Obi-Wan cleared his throat, hoping to diffuse the increasingly tense atmosphere.
"Jabiim has long been a world of bitter contention between the Republic and Separatists," the Jedi Master said, his voice measured and diplomatic. "Since the war's outbreak, the planet has been consumed by violent civil conflict—between those seeking to secede from the Republic and those remaining loyal. Until..."
Jabiim's holographic projection was suddenly joined by streams of ships marked with both Republic and CIS insignia, along with numerous vessels highlighted in ominous red.
"Ultron recently assaulted the planet with a massive force of nearly one hundred ships," Obi-Wan revealed.
"So he's after the mineral ore," Plo Koon speculated.
"Perhaps," Steve said, crossing his arms. "But maybe not."
"Different motives, you suspect Ultron has, Captain Rogers," Yoda observed rather than asked.
"Mineral resources are certainly something he'd want to acquire," Steve said, stepping forward and gesturing toward the tactical display. "But Ultron is unlike any enemy we're currently facing. I know how he operates, and this isn't just some massive assault on a planet where Republic and Separatist forces happen to be fighting."
Natasha picked up the explanation. "When we first encountered Ultron, he made considerable effort to remain undetectable until he chose to reveal himself. He attacked multiple locations with the sole purpose of gathering materials and resources."
"So he's doing the same thing here," Anakin concluded.
"That's exactly what he's been doing since arriving in this galaxy," Sam said firmly. "Where else would he have acquired those ships?"
"How can he control so many vessels simultaneously?" Captain Rex asked with obvious concern.
"Ultron excels at collecting and processing vast amounts of data instantaneously," Natasha reminded the assembly. "He's fundamentally different from any standard droid you've encountered."
"Yes, we're well aware of that," Anakin said pointedly.
"He possesses the ability to control multiple drones and automatons, provided they're all networked to him. Essentially a hive mind system," Natasha explained.
"So he functions like a Separatist capital ship?" Anakin asked.
"What do you mean?" Steve asked with confusion.
"Simply put, most capital ships serve as central control matrices for droid armies—many battle droids receive commands from these vessels," Anakin clarified. "Destroy the capital ship, and you neutralize the army."
"Does Ultron operate similarly?" Luminara inquired, looking toward the Avengers.
Pietro scoffed and shook his head dismissively. "No, he doesn't work like that at all. Ultron is true artificial intelligence. He can transfer his consciousness into other technological systems and preserve himself indefinitely."
"The only method we used to defeat him previously was trapping him and preventing consciousness transfer to other drones and technology," Natasha continued. "But we had Vision then, and he was the only one capable of such containment."
"So what options do we have now?" Plo Koon asked, seeking to focus on actionable strategies.
"You're suggesting Ultron's assault has hidden objectives?" Ima-Gun Di pressed, and Steve nodded confirmation.
"Ultron's attack on Coruscant and throughout the galaxy was essentially his grand debut, his announcement to the universe," Sam explained.
"We're confronting an enemy who has made his intentions crystal clear to every faction in this conflict," Matt Murdock spoke for the first time since the briefing began, drawing everyone's attention. "He serves no one's interests but his own. He's demonstrated this unambiguously by attacking strategic locations where multiple factions hold significant influence—Coruscant, Raxus, the Mandalore sector, Hutt space. But now he's targeting a single planet where both sides of this war are actively engaged."
Matt paused to gather his thoughts carefully.
"The initial coordinated attack was his opening statement," he continued. "A declaration that he's here to dismantle everything you've fought to build. Most people could reasonably deduce that much. But this focused assault? This concentrated offensive? This is his tactical manifesto."
Gradually, as the Jedi and clone commanders studied the war-torn planet of Jabiim, the implications behind Matt's analysis began crystallizing.
"He intends to eliminate both sides simultaneously," Commander Cody said grimly.
"If he succeeds in having the entire galaxy witness his initial demonstration, how do you think they'll react?" Steve asked, though he expected no response.
The question and its unspoken answer hung heavily in the air as everyone grasped that this new adversary was someone they were genuinely unprepared to face.
"So what's our approach?" Ima-Gun Di asked.
"First, we need to redirect all forces' attention toward Ultron," Steve said in a tone that brooked no argument or disagreement. "He becomes the absolute priority."
"If civilian populations remain on the planet, begin immediate evacuation operations," Natasha added. "Ultron demonstrated on Earth and here that he completely disregards civilian casualties. He'll eliminate anyone obstructing his objectives."
"What about the Separatist forces?" Commander Wolffe reminded the group. "I doubt they'll be enthusiastic about cooperating with us against Ultron."
"If they fail to recognize that Ultron will annihilate them all, they'll learn that lesson the hard way," Sam shot back. "This is no longer about two sides prosecuting a war. This is about repelling one maniac who can engage two armies simultaneously."
"Prepared, we must be," Yoda said, interrupting the discussion. "Avengers, your enemy this is. Follow your lead, we will."
Mace Windu looked down at the diminutive Jedi Master. "Master Yoda, are you certain—"
"Certain, I am not. Troubled by this, I am," Yoda interrupted with a troubled frown. "Silent, the Force is, regarding Ultron. Trust those who understand our enemy, we must."
A moment of contemplative silence settled over the large assembly until Anakin sighed heavily, his mechanical hand rubbing his face.
"Well, let's not stand here acting like we've already been defeated," the young Jedi said with forced optimism.
Steve simply nodded, immediately shifting into tactical planning mode as the Republic fleet drew closer to Jabiim.