As the footage of the Avengers' first major battle concluded, Steve Rogers found himself struggling with unexpected emotions. Watching his teammates in action again—seeing Tony's courage as he guided that nuclear missile through the portal, witnessing Natasha's determination as she closed the Chitauri gateway—brought back the weight of everything they had lost and everyone they were trying to find.
He looked up from Scott's phone to study the faces of their assembled audience, noting the expressions of awe, respect, and amazement that the Jedi Knights, senators, and clone officers wore. But when his gaze fell upon Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, something cold settled in his stomach.
While Palpatine displayed the same shocked expression as everyone else in the chamber, his eyes told a different story entirely. Behind the mask of diplomatic surprise, Steve caught a glimpse of something that made his enhanced senses scream with warning—a look of pure, calculating hunger as the Chancellor studied the footage of Earth's mightiest heroes.
Steve shook his head slightly, trying to convince himself that he was reading too much into a momentary expression. Perhaps the stress of their situation was making him paranoid. Still, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong, and he discretely signaled Scott to put away the phone.
"After that day in New York," Steve continued, refocusing on the briefing, "the Avengers became an official team. Over the following years, we encountered various threats both terrestrial and extraterrestrial, and we realized that our world was facing increasingly dangerous challenges. We decided to expand our operations and recruit additional members to better protect Earth."
"So you two are recent additions to the team?" Mace Windu asked, looking at Sam and Scott.
Sam shrugged with characteristic ease. "Yeah, we're part of what you might call the new generation of Avengers."
"A completely restructured team?" Anakin asked, clearly trying to understand the implications.
"In addition to myself and Natasha—Black Widow—we've recruited seven new members since the Battle of New York," Steve explained.
"That's quite a radical transformation," Plo Koon observed with his mechanically-enhanced voice. "Most military units prefer stability in their core membership."
Steve's expression grew serious as he considered how to explain their philosophy. "Honestly, I think that adaptability is our greatest strength. Anyone who shares our values and demonstrates the necessary capabilities can join our team. Our mission—our responsibility—is to serve as Earth's first and last line of defense against threats that conventional forces can't handle. That's not something any single person or small group can accomplish alone."
"So there are nine of you currently active?" Mace Windu asked, his analytical mind working through the numbers. "You mentioned yourself and Black Widow, plus seven others."
"Three of whom are standing before us now," Plo Koon added.
"Which means we need to locate six more Avengers somewhere in this galaxy," Sam said with determination, though his voice carried an undercurrent of worry.
"But we have absolutely no idea how to begin searching for them," Scott said, his anxiety evident. "To be completely honest, it was pure coincidence that Steve and Sam found me. Now we know we've somehow been transported to an enormous galaxy, and our friends could literally be anywhere among billions of worlds."
It was then that Supreme Chancellor Palpatine spoke, his voice carrying the authority of his office but also something else that made Steve's instincts prickle with unease. "Perhaps the Galactic Republic and the Jedi Order could assist you in locating your missing companions."
"What?!" The surprise in the Jedi voices was unmistakable, and Steve noticed that even Masters Yoda and Windu seemed taken aback by this unexpected offer.
But what concerned Steve more was the subtle excitement he detected in Palpatine's eyes—the look of someone who saw an opportunity rather than a burden. The Supreme Chancellor's motivations clearly extended beyond simple altruism.
Anakin, speaking for the obviously confused Jedi Council, voiced what everyone was thinking. "Chancellor, with respect, the Jedi Order is fully committed to prosecuting the war against the Separatist Alliance. Our resources are stretched thin across hundreds of systems. Asking us to conduct a galaxy-wide search for individuals seems... impractical."
Palpatine's smile was warm and grandfatherly, but Steve detected calculation beneath the surface. "Skywalker, there's nothing inappropriate about offering assistance to those in need. This would be our way of thanking them for their heroic actions on Naboo—a gesture of the Republic's eternal gratitude. Besides, if these other Avengers possess the same courage and righteousness as the three before us, then they're certainly worth finding."
"I concur with the Chancellor," Obi-Wan said thoughtfully. "These three individuals have made significant contributions to the Republic without asking for anything in return. I believe actions speak louder than words, and their actions have been exemplary."
Steve held up a hand to interrupt the developing discussion. "Look, I genuinely appreciate that we were able to help people in need, but the reality is that we've become involved in your war. Frankly, I'm concerned that not many people would be willing to get caught up in a galactic conflict they don't understand."
Aayla Secura spoke up with obvious sincerity. "Captain Rogers, I owe you a personal debt. You saved my life and Commander Bly's life during the battle on Naboo. That's not something I take lightly."
"You also helped save the lives of countless clone troopers under my command," Captain Rex added, his voice carrying the gravity that came from battlefield leadership. "I think we can spare some resources to help heroes who've already proven themselves."
Commander Cody nodded his agreement, adding, "The 212th Attack Battalion stands ready to assist as well."
Master Yoda stepped forward, his ancient voice carrying the weight of prophecy. "The Force has brought us together, Captain Rogers. The reason for its warning lies with you—with the Avengers. Though understand fully we do not, trust in the Force we must. Mistakes, the Force does not make."
"It seems the will of the Force demands that we assist you, just as you have assisted us," Kit Fisto said with his characteristic smile.
"I think it would be amazing to help real heroes!" Ahsoka exclaimed with youthful enthusiasm.
"I want to contribute as well," Padmé said firmly. "As Chancellor Palpatine noted, you saved my homeworld, including my sister and niece. I'm forever in your debt."
"You protected us from the assassin Ventress," Bail Organa added with dignified gratitude. "The people of Alderaan never forget such kindness."
When Sam heard that these powerful allies were willing to help them locate their missing teammates, his excitement was almost childlike. "Wait, are you serious? This is like some kind of cosmic exchange program! Are you going to give us a starship too?"
"That can certainly be arranged," Organa replied with good humor.
"Easy there, Sam," Steve said with a slight smile. "But yes, we're incredibly grateful for your willingness to help us. If we can reunite with our teammates, we'll owe you more than we could ever repay."
Master Yoda approached Steve directly, his presence radiating ancient wisdom and surprising warmth. "A favor, this is not. A mission, it has become. Spoken clearly, the will of the Force has. Help you, we must. In helping you, help ourselves, we do."
The diminutive Jedi Master extended his hand, and Steve immediately knelt to meet him at eye level, clasping the offered hand with genuine respect.
"Thank you, Master Yoda," Steve said sincerely. "I can't express how much this means to us."
The atmosphere in the Council chamber shifted dramatically, becoming filled with a sense of purpose and unity that seemed to resonate beyond the physical space itself. Every Force-sensitive being present could feel something profound in the mystical energy that connected all living things—a sense that the arrival of these "Earth's Mightiest Heroes" would catalyze changes throughout the galaxy that none of them could yet imagine.
Scott, who had been relatively quiet during the exchange, finally found his voice. "Okay, I hate to interrupt this moment, but I'm still completely confused about something. Can someone please explain what this 'Force' thing is that everyone keeps talking about?"
The unexpected question broke the solemn atmosphere, causing laughter to ripple through the chamber. Even the normally serious Jedi Masters seemed amused by Scott's practical approach to cosmic mysteries.
Anakin grinned and used Sam's earlier words to respond: "Well, Scott, that would take quite a long time to explain properly."
The laughter continued, but beneath the good humor, Steve couldn't shake his unease about Chancellor Palpatine's eagerness to help them. Something about the man's motivations didn't feel right, and Steve's instincts had kept him alive through too many battles to ignore now.
Still, they needed allies in this strange galaxy, and the Jedi Order had proven itself trustworthy. He would accept their help while keeping a careful eye on those whose motivations seemed less pure.