha Romanoff was spending her time catching up with the rest of her comrades and friends.
"So you had to work with a Mercs guild huh?" Sam inquired wryly, small knowing grin on his face.
Nat only shrugged. "You know it's nothing new for me, Sam."
"I'm just glad to know you're ok." Rhodey said. "This whole galaxy is one big death trap."
"You could say that again." Hope murmured.
Their conversation was interrupted for a brief moment by a snort and mumble, Pietro dozing off to the side.
"What's got Pietro all knocked out?" Nat asked.
"Just running around these past few days, looking for something for a little lady that's been on his mind for a while." Scott said from his workstation. Normally, he'd be working on something scientific like maintaining everyone's suit operations or keeping his own suit in check. This time however, he was working on… a bowling pin.
"Lady friend?" Rhodey repeated in amusement. "Who is this supposed to be?"
"That blue Ponto lady from the senate." Scott said, measuring out the bowling pin.
"Blue Ponto lady?" Sam murmured. "Wait, you mean Riyo Chuchi from Pantora? That blue senator lady?"
"Yeah, her." Scott nodded absent mindedly, wiping away a blemish on the pin.
"Dude, what exactly are you doing?" Rhodey asked.
"Bringing the wonderful art of bowling into this galaxy." Scott said in complete seriousness. "I owe Lebowski that much."
Hope rolled her eyes good naturedly at her boyfriends words while Sam and Rhodey laughed aloud with Nat quirking her lip up.
"Well when you put it like that, can't entirely disagree with you." Sam chortled.
"Still feels like a bit of stealing honestly." Hope remarked.
"Hey, we're taking up unwanted space here as is." Sam said. "The Jedi have been gracious enough with us having our own rooms here but I agree with Cap. We gotta have someplace of our own."
For the past few weeks, the Earthers have been providing means of having their own source of income as they do not want to solely rely on the Jedi for hospitality as they feel it would be taking advantage of them. Thanks to Scott's idea of bringing Earth culture to the galaxy and with the discovery of their AI Tap being with them, they have had a steady sort of increase of credits. Pool tables and rock and roll sell well.
The Clones had taken a particular liking to Earth culture and then there's the films and TV shows the Avengers had on their own personal devices.
However, that's not what was on the mind of one Avenger.
"Guess Tony's been busy back home." Nat remarked.
"Figured he would be." Rhodey said. "Never can sit still as much as he tried to."
"But didn't think he'd go and recruit a kid." Hope said with a grimace.
"He recruited two." Rhodey said chortling. "A blind lawyer who apparently is a ninja and a high schooler that can apparently stop a bus with his bare hands."
Sam sighed. "Is it kinda sad that you saying that isn't as insane as it should sound."
"Comes with the job." Nat remarked. "Look at where we are right now."
"Yeah…" Sam murmured. "In a Galaxy that seems Far, Far Away."
"Are we even in a different galaxy?" Hope abruptly inquired. "Or are we in the same galaxy? Hell, maybe we're in a different universe completely like the whole Multi-verse theory. My dad talked about it once considering the Quantum realm is its own microscopic reality."
That was something that perhaps the Avengers did consider though only a select few. Mainly Hope and Scott as this was something that they would at least have an idea as to grasping at the concept.
"Another universe." Nat muttered. "That's honestly kinda crazy."
"If that's the case, then what can possibly top that?" Rhodey said.
While the Avengers had their discussion, the Jedi Council held a meeting of their own with most of the council present save for several members who were unable to join them at the time.
"The Force has been more erratic then ever." Mace Windu stated with a solemn tone "The arrival of this new enhanced is troubling as well. Have you all felt the way the Force convulses around him?"
His question went unanswered though the expressions of the present Jedi Council Members were enough of a response for the Korun Force-User.
"Uncertain the future is becoming." Grandmaster Yoda spoke in his aged voice. "More so as time goes on. Unexpected arrivals continue to come."
"Yes and what does this say about us?" Obi-wan Kenobi voice his question. "I cannot deny my growing concern for what is to come. In all honesty, I can't deny how lucky we've been in gaining new allies since these Avengers have made their appearances but who's to say that eventually, an adversary that has capabilities similar to theirs arrives."
"Agreed." Plo Koon said. "If we were to face anything like the Avengers who would be against the order and the Republic, we would be gaining a momentously dangerous enemy."
"Then there is the matter of this Cad Bane." Oppo Rancisis stated. "He has appeared on our radar twice now in the span of a few days. First a hostage situation then to hunting down the newest Enhanced on Coruscant."
"The will of the Sith, that was." Yoda interjected. "Felt his arrival he did, as did we all. Opportunity, he saw, failed to claim he did."
"Be that as it may, I find the constant topic of returning to the Avengers rather startling." Windu admitted. "Many of these past events have either been directly or indirectly tied to them. Another matter that has honestly plagued my mind. Who is to say that the Avengers will stay allied with us?" Windu inquired, making all present Council members look to him in surprise.
"What do you mean, Master Windu?" Kenobi asked in complete bewilderment.
"That is a rather radical thought to bring up, Mace." Master Kit Fisto remarked. "From what I've seen and heard, these Avengers aren't ones to just turn on others so suddenly. What caused this sudden idea to sprout?"
"I am not suggesting that they do or would but that may be a possibility." Mace elaborated. "I am grateful, truly I am, for these individuals who wield such great powers to assist us in our times of need. But with how chaotic and unpredictable their arrival was to this galaxy, the unexpected is something I have begun to consider to be more likely then not now. Once is an accident and this second time was a coincidence. But if and perhaps when more of these enhanced beings from Earth arrive to the galaxy is no longer anything short of a pattern."
"That is still a large stretch, Master Windu." Council Member, Depa Billaba his own former student voiced her opinion.
"I know Depa." Mace acquiesced. "However, I cannot doubt the thought has crossed through my mind."
"So then what must we do?" Ki-Adi Mundi asked the council. "If memory serves me correctly, this newcomer is only one of three."
"Indeed." Kenobi affirmed the Cerean Jedi Master. "Peter Parker is his name. And from what Ahsoka and Anakin had told me, before arriving in this galaxy he was with two other enhanced individuals."
"So now we have two more Earthers to seek on top of the other two that are still missing." Plo Koon surmised. "I feel that the tasks are becoming more daunting."
"Daunting, these next few years shall be." Yoda cut through the chatter. "Very daunting. Grow, these new problems will. The Sith, the enhanced, the war. Focus we must. Diligent and mindful we must be. Trust in the Force and one another key to overcoming these trials."
"I hope we can do so, Master Yoda." Mace Windu said. "The times ahead… feel only darker."
"It is in that we must hold true to our principles." Shaak Ti spoke up after a prolong period of silence. Her holographic form projecting her from the planet of Kamino, home to the Clones and Republic Army. "Our duty to the Force and the Republic still stands. If all else fails, we rely on the Force and our brethren as Master Yoda said to guide us through the trials to come."
With the closing statements, the council meeting came to its end.
Elsewhere, far out on the other end of the galaxy within the outer rim a ship flew down to a planet that had a mixed range of biomes. Jungles, Forests, Deserts and plains made up its surface hinting at a strong case of agriculture being the predominant feature of the planet after the ship flew by multiple farms.
That changed however as it drew closer to what was clearly a heavily fortified camp with men and women armored to the teeth and blasters out in the open.
The ship landed, landing ramp opening up from its rear.
Out stepped several individuals also heavily armored with distinct shades of blue and silver as well as three-pronged claw marks of sorts on their shoulder pads. Aside from the shoulder symbols, what made this group share a sense of unifying identity were the distinct T-shaped visors all their helmets had. Something the guards ahead of the camp shared as well.
The lead armored individual spotted the guards ahead of the camp they landed in front of.
"This is the place." The leader of the group spoke.
They began making their way over to the front of the camp though the guards all held their blasters up, making the newcomers halt in their tracks.
"Hey now, we're all Mandalorians here. No need to be so hostile."
"Oh we have Many reasons to be." A new voice called out from behind the guards.
Out from the camp came a fully armored Mandalorian save for his helmet that was tucked under his arm.
The Mando was young but held an authority to him that was clear to the new group of Mandalorians standing before him. He had blond hair and blue eyes, his Mandalorian armor being strikingly green with his helmet having red accents bordering around the T-visor and Jaig Eyes.
"I take it you're Fenn Shysa." The lead Mandalorian of the group from the ship spoke, moving to remove her own helmet.
"That'd be me." The identified Fenn confirmed. "And you must be Bo Katan. You certainly have a lot of nerve requesting to speak with us."
Bo Katan had red hair with striking emerald eyes and fair skin.
"That's what I'd like to know." Bo spoke up. "I've never even met your group of Mando's. What do you call yourselves again? The Protectors, right?"
"That is the name of those that fight." Fenn stated. "But if you wish to talk, then follow me. Raise your blasters on anyone of us and you Death Watch thugs will be dead in an instant."
Narrowing her eyes at Shysa who had turned to walk into the camp, Bo wordlessly inclined her head slightly to signal her group to follow her. They began to walk through the large camp, passing by many Mandalorians all of whom had actually taken a moment out of there routines, chores and other duties to regard the Death Watch squad with a sense of clear distrust. The only one's that paid them no mind were the children running about. Foundlings.
Eventually, they reached the center of the large campsite with a large tent pitched up. On top of the tent hung a symbol that every single Mandalorian would recognize. The skull of the legendary Mythosaur.
"Come on." Fenn gestured for them to enter, with him going in first with Bo and her squad following in after him.
The interior was spacious, with several tables and small hammocks while weapons and other equipment was hung on the fabric walls and ceiling.
At the center of it all was one Mandalorian that stood out from the others.
"Spar." Fenn called out to the center warrior. "They've arrived."
The Mandalorian turned to Bo Katan, revealing a face she was not expecting.
"A Clone Trooper?" She said in slight distaste. "How is it that a Clone Trooper is the leader of a clan of Mandalorians? Shouldn't you be with the rest of the Republics throw away force?"
Her comments got the other Mandalorians within the tent not part of her team all reaching for their blasters when Spar waved them down.
Facing them, Spar regarded each Death Watch member for several moments until he spoke.
"Do you know where we are?" Spar inquired calmly.
Bo blinked. "I beg your pardon?"
"The planet." Spar clarified. "Do you know of it?"
Bo was unclear as to the importance of the question but decided to humor him.
"Concord Dawn." She answered.
Spar nodded. "That's right. Concord Dawn. Are you aware as to why I set up base here, of all places?"
Bo Katan wasn't honestly one for riddles. She was a straight laced Mando and preferred if people just got to the point.
"Can you just tell me what this is about already?" Bo asked, annoyed by Spar's questions.
"This is the birth place of two previous Mandalores." Spar said, standing up from his seat.
Bo found her eyes widening momentarily. She didn't know that.
"You all clearly haven't been a part of Death Watch for long." Spar muttered loud enough for them to here. He casually approached a nearby desk and brought up a holo-display of an aged Mando. He looked familiar.
"Jaster Mereel." Spar revealed. "Our predecessor, the one who led the true Mandalorians. Not those weak-willed Republic whipped dogs running our home world. He, who was Mandalore, reorganized and reformed the Mandalorians in what they should have been for centuries. Honor bound warriors be they soldiers or mercenaries. The barbaric, pillaging and brigands ways of old had only lead to needless death and slaughter to the innocent facing the barrels of our blasters to constant purges of our own people. Jaster changed that, creating the Super Commando Codex."
Spar held up a thick booklet.
"The Codex that we abide by." Spar said, staring down Katan who couldn't deny growing more and more nervous as Spar went on.
"The Codex that Death Watch formed in direct opposition to us by warlord Tor Vizla who craved the fanatical ways of old where Mandalorians would throw themselves in battle only to die in droves."
Bo was tense but remained straight laced as Spar went on.
"Him and his eventual successor, my predecessor and progenitor Jango Fett would eventually route out and kill off Tor Vizla, splintering Death Watch." Spar finished standing directly in front of Katan who was sweating anxiously.
"This was were his farm once stood." Spar said, eyes locked firmly onto Bo's. "This is where his journey began as a Mandalorian, Mandalore and eventually the template for the Clone army of the Republic. Of which, I myself was once meant to be a part of. But now, I stand here, given the title of Mandalore not by claiming it but by those here thrusting it upon me. So excuse me if you don't understand my dilemma at this moment."
Bo Katan internally was slightly freaking out but internally did her damndest not to flinch. She wasn't one who was so easily intimidated yet Spar was proving himself to be quite the presence.
"The worst part about all this is I remember everything Death Watch did." Spar said in a venom laced voice. "Memories that are not mine but nonetheless, the feelings are. I carry the title of Resurrector. My duty is to adhere to and bring back the past honor of the Mandalorians. And here before me stands Death Watch. Our direct opposition to this goal. Tell me then, Bo Katan. Should we kill you where you stand? Or take you as prisoners?"
The tent was silent, thick with tension.
Nobody moved a muscle and not a word was uttered.
The Death Watch members were frozen, hands halfway to reaching their blasters, hands not moving at all in fear of their situation when…
"Leave." Spar waved them off.
Bo let out a breath she didn't realize she had been holding.
"W-What?"
"I said leave." Spar stated, stepping back. "Killing you would serve no purpose here, even with a message being sent to your leader. There's no honor in it and even if I wanted to, it would leave a bitter taste in my mouth. Go, leave this planet. And tell your petty leader that the True Mandalorians will never follow disgusting warmongers like yours."
It didn't take long for the Death Watch squad to regain their senses though Bo did manage to glare harshly at Spar who gave her a non-plussed gaze in return.
Departing shortly after, once they were well out of earshot…
"Not scary enough there, Mandalore." Fenn scolded in a joking tone. "We couldn't taste their fear properly."
"Shut up, Fenn." Spar rolled his eyes but smirked nonetheless.
"Guess we got us some more enemies now."
"We're Mandalorians, Tobbi." Spar said plainly. "The entire galaxy is our enemy by default. We must protect ourselves and one another for the sake of our people. Even if that means fighting our own. This is the Way."
"This is the Way." The other Mandalorians echoed.
"Fenn, Tobbi, start up the ships and begin preparations." Spar instructed his two closest friends and confidants. "Get Wren and make sure our weapons are fully operational. I don't want any buggy equipment. And has anyone seen Dax?"
"He's out napping, Mandalore." One of the Super Commandos said in clear amusement.
Spar stared up at the ceiling with half-lidded eyes. "Well then go wake him up!"
All around the Protectors encampment, activity was clear and present.
It was time the Mandalorians made their moves.
-Scene Cut-
It was a barren world.
A hot one.
Yet life had a home here.
Home amongst the craggy rocks, caverns and outcroppings.
Strange creatures.
Bizarre some might say.
Though none could claim to be as bizarre as this strange, unusual, bipedal creature that had arrived on this planet.
It lay there, motionless.
Spider-like creatures with large oval like shells and fanged Pedipalps surrounded the downed creature with a few taking "Whiffs" of it.
It smelled…. Unnatural. As if it was organic, yet it wasn't.
What could this thing possibly be?
One of the spider-like creatures jolted back suddenly.
This thing was moving!
The spiders scurried back as the creature used its upper limbs to push itself up to its knees.
Taking a moment to regard its surroundings, the beings stood upon its legs with its bright yellow-circuited cap flapping in the wind.
Blinking, it took a moment to realize that this was not the cave that he had stood in last he remembered.
Vision could only find himself stumped as to where he had ended up.
Meanwhile, far off in space beyond the outer reaches of the galaxy within the endless void was a ship.
A large ship that was once a part of an even larger ship.
This ship actually had several more ships inside and was currently traveling to its next destination.
Within the ship itself… music.
Classic Earth music from the 20th century ranging from good old pop to jazzy beats, soul and rock and roll.
Something that at first didn't appeal to some of the other inhabitants within the ship but eventually, their team leaders taste proved to be too good.
"Eh Quill!"
"What?"
"Put on something more upbeat, this dreary shit is messing with my mojo."
"Well what do you want then? Duran Duran? Motley Crue? How about Jackson or Bowie?"
"I have no fucking clue who any of those humies are, Quill. So just pick one that's got more groove to it."
"I got just the one."
Over the loudspeaker, a funky clavinet and percussion begins playing followed by a classic Philly string arrangement.
"AH, I find this one to be most enjoyable."
"Me too, Drax!"
"I Am Groot!"
"We got ourselves a winner."
"Yeah, yeah, whatever you overgrown monkey."
"Hey Cap'n."
Peter Quill, better known now as Star-Lord looked behind him from his pilot's seat.
"What's up, Kraggy?"
Kraglin stepped forward with a data pad in hand.
"Found something interetin'" Kraglin said. "Scanners picked up on a derelict ship. "Real old from the looks of it."
"And this is useful to us, how?" Rocket Racoon asked with a rhetorical tone.
"Not like any ship I'd ever seen." Kraglin remarked. "Get this, it doesn't have a UNTN Drive. Got somethin' else entirely."
"Did we find something?"
"Maybe we did, Gam." Rocket was now interested. "Where is this derelict ship you mentioned?"
"Not far really." Kraglin handed over the datapad to Rocket. "Bout a few hundred yards."
"Alright, let's see what this ship's about." Quill stated and he piloted the Quadrant towards their new destination.
Upon drawing near the derelict ship, Quill could barely contain his unease at the state of it.
"Oh man, what'd ya find Kraglin, a ghost ship?"
"Sure looks like one." Rocket murmured.
"I am Groot."
"Don't tempt fate like that, Groot." Gamora said. "We've had to many of those already."
"I am Groot."
"Who cares if that's our profession?" Rocket stated, fiddling with a space suit disk before tossing it aside. "I just wanna see what junk we could use."
The small salvage op was quick, the derelict ship being small enough to fit into one of the Quadrants ship bays.
"Jeez, this thing's seen better days." Peter commented, seeing how the ship was extremely beaten up and worn down. "Any ideas what kind of ship this is?"
"Old as hell for starters." Rocket stated, scanning the ship for anything that can be detected.
Gamora stood to the side, squinting her eyes at the ship with Mantis looking up at it with wide eyed curiosity.
Drax observed the ship in his own way. Tapping his knives against the metal hull of the ship.
"How old you reckon this ship is?" Kraglin asked the Guardians.
"Bout 4000 years." Rocket answered, getting an answer via his scanners. "This ship has been through the ringer."
"I'm amazed it's still in one piece." Gamora muttered.
"I hear that." Quill concurred, walking around to what were the engines.
Grazing his hands over to the under belly, Quill recoiled back at the sound of metal groaning before stumbling back in time as a ramp door unhinged itself and fell to the ground.
"Quill!" Gamora was by his side along with Drax. "What happened?"
"Ship is barely keeping itself together." Rocket answered for the human who agreed.
"Barely even touched the damn thing." Quill muttered, giving Drax and Gamora appreciative nods as they helped him up.
"What's that?" Mantis inquired aloud, approaching something that had fallen out of the ship.
"Careful Mantis." Drax called out to her.
Tentatively, the wide-eyed girl lifted a boxy-like contraption.
"It is a head." Mantis said aloud.
"A head?" Rocket repeated. "Toss it here."
Mantis clumsily threw it over to the small critter but he easily caught it.
"Geez, what happened to you?" Rocket said, holding up the head to his eye level.
"A robot?" Kraglin said, looking over to the interior of the ship that was present to see. "A bot piloted this ship then?"
"Think you can get it to work?" Gamora asked Rocket.
"I'll work my magic, see what I can do." Rocket rotated the head, squinting at a numeral designation at the back of the bots cranium.
"H…. and everything else is dust." Rocket remarked.
"I am Groot?"
"Please, this is like building an enforcer with my eyes closed and one hand tied behind my back." Rocket said confidently. "It won't take me more than a few hours tops."
And there we have it ladies and gentlemen.
A mad dash of so many things to come.
My comrades BulletStormX and Jebest have helped me out a great deal of the many concepts to come in this story and this is the foundation to it all.
Oh so much to do and I cannot wait.
Just about done, mapping out the overall outline of season 2. Once that's all said and done, we're kicking it into overdrive and GAH season 7 is just around the corner.
Can't wait. Thank you, Dave Filoni, you are a godsend.
So, as per usual.
Rate Read and Review and as Always Have Nice Day.