While Spider-Man was busy developing meaningful new friendships with his young Jedi companions, Black Widow was taking advantage of some rare downtime to catch up with her fellow Avengers and share stories about her recent experiences.
"So let me make sure I understand this correctly—the situation basically forced you to work directly alongside bounty hunters?" Sam Wilson asked with a wry, somewhat disbelieving smile.
Natasha Romanoff simply shrugged with characteristic nonchalance. "You know this kind of thing really isn't anything new or particularly unusual for me, Sam. I've worked with much worse people under far more dangerous circumstances."
"I'm just genuinely relieved to know that you're safe and sound," James Rhodes added with obvious concern. "This entire galaxy has essentially become one giant, interconnected death trap filled with dangers we're still learning about."
Their casual conversation was suddenly interrupted by a series of incomprehensible grunts and muttered complaints coming from the corner where Pietro Maximoff was sprawled out, apparently fast asleep and dreaming restlessly.
"What's wrong with him? Did Pietro get knocked unconscious by someone during a mission?" Natasha asked with obvious confusion and a touch of concern.
Scott Lang smiled with obvious amusement and said mysteriously, "He's just completely exhausted from overexertion. He's been running all over Coruscant for the past several days, apparently searching for something specific for a particular friend of his."
"A female friend, perhaps?" James asked with obvious amusement and curiosity. "Who exactly could it be that has our speedster so motivated?"
"Of course it's that blue-skinned senator in the Galactic Senate building. Who else could possibly get Pietro this worked up?" Scott complained with exaggerated exasperation.
"Blue-skinned senator?" Sam muttered with growing realization. "Wait a minute, are you talking about Riyo Chuchi from Pantora? The senator with the distinctive blue skin and white hair?"
Scott nodded somewhat absentmindedly while continuing to examine and tinker with a spherical object he was holding. "Yeah, that's definitely her. Pietro's been absolutely smitten ever since they met."
"Hey Scott, what exactly are you doing over there? Why do you seem so distracted and focused on that thing?" James asked with growing curiosity.
"I'm working on bringing the beautiful and sophisticated art of bowling to this galaxy," Scott replied with complete seriousness, as if this were the most natural and important project in the world.
Hope van Dyne rolled her eyes dramatically at her boyfriend's earnest declaration, while both Sam and James burst into loud, appreciative laughter. Natasha simply pursed her lips and shook her head in speechless amusement at the absurdity of the situation.
"You know, we're taking up quite a lot of space here in the Temple," Sam observed thoughtfully after their laughter died down. "And while the Jedi have indeed been incredibly friendly and accommodating hosts, I have to agree with Steve's assessment that we really need to establish our own home and headquarters."
Over the past several weeks, the superheroes from Earth had been actively brainstorming various ways to generate income and become financially self-sufficient, primarily because none of them wanted to continue relying entirely on the Jedi Order's hospitality and resources. Thanks to Scott's innovative idea of introducing Earth culture and entertainment to the galaxy, their ventures into billiards, bowling, and rock music had been surprisingly successful and profitable, largely because the clone troopers had developed a particular fondness for Earth's unique cultural offerings.
"I can't help but imagine that Tony must be incredibly busy and overwhelmed back home on Earth," Natasha said with a mixture of concern and admiration. "Trying to hold everything together while searching for us at the same time."
Hope's expression grew troubled and she said, "But I have to admit, I never expected him to recruit an underage teenager into active superhero duty. That seems like a significant departure from his usual careful approach."
"Actually, he recruited two individuals with very special and unique talents," James corrected. "A blind lawyer with extraordinary abilities, and an underage kid with spider powers. Both pretty unconventional choices."
Sam sighed heavily. "This kind of desperate recruitment would have been absolutely unthinkable before we disappeared. Tony must be feeling the pressure of trying to protect the entire world with such a reduced team."
"Things have a way of changing unexpectedly and dramatically," Natasha observed philosophically. "Just look at where we've ended up. None of us could have predicted this situation."
"Yeah..." Sam muttered with a touch of surreal disbelief. "Here we are, stranded in a galaxy that's literally far, far away from everything we've ever known."
"Are we even certain we're in a different galaxy?" Hope asked suddenly, her scientific mind clearly working through the possibilities. "Or could we still be in the same galaxy as Earth, just in a completely different region? Maybe we're in an entirely different universe altogether, like the whole multiverse theory that my father used to discuss with his colleagues."
This was actually a question that several of the Avengers had considered and debated, though only briefly and without reaching any definitive conclusions. Primarily Hope and Scott had explored this concept, since they had the most relevant scientific background and theoretical knowledge.
"The idea of being in a completely different universe," Natasha murmured thoughtfully. "That's honestly kind of a terrifying concept when you really think about it."
While the Avengers were engaged in their philosophical discussion about their situation, the Jedi High Council was simultaneously holding its own internal meeting in the Temple's council chambers. With the exception of those Masters who were unable to attend due to active military commitments, most of the Council members were present either in person or via holographic communication.
"The Force has become more unstable and unpredictable than we have ever experienced in our lifetimes," Mace Windu said in a grave, serious tone that immediately commanded everyone's attention. "The arrival of this newest Avenger has created additional disturbances that are deeply concerning. Can you all sense the way the Force fluctuates and responds differently around him compared to the others?"
"Clouded, the future grows… more uncertain with each passing moment," Master Yoda said, his voice low and heavy with age. "Unexpected, the arrivals are—people and events that disturb the balance, they do. Disrupt the flow of destiny, they have."
"Yes, but the question that concerns me most is how this situation will ultimately affect our Order and our responsibilities," Obi-Wan Kenobi said with obvious worry. "I cannot deny that I am growing increasingly concerned about what major events are approaching us. To be completely honest, I also cannot deny how remarkably fortunate we have been since these Avengers first appeared in our galaxy. Their assistance has been invaluable. But if beings like them can somehow travel to our galaxy, what guarantee do we have that enemies with similar or even greater abilities won't follow the same path?"
"I share those concerns completely," Plo Koon agreed with a solemn nod. "It would be absolutely catastrophic if we were forced to face enemies who possessed the same level of power and abilities as the Avengers, and with hostile intentions toward the Republic."
"There's another troubling pattern I've noticed," Oppo Rancisis added thoughtfully. "Within the span of just a few days, the notorious bounty hunter Cad Bane has appeared within our operational area twice. First during the hostage crisis involving the senators, and then again while pursuing this latest Avenger arrival. This frequency of dangerous encounters is definitely not a positive development for our security."
"Furthermore, I have observed that many significant recent events throughout the galaxy have been either directly or indirectly connected to the Avengers in some way," Mace Windu continued, his expression growing more troubled. "Another issue that has consistently bothered me is this: who can provide us with absolute assurance that the Avengers will definitely remain allied with us indefinitely?"
This unexpected statement caused all the Council members present to look at Windu with obvious surprise and concern.
"What exactly do you mean by that, Master Windu?" Obi-Wan asked with confusion and a hint of alarm.
"That's quite a radical and concerning perspective, Mace," Master Kit Fisto said with genuine surprise. "From everything I have personally observed and heard from other Jedi, these Avengers are not inherently belligerent or aggressive individuals. They seem genuinely committed to helping people and fighting injustice. I'm curious about what specific observations or experiences have led you to suddenly develop these suspicions."
"I want to be absolutely clear that I'm not suggesting they will definitely betray us or become hostile," Mace clarified carefully. "But I believe we must acknowledge that such a possibility exists and could develop. I am genuinely grateful to these individuals and deeply appreciate their assistance. They possess tremendous power and have consistently helped us when we needed it most. However, since their arrival in our galaxy was completely unpredictable and beyond our control, I am forced to consider the likelihood of unforeseen complications arising in the future, not just in our current situation. The arrival of the first group of Avengers could be characterized as a fortunate accident, and this second group's appearance might be labeled as coincidence. But will there be third and fourth groups arriving? If and when more of these incredibly powerful beings from Earth continue to arrive in our galaxy, it seems inevitable that they will eventually become more independent and potentially develop their own political agenda that may not align with ours."
"That seems like a very long-term concern, Master Windu," Depa Billaba, Windu's former Padawan, observed respectfully. "We're dealing with hypothetical scenarios that may never actually materialize."
Mace acknowledged Depa's point with a slight nod, recognizing that her assessment was indeed accurate.
"So what specific course of action should we take?" Ki-Adi-Mundi asked practically. "If I recall the reports correctly, there are two more individuals who arrived in this system along with this new Avenger, Peter Parker."
"That's correct," Obi-Wan confirmed. "According to the information that Ahsoka and Anakin have provided, Peter Parker was transported by some type of accident with two others before his arrival in our system, though they appear to have been separated during the transportation process."
"So our current situation now includes two more missing individuals from Earth that we need to locate, in addition to the two Avengers from the original group who are still unaccounted for," Plo Koon summarized grimly. "I have the distinct feeling that our responsibilities and challenges are becoming increasingly complex and difficult to manage."
Master Yoda interrupted the growing tension in the discussion with his characteristic wisdom.
"Daunting, these challenges are—yes," Yoda said, nodding slowly. "But the nature of existence, this is, in troubled times. Always, new threats emerge… the Sith, the Avengers, this galactic war—many dangers, there are."
He closed his eyes for a moment, then opened them with quiet resolve.
"Focus, we must. Steady and watchful, we must remain. The path through these trials… found in discipline, it is."
"Let us hope we possess the wisdom and strength to do so, Master Yoda," Mace Windu replied with obvious respect. "The times that lie ahead of us... they feel increasingly chaotic and unpredictable."
"Precisely why uphold our fundamental principles we must," Shaak Ti spoke after a long period of contemplative silence. Since she was currently stationed on Kamino overseeing clone trooper training and production, she was participating in this crucial meeting through holographic projection. "Our sacred responsibilities to the Force and to the Republic remain constant and unwavering, regardless of changing circumstances. Rely on the Force and our clone army we must, as Master Yoda has wisely counseled, to guide us through the coming trials and challenges that await us."