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Chapter 48 - Chapter 48: Aayla Secura Calls for Help

Steve Rogers stood on the observation deck of Anakin's Venator-class Star Destroyer Resolute, watching the star-streaked void of hyperspace as they traveled toward the Christophsis system. Anakin's fleet was responsible for defending this strategic location on the Outer Rim, preventing Separatist forces from advancing deeper into Republic territory.

The Avengers had been scattered across the galaxy like leaves in a cosmic wind. Clint and Tony remained on Earth, while Thor was presumably off somewhere in the Nine Realms doing whatever gods of thunder did in their spare time. Wanda, Pietro, Hope, Natasha, and Vision were likely somewhere within this galaxy, though their exact locations remained unknown.

But Steve maintained unwavering faith that someday they would be reunited, fight together as a team once more, and emerge victorious against whatever challenges awaited them.

Thinking about Earth's current situation, Steve couldn't help but worry about his home planet's defenses. With nine of the world's most recognized superheroes now missing, Earth seemed dangerously vulnerable.

However, Steve's faith had never rested in institutions, governments, or organizations. His trust was placed in people, and he firmly believed that if circumstances became critical, others would step forward to fill the void.

Tony and Clint were undoubtedly already working to locate the missing Avengers, and with both of them on Earth—along with whatever other heroes might emerge—the planet would have protection even in their absence.

Right now, his primary objective was finding the other missing Avengers and bringing the team back together.

At this moment, Scott was resting nearby, while Sam and Rhodey were learning starship piloting techniques from clone instructors not far away.

"Enjoying the view?" came a familiar voice.

Steve turned around to see Ahsoka Tano approaching with her characteristic friendly smile. He nodded respectfully to the young Padawan and returned his gaze to the infinite expanse of space before them.

"Honestly, it's somewhat overwhelming," Steve admitted. "Standing here in this boundless universe makes me realize how insignificant we all are in the grand scheme of things."

Ahsoka crossed her arms thoughtfully and mused, "I couldn't tell you how many times I've witnessed views like this, but I never really took the time to appreciate them. Instead, I often felt restless or even bored."

"I never imagined that one day I'd find myself traveling among the stars," Steve reflected. "I always assumed I would fight for Earth until my dying day. Then again, my line of work has always been full of unexpected situations, so perhaps I should have anticipated this possibility."

Their conversation lapsed into comfortable silence, and Steve studied Ahsoka—this young woman, who had been thrust into a galactic war unlike anything Earth had ever experienced.

But Steve understood that warfare often compelled people to act against their natural inclinations, and sometimes engaging directly in conflict was the only way to keep others safe from its ravages.

"How are you feeling about everything?" came Anakin's voice as he approached them.

Steve looked back at the Jedi Knight and shrugged. "I'm grateful, actually. At least we're aboard a ship filled with people who genuinely care about doing the right thing."

Suddenly, an urgent communication interrupted their pleasant conversation.

"General Skywalker, this is Admiral Yularen," came the voice over the ship's communication system. "Please report to the command center immediately. We have an emergency situation."

Anakin and Steve exchanged meaningful glances, then Anakin gestured toward the command center. Steve nodded his understanding.

All three began moving quickly toward the bridge, while Steve simultaneously contacted his three teammates to maintain readiness for potential deployment.

They arrived at the command center to find Admiral Yularen waiting with obvious anxiety etched across his features.

Upon seeing the group, Yularen immediately reported, "General Skywalker, we've received a distress transmission from a Jedi Knight. She's under heavy assault from a Separatist fleet and appears to be trapped on an enemy-controlled world."

Anakin immediately issued tactical orders: "Prepare the fleet for hyperspace jump. Admiral, we're proceeding to her location at maximum speed."

"Understood, General," Yularen replied, beginning to coordinate the necessary commands.

Anakin approached the holographic communication array and activated the long-range transmitter, establishing contact with the source of the distress call. The blue-tinted image of Aayla Secura materialized before them.

"Skywalker," Aayla said with obvious relief, "I'm grateful my transmission reached you. Ahsoka, Captain Rogers—it's good to see you both."

Steve immediately inquired, "What's your current tactical situation?"

"Separatist forces have surrounded our position from multiple vectors," Aayla replied concisely while simultaneously coordinating her troops' defensive actions. "All our vessels have sustained damage, and they're attempting to complete an encirclement that will eliminate any possibility of escape."

"We're en route to your position," Anakin assured her. "Aayla, maintain your defensive perimeter as long as possible. We'll be there soon."

"I'll be waiting," Aayla responded with gentle but determined resolve before the communication ended.

Steve departed quickly, leaving Anakin and Ahsoka on the bridge, with the former displaying a distinctly troubled expression.

Ahsoka noticed her master's concern. "Master, is something wrong?"

Anakin contemplated for a moment as the fleet entered hyperspace, then said, "I'm not entirely certain, Snips. The Force... it's behaving strangely again. Can you sense it?"

Ahsoka focused on her master, then closed her eyes and carefully extended her Force awareness. What she encountered was that familiar sensation of chaos and uncertainty. This feeling had become increasingly frequent since the Avengers' arrival. The Force fluctuations had been persistent ever since their appearance in the galaxy, and now...

"Master, what do you think this means?"

"I have some theories, but nothing definitive yet," Anakin replied honestly. "All we can do is observe what develops and respond accordingly."

Steve returned to the hangar bay and observed clone troopers and pilots making final preparations for combat. He immediately noticed that Sam, Rhodey, and Scott had already donned their battle gear and were engaged in conversation with several soldiers.

He approached their group and saw that one of the clones had the number "Fives" tattooed on his temple.

"Captain," Rhodey acknowledged his arrival.

"What's the situation, Steve?" Sam asked.

"A Jedi Knight needs immediate reinforcement," Steve explained quickly. "She's someone we've worked with before."

"Who are we talking about?" Scott asked with curiosity.

"Her name is Aayla Secura."

"Oh, from the 327th Star Corps, right?" one of the clone troopers interjected.

Steve looked at the soldier and noticed there were four clones in the group.

Rhodey responded and said, "By the way, you haven't been introduced yet. Steve, meet Domino Squad. I encountered them during the Rishi Station mission."

Steve nodded and said, "I've heard about you." Simultaneously, he recalled the names of the four clones.

"Fives, correct?"

"Yes, sir," Fives confirmed, pointing to his distinctive tattoo.

"I'm Hevy," the clone carrying the heavy rotary cannon stepped forward. "This is Echo and Cutup. Honor to meet you, sir."

"Likewise," Steve replied, extending his hand to shake with Hevy. "It's good to see soldiers like you supporting my teammates."

"We owe Colonel Rhodes our lives," Echo said with genuine sincerity, and the other three nodded in agreement.

"I'm glad to see him making new friends," Steve said with good-natured humor. "Heaven knows his friendship with Tony sometimes prevents him from branching out socially."

Rhodey simply rolled his eyes in response to the playful jab.

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