As time passed, Jedi became increasingly active throughout Coruscant, working alongside clone troopers in ongoing reconstruction efforts. Others were redeployed across the galaxy to address emerging threats.
The Avengers grew more restless with each passing day, though they remained focused on helping those in immediate need.
This pattern continued for several more days until...
Natasha sat with Scott and T'Challa, the three taking a brief break from their duties to eat together.
After a while, Sam joined them, and the four consumed their meal in relative silence.
"Still no leads?" Sam asked after a moment, and Natasha sighed heavily.
"I haven't received any useful intelligence in days," Natasha said, clearly frustrated. "Even my contacts on Tatooine have nothing on Steve's whereabouts."
"We appear to have hit a dead end," T'Challa said grimly.
"Damn Ultron," Scott muttered bitterly.
"Are there any angles we haven't explored yet?" Sam asked Natasha, who considered the question thoughtfully.
"There are numerous organizations and locations we could investigate," Natasha began. "They often have information networks, and we, "
Before she could continue, their door burst open and a visibly exhausted Kiffu Jedi stumbled in, breathing heavily.
Sam immediately recognized the newcomer.
"Vos?" the pilot asked, concerned. "What's wrong?"
"Is there an emergency?" Natasha asked after studying his condition.
He held up a finger while catching his breath.
After a moment, the Jedi handed them a datapad. "Look at this."
Natasha exchanged glances with the other three Avengers before accepting the device and scrolling through its contents as Vos spoke.
"As you know, this war has been escalating, and Ultron's involvement has..." Vos didn't finish the sentence, and the Avengers grimaced knowingly. "Anyway, for some time there have been unusual activity patterns in the northern Outer Rim. Most assumed it was refugees fleeing the conflict, or planets Ultron hadn't yet targeted."
"So what's different?"
"I investigated further and discovered something significant. There's a gladiatorial arena on the planet Sleheyron, operated by a crime lord for brutal entertainment."
"Sounds fairly typical," Scott couldn't help but comment.
"However, there's one combatant who's drawn considerable attention," Vos revealed, causing the four heroes to tense with anticipation.
"A combatant?" Natasha said, her tone encouraging the Jedi to continue.
"Khaleen Hentz is my source, and a reliable friend. She knows every criminal operation in the Outer Rim. Two days ago, she transmitted this image." Quinlan activated a small holo-projector, and after a moment,
"Steve!" came the collective response from Natasha, Sam, and Scott.
They stared at a frozen holographic image of Steve, who appeared to be engaging some creature while wearing his distinctive uniform.
T'Challa smiled slightly, relieved to see the super-soldier was alive.
"What's his condition?" Sam asked immediately.
"What's wrong with Cap?" Scott asked. "He looks fine."
"That's your primary concern?"
"What? I was just observing," Scott said defensively.
"You and Peter are cut from the same cloth," Sam said dryly. "You both realize you're Avengers, right?"
"We know," Scott said sheepishly, and Sam shook his head with mild amusement.
Natasha and T'Challa studied the image of Cap for another moment before the latter addressed the Jedi.
"Are you confident about Captain America' presence on this world?" T'Challa asked.
Vos shrugged. "This is the best intelligence we've received. Khaleen's never been wrong before."
"Then we leave immediately," Natasha declared.
"All of us?" Sam asked, looking at the experienced operative.
Natasha shook her head. "We can't risk it. Four of us will go, while the remaining team stays behind to continue relief efforts and maintain vigilance. Ultron could attack again at any moment. We can't return to find an even more devastated city."
"My team is ready and our ship is prepared," Vos revealed. "We can depart now."
The four Avengers quickly gathered their equipment, suited up, and collected necessary supplies before nodding to Vos.
"Think nine people will be sufficient?" Sam asked as Vos considered the question.
"Khaleen warned me that Sleheyron isn't exactly hospitable," Quinlan admitted. "We might need additional support. Better to be over-prepared."
After leaving their quarters, some Avengers attempted to recruit additional personnel for the rescue operation.
One search led to the Jedi Temple's hangar bay.
Skywalker was currently fine-tuning his starfighter to distract himself from current anxieties.
"Anakin."
The Jedi paused his work and looked toward the voice. Wilson was approaching, with Master Vos visible behind him, alongside Delta Team, Scott, Natasha, and T'Challa near a waiting transport.
"What's happening?"
"We think we've located Steve. He's on Sleheyron," Sam said immediately.
Hearing this, Skywalker experienced conflicting emotions, relief mixed with grave concern.
"Are you certain?" the Jedi asked incredulously.
"Yes," Sam said firmly. "Vos's contact spotted him days ago. We're preparing to retrieve him now."
"Excellent. We need to bring him home."
"Are Ahsoka or Obi-Wan available?" Sam asked.
Anakin frowned. "Master Obi-Wan just departed for the Mid Rim with the 212th. Ahsoka's been in the city, assisting civilians with Barriss and Peter."
"Damn," Sam cursed under his breath.
"What about the other Avengers?" Anakin asked. "Aren't they joining us?"
"Much as we'd like them along, we need someone here in case Ultron returns," Sam explained.
"Right, of course," Anakin muttered, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.
"Sam? Anakin? Is everything alright?"
Both turned to see a puzzled Aayla Secura looking between them and the group of Avengers with Master Vos and his clone team.
"Are you departing somewhere urgently?" Secura asked. "I didn't even realize Master Vos had returned."
"Vos brought intelligence on the Captain's location for the past few weeks."
Aayla was stunned by the news, her eyes widening in surprise as she faced Sam.
"Truly?" Aayla whispered. "You're certain?"
"We're leaving shortly," Sam revealed.
Scott, walking past with equipment, paused momentarily. "Well, not immediately, "
"Scott," Sam said sternly.
"Right, right. Departing now." Scott continued onward.
Aayla studied them intently, then declared, "I'm coming with you."
"Are you certain, Aayla?" Anakin asked.
She gave him a determined look. "I owe Steve as much as any of you. He was my friend, just as he was yours. He was taken while I was right beside him, and I failed to prevent it. I need to make this right."
Aayla's mood suddenly brightened, a more playful smile crossing her features.
"Besides, apart from Sam and Delta Team, I have the most experience dealing with stubborn men," she said teasingly, glancing toward Quinlan. "You need someone skilled at managing difficult personalities."
Anakin and Sam considered this, then nodded agreement.
"The more help, the better," Sam said. "Let's bring our Captain home."
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