Despite some skepticism from their Jedi allies, the Avengers remained convinced that Steve was still alive—somewhere in the vast galaxy, waiting for rescue.
"Any ideas where Ultron might have taken him?" Rhodey asked, adjusting his position in the uncomfortable medical bay chair.
"If we were back on Earth, maybe we could piece together some clues," Sam replied wearily. "But out here, in a galaxy this size... he could be anywhere."
"So what do we do?" Scott asked, his voice tight with frustration. "Just sit here and wait?"
"That's not what we're going to do, and you know it," Pietro said with barely contained anger. "We're going to find Cap. Then we're going to find Wanda and Vision. Then we're going to kill Ultron once and for all."
"If we can find them," Natasha said with characteristic pragmatism. "We need to focus on getting ourselves back together first. Steve's going to be in rough shape when we reach him—assuming he's even still alive. Wanda won't be in good condition either. Vision's our strongest team member, so he's the one I'm least worried about in terms of immediate survival."
The team fell silent, most nodding reluctantly at the former KGB operative's assessment.
It was the only sensible approach, much as they all hated to admit it. Charging blindly across the galaxy in search of their captain would be exactly the kind of reckless move that had gotten them defeated on Jabiim in the first place.
They'd tried to fight Ultron head-on and been utterly crushed.
Now, before attempting anything else, they needed time to heal and regroup.
"Hey, guys?"
The conscious Avengers turned to see Anakin Skywalker entering the medical bay, looking considerably better than when they'd last seen him.
Jabiim had been unkind to everyone who'd set foot on that mudball. Most of the survivors still bore scorch marks on their clothing and various cuts and bruises as souvenirs of their defeat.
"Anakin," Sam greeted him. "How are you holding up?"
"There's tension everywhere," Anakin said grimly. "Honestly, we're barely keeping things together."
"I can imagine," Rhodey muttered.
"What's the latest?" T'Challa asked from his position near the window.
The Jedi Knight nodded to the Wakandan prince and released a tired sigh.
"Emergency Senate session a few hours ago," Anakin explained. "Lasted most of the day, and... several star systems have officially declared secession from the Republic."
Some of the team exchanged worried glances when Pietro let out a bitter laugh.
"Can't say I blame them," Pietro said, understanding creeping into his tone.
The others watched the Sokovian carefully, noting the quiet anger as he clenched and unclenched his fists repeatedly.
Having learned about the circumstances that led to the Republic's abandonment of Jabiim, Pietro had been openly critical of the government's hypocrisy.
Since arriving in this galaxy, Pietro had taken time to study the political situation that had led to the Clone Wars. During his early days on Ryloth with Cham Syndulla's freedom fighters, he'd learned about the Republic's pattern of neglect toward Outer Rim worlds.
The more he'd discovered, the less he thought of the Republic's methods. Worlds like Jabiim were ignored when they had nothing to offer, then suddenly declared "vital Republic territory" when resources were needed.
Pietro no longer cared what happened to the Republic as a political entity. He only cared about his team and finding their lost friends—especially his sister.
"Anyone we know among the defectors?" Natasha asked, crossing her arms.
"Depends on which senators you've met," Anakin replied. "All I can tell you is that dozens of systems have either declared neutrality or are actively considering joining the Separatists."
"Any good news?" Scott couldn't help but ask, earning a snort from Anakin.
"What, that the Republic isn't completely falling apart and we're all somehow still breathing?" Anakin said dryly. "Because that's about all the positive news I can offer. The Jedi Council's been locked in emergency session all day, and the rest of us are getting more frustrated by the hour. We've got over two hundred Jedi to bury, on top of all the troops we lost here and across the galaxy."
"Sorry to hear that," Rhodey said quietly, knowing all too well how it felt to lose comrades in battle.
Anakin shook his head and waved dismissively.
"Just wanted to check that you were all okay," the Jedi said, his tone softening.
"We'll manage," Sam said, settling into a nearby chair.
"How are they doing?" Anakin asked, his gaze shifting to Hope and Matt's unconscious forms.
"They'll pull through," Natasha assured him. "Just need time."
Anakin nodded, then frowned slightly as he noticed someone's absence.
"Where's Peter?" the Jedi asked.
"Barriss is taking care of him," Scott explained. "They're in the room across the hall. Ahsoka should be with them too."
"So that's where Ahsoka disappeared to," Anakin thought to himself.
Just as he opened his mouth to ask about Captain Rogers, he sensed someone approaching from behind.
"Oh!" a familiar female voice exclaimed. "I'm sorry, I didn't realize—Anakin? What are you doing here?"
"Padmé?" Anakin said, clearly surprised. "I should be asking you the same question. What brings you to the Jedi Temple? I thought there was another Senate session scheduled."
"I decided to escape from it," Padmé replied smoothly, stepping around her secret husband and into the medical bay. "Actually, I'm here because I need to discuss something urgent with all of you."
The Avengers looked puzzled by Senator Amidala's unexpected arrival. Most could see that she was clearly exhausted and in desperate need of rest.
However, Natasha noticed something deeper—a profound unease in the Naboo senator's dark eyes.
"Padmé, is everything alright?" Natasha asked. "Beyond the current crisis, I mean."
Padmé shook her head slowly. "No, actually... it's not."
"What happened?" Anakin asked immediately, placing a protective hand on his secret wife's shoulder.
"Well..." Padmé hesitated, then looked directly at the assembled Avengers. "This concerns all of you. I think you need to know what happened to me while you were fighting on Jabiim."
Anakin looked concerned, glancing between Padmé and the Avengers, who were now giving her their full attention.
"What happened?" Sam asked patiently, though his expression was troubled.
"Anakin, perhaps we should—"
"Let him stay," Natasha interrupted. "FRIDAY, secure the room. Close the door and make sure we're not interrupted."
"Understood, Agent Romanoff," came the AI's crisp response.
The medical bay doors sealed with a soft hiss, leaving them in complete privacy.