"This definitely isn't in our standard training protocols."
"Why should it be? We're still fighting droids."
"It's clear this bastard Ultron isn't any ordinary droid, though."
"Shut it, Fives."
The clones of the 501st were currently stationed at the firing range, tracking fast-moving aerial targets while their brothers observed from the sidelines.
Actually, it wasn't just the 501st—representatives from every legion on Coruscant had gathered here. The multi-colored armor created a rainbow of clone units: blue from the 501st, orange from the 212th, red from the Coruscant Guard, and dozens of other distinctive markings.
Many bore fresh scorch marks and hastily applied bacta patches from recent engagements.
They'd all assembled at the Jedi Temple's training complex, which featured a large briefing room specifically designed for tactical conferences.
The chamber was occupied by senior clone officers from every battalion and legion currently stationed on Coruscant. They sat around a central holo-table, engaged in intense discussion.
"This war has taken a turn none of us anticipated," Captain Rex said, breaking the contemplative silence.
Murmurs of agreement rippled through the assembled commanders. They'd gathered for one purpose: developing strategies to counter the omnipresent threat of Ultron and adapt to the rapidly changing battlefield dynamics.
"So what's our next move?" Commander Gree of the 41st Elite Corps asked bluntly. "Last I checked, these 'Ultron drones' aren't in any of our tactical databases."
"Let's start with what we know," Commander Cody said, activating the holo-table to display several captured drone schematics. "These units aren't built like Separatist droids. They're more maneuverable, tend to operate in swarm formations, and can reconfigure their limbs into various weapon systems."
The clones nodded as Cody highlighted specific design features.
"Their response time seems significantly faster too."
"Flight capability was a major factor," Gree added. "We didn't have air support like Colonel Rhodes or Lieutenant Wilson to counter their aerial advantage."
"Captain Rogers mentioned how they attacked across multiple fronts on the Avengers' homeworld," Rex said thoughtfully.
"So what's our best tactical approach?" Commander Wolffe asked those who hadn't yet contributed.
"I think we need completely new training protocols," Clone Commander Bacara declared. "Take everything the Avengers know about these drones and incorporate it into our standard procedures. We need to learn how to counter these new threats."
"Back to basic training for all of us," Commander Bly said with resignation.
"Worse than basic—adaptive combat scenarios," Rex added. "We need to prepare for every conceivable battlefield. Ultron's demonstrated he can strike anywhere, anytime, from any direction."
Looking at the destruction visible through the chamber's transparisteel windows, every clone felt the weight of the challenge ahead.
"Then we start immediately while we still have time," ARC Trooper Alpha-17 said, rising from his seat and placing both hands on the table. "We'll develop new training manuals and combat scenarios, then distribute them fleet-wide. Any objections?"
"No, sir!"
"Then let's get to work."
Meanwhile, as the clones began developing their new training regimens, the Jedi Council convened in emergency session with all members physically present.
"The Senate remains in complete upheaval," Mace Windu said gravely. "Another star system has declared secession from the Republic."
"Which system this time?" Obi-Wan asked with forced calm.
"Umbara," Windu replied grimly. "That brings the total to fifteen systems that have officially withdrawn from the Republic."
"Many seem to have lost faith in our ability to protect them," Plo Koon said quietly.
"The situation on the Separatist side is equally unstable," Kit Fisto reported. "I recently received intelligence from Master Torm's network. Several Separatist factions are openly discussing potential cooperation with the Republic."
"It appears some are choosing neutrality instead," Obi-Wan observed. "Duchess Satine of Mandalore is leading over a hundred star systems in a galaxy-wide neutrality movement, seeking complete disengagement from this conflict."
Ki-Adi-Mundi shook his head disapprovingly.
"Perhaps they can distance themselves from the war. But can they escape Ultron's reach?"
"Unclear, for now, this is," Yoda spoke, commanding the Council's complete attention. "Clouded, the Force has become. Neither light nor dark side, can I sense clearly. A shroud, covers all."
"This shouldn't surprise us," Jedi Master Depa Billaba said thoughtfully. "Based on what we've learned from our allies—the Avengers—and this new threat Ultron, they exist outside the Force's influence. How can we predict events when such forces are involved?"
"We have been extraordinarily fortunate," Master Stass Allie whispered. "We encountered a group of remarkable individuals who chose to aid us repeatedly. With their assistance, events have generally favored our cause."
"But they never warned us about Ultron," Windu said sadly. "If they had informed us—"
Obi-Wan immediately interjected, "That's not knowledge they could have possessed, Master Windu. Ultron was an enemy they believed permanently defeated and destroyed. How could they anticipate a threat that could hide within digital networks themselves?"
Yoda spoke again, his voice heavy with concern. "A deep sense of loss, confusion, and... anger, I feel throughout the Order. Anger at the Council, anger at themselves. The pain of failure, the sting of defeat—felt by many Jedi, this is."
"There remains much work ahead," Shaak Ti said, her voice steady despite the circumstances. "On Kamino, news of Ultron's assault has deeply unsettled both the Kaminoans and our trainees. There's legitimate concern that Ultron will target that world next—perhaps even attempt to destroy it entirely."
"That cannot be permitted," Plo Koon declared firmly.
"How can we be certain we can prevent it?" Oppo Rancisis asked harshly. "This Ultron has proven exceptionally intelligent and dangerous. He expelled both Separatist and Republic forces from Jabiim with apparent ease."
"Intelligence suggests he's already departed that system," Ki-Adi-Mundi said.
"Such reports are hardly reliable," Obi-Wan cautioned. "Remember, this isn't a typical Separatist droid we're facing. This is what the Avengers term an 'artificial intelligence'—essentially a digital consciousness. Beyond pure logic, there are emotional motivations driving his actions."
"From what I understand, those emotions are decidedly unpleasant," Kit Fisto said, shaking his head.
"A great shadow hangs over this conflict now," Yoda said, his expression deeply troubled. "Limited, the Force's guidance has become. Yes. Threats beyond the Force's reach, more common they grow."
"What's our next course of action?" Windu asked.
"Rest, we must," Yoda announced, surprising everyone present.
"Master, are you certain that's wise?" Depa asked in disbelief.
"Uncertain, the Jedi have become. Uncertain, the Republic is. Fear—taken root across the galaxy, it has," Yoda said solemnly. "Turbulent and unclear, the future appears. At an impasse, we find ourselves. To recover our strength, advantage of this pause, we must take."
"What about Captain Rogers?" Obi-Wan asked. "He remains missing."
"I'm not sure we have the resources or energy to locate him currently," Mace said reluctantly.
"Still, we cannot simply abandon him," Plo Koon said firmly. "Despite recent events, we owe the Avengers an enormous debt. Many battles we've won with minimal casualties, thanks largely to their efforts."
"Those who remain here have dedicated themselves to helping Coruscant's citizens," Kit Fisto added.
"Help them find Captain Rogers, we will," Yoda said decisively.
"The question remains: where do we begin searching?" Obi-Wan asked.
The Council fell silent, contemplating the vastness of a galaxy where one man could be hidden anywhere—assuming he was still alive to be found.