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.

126. Tales To Astonish: Oaths & Royalty

To the reader That Guy You Know The One from the chapter 120 reviews, you win, excellent choice of an arc name, can't believe I completely missed this one.

So here we are, in the last of the arcs about character focus. Clones are done, Jedi are done, and now, onto the Avengers.

Now these chapters will go one of two ways, swimmingly smooth or teeth-grindingly slow. While this is outlined and all, we still have to put the pen to paper or fingers to keyboards in this sense. Fuck it, I'm rambling, let's move on.

Two quick things before we start the chapter.

Number one, this chapter starts at the same time as Tales of The Jedi, so this is happening side-by-side with Tales of the Jedi up to a certain point, being the Gathering and then we move past it.

Number two. IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT YOU MUST READ IN FULL AT THE END OF THE CHAPTER. CAPITALIZATION TO GET YOUR ATTENTION.

Other than that, let's get this show on the road.

Happy New Years everyone, hope your holidays were fun and joyful and let's start 2025 off with a bang.

Rate Read and Review and as Always Have Nice Day.

Avengers Infinite Wars Chapter 126: Tales To Astonish: Oaths And Royalty

On the bustling city planet of Coruscant, within the halls of the Senate building, a unique meeting was taking place.

Representing the Kingdom of Wakanda, Prince T'Challa and Princess Shuri with the Dora Milaje bodyguards Okoye and Ayo were conducting a meeting with Ros Lai, head of her clan of Witches from Dathomir.

"I still don't know why we're doing this," Shuri spoke in a bored tone. "Ros is already a friend and she's already helping us like she promised. Is there a point to this?"

Her older brother shot her an amused look, one mirrored by the Dathomirian.

"This is practice, sister." T'Challa stated. "Though we know Ros Lai to be an ally and now friend, we still need to begin to forge further bonds and understandings if we are to bring in a contingent of her clan to our Kingdom."

"I get that," Her brother and two guards highly doubted that. "But why must it be me and you? Couldn't mother and father do this instead?"

At the mention of his father, he winced slightly, something his sister picked up on. She was about to apologize when the Prince spoke up.

"We are the future of our people. We must know and gain the experience in leading them. We cannot simply ignore politics, even though it's between two people who are friends."

"I too must do my part." Ros Lai plainly said. "I only know of the practices of my sisters on Dathomir. Yet the broader galaxy is still a mystery to me, especially when involving matters as complicated as politics. Unfortunately, my mother never bothered teaching me such practices, given what went on with my life. Thus, I have to work from the ground up."

"But you're our friend." Shuri argued. "And brother already did something similar with our new Wookiee tribe. How is this any different?"

"I didn't spend time with nor ingratiate myself to Lai's people as she has only gotten a taste of our kingdom, Shuri." T'Challa stated. "You must understand that the Wookiees are far easier to integrate to our people compared to Ros'. We must understand one another's cultures, practices, mannerisms, all of that if we are to blend our people together."

Okoye shifted slightly from where she stood, her eyes conveying uncertainty at this but she remained silent.

Ayo emulated her visage yet her eyes conveyed open curiosity and wonder as compared to her Dora Milaje sister. When the two arrived in the galaxy that their Prince had been inhabiting for nearly a year, both were understandably overwhelmed by the sheer scope of Coruscant alone.

Okoye was reserved and guarded wherein Ayo felt a sense of wanderlust and want in exploring this incredible planet.

But duty had to be conducted first and they were to be the first of what would likely be the start of a new avenue within Wakanda's politics. One of a galactic stage.

Back to the meeting at hand, Ros Lai let out a small chuckle, having some sympathy for the dreadfully bored Princess.

"I think we've done enough for today, T'Challa." She kindly said. "We already know what we're trying to do here, this is just a formality and practice."

"That's what I've been saying!"

"Yes but I do enjoy seeing you suffer."

Shuri glared playfully at her brother, lower lip puckered childishly as he and Lai laughed at her expense.

"Come," He placed a hand on his sister's shoulder. "I haven't had the time to take you to Dex's Diner. It is the best place to eat outside of Garun's place."

At the mention of eating alien food, Shuri perked up and even Okoye couldn't hide her interest wherein Ayo appeared eager for such an experience.

The five of them vacated the room they were occupying and as they did so…

"T'Challa?"

The Prince of Wakanda easily recognized the voice, turning to see-

"Matt." He greeted his friend and fellow Avenger in a friendly manner. And the blind lawyer wasn't alone. "Senator Amidala, good to see you as well and… Jessica? Surprised to see you here."

"You and me both, Cat Man." Jessica retorted, shoving her hands into her jacket pocket.

"Why are you here?" Shuri couldn't help but ask. "I thought you'd be back home."

Jones rolled her eyes, shaking her head in exasperation.

"I got dragged here by Luke and Danny. Those two bozos were all gung ho about checking out a bunch of spots the others told them about and they pulled me here only for them to just ditch me."

"They ditched you?" The Princess raised her brow. "Or did you lag behind enough to make it seem like that was the case."

"Oi, Cheetara, I'm the detective here, not you." Jessica retorted, all but affirming her suspicions.

T'Challa turned back to Matt and Padme, taking note of the slightly winded Senator.

"Is something the matter, Padme?" He asked.

"What's got you in such a tussle?" Shuri tacked on, seeing her a bit out of breath.

As such, Padme informed them of the current issue at hand.

Tensions were running high on the ocean world of Mon Calamari, where two separate people reside. The aggressive, squid-like Quarren and their peaceful neighbor, the Mon Calamari struggle to maintain a fragile coexistence.

Adding to this strife, the king of the Mon Calamari has been found mysteriously murdered, leaving his young son, Prince Lee-Char, to guide his people alone.

But the Quarren race will not accept the new ruler as their king.

To assist with this present trouble, Senator Amidala has been sent out as an envoy in order to hopefully avoid plunging the planet into a civil war.

"I know it's a simplified version of it all but we're in a bit of a rush." Amidala said with a level of urgency. "This is an important matter to resolve that many on both sides of the Republic and Separatists wish to see resolved."

"Both sides?" Ros Lai murmured. "Whatever for?"

Matt stepped forward in this regard. "This is a microcosm of the current political climate between the two governments. The ceasefire is in effect at this very moment but grudges and tensions don't just magically disappear overnight. This matter is very old. Generations old. None more so than the Mon Cala and Quarren people. Though there have been moments and instances of coexistence and peace, it was short lived and never secure enough for there to be a chance at a prolonged cooperation between the two races. At the start of the war, the Quarren actually sided with Dooku's Separatists for a time before switching back to the Republic but the damage was done. Another chapter to be added to the already centuries old resentment between the two species."

"But then Ultron happened and all the destruction he wrought." Padme's visage was grim and guilty as to what she was about to say next. "Loathe as I am to say this, we can use Ultron's war upon life to be the tool needed to mend these tensions and create an official peace between two sides that supported opposing governments at the start of the Clone Wars. If we can achieve peace here, this can be the spark needed to officially end the war and maybe even mend and bring back all the systems that left the Republic. I know it's wishful thinking but at the very least, we can start with doing some good here."

"Would such a peace last?" Ros Lai bluntly asked and it was clear on the Naboo Senators expression that she held a measure of doubt.

"The period is always questioned on its duration. It could last for weeks, months, or years. Always depends if certain conflicts are thrown in to rile things up. It's never definite."

The Dathomirian nods in understanding. "The clans of my people have a shaky relationship. It's always on thin ice with how we treat our alliances."

"The same with our own. Though, of course, it's a bit more different." Says Shuri. "With every generation when a ruler passes on, an assembly of tribes comes together to see who would be the next king. For generations, it's been the Panther tribe, yet others tend to step up and challenge the line of succession."

T'Challa looked back with approval at his sister's words and realizing how she just spoke in such a diplomatic and royal manner, she puffed her cheeks out, turning away in a faux-huff.

"Hey T, since you're a Prince, why don't you come along?" Jessica suddenly spoke up. "This is up your wheelhouse if it's all about Prince-king type shit."

The Black Panther regarded her words thoughtfully, mulling it over in his mind when…

"Wait, you're a prince?"

"I am." T'challa gave her a queer look. "Did you forget? It has been months since we've been introduced to one another."

"I must've." Padme's voice was filled with exhaustion. "Things have been hectic for a while."

"No worries."

"No, no, you have been an ally and friend for a long time now and for me to forget such a detail is unbecoming of me." Padme vehemently stated. "You are Prince T'Challa, heir to Wakanda."

T'Challa only chuckled, reaching out to pat her shoulder and shake it slightly in reassurance.

"Honestly, it would be good to have another perspective on this to add onto my own."

"How so?" Shuri asked.

"For a time, before I became senator, I was Naboo's queen." This earned some looks from the others. "Mind you, it was an elected title."

"Interesting." Ayo mused aloud.

Shuri glanced back with a mischievous smirk. "Getting some treasonous ideas, Ayo?"

"None that would concern you, Princess." She teasingly shot back.

"So you were a queen once?" Ros Lai said, looking at the Nabooian with greater intrigue now. "Was this the reason why you were chosen to represent the Republic on this matter?"

"Thinking about it now, possibly. Just a lot happening at once." Padme admitted. "But T'Challa, I would gladly accept your aid if you are willing to offer it."

"And I gladly accept it." He said straight away, earning a blooming, grateful smile from the Senator.

"Thank you, T'Challa," Padme graciously said, bowing her head.

"My prince," Okoye spoke up, a wary expression for the others to see. "Are you certain of this? Your mother and father-"

"Understand I have a greater duty now, not just to Wakanda, as does Shuri." T'Challa firmly said, placing a hand on his sister's shoulder. "We are Avengers. We must uphold a greater degree of responsibility and when called upon, we must act."

Rather than have a look of pride at these words, Shuri instead frowned slightly, brows furrowing in concern as she looked at her brother's stern face that was directed at the head of the Dora Milaje. Ros Lai shared this expression, confused by the change in his demeanor whilst Jessica simply raised a brow at the man, slightly surprised by such a curt response.

Matt Murdock, on the other hand…

"We need to depart as soon as we can." He professionally said and though he was blind, he knew that T'Challa caught his eye. "I imagine the sooner this is resolved, the better of a chance we have of resolving this conflict."

"What makes you think I wanna come?" Jessica drably asked and Murdock silently turned to her without saying a word. "I volunteered for nothing."

Matt simply kept looking at her for a prolonged silence until her brow began to twitch followed by her lips.

"I'm not going."

The stare kept going on.

"Matt…"

He now somehow increased the pressure, if such a thing was possible for a blind man.

"I swear to you… you…" Jessica raised a shaky finger at him.

"What's happening right now?" Lai quietly asked and T'Challa merely held up his hand, waving the question down.

"Something that weirdly happens. Something that miraculously works… rarely as it is."

"What?" Was her and Shuri's response.

They saw Jessica spasm her head for a moment until finally, she threw her hands up in aggravation.

"Oh my fucking god, FINE! Jesus, I can't believe that worked." She sounded frantic as much as she was annoyed by the silent treatment working so effectively against her. "That is unfair."

Matt smoothly adjusted his tie, clearing his throat.

"I shall neither confirm nor deny any effect or desire that you speak of."

"You are so full of shit sometimes, I swear."

There was an awkward silence that was broken by Shuri snickering to herself and Padme coughing into her hand.

"Um… ok," She said in bemusement, looking back and forth between the lawyer and detective until facing T'Challa once more. "The Senate has instructed me to assemble a group of people to accompany me of my choosing."

"That's a lot of leeway." The Prince noted.

"I've been given deference in this regard due to my expertise and past actions." Amidala plainly stated. "I wished to bring Anakin and Ahsoka along but they are indisposed on Tython at the moment. I know I'll need at least one Jedi to come along with me as this was requested by the Senate."

"Who's coming along with us, then?" Jessica asked.

"Since Padme has deference, we can bring on some of our other teammates as well." Matt pointed out. "At least, those planetside at the moment."

"Screw Luke and Danny then." Jones said. "May as well be lost here for a bit."

"Then let's find out who's available." Black Panther declared, pulling out his Avengers ID card and activating the feature that informed him of the current Avengers within the vicinity. And he got two pings in response a moment later.

-Scene Cut-

It's been many years since Celeste has been to Mon Calamari.

Four thousand, to be precise, but who's really counting by this point. It might as well have been a few in her perspective, all things considered.

She currently sat within a large shuttle occupied by several other individuals, all of whom were gearing up for an aquatic world.

T'Challa and Shuri simply wore their suits, the latter of which modified them for underwater use as for when their helmets came on, they could breathe underwater. She attached an additional air tank to their backs, using her genius understanding of Vibranium to integrate it into their suits.

Though she held supreme confidence in her designs, Shuri had learned precaution and contingencies from Tony, Hank, Clint and the rest of the team.

Over with Matt, he had donned his own suit and sported a breathing apparatus whilst Jessica sat beside him, looking as if she were a scolded child for being here.

Next to the pair was the surprising pair of Jedi Masters and Council Members Kit Fisto and T'ra Saa.

Well… maybe not so much surprising on the former but certainly on the latter. They were currently conversing with Ros Lai about interpretations and practices in the Force from the perspective of their respective Orders. Padme was beside them, holding out a transmission device, speaking with Bail Organa on the matters of the upcoming meeting.

Okoye and Ayo were nowhere to be found as they had been ordered to return to Wakanda by T'Challa, much to their chagrin and displeasure yet they followed his instructions all the same.

Celeste's idle thoughts were disrupted by her boyfriend shifting slightly, sensing discomfort from him.

"Having trouble, Bucky?"

"Bad memories with icy waters." He wryly said. "After all the training HYDRA put me through, I somewhat wish they put me through underwater training a bit more now."

"No underwater missions?"

"Not in the kind we're about to undergo. Been trained to handle some but this one is different."

"Nothing we can't handle together." Celeste assured, taking his hand into hers, getting an appreciative smile from him.

"I admit, I did not expect these diving suits to be so fitting." The pair heard Matt comment after getting situated with his diving suit.

"Is there a problem with the ones you know back on Earth?" Kit Fisto asked.

"They are all big and clunky. Same with our space suits. All for safety." Bucky spoke up. "On some models, it's like wearing way too many layers of clothing and barely able to move your limbs. Others, somewhat the opposite, but they're just as hard to really move given the pressure of the present environment."

"That's rather strange."

"To you, it is. But to us Earthers, it was the best we could work with for submerging and orbital occupations." Bucky then gestures to the suit he and several others are presently wearing. "These are like typical diving suits and nothing more."

"Goes to show how vastly different some of your technology is with ours."

"I would've thought with all your advancements, your people would've overcome such issues."

"Some areas in the scientific community are sadly lacking." Says Shuri, who ends up butting into the conversation. "Even our people are a non-exception." With the Wakandan princess, she gives herself an inspection. "Never worn the ones back on Earth. I can't imagine wearing one of them now after wearing one of these."

In another universe…

Things have been rather crazy as of late for Shuri of Wakanda.

Her brother died. Her country is having issues with the other countries of the world, due to their demands of Vibranium. And now there were concerns about an unknown party that originated from the sea.

It all became a blur for Shuri where she eventually found herself escorted by Namor, the king of an underwater civilization that lasted for centuries. It was all so they could discuss terms… eventually.

Seeing the underwater city of Talokan, Shuri looked on with absolute awe. A whole civilization, thriving under such an environment. Its people were happy without much care at all.

Most of all…

"Wow! This suit is incredible!" Says Shuri, more or less checking herself in a big and bulky diving suit that was rather sophisticated. "How did you create it down here?"

Namor, her guide, gave her a queer look. "Create it? No, we just murdered the previous owners and stole it."

"...What?"

"You would be surprised how long it took to get the blood out of the inside."

"Uhhhhhhhh…"

"I'm honestly shocked it still works."

"Did… Did you at least replace the life support?"

"Life support? What is that?"

When this was mentioned, the lights in Shuri's suit began flickering on and off in rapid succession before finally dying out.

"OH CRAP!"

"Shuri? Shuri?!" Namor looked on in seeing the Wakandan princess drifting down further as her diving suit died out. "Oh no…"

Back to the main story…

"Thank you both for coming, Master Fisto, Master Saa." Padme said, having ended her call with Bail.

"Think nothing of it, Senator." The Nautolan Master said, his trademark smile in place. "I am simply glad I shall be in my natural element for this one."

"Are your species underwater based?" Shuri asked, genuinely curious.

"Yes, our homeworld is dominated by oceans with the landmasses being primarily swamp-like. We also have the added benefit of being able to breathe on land and sea."

"It is fortuitous that you are coming with us, Master Fisto." T'Challa respectfully said.

"A bit too fortuitous." Jessica commented, eyes narrowed slightly. "What about you, tree-lady? Seems a bit random that you're dragged into it, honestly."

"Far from it, my dear." T'ra kindly said, amused at the face the detective made from being called that. "This is the Will of The Force. Coincidences, when it comes to the Jedi, are far and few between."

"Yeah, not buyin' it." Jones drably said. "I know you guys have your whole mystic religion and crap but it's gonna take a lot to convince me."

Kit only gave her his usual smile in response with Saa matching his look.

"So the Will of the Force led you to come with us?" Bucky inquisitively said. "How does that work? Celeste explained it to me but I still don't fully get it."

"Something such as the Will of the Force cannot be so easily explained nor likely it never shall be." Fisto openly admitted. "Like in all faiths, there are higher mysteries and truths where we know not and likely, shall never fully comprehend. But what we do know is that the Force is there, it exists all around us, binding us and the rest of the Universe together and it moves and weaves with its own Will and we Jedi are to follow it to the best of our abilities."

"Something that we, as an Order, have been neglecting for far too long." T'ra Saa said with a shake of her head. "I have come upon many scriptures and old Holocrons speaking of the old days of the Force, where the Jedi of old didn't allow politics and ideologies to dictate the course of the Order but simply allowing the Force to be their guide, to present them with opportunities and events in which they have been called upon to participate. We must trust in the Force and let it help us in turn for us to help the galaxy and those in need."

Jessica now held a deep, critical frown as she sat up slightly, giving the Netti Jedi a scrutinizing look.

"Almost sounds like you guys don't have free will." The Detective said, her tone conveying a great deal of disapproval.

T'ra took the accusation in stride, going over to sit beside the reluctant Avenger.

"It is in that, we in fact do have Free Will." She calmly and assuredly stated. "Whilst we believe in serving the Force, in doing good, one does not need the Force in choosing to do so. When those moments from the Force come, when they are before you, at the end of the day, one must be willing to make that decision to follow what is laid out before them. Some might say that leads to the belief of destiny being predetermined. I say otherwise. In making choices, in forging your own path, your future is always in a state of ever changing outcomes that can be molded by your own two hands. Sometimes, shaping it comes in letting go and allowing for nature to take its course and responding accordingly and to the best of your abilities."

The detective opted to remain silent when the Netti placed her hand over hers, making her jerk slightly at the contact, looking over at Saa in bewilderment when she saw something in her eyes that made her pause. It was a look of understanding and sympathy and a warmth that made Jessica shift about and she tentatively pulled her hand away with T'ra not fighting it.

"Wh-Whatever." She grunted, leaning back in her seat again and closing her eyes. "Just let me know when we're diving. I'm gonna nap."

"Of course." Saa said, patting her arm.

The rest of the ride over to the Mon Calamari homeworld was relatively silent with small conversation and chatter to pass the time until their arrival at the aquatic planet.

With everyone geared and suited up for the planet, they soon dove into the world below…

To be met with the wondrous sight of an underwater city.

"Whoa~~" Shuri said in awe, taking in the grandeur of the city. "This place is incredible!"

"Shit, sure as hell would put Atlantis to shame." Jessica quipped, making her tilt her head. "Hey, do you think there is an Atlantis back home?"

"Knowing our line of work, definitely." Matt plainly stated.

Back on Earth, deep beneath the oceans of the world, a certain enhanced being with wings on his ankles sneezed, bubbles expunging from his mouth.

"Matthew, my friend," T'Challa spoke up. "I have not had the time to ask this but now that I have thought of it, will you not be affected by us being underwater? Are you not hindered in any way shape or form?"

"Thanks for your concern, T'Challa but I have it covered," Murdock said, gesturing to his helmet. "Leave it to Stark and the rest of our friends to take into account all sorts of scenarios. My mask now has several features of adaptation to assist me with how I see with my abilities. I'm getting a constant kind of echolocation that's assisting me in visualizing the city as we speak."

"Are there perhaps some limitations?" Kit asked.

"I… wouldn't exactly know." Matt admitted. "This is actually the first time I'm trying this out underwater."

"Then nothing short of ripping off both the dome and mask will hinder things. Got it." Jones remarked.

"If anything happens, let me take a look at your helmet." Shuri spoke up. "Improvements can always be made."

"Thank you, Shuri."

"Come on," Padme swam forward and just ahead of them, a contingent of Mon Cala guards were swimming towards them to act as their escorts. "The meeting between the Mon Cala and Quarren is about to begin."

With nothing needed to be said, the group of Avengers and Jedi followed after the Senator and Mon Cala guards to the designated meeting chamber. There, they were greeted by none other than Admiral Ackbar of the Republic Navy.

"Ah, Senator Amidala, I thank you for coming on such short notice." The Admiral greeted her respectfully. "And Avengers and Jedi? Your presence here already bolsters my confidence."

"We shall do our part in assisting your people and the Quarren, Admiral." Kit Fisto said with a bow.

"I am gladdened to hear it." Ackbar said, nodding at the Jedi before addressing the Avengers. "Greetings, I apologize if I only recognize two of you. The Black Panther and Daredevil I know but I have only seen the four of you fleetingly."

"No worries, Admiral Ackbar." Celeste politely said. "I'm Celeste Morne. Jedi, Sorcerer and Avenger."

"Many titles and duties it seems," He noted. "And another Panther?"

"Shuri, I'm T'Challa's sister."

"A pleasure."

"Bucky Barnes."

"Jessica Jones."

"I thank you all for coming to our aid in this tumultuous time." Ackbar respectively said to them all, leaning forward slightly. "Tensions are high right now and I must warn you. The Separatists have sent an Ambassador of their own."

"They what?" Padme said in surprise. "I wasn't informed of this."

"It was at the last minute," Ackbars eyes narrowed. "Even some of the Quarren were surprised by this development."

The Jedi and Avengers all exchanged looks of uncertainty and wariness now.

"Looks like the plot's thickening," Jessica commented. "What kind of Ambassador are we dealing with here?"

"It is better you shall see for yourself than what I can do to describe him." The way the Mon Cala Admiral spoke of him gave clear indication that his opinion of this Separatist Ambassador wasn't very high.

Entering the meeting chamber, it was a unique layout with multiple circular "desks" and "seats with Mon Cala and Quarren occupying various seats and spots. Some were sitting, others floated or swam around. In the middle of it all was a Mon Cala garbed in more regal attire as compared to the rest of his species and another was a Quarren wearing a primarily black body suit to distinguish himself from the rest of his people.

Yet the one who caught the attention of the group, the Avengers in particular, was the clear odd man out of the entire gathering.

"Who the hell invited Jaws to this thing?" Jessica bluntly asked.

Gial knew to whom she was referring to and replied in a stiff tone.

"That would be Riff Tamson, the chosen representative of the Separatists."

"He sounds delightful." Bucky sarcastically remarked.

"I've got the Jaws theme in my head now." Shuri commented.

"I feel it is appropriate." T'Challa said, narrowing his eyes beneath his mask at the Ambassador. "There is something else at play here."

"Yes," Fisto murmured, frowning slightly. "I sense a shift in the Force here."

"We must be vigilant and on guard." T'ra advised. "I believe things have become more complicated than we anticipated."

Once that was said, they all took their seats as the meeting was underway.

There was a brief moment of condolences and memoriam of sorts for the previous Mon Cala ruler -King Kolina- but pleasantries were thrown out almost immediately after.

It more or less devolved into a shouting match between the two sides.

"Well that lasted all of five minutes." Jessica dryly said.

"It is a shame to see some things haven't changed all that much in four thousand years." Celeste murmured, her mood dampening slightly.

"The world prospered under our rule." One Mon Cala shouted.

"It's time for a change." A Quarren shouted back.

"The prince's rule has been preordained."

"Down with this monarchy!"

"We'll defend our right for a Mon Cala king."

"We want a Quarren king."

"Down with the Mon Cala."

"Power to the Quarren!"

"And I thought our people argued like children." Shuri wryly said to her brother who snorted, gesturing for her to quiet down momentarily.

Prince Lee-Char spoke out to hopefully quell the people. "I am dedicated to serving the Quarren, as well as my own people, the Mon Calamari."

"Silence!" Yells out Riff Tamson, the Karkarodon male who was representing the Quarren in the present circumstances. He swims over and gets a bit too close to Lee-Char as he stares down at him. "You haven't earned the right to speak at this gathering."

"You have no say in the matter, Ambassador." Looking over, Lee-Char and Riff see Admiral Gial Ackbar with a displeased look on his face. "You are only here as an observer for the Separatists."

The Karkarodon swims over to Ackbar, jabbing his finger in his face. "Do not forget I am here at the request of the Quarren, because you, Captain, demanded the presence of the Republic."

Tamson swims away with a huff, not giving the admiral a chance to speak.

"Such a disgrace." Ackbar growls out. "I'll give you a lesson in manners."

Just as he was about to swim forward, Matt stops him by holding him back, giving a shake of his head.

"He's intentionally antagonizing and galvanizing." He quietly said. "Don't fall into his trap."

Quarren chieftain Nossor Ri spoke aloud for the assembly to hear him. "Prince Lee-Char will bring the planet to ruin. The boy has neither the experience nor the knowledge to lead."

Padme leaves her placement and swims over. "Please. You're here to find a compromise. What can the Republic do to help keep the peace?"

"This is a matter between the Quarren and the Mon Cala." Nossor argued back.

"Yeah! Who asked you?"

"The Republic has no place here."

"Down with the Republic!"

The clamor of the Quarren was loud.

"Enough!" T'Challa's authoritative voice cut through the chatter and now he swam forward, moving in the center of the gathering. "Esteemed guests, I know I have no place in being here or speaking but allow me to introduce myself. I am T'Challa, Prince of Wakanda and heir to its throne back on the homeworld of the Avengers. I was invited here to speak as an unbiased observer and I wish to speak with all of you if you are willing to listen."

Riff Tamson snarled, getting ready to get in the Prince's face when Matt, Bucky and Jessica from behind caught his eye.

"Easy, Jaws." Jessica warned. "Don't make us ask you to smile. It won't end well."

Flinching slightly, he shook his head to regain some of his nerve, still managing to speak.

"You have no place here, Avenger. You said it yourself you-"

"We are willing to listen." Nossor Ri spoke up, cutting off the Karkarodon. "The Avengers helped save the lives of many Quarren during the many raids and battles against Ultron. We at least owe them our gratitude and the chance to speak here."

Tamson narrowed his eyes at the Quarren Chieftain and sent a snarl in the direction of the Black Panther but remained silent all the same, resuming to swim around the meeting area like a shark would circling its prey.

T'Challa kept his eyes on the shark-like being for a few seconds until moving to address those who had gathered for this meeting.

"Honored guest and esteemed nobility, as I have said, I am a Prince myself from Earth. I understand the situation you are all in as it is one my people face to this day." Many murmured at these words yet he went on. "The Jabari tribe are a group of Wakandans that do not acknowledge my tribe's royalty and are separate from the rest of the kingdom but that is something I intend to rectify in the future. I believe that the strength of a kingdom comes in those who have differing views, differing ideals and are willing to compromise, to find the common ground and come together for a greater whole without surrendering their individuality. It is a knife's edge in which we all walk but it is in that, you can accomplish far greater achievements than once believed."

"Yet how can we believe such a thing?" A Quarren piped up. "We have already served under a Mon Cala king, why must we continue to do so?"

"Do you have anyone that can stand and speak for your people?" Matt spoke up.

"How 'bout you, Nossor Ri?" Celeste Morne stated, gazing at the Quarren. "Are you not the representative of your people?"

"I have only been selected as such and have fought to earn my right as chieftain but as for a king, that shall be decided for another." Nossor stated.

"So you don't even have someone who could be king?" Jessica bluntly said in disbelief. "What kind of bullshit is that? You don't want the kid as king but you don't have one for yourself?"

"As I said earlier, this is a matter between my people and the Mon Cala." Ri retorted.

"Chieftain Nossor, please," T'ras gentle voice held a firmness to it that held his attention now. "This isn't just limited to your planet. What you are all discussing is happening all over the galaxy between many planets that have torn allegiances. Mending bridges such as yours would be a signal to all in the galaxy for a need of cooperation and rebuilding so much that has been lost."

The Quarren faltered slightly and sensing this, the others pounced.

"Think of what had transpired in regards to Ultron, what he did." Matt quickly said. "He attacked the entire galaxy, ignoring allegiances and enemies. I know that he has been defeated but what of other forces and threats to come? The galaxy was unprepared for such a threat but in the future, you can forge a wall that can weather whatever comes your way."

This appeared to be doing the trick as many Quarren in attendance now began conversing silently with one another as they considered the words of the Avengers.

But one in attendance wasn't about to back down so easily.

"Lest we forget, Avenger," Riff swam up to be in the center, sneering at Earth's Mightiest Heroes. "If rumor is to be believed, I have heard that recently, there is the belief that Ultron was a threat that originated from your world, was he not? His coming falls at the feet of you supposed heroes. How can we trust your words?"

"That is an entirely separate matter that has nothing to do with this." Celeste rebuked.

"Ah, but you were the ones who brought it up, did you not? The Avengers, supposed saviors of the galaxy and the likely culprits behind Ultron."

"You are out of line, Tamson." Lee-Char suddenly spoke up, now getting in the ambassador's face. "You may lobby these accusations all you want but I shall not stand for it. The Avengers led the charge in defeating Ultron and saved the lives of thousands, millions, if not billions of people. I shall not hear such disrespect flung in their direction."

Riff only growled savagely, leaning forward when Kit Fisto swam up behind Lee, his face solemn and stern.

"Think wisely of your next course of actions, Ambassador." The Jedi Master warned.

Moving back, Riff chose to fall back on his previous argument.

"You have all heard these pathetic strawman and tug at emotions but I ask you this simple question: do the Quarrens subject themselves to the rule of an untested leader or do you wish to show them and the galaxy the pride and strength of your people in these trying times?"

That seemed to do the trick as a majority of the Quarren in attendance soundly rejected Lee-Char.

The Chieftain of the Quarren faltered slightly and appeared to hesitate before putting on a strong voice.

"As you see now, we refuse to support the coronation of another Mon Cala king." Nossor Ri then changes his tone a little. "I'm sorry." He turns over to Riff. "Ambassador?"

Riff sent a derisive smirk at the Jedi and Avengers before swimming up to address the crowd once more. "It is in my opinion, the Quarren have no further business here."

With this declaration, he and the many Quarren Tamson represented at this time departed from the vicinity.

"Wow," Jessica glared at the Karkarodon. "Fuck that guy."

"Crass as that may be, I am hard pressed to disagree with such a description of that man." Celeste huffed.

"What does that mean for us now?" Shuri asked.

"We shall take stock and make our next move accordingly." Saa plainly said. "And we must observe this Riff Tamson closely. I sense a shroud of darkness emanating from him."

"You mean the Dark Side of the Force?" Bucky said, getting a shake of the head from the Netti Master.

"No… it is something else. Something far more… sinister." The Netti's troubled expression set the others on edge.

"This doesn't seem like something the Separatists would do so suddenly." Padme pointed out. "Mina Bonteri told me that a majority of the parliament either wants to end the war or forge some kind of peace, if possible."

"There's something, or rather, someone else at play here." Matt surmised. "We just have to figure out who."

"What do we do for now?" Shuri asked the group.

"Now we contact the others and fill them in on the situation." Morne stated.

"Come along, Admiral Ackbar." Fisto said, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Master Yoda is waiting for our report."

"You guys go on ahead." Jessica suddenly said, moving to swim away.

"And where are you going?" The Wakandan Princess asked in bewilderment.

"To do what I do best. Just keep me posted on everything, alright?" Not waiting for a response, Jessica swam up, leaving the confused group.

"Should we-"

"Let us trust in her judgement, Shuri." Saa said. "We could use other perspectives in this regard."

Hearing a sigh, T'Challa turned to see Lee-Char, sitting alone, not knowing what to do. But then came a surprising form of comfort from someone neither Prince expected.

"Your father was my trusted friend." The Mon Cala prince looked over to see Nossor Ri there with genuine remorse in his features. "I am sorry for your loss. The ocean feels empty without him."

The Quarren swam away, leaving the young Mon Cala alone until T'Challa swam up to him.

"Prince Lee-Char," The Wakandan Prince greeted the Mon Cala Prince. "A pleasure to meet you more officially. I am T'Challa, The Black Panther."

The downtrodden mood the young royal felt evaporated as it was replaced with a look of awe and reverence.

"I've heard so much about you and the Avengers." Lee-Char said, a wide smile in place. "I don't know if you're aware of this but many Mon Cala lives were saved by your team when you raided all those foundries Ultron had."

"You can't just put it at our feet. The Jedi and the Clone army were right by our side, diving head first into the thick of battle."

"Yes, of course," Lee sheepishly said before his expression shifted into a curious one. "So is it really true when you say you're a Prince yourself?"

"Yup," Shuri's voice came in from behind, the younger sibling swimming up to float by her brother. "T'Challa here will one day be the King of Wakanda back home."

The younger Prince gave a strained, sympathetic smile. "I know I may be presuming right now, Prince T'Challa, but do you ever-"

"Worry not, Prince Lee-Char." T'Challa respectfully said. "The burden to bear and the expectations are ones I am all too familiar with. And please, from one Prince to another, just T'Challa will do."

The Mon Cala perked up, now sporting a more jovial face. "Only if you return the gesture."

"Naturally, Lee," The Wakandan Prince said, offering his hand and having it clasped by his fellow heir.

Over with the others, after much discussion, they knew that for now, they needed to report to the Jedi Council about this development. They returned to the transport they had arrived in that has been idly hovering over the capital city of Mon Cala.

Through holo-communications, they brought the Council up to speed.

"This civil war, is it inevitable?"

"Sadly so, Master Yoda." T'ra Saa said with a somber frown.

Beside the Grandmaster was Plo Koon, Mace Windu and Luminara Unduli.

"That Separatist ambassador came here to stir up the Quarren, and that's exactly what he did." Bucky Barnes spoke up.

"I fear due to their galvanization, it's only a matter of time before the Quarren withdraw from the Republic." Kit Fisto gravely said.

There was a brief pause as everyone contemplated the news.

"This all feels so off." Jessica grumbled. "Call it a gut feeling."

"I find myself inclined to agree. One would suspect Count Dooku is behind this. But given matters as of late with the CIS, it could be another insurrectionist situation at play." Says Mace Windu.

"The Mon Calamari system is still part of the Republic. With the present ceasefire, it's hard to say if it may turn into a Separatist territory. Or worse." Saa stated.

"Or worse?" Jones parroted incredulously. "The hell is that supposed to mean?"

"If things get worse, we'll have a deployment of clones sent over to help resolve the matter." Plo Koon said.

"They'll be at your side by day's end." Luminara assured.

"In the meantime, Admiral," Ackbar inclined his head up at Windu. "Assemble the Mon Cala troops, and prepare for a Quarren assault."

"Hopefully it won't come to it. But the chances of the assault are high." Came the admiral's remark.

Back down beneath the waves of the planet, within the royal temple, T'Challa and Lee-Char were deep in conversation, speaking animatedly about many topics and subjects.

"I heard from the holo-net about your grand arrival on Coruscant," Lee excitedly said. "Is it true you came in on a Wookiee airship and dove headfirst into that giant Ultron?"

Black Panther chuckled sheepishly, shaking his head at that memory. "Well, I have always desired a grand entrance so I saw the opportunity present itself before me."

The Mon Cala Prince laughed boisterously at that.

"I wish I could have been there to see it," He then coughed into his hand. "Besides seeing all the mayhem that damnable droid caused."

"You will have your own chance for action, my friend." T'Challa had a knowing look directed at him. "I have come to learn that royalty in this galaxy is far more willing to jump headfirst into action for the sake of their people as compared to the royalty of Earth, at least what is left of it in our current times."

"You think so?"

The Wakandan shrugged. "If Padme Amidala fought on the frontlines for her people, I can fairly conclude your time will come as well."

"Let us hope it's not too soon, Prince T'Challa." Spoke a female voice, making the two royals turn to see a female Mon Cala swimming towards them.

"Senator Tills," Lee pleasantly greeted her.

"My Prince, it gladdens me to see you in higher spirits. It appears a friend of similar ilk was needed in this time."

"T'Challa has taught me much in our short time spent together." The Mon Cala prince admirably said, shooting Panther a grin. "He told me there are many lessons to be learned in tales and in observing what you can and can't do."

"Wise words indeed." Meena approvingly said. "I am sorry to cut your time short, you two, but we must make haste and begin preparations for a possible battle with the Quarren."

Just as she said this, in swam Ackbar, the Admiral nodding to both princes before addressing Tills.

"The troops are being assembled, senator."

Meena Tills nods with a grave look on her face. "Let's hope we don't need them, admiral. I'm entrusting the safety of Prince Lee-Char to your hands. You must remain at his side at all times as his personal bodyguard."

This request baffled Ackbar. "Senator, the boy is to-"

"We are on the verge of a civil war, admiral, and that boy is the Supreme Commander of Mon Cala's military." Meena interrupted him. "Much as I am grateful for the presence of the Avengers and Jedi, we cannot solely rely upon their efforts. They have done enough as is. It's up to you to see that he remains safe and that he can handle the job."

"With due respect, senator, the prince is not ready to lead an army. He needs training."

"Which is why I am placing him under your care, Admiral." The Mon Cala Senator stated. "If he is to begin to lead, he will learn to follow by learning from one of our most exemplary warriors."

Ackbar appeared a bit flustered at the praise but nodded all the same, getting one back from Meena as she left them.

"Worry not, Ackbar, for you shall have our assistance."

"And I thank you for it, Prince T'Challa."

"But you are right, admiral." Says Lee-Char. "I'm not trained to lead an army."

Ackbar bore a frown on the situation, but was at least approving given the prince knew of his inexperience. "Come on, your highness. We have a war to win."

-Scene Cut-

Over at the Quarren territory, an assembly of ships made their arrival and were depositing AQ-series battle droids into the watery depths.

Within a certain infrastructure, a conversation was taking place. One which Riff Tamson was reporting to his superior.

Instead of it being Count Dooku on the holo-transmission, it was a cloaked figure.

"You have something to report, Tamson?"

The Karkarodon bowed his head in respect. "The army has assembled, Lord Maul. All is going as you have anticipated."

"Well done, Tamson." Says Maul. "What about the Quarren leader?"

"Nossor Ri is on board 100%. He will deliver the planet into our hands, just as you said he would."

"Just so long as you still pose as an Ambassador of the Separatists. In the end, control of this planet will be in your hands."

Riff would have smiled at that yet something more troubling weighed on his mind. "But what of the Avengers? Their presence may hamper the plans."

Maul's eyes narrowed. "It is why I shall be sending you aid that will level the playing field. Expect them shortly."

"Of course. Thank you, my lord."

"But stay vigilant, Tamson. They have already interfered with my plans once before, expect them to do so again."

-Scene Cut-

The Mon Calamari army were in full mobilization, their troops arming themselves and civilians were being escorted to safety.

All of this was observed by the Jedi and Avengers who were taking stock of the whole situation.

"So much for a peaceful resolution." Matt grimly said, gripping his fists tightly.

"It is not too late." Kit Fisto said. "We must be patient but also be prepared for the worst to come."

"If civil war erupts here, this can only cascade to the rest of the galaxy." Padme vehemently argued. "Other systems will soon have their own wars and the previous will resume once more."

"So what are we supposed to do then?" Bucky asked, with the Senator giving him a look.

"I was hoping you might have some form of a solution."

Barnes scoffed at that, shaking his head. "Paddy, I don't know if you're aware of this but I was a brainwashed assassin who was trained to kill his targets and end conflicts before they begin. Unless you want bullets in the heads of the Quarren leadership, you're barking up the wrong tree."

"Thank you, Bucky." Celeste sarcastically said, rapping her knuckles on his breathing helmet.

"T'Challa, you have spent the most time with the Prince," T'ra said, looking over to the Black Panther. "What's your take on him?"

"He is a kind soul that dreads the idea of battle," He said straight away. "But he admits he only knows so much. He is much younger than I and has been thrust into a role he is ill-prepared for. I sense the potential in him but as for what is to come, we can only hope for the best that he is forged out of stronger material."

"Great non-answer, brother," Shuri cheekily said.

"I merely speak the truth, Shuri."

"I know, I know, just," She grunted. "Annoyed by all this. Those squid heads seem to just want war with the Mon Cala."

"No surprise there." Celeste tiredly said. "4000 years ago, the two species were at each other's throats and 4000 years later, the sentiment remains unchanged, even after all that has transpired in the galaxy."

"So there's gonna be a war then," Barnes grimly said.

"Not if we…" T'Challa then paused, looking around. "Has anyone seen or heard from Jessica? She left and hasn't contacted us since."

"She said she wished to do what she does best." T'ra reminded them. "She is a detective, is she not? Perhaps she will discover something that will benefit us."

"Yeah, well, she should speed it up." Shuri stated. "I do not things will be as hooky dory as we hope."

"It's Hunky Dory." Matt corrected.

"Did I not say that?"

"It's amazing how you're one of the smartest people in two galaxies and yet, still so dumb." Bucky remarked.

"Oh, don't you start with me." She pointed a dramatic finger at him. "I get enough of that with Clint, Hector and Tony."

"It's not our fault you blew up the kitchen ten times already."

"Dear, dear, her culinary skills are that atrocious?"

Shuri hung her head dejectedly. "Saa~~ you saying that really hurts."

"It seems you are all in high spirits."

The group turned to see Meena Tills swimming up to them.

"Nah, we're on edge." The Winter Soldier freely admitted. "We're just used to handling these sorts of situations."

The Senator tilted her head at this. "Being?"

"All calm and relaxed before everything inevitably falls apart." Matt plainly said. "I know, a terrible mindset but it's an unfortunate event that tends to repeat more often than not."

"Dear, dear," Meena shook her head before adopting a more thankful look. "Regardless, I still thank you all for coming to assist us in a conflict that is not your own."

"I am a Senator like you, Tills," Padme assured. "This is my concern as it is the concern of many others."

"And you know the Jedi believe in aiding the pursuit of peace, difficult as it always is." Kit Fisto chimed in.

"And we're amazing." Shuri declared, puffing her chest out before getting yanked back by her brother.

Meena chuckled at her behavior when a voice echoed from where Lee-Char currently was in the center of the gathering of the Mon Cala troops.

One wielding a staff with a seashell atop it moved forward to address the soldiers.

"In this time of crisis, our prince has something to say."

Putting on a strong expression, the soon-to-be-King swam up, gazing at all the troops in attendance. "I know many of you agree with the Quarren that I am too young to rule. But I assure you I will use all my strength and all my abilities to lead us through this challenge as I know the same will be done by all of you. We are a great people and I will do all I can to negotiate peace without bloodshed. I do not believe the Quarren will attack." He hung his head momentarily, steeling his visage as he continued to speak to his people. "But I also cannot just hope for the best. Remain vigilant and be ready to receive orders from your superiors. I will defer to their experience and follow thus should the need for battle arise. Until then, keep the civilians of our capital safe and prepare all means of evacuating our people. This may be our battle but not at the cost of those who do not know or have the means to fight."

There were ripples or approval from some of the soldiers with skepticism thrown in here and there but his orders were followed through.

"It's a start." Kit endorsed with a nod.

"All it takes is one small step." T'ra said with a hum, giving the Prince of Wakanda a look. "Seems you're already rubbing off on him."

The Black Panther kept his eyes on the Mon Cala Prince who spotted him and gave a brave smile with the Avenger nodding back.

"I'm simply helping a friend."

"Oh, friends already?" Shuri teased.

Whilst the siblings bantered and bickered momentarily, Celeste was focused on Daredevil.

"How is that echolocation function working?"

"Quite well." He muttered, bobbing his head side-to-side within his helmet. "Shuri managed to link it up with the rest of my suit, helping me in a way I never considered."

"That being?" Bucky asked.

"The use of mapping out my surroundings by sending echolocation, vibrations and such through my skin." Matt remarked. "It is truly a unique experience that I didn't think possible."

"There's always more to one's abilities than some would perceive." Morne noted.

"Clearly," Matt then frowned. "I'm still getting adjusted to the intake."

Barnes' eyes briefly squinted, picking up on a different, underlying tone.

"That's not what's bothering you, is it?"

Murdock 'hmphed', looking ahead momentarily.

"I've been trying to get a read or a touch on Jessica. Her ID card isn't even working and I can't pinpoint her anywhere."

"That is concerning." Kit Fisto's voice chimed in, the Jedi Master gliding over to them. "Bucky, Celeste, Shuri, you have been with her for far longer than we have. Are her actions and absence cause for concern?"

"She's a detective, remember?" Celeste pointed out. "Likely, she's doing her own recon or as she said it, what she does best. I can imagine she's probably scoping out the Quarrens or even spying on that Karkarodon as we speak."

"If Deep Blue Sea is a shark, wouldn't it be able to sniff her out through the water?" Shuri inquired.

"So long as she keeps her distance." Saa answered.

"Semi-reassuring." The Tech genius of Wakanda murmured.

Matt had an amused smirk that immediately fell, his face becoming deadly serious, something that T'Challa instantly saw.

"Matt?"

"I'm picking up on a whole lot of movement outside the city and it's making its way here fast."

The others were quickly on alert and Kit Fisto was the first to act. Using his natural ability in the water and a quick boost from the Force, he propelled himself high above to just above the buildings of the city and his eyes immediately landed upon a large contingent of hundreds if not thousands of Quarrens mixed in with AQ-Series Battle Droids. And at the front of this assault force was none other than Riff Tamson, armed to the teeth with weapons Kit did not recognize.

Quickly swimming back down to the others, he reported on what he saw.

"It's an attack. Riff Tamson is leading the Quarren with a legion of battle droids."

"Wonderful." Shuri grumbled.

"It appears we must do battle." T'ra solemnly declared, igniting her lightsaber.

Just as they were about to head towards the oncoming army…

"Hey guys."

"Jessica?" Bucky said in surprise. "Where the hell have you been?"

"Like I said, doin' my thing." She cheekily said. "I managed to scope out a secluded area on the outskirts of this city. Saw a Shark Week and a whole lotta robots gathering a huge army, ready to lay down a tsunami on this plate."

"Well it's too late as they're already here."

There was a twitch in Jessica's eye as annoyance was clearly seen on her face. "Excuse me for not being a fast swimmer. Was really pushing my strength to the limit in getting back here. But that's not the point. There's something you should know about Jaws there. He's not working with the Separatists."

"He's not?"

"Yeah, cuz after doing my research, I sure as shit am certain they don't have those types of weapons." Jessica pointed at the oncoming army just as they began firing their weapons.

And what came out weren't just red blaster bolts but bluish-black beams that quickly began picking off Mon Cala soldiers.

"Whoa!" Shuri exclaimed. "What is that?"

"Those are not blaster bolts." Matt grimly said. "Nor are they ones used by Separatists."

"How could you tell?" Padme asked.

Matt simply tapped the side of his helmet. "After hearing all sorts of weaponry in this galaxy, someone like me can pick up the difference."

"Let's go." Celeste said, creating a portal in front of them that led directly to-

"T'Challa?!" Lee-Char said in bewildered astonishment on the other end, seeing the Jedi and Avengers with Padme swim through. "How is this-"

"We can explain later," Black Panther quickly said. "Come, let us see to the defense of your city."

Though he was clearly nervous about it all, he nodded all the same and swam forward.

Blaster fire and bolts soon assailed them with Celeste taking point, creating two large shields around them.

Flexing his fingers, golden light began to emit in between the metallic lines of Bucky's metal arm. He flung his forward, his metal limb extending ahead between several droids. Latching onto a building they were by, he immediately pulled himself right to them, using his body to pin them against the wall, and using his modified pistol to take them out with quick headshots. A portal appeared behind him, Bucky instinctively moving back into it and it closing as he did so with several droids and Quarren stopping their attacks in bewilderment at his disappearance.

The droids were promptly destroyed and the Quarren killed from above, the Winter Soldier using a propulsion pack on his back to speedily maneuver through the battlefield.

Kit Fisto immediately went on the offensive, the Force propelling him to great speeds as his emerald blade cut a swath through the oncoming droids and Quarren.

T'ra Saa exhaled and concentrated, holding her lightsaber vertically in front of her whilst holding her hand sideways, open palm behind her blade. She slowly raised her hand, focusing on the Force, recalling her latest discovery of archaic Force abilities. Whilst this was an ability utilized in the present day, the understanding and usage of it was far more intricate, she found out, in the past.

As she had been raising her hand, swirling ripples were forming all over her palm and fingers. She then shifted her saber arm, holding it out with her saber now horizontally angled.

In the midst of all this, Celeste had moved to act as her protector, utilizing her magic to create shields around the Netti Jedi.

Once her free hand was above her head, a swirling vortex was seen in front of her palm. Her eyes then snapped open and she clapped her hand over her lightsaber.

In an instant, a vicious underwater twister had formed, being shot out like a cannon from the Jedi Master, T'ra guiding it in the direction of the Quarren and Droids who were powerless to stop being caught up in it.

Celeste quickly followed that up by creating ethereal, electrified spheres that were thrown into the twister, electrifying all caught within the swirling attack.

"Holy shit!" Jessica exclaimed. "When the fuck could you do that?"

"Always," Morne cheekily said. "I'm a Jedi Sorceress now, remember?"

Observing all this was Riff Tamson, the Karkarodon narrowing his eyes at the display of power. He grinded his teeth against each other, snarling before sending out an order for a bulk of the assault force to concentrate on the Avengers and Jedi.

Black Panther and Daredevil fought as a team, using their jet propulsions frequently to make up for their slowed movement underwater.

With the multitude of enemies coming after them, T'Challa began flinging glowing violet Vibranium daggers. They sailed unimpeded through the water, striking their targets with deadly accuracy.

Daredevil utilized his own upgrades, his two tonfa elongating slightly, their tips glowing a white ring. As soon as a droid drew in close, he thrust his weapon forward, expunging a shockwave blast that shattered it.

Flying by the pair was Shuri, using her personalized Panther Vibranium gauntlets to emit sonic energy that propelled her through the water.

Despite the spectacular display of powers and abilities, the army Riff Tamson had brought in was far larger with a greater amount of droids than expected. It didn't help that the droids were armed with weapons most did not recognize save for a select few that soon began to realize just what they were dealing with.

As the battle raged on, Lee-Char, despite the trepidation and fear he held, swam right to the front lines, catching the attention of his men.

"The prince! The prince is here!"

"He's joining the battle!"

"Admiral." The Prince greeted Ackbar, the elder Mon Cala nodding at him.

"What are your orders, your highness?"

Lee-Char looked around, seeing the Mon Cala army stand strong but it was clear they were outmatched. Up ahead, he saw the Avengers and the Jedi engaging the Quarren and Droid forces, making quick work of any they came across but his men weren't so lucky.

"It doesn't look like we can hold this position." Lee-Char quietly said, which Ackbar picked up on.

"Then might I suggest we move to a defensive line further downward with tighter spaces." The Admiral immediately said, making the Prince perk up and nod quickly.

"Men," Lee-Char called out to them. "Follow Admiral Ackbar to a better position. T'Challa, over here. We need your aid in covering us."

Black Panther simply nodded, flinging out a dozen Vibranium daggers that took out a multitude of foes around him.

"Celeste!" He said aloud and wordlessly, the Jedi Sorceress conjured a portal for him and Daredevil before doing the same for the rest of the Jedi and Avengers along with Padme who was in the thick of it with them.

They now stood in opposition against the oncoming tide of Quarren and droids.

T'Challa had narrowed his eyes at the droids, eyeing their arms that had their modified weapons in particular.

"Shuri," He spoke up, catching his sister's attention. "Tell me, do you recognize those weapons?"

His younger sibling paused long enough to get a good look at one of the weapons that her brother was talking about. From her perspective, beneath her Panther mask, her HUD created a rectangular image that tucked itself away in the corner of her view.

"That weaponry… that energy!" Shuri's eyes widened. "I'm getting readings they're… Chitauri and Sakaaran."

"Chitauri and Sakaaran?" Fisto said in momentary confusion.

"The Chitauri were the invaders that first brought the Avengers together on Earth." Daredevil quickly elaborated.

"And they were the same kind of weaponry Peter, Scott and Hope encountered on Onderon." Black Panther quickly tacked on. "Thor identified the Sakaaran technology as being from out of this galaxy as well."

"And now they're here." Jessica said in suspicion.

"Something is really off here." Bucky warned.

"Agreed." T'Challa nodded. "We need to fall back and regroup now. I fear things have become clearer as they are now more complicated." He then used his comm links to connect with the Mon Cala prince. "Lee, are you there?"

"I'm here, T'Challa," The Mon Cala Prince immediately responded. "We've managed to fall back to a more fortified area."

"Fall back entirely," The Wakandan Prince stated and he could sense the shock from the order.

"Wh-what-?"

"There's no time to explain, my friend. I know it has been a short time but please trust me on this. The stake of your planet, your life and all others, Mon Cala and Quarren are on the line here." T'Challa emphatically said. "Please…"

There was a brief pause on the other side until he heard Lee exhale.

"Admiral, give the order to retreat. I know a way that will lead us to an isolated area that the Quarren are unlikely to know of."

"Of course, Majesty."

"Someone grab one of those weapons off the droids." Shuri called out.

Wordlessly, Kit propelled himself to the closest aquatic droid, slicing the body in half before cutting its arm off with the Chitauri gun and swimming off to join the others. T'ra and Celeste worked in tandem, using Sorcery and Environmental Force Manipulation to create a stream of bubbles and mist that made them "invisible" to the eyes of the Quarrens and droids.

Once it subsided, they were gone, leaving the invading army to question where they had gone.

Riff swam up to where the Jedi and Avengers were moments ago, utilizing his advanced smell only to find no trace. He snarled, grinding his teeth before barking out orders to spread out and see where they all went.

-Scene Cut-

"This is horrible." Lee-Char despondently said, hanging his head low in defeat, a hand over his face.

He had just received the news of the casualties of the battle. To some, a few thousand may not seem like much in the grand scheme of things.

But to a young Prince who was soon to be king, it was devastating.

"It could have been worse, your highness." The Mon Cala Senator delicately said. "Your orders in evacuating the citizens of the city at least made it that none were killed, injured or captured. They are all safe thanks to your orders."

"Take heed, Prince Lee-Char." Ackbar sagely said. "This is war. It does not come with easy choices or solutions, just decisions where the outcomes are ones we must grapple with, be they good or bad."

"But too lose so many…"

"We've seen worse, your highness."

The three Mon Cala glanced up to see Padme with the Jedi and the Avengers in tow.

"You did what you could in your first battle." T'Challa said, going past the senator and Admiral to place a friendly hand on Lee's shoulder. "Just know that you performed far more admirably than some would say."

"As Senator Meen said," Ackbar chimed in. "Your decision to evacuate the citizens kept them safe. Your father would be proud of you."

"Proud?" Lee said in disbelief. "We lost."

"Today you learn the hardest lesson a commander can learn: how to live to fight another day." Ackbar said, having the Prince gaze at him silently.

Lee then turned to the Avengers, gazing at Shuri who was holding a weapon in her arms he did not recognize.

"What's that?"

"This is a Chitauri weapon." The Wakandan Princess said, holding it up with Ackbar swimming over to take it out of her hands to inspect it.

"I've never seen a weapon like this." The admiral noted.

"We wouldn't expect you to." Daredevil stated. "Judging from what we know, this weapon isn't from this galaxy."

That caused the Mon Cala to look at the blind Avenger sharply.

"What?" Meena Tills whispered. "Not from this galaxy?"

"What you're looking at is the weapon of the alien invaders that came to earth back in 2012." Bucky explained. "The same alien invaders that first made the Avengers come together."

"We've been studying this technology back on Earth for a while." Shuri added on. "And after cross referencing everything we know here, this is a weapon that doesn't belong here."

"Until recently." T'Challa now spoke again. "And it is for that reason why we told you to fall back. I am not sure if you are aware of this but do you know what transpired on Onderon?"

"Onderon?" Meena parroted in bewilderment. "What does Onderon have to do with us?"

"Whoever was backing that jackass king back then was supplying him with Chitauri and Sakaaran forces." Said Jessica.

"And in the end, both sides of the conflict lost their leaders. King Sanjay Rash's corpse was found dead at an ancient tomb whilst King Dendup was nowhere to be found. Either he had been kidnapped or worse, killed for all we know." Matt Murdock grimly said.

"Onderon…" Celeste quietly said to herself.

The Mon Cala Senator frowned, conflicted before turning to the Jedi.

"When will the Republic reinforcements arrive?"

"At the end of the day, supposedly." T'ra said.

"Not soon enough." Ackbar said in a low voice.

"What do we do now then?" Lee inquired, asking not his fellow Mon Cala but the Avengers instead. "You're familiar with this weaponry. Can you show us how to counteract it?"

"It's not all that difficult but that's not why we wanted you to fall back and speak with you." Daredevil firmly said. "What we are dealing with right now is likely similar to what happened on Onderon."

"The lives of not just the Mon Cala are at stake but the Quarrens as well." T'ra spoke up, quickly picking up on what the Avengers were inferring. "Particularly, yourself and Nossor Ri if we are to go by what happened on Onderon."

"Killing both leaders?" Ackbar said. "What would that accomplish?"

"Chaos, for starters." Padme now spoke up after a long period of silence. "Whoever is behind this wants there to be chaos. They simply galvanized the side more easily susceptible to aggression and war."

"Riff Tamson…"

"He's probably not even the head honcho." Bucky declared. "After reading up on what Scotty, Pete and Hope said about Onderon, it was clear that King sash, Rash, whatever his name was, he was just a puppet. He was killed and disposed of by whoever was backing him."

"And that means Nossor Ri is in a similar position of danger and likely, you're the other main target, Prince Lee-Char." Fisto solemnly said.

The young Mon Cala royal was clearly conflicted in hearing all this.

"Majesty?" Meena tenderly said.

"I know you all are likely to tell me that I have to leave now." He quietly said. "But… I can't. I have to stay here with my people. I just can't abandon them."

"And we're not telling you to." T'Challa said. "What we need to do right now is act fast and bring this civil war to an end as quickly as we can before more lives are lost, including yours and Nossor Ri. Riff clearly has a backer who is assisting him here and if we can just prove it to the Quarrens, the tide can be shifted and we can free your planet and unite the people here."

"What would you have me do?" Lee-Char asked his fellow Prince.

"For now, speak to your people. Galvanize them, keep their spirits and morale strong for it shall be needed in case of another battle." Panther advised. "We shall come up with a plan and go from there."

Char was silent for a few moments until he put on a determined face and nodded. He swam forward, going up in the water to be at the center of attention as he addressed his men.

"Soldiers of Mon Calamari, I understand that we have faced defeat today but this is not the end. Whilst many lost their lives, their sacrifices will not be in vain. Remember, the civilians of our city remain unharmed because of your efforts today. We must remain strong, not just for ourselves but for our people and our planet! Do not let it fall!"

There were some murmurs and clamor amongst the assembled soldiers after what they heard their prince say to them.

"Very good." Padme said in silent approval.

"The boy has more potential than he appeared." Ackbar praised.

"What do we do now?" Meena inquired.

"Well, we have to come up with another plan." Jessica plainly said. "Any ideas would be very appreciated."

"Ours is obvious." Celeste stated. "Locate Tamson and hopefully, the supplier behind him getting all these weapons."

"Until then, our people will have to wait for the reinforcements." The Admiral said. "Which can be at any moment now."

"I got a lead on where psycho Jaws went." Jessica spoke up, thumbing to herself. "Followed that music all the way down to this place just outside the city. If we can sneak in, find some dirt, information, anything on him and bring it to Cthulhu and his people, maybe this whole war could end sooner than later."

"We'll have a small team then." Matt declared.

"It's best we make sure it's not one to scoff at." T'Challa stated. "Remember what our friends told us of what they encountered on Onderon. Enhanced beings like that Twi'lek with optical beams from the eyes."

"Then we'll expect harder security to bypass." T'ra mused.

"Not if I can help it." Celeste "stepped" forward. "I can help keep us covered to get in close."

"So who's going?" Shuri inquired.

"Matt," T'Challa said. "You take Master Saa, Celeste and Bucky with you. Jessica will lead you to where Tamson is."

"Anyone else?"

Before any other volunteers were perhaps brought in, they quickly got notifications. It wasn't long from there when they saw a contingent of swimmers of several hundred strong coming down from above.

"Reinforcements." Ackbar announced.

"Finally." Meena said with a tinge of relief.

The Republic forces drew closer and closer with one bearing markings of a captain's rank leading them.

"Nemec," Kit Fisto boisterously said, swimming over to the Clone Trooper, the pair clasping their arms.

"General Fisto." Nemec said in turn before facing the rest of the group.

"General Saa, Admiral Ackbar." The one Clone trooper greets before introducing himself with a crisp salute despite being underwater. "Captain Nemec, reporting for duty."

"A pleasure to meet you, Captain." T'ra kindly said.

"The people of Mon Cala thank you for coming in our hour of need." Ackbar humbly said.

"Ready to serve Admiral," Nemec said in complete seriousness. "My men are ready for deployment."

"As we'll need it." Black Panther swam forward, offering his arm. "T'Challa, a pleasure to meet you, Captain."

"The Avengers." Nemec said in wonder, shaking the Wakandans hand. "Are you sure we're needed here?"

"Very much so, Captain." Daredevil spoke up in good humor. "You being here bolsters the Mon Cala forces after the attack led by Riff Tamson. I don't know if you are familiar with what happened on the planet of Onderon."

"I've read the reports of what happened then."

"Then you should know that both sides are being played here with the Quarren and Mon Cala leadership in danger. This was a war provoked by an outside force that needs to be brought to life lest more lives are lost, including your men."

Nemec gave a brief nod. "More troopers are on the way. We're the first to arrive. Tell us what we can do now."

Kit was the first to speak.

"Admiral, take a number of the troopers to assist on the barricade." He then turned back to the Clone. "Captain Nemec, we'll need a small group of troopers to join us in infiltrating the enemy base."

"Tell me how many and I'll make the assignments."

"You sure we need them?" Jessica asked with uncertainty.

"Doesn't hurt to have additional backup." Bucky stated. "The more eyes we have, the more we can see and when things go south, the enemy will be focused on us, most likely. Nemec and his men can swoop in and we can use that chance to escape."

"Let's get to it." Shuri declared.

-Scene Cut-

Jessica swam ahead of her group, keeping a watchful eye of their surroundings. They were swimming low, in between coral and rocky pillars and walls.

"Quite a distance from the city." T'ra commented, momentarily glancing back at the Mon Cala capital behind them.

"Smart." Bucky stated. "Makes it harder to be found.

T'Challa nodded before holding up his fingers to the side of his head. "Captain, what's your status?"

In another trench way, Captain Nemec led a crew of a dozen of his best handpicked soldiers, their armor color darkened to allow for better stealth.

"Clear on our end, Prince T'Challa." Nemec said. "We picked up a few patrols but they didn't see us. Saw more of that weaponry you showed us before."

"Steer clear of engagement unless absolutely necessary. Keep sending us updates on your position." Bucky chimed in.

"Copy that, Sergeant. Nemec out."

"So how did he get to the city so quickly?" Murdock questioned. "Even with him being adept in the water, the distance is still considerable."

"Questions we may get answers to soon enough." Celeste remarked. "Let's hope it's not in the usual way."

"Usual way?" Jones repeated.

"Just a lot of shit blowing up or someone getting hurt or all that usual stuff associated with our line of work." Her boyfriend clarified for her.

"Oh my." T'ra said. "It appears we are likely headed for more combat."

"Then let's remain on guard." Panther advised as they soon spotted light ahead peeking out over a ridge.

Swimming over to lean on it, the team peered over the ridge and spotted what was Riff Tamsons outpost. They spotted no Quarrens in sight but dozens upon dozens of droids, now more modified than the last ones they had fought and on top of that, a number of other Karkarodons as well.

"They're new." Jessica noted. "Got a whole bunch of Jaws sequels down there with him now."

"They likely came in recently." Matt noted. "Possibly within the last hour or so."

"You're certain they weren't there before?" Celeste asked the detective who nodded.

"Yeah, this place wasn't this setup, actually." Jessica's eyes narrowed. "He sure got a lot of upgrades in just a day."

"Must be one hell of a benefactor." Barnes commented, turning to his girlfriend. "Celeste."

"Of course," Celeste placed the tips of her fingers together, water rippling around them until she crossed her hands, her wrists touching with magical glyphs appearing. Once she finished muttering the spell, she snapped her fingers and the rippling water enveloped the team and they were now seemingly invisible save for the barely visible outlines of their bodies.

"Captain Nemec, are you in position?" T'ra questioned through their comms.

"We're set up here, General Saa."

"Let's move," Was all Matt said as they swam down to the camp below.

They moved past a number of droids and Karkarodon, the latter of which had a few of their species stop, almost picking up on the infiltrating team before resuming their patrol.

Jessica took the lead, recalling where Riff's main place was despite all the recent additions to his base.

She pointed ahead at a pod-like structure and the team drew closer to it. They spotted Riff Tamson entering the structure.

They quickly pursued him, avoiding another patrol that nearly ran into them until they managed to get in close.

The team had done so in time as they heard the Karkarodon already speaking with someone.

"-day is ours, my Lord." Riff spoke with respect to whomever it was on the other line of contact. "The Mon Cala with their Jedi and Avengers allies retreated even with those enhanced fools causing trouble for my army."

"Well done, Tamson." Spoke a voice nobody recognized and one that immediately set the Avengers and lone Jedi on edge. "It seems that what I promised will come into fruition. Tell me, what of Nossor Ri? Is he still aligned with your promises?"

Upon hearing his name, Jessica pulled out a device that would allow for her to record what they were about to hear underwater.

"I'm still fooling the squid as we speak." Riff then growled. "Though I still believe he may become a liability since he still holds sentiment and sympathy for the Mon Cala, particularly his past friendship with the previous king."

"Keep him alive until the Mon Cala lose their Prince and the rest of their leadership. If he proves to be unable to be brought to heel, eliminate him. You need not indulge yourself with dealings of a sentimental fool who fails to realize the opportunity given to him."

"As you wish, My Lord." Tamson said in reverence. "What of the Avengers and Jedi present on this planet? Will those you sent to assist me be enough to eliminate them?"

"Deal with, not eliminate." The unknown speaker. "Drawing attention to ourselves will only…"

The pause in his speech made the others tense up and Riff stopped swimming around the holo-transmission.

"My Lord?"

"You are not alone."

And with that, the message suddenly ended.

The entire group knew that they had been detected and-

"INCOMING!" Bucky shouted and all turned to see a pair of dual red beams shot in their direction.

It struck the wall they were all leaning on and an explosion went off, causing the six to flail in the water.

Celeste and T'ra used their abilities in tandem to stabilize their team, righting themselves before they all formed a back-to-back circle.

Out came Riff Tamson, the Karkarodons surprised face turning into a frenzied rage.

"How did you get in here!? It's impossible with my security!" Yells Tamson. "No matter, I'll pry out my answers from you soon enough!"

Celeste merely created a portal that he ended up going headfirst into, appearing right in front of a nearby wall where he struck his head and promptly knocked himself out.

"Huh, that was easy." Jessica couldn't help but say.

"He was," Matt said in a wary voice, turning his head in the direction of the originator of that beam attack. "But they likely will not be."

The group of five turned to see three figures floating above them.

Two humans and a Twi'lek.

There was a tense staredown when Black Panther's head tilted to the side.

"Wait… that Twi'lek…" T'Challa narrowed his eyes.

Whilst the Avengers were tense and ready for a fight, the Netti council member was frozen on the spot, staring at the other two with the onyx-skinned Twi'lek.

"B-Baylan?" Saa whispered in disbelief, making the man turn his gaze at her. His eyes squinted briefly until recognition dawned on his face.

"Ah, T'ra Saa," The man's voice was pleasant and cordial, despite the present circumstance. "I almost failed to recognize you. How foolish of me. You look well, old friend. I know it has been some time but I believe with someone who has your memory and lifespan, you would recognize my student, Shin."

"Shin…" Saa whispered. "Shin Hati. You were only a girl when you and Skoll were selected for the outbound flight with Master C'baoth."

"Master Saa." The young woman curtly said.

"You know those two, Saa?" Murdock questioned.

"Yes…" T'ra quietly said. "They're Jedi. They were part of the crew that went on a mission called the outbound flight with a collection of Jedi fifteen years ago but they were lost with all hands. Many presumed them to be dead."

"Guess that was a gross exaggeration." Jessica muttered, clenching her fists tightly, preparing herself for the fight.

"We were lost, yes." Baylan plainly said, unclipping a familiar device from his belt, an action his student copied. "But then we were found. And we were shown truth. A greater truth that wasn't confined to the rigid ways of the Jedi, the Sith or even this galaxy. We were shown what true power and purpose was."

"Generic much?" Jones mocked.

"Perhaps." Baylan plainly admitted. "But I do believe the time for talk is meaningless by this point.

Igniting their lightsabers, orange blades came forth from Baylan and Shin's hilts.

Celeste and Saa glanced at one another before they ignited their own sabers, yellow and green.

Daredevil slammed his batons together to create a staff that vibrates with energy on both ends. Black Panther's suit had a brief glow of violet from the many lines and seams before he held glowing daggers in both hands. Bucky's arm glowed and he readied his gun whilst Jessica simply cracked her knuckles and neck.

As for Blackout…

The lines on his armor and skin began to glow. His eyes then emitted his power yet instead of coming out of his irises, the energy was seemingly channeled from his eyes, down his neck and into his arms before red energy staffs formed in his hands.

"Huh… wasn't expecting that." Jessica commented.

"Then I shall oblige him." Black Panther declared, changing his daggers out and held out his fists, placing his indexes and thumbs together before pulling them apart to now hold a glowing, dual-sided vibranium scythe.

Blackout smirked manically, his eyes still glowing red as he used his powers to send a burst of energy to rocket him forward.

T'Challa responded in kind, using reserved kinetic energy within his suit to give him the boost needed and they clashed, their weapons sending out a pulse around them.

Baylan and Shin used their own power to propel them forward with T'ra, Jessica and Matt moving forward whilst Celeste hung back to provide support. The Jedi Sorceress conjured ethereal snakes and eels that she sent hurtling at the two.

Skoll simply held up his hand and to the shock of his opponents, energy gathered around his limb before an orange beam shot out of his hand, destroying Celeste's creations.

"Whoa! Since when can Jedi do that?" Jessica cried out.

"They can't." T'ra answered. "At least, from what we know."

As she finished this statement, her green saber clashed with Baylan's orange one and immediately, the Netti felt the power difference in terms of pure strength. It was far different from the norm. Far exceeding what she was originally expecting.

"What happened to you, Skoll?" T'ra couldn't help but ask.

"Like I said, the Truth." He retorted, shoving her back considerably.

Despite this, the thousand year old Jedi used the Force to keep herself steady and was undeterred by this enhanced old friend turned enemy.

He may have learned and gotten stronger since she last saw him but she had a few tricks up her sleeve as well.

With a horizontal sweep of her before clenching her fist and pulling it back, the water around her turned into a concentrated twister that shot forward and pulled Baylan in. The man was clearly surprised by this action but he managed to keep himself steady, his saber colliding with Saa's once more, the pair entering into a heated duel.

Matt, Jessica and Bucky engaged Shin Hati who was far less meticulous or precise as her master and fought a more wild style. It was still enough to keep her three opponents at bay, the younger Force User having a kind of chaotic aura around her.

"The hell is that?" Jones asked aloud.

"It is energy manipulation." Celeste called out in response.

Shin grinned at the Sorceress, expunging the energy around her to send her opponents hurtling away before she used her power to get in close to Celeste.

The Jedi Sorceress was unflinching as she cast a spell around her lightsaber, empowering it as she swung it forward. Hati threw up her own saber to block it but wasn't expecting an explosion of magic to send her flying back.

Shin barely managed to straighten herself out, looking angry as she was frazzled by this attack, glaring at Morne who simply bore a taunting smirk.

"You're still just a Padawan, it seems." She goaded, getting the reaction she wanted with Shin snarling at her and charging forward.

Bucky was about to join his girlfriend when his head jerked slightly at a blaster bolt flying by him.

He turned to see the aquatic battle droids Tamson had brought in coming straight for him and the others, with the Karkarodon patrol groups joining in.

"And now we have those assholes." Bucky said to himself, contacting the Clones. "Nemec, bring the heat."

Over on his end, the Clone Captain simply acknowledged the order and he and his men opened fire on the base, alerting the droids to their presence.

With the other fight going on, the Wakandan prince was having some issues against Blackout.

Normally T'Challa would be able to maneuver around such attacks with relative ease. However, he was underwater where his movements and speed were limited due to present restrictions. Even though he was an enhanced super soldier, water was still water and it naturally hindered his movements.

Blackout was just as hindered but he used his power to compensate for this. In his observations, T'Challa noted that the alterations to the Twi'leks body was far more intricate and perhaps more invasive than one would perceive.

Firing off concentrated lasers from his eyes was one thing but it was clear that he was able to use his abilities for far more creative means and his body and suit was adjusted for him to utilize it to the limit of his imagination.

And it was clear Blackout was quite the creative foe.

His eyes hadn't stopped glowing since he engaged the Prince and in the few times they did, it was only for a quick respite. But that didn't mean energy beams and projections were out of the equation. It seemed that his suit was also able to store all that energy, something T'Challa's own habit can do and can be used freely so long as the energy was there.

The pair continued their fight whilst the others had their own issues, one of which the detective was quick to address.

"We're too limited here." Jessica grunted out, punched a droid's head in. "All this water is just not letting us fight at our best."

Celeste then blinked, recalling a spell she had read up on prior to coming here.

"Of course," Morne admonished herself. "How could I have forgotten that?"

"Celeste?" Bucky questioned, narrowly avoiding Hati's lightsaber as he practically performed a Matrix dodge.

"Everyone," She said aloud, holding her hands close together, forming a spiraling sphere of bubbles. "Prepare to fall."

"Huh?" Was the collective response.

Celeste said nothing, instead throwing her hands up and creating a large dome of air that connected itself to the ground.

All around her, her fellow Avengers and Jedi were surprised by this, falling a moment later but thankfully, they instinctively landed on their feet whilst Jessica remained in the air.

"Whoa~~ holy shit, Celly, when the hell did you learn this?" Jones exclaimed.

"Recently." Celeste cheekily said, releasing a small breath. "Whew, that took more out of me than I thought."

While it was uneven ground, the fighters were quick to adapt.

Now on more even footing, Black Panther began to utilize all his skills and Panther Habit to his full potential.

Blackout quickly started to realize that even with his own enhancements, he was no match for the future King of Wakanda as he was starting to get battered on all sides. He had thrown his arms up, trying to block a spinning kick that kicked apart his hands and Panther ended his attack with a foot to the Twi'leks face.

T'ra was dueling Baylan with intense focus, the former Jedi's every strike slightly rattling the Netti's arms. Yet she remained undeterred, allowing centuries of experience and faith in her own skills and the Force to guide her movements and strengthen her body, mind and resolve.

Daredevil and Bucky with Celeste fought against Shin who was having energy rippling around her.

"What is that around her?" Barnes found himself asking, having just avoided nearly getting sliced in half by her.

"I think it's a form of cosmic power." Celeste murmured.

"Can you cancel it out?" Matt asked, having joined them, the trio now facing the young woman.

"I shall try." Celeste declared, conjuring forth two spells in her hands, clapping them together with runes dispelling from them and settling upon Matt and Bucky.

"Appreciate the power up, babe." Winter Soldier said with a grin, rolling his shoulders before lunging forward.

Hati grit her teeth, calling upon the energy within to bolster her own strength as Daredevil and Winter Soldier came down at her at the same time. She blocked both their attacks only to be slammed by an ethereal palm summoned by Celeste and she quickly moved on the offensive.

Baylan saw this out of the corner of his eyes and instantly fired a beam of energy from his hand onto the ground between himself and T'ra. A plume of smoke and dirt with sea water blew up in front of Saa, the Master using the Force to push aside the debris.

The Netti Jedi held up her saber, waiting for an attack when she saw he was gone.

Looking around rapidly, she spotted the man running to his apprentice and she quickly pursued him.

Back with Black Panther and Blackout, the pair had been joined by Jessica Jones and the two Avengers were overwhelming the enhanced Twi'lek.

Blackout grit his teeth, releasing a strangled roar of anger, unleashing his beams from his eyes wildly while also releasing the pent up energy in his suit.

Lasers flew out in all directions, cutting through rock and stone.

Nemec and his group of clones had entered into the dome in astonishment before retreating back into the water to avoid the lasers.

Baylan had reached his pupil, tackling her down to the ground as Blackout's beams passed over them.

Daredevil had ducked beneath them whilst Bucky held up his magically enhanced arm, taking the brunt of a beam that still sent him hurtling back.

T'ra could barely deflect one with her lightsaber, getting flung back only to be caught by a spell courtesy of Celeste.

In the midst of all this madness, Jessica, who had been in the air within the dome, caught something out of the corner of her eye.

Despite the swirling mass of water separating them from the ocean they currently were under, the detective picked up on Riff Tamson swimming rapidly away from the dome.

"OI!" Jessica shouted and flew after him, immediately feeling the pressure of the sea slowing her down but pushed past it, chasing after the shark-like alien. She was glad not to have removed her breathing apparatus.

"Where the hell do you think you're going, Jaws?" Jessica called out to him, swimming/"flying" after him.

Riff heard her, turning back to growl savagely at her.

She snarled back as she drew closer and in response, Tamson made a sharp turn, now charging straight at her with his jaws wide open.

Jones only smirked, clenching her fist tightly and rearing it back.

"Smile you son of a bitch!" Her fist collided with Tamsons head, an audible gurgling croak heard.

Blood seeped from his mouth with teeth floating.

"Y-you!" Riff held shaking hands up to his mouth, a sizable bruise now forming where Jessica had struck him.

"Oh cry me a river. You'll grow those back eventually." Jones retorted. "You're lucky I held back cuz I was ready to knock your top right off."

The Karkarodon trembled at those words.

"Now then," Jessica grabbed him by his neck, pulling him close. "Start talking, who was that other bastard you were speaking wi-"

Suddenly, Jessica jolted back at the last possible second as an orange blade came out through Riff's chest, the Karkarodon gasping for "air", slumping over dead a moment later. The body floated down and behind him was revealed to be Baylan Skoll.

"What?! How did you-"

Jessica was unable to say anything else as Baylan used the Force to push the detective far away from him.

She flailed through the water, trying to compose herself, barely being able to see a pillar of blue and white come down from above, seemingly taking Baylan away.

The Avenger felt arms around her, catching her and steadying her body.

"Jessica," She heard Matt's voice. "Are you alright?"

"Wha-What the hell?" Jones grumbled out, wishing she could clutch her head properly. "What happened?"

"They escaped." Was what Celeste said, making the Detective turn to her.

"Escaped? Escaped? How in the hell did they do that thousands of feet underwater?"

"Blackout," T'Challa said with a frown beneath his mask. "They had taken advantage of him unleashing all his attacks and used that time to escape."

"I'm calling bull on that."

"Well, our adversaries don't play fair." T'ra mused aloud.

"But come on, that feels way too easy." Jessica complained. "How in the hell could they have pulled that off?"

"It appears that they may have had a ship or some form of escape that we were unaware of." Matt mused to himself.

"That Shin girl and that Twi'lek were pulled away by some blue beam." Bucky stated with a frown.

Jessica squinted slightly. "That's… that's what I saw get that other guy."

"Baylan." T'ra amended.

"Yeah him, he…" Jessica looked ahead, trying to find where she was moments ago and her eyes spotted a trail of blood heading down. She managed to follow it, locating the body of Riff Tamson who was still floating down. "He killed him."

"Ah shit." Bucky grimaced.

"Probably wanting to deal with a loose end." T'Challa grimly said.

"Now what?" Jessica complained/asked.

"Do you still have the recordings from before?" Celeste quickly said in turn and the detective quickly checked herself over and pulled out her recording device and sighed in relief, seeing it was unscathed.

"General Saa."

They turned to see Captain Nemec floating over to them with some of his men. Behind them, more Clones were now present.

"The Karkarodons all surrendered and we've eliminated the last of the droids." Nemec announced. "We've called in some reinforcements to bring them in."

"Well done Captain." T'ra praised. "Get some men to collect the body of Riff Tamson there. We shall need it if we are to end the conflict here on this planet."

"Do you think it'll be enough?" Barnes questioned and T'Challa putting on a determined aura.

"We shall make it so." The Wakandan Prince proclaimed. "No more lives shall be lost today on Mon Cala."

-Scene Cut-

It was an awkward situation, to be sure.

When calling for a meeting between the Mon Cala and Quarren after such a short time after their first battle, the tension and anger directed at both sides were palpable to say the least.

Yet it was Lee-Char who led this meeting, this time garbed with a coral crown and far more regal clothing, befitting that of a king.

Beside him was T'Challa and Padme as the trio watched Nossor Ri swim over to them with his own entourage.

"Nossor Ri," Lee respectfully greeted. "Whilst I hold a great amount of anger towards your people for their vicious attack on this city, I know now that it was misplaced and you had been led astray."

There were obvious confused murmurings from both sides.

"I know that you all hold your own resentments and beliefs between each other," Padme now spoke. "But you must understand that it is in these old grudges and rivalries that someone smelled opportunity and advantage."

Hearing her cue, Jessica now played the recording she had captured of Riff conversing with an unknown benefactor and upon the mention of the planet belonging to him on top of Nossor Ri's apparent death order should he get any ideas, shouts and roars began to be heard on both sides.

"You have all been deceived." T'Challa's voice cut through the chatter. "In your moment of opposition to one another, a vile individual was ready to turn your oceans red with you all killing one another."

"A similar situation to that of Onderon." T'ra Saa now chimed in. "Like there, an outside force came in to cause unrest that resulted in the death of the original King and his usurper."

Padme now floated between Lee and Nossor. "I understand that differences and practices will always be prevalent but I implore you to find the common ground, find the means in which you can compromise without sacrificing the individuality that can also unite your kinds."

"Think of what has already happened in the galaxy." Matt came forward. "The war that had already ravaged the galaxy, Ultron's assault on all life and now this. You must understand now that if you squabble and fight amongst yourselves, you leave both your species and your planet to far graver outcomes."

Nossor Ri looked down, a deep look in his eyes when he sensed movement, glancing up to see Lee having moved closer.

"You told me the other day that my father was a close friend of yours. I remember that he always spoke highly of you, Chieftain Ri. That you were a man of principle and integrity who wouldn't just die for his people, but fight like no tomorrow to ensure a future for the Quarren. And you were nearly killed when your people, Mon Cala and I needed you most." Char held out his hand. "We are different in appearance, belief and mindset but our blood and spirit are that of Mon Cala. We love our homeworld, our people and all that comes with it. So I ask you, Nossor Ri, are you willing to fight for this planet when the time comes once more? Not as the Quarren but alongside my people as the representatives of Mon Cala. To show the galaxy a better path forward?"

There was a long period of silence, neither side speaking as they awaited Nossor Ri's response when he released a raspy, reminiscent chuckle.

"You sound like your father." That was all he said before reaching forward and clasped Lee's hand.

A shaky laugh came out from the young Prince before he held up the scepter he held in his hand.

"This scepter was made centuries ago when our people first managed to come together during the Old Sith Wars. It was forged by our ancestors as a symbol of unity between our people. The one who holds it is often considered not just the advisor to the king of Mon Cala but his equal."

Nossor Ri's eyes widened over the unspoken implication and tentatively took it in his hands.

"We shall rebuild and make our people strong once again." Lee-Char declared.

The Quarren Chieftain said nothing, instead silently raising the staff with the Mon Cala and Quarren all cheering in unison.

Padme held a beaming smile, directing it at the Jedi and Avengers who returned the gesture in their own way.

As Lee went on to make a grand speech with Nossor Ri, Jessica had a more negative thought to the outcome of all this.

"This felt too easy, honestly. Too much of a nice ending wrapped up in a bow."

Celeste arched a brow at her. "Ok… what's wrong?"

"Like I said," The detective made a dramatic gesture at the whole meeting. "This, all this. It's way too easy how it's all being resolved right now. Normally, feels like some shit like this takes way longer to sort out than how we did it."

"Perhaps but you must know that even with tensions still prevalent in the galaxy, many have grown exhausted of fighting and warring." Kit Fisto remarked. "Despite what animosities these two races held to one another, many on both sides wished for hostilities to cease."

"Yeah, come on Jess, can't we just take this as a win?" Shuri argued.

Jessica scoffed, shaking her head. "We can, but we know there is a loss behind it."

"It's war, Jessica. It's never simple."

Jones had nothing to retort there as Bucky being a WWII veteran had her beat.

"Still, there is much that I am now troubled by." T'ra spoke up. "Baylan and Shin… they vanished 15 years ago. And to return now after so long…"

"And with powers not exactly well known in this galaxy." Celeste grimly reminded them.

"So what does it all mean?" Shuri asked.

"It means…" T'Challa placed a hand on his sister's shoulder, appearing apologetic as to what he was about to say. "That more enemies and conflicts are not as far off as we had hoped."

"Baylan, Shin, Blackout. All three escaped." Matt listed off. "While the facility was destroyed, those three disappeared without a trace. And with them came the loss of knowing who the Backer is."

"We do have the recording-"

"We didn't have a proper visual of who Tamson's backer was." T'Challa interrupted with a shake of his head. "And searching audio will be like a needle in a haystack."

"So we now have a new unknown threat that we're dealing with." Matt said, crossing his arms. "The same one that orchestrated the events on Onderon."

"Makes ya wonder what else this bastard is doing." Jones wryly said.

"Or has done." Fisto gravely said. "For all we know, this mysterious new foe has already conducted many successful missions that we remain unaware of."

"That's a lovely thought." The Detective sarcastically quipped. "Hey Kit, stick with smilin' like you usually do, please. That frown doesn't look good on you."

"You do realize smiling all the time is exhausting." Even though he said this, Fisto's trademark smile was in place, getting a snort out of the Avenger.

"Yeah, well, don't judge me. Katy's right when ya got the best smile out of all the Jedi."

"At least things here have been quelled and settled." Saa stated. "Our mission here was a success."

"Was it?"

"Quit being a downer already, Jessica." Shuri flatly said.

"Even after what happened, we now know of someone else working in the background." Bucky firmly said. "That's better than not knowing at all and being caught with our pants down."

"How shall we report this to everyone?" Celeste inquired with Matt humming in thought.

"As plainly as we can. We'll need to speak with Scott, Hope, Peter, Ahsoka and Barriss since they were on Onderon when they encountered Blackout along with the Chitauri and Sakaarans that aided King Rash. There is a connective through line that can be used since the two planets had royalty that was being manipulated."

"For now, our work here is done." Black Panther stated. "I for one wish to return home and rest while we can. I fear that such a luxury will once more become scarce."

Jessica groaned. "I hate that you're right."

AN

And scene.

Here we are at the start of the new arc as the first month of 2025 and headed up by T'Challa, Matt and Jessica.

Spoke on when I put out Jessica's updated look that she would have a more prominent role in this season and starting it out here as this will be a big step for what's to come of our alcoholic Avenger.

Now, this might have seemed quick but in a way, it is for out of story and in story reasons.

Really, right now, even though there was a battle, the sentiment of the Quarren's that weren't in attendance for the meeting was that of not wanting war. Same as the Mon Cala. If a chance for peace was to be made, it would be taken as the scars and effects of the Clone Wars and Ultron's war hit everyone in the galaxy.

Out of story, this chapter would have had an additional 10k words and I didn't want to put me and my partners through something like that unless it's for something really important like the last two chapters of Tales of the Jedi.

So much of what we had initially planned was cut out as excess fat to a chapter that didn't need to be crazy long. Anyways, quick number of stuff to touch on.

Jebest: First of all, to all those "artists" that "read our stories" and are captivated by the absorption of the words of storytelling, if you are actually reading this, DO NOT send any more of these copy-pasted messages saying the same damn thing that makes it clear you have not read the story and are just sending out messages to get someone to be a sucker for your scam.

All the messages have the exact same text with being used as if you just copied "insert story name" and pasted it in place.

We have more or less looked into several of these so-called artists, which they were essentially AI images. That's not art, at all. It's just a cheap image generator that people are using in order to get money out of others and make themselves appear better at artistic skill than they actually are. Not to mention wanting to make an excuse with a comic approach, I doubt it'll work like that on such a translation.

And from what others have reported, they were going to be "charged" $300 per image? What a load of crap.

FMW: In other words, FUCK OFF. Do NOT message us again about this!

Second, What If Season 3. What a fucking letdown. Straight up boring shit with a few interesting ideas but after dwelling on it… yeah that shit was boring as all fuck and underwhelming in every aspect. And Captain Carter… god fuck, I now genuinely hate her. In a show about INFINITE and ENDLESS possibilities… we had her somehow be the main character when in a show about the Multiverse, we shouldn't have one other than the Watcher narrating the events of a universe.

Now that we have all that out of the way.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT.

PLEASE.

READ.

THIS.

There's been a lot of questions and thoughts on what the people of Earth have in terms of an opinion to the Star Wars galaxy and vice-versa.

Well I am here to tell all of you, all the readers that have been following this story for so long, that I am calling upon you guys to be that voice.

If you are familiar with WHIH news, the broadcast that reports on the many events that have transpired in the MCU where they interview everyday people in the world of the MCU, that's essentially what we're doing for chapter 132.

That's right, essentially, this is a chapter that's gonna be written by you, the fans as the everyday people from Earth and the Star Wars galaxy. So from here until chapter 132, we have a lot of time to develop this chapter.

What I'm asking for is questions you would like to be asked by news reporters from Earth and the Star Wars galaxy. I will also be adding questions in the coming chapters for you guys to participate in answering. Whatever kinds of responses you guys give, we will formulate it into Chapter 132.

So starting now, please leave it in the reviews or message me question ideas and such because I really wanna what you guys create. Go nuts. Don't just limit yourselves to ordinary people. Pretend to be Jedi, Mandalorians, Clones, criminals, Ravagers, all of it. Be as creative as you want because I want the chapter to be unique. The first set of questions that will be for you guys to answer will be up in the next chapter. But you guys can get started here and start making questions of your own that I'll be adding to the chapter and I'll be listing off all the reviewers and such who participated.

Thanks again for reading.

Rate Read and Review and as Always Have Nice Day.