Avengers: Infinite Wars

by free man writer

The Clone Wars are in full swing with the galaxy divided. The Jedi lead the clone army against the infinite droid army of the Separatists. Yet a wild card enters the fray. The Avengers. From there, newer, more sinister and deadlier threats emerge and The Galaxy, no, the universe, shall never be the same again. Co-written by Jebest4781 and BulletStormX. Now in Season 4.

94. Ceasefire

Yo, Yo, first new chapter of the month of April 2023, let's keep this role going cause Jeb, Bullet and I have a fire under our ass's.

Loving your reactions to Thrawn, it fills me with so much glee.

And I have also seen the growing concern of this story running the risk of being overcrowded.

And allow me to assuage your concerns to a degree.

When we rebooted and chose the name Infinite Wars, we did so with the knowledge that there will be a constant sense of escalation in place as we build more upon the story as time passes on. There are many factions, sides and forces all coming into play here and we knew that eventually, it would indeed become clustered.

Which was the point.

But the focus remains and our plan is set in motion.

Everything you've been seeing is the set up for Seasons 4 and 5 while still making sure the focus of season 3 remained squarely on Ultron.

As you all have guessed/seen by this point, Ultron is the driving force and focal villain of season 3. Anything and everything, for the majority, has been done in response to him while compounding on prior build up before his coming out party.

And it is all a part of the plan.

Trust I the plan comrades and I assure you that we will deliver.

Just like with Ultron, Thor, Freedon Nadd and now Thrawn and there is still so much more to come.

Rate Read and Review and as Always Have Nice Day.

Avengers Infinite Wars Chapter 94: Ceasefire

"Keep at it." Captain Rex instructed the Clones who all occupied various terminals on the bridge of the Resolute. "Commander Tano is still out there and we will find her, understood?"

"Yes Sir!" Came the collective response from the men of the 501st, their resolute tones sending a moment of bolstered confidence in the Captain before the anxiousness of the missing Togruta returned.

They had recently returned from a sweep through the mid-rim, using their mandated patrol route as their chance to see if they could locate their lost Commander. Their results came up negative, crushing the spirit of the boys but they remained adamant that they would find her.

The 501st knew that if anyone could survive whatever situation that is thrown in front of her, it would be their Commander. There was an unspoken sentiment between the boys that if you could survive the missions of the 501st and have General Skywalker be your Jedi master, you would be a force to be reckoned with.

And Rex saw that in Ahsoka, seeing her growing into a brilliant warrior, fierce and strong but also as compassionate and eager to learn as when he first met her and loyal to the men as Anakin was.

She earned her spot in the 501st.

Once word got to them on her disappearance, things got complicated.

"Rex!" A now familiar female voice called out to him and the Captain turned to see Deliah Blue rolling out from under an Arc-Wing starfighter, pulling her goggles off and placing repair tools down. "Glad I caught ya just now, I was hoping to see you."

"You wanted to see me?" Rex said with a raised brow.

"Yeah," Blue stood up, grabbed a towel from a toolbox and began cleaning herself of the black splotches that she had on her skin. "I wanted to talk to you. Hmmm, well, not just talk. I believe it's important."

The 501st Captain frowned in thought at hearing this.

"Important, you say?" She nodded. "Well, what about?"

"Just let me get cleaned up first," she said. "Come on, we can walk and talk to the barracks before I change."

Normally, one would reprimand such casualness shared between one who is a ranking officer and another who is a fresh recruit into the GAR.

But Deliah… well, her personable, bubbly, friendly and outgoing personality made it hard to do so. On top of that, being a volunteer with no designated rank yet gave her a technical "loophole", as she called it, to address the 501st Captain in a casual manner.

This was a bit off-putting for Rex as he was used to formality being the standard norm for how most addressed him. Yes, there were those whom he called friends and brothers, his fellow clones being the obvious firsts that come to mind, after a personal talk, Anakin Skywalker, same with Ahsoka Tano. But Deliah Blue was new to him and he was still figuring her out.

She seemed genuine for the most part and a quick study.

When showing her how to handle a blaster, his trained eyes immediately picked up on her posture and positioning of the rifle.

While not up to the standard that all Clones abide by, he could see that not only had she shot blasters before, but she was also proficient with it for a "civilian volunteer". Still needed some pointers. A bit too much spray and pra-

"No peaking." Deliah said with a saucy wink and flick at the Captain that made the man jerk back slightly, having been absorbed in his thoughts.

He was so caught up in his thoughts that he failed to realize they were at the barracks and Blue had gone in to change.

Her little comment caught on to the man and he was certainly glad nobody was around at this moment, the Captain coughing into his hand and looking down, feeling some heat rushing to his face.

"Kriff, that woman is shameless." Rex muttered to himself, shaking his head at her antics.

It honestly felt like she was only focusing on getting a reaction out of him exclusively rather than the rest of the boys. And he had a sneaking suspicion that it might be intentional.

Unaware of this, Rex was absolutely correct as many within the 501st had spoken to Deliah in private or gave her a quick word of encouragement to gun after the man. They all recognized that she held a clear interest in him and while their Captain didn't reciprocate the feeling, they would be patient in nudging him in the right direction.

If not for a connection, then at least for some basic "relief".

"Alright, let's go!" Deliah cheerfully said, appearing next to Rex, looping her arm around his.

He jolted from the contact and was about to pull away when she held firm.

"Come on now, Rex, I don't know what they taught you on Kamino but when a lady does this, you be a gentleman and be her arm to lean on." Blue admonished as one would a child.

It didn't help that she pulled his arm up against her… well-endowed assets.

Nonetheless, Rex regained a semblance of composure and had Deliah guide him out of the hangar to small four-seater transport.

"Whose is this?" The Captain asked, having not seen this ship in the hangar before.

"Mine." The Zeltron answered, releasing his arm and hopping into the driver's seat. "Come on, Captain, we don't have all day."

Silently getting into the passenger's seat, Blue took off, flying away from the hangar and the Jedi Temple into the lower wards of Coruscant. Specifically, a district known for its quaint, simplistic yet homey and calming diners, delis and restaurants.

A place Rex was actually familiar with.

"Are we going to Dexter's Diner?" He asked aloud, making Deliah's head snap in his direction.

"Wha-How'd you figure that out?"

"My general took me there himself a while back." Rex had a fond and amused look, reminiscing on that day. "Said that after all the times he nearly had me killed that he owed me some form of compensation. So a nice lunch or dinner would make do."

"Daw, that's sweet." The blue-haired woman cooed, landing in a parking spot right next to the diner. "Guess that means I'm gonna have to rely on you. I've never been to Dexter's Diner. All I've heard about it from the men and Dani is that it's the place to be."

"I'll do what I can." Rex remarked with a small smirk, the pair walking towards the diner, seeing a line to get into the establishment.

Took a bit to somewhat get in, so they can get a brief reservation on the fly.

"This place sure is hectic." Deliah muttered in slight awe, the crowded diner bustling with chatter and activity. "You'd think there wasn't a war going on out there with how everyone is in here."

"Dexter's Diner does that to ya." Rex said simply, feeling rather relaxed despite the atmosphere in the diner being packed to the brim with people.

Just as he was about to turn to the droid waitress at the front table, he heard a familiar laugh followed by a boisterous greeting.

"Well if it isn't the Captain of the craziest legion in the galaxy."

Rex shook his head, smirking at the description, hearing Deliah snort right beside him.

"Dex." He greeted, looking up at the Besalisk that hobbled over to him with a toothy grin.

"Rex." The diner owner briefly looked at the clone's companion. "My, my, old Rexy, quite a fine woman you have here with you. Skywalker ain't here today?"

"He's busy with other matters."

"Right. Table for two, then." Said Dex, ushering them to follow.

"Thanks Dex." The Captain didn't notice Deliah gaping at him from the side.

"What the-How do you get to bypass the line and get a table like that?" Blue asked in a faux-jealous tone.

"Frequent diner, close work relationship with the Avengers among several other factors." Rex dismissed casually.

"Don't make it sound like that." Deliah pushed her shoulder against his. "You're treated like VIP here."

The Clone Captain rolled his eyes at her actions, letting out a small sigh. "Alright, it may also have to do with the fact that when Ultron attacked, the boys volunteered to help rebuild his diner. Expanded it even."

"You guys did that?" Deliah was certainly surprised by the gesture, seeing Rex shrug modestly.

"We really like it here," He now had a more indiscernible look in his eyes. "Dex here always treats my brothers with respect."

Blue said nothing in response but she could feel the slight shift in Rex's mood as he said this. She wanted to ask what he meant but they soon sat down in a booth and were handed a pair of menus.

She was momentarily distracted as she saw the enormous menu.

"Holy Nerf Herders, how long does this go on?" Deliah almost exclaimed, seeing how many pages the menu pad had.

"The Avengers have supplied a lot of recipes to Dex." Rex said, looking over a section of food from an Earth Country called Japan. "He keeps changing it up every day to keep his palette and skills fresh. The man is probably the best cook on Coruscant other than Guran."

"Who's that?"

"Friend of Spider-man's and associate with the Avengers. He's also in the same boat as Dex, getting earth recipes for his restaurant."

The Zeltron had a cheeky smirk when she heard this. "Well then, I guess I know where we're gonna go to next for a date."

Rex jerked at this. "A date?"

Deliah had a wide, sensual smile on her face now, leaning her cheek into her hand. "Of course, what do you think this is?"

The Clone stammered several times before the Zeltron threw her head back in a melodious laugh.

"I'm sorry, Rex, I just can't help it." Deliah stated, wiping a tear away. "It's just you set yourself up too easily sometimes."

Rex comically grumbled to himself, looking away which only served to make Blue laugh harder.

Eventually, both got their food and dug in.

"Sweet Zeltros, this is amazing!" Deliah said, taking a bite out of something called curry. "And spicy! Rather quick on these comin' out."

Rex nodded, chewing on teriyaki chicken mixed with spicy tuna. "Dex has a lot of cooks in the kitchen. Practically working overtime to freshly serve everyone walking in through the entrance."

"At least this place is better than some fast food joints I've been to in the past." Blue commented, taking a whiff of some meat covered in sauce, biting it and moaning a moment later. "This is so good. Thanks for bringing me here, Captain."

Rex gave her a bemused look. "Uh, you're the one who dragged me here."

"Rex, Rex, Rex," Deliah shook her head, once again admonishing him childishly. "I may have taken you from the base but this is a place you know and got a table in an instant. This is you taking me out."

The Clone could only stare at the woman in bewilderment, trying to process what she was saying and coming up short of any answers.

"You're the strangest woman I think I've ever met."

"Mmm, well Rexy, how many women have you met that weren't Jedi, Avengers or Senators?" Blue shot back, smirking at the deadpan she received from him.

His flat gaze changed a second later, eyes narrowing as he looked down at his plate with a particular thought crossing his mind. One that he hasn't exactly gotten a proper answer in.

And this didn't go unnoticed by the woman sitting across from him.

"Rex?" She spoke up. "Everything alright?"

He didn't respond right away, ruminating on this thought for a while until he directed up at Deliah's eyes, making the woman straighten up.

"Why did you join?" He asked, not confrontationally but with genuine curiosity even if he did come off a bit intense.

"What?"

"Right now, the galaxy is in a literal shit storm," He looked down just as Deliah blinked at his crass words. "Why join the Grand Army of the Republic?"

Deliah paused at this and saw that this wasn't like the last time he asked, seeing how serious he was.

"You're probably expecting some response of "wanting to do my part" or something revolving around that."

"That's not you." Rex responded straight away, eliciting a laugh out of her.

"Look at that, you know me so well already." She murmured fondly, fiddling with her utensils. "Yeah, it's a bit more complicated than that."

Rex propped his arms on the table, interlacing his hands together. "What happened?"

"A lot of stuff that just… caught up with me, you could say." Deliah released a tired sigh, thinking back on her past. "I used to run around the Outer Rim a lot, getting into trouble headfirst, asking questions later and shooting my way out of the problem most of the time."

"Least that part of the resume worked out." Rex couldn't help but say, getting another laugh out of her.

"Yeah, real nifty, ain't it?" She then exhaled, looking far more tired now. "I just… there are a lot of things I did that I'm not really proud of when I was in the Outer Rim. I never hurt anyone who deserved it but I know that every action has a reaction that isn't always what you wanted. I was getting caught up in too much and I needed a way out. Something of a fresh start, anything. And that's when I spoke with Dani about all this and-"

"You joined the GAR." Rex finished for her, the Zeltron nodding.

"Now if I kill someone, it's more along the lines of… well, it's war, it's a muddled thing." Deliah then laughed at the flat look Rex gave her. "Ok, ok, I should have phrased that better. But you get what I'm saying."

"Sure I do." Rex wryly responded, shaking his head at her.

Deliah giggled at him, reaching forward and surprising the Captain by gently grasping his hands.

"Thanks for understanding. I know you wanna know more but… you know."

Rex was certainly thrown off by the gesture of Blue grabbing his hands but he didn't pull away, finding the contact to be pleasant.

"Everyone has their secrets." He quietly murmured, squeezing her dainty yet somewhat coarse fingers. All that mechanical maintenance gives one wear and tear no matter what you use.

"Hmmm? Do Clones have secrets to tell?" She jokingly asked. "Some shady mystery to entice the women of the galaxy?"

Rex shook his head at her antics.

"You're incorrigible."

"I think you like it." She teased.

"Tolerate is more like it." Rex shot back. "When General Skywalker is your General, you develop a kind of thick skin to eccentricities. The Avengers only compounded on it."

"Haven't really met all of them yet." Deliah remarked with a curious gaze. "Met that Spider kid. He's a real hoot. And insanely smart. Those bacta web patches are incredible. He made those himself, right?"

Rex smiled and nodded. "Peter's been a Force send like the rest of the Avengers. I owe them a lot. Because of what they've done on and off the battlefield, a lot more of my brothers are around today and in better fighting shape than ever."

"You'll have to introduce sometime soon then. The holo-nets talk about them all the time and I wanna see how much of that shit is overexaggerated or watered down."

"Watered down." Rex immediately said. "Everything you think you've heard and know of, it's nothing compared to actually seeing it with your own eyes."

"Well, now you're getting me all excited." Blue said, shifting about in her seat.

The pair went on with their dinner, conversing on a myriad of topics while being served dessert and were now finishing up their drinks.

"To be fair, I haven't had any real opportunities to interact with anyone when I'm not on the clock." Rex pointed out. "The war's escalation prevents us from having those chances now."

"Hardly any time for fun." Deliah commented with a frown, flicking her straw as it spun around a few times in her cup.

"I do, but with my brothers. Outside of them, it's mostly getting ready for the next mission as our version of decompressing. And billiards… and earth movies and shows. They've been a big help."

"Guess I'll be joining you guys, then."

Leaving the diner with their bellies full of delicious food, the pair left the diner, slowly walking towards the parked ships and speeders, the area being far less crowded now.

"That was wonderful." The Zeltron said with a smile. "Dexter's Diner is the best place I've ever eaten at."

"Glad that I was able to impress you."

"Well, this meant for you, Rex. I hope I got you to decompress more properly now. I know Ahsoka will appreciate it and now you can find her with a clearer head."

The Clone held a thoughtful frown, recalling his missing Commander and almost hearing her voice in his head.

"Come on Rex, you always told me that a soldier always operates at their best when they're focused and that comes after the time needed to relax. I can handle myself getting kidnapped."

That may not be exactly what she would say but Rex figured it was within the ballpark.

He was so absorbed in his thoughts, he almost missed hearing Blue call out to him. Turning to her, the Clone Captain did a small double take at the look the blue-haired Zeltron was directing toward him.

Deliah held a softer, more tender smile Captain for the captain to see who found himself at a momentary loss for words as for the first time, he was able to have a more proper look at her and in his eyes… she was probably the most beautiful woman he's ever seen.

And said beautiful woman leaned forward and placed one hand on the other side of his head and gently nudged him towards her, placing a chaste kiss on his cheek. The Zeltron felt the Clone Captain stiffen up at the gesture though she didn't mind at all. She pulled away, sporting a dazzling smile and some colorings on her cheeks.

"I know I wanted to take you out and help you relax, Captain." Her voice was barely above a whisper but he heard it all the same. "But thank you. For making me know now that I've made the right choice. I'm in your hands, Rex and I'll do you proud."

She walked away from him soon after, heading to their transport, leaving Rex to feel a bit dumbfounded and bewildered on what just happened.

"Huh… well that was something." Rex murmured, rubbing his cheek, feeling the phantom feel of her lips there. He quickly moved after her, Deliah having called out for him to catch up.

-Scene Cut-

Captain America sat alone in his personal room at the Avengers' home, seated in front of a desk that had a holo-projection of the group of individuals coming to the Ceasefire tomorrow.

A mental checklist of the players who will make a lot of major shifts on the summit. Theoretical additions were made to who will be brought along.

A migraine slowly formed as this went on. Him tired from working on this for some time now, wanting nothing else than to do anything else. For example, joining Peter, Anakin and several others in searching for Ahsoka. Steve, however, needed to be present and be prepared for the upcoming summit.

This was something he was clearly not trained for in several factors. He was trained for war, forged in it. Yet the present territory he was in proved some sense of difficulty.

Yes, he was a people person. Even when he was a scrawny kid from Brooklyn.

Well… mostly with guys who didn't want to beat him up or women that… aside from the point, he could hold a conversation with just about anyone.

Not like Tony or some of the other Avengers could but well enough all the same.

But these were politicians.

And as polite and cordial as he was to any and all he had met in the past, they were usually the ones that made his stomach churn the most.

Yes, there are of course exceptions being that of the group of senators the Avengers have come to trust as friends and confidants. Padme, Cham, Chuchi, Mothma and Organa embody what civil servants should be. Selfless in their pursuit of doing their part by the people for the people.

But a large portion of who he'll be interacting with at the summit and afterward will outweigh those he's comfortable with. He's seen enough in just one of those Senate meetings to see how much they prefer to shout at problems rather than do anything about them.

*knock knock*

Hearing this, Steve turned his head around to see a familiar blue Twi'lek walk into his room.

"Aayla." Rogers smiled at her, getting up from his seat and going over to her.

The pair embraced, locking lips for a short moment before pulling away.

The relationship was new. Something awkward for the both of them, given it was something neither of them was familiar with. But they were exploring this new territory together.

It had only been a few days since that moment that it all came spilling out within that private mediation room. They had only small interactions here and there save for the day before Ahsoka's disappearance.

They both stood together on the balcony and though she held trepidation, Aayla had her back to Steve, placing his arms around her waist as she leaned back against his body. She had exhaled shakily, a rush coming over her as she felt Steve's chiseled body pressed against hers.

Her new lover shared in this sensation, having seen her curvaceous body but now that it was leaned up against his, the good Captain developed a newer appreciation of it.

They had stayed that way until it ended with the two of them in bed. It didn't go any further but Aayla found a new enjoyment in her life and that was laying her head against Steve's chest and listening to his strong, steady heartbeat lull her to sleep while his broad form gave her a heat that made her Lekku and toes curl.

Right now, Aayla was in one of her other favorite positions with Steve, arms around each other with her resting her head on his shoulder and him leaning his cheek on her forehead.

Neither really spoke. They didn't really need to converse much, given they'd talked enough in these past few days. Nothing new to bring up. Everything that's remotely topical was for the upcoming summit and they've said all the words that needed to be said. They didn't want to waste any more until then.

The pair remained like this for nearly an hour, having moved from standing in the middle of the room to laying on the bed.

Secura exhaled, rubbing her head into Steve's neck.

"I wish we could stay like this forever." She whispered, pecking his cheek.

Not turning to face her, Cap hummed aloud in thought at the concept.

"Would you? Would you really? Knowing our temperament?"

The Twi'lek scoffed good-naturedly, bumping her forehead against his cheek.

"You know what I mean." She jokingly grumped. "When was the last time either of us was able to do something like this?"

Steve thought about this question and really wasn't hard to come up with a negative response. In the early months when the Avengers first arrived here, there was some chaos but nothing they couldn't handle. Nothing that they couldn't handle nor have moments to themselves for relaxation or just having a small instance of respite.

But as time had gone on, the more of them that they found and reunited with, there came a retrospective dread, as Sam called it. All that time when they had challenges thrown in front of them, taking them out one at a time.

Then came Ultron.

And nothing had been the same ever since.

Now, to have this moment with Aayla, with a woman he had grown to unexpectedly love so deeply, it was almost akin to a foreign feeling.

It actually made him think back to over a year ago, back in 2015 after the Avengers reformed.

Tony had talked to him about having a different kind of life, settling down, and having peace after the fight was done.

At that time, Steve answered by saying the man who wanted all that went down in the ice.

For so long, he held onto the memory of Peggy, the attraction that turned into love just as he put a stop to HYDRA's plans. When he woke up, all he could think about was her.

Natasha did her best to introduce him to other potential women to romance. Just nothing really worked out on the blind or arranged dates. It didn't help that Sam and later Pietro, Rhodey and even Wanda joined in on this after they became part of the Avengers.

Yet the results were always the same.

No one could connect with him the way Peggy did.

Because he remembered seeing his photo before he became Captain America. It was in her preserved office that was shown to him after he woke up.

Peggy saw him as he was.

The scrawny kid from Brooklyn, too stubborn and stupid to run away from a fight.

And that same kid woke up to a changed world and the love of his life has moved on from him.

Not that he could blame her, how could he? He thought he was gonna die taking down HYDRA but miraculously or maybe it was fate after learning about the Force and the apparent "will" it has.

He learned that Peggy had married and had her own life with a family after she moved on. He needed to do the same, which was harder for him than others could imagine despite encouragement from Carter herself.

He just never expected to find love outside of Earth.

Eyes wandering, Steve saw something rather peculiar from behind Secura's head.

Aayla's Lekku were moving and the tips of her head tails crossed over twice.

"I didn't know your Lekku could move on their own." He said suddenly, causing the Jedi to stiffen in confusion. "What does it mean?"

"What?"

"This." Steve placed his hands beneath her crisscrossed Lekku as gently as possible. "Does this mean something?"

Aayla looked down and her mouth dropped for a second as she quickly had them retract back behind her head, the Twi'lek blushing up a storm.

"It's a silent gesture in the Twi'lek culture." She murmured quietly, dodging his gaze which only served to amuse her lover.

He waited for her to answer, knowing that his stare was getting to her.

Eventually, it won out and she let out a small huff, blowing at his hair as a small form of retaliation.

"It meant… it means that I… I love you, Steve Rogers." Aayla breathlessly said, looking up at the super soldier, hazel eyes meeting blue. "I know that at some point since meeting you, I fell for you and never realized it until recently. Coming to terms with it hasn't been the easiest thing in the world but," Secura took Steve's hands and moved them around her waist before placing her hands on his chest. "But I couldn't have fallen for a better man. You… are everything I could have ever asked for had I ever fallen in love. My masters always warned me about love, how it can blindside you and you never see it coming. And I didn't. And I'm glad for it because it placed me in the arms of you, Steve."

Well, that was about as heartfelt and sappy as one could get when explaining something on that level.

Unfortunately, the corruption of snark and comments infects all, even someone like Captain America.

"So… what? Are we supposed to have poems and speeches ready to declare our love for each other every time we see each other? Cause I went to art school to learn how to be a better artist not to be a Shakespearean performer. Had my fill of it during those propaganda tours."

Aayla pouted, lightly slapping his chest with him laughing in response, pulling her in closer and she couldn't help but join in a moment later.

"Yes, you are indeed supposed to have a speech prepared. Now serenade me, Captain Rogers."

Steve only had his nose bump against hers before pulling her in for a deep kiss that took Aayla's breath away and had her move up to straddling atop the Captain, her entire body lying on top of him. An electric feeling ran up and down Aayla, letting out a mewl as she felt Steve's hands on her back.

The Twi'lek felt a different urge, a more primal feeling beginning to well up within her and it was clashing considerably with her Jedi training.

Her hands raked through his hair before settling on his shoulders, the pair pulling away just as that urge was starting to build.

"How was that for a serenade?" He breathlessly asked.

Secura answered him with another gentle kiss, lifting herself with a sensual smile.

"Adequate, Captain Rogers." She said with a small tone of faux authority. "I expect improvement as time goes on."

Rogers only smiled in return, nodding. "Yes ma'am." He eyed her Lekku once more with a question forming. "You sure the Lekku bit isn't made up?"

"It's part of my people's customs." Aayla elaborated. "We developed this as a means of silent sign language where only those who know about it understand what we're conveying."

"Huh, the more you know."

Aayla only hummed, leaning down for another kiss, the pair staying in Steve's bed for a time before they knew, it was almost time.

Though the ceasefire summit was happening tomorrow, they still had much to prepare for tonight.

Walking his lover to the front door of the team's home, they stood there, holding each other's hands and looking into one another's eyes.

"So… are you ready for tomorrow?" Aayla quietly asked.

Steve only shook his head.

"Frankly… dealing with these types of things isn't my forte, much to what people may believe." Steve sighed. "But this all came about because of Ultron. Because we didn't finish the job the last time. So it's a burden we must bear and see it through to the end."

Secura didn't respond, only glancing down at their hands.

"Think you could be there tomorrow?" She heard him ask and she shook her head.

"Not at the meeting but… you'll see me." Aayla assured. "Just know I'll be there in the background. Giving you my support."

Captain Rogers said nothing, simply giving her a grateful smile in return.

Hard to tell who initiates the kiss first, but the other reciprocated. It was brief but a lot could be felt behind it.

Once it ended, Aayla made her way out of the Avengers' residence.

Once Aayla left, Steve smiled to himself until he soon noticed he wasn't exactly alone.

Turning over, he saw Sam and a few others looking at him. They were all eerily quiet the entire time, not sounding out anything at all. Oddly even, they were nodding their heads nearly in sync.

They all received a bland look from him.

"Really?"

"We're not saying a thing."

Rogers rolled his eyes with a shake of his head.

"Don't you have anything better to do?"

"Not at this time." Natasha airily said, holding Mara in her hands who was quietly sleeping against her shoulder.

"Nice job, Cap." Rhodey said with a wide grin, leaving Steve in exasperated amusement.

"Is it possible for them to have kids?" Scott wondered aloud.

"Scott." Steve flatly said.

"Yes, it is quite possible. The genetic makeup between humans and Twi'lek allows for reproduction with not many issues."

"Vision."

"So there will be kids in the future then?"

"Murdock… for God's sake."

The entryway into their residence opened up. Came strolling in an exhausted Peter Parker, who was ready for bed. Despite his tiredness, he was able to pick up something.

"Did I miss something?" Asked Peter.

"Yes you did, Parker."

"No he didn't." Said Steve

"...Whatever, I'll hear about it sooner or later." Said the young Avenger, walking past them and going to his room. "Now I've got a date with my mattress."

-Scene Cut-

It was time.

The Separatist delegations from the Separatists and the Mandalorians would be arriving shortly on Coruscant.

Standing on a large landing pad, Captain America stood with Falcon, Daredevil and Black Panther, representing their group with Vision and Widow at the meeting room with Chancellor Palpatine and the rest of the large selection of representatives for this summit.

To their right were Jedi and Senators standing together with a clear sign of tension yet they managed to hide it well enough.

Grandmaster Yoda stood at the head of the group, flanked by Obi-Wan Kenobi, Plo Koon and Mace Windu and like the Avengers had several other Jedi waiting in the main meeting room.

Of the selected Senators, Padme Amidala, Mon Mothma and Cham Syndulla stood amongst the Jedi, their demeanors poised and collected.

Right next to them were Clone Commanders Cody, Ponds and Wolffe with their postures sharp and attentive.

Around them were news reporters, journalists and citizens all waiting for the arrival of the Separatist and Mandalorian delegations.

Keeping them all back were Commanders Thire and Thorn with the Coruscant guard.

"You feel it?" Sam quietly asked his teammates, all of them silently nodding their heads.

"It could snap at a moment's notice." Panther commented under his breath.

"Let's hope it doesn't come to that." Matt whispered, clutching his walking stick tightly.

There were murmurs and chatter all around the gathered group from the spectators until they heard the sharp sound of engines coming from on high.

The entire platform went dead silent as a half dozen ships all came down from above.

Four were CIS transport shuttles whilst two were Mandalorian Kom'rk Class transports.

The first ships to open were the latter, the familiar T-Visor helmets of the Mandalorians being seen as two dozen of their warriors exited their crafts.

At the head of their group were six individuals.

Mandalore Spar with Satine Kryze standing shoulder to should with him.

Next to the Duchess was her sister Bo-Katan and to her side was Dax Ordo.

On the other side of them with Spar were Fenn Shysa and Tobbi Dala.

Lagging behind these six was a younger Mandalorian with a face many knew by this point. The face of a young Clone.

Some of the clones that were standing guard had their eyes drift over to the young man before they settled upon Spar, the Mandalore removing his helmet, ignoring the multitude of whispers and murmurs as many reporters, citizens and journalists were all pointing at him.

Boba could also feel the gazes on him. He could care less what the clones thought of him at this time. He was here to help his brother, his true brother in this important situation for their people.

Despite all that, his eyes landed on someone he figured may be here but… he wasn't ready for the maelstrom of emotions that boiled over within him as soon as he saw Mace Windu standing amongst the Jedi group.

Something that was not missed by the Korun Master.

The Kryze sisters had their own individuals they had their sights set on.

Despite herself, Satine spotted Kenobi and shot him a small smile that he reciprocated with one that was considerably strained. Even with the circumstance, that smile nearly caused the Duchess to burst out laughing as she had seen that kind of smile before. When they were far younger, more optimistic and also, running for their lives with Master Qui-Gon Jinn.

Bo-Katan, all the while, saw Matt Murdock and tensed up. She saw the way he tilted his head, ear in her direction before fully facing her. She clenched and unclenched her fists, a litany of complicated emotions welling up within her.

Regardless, she managed to keep herself composed for the time being, forcing herself to turn away from the man as now wasn't the time to be facing him.

Everything was fine and good so far.

Then came the Separatist delegates.

They were practically recognizable, given they were the last to come out of their transports. Not to mention their ship was most well-known by the higher-ups.

Upon landing, the Separatist ships caused a rather tense air to form around the vicinity.

Practically everyone waited with bated breath as the ships didn't show any signs of movement or activity.

Then, hisses were heard that made many within the assembled audience jolt or let out small sounds of surprise as ramps were lowered from the CIS ships.

Coming out of the ships first were a few contingents of Commando Droids with a number of humans and other species within the Confederacy. Following them were several Sith Acolytes that made the Jedi give them hard stares.

The first was the Chiss member of the group. From what they could recall on reports, this was Sev'Rance Tann. Following her was a familiar Mirialan acolyte. The team was rather glad that Scott Lang wasn't present for this now considering the history he and Hope have with Chezo Niva.

"Why couldn't it have been anyone else but her?" Sam grumbled to the other Avengers.

"Scott isn't here." Steve quickly said.

"Shame Mr. Lang couldn't be here." Chezo Niva purred slightly, eyes on the Avengers. "Would've been nice to see him again."

"We should really file a restraining order on you." Matt blankly said.

Before anyone could make any further comments, the last Acolyte to accompany them was Prosset Dibs.

Someone that made Mace Windu frown, seeing the blind gaze of the former Jedi Master turn in their direction.

"Master Windu." Came Prosset's harsh tone.

The Jedi Master said nothing in response, seeing Dibs scoff at this before standing aside as CIS Senators soon began filing out of the ships.

Recognizable ones such as Mina Bonteri and Voe Atell were present as were individuals such as Wat Tambor, who was freed by Separatist agents months ago and Nute Gunray.

Despite their past, Padme showed no signs of any resentment or anger directed at the Neimoidian. In fact, she showed no emotion at all.

She knew that the last thing that was needed here was grudges to be brought to the forefront of a ceasefire.

Besides, she loathed how much that likely will happen in this summit, even if she was not the one to instigate it.

Finally, the last to come out was the leader of the CIS himself, Count Dooku of Serenno.

The tension escalated almost immediately as both he and the Jedi Order stared at each other with intense glares.

Many actually edged away as the air between both parties only added to the already tense atmosphere.

Once given his fair share towards the people he used to work and cooperate alongside for decades, Dooku focused his attention on their allies.

Shifting his steps, he was now in the presence of the adversaries who had dramatically changed the galaxy.

Earth's Mightiest Heroes now regarded him warily though many all had the same thoughts.

He really does look like Saruman.

The universe was strange.

"The Avengers." The Sith Lord of Serenno stood before them, arms behind his back and posture squared back and straight. "For many months, over a year now, I have seen and heard of your exploits across the stars. At least we finally meet, face to face. This has been a long time coming but it seems that be it fate, destiny, the Force or chance, a proper meeting had never come about."

The four men were all silent as they regarded the man they were told was Darth Tyrannus, a Sith Lord with unreadable eyes.

"At least it's done through present circumstances instead of the battlefield." Matt Murdock said. "If we had met on the battlefield, this meeting may not have happened."

"Perhaps." Dooku mused aloud, stroking his beard now, humming aloud. "When my Acolytes spoke of the voids you all create within the Force, I had believed them perhaps to be exaggerating but it seems their words hold true… to a degree."

The Avengers all gave him silently questioning looks that he didn't appear keen on elaborating.

"But perhaps now, given what may transpire, I would like to believe a different sort of relationship can be developed between our parties." Dooku stated. "We are not here to further incentivize war but a means of peace or at the very least no longer wanting to kill each other."

"Let's hope egos can be set aside for the greater good then, Count Dooku." Steve tersely said and the Sith Lord simply inclined his head, turning around to speak with the other Separatist Delegates.

It was then that one of the Mandalorians came up to their group and he nodded at the other Avengers save for Cap who he locked eyes with.

"So you are Captain Rogers." Spar, the leader of the Mandalorians stood before the good Captain extending an arm. "I am Spar. A pleasure to meet you at last."

"Same here." Rogers cordially said, grasping the Mandalore's arm in a warrior's greeting. "Heard a lot about you from my friends."

Spar nodded at the man before turning to the other Avengers.

"Murdock, T'Challa, Wilson," He listed them off with respect. "Good to see you are all doing well for yourselves."

"Mandalore." Panther greeted in return. "We have heard that your people have made great strides in strengthening your positions in the Outer Rim with the Guardians and Ravagers."

"Things have been going well enough." Fenn answered instead of Spar. "But that can only last so long. Still, good to see you guys. And to finally meet your leader."

"Don't let him hear you say that." Wilson good-naturedly said, clapping Cap's shoulders, slightly shaking him. "He'll try to deny it."

Steve snorted at that, rotating his shoulders to get Sam's hands off of him.

"Vision will be happy to see you all again."

He saw some of the Mandalorians brighten up at his name, those doing so being the ones clearly more familiar with him than the others.

Over to the side, Duchess Satine was conversing with the Jedi Order while inconspicuously standing close to Obi-Wan Kenobi.

By the one called Fenn Shysa stood Boba Fett, the former having his shoulder on the young boy who was glaring intensely at Windu.

Everyone could feel how the relatively "peaceful", and that term is being used in the loosest of terms possible, hung by a thread and could break at any given moment.

"Much change will happen here today."

"I don't need access to the Force to clearly know that."

The large collection of individual parties was soon led into the Senate building.

Each assembled group was guarded en route to their destination in case anyone had any funny ideas. Ceasefire Summit it may be, there are always those who would throw caution into the wind and do something incredibly stupid. History has shown that to be a repeating pattern.

Eventually, all were brought into the Senate Chamber, the large room lined with over a thousand Repulsor Pods with some already being occupied.

Each party divided themselves up, getting into platforms that had between three to five individuals before they detached themselves to form a new circle of the representatives of each party.

Getting to the pod ready for the Avengers, Steve saw Aayla standing at the entrance, giving him an encouraging smile which he appreciated greatly before joining the rest of the team in the chamber.

Over on his own Repulsorpod, Count Dooku stood flanked by his Acolytes as they all surveyed everyone else.

Near the respective pods were others of the respective parties for their protective detail. A means of personal security in case anyone sought to attack any of the summoned people of great importance to the galaxy at large.

His eyes glanced over to where the Avengers were and they landed upon the one called Vision. The Count inhaled sharply, having felt immense power coming from him, particularly his forehead.

His Master had spoken of this Avenger, one that held an ingot of immeasurable power and to think he would be in the proximity of such a thing. He could feel the reactions his Acolytes gave off, having also just sensed the power of the Mind Stone and they couldn't help but stare at the Avenger.

If Wanda Maximoff were present, boy would their reactions become more unsettled.

The other Avenger that was with them was Black Widow and she looked sharp and attentive and very aware of her surroundings it seems as she briefly locked eyes with the Count and displayed no signs of fear.

He was honestly impressed with her tenacity.

Shifting his eyes to the floor below, Dooku felt his Master. He didn't need to see Palpatine suppressing his control over the Force immensely. Far more than intended through Force Cloak.

'He's preparing himself.' Thought Dooku. 'What will happen today may or may not affect his grand plan. I'll be counting on the former considerably.'

With what he plans on doing, a new era of the Sith is needed. Like how Darth Bane started the Banite era by destroying the "heretics", Dooku will seek to do something similar. The question was how without making it appear he's truly betraying Sidious.

Seated on the same Repulsorpod as the Count of Serenno, Sev'Rance Tann began viewing the proceedings with her red within red eyes with the utmost attention. Drinking in and analyzing everything. Years of discipline took hold though it was difficult due to the enormous beacon of power that Vision possessed, his presence like a supernova in the Force.

While her fellow acolytes were a little talkative or somewhat relaxed, given no one would be attacking them in the present proceedings, she on the other hand was outright serious.

'They're all tense.' Tann thought analytically when seeing her fellow Acolytes. 'Can't see why. Playing it off, but they're worried.' Her gaze shifted to Dooku. 'He's the same, but more composed at best.'

Those that represented the Jedi Order had several pods for themselves given a majority of the Council was in attendance as were many members of the Republic senate.

Padme stood alongside Organa, Chuchi and Mothma, her eyes taking in all who were present, landing on her close friend Mina, the pair exchanging hopeful smiles.

The senator of Naboo exhaled shakily, steeling her nerves. Her life revolved around moments such as these.

This was the chance of a lifetime to bring two sides together and forge, or in this case, reforge what was lost. She did so over a decade ago with her brothers and sisters with the Gungans and she prayed to the Naboo gods and the Force itself that the ceasefire can be accomplished here.

Whatever chatter came to an end when a resounding sound went off within the Senate chamber.

Rising from the opening of the central floor, the podium rose up where Sheev Palpatine, Mas Amedda and Sly Moore appeared. Once it came to a stop, the summit began.

"Welcome, delegates," Chancellor Palpatine greeted with a disarming smile. "I am grateful for all of you to come at this crucial hour in the galaxy and would like to extend the Republic's thanks for the Confederacy being the ones to reach out to us for this ceasefire."

There was an uncomfortable silence as there were many who were uncertain as to who should speak next.

Which was why a neutral party had to be the one to respond.

"And we thank you for this chance, Chancellor Palpatine." The Duchess Satine spoke up. "We have come to a crossroads in the galaxy and the summit here will determine the course of the history of the galaxy."

"Are we sure it's safe for this meeting to occur? What if Ultron were to attack here once more?" Nute Gunray abruptly spoke up, clearly nervous and jittery about simply being here.

"We've taken many precautions." Mas Amedda assured. "As you saw on your way here, the Republic Fleet is guarding this planet. We have other assistance in being sure he won't show up through the holo-net."

It was something that the Avengers didn't want to bring up at this time, with Tap and Karen being on their side. Working overtime to be sure the safeguards aren't breached by Ultron or any of his programs. Despite their hesitancy towards the Chancellor, they had to at least inform him and his little circle of this bit of defense to show other bits of compliance.

"Now, I understand there is much to discuss," Palpatine stated. "And I cannot deny that there are still many on both sides that hold animosity towards one another."

"That's one way of putting it." Voe Atell snidely said, Mina immediately sighing in exasperation at her fellow Separatist. "I'm still amazed Count Dooku proposed such a folly and sham of an idea. Not like any of you to uphold it."

"Why would you think that?" Asks Mon Mothma. "It's through him and many of your fellow senators who sought this ceasefire."

"Lest we forget, Senator Voe, it was you who convinced the Separatists to attack Kamino." The Kaminoan Senator Halle Burtoni spoke up, jabbing a long finger in her direction.

"What choice did we have? We are desperate so we may fully focus on Ultron. Yet we couldn't with you Republic dogs breathing down our necks."

"Wait, how do you even know about that?" Asked another Separatist Senator.

"There are those who at least have some semblance of common sense within your ranks." Burtoni smugly said.

"You have spies?!" Voe snarled at the Kaminoan.

"It's a war you blithering idiot." Said a Republic senator. "It's no surprise there are spies on both sides."

In an instant, yelling dissolved on both sides, primarily from the politicians as both sides hurled accusations and insults against one another.

The Force Users in the room all stayed silent, the Mandalorians appeared to want to be anywhere but here and the Avengers…

"That was quick." T'Challa dryly noted.

"Here we go." Sam muttered quietly, watching chaos descend upon the chamber as the senators went at it. "Another day at the senate."

"Yet this is far more… extreme." Matt remarked, wincing at some of the personal comments thrown against each side.

"What do you expect? Separatist senators verbally combating against their Republic counterparts in person. A long time coming."

"I most certainly did. Just didn't prepare with how loud they'd be." Said the lawyer, fighting the urge to cover his ears with the overwhelming sounds hitting at him.

Natasha let out a calming breath and stepped towards the front of the podium, placing her hands on the sides of her head, inhaling deeply before…

"QUIET!"

The entire room went dead silent at the uncharacteristic shout that came from the Black Widow who looked completely annoyed in being here.

"What's the matter with you morons?" She rhetorically asked. "My year-old daughter behaves better than all you kooks combined. We're here for a ceasefire to make sure we have a chance to fight off extinction. Or is that not high enough of a threat for you to shove your egos and differences aside for that much?"

Everyone was relatively blown away by this sudden outburst save for her teammates with most of them guffawing at what they just saw.

Romanoff then calmed down as quickly as she released her anger, coughing into her hand and seating herself as if nothing had happened.

Yet she could feel nearly everyone's gaze shift right at her.

Some of which were her fellow Avengers.

"What?" Romanoff said finally.

"Damn, Natasha."

She rolled her eyes. "My patience can only last so far. Why do you think I hardly come here?"

"Here I thought you were trained for it."

"I have. Still doesn't mean I'm fine with it."

Back at the center of the senate room, Sheev Palpatine, Mas Amedda and Sly Moore looked on with a bit of bewilderment.

"I… um…yes…" Even Palpatine was thrown off by such a scene though if it was genuine or for show was hard to discern. "Crude as that may be, Ms. Romanoff is absolutely correct. We came here for peace or at the very least, a ceasefire. We all know why. Ultron has caused an unquantifiable degree of damage and I would rather not get into the death toll that has skyrocketed since his entry into the war."

There were murmurs of begrudging agreements on all sides as now Spar's platform hovered around the Chancellor.

"This isn't a war relegated to just the Republic and Separatists. Ultron's assault is hitting every known corner of the galaxy and he has brought his onslaught onto the doorsteps of Mandalore."

"During a summit of our own." Satine's own platform came to float beside Spars. "Senators, I implore you to find the common ground that would bring us together. Look no further than myself and Mandalore Spar and even my sister. You all know I am a pacifist, that I abhor the very nature of war but I compromised where I needed to for the sake of my people and my culture. We Mandalorians are united under one banner-"

"Are you now?" Said a Separatist Senator in a snide voice. "Because from what I hear, there is a splinter faction-"

"Death Watch, yes, we know." Bo-Katan tersely cut him off. "But Pre Vizsla did not represent all of Death Watch. Many of them under my command and others within Death Watch understood what needed to be done and broke away to join under the banner of the Mandalore Spar."

"Senators please," Mon Mothma immediately spoke up, gesturing to Bo and Satine. "Our Mandalorian representatives have displayed a willingness to make peace between their factions and come together. If they are capable of doing this, so can we."

"But can you all be trusted to uphold it?" Voe spoke up once again. "I don't know the history that you all have but I am surprised that any Mandalorian even bothered in coming here considering the excision committed against them by the Republic. Let's not forget that though the Mandalorians weren't a threat, the Republic was scared and paranoid enough to bomb their home planet and a dozen others of their worlds as a "precaution" to make sure the galaxy never has a repeat of the Mandalorian wars."

"Or that it was the Republics' own corruption that led to the formation of the Separatists." Wat Tambor spoke up.

"You are the LAST person who should be speaking on morality or corruption, Tambor." Cham Syndulla snarled from his platform, the Twi'lek Senator giving the Techno Union leader a murderous glare. "The fact that you are somehow here and not behind a Republic jail cell for the atrocities you committed against my people is a crime in itself."

"Hey!" Captain America now shouted, causing the chamber to grow silent. "What are we here for? To bring up the past? Or to try to make something for the future? Because if this is what's gonna happen for the entirety of this summit, the Avengers will have no part in this. We were only brought in because of our past with Ultron."

"So we'd be better served in actually being out there fighting the metal bastard than wasting our time here." Sam tacked on.

"He is hoping that this division continues, mind you." Vision spoke up. "The further everyone here remains at each other's throats, the more likely we are all to fall."

"Don't forget what happened on Jabiim." Matt Murdock brought up. "That is just a microcosm of what may happen if we do not come together here and now."

Everyone regarded their words when Dooku released a sigh. Coughing into his own hand, loud enough in making all turn to him.

"If I may," He slowly said. "I would like to tell you all one of the reasons as to why I left the Jedi Order and the Republic. Please, I understand that this may not be the time for it but allow me to tell you this. Help you understand the hesitation that stems from the Confederacy for this ceasefire."

"Were you not the one who reached out to us, Count Dooku?" Organa questioned intently. "If I recall, it was you personally, sending out the missive for this summit."

"I am but I also understand that all sides need to have their perspectives heard on what has come before. A cautionary tale, if you will, in hopes of these sorts of actions being more easily avoided."

Though some appeared hesitant, they all listened as Dooku recounted a tale from his time as a Jedi.

"Years ago, my padawan and I were sent to the planet Dagon to rescue the son of Senator Dagonet, who was taken from Dagon's capital. The village where he was kept was in frightfully terrible conditions. We soon learned all of the villagers took part in the kidnapping. They were desperate for attention, wanting proper funding to return to them while Dagonet was hoarding the finances. His son was unharmed and unmolested. He never knew of his people's conditions as it was; he never stepped foot outside of the capital before and spent much time here on Coruscant. He was appalled by what his father was doing. Didn't even blame his captors as they didn't have much of a choice in getting our attention for the rescue operation. The matter was… resolved, at the end with Senator Dagonet removed from power, but the issue took root and grew in my mind over the years."

Focusing his gaze away from memory, Dooku could see great attention placed on him with him continuing to speak to the masses.

"I had seen many scenes like this play out, with one Master Mace Windu of the Jedi Council itself bearing witness to such corruption." Many now turned to said Jedi and the silent look he gave off was enough for them to discern that Dooku's words held truth in them. "Different retellings, but the same message was delivered each and every time. And with each occurrence, the senate believes the Jedi serve them, not recalling they serve the people. We were meant to serve the people of this galaxy first and foremost. I do wish for peace, for a ceasefire. But you must all understand just why so many show such trepidation that such a thing can be upheld."

There was a beat of silence that followed when Palpatine cleared his throat.

"Tell me, tell us, what would perhaps suffice to make the Republic and Neutral systems compliant in collaborating with the Separatist Alliance against Ultron."

"We don't need much," Spar spoke up, giving the Naboo Chancellor a hard gaze. "Just don't go getting an itchy trigger finger and bombing into oblivion when Ultron is taken care of."

"We are willing to put in what is needed and asked of us within reason." Bo-Katan spoke up. "Our people come first at the end of the day."

"But we will not abandon the galaxy to be left to the fate of Ultron." Satine firmly said. "Allow us and our allies to keep our neutrality at the end of all of this and you have the honored pledge of Mandalore's assistance against Ultron."

Most felt some level of assuredness from those words.

Mandalorians prided themselves on their honor and their word so that was not something so easily broken.

"And with the Separatists?"

"Well for starters, before we go any further, getting rid of your droid army is an absolute must." Widow drably said, causing a predictable reaction from the Separatists.

Many outcries of shock, rage and denial.

"You want us to dismantle our army? Are you out of your mind?" Voe shrieked.

"We barely have a standing one as is." Gunray stated. "We have only just begun conscription of our own."

"What's the matter, afraid your pockets are gonna get hit?" Sam Wilson spoke up with a dry look that made the Neimoidian flinch.

"We are able to pay back the Banking Clan-"

"With what? Favors that'll take years to pay off?" Cham snidely said.

"You do realize that Ultron already took half your army from you, right?" Sam pointed out, getting through all the ruckus. "He let you keep your scrawnier droids cause they're literally cheap as dirt and equally as crappy on the battlefield. All your Supers, Droidekas and most others are all gone. Some Commandos yeah but not much else."

"We still have the droids you believe are gone."

"How many, exactly?" Matt shot back, silencing the Separatist.

"Saying this here and now, a big reason why this war keeps continuing isn't because of grudges but out of greed." Says Natasha. "And the big three who followed such a thing are the Trade Federation, the Techno Union, and the Banking Clans."

"Slander!"

T'Challa soon spoke. "Not really slander when it's the truth. You three groups just hold so much money, blackmail and leverage you can pull and tug anyone into looking the other way or be compliant to your demands."

The conversation soon diverged into a different topic, one which the Viceroy of the Neimoidians sought to use.

"Do you not know what has happened?!" Nute Gunray cried out pitifully. "That blasted Droid has bombed Cato Neimoidia recently. Many cities are in ruin because of his actions. Because of you Avengers. You stated to have dealt with this monster in the past and you failed to take him out. How can we hold such faith in you, in this ceasefire, if we are dealing with such incompetence?!"

The Avengers said nothing until…

"Didn't you pay people to try to kill Senator Amidala like… two dozen times?" Widow deadpanned, looking seriously underwhelmed at the individual that was Nute Gunray. "I've lost track."

"Wh-what?" Gunray stammered.

"That's beside the point," Natasha dismissively said. "Can't help but ask this but you think Ultron bombing Cato Neimoidia is bad? Him essentially glassing Geonosis is bad? Taking Jabiim? That's child's play considering what he can do that's not even seen. You should be scared he hasn't wrecked the Banks yet."

"With him, he can cause a galactic crash with the stock market and wipe out everyone's accounts and cause an economic shutdown. Making a Great Depression the likes no one has ever seen." Vision stated.

"I uh… I'm not sure if such a thing is at the top of everyone's minds." Padme remarked.

"That is something that you should take into account though." Sam said.

"It is one of the many ways Ultron can bring about further chaos and destruction." T'Challa said. "Why fight us when he can cause further divide and anarchy amongst yourselves? Bringing financial ruin across the galaxy, taking decades to recover."

"Lovely." Voe said in irritation with half-lidded eyes. "Do you have any other methods that Ultron has that can wipe us out that we should be aware of that we may have missed?"

"Meteors." Romanoff answered, completely ignoring Atell's sarcasm. "He could send meteors down if that's what you would like. Cause that's how he nearly caused the extinction of all life on our planet."

Voe balked at the idea and so many others in attendance.

It was from there did Cham Syndulla take control of the conversation.

"Getting back to the military discussion-"

"No. No. No. You listen here. There is no way a government would simply want to tear down their military force." One of the Separatists vehemently argued.

"How would you like it if we requested you to dismantle your Clone army? Or the Mandalorian militia? So many years of training and building wasted and will cost more to reform. Not to mention how abruptly it'll be if another threat were to occur."

"Who in their right mind would want to do that?"

In another timeline, another universe, a massive collective series of sneezes went off. Those who essentially oversaw and commanded the New Republic.

"We're not telling you to get rid of your army-"

"Yes you are."

"Just the droids."

"Which is our entire army."

"That can be taken control of by Ultron, what are you not hearing?" Natasha impatiently said. "Out of everyone here, your army is the biggest liability, the fact that you're all still using it is beyond me."

"With respect, Ms. Romanoff," Mina spoke candidly. "We have already mentioned that we have only just begun conscription. Worst of all, Umbara and their people have seceded from the Separatists as well recently. They had many that were within the Separatist army but now they have left as well."

"Wait, what?"

"We do not have the luxury of a Clone Army nor do we have the Mandalorians warrior lifestyle." Bonteri went on. "Many of us are people who had to resort to such means to quickly combat the clones, who all came out of nowhere. None of us were really prepared for such a force."

"But an army can be trained." Syndulla insisted.

"Yes, an army that represented the people who were oppressing many of us."

"Like any of you are any better."

Sensing things were about to take another downward turn, Vision flared the Mind Stone, the bright light and hum of power causing many to immediately fall silent.

The Force users in the room all shook their heads at the intense power that erupted momentarily, feeling a slight daze coming over them. Palpatine did his best to hide his wince, despite using Force Cloak to the max to hide his Dark Side presence.

"If you would please compose yourselves," Vision patiently said. "Can we not devolve into children here while the threat of extinction looms over us?"

There was an awkward pause in the chamber as many tried to figure out how to continue after being scolded rather like one would a child.

"Count Dooku," Organa spoke up, facing the leader of the CIS. "I must ask something pertinent that I believe many may have either missed or have not noticed. Where is General Grievous?"

Dooku held a deep frown at the mention of this.

"Is he not the highest-ranking general within your ranks?" Bail Organa asks.

"He is."

"And why is it that he is not here?"

"Because I ordered him. His presence would cause countless issues, which I did not want to implode upon this summit. His hatred of the Jedi Order is well known and I know that he has taken the lives of many Jedi. He is the last person I want here with us."

"Can you at least try and get General Grievous to comply for the time being?" Bail inquired.

With Grievous being the leader of the Droid Army, his position is detrimental to greatly changing the outcome of this ceasefire.

Dooku took a small breath, voicing a response with a hint of a grumble. "I'm saying this now, I make no such promises he'll follow through."

Not much was said after this response. Force knows how Grievous will react to such a request.

"Jedi, all of you have been silent since this summit began." Palpatine spoke up, directing everyone's attention onto them. "Have you nothing to say in this matter? No wisdom to be shared? I implore you, my friends, we can use your own knowledge and thoughts on this matter."

The Jedi Council didn't respond until Obi-Wan Kenobi cleared his throat.

"We believe that there is much animosity and bad blood between all of us here. But if we are to be frank, our words matter little more than what our duty is."

"And what would that be?"

"Responsibility." Yoda corrected. "Responsibility, we have, forgotten by our Order it has, yes. Responsibility, our Order has, to the people, not to senators. To the people we have, in that, we have failed."

"There has been much time in reflection that we have had." Plo Koon's voice rumbled off the walls of the chamber. "But we are here to support this ceasefire and do what we must to eliminate Ultron once and for all. We can only say so much without drawing further ire or scrutiny."

"All we can tell you," Windu spoke slowly. "Is that a ceasefire is the only way for us to survive this threat."

"And what is unseen," Yoda said with a grim frown, making many look questioningly at him. "The Force, in motion it is. A shadow, out of sight dwells. A greater darkness is coming. To have a tomorrow, stand united we must."

"That's it?" A Separatist senator voiced his displeasure. "That's all the "Wisdom" and "Sage" advice you mud-skuffers have to give?"

"The Force is not something that gives a clear indication of what is to come, only a warning of greater dangers." Obi-Wan stated.

"Greater dangers?" Mina murmured. "Are you telling us something worse is coming?"

"We are not certain." Windu admitted.

"What do you mean you're not certain?!"

"Senators, everyone, please… remember why we are here. What we have been told from the Avengers." Padme Amidala was almost pleading now. "Ultron is why we came together. He is an adversary with only one goal in mind. The complete and utter annihilation of life in this galaxy, to be replaced with his twisted idea of evolution. I know many, if not all of you, are aware of our recent discoveries in the twisted and depraved experiments that Ultron has been conducting on many in the galaxy. He is indiscriminate with who he chooses to change. All that matters is more meat is added to his army."

"If we do not come together," Chuchi now spoke up. "We all know the outcome. Even with the Avengers assisting us, they cannot be everywhere at once. Ultron will whittle us down and all of us would eventually fall."

"We are to either come together or perish." Mothma stated emphatically.

"At the end of the day, we are not here for politics but survival." Organa implored. "I am ready to do what I must to assure we have a tomorrow where we can squabble about pointlessly once again."

Time passed and the summit didn't exactly come to a solution at this time. More sessions would no doubt be needed to resolve certain issues and properly create this alliance against Ultron.

-Scene Cut-

"Well that accomplished jackshit." Sam said aloud, uncaring about who was in the vicinity to hear his statement. "What a bunch of bullshit. God I hate politics."

"It'll take a long while before any real headway is made." Nat stated, gazing at all the representatives still present. She was certainly glad the volatile ones had up and left as soon as the meeting was adjourned.

"Rushing it will only cause more problems than solutions." Viz knowingly said. "The fact that this summit has even come about is hopefully a step in the right direction."

"Until someone causes it to stagger back." Wilson muttered.

"We'll just have to hope for the best." Rogers commented, hands on his belt, head lowered in thought.

"Something on your mind, Steve?" T'Challa asked, seeing the deep look Steve held.

"Just something that was said by Grandmaster Yoda." The WWII veteran shook his head. "A darkness that's coming. Ultron is bad enough but… what do you guys think?"

Before anyone could answer, Matt tilted his head and let out a small sigh. "Apologies Cap but if you'll excuse me."

He walked away from his confused teammates, all looking at one another for answers.

"Uh… where is he going?"

T'Challa had a glint in his eyes as he saw to whom it was he was going to see.

"I believe he requires some much-needed fresh air." The Prince of Wakanda said. "Let's discuss our matter with the Jedi. I believe their input is needed on your concerns, Captain."

Walking in between the many individuals that remained within the corridor, Murdock stopped at who it was he detected, lightly tapping his cane once on the ground, clearing his throat a moment later.

"Bo."

He sensed her seizing up, the rest of the Mandalorians around her all regarding him with confusion.

Slowly, she turned around to face him with a clear expression of conflict.

"Matthew," Bo slowly said. "What do you want?"

"To talk." Matt angled his head slightly. "Matthew? Come now, Ms. Kryze, are we not friends that formality such as that is needed?"

"Bo, how do you know Matt?" Satine questioned from the side, looking between her sister and Daredevil.

"We go back." The blind lawyer casually revealed. "I was her… therapist, perhaps, during her imprisonment here on Coruscant after the failed assassination attempt on your life, Duchess."

The blond Mandalorian blinked at that.

"I… oh."

Bo-Katan let out an annoyed sigh, rubbing the bridge of her nose, turning to her sister. "Can you tell the Mandalore I just need a moment?"

Satine eyed her sister intently, picking up on the demeanor she was giving off. Her posture conveyed a kind of restrained tension that all appeared thanks in no small part to Matt's arrival. It appeared there was more to the pair than she first assumed.

"Just so long as you don't make a scene."

"I won't-"

"By wringing his neck."

"...I make no promises."

"Bo."

"I'm just kidding, Satine." Bo-Katan said exasperatedly. "Give me a break."

"Well, knowing you-"

"Ladies." Matt interrupted their small argument, giving the red-haired Mandalorian an expectant look. "May we?"

Bo let out a small grunt before nodding. "Fine."

"Duchess." Matt said with respect before walking away with Satine's sister walking after him.

The pair walked down the hallway away from the crowds that were still near the Senate Chambers entrances, their chatter becoming distant and indiscernible.

Well, indiscernible for Bo. Matt could hear them all loud and clear still but that wasn't his focus.

"You seem to be doing well for yourself, Bo." Murdock started off, a light tone to him. "It is good to see you're in better spirits."

The Mandalorian said nothing in response, only grumbling to herself which made the blind Avenger huff in amusement.

"Nothing to say to me?"

"What do you want me to say?"

"Well, not yet at least. Not until I ask you the obvious."

He could sense her body temperature rising, the man already knowing she knew exactly what he was referring to.

"So… what was that back on Manda-

"I don't know."

Murdock raised a brow at her response midway through his question and regarded her carefully. His enhanced senses picked up on her heightened emotions, her heart rate increasing with a haggard breathing pattern.

"You don't know?" He asked in response and she rounded on him with an angry look.

"You heard me, I don't know!" She nearly shouted. "That was just… that was… God, it hasn't been long enough for you to annoy me like this."

Matt hummed at that, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "And yet… here we are. Why is that?"

"I'm still trying to figure that out myself." Bo-Katan grumbled quietly.

Daredevil was silent for a few moments, feeling the conflicted emotions radiating off the red-haired warrior.

"I wasn't thinking really, I just…" She hesitated. "It just came out, alright? I wanted to scream, shout, slap the hell out of you but… that's what came out. Ok? That's all there is to it."

"Is it?"

Bo now glared slightly at him. "What do you want, Murdock? Did you just pull me aside to needle at me again with your incessant questions? Is that it?"

"You did come along when you could have denied my offer." Matt countered, hearing her grind her teeth at that. "But… I am still curious."

He could feel her gaze on him.

"That still was not something I expected and," The New Yorker released a self-deprecating sigh. "It seems my taste in women hasn't changed."

Bo-Katan narrowed her eyes at the man as he now turned to fully face her.

"Look, I'll be fine if it was merely some heat of the moment or just getting it out of your system since the battle was long since over. You don't need to get so worked up on it once that's admitted."

"Then why ask?"

Matt had a flat look in response that silently said "you're really asking me that right now?".

She only scoffed in return.

He let out a small sigh before shifting the conversation.

"It is good to see that you at least have a modicum of peace with your choice."

"What?"

"Aligning yourself with the Mandalore and Duchess Satine." Matt clarified. "You may not realize it but there is a certain… I would say confidence or perhaps peace with the decision you made."

Bo rolled her eyes at that. "No thanks to you. You've made me rethink everything I thought I understood about myself."

Matt gave her a faux-smug look and despite herself, she chuckled, actually shoving him with her hand.

"Get that stupid look off your face, you didn't help in the slightest."

"So it would seem."

"You're unbearable, you know that right?"

"Wouldn't be the first time a woman has called me that." Matt mused. "Not like I try to do it just," He gestures to his ears and then the rest of himself. "Comes with what I am."

"And what are you?"

The Earther stood there in silence for a time, dwelling on this until he nodded to himself.

"I'm Matt Murdock. Lawyer. Daredevil. And an Avenger."

"Impressive titles." Bo-Katan idly said.

"What of you?"

Bo blinked. "Excuse me?"

"I don't need my sight anymore to see you're more than just a member of House Kryze. Fulfilling the family legacy which your sister couldn't pick up with her personal nature. So, what of you? Who are you, Bo-Katan Kryze?"

A number of months ago, when she was still imprisoned, this was the very first question he ever presented to her. It was one that was constantly thrown in her face in the many sessions they had before her escape.

And whether she liked it or not, that question began to set into her very core and it was something she had now begun asking herself since escaping Coruscant.

"Someone trying to survive while honoring her heritage but also… I'm not entirely sure." She admitted, more to herself than to Matt. "I'm still trying to figure that out honestly."

Murdock only nodded patiently.

"And that kiss on Mandalore," He couldn't deny a small degree of enjoyment upon sensing her violent jerk from hearing that. "Is that part of "figuring" yourself out or-"

"You're on thin ice, Murdock."

"Am I?"

He could feel her huff.

"You're insufferable, you know that, right?"

"I try." Matt admitted. "But my best friend once told me that a kiss can be deadly if you mean it."

"Where'd you get that from?"

"My last girlfriend, before we broke up. Took a few days for me to understand it better once she left me. Foggy dropped that on me 'cause he saw that we had something before we fell apart. It appears my luck with ferocious women continues."

Bo-Katan gawked at that and she was about to call him out for his audacity when she remembered that it was she herself that landed herself in this predicament.

"Hmmm, it appears certain types of subtlety are lost on you." Matt mused aloud, sensing her spike in irritation. "What I am asking you is if you would like to be annoyed more with my "intrusive and incessant questions" over a more… casual scenario. Perhaps a dinner of your choosing or if that's too difficult, I picked up on some places that are still open on Coruscant that may be to your liking."

"I… you… what?"

"When do you think you'll be available next time? If at all really? Today's Ceasefire summit showed me that you are likely to be coming to Coruscant a bit more often than expected. Perhaps a night out next time can help us both relax."

Bo-Katan wasn't sure exactly sure what Matt was insinuating until she began putting the pieces together.

"W-wait," She stammered. "What are… are you seriously-"

"Nothing wrong with two acquaintances having a sit down and just getting to know each other better in more comfortable circumstances."

Bo-Katan was at a loss for words before managing to find her voice.

"You're the strangest man I've ever met."

"Well, wait till you get to know the rest of my team, then we'll see."

"No, I don't think I'll be changing my mind anytime soon." Bo blandly replied then released a sigh. "But… against my better judgment… I may take you up on your offer."

Matt found himself smiling a moment later. "It's a date then."

"Please don't call it that."

"Then what would you have me call it?"

"Anything but that."

-Scene Cut-

Peter stood at the holo-table within the Avengers' home, a look of grim determination on his face as he sifted through the many systems he had been looking over to locate Ahsoka.

With the assistance of Karen and Tap, they had set up a kind of echolocation on comms, sending out radio waves in hopes of receiving a ping in response, hardwired specifically to the frequency Ahsoka utilized.

Thus far, they got nothing.

No ping, no static that may sound like Ahsoka, nothing at all.

The search has been gruesome for not just him but for Anakin. Neither of them hardly had much sleep and rest, outside of their typical duties.

Sagging his head as he leaned against the table, Peter looked behind him to see Barriss Offee still sitting cross-legged on the ground, eyes closed and wrists resting on her knees.

She had been in and out of meditating, trying to use her Force Bond with their lost lover to try to find some kind of tether to act as their pathway to find her.

Like previous times, the Padawan states she could feel Ahsoka, but can't locate her. The main thing Barriss keeps saying is that she is alive. That's what constantly drove the pair and Anakin into tirelessly searching for her.

It has only been several days but no real progress has been made. Something was interfering with the search. Something was blocking any proper attempts, repelling their advances.

Yet… something unusual had occurred since Ahsoka's disappearance.

In between their search, Barriss and Peter had managed time for themselves and were able to spend a night together in each other's arms for comfort.

They had fallen asleep for the most part but…

For a brief moment, be it a dream, feeling or… something, they felt her. The both of them felt Ahsoka was between them, in their arms.

They could hear her and they could have sworn she heard them.

When they awoke that following morning, they both felt a buzzing sensation they couldn't quite explain.

For Barriss, she believed it may have been the Force but Peter pointed out something that didn't make sense.

How could he have felt it if he didn't have the Force?

There was something going on.

And had it been any other situation, Barriss and Peter would have tried figuring out just what this meant. But it wouldn't be the same without their girlfriend.

That day only galvanized their efforts, the pair practically sleeping at their stations in hopes of finding the lost Togruta.

It was the men of the 501st who found them like that and rather than took them to bed, set up two mattresses for them and took over afterward.

"Peter, Barriss."

Glancing over, the Queen's native saw T'Challa come into the home.

"Hey, T'Challa." Parker greeted him with a strained summit.

"Your highness." Barriss said, getting to her feet and bowing.

"Please, young Barriss, no need for such formalities." The Prince of Wakanda implored, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. "We have been through far too much for such titles."

The Padawan appeared conflicted but the look T'Challa gave her made her acquiesce to his request, albeit reluctantly.

"You missed out on the summit." Panther said, facing Peter again.

The young Avenger shrugged. "Yeah, figured. How'd that go?"

"Complicated. Not everything was settled today. More sessions will happen in the future."

Peter hummed. "Lovely. Seeing the Acolytes must've been fun."

"It was." T'challa said sarcastically.

"If we didn't have other priorities to focus on, I would've asked about Blackout." Barriss stated.

"First off, I doubt Dooku or his people would openly reveal such information. Second, don't assume that the man you all faced is associated with him. Thirdly, you'll have plenty of time with later visits."

"I guess." Peter murmured. "But I don't think I'd contribute much to anything political with those meetings. I'm just a kid."

"With more wisdom than a good chunk of those Senators."

"Even if you don't contribute, attending these summits will give you experience for later occurrences."

"I think I'll stick to friendly neighborhood work, T'Challa." Peter said good naturedly.

"Of course. Still, wouldn't hurt. Can't solely be ignorant to politics all the time."

"Well, I figured that much. But if all they're gonna do is just yell at each other…"

The Prince chuckled at that. "Cannot fault your argument there."

He then looked up at the holo-table, seeing several highlighted systems that were red.

"No luck?"

"Nada." Peter groused out, teeth clenched in frustration. "Just one dead end after the other."

Barriss said nothing, only slumping slightly as a show of confirmation with the Wakandan frowning at this.

"A most peculiar occurrence." He muttered, crossing his arms in thought. "Peter. Barriss. I know this may seem redundant by this point but I am curious. Did you think of everything in terms of what may have led up to Ahsoka disappearing as she did on Onderon?"

The two teens shared a look with each other, unsure of this matter but still decided to give it a try.

"It's just that everything was relatively fine. Yeah, the attack on the capital was reminiscent to the Battle of New York with the Chitauri and Sakaarans going after everyone." Peter said to the Wakandan prince.

Barriss picked things up from there. "When Ahsoka left, she was with other rebels. A Trandoshan was the one that saw Dendup being taken into-"

"Wait…" T'Challa sharply cut them off, pointing at the Mirialan, startling her. "What did you just say?"

"Uh… about learning King Dendup was taken?"

"No no, not that." T'Challa shook his head. "You said you learned of Dendup's departure from Trandoshans, correct?"

A bewildered look was present on both teenagers. "Yes… why are you-"

The Black Panther said nothing, instead turning to the holo-table in an instant.

"You said you saw Ahsoka leaving with Trandoshans, yes?" He didn't wait for a response as he sent out a transmission. "Trandoshans who are known hunters in the galaxy."

The two teens frowned, a troubled look appearing on their faces.

"What do you mean?" Barriss inquired. "Are you referring to the culture of the Trandoshans?"

"I don't mean to assume that every Trandoshan follows the same aspect. It's just my relations with the Wookiees-"

Just as he was about to finish his statement, his hail was received and on the holo-table flickered the image of a large and imposing Wookiee.

"Rafwar-Ah Chieftain Tarfful, good to see you." The Prince said in respect, bowing his head slightly. "I hope you are well.

The Wookiee leader released a warble of greeting though what he said afterward made T'Challa frown.

"Trandoshans? Bast, talk about timing."

"What, what did he say?" Peter swiftly asks, his gut suddenly lurching.

"We've been having issues with a group of them for some time now. A number of Wookiees as of late have been taken. Successful on past retrieval missions. Some aren't. We just haven't been able to properly locate where they've been taken to in the end as we've been too late."

"And?" Barriss egged on.

"It seems that the Trandoshans struck again." Black Panther then held up his wrist, his Kimoyo beads lighting up. "Only one this time, they took someone from my tribe. Someone who has one of these and that can be traced directly to where he has been taken."

Realization soon began to dawn upon Barriss and Peter, the former feeling a shift within the Force.

"Do ya think-"

"A chance, yes. Come. We must prepare ourselves."

-Scene Cut-

"RAAAAAH!"

*CLANG*

A metal beam was thrown and indented into the wall of a large hangar bay that was relatively empty.

Stomping around with each footstep leaving dents on the floor, the grand general of the droid army was in a sorry state of affairs.

Rage, betrayal and pure fury have all but consumed his being.

General Grievous was breathing so hoarsely and heavily that it was a miracle he was not coughing in his current state.

The entire hangar bay that served his private palace had become the canvas to enact his boiling feelings of unadulterated anger that coursed through his metal body.

"Ceasefire?" Grievous said to himself, tone laced with hatred. "CEASEFIRE?!"

He grabbed an engine core that had been torn from its ship and repeatedly smashed it into the ground before throwing it at a random wall, the engine shattering upon impact.

Grievous bellowed aloud, stomping on the head of a Commando droid that was in front of him, completely flattening it.

Any droids nearby witnessing the massacre had the right idea to vacate the immediate vicinity or else they'd be totally wrecked by the general. It wasn't just the ships and equipment suffering his wrath but any and all droids unfortunate enough to be caught in his warpath.

His training facility was completely destroyed, wires and metal panels strewn about the room so he had to change locations and the hangar bay made do.

The droid general was honestly unsure how long he'd been at this but he didn't give two shits about it.

The visceral rage he was experiencing right now was unlike anything he had ever experienced. The only thing, and it really was the only thing he could compare this to was the hatred he once held against the old enemy of his people.

The insectoid species known as the Huk.

He could remember those monsters clear as day. How they brought about the near extinction of his people all because they managed to fool the idiotic Jedi into making them believe that the Kaleesh, his people, were the aggressors in the war they held.

The Kaleesh sought the Republic for aid, yet the Huk beat them to it and twisted the tale of the war occurring. And with that, his people were doomed.

The day he became the being he is now is the day he vowed that every Jedi he ever faced would die by his hands. Every single one of them would perish. And if he were to be struck down by some chance, at the very least, he would forcibly try killing as many Jedi as droidly and Kaleeshly possible before death finally claims him.

Just as he was about to continue on his rampage…

"Such a waste of material." Spoke a hollow, metallic male voice.

Whirling around, Grievous saw a trio of individuals. One person was a tall, white-skinned humanoid. The second was a dark-haired human. The last wore a helmet, who knelt down to inspect some of the scraped wreckage.

"Could've used it longer than intended." The helmeted one commented. "Will be hard to salvage from this."

The human rolled his eyes. "You can't help yourself, can you, Momin?"

"I just don't like seeing resources wasted." The identified "Momin" plainly said. "I like to use everything I get my hands on-"

"Who are you?" Growled Grievous, his arms splitting apart and igniting four lightsabers. "How did you get into my home!?"

Ever since those Jedi and clones invaded his palace last year, him killing all but the Nautolan Jedi master, Grievous had security upped considerably. No one would come here all so easily.

But how was it that no alarms were raised? A ship would've been spotted once it came into the system. But for these three to just appear out of nowhere…

Assumptions were soon made upon inspecting the trio. Assassins were one thought, but Grievous soon spotted the lightsabers on the smaller duo of the trio. Neither of them had the appearance or air of the Jedi, which resulted in…

"Acolytes…" Grievous' eyes promised nothing but murderous intent. "If you think you'll drag me back to Dooku, you're in for a rude awakening."

The Kaleesh cyborg ignored Dooku's calls and summons. His mentor and benefactor had repeatedly sought him out for compliance, but Grievous all but severed his ties with him with his present actions.

The response he received from the newcomers was not one he was expecting.

"Fascinating." Momin commented in clear intrigue. "You are a work of art, aren't you? Broken down yet terror incarnate."

Though thrown momentarily by this "compliment", the droid general remained on guard.

"Flattery will not get you anywhere. Now answer my question." Grievous snarled, spinning his lightsabers around.

"I believe you are mistaken, General Grievous. Who said we were with Darth Tyranus?" Said the dark-haired human.

Grievous paused for a moment yet shook his head.

"Are you trying to play me for a-"

"We are not with that pathetic excuse of a Dark Side user." The tallest of the three interjected with a bored voice. "What we are here for is you, not your benefactor and his master."

Grievous kept his lightsabers out but he slowly lowered them now.

"Me? Why have you come for me?"

"Because we believe that we can offer you what your heart truly desires." Momin now moved forward with a grand gesture. "What you want is what we intend to accomplish. To bring about the complete and utter annihilation of the Jedi Order. Purge their lights in this galaxy and let darkness seep into all corners of the cosmos."

It was then that Grievous came to the sneaking suspicion he began to develop once gauging the three individuals before him.

"You are Sith." The General surmised.

The dark-haired one made an odd face that both confirmed and denied Grievous' assumptions of them. "We are Sith, but do not align with Dooku and his Master you know as Sidious."

"I'm not." Said the white-skinned one dismissively. "But my allegiance lies with them."

"And I believe that we have your attention enough that you won't try to kill us the first chance you get." Momin spoke up. "So proper introductions are in order. I am Darth Momin and my associates are Barel Ovair and the Celestial embodiment of the Dark Side, The Son."

The "guests" could see the quizzical look in those yellow eyes. Skeptical on what's being proclaimed, especially towards the Son.

"Assumptions such as this can be forgiven." Said Barel. "It is a rather bold thing to say aloud."

The former Separatist General eyed the trio in his palace, his arms combining back into two and stepped back.

"Speak." Grievous curtly said. "What is it you are here to offer me?"

Rather than play coy or use some form of dodging his question, Momin went straight into it, taking a step closer to the altered Kaleesh.

"Ovair told me that you were promised to deal with the Republic for their transgressions upon your people. Retribution for them not siding with you on your conflict with the Huk back then. Dooku promised you this, overlooking your actions throughout this war as you are a valuable asset to him and his Master. Yet now they are working with the Republic to deal with Ultron." Momin shook his head, noticing the way Grievous clenched and unclenched his clawed hands. "But how long would such a partnership last? Could be weeks, months or even years. Time which you don't necessarily have."

"I have as much time as I need to take what is owed to me." Grievous ferally snarled.

"Do you?" The Son challenged with a raised brow.

Barel went on from here. "Your droid armada is finite. You're essentially going to lose the greater numbers soon enough."

"I do not need an army to kill Jedi." The modified Kaleesh growled.

"But having one helps." Momin countered. "One which supports you, leaving you to fend off against the Jedi without outside interference."

"Especially with the Avengers."

"You think you can stand up to them?" Grievous couldn't help but challenge them. "I have faced them before and have seen what they are capable of. Hate them as I may, they are formidable foes and have proven to exceed the powers of the Force."

"We are well aware of the danger they pose to our plans." The Son said with a deep frown. "We are preparing for the necessary countermeasures to assure us that victory will come to us once the time comes for our battle with those wretched insects."

"But Grievous, I believe you are missing a greater issue that you may have thought of or perhaps haven't even considered." Ovair gave the General a pointed look. "How long will it be before Dooku sends his people here to… take care of you?"

Grievous' eyes narrowed. "He wouldn't dare."

"Wouldn't he?" Momin countered. "You've given enough of an incentive to do so. You are ignoring him. Not conforming with what he and Sidious are doing at this time. And let us not forget that you are quite a proficient killer of Force Users. Any acolyte sent to kill you would be returned to Dooku in pieces. He knows what he has created. And Dooku isn't a fool to fail in comprehending the damage you would bring about if you weren't under his thumb, especially for what is to come between the Separatists and the Republic."

The droid general was about to speak out against this but Ovair beat him to the punch.

"But once this war is over, what do you believe will happen to you?" Barel was quiet for a few moments "Think on it. You would be disposed of. A weapon that's served its purpose and scrapped so a new era would begin. This is what Sidious intends to do with you. What you were always meant to be. And there's a part of you that gladly would do so, so long as you could kill any and all Jedi in your path. But there's that other side of you, the part that refuses to ever be thrown aside again and be left for dead."

"And yet with this ceasefire, your actions would feel meaningless. The chaos and death you brought in your wake, wasted." Momin added in. "It all becomes a bitter joke with how one perceives it. I doubt you'd want to be remembered as such, instead of the warrior you are today."

There was a lull of prolonged silence, the ambiance of silence echoing across the hangar bay as neither side said anything. Grievous had his head bowed low in deep contemplation, thinking about all that was said to him and how in many ways, these Sith Lords were correct.

He was just a tool to be used.

To be tossed aside once his purpose was completed.

And he was no tool. Not to anyone or anything.

If his former Masters wished to parlay with their sworn enemies, Grievous wanted nothing to do with them.

Raising his head, his slitted eyes gave each Dark Sider one look before finally asking.

"What is it you are offering?"

AN

Bet ya guys were hopin' for more Thrawn, weren't ya?

Well we decided to be horrible people and deny you such a thing cause there's other important matters to deal with and we wanna keep Thrawn for the next chapter cause we're mean like that.

So, several things to address.

Jebest4781: Bad Batch Season 2 is over and it was really good. Can't wait to see the next one when possible. Mandalorian season 3 is nearly done and it's been quite shaky, given there was no real direction and message for it until recently. Hopefully the next few episodes will properly fix things to some capacity. Then again, if I heard things correctly with what was brought up recently with several Star Wars shows having been canceled, their content had to be awkwardly thrown into Mandalorian.

FMW: And Mando's own ratings haven't exactly been at their best. We really are reaching a bad point in Star Wars where a lot of the fans are reaching the worst place possible in terms of reacting to content. And that's Apathy. And in the words of KOTOR II, Apathy is death. Which, as Star Wars fans, that is the last thing we want. Bad Batch pulled out all the stops in the last half of season 2 and we're hoping for the same in Mandalorian but so much damage has already been done. It's not looking good right now.

Jeb: Not to mention other issues with both Disney and Marvel, but let's not go into detail with them on the bad stuff. Don't want to depress myself more with this oddly downward slump.

In other news, the recent trailer for Secret Invasion… Oh god it was so beautiful. I'm giddy as hell to see the show this June. Tickets for Guardians of the Galaxy 3 are now on sale. Super Mario Bros comes out this Wednesday. And that's just about it for recent stuff -as far as I know- until later on this month.

FMW: I pray with the help of good ol' Sam Fucking Jackson, Secret Invasion gives us a much-needed boost for Phase 5.

But on a brighter note, the three of us -FMW, Bullet, Jeb- saw Dungeons and Dragons and it was a pleasant, fun experience that left us satisfied. Glad to see some fun at the movies.

Other than that, we leave you here with something that was meant for the previous chapters but it got too long so here's the first half.

-Omake-

A day in the life of a secret Sith Lord.

As voiced by Seth Macfarlane

A series of unfortunate, alternative moments for Sheev Palpatine upon feeling the return of Freedon Nadd. Along with other situations, courtesy of the Avengers, Ultron and others.

Alone in his office, Darth Sidious AKA Chancellor Palpatine AKA Sheev AKA The Dark Lord of the Sith AKA Dew It and AKA Lil' Palpy was hard at work politicking.

Pretend politicking was a lot like real politicking.

Just a whole lotta bullshit wording mumbo jumbo to emotionally appease a few morons when nothing really gets done.

Maybe the Sith should have done this sooner.

"Hmmm?" Palpatine raised his head. "I sense something. A presence I haven't felt since… never… what could it…"

Palpy's eyes widened as the Dark Side wave struck his body. In particular, it hit him with a fabled note long believed to have been lost to the annals, or in this case, anals of time.

"Oh God, Oh god no, not the brown note-GAAAAH!"

Sidious shot up and out from his seat, his head banging against the ceiling as a brown stream exuded itself from the deepest recesses of the Sith Lords' bowels.

He then fell into the middle of his office, his ass up and robes coated in excrement.

"I hate Mondays." Palpatine grumbled before passing out.

*static screen change*

A number of Senators, Jedi, Clones and Avengers stood around the body of one Chancellor Palpatine that appeared to have had every bone in his body broken.

"So…" Anakin looked around. "What happened to him?"

Bail Organa, having witnessed the fall of the Dark Lord coughed into his hand.

"Well…"

*wavy screen transition*

Walking on a hover platform, Sheev was chatting with several other Politicians.

"-Then I was like, that's no moon… that's Yo momma!"

"Oooooooh!" Exclaimed some of the senators whilst the rest laughed.

Palpatine was riding high in life.

Literally.

The platform they were standing on was transporting them across the cityscape of Coruscant.

And then came the Dark Side wave from Freedon Nadd's revival.

"What the fuck was-Oh shit!" Inadvertently, Sidious had taken a few steps back after feeling the wave of the Dark Side.

In doing so, he lost his foot and fell from the platform.

And just as he was about to right himself, a speeder struck him.

Followed by another… and another… and another one… and another one after that… and that one… and that one… followed by two, no wait, three-four, now it's five, ok I'm just gonna stop counti-wait, he's falling now and Ouch, he just bounced his head off a billboar-and he got rammed by an LAAT gunshi- there we go, now he's reached the ground.

*wavy screen transition*

After hearing this, the audience was silent on how to respond to such a revelation.

"Uh…" Peter raised his hand up, not sure what to say until a janitor with a mustache and a grumbling face to boot walked by with a broom in hand.

"Where the heck do these things keep falling from? Like seriously, what are they doing up there?"

*static screen change*

Count Dooku walked to the center of his personal office on Serenno, getting down to one knee as an enlarged holo-transmission of Darth Sidious appeared.

"What is thy bidding, my master?"

"My bidding? How about I bid thee to stop ramming those ships into asteroid belts? Huh, how bout that? Or how about actually succeeding in many of my plans, for once? Can you do that for me?"

Dooku frowned. "I'm trying-"

"There is no try. There's do or fuck up royally every other day of the week. And you fucked up royally, Dooku. For that, I'm hiring bounty hunters." Sidious pulled out a flip phone and dialed a number. "That's how bad it is that I can't trust you or the Acolytes on this fucking assignment."

"But-"

"Shut up, I'm already making the call." Sidious stood there, waiting for someone to pick up the phone while Dooku remained awkwardly down on one knee. "I honestly don't know what bounty hunters will accept. So many of them are flocking to these Guardian schmucks that I'm basically gonna scrape at the bottom of the barrel."

There was a pause of awkward silence, Palpatine glancing down at his apprentice and snorting.

"I bet that knee is starting to hurt." The Dark Lord smugly said.

"Yes my master it doe-For God's sake," Dooku grumbled, seeing his master hold up a middle finger.

"Ha, yeah, bet ya didn't see that coming." The Chancellor chortled to himself at his own joke.

The Count only hung his head, shaking his head as his Master finally contacted a Bounty Hunter.

"What? What do you mean there's a surcharge, I got down payments on a bunch of crap already you bastards!"

This was gonna be a long phone call.

Funny stuff right? Worororororo, until next time folks as we wrap this arc up.

Rate Read and Review and as Always Have Nice Day.