After returning to Coruscant, the Avengers had settled into productive routines within the Jedi Temple. Steve Rogers was immersed in studying the seven classical lightsaber combat forms of the Jedi Order, James Rhodes was catching up on much-needed rest on the lounge sofa, while Sam Wilson, Scott Lang, and Hope van Dyne were analyzing a comprehensive materials dataset that Anakin had provided them. Through detailed scanning and compositional testing, they were comparing the chemical and elemental properties of galactic materials with their Earth counterparts, discovering promising possibilities for integrating these substances with Rhodes' damaged armor systems.
Anakin Skywalker and Ahsoka Tano appeared in the doorway, interrupting the team's focused discussions.
"Hey there, sky guy," Sam said with a bright smile, which caused Anakin to regard him with an expressionless stare.
"I find it somewhat ironic that you would use that particular nickname, Sam," Anakin replied dryly, and Sam simply shrugged with amusement.
"What's the situation, Anakin?" Sam asked, noting the serious expressions on both Jedi faces.
"The Jedi Council has just received an unexpected communication from Ryloth, a Republic world currently under Separatist occupation," Anakin explained. "We were surprised to learn that Jedi Master Ima-Gun Di and several of his troops are still alive and actively assisting the freedom fighters on Ryloth in their resistance against the droid armies. We had assumed that Master Ima-Gun Di and his entire clone battalion were killed in action."
"That's excellent news to hear. Why are you sharing this with us specifically?" Steve asked with curiosity.
Anakin activated his holoprojector and began playing the transmission received from Ryloth: "Here is intelligence that may be of particular interest to all of you."
In the recorded message, Steve and his team observed a new alien species they had never encountered before, standing alongside a clone captain as both fired their weapons at unseen enemies.
Anakin provided context: "This is Jedi Master Ima-Gun Di."
In the video, the Jedi Master's voice carried obvious strain: "My forces and I, working alongside Cham Syndulla's Twi'lek Freedom Fighters, have been conducting guerrilla operations on Ryloth, but we are losing personnel and supplies at an unsustainable rate. We require immediate evacuation or reinforcement. The Separatists have taken numerous Twi'lek civilians hostage and are using them as slave labor. We—"
A massive explosion erupted in the background, nearly knocking both figures off their feet. Just before the transmission ended, both the Jedi Master and clone captain appeared to vanish moments before being engulfed by flames from the blast.
Initially, the Avengers weren't certain what to make of this footage, but Steve's enhanced perception and tactical training caught something unusual in the final moments.
"Can you slow down the playback and replay that sequence?" Steve requested with focused attention.
Anakin nodded and replayed the video, with Steve asking him to reduce the speed during the final seconds before the explosion. Something had clearly extracted both the Jedi Master and clone captain from the blast radius.
"What exactly was that?" Scott asked, looking up at Anakin with obvious confusion.
"I'm not certain," Anakin admitted. "But Master Yoda extended his consciousness through the Force and confirmed that Master Ima-Gun Di survived the explosion. Something or someone rescued him, though Master Yoda couldn't identify the nature of that intervention."
Steve contemplated what he had witnessed, reviewing the footage mentally. If Master Yoda confirmed that the Jedi Master had survived, then something or someone had indeed saved them. This rescuer possessed either the ability to shield them from explosive damage, or sufficient speed to evacuate them from the blast zone before impact.
He found himself hoping desperately that his growing suspicion was correct, because he believed this mysterious rescuer might be one of their missing teammates.
His analysis was interrupted when Obi-Wan Kenobi entered their meeting area.
Obi-Wan nodded respectfully to the Avengers and Ahsoka: "We have just received confirmation that Master Ima-Gun Di has reestablished communication with us."
The three Jedi Knights escorted the Avengers to the primary conference chamber within the Jedi Temple, entering a room filled with most of the Jedi High Council members. Those Masters not physically present at the Temple participated through holographic projection.
"Master Ima-Gun Di, can you receive our transmission clearly?" asked Jedi Master Mace Windu.
After several moments, Master Ima-Gun Di's voice responded with obvious fatigue: "Yes... I can hear you, Master Windu."
"Is there any method to enhance the signal strength?" Master Plo Koon inquired.
Obi-Wan stepped forward and began adjusting the communication systems. After several seconds of technical modifications, the signal stabilized sufficiently for them to see Master Ima-Gun Di, his clone captain, and the Twi'lek freedom fighter beside him with much greater clarity.
Master Ima-Gun Di spoke with evident exhaustion: "The battle droids have been jamming our communications for an extended period. They are constructing increasingly stronger defensive positions. We cannot maintain our current resistance much longer without support."
"Do not despair. We are preparing to deploy reinforcements to your location immediately," Obi-Wan assured him.
"What is your current tactical position?" Master Plo Koon asked for operational planning.
"Underground tunnel systems," Master Ima-Gun Di replied concisely.
Master Windu confirmed: "We will dispatch relief forces without delay."
Master Ima-Gun Di nodded with obvious relief: "We will await your arrival—"
"Master Ima-Gun Di!"
An off-screen clone trooper called out urgently before entering the video transmission range and saluting his commanding officer.
"Sergeant Keed."
"General, he's returning with the supplies we desperately needed!"
In the holographic display, both Master Ima-Gun Di and the Twi'lek leader Cham Syndulla visibly relaxed after hearing this report.
"This is indeed welcome news," Syndulla said with obvious happiness and relief.
"Who is this individual you're referring to?" Anakin couldn't help but ask with curiosity.
"He has been providing invaluable assistance to our operations," Captain Keeli explained. "His speed is absolutely incredible. The battle droids cannot even track his movements, let alone engage him effectively."
Upon hearing this description, the Avengers exchanged meaningful glances with expressions of growing excitement and hope.
"Don't you think that sounds like Pietro?" Sam muttered with barely contained anticipation.
"I'm not certain, but it definitely sounds promising," Hope replied cautiously.
Steve looked at the transmission with intense focus: "Master Ima-Gun Di."
The Jedi Master regarded Steve with obvious confusion, since he had no knowledge of who this individual might be.
"Forgive me, but who are you?" Master Ima-Gun Di asked with polite uncertainty.
Steve introduced himself quickly: "Captain Rogers. The person who just returned with supplies—did he happen to be traveling with your group when—"
The video transmission suddenly cut out completely, leaving everyone in the council chamber momentarily stunned by the abrupt disconnection.
Scott couldn't help but voice his frustration: "Well, what kind of incredible timing is that?! The signal fails at exactly the worst possible moment."
"Is there any way to restore the communication link?" Aayla Secura asked with concern.
"It should be possible to reestablish contact, but it will require considerable time and technical effort," Obi-Wan replied with obvious helplessness.
"The most prudent course of action is to proceed immediately with rescue operations to assist our Jedi colleague and Republic forces," Master Yoda declared with characteristic wisdom.
Anakin approached the tactical console and entered a series of commands to display Ryloth's current strategic situation: "As you can observe, there is a substantial Separatist blockade surrounding the entire planet. According to intelligence gathered by our reconnaissance forces, this blockade is extremely comprehensive and well-coordinated."
The holographic display revealed at least six Lucrehulk-class battleships and dozens of Munificent-class frigates maintaining orbital positions.
"This represents a formidable blockade with virtually no obvious entry points," Anakin analyzed. "However, based on their current deployment patterns, the starboard flank appears to be the least heavily defended. We could potentially penetrate their perimeter from that approach vector."
"Even so, it will present significant challenges, Skywalker," Master Plo Koon observed with tactical concern.
Master Yoda made the operational decision: "This mission will require considerable strength and coordination. Master Windu and Master Kenobi will form a strike force with Master Secura and join Master Skywalker in this rescue operation."
Steve suddenly stepped forward with determination: "We want to participate in this mission as well." All the assembled Avengers nodded in unanimous agreement.
Obi-Wan asked with genuine concern: "Are you absolutely certain about this decision, Captain Rogers?"
Steve simply nodded with unwavering resolve.
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