Cherreads

Chapter 68 - Chapter 68: The Talz

Sam, Rex, and the other clone troopers returned to the outpost base to find most of the 501st Legion already working systematically to rebuild and secure the damaged facility.

Chairman Chi Cho was directing the reconstruction efforts with obvious authority while Senator Riyo Chuchi stood nearby, lost in contemplation about the disturbing discoveries.

Sam approached her, drawing the Senator out of her troubled thoughts.

Chuchi refocused and said: "Oh, Lieutenant Wilson, you've returned. Where are the Jedi Knights and Captain Rogers?"

Sam explained: "We've determined the cause of the attacks on both installations, and the three of them went to investigate the source directly."

Chuchi asked with obvious concern: "So it wasn't Separatist forces who committed these acts?"

Sam shook his head definitively: "I know Chairman Cho firmly believes the Separatists are responsible, but the evidence clearly contradicts that theory."

Looking out across the endless snow-covered tundra, Sam speculated thoughtfully: "Whatever attacked these bases must have originated from the wilderness. My assessment is that they're either defending their territory from perceived invaders, or they're expanding their territorial control. But I'm more inclined toward the former explanation."

Chuchi was focused on diplomatic implications and asked anxiously: "So there's still a possibility for a peaceful resolution to this conflict?"

Sam shrugged with cautious optimism: "Hopefully this can be resolved through negotiation so no more soldiers die unnecessarily."

"Die unnecessarily?" an angry voice interrupted from behind.

Sam turned to see Chi Cho approaching with obvious displeasure written across his features.

"How could these deaths be considered unnecessary?" Chi Cho demanded, gesturing toward several clone troopers who were respectfully burying their fallen comrades. He continued with rising indignation: "It is abundantly clear to me that whatever attacked these Republic personnel did not desire peace, but sought only violence against the Republic and the people of Pantora. What makes you so confident that this matter can be resolved so easily?"

Sam frowned deeply, disliking the Chairman's confrontational approach and condescending tone. He replied with forced patience: "I don't want anyone else to die, but if there's any possibility of solving this problem without additional bloodshed, I'll pursue that option with everything I have."

Chi Cho retorted with obvious disdain: "You are a soldier, Lieutenant Wilson. I assumed that everyone here, except perhaps the clone troopers, would understand the necessity of retaliation against a clearly aggressive and hostile species."

Sam suddenly radiated a powerful, intimidating presence and spoke with obvious displeasure: "I need to correct you on several points. I was formerly a soldier, but now I am a member of the Avengers team. This means we operate according to our own distinct code of ethics. Additionally, I hope you understand that I am not under your command structure, so I would appreciate it if you would stop attempting to give me orders."

Chuchi quickly stepped forward to defuse the escalating tension between the two strong-willed individuals.

Chairman Cho sneered with contempt and turned away dismissively.

Sam watched Chi Cho's retreating figure and said with obvious disdain: "So that arrogant politician is the leader of your entire species?" This observation made Chuchi gasp with surprise. In her experience, all members of the Avengers had been courteous and respectful toward everyone associated with the Galactic Republic. Today's confrontation made her realize that the Avengers' friendship was not unconditional—it required mutual respect. At this moment, she felt somewhat grateful that the Avengers had chosen to support the Republic.

Chuchi said earnestly: "Lieutenant Wilson, please understand. Chairman Cho has been leading our Pantoran people since before I was born. He has considerable experience and authority."

"Really? Then why isn't he serving as a Republic Senator representing your species?" Sam asked pointedly.

This question caught Chuchi completely off-guard, leaving her momentarily speechless: "I... was selected... because..."

Chuchi found herself contemplating why she—a relatively young Pantoran woman—had been chosen as the representative of her entire species, rather than many others who, in her opinion, possessed superior qualifications and experience.

Honestly, this question had troubled her for considerable time because while she had accepted the position with genuine humility, she also experienced frequent moments of self-doubt about her capabilities.

Fortunately, she had developed friendships with Senators Amidala, Organa, and Mothma, who had provided tremendous support for her political career, but they were not present to offer guidance now.

She had been pleased to work alongside Chairman Cho on this mission, but when she had suggested investigating the cause of the clone deaths rather than immediately assuming hostile intent, Chi Cho had delivered a rather harsh rebuke.

The implication of his words was that he fully supported military action against anyone not allied with Pantoran interests, but deep in her conscience, she believed there could be a better, more peaceful approach to resolving this conflict.

Sam observed the young blue-skinned Senator and said with genuine regret: "I apologize, Senator. I didn't intend to put you in such an uncomfortable position."

Chuchi blinked thoughtfully, then quickly shook her head at his apologetic words and said with newfound determination: "No, Lieutenant Wilson, you have provided me with valuable insight regarding my responsibilities as Pantora's Senator. If I may ask, Lieutenant, I would appreciate hearing any additional thoughts you might have about this situation."

Sam considered the question carefully before responding with measured uncertainty: "It appears to me that he represents your people's domestic interests, while you speak for your entire species in galactic affairs. Which means... you bear greater responsibility for this conflict's resolution than he does."

Chuchi smiled at Sam with genuine appreciation: "Thank you, Lieutenant. You have helped me understand a great deal about my position and duties."

Meanwhile, Steve, Anakin, and Obi-Wan began their investigation of the southern canyon system. The three stood positioned in the icy ravine, all scanning the area with electrobinoculars.

"There's some kind of reflected light signal over there," Obi-Wan observed, pointing toward a specific location.

Anakin raised his binoculars and looked in the indicated direction. Indeed, he observed the same phenomenon—brief flashes of reflected light occurring at regular intervals.

Steve also detected a similar flash of reflected light from a different nearby position and speculated: "They're communicating with each other through light signals."

"What do you mean?" Obi-Wan asked with interest.

Steve pointed in another direction, and when Obi-Wan focused his binoculars there, he observed another series of reflected light signals.

"Well, they're definitely aware of our approach," Obi-Wan concluded.

"But they haven't initiated any aggressive action against us yet," Anakin noted with tactical interest.

"I suspect that's because we don't represent an immediate threat to them at this distance," Obi-Wan theorized.

The three mounted their BARC speeder bikes and continued deeper into the canyon system. When they passed over a natural stone bridge, they observed a settlement on the opposite side of the chasm.

"I believe we've found what was attacking the installations," Steve said as he spotted several large, fur-covered, bipedal creatures with four eyes, wielding primitive spears.

"Talz?" Obi-Wan said with genuine surprise. "I had no idea they had established a settlement in this system."

Steve asked with obvious confusion: "Talz?"

Anakin provided explanation: "The Talz are a sentient species native to the planet Alzoc III, but Alzoc III is located considerable distance from this sector. I have no idea how they managed to migrate here and establish a permanent settlement."

Obi-Wan observed: "More importantly, how long have they been living here?"

The three carefully approached the village, passing numerous small dwellings carved directly into the ice canyon walls. Steve made an educated assessment: "Perhaps a century or more, because I don't observe any trace of galactic technology or modern materials anywhere."

Anakin realized: "If I had anticipated this, I should have brought C-3PO with us. He is programmed to communicate in the Talz language."

They soon found themselves standing before the largest structure in the village, and Anakin asked with practical concern: "How are we going to communicate with them?"

Steve shrugged with characteristic pragmatism: "We'll have to improvise and hope for the best."

Obi-Wan couldn't resist observing with mild humor: "Ah, improvisation—one of Anakin's preferred tactical approaches."

"Very funny, Master..."

After several minutes, a powerfully built Talz emerged from the dwelling and regarded the three strangers with obvious curiosity. After a few seconds of tense silence, the Talz made a series of clicking sounds, raised his spear ceremonially above his head, and then struck it firmly against the frozen ground.

"Well... somebody say something," Anakin whispered.

"Oh, be quiet," Obi-Wan replied under his breath.

Steve simply observed the spear placement thoughtfully, then said: "Let me attempt something."

Steve retrieved his shield, reasoning that the Talz would understand a similar symbolic gesture, and placed it on the ground beside the spear in what he hoped would be interpreted as a reciprocal sign of respect.

The Talz appeared pleased with this gesture and motioned for them to enter the dwelling.

Obi-Wan nodded approvingly at Steve's diplomatic instincts, and all three entered the structure.

For both species, overcoming communication barriers required considerable time and patience, but they eventually obtained the information they needed through persistent effort. The tall, powerful Talz before them was the leader of their community, whose name was Thi-Sen.

Several Talz quickly produced crude drawings, then displayed their artistic representations, which clearly depicted the sequence of events: battle droids had threatened the Talz village, prompting them to eliminate both the droids and the clone troopers who they assumed were allied with the mechanical invaders.

"What's your assessment?" Steve asked the two Jedi Knights.

"The Talz probably assumed that if the battle droids invaded their village, the clone troopers would follow with similar hostile intent," Anakin theorized.

"That appears to be the case," Obi-Wan agreed, looking directly at the Talz leader and speaking slowly: "All we want is peace."

Steve took one of the drawing materials from the Talz and, using his artistic skills, quickly sketched a simple but clear image of a human and a Talz shaking hands in friendship.

"Peace," Steve said clearly, presenting the drawing to Chief Thi-Sen.

The Talz leader studied the image's meaning carefully, and finally nodded in understanding and agreement.

When the three visitors prepared to leave the dwelling, complete darkness had fallen outside, with only the warm glow from village fires providing illumination.

Obi-Wan turned to bid farewell to the Talz leader and was surprised when Thi-Sen enveloped him in a powerful, friendly embrace, much to Anakin and Steve's amusement.

"Oh, you've made a new friend, Obi-Wan," Anakin observed with obvious entertainment.

"Would you care to trade places with me?" Obi-Wan asked dryly.

Anakin didn't have an opportunity to respond as he too received an enthusiastic bear hug from the Talz leader, and Steve was not exempt from such demonstrative affection.

After being released, all three grimaced slightly from the powerful embraces, and Steve rubbed his back while muttering: "Not quite as intense as hugs from the Hulk or Thor, but still quite impressive..."

They walked to where their BARC speeder bikes were parked, preparing to return to the outpost.

"Unfortunately, long-range communications are failing due to the storm system forming overhead," Anakin complained as he activated his speeder bike.

"Then we must depart immediately," Obi-Wan replied with urgency.

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